Disclaimer: I have no claim on any of the characters from Twilight or New Moon all rights go to Stephenie Meyer.
Summary: Edward leaves Bella alone in the woods after telling her he didn't want her any more. As she is lying on the cold forest floor; Bella remembers three important things. Edward made a promise not to leave her, and Edward never broke a promise, and third it was her body, her heart, what right did he have to decide what was good for her? All in all Bella realizes that Edward was covering up his true feeling about her. All in all Bella goes to bring Edward home.
Last Time:
Carlisle POV
"Essere il benvenuto." The receptionist welcomed us warmly in Italian.
Kele acknowledged her with her name and a nod.
"Gianna." His voice was soft when he spoke to her.
Two large oak doors I knew all too well stood before us now.
"Master Aro, Lord Marcus and Lord Caius are through there."
As the heavy doors opened, they groaned in protest like they knew what lay behind them. Once they were open, my eyes looked across the room straight to Aro. There was a quick intake of breath that I knew belonged to Edward. He hadn't expected me to come after them.
Aro turned his head away from something to look at me.
"Ah, Carlisle, my old friend, how nice of you to come visit."
Chapter 15: A Choice
Edward POV
As we moved toward the chamber where Aro and the others awaited our arrival, I pulled Bella closer to me. She whispered into my chest, "Edward, I'm scared. Are you?"
I answered her in a calm even voice, "No."
My answer was the last lie I intended to give Bella. I was indeed very scared. My fear wasn't for myself, but rather for Bella. Aro's mind was set before he even met us. Spare me and kill the human. He saw Bella as an expendable obstacle standing in the way of what he wanted.
Bella shivered once as she tightened her hold on my shirt and huddled closer to me. Concerned that the reason for her shiver was due to her closeness to me, I tried to move away from her, only to hear her whimper a little when I pulled away. "It will be all right, Bella." I did my best to soothe her worry even though it was justified.
We were mere inches away from the thick heavy oak door gracing the entrance to the main chamber inside of the Volturi Castle - Aro's throne room.
'Splendid, they have returned with them! Simply wonderful.'
Aro's thoughts were almost too joyful for my liking. The one thing I couldn't figure out was how he had learned about my involvement with Bella.
Once the doors opened, we were herded by Felix and Demetri into the room until we were standing before Marcus, Aro and Caius.
Caius's thoughts were cool and full of hate.
'Wasteful, this is a waste of time. Let us kill the both of them, and be done with the lot of this.'
"Edward, Bella so nice to meet the two of you."
Aro's words where just as exuberant as his thoughts. He addressed me with his mind.
'I have heard so much about you. A rare find indeed, to think it was Carlisle who brought you into this world. If only we had gotten to you first.'
"I've heard a lot about you as well, Aro. Though Carlisle did not view things as you do, he values his friendship with you."
Airy laughter escaped from Aro's lips.
"Hahahahaha, ah, marvelous!"
Aro came closer to me with his hand out stretched to take my hand.
'I wonder what his thoughts hold within them?'
"Then you know about my gift as well. May I?"
Knowing what Aro was about to do, I quickly let go of Bella's hand in fear of what he might see within her mind if we remained connected. She was mute to me, but that didn't mean she was safe from Aro's mind.
The second Aro touched my hand, he knew all of my secrets and deepest desires. I could see them running through his mind at breakneck speed. Aro was amused and delighted by how Bella's blood called to me. He was even witness to Bella's recent death and miracle return to me.
"It's stunning to see all the things that you have experienced for this human girl. The strength you must have to be so near to her. How you do it is still so very curious to me.
"I can assure you, it is not done without great effort." I answered flatly. I did not enjoy being an object of his curiosity. Aro seemed to be pondering my thoughts.
"Still - la tua cantante! Such a waste really."
He appeared to pity me.
A humorless laugh escaped my lips, "I don't see it as such, merely a price. One I willingly pay."
Aro's ruby-colored eyes darted over to look at Bella.
"Such a high cost for something so fragile, don't you think?"
"No, because each day I have the opportunity to be with Bella is worth it all."
My jaw tightened as I felt the tang of Aro's thoughts once more.
'Ah but to have a taste would be simply delectable.' Just remembering how appealing she is to you makes me…thirsty." Aro watched my actions closely, judging me. "Don't be disturbed, Edward. I don't mean to harm her."
He had to know I knew he was lying through his ancient teeth! What was he playing at?
He released my hand as he slowly turned to glance at Marcus and Cauis, before returning his attention back to us.
"I must tell you that your memories of Carlisle are a gift to me. I am gratified by his success with his vision."
Aro began questioning the conflict he saw going on with my thoughts. I knew I was the reason we had been brought here. My crime – exposing my existence to a human, it was the greatest crime I could have committed against my kind. There were only two outcomes that could right my wrong. Bella would have to die or join me in immortality. I didn't want to lose Bella again…
Yet there were things I wanted her to experience as a human before I robbed her of life. Events such as graduation, our wedding, if she would have me, and then there was college. After that, as long as Bella felt she would have no regrets, I would change her.
Aro, however, was demanding a choice - now. This was not how I wanted it to be…
"Traduzione di, non trovata, it is a great sadness. Then we will decide for you." Aro replied in a soft, sad, airy voice.
My body stiffened as Aro turned toward Bella. Would he strike now? If I attacked, neither Bella nor I would make it out in one piece. Aro's guard was prepared to end me if need be. Just as I was about to tell Aro that I would change Bella, Aro turned to me once more.
"It is very fascinating that only Bella's thoughts are mute to you. I can't help but wonder if I am able to…"
'If I could just touch her hand ever so gently, Edward, we could see.'
I didn't respond to Aro's request. He would have to ask Bella himself.
"May I?" He gestured toward Bella.
"You'll have to ask her," I answered in a flat tone.
Aro's eyes lit up as he looked to Bella.
"Ah, yes, how rude of me!" Aro exclaimed. "Bella, my dear, I am so very intrigued that you are the one exception to Edward's impressive gift—such a rare thing for us to encounter. I was wondering since our talents are so much alike, would you be so kind to allow me to see if I might be an exception?"
Bella cast an unsure glance at me. I nodded slightly to encourage her to let him touch her hand knowing he would satisfy his curiosity by force if need be. She then very slowly and cautiously extended her hand out toward Aro.
He smiled as he gently clasped her hand in his. After a few seconds, the grin that had been drawn on his face disappeared. I smiled to myself as I realized Bella was mute to Aro's gift as well. He was met by the same silence as I.
"Well now it seems that I too am denied your thoughts as well, my dear, Isabella. I wonder though if you are immune to some of our other gifted members?"
'Jane would be a perfect way to test her.'
I stiffened at hearing Aro's thought, but just as I was about to react, the doors to the room opened. I gasped in shock as the familiar scent of apples and moss greeted me, as well as the smell of oranges.
'No, no it couldn't be,' was my only thought. Perhaps it was merely someone who smelled like them. I couldn't bring myself to look until a gentle and familiar mind echoed in my head.
'Forgive me, son. But I could not lose you again.'
Aro looked away from Bella and focused his attention on his new guests.
"Ah, Carlisle my old friend! How nice of you to come visit."
Carlisle refused to look in my direction. His thoughts were filled relief at seeing me and Bella alive.
"Yes, it has been too long Aro. I apologize for that," Carlisle replied to Aro's enthusiastic statement.
I was surprised that Aro didn't go to Carlisle right away. This worried me. My worry increased when I read Aro's thoughts. He felt threatened by Carlisle ever so slightly due to the size and abilities of our coven.
He walked away from Bella and me to approached Carlisle and Alice.
"It pleases me to learn that your vision of finding others who share your dream of a non- human diet; has come true. Even if you did sire most of them yourself…"
Carlisle didn't allow Aro's words get to him. If he did his guard would be down and it wouldn't end well for him.
His voice then took on a serious tone. "As fond as I am of you, Carlisle, you know that there are rules that must be followed."
"What rule has Edward broken?" Carlisle questioned in my defense.
"He let a human learn of our existence. You know the punishment for such a thing." Aro continued.
Carlisle wasn't falling for Aro's play with words.
"I have no doubt you know how he feels about Bella; as well as the recent events that have happened."
Aro agreed with my father's words, "It's true that I have seen everything..."
Aro trailed off as he took hold of Carlisle's hand. He pulled in a quick breath before releasing Carlisle's hand.
"Such a charmingly interesting family you now have. It truly is. Actually, I was about to test Bella's curious gift when you arrived. " Aro replied and then turned his attention back to us.
'Who to have test her astounding ability?'
Hearing his plan, my body started to move forward before his words left his lips.
"Jane, my dear."
"No!" I yelled out as I moved forward to shield Bella from Jane. I couldn't let them use her in an experiment that I wasn't sure of the outcome. But I had barely taken a step forward before unimaginable pain seared my body all the way to my bones.
I couldn't make an audible sound as Jane continued to inflict her torture on my mind. The sound of Bella crying out was shortly followed by someone's curious thought. Carlisle's gentle voice came after it.
"No, please, please don't do this again!" Bella cried out.
'Again?' Aro questioned.
"Aro, please put a stop to this. You are well aware of how Edward feels about her. It is purely instinct he is acting on. Again, I ask you to stop this." Carlisle pleaded.
'Have faith, Edward.' It took me a moment to realize that Alice had moved away from Carlisle to comfort me. 'Edward, please control yourself, we want to bring you home in one piece.' Alice's thoughts revealed how scared she truly was.
"That's enough Jane, my dear." Aro spoke coolly.
My body started to relax once it was sure that the searing pain was gone.
Jane smiled wickedly as she set her sights on Bella. I held my unneeded breath as I waited for my love to scream out in pain. It, however, never came. Only the shrill laughter of Aro's astonished amusement filled the great room.
"This is a spectacular find you have! It will be a shame to destroy such potential talent."
Aro set his gaze on Bella and started slowly towards her as he spoke, "It seems only right that I should ask-would you like to join us here, my dear, sweet Isabella?"
I felt myself sinking down into darkness as I awaited Bella's reply. Aro was willing to give Bella what she wanted - immortally - right now with no waiting. Why couldn't I have done it when she asked?
But I knew why. I was afraid that she would come to hate me for taking her life. I didn't want her to have regrets...
"Thank you, I…" her voice trailed off. "I don't wish to join you; I just want to stay with Edward."
I tensed as I stood beside Alice. This wasn't going to end well. No one denies Aro of what he wants.
"That truly is lovely, however, my sweet, our rules were meant to be followed. Felix."
"Noooo!" I cried out, sure that Felix was going to go for Bella. One flick of his wrist would snap Bella's neck in an instant. Aro, however, had something else in mind. My eyes moved to find Demetri holding Bella to him while Felix and Kele restrained Carlisle.
Aro wanted me to chose, my sire or my love.
"Perhaps, we merely need to motivate you, Edward." Aro tilted his head in curiosity.
'It's all right son, I'll understand.'
Though simple, Carlisle's thoughts tore at something deep within me. Carlisle could have over powered at least one of them, but he feared for Bella's safety. He too would wait for my decision.
"Stop! Ki-ll, kill me, not them. Please kill me, not them." Bella's voice shook as she cried out in panic.
Aro was mystified by Bella's words and held up his hand in command. Silence replaced chaos.
"To think that one such as you would care for soulless creatures like us."
Anger sprung into Bella's eyes like a flame. "You don't know a thing about their souls! They are nothing like you."
Aro's eyes narrowed; his patience was slowly running out.
"Insolence!"
I died slowly as the back of Aro's hand connected with the side of Bella's face. She cried out instantly and fell to the floor. I could only imagine the damage that had been done to her fragile body.
I was certain Aro was going to kill her now in front of us and make us watch. I struggled against my captor to get free when the sound of Alice's voice stilled me.
"Wait! Bella will become one of us I've seen it. We just need time to prepare!"
Alice's words intrigued Aro and again he froze before turning away from Bella to allow Alice to approach him.
Pulling off one of her long red satin gloves, she gave Aro her hand and let her visions of Bella flow to Aro.
Bella's birth as a newborn with bright red eyes and then months later with gleaming golden eyes of my family as the two of us ran together in the woods.
"Enchanting to see the things before they have happened! Truly enchanting, my dear."
Aro turned and waved toward us. "Go on now, go and make your preparations."
I rushed to Bella's side desperate to get her out of here before Aro reconsidered. Carlisle and Alice wished for the same and moved at vampire speed.
Cauis called after us, "Just remember that we don't give second chances. We will be checking in to see if you have fulfilled our deal."
I then heard Marcus's soft thoughts enter my head.
'The bond the two of you share is stronger than any one I have ever felt. Treasure her always. You should go now- they are coming.'
I held Bella close to me as I did my best to usher her out the door. Heidi was walking down the corridor with a large group of unsuspecting humans trailing behind like blind sheep being led to the slaughter.
The movement of Bella's head as she turned it slightly alerted me to the smell of her leaking blood, making my hold on her tighten.
"Don't look back, Bella, just keep moving forward."
Bella jumped and cowered in my arms when the first shriek of terror filled the air behind us. Carlisle and Alice winced as more screams followed it. Carlisle's thoughts mirrored the sadness he felt.
'All of those lives wasted some where so young. But thank God you and Bella are safe.'
Once we were out of Volterra, I was able to look at Bella's injures more fully. I gently turned her face to look at it.
"Oh Bella, I'm so sorry."
The skin of her left cheek was weeping clear but blood tinged fluid from a tear in the first layer of skin. Bella's cheek was a dark purple and her eye was already turning black. The cheek bone must be broken.
I was thankful of one thing - Aro hadn't killed her and he could have done so with that one slap. The sound of Bella groaning in pain brought me out of my thoughts. Carlisle was now examining the damage done to Bella's face.
"I imagine there is a break in the cheek bone. We'll get some ice on it soon. Can I get you something for the pain, Bella?"
Bella shook her head at Carlisle. "No, I'm okay. The pain isn't that bad."
I may not be able to read my love's thoughts; I was, however, becoming very skilled at reading her eyes.
"Bella, you don't have to lie to make us feel better. If you are in pain then you should let Carlisle give you something for it."
My gaze never left Bella's. The contusions and laceration to the left side of Bella's face was another cruel reminder just how fragile Bella's life was, and it was wearing down my resolve. She had almost died again today.
Blocking out everything else around me, my lips feverishly took hold of Bella's. I allowed my cool breath to linger across Bella's abused cheek in hopes of giving her a brief freedom from the pain. I was as breathless as Bella when I pulled out of our kiss. Gently resting my forehead against hers, I looked deep into her eyes as I spoke, "Two more days, Bella. It's all I want before I give you the answer you have been looking for. We have some time before we catch our flight so you can rest now."
I was about to lose the battle, however, I fully intended to win the war.
A/N: I hope some of my readers aren't too upset with this chapter. This story is coming to a close soon. With 2 chapters left, 3 at the max.
Chapter 16: Moving Forward
Chapter 17: Frozen
Chapter titles subject to change.
Music in my playlist as I was writing, Volturi Waltz, The Volturi , and You're Alive all by Alexandre Desplat
A huge, warm, thank you, to everyone who has been supporting this story. Though it is not award winning story. I win every time I read a heart warming review about it.
TaintedDarkInuShemeeko