EPOV
I smiled to myself as my fingers moved fluidly over the piano keys, the new song flowing out of me. It was for Bella, of course, a piece to show her my love for her and my happiness in our lives together. Honestly, everyday seemed to be better than the last. Bella was adjusting to her new life with an ease that astounded us all. I knew she thought she was having a hard time but in reality she was far beyond where any of the rest of us had been, save for Carlisle perhaps.
The water running in the shower shut off with a loud clang and I bit back a chuckle as Bella muttered something about flimsy construction. I abandoned my piano and walked back to the bedroom as she opened the bathroom door, wrapped in a fluffy white towel and holding the shower knob in her hand. That wouldn’t have been so bad if it weren’t still attached to about five feet of pipe. I didn’t hold back the laugh at the expression on her face. She looked embarrassed and annoyed all at once. It was rather adorable.
“Problem, love?”
She huffed and shoved the pipe at me. “I did it again.”
“Okay, no big deal.” I set the pipe atop the dresser and turned to face her, letting my eyes roam over her barely covered body. We’d just made love an hour ago but I was more than ready to go again. Bella didn’t seem to take notice of my interest, though. Her lower lip poked out and she bit it in consternation.
“Why do you put up with me?”
“What?” What kind of question was that? I adored the ground she walked on, she was my entire world.
“I’m hopeless! It’s been a month and I’m still misjudging my strength! This is the third time I’ve broken our beautiful shower.”
I pulled her into my arms, trying to ignore the fact that she was pretty much naked. “Bella, the fact that you can even focus enough to take a shower without help is amazing. Do you realize just how far you’ve come in a month’s time? You’re amazing.”
“It doesn’t feel like I’ve come that far. I feel so useless, Edward.”
I lowered my lips to her pretty pout and captured her bottom lip with mine. She responded instantly, winding her arms around my neck. It would have been easy to distract her and push her back on the bed and have my way with her again, but I wanted to make sure to answer her question.
“Do you want to know why I put up with you?” My lips traced over her cheeks, down to her neck where I licked the spot where I’d made her mine forever. She tilted her head to give me better access and nodded. “It’s simple really.” My lips coursed over her jaw. “You are the most incredible creature I’ve ever met.” I sucked her earlobe into my mouth and bit down gently as she hissed in pleasure. “You’re smart and kind and beautiful.” Her towel fell to the ground as I continued to drag my lips over her chest, trailing my tongue over her collar bone. “You’re honest and thoughtful and stubborn and trusting.” My hands joined in my exploration, cupping her breasts and massaging gently. “You’re…” my next words were cut off as Bella pulled my hair to bring my lips back to hers.
My sweater and pants were off with two quick yanks of her hands. She wasn’t bemoaning her strength now, was she? She pushed me back onto the bed and straddled me, her body aligning perfectly with mine as it did every time. My hands gripped her hips as she shifted and took me into her. I watched in awe as she rose above me and began to move, her hips moving quickly. Her hands gripped mine almost painfully as she sought to move faster. She was so beautiful in that moment it was indescribable. Her hair fell down over breasts, her eyes burned into mine. They had started to turn, now no longer a crimson color, they were more of a burnt orange.
I let her control everything, lifting my hips to meet hers and adjusting to match any change in pace. She was getting close to orgasm; she always came rather quickly from this position, as did I. Letting her take control aroused me to no end. Bella threw back her head and tightened around me, her release bringing my own as her walls clamped around me. Spent, she fell forward and lay atop me, her head buried in my neck. I let go of her right hand and ran my hand through her rich mahogany tresses.
“Now do you see why I put up with you?” She giggled, her laughter tickling my neck.
She bit me playfully. “No, now I see why I put up with you.” I rolled over and pinned her to the bed. Her eyes widened. “Again, already?”
“I wish, my love.” I’d like nothing better than to spend all day in bed with her but we had an unwelcomed visitor to contend with shortly. I kissed her softly. “Do you still honestly wonder why I love you?”
Her eyes clouded over a little. “I guess, sometimes. It has to be difficult you, having me destroy the house and kill Edward Junior and break the computer.” I chuckled, remembering Bella’s retelling of our baby doll “son” and his death at her hands. Emmett Junior had taken up residence at our house, Emmett fearing the wrath of Rosalie if she got a load of the doll. I’d made Bella put him in the closet; I didn’t want a replica Emmett doll watching us make love.
“Well, killing our fake son and daughter was quite the offense.” She stuck her tongue out at me. “But you have to know, Bella, that if I had it to do over again, I would. The only thing I would change would be changing you sooner, because I’ve never known more happiness than I have this last month. I wish I could remarry you every day.” Her stunning face lit up at my words.
“You do?”
“I do. As a matter of fact, I’m going to say that to you every day. I do, Bella, I take you to be my wife, every day until the end of time.”
“I do, too, Edward.” Our lips met. I wanted nothing more than to get lost in her again but I knew it was almost time for Aro’s arrival. I pulled back reluctantly and brought us both to a sitting position.
“It’s time to get ready, love.” I was inordinately happy that she had my scent all over her now. I knew it was ridiculous, Aro knew she was my wife but I still liked him knowing that she belonged to me, as I belonged to her. Felix was coming as well and I hadn’t liked his thoughts of my Bella when we were in Italy.
Nerves showed in Bella’s face as she walked to the dresser and pulled out some jeans and green cotton t-shirt. I frowned at the way it showed off her lovely figure. “I think you should wear something else.”
She glanced at me in surprise. “What’s wrong with this? I don’t have to wear a dress or anything, do I?”
“No!” I said it a little too forcefully, not liking the thought of Aro’s eyes taking in her shapely legs.
Her eyes narrowed at me. “You’re not jealous, are you?” Well, of course I was; I hated the thought of any man ogling my wife, particularly one that desired nothing more than to take her away from me. I shrugged and turned to pull on my own jeans and another sweater seeing as Bella had ruined the ones I’d just worn. Her little hand landed on my shoulder and she turned me to face her. “You are!”
“You don’t have to hear their thoughts, Bella.” Sympathy washed over her face and she wrapped her arms around my waist.
“No, I don’t. But I do know that no matter what they think, it’ll never come to pass. I’m yours.” I kissed the top of her head and buried my face in her hair, breathing in that mouthwatering strawberry scent. Here she was the one nervous about Aro’s visit and yet she was reassuring me.
“Thank you, my love. You know you have nothing to worry about either, right?”
Her face clouded over. “I know they aren’t here to hurt me, but they are here to try to figure out what my power is and to try to convince me to go to Italy, right?”
“Yes, but they can’t force you to do anything, nor will they try.”
“I know, it’s just…”
“You’re scared of Aro.”
“It’s hard not to be, seeing as my only experience with him had you in pain and both of us nearly killed.”
I closed my eyes as the memory of that washed over me. The fear I’d felt in that moment had been unprecedented. The thought of them hurting my Bella…I broke off the thought. “But we survived and here we are now, stronger than ever.”
She bit her lip and nodded. “He won’t hurt you, Bella. Alice says everything is going to be just fine.”
“I know; he just makes me nervous.”
I took her hand in mine and kissed it. “We’ll all be there with you, Bella. He’s just here to confirm that you’re one of us and he wants to know if you’ve got a power. Thus far, you don’t so there’s nothing for him to find.”
She nodded. “True.”
“Are you ready?”
She sighed. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” I kissed her hand again and we headed over the house to wait for Aro and his guards. We walked in the house and were met by Emmett, vaulting over the stairs railing.
“You ready to take on the old man?”
I rolled my eyes. “We’re not taking Aro on, Emmett, we’re just meeting with him and letting him see that Bella has been changed and that we have no interest in going to Volterra. Period.”
Emmett crossed his arms and frowned at me. “We’ll see. Alice says that Felix guy is coming and that he’s bigger than I am.” And there was the crux of Emmett’s problem; he had always been the biggest, strongest vampire we’d ever encountered; now there was competition.
Bella saw his irritation and sought to alleviate it. “He’s pretty big, Emmett, but I’m sure you’re still stronger.” His dimples winked at her, his good humor restored.
“We’ll just have to see, won’t we? I’m sure we could have a little strength competition.” I wonder if Esme will mind if we arm wrestle on the antique Queen Anne dining room table. It’s not like anyone is using it. I just raised an eyebrow at him and he sighed. “Alright, we’ll take it outside.”
Bella and I entered the living room, where Jasper lounged on the end of the white couch, his eyes were narrowed in either concentration or annoyance, I couldn’t tell. “What’s up, Jasper?” Bella threw herself down on the couch next to him and tugged on his messy blond hair. His face cleared for a second as he sent her a small smile but it didn’t remain.
“Not a lot.” He shrugged. “I’m just waiting for Aro to get here so he can leave again, hopefully for good.”
Bella’s shoulders tensed a bit but she relaxed them quickly. How I wished I could hear what she was thinking. She took Jasper’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. “There’s nothing to worry about. He’ll see that I’m changed and have no power and then he’ll go.”
Jasper smirked. “You have no identified power but we all know you have one. You’re far too advanced for a newborn and that’s not going to escape his notice. Even still, that’s not what’s bothering me.”
I spoke up then, since he wasn’t clueing me in with his thoughts. “What are you worried about then?”
His eyes met mine and they were flat, cold warrior’s eyes. “Bella isn’t the only one he wants, you know. He wants my Alice. He won’t take either one of them.”
“Of course he won’t.” Alice danced into the room and hopped on Jasper’s lap. “I’ve already told you everything will be fine. Are you doubting me?”
“No, I’d never doubt you. But he wants to take you from me. You’re mine.” His voice was fiercely possessive and I bit back a smile, he sounded so like me in that moment.
Alice wiggled around and turned to straddle him, taking his face between both of her tiny hands. “Yes, I am yours, Jazz. Nothing will ever change that.” His eyes darkened and he yanked Alice to him, his lips clashing with hers passionately.
Bella shifted next to me and let out a soft moan. I felt it too; Jasper’s lust was starting to permeate the room and now was not the time. “Jas, man, you’ve got to stop.” He growled but otherwise ignored me.
Emmett bounded back into the room and took in the sight and let out a loud groan. “Jeez, can’t anybody control themselves around here anymore? Do you really want wrinkly old Aro to see you and Alice getting it on?”
Jasper did pull away from Alice then, sending his ire Emmett’s way. I relaxed as the pheromones in the room vanished. I’d been a couple seconds away from whisking Bella somewhere more private. “Maybe I do, maybe then he’ll realize that she’s mine and she’s not going anywhere.” Alice shook her head and nuzzled into his neck.
“Stop worrying, he’s not going to push.”
“Maybe not today but do you think a no will be enough to send him away for good?”
Alice’s face clouded over and her eyes glazed. “I can’t see what he’ll plan but I do know that he’ll leave us be, for now.” For now is not good enough. We’re never going to truly be safe so long as Aro exists. If only I could get him alone. “Jasper, no! It’s not going to happen so whatever plan you’re trying to formulate, drop it!”
He scowled. “I don’t have a plan, per se, I was just thinking if I could get him by himself…”
“Well you can’t! Demetri and Felix are not going to let him out of their sight. Please, leave it be, for me.”
His expression softened and he pressed a kiss to her spiky black hair. “Alright, for you.” For now. He glanced at me. You agree with me about the threat he provides, don’t you? I gave him an imperceptible nod. Eventually it’ll have to be addressed. I knew he was right but we had to get through today first.
I caught a new voice in the air. Hello, dear friend Edward. Can you hear me yet? We’re three miles out; I think that’s your radius, is it not? I cannot wait to see you and your lovely bride again.
“They’re here.” Bella tensed beside me and I wrapped my arm around her, snuggling her into my side. Her arms wound around my waist and she laid her head on my shoulder. “It’ll be fine, love.”
Emmett threw himself down on the green recliner. “I, for one, am anxious to meet the Volturi.”
Alice laughed. “No, you’re anxious to see if Felix is really bigger than you.”
He shrugged, portraying a sense of nonchalance. “Even if he is, bigger is not necessarily better.”
Jasper actually managed a laugh. “That’s not what you always say.”
Before Emmett could retort a knock sounded on the door. Carlisle and Esme went to answer it. “Carlisle, old friend, I’m so very happy to see you again. It’s been far too long.”
“Aro.” Carlisle’s voice was cool and betrayed no nerves. I heard them shake hands and felt the rush of thoughts flowing from Carlisle into Aro. She hasn’t manifested a power yet? His mental voice was filled with disappointment. I was so sure…but then, she is very controlled isn’t she? And Edward still can’t read her mind. Surely there’s something there, even if they don’t yet know what it is. All the more reason for her to come to Volterra, where we can help her discover her gifts. I was the tense one now. I knew his purpose for being here but it wasn’t easy dealing with it as it happened instead of in Alice’s visions.
“Your home is delightful, Carlisle and Esme, truly; very warm and fitting of you. I trust you are all well?”
“Yes, certainly. Most everyone is in the living room if you’d like to come in and say hello.” Esme led the way, sounding slightly nervous at Aro’s presence.
“Of course, I can’t wait to see darling Isabella again! I couldn’t be happier that she has become one of us.”
Then they were there, filling the entrance to the living room. Aro had forsaken his black robe for traveling purposes. It was rather startling to see the ancient vampire dressed in black pants with a blue polo shirt and black jacket. His nearly translucent skin looked even paler with the dark colors. His black hair fell untamed over his shoulders and his red eyes glowed with excitement. Felix, in jeans and a white t-shirt and beige leather jacket, filled half the doorway, his arms crossed as he surveyed the room, his thoughts centered on Bella’s beauty and how he wished he’d had a chance for her blood. Demetri stood next to him, all in black, silent and watching, assessing the potential threat of each one of us, casting a wary eye on Jasper for some reason.
“My dear Cullens, I am so happy to see some of you again and meet the rest of you for the first time!” Aro clapped his hands in glee, his eyes zeroing in on Bella. “Isabella! You make a truly stunning vampire. I knew you would, of course, but to see it with my own eyes instead one of our Alice’s visions!” Jasper visibly stiffened. “You are ravishing!” He walked slowly over to where Bella sat on the couch, clutching me tightly. I winced from the pressure as she forgot her strength and gave in to her nerves. She loosened her grip and regarded Aro warily as he held a hand out to her. She placed her hand in his and winced as he pressed a kiss to her soft skin.
Still nothing from her. Remarkable. “Edward, my young friend! How happy you must be to have such a lovely bride.” I stood and took the hand he offered; knowing there was no way that he’d leave before getting a glimpse at my thoughts. His eyes narrowed and flashed over to Jasper as he heard our discussion from moments ago but he kept the overly pleasant smile plastered on his withered face.
“Aro, it’s good to see you.”
He raised an eyebrow at me. Is it, Edward? It seems that you and your brother are less than happy to have me here. In fact, it sounds almost as if you are planning some treachery against me. Is that possible? Would you attempt to harm me after I spared your life only months ago?
I met his look levelly. I can assure you, we are planning no treachery, Aro. Jasper is just protective of Alice, as I am of Bella. Neither of us wants them to be pressured into leaving us.
Dear boy! I would never take your ladies from you. If they come to Volterra, you and your entire family would be welcome. We would be honored to have the whole Cullen clan in our midst!
I don’t think our lifestyle would blend that well with yours, do you, Aro?
Surely you could embrace our life easily, Edward. You tasted Isabella’s blood just over a month ago. You can’t tell me that the taste didn’t tempt you at all.
Of course it did, but as you can see, Bella is here with me. I did not give in to the call of her blood; the most potent there ever will be to me. If that didn’t tempt me, how can any regular human?
Perhaps, but could your brother do the same? I see that he’s always struggled with his bloodlust, why not join us and accept who he truly is?
“You’ll have to ask him about that.”
“Finally!” Emmett exclaimed; his irritation plain in his tone and on his features, from his scowling face to his crossed arms. “I thought you were going to talk to each other like that for hours. Not cool, Edward.”
Aro released my hand and gave Emmett a winning smile. “How rude of me! You are quite right to point out my behavior, young man.”
Emmett smirked. “I’m not that young and my name is Emmett.” His eyes cut over to Felix and a look of displeasure crossed his face. Felix was indeed a couple inches taller and broader than Emmett was. Alright, so he’s bigger. He looks like a dumb jock type though, I could totally take him.
“It is very nice to meet you, Emmett! Tell me, where is your bride? I’m anxious to see if she is as lovely as her sisters.”
Emmett scowled at him. “Rosalie is upstairs and she is beyond beautiful, I assure you.”
“Why thank you, Emmett.” Rose purred as she came down the stairs, trailing her fingers along the banister and walking slowly, every move calculated to show off the clingy red dress she was wearing. I met Jasper’s eyes and rolled my own. Of course Rosalie had to make an entrance.
Felix, who had been staring at my Bella since he entered the room, looked at Rose and my mind was immediately assaulted with images of things he wanted to do to her. Then Bella joined the two of them in his mind and I let out a combination of a growl and a laugh at the same time. I didn’t like him thinking of my Bella that way but I was amused at the thought of the reaction both women would have to his perverted fantasies.
Every woman in this family is magnifico! We have to get them to Volterra. They’re wasted on these Cullens. I glared at him and tightened my arm around Bella.
Emmett saw Felix staring at Rose as if she were water and he was a man dying of thirst and got up and walked to her, sweeping her into his arms and returning her to his chair. I nearly laughed at the image we made. Jasper had Alice in his lap, Emmett had Rose in his and I was wrapped around Bella like a clinging vine. At least I wasn’t the only possessive one in the family. Only Carlisle appeared secure in his relationship, sitting in a recliner next to Esme but not touching her at the moment.
Aro was not daunted by Emmett’s show of possession, though, and offered a hand to Rosalie. She placed hers in his and watched impassively as he raised it for a kiss. “Rose, there could not be a more fitting name for such an enchanting woman. You, my dear, are a vision.” Rosalie preened at his words.
“It’s nice to meet you, Aro. I’m glad we can have acceptable guests, for once.” She shot a glare at Bella and Aro chuckled.
“I can see that you were the lone member that didn’t want Isabella to join your family. I hope you’re not too terribly angry that we made Edward change her.”
I shot up at his words. “You didn’t make me do anything, Aro. I changed Bella because I wanted to, because I wanted forever with her. It had nothing to do with your wishes.”
The young Cullen boy needs to learn some manners. Demetri’s thoughts called to me and I fought the urge to get up and show him just how ill-mannered I could be.
Aro dropped Rose’s hand and went to sit on the loveseat, Felix and Demetri remained standing, flanking him on either side of the couch. “So you’re saying that you have defied my orders had you not changed your own mind about turning her?” He regarded me angrily.
Watch your step, brother. Though I’d be more than happy to fight him, there’s got to be a better time, when he’s alone and we won’t be immediate suspects. Jasper sent a wave of calm my way which combined with his words to make me lose some of my anger at Aro’s foolish belief that he was the reason I changed Bella.
I sank back into my seat and chose my words carefully. “No, I’m not saying that, at all, I’m just not going to let you diminish my choice in the matter. What changing her means to me and to her, it’s not something that I can begin to explain to you.”
Aro nodded. “I saw in your thoughts just what it meant to you and I’m sure Bella knows that as well, don’t you, dear?”
Bella slipped her hand in mind, seeking to calm both of us. “I do. And I’m glad he didn’t change me because he was ordered to. I wanted him to want me forever and he does. A lifetime of him questioning his actions wouldn’t have done either of us any good.”
Aro beamed at her. “Quite right, precious Isabella! Beautiful and bright, what more could a man ask for?” Power…that’s what he could ask for. And you have it, I can tell. What will you be? Why doesn’t our Alice know? I was relieved that Jasper couldn’t hear him thinking of Alice as belonging to the Volturi as well as to us. I supposed it was better than solely his but not much, not in Jasper’s eyes. “Do tell me all about your new life as a vampire, how has it been for you? I’ve seen it in Carlisle and Edward’s eyes, of course, but I’d like to hear it from your lovely lips.” I stifled another growl. His thoughts of her were possessive but chaste, unlike Felix’s. Demetri just watched and waited, prepared to act if any of us got threatening. He wasn’t overly happy about being here. One of these days Aro’s going to push someone too far. I glanced at Jasper and mentally nodded at Demetri’s thought.
Bella hesitated and I squeezed her waist in assurance. “It’s been overwhelming at times. There’s so much sensation, it can be hard to focus on one thing at a time. I still misjudge my strength from time to time.” She smiled and I knew she was thinking of this morning. “Emmett’s helped me learn to channel it mostly.” Em shot her a grin. Emmett Junior is the man, the man that can, the little fella that helped train Bella. He was so ridiculous.
“Yes, it seems you have rather unorthodox training methods, Emmett.” Emmett sat up and cast a wary glance at Rose in his lap.
“Yeah, well, whatever works right?”
“Indeed, you should be commended for your creativity and for your success with your brilliant pupil.” Emmett sat up a little straighter in his chair and gave Aro a genuine smile. “And what of your interaction with humans, Bella?”
She shifted nervously and I stroked her side, which caused her to lean in closer to me, not that I minded in the least. “I haven’t been around one yet, but Jasper’s been working with me on that. He surprises me when on hunts with human scents. At first I would leave the track and run after them but now I’ve gotten to the point where I can focus and ignore it.”
Aro beamed at her and clapped his hands again. “You’re a marvel, Isabella! Only a month old and able to resist the call of humans! I, of course, can’t understand the desire to do so but I know it’s important to you and your family so you are to be applauded! You most certainly have a powerful gift.”
Bella met his inquisitive red eyes head on. “I don’t know, honestly. I don’t feel like I have any dormant power inside me just waiting to come out but everything is so new, how would I know?”
A slow smile curved Aro’s ashy lips. “Well, we could certainly work on figuring that out, my dear. In Volterra, we have access to so many brilliant minds. Someone there would certainly be able to unlock your gift. You should really think about going back with us.” He broke off at the look on my face. “You and your husband, of course. I’m sure you couldn’t bear to be apart from one another so soon into your marriage.” We would never be able to bear to be apart from one another, not all of us were as ambivalent to our mates as he was.
Bella just shook her head in response to Aro’s words. “Thank you, Aro, that is very kind but I’d rather stay here with my family. If I have some dormant power, they can help me when it is discovered. After all, they have gifts of their own.”
Yes, such a gifted bunch. Too gifted. All of them, united. A threat that cannot be ignored.
I spoke up then. “We are not a threat to you, Aro. We just want to live our lives, together. None of us seeks to usurp your place as the head governing body of the vampires. It’s the last thing any of us want to do.”
Speak for yourself bro! I want to be King Emmett! Off with their heads…and the rest of their body parts! I bit back another chuckle at Emmett’s mental antics, only he could bring levity at a time when tension hung over us like a knife.
“Well, that’s easy for you to say now, Edward, but what about down the road? I already read your brother’s desire to get rid of me in your very thoughts.” Demetri and Felix both tensed, their bodies leaning forward slightly as if prepared to strike.
Jasper cleared his throat and met Aro’s gaze. “The only reason I want to get rid of you is because you want to take my Alice away from me. I have no interest in your power and politics. She is the only thing of interest to me.” He broke off and looked around the room. “No, they are the only thing of interest to me. My family. You seek to split us up for your own gain. I will not sit idly by and let that happen.”
Aro licked his lips. “And just what do you think you would do about it?”
Jasper’s eyes went dead black. “Whatever it took.” Demetri took a step towards Jasper but Aro stopped him with a raised hand.
“You are a warrior. I like that. I respect it. It is rare that I find a man who will speak his mind to me, even knowing I can read it with just a simple touch.”
Jasper smiled in challenge. “Go ahead and touch me, you’ll see that my thoughts match my words.”
“No need, my friend, I can see that you are being forthcoming with me, so I will be the same with you. Yes, I desire your wife to join my coven; Isabella and Edward too. You as well, with your gift of the senses, I’m sure I could find use for you.” Jasper sneered at that. “I come here in peace, just to talk. I will take no action against you should you say no. Your family intrigues me; can you blame me for that?”
Jasper sat back, his lips twitching. “Not at all, we’re an interesting bunch after all.”
“You are indeed! Your Alice’s ability to see thing which have not yet happened! I admit I can’t get her pretty pictures out of my mind. And I see with my own eyes that they come to pass, for here is Isabella, looking just as she did in Alice’s vision. And you, with your ability to control moods! You could make a room full of humans calm as they were drained of blood, one by one! Surely you can see the appeal you both hold for me?”
Jasper nodded at him to continue on. “And Edward! To be able to read minds at a great distance; even with my gift I am admittedly jealous of his. He can tell us what everybody in the room is thinking right now, save for our puzzling Isabella. Edward, share with us someone in this room’s thoughts, if you would be so kind? I envy your skill so!”
I glanced at Carlisle to see what he thought of all this. He was sitting on the couch taking everything in but refrained from interjecting, perhaps out of deference to his old friendship with Aro. He nodded at me to go ahead and do what Aro asked.
I smiled. “Felix is thinking how beautiful the women are and wishing he could have some alone time with Bella and Rose, together.” I knew what this pronouncement would do but if I was going to be a performing monkey, I was going to give them a show.
“What?” Rose shrieked, pushing off Emmett’s lap and poking Felix in the chest with an angry finger. “First off, I would never be with you; Emmett is all the man that I need.” She took a long survey of Felix’s body, her eyes running up and down his large frame. “You don’t begin to measure up, trust me on that!” Emmett nodded smugly though he didn’t smile. He watched Felix, ready to take him on if he laid a finger on Rosalie. “Second of all, I would certainly never be with her that way.” She jerked a thumb towards Bella, who looked away in discomfort. “Thirdly,” her eyes moved to Aro. “Who are you to come into our house and try to break up our family? I may not like all the people in it but they belong here. You do not.”
Everyone froze at Rose’s words. Acceptance. Maybe it was grudging but it was there. My jaw dropped open as did several others in the room.
Aro smiled serenely, not remotely ruffled by Rosalie’s words. “You are a fiery, Rose, aren’t you? So aptly named. I respect your loyalty to your family, loyalty is very important to us as a people, wouldn’t you say?” Rose just shrugged, hands on her hips. “But tell me, Rosalie, do your words actually extend to the newest member of your family? I was of the understanding that you didn’t feel Isabella belonged with you.”
Rose looked uncomfortable. “I don’t agree with her choice, but her choice was made. She belongs with my brother now and he belongs with us. Therefore, she does too.” She turned on her heel and went back to stand next to Emmett, who was beaming with pride and happiness. He swept her back into his arms and gave her a crushing hug.
“Rosie! I’m so proud of you, baby!”
“I still don’t like her, Emmett. But she is family, whether I like it or not. And nobody messes with my family.” Loyalty had always been Rosalie’s most attractive trait. That she was showing any for Bella was huge.
“Well, it seems my visit has paid some dividends after all, hasn’t it? You’ve discovered just how strong your family unit is.” And so have I. “We have to be going, soon, as we have a little matter to attend to down in North Carolina. A vampire who is actually seeking attention, wearing a cape and telling women he is Dracula. Some people are so unoriginal and so crass.”
Carlisle stood and offered his hand to Aro again. Aro took it and saw nothing untoward in his thoughts. We just want to live our lives, Aro, surely they have shown you that they have no desire to take your place. Please, leave us be, we’re finally whole.
“Carlisle, my pure-hearted friend, not everyone is as content with their lot as you are. I hope you all remain that way.” I will make plans in case you do not.
“We will, so long as we’re together.”
Aro let go of Carlisle’s hand and strode back to Bella. “Dearest Isabella, should you change your mind and decide you’d like our help in discovering your talents, do not hesitate to contact us. You are welcome in Volterra anytime.” She acknowledged his words with a smile. “Edward, the same goes for you, of course, please do not limit yourself, the world could truly be yours.”
I looked at my Bella, sitting at my side. “It already is.”
Aro smiled. “Young love, how I envy you that.” He turned to Alice and Jasper. “Need I ask you?”
Alice gave him a toothy grin. “No, but thank you anyway.”
“You are a treasure. I hope he appreciates it.”
Jasper tightened his hold on Alice. “I do.”
“Good. I imagine we will meet again, Jasper.”
Jasper’s eyes flicked to Demetri and Felix. “We will.”
Aro’s smile was predatory. “I look forward to it.”
“As do I.”
“Esme, it was lovely seeing you again, your home suits you beautifully.”
“Thank you, Aro, I wish you well.” What I really wish is that you’d stay away from everyone in my family.
“And I you. Fiery Rose, I hope to see you in action someday. Emmett, you cherish that flower, there are few as rare and beautiful as the one you have.”
Emmett glowered at him. “I will. Felix, enjoy your fantasies, man, because they’ll never be a reality.” The two huge men eyed each other with animosity but Felix said nothing at Aro’s silencing look.
“Thank you for your hospitality, dearest Cullens. I’m sorry if my visit brought on any anxiety. I admire your family very much and only wish to make you a part of mine. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?”
Carlisle shook his head. “No, there isn’t, but there’s nothing wrong with us wanting to keep our family unit as it is. We’ve finally all found what we needed.” He put a hand on my shoulder. “That’s all we want, honestly.”
Aro looked at all of us and nodded. “I can’t say that I won’t reach out to you again but I respect your decision. I do hope that you will visit us one day. It’s been far too long since you’ve been to Volterra, Carlisle, and I’m sure the others would like to see it as well.”
“Perhaps, someday.” I smirked; I’d rather be a pile of ashes than voluntarily step foot back in Volterra.
“Come, Felix, Demetri, let’s go deal with far less pleasant characters. Take care, dear ones. I hope to see you again.”
We watched as Aro and his guards left. Rosalie eyed us all warily, almost daring us to say something about her defense of the family. When nobody said anything, she cleared her throat. “Well I don’t know about you but all the chest thumping in the living room made me hungry. Anyone care to go hunting?”
We all answered in the affirmative and ran into the forest, relieved to have our home to ourselves again.
Leave a comment