BPOV
When Edward woke me up the next morning he informed me that the whole family- minus Carlisle, who had to work, were going hunting for the day. As much as I didn't want him to leave, his eyes were pitch back. I urged him to go and started my day leisurely until I came up with a brilliant idea. I rushed out of the house- grabbing a bottle of superglue on the way.
I soon reached the Cullens and walked inside the empty house. Obviously Carlisle was still at work. I knew he had been working night shifts lately since he didn't need to sleep. I worked fast and prayed that Alice wouldn't see what I was doing and tell Emmett.
I had just finished super gluing all of Emmett's game controllers into a tower when Carlisle arrived home. He looked mildly surprised to see me sitting guiltily in the middle of the lounge room, super glue in hand and a tower of game controllers in front of me. He took it all in and chuckled. "In my opinion, Emmett has definitely met his match with you Bella."
I grinned, "It's nice to have a prank war opponent."
"Well life has definitely gotten interesting since you arrived," he observed. Suddenly his gaze turned thoughtful. "I have a feeling that you may have that effect on all civilised vampires you meet," he observed softly, his eyes were serious.
I stiffened. "What do you mean?" I asked cautiously. I had warned the Volturi against making a decision about what to tell them, since I knew that as soon as they received their invitation Alice would be searching to see what they wanted. Therefore I doubted that Alice had figured out anything. Then again, I reasoned, Carlisle had lived with my family for decades, so it was more than plausible that he might have figured out my secret on his own. I just hoped he hadn't already shared his findings- it would be a lot easier to explain it to everyone if we were in Volterra.
Carlisle sighed, "Which European country were you in when you first ran into vampires Bella?"
He knew, or at least strongly suspected. "Italy," I answered quietly.
"I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that you didn't just have a one-off run-in with those vampires did you?" I shook my head. His eyes widened as he realised that his suspicions were confirmed. "You're the princess aren't you?" he whispered with awe in his voice. I nodded again and looked warily up into his golden eyes; waiting for his reaction and hoping he wouldn't feel too betrayed, mad, or even worse; scared of me.
I was shocked when he chuckled. "Well that answers a lot of questions."
I gaped at him, "You're not mad that I didn't tell you and your family?" I asked relieved but bewildered.
He shook his head, "I lived with the Volturi for a long time Bella, and I know exactly what they're like. I realise that they would have asked you not to say anything- after all, they have been breaking their own law just by letting you live for all of these years."
I nodded in agreement. "If it's any consolation, any day now you'll be receiving an invitation to Volterra for your whole family- we were already planning on telling you," I informed him.
He smiled. "Then I suppose you would prefer it if I was to keep quiet and not think about it until we go to Volterra?" He asked.
"If you could," I answered. "Uncle Aro would be upset if he missed his opportunity for theatrics."
We both laughed at that. "Indeed princess, it seems that Aro hasn't changed a bit." Then he cocked his head. "Did you call him Uncle Aro."
I grinned, "Yep, they're all like a family to me." He shook his head in wonderment.
"How did you figure it out?" I asked. I thought I'd been doing a pretty good job of hiding my true identity.
"Oh, just little things here and there suddenly fit into place. The chess move that you used to beat Jasper is one of Caius' favourites. You have little mannerisms that remind me of them and you are completely comfortable around us. Jasper was shocked for weeks, waiting for you to finally feel an ounce of fear around us- but it never happened. Also, your gift is extremely powerful, and I often wondered what Aro would think if he encountered it. The things that pulled it all together though were when you mentioned that it wasn't your first time killing a vampire. I realised that you'd actually planned to trap James and get the information about him out of him about Alice out of him- I could see it in your eyes. Only another tracker like Demetri could have taught you enough about trackers to do that.
What really finally cinched it was when I saw your lighter." He paused and I pulled it out, looking at it quizzically. My eyes opened wide as I realised that the engravings on it would be recognisable to someone who had spent time with the Volturi. He pointed to the engravings on one side, "As I'm sure you are aware, that is the specialty symbol reserved for the highest members of the Volturi," he commented.
I nodded. The engravings were something that all twelve other members of my vampire family had on various items of theirs. I was used to seeing it everywhere in Volterra, and barely noticed the symbol now. I flicked the lighter over and showed Carlisle the other side. It was an engraved I with a V underneath it that stood for Isabella Volturi. On top of that was a crown, and surrounding it was a pattern of freesias and lavender. All of it fit into a circle about the size of a ten cent piece. "This is my personal symbol as the Volturi Princess," I explained to Carlisle.
He ran his fingers over it lightly. "Very pretty," he commented, "It suits you."
I smiled. "You know, the funny thing is that when I became the princess and I decided that I definitely didn't want to hunt humans when I am changed, I asked Aro about alternative feeding methods. Aro told me about you. I was very impressed by your compassion for humans and I decided that when I am changed I will also be a vegetarian vampire. We were even going to come and find your family after I graduated and ask if I could stay a while after my change- at least until I got used to the diet and could resist humans. Aro even wanted to set me up with Edward."
Carlisle laughed at that "Aro always was a little eccentric. I am pleased at how well this has turned out. You are perfect for Edward Bella, and you are already a permanent part of our family." His eyes were sincere, "I am proud to have you as a daughter."
I hugged him tightly, unbelievably happy at his words and acceptance of me into his family, "Thank you Carlisle," I whispered.
He hugged me back, "You're welcome," he replied. I released him and sat back down on the sofa. "When are you going to be changed?" he asked softly.
"Within a year of my graduation," I answered, "Although I could probably stretch it out another six months or so."
Carlisle closed his eyes for a second. "Edward's not going to like this," he muttered.
"I know," I answered, "But he's going to have to get used to it soon since it's been predestined for me since I was four." He smiled grimly in response. "Besides, hopefully sometime soon Edward will get his act together and propose," I muttered.
Carlisle's eyes opened wide and he snorted. "I have a feeling that the only thing keeping Edward from whisking you away to Vegas and marrying you right now is the fact that you're not eighteen yet and also because he knows that most young women don't want to get married so young- especially not while in high school," he explained.
I sighed in exasperation, "Well I'm not most girls," I commented drily and he chuckled in acknowledgment. "Besides, It'd be nice to be engaged until graduation since I don't intend to get married until after I've finished school," I told him. "Anyway, I suspect Alice is going to need time to plan the wedding."
Carlisle grinned, "Yes, no doubt she will. She's going to be so excited when Edward finally proposes."
I laughed, "Knowing Alice, she's probably already ordered my wedding dress from a top designed in Europe already." I smiled at the thought of Alice bouncing in excitement at the prospect of planning a wedding. "Now all I have to do is wait patiently for Edward to propose," I huffed at the thought. "I'm seriously considering proposing to him myself if he doesn't hurry up," I groaned.
Carlisle burst out laughing, "I'm sure he'd be happy to say yes if you did Bella, though he'd probably be a bit put out that you deprived him of the opportunity to do it himself."
I shrugged, "Well he'd better hurry up then. I only have so much patience." Carlisle just shook his head in amusement.
"Anyway," I said, realising that we'd gone a little off topic. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions about my history with the Volturi that you'd like answered." I looked at him questioningly and he nodded. I pulled out my phone and called Volterra, putting it on speakerphone.
Aro answered. "Hello Bella, how are you?"
"I'm fine Uncle Aro, but I have you on speakerphone and Carlisle is sitting right next to me. He just figured it all out."
Aro actually sounded thrilled, "Hello Carlisle, It's good to talk to you again after so many years," he exclaimed. Other exclamations were heard in the background and soon we could hear all twelve vampires near the phone as the greeted Carlisle.
Once they calmed down I explained everything and then with their help I told Carlisle my full history with my Volturi family. Carlisle was intrigued and interested, chuckling softly when things all fell into place, and laughing hard at some of the more embarrassing stories Felix and Demetri chose to share about me in my earlier years. By the end I wished that it was possible to reach down the phone and strangle my two guards.
We eventually ended the call with Aro's formal invitation to Carlisle and his family to visit at the soonest convenient time. Carlisle assured them that they should be there in about three days- they needed to go to Alaska first to finish up some urgent paperwork etc. and then they would be on their way to Volterra immediately afterwards.
I would of course, be meeting them there. I left soon after, hugging Carlisle and thanking him. "I'll see you in Italy in a couple of days," I promised as I left, barely remembering to retrieve my superglue as I headed out- the tower of game controllers all but forgotten.
EPOV
We arrived home late that evening, our thirst fully sated. We all got a good laugh as we entered the house and noticed Bella's scent in the air and connected it to Emmett's controllers- all of which were now glued into a tower. Emmett was irritated beyond belief, and immediately started plotting ways to get back at Bella as he stood morosely staring at the tower. I had to admit- Bella really knew how to get under Emmett's skin.
I was eager to change and go see Bella, but I was stoped short when Carlisle asked us to assemble in the dining room for a discussion. I read some of his thoughts and stiffened. The others looked between Carlisle and I curiously as we settled into chairs at the dining table. We watched Carlisle anxiously. He cleared his throat. "I received a phone call today from Volterra," at this information all of my family froze in shock and panic. "Aro has invited the whole family to visit them as soon as possible. I told him we'll be there in three days, since we need to go to Alaska first." We sat there in silence, absorbing the shocking news. An invitation from Volterra was as good as an order- nobody would even consider ignoring it.
I was horrified. I knew that with one touch Aro would find out about Bella. The Volturi weren't known for their leniency. I noticed that Carlisle was still calm. Emmett wasn't really too bothered- he never saw the need to worry over something that he couldn't prevent. Rose and Jasper were wary and worried, suspicious that it might be a trap. Alice was frustrated- she couldn't see what was going to happen to us. It appeared that the Volturi hadn't decided on what they were planning on doing once we arrived, so Alice couldn't see it. Esme trusted the fact that Carlisle didn't seem too worried. My worry built though and I exploded. "Carlisle, how can you be so calm? Do you know what could happen if they find out about Bella? They'll kill her and possible us as well."
If anything, Carlisle seemed slightly amused at my outburst and I couldn't fathom why. "Edward, I lived with the Volturi for many years and they do not make rash decisions. I am sure that if they find out about Bella- which is very likely, that you'll be able to argue them out of killing her if that's what they want. Personally, I doubt that they would want to hurt someone like Bella," he assured me. "Besides, at the moment, Alice doesn't see anything bad happening, do you Alice?" Alice confirmed that she didn't, which allowed us all to relax a hair. I could tell from the minds of my siblings that if the Volturi did threaten Bella, they would all try their hardest to protect her- even though our efforts would probably be futile and end up with us dying. "Now go and see Bella and tell her since we're leaving for Alaska in the morning."
I took his advice and quickly went upstairs and changed before heading over to Bella's house. She was reading in her bead when I slipped through the window and she immediately turned and smiled at me. The smile turned into a frown as she took in my anxious expression. She put the book down. "What's wrong Edward?" she asked with concern in her voice.
I sat next to her on the bed, gathering her up in my arms. Slowly I began to tell her about our invitation to Volterra, and the large possibility that they would find out about her and try to kill her. I also mentioned the possibility that they may kill us for associating with her. She shook her head at me and grabbed my face between her hands. Her eyes showed a mix of guilt- undoubtedly she was concerned that this was her fault for befriending us, along with concern and determination. "Edward, I'll be fine and so will you. In no time at all you'll be back beside me where you belong." She said with conviction. Her words made me feel a little better.
"Just in case though Bella, if I don't come back I want you to move on and live a happy, human life without me." I meant it- if by some miracle she lived, I wanted her to be happy and experience all the normal human experiences, including finding a human man, and having a family.
Her eyes were intense as her deep chocolate eyes stared into my golden ones. Her hands tightened on my face. "Listen to me Edward Cullen," she said firmly, "You and your family are going to be fine, and so will I. The Volturi probably just wanted to talk and meet Carlisle's family." She sounded so certain that I found myself slightly reassured. "Has Alice seen anything?" she asked.
"No, It looks like they haven't made their minds up on what to do once we arrive" I answered.
"Well then you have nothing to worry about," she said.
"Things can always change," I argued.
She just smiled, "Have a little faith Edward. I'm sure that in a few days we'll be together again."
Our conversation ended soon after and while I was glad that she seemed to truly believe nothing would go wrong, she didn't really know just how powerful the Volturi were in the vampire world.
That night I lay there with Bella asleep in my arms, cherishing what could well be our last night together. I hoped she was right and that in a few days my family's encounter with the Volturi would be over and I would be reunited with my Bella. Of course, I couldn't help but run through all the other possible scenarios- most of which ended badly. Despite Carlisle's assurances, I certainly didn't rust the Volturi- one did not earn such a fearsome reputation without it being warranted. I thought it quite likely that they would find out about Bella and try to kill her. Of course, I wouldn't let that happen without a fight, and that meant that they would be forced to kill both of us. The only consolation to that scenario was that I wouldn't have to live without my angel. In all likelihood, if that occurred, my family would fight with me and be killed as well- definitely an outcome I would like to avoid.
Another possibility that I had considered which also seemed very plausible was that once they learned of Bella's gift they would turn her into a vampire. For me this was both my Heaven and Hell. While I selfishly wanted Bella with me forever, I also didn't want to damn her to a soulless existence just so that I could keep her forever. I also didn't want to deprive her of the many human experiences that were rightfully hers. Bella had asked me to change her, but she was far too young to realise all of the things she'd be missing if I turned her now, and she certainly had no idea of the immense thirst she'd be forced to endure as a vampire- the constantly burning throat she'd acquire. Unfortunately, if the Volturi chose this option it was unlikely that I would be unable to refuse, as secretly I wanted it as well. I just couldn't live with myself if Bella regretted becoming like me in the future.
When Bella woke in the morning I gave her a lone, passionate kiss, pouring all of my love into it. "I love you," I whispered, looking deep into her eyes.
"I love you too," she whispered back, "I'll miss you so much," she said, tears forming in her eyes.
I kissed them away, "I'll miss you more," I told her softly before kissing her forehead and disappearing out the window. Neither of us said goodbye because we didn't want our separation to seem final.
I headed home and in a sombre mood my family packed itself and our luggage into our cars and headed for the airport. Alice still hadn't seen any decisions about us in Volterra. I planned to change my will in Alaska- I would leave everything to Bella, just in case. Esme and Carlisle had some paperwork to complete. Then we would be heading straight to Volterra.