Chapter 9 Judgment

Aro, Marcus, and Caius sat across from me with Renata directly behind Aro as they discussed the Cullen's fate. I already knew mine. I was to be transformed as soon as the Cullen's mess was sorted out.

As it stood, Aro was concerned that his original plan was no longer a viable option. He informed me when this meeting began that he had intended to use me to entice at least a few of the Cullens to join his court. More specifically, Edward, Alice, and Jasper. He seemed to believe that Alice would stay for me and wherever Alice went Jasper was sure to follow. And it’s no secret how much Jasper struggled with the vegetarian lifestyle. His life would be a whole lot easier if he had a reason to stay in Volterra, or at least that was Aro’s reasoning.

But after seeing my reaction to Edward, Aro was no longer certain this was the best idea, which made absolutely no sense to me. He already knew the kind of powers the trio possessed. You would think he’d take a proven talent over an unknown quantity. He had no way of knowing if I’d be fortunate enough to possess a special ability, yet he was willing to trade all of them in for me.

“Hey, there’s always a chance I won’t even remember them once I’m transformed, so my issues with them will be nonexistent. Sounds like you can have your cake and eat it to,” I commented lightly. I’d been acting a bit off all day. Gee, I can’t imagine why. You try giving up your virginity to someone you couldn’t care less about while the man of your dreams is right outside listening to the whole ordeal. Now that the alcohol had worn off, I could fully appreciate the foolishness of my actions.

Aro cast a sideways glance at Marcus who shrugged looking genuinely perplexed. “Felix indicated that you spent the night with Demetri,” Aro stated, but really it was a question. I frowned to myself trying to follow the abrupt change in subject.

I shrugged. “Does it matter?”

He gave a humorless laugh. “From the foul mood Edward was in earlier, I would have to say, yes, it does matter. Do you really think he’s going to give up his way of life for you now?”