by ShipperGirlky
CHAPTER TEN
AN: I finally moved into my own apartment! No internet here but will post monthly from the library. Sorry but updates will be incredibly slow.
THREE MONTHS LATER
Bella stood in front of a floor length mirror gazing at her reflection. The white wedding dress was a simple A line design with embroidered pearls scattered throughout the gown. Her lacy veil covered her hair which had been curled in tight ringlets. True to form, she wore the kitten heels. It took a month of practice before she felt confident enough to make this walk down the aisle. Her bouquet consisted of pure white roses. An even half dozen.
"Now don't trip when you are walking down the aisle. Caius is nervous enough without having to worry about you spilling blood accidentally. The rest of the Cullens and the Denalis are here. I believe Carlisle is looking for you." Alice muttered almost to herself. "I will be waiting in the reception area. The entire Guard has been kept busy."
"Okay..." Bella stated uncertainly. "I will speak with him then wait for Marcus to walk me down the aisle." She spread her dress into a more wrinkle free state. "Just show him in." Alice left the room without looking Bella in the eyes. She said something undiscerable to her ears.
Her wait did not last long. There was a knock on the door. Bella was facing away from the door gathering her courage. "Come in." Her voice was soft and she hoped it did not betray her feelings. She had not seen the Cullens since Edward had claimed her as a mate several months ago.
"Bella..." She would never forget that soft velvety voice...breathless. In horror, she turned around to see both Carlisle and Edward blocking the only doorway.
"I thought only Carlisle was coming." Bella tried to keep her composure. "I don't think the invitation extended to you Edward. Please leave."
Edward stepped forward, his hands held up peacefully. "This should be OUR day. Together..." He flashed over to Bella and wrapped his hands around her waist. Her eyes went to Carlisle but the older vampire merely looked away from them. He continued, "...I know how to convince you. There is only one way." He pushed her against the wall. A short scream was cut off as he held his hand over her mouth. She struggled in vain. Her eyes closed in defeat when she felt the piercing bite of his teeth. The fire engulfed her immediately.
Alice paced in front of Jasper. The guilt rolled off of her which she knew her mate felt. So far he had said nothing to her but it was only a matter of time before he brought it up. She could only hope to give Edward time. Caius' room was soundproof like the other king's rooms.
Her eyes glazed over. Jasper noticed immediately and went over to her. She spoke in a bare whisper. "We have to leave-now!" Without question, both vampires made their way quietly. Alice refused to speak or meet Jasper's steady gaze until they were at the hotel. The rooms were in disarray.
"What is going on?" Jasper queried. "What happened here?" Alice refused to look at him. He gently took her chin in his hand and forced her to meet his gaze. "What did you see?"
"Bella...she is going to be one of us...sooner than you think. Edward took it upon himself to turn her. He thinks that she is still his mate." She grabbed his arms. "We have to leave here. Carlisle and Edward took Bella already. Esme and the others have already followed them. We can go to England first."
Jasper shook his head. "The only thing we are doing is to return to the castle and tell the kings. I won't see either of us die over this matter. The others sealed their fate when they ran."
"I...might have helped them." She shuddered. "Edward convinced Carlisle he only wanted to talk to Bella. To say good-bye. I told Bella she would only see Carlisle. Once she gave her approval, the lower guard let them both into her room. The guard is far enough away that they cannot hear through the soundproofing. Caius himself sent me to get her ready. I would be the last one to see her before they took her. Aro will touch my hand and see the truth." She grabbed his shirt. "Please! We must get away!"
"Alice, that was a stupid thing to do. Why would you take Bella from her mate? Marcus would never lie just to do harm. We ARE going back there. Whatever punishment is handed out, we will accept." He forcefully held her and dragged the seer back to the castle entrance. Felix and Demetri were waiting there.
Jasper forced Alice into a half bow before them. He spoke, "Alice has something to confess. We wish an audience with the kings. Aro can see for himself the truth of the matter." Both guards motioned for them to go ahead. It took little time before they were in the throneroom. There were numerous witnesses. Caius growled in fury.
"Where is my mate, you treacherous bitch!" Caius lunged towards the couple. Jasper crouched down but it was unnecesary. As Aro nodded in his direction, Felix grabbed the blonde king and pushed him to the side.
"Now, Now brother." Aro glided over to Alice. He extended his hand towards her. "Let's have the full story."