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.

Before going any further with my story I would like to thank everyone that is reading it. I am very grateful for all reviews I have received up to now. For those who have not given a review I would ask them to please do so. This is my first FanFiction and I would very much appreciate your opinion of my work up to now.

Chapter 14 – With a little help

Bella's POV

I had just been woken up by the servant and was staring at the ceiling, waiting a moment or two before I got up. There was no usual breakfast, which I found strange, so I decided to take my daily shower and get dressed. I had just finished a lengthy shower and had wrapped myself in a towel using another one to remove the steam from the mirror. When I wiped it down I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw Caius behind me.

He was looking at my reflection in a detached way and whispered "for such a small feeble thing you are such a nuisance" and I just forced my body to stay still although I had trouble controlling the shiver running down my spine. I was afraid of what might happen next when he decisively said "Tomorrow I am going to transform you so make sure you rest properly." He then strode out of the room and the breath that I didn't know I was holding left my lips.

So now I knew there would be no more delays. I had heard from the Cullens that the transformation could take from 3 to 5 days and that it was excruciatingly painful. I had accepted this as a fact when I wished to be Edwards mate but now I feared it knowing at the end of it I would be the mate of Caius. My mom and dad always told me that 'life isn't always what you hope for' but my god, they didn't tell me it would be the opposite.

I looked at my reflection. I had filled out and my complexion and hair color had never been so vibrant. I looked at my neck seeking fang marks but finding none, he was right I was physically ready. But I must say I would never mentally be ready for a life next to Caius.

The thoughts of my past life in Forks all came rushing back to me as I sat on the edge of the bath trying to get my bearings. I longed to go back and see my dad, mom and all my friends but knew that would never be possible. I dried myself off and decided to go to the library and find a small book, something that would help me do the impossible; free myself from the dread I felt tugging at my heart.

I pulled on a light sun dress, nothing special just something light, as I felt like I was being smothered by this new ultimatum and then headed towards Caius's library. When I arrived I was surprised to find Marcus reading on a chair at the far end of the room. He raised his head in acknowledgement when I came in the room and I nodded back and went to search in the shelves for a novel. As I searched I heard him cough and knowing that a vampire couldn't possibly have a cold I turned to face him. He motioned me to come closer and I slowly and cautiously walked towards him as I looked around. Since I had been here I had only been subject to answer to Caius and I didn't know if he would appreciate it if I were to be around his brothers. As if reading my thoughts Marcus said "Caius won't mind, and I need to talk to you about tomorrow".

Well that got my attention, I really wanted to talk to someone about it and maybe this bored older brother might just be able to inform me about what I would have to expect. Once I was standing in front of him I said "Caius told me he was going to transform me tomorrow. Can you tell me what should expect and why the date of my transformation has been hastened?"

"I am not at liberty to say why it has been hastened. I can however tell you about the ritual" he answered.

"Is there a ritual?" I asked while sitting in a nearby chair "I always thought it would be done fast and that was it"

"Actually the change itself is a ritual" he answered "you are bonded with Caius and as his mate you have received a great honor"

When I hesitated he said "It may not feel that way at the moment but in the future, you two will be inseparable and together you can be invincible". He then went on to say "I was not always like this; I have only been this way since my mate was killed."

I looked in surprise and he chuckled "Yes, I too had a special mate and she was the light of my life, as chance would have it she was Aro's human sister. She too was in mortal form and I wooed her so that she chose to be mine. She and I were about to leave Italy when fate struck and she was torn away from me.

"I am sorry for your loss" I respectfully said lost for any other words.

"Please just listen. With her at my side I could almost do anything and this castle was alive. The reason I tell you this is so that you may contemplate your own situation. Caius is more than a thousand years old and although he is the same than when he started his alliance with us he has become bored with his life. I think he will begin to live with you at his side and I believe that will help strengthen our allegiance just as my mate did in her time."

All of a sudden I saw his eyes look behind me and as he stared I felt my neck hairs rise as I turned around.

Caius was standing in the doorway and looked over to Marcus saying "Marcus would you please allow me to speak to Isabella, I wish to tell her about tomorrow. Not to worry, I will not begin the proceedings tomorrow without you"

Edward's POV

I walked back into the room where Riley was being held and took my place on the chair. "Well do you have any information you might be willing to share with us? Or more questions perhaps?"

He looked up at me and said "Yes, I have I question to ask. If I help you is it possible for you to help me and another newborn survive?"

"Who is this other newborn and why is she worth our effort?" I asked

"She's was a young girl of about 16 and I inadvertently turned her" Riley explained. "It has been difficult for her to survive in the group because the killer instincts aren't that well developed. She kind of reminds me of my little sister. As for the others; they are beyond the point of no return".

"Ok, she sounds like she might be worth it but we can't allow either of you to stay in Forks until your bloodlust for humans is gone." I told him

I realized of course that the Quileute tribe wouldn't agree with this but I also knew that my father would help move them to Alaska as soon as possible to give them a chance. I didn't know how Riley would like the idea so, like Victoria; I only told them half the truth.

"Now we need some information from you". I said "Where are Victoria and her group hiding out?"

"There are two group and both move around in the area of Seattle. When Victoria visits me she never stays long because she says you have a seer and she wishes to stay off her radar. I will help you find and destroy the groups after that we will find and destroy her".

"That's just our problem!" I said. "She can't be found!"

Riley then slyly smiled at me and said "I can help because although I have played by her rules I haven't been all that forthcoming towards her either. You see I have a canny sense for tracking I used to hunt with my father as a child and this ability seemed to intensify when I was changed. I tried it out once, without her knowledge, and found her in this little cabin on the outskirts of Seattle. Even if she is not there anymore her scent will be".

I then asked "Why should we trust you?"

He was still smiling as he said "You can't find her within a week, not without my help and I don't want to be terminated. My life was just fine before Victoria came and fucked it up royally. Now it's payback time! I just want to make sure Bree and I survive".

"OK" I said as I stood up and walked towards the door. I then turned before I left and said "I'll be back in a minute, I wish to discuss this with my friends".

As soon as I stepped outside and closed the door I walked towards Alice and whispered "Is he telling the truth?" and she just nodded yes.