Hi Everyone! I'd like to thank you all for continuing on this journey with me. It means so much.
Thank you to Pien for keeping me on the right track, and encouraging me when I got lost. Thank you to Fran for taking up the mantle of Beta for me, it means so much.
SM owns Twilight.
I'll let you get on with it, see you at the bottom.
Chapter 29 – Something Wicked This Way Comes
It was here.
The day had come that I would be marrying my Isabella. This event would announce us to the mythical world and we would become the fourth set of leaders and the second set of helpers to the earth.
My family had arrived in Italy a couple of days ago. The ladies of both families had absorbed Alice and Esme into the final details with no problem; in fact, they were so busy we never saw them at all. I was not sure what was left to organize but Bella and I left them to it.
We were too busy trying to console Emmett. Rosalie hadn't come with them to the wedding. She was still too upset about the fact that Bella and I could have kids that she wouldn't even talk to her husband. She'd figured out that Emmett knew what Bella was and that he'd been in contact with us. He'd tried to talk to her for a couple days before they left but she wouldn't come anywhere near him.
We had our eyes on her. Constantine was keeping us in the loop via a Communication Bracelet that he was given by Amos once Bella and I went back in time. They thought it would be quicker and easier for him. He had been using a mobile phone but he loved that the bracelet could let him show us what he was seeing. The last report from him told us that she was on her way to Italy and would get there in time for the wedding. He'd hopped on the plane after her and was going to make it himself.
The last several days Bella and I had been absconded in the villa as all the invited mythical creatures had begun to arrive. They all wanted to get the best vantage point to see who was getting married and to hear the announcement.
All the ladies from earth – except Didyme – had tried to keep us apart last night. They tried to tell Bella that it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, which sent all the Angels into huge peals of laughter. When they realized that they were being serious, it seemed to make them laugh harder.
"What is so funny?" Alice had asked, pouting.
"The fact that you believe that you could have bad luck from seeing each other the night before the wedding. The Gods have things to do Alice, they aren't evil beings and they don't dole out punishments for things that people have made up in their heads. There is no commandment that say 'thou shalt be punished for seeing your wife-to-be before the wedding day.'" Didy snickered.
Renee sobered up first because the others looked a little crestfallen and embarrassed. "We understand what you want to do Alice, but it holds no bearing on their wedding. They can spend the night together and be together tomorrow until we start preparing her for the ceremony. The only thing Bella wants to keep secret is her dress."
So that is where it was left. Bella and I spent the night together and most of today. She'd just left to start her preparations, to become more beautiful than she already was.
I had pulled on my all-white royal garb consisting of dress pants, shirt, vest and long dress jacket. The vest and jacket had platinum filigree sewn into the fabric up around the collar. I was also wearing a white cravat and belt with platinum belt buckle. I was thinking about Bella's dress as I placed the platinum royal circlet on my head.
I was pulled out of my musings by a knock on the door. I could tell that it was Carlisle because I could smell him. I'd decided that I would turn off my mind reading today because I didn't want to see Bella before she got to the aisle.
"Come in, Carlisle."
"Are you ready, Edward?"
I smiled. "I've never more been ready for anything in my life than this."
He nodded. He'd been quiet since he arrived in Italy and saw how his own, skewed ideas formed the picture he had in his head. He also noticed, for the first time that the entire guard had golden eyes.
He looked up at me; his eyes were swimming with remorse. "I want to apologize, Edward. What I have done and what I did to you and Bella is beyond reprehensible." He shook his head, looking at the floor again. "I didn't realize that I had become so closed off to all the wonders in this world, that I had lost the faith that I clung to so tightly. You were the only one that didn't let me hold you back, and in all honesty, I think I resented you a little for that."
I kept quiet as I turned to him; it seemed he had more to say.
"I had control over the others, but never with you. I think I enjoyed that and I had hope, that in time, I would have that over you, too. I didn't even know I was doing it.
"I've had time to reflect since the last meeting with you and Bella and I can't even pinpoint when it became that way. I am sorry that's how it's been though. I think the reason that Bella affected me so much was because I seemed to know that I'd never get the control I wished for and I lashed out.
"I'm sorry, Edward. I'm making a conscious effort to change. I've seen it happen in the others as they took back the control that I had, and to be honest, it's freeing and a weight lifted that I don't have it anymore. I'm also looking into a church near home; I need to get back to what's important. Love, family and my God. Thank you, Edward, for everything and I'm so sorry." He finished as he once again looked into my eyes so I could see how sincere he was.
I held my hand out to him as an olive branch. He took it. "I accept your apology, Carlisle, because I was never under your thumb, I never let you put me there but I don't think I'm the only one that needs the apology. And I'm not just talking about Bella."
He shook my hand whilst replying. "I know, Edward. I plan to take some time off from the hospital, apologize to everyone and get to know them as individuals not as people that I seem to be able to control."
"I'm glad to hear that. I wish it were that simple with Rosalie."
"I'm hopeful that she'll see her errors before it's too late, although she is a stubborn one. I should go see how Emmett is doing." With that he turned around and walked out the door.
I wasn't left with my thoughts for long.
"Edward," Marcus called through the door. "It's time."
I opened the door with a smile and followed Marcus out to the garden.
~*~HS~*~
I know they say that vampires have an infallible memory but I can't tell you what happened once Bella stepped out of the back of the castle.
She was stunning on her father's arm in a Grecian style dress. It was one shouldered with a loose sleeve and diamonds sewn into the top and middle. It was also bunched at the hip on one side. I know her hair was down with a veil secured in the back, and she had a headpiece that looked like platinum flowers and there were butterflies all through her hair.
After her hand had been placed in mine, everything was a blur. I remember vows, I remember I said 'I do' but I was so lost in her that it went by too quickly to follow. Thank goodness for the video cameras at the ceremony.
The part I remember with total clarity was the earth fairy priestess calling out, "By the power vested in me by Mother Earth and the Gods and Goddesses I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Edward Anthony Masen."
Bella and I beamed at each other before she continued with, "Edward, you may kiss your bride!"
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her right into me. Leaning down I kissed Bella with a little more than what was suitable for the setting. I continued to kiss her as cheers and clapping erupted around us. And still I kissed her until someone wrapped their arms around us. We pulled back a little breathless, a lot happy and laughing at Aro's pleased face that appeared between us.
"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Masen!" he cheered to us before leaning up to address the rest of the gathered guests. "Everyone thank you for coming to celebrate this happy time. There is a reception being held in the ballroom where there are drinks available to those who partake. There will also be bottled blood for those that would like some. The families of these two wonderful people will be in to celebrate with you in a little while. Please follow the ushers into the castle."
While the guests were being taken inside, we posed for photos with the photographer and there were a lot of them considering the size of the family present. This was the first time that I realized that Rosalie had made it to the wedding after all. She stood in the photos and gave Bella and me a small smile of apology. We'd see what she had to say later.
Afterward, we were ushered into the dining room to share a meal before the reception. We were seated in an elaborate setting all done in blues and greens to suit the party going on next door.
The Cullens watched with great fascination when all of us who ate food were served the first course of the dinner. They had expected Bella and her family, including Didyme, to eat. To see the food in front of me and the other vampires was baffling to them. They were also very intrigued by the goblets of blood.
Aro watched them watching us, to see if they would say anything. When Carlisle looked at me for an explanation, he stepped in as leader of our race.
"Carlisle, we cannot tell you how this is possible. What I can tell you is that we were blessed by the Gods a long time ago, long before you were even thought of."
Bella and I snickered at that comment.
"We didn't bring you into our fold because of your attitude to what you thought was our diet, whereas your son was open-minded and wanted to learn our ways from us. We brought him in and taught him and that is why he became the fourth brother. He accepted us, for us from the get-go."
"I do believe that is something you can learn, Carlisle. Is it not?" Charlie asked around a mouthful of his dinner.
"It is and you are right." He agreed. "I need to apologize to all of you for the way that I reacted to Bella at the beginning. It was a combination of a few things, most of it was the realization that I couldn't and wouldn't ever be able to control Edward and because I was afraid of Bella. She's powerful and I could feel that. I knew she could take us out without breaking a sweat.
"For that, I apologize to you, Bella. I'm sorry for all that I have done."
"I too, want to apologize," Rosalie whispered. "My behavior was disgusting. I was acting like the spoilt brat you accused Alice of being. I know that I cannot get everything I want and acting like that makes me unworthy, anyway. Knowing something and accepting something are two very different things. I will admit to being insanely jealous of the fact that you can have children, but I promise to be the best aunt I can be.
"Just know that you have immediate babysitters should you ever need them."
We all laughed because we knew that she meant it.
"I think, though, Rosalie, that you will have no shortage of help," Bella suggested waving her hand around the room. Although both she and Didy had a gleam in their eyes that I would have to ask about later. "We do, however, accept your apology because it cannot be easy to see others get something you so desperately want. Thank you."
"Thank you, Bella. Please call me Rose; we are, after all, family now." The girls smiled at each other as we all started in on our dinner.
We chatted as we ate letting those that didn't know each other well get acquainted. It was enjoyable but loud and I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate my marriage to my soulmate.
~*~HS~*~
"Now before we head out there," Aro started. "I want to talk to all of you. Emmett, you and the rest of your siblings, will head into the reception area with Samail and his family except for Charlie and Renee. I want to introduce you all as the parents of the bride and groom.
"Myself, Caius, Marcus and our wives will be introduced, and then I will call out the parents before making a short speech and announcing not only the bride and groom but the fourth pair of Volturi leaders. It's during this time that we shall present you with your Volturi necklaces, so that wherever you go people will know."
We all nodded, following his lead by standing from the dining table.
"Thank you, ladies, from the kitchen. We love every meal you make and look forward to every one of them." Marcus complimented the staff as they came to clean up after us.
"You're welcome, Sir Marcus."
Bella and I smiled at them before following the others through to the doors that led to the ballroom nearest the dais where the DJ was. The thrones had been placed in another room for tonight. Everyone was expected to dance and have fun.
"Okay, those heading into the ballroom, go down to the next set of double doors and enter. That will be the cue for the DJ to introduce us."
Bella and I stood with our parents as we watched the others go inside. As soon as the doors were closed ,we heard the DJ quiet the music to catch everyone's attention.
"On behalf of the families here today we would like to thank you all for attending this wedding. Now to introduce you to your hosts, the leaders of the mythical world and the ones who saved us: Aro, Sulpicia, Caius, Anthenodora, Marcus, and Didyme!" he announced.
They walked into the room with a flourish from behind the stage. There was a rousing applause from the guests gathered. Aro walked up to the DJ and was handed the microphone. We didn't need it, but there were other species whose hearing wasn't as good as ours.
"Good evening, everyone. Once again I'd like to thank you for coming to this event at Volturi Castle." He paused for the applause that came from the crowd. "Now, I know most of you are staying for the announcement that we said we were going to make, but first, let me introduce you to the parents of the happy couple. First, the two that couldn't be here for the ceremony: Edward and Elizabeth Masen!" more applause, but this was quieter, more somber than before.
"Now, his vampire parents: Carlisle and Esme Cullen!" Louder applause as they entered and made their way over to my siblings. "The beautiful bride's parents: please give a warm welcome to Charlie and Renee Swan!" They made it interesting by dancing out to the applause that they were given. From what I could tell, it was Renee's idea. They got quite a few laughs.
I heard Aro instruct the DJ to play a slow waltz after we had been introduced, it was a tradition with a royal wedding that the first dance was done to a waltz. Bella and I had been instructed of this within the last few days. We were fine with that, as we'd gotten our song when we had our mating ceremony.
"And now," he started. "Introducing the happy couple, who we wish many, many years of happiness, love and making up after fights," the crowd laughed. "Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Isabella Masen!"
I held Bella in the traditional waltz pose and danced her into the room. The crowd had cleared the center of the floor and we danced around the room to the music that was playing. We twirled, I spun her and at the very end, I leaned her into a very deep dip, kissing her collarbone before I pulled her up and kissed her on the forehead and lips. We were surrounded by clapping and cheering. All of them congratulating us on our marriage.
I'd opened my mind to all those inside the ballroom, I wanted to see if they'd put two and two together like Carlisle had. It looked as though they weren't putting it together, but Aro was about to tell the news they were waiting for.
"Once again congratulations to the happy couple. It's time for the announcement that you have all been waiting for: not only have you been celebrating the happy couple, but you are also going to be able to come to them as members of the Volturi…" There were gasps all around. I found it amusing that so many of them hadn't realized what was happening. "Edward and Isabella, please come and kneel before the dais."
We made our way to the stage, to the cushions that the guard had placed on the floor for us. We knelt and waited for Marcus and Didyme to make their way to stand in front of us.
"To become part of the Volturi Family you have to recite the pledge." Marcus started.
"Do you both promise to uphold the diet of the Volturi as explained to you?"
"We do."
"Do you promise to uphold the laws by which the Volturi has governed for thousands of years?"
"We do."
"Do you promise to help maintain the secret of the mythical world?"
"We do."
"While upholding those laws do you promise to help those that ask for help?"
"We do."
"And finally, do you promise to look at all sides of a complaint and exhaust all options before doling out a punishment that could potentially be permanent?"
"We do."
After our final pledge to uphold the laws and regulations of the Volturi, Marcus and Didyme placed the Volturi necklaces around our necks to show that we were leaders of the mythical world.
"Please give a warm welcome to the fourth Volturi brother and his mate and wife Edward and Isabella Masen!" Caius shouted.
The place exploded with cheers, clapping and yelling before every single person in that ballroom knelt down on one knee and lowered their heads.
"Do you pledge your allegiance to the Volturi, their laws and to the old and new leaders of the Volturi?" Caius asked into the microphone.
"We do." They all vowed.
With that, the DJ started playing music and everyone got up to celebrate our marriage and our introduction as leaders to the mythical world.
It wasn't long before they all came up to offer their sincere congratulations and to pledge themselves individually, including our families.
~*~HS~*~
Being that most of the creatures in the room were considered immortal, we knew this party could go on for days. Even though Bella and I had already a honeymoon, I wanted to take her away for a while. Our new villa that she still didn't know about was the perfect destination.
I hadn't done a lot to it but the bedroom was set up with a set that I had bought. I'd organized it with Marcus, Aro, and Caius. We were to stay until people stopped coming up to talk to us then we were to slip away while no one was looking, if we could manage it. I'd organized with Aro that when I signaled, they'd start one of those fun dances that everyone couldn't help but get up and dance to. Something like the chicken dance or the Macarena.
It seemed like ages, but it didn't take that long for us to see everyone and we were ready to slip out the back door. I made the gesture and Aro leaned towards the DJ. He started playing the Nut Bush and everyone joined in as predicted. We started facing the DJ and by the time we'd made a one-eighty, Aro was signaling us to run. I picked Bella up and bolted out the door next to the dais. Bella managed not to crack up laughing until we were well away from the castle.
'Where are we going, my love?' She thought to me.
'It's a secret that I have for you, sweetheart. I knew we'd need it when we became a permanent fixture here in Italy.'
I knew I had her intrigued but she decided she wanted to be surprised, so she kept quiet. It didn't take me long to run to the villa I had purchased because it wasn't far from Marcus and Didyme's.
I heard a gasp as we approached. 'Oh, Edward. It's beautiful. But whose is it?'
'It's ours, Bella. It's a present from everyone here in Volterra. They've decorated the inside but left the garden to you.'
'I hope they decorated with more rustic pieces. It's the only way it would look good.'
I nodded agreeing with her. It would be a fantastic way to decorate, plus it would do good to keep with pieces made from nature.
We didn't look around long, I sped her right up to the master bedroom. The ladies must have come here during the day to set this up because there were flameless candles placed all around the room with rose petals on the floor around the bed and across the bottom of the bed.
'Thank you, Edward, this is beautiful.'
'You're welcome love. I know that we've had our honeymoon already, but I have secured a week before we have our first session as Volturi leaders.'
She turned around looking at me with all the love that she had for me in her eyes. We were slow as we undressed each other, kissing, touching and loving on every part we uncovered. I knelt before her and placed her leg over my shoulder. Looking up at her, whilst she looked down on me I leaned in, placing a licking kiss right over her clit. Bella moaned, dropping her head back as she anchored her hand in my hair. I continued to worship her with my mouth and hands until she came with a shuddering climax.
'I love you, Edward.'
'I love you too, Bella.'
'Please, my love. Climb onto the bed and sit in the middle.' She instructed.
I followed her instructions, looking at her to see what she would do next. She stood there watching me as I noticed something going on behind her. I was in awe of her once again as she brought her wings out behind her before she climbed on the bed and straddled my legs.
We started kissing soft and slow as we took our time wrapping ourselves around each other. My cock was trapped between us as we made out like a couple of teenagers. It was all lips, teeth and tongues, hands and fingers and Bella's wings as she wrapped them all the way around the both of us.
'Please, Edward, now.'
We moaned as I lifted and then lowered her down over me, never stopping in our kissing as we started to rock against each other. It was slow lovemaking at its best with us in our favorite position. She began to tighten around me as our kissing became messy.
'Are you going to come, my love?'
'Ugh, yes, baby. So close, harder please.'
I held onto her before rising up onto my knees then laying her on her back and thrusting into her a little bit harder. "Gods, Bella, you feel so good."
"I know," she moaned. "Every time is better than the last time."
We were still so close together, still wrapped up tight but somehow I managed to reach down between us to stroke her clit because, Gods, I was close.
"Now, Bella, please come now."
"Yes, yes. Noooooooowwww." She moaned out as she came all around me. She pulled me in tighter while I came when she did, purring into her ear as my release filled her.
I collapsed against her before rolling onto our sides and bringing her in close.
'Mmm sleepy.' Bella hummed while relaxing against me.
'It's okay, love. Sleep now, we have time. I love you.'
'Mmhmm love Edward.'
I chuckled without much sound as I managed to get the covers over us before I fell into sleep as well, even though we were at the end of the bed.
~*~HS~*~
We walked back into the throne room a week later, relaxed, happy and holding hands. As far as we were concerned, there was nothing wrong in the world as long as we were happy.
Everyone greeted us with enthusiasm. Our families had gone home to continue on with their lives but had left us with parting messages. They ranged from funny to sweet, from obnoxious to romantic and, of course, there was Emmett. He told us not to do what he wouldn't do and Bella snorted asking if there was anything he wouldn't do. I laughed at her because she'd had him pegged.
We weren't going to be handling cases right away so we spent the morning in the library reading over the laws and previous files. Learning what we had to do and what rules there were to follow. Bella made the comment that a lot of these were laws that were implemented in Eden so Didyme must have had a hand in writing them. It was an interesting experience.
Just before the afternoon, we were sitting in the throne room listening to cases that were already on file. Well, I was, the ladies were across the room helping those that needed food or clothes. Those that had been hunted or unfairly persecuted from the towns around them or, of course, those that had to be evacuated from their homes for one reason or another. Bella was beautiful entertaining them or playing with those that had children. There was nothing I wouldn't do for her.
We were sitting around at lunchtime enjoying some of the food the kitchen had prepared when Constantine came running into the room. He was babbling so fast that even we couldn't understand him.
Bella jumped up and grabbed him by the arms. "Shhh, shhh, stop Constantine. Slow down, take a breath and tell us again."
He pulled in a long, deep breath before letting it out slowly. "The Romanians have somehow, in the week I was gone, managed to amass an army. I have video and photos but it looks as if they are preparing for war."
Oh no! Sorry to leave you on a cliffhanger like that, but it was the best place to stop.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts.
My rec's this week are from the great Drotuno:
The Gravity Series.
First: Blood and Gory FFN ID: 6755101
The definition of a mercenary is a soldier for hire. His crew are trained fighting machines. Hers are smart PIs. What happens when they need each other to survive? Canon couples. AH/AU. Rated M for lots of reasons, including violence and lemons.
Second: Sin and Innocence FFN ID: 7119225
The sequel to Blood & Glory: Gravity's business is booming, but what happens when a ghost from the past shows up, taking the only thing that matters? Can the team work together to fix it, or will they rip apart at the seams? Rated M E/B
Third: Smoke and Mirrors FFN ID: 7574955
3rd in the Gravity Series. Carlisle brings a client to Gravity for protection, but there is more to this famous female singer than meets the eye. Bella, Edward, and crew not only will have to keep her safe but figure out who is threatening her. AH/Sequel
And Fourth: Fire and Ice FFN ID: 9779631
FOURTH in the Gravity Series. When one of their own is threatened, the crew will have to travel halfway around the globe to get them back. What they find will have them racing against the odds to save more than just one life. AH E/B Series.
Thanks for reading!