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The plane erupted into loud laughter as Esme sat back down in her chair quietly.
"Wow Esme that was an impressive move. Where did you learn that?" Garrett asked amid the chuckles.
Felix had removed Edwards head from her grasp and wrapped it in a blanket at the other end of the plane. His body was still sitting upright in the chair he had occupied before occasionally the arms would twitch which made Bella stare at it in morbid fascination. Garrett wrapped another blanket around Edward's 'remains'.
"Don't want to get venom all over the seats it'll be hard to explain." He said to Bella seeing her questioning look.
"Jasper taught the others how to fight." Esme said quietly in answer to his question. "Carlisle didn't think it was necessary I learn but I watched and learned anyway. He showed Rose and Alice many moves, including how to remove someone's head quickly even when the opponent in larger and heavier than you. Edward used to frustrate him endlessly because he relied on his gift so much, believing he would read any movements before his adversary made them. He ended up on his ass so many times but he never learned."
She laughed softly, almost to herself.
"Silly, silly boy, he always thought he was so much better than the rest of us. But when we found Bella he became almost unbearable. He was so proud of his 'mate' of the opportunities it afforded to demonstrate his self-control. He used to pride himself on how much she adored him, wanted him. It was fun for him to wind her up then refuse her advances leaving her plagued with self-doubt and insecurities. He loved having her at his beck and call." She turned toward Bella with a sad smile. "You were so completely smitten. I couldn't see it then but like I said, it's as though a veil has been lifted. You practically worshipped him and it was exactly what he wanted. I honestly believe he was afraid of you, of your desires. I think he was terrified that you would cease to see him as the god he felt he was should he attempt to make love to you. He was afraid he would disappoint you and I feel sure he would have. I don't think he would not know what to do with a hot blooded women if one jumped up and bit him."
"Sounds like I had a lucky escape in more ways than one." Bella replied laughing. "At least we don't have to listen to his sanctimonious drivel any more. Thanks for that."
The rest of the plane journey passed quickly. Bella did sleep for a short time but mostly she snuggled into Alistair's lap while listening to Felix, Alistair and Garrett tease each other mercilessly while re-telling some of what Bella was sure were their tamer stories.
Upon landing in Italy, two cars were waiting in a hanger for them. Jane was there and she greeted Bella warmly. With her were three other vampires who were introduced to Bella as Demetri, Lucas and David.
Edward was bundled out of the plane and into one of the waiting cars quickly before the humans could see what was happening. It was decided he would not be put back together just yet.
Bella watched in amused silence as Felix dazzled the pilot into thinking he had miscounted the passengers earlier, while he was handsomely paid for his time. Maybe it was the money that dazzled him Bella mused as she climbed into the sleek black limo that was waiting along with Alistair, Felix and Esme.
They were quickly whisked out of the airport and out into the Italian countryside. Again Bella was struck by the fact that this could well be one of the last times she saw such sights with human eyes. Vampires could hardly go wandering about in broad daylight here. She sighed a little wistfully thinking she would have liked some time to explore in daylight.
"It doesn't look much different at night you know." Alistair whispered as though he had read her mind. "Our eyes adjust to darkness so much better than humans."
He wrapped her in his arms and held her tightly.
"Yes we do lose somethings like eating, sleeping and going out in the sun but the benefits like durability and immortality far outweigh them. Trust me hen, it'll be worth it."
"I know it will. And the good will outweigh the bad but I can't quash my fears completely. I think there are benefits to not knowing what's coming, three days of agony is not something I am looking forward to. Neither if I am honest is the thought of needing blood to survive. I like food, the different tastes and textures, the way it smells. Chocolate, oh now that I will really miss, I know you've never had chocolate but its heaven in a bar. Wine! I will still be able to drink that right?" Bella was rambling, her nervousness getting the better of her. She knew that the closer she got to Volterra the less time she had left.
Alistair laughed quietly while wrapping her in his arms.
"Yes hen you can still drink wine. Human food won't taste too good though and you will have to throw it back up later but you can eat if you want. Though I doubt you will. Don't know about chocolate, never tried it but I assume it's the same as other food." He glance toward the others for confirmation but they just shrugged.
"I like sleep too, I like waking up again. I like that delicious tiredness you get at the end of a good day. Snuggling into bed and drifting off. Then waking up refreshed and happy. It's a wonderful feeling." She smiled up at him. "Waking up in your arms is pretty damn good as well."
"Well I am afraid hen sleep will be out, but I promise you won't miss it. I'll keep you happily occupied all night long." He waggled his eyebrows at her cheekily, his voice had taken on a low seductive tone. Bella could feel it was having the desired effect. He took a deep breath and smiled.
"Besides hen it's not like you get a lot of sleep now anyway, not with me around. And it isn't my snoring that keeps you awake now is it?"
She blushed furiously as his meaning sank in. The others laughed quietly at the expression on her face.
"Oh hen, now that I will miss." Alistair said kissing her burning cheek. "Especially the way it reaches so far down. Did you know your tits get quite pink?"
"Oh God! You arse hole." Her hands shot up to cover her face. "Honestly 'Al' you are terrible. Why do you delight in tormenting me?" She asked exasperated by his bold remarks. It wasn't like Bella was easily embarrassed anymore but sometimes he was just too forward. Particularly when there was someone who Bella had regarded as a mother sitting less than two feet away laughing her ass off.
"Hen, no one cares. What do you think they do all night?" He asked with a nod of his head in Felix and Esme's direction. Both tried desperately to straighten their faces and failed miserably. "Well ok they aren't there yet but they will be soon. It's normal, healthy and you are just too easy to tease."
"Besides hen one of the benefits of newborns is their total lack of inhibitions and the fact they can be slaves to their instincts. Who is going to be the randiest out of us two do you think? I'll be fighting you off. And as for caring where you are and who is around, not a chance. I'll be struggling to keep clothes on you in public, especially with you history as a stripper."
Bella made a strange sound, somewhere between a scream and that noise a cat makes when you stand on its tail.
"You had better hope I do lose some of my memories when I turn, because if I don't you are in trouble you bastard."
"Oh hen, I am counting on being in a lot of trouble." He said in a gruff, gravelly voice that made her weak in the knees. Thankfully she was sitting down. Alistair's eyes had turned pitch black and Bella found in sexy as hell.
Suddenly she was hot and horny and completely forgot the other two in the limo with them as she threw herself at Alistair and kissed him passionately while grinding herself in his lap. Neither of them appeared to notice the car stopping, or their travel companions exiting the car at speed. Alistair had them both naked in seconds and quickly took full advantage of that fact. Their coupling was white hot and frantic, in what felt like no time at all Bella was arching her back and crying out him name in ecstasy. While his roar was cut short as he sank him teeth once again into the soft skin of his mate.
This time however he didn't pull the venom out but allowed it to flood her system and start the transformation process.
"I'm so sorry hen." He whispered into her ear as her body began to tense with pain. "You were just so nervous I thought it would be better to just get it over with. I won't leave your side, not for a second. Remember everything, cling to your memories, hold on tight to them. I love you so much my Iseabail. You are mine forever now."
Alistair re-dressed them both quickly. He carefully lifted Bella into his arms and held her close for a moment, willing her to feel his love and devotion. He exited the car, carrying her as though she were made of glass. At the doorway to the castle he found his companions waiting. The smiles were gone from their faces as they took in the still, surprisingly silent form of Alistair's now transforming mate.
"You don't mess around do you mate." Garrett quipped. "I thought you would at least let her get settled first."
"She was getting herself too wound up. I needed to just do it, no warning." Alistair replied his eyes never leaving his mates face. "She will settle ok after, and can meet everyone then. It's best this way."
"I agree." Marcus said. "Her anxiety could have carried over if you had dragged this out. Better she begin to turn while relaxed and happy." He raised a knowing eyebrow in Alistair's direction and smirked smugly. "Whether she will see it that way remains to be seen."
"Come. Let's get you to your rooms where you will feel more secure. I will post a guard at your door and any visitors will have to be announced."
"No need for a guard Marcus. I'll be outside anyway." Garrett said solemnly while squeezing Alistair's shoulder. He wouldn't leave his brother when he needed him the most.
"Felix and I will be there as well Marcus." Esme announced. "There is no need for additional help."
Felix nodded his agreement and smiled warmly at his brother.
"We are here for you, whatever you need."
Alistair was overwhelmed by the affection he felt both for and from them. They truly were his family. He nodded his appreciation solemnly.
They quickly made their way through the corridors before arriving at the rooms Alistair had always occupied when in Vollterra. He carried Bella inside and laid her carefully down on the bed. He then bathed her gently and dressed her in comfortable clean clothes talking to her all the time, before he settled in for his long vigil at her side.
The next three days past fairly quickly for Alistair. He talked to her constantly, telling her everything her knew about her life before him and every detail of their life since meeting. He never expected a response but knew she could hear him.
Bella was surprisingly quiet and still throughout the process. At first he had been worried that something had gone wrong but as time passed and he could see the changes to her body he knew it was ok. Marcus hypothesized that perhaps her shield was helping keep her from the worst of the pain. Alistair suspected that it was simply that she didn't want to cause anyone any upset by seeing her in such distress.
Whatever the reason for her silence the change appeared to be progressing normally. Her hair had grown longer and fuller with reddish tints to it. Her figure didn't change much just smoother and more toned. Her face slimmed down slightly accentuating her cheekbones.
Alistair was secretly pleased she didn't change much. He had always thought her beautiful and liked her looks. At least she would recognise herself.
Her skin grew pale and hard like all vampires, her scent changed slightly taking on an element of his own. That thrilled Alistair as now no one would ever doubt they were mates. He could feel the pull toward her intensifying as time passed and she became more vampire than human. Her heart kept up a steady pace throughout and she breathed quietly. The temperature of her body changed, dropping to the cold, ice like temperature of his own. It was almost over.
Over the course of time there had been a steady stream of visitors. His family stood guard outside vetting each request to see the couple. They were frequently inside as well talking to the pair.
Jane had come to enquire after Bella. She brought Alec's greetings as well. He was required to guard the Cullen's and therefore couldn't visit himself. Jane chatted to Bella for a short time. She told her a little of her story, how Aro had saved herself and Alec from being burned as witches in the sixteen hundreds. They had been his loyal guard ever since. Jane was hoping she and Bella would become friends.
Next to visit was Caius. He seemed very curious about the human that had ensnared Alistair's heart. He spoke encouragingly to Alistair about what to expect when she woke up. Caius had turned his own mate over two thousand years ago. He claimed that the strength of their bond was very intense and could be difficult to get used to. Athenodora, his mate had struggled at first to understand and control the feelings it created. The need to be together was almost overpowering and could be disorientating for the new vampire. Alistair was looking forward to the intensity and certainly wouldn't complain if Bella couldn't control her need to be with him. No he wouldn't complain about that at all, in fact if he had his way the pair would not leave his rooms for a few months.
The one visitor Alistair was expecting arrived during the final day of Bella's change. Aro swept into the room with a broad grin on his face.
"Hello dear friend. I would have been here sooner but I was dealing with the Cullen's. Everything is arranged for their trial. It will take place in three days' time. Your mate should be able to give evidence by then." He held his hand out toward Alistair quietly. "May I see your memories Alistair? I would very much like to see her as you do."
Alistair took Aro's proffered hand without hesitation. Aro bowed his head as he read the memories of the scot.
"She is indeed an incredible girl. Quite the fire cracker. To invite you into her home in that way showed great courage. I am very much looking forward to getting to know her. I have read your friends and the Cullen's she has certainly made a lasting impression on them all. Especially Garrett." Aro said with a cheeky smirk.
Alistair laughed quietly.
"Yes I don't suppose she will ever live that down." Alistair replied with a fond smile. "She rarely seems to think about what might happen to her, just jumps in with both feet. But that is one of the things I love about her."
"I wonder if I will be able to read her mind. It seems quite likely I won't be able to. She will be incredibly powerful when she wakes, she will need you very much." He smiled at down at Bella warmly. "You are indeed a lucky man, she will be a beauty, both inside and out."
Aro made no move to touch Bella even though he could have very easily answered his questions there and then, he would not attempt to read her without her permission. That was in his opinion the height of bad manners, and only done to those who were on trial or under suspicion. Aro took the responsibilities of his gift seriously. He never discussed the personal memories he encountered, neither did he take advantage of the knowledge he gained. He tried to use his gift sparingly knowing people liked their privacy and respected that his intrusion was not always welcome. He was curious about Bella from what he had seen of her. He was almost certain she would be shielded from his gift and looked forward to learning about her the old fashioned way.
"I have invited Maggie to come and witness the Cullen's trial." Aro continued. "I felt we would need someone to validate the evidence and she is deemed neutral enough to quiet all dissenters. Her gift is beyond question."
Alistair nodded at that. Maggie was from a coven in Ireland that he knew well. Her gift was powerful, she could tell if someone spoke the truth or not. Aro was right that they would need her validation. Siobhan and Liam, her coven mates would certainly be considered neutral, they may even be viewed as the Cullen's allies.
"I have tried to get word to Charles, the nomad. His gift is similar to Maggie's but I have not heard from him. I am loathe to ask Demetri to track him down as I don't want him to feel forced, but I would be happier with two neutral validators." He continued thoughtfully.
"Why not ask Garrett to go along with Demetri. That way Charles will know he is free to choose. I understand Garrett knows him well." Alistair suggested. He knew Garrett would be reluctant to leave while Bella was changing but she was safe here and the additional neutral witness would be invaluable in proving the Cullen's guilty. Carlisle had never been silent on how he felt about the Volturi and what he thought they would do to him eventually. It had to be proven that this trial was not a vendetta against him but a legal action.
"Excellent idea my friend. I will ask him at once." Aro turned to leave but stopped at the door. "I do hope that the trial will not be too distressing for Bella here. I know
Esme is struggling somewhat. Poor dear, she has been through a great deal. While I would like both Esme and Bella to give evidence if you feel she is not up to it she will not be required to."
"Thank you Aro. I can only say we will see how she goes. But I am sure she will surprise me. She always has so far."
A couple of hours later Bella's heart began to stutter and stall. She was coming to the end of her transformation. Her heart gave its frantic last few beats then stopped. With baited breath he waited for her to get her bearings and open her eyes. After a moment she did so and slowly sat up. Alistair took in her now vampire body and couldn't wait to have her in his arms again. She was in his eyes, breath-taking.
"Finally back with me are you hen? I have missed you."
Bella turned toward the voice. It took her a second to recognise him with her new eyes and ears. The sounds she could hear were distracting, as was the clarity with which she was now viewing the world.
Her blood red eyes locked on his, he was just as she remembered and yet so much more, more vivid, more alive, more rugged, more desirable, more everything. She needed him, she wanted him, she would have him, but not now. She stood slowly and sauntered towards him as he leant against the wall with an ease that belied the tension that was holding him back from gathering her in his arms. Slowly, leaning toward him, enjoying his scent and the sensation it sent flooding through her body, she ran her nose along his throat making him moan softly. She trailed her tantalising fingers seductively down his spine feeling every ridge and knot of every muscle and bone before resting on his hip as she continued leaning in with the promise of a kiss.
"Hi Alistair. I've missed you too." She whispered, just millimetres from his lips, not wanting to give him the kiss yet, wanting him pleading, wanting him desperate for the contact. Her hand moved from his hip to the zip as she rubbed him softly through the fabric of his jeans. Pushing her body erotically against his she purred softly in his ear punctuating every word with a movement of her hand.
"And unless" she kissed his ear and bit down gently on the lobe.
"… you want" she ran her tongue along his throat. Gently kissing and nibbling whilst he moaned and squirmed in un-controllable pleasure, his passion rising, the fires burning brighter, fiercer.
"… me wearing your" thoughts of her wearing all sorts of risqué lingerie and absolutely nothing at all ran through his mind feverishly making him weak kneed and oh so willing to play her little game. He was putty in her hands all but begging her to stop the torment and give him her vampiric virginity.
"… balls as earrings" At that point she grabbed hard and squeezed. Her teeth sinking only just into the flesh on his very exposed neck.
"… and using your dick as a bookmark." She bit down hard on his neck claiming him as her mate making him cry out in pain and pleasure as he was verge of exploding in his pants.
"You will be careful how far you take your teasing."
Squeezing slightly harder, making him groan in pain she whispered in his ear.
"And don't ever assume you know me better than I know myself, do we understand each other?"
Struggling to speak, or stand as she squeezed him even harder, he managed to squeak out a strangled.
"Yes."