An Unresolved Past
This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. WARNING: This is an adult version of twilight and will have sexual submission and violence (after all; the story revolves around vampires). This is not for the faint of heart; it is very dark and has sexual content. 18+
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.
Chapter 3 – A white wilderness; a dark past
While running at top speed towards the Denali coven Carlisle's phone began to ring; the wind rushing past his ears all but swallowed the sound. Emmett who was close behind however did hear and pointed towards Carlisle's pocket while passing him.
Carlisle looked perplexed but when Emmett mimicked the gesture of a person talking into a phone Carlisle finally understood and stopped to answer, while Emmett motioned the others to a halt.
After a moment he folded his phone saying "They couldn't get him to stay; it's like he knew something was going on. He was travelling south; then all of a sudden he veered off and although they tried to follow; it was impossible. They lost him in the area of the observation tower at Blair Lake. So they called in the hope that we could head them off".
Fearing they would lose their prey Caius instructed the others "we'll have to split up if we hope to have any chance of finding him. Considering he was heading south we will go that direction and gradually spread out. It might also be handy if the Volturi pair up with the Cullen clan; after all, they know this area better that we do". Having said this they quickly divided themselves into groups of two and headed south.
The night was long and the snow began to pelt down as they progressed forward. Emmett had paired up with Caius and both were scouring the countryside with their vampire vision while attempting to keep within each other's eyesight as they moved ahead. It took hours but thankfully the stamina and speed of the vampires were immeasurable allowing them to keep up the pace.
The storm had become colossal it was like running against a wall of snow obstructing any possible chance of finding someone. Caius automatically looked to his right in search of Emmett but he had vanished; swallowed by the snowstorm.
He had a choice; either go back or press on without his backup. He was not one to give up but realized that the disorientation caused by the storm would not allow him to find anyone, let alone the fiend he was searching for. He decided to ride out the storm and soon found a small area of shelter.
He put his hands in his coat pockets searching for his cell-phone when he caught a glimpse of a hooded figure pressing forward through the storm. He didn't recognize the clothing and flattened himself against the tree watching the figure as it was about to pass. He sniffed the air hoping this was a human but instead of blood he instantly recognized the sweet smell of the frangipani flower; the smell that would always send Isabella into a fit of fear.
"You! Stop!" Caius commanded but the moment he spoke the hooded figure picked up speed.
Caius was able to trail the figure through the storm; it was undoubtedly a vampire and most probably the villain that they had been chasing. Not believing his luck he closed in, his opponent had reached the end of his tether; for he was now at the edge of an ice cliff. Having nowhere to run his adversary turned to confront him and although Caius desperately tried to look at the culprit's face it was impossible; it was hidden under the hood of his cloak.
Frustrated by the situation Caius roared "Show yourself to me! I wish to see my opponent before I kill him".
His adversary slowly lifted his head, looking at him with an impassive expression; then, ever so slowly he began to smile saying "So king Caius; who has who?"
"Dragus….. But how?" Caius asked totally perplexed at seeing the Romanian
"Yes" he sarcastically chuckled "you thought you had killed me at the battle but I survived, no thanks to either Stefan or Vladimir; the fools!"
Seeing his long lost adversary from the Decian coven, his first impulse was to cut him down but curiosity stayed his hand. No one had knowledge of his existence; even Demetri had never picked up his trail so why had he exposed himself? What was going on? He found it essential to know more about his motives before he slayed this vampire.
Caius held him at the point of his sword and while observing him Dragus swiftly ducked and began to circle forcing Caius to do the same. They kept their eyes on one another; both ready to attack and when Caius had his back to the edge of the precipice he saw another dark figure slowly advancing towards them. Caius felt like he was observing an apparition as the ominous form slowly walked advanced out of the depths of the desolate white blizzard.
The light ringing sound of Isabella's mobile was like an alarm and she was visibly shaken by the sound. Seeing this Athenodora finally understood the extent of Bella's tension.
Flipping the telephone open Bella saw the anxious expression on Alice's face as she asked "Where is Caius? I need to speak with him".
"He's not here at the moment; he is on his way to the Denali coven. I'll tell him to call you back; is that OK?" Bella asked becoming uneasy.
"No! I need to talk to him right now!" Alice swiftly said as her head turned nervously to look at something or someone just outside of Bella's view.
"What's wrong Alice?" Bella asked trying to get her to explain.
"You have to get a hold of him. Tell him…..…" But before Alice was able to finish her sentence the line was broken.
"I have to call Caius" Bella said while she pushed in his number. She was on full alert and kept mumbling to herself "Pick up…..pick up". It kept ringing but no Caius so she glanced at the number and confirming it was his she placed it against her ear for a second time and waited.
Athenodora watched as Bella's suddenly lifted her eyes and turned towards the door. As if in trance, Bella left the room her eyes glazed over with fear; Athenodora froze, infected by Bella's fear she anxiously followed her friend as to the living room.
The others were still in the room talking softly to one another when Esme caught sight of Bella. Looking at the woman who had almost become her daughter-in-law she realized something was wrong and when the others saw her expression the conversation died. All eyes followed Esme's and watched the scene unravel in front of them; a clearly terrified Bella steadily walking towards the couch with an equally fearful Athenodora following. Bella picked up Caius's vest and subsequently reaching into it and took out a cell-phone.
Both were stunned, Bella's face a mask of desperation as she whispered "My god, no" Esme quickly came into the room, her eyes fixed on Bella; turning towards Athenodora asking "What's going on?"
Before Athenodora could say a word Bella whispered; her hollow voice strained by fear "Something's wrong; terribly wrong. I just had a call from Alice and she wanted to speak with Caius but she wouldn't say why. Then all of a sudden the line was broken" Bella explained.
Athenodora whispered "Aro..." but in the commotion no one heard
"That can´t be; those things are connected by satellite" Esme said while she walked to pick up her purse.
"That´s what I mean" Isabella said as she grabbed her phone to call Carlisle. It rang a few times but he didn't pick up.
They all felt a light tremor as they spoke and knowing this was a frequent event in this area of Alaska they just continued their discussion. But instead of receding it only became stronger; as vampire this was not a problem only an irritation.
All of a sudden Bella's eyes widened in utmost fear as she screamed "Caius" and she doubled over in pain. Athenodora was bewildered by Bella's actions but before she could do or say anything Bella raced past her and left the house.
Bella ran; her instincts taking the overhand and Athenodora followed screaming her name but instead of calming her down it only made her accelerate. Athenodora, seeing this stopped and called Riley in hope that she would be able to get a hold of him.
Thankfully she had no problems getting a hold of him as Riley quickly answered.
"Thank goodness! What is going on down there?" She asked, while watching Bella disappear into the edge of the forest.
"We are tracking the bugger" he said as he anxiously looked around. "We were on our way to the Denali's when they called telling us that the bird had already flown the coup".
After a moment Riley realized that this call wasn't just to find out what they were doing and asked "Is something wrong?"
"I don't know! All I know is that Isabella is terrified and she is coming your way; she is thoroughly distressed over Caius. I tried to follow her but couldn't keep up so decided to call; can you please look for her and Caius" Riley could hear her distress through the phone and tried to calm her down saying "I'll call the others and we will do our best".
While Athenodora was calling Riley; Esme had called Alice and because she couldn't get a hold of her she decided to call Jazz.
In the meanwhile Alexia and Rose were both standing next to Esme their minds also busy with the welfare of their family members. Esme was clearly nervous as she punched in Jazz's number. The only thing she received was a busy signal and then all of a sudden there was nothing. Visibly shaken Esme looked at both the girls and whispered to herself "What the hell is going on?"
On a desolate cliff of ice Caius stood still as a snake ready to strike but had no idea which of the two presented the most danger. He could hardly imagine it could be the woman and yet remembering Jane's powers he knew looks could be deceiving. The approaching figure was that of a young woman; a strange vision in such a desolate area. She was exquisite, her ghostly white complexion combined with a beautiful face made her look like an angel but the dark bordeaux eyes told him otherwise. He watched as she approached her long blond hair flying free in the wind. Still pointing his sword at Dragus he called out to the woman "do not come closer until you tell me who you are".
Ignoring his request, the woman steadily advanced a soft smile adorning her mouth; Caius had no choice but to watch as his sword was pointing in Dragus's direction to ward him off. The wind continued to encircle her body lifting the edges of her coat as she came closer to Caius his nose picked up the same overwhelming scent belonging to the Dragus. He was totally taken by surprise and that was when he felt shards of pain course through his body.
Caius looked at the woman; thinking she had the same gift as Jane.
"I see you thinking; you believe it is she that is able to do this" Dragus laughed as he used his left index and middle finger to tap his temple" Through his pain Caius looked towards Dragus a puzzled expression on his face.
Dragus simply raised an eyebrow, dark crimson eyes then slowly roamed Caius's tortured body. The smile on his handsome face widened and changed, becoming as sinister as his laugh.
Caius felt some reprise and lunged at Dragus but the paralyzing pain came back threefold as Dragus began to rectify Caius's misconception. "You see, I have another surprise for you my dear Caius. I too have a gift; no not the same as the demon Jane for her gift is imaginary. No, my gift has the same result only I can torture the senses of your body with my mind. Let it feel tangible pain – or pleasure; whatever I wish".
Caius was helpless as Dragus held him in a deadly grip and leaned over to whisper in his ear "Aro sent me to give you a message. He once had Isabella's abducted to teach her an important lesson; fear of the outside world. You should have let it be, now that Aro sees her fear waning he sent me; only this time to stop you".
Now real fear entered his soul as Caius moaned "What are you talking about? Aro would not do this!"
"Do you think I would risk my immortal life for a slip of a girl?" Dragus sneered "No! But Aro however, is another question all together and now that you have angered him he has decided to remove you from the equation so no one will be in his way".
Caius was horrified. He had always hoped that this was not the case however since Athenodora had told him her ideas he was now putting the puzzle together. His arm tried to wield the sword but the pain would not allow it so he was forced to hear what followed.
Dragus then leaned in and whispered "You are a fool if you have not seen him look at her; he is possessed. Only now it is not only her gift that he covets but also the numerous other assets she holds. He has become envious of you and wishes to share her bed".
Caius thought of the pain Bella would have to face and shouted "If you kill me she will only a shadow of herself just like Marcus".
The pain increased forcing Caius to fall on his hands and knees. Dragus looked down at the person who had caused him such despair over the centuries and his voice maliciously sneered "Remember the day of the first battle? You plundered the castle but that was not enough, was it? As you were combing the treasures you came upon my mate. You, the conqueror showed no mercy of a swift death. She seemed to fit your sexual palate so you kept her with you for decades; enslaved her as a pet to enjoy at your will. After years of rape and misery you tired of her and bleed her dry while your brothers watched on; I found her body and was able to take her with me but her mind was gone. In the end I had no choice but to destroy her."
Looking up the concluded "I care as much for your mate's destiny as you did for mine. Before you die you will know her destiny; a destiny that you have sealed with your actions. Only you are to blame for her eternal misery".
Dragus used his foot to pushed Caius aside his face filled with revulsion and venom; turning his back on him he walking away. Dragus then nodded towards the woman, raised his arm and subsequently let it fall, silently authorizing Caius's execution.
Instead of a sword entering his body Caius felt something enter his mind. The pain was excruciating and Caius writhed on the ground as his mind slowly drained. His memories of the past and the love he had found with Isabella were slowly being vanquished from his mind. The resulting desolation surrounded and devoured him and when it became too much he screamed his anguish to the barren skies.
The woman's face was a mask as she watched Caius's face and body writhe in agony. When it was over she saw the emptiness in his eyes and said "I am sorry that I have done this but I had no choice; you will walk the earth a shell of your former self".
"No Messalina!" Dragus roared as he turned. "He must be destroyed, Aro requires it and I wish to keep my body intact".
"Then you will have to do it yourself; I was not hired to murder; only to take away memories"
With a huff Dragus pushed her aside saying "As I said Caius; it seems you are no longer of use to your brother" and then raising his sword he prepared for the kill.
Without warning the ground shook for a second time. The tremors were enormous, significantly greater than the last one, knocking Dragus to the ground. Given this moment of reprieve Caius shook himself of the shadows surrounding his mind and his automatic reflexes took over allowing him time to regain his sword. He stood up and was about to use his sword to decapitate Dragus.
Dragus, seeing what had happened, dived into Caius's body and pushing him backwards as he used his mind to incapacitate Caius causing him to collapse for a second time. He picked up Caius's sword and threw it towards the woman and although Caius tried to retaliate it was useless. All his senses were blocked by the excruciating sensations which came back in full force.
Dragus raised his sword and came in for the kill as Caius tried to back away. However just before he could strike they heard an enormous cracking sound which stopped both in their tracks.
Then as if in slow motion the cliff of ice began to move and gradually it broke loose. Caius was too dazed to react but Dragus was able to jump to safety. Caius then tried to stand and felt the cold wind blowing up his back and pulling at his hair as the huge chunk of ice plunged into an abyss. Caius watched in wonderment and fear as the large wall began to tower over him while the massive portion he was on, crashed into the depths of the deadly cold water.
Dragus watched him disappear screaming "Noooo….." Then realizing he had no control over the situation he murmured "Messalina, you fool; all you had to do was finish him! He was already at your mercy. If Aro hears of this he will be furious".
"I was never told I had to murder him and therefore it is not my fault"
Dragus left the site fervently cursing both his accomplice as his adversary; he had only succeeded to rid Aro of Caius but he could not say if he had been killed in the fall. It would however be a frozen grave where escape was highly improbable. With this thought in mind he turned to his accomplice and said "We have to leave before anyone finds us".
Knowing how essential it was to get as much distance between them and the two covens he and Messalina set a swift pace. He would be at the small airport quickly enough and the blizzard would cover his tracks. Once he arrived at the airport he would take a quick shower to get rid of the awful stench, then leave this territory and hopefully never return. As he ran at full speed he thought 'It was strange how small mankind and even vampire was in comparison to the natural elements'.
An hour later his plane was in the air with Messalina and himself on board. He only hoped that there would be no consequences for the fact that Caius had not been killed.
