until dawn (marcus and bella )

chapter 11

MPOV

I can tell that she is nervous as she pulls on her matching red slipper-shoes to complete her outfit. Isabella is slightly clumsier when nervous I've noticed, though her being so quiet is a clue as well.

She's wearing the Volturi swan necklace I gave her along with the outfit that Athenodora laid out for her. My sister did well in that regard- not that I'm surprised at all. Bella presents a perfect picture of business formality as well as reaffirming her ties to the vampire world. She wears a black pencil skirt that has slight rouching at the sides. The skirt shows off the curves of her rear and thighs and goes just past her knees before her bare legs emerge. It still surprises me how drastically women's clothing has changed in the last century. From centuries of covered skin to so much being socially acceptable would be a shock to most males I believe. I know both my brothers struggle with it at times.

She wears a scarlet red top with fluttery short sleeves and small folds in the fabric held up by the black neckline. Her necklace is exquisitely framed by her pale skin and the black detailing on her shirt. The red on the breast of the swan a shock of colour at her throat. On her tiny feet she wears the same red as that of her shirt. All in all she wears the colour of blood, royalty and the black of the Volturi. I must remember to purchase something nice for Athenodora. Perhaps something sparkly.

Bella's hair is up, pulled into a sedate bun at the base of her neck. Finishing with her shoes, she looks up at me with her dark eyes.

"Will I do?" she asks spinning for me once. Despite it being at least an hour and a half later her lips are still a touch swollen from my kisses, which makes the primitive side of me purr in satisfaction- especially with her dressed in such colours.

"You will more than do, you are beyond perfect, dearest." She looks up at me and blushes before ducking her head shyly. Unable to help myself I step forward and tilt her chin, kissing her once more lightly.

"Do you have the novel, Afton retrieved for you?" I ask. As I had previously explained to Bella the beginning of the meeting would proceed in English for her benefit but would switch to Italian after her requirements are stated and agreed upon. I thus recommended that she bring something to entertain herself with if she felt secure enough to stay out the rest of the meeting.

Bella nods and trots a couple of strides over to her bag where she takes out the book. She looks around for a moment, scanning all of the room. "I thinks that's everything then, I took the Xanax a bit earlier so it would have time to work. Is there anything else I need?" she questions me, her voice jittering slightly.

"You are more than prepared, sweet. Are you sure you wish to go through with this- you are not required to do so," I point out again.

Bella swallows hard but shakes her head negatively. "No, I want to at least try," she replies firmly. Her voice has an undertone of uncertainty to it but I admire her perseverance to attend, especially in light of her past experience with organized crime in America.

"Very well," I state taking her fragile little hand and placing it on my arm for the walk to the throne room. Opening the door Afton- as expected- is waiting for us.

"Shall I carry your novel, Isabella?" he questions stepping forward as I secure the door to her chamber. Afton, who's nature is quite causal and whose trust I am certain of has earned permission from myself to address my mate without a title of respect before her name. I am only allowing him such a reprieve because I am certain he never would have assumed such informalities on his own. In addition I wish my mate to trust her guard. If she believes that he is trustworthy then in dangerous situations she will be exponentially more likely to listen to his instructions. I do not mind if they platonically become fond of one another in the process either of course. The more connections and bonds Bella creates the healthier I feel she will become and the more secure she will feel here in Volterra.