Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters. She and the filmmakers have made a fascinating and beautiful trilogy. I wish to borrow her background and add a plot twist of my own.

To all my faithful readers- thanks you for your support and enjoy

Chapter 8 - The Bonding

Caius's POV

After my first encounter met Isabella I noticed that the blood exchange between us had enhanced her features. Her hair had become a deeper chestnut with red highlights; her face had a healthy glow and her lips a deep red. As I showed her around my wing I realized that she was quite unaware of the change; her attention was more set on trying not to anger me.

When we arrived at my library I saw her face light up in wonder at the bookshelves, her eyes captivated by the sight. For that small moment her facial expression changed and I saw the raw diamond that seemed to captivate Aro and Marcus. She was delighted when I offered her endless access to the treasures of my library and this surprised and pleased me. When she realized that she had let her defenses fall she quickly retrieved her mask of indifference which left me both sad and angry. As we finished our tour my hart had become hard realizing I would no longer get to glimpse of her enrapture but I was wrong. When I opened the door of my studio I heard her sign and whisper "oh my god". I turned to look at her expression and saw the astonishment in her face and when she realized it was my work she looked at me as if I had grown two heads. Being a vampire as long as I have, emotions (except rage) had become scarce and to seeing her facial expressions was strangely refreshing.

After a week of observing her I had begun to understand the interest the Cullens held for her. Not that I was under her spell, god forbid! No, it was for lack of a better word, 'fascination'. She was very different from the humans her age, even different from the humans older than herself. She could find enough self-control to assess her situation and conform. Considering her inexperience with vampires of our status I found her stamina quite refreshing. Her innocent demeanor was also recommendable as women her age had the habit to share their bed with various partners. No, I knew that I had been the first which I must admit helped me to accept my fate.

Now laying here beside her and holding her in my arms as she slept I looked down at her face and saw that our new exchange of blood had made her even more enticing that before. It scared me to think this way, what was happening? I Caius of the Volturi, who was known for his cruelty was not about to change for anyone not even the one who would be my mate.

I forced myself to stand up and as I did she started to wake up.

"Wake up Isabella" I sneered

Bella's POV

I didn't understand Caius and sure as hell didn't trust him. Yesterday his lovemaking had begun so gently only ending in a fury of aggression and I was just lucky to survive.

Now as his cruel smile watched me and as his eyes traveled over my body I instinctively pulled away.

"Oh, don't you want to continue our exercise my dear Isabella? Just yesterday you were very enthusiastic" he snickered.

Looking into his eyes I felt my body tense by the thought when he said "No matter, we will soon have a visitor and I think you will wish to see him".

Turning my head slightly to the side but keeping my eyes on him I nodded my head and asked "Master, who is our important visitor, do I know him?"

"Yes, I believe so" Caius he answered "It is Carlisle Cullen"

I again bowed my head so that he could not see the excitement running across my face and swiftly put my mask of indifference on.

Moving my body away from him I was about to leave the bed when he pulled me back and kissed my neck. I didn't refuse and after a moment of trailing his hands over my body he thankfully let me go. After a few minutes I tried again and very slowly stood up; surprised that my body wasn't broken. At first I tried to take a couple of steps and then realizing my legs could carry me, I hurried to the bathroom and shut the door taking care of my human needs. Finally having the luxury of being by myself I covered my face with my hands as my heart began to rejoice.

Next I opened the shower taps to allow the water to warm up so that I could take my morning shower but as I did Caius quickly came in saying "That will not be necessary". At first I wanted to protest but my sanity kicked in and I decided it wasn't worth arguing about.

When I came back to my room I saw a long dress laid out on my bed. It was a crimson color and I carefully took it and the matching underwear in my arms intent on going back to the bathroom to put it on. I was fast but I could never match the vampire speed of Caius who was blocking my path to the bathroom. He crossed his arms and mockingly smiled "Do not be stupid, I have already seen every inch of your body so I will help you change. Anyway you can't possibly put that corset on all by yourself." Again I wished to protest but knew this would probably enrage him further so I complied.

When I was dressed I walked over to my dresser and looked at my reflection. The dress was made of beautiful material but much too low cut and exposed for my taste. It may be long but the essential parts were barely covered; it wasn't a comfortable dress, the body was tight fitting and it had had splits on both side that went all the way up to the edge of my underwear the top of my dress didn't leave much room for the imagination either as it only barely covered my bosom. I could still see a little bit of the curved scar Caius had given me when he bit me on my breast.

As I was assessing my reflection Caius must have seen the distain behind my mask and slyly asked "what is wrong Isabella?"

I tried to avoid answering knowing that he wouldn't like my answer. He then took a hold of my wrist and squeezed making me give him turn towards him and give him an answer "I'm sorry master if I have displeased you but I am not used to wearing such revealing clothing."

He then laughed and mockingly said "You are no longer a virgin so you no longer have to be shy" then called one of his servants to fix my hair and I was soon ready for our visitor.

Carlisle's POV

I had heard Bella's screams last night and I tried not to ponder on them as I was ushered into the room where I would meet her for the first time in more than a year. It was Aro's library and he and I waited for the arrival of Caius and Bella.

As they entered I saw through the tell-tale signs of her face and hair that Bella had exchanged blood with Caius. My question was how much; as this would be very important for her situation.

"Ah Isabella" Aro said fawning over Bella "what a delight to see you, you have become even more beautiful and graceful then when you first arrived". With this said he looked towards Caius as they exchanges knowing glances.

I could see that Bella was being cautious towards me and I am sure Caius had given a reason to be.

"Isabella" Caius sneered "I thought you were quite attached to the Cullen family or is Edward the only one?"

"No master" she said and I shrank inwardly knowing that this was Bella in her most vulnerable state.

She then went further to say "Carlisle has been like a second father to me in the past".

"Well," said Caius "you should show him the respect that your relationship demands"

She stood perplexed and then crossed the room to me extending her hand and kissing my cheek.

"Hello Carlisle it has been a long time, I am happy to see you" she politely remarked. I felt her tension as she leaned towards me and on her body I smelled the overpowering scent of Caius.

"Please Isabelle" Aro crooned "take a seat" while patting the chair beside him and opposite me.

Caius then elegantly took the empty seat on the other side of Bella holding her hand in his, a demonstration of his ownership of her. When he did this I knew this would be even more difficult than I had thought.

"Dear Caius," Aro stated in his usual melodious voice "Carlisle has honored us with his visit to gather information over our Isabella. Considering she is under your protection I feel that all questions should be addressed to you".

With this he turned to Caius who looked at me with his normal vicious glare and demanded "What do you wish to know?"

I slowly asked my question feeling the tension in the room "First of all I wish to know how Bella is adjusting to her new life".

"Ask her!" Caius answered.

I looked at Bella and she glanced at Caius and then, in a nervous voice, gave me her answer "It was difficult at first but I am slowly becoming acquainted with this world".

I knew that she was being as tactful as possible and I would not get another word of explanation.

I then addressed Caius "I wish to plight for release of Bella in my care"

For a second the room was ominously silent and although Bella's mask didn't move I saw the hope in her eyes.

When my glance moved over to Caius I saw his thunderous expression and his eyes shoot daggers as his voice bellowed "As you know fate has chosen to pair me with her, I will not give up what is mine!"

Now I really was about to walk on thin ice as I said "But Caius, you have never harbored any love for humans. I would think this a burden"

He looked at me, his eyes a deadly stare as he said "I do not care what you think; this match was not my choice but I will not provoke fate"

At this reaction I saw Aro's eyes light up but he stayed silent.

"The future and therefore fate is only sealed with the physical bond until then, it is possible that things may change'' I tactfully probed.

"The bond has been made; can you not see and smell my claim?" He sneered.

I was struck in the face by his words and looked at Bella.

At first her expression was that of confusion but as I watched she started to realize what Caius had said and blushed to the roots of her hair and that was swiftly followed by an expression of pure terror as she unnecessarily asked "Please Master, what do you mean?"

My heart broke when I saw her expression and I turned my face to avoid her eyes.

"It means, my love" Caius sneered "that fate has made its decision. You are physically bonded with me and will not be able to leave."

I turned to face her trying to show her the compassion in my eyes but the light in her eyes were gone. I didn't know what she was thinking but her chocolate brown eyes grew large and she had the expression of a deer caught in the headlights of a very large truck.