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.

This is a long chapter and for the squeamish readers - be warned this chapter hasseriouslemons and violence; I don't condone violence but hey; we are in the company of vampires.

Chapter 28 – Reconciliation and Retaliation

Bella's POV

My hart had to be made of stone not to be moved by his story but I didn't know what to say. I slowly moved my hand to caress his and as if bitten by a snake, he pulled his hand away sneering "I have no need for your pity!"

I looked into his eyes and countered "And I would never offer it. I do however feel compassion for the boy and young man that never knew kindness. He went through a hell that people of this century have no idea existed. I now understand why you are so angry and vicious"

I then took his hand back in mine and asked "what do you want to know?"

He looked at me trying to analyze my expression, to see if I was lying and after a moment came to sit beside me saying "I want to know more about your mortal life".

"My life, before I met the Cullens was not really that interesting. I was very shy and clumsy"

"I pray to differ" he said as he wrapped his arm around me "something must have attracted Edward Cullen to you; he tried his best to get you back"

"Yes, my blood" I laughed and he looked confused so I explained "He said it was like his own personal opium. After that, when he realized he couldn't read my mind, he was fascinated and wanted to get to know me the traditional way."

"Where did you meet?" Caius asked as he pulled me towards him nuzzling my neck.

"At school, the Cullens often go to human schools although they never mingle. I ended up next to Edward in my biology class. Our seats were close to one another and I noticed that he moved away and couldn't stand my smell. At first I felt so embarrassed and was really angry; a lot later he explained his attraction to my blood and before we knew it we started talking." I smiled while speaking.

"You are fiercely loyal to them and your friends and parents. But I don't know why?" he said as if it was so alien to his way of thinking. He pulled his face away from me to witness my expression.

"With your background I can understand your bewilderment although I know you are loyal to Athenodora." I uttered as I looked at him and then went on to explain the reasons for my dedication "I'm faithful to them because they were all very kind to me. My parents were divorced but they always were concerned about me, they did their best to give me a good childhood. When I first met the Cullens they were wary but soon I became like a third daughter for them. They took care of me when James came after me".

"But not when Victoria attacked" he countered.

"They didn't know, the signals of the shape-shifters interfered with their powers" I said looking into his eyes and trying to get him to understand "I think they feel very guilty about my problems with Victoria otherwise they wouldn't have gone after her; they knew of my concern for my parents and the Quileute tribe".

"Yet another group of people you are loyal to" he said his curious expression asking me for answers.

"But they are also worth my loyalty as they have been loyal to me. Without them I wouldn't have survived her either. Jacob helped me through a really bad time".

"Why did Edward leave you in the first place?" Caius asked.

"He wanted to give me a chance to live a human life but the consequences almost killed us both" I sighed.

"Actually my dear, it did kill you" he chuckled.

"It's true I never expected I would be living with the Volturi; otherwise I would have been more careful" I responded.

"Is it so bad, being my mate?" he asked as I saw him fight his frustration.

"Up until now, YES!...definitely" I then hesitated as I looked at him and my mind went further "But maybe both of us can learn. I don't want my life to be an infinite miserable conflict. Actually I don't even like to fight but I won't and can't let you walk all over me; I have my pride too".

"I love your face when you get infuriated; you are like a woman warrior of old. Your eyes blaze and your hair flies".

"Thank you…. I think." I then looked into his eyes and carefully asked "Why did you take me as your mate against my will? You must have known it would not make you endearing to me".

"Nothing would have made me endearing to you. You had your mind set on the Cullen boy!"

He then went on to say "Aro and Marcus practically left me no choice and after you first blood transfer I saw possibilities".

I looked him in the eyes full of confusion as I said "You and I are as different as the moon and the sun. All my mortal life I was surrounded by love and loyalty while you were surrounded by anger and violence. You are attracted to the Volturi and the power your court wields; whereas I am repelled by it"

"Maybe that is why we were destined to be mates" He said as he caressed my cheek "we complement each other and by joining forces we can both be complete".

"I don't know if I can survive the Volturi. Aro is fascinated by my 'gift' and I am terrified by the idea of him forcing me in his special guard". I said as I felt a shiver course up my spine.

"I will teach you how to survive the Volturi and I will protect you; not one will touch what is mine".

"I will always be vulnerable; I cannot be vicious only when I am cornered" I explained

"Do not worry, soon you will comprehend your gift and master it; Then we can share our lives in mutual protection. No one will dare touch us or our bond" he vowed as he leaned over to kiss me.

Edward's POV

I watched Bella being taken away by Caius and had the idea that she wasn't all that happy. I had no influence in this situation and under the circumstances was helpless to interfere; all I could do was watch.

Once they were gone I walked into the library and saw that not only Jasper and Alice was there but also Athenodora. "What's going on?" I asked as I walked towards her "I just saw Caius taking Bella by the arm and leading her away from here.

You need not worry about Isabella Athenodora said "I promise she is in good hands. Although Caius would never admit it, he's very attracted to her. He will not harm your friend".

When I heard this and listened to her thoughts my heart broke and it must have shown as she touched my arm giving me a light kiss on my cheek. My mind registered the reaction of shock from Alice but when I gazed at her she must have seen my misery and her eyes filled with compassion.

"Now that we are all here I wish to tell you about my discussion with Caius" Athenodora spoke as she motioned us towards the sitting area.

After a moment's silence she explained "Yesterday he saw you all talking together and unhappily came to the wrong conclusion; he thought that you were working on a conspiracy. I listened in on her thoughts and found out that Bella had paid for his mistake so I automatically became angry as I clenched my fist. Again Athenodora looked at me and mentally told me 'she is his not yours; you knew that and cannot allow your judgment be warped by this incident. She is safe now so let it go!' after she had given me her message she looked towards Alice and Edward.

"When he confronted me with his thoughts I told him what we were actually doing". We all protested but she raised her hands saying "Actually it will help us to continue our training. Do you all agree with me that we have reached a point where we could no longer go further with her training?"

We all shook our heads in agreement but were wary of what she was about to say "Well I asked Caius for assistance and he has said that we will be allowed to go to the Denali clan to ask for their help. Both Eleazar and Katrina can help us develop Bella's powers. Eleazar will be able to sense her gift and the potential of her strength and Katrina will be able to help us to develop them with her psychic electrical shock. Her gift is essential; we have to know if Bella can block the shocks out with her gift and if she can use her talent to protect others"

"We are not even sure the Denali coven will help us!" Alice exclaimed "It was just an idea I had".

"Where is Bella? We will need to take her with us" I said as I looked towards her.

She turned to me stating "At the moment she is with Caius in Greece. He will send the jet back and we can use it to go to Alaska to set everything up. After a couple of days Caius and Isabella will arrive in Alaska and if everything goes well he will allow Isabella to stay with us for a two or three weeks. He himself will go back to the Volturi."

"We can't just force the Denali coven to support us!" Alice said.

"They cannot refuse us!" Athenodora replied

"We cannot impose ourselves on them." Alice said "They are family!"

"Your family; all of your family fall under the Volturi rule"

We looked at one thinking; 'what have we done?'

We were heading towards the Denali coven with the Volturi airplane knowing that it would be a very difficult for them to accept our visit. Our coven (the Olympic) and the Denali coven were very close and we hoped that this visit would not cause friction between the two. Athenodora had actually forced us into this but if we hadn't told Athenodora our theory we wouldn't have brought them into this difficult position.

The trip took quite a while and in that time Alice, Jasper and I discussed what Bella still needed to learn and how we could help her. We also were curious as to what Eleazar would think of Bella's abilities and if he had any extra tips for us; something we may have overlooked.

At times I would look at Athenodora and not only saw her but heard her amazement at the world she was discovering. Once, when she wasn't looking at me I took a peek into her mind to see if she was planning any surprises for us. I was stunned by her thoughts. I heard her accusing Aro of having her locked up and then I heard her say 'how could he kill his own sister?"

Hearing this I must have taken a deep breath or something because she swiftly looked up and silently told me it was none of my business. Just then our aircraft was exposed to turbulence and seeing the astonishment in Athenodora's eyes I explained what was happening. The last hours of our trip were very bumpy and when our plane ultimately landed we were all extremely pleased to feel land under our feet.

While stepping out of the plane we were met by the head of both clans. Athenodora was an old acquaintance of both Carlisle and Eleazar as all been a part of the Volturi clan at one time. In the background I saw the other members of our clans and recognized Riley and Bree behind my family. I also saw a couple of others I had never seen before standing between the two.

We then introduced them all to Athenodora and then followed the large group as they walked towards their villa; it was very secluded and the beauty of the wilderness was breathtaking.

We were all shown to our rooms and when I walked past her room I saw Athenodora, enjoying the scenery as she looked out of her window. I must have made some kind of noise as she turned and motioned me to come in and close the door.

She walked towards me, her eyes black with passion as she slowly unbuttoned my shirt kissing and sucking my nipples. Her hands leisurely moved their way along my sides, pulling my shirt out of my pants. She gradually kissed her way up my neck and towards my mouth and I tangled my fingers in her hair as my mouth ravished hers. She had flipped my switch and the fire began to grow in my loins as she kissed me with abandon. I decided I would seize the opportunity to conquer her and had no intention to be tender. I was frustrated and angry so I picked her up and put her legs around me. I slammed her into the wall and she growled a warning but I was too wound up to register it. I had ripped off her blouse and was enjoying the sight of her bosom in full glory. I encompassed one of her nipples with my mouth and seduced it as I fondled and pinched its twin. My god she was stacked and as I teased her my other hand reached down between her thighs slowly moving up to the thong she was wearing. I hated these things; if it were up to me all underwear would be banned I thought as I ripped it off her body.

I then slowly let her down and snarled, letting her know that I wouldn't allow her to move. I swiftly got rid of my pants and was soon naked in front of her and again entwined my fingers in her hair, forcing her to her knees. She sat in front of my shaft and hesitated which pissed me of so I snarled and said "Open up my dear" as I stroked her lips with my shaft. She growled back and began to lick the top. Again I said "open that pretty mouth of yours" as I used my hand to force her jaw open and pushed forward. I twisted my fingers in her hair and enjoyed the sensation of her mouth as I compelled her to maintain a rugged tempo. I then exploded in her mouth and forced her to take everything I had to offer.

Once I had recovered I threw her on the bed pulled and turned her so that her face was pushed into the matrass. "Now we are going to have some fun, my love" I said as I began to work on her clit and although she seemed to not like giving me the blow job her pussy was more than ready to receive what I had to offer. I pulled her hips up to meet my erection and then pushed her chest down so that she realized that I was forcing her into submission. "Good girl" I cooed as I rubbed her clit and watching her as her hips began to follow my hand. She was moaning and I observed our movements in a large mirror beside the bed. I then grabbed her by the hair and turned her head towards the mirror saying "I want you to watch while I mount you!" She closed her eyes but I pulled her hair and forced her to look as I slowly pushed myself into her entrance. She groaned and her eyes were glazed over as I started to build up my movements. After a while I began to pound into her and she was trying to squirm under me. I held her down and enjoyed the sport as she moaned her pleasure as I kept riding her at a steady pace enjoying the view of us in the mirror. Then I ejaculated and she quickly joined me. Keeping my shaft in her I slumped onto her back and when she tried to turn I ordered her to wait until I had ridden out my high. When I had finished filling her with my seed I allowed her to get up; we were both exhausted and laid on the bed.

"You were angry with Caius and took it out on me" she said as I lay beside her.

I couldn't deny it and looked over to her saying "You wanted me and I wanted you; it's as simple as that".