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 35 – There are no beautiful surfaces without a terrible depth *

Turning to face Dragus, his calm façade fell exposing the anger and frustration instigated by this freshly obtained knowledge.

While looking at Dragus he motioned to the door and nodded silently asking Dragus to follow him.

Once the door was closed Aro hissed "You fool; Caius may be alive after all and if so; I will hold you accountable".

"It was not me; Messalina refused to kill him" Dragus said still livid that she had refused to do what he had asked.

"Yes, but she was not sent to kill him!" Aro insisted.

Aro disappeared in a huff leaving Dragus standing alone outside the room. Dragus realized just how volatile the situation could become if Caius were still alive; then any chance of obtaining his revenge would undoubtedly be thwarted. It seemed that the goddess Fortuna was once again on the side of his mortal enemy just as it had been centuries ago.

Just after the catastrophic battle between the Volturi and the Romanian coven he left the site of devastation thinking no one had survived that massacre. In an attempt to avoid capture he lie dormant in those godawful caves for decades, often feeding on an occasional animal or human seeking shelter from the elements. As the time grew, both beast and man evaded his home forcing him to leave it's safety and find sustenance elsewhere.

For years he lived in the shadows and watched the humans and in that time he realized that he was able to manipulate their senses; subtly distorting their orientation and eventually causing confusion. This allowed him to lure his victims towards him whenever he was in need of both sustenance or female company.

It was centuries later that he found out that those caves has been his salvation for they had contained uranium ore; the thing that had somehow changed his brain waves; allowing him to fall under Demetri's radar.

He remembered the desperation after the mental destruction of his mate; the only thing nourishing his existence since then was the hope for revenge. He had waited so long and wasn't about to give up.

Turning he faced Isabella's room and mumbled "I think it's time to take things in my own hands".

Aro was seething; Caius had survived and Marcus and Demetri had joined him; they had even taken the seer with them. While making his way to his private library he muttered "They will pay dearly!".

Then he suddenly stopped, his mind perplexed. 'If they had Caius why hadn't they come back'?

While deeply pondering the situation a slow smile graced his lips as he realized that Caius memory must still be lost or fragmented then chuckling to himself he whispered "Messalina's gift had worked!"

Considering this he realized that Caius was still vulnerable and this would be the best moment for attack. To find him, Aro had to find Marcus and his small group; but how?

He then realized that although his connection with the seer was fragile; with luck it could still be intact and was grateful for the precautionary measures he had put in place.

He instantly called the men that he had assigned to follow Alice and when he finally reached them he demanded to know her location. The men were flustered saying that just moments ago they had lost the group's whereabouts.

Angered by this twist of fate Aro snapped "How?"

"We lost the signal" his contact replied.

Although furious with the sudden change of circumstances he swiftly decided to investigate the route they had taken. Once his guards were able to pinpoint the location of Carlisle's coven Aro would organized his offensive with the precision of a seasoned soldier.

After a moment of silence Aro spoke "Have some of your men scout the area where you last observed the signal. Then check out all contacts that Carlisle or his family may have in that region; that way the possibility of finding them will be greater".

"It will be very difficult; they are constantly travelling. It seems like someone is always able to feel our presence" the vampire complained.

Aro realized the disadvantage they were facing as the group was accompanied by both Demetri and the seer. He said nothing of this, instead he sneered "Then you must stay closer otherwise we will lose them; you have more than enough vampires to help in your quest".

Comprehending Aro's determination the messenger yielded saying "Yes master, we will scour the area"

"Call me as soon as they are found" Aro huffed and quickly added "remember this; there will be severe consequences if you cannot find them".

After four strenuous hours Aro finally received a call telling him that the whereabouts of the group had been pinpointed. Now that they had a possible area he could apply his backup plan.

He quickly made the necessary preparations and subsequently waited hoping his safeguards would tip the scales in his favour.

The last few weeks Messalina had been avoiding Aro; normally she would see him on a weekly basis but he seemed to be too preoccupied to request her presence. This was exceedingly uncharacteristic behaviour for Aro but she was more than grateful for this interlude.

Arriving at Aro's apartments she hesitated for a moment and then firmly knocked on the door. She had barely stepped in the room when he barked "what do you know of Marcus's request".

Looking directly at Aro, Messalina automatically recognized that smile and knew its dangerous implications. Being wary of Aro she kept her distance saying "I don't understand".

"It seems that Marcus asked Alec to watch over Isabella and he was a bit too enthusiastic; coming into our chambers without consent and searching our rooms. If it were anyone other than Alec….." Aro stopped his explanation in mid-sentence looking towards the young vampire.

Messalina ignored his last few words, realizing they were not meant for her ears and quickly answered "I had no knowledge; Alec did not confide in me". Then in an attempt to diminish the importance of Marcus's request she added "Maybe he wasn't that impressed by the Marcus's plea to discuss it with me"

Looking up she saw Aro's eyes analyzing her so she extended her hands to him in an attempt to prove her innocence; hoping that he wouldn't accept. She feared Aro might sense the doubts that plagued her mind of late. Seeing Aro's fierce reaction towards his beloved protégée's inquisitiveness; she doubted he would have any patience towards any insecurities she may inadvertently harbour.

After examining her face for any possible treachery he seemed satisfied by her serene expression and thankfully waved a hand to dismiss her offer.

He then gracefully sat behind his desk motioning her to take the seat across from him. His detached façade back in place, he rationalized his momentary lapse of temper saying "I am sorry that I allowed my temper to flare but … well, Isabella and I must have our privacy; you must agree the bond between mates is precious".

Messalina automatically nodded saying "You are right but, I don't believe that was Alec's intention"

Aro smiled accepting her words but then continued "Marcus put him up to this; although I, for the life of me don't understand why. However I would not wish to Alec to feel obliged to spy for Marcus"

Aro put his elbows on the desk and entwined his fingers. Resting his chin on the his fingers, he pursed his lips.

After a moment of hesitation he persisted his line of reasoning saying "You will tell Alec that you have seen her and she is doing fine considering her emotional relapse. Do you understand?"

Messalina simply nodded her head in compliance to his request although her heart was wary of his reasons.

A moment later Aro continued saying "In addition you will erase Marcus's instructions as soon as possible, in order to avoid any similar actions in the future. I do not wish a repetition of today's events; Isabella is momentarily under a great deal of strain and I will not have anyone to see my mate in such a state".

He looked up to gauge her reaction and Messalina gave him a pleasant smile as she replied "I understand"

Aro smiled and with a nod of his head he dismissed her saying "That will be all"