Bella
After three days of passion and comfort with Demetri, I was ready to get back to our lives and our friends. After all, I had Demetri. I had Jane, Alec, Santiago, Felix, Chelsea, and Renata. I even had the Masters to help me. Whenever I felt down I reminded myself of this and my mood improved to almost its former level of happiness.
"You'll be fine, my love. Are you sure you're ready to resume training already," Demetri asked.
"I am. Although I'd love to spend a few years with you in our bed but I have so much to learn. Can we start with combat training?"
Demetri made the call to Santiago and informed me, "Santiago will meet us in the training room."
I was eager to begin training and ran the whole way, laughter bubbling from my throat. Demetri ran with me.
Santiago was already there waiting for us. "Ready to show me what the Major taught you?" he asked. He sounded almost as eager as me for the spar.
I did my best. I even got my teeth to his throat once, claiming a win.
Demetri had me in his arms afterward. "You are a fierce little demon, Bella. I'm proud of you," he said, kissing me with a passion that still made me see fireworks.
Santiago cleared his throat delicately and we got back to work.
I learned tricks on how to use my speed against my opponents this time. We worked until feeding time. I felt like I did well.
"Feel up to spending the afternoon in the throne room?" Demetri asked me.
I kissed him quickly, the blood of my feed still on my lips. Demetri smiled at me and helped me dress in an appropriate dark-colored outfit so we'd blend into the shadows in the throne room. I didn't think I still needed Demetri to help me dress but I liked the way he caressed my skin when he did it. If he continued to caress me as if I was something beautiful and fragile I may never dress myself.
We came in through one of the back doors so no one would notice our entrance and we didn't disturb anyone. We settled in the shadows and Demetri put his arm around me as we watched justice enacted.
One coven came to introduce a new member to the Masters. Then a coven that was newly formed came to ask for permission to settle near another coven's territory. It surprised me how much time was spent on these issues. I would think the Masters wouldn't need to be involved in such matters. Demetri whispered to me when I voiced my thoughts to him between cases that the Masters needed to be in control even in mundane situations. I nodded. It didn't make complete sense to me yet but I was sure it would in years to come.
The next case came in. A male vampire was escorted in and guarded by Felix. I listened closely. The vampire's name was Garrett.
Garrett had met his singer and drained her in a haze of blood lust. Almost no one had seen, except the man accompanying her. In the bloodlust haze, the man had run. Garrett had caught him but some of the lower guards had seen and insisted that Garrett come to Volterra with them.
I didn't understand why the guards had brought him. There was no exposure, it was a near miss. Given, it could have gone badly, but it didn't. From what I understood now, most vampires didn't even try to resist the call of their singer's blood.
The Masters counciled for only a minute then Aro said, "I apologize for the enthusiasm of our young guard, Garrett. There was no exposure. You handled a delicate situation well. Would you prefer to be on your way or would you like to spend a few days with us and take advantage of our hospitality?"
"A shower and change of clothes would be welcome." he said, "I have been wandering for a while without creature comforts."
Aro surprised me when he called, "Bella, Demetri, please come escort young Garrett to a guest room on the second floor. I know you aren't on duty at present but would you please."
"Yes, Aro," Demetri and I both said. I moved forward and said, "If you would follow me?"
Garrett smiled and followed. Demetri was quick to insert himself between me and Garrett. I wondered if I'd done something wrong.
"I have heard the name Bella before," Garrett said after the throne room doors closed. "Are you the Bella that was associated with the Cullens?"
"I am," I admitted.
"Carlisle and I got in such an argument when he told me that they'd left you behind. It was an idiotic move by him. But that was less than a year ago. You must be young still."
"I am but I'm learning quickly. This is my mate, Demetri."
"Tracker, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard of some of your exploits. Good job on clearing out the south. It needed to be done. Maria had been out of control for too long."
"Thank you, Demetri said. I thought he sounded tense. Garrett just smiled and Demetri took my hand and led the way. He seemed careful to keep himself between me and Garrett. I was sure I'd done something wrong but I didn't know what it was.
When Garrett was settled into the guest quarters and Chelsea was out shopping for a change of clothes for him, Demetri pulled me aside.
Demetri
How to explain vampire instincts to my little mate without setting off a newborn tantrum? I would have to risk it. On this issue, I couldn't let her continue to be ignorant or she was going to cause a fight unintentionally.
"Bella, I need you to be more aware when dealing with strange vampires, please. They aren't all going to be friendly, especially here in Volterra. I know your personality is naturally exuberant but you must allow me to stay between you and strange vampires for the time being, especially males. How would you feel if I approached a female vampire like you did with Garrett?"
Bella's growl brought Felix from the office, just verifying all was well. I gave him a hand signal to ask him to wait and see what happened. He watched patiently. When Bella composed herself she said, "Me saying goodbye to Jake and the Cullens must have been so hard for you. What about my family? Do you mind if I hug them?"
"It's easier to deal with the instincts when you know the vampire isn't a threat, like Jasper and Alice, for instance. I've gotten to know them and know they are dedicated not only to each other but to keeping you safe. I would prefer you not hug Carlisle or Esme for instance, should they come to visit. They might hold a grudge about Edward and I feel a need to protect you from all dangers." I explained.
"I will do better Demetri," Bella said with her eyes on the floor, clearly feeling bad about her behavior. I nodded to Felix and he got back to work and took Bella in my arms, comforting her.
"This is just one of those things that we have to learn together my love. I hadn't explained it yet and the situation presented itself. Don't feel bad. You didn't know." I said.
"We'll learn together," Bella confirmed and stood on her toes so she could kiss me.
We didn't return to the throne room for the rest of court. I thought Bella was too emotional right now for it to be useful to her. Instead, we went to the recreation room. I poured us both a glass of wine and we sat and talked.
She apologized again for being so friendly with Garrett. I just said, "There is no need for sorry, my love. But, I know you would feel terrible if you caused a fight accidentally. It would make you feel terrible. Just be aware of it next time."
"I will, I promise," she swore.
After court, our friends filtered in. Bella went back to her usual enthusiasm chatting with Chelsea and Jane. I played Call of Duty with Alec for a while. It was nice to be able to relax with our friends. I thought Bella needed it and I certainly did.