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 38 -"The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure she never knows she's in prison" *
Aro brought Isabella back to their apartments and with all the delicacy of a devoted parent he made her comfortable. Realizing she had received some untainted blood from Messalina she gave her some of the supply that Dragus had used.
After quietly examining Isabella's movements he realized that the blood deficiency combined met the drugged blood had left it's mark. She trembled and leaned against him as he brought her to her bedroom.
When he laid her on the bed she gave an unequivocal sigh, hardly able to keep her eyes open as exhaustion pulled her down into darkness.
Standing above her he allowed himself a moment to drink in her beauty and then bending down he planted a light kiss on her forehead and cooed "Rest now my love, I will be back soon".
Knowing he had to see to the new problem that the arrival of Messalina had created and convinced that Isabella she was comfortable, Aro slowly exited the room and locked their apartments.
When Aro arrived in the tower moments later he saw that Messalina was bonded onto the bed and by the look of things, Dragus had been quite violent with his charge. Seeing the damage she had endured, Aro was furious but instead of reprimanding his much-needed ally he shook his head saying "Tisk, Tisk; I have not given you permission to touch the child" With that said he advanced towards her and spoke "Now my dear Messalina, from what I have just perceived; your gift can not leave a lasting memory loss. Instead it only a temporary memory loss".
Hearing this Dragus spat "You see; she is worthless! Let me finish this bitch."
He turned to Dragus saying "Not so crude my dear Dragus" Then turning to observe Messalina's apprehensive expression he addressed Messalina saying "I may have even more need for your talents my dear, especially if the effect of those talents wears off with time".
Aro, taking in Dragus's furious scowl he said "Like Chelsea and Corin; she can help me smooth over any agitations that may occur within the coven in the years to come."
Aro slowly paced the room, then staring at the wall the corners of his mouth slowly curled upward as he voiced his thoughts "I will not only use your services but also those of Corin and Chelsea"
He then turned to Dragus as he continued "once you are finished we can use their help to calm Messalina; after all, being bonded to Alec she will need their prolonged protection. Just as my former wife and Athendora; Under their influence those two lived happily for a very long time."
He slowly walked around Messalina and then taking her chin in his hand he asked "Does Alec know you were planning to leave?'
Then reading her mind a smile slowly graced his lips as he answered for her "I thought not!"
He then caressed her jaw and said "you give me little choice my dear, I cannot erase your memory or allow you to leave. Regretfully I am forced to give you to the care of my friend Dragos for reprogramming but be assured; he will succeed. You will soon be back in the coven and next to your Alec"
Turning to Dragus he said "we must drain her and then give her the same therapy that we gave my sweet Isabella."
"Leave her to me" Dragus quickly answered, his pleasure toward the task distinctly visible in his face as his eyes slowly travelled the length of Messalina's figure.
Dragus raised his fingertips and slowly travelled along Messalina's body as she lay still visibly holding her breath for what was to come. A smile bloomed on his lips as he snickered "I must say, I do look forward to working with her only this time it will not be necessary to rush my work. I will drain her as you ask and then lock her up and slowly go through the process making sure she knows that the only way out of her prison is if she learns to submit to her master." Dragus offered.
Seeing Dragus appraisal and hearing his lustful voice Aro realized that, without restriction Dragus would subject Messalina to his carnal lusts as was often the practice of the older covens. If it were anyone else, he would have allowed Dragus to revel in his salacious desires but Messalina was necessary to Aro; not only for her gifts but also for her relationship to Alec.
Aro cleared his throat and then explained "I am sorry Dragus but I forbid you to harm her; she is only to be drained.
Seeing the protest forming he swiftly added "I understand your frustrations but I cannot allow it; not with Messalina. If anyone should find her here against her it will not stand well with my followers; for that would be against the law. Messalina is Alec's consort and consequently she is allowed certain privileges; therefore, you will not rape or physically harm her. Do you understand?"
Dragus's instantly looked up, his face contorted in fury as he roared "How do you expect me to work with my hands tied; you know that it is the only way. You must break her so that she can be rebuilt."
Aro stubbornly repeated "I will not allow that"
Dragus fumed as he paced the room then with a quick deceive turn he said "I don't understand you; why do you keep protecting her. She has betrayed you and almost tried to take Isabella away; she even had Caius on the end of her sword and then let him free."
"No, YOU let Caius escape!" Aro ominously replied the flames of his own fury growing as he turned to face Dragus. "YOU were hired to kill him and she..." he said pointing to Messalina "was hired to wipe his memory"
Seeing Aro's eyes daring him to disagree, Dragus's handsome face stared back then added "Well now that we know her powers are not permanent she too has not completed her mission. Soon Caius will come back and all will be lost"
Scrutinizing Dragus with an ice-cold stare Aro's menacing voice refuted Dragus's words by stating "He has not only lost his memories but his body is also in the ice-cold depths of the ocean. I feel he is no longer and I see it in Isabella; the charm between them has been broken. Do not flatter yourself Dragus; you may have reprogrammed her but with that charm in place it would have still been impossible."
Aro then went back to Messalina's bedside and standing next to her bed he lifted his hands and his fingers slowly caressed her cheek, assessing the damage Dragus had inflicted upon her. He then smiled at her and softly spoke "she may not be broken only bent to serve the Volturi after all we wish to make sure she has a positive influence on Alec".
With a bitter voice and a look of disgust Dragus shook his head saying "Yes, I understand …. but I guarantee you; she will be the death of us both!"
"What can she do? She is but a small and inexperienced vampire who has no other home than this one" his hands motioning to the room. He then turned and exited the room leaving the two behind.
In the weeks that followed Aro accompanied Isabella and he would allow no vampire in their apartment.
Without question, Heidi had given Aro a pick of the humans she had gathered and he had them imprisoned in rooms nearby their quarters. He sedated them with large amounts of opium and made sure they were given the necessary nourishment so that they, in turn, would nourish Isabella. The opium would daze the minds not only of Isabella but also of the humans involved making them tranquil; even willing prey to Isabella's hunger. However, if one would panic Aro quickly acted, pinning the victim down as he encouraged his mate to quench her pallet.
In the beginning, Isabella was hesitant. When Aro gathered her in his arms she would often automatically recoil. Then, fearing Aro's unpredictable emotions would flare up once more she allowed him to comfort her. When she did so he would ignore her initial reaction, whispering his love and encouragement; even his praise. Slowly she realized he had no intention to punish her. Why?
After a few weeks, he decided it was time to stop giving the humans their drugs. One victim per day and slowly; they would go into withdrawal but Aro didn't care. He had them bound so that they couldn't hurt themselves, but being more alert would give Isabella the chance to sharpen her killer instincts. They fought her but with Aro's help she quickly learned how to take down her prey. Catching and playing with her prey became a game and as the haze slowly lifted she began to enjoy it. Aro wholeheartedly encouraged this for he had been against the Olympian "vegetarian" food. He knew that Caius had also discouraged it but with her mates absence he had always been afraid of the influence of the Olympian coven on Isabella. He, as Caius, had always believed in the natural food chain and wanted her to lose all human emotions and inhibitions regarding her diet.
One day, after having feed she pushed the empty husk that had once been human away from her then boldly looked at Aro asking "Why are you so kind? I thought you would be angry".
Sympathetic eyes watched her as he said "I was angry; very angry but, now I am only concerned. I want you back beside me as soon as possible"
She held his gaze "But why? I haven't lived up to my end of the bargain and understanding how I have put your very rule under scrutiny by my actions, I would think that you would have little patience. Hell, I even disgraced both you and Caius's memory"
Aro's warm eyes held hers and a soft smile graced his lips as he replied "You did it out of grief! You believed he was still alive and your devotion to him wouldn't allow us to bond. I have seen that in Marcus, so I know the signs."
He then hesitantly lifted his hand to cup her jaw but slowly pulled back again saying "However I do not want you to spend centuries on earth as a lifeless shell of yourself.
Trying to fight the tears she blinked saying "I fought you tooth and nail to stay loyal to Caius but you would not allow it! You blackmailed me into marriage and I hated you for it." she said, her voice filled with unasked questions.
"You had every right to; it was very wrong of me and now that I know you better; I apologize" he replied as his finger brushed the small blood tear flowing down her cheek.
Seeing her eyes widen with the trepidation he took a step back and said "I am so sorry that I have alienated you by my actions; I understand that now but in my defence, I have come to love you. I see your mind analyzing this and I comprehend your mistrust in my words but it is true".
He turned away and facing the mirror that held her refection he explained "I didn't understand how you had tamed the great Caius; I thought he would kill you. I was even sure of it and yet; you did the impossible. I was envious of him; at first for the gift he had at his disposal."
He went on explaining "When I saw he had no use of them and only coveted you for who you were, I was perplex. And when he died I wanted to have you to find out the secret. I can't and won't deny that because you know it would be a lie. I think we are beyond that know".
"I know now that blackmail was not the answer but, at that time I had no choice as I said: I do not want you to spend centuries on earth as a lifeless shell of yourself" Aro clarified.
"You Apologize? That's not the Aro I know" she asked, astonishment replacing her trepidation. After a long moment, she threw her arms in the air; a sign of capitulation. And began pacing the room.
He watched her reflection going from left to right and back again and kept still, knowing it would not be in his favour to say anything.
"Yes; I feared you and yes, I hated your methods; forcing me only made me hate you more. However, in retrospect I was not only fighting you but also my own nature. The last few weeks you have brought me back from my blackness and I see that you were right. When I think of Caius my body gets tremors and nauseousness, something that I have never felt in the past; it must mean that although I felt his presence for a time he cannot be alive and I cannot live with a ghost. Caius will never come back to me so I will stop being stubborn and start to do what is best for the coven he once helped rule".
The room was quiet electrifying the atmosphere but then Isabella let out an audible sigh and studying his reflection she murmured "I am sorry Aro but I will always love Caius just as Marcus loves his Didyme but you are right; I no longer want to be empty". She then turned to face him her sadness showing.
Aro gently caressed her cheek with his fingers saying "All I ask is a chance to prove to you that I have changed. Do not upset yourself; we will have time to work this out".
Isabella stopped pacing and covering his hand with hers while she shook her head saying "That's just it Aro; time is no longer on our side".
Aro put his hands on hers and slowly removing them from her face he whispered "hush my love don't upset yourself".
Not being able to stop her thoughts she added "You were right; With the loss of Caius and Marcus being god knows where, it is almost inevitable that the Volturi will become easily prey for the other covens. Although you have not said as much, I realize that my actions have caused this. Knowing that, the logical thing now is to bind forces with you and therefore strengthen the coven. This time I will do my best to hold myself to the pledge I once made to you and our coven; I will stand by you as your consort without reservation."
Lifting her chin, Aro once again gazed at her eyes and seeing the sorrow and defeat fill her dark crimson eyes he was convinced that Isabella had finally and undeniably resigned herself to Caius's death.
A soft smile adorning his lips he sighed and softly said "I am so grateful that you can finally allow yourself closure! Now all you have to do is get stronger and I promise to help with that"
Isabella shrugged his hand away from her chin "Can I take it that there will be no more blackmail?"
Aro smiled saying "I am sorry and now I realize that it serves no purpose with you. It will only antagonize and I want to be your partner, not your enemy. Therefore, I promise never to do it again".
Isabella then softly said "I will keep you to that promise and will stand beside you again but only as your equal."
Aro smiled "That is all I can wish; but please, let us leave the past behind us".
As the weeks passed Isabella allowed Aro to train her. She kept her eyes on him always watching his every move and making sure he did not betray her trust.
Being with him daily-basis, she slowly became more spontaneous, no longer pulling away when he ventured close or even when he touched her.
One evening while they were talking about the coven he saw that she was quiet. It took him a moment to realize that she hadn't fed that evening. Without thinking he bit his pulse and watched as Isabella instinctively turned her head to face him; her nostrils flaring to take in the scent of his ancient blood.
Aro carefully moved closer offering his pulse as he said "I just realized that you haven't eaten and you must keep up your strength".
He watched Isabella's inner conflict. Dark lust fill her eyes but instead of spontaneously accepting his offer she hesitated and took a step away from the temptation.
On the day she had first given herself to Aro she has also taken his blood and that had allowed him to physically bond with her; something that had forced her to give up her allegiance to Caius.
However, when she reached out to try and feel his presence her body ached and her stomach lurched as it always did the last few months. Bella knew now that she had no choice; she would no longer feel that spiritual bond with her beloved, only a longing that would never be filled!
She knew now that she had no choice but to allow Aro to claim her; otherwise she would go as hollow as Marcus.
"Are you sure" she asked.
Aro smiled "Of course I am; there are no humans close by and it would pleasure me to have you take my blood. After all, you said you would be my partner".
Again, Aro closed the distance between them and gently put his hand in her palm and his time she took his offer. She slowly bit down reopening the wound as she gripped his hand. Part of her hoped that he would withdraw his offer so that all choice would be taken away. He did not; instead he pushed his hand under her nose and whispered "This is my gift to you my love, please accept it as an olive branch for all my past sins".
The strength of Aro's blood filled her senses and with each pull she heard Aro groan. A distinctly familiar warm feeling began to envelope her and penetrated the nerve endings of her body.
After a while the warmth resided, an erotic euphoria grew between them. Both were lost in her senses until Aro softly pulled his pulse back.
Isabella slowly licked at the wound and watched as it closed then raising her eyes to Aro's. He slowly bowed his head and brought his lips to hers brushing them ever so softly he allowed the blood on his lips to paint hers; then she opened her lips to him.
These were unexplored grounds that finally put everything into place. As he kissed Isabella, Aro's hands swiftly unbuttoned her blouse as an all-consuming need to see her bare flesh had taken over. As he worked his way down Isabella joined him, with trembling fingers she loosened the vest he was wearing.
He swiftly took control, his hands exploring her exquisite breasts as he whispered endearments in her ear. Her heart fluttered and her libido awakened with a vengeance.
Feeling her passion awakening, Aro rose, pulling Isabella along with him. He knew she needed this as much as he did but, stopped for a moment to make sure.
Isabella looked up in puzzlement and saw his hesitation even as the heat radiated from his eyes. She then smiled and tilted her head up to resume their passion.
Having Isabella submit to him out of free will was something new to Aro and it overwhelmed him. Without hesitation Aro he bent to pick her up and gently cradling her to his body, brought her to their chambers.
Setting her on her feet he whispered "you don't realize how long I have waited for you to reciprocate my love".
Isabella's fever was not to be stilled and she shuddered as her lust engulfed her. Savouring the sweet taste of this victory he whispered "il mio esotico e sensuale consorte"
These few weeks had turned into a month as they grew more close. Aro often took Isabella along when he hunted. By teaching her how to relish the hunt and play with her food before the kill; he wished to awaken her natural vampire instincts and it pleased Aro to see her savagery begin to grow.
After their hunts, they usually enjoyed the luxury of a long warm bath to wash the filth away. He often pulled her on his lap, his hands roaming her body as she leaned against his chest. Then he would nudge her neck, kissing his way to her earlobe and then gently nibbling it between his teeth knowing how it would arouse her.
She turned and kissed him deeply and he felt himself rise to the occasion once more. He often carried her from the bath to their bedroom where their explorations continued.
It had been a month now that Isabella had come to live in his apartment and Aro was beyond himself. Sexual indulgent between Isabella and himself were no longer surreal. He couldn't find the words to express his delight that Isabella not only accepted their intimacy but also reciprocated it. Her lust had grown to match his own and together their passion was insatiable.
One day when they had finished making love Aro pulled her back towards his naked chest playing with her breast as they lay in silence. Isabella sighed as she slowly came down from her sexual high.
He hesitated for a moment but then whispered "I must go to work and I want you to come with me.
She turned her face around to look at him and he smiled.
Are you sure you want me there?
"Need you ask? You know I want you" he said as his finger pinched her nipple.
She turned her head and once more faced the empty room
Aro then nuzzled her neck saying "Your place is beside me as my consort. The coven needs to see you at my side; at the moment, it seems like you are in hiding and that won't do."
"I can't…..." she stuttered "please give me just a little more time"
"Turn around and look at me" Aro asked.
Slowly turning to face him he saw a mask of trepidation covering her features. He then cupped her face gently between his hands and tilting her head slowly upwards allowing him to see her expression he said "I have given you enough time and the longer you stay away the more difficult it will be. Why are you so hesitant?"
Although she did not pull away from Aro her eyes tried to avoid his and her brow furrowed as she sighed "How could you ask? I will feel the accusations in their eyes. You may have forgiven me but I doubt that they have."
Understanding her fear Aro pulled her into his arms and said "They too will forgive, you once they see how strong our bond has become".
Then pushing her away from him he smiled saying "We will take it one step at a time; today you will come with me to the office"
With a frown on her face she said "OK, but I am only doing it to please you"
Aro gave her a warm smile saying "you have no idea know how happy that makes me".
Aro came out of bed and led Isabella behind him toward the wardrobe.
After opening the door, she inspected its contents looking at the different clothes that she had barely touched since coming back to her room. She impatiently fingered through the vast array of colours and her eyes then fell on a green dress she knew would flatter her figure.
Taking it off the hanger she lifted it over her head and slowly allowed the fabric to cascade over her body. Then she went back to Aro and asked him to laced up the back. It was a beautiful, low-cut long green dress, the bodice trimmed with elegant and intricate lace and with both sides open all the way to up to the thighs.
Aro watched as Bella gracefully strolled towards her reflection. She was a delight to observe having become what he had always envisioned; a beautiful, loyal, charming and sensual killing machine. With a woman like her beside him they would make history; no…. reform the coven.
He saw that she was hesitant to wear such a revealing piece of clothing so before she had time to take any action at removing it he quickly joined her reflection. Their eyes joined in the mirror and sliding his hands along her arms he smiled saying "you make me so proud to have you by my side."
She smiled back but then he saw her smile turn into a frown as she lowered her face. Puzzled by her actions he gently turned her around and lifted her chin with his index finger asking "What's wrong?"
She looked up saying "how could you so readily forgive me after all the friction I have caused the coven?"
"We will no longer talk of that; you were grieving and in your grief, you were easily misled. What occurred between us is private and was thankfully contained before it could cause any great damage to our relationship with the coven. Now that you have finally accepted the truth, you have changed; you look genuinely serene".
With a devious smile, he spread his arms and smiled as she walked into them.
He whispered in her ear "You look so beautiful but if we stand here too long I'm afraid that I will submit to the temptation" as his hands slowly travelled back up her exposed thighs.
Hearing this made her lose her inhibition and with a small giggle she playfully wrapped her arms around his waist. Raising her eyes to his gaze she countered "We could always stay in and play"
His pupils of his eyes widened as he joked "You are a vixen using my one weakness against me; however, we can't delay the inevitable… so you will join me"
Isabella chuckle saying "Are you sure? It might be well worth your while to take up my invitation"
Aro narrowed his eyes as he countered "No doubt you will! However, anticipating such pleasures only intensifies my passion and I promise; you'll live up to your innuendos. As you know my pallet is very versatile and my thirst is not easily quenched so maybe it is best to save your strength".
Aro opened the door and possessively laid his hand on her waist as he led her out of their apartment.
They walked the corridors brought her up to date on the things that had happened in her absence and their analytical discussion seemed to soothe Bella's nerves. As she passed different coven members she quickly realized that Aro was right. She was greeted with the same respect as always while others even inquired about her health; maybe the fact that she made Aro happy did make all the difference.
They worked for hours and Isabella realized just how much she had missed in her absence. The work on her desk had stayed untouched and there was a lot to catch up on. After hours of organization and processing the information at her desk, Aro put his hands on her shoulders as he whispered "I think we should go back to our apartments".
She was so busy with her documents that she barely heard his words instead she automatically replied "hmmm… sorry Aro…what did you say?" as she kept working.
He then lifted her out of her chair and she squeaked in surprise as he turned her to face him. Once they were eye to eye he hoarsely repeated "The last hour I have been watching you and thinking of your brazen proposal in our apartment".
She smiled coyly and answered "but there is so much to do; I still have to feed all this data into the computer".
"Not today…no, you will make good on your innuendos" he slyly said as he pulled her away from her desk.
They walked the corridors in silence but as they turned onto their part of the castle Aro inquired "Well my love, what did you think of your first day? It wasn't all that bad, now was it?"
Bella sighed "actually no, I can't believe how easy it was to slip back into my work"
After talking about the various changes that had taken place in her absence they arrived at the door of their apartments. At that moment, she turned to face him and giving him a shy, soft kiss at the corner of his mouth she whispered "thank you for your help this first day. Caius always said I was to unsure of myself and he often pushed me to try things. It seems I am still in need of someone to push me forth when I hesitate.
Opening the door to their rooms he let her pas but took hold of her hand as she crossed the threshold. Then closing the door, he turned to face her and gave her a seductive smile whispering "I believe actions speak louder than words".
Bending he claimed her lips; his kiss was soft, enticing her to join and as she did their kiss grew deeper, the flames slowly rising, taking over any and all reason.
That night was an unexpected and pleasurable experience for both as this new Isabella warmed Aro's bed. Isabella had finally been released from the last obstructions; her conscience and her 'obsession' to live with Caius's memories.
*Fyodor Dostoevsky
