With One Look

Chapter 4

We walked down the corridor and stood in front of a huge double door. He pushed it open and I stood staring at all its wonder. I had never seen anything like it before, for what stood in front of me was a large room with shelf after shelf of books reaching from the floor to the ceiling.

"This is our library. If you have the desire to read, here you will find anything to your liking," he said as he waved his hand around the room at the hundreds of books.

"Oh my…I have never seen so many books in all my life," I replied in pure bliss.

"Then I take it you are pleased?" Demetri asked with a chuckle at seeing my amazement. I nodded, unable to speak at first.

"I love to read, but never in my life have I seen such splendor as this room before me," I said.

"I'm glad you approve, little one," he said and then laughed at what I'm sure was the look that my face held. "Come, there is much to see," he said taking my arm and leading me back out of the room.

He showed me the gardens that were also beautiful with all the flowers that were in bloom and the fruit trees. There were bushes fashionably trimmed as well as stone benches scattered around the huge garden with a large fountain that sat in the center. A large stone fish on top of it spat water from its mouth.

The peace and the calm I felt there was undeniable. I decided that I would bring a book from the library and spend time out there as much as possible. This would be my haven, the place I could disappear from the real word by diving into the fantasy of the book I next read.

Demetri told me that Master Marcus had designed this garden and dedicated it to his wife. I could see how it was possible for him to do so. The love he felt for her was written all over this place, a special place made for his special mate. Even one of the stone benches had her name carved into it that read:

'In loving memory of my Didyme'

The next place Demetri took me was a room where the Volturi went to relax. There were many tables surrounded by chairs. There was another shelf with more books and three soft looking sofas with tables that held large candles. A chandelier hung from the ceiling that held even more candles that lit the room accommodatingly.

As we entered we found a few vampires sitting around one of the tables; they held cards in their hands and looked to be enjoying themselves. They looked towards the door as we entered and smiled as we approached them as Demetri started the introductions.

"Isabella, I would like to introduce you to some of my fellow guard members," he said as he started from the left of the table to the right, pointing out each one as he said their names."This is Alec, and next to him is Alec's twin sister Jane whom you've already met. Next to her is Felix and to his side is Afton. Guys, this is Isabella Swan, she has just decided to join our guard, and I thought we'd stop by and introduce you all to our new recruit before we continue on our way to the throne room to tell Master Aro of her decision.

They all nodded and welcomed me in a friendly manner. They told me if I ever wished to join them in a good card game I was welcome, which calmed my nervousness a bit.

"If you will excuse us we'd better inform Master Aro. Isabella, if you will come with me I'll lead you to Master Aro," he said as he put his arm out once again for me to take. I curtsied and told them it was grand to make their acquaintance and grabbed Demetri's arm as he led me out of the room and down the hall to the Throne Room.

XXX

Aro's point of view.

As Jane led Isabella from the room I turned to look at my brother, who had just returned from his hunt for the children of the moon. I knew he had no idea of what he had just brought to our coven, for he has no gift as Marcus who could see the bonds of anyone he cast his eyes upon - or mine, the gift of reading others' minds, seeing every thought they have ever had.

With just one touch I searched Isabella's mind hoping to see if she was telling the truth of what her business was in our fair country, but to my surprise I saw nothing - a blank slate with nothing but darkness. No past, no future, completely nothing. I knew then that she held a gift she knew nothing about, or if she did she did not share it with us at the time.

I even gave Jane a look to try her gift of pain against Isabella. Dear Jane, my most trusted she-devil. She knew me well enough to know what I wanted when I wanted it without my even saying a single word. Even her gift showed no signs of working against this girl. I decided to send Demetri to question her to find out what knowledge she held, and to explain our laws to her if she was indeed telling the truth.

I almost jumped for joy after seeing this, for if I was correct and her gift was a shield we had hit the mother lode of gifts. The difference between Isabella and Renata was that I could read Renata's mind. I kept her by my side for protection against those who wished us harm, but she had to be touching me in order for her shield to work. However, after touching Isabella I found I could not read her, which told me she had a special kind of shield - one which could shield without touch - and if she indeed held such a gift I would do everything in my power to keep her with us.

"What is it, brother?" Caius asked, seeing my smile of wonderment.

"You have no clue as to what you have brought to us, dear brother," I replied.

"And pray what is it that I have brought to you, brother?" he asked.

"If this girl is as innocent as you and she proclaim, you have brought a powerful gift to our coven."

"And pray tell us what is it that you think this girl carries?" he continued to ask.

"She may very well be a shield, brother, and if this is the case we shall do all in our power to keep her here," I proclaimed. Caius huffed and shook his head in disgust.

Caius always hated when I found a new gift, although he knew it helped our coven to stay protected from those who wished to overthrow us or cause us harm. In truth I think he was jealous of the idea that so many in our coven held a gift where he had none.

"No need to fret, dear brothers," Marcus said as he looked over at the two of us.

"And why is that, Marcus?" Caius asked hatefully.

"Because you hold a bond to this girl; although it is not one of a true mating it is still a bond, one of companionship intertwined with much love. You will not be able to allow her to leave, at least not without bringing sadness to your very existence," he explained.

"Wonderful!" I cheered, clapping my hands together and bringing my hopes of keeping the girl here for her gifts under the disguise of the love my brother has found (though not celebrated). "I am so happy for you, my brother. You have found love at last, and will be at peace from your loneliness until your true mate is found."

"And what will happen to this girl once I do find my true mate, brother? Am I to just cast her aside, break her heart and think nothing of doing this when the time comes?" Caius asked.

"Please, Caius. You know that we seldom find our true mates. Most of us wait centuries before we find them, if ever. You and Isabella could share your whole existence together never to find each other's true mates," I told him. Caius paused for a few minutes thinking of what I had explained before nodding his head in understanding.

Everyone in our coven knew not to argue with Marcus's gift. We all knew he spoke the truth. He was never wrong when it came to the bonds he saw, and that is why Caius didn't argue with him. I knew Caius felt something for this girl even if it was the beginning of a loving relationship with her. Only time will tell how strong their love was to grow.

"Demetri," I called knowing he would hear me no matter where in the castle he was, and within minutes he approached the daïs.

"Yes, Master," he said as he bowed before me awaiting my instructions.

"I need you to go to Isabella's room and question her about all she knows of our existence. Listen well to see if she is truthful with her explanation and if so tell her our laws and answer any questions she may have. Also, do your best to get her to join our coven. She will make a great guard for I think she brings with her a special gift. Is that understood, my boy?"

"Yes, Master. I will do my best," he answered as he bowed once again and headed to Isabella's room. I sat back on my throne and smiled happily. I just knew things were going to work out well, and with Isabella in our coven no one would be able to overthrow us during our reign…ever.

I looked over at Caius and noticed a small smirk on his lips. Although he tried to hide it, I knew he was happy about finding a companion. After seeing I was watching him he placed a hand over his mouth and forced a stern look on his face as once again the doors opened and Felix and Santiago walked in. They approached the daïs.

"What is it, Santiago?"

"We've just come from the Americas my Lord, and found Maria has started yet another new-born army. It seems that others have started their own as well and are at war for feeding rights to certain areas in the south," he explained.

"Hmm…" I hummed thinking about what was just told me. Maria had started an army once before, but then she only had one other army to fight against. They made such a mess of things that we had to step in and put an end to it. Of course Maria got away leaving her newborns to suffer our wrath and when we left none was to be found.

Demetri's gift only works if he has some kind of contact with who he is tracking. He had never come into contact with her so he couldn't hunt her down and we hadn't seen her since. That was many years ago and we just thought that we had frightened her so badly that she wouldn't start up again, but alas, I guess we were wrong.

"Are these covens causing trouble enough to expose us to the humans?"

"No, my Lord. It seems they have found a way to fight one another in the desert far away from human eyes. They seemed to have learned their lesson and formed a new battle plan from the last time," he explained. I sat and thought for a few minutes before answering.

"I see, well they're not breaking any of our laws as long as they aren't exposing us to the humans so I see no point in stepping in. We will keep a close eye on them just in case things start to unravel. See to it, Santiago. Be sure to check on them from time to time to make sure it stays peaceful, so to speak," I commanded.

"Yes, Master. I will see that it is done," Santiago said as he and Felix left us passing Jane as she reentered the room walking up to the daïs and bowed.

"Yes, Jane?"

"Isabella is tucked safely in her room and I am to tell you that Gianna is back with dinner," she said. Gianna is our fisher, a beautiful human who goes out and brings a carriage load of humans in the guise of a tour of our castle, but in reality she brings them in as our dinner a couple of times a week.

"Thank you my dear, please take your place and join us as always."

"Yes, Master," she replied as she took her place next to her brother Alec. After dinner was finished and cleaned up Jane and Alec took their leave to join a few of the others in the game room. An hour or so later my brothers and I were joined once again by the lovely Isabella and Demetri.

As they made their way to the daïs Isabella stood before us and Demetri walked up the few steps and held out his hand for me to take. As I read his mind a smile started to form on my lips. I released his hand and he joined Isabella.

"My dear Isabella, I am so glad you have decided to join us. This is a very happy day for us indeed. I see that Demetri has told you what is expected of you concerning our laws, so I think our next point of business is for you to start your training."

"Thank you my Lord I am happy to be here," Isabella said, looking towards Caius who gave her a soft smile.

"You're welcome, child. I think the best course action is for Caius to start your training by teaching you the fine art of fighting, and I think Demetri here can begin to teach you how to use your gift."

"Yes my Lord. Demetri said you thought I had a gift, but I've never seen any sign of it as of yet," she replied.

"Sometimes it takes a little longer for your gifts to show themselves in the early stages of vampirism, but I'm sure if Aro says you have one then it's more than likely you do and Demetri is the best to bring that out in you. I will be glad to start your fight training," Caius said.

"Thank you my Lord, if you think that is best then I will abide by your word," Isabella replied shyly.

"Alright, I'll give you a couple of hours to change and meet me in the training room. Demetri, on your way out will you show Isabella the training room?" Caius asked which brought all our attention to him. Caius never asked anything of anyone. He always demanded and expected us all to follow through. I bit back a smile knowing it had to do with his feelings for the girl in front of us and turned, waiting for Demetri to come to himself to answer my brother.

"Y…yes, Master," Demetri finally said, trying to shake himself free from the shock of Caius's actions while answering.

"Good, see to it," he said.

"My Lord, why must I change?" Isabella asked Caius. Caius smiled while looking over her attire.

"My dear, I don't think that fighting in that dress would be wise. Although it looks beautiful on you it wouldn't be viable in the type of movements that we will be doing," he explained, causing Isabella to smile shyly.

"Oh, I guess you're right my Lord," she said as Demetri took Isabella arm after she bowed to the brothers and took their leave.

At that time Chelsea came in and walked over to the brothers. "Will you need my assistance, Master?" she asked. Caius perked up and spoke before I had a chance, bringing another smile to my face.

"No, Chelsea!" he said and then tried to catch himself before he exposed himself to the rest of us; but of course it was too late. "Isabella will not need your services. She will be loyal to us. There will be no need to force her loyalties to us," he finished.

Chelsea had the gift of breaking and bonding others to one another. Unless they were true mates she had no power over that kind of bond. She bowed and hastily left us to ourselves. I looked over at Caius and grinned.

"What?" Caius asked, looking perturbed.

"Nothing, brother, you are right in that there will be no need to bind Isabella to us…or should I say you?" I said with a chuckle.

"Fuck you, Aro," he returned and got up and left the throne room to ready himself for his companion's training. I laughed and Marcus shook his head as we watched him leave.

A/N: Let me know what you think...thanks, huggs.