Chapter 24
The rest of the way to Volterra, Jasper and Bella had a secret silent conversation with each other. Bella had started it. She was focusing on feeling brave to help Jasper. Then Jasper hit her with all of the love and adoration he could muster. Then she focused on her love for Jasper and they comforted each other in that manner all the way to the castle.
Bella had never imagined such a place could exist. The castle was amazing. Ancient, ornate, grand everything looked expensive and beautiful. There the rulers of the vampire world sat under everyone's noses, undetected.
"We are taking you to Aro, my sweet; don't be afraid, he is very excited about your visit." Felix said as he led them down yet another winding passage. "Aro is our beloved leader; you must treat him with respect." Felix was glaring right at Jasper as he cracked his knuckles, his aggressive posture and evil smile made it very clear that he would enjoy sparing with Jasper if given the opportunity.
"Let's get this over with." Jane hissed as she opened the huge heavy doors with just a flick of her wrist.
"AHhhh, my children, you have returned to me, and with guests!" Aro opened his arms and eerily glided across the floor. Bella had never seen such a creature. Aro was surely the strangest most either worldly vampire she had ever met. He would never be able to disguise himself as a human. His skin was almost translucent, and his eyes a milky red. He seemed genuinely interested in meeting Bella and as he neared her he held out his hand. "May I touch you dear? I won't hurt you."
Bella was frightened by Aro, but she held out her hand to him just the same. Then Aro grasped her hand between his two cold ones; almost massaging it, kneading it. He had the strangest expression on his face like he was straining. "How very rare, how very rare indeed." Aro whispered. "Alice was right."
He dropped Bella's hand and turned to Jasper and spoke in a menacing tone. "We have seen what you have been up to and we are not impressed. After all the hospitality that we have extended to you; you had the audacity to break our rules, to put us all in danger. Jasper, you know why we have brought you here.
Jasper's golden eyes met Aro's red ones. "She already knew, I didn't tell her."
Aro hissed in annoyance, he would have to touch Jasper. It was most unpleasant for him to read Jasper's memories. So many of them were from the time he spent buried, full of pain. Aro reached out his hand and grasped Jasper's forearm roughly. After he had seen enough he released Jasper and turned his head slowly and stared at Bella, a toothy grin spread across his face. He looked maniacal. Then his head snapped up, and all of his attention was focused on the door.
The door opened and Alice glided across the floor. She was dressed in haut coutour, all in black. Large black sunglasses covered most of her face. She looked like a goth superstar. She was followed by four hulking male vampires all carrying shopping bags. They were obviously her bodyguards, but they looked more like male models on steroids. All of them were dressed impeccably in Armani suits and dark glasses covered their red eyes.
"Alice!" Aro cooed. Her name was like a prayer on his lips.
Alice and Aro seemed to float towards each other with out walking. They were attracted somehow like magnets. "Amore mio!" Aro gasped as he embraced Alice, swept her off her feet, and swung her around in a circle. They kissed passionately as if no one else was in the room with them. Then Aro sucked in a deep breath of air and said, "I haven't taken a breath of air since I last had you in my arms, the air is too stale without the magic of your scent."
"La tua bocca mi fa impazzire." Alice said smiling as she kissed Aro once again, seemingly crazed with her love for him.
"You were gone too long. Mi hai fatto perdere la testa. " Aro chastised.
"Don't be cross with me dear, I brought you presents." Alice ran her hand through Aro's hair, and Aro began to purr and lean into her as if he were in a trance.
"You have enchanted me." Aro held both of Alice's small hands in his, and spoke loudly to everyone in the room. "She is my treasure! Isn't she glorious?"
Alice removed her large glasses and scanned the room. She looked down upon everyone and smirked. The sight of her clear bright red eyes disturbed Bella. This was not the Alice she had once known. Bella felt her last shred of hope was gone now. She had secretly hoped that the Alice from this reality might help her, but this Alice would never help her. She was like an evil queen of an evil castle.
"Alice brings me such joy! She spoils me so! What have you planned for me my love?" Aro was looking at Alice with desire. "Da quando ti conosco la mia vita è un paradiso."
Alice leaned into Aro, and ran her hand down his body. She began purring as she brushed her fingers over his erection. " Sono in fiamme per te. Let's go now darling. I can't wait to show you what I've bought."
Aro kissed Alice once again. "Of course, my dear. Felix, take our guests to the North tower. We will meet with them when time allows.
With that Aro swung his cape over his shoulder and lifted Alice off the ground and carried her away.
AN:What did ya'll think of Aro/Alice :)
For those of you who don't speak Italian
Amore mio = my love
La tua bocca mi fa impazzire. =Your mouth drives me crazy.
Mi hai fatto perdere la testa. =You made me lose my mind.
Da quando ti conosco la mia vita è un paradiso. =Since I met you my life is a paradise.
Sono in fiamme per te.=I am on fire for you.