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 24 – 'Tis best to weigh the enemy more mighty than he seems *
Leaving his lair Caius looked around as he didn't relish a repetition of last night's surprise attack. He was stronger than the bear, so that wasn't a problem but being taken off guard was something he wasn't happy with at all. He had seen a couple of humans in the distance which would have at least gotten rid of the foul taste in his mouth. However by the time he had the situation under control they were gone and the sun came up. He could have followed the strange tracks they had left behind but there was something pushing him south.
He gradually picked up the pace and was making good time when his eyes fell on familiar tracks in the snow. They were the same strange tracks that the humans had made yesterday and now that he had a second chance he decided he was more than sick of animal blood!
Although cautious he was able to make good time and it didn't take long before he approached a small town.
Looking into the window of a small shelter Caius saw a group of humans in deep conversation with others; he would have to wait until one of them came outside. Although he was strong enough to take on all the people inside he was no fool; it would be against all the rules to expose himself.
All of a sudden it dawned on him that he now remembered the rules; it was as if a veil that hid his past was blown up allowing him to see fragments. He was awakened from his pondering as one of the people turned his head to the side as if catching sent of something. A second later all hell broke loose as the person in question stormed out of the door closely followed by his companions. Caius ran intending to go into hiding until the humans slept but he couldn't shake them. It was at that moment he realized that the ones following him were no mere humans and Caius had no choice but to turn and prepare himself for an attack.
They were almost on top of him; that spit-second he understood he would have to come face to face with his own sort. In an automatic reflex he made a grab to his side searching for the sword he no longer had. Quickly realizing just how defenceless he was he crouched ready to attack as he displayed his teeth and hissed "Do not come any closer!"
After a moment he realized something thing was amiss. They did not attack; they just stood there looking at him with their golden eyes.
His eyes travelled from one face to the other and "I came to find food for my coven; we will not attack you for it but I am prepared to defend myself if necessary".
Riley, and Carlisle all three realizing the precarious situation cautiously advanced towards Caius and slowly extending his right hand as Carlisle said "Caius; we are here to help"
"Do I know you?" Caius said, his eyes travelling from one to the other, charting a possible escape.
The one that had called him by his name said "My name is Carlisle and we have known each other for more than five hundred years".
In a crouching position and poised to defend himself Caius precariously watched as the two strangers came nearer.
While his mind worked on a possible method of attack he saw three women move behind them and hissed a warning until he recognized one of them.
The other male vampire protectively shielded her and turned his head towards her saying "Please Athenodora, stay away! Caius doesn't seem to recognize any of us and he is poised to attack".
"I am not afraid of my former mate; he will not harm me" Athenodora said as she lightly brushed past both men and advanced towards Caius.
Caius was confused "What are you doing here with these strangers and why do you have golden eyes?"
"They are no strangers they are our friends" Athenodora explained.
"Come with me Athenodora" Caius demanded and once she came within reach he grabbed her by the arm causing the male who had spoken to her to hiss his disapproval. She calmed him by a wave of her hand and when she was by Caius's side he whispered "I need you".
She gently pulled her arm out of his grasp saying "No Caius, you need us" and motioned towards her companions with a sweep of her other arm.
Caius was becoming irritated and quickly retorted "You are mine, you must obey"
Her eyes were compassionate as she softly replied "I am no longer yours and haven't been for the last couple of decades.
"That cannot be" he said as he searched her hand for the familiar ring he had given her and realized she was not wearing it.
"Believe me it is so. The passion that had brought us together had gradually burned itself out and our relationship became that of devoted siblings". Then she stopped and looked at her former mate and while scrutinizing his face she asked "Do you not remember Isabella?"
He abruptly looked up at her face as if she had stung him. Squinting his eyes in concentration he said "Who is that; the name sounds familiar and yet my mind sees no face to match the name".
"You had a golden locket with her picture inside; something you always wore. You called it your good luck charm".
Surprised by her words his hand automatically felt for the necklace but he said nothing.
"Please come with us Caius and I will explain everything" Athenodora coxed.
Hearing movement from the others his eyes automatically observed them and while scrutinizing the group he said "No, I have no wish to leave with these people".
"You will be walking next to me and we can talk; I may be able to help you remember that which is lost" she said every fibre of her being feeling the tension of her former mate.
"But who are these people?" Caius inquired
"These people have been looking all over Alaska for you the past six years; you should be grateful for their dedication as they have made it their priority to find you. We haven't been able to apprehend the culprits who have caused your accident; they seem to be elusive as ghosts but we will find them".
Looking puzzled he asked "What happened? When I woke up I didn't recognize the objects or the world around me" Caius said, his eyes constantly scanning as the others as they gradually advanced.
"I warn you come no further!" He shouted pulling Athenodora with him.
They abruptly stopped, seeing every movement would only provoke Caius to exhibit the combat techniques he had refined in the past centuries.
Carlisle automatically held out his hand trying to calm him as he spoke "You had an accident; a large shard of ice fell into the water taking you with it. All believed even a vampire could not survive such a cataclysmic fate. Isabella begged us to keep up the search".
Skeptically Caius asked "Who is this Isabella and why is she not with you?"
"Aro called her back to Italy saying she needed the protection however we believe she is being forced to stay there since your accident" Athenodora explained.
"What is she to me?" he suspiciously asked Athenodora.
"She is all you ever wanted; she is your true mate. When she first came to Volterra you allowed me to familiarize her to the Volturi coven; she was my best friend, a daughter that I never had. She taught us love and devotion something we both had lost the meaning of long ago".
Carlisle filled in "That's the problem Caius; since you're so called demise Aro has taken her and two of my coven. We are in desperate need of your help".
Athenodora sensed Caius's curiosity was slowly replacing his apprehension and knew she was right when he said "I will come with you but keep your distance and walk ahead; Athenodora and I will follow".
While watching the other vampires he said "I need to know more and Athenodora will be able to inform me; only then can I decide if I wish to stay in your company".
The vampire male named Carlisle replied "Fair enough".
Reilly looked at Athenodora asking "Are you all right with that?"
Automatically turning his attention to Reilly he looked at his former mate and motioned with his chin towards Reilly asking "Who is that?"
Athenodora smile saying "That is my present mate; he and I have been members of the Denali coven for almost five years after that I had to go in hiding".
Caius kept his eyes on the male but he directed his question towards his former mate "I knew of this?
"Yes and you were happy for me" she explained.
"If what you say is true; things have indeed changed" Caius muttered, a sense of loss seizing him.
"Please come with us" Athendora said as she kissed his cheek; you must know by now that I would never do anything to cause you harm. She entwined her arm in his and gave him an amicable smile as she leaned towards him. Realizing he needed time to rekindle their past friendship she tried to make him feel comfortable in her presence.
The small group began to move with Caius and Athenodora taking up the rear and as they walked she asked "how much of your past do you remember?"
I woke underwater and had no idea where I was. Once I left the water, I came upon a shelter and stayed there for a time constantly challenging my mind for answers. Finding some maps and rolling them out in search of my location, I saw flashbacks of our battles with the Romanian and Egyptian Covens".
"That my love, was thirty-one hundred years ago. Don't you have any recent memories?"
"That's it; everything around me is strange; it all feels familiar but it looks unfamiliar. There is something I wish to show you. Extracting the locket out from under his shirt he pulled it over his head. After a moment's hesitation he held it in his hands and opening it he asked "hold out your hand" and gently placed it in the palm of her right hand.
He nodded towards the object saying "Is this the Isabella that you spoke of? The face looked familiar and when I saw it I felt alive; like holding the sun in my hands. I was sure this person was someone of significance but I could not remember her name. I felt there was something more; it is not like met to keep a portrait of someone just because I had been captivated by her beauty".
Athenodora smiled as she recalled their first years with Bella. "Yes when Isabella came into our lives we had both become tired and our love of life was gone. At first you despised her because she was human but gradually and without much effort; she was able to capture both our dead hearts."
She then let out a long sigh muttering to herself "The hearts we thought could never find love or peace again in this world".
Athenodora carefully closed the locket and reaching for his hand she put it in his palm and gently closed his fingers around it "Be careful with this treasure Caius; it is yours and yours alone".
"Did she love me?" Caius skeptically asked.
Chuckling at his remark she answered "Does the moon love the stars? She was your second half; you both bathed in one-another's love!"
While making way to the Cullen house in Forks, Athenodora probed Caius's memory, trying to find out what had happened to him and where he had been. After an hour of this he became frustrated and refusing to listen to any further questions they walked in silence.
Realizing any questions about the time after 1100 BC were useless Athenodora turned to Caius asking "would you like me to tell you what has happened since then?"
"It still won't make me remember" was Caius's frustrated answer.
"It might not" she softly answered and then with a bitter note she added "however it will help you grasp knowledge of your lost years. After all, you will need to do that before you see Aro and go to the vipers nest in Volterra".
As she started telling him the life he had lead in those forgotten years she realized just how bonded they had been. If that had not been the case she would never be able to give him the necessary details he needed to fit the pieces of his past.
He listened intensely as his hand wandered to his pocket and inadvertently finding the locket he automatically began rubbing it between his fingers and his thumb. It seemed to soothe his otherwise ruffled nerves.
As they walked Carlisle, listened in on their conversation and a cloud of doubt began to take form in his mind. Having lost so many memories made Caius vulnerable and if Aro was truly against finding Caius as Edward believed, he would make use of Caius's memory loss to destroy his credibility in the coven. He let his mind wander toward possible solutions to this problem when he heard the telephone ring.
Fishing the telephone out of his pocket he answered "Hi Edward, sorry I didn't call earlier".
"Did you find Caius?"
"Yes, thank god. We were just in time; he was looking for victims at the Indian reservation." Carlisle said as he inadvertently looked behind taking in Caius and Athenodora as they were in conversation.
"Where has he been all these years?" Edward asked curiosity getting the better of him.
"I don't know son; to be honest he doesn't even know" Carlisle said letting out a sigh of
disappointment.
"I don't understand!" Edward said puzzled by his Carlisle's words.
"I mean his memory has been wiped out; his last memories are of 1100 BC and the defeat of the Romanian coven" Carlisle tried to clarify.
"But that can't be; I have never heard of a vampire losing his memory" Edward said the astonishment and apprehension staining his voice.
"I don't know if it was the fall or something else but, his mind is a blank" Carlisle explained.
"This will make things much more difficult than we had anticipated" Edward voiced
"My sentiments exactly" Carlisle agreed as he travelled through the snow with Esme at his side.
"How did you get him to follow you? After all, in that time you did not exist"
"That's where we were lucky to have Athenodora in our midst; she was able to convince him that we are only trying to help. At least there is one positive thing I noticed; Caius may have lost his memory but watching him poised for the attack I doubt he has lost any of his military tactics" Carlisle explained.
"At least that's something!" Edward said and then quickly added "Carlisle, we may have another problem. Zafrina just called to tell me that Bella has given her the signal. It seems the Volturi knows that Caius has surfaced but we don't know if Bella herself has sensed his presence or if Demetri has been able to detect his presence".
Carlisle shook his head back and forth in frustration; now that Volterra had somehow found out about Caius they were compelled to speed up their mission. After a moments though he said "Whomever it was, we can't take the risk; you'll have to get Charlie and Sue out of there as soon as possible."
Carlisle then went on to ask "Where is Jake at the moment?"
"He's at the reservation; he called me with his cell phone".
"Well, I think you should call him and inform him of this last development. Both he and Sienna must accept the fact that they will be in danger if they stay; they must make arrangements to leave Forks. I understand that they are set against leaving but you know what will happen if they stay" Carlisle explained, concern tinting his voice.
"I'll call; he'll have to listen to sense! After that we will make our way to Forks and will meet you there" Edward said and once the connection was broken he redialed Jake.
"Jake here" said the familiar voice.
"Hi Jake, we have gotten a sign from Bella which means the Volturi has Caius on their radar. Can you call Charlie and inform him that we are going to faze B as soon as possible? We have to get him and his family out of harm's way. We have different homes in Western Europe and South America. Carlisle has asked me to give you a list of all homes which we think will be suitable for them but they must prepare; you must however stress the fact that once they leave they cannot contact anyone from their past. Until we resolve this problem any contact with outsiders may blow the whole operation and then Aro might get to Charlie and his family through them".
"How could they have sensed it so quickly; he just surfaced!" Jake insisted.
"Yes, for us but maybe he turned up on their radar before he was spotted. Anyway can you get a hold of Charlie and his family and tell them the news?"
"Will do but it will take some time to get everyone down here" Jacob said and was about to hang up when
Jake was about to hang up when Edward urgent voice added "And Jacob…you and Sienna must join them; it won't be safe for either of you to stay in Forks. You must go with Charlie and his family; do it otherwise this may all backfire and it will be too late".
"That's not necessary" was Jake spontaneous reply.
Expecting this reaction Edward explained "Jake you have to hear me out! If Aro has dug into Bella's past he has found out about you. When he comes after you the tribe will defend you and he will deem it necessary to slaughter them as well. However if you are gone he will read their minds and because they have no knowledge of him or the Volturi he will leave them in peace concentrating his search on you and Sienna. Need I say that if he finds you and realizes how much you know about them he will extract his revenge; he is merciless and will not only make you pay but also all your loved ones. My family and I want you all out of Aro's grasp, we could never live with the thought of you, your wife or the Quileute tribe being caught in the crossfire and neither could Bella".
There was silence on the other end of the line as Jake pondered the situation Edward had sketched and then with a deep sigh Jake replied "Both Sienna or I do not want to leave and normally I wouldn't steer clear of a good battle but I don't want them to use my wife or my tribe to get back at me".
Edward released the breath he had inadvertently held and quickly replied "Thanks! We have different safe houses, cash and secret bank accounts that have been set aside for quite a while now".
After a moment of silence he added "I'll see you later at the homestead in Forks, it will probably take us about six hours to get there. Once I arrive I'll call, then we can look over the documents in our possession".
"But what about Demetri?" Jake asked
"Demetri is our problem; he will always be able to find us so we will have to stay on the run. That's why, once you have left Forks we can't see you or the others; for fear that he will find all of you".
When Jacob arrived at the Cullen's old home in Forks he quietly opened the sliding doors and walked into the room finding Edward. He was unnaturally quiet something very uncharacteristic for Jake but before Edward could say anything Jacob looked up and spoke in an emotionless, trance-like voice "Sienna and I had always hoped to stay with our tribe a little longer but now that we are forced to leave it is difficult to comprehend. We both understand we have no choice but even so; it is one of the most difficult decisions in our lives".
Edward had been scrutinizing Jake's face and understood his grief; after all it was something his family had experienced many times over and yet they were able to stay together. Jake and Sienna would have to leave all that they loved behind.
Jacob then looked up and giving Edward a halfhearted smile he gravely remarked "So, it's official; we have to start preparing for our evacuation".
Edward walked toward him and placing his hand on Jake's shoulder to endorsed his
compassion saying "Yes and believe me; I understand your difficulty!"
Jacob allowed the gesture but after a moment or two waved it away refusing to be sentimental. He then scanned the various items laid out on the table and said "Carlisle seems to have been working at it for quite a while! My god you guys are organized".
Edward snickered at his comment answering "Carlisle is a three-hundred and sixty five year old vampire; if he wasn't organized by now, he wouldn't have survived". Then bending down he rummaged through some drawers in a nearby desk.
Jacob watched him; thrusting his hands in his jeans pockets he shrugged and said "Yeah, I guess your right" Then as afterthought he chuckled saying "I must admit he doesn't look his age".
Edward seemed to have found what he was looking for and turning he placed a small black mobile in Jacobs hand saying "Here; you can call Charlie with this. We have cell phones with chips; the chips can be thrown away after use, that way they are untraceable. This is their web site and they have outlets all over Europe where you can purchase them; but remember always pay in cash!" he said handing him the address and then went on to say "That way we will be able to communicate if there is an emergency but remember; after 5 minutes they will be able to trace you so we have to make sure we don't stay on any longer!"
Then going back to the table he held a bunch of deeds in his hand and turned to show them to Jake "These are the deeds to the different houses; they are registered to a company that is untraceable to my family. Some are large enough for all of you to live together but if you wish you can live separate from one-another".
"These are the accounts which Carlisle has set up for you and the others plus the passports which have been fabricated to correspond with them. We had them made up a while ago, knowing that we may have to move fast"
Flipping through one of the passports Edward showed Jake the craftsmanship saying "the quality is so good that they cannot be distinguished from a legitimate passport. Now all we have to do is assemble all the people that wish to go".
"Visit Charlie and tell him about the last developments once he has everyone has assembled you can all leave together.
Since that fateful day a couple of weeks ago she has not seen Demetri and tried to forget what she had heard and done. She would never betray Caius to Aro or anyone else but knowing that Demetri could sense him made her apprehensive; feeling she was sitting on a powder keg that was about to explode.
While wandering in the corridors she came upon Marcus. Nodding her head in respect she was about to pass him when he suddenly grasped her hand saying "Please Isabella I wish to speak to you"
She looked at his hand and then gradually her eyes travelled up; planting a smile on her lips she made an effort to hide her discomfort. As their eyes met she observed the curiosity building in his perplexed expression and fearing any discussions she sought an excuse to leave his company. She was about to speak when Marcus pursed his lips saying "I know you have avoided speaking with me the last week or so".
Shaking her head in false denial she quickly said "You make a mistake, why would I avoid you? You have been my fr….." Marcus observing her discomfort cut her words off in mid-sentence by a wave of his hand.
He gave her a warm smile saying "Because of your avoidance I have decided to come to speak with you".
Bella replied "I would love to but I have to go to the library; Aro is insistent that I learn as much as possible of the history of our species"
"I am sure that can wait; after our discussion you can always go there" he said trying to cheerfully persuade her.
Deflated by his determination she shrugged her defeat and Marcus held out his arm saying "Please dear Isabella, will you accompany me to the gardens?"
Bella looked around the corridor and seeing no one she entwined her arm in his saying "Of course; I would be honoured". The moment it came out of her mouth she flinched hearing the hint of reluctance in her voice and hoping Marcus had not noticed.
Unhappily she realized that Marcus was far to cleaver to let it go unnoticed as he asked "Why do you look around before accepting my invitation and why are you so tense? Believe me Isabella, I mean you no harm" he said as they entered the gardens.
She forced herself to relax as she amicably walked arm in arm with Marcus. She then looked at him and giving him an amiable smile she said "It's not you, it's just the possible consequences of our discussion that I wish to avoid".
He stopped walking for a moment and looked back asking "What do you mean?"
"Nothing in particular but sometimes small discussions or incidents can become misunderstood causing all sorts of unnecessary problems. For instance you believe I do not wish to speak to you just because I wanted to go to the library".
"No" Marcus patiently replied "I thought that you do not wish to speak with me because you have avoided me for the past two weeks".
"You see what I mean! Two opinions, from two different vantage points. There is one important thing that Caius taught me; he always told me to watch myself. Sometimes a small and seemingly harmless incident can make you vulnerable to the whispers of court. As you know Aro is extremely possessive and watches over me; he may even be searching for me as we speak" she said as they entered the labyrinth she and Caius had often visited in the past.
They walked in silence, Bella becoming more nervous with every step. They were almost at the heart of the Labyrinth and when they turned the last corner Bella came to a full stop as she stood face to face with Demetri.
Demetri, watching her apprehension said "Look Isabella I understand I must have shaken you up the other day".
She forced herself to calm down she replied "Not at all Demetri but I'm afraid I really must go back to my apartments; Aro will be looking for me and I do not want to disappoint him"
Turning she found her path blocked by Marcus then, looking at his face she implored "Please Marcus, I must take my leave". I do not wish to worry my mate".
Marcus looked kindheartedly but wouldn't budge saying "I'm sorry Isabella but I wish to speak to you".
Turning her head from one to the other she asked "What is going on?"
Demetri said nothing allowing Marcus to open the discussion "We need to ask you some questions".
Trying to conceal her growing anxiety Bella resolutely scrutinized Marcus's face and locked onto his eyes muttering "Marcus, please let me go; I really enjoy your company but I must leave, as I said Aro will be looking for me"
She was looking for a possible way to get around Marcus and as she did she felt Demetri seize her arm while Marcus stood his ground.
They took her to the nearby bench which was at the heart of the Labyrinth and Marcus smiled asking "would you do me the honour of accompanying me?" Although the words took the form of a question Bella knew that it was more of a demand so she reluctantly sat down lifting imaginary lint from her frock. Demetri had known Bella for quite a while now and as he carefully scrutinized her he saw her anxiety grow. Seeing this Demetri whispered " Maybe it would be more acceptable for Isabella if I leave you both alone!"
Keeping his eyes on Bella, Marcus asked "Would you mind? I think it would be better for all involved".
Once Demetri had left them alone Marcus said "I have been speaking with Demetri and heard of your discussion a couple of weeks ago; since then you haven't spoken to me". Then looking at her expression he added "you seem to be troubled".
"No, not at all; either you misunderstood Demetri or he misunderstood me. As I said earlier seemingly harmless incidents or even discussions can be misinterpreted".
Ignoring her response he went further to add "I believe that my brother Aro has and is still abusing his power over you; I don't believe that you would have taken a mate otherwise.
Certainly not so early after the loss of Caius; what is going on Isabella?"
Seeing her hesitation he took her hands and suggested "I can ask Aro"
Isabella's eyes grew wide and she dared not say a word as she felt the noose around her neck tighten.
He continued saying "Demetri said you were talking about protecting others; who are these others?"
"No, as I already said Demetri misunderstood me" Bella desperately denied.
"And as I said; I can always ask Aro" he proposed.
Wringing her hands, the fear took over for a split second as she muttered "I can't say; than all these years would amount to nothing!"
"So I am right!" Marcus said triumphantly as he placed his hands on hers "Aro is blackmailing you! And because of this you have taken him as your mate."
"Shhh…" she said while looking around. "No, you misunderstand…"she stuttered.
Marcus tried making her talk by saying "I sense he has placed you under enormous pressure".
"Stop saying that!" she said, her voice broken with emotion.
"Isabella; either you tell me or I will go to Aro" Marcus said as he let go of her hands and began to stand up.
"No Marcus, please don't" she begged grabbing his hand in an attempt to stop him "I can't have their deaths on my conscience"
His face displayed the confusion he felt upon hearing her words and he asked "whose deaths?"
Bella's resistance was frayed by the persistent inquires that Marcus lay at her feet. In a wave of frustration she frantically spewed "That of my mortal family" then realizing her mistake she covered her mouth and a look of horror immediately replaced that frustration".
"What do you mean? I thought you no longer had any human contacts" Marcus asked, his voice gentle.
Bella still had difficulty discussing her parents but told him "My mother and her friend died in a plane crash"
"But Aro told me all were dead" Marcus explained.
"No, my father was in a horrible accident but he was able to survive" she said " you see, he was innocently living in Forks but when Aro sent him a message telling him I was still alive, my father came to Italy".
Marcus was confused and in his frustration he sharply asked "Again Isabella; explain yourself!"
Marcus listened, the frown on his face growing as Bella spent the next half hour enlightening him of her situation.
Blood tears ran down her face as she said "You will kill him, you will kill my father. I was always afraid of this"
Marcus looked up at her and asked "Does he know of us?"
"No, Not that I know of" she answered "Please let him and his family live!"
Marcus gave her a handkerchief and said "Wipe you eyes; your father is the last of my concerns and if he stays quiet, so will I"
After a moment of silence Marcus looked down at his hands. He then began to explain, his voice soft and steady as he spoke to both Bella and himself. "I should have seen this coming he has always coveted your power and with your bond he has full access. The last few months he has been talking about possible treason within the Egyptian coven. I am however afraid this treason has more to do with his interest in a very talented member of their coven".
He then looked up and into Bella's eyes saying "We have come to a special point in the history of our coven. Aro is talking of war and I have no taste for it unless it is unavoidable".
Bella then asked "What does that have to do with me?"
He sarcastically chuckled "don't you understand? You, Alec and Jane will be important pawns in his game".
"What do you mean?" she probed, a frown marring her face.
"With the gift of you three he will be able to collect anyone he wishes without any harm coming to himself. You see, the person we think that Aro wishes to collect is yet another important vampire with extremely powerful gifts. With the help of you three he will be able to do so and once he has him; Aro's power will be as unlimited as his lifespan and no one will dare to contest him".
Bella quickly retorted "I won't willingly partake in war".
Marcus just gave her a mocking smile saying "Like you didn't willingly partake in this bond you have with Aro?"
"That is different!" she argued.
"Oh, but the result is the same; he has you and you are forced to stay at his side." Before she could react he continued "And what of Caius? Aro is very happy with the current situation, do you think he will enthusiastically welcome Caius back to the coven and freely give you back to him?"
Her eyes grew wide when she heard this.
"Oh yes my dear; I have been informed of Caius's presence by Demetri"
"What, does Aro know?" She guardedly asked
Marcus continued to smile saying "Nothing yet and at the moment I wish to keep it that way".
Grateful for this bit of news she signed her relief and nervously looked at her hands.
He continued "I will keep Demetri away from Aro but we need your help. We need you to contact the Olympic coven"
She looked up and said "I have no contact with them"
"Why not?'
She nervously looked around her and then said "All my calls are controlled and Aro does not wish me to come in contact them so I dare not take any chances".
"And Alice and Jasper Cullen; what about them?" he inquired
"I don't know; you will have to ask them why they never come to see me. As for myself; I am not allowed in that part of the castle as Aro believes it will only depress me" She quickly answered.
Marcus leaned closer saying "I am planning to go see the Olympic clan in Alaska and wish to take Demetri, Alice and Jasper with me.
"Why? Are you planning to hunt Caius? " she asked, suspicion and fear suddenly returning in her voice.
"I need to know what is going on!" Marcus explained.
'You know, by going down there, you may be signing his death sentence" she cautioned.
"Aro would not dare!" Marcus indignantly replied
"Please don't say that!" Bella warned as she gradually stood up. And asked "Is my face clear of all tears? I don't want anyone to see, it would only cause suspicion."
Marcus nodded and now that all fight had left her she said goodbye. Then retracing her footsteps she slowly made her way out of the Labyrinth with the hope that Marcus would keep his word.
'Tis best to weigh the enemy more mighty than he seems ~ William Shakespeare
