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 11 - Lonely is the soul without a mate*
Demetri walked through the long dimly lit corridors of the castle on his way to Bella's chambers for their daily lessons. He then saw the black clad figure come his way; a knee-length dress giving her a guise of innocence...
Jane was walking towards Demetri and as she came closer she lowered her hood; her blond hair pinned up revealing an angelic face which completed her virtuous disguise. However one look at those ruthless crimson eyes revealed her true nature.
He was about to veer off for he was already a bit late for his appointment but Jane quickly blocked his passage and said "Aro has requested your presence".
Demetri watched, waiting for further information or an explanation but Jane was not one to share however she did tell him "He is waiting in his chambers".
Demetri travelled the empty soft lit corridors and stairs walking in relative silence, the only sound he heard was the muffled sound of his own soft footsteps.
He knocked on the huge double doors of Aro's chambers and after hesitating for just a second he
turned the handles and entered the room.
Aro was sitting at his desk and looked up as Demetri entered; gazing back Demetri automatically inquired "You requested my presence master?"
Using the subtle signal from his eyes and jutting his chin forward Aro motioned for Demetri to close the door saying "Demetri this will be a private conversation so could you be so kind as to step in and close the doors".
Once this was done Aro stood up and walked around his desk to face the tracker. The smile on his face leisurely blossoming as he said "Please relax dear Demetri; I only wish to speak with you".
Demetri folded his hands behind his back and tried to relax and as he did Aro steepled his fingers under his nose as his mind concentrated on the problem at hand.
A moment later he lowered his hands but kept his huge grin saying "I have heard that Isabella is getting along well with her Russian lessons".
Demetri relaxed and smiled more to himself than Aro as he spoke "Yes master, I must say it is a pleasure to work with her. Although she is having a difficult time to work out Caius's demise; she is able to concentrate on her languages. I think it helps her to work on something rather than having to face the truth; she has even asked me to teach her Spanish.
Studying Demetri's face he asked "And how do you feel about it?"
Demetri looked Aro in the eyes and then looked at the ground as he answered "I am honoured that she asked me".
Aro came forward extending his hands in a silent request to see what Demetri was thinking. Demetri was prepared for this and yet his first reaction was one of reluctance.
Once their hands connected Aro's smile vanished as his concentration focused on the images in Demetri's mind. Realizing that he had been correct in his assumptions, he automatically made his decision.
Looking up his grin grew as he said "I see you are quite enchanted by our Isabella; I can't blame you she is quite exquisite and seems to have that effect on many".
Demetri bowed his head and explained "As you see I am not romantically involved with her but am starting to appreciate her company and friendship. First thing I found admirable was her courage to face us for the Cullen boy and then her devotion to Caius. Now that he no longer exists I hope to help her accept that; after all she feels very alone at the moment. I realize she is a young vampire and therefore still has human emotions which will probably change the older she gets; but it is still refreshing to see".
Aro only smiled and raised his hand to stop Demetri from further explanation "Actually it is because of Isabella that I have summoned you to my room".
Aro automatically turned and walked back to his desk reclaiming his place behind it. Looking up he calmly proceeded to explain "I want you to go to Alaska; Isabella is constantly insisting that Caius is still alive and I want you to investigate her claims".
Seeing the tranquil expression on Demetri's face change into one of bewilderment he continued "You will go tomorrow and scour the countryside; maybe it would be handy to take the Denali tracker with you, after all you both have different ways of tracking".
Demetri resumed his tranquil expression as he looked back and asked "I mean no disrespect but do you still believe that Caius lives? After all it has been six months since his fall".
Aro's placed his hands on the bureau in front of him and piercing Demetri with his gaze he continued "I does not matter what I think; Isabella will not cease to hope, therefore I cannot stop the search for my brother. If you do find Caius, I wish you to rapport directly to me and only me".
This last instruction puzzled Demetri but he knew it was not his place to question any decision Aro made. He had an inexpiable feeling that something bizarre was going on although he didn't dare voice it. After all, why would Aro request him to search and yet keep silent once he located Caius?
While thinking this over, Aro's following comments escaped him. When he was finally able to shake off the shroud of silence pierce through the mist of his thoughts he was able to catch Aro's last remarks "You will come back to my quarters over an hour to pick up the necessary information".
"But master Aro, I had an appointment with Isabella and would like to say goodbye".
"Do not worry Demetri; I will tell her myself. She will be elated knowing that you are going to continue the search for her mate."
With these last remarks Demetri realized that he had been dismissed and as he left the room many questions unintentionally formulated in his mind. He tried his best to erase these from his mind knowing they may be seen as traitorous but found it increasingly difficult. Demetri was just grateful that Aro did not have the power of Edward Cullen otherwise he would be in deep trouble.
Carlisle was sitting in his library when he heard a knock on the door. Looking up he saw Esme come in with the cell-phone in her hand. She had her hand on the receiver and mouthed "Aro is on the line" as she held the phone out towards him. Seeing the apprehension in her eyes he realized that this was no ordinary call; but then, when was Aro ever one for small-talk?
He quickly took the small device from Esme's hand giving her an encouraging smile in hopes of erasing her anxiety. As soon the phone transferred hands Esme left the room softly closing the door behind her. Then concentrating on the matter at hand Carlisle pushed the monitor button and projected Aro's image on the wall as he said "Hello Aro, Carlisle here! How is the situation in Volterra?"
Aro was sitting behind his desk and as soon as Carlisle spoke he looked up. His usual smile had made place for a more disheartened expression as he spoke. "Losing Caius was not only an emotional blow for us; it also weakened the position of power the Volturi has held, since the defeat of the Romanian and Egyptian covens". After a moment of hesitation he pinched the bridge of nose and closed his eyes as he added "It has taken a while for us to reinforce our strength but we are slowly recovering; alas without Caius it will never be the same".
Carlisle nodded his head in understanding and politely asked "Can I do anything to help?"
Aro slowly gave a hardhearted smile as he replied "The fact that Alice and Jasper have consented to stay with us as guards has already been of great help. However there is one other favour I wish to ask".
Once Aro had said this Carlisle's mind began to work overtime; afraid that Aro would also request the presence of Edward and Alexia. Being painstakingly careful to conceal his mistrust he matter-of-factually asked "That is?"
"I am sending Demetri to Alaska, he will be arriving in a short while and I am hoping that you and your coven will render him any assistance he needs while he is staying there". Carlisle was astonished by Aro's answer; this was the last thing he had expected.
After a moment of confusion Carlisle regained his senses as he realized that Aro was awaiting his response to his question. He gave Aro a tentative smile saying "Of course but may I ask why he is coming here?"
Aro moved his hands upwards steepling his fingers under his chin as he began to speak "I have sent him to look for Caius; Isabella keeps insisting that he is still alive and although I would love to believe it, I am afraid to lose myself to false hope. However I must exploit every possibility in an effort to find my beloved brother. In light of that fact I have asked Demetri to join forces with your tracker Riley, after all they both have different search methods".
Carlisle nodded his agreement and replied "I understand and we will give him our support in his search".
Putting his hands back on the desk Aro said "Your help will be very much appreciated. I think his plane should be arriving in about 10 hours".
After a moment's wavering Carlisle asked "Could you tell me if anyone is accompanying Demetri?"
Just as he said this, Carlisle heard a knock on the door that seemed to come from Aro's end of the line.
It was soon confirmed when Carlisle saw that Aro was distracted by someone or something in his office. Aro subsequently said "I must go now, good luck!"
As soon as Aro hung up Carlisle informed the Denali coven of the unexpected arrival of the Volturi tracker. Hearing of the impending arrival of Aro's tracker, Carlisle considered this act as a potential threat. The suddenness of Demetri's visit and the unanswered question of who would accompany him made them feel vulnerable and apprehensive.
Carlisle came into the living room and Esme quickly walked up to join him as her face studied his, anxious to know what was going on. Carlisle smiled and kissed her hand he then look up and observed the anxious faces of the other two in the room. "Aro is sending Demetri; he wishes him and Riley to join forces with him in a search for Caius. The Denali's are staying away and I can't blame them; Aro has not specified that they be present".
Emmett and Rose exchanges glances and then Emmett turned to Carlisle saying "Who is accompanying him?"
Carlisle looked at his foster children and then to his wife as he replied "I asked but at that moment Aro was distracted and hung up before he answered".
Emmett let go of Ross hand and threw both of his in the air as he said "That's just great; that can't be a good sign!"
Carlisle turned to look at Emmett and then began to shake his head back and forth as he shrugged his shoulders saying "I don't know; I really don't know"
Rose looking at her parents and then turning to look at Emmett began to inquire "But why would they come now? It's been a months since it happened; if there are any spoors they are long gone"
Carlisle smiled trying to calm Rose as he explained "I know, but from what I heard Aro wishes to search because Bella won't give up"
Esme, looking at Carlisle quickly retorted "Won't give up or won't give in?"
Emmett smiled at the question as he crossed his arms over each other and tucked his fists under his armpits he chuckled "Probably both; we all know how loyal and stubborn she can be. We know she asked Edward to look for Caius; after all that's why Edward and Alexia are in Seattle right now".
Carlisle was silently pondering his reply and then suddenly decided it was time to take them in his confidence. Turning to let his gaze settle from one face to the next he said "Edward seems to think we would be wise to keep that information for ourselves".
All three looked puzzled at this information and after a moment's deliberation Rose asked "But why?"
Carlisle looked back at her questioning face and took a few minutes time to consider his answer. He didn't wish to reveal too much as this could endanger them all so he balanced the tight wire of caution saying "I don't know but he must have a good reason; he has never been secretive before about anything".
Esme looked into his eyes and said "Call him Carlisle; Edward's gift would help us even the odds. After all he can see beyond the spoken words maybe it will give us a chance to know what is going on in Italy. You still have time to make the call before Demetri comes".
Carlisle nodded his head and clicked his phone open punching the video mode so that they could see their son projected on the white wall.
In the past week, Bella didn't know what was worse; being depressed and having no way to escape that feeling or being angry and having nothing to rid herself of the pent-up fury she felt.
As soon as Aro called her back to Volterra she had suspected he would keep her there but being locked up in the tower and purposely separated from all her friends made her furious.
Bella always knew that Aro was power hungry and manipulative; actually that was something that he and Caius had in common. The only difference between the two is that Aro's powers allowed him to see and hear everything; giving Bella no privacy. He didn't even have to be with her all the time; he just had to read the minds of her friends to know what she had said or done.
It was so frustrating that Bella was at the point that she wanted revenge but knew that was not possible; just as escape was not possible.
Maybe it was time for her to accept Caius's demise and look for an alternative escape. If everyone was right she would never be herself. The only way to be free was to mount an open attack on Aro; after all, Sulpicia had been executed for that!
Hearing a lock turn, Bella quickly spun to face the doorway.
Aro stepped in and the door behind him was closed. Within seconds the amicable smile that he wore vanished as he surveyed the devastated room that once belonged to his former wife.
Bella hissed and attacked
Aro braced himself, ducked and quickly grabbed her wrist. A moment later he twisted Bella's arm around behind her, and giving her a sharp jab to the back of the knees, forced her into a kneeling position. He then knelled behind her and slipped an arm around her waist pulling her backward until their two bodies were pressed up against one another.
Leaning forward he entwined his finders in her hair and pulled her towards his lips. She felt a soft flow of breath on her ear as he whispered "Now my beautiful Isabella, what is this all about?"
With a violent shove she tried to push him away but it was impossible so she hissed "get the hell off of me!"
Her movement only caused Aro to strengthen his embrace around Bella's middle, holding her tighter against his body and causing Bella to flinch at the intimate contact. "Not until you tell me why are you so upset..." Aro whispered on the sensitive skin next to Bella's ear.
Now she was not only frustrated and angry but also defenceless. Constantly trying to wiggle out of his embrace she retorted "I just attacked you; call the guards, do whatever you have to but ….Get…. off….me!"
Aro sat up, pulling Bella up with him but still gripping her waist "Is that what you want…to be executed?" his asked with a sly smile.
"All I want is my freedom; as I said earlier, I can't live caged up like this" She sighed and in an effort to reinforce her plea she turned to face him.
She was taken by surprise to see Aro mere millimetres away from her but quickly recovered and moaned "One way or another; please Aro, give me my freedom"
"I promise to give you back your freedom but I need to be sure of your loyalty" Aro said and turning her on her back he gradually leaned down to press his silky lips against Bella's, capturing them in a soft and gentle kiss.
At least it was gentle until Bella realized what was happening, at that very moment she tried to push him off but he wouldn't budge. The more she fought the more he took; he seemed determined to force her compliance.
She bit his lip and he released her, lifting his hand to trace the already healing lip with his middle fingers. He rubbed the small drops of blood between his fingers and thumb as he watched her turn and back away.
In an attempt to place as much distance as possible between herself and Aro she inadvertently backed herself against the wall. With eyes as large as saucers she spit "What the hell do you think you're doing? I am Caius's mate".
Aro's eyes roamed over Bella's agile and graceful body. Before she had a chance to move he closed the space between them and placed both arms on each side of her body. Leaning forward he whispered in a low appeasing voice "As I am Sulpicia mate, however much we may wish it, we cannot live with the dead!"
"Caius is not dead" She argued her eyes, burning with passionate defiance as she shoved him away.
Aro quietly backed away raising his hands up in compliance then brushing the creases out of his black suit he looked up, a small smile filtered onto his deceivingly blameless lips as he asked "Are you so sure? I have sent Demetri to look but even he feels it is an act of desperation".
"Well he is wrong" Bella countered.
"You keep saying that; it seems everyone is wrong. Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, you are holding on to the past?" he blatantly asked.
Observing her every expression he saw a cloud of doubt pass her face and continued in an endeavour to break her defences even further "Maybe you are so terrified with the truth that you would rather deny it than go on with your life?"
Her mind reeling as she turned away from him but not before he caught the glimpse of the fear and desperation so clearly written on her face. Cautiously he stepped in front of her, fearing that any quick movements would break her concentration.
Slowly extending his hands he gently lifted her chin and with a compassionate gaze he soothingly asked "Please let me help you my sweet."
Caressing the side of her cheek with his open palm he whispered "I know Caius can never be replaced by anyone, he was your soul mate! All I ask is that you allow me to comfort you".
Seeing her hesitation he continued "You have seen Marcus; when he lost his mate I allowed him to give into his desperation; I myself was too occupied with the loss of my sister. When I finally realized what was happening I tried to match him up with someone else for believe it or not, he had many admirers. He refused, like you he would not accept Didyme's death. By the time we realized the full impact her death had on him we could only watch him slowly deteriorate to what he is today".
He saw her head almost imperceptibly move back and forth in an attempt to deny his words but he continued softly but relentlessly "So you see my dear; Marcus was full of fire just as you are and now he is but a shadow of his former self. I am determined that you will not share this fate; I will not allow you to leave us too. You must admit that if the tables were turned you would not have wanted that fate for Caius and I am sure he would not have willed it for you! So you see however angry and severe I may be towards you; it is out of fear that I allow my anger to escape. Do you understand?"
Her mind was clearly clouded by his words as her unfocused eyes looked up into his. He knew that her resistance was slowly melting and went forward to justify his actions "I admit I have fallen for your charms, your passion of life... even your fiery anger. You are still a new-born and will be for a long time. You must compare it to that of a human child that sees the wonders of the world for the first time; we are able to watch and relive those wonders through you. Centuries of sameness tends to deaden the soul and ones reason for life. You however are a gem that burns so brightly you therefore will undeniably attract those of us that have lost that warmth long ago".
"I have sent Demetri back to Alaska hoping that he will be able to find my dear brother however, if he still can't find him; I hoping that in time, you will accept me as more than a brother."
Totally overwhelmed by his words she looked up and into his crimson eyes taking a step away from him. She opened her mouth but not knowing what to say quickly closed it. An awkward silence followed, one in which Aro could almost hear the turmoil of thoughts and emotions tumbling around Bella's mind.
Truthfully, Bella didn't know how she felt; shocked was the only word she could come up. Then Aro planted his index finger over of her lips whispering "Tutto a suo tempo"**. Then using his other hand he gently brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, all the time keeping her in his vision.
"Now come let me show you what your new tasks will be" Aro said and on their way out the door he
ordered the guards to repair the room.
*Friends will keep you sane,
Love could fill your heart,
A lover can warm your bed,
But lonely is the soul without a mate.
David Pratt.
** "Tutto a suo tempo" means "All in good time"
