Chapter 5; Tender Begginings

Aros POV;

I looked at Bella's unkept body. She needs food, love, affection. She needs to heal from the deadly wound she has. Edward is certainly going to pay for his foolish mistakes. Its disgraceful to leave such a wonderful specimen. I believe if we had left her longer there truly would be nothing left. Bella's far to frail and weak to be safe. I signal my guard to form a box formation as I hear an unemotional giggle. I turn around and realise Bella was shivering. I vowed to make her safe, loved and protected. I approach her and she flinches at my outstretched hand. "Do not be afraid young one, we will take care of you, you are safe now young one" I say this as sweetly as I could, but in reality my anger was seething inside me. I outstretch my hands and hug the frail being. I could feel every bone in her body. I felt myself let out a growl. But Bella didn't shy away from me. She really is full of surprises.

"Felix please hand me the other gifts, I believe Bella would enjoy them" I say in a small soft voice. Bella looks at me in shock, how sweet I thought. Caius and Marcus shifted uncomfortably. Then I realised, she was bleeding. I look to her arm, the bandage that was wrapped around her was nearly covered in blood. "Alec, I need you to grab the medical kit from the plane. I believe she needs some help with her current wound" I ordered him silently. Alec bowed his head and took off. I took Bella by the arm and lead her to a small bookstore owned by the Cullen's. Its not the best place but I know Carlisle will help me, even if I am angry at what his son has done to such a beautiful person. I knock lightly on the back door, Carlisle quickly answers and stares in complete disbelief. "Aro, pleasure to see you again, its been too long." he stammers and looks at Bella. Carlisle stood there for a moment pondering something over. "Carlisle I implore you help, Bella here needs a wound treated and I believe she will need stitches" I flatly stated this as I was becoming annoyed with his current confusion. Bella clung to my arm and let out a small sob. I pull her into my arms and pick her up. " Do not worry little one, I will get you fixed up, I will protect you and comfort you. I will stay with you throughout the procedure and I will make sure you will be comfy when the stitches go in." I said softly whilst cradling her head in my arms. I felt so many emotions, mostly anger, disappointment, sorrow but despite that I felt an underlying emotion, something I couldn't quite pin point.

We walked through the carefully laid out book shop to Carlisle's office, in there, there was a single bed a small desk, riddled with medical notes. Old Latin books and other languages where sprawled out on the desk. I always admired how he studied. I look back to Bella who was silently sobbing still. I place her gently on the bed but she wouldn't let me go. I understood why. Having being abandoned by the Cullen's any attachments she makes will be very strong but fragile. It must be hell seeing Carlisle again. I whisper comforting words and settle myself on the bed. I hear a quiet knock on the outside back door. Carlisle makes his way to the door. Bella has started to calm herself and I continue cradling her on the bed. Bella quietly whispers "Don't leave me here with them" Looking me dead in the eyes as she tearfully repeated it. " I wouldn't dream of leaving you here, you will never be lonely again little one" I said softly as I take my handkerchief out of my pocket and wipe her tears away. She is looking at me like she would break at any moment. I cuddle her in my arms and notice Alec coming back with the medical kit I requested. Carlisle was setting up a small portable station for the impending medical procedure.

"Aro I must inform you that Bella will need antibiotics and medical care, However I do need your consent to use pain medication on Bella" Carlisle exclaims gravely. He had set up the table with bandages and sterile needles and thread. I look down to Bella and encouraged her to show her arm. Bella looked up anxiously and then spoke as her voice trembled, " I have so many scars and cuts, I... I'm scared if you see them, you will discard me" She bursts into tears again and I immediately comfort her, I softly but firmly say " I would never discard someone because of their currently mental state or health, we all as the Volturi promise to help you grow and nurture you back to health. We will help you recover then change you, then you will be a glorious princess in the vampire world. Until then I solemnly swear never to discard or harm you in any way" Bella looks at me in disbelief. But nods being reassured and wipes away her tears. She looks up at me then to the rest of my guard and then my brothers. Its only now I realised how concerned my brothers really where. Marcus under his calm demeanour was upset and Caius was anxiously waiting. My guard was equally worried.

Bella looks down and slowly pulls her sleeve upwards. It reveals her bloody bandages and her recent marks and old scars. Her skin looked papery thin, she was the same porcelain white like my own skin. I felt my inner beast boil in anger. I thought of many ways of enacting the same torture on Edward. But I brushed my thoughts aside and looked at Bella. The look of misery painted her face. Marcus silently kneeled beside her. " Young one, you have nothing to be ashamed of, you are a lot stronger then you give yourself credit for." He speaks softly as to not scare her. He lifts her arm and places a gentle kiss on the front of her hand. Bella looks in embarrassed, and snuggles further into my coat. Her cheeks flushed a beautiful pink hue. She really was a specimen of wonder.

I look towards Carlisle and agree to the administration of pain medication. Caius shifts from his spot and tenderly asks Bella " Will you need help holding your arm, I will be gentle and careful. I am going to unwrap the bandage" He looked at Bella softly, she shifts in my arms and nods in silent agreement. Caius carefully takes her arm from Marcus, and slowly unwrapped the bandage. That's when we saw the critical damage. The long crimson line that appeared slowly in front of us, as well as many smaller lines. Bella looks away and starts to cry again. She tried to explain but Caius stopped her. She looked at him with a grim expression and opened her mouth again but no words came out. Caius put his finger on her lips and softly says " You don't have to explain anything now young one, you can take all the time you need and when you feel ready you can talk about it" Bella tearfully looked at him and he moved towards her, wrapping his arms around her, enveloping her in a hug. Bella finally said " Thank you, I really needed to hear that" Caius moved away parting his arms and moved backwards. He held her arm down as Carlisle began to Stitch her up.