Once we were on the plane, reality set in. There was no turning back. The thought of not making it to Volterra before Baylor could tell the Volturi about Charlie, absolutely horrified me.
Something else that set in once we were on the plane? Thirst. This was my first time in such close proximity to so many humans for this long. Plus, I haven't hunted in a while. My throat began to feel like a thousand flaming needles were pricking it. The smell, was almost unbearable. Though I trust myself, I was still exceedingly thankful to have had Edward and Alice with me, to stop me, in case I couldn't resist temptation anymore.
I casually placed my sunglasses over my eyes to hide their dark, rich, black cherry color, then slouched in my seat for the almost nine hour flight, resting my head on Edward's perfectly rounded shoulder. Eventually, I got used to the thirst.
Alice was sitting on the other side of me, her perfect posture and still body emphasizing her angelic qualities. I am truly thankful for her. Her support, understanding and bravery. This will be the second time she has come to Volterra with me, risking everything.
Although the flight didn't seem long at all, I was more than happy when it was over. The fresh air felt remarkably good on my throat, and the scent of human blood became too vague to scorch me, no longer making it feel like I swallowed hot coals.
We had to hurry. We had to get to the Volturi before Baylor. Alice saw him running, his incredibly fast pace taking him closer and closer to the Volturi. It was frustrating that Alice wasn't able to see where he was. If we knew, then we could catch him and get it all over with. We needed to be extremely discreet about killing Baylor. We had to make sure that when we did find him, we were somewhere secluded, away from all humans, and vampires. No one, and I mean no one, could know.
I pulled the hood of my deep blue cashmere sweater over my head, trying to disguise myself to some degree. With my sunglasses still covering my thirsty looking eyes, I'm sure I managed to look like any other tourist. Edward picked up a novelty hat at a gift store in the airport, and placed that over his silky, golden hair, along with his sunglasses. He still, of course, looked utterly, almost impossibly perfect.
Alice managed to find a stylish fedora at the airport gift shop. It was a light gray, white and black plaid design, and, when paired with her over sized black sunglasses, made her look more perfect, somehow. Alice seems to be able to make everything look good.
We were on our way over to the car rentals, this time taking a more logical approach than last time we were in Volterra and... well, stole the porsche. We couldn't do anything to ruin our chances of catching Baylor. If we caused corruption in Volterra, it could have jeopardized our chances of catching him and ultimately, risking Charlie's life.
We were just about to join the short line up at the car rental agency when she saw him. Alice stopped mid step, and though her eyes were covered by her sunglasses, I could see her lips half quiver, her body become more still than ever, and her hands ball into tiny, porcelain fists. Edward read her mind, then grabbed me by one arm, Alice following gracefully behind. I couldn't understand the words Edward was muttering under his breathe to Alice. He was obviously answering her thoughts, as to keep the conversation somewhat discreet. Though I had a good idea of what was going on, I still needed to hear it before I could believe it. Edward wanted to get us away from the large group of tourists before he said anything to me, though. If I had a beating heart, I can honestly say, at this point, it would be pounding out of my chest. I didn't want to hear what Edward was about to tell me.
Once we were away from everyone, in a more secluded area outside, Edward placed one hand around my waist, then used the other to glide my sunglasses off my eyes, and onto my head. Then, he hesitantly looked into my eyes and told me what I didn't want to hear. "Bella, Alice saw Baylor. He... he was talking to Caius, and Aro. He made it to the Volturi before us. I don't want you to worry, Bella. We will do whatever it takes to protect Charlie. I promise you Bella, I will protect Charlie with everything I have in me."
I deserve to be destroyed. Death is peaceful. This, was painful.
I'm going to write again soon. I will let you know exactly what happened. The shock hasn't subsided yet. I still can't believe that a couple of weeks ago, I thought Baylor was part of the family. I thought he was one of us. I trusted him. Now, he's the enemy. The rival.
-Bella
