Twilight Reimagined (Vampire Swap)

Chapter eighteen:Bella POV:Italy

I grabbed Edward's hand, placing my other on his chest when he stood up from the couch. Jane led us to a large black van, and I knew this was going to be the most awkward ride of my life. I cringed, a bit of guilt seeping in, when I realized Edward my view as his second awkward ride.

"They're Voltruri guards?" Edward asked under his breath. I nodded.

And that's how the ride went. Edward would ask a question and Alice or me would answer. I nestled myself as close to him as I could be, knowing I should feel guilty when he started shivering. I did try to pull away. I just gave up when Edward mumbled 'no' and kissed my forehead, his lips torturously sliding down my skin to the sensitive spot behind my ear.

Once we were in the gorgeous city of volterra Jane led us into the underground tunnels. We were all silent, Edwards hands on my hips, occasionally caressing them when my breathing changed or I bit my lips to keep a whimper of pain and shame out. The part of my brain saying this was my fault was screeching at the top of its lungs by this point.

Edward gasped when he saw the human receptionist, and then we finally stopped at a simple wooden door. Jane opened it, leading us inside. Aro, Marcus and Caius were already sitting on their thrones, their faces ranging from indifference to amusement and joy. It sickened me.

Around them were other random vampires, guard members, the wives and Jinyu, Mellan and Lee.

"I must admit, I'm surprised such a clever girl would break the law." Aro said in greeting. His milky red eyes landed on Edward, who thankfully stayed behind me, his front against my back. "Please, do tell us the story." Caius huffed, impatient.

"There is not much to tell." I deflected, though I knew tell meant something different for him. Aro chuckled, extending his hand palm up. I looked over to Alice, who nodded and laid a hand on Edwards forearm, a silent promise to keep him guarded.

I ignored the tightening of his grip on me and walked away from him, my posture one of confidence and arrogance, my face a cold mask. I didn't mask my discontempt for him as I slid my hand over Aro's. He sighed in joy when I lifted my shield, my mind immediately straining at the effort.

It was an odd feeling, having every thought, every insecurity, every touch and look from the one you love suddenly not only belonging to you, but your worst enemy.

Aro stepped away, releasing a smile on his face, excited about the prospect of one new guard, let alone three gifted ones. He smiled at Edward and started gliding towards him. I stepped in-between them, growling. "Ah, Bella, I wasn't going to do anything." Aro chuckled, leering at me. I grabbed Edward's wrist, his heartbeat filling the room.

"Though I would love to have you and your pet." Aro cooed, brushing a hand against my cheek. I tried to bite back the snarl and pushed Edward farther away from Aro as he took a step forward to intervene. "You show aggression to him you die." I spat, my voice faint enough only Edward and Aro would hear.

"What a loyal thing." Aro said, still staring at me. "I would love for you two to join us," He leaned closer, grabbing my upper arm and letting his lips brush against my ear. "We could be such a duo." Sulpicia cleared her throat. Aro pulled back, speaking louder.

"This no longer concerns anyone but those of the highest ranking in our family. Dearest, go." Everyone but Caius left, the other leaving the room obediently, Jinyu was the only one who hesitated, scowling at me. Marcus was about to leave, but was pulled back.

I was praying to god I wouldn't break Edward wrist, Aro was way too close and he was desperately trying to subtly pull his arm away, wanting to step between us.

I took the time where Aro was somewhat farther away to flip the switch. I collected myself and spoke in a hypnotic tone I didn't know I had. "You give yourself too much credit," I started, getting everyone's attention. "You think you're smart, sharp edged and unpredictable, but I don't need a mindreader to know what's going on in your head."

"You're going to go into that study of yours with your brothers and dance around, beating the bush and clawing at ropes, hoping to find a loophole at the end. You're going to try to find a way to bite Edward and make Marcus try pathetically to make it through my shields."

"You're going to find a way to get us roped into your coven and make the little hidden realm you made treat you like a saint. Because that's how you see yourself. You sit on those thrones petrifying and think we owe you the world since you merely exist."

"And you'll try to get me to become a pet and make me an asset, but we both know that's never going to happen. Because I'll fuck up as much as I can so you have no choice but to rip me limb from limb with your own bare hands and fill the plaza with the lavender smoke of burning stone."

Aro, blinked, chuckling. "You are a spit fire, aren't you?" He said, amused. "I would truly love it if Edward could prove he can read minds." I sighed, knowing this was good-possibly the only way Aro wouldn't kill him-and lifted my shield again. "What am I thinking Edward?" I prompted him.

I chose a random memory of Rosalie and Emmett's fourth wedding. I was a bridesmaid, again, and this time they chose a theme that required me to wear a bell gown. Not a good look for a short person. Edward chuckled and explained the memory.

"And can you read Aro's thoughts?" I asked, just to piss the monster off. Edward smirked, "He can't believe your audacity. He wants to change me and persuade you two girls to join him."

I hummed, smirking at the opportunity that had presented itself. "The problem with Edward knowing isn't that he knows, but that he may spill our secret to others, correct?" I asked, testing the waters. Aro caught on to what I was saying and actually cracked a smile. It looked creepy on him.

"Precisely." Aro replied.

"I wouldn't-" I ran a soothing hand down Edward's arm and showed him my plan. I wasn't sure if it was that that made him cut off his sentence or Caius's glare.

Alice smiled at me, and I knew I must be on the right track. "What if Edward was turned into a vampire? Would we be free to go?" I questioned. Aro nodded eagerly.

"No!" Caius snapped. "Aro we mustn't bend the rules for them."

Aro looked over at Caius and softly speaked, talking as if he were calming a toddler. "There are exceptions to every rule, dear Caius, and think of the possibilities!" He turned back to us, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "Do it, dear, dear Bella."

I cocked my head to the side. "Edward still has ties to his human community." I told Aro, though he knew that already. "It would be more prudent if you allowed time to tie loose threads."

Aro hesitated on Caius's behalf. "You know I'll do it." I reminded him. If Edward wants it, I amended in my head. Aro sighed happily and nodded. "Fine, then, you are free to go so long as Edward is changed in two years."

I looked towards Edward, who looked at Aro and nodded. "It's a deal." Edward confirmed, and Aro summoned Alec to escort us out of the Volturi layer.

Um. . .I don't know if this should be called drama or building up the drama, it kinda seems like a mix. I hope y'all liked the chapter and please comment! Have a nice night/day

-Cloudy 💖💖💖