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.

Chapter 18 – Old enemies and Old lovers

Edward's POV

When I left the others the evening had just begun. I had already visited the local bars of about ten small villages in the area and that had cost me almost four hours; at this rate it would take a couple of days before I found her and I didn't have the luxury of time on my side. Riley had pointed me in this direction but maybe he was wrong or maybe I had taken a wrong turn somewhere.

My mind was constantly focused on her wavelength which was very tiring but it still didn't help. I was at my wits end when I finally felt something tug on my brain. I followed the direction and came close to one of those truckers stops. I was carefully scanning the place with my mind and when I read the admiration that some of the human minds had for a certain redhead I knew she was there. I watched with the eyes of one of the men and saw Victoria in all her glory. She was sitting across the human and using all her charms to seduce him. As I watched her I probed his mind for a description of his truck knowing that she would probably make the kill there.

I hid behind a set of trees close to the truck and making sure I was up wind so that she couldn't smell my scent. I knew she would soon be walking out with him and I didn't have to wait long. The door opened and out she came on the arm of the human laughing and snuggling up close to him. I prepared myself for the attack and watched as she turned the corner of the truck and attacked her companion. I then confronted her and she let go of her meal to look at the threat. She hissed and threw the man at me as she ran. I shoved him off me and set out in pursuit leaving the guy staggering from the blood loss.

I had expected her to fight but I guess she wasn't quite up to it and I noticed that she was running in the direction of her shack. In a matter of minutes we passed different parts of the forest and she kept zigzagging back and forth sometimes swinging from tree to tree as a means of transport, all in an effort to shake me. She somehow had forgotten that I could see in her head and I knew where she was heading so although I appeared to follow her I stayed a bit behind. As soon as I knew we were close to the shack I allowed it to appear as if I had lost her; knowing that if I didn't, she would only run further.

I reached out in my mind and heard her. It wasn't difficult as she was angry as hell wondering how I had found her so fast. I chuckled in myself and decided it was time to face this demon and as I got closer to the shack l saw the movements in the bushes. My family came out of hiding and looked on as I shouted "Victoria come out, it is time to face your maker".

She came out laughing and said "so, so look what crawled out of the woodwork. I heard your mate finally snuffed it but I would have liked to do the honors myself; James would have laughed himself silly by the irony of the situation. What's wrong lover, I hope you don't expect any consolation from me"

"Actually I do, I found out that you went after her in my absence and that pisses me off so it would be a great consolation for me to destroy you." I replied.

I heard her mind debating if she should run when she smelt rather than saw my companions. Now she was terrified as she watched my group circling her, leaving no room for escape. She shouted "Why don't we have it out then just the two of us or are you afraid?"

I laughed and answered "I would love to oblige but I have a problem; no, actually you have a problem. The Volturi are sending someone to destroy you and although I am glad with their decision I don't want them to come close to our home in Forks. There are certain people I don't want harmed so this time I will have to swallow my pride. Even though I would like to have a one on one I know you are as slippery as an eel and I can't afford you to escape. You see, I wish to present your head to the Volturi as proof of your demise".

It was then that we all closed in on her and although she fought fiercely; the being Victoria was destroyed. We then burned the remains and I held her head in my hand, my fingers twisted in her hair. As soon as we got to the car I would be able to put it in a sack I had brought with us.

Bella's POV

Here I am, back in the room I loathed and beside the person I fiercely hated. He had his arm around me and I felt disgusted by the fact that I hadn't been strong enough to fight the sexual desires that came after the feeding. Now I would never have peace as both he and I were always awake and he was intent on wearing the mattress out. I decided to leave the bed and he tried to pull me back but I was strong enough now to avoid him.

"I wish to dress" I said as I stood up and although he tried to bully me back into bed I just pushed him away. Now that I had my strength I would use it as much as possible. He was angry but I just said "I have agreed to be your mate but you will never be my master. Oh yes, I know your threats and that is what keeps me here but you can't make me love you and if you touch anyone I love I promise you I will make your eternal life a hell." With that little message I pulled on my last garment and left for the library.

Caius POV

My god last night was miraculous I haven't felt so alive in years. The instincts after feeding had given me a taste of her sexual desires but I want more and am determined to have more. She is a fire that burns my soul, her body is exquisite and our lovemaking is better than any battle I have ever fought. She is right however, it is not only her body I want but also the soul of my Isabella and she will never bend. If I were to kill her loved ones it would only alienate us further; I have to think of something! Realizing that staying (alone) in my bed wouldn't help me I decided to do something constructive.

I went to Athenodora; after all Bella had been awake two days now and it was time I kept my promise my former wife. She had always been my other half and had my interests at heart just as I hers. She might even have a suggestion to my problem.

When I walked into the room Athenodora instantly caught my eye as she walked towards me. I bowed and then swept her in my arms as her laughter filled the room I began to laugh with her.

I soon took her away with me and as we walked down the stairs and toward the west wing of the palace she was watching me "Dear Caius you are so cheerful, I haven't seen you like this in centuries. Would that have something to do with your new mate?" As we turned into my office I said "does it show that much?"

She laughed and said "You look like a love sick puppy." and then on a more serious note she began "Your brothers haven't seen you this way, have they?"

"No, and I wish it to stay that way" I said thoroughly horrified at the idea.

"Don't worry I can read you like a book but Aro is too busy building his empire and Marcus is full of grief to see anything at all".

"You would be surprised about Marcus, he already asked me why I didn't admit that I cared for her and at that time I didn't realize I did. He can see deeper that you think. It must be his gift"

"I think it is his memories of the time he was in love" she sighed. "Poor Marcus since Didyme died he has been but a shell of his former self".

"But," I said sitting on the love seat beside her "now down to business. I have a room made up for you and your clothes and personal belongings have been put in it. It is opposite her room because I wish to protect you both from harm and what better way to do it than have you living close to each other. If you wish to have other quarters I will understand"

"Why ever should I?" Athenodora asked

"You know how I am in bed Athenodora; sometimes things get out of hand" I answered

She laughed her adorable laugh and said "Don't worry my love, I like to be around lively company which reminds me; now that we are no longer married do I have your permission to entertain on my own"

"Of course my love; but only if you have them checked out with my security. You know I not only wish for your happiness! Now what would you like to do first, see your rooms or my mate?"

"I have been closed off with my belongings for longer than I can remember. I would love to meet your mate." Athenodora said