Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Stephenie Meyer created it all.
Edward POV
A few hours after sunrise a knock came at the door of our suite, and I heard Carlisle pull away from Esme to answer the summons. The family had retired after the play that ensued in the courtyard between all of us the previous afternoon. My parents and siblings had spent the night engaging in their favorite activity while I'd stuck the buds of my IPOD into my ears and attempted to filter out, as much as possible, their private thoughts and fantasies. I at least knew that Bella was with Aro, not Felix, so my personal "nightmares" wouldn't keep me company.
Now that Alice's visions were back, thanks to Jacob's absence, I'd realized I had another advantage over Felix. So, I'd quietly begged her, as we watched the others fight, for any insight into my future with Bella. She'd not been able to see much, other than that I should go ahead and assume that, for now, my life was tied to Volterra. What she clearly saw was a tenable peace between Marcus and me, resulting in a connection to the Ancient one that was incredibly strong. Alice saw more of the time I spent with Marcus than my time with Bella. It didn't make me happy because it meant that Bella hadn't made up her mind yet. Alice silently pleaded for me not to fight her on this. Although she attempted to block it from her thoughts, there was still a slight rebuke that if I'd done that in the first place, we wouldn't be here.
Hearing the guard's thoughts just a second before his words, I rose from the couch I'd reclined on during the night and began to discard the clothes from the day before. There was a bed, of course, but I couldn't force myself to approach it…to spend the night lying on the deep pillows. A bed in this castle had only one use, and at the present time, the other person needed to thoroughly despoil it wasn't wrapped in my arms. Several fast visions seared through my brain, Bella arched in abandon under me as I buried myself in her scalding wetness driving us both to oblivion, Bella's wickedly delighted face as she made me beg on my knees to press a lingering kiss to the inside of her thigh, her body straddling mine as she rode me in abandon. I shook my head to dispel the ardent fantasies in an attempt to calm the throbbing of my body. I was a freaking basket case around her…now that my body recognized that my mate was finally unbreakable, all inhibitions had disappeared. The drag of the material as I pulled off my clothing from the day before didn't help matters. For a moment, I thought about masturbating to a Bella fantasy to alleviate my condition but realized I didn't have time. I should have done that during the night instead of savagely enjoying the unfulfilled lust that poured through me as my perversely creative brain conjured up scenario after scenario through the long hours.
Aro had sent for us. It seemed we had visitors, and he desired the presence of Carlisle, Alice, and myself. He'd included the others as well; I'm sure he saw this as an opportunity to test our skills and loyalty to our new masters. I pulled on black dress pants, knowing that the first sign of my submission would be to don the dark cloak that would signify my status. I saw Alice's vision at that exact moment and couldn't help the savage smile that graced my face. He would put Sulpicia to one side of him and Bella to the other. I would be required to stand just to the side and slightly behind him so that my fingertips could grace his shoulder. What made me growl in pleasure was that Bella would be just in front of me, close enough that our bodies would touch…and that was very satisfying. To the world we would appear as a couple, and I would do everything I could to promote that perception.
I heard Alice giggle when her vision changed, and Felix began to glare at me. Jasper whispered softly to her, asking the source of her mirth, and I heard his grunt of approval as she explained. Jasper was enamored of Felix's fighting prowess, but he was still my brother. He'd even contemplated aiding my plight by manipulating the giant's feelings, but I'd asked him to abstain for now. If I became desperate enough, I knew he'd jump in immediately.
We began congregating in the main living area within just moments. The guard seemed a little shocked at how we came together as a unit, without Carlisle even having requested our presence. He hadn't experienced the years of living as a family that we had. I walked swiftly to him, holding my hands out for the cloaks he held. He was beyond spooked at my silence as I handed out the cloaks accordingly…Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper in dark grey, Alice and I in the almost black ones, and lastly and the most significant one…Carlisle in the formal cloak reserved only for the Volturi leaders. His moment of hesitation and the slight tremor of his hand as he took it from me were evident to everyone in the room.
Esme had obviously determined what was expected of her. She'd dressed in a long, flowing golden gown, worthy of a queen. A scene between her and Sulpicia flashed through her mind as Aro's mate had quickly instructed her on the decorum that Aro required and provided the garments. I realized in that moment that Esme had enjoyed the interaction, and I was grateful that once again she would have companions here. She missed the closeness that she had cultivated with Carmen during our residence in Alaska immensely. She took the cloak from my father and helped him into the formal attire, smoothing her hand down the front as if to straighten the fabric. She was, in fact, soothing him, and the intimate look they traded would have been embarrassing if not for the true level of love it conveyed between them. I wanted Bella to look at me like that one day… She already has but you screwed it up! My traitorous mind shouted.
Looks were traded as we silently filed out of the room, following the guard toward the throne room. Several familiar scents hit me as we approached the area, and I couldn't quite suppress my moan of frustration. Even in the midst of our chaos, my family laughed at my expense. Damn…why did Eleazar have to bring them all? I can understand why he felt the need to come to check on us…but why all of them… I wouldn't even have time to explain to Bella. Damn it!
We entered the hall to find, other than the obligatory guards, only the Volturi kings, their wives, Bella, and the Denali Coven. Marcus already sat in his chair, Bella talking softly to him as she rested her hand on his arm. He was grinning at her as she teased him about the lack of care he'd taken in getting ready. She reached over to straighten his collar in a move similar to Esme's. He huffed in feigned disgust, but he was inordinately pleased that she fussed over him. I was shocked at the level of paternal care and affection he felt toward her. The others around us also reacted to the unusual display of affection. For a moment, I saw his other reaction, but in an odd turn, it only made me like him more. If I was not here, I would choose him for her, but his priorities were clear now. I would do nothing better than to have him as an ally.
Little imp, he thought, as she pinched him as a result of his huff.
Carlisle wanted to go immediately to Eleazar, but he knew what was expected and approached Aro. I saw his body stiffen only slightly as the Volturi leader graciously moved his hand toward the raised dais. "You will stand on Marcus's other side, until your training is over. At that time, we'll signify the end of your novice period by incorporating another chair into our setting."
Aro soothed my father by covertly brushing the tips of his fingers across Carlisle's back. "You will be fine, Carlisle, Aro thought. Aro was making a point to Eleazar, having my father assume such a formal stance amidst the group of friends and family. He never did anything without a purpose. Carlisle squared his shoulders, almost as if he had heard the silent communication, and ascended the steps to his new role.
And then there were four… Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say…and then there were four, again.
The gasps and then collective hush across the group declared the significance of the event. Eleazar's face snapped to Aro, his eyes narrowing. I've never been prouder of Carlisle than I was when I heard him settle in his mind to attack this new process with the same vigor that he did everything else. He looked the part of a king when he turned to stand by Marcus, gazing serenely at the individuals around him. Even Caius smirked at the calm that settled across my father's excruciatingly beautiful face.
Well, well…Carlisle Cullen. Perhaps my brother has seen it exactly as it should have been all along... I don't like it, but I will remain silent for now to determine just where we will go with this and whether or not you truly deserve the honor.
My mother stepped up beside him, linking their arms. She traded a loaded look with Aro before she smiled. Carlisle reached over to gently squeeze her hand. They radiated peaceful contentment, and that alone set them apart from the triad. Their coloring and golden eyes only served to make them appear more exotic.
I saw Aro's piercing gaze on me, and I moved toward him, knowing that he was commanding my presence as well. His face was smug as I stepped to his side, assuming the position that Alice had seen in her vision. He was allowing Alice to stay with Jasper, knowing that he would be able to see her visions through me. As I surreptitiously placed my fingertips on his arms, his purrs of satisfaction were so soft that they could only be heard by those of us nearest to him. Bella had gone strangely still as I stepped behind her, brushing my fingers across the small of her back, but she turned to see my contact with her father which was hidden from the others by his robes. Marcus glanced quickly toward me, and I acknowledged him respectfully with a nod and a soft, "Master."
Young one, keep it up and I do believe you just might win. He was pleased with my respect. I wouldn't have been able to decipher his approval from just the look on his face. He was gifted at keeping his face an epitome of disinterested tolerance but internally, he chuckled.
Other thoughts echoed through the room, and I felt Aro's excitement at hearing them. He was on the verge of being euphoric. Like a child with a new toy, I heard his voracious curiosity as he vacillated from mind to mind, scanning the vampires before him. Our gifts wrapped around each other as he enjoyed hearing the thoughts of his subjects clearly. He struggled for a few moments, accustoming himself to my slightly different version of our gift. This is almost overwhelming, Edward. I've seen it through your memories, but to live it is an entirely different experience.
I actually jerked slightly from the overwhelming sensation of our two visions bouncing against each other. I wrapped my arm around Bella's waist, attempting to center myself, and felt peacefulness invade my senses at the touch. Amidst the fog that threatened to overwhelm my head, I saw her turn to me with a look of slight anger. She didn't appreciate my forwardness before the crowd; I was certain she was thinking I was being possessive. Her eyes widened though when she saw the look, of what I could only guess was dazed confusion and panic on my face. As she placed the palm of her hand over my dead heart, I felt something pass over me softly but couldn't identify the source.
It is Isabella's shield, Aro supplied in explanation. She believes you must be under attack. It is instinctual for her when she feels that someone she cares about is being harmed. We'll all be under her protection now.
Bella was protecting me? It was all I needed.
As Aro whispered encouragement to her to continue, I reached deep inside myself, attempting to locate that which was Aro's gift. Feeling the tenuous gossamer like bonds, I wrapped my senses around them and instead of fighting, I blanketed the ties with my own influences. The clarity of thoughts flowing into our brains intensified becoming sharper…more defined. My fate was sealed, and I knew it. Aro would never let me go now. As the thoughts of the crowded room washed over us, I saw his lust for power grow exponentially in that moment.
A bargain… I offered him, taking advantage of the opportunity.
A bargain? You and Isabella…you two are a pair, asking me to stretch my limits. I do not bargain, Edward.
I was stunned to see the memory that ran through his mind, of Bella doing just that for our lives…agreeing to feed without disruption. The memory of her first feeding through Aro's eyes was again excruciating, but the haunted look as she pled for us threatened my equilibrium even more than Aro's manipulation of our gift. I don't know how I kept the snarl that ripped through my body from being apparent. He was pleased when I did not allow my agitation to show.
Let me hazard a guess though. Isabella…
I interrupted him. My loyalty will always be first to Carlisle, but I think you will find my word as binding. I understand the reasons why you will not force her into anything, but you and I also know there is much you can do to influence her. She is my life, and I will never make the mistake I did before of assuming I can make decisions for us both. Felix is one of your trusted Guard, and I understand your predisposition to him. However, I will become as dedicated…with the right incentive. There is a difference between serving you willingly and serving you out of obligation.
There are more layers to you than even I expected. He turned slightly to glance at me in calculation and a dawning respect. Hmm… His contemplation washed over me, measuring my sincerity. His connection to my entire being gave him a unique ability to assess it. I heard his fascination at his willingness to make such a concession to me, when so many others had tried before. However, I held a card that many of the other players had not, and he and I both knew it. Finally, I heard the words I desired, but his dark satisfaction made me shiver with foreboding.
Acceptable, young one. I will mold you…stretch you…raise a man from the boy you are. I love Carlisle beyond what you can even fathom. Your loyalty to your father is expected and appreciated. But, I expect to garner that dedication as well. Your mating to Isabella will only solidify my hold upon you. If you are amenable to that level of commitment, I will do everything within my power to ensure your mating with Isabella.
Is that the girl? The one he ran from? It must be, because I've never seen him touch anyone like that? But, she is a vampire…
The moment that sealed my fate was gone as Aro's focus moved to Tanya, and he saw every interaction…every seductive maneuver she'd attempted. I, on the other hand, glanced to my sister standing in Jasper's arms, as our whole world changed within her visions. Her smile was brilliant. Later…we'll talk later. She all but shouted.
Aro, of course, heard it all, but he was already secure that his desires and wishes would occur. Her visions only solidified the likelihood that he would get everything he craved. He instead focused on my would-be seductress.
Hmm…she IS incredibly beautiful. How did you ever avoid her temptations? Not many of the men here are as immune to her charms as you are.
He was referring of course to the lust that Tanya's blatant sexuality was causing. Jasper's eyes were heavy, and his mind full of plans to ravage Alice as soon as possible.
I silently answered Aro's question by allowing him to see Bella's human face the moment after our lips parted from our first kiss. Nothing in this world would ever be more exquisite than that. I'd searched for her for almost a hundred years. Nothing would outshine her beauty to me, and he was inordinately pleased at my answer.
Alice startled when she saw a vision of Tanya approaching me. She is going to attempt to ascertain who Bella is…and seduce you. I don't even have to know your thoughts to know how that will turn out.
Aro tapped his finger on the side of the chair in his impatience with the trite situation.
She is not a menace or a bad individual, Aro. She just is very strong willed and assured of her lures.
Tanya was, after all, family…and truly a good person. Eleazar's coven and ours had always stood together.
Against my wishes, I unlocked my arm from around Bella's waist, moving to where my hand rested just lightly at the small of her back…out of sight to the others. I momentarily wondered at her silence. What had happened to her voice? Was I only allowed to see it during intimate encounters? It was a puzzle that I wanted to solve. I allowed Aro to hijack my skills as I momentarily analyzed, through other's eyes, the picture we presented.
Aro had created a sense of restrained warmth by making Carlisle, Esme, and I stand with him, and the family don the grey cloaks. It wasn't an official gathering so there wasn't the necessity for such formalities, but as always he was making a point. Carlisle and Esme stood patiently at the right hand of Marcus. He sat as he had always done at Aro's right hand. Whereas before he'd always been alone, Bella now rested one of her hands on his arm, her other on Aro's, helping to obscure our contact. Marcus' face still wore its mask of bored resignation, but there were very few people present who had any recollection of Marcus allowing anyone to touch him. Most would have assumed that he had found a new mate…had they not witnessed my claim of her.
Eleazar didn't know what to think about Bella and me, he suspected, of course, that she was the mate I'd run from, but he wasn't certain. Her existence as a vampire, fully in control of herself, confused him. His exact thoughts were "there is no way a newborn has that level of control." Renata now stood behind Aro's chair, ready to deflect anyone who attempted to harm the leaders. Sulpicia maintained her station to Aro's left. Caius came next with Athenodora protectively guarding him.
The addition of Bella, my parents, and me on the raised dais unnerved most of those present, guards included. Jasper, Alice, Emmett, and Rosalie added to the confusion as they stood solidly within striking distance of us, remaining apart from the Denali family we all loved.
I processed these thoughts as Aro decided what his next step would be. Eleazar wanted to challenge Aro for "forcing us here," but hesitated to do so in front of the guard members that lined the wall. He well knew that we wouldn't have come here without provocation. More importantly he knew that my father wouldn't willingly concede to relinquishing himself or us to the Volturi control.
Aro enjoyed the discomfort he read in Eleazar's thoughts. Everyone knew that to be touched by Aro was certain exposure, but they hadn't realized yet that due to my presence, touch wasn't necessary any longer. It was a simple deduction really, but perhaps the sheer sinister nature of this expansion of his gift was too horrific to consider. Was it easier to ignore…ignorance is bliss so to say? Whatever had inhibited the logical jump didn't matter to him, he planned to exploit his resources and maintain ignorance as long as possible. The exposure of our secret would mean I would also become a target as Aro was. My only concern was how that would affect Bella, but she was already targeted just by her relationship with Aro.
"Greetings Eleazar! I am glad to see your face after many years of absence. As you can see Carlisle has decided to join us again and his wife and children as well."
Eleazar's astonishment was clear to even the non-mind readers in the room. Such pretty words, Aro.
"You have permission to speak freely, Eleazar," Aro spoke softly. "You are also welcome to join us here. I do believe that I could make a show of raising suspicions that you also knew about the human Isabella."
Carlisle's eyes met Eleazar's, but he shook his head slightly, telling his friend to tread carefully. Carlisle knew that Aro would hear of course, but to speak seditious words internally was one thing, to openly voice them challenging him before others was another. I saw Aro's eyes narrow slightly, and he looked at the members of the guard standing at the entrances. "Please leave us, and make sure the area is cleared so that we have privacy."
Felix began to argue, realizing that Aro, Marcus, and Caius would be left alone.
"Felix, we will be fine. Eleazar means us no harm, well, other than a tongue lashing."
As soon as the doors closed and their mental voices faded to just slight whispers, Aro turned fully toward Eleazar. "You have the courage to appear before me and challenge me with your thoughts?" he hissed. "You have violated the rules as much as Carlisle. You knew the consequences for allowing a human to remain alive who knew our secret. Tell me why you shouldn't be punished as well?" he stated, coldly and calmly.
"You must tell me first to whom I am speaking," Eleazar said. "Is it Aro the Great, the high and mighty leader of the Volturi or Aro my friend who can at times be rational? For you see, my answer to your question, at least verbally, will rely on just who you claim to be."
I was shocked that Eleazar would be presumptuous enough to speak to Aro this way.
"Carlisle and his coven threatened our exposure when they left a human to guard their secret. It is only because of her unique nature and loyalty that she did not. I have claimed her as my child, and righted their wrong. So for now, I speak as the leader of the Volturi. You should be pleased that they were not immediately destroyed," Aro said, looking down at Eleazar from his throne.
"I apologize for being presumptuous and assuming that our friendship allows me a bit of leave way here, Aro. I speak my mind clearly, as you so long ago taught me. I honor you with my blatant honesty, in comparison to that you take from others. We both know you wouldn't lay a finger on Carlisle unless it was something egregious. The human child was never left alone. There were only mere minutes away from her, at least that was my understanding when we last spoke."
I didn't know whether to angry or happy about that fact. They'd ignored my wishes, watching over her…who was I kidding of course I was happy and grateful.
He stepped in front of Bella and me at that point and extended his hand to take hers, lifting it to his mouth to kiss the knuckles chivalrously. "Bella, I presume?"
"Isabella Swan Velathri," she answered with elegance.
Eleazar's eyes widened as his eyebrows arched. The cavernous room echoed with the collective gasps of our family and friends. My mind reeled as I saw the scene in Aro's mind. Tanya was furious for the moment. I knew she would calm down…she knew I was in love with another, even if she still harbored hopes.
"Truly…how interesting. Aro is your sire?"
"He is my father," Bella stated simply, as if that should answer the question.
"Is he?" Eleazar all but purred. "Then, my dear, you join an auspicious few who can claim such royal lineage. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Eleazar's inherent charm was never more apparent than when I watched him assess Bella introspectively. She obviously passed his inspection because he brushed his lips across her knuckles softly one final time before placing her hand in mine symbolically. I saw Marcus' lip twist slightly at what our friend had so quickly deduced.
Eleazar turned back to Aro after glancing briefly to my father. "Clever, clever man."
Aro grinned unabashedly. He felt no shame at how he'd manipulated everything, and Eleazar knew it. Nothing Eleazar could say would cause the leader to feel contrite. He'd gotten exactly what he wanted and more it would seem…Isabella Swan Velathri indeed.
You have a problem with her having my name Edward? She could have had yours, you know. I look forward to seeing if you can convince her to marry you? Very few of our kind worry with that premise…she may be fine with just being your mate.
I want it all, Aro.
Of course…of course, I wouldn't expect less from you.
As we carried on our private conversation, Eleazar ignored all the formal dictates and stepped upon the dais, pulling my father and mother into a tight embrace. The pure affection between them, and Carlisle's "It's fine, Eleazar" broke the tension. The socializing began, and I wasn't surprised to find Tanya making her way quickly towards us.
Incoming! Emmett yelled in delight. He had loved to harass me about Tanya before Bella had come into my life. He couldn't understand why I wouldn't "hit that."
I broke contact with Aro and grabbed Bella's hand, leading her quickly to where Marcus had secluded himself off to the side. I didn't think that even Tanya would have enough guts to confront me in front of an Ancient One. I was wrong.
"Edward?" she asked softly, her accent strong as she said my name. She gazed intently at Bella.
"Tanya, I'm sorry that our quick travel worried your family. We received notification from Aro that we were to come here, and we departed as quickly as possible."
"I'll leave you to your reunion," Marcus murmured, stepping away to leave us alone. Well, as alone as you can be in a room full of vampires. I wanted to yell "Traitor" at him, but Tanya's voice drew my attention back.
"And this girl?"
"This girl's name is Isabella," Bella drew herself up straight, unwilling to back down.
"Bella, right? So you traveled to Italy and challenged the Volturi to change you? All to be with him?" she asked incredulously.
She wasn't disputing in her head that "I was worth it," just that Bella would be that brave. I thought Bella would tear into her. Tanya's assessment was so far from the truth it was laughable. She was genuinely confused…and I wasn't really worth either of them.
"You sincerely doubt that as being a good enough reason. The man's fingers are magic, and the things he can do with his mouth." She shuddered against me dramatically, and my body shivered in response even if I knew she was making it all up.
But then I grinned, remembering I had at least been able to get my fingers and lips on her, and she'd shuddered in true passion then. I would at least delude myself into believing that Bella was using real experience…real passion to provide her motivation. I was hoping that she wasn't going to attack Tanya.
Bella had continued to speak through my little fantasy. "And his hair…that hair…it's just the right length to really tangle your fingers in. It makes it so much easier to guide him in doing the things I like," she continued as Tanya's eyes began to widen. My mind was fogged with the visuals she was creating. "Well you know…" she paused dramatically. "Oh, I guess you don't," Bella whispered, in mock sympathy.
I felt sorry for Tanya, and for a moment I was shocked at Bella's cruelty. But then I felt shock settle as I heard my cousin's thoughts. "Hmmm…she's worthy of him." She smirked in appreciation. "Okay, I like you. I'll let you have your opportunity to win him. But you need to be fully aware that I will be waiting to comfort him. I think I will have a very good chance this time of breaking through that stoic exterior. I do believe that you've already started thawing the ice," she said and then smiled seductively.
Bella stepped between us…literally. "He's mine…keep your hands and lips to yourself."
"I truly understand your position, Bella. Just understand mine. I know what you have literally at the tip of your fingers…perhaps better than you do. If you are unwise enough to walk away, I'll be smart enough to take your place. Edward…" she said my name softly before turning away and walking back toward her sister Kate.
Bella growled at her retreating figure, and I grabbed her hand…not that I had much chance of stopping her with her newborn strength. "Bella!" I warned as she began to pull me forward, but I relaxed when I realized she was pulling me toward the door leading out of the room.
"You can thank me later!" Tanya softly chuckled in her head.
I stumbled in astonishment, but covered it quickly. She'd intentionally made Bella jealous. As Bella pushed me up against the outside hallway wall with a feral snarl and kissed me deeply, I was in awe at the effectiveness of Tanya's ploy. As much as I wanted the consequences of the jealousy, I couldn't stand on deception again.
SHUT UP and enjoy the kiss, my heart screamed. There is time to explain later.
I groaned when I felt Bella's fingers tangle through said hair and her small body press mine up against the wall. I heard her moan vibrate through her body and instinctually snarled at the sound. My fingers fell to her hips, pulling her into me. I leaned against the wall and pulled her up, her legs going around my waist. Our tongues tangled, deepening, stroking each other. I could kiss her for hours, enjoying the taste and feel of her. I stirred against the warmth pressed against me, seeking relief for the throbbing that took us both over, my hips instinctually circling. The scent of our combined aroused surrounded us, and I tore my lips away from hers, gasping for unnecessary breath.
"I want him so badly."
My heart soared.It was the passion…it was the key that broke down our barriers.
My eyes met hers, and I remained quiet to determine where she wanted to go with this. I would not be able to make love to her and then turn away. It was not within me. I wanted to carry her to my room and hide away from all those that were within the area behind us. I wanted to mark her as mine, so that Felix would know. I just wanted Bella. I wanted to bury myself in her where nothing else existed between us, to have the opportunity to love her.
Her eyes took on a serious look at my revelations. I could not do casual with Bella; it would destroy me…and she knew it. The moment was broken and the connection began to fade. She needed the truth.
"She did it intentionally, Bella. To stir up your jealousy. She may want me, but in an odd way, she would give me my heart's desire if she could. She knows that is you."
"I know why she did it and that it was intentional, but why…who is she?" she said softly, nipping at my neck and distracting me, stoking the fires again.
I used my hands to lightly cup her face and turn her to me. I wanted her to see my sincerity.
"Her name is Tanya. She is my cousin from Alaska. She has always wanted a relationship with me, but I have never conceded, as you well know. I ran to Alaska, Bella, the day after our first encounter in the science lab. She knew then that I was shaken by something; my sisters later told them about us when I, in my stupidity, left. She was wondering if you are the 'human,' and she is even more confused by it being confirmed. She doesn't believe that I would have changed you, and she wants to know exactly what has occurred. She wants to know exactly how much competition you are. She doesn't even understand there isn't a contest. There. Is. No. Contest. Bella. None." I emphasized the last words, kissing her lips gently between each one, making them into individual statements.
I placed my hands at her arms and pulled her gently to me so that I could speak into her ear. The smell that emanated off her was intoxicating.
"Bella, Love. I wasn't hiding her from you. I would have told you sooner or later. But she wasn't important enough of a topic to waste what little time I have had with you. I will, however, not hide anything. Ask what you want, and I will tell you. But, please, do not believe that my not mentioning her had anything to do with hiding something from you. I will tell you anything you desire to know about me and my life. It will take some time though; are you willing to give it to me? I'll start with the list of women I've kissed in my lifetime, five to be exact."
She hissed at me, and I was perverse enough to enjoy the benefits of her jealousy. I was also smart enough to know not to keep her in wait too long. "My mother Elizabeth, Esme, Alice, Rose, and you. Of course, the first four were a little different than how I kiss you, and the feelings I experienced at kissing their foreheads are nothing in comparison to when my lips touch yours," I said, pulling back slightly to rub my thumb over the fullness of her mouth as I held her eyes with mine.
"Or maybe you would like to know what I want from you. Have I even told you what I seek? I want it all Bella, everything I gave up in Forks. I want forever. I want to hold you in my arms every night. I want to make love to you and fuck you in equal amounts, and trust me they will be very different experiences. I want my smell to infiltrate every pore of your body so that anyone who comes near you knows who you have chosen. I want to marry you…in whatever manner you decide. I'll even let you keep Aro's name if that is what you desire, but I want to know in my heart that you are Bella Cullen. I want the privilege…the joy of calling you that."
I waited to see if she would freeze up at my admissions…whether or not she would withdraw from me. She remained quiet.
"I want you to choose me, Bella. Please let me make every day of your life special. Let me show you in every way that you are everything to me."
She grabbed my hand and began leading me down the hallway, pulling me into a library and to a window seat. I was nervous, wondering exactly what she planned to say, and sat in trepidation when she patted the seat beside her. Fear washed through me, thinking she was about to tell me to leave. I couldn't look at her and clenched my hands in front of me. "Whatever you do, Edward…remain calm. Have some dignity when she tells you to leave. It is no more than you deserve." I told myself, wanting desperately to hear from Alice, but her mind remained focused on her conversation with Carmen.
Bella placed one of her hands on my clenched fists. "Edward?" she asked questioningly.
I froze in fear, but then her hand found my chin, and turned my face to her. She gasped. I must have looked like I was being burned alive. I felt that way, anticipating the worst.
"You believe I brought you here to say goodbye," she murmured, but kept her face strangely devoid of emotion.
I couldn't answer; my hold was tenuous at best. I was afraid if I opened my mouth, that I would start screaming uncontrollably. I wouldn't beg, I decided. I wouldn't harass her in that manner.
"Edward, I don't want you to leave, and I don't want you to give up on me. Am I ready to marry you…no not yet. To be honest, I don't know what to do. I understand why you did what you did, but it doesn't mean I have forgiven everything. I need time, and it would seem we now have plenty of it." She smirked, looking at me, moving her head softly to capture my eyes as I tried to bow mine. Her words, although not exactly what I wanted to hear, were at least not a "goodbye."
"There is someone else who I need to consider now as well."
Anger filled me at the thought of Felix. A puff of breath went out of me.
"He made my life bearable and attempted to take care of me. He didn't know that you cared or do this to be mean. He did it because he found me attractive and loveable. I didn't feel that so much when I got here. He saved me as much as Aro did."
Cold shock started at the top of my head and slid down my body, numbing everything along the way. "What are you saying, Bella?" I barely forced out.
"Felix…he is as responsible for my transformation as Aro is, Edward. You know this; you had to have seen it."
"What?" I croaked. Was she saying what I thought she was? I forced my mind back to the thoughts I'd picked up from Victoria. I saw Aro and Felix jumping toward a bleeding Bella. At first, I'd assumed they'd fed from her, but then I'd realized from Aro's statements that he'd only been rushing to save her. But in my dawning horror, I realized he'd never said he was the only one to supply the venom that changed Bella. NO! It was too much…
Sobs tore from my body, and I began to rock back and forth in my anguish.
"EDWARD!" she yelled, attempting to gain my attention.
"Bella please release me from your presence…I made a promise to not run from you…and if you make me stay I will…but…I need space. Please!"
She remained silent, her hands trying to stop my shaking. "Edward…what's wrong?"
"Please Bella…please. Give me the word…"
"OK?"
As I rushed from the room, I heard her scream. "WAIT! What word?"
It was too much. I'd taken the OK to mean I had her permission to leave her presence, but she'd obviously not meant it that way. My legs had been carrying me quickly away from the physical proof that my mate would not only never carry my venom but that she did carry it from my new Master and my worst nemesis. His venom ran through her veins, making her his in a way she would never be mine.
I had nowhere to go. I didn't know the forest well enough to run there, and I didn't have Aro's permission to leave the castle anyways. I didn't want to go to our quarters; they would all follow me there. No peace… My mind frantically scrambled, attempting to think where I might hide for at least a few minutes while I explored the prison of my mind. NO! You have to stay. She didn't give you permission.
I dropped to my knees in submission just a second before I heard her scream, "You made me a promise! Are you going to break it the first time you hear something you don't like?"
A crowd of my family and the Volturi entered the hallway to witness me humbled upon the floor, panting from the pain. I could see the embarrassment in her face when she realized I'd already stopped before she'd even yelled the words that gained their attention…before she realized I wasn't going to break my word. She started to move toward me, remorse on her face, and I was actually afraid how I would react if she touched me. I shied away from her on instinct.
"Son!" Esme muttered harshly, as if she was disappointed.
"It's just Edward being melodramatic again," Emmett attempted to tease, but an unlikely savior came to my defense.
"HOW DARE YOU!" Marcus snarled, breaking away from the crowd and moving regally to my side. "Is this the ridicule he lives with within your family? Have any of you yearned for unrealized or lost love for almost a hundred years or lived with the pain it causes. Isabella, did anyone mock your pain? I begin to seriously doubt the beliefs you hold that he is 'melodramatic,'" he growled, scornful of Emmett's choice of words.
I stood, fazed by the agony wrenching through me, and I saw Jasper lean into Carlisle.
"Come, Edward. As a 'Volturi leader,' I request your presence in my chambers. I rarely assert my wishes, so I am certain they will not be denied," he said, looking toward Aro in a strange show of authority.
Edward, I'm sorry, Emmett said. I didn't think…or realize. Other rounds of apologies sounded through my head as Marcus's words struck to close to home, but I ignored their pleading. Avoiding eye contact, I turned to follow his graceful figure. I saw through my peripheral vision Bella reach out as if to touch me. She dropped her hand as a shameful expression crossed her face. I wanted to comfort her, but I couldn't even face her.
He detoured, just before we reached the steps to rise to the higher floors, and approached one of the guards. "Please go inform Aro that Edward and I will be going to the Chateau at the springs. We are not to be disturbed. We will return when I desire, and I do not expect company."
I saw through his mind the place to which we were heading. It was immaculate, secluded, and luxurious.
"He is already planning to inform Caius to see if a contingent is needed to protect you," I informed him, as soon as the vampire walked away.
"That is fine; they can prowl the forest in their efforts to play nursemaid, but they will not disturb us. When is the last time you had tranquility and quiet, Edward or just went away for your own pleasure? And I don't count your recent flight in self loathing."
My look of confusion was his answer.
"You don't even know what I mean, and that is answer enough, because I barely know myself. Come along; let us find some peace."
I know…I know…no Bella and Edward coming together just yet. For those who have threatened…next chapter, promise!
As always, I want to thank my Beta – please check out her stories here on FF and on Twiwrite – they are incredible:
hopeforastalemate – A better name for this woman would be Volturi Girl. She challenges me constantly to stretch my limits, and was gracious enough to beta this for me in a pinch, even when she isn't as enthusiastic about the totally cannon world.