Demetri

Since Jasper this was Jasper's first mission with us I explained the hand signals and our usual jobs during a mission such as this on the flight. I explained to him that we would test his gift on this mission. Newborns were his area of expertise.

Felix stopped me from rubbing my chest again. "It's a sign that you have a weakness to enemies, Boss." Felix said. "You have to bury it. You don't want to put Bella at risk."

I nodded to Felix and put my hand down. Felix had been doing this for years. It was possible. I went back to talking with the Major and getting myself under control.

We landed in Liverpool and I cast the net of my gift wide, finding every vampire in the city at once.

"We have a nest of about thirty five vampires gathered this way." I said.

I led them to a rundown area of the city. There were two homeless men laying in a doorway about to overdose on drugs. I was surprised they'd lasted this long with the nest of newborns close by but brought them anyway. They would drive the newborns out for us.

We arrived at the warehouse where all the newborns were. We surrounded the building so none would escape and I cut each of the men so their blood would flow. Motioning to the Major he set loose terror that froze the newborns in their tracks. We took them apart quickly.

I found the leader curled up in a ball of fear in the warehouse. I disposed of her quickly and we set the warehouse on fire, all the vampire remains inside.

It didn't take long to be back at the plane and on our way back home. This was a short mission. I hoped Bella had coped with my absence. As I thought about it I finally acknowledged that I was being selfish not insisting Bella be independent. She needed to be able to survive without my presence sooner rather than later. I would still accompany her, but I would slowly ensure she could do everything herself. No more being selfish.

When we arrived home I reported to the Master's immediately. Marcus smiled at me and said, "She has done well in your absence, Demetri. I think you'll be surprised."

I tracked Chelsea as soon as I'd given my report, hoping she was with Bella, but she wasn't. She was in her rooms alone. However she did guide me to her, knowing Bella would be in the training room, working on her shield. Renata wasn't with her, she was in court so I found my love meditating alone. Her shield was around her like a light blue ball. It expanded and contracted with her breath.

I stood quietly in the door way watching my mate with amazement. She had done it. She had found her shield. Eventually the shield disappeared and Bella opened her eyes.

Her breath caught when she saw me. She was up and in my arms in an instant.

"How are you? How did your mission go? Is everyone okay?" She asked.

I laughed. "One question at a time my love. The mission went quickly. There were no injuries. Everyone is okay. How about you?"

"I ruined a lot of clothes Demetri but I can feed by myself now. Next I want to learn how to read on my own. I ruined a couple books trying..." Bella said.

"To be expected my love. I'll replace them. Just keep trying. Once you figure out how much pressure to apply it will be much easier to replicate it." I said. "But I'll still read to you too. We both enjoy it."

"Demetri, can we go home?" Bella asked shyly. "I need you."

I scooped her up in my arms and ran home. Her mouth met mine in an intense kiss the moment the door closed behind us.

Bella

Demetri gently removed my clothes. I returned the favor, or I tried. "Don't worry about it, Bella" Demetri said and pulled off his ripped shirt. He removed his pants and was bare before me.

I got down on my knees and took him into my mouth.

"By the gods that feels good, Bella,"

I took him deeper into my mouth, bobbing my head. I tried to give him as much pleasure as he always gave me.

In an instant, Demetri moved and I landed on the couch. He was atop me in another moment, he entered me in a swift thrust. "Need you," he growled.

He took me hard and fast and I met him thrust for thrust. He knew just how to touch me to make my body come apart.

We made love for hours and it was just what I needed to reconnect with him after his absence. I snuggled into him, completely sated.

"I missed you Bella," he said.

"I missed you too Demetri, I love you."

Demetri pulled me atop him and said, "I love you. Hopefully you'll be able to join me on my next mission. Would you prefer that?"

I kissed Demetri all over his face. "I would love to come with you Demetri. I'll work really hard so I can."

All too soon it was time to go feed and meet with Master Marcus. The real world stopped for no one.

Time passed quickly. Demetri assured me multiple times a day that I was progressing well. I needed the reassurance. The Masters were impressed with my shield and I became a fixture in the court room during court cases. I was instructed only to use my shield in emergencies. They wanted me as the last line of defense should anything go wrong. I took my duties seriously. Demetri was proud of me, being necessary so young. My feedings decreased till I only had to feed every third day. I would continue to stretch my feedings till I only had to feed once a week or so. I had learned to manage my strength too. I could do everything on my own, though I still didn't like to.

This was a very special day. My one year anniversary of my change meant that I would finally get my robe and my assignment to my team. I hoped I was on the elites with my Demetri. My mating with Demetri would also be acknowledged at the same time as everything else. I dressed carefully and braided my hair. I dressed in red, the Volturi's color. If I was going to stand out I was going to do it well. The downside of today is that my Demetri has to go back to work. He will no longer be my constant companion and it's going to be a huge adjustment for both of us. I tried not to think of it. Today was a happy day and I would make it so.

I was surprised when I opened the door to go to the throne room and found all of the elites waiting for me. They all congratulated me on my anniversary and surrounded me, leading me down to the throne room.

We came to the turn for the throne room and they led me past it, out to the gardens where I had requested this take place almost a year ago. Demetri had arranged it like I'd asked him to. The only thing that wasn't like I'd asked is that almost every vampire in Volterra was there.

When I walked into the gardens the elites spread out behind me with Demetri taking my hand and leading me forward to Aro.

"Attention Vampires of Volterra, we have a new member to join our coven today. Isabella Swan Volturi, mate of Demetri Volturi is joining us in our eternity on the year anniversary of her change." Aro spoke loud and clear. I bowed my head and said, "Masters,"

All of the guard bowed their head and said, "Sister." it wasn't just the vampires in the garden. It echoed from vampires all over the castle. It brought venom tears to my eyes.

"On this momentous day Isabella Swan Volturi is joining our team of Elites."

Aro handed me a cloak of darkest gray and put a necklace bearing the symbol of the coven around my neck. When I raised my head from receiving the necklace everyone in attendance cheered.

"Greet your coven Isabella Volturi."

I kissed my Demetri and the entire crowd cheered again. I would have blushed were I still able. Demetri stayed by my side as I exchanged hugs with the elites and handshakes with everyone else. It was quite the scene.

After the crowd had gone, Aro said, "Bella, we are so proud of you. You will make for a formidable member of the Elites."

"Thank you Master Aro," I said.

"Shall we make our way to court?" Caius asked.

Court was calm that day, mostly covens come to introduce themselves to the Masters. After those three covens left we were dismissed for the day.

I was no longer expected to visit Master Marcus nightly. I hadn't learned all he had to teach me by a long shot but he was satisfied I had learned what I needed to know for now.

My new schedule was simple. I had combat and/or shield training at eight and court in the afternoons when necessary. Demetri intended to work while I was at court so we wouldn't be apart for long in the evenings. On the rare occasion he was needed in court, I would be without him in the evenings while he worked to manage the workings of the entire guard.