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 26 – Selfish control is incapable to reap the love one so sorely desires *
There was a knock on their apartment door. Aro had been watching his mate while she was still in down time and had very little incentive to leave her side.
The knocking grew louder and with a disappointed sigh he rose from the bed and picked-up his dressing gown. Taking one last look at Isabella he wrapped himself in the gown and went to the hallway. His anger unchecked, he opened the door and snapped "I am coming".
To his surprise it was Messalina, who automatically apologized for the intrusion and added "Master Marcus has requested your presence in the throne room".
"Tell him I will be there in an hour or two" Aro retorted.
He was about to close the door when Messalina quickly replied "I really am sorry but Master Marcus said he wishes to speak with you immediately; he also requested Alec's presence".
Aro let out a frustrated sigh but knowing this was the first time in many years that Marcus had made any such appeal he said "I must don my robe; I can't go dressed in this".
A moment later he was dressed in his official robe and walking at Messalina's side he asked "what was so important that it could not wait?"
Messalina said "I don't know master; all I know is that he came to our apartments requesting Alec's company and asking me to tell you that he wishes to call a meeting"
Aro, wishing to know more stopped and extended his hands as he asked "May I?"
Although in a form of a question, Messalina realized it was an order and gave her hands to him nodding.
Looking into her mind he observed the scene that Messalina had inadvertently witnessed. Isabella was coming out of the Labyrinth, closely followed by Marcus. Aro's sight closed in on Isabella and he saw that her face was mask of desperation.
Lifting his eyes he asked "when did this happen?"
Knowing what he meant she swiftly answered "Yesterday"
His mind travelled back to last night and found it annoying that he had not sensed some of that anxiety while in her presence.
Turning away he swiftly went to the throne room with Messalina at his heals.
Marcus and Alec were already in the throne room when he entered and both cordially nodded their heads as he came forward. Aro did the same while eyeing both, then went to join them as he said to Marcus "I see that you had a discussion with Isabella yesterday leaving her very emotional"
Marcus was taken off guard for a split second but quickly recovered saying "We were talking and our conversation inadvertently shifted towards Didyme and Caius. You cannot deny that we share the incomprehensible pain of losing our soulmates. You must realize that although Bella is now your mate; a part of her died when she lost him".
Aro listened to his statement and found himself resentful of the fact that Isabella had spoken with Marcus of this. Not allowing his jealousy to blossom he waved his hand towards Messalina and changed the subject saying "I believe you wished to have a meeting with Alec and myself".
Nodding his head in agreement Marcus quickly said "I wish to inform you both that I intend to visit the Olympic coven"
Neither Aro nor Alec had expected this and the atmosphere was charged with questions but before either had a chance to ask them Marcus waved his hand and looked at Aro as he proceeded to explain "Aro you must understand that I am tired of wars. I know that the Cullens have their contact with the Egyptian coven and they will be able to tell me if they are a danger to our coven and what kind of danger they may pose. I cannot agree to an attack without knowing all there is to know".
Aro observed his brother-in-law's facial features trying to analyze his reason for this sudden decision; his instinct told him that there was something else that Marcus was not telling him. Aro could constantly observe the undertakings of his court by means of the subjects themselves and yet he had no forewarning of this. However to touch Marcus without consent would be a sign of distrust so instead he tried to reason with him.
"But you can't go without protection; we have already lost Caius and cannot afford to lose you. Should I remind you how he went after the South American and overextended the safety limits; leaving him a perfect target".
"You know that Caius was always a hothead, thinking himself invincible; I have never been like that" Marcus argued.
Aro replied "Perhaps, but since the death of Didyme you have been asking me to end your existence; knowing that doesn't reassure me of your practise with caution".
"Maybe so" Marcus hesitantly agreed "but I can guarantee you that is not the case; I only wish for answers and I believe that Carlisle can help me. I will take the seer with me; if danger approaches she will be able to predict it. I will also be taking Demetri; he will be able to detect unknown vampire brainwaves".
"Like he did when Caius was attacked?" Aro sarcastically asked.
Marcus was tiring of the conversation and signed saying "At that time he was not prepared; his primary attention went to preventing Isabella from destroying herself".
"I still do not like this" Aro argued.
"Whether you like it or not; I must go for my own peace of mind. I have protection and once I have heard Carlisle's story it will be much easier for me to decide. After all, I believe you want my blessing for this war; do you not?" Marcus inquired his eyes travelling from Aro to Alec.
Aro was clearly frustrated but decided he had no option "When do you wish to go?"
"As soon as possible" Marcus replied knowing that speed was of the essence.
Marcus stood up bowed to both and turned to leave. When his hand reached for the doorknob, Aro asked "Marcus?"
"Yes?" He said turning to face Aro.
"Why were you in the Labyrinth with Bella?" Aro asked while scrutinizing his brother for any abnormal reactions. He then added "Since the loss of Didyme you haven't set foot in there".
Taken off guard by Aro's words Marcus paused for a moment and then said "I was on my way to the gardens when we met and we happened to wander into the Labyrinth. That's all."
Having said this he opened the door leaving both behind them; he now grasped how trapped Bella had been all these years. He was about to comment on that but something in Aro's gaze had stopped him.
Aro had however seen his moment of hesitation which awakened his suspicious nature. So shortly after Marcus left, Aro went back to his apartments and quietly slid under the covers with Bella.
"Where were you?" she mumbled as he brushed his body against hers.
"Marcus requested my company in the throne room" he said in a nonchalant tone releasing none of his curiosity.
This got Bella's attention so sitting up she turned to face him and leaning on her elbow she modestly asked "What did he want?"
Studying her reaction to his words he whispered "He announced his plans to go to the Olympic coven"
"Why?"
Waving her question away he said "I don't want you to worry about that. I do however want to know of your discussion with Marcus yesterday afternoon"
Aro watched her and in a millisecond he noticed her body go ridged so he continued asking "Is there something I should know about?"
"No, it was the usual things we discuss" she said trying to hide any distress in her voice or manner.
"According to my information you were very upset and yet you showed no sign of it last night. Why didn't you tell me about it; maybe I could help…" Aro continued to observe her and while waiting for her answer he realized he had hit a nerve.
A second later she said "I know how difficult it is for you to talk about Sulpicia and I understand that however, I sometimes find it difficult to bury the past away. Marcus suffers the same affliction therefore I occasionally speak with him over it. As for speaking about it with you … well, I just don't want to spoil the equilibrium we have finally found".
Aro innocently studied her face while assessing her answer and then a confused expression clouded his features as he replied "I have often asked you to accompany me to the Labyrinth but I notice it is not your favourite place; no doubt because you have fond memories of your time with Caius. I respect that and no longer ask for your company when I go there".
Bella was about to explain when Aro raised his hand and continued to speak "Just as you, Marcus has avoided the Labyrinth since the loss of Didyme. Then I find out that after all these centuries you accompany each other into a place than neither holds dear; both proclaiming it is of no significance. Yet when you finally reappear you are totally distraught. Why?"
"Please Aro, it was an accident. I don't know about Marcus but I was so engrossed in our conversation that I didn't notice us enter. As soon as I recognized the surroundings I became upset. Seeing the effect the Labyrinth had on me; Marcus quickly took my arm and we left".
His fingers softly caressed her cheek slowly going downward until his thumb was under her chin and his fingers on the other. Then firmly gripping her chin he bitterly whispered "I hope you are telling the truth; for you must understand how disturbing this is for me".
The rest of that day he was distant and miserable. That evening Aro went to their library closing the door behind him; a direct message that she not follow.
He went over the events; yesterday, with Isabella in his arms he felt he had finally found genuine contentment. The next day that beautiful impression seemed to shatter; the fragments lodging themselves into his long dead heart.
He constantly reminded himself that it was just suspicion but that didn't help. He didn't really know what was going on but to blatantly accuse her of deceiving him was something he was trying to avoid; afraid it might destroy the precarious bond he had built with such difficulty. That Isabella had not taken him into her confidence was a sign that she not accepted him and that was a severe blow.
* Marjorie Rensen
