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 23 – A piece of home

Alice's POV

The room we were staying in was luxurious and we had everything anyone could possibly need. This was the last thing we had expected and I decided to call Carlisle so that he and Esme wouldn't worry.

I dialed the number and after a few rings it was picked up "With Carlisle Cullen"

"Hi Carlisle, with Alice. I just called to say that we arrived safely at the Volturi's castle and have been given a suite in the west wing as guests of Caius".

I could half hear a sigh of relief on the other end of the line "Thanks for calling Alice, we have been worried sick. How is Caius?"

"We haven't seen him yet; Athenodora was waiting for us" I said not daring to tell him more about our encounter with her on the phone.

"Athenodora?" he asked warily

Realizing this would only raise more questions I quickly answered "Yes she showed us to our rooms and will soon be coming back to bring us to Bella" I didn't dare tell him about Athenodora's kindness or her warning but then decided to fill him in with SMS messages so that they would be untraceable.

I added "Remember the time we had to protect Bella from James and we were constantly on the phone, calling one another to keep each other in the loop?" I hoped he would remember the constant SMS's we had sent to one another and get the hint.

"Oh yes I remember" he answered after a moment of silence.

"Well considering the situation I knew you would appreciate an update". As I was speaking Jasper looked at me and I motioned him to my handbag. He shuffled through it, found the phone and sent them a SMS to him fill them in on what I dared not say through the phone.

"So you haven't seen Bella yet?"

"No, not yet Athenodora said she was 'incapacitated' she didn't explain why, only that she would be back to pick us up when Bella was ready".

Bella's POV

I was about to see Alice and Edward! Dashing out of bed I tried to keep a level face as I ran to the bathroom. I turned on the taps and took a shower scrubbing thoroughly to get rid of any scent, as I vowed not to smell of Caius when I saw them. Standing in the shower I realized that I could finally let my emotions slide and my smile grew; it is unnecessary to explain why my shower took so long. Once I had finished I went back in my bedroom at a slower pace and with my mask of indifference. I opened my closet, looking for a decent pair of jeans and a blouse. Feeling Caius's eyes burn in my back I quickly got dressed.

"The shower is free Caius" I suggested as I turned to look at him trying to judge his mood.

"Why are you so hasty, I think we should let them wait a little longer" he sneered as his eyes traveled over me.

"You can't mean that, that would be very discourteous!" I answered as he came closer to me. I could feel his misgiving and thought he had changed his mind about allowing me to see them.

I turned towards him and quietly said "Please Caius, let me to see them."

He sighed and nodded his head as he began to dress; so much for my hint of him taking a shower. I dared not explicitly ask him for fear of repercussions so I just decided I had to let this slide, as embarrassing as it was.

When we had both dressed and heading towards the door, Caius came over to me and grabbed my hand holding it tight as if he wished to prevent me from going.

I looked at him, my eyes questioning his gesture and he said "Remember you are my mate and must conduct yourself accordingly" and we left for the library.

Edward's POV

Alice, Jasper and I were brought to Caius's library and I could smell the lingering scent of Bella. Knowing her, this would be a perfect place to hide away from the cruelty surrounding her. We were told to make ourselves comfortable and that Athenodora would call Bella and Caius. It seemed like an hour ago that she had brought us here but I am almost sure it was only ten minutes ago.

The door slowly opened and I was totally enthralled. She had always been attractive but as vampire she had a bewitching beauty and her moves were graceful; it was still my Bella but her body had been enhanced by the transformation. Her facial features had become even more elegant and exotic, with crimson colored eyes she looked at us. I stood stunned and could only stare. Then I realized that she was very tense and seeing the possessive arm of Caius around her I realized she was too petrified to show any emotion.

Caius looked at her face trying to see behind her mask but not succeeding. And everyone was quiet no one daring to break the silence until Caius spoke.

"Isabella, your friends have come from across the world to see you. Will you not welcome them?" She looked at us and a small smile formed on her lips.

"I am sorry if I seem ungracious but I am very grateful that you have come" she said and my heart broke at seeing her dance to the pipes of Caius.

Slowly Alice smiled and went to hug Bella. Thankfully Caius moved away from Bella but not before I read the shock in Alice's mind when she smelled Bella all over Caius. Knowing his message had been given to Alice; he let Bella go so she could hug her.

Bella had her back towards Caius as she hugged Alice and Jasper allowing me to see a small piece of our carefree Bella in her facial expression.

When they were finished she turned to me and I felt Jasper use his gift to take away the tension in the room.

She walked towards me and put her arms around my neck as she kissed my cheek as she whispered "I am glad you could come". I saw and felt the jealousy that radiated from Caius.

She then pulled away and went back to Caius as he held out his hand and led her back to the couch.

We were all quiet waiting for him to speak. "I heard from Carlisle that you have taken care of the troublemaker Victoria, is that right?"

"Yes" I said "and we have brought the proof with us as you asked"

Bella looked puzzled so Caius explained "They have kept her head as proof. I have never seen the woman but you have, so maybe you can tell me if this is indeed the culprit that threatened you and your loved ones"

Her voice and countenance didn't change as she said "I am very grateful that you have taken care of my enemy and I will look over the evidence as soon as possible".

I wished that Caius would leave us alone with Bella as I realized she would be his puppet if he were to stick around and while thinking this there was a knock on the door.

Caius said "Enter" and in came Athenodora. I scanned her mind and realized that she was anxious to get Caius to leave us alone with Bella, knowing that it would be better for all involved. I then took a glimpse into Caius mind. He was angry with the interruption and was wary of our influence on Bella.

"Dear Caius" she said "May I have a word with you?"

"Please Athenodora, you must see we are entertaining our guests" he said just barely containing his irritation.

"I don't expect it to take very long" she explained.

"Oh very well, will you please excuse me my dear?" He said to Bella.

She just nodded to him and looked at him as if she would not survive without him as he left the room followed by Athenodora."

I didn't have to read her mind to feel her tension leave her body. Then she smiled her Bella smile shy and wonderful only now that she had been transformed it was even more breathtaking.

She swiftly mouthed her words to us "Thank you! I missed you all so very much" I realized she didn't dare speak or move for fear that Caius would soon return and she was right. She had just wiped the smile from her face when he came back.

"I'm sorry my dear" he said to Bella "But something important has been brought to my attention. I do not wish to spoil your day so I will leave you with your friends and of course Athenodora. He then looked at me sternly as if to warn me not to anything I would regret and then left the room. I could however read his mind just before he left and realized that Athenodora had asked him to leave Bella in her care so that she would be able to relax. I now realized that Athenodora had been telling the truth when she said she wished to befriend Bella.

Bella's POV

Athenodora had taken Caius place beside me as the room fell silent.

All of a sudden Edward spoke. "How are you doing Bella?" and while I kept my head facing their direction my eyes rolled towards Athenodora warning them not to let their guard down.

"Dear Isabella" Athenodora said "I know you are wary of me but I am here in your best interest as I have already informed Edward. He can read my mind and knows what I am thinking so that is why he has opened the conversation."

I looked at Athenodora my mind reeling at the possibility and my smile grew. "You mean I can speak freely?" I asked her.

"Yes my dear" she said, her smile supporting her words.

I then looked at Edward and he smiled his beautiful smile and nodding his head he confirmed what Athenodora had just said.

I jumped up and genuinely hugged my friends saying "I am so happy to see you. How is everyone in Forks?"

As we spoke the time flew by. It was so nice to have a piece of home so close.