Chapter 31
As the weekend arrived, Bella, Felix, and Demitri prepared to depart. Demitri extended an invitation to Bella, saying, "We're grabbing a bite to eat on the way. You're more than welcome to join us."
Bella was momentarily taken aback. The Volturi had always fed on human blood, resulting in the death of said human. She had refrained from judging them, knowing that in truth it was the Cullens who were the exception, and it was her own dietary preferences that were peculiar. However, the thought of being in the presence of her new friends while they killed someone left her feeling unsure of how to proceed, which was a rare feeling for Bella.
"I didn't want to offend anyone, so I never asked about your diets," Bella said hesitantly. "But I'm curious, how do you choose your meals? I don't think I could bear to witness the killing of an innocent human."
Felix reassured her, saying, "We understand your concerns. We prefer to feed on criminals or other undesirables - people who would go unnoticed or be disregarded if they were to go missing."
Bella felt a sense of relief hearing that the Volturi chose their meals selectively. She could relate to the idea of removing criminals from society, as her father did, albeit without the blood-sucking.
"Thanks for explaining. I'll come with you, but I don't think I'll participate," Bella responded. "Since becoming a vampire, other than that first night I was here when I had some human blood at the club, I've stuck to a diet of exclusively deer. The Cullens keep insisting that carnivores are more flavorful, but I don't want to consume anything that might soon become endangered."
"You're not missing out on much, Bella," Demetri said with a smile. "I've tried both deer and larger animals, and I can assure you that it all tastes like crap when compared to the real thing."
"I disagree," Bella retorted, chuckling at the strange turn their conversation had taken. "I've been eating a lot of human food to fit in during my college career, and I know for a fact that that's really the stuff that tastes like crap."
"You win, human food is the worst. I don't know how you can stomach it," Demetri said. "Let's head out to Rome. After Felix and I grab a bite, we can show you the Colosseum."
"Sounds great, let's go," Bella replied, eager to see such an important piece of history. However, she also hoped she wouldn't freak out when she witnessed them quenching their thirst.
As the sun set, Bella and her friends arrived in Rome. While nervous about what Felix and Demetri might do, she was also intrigued about witnessing a fundamental part of a vampire's life that she had no knowledge of. They led her to a rundown part of town where she knew no tourist would ever venture. As they silently moved along the rooftops, they heard a commotion in the distance. They quickly zoomed to the edge of a building overlooking a dark alleyway, where a man had cornered a young woman. The man, if one could even call him that, was detailing in cold words all the vile things he was about to do to his helpless victim.
Bella seethed with anger as she listened to the man's words. She couldn't allow this to happen; she had to save the girl.
"I've got this, guys. Stay here," Bella commanded with a determined voice. She jumped from the rooftop to the ground, making sure to stay out of sight of the attacker and the victim. As she approached the two, she was thankful that the man was still taunting the terrified girl and had not yet acted. Bella called out for him to stop, positioning herself between the man and his prey.
"What do you think you're doing, scumbag?" Bella demanded, she turned to the girl. "You should leave. You're safe now. Go home."
"Thank you" the crying girl whispered as she ran from the alley.
Having ensured the girl's safety, Bella turned to face her attacker. He had no idea of the danger he was now in. Bella advanced slowly, her eyes flashing with anger.
"I was nervous earlier when they asked me to come along. I didn't know if I could watch them kill someone. But after hearing what you planned to do to that girl, you made everything crystal clear," Bella growled. "Now, you're my victim, and I'm going to kill you slowly. I really hope I don't enjoy this too much. Rot in hell, you piece of shit." Without any hesitation, Bella rushed towards him. She grabbed him by the hair and pulled his head back before biting into his neck with force and drinking his blood. Bella had always been careful to kill animals quickly so they would not feel any pain when she drank from them. But with this bastard, she wanted him to feel every moment. So she drank from him slowly. When the blood stopped flowing, she let go and dropped the lifeless body to the floor of the dark alley. As Bella stood over the deviant, she reflected on her actions and felt no remorse for ending the life of a true monster. She couldn't help but think about the taste of human blood, and wondered if she would now crave it like the Cullens had always talked about. Though she admitted that the taste was quite good, she had no desire to go out and kill again. This realization brought a sense of relief to Bella.
What Bella was most thankful for was that she was there to help and save the girl in need. It reminded her of the time when she was once in a similar situation, trapped in an alley by four potential rapists. Back then, Edward had come to her rescue just in time. Now, the tables had turned and it was Bella who was able to play the hero. The irony of the situation brought a smile to her face.
Bella sensed Felix and Demetri's presence behind her as she peered down at her prey. Curious about their post-attack routine, she inquired, "What do you do with them afterward? We can't leave any evidence behind."
Felix replied, "The classic method of dumping the body in a dumpster and setting it ablaze always does the trick."
Bella then proceeded to lift the lifeless body by its neck, called him an asshole one last time, and hurled him into a nearby large metal dumpster. The heavy lid clanged shut upon the bodies impact.
"Do you need a lighter?" Felix asked taking his out for Bella
"No I have my own." As Bella walked towards them she used her powers and there was a large explosion inside the dumpster so powerful it lifted off he ground slightly and smoke started seeping from the lids edges.
Felix and Demetri gazed at Bella in utter disbelief. They had never imagined that she possessed such an incredible gift. Bella couldn't help but grin at their astonishment. She knew that her display of power would not go unnoticed by Aro, but she didn't care. If anything, it sent a clear message to anyone who might try to cross her in the future: "Don't fuck with Bella."
"Ok, lets get you guys something to eat and then you promised to show me the Colosseum." Bella was never one to let a heavy situation effect her for long.
The day after, Bella examined herself in the mirror in her room. Her eyes weren't red, but instead, they had a pinkish hue. She wondered how long it would take for her golden eyes to come back. Bella didn't really care, she actually liked the look of red eyes on a vampire.
While walking towards the training room, Bella crossed paths with Caius, who was heading in the same direction.
"Isabella, I must admit that I misjudged you. I believed that you would be as weak as the other Cullens. But you've proven to possess true skill and be a formidable vampire," Caius acknowledged. "I'm pleased to see that you embrace your nature and feed like a genuine vampire."
"Well as the saying goes 'When in Rome…' and I really mean it as we were in Rome." Bella deadpanned.
Cauis let out a hearty laugh and remarked, "I like your spirit, Isabella. I've heard you're an excellent fighter. Would you like to spar with me?"
Bella replied with a hint of sarcasm, "This bunny-munching pacifist would be honored to train with you."
Cauis's demeanor changed as he acknowledged Bella's prowess as a fighter. "You are a true warrior, Isabella, regardless of your diet. It's the Cullens who I consider all weak fools."
Despite Cauis's criticism of the Cullens, Bella felt compelled to defend her teacher. "Hey, Jasper is a great fighter. He taught me everything I know."
"Oh I know Major Jasper Whitlock very well. And I have never once considered him a Cullen. You don't know how lucky you were with him as your trainer." Cauis replied honestly.
Bella and Caius engaged in a prolonged battle that lasted several hours. Bella recognized Caius as an exceptional fighter, and each time they clashed, neither emerged as the clear victor. Despite having the ability to defeat him, Bella hesitated to push harder as she had only recently gained Caius' favor, and didn't know if Caius was the type that would lose graciously.
A few days later Bella found herself sitting in the throne room watching the Kings hold court. Bella had always been curious about how the Volturi Kings conducted their business, so when they invited her to watch, she jumped at the chance. As she sat among the grandeur of the throne room, she realized that the kings' formal tone was markedly different from the friendly chatter they used when they spoke with her. The room was filled with vampires from all over the world, gathered to witness the Volturi's rule.
The trials mainly dealt with disputes between vampire covens or vampires who had committed misdeeds. Bella was surprised to learn that most of the disputes were about hunting territory. It made her wonder if there were any other vampires in Colorado, as no one had ever complained to the Cullens about encroaching on their land. Since the Cullens drank animal blood, other vampires might not care, but Bella didn't think that was the case. More likely, they were scared of the Cullens' numbers, which were greater than most other covens Bella had heard about.
One trial stood out in particular. A newborn vampire had lost control in public view due to bloodlust. A group of humans had seen him feeding, and the other vampires with him had to kill all the human witnesses to prevent exposure. Aro read the newborn's mind as well as the minds of the two who had brought him in, and he quickly gave the nod to Felix, indicating what needed to be done. Felix put a swift end to the newborn's life. The Volturi's justice system seemed swift and without leniency in Volterra.
Later that day, Bella and Chelsea relaxed in Heidi's sleek and modern living room, discussing what they would do that night. The room was tastefully decorated with clean lines and contemporary furniture. The centerpiece was a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. A plush gray couch and two matching chairs were arranged in a comfortable conversation area facing the TV. The coffee table in front of the couch was made of glass and chrome, reflecting the light from the floor-to-ceiling windows that ran the length of the room. Beyond the windows, a large balcony offered a stunning view of the city.
Despite the modern decor, the room had a warm, lived-in feel. On one wall hung a collection of framed photos, some black and white, some in color, and others hand drawn showing Heidi with various friends and acquaintances throughout the centuries. On a bookshelf stood a collection of vintage books, as well as some newer titles, that Heidi had collected over the years. The room felt spacious, with plenty of open space for her friend to move around and relax. Beyond the balcony, the sound of the city's hustle and bustle could be heard faintly in the background, adding to the room's modern ambiance.
As night approached, Bella decided to bring up a personal issue she had been struggling with for a while. "Hey, guys, can I ask you something personal?" Bella looked over at her friends, who nodded in response.
"I'll just come right out and say it, I need some advice on sex," Bella admitted.
"Ooh, juicy!" Chelsea teased, making Heidi giggle.
Bella smiled but pressed on, "I've been hoping to find a romantic connection for the past five years, but I've had no luck. I've been reluctant to pursue anything with humans, seeing how my relationship with Edward turned out. But I'm having a hard time finding any male vampires that interest me. Do you guys have any advice?"
"Relationships are hard for vampires," Heidi said sympathetically. "Chelsea and I have been alive for hundreds of years and still haven't found our mates."
"But it doesn't mean we can't have fun," Chelsea added playfully. "Even if it's not with our mate, it's nice to feel loved."
"That's right, Bella. I've had a casual thing on and off with Demetri for centuries," Heidi said, giving a playful smirk.
"Yeah, and I've had tons of flings with visiting vampires both men and women, Bella. Sometimes it just feels good to let go and have fun with someone, even if it doesn't lead to anything serious," Chelsea added.
"Have you guys ever dated a human before?" Bella asked, curious.
"We have, but I wouldn't recommend it for you right off the bat. With you having no experience in those areas, you might accidentally reveal your true nature, and I know you would feel bad having to kill the human to prevent exposure," Chelsea cautioned.
Bella nodded. "Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. I've been fantasizing about being with a human, but in my mind, I always end up ripping their dick off with my vampire pussy when I cum. Not the best way to end a girl's first time."
Her friends laughed at her frankness, and Chelsea responded, "Yeah, try not to do that."
"I was hoping I'd feel a spark with one of the guys here, but sadly, I just see all the guys as friends," Bella said with a shrug.
"That's too bad," Heidi said. "You're so much fun to be around. It would have been nice if you found someone and wanted to stay longer."
"I like you guys too. Don't worry, I'll be back to visit," Bella said truthfully, as she did like it here in Volterra a lot.
The three women continued to chat, bouncing ideas off each other for their plans for the evening. They joked around, teased each other, and enjoyed each other's company, the way only good friends can.
Bella had been staying with the Volturi for a little over a month, and during her stay, she had the opportunity to visit several major cities and famous monuments. She had marveled at the artistry of Michelangelo's David and taken in the stunning beauty of the canals of Venice. Yet, there was so much more to see in Italy that she knew she would have to come back for another trip. Bella was grateful to have made some lasting friends among the Volturi. She recognized that human friendships only lasted so long before she would have to move on, whereas vampire friendships could last for centuries.
Bella had already bid farewell to everyone. She had enjoyed giving Heidi and Chelsea framed photos of them in the act of draining the pigs. But she had also given them a framed photo of all of them, smiling with their arms around each other's shoulders and covered in mud, posing for the camera.
Bella had one final stop to make. She knocked on the door of his office and heard him grant her permission to enter.
"Aro, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be leaving soon. But before I go, I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your hospitality. You really opened up your home to me and made me feel so welcome. Thank you so much!" Bella said, truly appreciative.
"It was my pleasure to have you here, Isabella. You are always welcome to come back and visit anytime you want." replied Aro with a warm smile. "And speaking of old friends, I've been longing to see Carlisle again. It's been centuries since he last visited."
"I'll be sure to give him your message," Bella remarked "Now before I go I believe I made you a promise. Would you like to take a walk with me to the gardens?" Bella asked.
"Absolutely. It would be my pleasure," Aro replied, holding the door open for Bella as they made their way to the gardens.
As they entered the gardens, the sun was shining brightly, casting a radiant glow on everything around them. As Bella and Aro walked through the gardens they shown like diamonds under the sun's rays. They strolled through the lush foliage, marveling at the vibrant colors and sweet fragrances until they found a bench to sit on.
"This is such a lovely place," Bella remarked, admiring the serene surroundings.
"Yes, it is," Aro agreed, gazing out at the tranquil scenery. "Thank you."
"I'm about to reveal something to you that I've never shared with anyone before. It's still a work in progress, but I'm certain you'll find it fascinating," Bella said, her voice tinged with excitement. "Take a look at yourself, Aro."
As she spoke, Bella threw her shield over Aro, halting the sparkling of his vampire skin in the sun. Aro's expression froze, and he appeared lost in deep thought. Bella quickly covered herself with the same shield.
Aro POV
Aro was eager to discover what Isabella had in store for him. He had a profound fascination for vampire abilities and expected nothing less than an extraordinary gift from Isabella. As they settled down, Isabella revealed that she had never revealed this ability to anyone else. Aro felt honored that she chose to share it with him. Isabella then instructed him to take a look at himself. What Aro saw left him astonished. For the first time in more than 3000 years, he wasn't sparkling. As he returned his gaze to Isabella, he realized that she looked normal as well. He lifted his head to gaze at the sun beaming down on them, then returned his gaze to Bella, and smiled.
"I can't hold it long enough yet to use it in public." Bella stated, "I can only do it for a few minutes at a time right now. But I promise one day I will return and you and I can walk down the streets of Volterra under the bright noon day sun."
"I look forward to that day. Thank you Isabella." and Aro meant it from the bottom of his cold dead heart.
Reviews or Feedback is welcome.
