An Unresolved Past
This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. WARNING: This is an adult version of twilight and will have sexual submission and violence (after all; the story revolves around vampires). This is not for the faint of heart; it is very dark and has sexual content. 18+
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.
Chapter 6 – Strengthening the ranks
Felix went out to clean the runway after yet another blizzard and while he was busy Bella finally convinced Demetri that one phone call to her friends would not be a problem.
She automatically got Edward on the phone and she quickly explained her situation. After a moment she added "I will keep you to your promises"
"Not a problem; I promise I will help your father and Jacob as much as possible" His voice as grave as his face.
"Just in case I'm not allowed to return, I want you to promise that you will keep looking for Caius" Bella pleaded her voice desperate.
Edward hesitated for a moment before he replied "But Bella, What if they are right?"
"But if it was Alexia and her body was not found, would you give up?" she implored
Seeing the hesitation in Edwards face she continued "What if he is alive; could you deny me my happiness?"
Edward sighed "I promise I will to do my best but I can't promise that I will find him; after all Demetri said he can't sense his presence".
"What if the fall has taken its toll on his mind; wouldn't that cause something like that?" Bella implored.
Again she saw his face as it worked on the logic of her words. "You may have something there! As soon as my family and I are free of Aro's persecution; I promise to look for him".
The anxiety that had marred her features slowly retreated and was replaced by grateful smile as she said "Thank you Edward; thank you so much! I have to go now Felix will come back to the cabin any moment. Give my love to everyone because I don't know if or when I will be able to contact them in the future"
Ending their conversation Bella realized that she had finally convinced Edward and with him, his family. Now she could face the Volturi knowing that she had done her best for all her loved ones.
Felix came storming in to announce the arrival of the Volturi plane and Bella looked out of the window. She watched as the planes lights come closer and was glad that the Cullens had been able to leave safe and sound.
Making use of the commotion and noise of the plane's landing Bella slowly withdrew from Felix and Demetri.
Neither were surprised as they simultaneously cut off her passage to the front door. Then with a spurt of energy she jumped through the scenic window quickly followed by both. She was able to make it to the edge of the forest before they caught up with her but Felix had to tackle her before she would stop.
She hissed and spat all kind of obscenities while trying to squirm out of their grip; not ready to resign herself to her inevitable fate. They both took an arm and when she continued to resist they gave up their dutiful approach and held her arms in a vice-like grip; allowing her no chance for retreat.
Witnessing Alec and Jane descend from the steps of the plane prompted Bella to resume her skirmish. Scrutinizing the struggling threesome Alec asked "What is going on?"
"Isabella refuses to go back to Volterra" Felix moaned "We just caught her trying to leave our company and we are bringing her back".
Felix then left the group saying "Hold on to her Demetri; I need to get something out of the house"
Demetri sighed at the thought but quickly took her in his grasp wrapping his arms around her waist in a vice-like grip. While holding on to Bella he looked at the twins and began clarifying the situation "she believes Caius still lives and wishes to stay and search for him".
"But you told master Aro that you could not feel his mind!" Alec said.
"Yes, but she believed that the accident may have caused his mind to change and thus blocking my powers." Demetri explained while still struggling to keep his hold on Bella.
Jane smiled "Poor Isabella; losing you mate is a horrifying experience. We have seen what it has done to Marcus but we will not allow that to happen to you. Although we understand you have difficulty with your loss we are here to make sure your delusional ideas do not destroy you. Now I understand master Aro's insistence that we take you back to Italy".
Alec looked at Jane and tactfully asked "Please, be still Jane".
Jane just huffed and then Alec's attention went to Isabella; he looked at her with masked vermillion eyes "How are you holding up? It must be horrific".
Bella struggled in Demetri's arms as she tactfully explained "He is not dead; Alec I appeal to you, as a dear friend, please give me some time to let me look for my mate".
She could see the combination of empathy and skepticism in his eyes as he said "I'm sorry Isabella this is out of my hands; I cannot ignore Aro's wishes".
In the meanwhile Felix had come back with a smug smile on his face. Seeing Demetri's struggle to restrain Bella he quickly grabbed her arm just in case she decided to rebel.
Scanning the area Alec turned to Demetri and Felix asking "Where have the Cullens gone?"
Before either could answer Bella said "I sent them away; they had nothing to do with Caius's accident"
Alec's disapproving eyes glared at the Bella as he remarked "You must know that it is not acceptable; it was Aro's decision and therefore only he is authorized to grant them clemency."
Then looking at both Felix and Demetri he signalled them to take Bella on board saying "There is nothing more we can do so I think it better we board the plane".
Bella refused to budge so Felix whispered "Dear Isabella after your last prank I decided to take one of those sedatives Carlisle used on you" and while saying it he patted his hand onto his coat pocket.
When she looked at him he gave her a roguish smile asking "Would you prefer to go in conscious or unconscious?"
Bella huffed as she pulled herself out of Demetri's grip. Finally surrendering to the situation she straightened her back and ascended the plane with Demetri close behind.
She closed her eyes and tried to block everyone from her mind as she heard the motors turn on. Oh what she would do to turn back time. When Caius was at her side, he marked out the horizon of her life. Now her horizon is empty: the view had changed.
Demetri had taken the seat beside her and she had seen Felix give him the needle as a precaution.
Felix then went to the pilot's cabin and after a couple of minutes she felt the motor start. The plane began to speed up and as it lifted from the runway Bella opened her hand and held it up to the glass window as she whispered "I promise I won't stop looking for you my love".
The whisper was soft and even though the motors were running the vampires close to her were able to hear her promise. Demetri was deeply touched as he heard the pain warp her beautiful voice. He then leaned over to whisper in her ear "Please Isabella, please try and relax; I swear I will do anything to help you get through this".
Alec was sitting behind and heard both Isabella's promise as well as Demetri's words. She and Caius had been mates, their bond formed by providence; he feared this would destroy her as it had Marcus. Ever since he had become her trainer he had come to respect and even feel affection for her. That moment he vowed to himself that he too would help her get through this difficult time in any way he could.
Once the group arrived at Volterra, Bella was summoned to the throne room and she focused on the two chairs filled by Marcus and Aro. She was determined not to look at the empty throne of Caius for that would be too painful and emotions were a luxury she could no longer permit herself. Caius had always told her that the court was vicious and now that he could no longer help her; she must protect herself.
She knelled before Aro and Marcus and then stood and raised her head to great them and in doing so saw the compassion in Marcus's eyes as he said "Dear Isabella we mourn for our brother and wish to keep our bonds with you. We will always be indebted to you; when you came into his life you were able to give him the one thing he had never known before; 'the love of a true mate'.
She smiled warmly saying "Thank you for your kind words but it was something we gave to each other; something I prized more than anything I had or will ever have".
Then she turned to look at Aro and saw unexpected compassion as he said "You became part of our family when the bond between you and Caius was made; we feel that with the loss of Caius the right arm of our family has been severed. If the culprit is indeed the same Vampire that had kidnapped you once before, we will not allow him to touch you ever again; as Caius himself would never allow it."
She looked from Aro to Marcus and saw Marcus nod his head confirming his acceptation of Aro's words.
Alec and everyone else looked at the impact of Aro's words on Bella. He saw confusion and realization travel her face, one after the other. She then answered Aro saying "I have to admit that you are right dear brother. My beloved Caius was my mate and my shield; I am grateful for your words of comfort.
After a moment's hesitation she asked "May I take it that by your own words you realize that both the Denali and Olympic coven have nothing to do with Caius's accident?"
"Although we are momentarily not pleased with the Cullen clan, we do believe in their innocence. At the moment; every piece of information points in the direction of the South American". Aro agreed.
Bella's burgundy eyes assessed Aro for a few long minutes before she asked "When will you be going to look for Caius? You must agree that with every moment of hesitation the trail will turn colder. Is it not possible to send someone to look?"
A burdened sigh escaped Aro's pale lips as he fixed his appraising eyes on Bella "At the moment all information in our possession tells us that a search for Caius is futile. Being so, it is our priority to strengthen our coven. The loss of Caius is a great one; one that may have detrimental effects for the Covens future. If Caius were here he would agree would he not Marcus?"
Marcus slowing moved his head in acknowledgement as he said "Yes, I am sure he would"
Alice and Jasper had been kept in this room for almost a week now under heavy guard. They had seen and spoken to Jane on the first day. After that conversation they realized that their future, from all perspectives, had become quite bleak. Not knowing what was going on in the outside world and thus the rest of the Cullen family, only added to their tension.
Alice lay with her back to Jasper and he embraced her with his arms both taking solace in one an-other's company. Alice suddenly turned around and giving Jasper a timid smile she whispered "I saw Caius fall but I didn't feel or see his death; what could that mean?"
Jasper affectionately brushed a random lock out of her eyes tucking it behind her ear as he whispered "I don't have a clue but I wouldn't tell anyone this little tidbit if I were you. The fact that Jane stopped us from telling Bella about his future 'accident' must mean that the Volturi itself is behind this".
Alice frowned, something that Jasper didn't often see and hated to see now. The one thing that had always attracted him to Alice was her smile and now it was lost as she asked "But why would Aro want Caius to die?"
Jasper then sighed kissed her in an attempt to erase the frown and shook his head saying "I have no idea; it can only cause the Volturi coven to be unstable".
The kiss had not helped as she sat up and looking down at him with the same frown asked
"What do you think they will do to us?"
Jasper lifted his head and put his arm under it as he stared at the ceiling "Another good question I sure as hell can't answer. One thing is for sure; they can't let us go, we know too much".
Alice then added "And yet too little…I wish I knew what was happening with our family".
Turning his head to look at Alice he anxiously asked "You haven't had any terrible visions concerning them have you?"
Alice shook her head
"Well at least that's something!"
He then turned his head to look back at the ceiling as he added "Anyway, don't be too anxious to know; maybe you won't like the answer and being stuck here we can't do a thing to help them".
All of a sudden they heard footsteps coming towards the room and recognizing the clicking sound, they had an idea who it would be. They both stood up looking apprehensively towards the door as it swung open to reveal not only Jane but also Alec, her twin.
They both entered the room and the guard closed the door behind them.
Jasper looked at the two "Alec" he said while nodding his head in respect. Then turning toward the twin he repeated the gesture as he said "Jane".
A smile formed on his perfectly shaped lips and with drawl of a southern gentleman he calmly asked "Could you please tell us what is going on; why we are being held here?"
Alec simply stared at him and then declared "Actually you are both very lucky; you will be given the generous choice of strengthening our ranks. You see, with the loss of Caius our coven is at risk we need to replenish our ranks with both numbers and gifted vampires. Both of you fit the credentials!".
Jasper and Alice were stunned by the words; they had expected many things but not this. Finally Alice found her voice saying "but we have to go back to our home. Our family will be missing us".
"Oh, we know of your attachment to the Olympia coven! However they left Alaska without Master Aro's permission and in doing so have caused a rift between the two covens relinquishing our obligation to release you." Jane voiced, her eyes scrutinizing them for any opposition.
Both Jasper and Alice were stunned by this and Jasper inquired "Why did they need Aro's permission to leave Alaska?"
Jane rasped 'Master Aro!' and then added "From now on you will address him by his proper name". Alec touched Jane's hand an inconspicuous signal to be quiet, unknown as such to all except the twins."
"Aro was animate that they may have seen or heard something connected to Caius's accident. That is why he wished to speak with them" Alec pointed out.
Alice was becoming desperate and carefully moved her hand behind her and grasping Jasper's hand for support as she boldly said "I don't understand; our family has always respected the Volturi laws"
Alec nodded as he stated "And once everything is cleared up and our coven has been strengthened; you will be able to go back to Olympia"
Alice tried to keep her face emotionless but as the anxiety grew it was becoming more difficult. It was only with the help of Jasper's presence that she could stay calm as she muttered "Jasper and I can't leave them" Then looking at Jane she added "We have told Master Aro this in the past".
"I don't think you realize that by denying your co-operation you are purposely making yourselves and your family a potential threat to our coven" Alec added.
Alice and Jasper were shocked and Alice replied "We and our family have nothing to do with Caius's accident; we would never hurt Bella in such a way!"
Jane abruptly walked away from her brother and towards Alice. Stopping just in front of her she stated "Oh, but you must have had foreknowledge of the event as that is your gift; what did you see?"
Alice's hand still in Jasper's she stuttered "M... my visions aren't always clear; there often fragments of things and they can change when circumstances change."
Looking at his sister Alec blurt-out "Enough of this, we already know the culprit; the South American that kidnapped Isabella years ago."
Alice who was searching for an out, was happy with this information knowing that she was not a real witness to anything but the fact that her phone connection was broken.
Then looking from one sibling to the other, an innocent smile slowly bloomed on her lips as she reflected "I didn't see any faces; there were three figures moving in a heavy snowstorm. Caius was at the edge of a glacier and then it fell into an abyss taking him down with it."
Alec gave them both a perplex expression as he uttered "Alice, you seem to have seen the incident before it happened. Why did you not speak of it before now?"
"I...I wanted to!" Alice stammered "I called Bella but wasn't able to voice my concerns before the line was cut".
Jane walked around the two and joined her brother, a bone chilling smile stole over her perfect pale lips as she looked at both with contempt "Why did you not attempt to call Aro when you didn't get through to Isabella?"
"By that time it was no use; it was over" Alice mumbled.
"That is treason in itself; those are Master Aro's decisions not yours!" Jane replied haughtily.
"Please Jane" he said as he raised his hand to stop her threat "do not be so harsh! We know the peculiar lifestyle of the Cullen coven and although it does not agree with ours, we must be tolerant.
Alec then turned his focus on Alice, his eyes piercing Alice's face as he rubbed his chin "What shall we do with you two?"
"We are not only here to strengthen the ranks but we must enter the coven's guard" Alice whispered in a daze; as her eyes focused on the new future that now lay ahead of them.
Alec's pale lips curved up into an impartial smile bringing his normal façade back in place as he acknowledged her words "Exactly; we can also make good use your mate's gift to calm any unrest in our ranks."
Alice stood motionless while her mind debated the outcome "Our 'family' will never believe us"
A pleasure filled smile twisted Jane's face into something that bordered on sinister "Dear Alice I believe it is in your and their best interest to convince them; otherwise it may end badly and not only for you".
Jane made her way to the door and called the guard to open it. Then Alec motioned Alice to follow him sister saying "Now Alice, please come with me"
Alice who was now wrapped in Jazz's arms turned her head to look back at Alec "May I ask, where are we going?"
Alec smiled as he came to claim her "Master Aro wishes you to meet a friend of his".
Jasper automatically stood blocking Alec's path to Alice in a desperate attempt to defend her against something he was powerless to stop. At that moment Jane focused her deep red eyes on him and her smile grew as she said "My brother asked for Alice"
Alice started to scream as she watched Jazz fall to the ground; his face and body twisted as the unremitting torture continued to plague his body. Alice then quickly moved towards Alec and looking at Jane she cried "please don't hurt him; I promise to go without trouble but please".
Seeing her words had no influence on Jane she turned to Alec repeating her plea.
Alec's eyes travelled from her to his sister saying "Jane, you can let him go" Then turning towards Alice he explained "You must excuse my sister's protectiveness; you see she always has my best wishes at heart"
Alice bowed her head and watched as Jasper slowly recuperated from his ordeal.
Then Alec opened the door motioning for her to go first. She left the room followed by Alec and when she didn't see Jane follow she panicked asking "Please don't let her hurt him"
Alec smiled and answered her plea "She won't, as long as you behave".
They walked through the corridor Alec's arm just behind her waist yet not touching as he steered her to a door.
Opening the door he again motioned her to pass him and as she entered the room Alice spotted a beautiful blond woman sitting across from them.
Alec then introduced her saying "Dear Alice this is the person Master Aro wishes you to see"
With that the woman stood up and for a moment Alice she saw concern in her eyes. A moment later it dissolved; her body became ridged and her eyes took on a determined look which frightened Alice. Wondering what was going on she looked at Alec, confusion covering her face.
Finally the woman, nodding her head towards Alice asked Alec "is this the Sear?"
Yes, our little Alice can have visions of the future.
Alice suddenly knew what was going to happen and tried to flee but Alec, anticipating her escape was faster and as he held her against his chest he whispered "it would be wise dear Alice, to remember that my sister is with your Mate so I think it would be safe to say that if you value his immortal life you will comply".
"Now sit down dear Alice" he added as he guided her to a chair across from the woman and grasped her shoulders to keep her their.
You see Messalina!" said Alec as he continued to hold Alice "She already knows what you are planning to do so, I think speed would not only be merciful but also the most desirable option at the moment".
With that Messalina brought both hands on either side of Alice's face and holding it between her hands she entered her mind. Alec put his hand on Alice's mouth covering her screams and when her body began to relax, he left Messalina to do her work.
"Call me when your finished and I will take her back" Alec exclaimed as he left the room and felt a pang of regret as knew Isabella would not approve. However, he also realized that this was the only way to peacefully recruit the two and that was necessary for the survival of the coven. This seemed to help appease his conscience.
Once Alec left the room Melissa searched through Alice's memories of the Cullen clan. It took some time but she slowly selected which memories to withdraw leaving only the basic knowledge of her family behind. It was a long and painstaking procedure and as she worked she regretted the day she had joined this coven.
