Chapter Sixty Four

Peter

It was dark when we drove up to the town walls and I found a good concealed place to stash the car.

"I'll be here for the next three days. If I don't see you by then I'm coming in."

"No, you go home to Charlotte. She deserves better of you Peter. You've done more than a friend and I don't want your death on my conscience too, its full enough as it is. If I can find Bella and get her out it will be within three days. If not go home and say a prayer for a soul in hell."

"Don't think like that. You'll get her out."

"Maybe, I'll do my best"

I watched as he disappeared through one of the gates and was lost in the gloom. I wanted to be at his side but I knew he had to do this alone. If he couldn't get Bella or was too late then I'd never see him again in any case and I sent him my blessing before going away from Volterra to hunt. I wanted to be at Max strength in case I could help us get away.

Jasper

There was no point in attempting a covert entry, the Volturi knew I was coming and would be watching for me. I was too angry and too tired of playing games to do anything but walk in through the main entrance and announce myself. The girl behind the desk looked at me appraisingly before telling me to go through

"You are expected Major"

I ignored her and went through the heavy oak doors into the first of the endless corridors of this rabbit warren. As I walked I felt a warmth in my chest and I knew Bella was here and alive. I speeded up slightly as I saw the lift doors slide open. Standing just inside were two figures, Jane and Felix, I'd met her before but knew him only by reputation. He was big and he looked intelligent and I had to smile inwardly when I saw him sizing me up too.

"Major, so nice to see you again. Aro has been waiting for you"

Jane's voice was the same, high and almost childlike. I nodded, talking was just a waste of energy and besides I had nothing I wanted to say to her.

We eventually reached the huge audience chamber where the three brothers waited to greet me. Aro came forward and held his hand out to me

"Major, its been too long. We heard you might be visiting."

I looked at the other two before locking gazes with him again.

"You know why I'm here Aro so lets not play games. I want Bella."

I saw the other two exchange a glance. They were waiting for something,

"I see. You have a prior claim? After all she is a human who knows of our world and that breaks our most sacred law."

So he was waiting for me to incriminate myself!

"Bella is my mate and I claim her as such."

"Perhaps you'd like yo explain how she came to know of our world"

"Ask her."

"Oh I have but she seems a little coy"

"I hope she's well"

"Oh yes. We have shown her every courtesy I assure you. I am however surprised at you Major. Taking a human girl for a mate. I take it she knows about you and has accepted you as her mate?"

"She has. We had our wedding planned"

Aro laughed before pulling his face straight again,

"How very human, a wedding."

"She is human for now and I was happy to do as she wanted"

"Human for now?" this was from Caius.

"Yes. We plan on her being changed soon after."

He looked at Marcus and I saw an exchange of messages

"So Bella is claimed by you and will become a vampire living on with you?"

I nodded

Aro

Damn he had done just what Caius wanted and the one thing that meant Felix wouldn't fight him.

"I understand Major that your mate has a gift."

Not one I am aware of"

I tried to look surprised,

"Really? I know from personal experience that she can block her thoughts."

"I have no knowledge of that. I can still feel her emotions. I know she's here and alive and very frightened. I'd like to see her"

I nodded to Jane who went to fetch Bella here. It looked as if her gift might be a very narrow one which wouldn't serve me in any case and who would fight him now he'd claimed Bella as his mate unless she repudiated that claim. He stood quite relaxed but vigilant as we waited and I couldn't help admiring him for it. Not many vampires in this situation would be so cool and calm.

Bella

When Jane came for me I thought it was time for me to die. Jasper wasn't going to be in time to save me but I couldn't blame him. If he wasn't here it was because something had prevented him not because he had forsaken me, I would never believe that. We walked down the corridors in silence, I knew Jane was waiting for me to question her but I wasn't going to give the bitch that satisfaction. Outside the audience chamber she halted and turned to me.

"Wait"

I stood as she went through the doors leaving me with one of the guards who stood outside the chamber.

Jasper

I knew she was close, I could feel her, feel her fear but also her determination. She thought she was about to die but she wasn't going to it as a weak coward and I loved her the more for it. Jane walked over to Aro and said something so low even I couldn't hear it.

"Well Major it seems your mate isn't sure she wants to see you"

I laughed at that

"Nice try Aro. Let one of the others open the door and tell her I'm here. She'll come,"

He looked at his two brothers and then nodded to Jane who went back and opened the door.

Bella

I saw Jane's face as she opened the door, she was livid as she beckoned me in. I stepped through the doors not sure what to expect. There were a few more people here than before but I had eyes only for Aro who seemed to be looking at someone who was hidden by Felix bulk. Something had changed the dynamics in the room since I was here last though. It seemed Aro who was ill at ease now. I saw him gesture to Jane who moved forward and looked at whoever was hidden. There was a terrible scream of agony and I saw Aro and the others watching for my reaction. Suddenly I knew who was making those agonized cries and I ran forward. Kneeling on the ground curled in a ball and screaming in pain was my Jasper and rage built in me. I went over to him and put my arms protectively around his tensed shoulders, screaming,

STOP.