I Fear No Pain

C10: Family Day

Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters

Bella's POV

A couple of days later Didyme and I were on our way to her office where we could talk about what I was sure she felt was bothering me, and to be honest I was looking forward to spending an uninterrupted morning with her, since Alice had basically kidnapped my mate to her atelier, and what was probably worse was the veiled threat that I would be required to be there later this afternoon.

Honestly I didn't really mind, because I also needed to talk to my dear sister before I would be turned, even though I dreaded having to fit her first draft of outfits because I had no idea of what she had planned for me.

"You seem pensive sweetling. Are you okay?" Didyme asked me once we had taken a seat in her office.

I smiled and crawled into her lap, knowing that it was going to happen at some point during this talk anyway and it was also very comfortable in her lap. "I'm more than okay mother. Jane and I have come to a consensus about me being turned. She explained to me that it would be better for our mating bond if you turned me since that would make Jane and I equal in generation."

Didyme smiled at me as she wrapped her arms around me. "I had hoped that this was what was going on, and of course I would gladly turn you, sweetheart. I do wonder how you two came up with this since it is so out of character for Jane."

"She heard you talk about the benefit of the mating bond if we were the same generation and that we would become closer because of it too, and if am being very honest, it feels more normal if you were to do it. A mother bringing her child into the world so to speak, or in this case, into the world anew." I said honestly.

"You truly have a way with words sweetie, and I can't deny that the I haven't had the same feeling over the last few weeks. I haven't been able to find anything in writing about it, but my heart tells me that this is a part of the maternal bond that is so rare that it is practically unknown to all but the most ancient of vampires, I feel that me turning you would be not only be beneficial for you and Jane, but I feel that is the way that it is meant to be." Didyme said with a soft smile.

I nodded and smiled at her. "I feel the same, and while I haven't covered this with aunt Dora yet, I have a feeling that when we get to discussing the maternal bond, we'll come to find the same thing, that the maternal bond was first formed because of a mother's love for her child."

"I doubt it'll be that simple, but I am sure that if you and Dora work together, you two will find all of the information on that." Didyme said with a kind smile.

I smiled at that. "I'm sure we will, when it comes to gathering and documenting information, both aunt Athenodora and I are a bit overly diligent at times."

"To be honest I'm glad that she has someone to finally share that passion with. I know she's been wanting to make our history as complete as possible, and for many years she lacked someone who was dedicated enough to document it." Didyme said kindly.

"Honestly I can understand why since she has such an attention to detail it is a bit intimidating at times. And with most of the Guard not being as interested in history, I think she was okay with waiting until someone like me came along with the same passion for the written word. I'm both grateful and honored that she thinks I am worthy of bringing her dream to life."

Didyme smiled and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "It's because of that passion you two share she is so open with you about everything. I would dare say you now know more about our kind's history than anyone else in this Castle besides your aunt."

I smiled at that. "Perhaps, but I also know that I've only scratched the surface of our history, and I can't wait to truly sit down with aunt Dora and get it all on paper, but she was pretty adamant on waiting with the rest until I was turned, since she didn't want to add to my nightmares."

She nodded at that. "I can understand that, you really found a place in her heart, which is both sweet and amusing. Every night together when we're in our chambers she speaks of you with nothing less than utter adoration, and like me she is always worried for you. I think that the news of your decision will be met with a lot of relief by your aunts, but speaking of that, when would you like to be turned sweetie?"

"Honestly I'd be okay with being turned right now, but I know Alice would pout for decades if I did that without saying good night to her. So perhaps tonight after dinner when I've spent some time with the rest of the family." I said with a soft smile.

Didyme nodded and smiled at me. "Then that is what we will do, my sweet Bella. I will admit that I am a little bit nervous, but I also know that no matter what happens I cannot hurt you and that everything will be okay."

I smiled and nuzzled my nose in her neck. "I already can't wait to be one of you. No longer would I be breakable Bella, but I will finally take my place in the world where I have always been meant to be. At your and my aunt's side as your Princess, in Jane's bed as her mate, and with my sister in Alice taking on the world."

She smiled and moved me slightly so she could do the same to me. "We're all very interested in seeing what your newborn period will be like. If it is anything like that of your mate, we'll be in for a very interesting three months."

"I'm sure that with Jane so close by it'll go by in a flash." I said teasingly.

"Yes blood and sex will be at the forefront of your mind, which is where you will differ from Jane, when Sulpicia turned her she had to cope with her hormones by herself, so I'd prepare for some possessive tendencies from your mate." Didyme said with a loving smile.

I giggled at that. "Possessive is Jane's default setting in bed, but I also know exactly how to turn her into a puddle. It's a nice little give and take we have."

Didyme smiled at that. "I can imagine, but I also know we're nearly late for your sister's summons to her atelier, and I've learned that she takes her fashion very seriously."

I groaned softly and nodded. "That's putting it lightly mother. I honestly believe that her second gift is something fashion related."

She smiled and stood as I wrapped my legs around her, knowing that this was just her maternal instincts being nervous for tonight, and honestly, it wasn't like I minded being a Mama's girl.

Alice's POV

When Didyme and Bella walked into my atelier early in the afternoon I could barely contain my giggles. The Queen was cradling my dear sister like she was a baby and it truly was an adorable sight. "Good afternoon, Alice. I trust everything is ready?"

I nodded and smiled at her. "It is my Queen, but if you don't mind my asking, is everything okay with Bella?"

"I think your sister is less then enthusiastic for this first fitting, and also the news she shared with me has made both of us a bit clingy." Didyme said kindly.

I nodded at that. "I saw some things, but I am sure my darling sister will inform me about them when she feels up for it, since I know how much she loves me."

Bella pouted a little at that as Didyme put her back on her feet. "You don't have to play on my feelings Ali. I would've told you. It's not like I can keep anything from you anyway."

I smiled and hugged her. "I was teasing Bella. I would never play on your feelings like that. I just couldn't resist given how adorable you looked."

She blushed a little at that. "I figured that was what you were giggling about, but I suppose I should tell you that I've made my decision on when I am going to be turned, which will be tonight after dinner. If I delay it any longer I might actually start questioning myself again, and now knowing that Mom is going to turn me has only given me more peace with my decision."

I smiled brightly and hugged her. "No offense, but finally. I've had so many visions about this that I was sure I was going to get a headache."

She smiled at me. "I'm sorry Ali, I didn't mean to force so many visions on you."

"I know Bella, and you know I would never hold that against you. Making decisions are a part of life, I'm still learning how to block out your minor decisions because we share such a close bond. I'm just so happy that you will be one of us in a couple of days." I said with a soft smile.

She blushed a little as I led her and her mother to the couch. "I know you both must be feeling some form of nerves about the clothes I have designed, but I promise that you will be very pleasantly surprised with what I've come up with." I said kindly as I went to get the rack I had their clothes on.

"For you my Queen, I came up with this floor length dress that will leave plenty of room to move around in should the need arise, but will also flatter your figure extremely well. It has some Greek influence as you can see and I have several colors prepared for you." I said as I presented Didyme with her first dress.

The ancient stood and smiled at me as she came up to me. "I see you have put a lot of thought in this design Alice. May I ask why you settled on a Greek design?"

I smiled at her. "The answer is two-fold, my Queen. I've spent a considerable amount of my forced time in school since I was turned researching silhouettes and everything else pertaining to fashion and its history, and when I saw you and Sulpicia I knew instantly that you were from Greek descent, and I wanted give a subtle nod to that past through this dress. The other part is because Bella mentioned how much she loved one of the paintings of the three of you in similar dresses, and while I've updated it a little bit, I've tried to stay true to the flow of the dress."

Didyme smiled kindly at that. "It is clear that we made a very good decision when we asked you to design our outfits and those for the Guard. You have an excellent eye for fashion and an enthusiasm for it I've never seen in one of us."

I smiled and bowed for her. "That means a lot, my Queen. Would you like to try it on?"

She nodded and looked over at Bella. "What do you think sweetling, shall we see how good a seamstress your sister is?"

Bella nodded at that. "I'm sure she has done everything in her power to make it perfect."

I smiled and went over to hug her. "Thank you sister, but know that flattery isn't going to get you out of trying your own dress."

She stuck her tongue out at me as Didyme stepped back out from the curtain. "Wow Mom, it looks amazing on you. It looks almost natural."

Didyme smiled at her. "Thank you sweetling, I'll admit that when I was still human this was something I wore almost daily, but this feels a thousand times better since it is better quality fabric."

I smiled at the compliment. "Thank you my Queen, I have tried my best to capture the feel of the time while not compromising on quality."

"And your craftsmanship shows itself in every fiber of this dress, Alice. I don't think I've ever worn something so comfortable. It makes me curious about what you've thought up for Bella." Didyme said with a smile.

I grinned as I turned to my dear sister. "Don't worry, my Queen, I've made sure that Bella's outfit not only matches yours, but also is something she would be comfortable in, since I know my darling sister has some issues with dresses."

"And what is it you've designed for me, Ali? Now you've gotten me intrigued." Bella said softly.

I smiled at her and took her dress off the rack before handing it to her. "Go and put it on and then I'll explain what I have made for you. I promise that you'll love it."

She nodded and hugged me as she stepped behind the curtain with her dress, and for once I hoped that I really knew her as well as I thought I did.

When she stepped back out from behind the curtain, I couldn't help but smile. She looked gorgeous in it and I was clearly not alone in that sentiment. Because it seemed that Didyme agreed with me judging by her smile.

"Do you like it Mom?" She asked shyly as she twirled around to show us how it looked on her.

Didyme nodded at her. "I love it sweetie. Do you like it? You have to wear it after all."

"Honestly, I love it. It doesn't feel as breezy as a regular dress, nor does it feel too revealing. How did you manage this Alice?"

I smiled at her. "I'm glad you asked sister. I started with ensuring that the skirt doesn't flare like it usually would, while still keeping the flow of the skirt intact. I'll admit I had some trouble getting the top part of your dress to not be too revealing as I know you don't really like that, but I also wanted to make sure that it fit with the aesthetic of your mother's dress. The result is an off the shoulder dress that accentuates the line of your shoulders instead of your bust."

Bella smiled and hugged me. "I love it Ali, thank you. You've truly outdone yourself with these dresses."

"I'm glad you like it Bella. I'll admit I was a bit worried if you would like what I designed for you, and of course that I managed to make it look good next to your mother's dress too." I said with a soft smile.

She merely smiled and hugged me before stepping back into her mother's arms as we spent hours discussing future items and accessories and of course Bella's change tonight.

Rosalie's POV

I'll admit that I did not expect to have visitors in what had been dubbed 'my domain' but it was certainly welcome when I smelled Bella and her mother walk into the garage. "Hey Rose. Keeping busy?" She asked with a grin.

I smiled and went over to hug her. "Of course sister. Someone has to ensure that all of the Volturi's motor pool is in perfect working order. I am very happy to see you though. I was getting a bit lonely."

She smiled and gave my waist a squeeze. "Since I just survived Hurricane Pixie while in design mode, I figured I could use someone sensible to set my feet back on the ground, so my mother suggested we pay you a visit."

I laughed lightly at that. "She told me that she had finished the first draft of you and your mother's outfits, so I figured she would want to get you in them as soon as she possibly could, I'll admit I feared a little for your sanity knowing our dear sister's penchant for going overboard."

Didyme smiled at that. "I honestly didn't believe it until I saw it for myself today, but Bella apparently knows exactly how to navigate her sister's exuberance."

I nodded at that as I led them to my own little comfy corner so we could take a seat, it wouldn't do for me to keep my Queen and Princess standing after all. "Bella has always had that uncanny ability. For as long as I've known Alice, only Jasper was somewhat able to contain her limitless excitement, but ever since Bella came into our lives, Alice seemed to revolve around two things, her mate and Bella's safety and happiness, and in turn ninety percent of the family did the same."

Bella blushed at that. "You all did far more than just keep me safe and happy. You all gave me a family that I desperately needed. Edward may have been very good at alienating me from my other friends, but I don't think he ever realized that I preferred being with all of you anyway."

I smiled and hugged her. "All of us with the two notable exceptions have become better for having met you sister, never doubt that. I'm so incredibly honored that even after everything I've done to dissuade you, you still remained stubborn and offered me a hand of friendship."

"I saw through your Ice Queen persona pretty quickly, although it was not without difficulty. I saw you were hiding a lot of pain in your heart and after hearing your story I understood why, which is why I never took everything you offered for granted."

I pulled her into my arms. "I was so afraid that Edward would put you through the same and kill you in the process. I couldn't let that happen to you because you mean too much to not just me and Alice, but to everyone."

Bella smiled and nuzzled her nose in my neck, something she often did to comfort me. "You truly are my sister Rosalie, and I'm incredibly happy that we'll have each other close forever now, because another reason we came to see you was to tell you that I've made a decision on my change. My mother is going to change me tonight."

I was a bit surprised to hear that. "That… is surprising. I thought you wanted Jane to turn you?"

"Initially yes, but she told me something that made me reassess that. I've learned a lot about vampire history in the past couple of days and one of those is that all vampires are of a certain generation and that it is very beneficiary to mated couples if they are of the same generation. Since Sulpicia turned Jane the only option for me was to ask my mother to turn me so that Jane and I will be the same generation. It should bring us even closer together emotionally." Bella said softly.

My eyes widened at that. "I never realized how much I didn't know about our kind."

Didyme smiled kindly at that. "That is because very few know about this to begin with and Carlisle was definitely not one of them, despite him being of a relatively high generation himself. I must ask though Rosalie, because this has been puzzling me for a while. Who exactly is your sire?"

"Esme turned me and Emmett. Why do you ask?" I asked respectfully.

The Queen nodded at that. "I ask because I was under the impression that Carlisle had sired you, but both you and Emmett do not show any characteristics of those that come of that particular sibling of Athenodora. He was very well known for his manipulation of others. Knowing that you were sired by Esme sets my mind a lot more at ease, and also explains your mate's excitement levels when it comes to wrestling. Esme shares Athenodora's venom which means that you and Bella will share the same venom."

I smiled at that. "So Bella and I will be sisters in venom in a couple of days. That is good to know."

Bella smiled at that. "Technically I will be older than you in generation, but I don't think I could ever catch up on those eight decades you have on me."

I just smiled at her as I hugged her close, figuring that this could only lead to more teasing as the day progressed.

Bella's POV

When mother and I walked into the kitchen later that evening, I was a bit surprised to see a grand dining table in the place of the usual small table where I usually ate at.

What didn't surprise me was that next to my siblings and mate, Esme and Heidi and my aunts were also present for dinner, which was something that hadn't happened in the time I had been here.

My mother tried to look innocent, but failed miserably as she smiled at me. "I figured you would want to see everyone before I turn you tonight sweetie, you've all touched a part of our lives in the relatively short time we've known you."

I smiled and hugged her. "It's okay Mom. I know everyone is probably very nervous about how tonight and the coming days are going to play out, so I have no issue in reassuring everyone that I will be more than okay."

Didyme smiled at me as she led me to my seat, conveniently placed between her and Jane, with my aunts, Alice and Jasper right next to them. "And of course you have nothing to do with the seating arrangements?" I asked teasingly.

"Of course not dear. We haven't had a dinner in someone's honor in far too long for that to be of much importance. Everyone chose their own seats, but unfortunately not everyone could sit next to you." She said with a smile.

I smiled at her as we all took our seats. "I didn't realize I was that popular, even after everything that happened over the last couple of weeks."

"How could you think that Bella? Your heart and personality have endeared everyone to you and I think that has never happened before in our entire Coven's existence." Athenodora said with a kind smile.

I blushed a little at that. "It's still a bit daunting to know that I mean so much to so many people after a life spent being invisible to everyone around me, and I really don't mean this in a negative way, because I do love and appreciate everything you've done for me, but at the same time still takes some getting used to."

Didyme smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "I promise you that everyone who has ever wronged you will be punished, sweetling. I know you don't want that, but it is a matter of instinct for me and Jane. We could never let a slight against you go unpunished. Our inner vampires won't allow it."

I nodded at that. "I understand mother, and perhaps when I wake up I'll feel differently about it, so could we revisit that in a couple of days?"

She nodded and smiled at me as a small staff of caterers brought in our dinner, and I just couldn't help but share a look with Jane, since I knew she would either deny or confirm my suspicion that these people were their real dinner.

My petite mate just smiled at me as she shook her head, which struck me as a bit odd until she leaned so close that the only human who would hear what she said would be me. "Esme and Heidi will bring us all something to eat when you wake up, my love. Your aunts want you to have options."

I nodded and kissed her softly. "At least I know I won't feel the burn anytime soon."

She merely smiled at that as Sulpicia stood once the caterers had left. "Before we eat I would like to say something to Bella. I know your time here has been a whirlwind in more than one way, but I just want you to know that I couldn't have been more proud of the things you have accomplished so far and the woman you've become."

I blushed and smiled at her. "Thank you aunt Sulpicia."

She smiled at me and flashed me a wink as she sat down again, after which we all ate in relative silence, and I had to admit that it tasted better then ever, which probably had something to do with the fact that it was going to be my last meal for a while.

After dinner and an almost excessive amount of hugs from my entire family, Jane and Didyme led me to a small room just across from our bedroom, and it was almost as if they could smell the puzzled look on my face. "Chances are that you'll wake up a bit erratic, my love. This is just to ensure that our bedroom stays in one piece for just a little while longer." Jane said with a soft smile.

"That makes sense, it would be a crime against bedrooms everywhere if we accidentally destroyed the bed." I said with a wink.

Jane smirked at that. "Trust me that sex will have to wait a bit love, I probably won't see you for at least a day once you wake up."

I smiled and kissed her softly. "It's not like we won't have a literal eternity to make love, Jane. I think we can both wait an extra day."

She nodded and kissed me deeply. "That we will, and it is with heavy heart that I will leave you in your mother's care. I love you and I will see you soon."

I nodded and pulled her close, inhaling her scent a last time before kissing her softly, since I wouldn't be able to for a while. "Don't worry Jane, I will take very good care of her and I promise to inform you the moment she wakes up and I have bathed her."

Jane nodded and gave me a last kiss before she took her leave after which Didyme led me to the bed. "Are you sure you are ready sweetling?"

"Now more than ever mother. I am ready to take my rightful place in the world, by your side as your daughter and a Princess of the Volturi." I said softly.

She smiled and pressed a long kiss to my forehead. "Then all I can say is relax, I love you, and I will not leave your side until you wake up." She said softly as she bit my neck, which while painful didn't strike me with fear as it did when James did this.