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 13 – When we are no longer able to change a situation- we are challenged to change ourselves. *

Bella remained in the alcove and listened as Aro's footsteps faded into the distance, then after waiting a sufficient amount of time she softly knocked on the door of Marcus's library and peaked around the corner asking "May I come in?".

Marcus had been staring at the fireplace and contemplating the situation when she entered.

He turned his head and once he saw her a smile graced his face. He then turned and walked towards Bella opening his arms to embrace her as he affectionately said "Hello dear Isabella, how are you; I haven't seen much of you lately".

She gave him a frustrated smile saying "What should I say? First Aro kept you busy with the administration and nowadays he has turned his attention to me; when I'm not in training with Alec I'm doing administration for the coven".

Marcus seated himself and motioned to the chair across from him as he said "I have heard Aro's praise your administrative skills of late".

Bella gracefully sat down as she replied "Yes well, Aro always has something new for me. He really gives a new meaning to the saying 'The Devil finds work for idle hands' ".

Marcus snickered at her openness saying "There is an undeniable truth to that but comparing Aro to the devil is being a bit harsh; wouldn't you say?"

Bella chuckled back and with a shrug of her shoulders said "Yeah; poor devil"

This time they both chuckled

After a while Marcus became silent and Bella saw his mind was far away and engrossed in the one thing he never spoke of; Didyme. Then he looked up, his mind back in the present as he looked into Bella's eyes. Leaning towards her he grasped her hands and with a sober glaze he asked "How are you doing Bella dear?"

"Could be better …" She sighed and then contemplating her situation she inquired "Tell me Marcus; how did you manage to live this long without your mate? Does the pain mellow out with time or does it always stay this sharp?"

Lost in thought he painstaking deliberated his answer then with a sigh he simply said "You exist. The very sharpest edges tend to dull a bit in time; but you always miss your second half"

He saw her digesting his answer and felt there was still an unspoken question lingering in the air so he probed "Is there something else you wish to know?

After a moment of reluctance she uttered "I have a personal question but don't know if you will find it appropriate".

"You may always ask, once I know what the question is; I can decide if I wish to answer you or not" he simply said.

She then hesitantly probed "Did Aro try to convince you to fill your life with other things as he has done with me?"

Amused by the thought he chuckled "No, a King cannot be ordered by a king".

"You're lucky; I don't think that a queen has that protection" She complained and then stood and walked towards the fireplace.

Marcus followed her with his eyes seeing the frustration mark her face as she passed. When she stood in front of the fireplace he inquired "What do you mean?"

Bella then turned, her eyes closed as her mind contemplated how to draft her answer "All my extra tasks; Aro says it's to keep my grief in check but I think it's more than that. I think that he wishes to keep me in check".

Marcus was puzzled by her answer and uttered "From what I understood, I assumed that you enjoyed the work".

Bella looked down saying "Oh, it's not the work that bothers me; it's Aro". She dared not tell him of Aro's attraction to her; instinctively fearing that it would only weaken her position with Aro. What if he didn't believe her or worse still; what if he confronted Aro with the truth. She was sure there would be hell to pay and was equally certain that Aro would eventually persecute her by taking away the little freedom she now enjoyed. Marcus wasn't always around and even if he was could, he couldn't always watch over her. No, that was not an option; she would have to keep Aro away on her own.

Marcus suspiciously watched the tranquil expression on her face and sensing his stare she looked up. Noting his concerned gaze she mimicked Aro's expression as she recited "He is extremely possessive constantly keeping me under lock and key".

Marcus said "Please have patience with him dear Isabella. He only worries about you; after all with that madman on the loose he has reason to". Then his eyes got that familiar distant stare and with a sigh he said "I wish I had been as cautious with Didyme. Then I might never have lost her"

Bella knew not to disturb his thoughts but when he gradually came back to the present she held his hand in an effort to console him.

Marcus looked at her and smiled sympathetically as a part of him understood her dilemma. He then remembered how Bella had taxed Aro's patience the first few weeks after Caius's demise and said "It is true; kings have the authority to tell their queens as to their place in the court but if he said that it was probably out of frustration. I doubt he would go through with any threats he may have made. However you must also admit that when you first came back here, after the loss of Caius, you were an unguided missile. Now you have become an important part of the community; you have earned you place in our coven; not only because of your gift and the love you brought to Caius's existence but also for your intelligence".

Bella only forced and inert smile as she muttered "All I can see is that he wants control over me; something Caius has never given him".

Then seeing disapproval stain her step-brothers face she closed the conversation and thought of Aro's words. She felt her heart drop once more at the thought of Caius's throne filled by another, even if it was her friend. Staring into the fireplace she gradually allowed the mesmerizing flames to comfort her grieving, pain-filled soul.

Aro's unblinking eyes watched each and every graceful movement Bella made while entering his office. She greeted him in the same courteous manner she had the last four months and was about to go behind her desk when she felt his stare and becoming conscious of his deliberate silence she turned to ask "Is something wrong Aro?"

His smile was confident and calculating as he walked towards her; drawn by something inexplicable. Abruptly halting only a couple of feet away from Bella he surveyed her reaction as he spoke "no, not at all my dear but I do wish to discuss something with you".

Bella's crimson eyes were filled with confusion and misgiving as she slowly backed away from him, her mind registered both his words and actions.

Noticing her effort to distance herself from him, his smile slowly melted and was replaced by a shielded expression as he soberly explained "Dear Isabella, I am very grateful for your commitment in the tasks I have given you. Since you have been working to help organize the covens administration I have so much more insight in our finances and connections with the outside world. I knew you were gifted and intelligent and having seen your qualities I now comprehend the reason why Caius kept you to himself; if I had known of your talents I would have claimed you soon after you joined us".

During his explanation he had gradually closed the gap between them

Felling apprehensive in his proximity she discreetly tried to take a step back while

simultaneously giving him a courteous reply "Thank you Aro; that is quite a compliment coming from you!"

Aro smiled deviously at seeing her apprehension "I always praise those who deserve it; as I punish those who are disobedient".

Again to his satisfaction he perceived that she had correctly deduced the meaning of his words and continued to speak his eyes constantly surveying her expression "Seeing the wonders you have done with our administration I think I have a new challenge for you "

Bella had difficulty hiding her suspicion as she cautiously asked "What kind of challenge?"

"New work" he cheerfully announced as he walked past her and towards a glass cabinet in the room. Taking out one of the objects, he held it in his hand and began turning it around, allowing the lights of the fireplace to inadvertently burn within its depths. "Now that you have finally put our administration in good order, I wish to have the ornaments the Volturi have been saving over the years; catalogued and appraised. Your computer skills will be very useful for such a task".

Bella was now looking at his back and he could feel her resentment build. Before she could control herself Bella erupted "What if I don't want this enormous responsibility; after all I have never done something like this before".

He had expected to be confronted by protests and wasn't disappointed when she promptly rewarded him for his patience. Although Bella was continuously striving to avoid bodily contact and therefore prevent any physical relationship between herself and Aro to bloom; she couldn't retaliate against his commands for fear of losing her freedom.

Because of this defiance he decided to take his pleasure by dominating her emotionally; his darkly amused mind latching itself onto the cat-and-mouse game he had devised. With each strategic move Aro was able to relish his control over her actions.

Smiling inwardly he continued his explanation in a cold and distant voice "I'm sorry Isabella but this is not a request; this task has been neglected too long because I had no suitable candidates to do it.

She walked up towards him and standing beside him she looked up and snapped "Why are you constantly pushing me Aro? It's just over eleven months since I lost Caius I have had no time to mourn my loss. I have done almost everything you've asked of me; why can't I just be left alone for a while?"

With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes Aro smiled in himself, delighted to have ruffled her feathers. A moment later he Aro turned to face her and as his gaze lingered on her scowling figure. Holding out his hand he silently demanded her to curb her words saying "Please Isabella; my decision has been made"

Her anger infused voice retorted "Well mine sure as hell hasn't!" After a moment she gave him a penetrating glare as she added "you wouldn't want to risk the damage of any of your treasures".

Aro eyes glared back on her scowling figure as his icy voice countered "Beware Isabella; if necessary I will take steps to correct any disobedience".

Bella understood the veiled threat and proclaimed "I'm not disobedient, at least not on purpose; I just can't take the pressure of you constantly looking over my shoulder".

Immediately Aro's fierce red eyes stared daggers at Bella and he ferociously snapped "Enough! You will do as I say or there will be consequences; do you understand?"

In a storm of pent-up frustration she turned to leave the room and as she did Aro spoke, his

voice tinged with annoyance and impatience "Isabella you will show your respect by either waiting for my dismissal or requesting your departure from my company".

She turned and with a sneer and a sarcastic smile on her face she said "King Aro, may I leave?"

In a blink of an eye he was in front of her, his ridged body reflecting his fury. His voice took on a threatening tone as he spoke "No, you may not! You will follow me to the archives and I will show you what your task will be"

"I think it would better to start tomorrow; then I have the daylight to aid me" she said in an attempt to postpone the inevitable.

She knew that Aro was doing this to punish her for his unrequited attentions. While they were in his office she often saw the way his lust-filled eyes often travelled her body. Every day he became bolder brushing up against her as she did her best to avoid physical confrontation.

Again she had lost the debate and reluctantly followed Aro who quickly led her to a part of the castle she had never seen before. The archive encompassed several rooms with the most exquisite treasure she had ever seen. Bella had never seen so many beautiful things in one room and although she was fascinated by them she was also conscious of the amount of work this job would entail.

Aro followed Bella's eyes and said "You must use gloves while handling these possessions. Some of are very fragile and need much care; if I find you are purposely sloppy there will be consequences".

Again she heard his threat and understood she was trapped; it was either her freedom or her compliance! The fact that she wouldn't be able to get out of this new task however didn't stop her from complaining "Aro, please don't ask this, it will take years to do. At the moment I don't even know where I will find the time for this".

Aro quickly gave her a snide answer as he chuckled "Don't you know Isabella? The one thing a vampire has in abundance; is time".

He looked at her helpless expression and bestowing her, an engaging smile he enthusiastically added "Thanks to you our administration has been revolutionized; transformed to face the complications of this age. In the meanwhile you have improved your many skills making it possible for you to reduce your participation in those activities".

Isabella looked around the dark and dreary room lost in her thoughts and observing the conquered expression on her face Aro arrogantly realized he had won this small battle.

"Now that spare time can be used to work your magic here. Besides it will broaden your horizon; some of these objects are archaic and thus older than anything you have ever seen in any museum" Having said that he left her alone in the room.

That evening, after hours of work in the dirty rooms Bella's guards accompanied her to her tower suite. She decided to relax in a warm bathtub wondering how the hell she would survive Aro.

The next day she was groggy, she had taken some downtime and all of a sudden she realized that Alec was on her bedside. She was perplexed by his sudden appearance and asked "What are you doing here?"

Alec turned her wrist and pointing to his watch he explained "I have been knocking and calling the last five minutes but you didn't answer so I came in to see why".

She started to move saying "I'm sorry Alec; I didn't hear, I took some downtime".

Alec just smiled and shrugged his shoulders saying "It doesn't matter; are you ready for your exercises?"

"Yes" she said as she moved to get up "Just let me get dressed; I will be out in a few minutes".

After leaving her room she and Alec walked the corridors on the way to the practice area they had found in the garden. "I can't stay long Alec. Master Aro has given me a new schedule to work with; assigned me to the archives. I am to work there from ten to 8 which means I only have three hours for our practice".

As they walked the corridors together Alec answered "Yes, Aro told me the news and I heard that you weren't so happy with the idea".

Bella stopped in her tracks and when Alec turned to look at her face she said "Would you? Have you seen the stuff? It will take me a century to get through one room".

Looking at her expression as she explained her unhappy circumstances he chuckled and when she turned to give him a deadly look he explained "I was allowed in only once, you should be honoured that he trusts you with his treasures".

She retorted "Well I'm not! Anyway I'm sure that it has nothing to do with the fact that he wants an inventory of the things; he just wants me on a chain!"

He looked at her and then said "Really Isabella, aren't you overreacting a little!"

She hissed "If you had any idea how much work I have to do, you wouldn't think so!"

Shrugging his shoulders he said "Maybe Aro will allow me to help"

Bella had difficulty accepting his offer and after a moment's reluctance she tactfully said "I have already been monopolizing a lot of your time as is".

He shrugged his shoulders as he warmly said "Not anymore; as I understand it our training has been shortened by six hours. Maybe I can help you in the time that we would otherwise use for training".

Bella seized Alec's hand detaining him as her crimson eyes held his. The smile gracing her face grew into a suggestive one and she emitted a covert snicker saying "I don't know Alec; I wouldn't want to keep you from Messalina".

Alec gave her a brazen smile and chuckled "You need not fear that! As I said; I will help you in the time that we would otherwise train. Messalina has her own schedule and we spend as much time as possible in each other's company. If things change you will be the first to know!

"So…it sounds serious!" She teased "I must say she seems to be very nice and that's strange for a vampire. How and when did you meet her?"

Alec's smile grew as they continued to stroll through the dimly lit corridors enjoying each other's company. "A year after Caius found you in South America, Aro sent Demetri to scour the countryside were you lived your human life. You see, there had been many suspicious murders in that area at the time and the sloppiness of the vampires involved was uncontrollable. Knowing that Victoria had not taught her army any form of caution Aro realized he had to kill any survivors. Many were hunted and destroyed but Demetri could sense that Messalina was different and Aro insisted he bring her to Volterra".

She became quiet absorbing the story Alec had told her; she realized that Aro had been correct in his decision but it didn't stop her to feel a twinge of pity for the new-borne "So there were others?"

Alec looked at her saying "Not anymore; Demetri and Felix made sure of that. We cannot face the risk of being discovered; in this time and age the humans could annihilate us with their modern weapons".

Bella gazed at his angelic face as he continued his explanation "Anyway, when Messalina was taken into custody she was very hostile fearing any and all contact with other vampires. At first she had to be held so that Aro could read her mind but once he did; he found she had a strong gift, one with the potential to strengthen the Volturi coven. Aro kept her in his apartments and it took months for him to win her trust. Once he did, he was able to help her hone them. As time passed he decided it was time to introduce her to the coven; Jane and I were the first to meet her".

Raising her eyebrows at this news she asked "Oh? And how did Jane take to her?

Looking at Bella's expression Alec knowingly nodded his head and chucked "As she takes to everyone except the masters and I"

Bella joined his mirth saying "Oh…I guess further explanation is not necessary"

Then she saw a frown stain his face as his eyes glazed over as if he was searching his mind for something beyond his reach. "Strangely enough I don't really remember much of that day but after that Aro encouraged us to visit her saying he wanted her to have some connections other than himself".

Bella smiled and lacing her arm through his leaned towards him as she conspiratorially whispered "Well she is very beautiful; if she is all she seems to be, I'd advise you to make sure she doesn't slip through your fingers. I don't know, but when someone like that is available there is often stiff competition".

At first Alec was startled by Bella's friendly gesture; then leaning against her he smirked "Yes, not only is she physically attractive; she is also stimulating company. What is it that makes a new-borne so appealing? Is it the fact that you are not yet fixed into the dull patterns of the vampire life? She points things out that I no longer see; she shows me the wonders we take for granted. It's like going through our new-born years; we relive thoughts and emotions through their eyes but then less confusing than the first time around. Things we have forgotten."

Bella smiled back as she pulled him closer chuckling "Are you really sure you want to spend time with me! I like your company but it's bad enough that I'm stuck in that stuffy room with the job from hell. It's a time consuming task that I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy let alone on a friend"

His smile returned as he answered "Don't worry, time is the one thing we vampires have more than enough of".

"Yeah, Aro already told me that!" she sighed

After their practice Bella went to her suite to wash up and get ready for her work in Aro's archive.

When she arrived she unlocked the doors and opened the curtains. She had already organized her spread sheets into the different categories; paintings, sculptures, prints, gems, intricate jewellery etc. Today she would continue moving the objects around the room and hoped that at the end of the day to have a small part separated and photographed.

She turned when the door of the room opened and Aro came in accompanied by Alec. She was grateful not to be alone with Aro in the secluded part of the castle and therefore doubly appreciative of Alec's assistance.

Aro looked at her and his grin grew as he exclaimed "It seems that you will have help; Alec has just volunteered to assist you in".

Looking at Alec, Bella proded "You sure you want too?"

Aro then raised his hand as if to cut any protests she might have and said "this is perfect, strange that I didn't think of it earlier! You two complement one another; Alec has been able to teach you much in the past year and I must say he knows quite a bit of many of my treasures. Not only the history of each piece but also the places we had found them; you can make good use of that knowledge as well".

Once Aro left, Alec playfully chuckled "Now you're stuck with me"

Bella gave him an open smile, relieved to escape Aro's ominous presence she gave him a playful nudge saying "I can say the same to you; by the time we are a month along you will beg Aro to let you out of here. Well let's get started I'm busy separating the various forms of arts".

She and Alec worked non-stop but always handling everything with the utmost caution considering the value of the objects. All in all she was very glad with Alec's company he was not only an enormous help but she could also use him as a shield against any possible advances Aro might make.

* When we are no longer able to change a situation- we are challenged to change ourselves. ~ Viktor E. Frankl