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 14 – One must pay dearly for immortality; one has to die several times while one is still alive.*

They had scoured the countryside the last half year now and with all the ups and downs Demetri was slowly becoming attached to the Cullens. He never expected it, maybe because they were so attached to Isabella and Caius; their loyalty and concern for both actually rattled him. When Isabella had come to Volterra he had been amazed by these noble qualities in her but now he noticed the same in this Coven.

Demetri looked at the familiar faces that were all bowed over the maps he had placed on the table before them and then said "We have combed the Alaskan continent and haven't found anything yet; I think it's time for us to go south"

Edward was in a conflicting situation he had already heard of strange sightings that may very well have something to do with Caius and yet he dare not say anything to Demetri. After all he knew that Demetri's loyalty must remain first and foremost with the Volturi coven; Caius and Bella may be part of that coven but at the moment Aro waved the sceptre. Edward had problems trusting Aro considering he still wasn't convinced that Aro had nothing to do with Caius's disappearance.

While consulting their maps of the territory they all heard classic music coming from Demetri pocket. Demetri left the group as he scrambled to snatch his mobile. Clicking it open he said

"Demetri here"

"Hello Demetri, how is the search going?"Aro inquired.

Aro called at regular intervals to ask the status of the search so Demetri wasn't really concerned instead he gave him a swift update "We have covered the territory and have just decided to look more south"

Demetri heard an uncommon silence on the other end of the phone and an ominous feeling slowly crept in. Then he heard Aro's voice saying "I'm sorry Demetri but I want you to come back as soon as possible. There is a chance that if you stay too long we will be having problems with the Romanian coven. They are always trying to find weak points in our defences; so once the coven is complete we will be able to avoid any problems".

Demetri had hoped to join the Cullens in their new plan to go south but knew that any effort to influence Aro's decision was pointless.

Aro seemed to realize that Demetri's was deliberating his instructions and added "I am afraid this is for the best. We have given you and the Olympic coven time to look into his demise but up to now no one has found anything. It is now time to stop your search; the Olympic coven may search further if that is their prerogative".

"Have you told this to Isabella master Aro?"Demetri sadly asked.

By the mention of Bella's name all present turned to look at Demetri.

Aro's sounded tired and strained as he explained "No, not yet but she will soon hear it from me; even Isabella has to realize that you cannot find someone that is no longer among us".

After a moment Aro told him "I have just sent Felix with the jet and he will be arriving tonight so where ever you are; you must go back to the Cullen's place as soon as possible".

Demetri sighed saying "I will be there to meet him master Aro"

Hearing the disappointment in Demetri's voice Aro said "Cheer up Demetri, Isabella will not blame you or anyone; she knows you have done your best".

After having said that Aro hung up and Demetri just stared at the silent cell-phone; he had always been afraid that this would happen. He had hoped to continue searching until he could tell Isabella something but his time had now officially run out. He looked up to see the faces of Edward and Reilly; Edward knew of course what had been said but Reilly had a perplexed look on his face so he explained "I have been summoned to Italy by Aro; he has sent Felix with the Volturi jet. It is already on its way and will arrive at the Cullen homestead tomorrow".

Reading Demetri's thoughts Edward realized how much he had hoped to find Caius; all the time that they had worked together Edward had never discovered Demetri having an ulterior motive in any of his actions. It seemed that with the influence of Bella, Demetri had become very devoted to the royal couple. Knowing all this Edward had to conclude that if there was something going on; Demetri had no part in it.

Edward felt sympathy for the Volturi tracker as he said "Don't worry, we will keep searching and if you want we will keep you in the loop over our progress".

Demetri nodded and said his goodbyes to the group; he was about to leave when he turned and looked at Edward saying "If you keep me informed about that I will look in on your sister and brother once in a while and if they won't call I will tell you how they are doing"

Edward waved goodbye and replied "That would be great! My parents are unreasonably concerned, I know; but still they miss them very much".

Jane had just arrived in Aro's library and reported the capture of the human to him "I found him at the rendezvous with a friend. It was strange; he had the smell of dog about him".

"Describe him to me" he mechanically asked, his voice calm to hide the suspicion her words had aroused.

"Tall black hair and eyes, Bella's father called him Jacob" Jane automatically explained.

"Did you capture both?" Aro inquired knowing out of the soft whispers he had heard between Isabella and Caius that this was not only a friend but also a shape shifter.

Then thinking how she had seized him under the very nose of the other strange smelling human she smiled as she continued her rapport to Aro. "No, I kept to the plan; once the human left the man Jacob it was easy for us to lure him away".

"Where is that human now?" Aro probed wanting to know if he would have to take action.

She swiftly replied "He is on a plane heading back to the new country".

She observed Aro's face and the smile that he wore meant Aro was pleased. He then asked

"Where is our guest now?"

Jane smiled as she answered "I have brought him to our place in Greece as you asked me".

"Well done, my dear!" Aro said knowing his praise would stroke her ego.

"Will you be visiting him?" she quickly asked.

"Yes" Aro said and then added "I think I will also be taking our lovely Isabella with me. Jane my dear, could you please summon her for me? She is working in the archives at the moment.

"With pleasure Master!" Jane said as she bowed her head in respect. Leaving Aro's library she quickly found her way to the archives where she knew Isabella would be. Knocking on the door she heard Alec call "come in but be bloody careful".

She cautiously opened the door just a crack and peeked at the two who were both smudged in dust and dirt and diligently looking at a painting. She heard her brother explaining its background while Bella listened. After just a moment both faces turned to her and she chuckled at the sight.

Alec quickly asked "What do you want sister; or have you just come to bother us?"

Jane had difficulty stifling her laughter as she said "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it! You both have more dust and dirt on you than the most of the pieces around you. Anyway I came to tell Isabella that Master Aro is in his library and wishes to speak to her!"

Bella sighed allowing her frustration to surface "Just a minute! I just have to finish this".

"Isabella" Jane softly cautioned "I wouldn't advise you to let Master Aro wait; it often leads to a foul mood".

Bella brushed the dirt of her face and clothes then excusing herself to Alec she left the twins making her way to Aro.

She knocked on the library door and upon entering she said "You wished to speak with me?"

Aro gave her one of his prize winning smiles and said "Yes my dear, I am going to visit our estate in Greece and I wish you to accompany me".

Bella automatically fell silent her suspicion taking over as she said "I'm sorry Aro! I don't understand; why?"

Aro quickly retorted "You don't need to understand; I have requested your company that is all you need to know".

Flustered by the feeling of dread that came over her she sputtered "But I am still working on the archives".

Aro then looked at her explaining "That is one of the reasons for my request! You have been working on them for the last couple of months and I have decided to give you some time off. Granted, you will continue cataloguing the Volturi treasures in our Grecian manor".

Seeing the reservation on her face he rebuked her saying "What's wrong my dear? You have been badgering me for some time away from Volterra and this assignment will allow just that. You can catalogue in the daytime and in the evening you can relax and take in the scenery".

"Will Alec be accompanying us?" she probed.

"No" said Aro "He will be helping Marcus while I am gone".

Having heard his answer she tried to evade the request by saying "If you don't mind I will stay here; there is so much to do".

"Nonsense, it will be good for you; I have someone in my home that you might like to meet so you won't be alone with me if that is what you fear".

This caused Isabella's curiosity to surface as she asked "Who?"

"It's a surprise my dear and I refuse to tell you more so just come along". Aro said as he intentionally held out his hand.

Isabella's curiosity was yet again swiftly replaced by suspicion as she took a step backward and pulled her hand out of his reach cautiously asking "What do you mean? Are we leaving now?"

"The sooner the better" Aro said and ignoring her hesitation he grasped her elbow and was about to lead her through the corridors.

She pulled her arm out of his grasp and said "I'm sorry Aro but I need to speak to Alec before we leave".

"Don't worry your pretty head about such trivial things" he said "Alec knows who you're with and will no doubt find out soon enough".

She then argued "But look at me, I have to change my dress; I have been working all day and look a mess".

With a slight threat in his tone Aro said "Do you wish to insult my intentions or is this merely another show of disrespect on your part".

"Neither" she said feeling her options had become very limited.

"Well then, no more excuses" he said as he placed his arm on her waist gently but decisively leading her through the corridors. "I have had your clothing put on the plane" he said as they entered the courtyard. Aro then helped Bella into a long black limousine and quickly sat down next to her.

Bella's first instinct was to run but she knew that this was not an option. All she could do was wait and hope for the best. Glancing sideways she looked at her tormentor and seeing his calm exterior she knew he was up to something.

An hour later they boarded the jet and were on their way. Bella's mind went back to the first time she had gone there; it had been a milestone in her relationship to Caius. Since then their bond had become stronger; oh yes, he was arrogant and overbearing at times but once the fire between them grew she had become just as devoted to him as he was to her.

Caught up in her thoughts she didn't notice Aro's calculating eyes.

After a while she began to feel uncomfortable and looking up she saw him observing her and gave him a timid smile.

Aro quickly said "Your mind seems to be occupied; is there anything I can do to help?"

Bella smiled but her eyes were sad as she answered "It was nothing I wish to talk about; just memories of better days".

Aro softly spoke as he looked back at her burgundy orbs "It seems hopeless now but you must try to look further than your grief".

She shrugged, all the fight leaving her as she said "Maybe if Caius had not been my mate but then I wouldn't have been here at all, I would have been part of the Cullen clan".

Aro smugly chuckled "You're powers greatly outshine theirs"

Looking rather impartial toward him she merely reminded him "There was a time you wanted Edward. Even now Alice is part of your guard so their clan doesn't seem that weak".

Aro just ignored her words.

Asking Aro to excuse her she gathered the necessary clothing and makeup from her suitcase and with this in her arms she quickly made her way to the large bedroom on board. Taking a fast shower Bella quickly dressed and re-joined Aro in the living room.

Although she politely sat across from Aro she turned her head to look out of the window. She hated being in his presence and was extremely glad he could not read her mind. If that had been the case, they would be quarrelling at the moment and she was momentarily too tired to fight him. Over the past couple of months she had come to realize that it didn't work in her advantage to aggravate him any further.

When they landed she surveyed the estate from her window; it hadn't changed much in the last six years. She was more than hesitant to leave the plane knowing the memories and the pain would overwhelm her.

Then thinking of her mate she doubted if she had made the right choice, maybe she should have chosen a quick end, after all life held no more pleasures for her. Then she thought of the possibility of Caius's survival and knew that as long as his body was not found she couldn't do it.

As they left the plane Aro entwined his arm in hers and although she feared his physical contact she dared not protest.

"Oh yes Isabella" Aro said casually "as I told you, we have another guest staying here; someone you know quite well".

Her caution had left her and a small pin of light gradually showed itself in her eyes as she contemplated who it could be. "It's not Edward, is it?" she cautiously asked.

"No but seeing your excitement, I won't tease you any longer" Aro chuckled as he led her through the hallway.

Thinking it must be Demetri she had a smile on her face but as soon as she saw the guards she realized that something was wrong… very wrong.

Once Demetri left Edward and Riley refocused their attention to the chart in front of them and discussed their strategy for the umpteenth time. Finally folding the map, Riley spoke "So it's been decided; we go back to the Cullen homestead in Seattle?"

Edward watched Riley's movements and hearing his words he folded his arms saying "First I think it's time to call the Quileute tribe; I've been trying to keep contact but was afraid I might alert Demetri. The last thing we need is more Volturi hanging around".

Small wrinkles formed just above Edwards's brow and when he saw the unasked question in Riley's face he said "I'm trying to find Demetri's position in all this. I know he is part of the Volturi coven yet I have been reading his thoughts while he had been with us and never caught him using a double agenda. If there is something going on down there he is not a part of it".

"Yet you didn't let him into the loop!" Riley countered.

Digging his phone out of his pocket he explained "I couldn't; his first loyalty must be to the Voluri. If Aro were to read his thoughts we would all be in trouble. No, it's better this way!

One big plus is maybe he can unknowingly help Alice and Jasper to send us some information".

He punched the number he knew so well and when he heard the receiver click he said. "Hi Jake with Edward; how are things down there?"

"Do you want the bad news or the really bad news?" he heard Jake's familiar voice say, on the other end of the connection.

Hearing the message Edward automatically became anxious asking "What's wrong?

"We lost Bell's Dad" Jake declared.

This was about the last thing that was on Edwards mind and yet knowing the importance he automatically flipped asking "How the hell did that happen?"

Unfazed by Edward, Jake continued in a tone and attitude that was typical for Jake "I don't know but I have my fears".

"What do you mean?" Edward encouraged him to explain.

"It seems Charlie got mail from Italy with a picture of Bells inside" Jake divulged.

"What!" Edward exclaimed.

"You heard me! Sue tried to contact me but by the time she got through, the plane was already gone" Jacob said this time a bit irritated by Edward's tone of voice.

Edward force himself to relax and after a moment asked "Do you have any specifics?"

"Only that next to the picture of Bella, Charlie got a mysterious letter, two plane tickets to Rome, Italy and a hotel brochure" Jacob informed him.

Edward looked up and saw Riley trying to follow the conversation but his mind was working on the possible scenario's and asked "Is he there with Sue?"

"No Sue was afraid to go so she called me but I was up north in god's green country; the Rocky Mountains of BC were they don't have telephone connections. She asked him to wait for help and kept calling me but when she got through Charlie had already gone" Jacob explained.

"Why didn't you call us?"

Jacob countered "With that leach at your place! I thought you had enough problems of your own; besides what would have happened if you had come? From what I have heard of his gift, I doubt you would have gotten far without him behind you"

After a moment's hesitation Jacob continued "Anyway as soon as I got back home Sue gave me the other plane ticket and the letter that started Charlie off so I followed him; actually I'm still here".

"What?" Edward exclaimed and then added "You've got to get out of there as soon as possible!"

"Don't I know it!" Jacob agreed "I'm on my way to the airport and taking the first plane home".

"Couldn't you convince him to come back with you?" Edward asked

"Well; I didn't come here to take in the sights!" Jacob retorted and went on to explain "When I arrived at his hotel I spoke with Charlie, trying to convince him to leave but after seeing Bell's picture and reading the note there was no way in hell that I could talk Charlie into going back home".

"Don't worry, I'm coming to Italy and will pick up where you left off" Edward said, he was about to hang up when heard Jacob's voice and asked "What did you say? I didn't quite catch it"

"I said; don't bother; he's gone and don't ask me where. We went to a restaurant to get something to eat and after their meal I when to the restroom. I was only gone for five minutes and when I came back he was gone".

"Did Charlie duck out on you?" Edward asked hardly believing it possible.

"I doubt it" Jake said and went on to recount what had happened "when I came back to the table I asked the owner of the restaurant and the waiters if they had seen my friend. They all denied having seen him; it was really creepy. When I insisted that I had sat there with Charlie it became ugly, I was afraid they would have me locked up! God those Italians are emotional, when they get worked up; their voices and actions are very antagonistic and it doesn't help that I don't speak or understand the language. What with the raised voices and fast chatter; I was glad to get away before they called the cops. Ever since then I have a feeling I am being followed".

"It must be the Volturi!" Edward concluded.

"I remember; the royal Leaches that are living in Italy. That was the first thing that came to my mind too"

Edward was both furious and frustrated as he snapped "Crap! What they hell do they want with him?"

Jacob promptly answered "The only thing I can think of is blackmail; they use him as leverage to get Bells to do something she would otherwise refuse to do".

After a moment of silence Jacob asked "What can we do now?"

Edward heaved a sigh knowing the answer "The only way to get him, Jazz and Alice out of there is to have Caius behind us".

"Well that's a big help" Jake sarcastically remarked "Especially considering we don't even know if he is alive".

"No, but if he no longer exists we will never get Bella or my family out from under Aro's thumb so we can't give up hope". After a moment's hesitation he said "I'll meet you at Forks".

Jacob promptly asked "What about the tracker staying with you?"

"He just left; Aro called him back." Edward explained

"Would this have something to do with his departure?' Jake cautiously asked.

"I can't say for sure but given the circumstances I have my suspicions. One thing I do know is that Demetri is not part of this problem".

"Let's hope your right!" Jake replied

When Edward cut the connection and closed his cell-phone he explained the situation to Riley who's only answer was "SHIT, it keeps getting worse!"

Edward looked at him saying "At least we were able to stay off Aro's radar and with the departure of Demetri we can start looking for Caius without fear of exposing him to whatever Aro may be planning".

Next Edward flipped his phone open to call Carlisle. "Hi Carlisle, Edward here. Have you heard from Demetri or Aro?"

"No, Should I have?" Carlisle asked

"Well Demetri's been called back by Aro; it seems Aro wants him to stop searching".

"Why the sudden change?"

"I don't know but I thought I'd give you the heads-up. Felix is coming with the Volturi jet to pick him up; it took off from Italy just before Aro called. I think it will at your place in about 10 hours".

"Are you staying out there?" his father asked.

"No, actually we are going to Forks" Edward said and then went on to explain "Although Aro wants Demetri to stop searching he has given us permission to continue".

"Is something wrong Edward; you seem a little tense?"

"I need to look into something but please call me as soon as your guests have left".

"I will; take care son!"

* One must pay dearly for immortality; one has to die several times while one is still alive.Friedrich Nietzsche