Chapter Forty Three

Jasper

We didn't speak again until we reached Volterra when I was escorted inside the citadel and through to the audience chamber where I saw the three brothers waiting. Caius smiled coldly but then he didn't like me, admired my fighting skill but didn't like me, while Marcus simply looked bored. Aro however stood and smiled as we walked forward to stop at the foot of the dais.

"Major Whitlock, what a pleasure. We hadn't expected to see you here in Volterra but Jane tells me that they found you in Maria's compound. Hearing that I had to ask myself why would The Major return after escaping from there years ago. Surely he has not decided he can't live without Maria?"

"I wanted a change of scenery."

He smiled knowingly,

"Now Major lets not play games. I have already spoken to Maria and her...commander Nathan and they had an interesting tale to tell. I do not agree with threats unless necessary but it seems you have a mate who is shall we say a little more fragile than most. It will be interesting to see what happens when she finds out what you are and you bring her into our world...or kill her of course."

He stepped off the dais and grasped my shoulder,

"You should rest here Major, you will be needed at the trial and then..."

He went very quiet and I knew he was reading my thoughts which sickened me, such a violation of my person made me feel dirty, much like Edwards little trick which he'd stopped using on me when I threatened to rip off both his arms if he did it again.

We stood there for a few seconds Caius leaning forward in his seat as if picking up on something in Aro's stance and then I was then taken to a room, to await the trial the following day although I was told I could make use of the telephone if I wished to.

"You may want to speak to Carlisle or even perhaps you friend Captain Whitlock, just to let them know you are safe."

I wanted to speak to Bella so badly but I wouldn't ring her from here. I wanted to keep her as far from the Volturi as possible. I didn't believe that Aro would let me leave so easily but I could always dream, besides he knew all about her from Maria and if Aro decided he wanted her there would be nothing I could do. But why would he, I thought he was more likely to use her as Maria had, as a way of keeping me here, of turning me into a Volturi guard. But instead I rang Carlisle and told him only that I was in Volterra but safe for now and asked him to tell Bella only that... that I loved her. He told me she was suffering but hadn't given up on me. That they were in Mexico and had found the remains of Maria's compound.

"Why did you go there? Have you any idea how dangerous that was?"

"We had little choice son, Bella almost came too. She loves you and she'll never give up on you."

"I don't think I'll get away from here Carlisle, if anything Aro will use her just like Maria did. Just keep her safe for me, tell her to go on with her life. I'm not worth dying for Carlisle or worth wasting precious time waiting for something that's never going to happen."

"Oh I think she would argue that Jasper, Bella is your mate, she lives or dies with you that's how it works son. We'll work something out I promise you. So long as you are safe from Maria."

The hours went by slowly and the pain in my chest merely worsened after speaking to Carlisle and understanding that Bella was mine for better or worse. I knew she would find a way to be with me if I couldn't get back to her, Carlisle was right about that but I didn't see how I could get free of the Volturi and I didn't want her anywhere near Italy. I would agree to whatever Aro wanted in return for allowing Bella to continue her normal human existence. I wondered what part I was supposed to play at this trial, I couldn't say much, I hadn't seen Maria or been her commander for decades and I had no idea what she'd been up to. Her death didn't bother me one way or the other even though many years ago we had been lovers.

She had shown her true colours when she tried to have me killed, Maria loved no one but herself and many humans would live if she died. As for Nathan, he was a bully and a cold blooded killer and I had no compunction watching him die either but I didn't think a trial would serve any useful purpose after all the people Aro presumably wanted to teach a lesson, such as Carlos would never know about it.

I looked out the window and saw it was almost dawn, over the hill tops the sun was just beginning to show and just for a moment I wished Bella was here at my side so we could watch it rise together. There were many things I would have liked to share with my beautiful Bella but now it was all just dreams and wishes. I slumped down to the floor closing my eyes and conjuring up her pretty face to keep me company here for a while.

When I heard footsteps some hours later I stood up and brushed my clothes off as best I could although perhaps clothes was rather a grand term for the ragged outfit Maria had left me clothed in after having her sport. The door opened and Jane walked in holding out a fresh pair of pants and a shirt.

"Aro thought you might like to shower and change before the trial. I'll be back for you in an hour."

I nodded my thanks taking the clothes and towels and went through to the bathroom to freshen up, I might as well take advantage of his good will while it lasted because I had a nasty feeling the sky would fall pretty soon. While I showered I thought about Bella once more, did I regret meeting her? No, never I just hoped our meeting didn't bring her any more danger or pain than it already had. I missed her, of course I did, I would always miss her but I had been lucky enough to find my mate and spend a few precious weeks with her and I would hold on to those memories as long as I lived.

Jane was back promptly and I followed her through the seemingly endless corridors until, we stopped outside a heavy oak door.

"Show time?"

She looked at me and for an instant I saw the young girl she had once been,

"Just be thankful its not you on trial Major although I don't think there's one person in the guard who wishes you ill. You have something of a fan club here in Volterra."

"Good, then I can sign autographs later but for now..."

Jane opened the door and preceded me into the room which was large but not cavernous so not the audience chamber Aro had once described. Sitting behind a long table facing the door were the three brothers and to one side of them were two chairs presumably for the accused. In the part of the room were various members of the guard and at the back sat two women richly dressed and seeing me glance at them Jane whispered under her breath,

"Athenadora and Sulpicia, the wives. They like to watch the entertainment."