I took his arm and allowed him to lead me into the lion’s den which contained about forty vampires. Some wore simple hooded, grey cloaks while others were dressed similarly to me. All of them followed me with their eerie red gaze. At least their eyes were a deep saturated burgundy indicating that they’d all recently fed and that I wasn’t part of the main course.

Almost as though Aro read my mind he whispered, “You are safe; no one will harm you here. We have all fed well this evening in preparation for your presence amongst us this night.”

Demetri and Felix, who’d just sidled up to us, laughed. “Indeed, my lord. Heidi is most efficient at her job, even under such short notice.” His eyes sizzled over me and he inhaled sharply. "Though, when one smells as sinful as you…well, one always has room for dessert.”

Demetri cleared his throat. “Don’t let Heidi hear you say that.”

Speak of the devil – Heidi sauntered down in a chocolate, vinyl, floor length gown, her hair piled intricately on top of her head with gold woven through. She had gold gladiator boots that went all the way up her thigh, but was only noticeable when she stood so her leg peeked out of the slit that ended at her hip.

“Stunning, is she not?” Aro murmured softly. “But high maintenance.” He chuckled. I didn’t dare laugh; though, privately I agreed.

“Isabella, you clean up well,” she noted moving forward and draping herself on Aro’s other side, her nose wrinkling and a frown descending on her lovely face as she took in Dylan’s scent that was layered all over my body from the searing kiss we’d shared but minutes ago. I had to force my hand to stay at my side instead of wiping the taste of him from my lips again.

Eyeing me up, she asked, ““Shall I bring them in?” Aro’s eyes shot to mine quickly before returning to Heidi. He sighed almost regrettably.

“No point in putting it off. The sooner we get through…negotiations, the sooner our Isabella will get her greatest desire.”

I took the ordinary seat positioned beside his opulent throne and did my best to ignore his brothers on either side of us. All sound had ceased from the other vampires and all expression had been wiped from their faces. They appeared no more than a sea of corpses, not so much as an eye blinked or a chest rose in breath.