Give in to Us Chapter 2

As we waited for the guards to come get us, Alice told me the names and gifts of the Volturi queens and the main guard we were most likely to encounter. I learned Didyme could read bonds between people and could make anyone around her happy, so was always there when there was a difficult case for the leaders to hear. Athenodora was believed to be a gifted strategist that earned a reputation of being unbeatable in any kind of battle. Heidi could ‘compel’ people do what she wanted them to; her intense beauty that put even Rosalie’s beauty to shame, helped her to do that in addition to her gift of compulsion. Jane could give the illusion of pain to one person at a time, but the pain was the most intense pain anyone could ever feel. Alec, her twin, could take away a person’s senses and was able to affect more than one person at a time. Felix had a lot of strength, similar to Emmett but more finely trained. Demetri was able to track anyone from any distance as long as he had some trace of the person. I learned there were a lot of other vampires living in the castle, a lot of lower level guards and most had gifts. From just the ones she listed, it was enough to know the Volturi were not to be trifled with.

I learned the three queens were mates and had been together for thousands of years. Athenodora was the oldest, much older than the other two queens who were both a little over three thousand but no one knew, outside of her mates, how old she really was only that she was likely the oldest living vampire. I thought that was a bit of a stretch and Alice agreed with me but she was sure Athenodora was at least very old and the biggest threat of the queens because the older a vampire got, the stronger they were. That could be both amazing and frightening depending on a person’s point of view.

I wasn’t sure how long we were kept in the room but I was thankful the room wasn’t as bad as I had been lead to believe it would be in the Volturi stronghold. It was bland and none-descript but there was no doubt of the room belonging to someone with wealth and power. This room seemed a lot more inviting than what I thought they Volturi would have a human breaking their laws waiting in. Thinking that though made me wonder about the picture in Carlisle’s room. I didn’t understand why I was told those three men were the Volturi leaders when the real Volturi’s leaders were very much female.

“Why did Edward tell me the Volturi rulers were those three guys?” I asked, trying my best to keep my mind moving so I wouldn’t think about what may or may not be happening to Edward. I was worried he was being hurt and there was nothing I or Alice could do about it. The best way I could combat my concern for my boyfriend was by keeping my mind occupied by something else.

Alice sighed and for a moment, she looked exhausted; even though I knew it wasn’t possible for the tiny vampire. She was closest to me and Edward both, so I knew she knew the answer. It was only a matter of how much she was willing to tell me and that was the frustrating part. She would only tell me what Edward thought I should know, what he thought was safe for me to know. While it was frustrating, it did show me how much he cared.

“I know both Edward and Carlisle liked those men in the painting. Carlisle was good friends from when he had spent some time here from what I understand and Edward liked them based off of what Carlisle had shared with him.” Alice explained with a scrunched up face, which made me believe she was either thinking of what was okay with telling me and what Edward may not want me to know. Edward was always careful of what exactly he shared with me so I wouldn’t get hurt and liked to have Alice cooperate with what he wanted and did not want me to know. “The only reason I could think of that would make him tell you that those men were the rulers would be because he may have wanted it to be true.”

“Edward wanted those men to be the rulers?” If he didn’t know who those men were, why would he prefer them over the women? Did it really matter in the long run who kept the laws of vampires from being broken?

“He would have liked them to be, I think.” Alice said, a bit hesitantly. She was probably worried about what the Volturi would think of someone wanting other people to be in charge. “But from what I know, Carlisle was only friends with them. He had nothing to do with them attempting to overthrow the queens. I believe he actually didn’t approve of what they did when he heard about it.”

“The painting was of some place inside the castle. Were they friends of the Volturi and then tried to overthrow them?” I asked. This conversation was a very good distraction from thinking of how hurt Edward might be. I also couldn’t help but be drawn to learning about the Volturi’s history; the more you knew about your enemy the better, right?

“Those three men, if you’re talking about who I think you are, came here asking for help in dealing with a possible newborn problem.” Heidi said as she and Jane walked into the room after practically throwing the door open, making me jump from the unexpectedness. I would have thought Alice would have warned me they were coming so that wouldn’t happen. But looking at Alice, it seemed she was caught off guard as well and that worried me. “When the queens sent some of the guard to deal with the supposed newborn army, which there was none, they attacked us thinking since a lot of the guard was gone, they would have an easy win.” Heidi said with a smirk.

“They greatly underestimated the loyalty of the guard and of our queens’ power.” Jane said with a matching smirk that sent shivers down my spine. Unlike Heidi’s smirk that seemed more playful than anything else, Jane’s smirk made me feel nervous. It was a predator’s smirk. “Their revolt didn’t last an hour. It’s a shame I wasn’t there to help kill them and their supporters.”

“That’s what you get for being the queens prized guard; you always get the fun missions.” Heidi teased Jane. “But enough about the unpleasantness of the past, the queens have… requested your presence.” The slight hesitation Heidi had in saying requested told me the queens made no request, they demanded. Seeing a brief glazed over look in Alice’s eyes and then a pensive look replaced it, told me she knew what was about to happen. But I couldn’t even begin to guess if it was good or bad. She wasn’t giving anything away.

“Then let’s go Bella.” Alice looped her arm through mine, something she had always done. In our current circumstances, it brought me more comfort than I cared to admit. With not knowing what was about to happen, having something familiar was almost like wearing a protective shield. I saw both Jane and Heidi’s eyes trace Alice’s arm as it looped through mine and I thought I heard one, or both, of them growl. But I had to have imagined it. What would two Volturi guards care about mine and Alice’s close friendship? I wanted my best friend close when confronting or even just getting close to a bunch of vampires that wanted me dead; especially since I didn’t have Edward.

Alec was still in the hall, even though I thought he would have left since both Heidi and Jane were there to walk us to wherever it was we were summoned to. Jane and Heidi walked behind Alice and I. Having those two women walk behind us made me more nervous than I thought I should have been when just walking. I knew they were predators, all vampires were, but something felt different as I walked in front of them towards an unknown destination. I knew we weren’t going to the throne room because the paintings looked different when we turned down what seemed like a random hall.

As we walked down the new hall, I felt Heidi’s and Jane’s eyes on me. Their gaze felt more intense than what was warranted; at least in my mind what was warranted. But even though it felt intense, it didn’t feel like they were hunting me. I’ve felt that feeling several times with vampires and this wasn’t one of those times. It didn’t feel like they were seconds away from cutting my throat. I couldn’t figure out why they were looking at me with that intensity and what they would want with me if not to kill me; perhaps that really was all they wanted? I wasn’t sure what to think.

The one thing I knew for sure though was I really wanted to get back to Edward. I wanted to be back in his arms and for all three of us to somehow escape the Volturi and never have to deal with them again. I had thought I lost Edward forever and now I had him back, I never wanted to let him go again. I didn’t think I would survive again if that were to happen; it hurt too much the last time and I didn’t want to live through anything similar to that pain.

We were led into a room that seemed like an office. There were a couple couches and armchairs that looked very comfortable. There were several bookcases lining the walls and a roaring fire in an elegant looking fireplace giving the place a very relaxing ambience. All the couches and armchairs were situated so they all seemed to face both each other and the fire at the same time. There was one desk off to the side and was the only thing that made me think the room was some sort of office.

On the three armchairs that were all next to each other, were the three queens. They all had serious looks on their face. They made me feel Alice and I were about to get some very bad news. I griped Alice’s arm tighter as we waited for the fallout. Sulpicia gestured for Alice and I to sit down, so we sat next to each on a couch opposite the queens. Jane and Heidi moved to stand behind the queen’s in the armchairs and effectively gave the queens a more intimidating look.

“What have you decided?” Alice asked as I moved slightly closer to her as a way to seek comfort. I knew if anything were to happen, Alice wouldn’t really be able to protect me because she was only one person against five, not counting the other guards in the castle. Even with how outnumbered we were, Alice was still the best chance I had to survive anything the Volturi tossed at us.

“We will not kill Edward.” Sulpicia said with a smile, like she was giving us a gift. Which, I suppose, she was. She was giving the gift of Edward staying alive. But what was the cost? There had to be one. Her smile alone said there was a catch we wouldn’t like.

“Yet.” Athenodora added with a smirk.

“He did break a law. A very serious law and there must be repercussions for it.” Sulpicia continued, like Athenodora hadn’t interrupted her. “But he wasn’t the only to break one of our most highly guarded laws.”

“We are going to send young Alice here to gather her family and bring them here.” Didyme said with a kind smile. The smile was kind but there was something in it that had me worried.

“You will leave right away to fetch them.” Athenodora said and it looked like she was fighting a sneer. “Once the entire Cullen Coven is here, we will proceed with punishments for breaking our law.”

“What are you going to do to us?” I nervously asked as I gripped Alice’s hand. Her silence was only making me feel worse.

I knew she only mentioned the Cullen’s getting a punishment but there was no way the Volturi would not punish me as well. I was only a human, a human that knew their secret. I was probably in more trouble than the Cullen’s were because it was a lot less worrisome to kill me than it was to kill a vampire. Although, they were the Volturi, they probably didn’t really care either way who was killed in the end as long as their secret was kept.

“What makes you think we are going to do something to you?” Sulpicia asked me with a tilt of her head, her face giving nothing away.

I looked at Alice, not sure how I should answer. I had no idea what I could say that wouldn’t offend the Volturi. I had thought, based off of what Edward had told me, if anyone broke the law it resulted in the Volturi killing them. But if I were to tell them that, they might feign being offended and get us in even more trouble; I didn’t doubt they weren’t above torture if they were bored. I didn’t know what a safe answer would be. But I knew Alice would. If she would talk, I squeezed her arm again in a silent plead I’m sure all the vampires heard loud and clear.

“I think it’s safe to say Sulpicia, the Volturi do not have the best reputation when it comes to humans.” Alice answered for me, having the queens turn their attention to her. I would have thought losing most of the rooms’ attention would be relieving, but Heidi and Jane kept their eyes on me and it made me nervous. Something about them, just being in the same room as them, made me nervous.

“And you think we are going to kill Bella?” Athenodora said, this time not fighting a sneer. It was almost like she was offended by the thought of killing me. But that couldn’t be right. Their red eyes said they killed humans all the time, what was one more human to them?

“I don’t want to make any assumptions.” Alice quickly said in a placating tone. “It’s just not exactly that common for humans to live long if they are ever around the Volturi.”

“Well, then allow us to change your perspective.” Sulpicia said with a grin that made it seem like Alice had walked into a trap. “Alice, you may go back to your family and return with them all in seven days. No sooner.”

“Bella will stay here with us and you can see when you return that she is entirely unharmed.” Didyme said.

“We’ll show the Volturi are not the monsters you seem to think we are.” Sulpicia added.

“Edward will stay locked where he is to ensure he doesn’t escape. He is the one that got the family in this situation, he will be the one to bear the brunt of whatever punishment will be given.” Athenodora finished.

I could feel the blood drain from my face as I realized I was going to be left alone with these red eyed vampires. Alice was leaving and she was the only one able to provide some sort of protection from these vampires. Edward was locked away someplace and I could only hope he was safe, so there was no hope of him providing any protection for me. If Alice was forced to leave without me, I would be on my own with a large coven of vampires that would have no problem killing me. I didn’t even know how many there were as Alice said vampires were always leaving and coming from the castle and that there were many secret passages, even underground, that vampires could be lurking and no one know. At least a human wouldn’t know. It was unnerving.

“You’re not going to hurt him, are you?” I asked right away. I just stopped Edward from doing something that guaranteed his death I didn’t want his life in danger again.

“That depends on what happens when the Cullen’s return in a week.” Athenodora said. There was a look in her eyes that said she wouldn’t mind hurting them and that instantly turned me off from her. From all the Volturi I had meant, Athenodora seemed like the most dangerous one, like the one that wouldn’t mind having any of the ones I loved hurt. She would be the one I would have to be the most careful around if I was forced to interact with any of them before the Cullen’s got back.

“Bella has a father in Forks that will be worried about her. If she doesn’t show up soon, he’ll start doing whatever he can to find her. I would hate for him to stumble upon something that may lead here.” I wasn’t sure what Alice was doing, but goading them didn’t seem like a good idea to me. The fact that all the other vampires in the room were glaring at Alice was a very good hint they didn’t think she what she said was a good idea either.

“I will deal with him.” Sulpicia said in a dismissive tone, though she sounded tense.

“Don’t you dare think about threatening us again young one.” Athenodora said with a growl that made me shift closer to Alice; at that point I was practically in her lap. My shift caught Jane and Heidi’s attention as they seemed to glare harder at Alice. “You won’t like the results.”

“Yes, Athenodora.” Alice said right away with a bow of her head. “I was just thinking of what would be best for us, for Bella.”

Surprisingly, all three queens growled. I had heard Jane and Heidi growl and it was just within my hearing range. But the growls the queen’s released where much louder; it nearly hurt my ears. I flinched into Alice out of fear, my instincts telling me only Alice, the only vampire in the room I trusted and didn’t look like she was about to tear something apart, was able to protect me and I wanted that when all three of the ancient vampires growled. Athenodora stood from her seat and Sulpicia quickly followed and placed a hand on the other blonde’s shoulder.

“Don’t make assumptions of what is best.” Athenodora said before turning and storming out of the room. Apparently she was done with the conversation. Although I was sure we still had a bit more to discuss. Especially about the part of what was going to happen to me if Alice was leaving back to the State’s without me. I was very curious about that and very afraid of the answer.

“I’m sorry about her.” Sulpicia apologized and from the small and quick expression of shock on Alice’s face, apologizing wasn’t something Sulpicia typically did. It probably wasn’t typical of any member of the Volturi. “I’m going to make sure she doesn’t accidently hurt any vampire that may cross her path. She tends to have a nasty temper and she’s a fan of letting it go on any random bystander. I’ll be seeing you later dear.” Sulpicia told me before leaving the room as well to follow her mate.

“Athenodora has a nasty habit of taking her aggression out on any vampire she deems isn’t respectful enough when she’s in a bad mood; which is usually any vampire she comes across.” Didyme calmly said once the door was closed behind Sulpicia. “I assure you though, her anger or any of our anger, will never be directed towards you. At least we find it highly unlikely it ever would.” Didyme explained and I got the sense the time for Alice to leave was very near.

“You are safe here Bella.” Heidi said after she sent a glance towards Didyme. “None of us would ever hurt you.”

“No one would dare lay a finger on you.” Jane said with a tone that promised pain to anyone that contradicted her.

I really didn’t want to believe either of them but there was a small part of me that said they were both telling the truth. I quickly quieted that part of my brain down. It didn’t make any sense as it was the Volturi I was thinking of and they were nothing but trouble for humans. Regardless of how nice, to me at least, they had been so far, it wouldn’t be smart or safe for me to let my guard down around them.

“With that said, I believe it is time for you to go home and gather your family Alice.” Didyme said as she stood up. “Jane and Heidi will escort you to the airport to make sure there are no further problems. I will escort you, Bella, to a room you can use while we wait for the Cullen’s to arrive.”

Alice stood, pulling me up with her since I had yet to let her go; truthfully I was afraid to let her go. I didn’t want Alice to leave. I wanted her to fight to stay with me or to take me with her. A dark part of my mind that wasn’t over what had happened reminded me that Alice hadn’t fought for me in the past, why would she now?

“I hope you don’t find this at all offensive, but I am concerned about Bella’s safety.” Alice said with a frown, giving me a spark of hope that perhaps she would fight for me this time.

I saw Didyme’s lip slightly curl in what I thought was annoyance and I thought she was going to growl but she didn’t. Even though her face hardened in annoyance, her smile never once left her face. It was the most frightening smile I had ever seen. I never thought a smile could be so scary.

“I believe we have already said Bella is safe here. In fact, she is the safest she has ever been.” I had nearly made a noise in disagreement but before I did, but I cut myself off before I did. If they were promising me safety, then I wasn’t about to argue it or risk them taking the safety back. “Do you doubt my word, the word of the Volturi?”

“No, never.” Alice quickly said as she sent an apologetic look. She couldn’t fight any more for me. I was going to be left on my own. At least she fought more this time for me than she had in the past; too bad it was with the same results. “I suppose, I’ll go now.”

“I think that would be wise.” Jane said with her ever present sneer on her face.

Alice seemed to want to retort to Jane but she turned to face me instead. This was going to be a goodbye. I couldn’t help but think a bit sarcastically, that at least this time she was saying goodbye and I knew she would be back. I felt horrible I was reassured by the thought I knew she would be back because Edward wasn’t leaving and the Volturi were ordering she return. I was afraid to think if she would have come back if Edward wasn’t stuck here and she didn’t have the orders to come back.

“Bella, just keep as low a profile as possible.” Alice cautioned and I was more than okay with it. “In just one week, all of us will be back and we’ll figure something out to bring you home.” She promised but I just couldn’t fully believe her. I felt like there was something going on that wasn’t being said and I was anxious to find out.

“Of course Alice.” I said, avoiding saying goodbye. Even though it was guaranteed she would be returning, I was afraid she wouldn’t. That them leaving was happening all over again, only this time she wasn’t going to leave behind my back.

She pulled me into a tight hug and I had to choke back sob as I realized she was really leaving me alone with creatures that despite what they say, could very well kill me at any moment. I knew if she could, she would leave with me, or even stay here with me and just call or email the other Cullen’s and tell them to come to Italy that way; at least I hoped that was the case. I was terrified and she knew I was, yet there was nothing my best friend could do to help me.

With one last squeeze of her arms, Alice released me and left the room without another glance back at me. I was thankful she didn’t or I would have tried to argue with her for her to take me with her or to stay. I just had to watch my only protection walk away with Jane and Heidi following her. From the corner of my eye, I saw Didyme walk towards me and I immediately gave her my full attention. She sat down on the corner of the couch, so I moved to sit on the opposite side from her instead of in the middle. I thought about moving to the other couch or even one of the armchairs but I was afraid of insulting her if I decided to sit as far away as possible from her.

“Don’t worry dear, in a week’s time she’ll be back.” Didyme assured me with a smile as I sat down as far away as the couch would let me. She seemed so relaxed, so at ease. She was acting the exact opposite of how I felt. “We’re just waiting for my mates to get back and then we’ll talk more about what’s going on.” She paused as if expecting me to respond. In truth, I was so shocked she was seemingly having a conversation with me that didn’t have to do with telling me I was about to die, I wasn’t sure what to say. I had thought I was going to be left alone fairly quickly but here she was, wanting to talk. “Tell me dear, have you heard much about bonds?” I guess she opted not to wait for her mates after all.

“I know that’s your power.” I answered, finally finding words.

“Anything else?”

“Um, does vampires having mates count?” I asked. I didn’t know much about bonds but I knew some basics. Very basic.

“That is technically part of it.” Didyme said with a tilt of her head. “But that’s not entirely it. There are many kinds of bonds people can have. Mates, friendship and… familial.” She paused after that, giving me an expectant look.

“Okay.” I hesitantly said, afraid of where she might be going with this.

“Ah, here come my mates now.” Didyme said as she stood up and turned towards the closed door.

I nervously gulped as I saw the two blonde queens open the door and walk into the room. I had no idea what to expect of the upcoming conversation and I was more than afraid.