Chapter 6 What’s Mine is Yours and What’s Yours is Mine

Bella

“Sit, please,” Aro spoke softly in his melodious voice that seemed almost hypnotic and I found my body reacting before my mind decided to sit on the velvet chair in his privet chambers.

All the guards, with the exception of his personal bodyguard, Renata, had been dismissed and all that remained were Aro, Caius, Marcus, and Dylan, who’d insisted on remaining at my side. Like he could help me. He was mortal just like me and could offer me no protection from these ancient vampires if they decided my death would be more beneficial than the other alternative.

I tried not to think about what the other option was. To finally become what I’d wanted so badly a year ago, but without Edward. To be immortal and live year after long year knowing the love of my life had slipped through my fingers, that he’d never felt for me what I’d felt for him. Suddenly, the prospect of becoming a vampire was not as appealing as it’d once been, but it was my bargaining chip. As it stood, Aro could transform me and I was still free to go on my merry way, but the Cullens would be punished for their breach of vampire law or I could promise to remain at Volterra as one of Aro’s guards. Or…I could die. But death would not stop Aro from raining all kinds of hell down on the Cullens, so that wasn’t really a viable option.

“Are you hungry? Would you like a drink?” He asked, his milky eyes boring into mine with complete fascination. Personally, I didn’t see what all the fuss was about, but clearly I was missing something. Earlier, he’d taken my hand in his and bestowed a lingering kiss across my knuckles, but when he raised his eyes to mine they were full of frustration and a hint of anger.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“Lovely.” He clapped his hands cheerfully while his brothers looked on, boredom written plainly across their faces. “So, my dearest Isabella, let us get to know one another.” He leaned in slightly. “Usually I do not have to resort to such…tiresome methods of acquiring information, but you, my lovely, elude me.” His two index fingers steepled and he rested his nearly translucent chin against them in deep thought, a flash of frustration once again present.