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 24 – Powerful Secrets _

Edward's POV

As soon as Caius left we all relaxed and the atmosphere in the room, although still a little tense, became unguarded and friendly. Bella's facial features became more alive, her voice charismatic and her whole demeanor had changed while we discussed the life in Forks since she had been gone. Jasper was constantly amazed at her self-control as all newborns had a tendency to be uncontainable and unsociable.

After a while she had asked about her family and I realized how difficult this question was for her. We told her about her funeral and the story Carlisle had told everyone about her untimely death. When she heard about the pain it had caused her parents she was sad and Alice put her arm around her trying to comfort her. She then told her about the friendship slowly blooming between Charlie and Sue Clearwater and this helped to curb her sorrow.

We told her about the way we had taken Victoria down and Jasper showed her head to Bella so that she could identify it with Athenodora as witness. We then told her of the Quileute tribe and how glad they were when they heard that our family would be moving back to Alaska. She was surprised and asked why we were leaving and we told her that Carlisle and Esme had taken Riley and Bree under their wings so that they could learn how to be a vegetarian. At this she lowered her eyes and said "I always hoped that I would learn it from you. As you see I feed on humans; the Volturi do not feed on animal blood and Caius is especially against it."

"Isabella" Athenodora said looking at us in anger "Feeding on animals is an abomination, always remember that. I will never tolerate you to think otherwise. What the Cullens do is their business but you are a mate to the king and therefore you must do as the Volturi! ".

We looked at her, surprised by her harsh words but I understood that she was right to defend Bella as being mate to Caius she would always have to follow the Volturi way of life.

After a moment of silence Athenodora broadcasted her thoughts to me and I could hear her say 'do not ever talk of this near any member of the Volturi because you will incite the wrath of Caius. Isabella, being his mate will probably pay a dear price if she is encouraged to feed on animals. Speak later of this with the others when you are in the privacy of your rooms'.

I discreetly nodded my head towards her and went further to talk about the Quileute tribe.

Bella then asked how Jacob had taken the news of her death and I told her; omitting the fact that he had just found out that there was more to the story than Carlisle had said.

While we were talking I would sometimes scan the thoughts of Athenodora just to see how she was evaluating the information she heard. She was fascinated and enjoyed the fact that she was amongst us, listening to the stories of the living and the New World. I felt that she was protective of Bella and wished to be part of her life as she herself was very lonely and looking for a friend.

After a while Athenodora said that it was time to end our discussion as Caius would soon be back to pick Bella up.

Shortly after that Bella and Athenodora brought us to our rooms and we said goodnight.

Athenodora's POV

After we brought the Cullens to their room I went to the library and motioned Isabella to follow me. I then went to sit on the sofa patting the cushion beside me. As I did so I saw the perplexed glance that Isabella gave me as she sat down.

"Dear Isabella, I have come to this room to talk to you in private" I whispered so that no one could hear.

"I realize how attached you are to the Cullens and I think it would be in everyone's interest if you were to develop your gift with their help"

I noticed her surprise and confusion and explained further "You will have to try your powers out with someone and if we wait too long Aro will request you learn under his training. This will not only mean that you will be working with Jane and Alec but also that Aro will be constantly aware of your progress".

Still seeing her confusion I went further to say "We do not know how much power you wield but if it is of great significance Aro will try to get you in the special guard. I know that Caius is not always kind but believe me you will not wish to serve Aro. If you become part of the selected guard you will always be requested to help Aro pass sentence on vampires who do not follow our laws. He may even use you one day to destroy the Cullen clan".

"But why?" she asked and I saw horror fill her eyes.

To understand Aro you must know him" I explained "I have known him for centuries and he collects vampires with extra ordinary talents to strengthen the Volturi's power. There seems to be a pattern to his way of collecting these vampires. At first he will ask them to join but if they refuse he will destroy the coven they are with so that they eventually have no choice but to join. I have often seen this happen and at the moment he has his eyes on Alice and Edward. Aro is not yet aware of Mr. Whitlock's powers otherwise he would also be on Aro's list".

"The only reason I can tell you this is because your mind is closed to others so that you are not susceptible to Aro's power. I wish you to keep this to yourself because it will be seen as traitorous to speak of Aro in such a way. Can I count on your discretion?" I asked as my eyes pierced hers.

"Of course and thank you for your explanation" she said as she smiled at me.

"Do you agree with me?" I asked and she quietly nodded and then continued "I cannot tell Caius of this because his thoughts might be read and then he could be accused of treason so I wish to keep this knowledge between the two of us. Do you understand" I inquired.

She nodded and smiled shyly.

"Will you work with me?" I asked.

Again she nodded her mind digesting all this information and then I saw a question form in her mind.

"Do the Cullens know of this?"

"No, and I will not tell them any specifics as it will only put them in danger. I have however requested their assistance as your friends, to help you develop your powers. I do not wish Caius to know, not yet, because then I would have to explain myself and as I said I do not want to put him in danger. The fewer that know of my plan the better it is for them."

"I understand and thank you for not allowing them to be exposed to Aro" she said as she held out her hand.

"Before you ask yourself why I am doing this I will tell you" I said as I took her hand in mine. "In the lap of power there are many dangers. I have been part of it for centuries but have been locked up in the tower for most of them. Now that I am free I wish to secure Caius's position so that I can remain that way." I hesitated a moment to let this sink in and then added "To help you stay free of the security guard is only one of the ways. It will not only help Caius but also you … and eventually the Cullens"

Caius's POV

I decided to take Athenodora's advise but wasn't happy with the situation. She had promised me that she would not allow Isabella to be influenced by the rebellious Cullens and knowing her loyalty I allowed her to take my place.

I hadn't done much administration the last few weeks so I decided to catch up, not realizing how much it had amassed. At first I found it difficult to get through the mound but after a while I was able to concentrate and toiled through the vast pile of work.

While I was reading I heard a knock on the door and when I said "Enter" both Athenodora and Isabella came in to greet me. Athenodora put her arms around me and said that the meeting had been highly entertaining but Isabella was quiet watching the two of us. I then looked at Isabella and asked "Did you not find it entertaining Isabella?"

"Yes, and I wish to thank you for allowing me to see them." She said as she gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek.

I was taken aback by her actions knowing this was quite a step for her but quickly and carefully said "I am glad you had such a good time".

Athenodora then took a seat gesturing Isabella to sit across from her on the couch. Soon they were discussing Isabella's French and Italian lessons and how they would approach them while I completed the task at hand.

I then joined them and sat close to Isabella but instead of pulling away she stayed where she was. This was very interesting! Athenodora's diplomatic way of dealing with Isabella seemed to be working.

I then joined the conversation looking at Isabella and said "I long to help her with her cultural education; she seems to have and eye for art so it is very important to develop that further. I also wish to see if she is susceptible to music as that is also a passion of mine. It would be stimulating for me to have a new pupil" I explained as I took her hand in mine.

"Then it is settled; all we have to do is make a timetable for these diverse activities" Athenodora said and then added "May I speak with you for a minute Caius?"

Turning to Isabella she asked "Would you mind my love?"

Isabella said "Not at all Athenodora"

It seemed that Isabella and Athenodora had come to an understanding, this is the first time I had seen her so compliant without being pressured to do so. I was fascinated! How had she been able to do this?

"Can this not wait until later?" I asked unhappily as I wished to take Isabella to my bed.

Athenodora looked at me and replied "I assure you it will not take long" and I looked at her with a sarcastic smile saying "I have heard that expression earlier today and it led to quite a long absence"

I then looked at Isabella and sighed asking "Isabella would you please go to your room? I will come along shortly"

Once Isabella had left the room I said "Please be quick Athenodora; I wish to retire"

She then asked me "I request you will allow the Cullens to stay longer"

I was angry just thinking of her associating with them "No" I shouted "I will not have Isabella consort with them on a daily basis"

"Listen Caius" she said as she leaned her back against the back of her chair "You see her conduct has only improved now that the Cullens are here. Their presence will only help her to accept her situation. Sending them away is something she will not willingly accept at the moment and it will only work against you. Allowing her to keep her friends around will be your leverage over her"

I was quietly thinking over what Athenodora had said and it did have a ring of truth to it.

I looked at her and with reluctance as I walked towards the door I said "I will allow it but if anything happens I will not only take it out on Isabella but also on you so for your sake as well as hers I advise you to keep an eye on the Cullens and their interaction with Isabella".

I then left the room on the way to Isabella. I had ordered her meal and went to join her.