So here we have Victoria.

I know a lot of you are sceptical about her involvement but haven't you enjoyed the story so far? So all I ask is that you trust me to show you as different a side of Victoria as I have done with Bella and Rose. She is on vaguely based on the Victoria from the books and if you want a visual I would suggest Rachelle Lefervre as I thought she did a great job.

Any questions drop me a review/PM

Oh, I have another vacation coming up so can't predict an update before I return but I should have internet access so who knows :) But, we are back to my pre-written draft for the next few chapters so I won't keep you waiting too long.

Enjoy, Lil'D xx

xxxx

They had been running for hours and had crossed most of the vast South American continent, passing cities and running through forests, swimming lakes and jumping off cliffs. Rose had never felt so alive. Her time with Bella since they had left Denali had been wonderful, the technologically advance eye-wear and make-up had made travelling extremely easy and the feeling of the tropical sun on her skin had been unparalleled and something she had rarely felt, never as a human. For the first time since she had been turned Rose felt that she was actually living her life and she had Bella and her Denali sisters to thank for that.

They had arranged for their baggage to be transported between luxury hotels so they had a base for their adventures but it left them to travel how they pleased, running and exploring the unpopulated areas as they were now, running through the dense jungle.

It was when they neared Brazil that Rose became wary, there was the scent of another vampire in the area and although this territory wasn't specifically marked she didn't want any trouble. It was best to be cautious.

"Bella, wait!" Rose called a stop to their run, the brunette still faster than she was, her newborn strength waning but the human blood she periodically consumed boosting her abilities. There had been no shortage of suitable prey for Bella as they travelled, in fact there was food aplenty for the newborn who often stayed many nights in one place, cleaning up it's local low-life and hopefully making a difference for the time it took another disgusting human to take their place.

Rose was still neutral with regards to Bella's chosen feeding methods but trusted her mate's instincts and the fact she never acted without proof of her victims maleficence. However, regardless of how heinous the humans crimes she had no appetite for their blood and she watched over her mate while Bella hunted but never involved herself. But neither would she deny that Bella had a certain edge to her just after she had fed on a human that the blonde took a guilty pleasure in that. The newborn seemed to tap into her alpha nature that little bit more and it fascinated her mate.

"We're not alone," she warned the newborn. Bella inhaled deeply and nodded her agreement, it wasn't too surprising, probably a nomad passing through but one could never be too careful. Bella's gifted protected them both from the powers of other vampires but brute strength could still cause them problems. But, Rose only detected one scent and she found it intriguing, as though it triggered a distant memory, had she been capable of forgetting anything but caution won over curiosity.

They cautiously approached the city, now at a jog, not a full out run. They had intended on staying here for several weeks, a luxury hotel room already booked so they had a base for their tourism, Bella had been reading about the ancient ruins scattered around and wanted to visit some, especially those now hidden by the forests. Rose just wanted a bath, a long hot soak followed by languorous sex with her mate. She growled, not liking the thought of another vampire this close to Bella.

"Rose?" Bella stopped and ran back, eyeing the blonde with concern. "Are you worried about me?" Rose bit her lip, looking down as she was caught out.

"You silly vampire," her mate reached out to caress her face softly. "I love you and together no-one can hurt us," she reassured her lover. "But I love that about you, always protecting me." Rose finally looked up and was met by compassionate red eyes before their lips were bought together in a passionate kiss.

"Not here," Rose gasped, pulling back as she felt them both begin to lose control. They were too exposed.

"Later then," Bella stated firmly and began to walk away, Rose trotted after her, joining their hands.

"Oh, you can count on it," she purred into her mate's ear. Bella's sex clenched at the words, she knew the love-making was likely to be intense when Rose sounded like that. She couldn't wait.

They checked each other over before entering the outskirts of the city, dirt smudged faces cleaned up and a swift change of clothes from the back-pack Bella carried and they made their way to their hotel. They slipped through the dark streets, remaining invisible until they reached the main tourist thoroughfare that they allowed themselves to be seen. Blending into the crowds as they walked at a leisurely pace towards their hotel.

They checked into their suite, Rose's black Amex card once flashed ensued what Bella teased her her was 'rich bitch' treatment and her mate played the role well. Her designer clothing and ice queen attitude had them fawning all over her. Bella on the other hand, Rose retaliated, in her skinny jeans and Converse was the epitome of rock star chic so was just as bad.

Check-in over they waited for the elevator to take them to their rooms.

"I never really got used to these things," Rose commented as they stood side by side in the metal box. "They were death traps back when I was human, my mother rarely let me ride in them, not that there were many." Bella reached out and gently clasped Rose's elegant hand in her smaller one and squeezed it lightly, the small insights into her mate's past always welcomed. The blonde turned towards the newborn, a soft smile on her face. Everything about her was perfect in her eyes. Nothing could change that.

The elevator bell rang, signalling it's arrival at the top floor. It was an old hotel, one still frequented by the movies star clientèle that had made it's name back in the1940's. Both vampires preferred such places to the sterile new hotels and this particular one had a magnificent panoramic view over the city which was why they had selected it.

The rooms were tastefully elegant and Bella chuckled as Rose looked around and gave an approving sniff before walking to the French doors that opened out onto a good sized private terrace, they were not overlooked by anyone which gave them the privacy they needed.

"Want to explore?" Rose asked as she came to stand behind the newborn who was leaning against the stone balustrade staring into the night.

"Mmmm," there was a non committal hum in response to her question. "I can feel them Rose," Bella murmured as her vampire senses saw though the colour and lights to the beast beneath. The blonde's arms tightened their hold and lips found her mate's neck. Rose knew being in large cities such as this sometimes unsettled her mate, the scourge of humanity calling to her.

"Come, let me distract you," the blonde purred, fangs and tongue playing over the newborn's scar until she had forgotten all about the humans and their sins and followed the blonde inside.

xxxx

It wasn't until they had been in the city two days that Rose sensed the presence of another vampire, the scent coming and going in a way that let the mated pair know they were being watched but no approach or attack was ever made. It wasn't until a full week had passed that this changed, they were walking the streets around dusk, browsing through the markets and human watching when the blonde tensed.

"We're not alone," she murmured to Bella who also tensed, before covertly scanning the surrounding area. "The roofs," Rose nodded towards the high roof tops surrounding them. "Let's take this somewhere more open and less populated." Bella nodded, neither of them wanting to be trapped in the confined space of the narrow streets, if it came to a confrontation they would be at a disadvantage so they headed to the edge of the city where a large park surrounded a picturesque lake.

"I know you're there, show yourself." Rose challenged when they were alone in the dark, away from any humans. They stood and waited for several minutes before they scented the other vampire's approach, their eyes picking out a figure approaching from their left. The mates waited until the vampire was clearly visible, it was a red haired female and Rose immediate growled, her beast going into protection mode. Where Rose was defensive, Bella was curious, she eyed the stranger as they faced off, neither party speaking. The stranger was casually dressed in cargo pants and a t-shirt but was bare foot, showing that she did not mix much with humans. She had a mane of red hair that tumbled down her back, she wasn't tall but neither was she short. Around 5'6'' maybe 5'7'', approximately Bella's height.

"Why are you here?" The red-head questioned, her voice was low and rough but smooth, a unique sound that appealed to Bella's ears and she cocked her head, waiting to hear more.

"We are passing through, tourists if you will," Rose addressed the stranger. "We make no claim on this territory, only that we may feed whilst here." The red-head frowned at this information. She knew they were staying at the hotel, she also knew they passed as humans but did not know how they achieved this. If she was honest with herself she was intrigued, cautious but curious. What power did they posses to allow them to do what they did?

"We plan to leave by the end of the month," Bella spoke for the first time, wanting to engage the female in conversation. "We won't trouble you if you leave us alone."

"Trouble?" Why would they trouble her? "You are no threat to me," the red-head scoffed and that made Rose more alert, that hinted that this was an elder vampire, probably over several hundred years old, a force to be reckoned with.

"Then we will leave you in peace if you extend us the same courtesy, no more stalking." Rose requested. The stranger chuckled, impressed that the pair had noticed her clandestine voyeurism.

"You cannot dictate my actions but I will allow you to remain as long as it is not permanent." Rose bowed her head, nodding her acceptance of the offer. Hopefully this would be their last contact. "But I have conditions," her words caused both Rose and Bella to tense. "You will answer my questions then you are free to enjoy your stay."

Rose growled, unhappy with the request.

"Then you will leave now!" The red-head's own growl was forceful and Bella stepped forward, in front of Rose as her instincts screamed at her to protect her mate from the perceived threat.

"I will answer your questions." She confirmed as she took control of the situation whilst sending Rose a wave of reassurance to calm her down. The red-head cocked her head, surprised that the brunette had stepped forward, she had assumed her to be the weaker but maybe she had been wrong so she nodded, accepting the offer.

"How do you pass as human?" She asked first, extremely curious to know how this was achieved.

"We have eye glasses and contact lenses that disguise her eyes. Look," the brunette blinked and swiftly removed something from her eye, revealing them to be the red of a newborn. The red-head gasped, how did one so young live amongst the humans without slaughtering them? She was beginning to get concerned, maybe she had underestimated their power?

"You're newborn," she stated in an effort to hide her shock.

"Well, I was turned around three months ago." Bella answered honestly, wondering herself where the time had gone, it was true that time seemed to move faster as a vampire.

"Before you ask, she has superior control." Rose added in a growl, reminding the stranger that Bella was not alone.

"How old are you?" The question direct from the red-heads mouth to the blonde.

"I am eighty seven," Rose ground out, unhappy to reveal her true age and therefore likely strength. Her answer seemed to satisfy the stranger, confirming to Rose that she was probably much older, in fact she had relaxed noticeably as though confident that she was the superior vampire.

"And the sun? You do not shine." Another question was directed at Bella.

"Make-up, my coven have developed various methods for passing as a human." The newborn replied politely.

"Coven?" The red-head frowned, she only knew of three significant covens in existence, significant in size that is. "Which coven do you recognise?" Rose noticed the change in attitude, the red-head was once again wary.

"We are members of the Denali coven." The stranger hid her shock well but was still rattled, at least it was not the Volturi but the Denali's were widely known in the vampire world, their power respected and feared. However, she had encountered one of the Denali sisters on her travels and had found the experience to be, - enlightening.

"Then I will send my greeting to Irina through you," she bowed her head slightly as a show of respect and Rose was feeling a lot less threatened now, it seemed they had some common ground.

"And who shall I tell her sends her greetings?" Bella asked, her confidence belying her tender age and mildly impressing the stranger.

"Victoria. My name is Victoria," the red-head confirmed with a small smile. "And who am I addressing?" She enquired politely, now she was aware of their affiliations she was feeling more comfortable. The Denali's were undeniably powerful but also known to be peaceful, unless provoked.

"I am Bella and this is Rosalie." Victoria straightened. Bella?

"Isabella Swan?" She asked, her curiosity piqued. Rose frowned at her reaction but Bella nodded confirmation.

"Yes. Why do you ask?" Victoria shifted her position as she surveyed the newborn.

"You are not what I expected," she commented without giving a direct answer but it did explain to her the confidence the brunette exhibited.

"How do you know of Bella?" Rose growled and Victoria smirked at the obvious discomfort she was causing the blonde.

"Oh, vampires talk," she shrugged. "Your audience with the Volturi has given you quite the reputation, Isabella." Rose growled at the way her mate's name rolled off the red-head's tongue. "But it is also clear that you are not to be harmed so I offer no challenge to you. Not that I would as I would honour anyone from Irina's coven." Rose inhaled deeply and allowed herself to relax a little, this Victoria seemed to be no threat but the blonde did not like the way she was looking at Bella, as soon as they were away from her she would call Irina and get the information she desired, Rose liked to be prepared.

"We have answered your questions, may we leave?" Rose growled much to Victoria's obvious amusement which irritated the blonde, the red-head cocked her head before nodding.

"One last question." Victoria held up her hand.

"Of course," Bella replied, still fascinated by their new acquaintance.

"I would like to barter for some of your 'human' supplies, discuss your price and I will contact you tomorrow around the same time," and with that she was gone into the night, leaving the Denali vampires alone.

"Let's go," Rose urged and Bella nodded, sensing that her mate was anxious.

"It could have gone worse," the brunette commented.

"Yes," Rose agreed just as she was pulling out her cell phone and dialling Irina. "Hi, it's Rose," after a greeting from the friendly blonde Rose cut her off before she could ask any questions. "We just ran into a vampire that claims to know you by the name of Victoria, a red-head," the young blonde confirmed. "Is she dangerous?" Rose relaxed when the reply was negative.

"No, she's not unless you piss her off, she's old, as old as we are I believe." Rose's brows lifted at that information, she'd no idea she was that old. "But she can be a lot of fun if you get to know her," Rose rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what that inferred.

"Gee, thanks 'rina, like I'm going to let her anywhere near Bella now you've said that," she growled into the handset but she knew the elder blonde would be able to tell she was joking.

"Oh trust me, she'd enjoy it if you did!" This time Rose's growl was serious and Rose could hear Kate's voice in the background, reprimanding her sister.

"Anything we need to be aware of, any powers?" There was a pause as their elder considered her words.

"Yes and no, like I said don't piss her off, her power is unspecific but she has a strong instinct for self preservation, she automatically knows what to do to survive so make sure you have no reason to come up against her in a fight as there is no guarantee you would win. Even with Bella's powers," she warned, her tone conveying a strong warning.

"Ok, thanks. She wants to trade some of our equipment, would that be Ok and if so what should we ask for?" There was another pause and a brief discussion in the background before Irina was back on the phone.

"That would be acceptable, she treated you with respect once she knew your affiliation and our 'alliance'," Irina chuckled. "She has not behaved with any animosity, so you have your blessing. She is what I would consider a friend. My advice would be to ask her to spend time with you and show you around. She knows the area well and it would allow you to form more of an alliance, you can never have too many friends." The blonde growled, unhappy with the suggestion. "Trust me on this Rose, my sisters agree."

Rose took the warning on board and ended the call, they were nearing their hotel.

"Want to call it a night?" She questioned her mate who nodded, realising that the meeting had taken a toll on Rose and she needed to relax. "What do you think?" Rose asked her mate, who of course had heard everything.

"Irina seems to trust her so I think we should do what she suggested. She seems interesting," Rose felt a twitch of unease at Bella's confession but forced it down, she hadn't missed the red-heads interest in her mate. Her mate, she growled, her chest rumbling and Bella pulled her hurriedly through the hotel lobby and to their suite where the newborn pulled her mate into a searing kiss.

"It's Ok Rosie, it's Ok," she murmured into the kiss. "I'm all yours Rosie, all yours," she reassured her mate, reinforcing her words with feelings of love and attraction, the emotion swiftly turning to lust as the kiss deepened.

Xxxxx

Next on Crimson Bonds

"Well?" Victoria rested against the stone of the balcony and waited for a response, she was agitated, that much was obvious to the mates. "This was your idea," she growled which didn't help the tension.

"I -. Have you been here long?" Was Bella's first question. Victoria straightened and gave the brunette her full attention before answering.