“What?” I gasped refusing to believe him about Tanya, but interested in Irina’s involvement.

Marcus smiled warmly. “The sisters had a run in with us many years ago. You see, their maker did something even more unforgivable than sharing our secret with a human, she created an immortal child. We killed both and would have killed Tanya, Irina, and Kate, but Aro…” he chuckled. “Do not tell him I said this, but he was greatly affected by their beauty. They are succubae and their power over men was what granted them a reprieve, but as you can imagine the slaughter of their maker and the child is burned into their minds. They became fanatical about vampire law and when Irina learned of you, she immediately contacted Aro for fear that we would blame their coven since they knew the Cullens’ secret.”

“What’s gonna happen to me now?” I asked after pondering his quick tale. “What about the Cullens?”

He shrugged. “You’ll be transformed.”

“And…can I stay here?”

His head came up quickly as though shocked by my question. “You are, of course, welcomed here. Aro would love for you to join our court.” His lips puckered slightly, his eyes narrowed in deep thought. “I should not say this, but be sure of your decision, Isabella. You really should talk to your Edward before deciding something so drastic.”

“He said everything he needed to the day he left me.”

 I stood. “If I were escorted, could I maybe go out tonight?” I asked sounding like a small child asking for the impossible.

“I think that could be arranged. I will speak to Aro about it and if he grants your request I shall send Demetri to you.”

"Marcus?" He turned, looking at me expectantly. "I don't want the Cullens punished because of me. Whatever it takes…please tell me there's a way for me to protect them."

"I'll see what I can do, Isabella. But be very careful. The price might be higher than you could ever fathom."

I know this update took me a while but my father-in-law died last Tuesday and I was in a bad car accident this past Wednesday, so my muse has taken a vacation. This is the fifth version of this chapter. Not sure how I feel about it. Would love to hear your thought or suggestions.