Chapter 34 – With You in my Head

-You're clearly disturbed

All you want is allegiance


"Do not be too harsh with her," Aro requested of Caius after he clasped his brother's hand and noted the ire in the forefront of Caius's mind.

"She will be our greatest challenge yet. I still question -"

Aro cut him off. "Yes, I am aware you still question whether we should have inducted a guard who is immune to the talents we have relied on in the past. Obviously, we'll need to work with her, know her desires ... and insecurities. We must make the effort to keep her content. Granting her wish to be changed was a good start, and giving her status within our realm was vital. Now her mate is here…" Aro waved his hand indicating his confidence that all was well within his control. "Edward will need to be dealt with gingerly; it is why I had Jane refrain from punishing his insubordination. Any sympathy Isabella might have for his suffering would not serve us well at this point. We need her anger and confusion right now. It is a delicate situation, but not impossible to manage."

"She has attacked another guard! Two of them to be exact," Caius reiterated. "We can't tolerate a rogue guard within our ranks."

"Then present the scolding speech you have prepared, if you wish. Just remember we have much to gain by simply giving her the sense of power and control she craves. You have seen this tactic work effectively with many of the guard. Chelsea for example."

Caius rose from his chair, descended the dais, and faced Aro. "Her power is more than we bargained for. And I will not be her handmaiden. What guarantee do we have that she will comply with our wishes?"

"We have her mate. Marcus has assured us of their bond," Aro responded flatly growing tired of Caius perpetual doubt in his ability to handle the "Isabella situation."

"Maybe we should keep the beast. Let Isabella continue to believe we can and will eliminate anyone we wish - without the Cullen seer having prior warning."

"I have always assured you the wolf's fate is in your hands, my brother," Aro offered as a means to placate Caius's strategic mind.

The groan of the door to the turret room and rush of Bella's scent announced her arrival. Caius spun to face her, his lips forming a hard line. His ruthless appearance gave her reason to pause. Chelsea and Corin had obviously snitched to daddy…

"Have we not afforded you every consideration? And this is how you repay us? By attacking your own sisters?" Caius did not break in his questioning to allow Bella time to answer. This was not a Q&A session, this was a dressing-down. "Our role in the vampire world is constantly under scrutiny, and at every turn there are those who would give anything to break us and usurp our authority. To maintain order in the vampire world, we must first have it within our ranks. Dissention will be dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Do I make myself clear?"

Caius's commanding presence and words caught Bella off-guard. She took his threat seriously, and it was frightening, until a small voice whispered in her head, "You have his favor. You have more power…"

Bella frowned. Where was Marcus?

As if on cue, Marcus drifted into the room through the door Bella had left ajar. Wordlessly he passed Bella as if she wasn't there to take his seat next to Aro. As usual, his expression remained inscrutable.

Aro turned his head to regard his brother. Under Aro's silent stare, Marcus relinquished his hand. No sooner had Aro closed his eyes to sort through the recent thoughts of his co-ruler, did his eyes snap open. "I see," he remarked, disappointment clear in his voice.

Bella bowed her head. Undoubtedly, Aro had just been made aware of her newborn lapse in judgment – and control. So much for Volterra's unblemished record… Bella swallowed back the drive to plea for forgiveness, bewildered that she felt more regret for disappointing Aro and Marcus than for the murder she had just committed in the church. She continued to observe Aro's face looking for clues to anything else he gleaned from Marcus's thoughts until, surprisingly, a pleasant smile formed.

"Ah, Isabella. So glad you are here. We will be hosting those who have requested an audience with the Volturi. Some come in good faith, others for personal gain. We must always be at the ready. Serve as best we can, always being cautious. Any questions?"

"Will Edward be here as well?"

Aro's up-turned lips quivered slightly at the corners. "Yes, he will. His role will be to read the thoughts of those who enter. Determine if their purpose is virtuous."

Bella needlessly shifted her weight. To say she felt awkward around Edward was a gross understatement. In a matter of days, everything between them had changed – their whole lives spinning into another realm. For some reason she thought fleetingly about pieces on a game board.

Suddenly, it felt as if she and Edward were strangers, yet in reality they were connected by vows they had spoken and their intimate knowledge of each other. No even the memory-stripping effect of transition could eliminate these truths. So ... what now?

Avoidance?

Reconciliation?

Bella shook her head minutely. She couldn't imagine overcoming the wall that had been so quickly and solidly erected between them – built on missed opportunities, lies, and folly.

A bitter taste rose from the back of her throat. Edward had relinquished her for the protection of his family, refused to change her while on the surface claimed he wanted her in his world, and now she had been changed by another, which felt adulterous though it had been forced upon her. It was something he could have prevented her from having to go through, but chose not to pursue despite the obvious risks - risks that had been proven real.

Bella decided, for now, avoidance was best approach, not to mention, the easiest.

Aro watched Bella as she stood before him seemingly making up her mind about something. Not being able to read what had her so perplexed made him very uncomfortable. He didn't want her to think, just act. "Isabella, will you take your position?"

Bella pulled her cloak tight around her and ascended the dais to stand at Aro's right.

Soon after, other guard members began to filter in – Demitri, Felix, Alec and Jane. Bella felt her chest tighten as Edward entered the room accompanied by Chelsea; his light gray cloak in stark contrast to her dark one. Here he was not the one in control.

At once, his eyes locked on Bella's; his gaze intense and unwavering, otherwise, his expression was blank. Chelsea moved him into position toward a side wall close to the door.

Aro grinned widely at Edward's appearance. "Welcome, Edward, my friend," his voice chimed against the stone walls. "So glad you have chosen to remain with us. Shall we begin?" With a nod, Felix opened the turret room door and two female vampires entered.

Bella summoned her shield, letting it bloom out around her. As it enveloped Aro, Caius, and Marcus, she could sense them as points of light glowing within its protective, invisible bubble.

"Come, speak your request," Caius urged.

The two females moved quickly toward the leaders, but not too quickly as to evoke the guards. They were statuesque with long brunette hair sculpted into perfect braids handing down the center of their backs. Their red eyes darted around warily as they bowed deeply before speaking.

"Meister, meine Schwester und ich sind zu Euch gekommen, um Euch ein Angebot zu unterbreiten."

Bella's eyes narrowed at the language she didn't understand.

"Fahrt fort," Aro encouraged, transitioning easily to their native tongue.

The second sister spoke this time. "Wir bitten demütig in Eure Dienste genommen zu werden und Euch mit Farbe verherrlichen zu dürfen."

"Ihr wünscht uns zu portraitieren?" Caius waved his hand dismissively. "Dies ist schon geschehen, und zwar durch bedeutendere Künstler als ihr es seis."

Bella's hands curled into fists at her side. Why wasn't anyone translating this for her? How could she be expected to do her job effectively if she had no idea what anyone was saying! She surveyed the body language of everyone in the room for clues on how she should react or behave. She felt on some level … foolish. Once again relegated to the periphery.

"Warte, Bruder. Unsere Familie hat doch kürzlich einigen Zuwachs bekommen. Vielleicht wäre es wirklich an der Zeit ein neues Portrait in Auftrag zu geben." Aro smiled indulgently at the two women whose eyes glimmered with hope.

Caius raised his eyebrows and took a more comfortable posture in his throne chair indicating his submission to Aro's suggestion. Still, Bella could feel her frustration growing.

Redirecting his gaze toward Edward, Aro indicated his interest in Edward's mind-reading verdict. Bella's eyes followed Aro's to find Edward's gaze still locked on her. Aro offered a polite cough. "Edward?"

Without so much as blinking or taking his eyes from Bella, Edward gave Aro the requested information by nodding. Though his gesture brought some relief to Bella and she could feel her muscles relax, Caius's posture stiffened.

"Was wünscht ihr im Gegenzug für eure Zeit und Mühe?" Caius asked with just a hint of suspicion.

With this question, the sisters became visibly excited. "Wir würden gerne die Kunstgalerie besichtigen und die prächtigen Werke sehen von denen wir gehört haben, dass sie hier im Schloss untergebracht sind." They added a quick reverent bow to temper their excitement.

Aro move his eyes toward Edward, who offered the leader another curt confirmatory nod.

"Gewährt," Aro congratulated the women with a gracious smile. "It is right to share our good fortune with others, don't you agree, Brother Marcus."

"Yes," Marcus intoned, his eyes closed.

"Felix," Aro directed, "escort these ladies to Heidi's station. She is to give them guest quarters and arrange for them to view the art gallery at their leisure."

"Wenn Sie mir folgen wollen," Felix said, gesturing to the open door.

The women briefly hugged each other and hurried out well pleased with the response they received from ruling brothers.

"Isabella, perhaps you would delight in viewing the gallery as much as our German guests?"

Gallery? Is this what she missed during the conversation? "Yes, I would. Perhaps Marcus could give me a tour?" Bella, again feeling at a disadvantage without the benefit of a translator, attempted to not sound as lost as she felt.

"Of course," Aro agreed, pleased with the hint of excitement in her voice. With a wave of his hand, he indicated the next visitors should enter.

Santiago had appeared in Felix's absence. He opened the door to allow entrance of the next party of vampires who had travelled from far and wide to offer or request something from the law keepers of the vampire world. As more and more came to stand before the rulers, it was clear to Bella there was much business for the monarchy to address. They served an important function.

Some visitors petitioned for intervention, claiming they had been wronged by another coven or individual. Others came to win the favor of the brothers by offering intelligence on violators of vampire law, while still others made claims that their unique talent or gift would be of immense value to the Volturi and their guard.

It was indeed a challenge for Bella to keep her concentration for such a long period of time. As her mind occasionally wandered to other topics or concerns, her shield would slightly deflate. What never failed to snap her back to attention was Edward's unyielding stare. It was unnerving. But if his goal was to get her attention, provoke her emotions or pique her curiosity, it had worked. She vowed to seek time away from the others to confront him. Get the answers she felt she had earned the right to.

After countless hours, Marcus spoke up, "Can we be done with this?"

"Yes," Caius concurred, surprising Bella. She was certain if anyone enjoyed his time as the law almighty it was Caius. "I have to check on my anticipated delicacy. I do hope Alonzo has been feeding Gianna, and her pet. I have decided on my plans for them."

What? Bella wasn't sure if it was the shock of having it confirmed that Dominic had been correct – Gianna was set to die – or the fact that she had so casually dismissed the plea of the man who tried his best to protect her even though he was the only one truly in danger. Either way, her shield wobbled and collapsed.

"He will enjoy taking Gianna's life, and is considering creating a team of guard dogs out of the Quileute shape-shifters," Edward announced flatly from the back of the room.

Bella took in a horrified gasp. Dominic ... Jacob! No, not Jacob. This time her eyes sought Edward's. She stared at him willing him to hear the questions in her head. Was this declaration true? Her shield had faltered making it entirely possible Edward had the opportunity to read Caius's thoughts.

Her eyes narrowed as Edward raised his chin in defiance. What made him speak up now? For her benefit? Certainly, Aro was aware of Caius's plans. Was this news to Marcus? Would he care about Caius's plans?

"Keep your mind-reading to yourself unless information is requested, boy." Caius shot back.

Feeling a surge of adrenaline, Bella's deep red eyes glanced in Jane's direction. Her hopeful look faded quickly. Obviously, Edward's outspokenness had escaped punishment once more.

"It seems we are all feeling a bit ... overworked. Felix, let's make this our final order of business." Aro spoke, deflecting the strange tension building in the room.

For the last time, Felix opened the door and a very tall, angular man entered – almost as tall as Felix. He appeared to have been young at his age of transition, no older than she, Bella thought. His hair was very dark, short and straight. The way he moved created a strong feeling of foreboding in Bella's gut. Quickly she stabilized her shield before glancing one more time in Edward's direction. He still stared at her, but the intense burning in his eyes had faded somewhat.

"State your business with us," Caius asked, either unwilling or unable to disguise the disinterest in his voice. Bella's attention was divided – part considering the stranger before her, part dwelling on her concern for Jacob and the tribe….

"Throughout history, rulers have come and gone. Nothing remains the same, nor should it," the visitor spoke in a low, slow measured tone.

"What is your name and where do you call home?" Aro asked, sounding irritated.

"I am a nomad, having travelled the world. My name is Cane."

"Well, Cane, please state you request. We are not in the need of a history lesson at this time," Aro said.

"Ah, but that is where you are wrong, Lord Aro. You are indeed in need of a history lesson. You and your brethren have long overstayed your welcome and your usefulness. As history has proven, survival belongs to the fittest. You are slow to change, and in the centuries you have ruled, you have failed to change, become more... I have come as an advocate of those vampires who wish to experience a revolution. They have sent me to … clean house as it were. Out with the old and in with the new."

Bella could feel her theory of danger confirmed. A chill crept from the base of her spine to the base of her skull, making the fine hairs on her neck stand at attention. His words clearly spoke a threat, but his delivery was so cool, calm and collected, no one knew what to make of him. She concluded either he was a true threat or completely delusional…

Caius was the first to react, coming to an abrupt stand. "Enough of your rhetoric. Felix!"

Before Felix could move, Edward shot toward the dark stranger. "No!" he yelled as he charged. "Bella!"

Bella's eyes widened, Edward's warning was clear, still she stood frozen to the spot holding her shield steady. What the hell was going on?

Just before Edward could reach Cane, he came to a halt and let out a choking sound. His eyes, ever-locked on Bella, ignited with fear and dread. "No, not Bella! Not Bella! My love, nooooo!" He fell to his knees, his body quaking with sobs as he mournfully cried her name over and over, the whole time his eyes wide, staring unseeingly at Bella.

Suddenly, the whole room erupted in wails and shouts. Each guard stared with wide-eyed terror in a similar manner as Edward. It was clear from the expressions on their faces they were seeing something – something that frightened them to the core – like waking nightmares.

The only ones not paralyzed with fear were Cane and those on dais within Bella's protective shield, including Renata, who had wisely moved closer to Bella at Edward's outburst.

By now, Aro and Marcus were on their feet. Bella's eyes darted from Aro's glacial stare to the object of his distain – Cane.

"Stop this now, and I may let you live," he hissed with such malice Bella could hardly believe the words came from Aro's mouth.

Instead of relenting, Cane appeared to bear down, enraged the rulers were not affected by his crippling gift.

Caius moved forward, but Aro stopped him in his tracks with an outstretched arm. "Can you guarantee you can leave the shield without becoming incapacitated yourself?"

His nostrils flared and he snarled fiercely, but Caius did not proceed. "Renata!" he barked.

In the blink of an eye, Renata catapulted herself into the air on a trajectory to take out the attacker. However, once her light escaped Bella's shield, Renata's eyes glazed over and her mouth gapped a soundless scream. Cane deftly side-stepped her free-fall as her stone-like body crashed to the floor and she began to weep.

With a confident, malicious grin, Cane decided to draw the lords out from their position of safety. "You cower under protection while your comrades fall? It's a short distance between fear and insanity. How many of your cherished collection are you willing to lose?"

With his next threat spoken, Cane turned to the closest guard who, due to his valiant attempt to reach Bella, was Edward.

"You see her don't you? Broken and dead," he spoke huskily in Edward's ear as he shuddered on his knees caught in a hallucination that to his mind was very, very real. "You cannot find meaning in life without her. Would you like me to destroy you? Relieve your misery?"

"Yes," Edward whispered as sorrow gave way to determination. "Yes!"

"Come to me. I will give you what you want. What I can make them all want," Cane promised as he glanced at the rulers.

Shuffling on his knees, Edward closed the distance between himself and Cane while the background track of cries and moans reached a blood-curdling crescendo. For Bella the nightmare was real – she was to watch Edward be ripped apart before her eyes.

"Stop!" Bella called out discovering fear had triumphed over anger - she was unable pull together the concentration to conjure her shock wave and maintain her shield. Still, she knew she was the only one capable of altering the course of events unfolding before her.

With a shriek more fitting for a vengeful banshee, Bella hurled herself at Cane just as his large hands encircled Edward's head. Cane turned but knew immediately upon seeing Bella's blazing, focused eyes, this strike would hit its mark.

Their bodies connected with a bang, knocking Edward backward and out of harm's way. Bella wrapped her arms and legs around Cane's body, staring into his surprised eyes. In doing so, her shield worked as a lock-tight safe, keeping Cane's horror-inducing hallucinations within its walls. Unfortunately, Bella was also caught inside the dreadful house of mirrors.

As the other guards experienced relief from their hallucination and reality took hold, Bella's cries filled their ears. But while they used precious seconds to verify their nightmares were truly over and what they saw only a mirage of Cane's doing, Edward reacted to Bella's pain.

With ferocity Edward could not remember displaying, even in his battle with Victoria, he lunged at Cane's back. Interlocking his fingers under Cane's chin, he placed his foot at the base of Cane's back. Pulling back with all his weight and strength, Edward not only snapped Cane's head off his neck, but also succeeded in breaking his spine in several places.

Cane crumpled to the ground, his deformed body contorted unnaturally, causing Bella to lose her grip. She fell to the floor, arms empty, mind spinning, heart pierced. When she tentatively opened her eyes, Edward's gold eyes were staring at her in grateful relief.

"This is the second time I have been in this place thankful beyond belief you are alive."

He was sitting on the floor holding her in his lap. His hands cradled her face, one hand daring to softly stroke her cheek.

His touch elicited a jolt of electricity through her body; it opened the floodgates to so many memories of them. Tender scenes of them touching, caressing flashed before her eyes, carrying her away from the trauma she had just experienced. The last scene was their reuniting in Volterra, when he confessed his love for her – she would never forget the passion and need fueling the kiss they shared. A feeling deep inside her gut stirred as she stared in his eyes, wishing for and wanting … more.

The sharp sound of stone being broken and crushed snagged her attention. The entire guard present in the turret room, except Renata who had taken her protective stance near Aro, had descended on Cane. Their emotional distress now channeled into the total annihilation of the vampire who dared to enter the viper's pit. With their bare hands, they ground his arms, legs, and torso to dust!

"Sweep his remains into the grate and burn his head!" Caius commanded, quickly taking control of the bewildered chaos. "And search the city and hillside! He must have accomplices nearby."

"Isabella!" Aro spoke excitedly, suddenly standing above her and Edward. "You are every bit as unpredictable as Edward thinks you are!" Aro extended his hand to assist her off the floor before planting a lingering kiss on her hand. "To put yourself in harm's way for our protection – and the protection of your brothers and sisters! I sincerely hope you never question your value here or your destiny as a vampire. Undoubtedly, this is where you belong." He beamed at her with his mega-watt gleaming teeth. "Any wrong-doing committed against any individuals here I'm sure has been expunged through your act of valor."

"I do believe she has had a change of heart, Aro," Marcus added. Though he directed his comment to Aro, his gaze was fixed on Bella.

She turned to face Edward, but he had vanished, as had all of the guard. "Where…?"

"They all have duties, foremost, to find that conspirator's accomplices. Surely he didn't plan to rule on his own." Aro, composed and exuding an air of confidence, moved to the dais and took his seat. "Come, sit in Caius's place. I'm certain he will be absent for some time, at least until he is assured anyone having to do with this … incident … is eliminated."

Bella's lips parted in awe and apprehension. Sit? On Caius's throne chair?

"Come, come!" Aro insisted. "You have earned a place of honor on this day."

Catching both Marcus and Renata giving her small nods of encouragement, Bella ascended the dais and sat to Aro's left side. It felt … empowering. Glorious.

"I could get to like this," she admitted quietly as her hands stroked the smooth wood of the over-sized chair's arms.

Aro's eyes glimmered. "What can I give you as a reward, Isabella? Priceless jewels? gold? Wait, no. I know your heart's desire. Our library. Yes!" Aro clasped his smooth hands together. "There you will discover incredible works. Ancient scrolls, first editions, original drafts, hand-written notes by history's most beloved authors, and so much more! All yours to enjoy over time, for even a vampire cannot consume the treasures we have amassed over the centuries in mere days or weeks. Does this please you, my dear?" Aro purred, lifting her right hand to again place a kiss on her alabaster skin.

Bella's eyes reflected Aro's sparkle thinking of the treasures that awaited her. And to think she had come so far so fast! From the insignificant girl who never got noticed in Arizona, to the powerless human who had fallen under the spell of a gorgeous vampire, to someone now sitting on the throne of empire ruled for centuries by one monarchy.

All the information and secrets of the centuries were hers to discover.

The Bella she left behind would have flushed with embarrassment over Aro's overt attention. Instead, new Isabella found the courage to ask for more… "I wish to learn the language the women artists spoke. And not just that language, as many as you can teach me."

"Knowledge is power, my dear Isabella. You will have your request fulfilled."

"Is that all you desire, young one?" Marcus intoned. Bella had almost forgotten he was there. When she regarded him, she could tell he was attempting to rein in her excitement…

"Well, I think we should have a celebration," Bella suggested to Aro.

"You are as brilliant as you are talented! We should celebrate this night in your honor!"

( ~*~ )

Bella had come to realize she had replaced her human habit biting her lower lip with a vampire habit of speed pacing; however, she was careful to do so over the part of her room that was bare stone, not over the genuine Persian rug. No sense in destroying history with her anxiety.

She had no intention of attending the feasting celebration tonight. She was hoping it would be a diversion. Glancing at the slinky, almost-transparent attire Renata had set out for her to wear to the occasion only solidified that decision.

Her full intent was to speak to Edward alone, and from what she had observed at the last feast, there was a very good chance no one would ever notice her absence or overhear a private conversation. Now she only had to concern herself with whether Edward would attend the celebration. A shiver of disgust rippled down her spine at the thought of Edward being … manhandled.

Still, the thought of the feasting … the drinking …

The burn in her throat sent her scurrying to the ornate cabinet in search of relief. Throwing the doors open, the hinges squealed in protest. She found it empty. Rage boiled up so quickly it caught her by surprise. Damn! She was so thirsty...

Her senses where pushed to high alert as her body strained to find what it needed. The drive to drink so strong it felt as if her very life depending on the crimson liquid.

She was just as unprepared when the smell of fresh blood filled her nose. Her acute sense of smell sent a message straight to her brain at the speed of light that the scents of two different humans were close to her. A rivulet of venom dribbled out the corner of her mouth.

This time, it was her door that was nearly ripped off the hinges. A startled Alonzo stood on the other side. His eyes bulged as he was confronted by a thirsty newborn; he almost dropped the goblet he balanced on a silver tray.

"Ma'am. I was instructed to bring this to you," Alonzo stuttered as he held out the shaking tray.

The combined scent and sound of Alonzo's racing blood along with the incredibly fresh blood in the goblet drove Bella to the brink of sanity. No conscious thought, no moral decision nor inkling of consequences stood a chance against the driving need.

With one hand, Bella snatched the goblet from the tray. With the other she grabbed a handful of Alonzo's hair, pulling his head to the right as her teeth sunk effortlessly into the left side of his neck. Gurgling sounds emanated from his lips before he went limp and the tray clattered to the floor.

The harsh sound yanked Bella out of her feeding trance. As if startled out of a sleepwalk, she released her grip on Alonzo, taking several steps back from his still body. Quickly she shut her door on the man who lay dead in the hallway. She took several deep, cleansing breaths in an attempt to calm the beast that had taken over ... until she became re-aware of the liquid beckoning to her from the goblet in her hand. Two gulps were all it took before the cup hit the floor, empty of its delectable, sweet contents. By far, this blood was the best she had consumed.

Her pacing resumed. The blood had sated her thirst, but increased her sense of urgency to see Edward. How long before the feast would start?

The minutes bled into hours before another tap on her door drew her attention. Testing the air, which smelled of fresh linen, Bella knew it was Renata.

"Isabella, are you ready for the celebration? Everyone is waiting for the guest of honor," she spoke through the shut door.

Crap! Bella realized she would have to play the part to pull off the ruse. "One moment..." Quickly she stripped off her cloak and simple dress, shrugging on the barely-there, lacy garment Renata had left for her. After pulling a silver-handled, jewel-encrusted brush through her hair, she opened the door.

Renata smiled salaciously at her. "Oh dear, you must put on a pair of heels with that dress."

"Of course," Bella responded, part of her brain registering Alonzo's body had vanished. She opened her closet to find several pairs of stilettos lining the floor. She had not given footwear any thought before now, preferring her bare feet. Sliding on a pair of shiny black heels she muttered, "Normally these would be the death of me." Her slight giggle sounding forced.

"Come, you don't want to miss what's being served," Renata said, grinning and licking her lips before Renata took her hand.

Bella fell into step with her escort, who very much exuded a genuine desire to be on friendly terms with Bella. It was a relief since she had noticed earlier that most of the female guard, particularly Jane, Chelsea, and Corin, regarded her with barely concealed contempt. It made her wonder if Chelsea's duty to create a sense of harmony among the guard was the only reason she had not been knocked down a peg. The thought sent another shiver down Bella's spine as she neared the main chamber.

"Let's do this," Renata purred as she opened the door.

All eyes immediately turned their full attention to the two women entering the room. The salacious, ravenous looks on their faces stilled Bella for a moment. It was then that she actually took note of her appearance. Low-cut top, high-cut bottom. Lacy material that barely hid her … assets. It screamed sex.

Interestingly, Renata wore a complementary outfit along with a smug smile. She strode next to Bella looking every bit proud as a peacock displaying a full plumage of feathers.

When Renata hooked her arm around Bella's, it became obvious Bella was unwittingly one half of a super-couple...

"They like what they see, Isabella. We are going to be in demand this evening, darling," purred Renata. So much for escaping notice.

Sneaking away to confront Edward was not going to be as easy as she had planned.

"Oh, crap," Bella muttered.


A/N: Okay…so sorry this chapter is later than expected. Good news, chapter 35 is half written!

So were you as lost and frustrated as Bella when the conversation broke from English? Good. You got a taste of what Bella was experiencing. But seriously, here's the conversation in English (I don't want you to stay frustrated after all…):

"Masters, my sister and I have come to present you with an offer."

Bella's eyes narrowed at the language she didn't understand.

"Go on," Aro encouraged, speaking easily in their native tongue.

The second sister spoke this time. "We humbly wish to be retained and to be allowed to glorify you in paint."

"You wish to portray us?" Caius waved his hand dismissively. "This has already been done, and by artists more renown than yourselves."

"Wait, brother. We have had some recent additions to our family. Perhaps, commissioning a new portrait would be appropriate at this time."

"What do you wish in return for your time and effort?" Caius asked with just a hint of suspicion.

With this question, the sisters became visibly excited. "We wish to view the gallery of art. The magnificent works we have heard are housed here within the castle." They added a quick reverent bow to temper their excitement.

"Granted." Aro congratulated the women with a gracious smile.

I wanted to give my dear friend Ashling92 a nod by using her native language in this chapter … unfortunately, I found that meant extra work for her in providing translation. Ash, remember, it's the thought that counts ; ) And speaking of my dear team members, RowanMoon has come up with a completely devilish twist for next chapter. Not sure how readers will react, but it is so intriguing, I just gotta give it a try! Finally, thank you so much, RosaBella, for coming through with your final blessing so quickly!

And I'm not teasing you, Bella will confront Edward next chapter!

*Would you consider helping me get to 300 reviews with this chapter?*