Bella Volturi bk 1

8 Bella's pov

We were in a remarkably lit hallway. The walls were white, the floor carpeted in industrial gray. Common rectangular fluorescent lights were spaced evenly along the ceiling. It was warmer here, for which I was grateful. This hall seemed very benign after the gloom of the ghoulish stone sewers.

Edward didn't seem to agree with my assessment. He glowered darkly down the long hallway, toward the slight, black shrouded figure at the end, standing by an elevator.

He pulled me along, and Alice walked on my other side. The heavy door creaked shut behind us, and then there was the thud of a bolt sliding home.

Jane waited by the elevator, one hand holding the doors open for us. Her face held the expression pathetic. Once inside the elevator, the three vampires that belonged to the Volturi relaxed further. They threw back their cloaks, letting the hoods fall back on their shoulders. All their irises were deep crimson around the edges, darkening until they were black around the pupil.

The elevator ride was short; we stepped out into what looked like a posh office reception area. The walls were paneled in wood, the floors carpeted in thick, deep green. There were no windows, but large, brightly lit paintings of the Tuscan countryside hung everywhere as replacements. Pale leather couches were arranged in cozy groupings, and the glossy tables held crystal vases full of vibrantly colored bouquets.

Jane continued toward a set of double doors in the back of the room, and we followed.On the other side of the wooden doors was a different kind of reception. The male must have been Jane's twin. His hair was darker and swept to the side, and he was just as lovely.He came forward to meet us. He smiled, reaching for her. "Jane" he said his voice ringing like bells. He sounded happy to see her.

"Alec," she responded, embracing the boy. They kissed each other's cheeks on both sides. Then he looked at us. I could tell he was my mate. He doesn't know I am his mate until I want him to and where Edward doesn't stand a chance.

I am a witch so I shielded Alec's thought so what ever he was thinking than that is what Edward would hear, then I told him a message. 'Alec it's me the human. Act like we are not mates until I say so. Then you can say it out loud for everyone to hear when I nod. Edward cannot read your mind because I have a shield around you but when we get to the throne room, when I nod it means that I well take it down' I thought to Alec.

'Okay, but can he read your thoughts?' Alec asked.

'No, he doesn't know I have witch blood in me' I answered truthfully. 'When I take my shield down yell with your thoughts that I am your mate but when he goes all berserk don't try and protect me I want him to finally know I have witch blood in me. Nod if you understand' I said, he nods good he understands the plan.

"They send you out for one and you come back with two... and a half," he noted, looking at me. "Nice work."She laughed the sound sparkled with delight like a baby's cooing. "Welcome back, Edward," Alec greeted him. "Welcome back, Edward," Alec greeted him.

Edward only smiled. "Dibs," Felix called casually from behind. Edward just ignored them, I can guess why because he don't care if I live or die because I am not him mate.

"Aro will be so pleased to see you again," Alec said.

"Let's not keep him waiting," Jane suggested, Edward nodded once.

Alec and Jane, holding hands, led the way down yet another wide, ornate hall—would there ever be an end? 

They ignored the doors at the end of the hall doors entirely sheathed in gold stopping halfway down the hall and sliding aside a piece of the paneling to expose a plain wooden door. It wasn't locked. Alec held it open for Jane.

Edward pulled me through to the other side of the door. It was the same ancient stone as the square, the alley, and the sewers. And it was dark and cold again. Soon I well take my shield down. 'Alec when we get to the throne room open up your arms and I well run into them and after that think as loud as you can and say, I found my mate, and I well nod for when this well begin.