Chapter Thirty Five

Jasper

We watched in silence as the Volturi floated towards us, half hidden in the mist that seemed to cling to them like a veil. I felt Bella move closer and take my hand while the others moved into position behind us, Garrett to my left and Peter where he always stood, at my right hand, with Charlotte at his side.

"Are we protected?"

Bella nodded,

"Pull it away from me for now. At least until we know what's going on. One of us needs to be able to feel any of Aro's tricks."

"Tricks?"

"He's devious enough to set Alec or Chelsea working from a distance."

"Then I won't leave you unguarded, we'll soon know when they react if they've tried anything and failed."

Aro and Marcus moved closer while the others fanned out behind them, mirroring our positions.

"Who's the woman standing close to Aro?"

"That's his shield Renata, but unlike you my dear she had to be touching her subject in order to shield him."

I saw her nod her thanks to Garrett for his explanation and then turn back to face the others.

"Aro, so nice of you to visit us. Is there something we can do for you?"

He acknowledged my words but his eyes never left Bella and it was to her that he spoke.

"Isabella my dear, you make a charming and beautiful vampire."

"Thank you Aro."

He looked at our friends next,

"Is this a reception committee for us?"

"We didn't know you were coming, did you send word?"

"No you're right my, we didn't. I thought it might be better to surprise you."

"Consider us surprised"

"I doubt that"

Jane's curt words were met by a scowl from Aro.

"Jane dear, there's no need for rudeness. Bella, I thought it better we meet face to face, I have heard certain worrying things about you and The Major"

"Really? What and who from? I assume you will name our accusers?"

He nodded gravely,

"Indeed. My informants were Carlisle and Edward Cullen"

"Well there's a fucking surprise."

All eyes flashed to Peter then back to Aro and Bella,

"So you did know we were coming?"

"No. Just that Carlisle and Edward had been speaking to you".

Bella

"Did your informant tell you what they said?"

"No, but I can hazard a guess if you like"

"Please do Bella, I love parlour games"

"Edward would be telling you that I was his mate, stolen by the wicked Major Whitlock and Carlisle, well I think he possibly just dropped subtle hints that I could be worth collecting for the Volturi guard"

"Well done my dear, very close."

"Then let me put you right on certain scores Aro so there is no possible misunderstanding between us. I am The Majors mate, not Edwards. It is only in Edwards mind that he owns me, not in any reality I inhabit."

"Very concisely put."

"Thank you. As to Carlisle's hints I can only tell you that I will never work with you for the Volturi but neither would I work for anyone else in order to take your throne"

"Throne my dear? I am but one of three leaders, we have no king"

"Never the less what I said holds true."

"And do you have a power that I, we, or some other group might covet?"

"What did Carlisle tell you?"

"Not very much. I already knew you could shield your mind from both Edward and myself and that you were very brave but I understand your talent has grown with your conversion."

"Even if it has I still wouldn't work for the Volturi. I prefer to stay here with my mate."

"What if he were to agree to join us?"

"Why don't you ask him."

His eyes narrowed at my challenge and he looked at the girl Chelsea who smiled and turned her eyes on Jasper.

"Would you join us Major Whitlock?"

Jasper stood in silence for some time and I wondered if Chelsea had found a way through the shield then he smiled and lifted my hand to kiss it.

"I don't think so. I'd rather stay a free agent."

Aro glared at Chelsea who shrugged then his eyes flickered to Alec but I shook my head,

"Don't waste your time Aro, none of your parlour tricks will work on my friends"

"Really? Why?"

"Because I protect them. I protect all my friends against outside attack."

"You are a strong shield Bella if you can do as you claim."

"Would you like a demonstration Aro?"

He nodded, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"Ask Jane to attack one of your own"

Marcus frowned at this but Aro stopped him speaking with a raised hand,

"Alec, Jane."

Alec turned to Jane and I saw a low mist curl from his fingers towards her body. She looked scared but stood her ground as the mist curled around her shape but inches from her, unable to find an opening to seep through. Aro clapped his hands in wonder his eyes now gleaming avariciously.

"You see? I could also use it on others, some who are not here by choice but design maybe"

He looked at me and he knew to whom I was referring. Would he chance Marcus becoming a free agent? I doubted that.

"I think that is demonstration enough, thank you Bella"

As the mist cleared around Jane I withdrew the shield and she watched me carefully.

"So, a very powerful gift Bella. But if you won't use it for the good of the Volturi perhaps you have another party in mind?"

"No Aro. I am no man's puppet. I do not intend to use my power for or against the Volturi you have my word on that. But if pushed off the fence, who knows which side I might fall."

He understood my threat and I saw him weighing up his options.

"We would need your pledge in writing"

"You have it on the understanding that none of my friends is cajoled, pushed, tricked, or threatened, in any way and I'd like that in writing."

We looked into each others eyes and a pact was agreed without words. I wouldn't threaten his control of the Volturi if he left me and mine alone.

Alec came forward with paper and pen and we each wrote our promise out and exchanged them, Aro wafting his in the air to dry the ink.

"Well it's been a very interesting meeting but I think we've covered everything now"

"Not quite Aro"

Jasper moved forward dropping my hand.

"There is something you want from me Major?"

"Alice Cullen"

Aro's eyes narrowed but he kept the smile on his lips,

"I don't understand, I don't have Alice Cullen."

"No and you never will but I have a quarrel with her and I want your reassurance that whatever happens you will stay out of the business."

"Alice is a very talented young lady who I have often wished would join us. It would be a crime if she should die, such a waste of a valuable gift."

Jasper didn't speak just held Aro's attention. Marcus shifted uneasily and Jane and Alec moved back as he seemed to grow before our eyes until he was every inch the warrior.

"Brother, I don't see that it matters much. She would never agree to work with us anyway"

"She is very talented Marcus"

"Aro, this is neither the time, the place, or the person, to pick a fight with."

Aro broke first turning to look at Marcus,

"Really and why is that?"

"The Major is asking for our permission to deal with Alice Cullen, he could just have gone ahead and who could stop him? Especially with his mate at his side?"

Aro weighed Marcus words carefully before turning back to Jasper.

"Very well Major Whitlock, but please avoid killing her if possible."

Aro turned on his heels calling the others to him and they walked away disappearing into the mist as they had come.