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.

I would like to take a chance to thank all my readers. I am also very grateful for the reviews I have gotten. If you have any constructive criticism or comments over my writing style (the story itself will always be my creation) please feel free to add them.

Chapter 22 – Old sweethearts and new friends _

Edward's POV

Jasper had just left my room and I was grateful with the news he had just given me. As I lay back on my bed thinking of Bella, my mind wandered back to the first time we met. How she had mesmerized me from the first moment I saw her. Here was a human whose blood sang to me and as soon as I felt the pull I tried to read her mind; to my astonishment it was a blank. I always thought that knowing what someone was thinking was a curse but not knowing what she was thinking frustrated me to no end. When I asked her to tell me more about herself I realized that she was not superficial but shy, and her mind was open as was her heart. She became an addiction; the more I got to know her the more I wanted to know her. In getting so close to her I had unwillingly marked her as a target for the supernatural. If I could do it over again I would have walked away…. No, who am I kidding; it was impossible for me to walk away from her. No, knowing what I now know I should have made her one of us as soon as possible or at least promised to do so. Then I would have never gone to the Volturi and none of this would have happened.

While I lay there I heard a knock on the door. "May I come in" a woman's voice asked. I went to the door, not knowing what to expect and when I opened it my eyes feel on Athenodora. I was suspicious but automatically stepped aside to let her in.

She walked in and I shut the door then I heard her voice in my mind saying 'I know that you have no love for the Volturi' she stated in an indifferent tone as she moved to the couch to sit 'and the fact that Isabella was taken away from you has embittered your heart. I understand all of these things and I cannot help you to get her back.'

She then motioned me to sit beside her. I had no idea what I should say 'glad you are so understanding?' no, I think not! So I just looked at her hoping she would explain herself.

She continued her mental connection 'You see I have met Isabella and find her fascinating. Many would think that I hold a grudge to her as she has replaced me at the side of Caius but when I saw her in the throne room I realized she was an extraordinary human whose loyalty and love earned her many friends. I wish to be one of them in the future and as all of us here at the Volturi, she will be in need of a friend.'

I was blown out of my mind by what she had told me.

'I know of your gift; are you satisfied with my honesty?' she inquired.

I slowly nodded but the confusion must have shown on my face as she said 'Do not be puzzled, I have asked Caius to call you and your sister to Isabella's side because I see that Isabella is having a hard time accepting her destiny. She will have to learn the possibilities of her powers and I think that she will prefer to experiment with her loyal friends instead of with strangers'.

She then stood up her mind saying 'I must go now and tell Caius of your arrival and will soon be back to summon you. It is of utmost importance that you keep this conversation between us. Can you do this?' her mind asked

"If Aro doesn't read my mind I will" I whispered.

'You don't have to worry about Aro. You, Alice and Mr. Whitlock will be staying in Caius's wing as his guests.' She then looked stood up and silently walked towards the door.

Once she had left the room I allowed myself to relax and digest the words she had just projected to my mind understanding through her silence, that this was a dangerous game she was playing. I also hoped I wasn't getting sucked into some sort of treasonous plot set up by her and Caius.

Bella's POV

Here I was, back in my room. My body had yet again given into the sexual desires that came after the feeding and the bastard knew that this would happen. I could no longer deny that my body needed it but after the frenzy had left my body, my mind calmed down and my conscience took over. Shit now I know why most vampires don't have a conscience. Killing the men last night was an automatic reflex but now, I thought of those they might have left behind.

I kept my eyes closed pretending I was asleep and not feeling him move bedside me I allowed myself to think of the conversation we had last night. What the hell is he up to! Why would he ask for Alice and Edward; I know he despises them! If he dares lay a hand on either of them I know I cannot trust him to keep his word and I will keep my promise of making his eternal life and eternal hell.

I slowly inched my way out of the bed but was instantly caught by his arms as he pulled me against his body. "You were delightful yesterday, I thought that your needs would never be satiated." he purred.

"That wasn't me and you know it!" I huffed "The feeding seems to intensify my need for sex. If you weren't in the room while I was feeding…"

"Your body would do anything to release the urge. Do you know that, being my mate, you cannot go to others? Only I can give you relief and without me you would go mad with want" he whispered in my ear.

I could feel my body's reaction to his words and tried to snuff it out. We had been at it for hours; the fire must have burned itself out by now!

All of a sudden I heard a knock on the door and pulled the sheets over my body.

Caius chuckled and said "Come in"

Athenodora walked in and looked at us saying "Caius your guests have arrived"

"Please bring them to my library and ask them to wait there". He replied

With this message she left and again I tried to get him to release me and he reluctantly let me go saying "Such a shame our discussion has been interrupted, but we will continue it at a later date."