Anna's POV:
"You broke the law by moving away and leaving her alive ….."
My heart was starting to beat faster and my stomach rolled as cold sweat broke out on my skin in fear. The expressions of the Cullen's were a mix of horror and disbelieve. Jasper looked like he wanted to grab his wife and run for the hills. Emmett was getting ready to fight while Carlisle vehemently shook his head as Aro spoke.
"We, the Volturi, have implemented and are enforcing a number of rules of conduct…"
I pressed both of my hands over my mouth and nose as I couldn't believe what was happening. How had it all gone south so fast? I was just partly aware how Edward's arms pulled me further into his body and he stepped slightly in front of me.
"Their mainly concern is the secrecy surrounding the existence of our kind for our all protection. Those laws are expected to be obey under pain of death."
They are not really gonna kill us all, are they? My subconscious stammered utterly shocked by the turn of events.
My brain was frozen, void of any thoughts as tremors were shaking my frame while I tried to wrestle the panic which spread like a vicious infection inside my body, causing my limbs to tingle but not in a good way.
Sweeping my eyes over the smirking and sneering grimaces of the Volturi guard I noticed that my ears had closed and the clear sounds from outside, the chirping of the birds and singing of the grasshoppers, suddenly turned into muffed noises as my chest heaved with terrified pants.
The second of dead silence came to an abrupt end when low growling rose from either side of me and Emmett and Jasper took half a step in front of their wife, taking on a protective stance.
Sweat broke on my forehead as fear and anxiousness were pulsing hard through my veins having to witness how the torpid guard suddenly snarled while reading themselves for an attack.
My gaze locked on Aro's milky eyes as they glinted with amusement and superiority. I didn't even notice that my teeth were chattering against each other until Edward squeezed me a little tighter for a moment.
His expression was set into grim lines which was gradually transforming into disbelieve and fury as he obviously was picking information out of the minds of the ones in front of us.
Catching a glimpse over Aro's shoulder I saw how Eleazar and Carmen witnessed everything eye wide in horror and helplessness, exchanging worried and hopeless glances.
"However," Aro voice broke some of the tension in the air and slowly he lifted his right hand up, "your mistake bestowed us with some very interesting revelations which is why we are inclined to make an exception and to temper justice with mercy."
Carlisle right hand balled to a tight fist at his side while he had his left arms wrapped firmly around Esme's waist and pressed her stiff frame even more to his side.
When Edward's hold on me tightened to an almost painful level I looked up at him again and saw his dark, almost pitch black, pools narrow dangerously as his lips thinned into a grim, angry line.
"But of course you will have to redeem yourselves," Caius added, with something akin to pleasure.
"In what way?" Carlisle asked while Edward bared his teeth.
"For a hundred years young Edward, Alice, Jasper and after she is turned …. that means …" Suddenly Aro cocked his head to one side as he gazed at me while is milky eyes lightened up with possessive curiosity.
"I will turn her." Edward stated firmly leaving no room for argumentation or doubt.
Jane glared furiously and snarled at him in warning for interrupting her Master.
"Very well," Aro nodded his head and seemed a little disappointed with the way the conversation had gone.
Had he been expecting Edward to argue? My subconscious wondered besides herself.
"The four off you are to serve the Volturi…"
"Aro this…." Carlisle interrupted but the black-haired Vampire held up his hand to silence him.
Aro looked each of the four of us steadily into our eyes with his milky old gazed before he spoke again.
"You will receive orders which you have to obey. We do not tolerate disobedience. And I am sure it will please you to hear that you are not bound to live here in Volterra though that will always be a possibility. You are mostly welcome here." Something evil and calculating flashed up behind his eyes when he said that.
"I really think this is….." Carlisle tried again.
"DON'T test our generosity." Caius harrumphed locking his crimson eyes with melted gold daring Carlisle to object again.
Opening his mouth endless seconds past until Carlisle balled his hand into a trembling fist again and clenched his jaw shut, lowering his head in surrender.
"Generosity my ass." Out of the corner of my eye I saw how Rosalie's hands shot out to hold her husband back who snarled wrathfully and looked ready to bounce on someone but it wasn't as if we could actually fight our way out of this castle or the country.
As far as I knew Jane could only influence one person at time with her gift and if Alec's power was also limited to one person I didn't even know but what I did know was that we were on their territory there had to be other Vampire's belonging to the Volturi buzzing around this place.
Fighting wasn't even an option but if we by some miracle could escape out of Volterra .. what then ? Running? Waiting for them to hunt us own to kill us for sure?
"Emmett!" Rosalie barked sharply with a hint of desperation and panic in her high pitched voice what caught her husband's attention and caused him to retreat reluctantly.
"My, my so well conditioned." Aro chuckled amused leering on the tight grip Rosalie had on Emmett's biceps while he guard relaxed just a little in the background.
"Now to the matter of Isabella Swan," I heard Alice inhale sharply as her best friend's name was brought up.
"With all due respect we've got nothing to do with her anymore." Rosalie bit out barely containing the mix of fear and fury that was raging inside her.
"I'd like to disagree with that, young one," Aro smiled patronizingly at her, "your brother," he pointed at Edward, "and your sister," his eyes swept over to Alice for a brief moment, "let her into our world, revealed facts about our nature to a human which is why you are considered responsible for that human's actions as long as she lives despite her bond to a Werewolf."
"Does that mean?" Rosalie whispered breathlessly in disbelieve.
If she were a human all coloured would have grained from her face just now. My subconscious noted casually.
"You all will pay the consequences of Isabella Swan's mistakes." Aro grinned icily at her and then took his time to look each one of us into our shocked faces to drive the point home.
Oh, they've got our asses on the silver platter that's for sure. My subconscious groused miserably.
"As to those wolves," Aro narrowed his eyes at Carlisle, "you are walking a thin line with this treaty of yours."
It was a warning and a sign of disapproval. The treaty was not a breech against any Volturi laws since the boys in La Push were not the Children of the Moon but only distantly related to them.
Carlisle didn't react at all at first but a few moments later he reluctantly bobbed his head once.
Aro seemed pleased.
"When…" the word tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop myself and all eyes were suddenly on me.
Shit!
Screwing my eyes shut for a second I took a deep breath to steady my wildly beating heart.
"I …um… what I meant is excuse me but when exactly do I have to be turned?" I questioned carefully and with as much respect in my voice as I could muster despite my real feelings for the person in front of me and the crippling sensation which was slowly paralyzing me from the inside.
What a difference to the last time you spoke to him. My subconscious noted.
"Ahh, yes, ….. well my child it seems to me you gave your word in the other time line but," he paused and his eyes darted from me to Edward who drew in a sharp breath and tensed, "a year, my child. In a years time since it seems to me that there are some issues that need to be addressed." He smiled knowingly at Edward and I looked confused between the both of them but held my tongue while Caius hissed annoyed.
With an amused chuckle Aro's gaze settled on Alice.
"There is one last thing. Would you mind, young one?" He asked and raised her hand towards her.
Jasper tensed next to his wife and an angry growl rumbled through his chest but after a pleading look from her he clenched his jaw and glared sharply in warning at Aro as Alice stepped away from his side.
Silently she floated, with her head held high and utmost grace in her tiny body, over to the head of the Volturi whist Aro waved off his anxious guard as they hissed and bared their teeth at Jasper.
Aro met her halfway, and took her hand with an eager, acquisitive glint in his eyes. He bent his head over their touching hands, his eyes closing as he concentrated. Alice was motionless, her face blank.
No one moved. Aro seemed frozen over Alice's hand leaving the rest of us to wonder what he was seeing.
It seemed like a small eternity before Aro's laughter broke through the strained silence.
He looked up slowly, his eyes bright with excitement. "That was fascinating!"
Alice smiled dryly. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"To see the things you've seen – especially the ones that haven't happened yet!" He shook his head in wonder. "I am looking forward to be humoured more in the future."
Alice said nothing instead she bobbed her head sharply to him and then walked back to her anxious husband.
"Then we are free to go now?" Edward asked in an even but steel hard voice.
"Yes, for now if you wish … but I hope you all know that you are most welcome here," Aro said pleasantly before he turned his attention back from us to Carlisle.
"It was really a pleasure to meet you again, my dear friend."
"Aro," Carlisle nodded his head respectfully and business like but didn't say another word.
"Don't forget we do not offer second chances." Caius promised, his eyes suddenly half-closed like the heavy-lidded gaze of a lizard.
With a cocky smirked Caius turned on his heel while Felix opened the doors and he walked out of the reception room.
"It was also a pleasure to see you again, my old friend, and to finally make the acquaintance of your lovely mate," Aro smiled at Eleazar and Carmen in goodbye before he and the rest of the Volturi followed his brother out while we were left behind in deadly silence, stunned, shocked and disbelieving.
"Let's get the hell out of here! This place is giving me the creeps!" Emmett muttered after a while and shivered to underline his point.
The rest of us slightly snapped out of our lethargy. Wordlessly we walked out of the reception room way to caught up in our own heads and what just went down. It was only after I started climbing the stairs up to Edward's and mine room that I noticed that I was slightly shaking.
Clenching my trembling fingers into fists I tried to keep it together.
Once we arrived in our room I went to the massive bed and sat down taking a deep breathe before I let myself fall back on the soft mattress and closed my eyes while Edward was buzzing around the room packing our stuff. Not that there was much to pack since we left most of our things in the suitcases.
"Anna?" Edward soft and velvet voice whispered quietly as I felt the bed dip next to me.
"Mhm?" I answered while I felt Edward's cool hand on my forehead.
"Your fever has gotten worse." He stated unhappily.
"I don't feel good." I muttered tiredly.
"I know," he sighed heavily and pained, "maybe we should stay in a hotel until you will feel a bit better before flying home?"
"No," I whimpered as my head started to pound and I opened my eyes, "can you give me my painkillers and a bottle of water?"
He nodded reluctantly and moved off the bed for a split of a second to get what I asked him for. Before I had a chance to push myself up he was next to me again with the water and the pills.
I smiled gratefully at him and popped the pills into my mouth.
"Anna," he murmured in a quiet voice.
"Mhm?" I glanced at him while I took swig of the water.
"Please promise me that after we get back to Forks you let Carlisle perform a MRI and examine you." He held my gaze steadily.
"Why?" I swallowed the water down before I cocked my head to the side.
"I just want to make sure that the stress is the only reason for the frequent headaches you have. In the other time line a vein burst in our head and you just made it by the skin of one's teeth," his face pinched with worry and sorrow, "I ….. just please." He pleaded.
The last thing I wanted was to be caught inside a hospital where Doctors and nurses would be torturing me but right then I didn't want to start an argument with Edward either.
"OK, I'll do it," I shrugged, agreeing only half-heartily, and took another sip.
"Thank you." He breathed a sigh of relief and leaned in to place a kiss on my temple.
"You can lie down. It will take a few minutes for the car to arrive." He muttered taking the empty bottle from my hand and patted the pillow that had magically appeared behind me.
I offered him a grateful smile before I lied down and enjoyed feeling his finger brush through my hair.
The ride back to the airport was spent in a tense and uneasy silence as everyone was lost in their own thoughts. The variety of expressions I was faced with when I took a look around went from blank and unreadable to sad and devastated to down right furious and frosty.
The only detraction offered Alice annoyed voice as she chartered a private jet that would bring us all back to the states.
Luckily the sun had already disappeared behind the horizon when we arrived at the airport but the wait for the jet to get ready and the hassle with the security checks and the passport inspection put the already gloom and irritated Vampire's into an even worse mood.
I sighed in relief when we were finally on the plane and ready for take off.
"But why does the punishment affect only the four of you and not all of us?" Emmett blurted out, once the jet was rolling on the runway, confusion overshadowed the seriousness and aggravation which was etched into his usually friendly face, "that just doesn't make any sense."
"Oh it does." Jasper disagreed bitterly and Eleazar nodded his head sadly.
Esme's, Rosalie's and Emmett's curious amber pools snapped to Jasper while Carlisle clenched his jaw and looked grim screwing his eyes shut as if in pain.
"Aro saw how strong the bonds in our family are. He knows they are not easily broken but he wants Alice, Anna and me which is why he imposed the punishments only on the four of us hoping to sow bitterness and hard feelings between us. He thinks that punishing some of us for a mistake we all committed will put a strain on our family and eventually break us apart." Edward growled and clenched his jaw as he scowled at a spot on the bottom of the cabin.
Jasper nodded in agreement, "same goes for the whole deal with Bella." He trailed off.
It seemed like each one of the decision of the Volturi was designed to break the Cullen's apart. Aro had seen the allegedly weak links and used them mercilessly.
"But he must have been aware that we would figure this out." Emmett protested not liking what he heard at all.
"I'm sure he was but a hundred years can be a long time, Emmett." Eleazar explained while Edward's lips tightened into a fierce line before he cranked his neck to stare into my eyes. Pain, guilt, fear but also defeat reflected in his golden pools.
I wanted to tell him that it somehow would be OK but I didn't know how or what words to use. I was too exhausted and worn out. Every encouraging phrase that was floating through my mind sounded fake, pathetic and unconvincing which was why I just snuggled into his side and rested my head on his shoulder, wordlessly showing Edward where I stood.
He seemed to have gotten the message because a few seconds later his tense body relaxed a little and he pressed a kiss on the top of my head while his thumb started to run circles on the skin of my arm.
"We are stronger than this." Rosalie suddenly growled fiercely breaking the pregnant silence that had befallen all of us.
All eyes snapped to her dark, angry and determinate expression.
"We are stronger than this." She barked again with her trembling fists in on her tights.
(*.*)
"Rosalie!" I heard Esme admonish her daughter as I was slowly regaining my consciousness. The heat and the events of the past couple of hours had taken a lot out of me. I couldn't even remember when I fell asleep.
Edward's chest was pressed against my back as I was resting half on him and between his legs with my head tugged under his chin while his arms were wrapped around my belly holding my securely to his cool frame as the both of us more lay than sat on the leather couch in the luxurious cabin of the chartered jet.
"What I am right, aren't I?" Rosalie snapped in a petulant but quiet tone.
"No, I don't think you are," Jasper's southern drawl rang in my ears while I noticed how Edward was rhythmically brushing his thumb over my arm as he pressed a kiss to the side of my head.
I was aware of the fact that he knew, just like any other Vampire on board, that I was awake even though my eyes were still closed. But maybe calling my condition away was too much said. I was more like stuck somewhere between consciousness and sweet peaceful darkness.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rosalie barked again. "We won and the Volturi left. Haven't you been listening?"
"I have Rosalie but I never believed it." Jasper sighed annoyed.
"Why not?" Emmett questioned.
"From all you have told me about the books and what happened in them … I must agree with Jasper." Eleazar spoke up. "I spent a really long period of time with them. I know how they operate and think … and maybe the books had a happy ending but if everything would have gone down how you just told me … I'll doubt you would have had a hundred years."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rosalie asked exasperated.
"According to Anna it came to some sort of fight but Bella's shield prevented Alec's ability from reaching us …. Thankfully before anything more could have happen Alice and Jasper returned with the hybrid …" Carlisle murmured.
"But we humiliated the Volturi in front of several witnesses and more than that we proven to all who were assembled that the Volturi is not as invincible, powerful and absolute as they like to think of themselves." Edward muttered in a low and gruff voice.
"We damaged their status as the leaders of our kind with our actions and there were witnesses to spread the news among our kind," Jasper grumped, "they may have left in the book but I am sure that in reality that would not have been the last we heard of them."
"It may would have taken some time but they would have done everything possible to regain and prove their status as the most powerful coven that was unconquerable …. And the only way to achieve that would have been by destroying you and possibly those who dared to agree to be your witnesses." Eleazar stated soberly with no emotions in his voice and a thoughtful silence followed his words.
I agreed fully with their assessment of the situation. Ever since "New Moon" the Volturi had been announced as these big, bad guys one should under any circumstances not cross and then they just leave with their tails between their legs after being humiliated and having their reputation trashed?
"Son, what did Aro mean when he said that there are some issues that need to be addressed?" Carlisle's confused and curious voice echoed in my ears as I was about to drift off into darkness again.
"Yeah, exactly why did he grand Anna one more year," Emmett wondered, "not that that isn't awesome for her." He quickly defended himself after I felt Edward's chest vibrate against my back.
"That is something I will discuss with Anna first and then we will let you know." Edward's velvet voice was the last thing I heard before everything went black.
Suddenly I was ripped out of the warm darkness again by Emmett's loud booming voice.
"He's planning what? But that is…."
"Aro is fascinated with the idea of guard dogs. He wants them badly." Edward sighed.
"But they are committed to protecting human life. They grow up with horror stories about us they would never…" Esme rasped.
"Not the one's who grew up within their culture and know of the legends, they would never bend to Aro's will." Edward agreed.
"Are you trying to tell us?" Alice asked horrified.
I felt Edward nod in agreement to whatever Alice thought.
"But the pack would never …. I mean they can't just kidnap their children." Esme gasped shocked after a moment.
"Not all Quileute's live in La Push Esme … there are many possibilities for Aro to get what he wants….. the mutts won't even notice what is happening." Edward said in a bleak voice.
"But that …..that's just wrong … children belong with their parents …. Don't they know? Hasn't Bella told them?" Esme cried.
"As far as I could gather, Bella hasn't told them anything about Reneesme or any of the content of "Breaking Dawn" and besides the books were out of her perspective and I would have never told her about Aro's plans regarding the mutts, knowing her weakness for them and the jeopardy it would have put our family in." Edward muttered tonelessly.
"Those poor children." Esme mumbled upset.
Listening to them I was gradually beginning to feel strangely uncomfortable. Despite the fact that the topic of conversation was a very serious one I found myself emotionally detached as if I was not in the middle nor part of this but just an observer who followed the events from the security of his own living room about to switch the TV off.
"For a hundred years we are completely under the Volturi's control if we would try to warn the mongrels they would know and then…. "Jasper drawled and a defeated and depressed silence settled over the cabin.
"Even if your experience with the Volturi is a negative one being part of the guard is not that bad of a life. Aro takes very good care of his guard showering them with rewards and many other amenities. They won't have a bad live there." Eleazar mused.
"How can you say that?" Esme squeaked in disbelieve.
"All I am saying, Esme, is that they do have their purpose. The Volturi are needed or else anarchy would rule our world."
"Even if Aro officially scoffs on the concept of us regarding each other as family he every much understands it's power," Edward explained.
"Yes, I was there when he made Alec and Jane part of the guard. He always treated them as if they were his own and they are the most loyal ones same as Renata and Chelsea who were also turned by Aro and showered by his affection." Eleazar muttered.
"Still the poor parents." Esme whispered.
Suddenly I knew with painful clarity why I was so detached from this topic, it just hit too close to home.
Children losing their parents.
Parents losing their children.
Those concepts were bouncing around in my mind taunting me, hurting me, bringing back memories and an awareness I was trying to keep somewhere far, far in the back of my mind.
To distract myself from those hurtful grounds I concentrated on my breathing and hoped they would change the topic because even though I wanted to tell them to shut it, to finally stop talking about this I found myself without voice.
"What are you going to do about Irina?" I heard Carlisle ask concerned and Eleazar sighed heavily in response.
"We can't make this decision alone we have to talk to Tanya and Kate first." Carmen said in a sad voice while someone hissed.
"Rosalie, please." Esme rebuked her daughter.
"You have to understand, Rosalie. Irina really loved Laurent even thought of him as her mate," Carmen pleaded.
"That doesn't sound like you believe he was." Jasper questioned and Carmen sighed heavily.
"We can't really tell to be honest they did get along pretty well and Irina was head over heels for him but he was hard to get a read on." Eleazar mused.
"She is devastated and hurting. How would you feel if you lost Emmett?" Carmen asked but received no answer.
"We understand." Esme stated firmly while she was glaring warningly at Rosalie.
(*.*)
Arriving in Seattle, the airport controls and the way back to Forks it all went down in a haze for me. The fever made my mind blurry though I did member how I struggled against Edward as he wanted to put me into bed while I wanted to take a shower.
Images of how I pleaded quietly in a little voice and how Edward's shoulder slumped down in defeated as he sighed into my hair and his cool breath brushed down my shoulder while he held me against his chest flashed across my sleepy mind.
I remembered somehow distorted the sound of water as it hit against the titles in the shower and how the warm water drops felt on my skin, the scent of my cacao butter and coconut oil shower cream teased my nose before I was suddenly, from one second to the other, wide awake, with a sharp intake of air.
"Hey, you are awake," Edward greeted me with a smile as he lay next to me on my bed.
"How late it is?" I asked in gruff voice, feeling the scratchy dryness in my throat and immediately reached over to my nightstand for some water.
"Just a few minutes after three in the afternoon."
After draining half of the bottle I let myself fall back onto my pillows.
"Esme made you some chicken soup and then you should continue sleeping. You are still running a fever." Edward murmured, leaned in and pressed a kiss against my forehead before he got off the bed and in a blink of an eye was out of the room.
I sighed scrambling out of bed to use the bathroom, feeling a little light-headed once I stood on my feet but I managed. I fixed myself as good as I could before I stepped out of the bathroom and was met with the sight of Edward holding a tray in his hands.
When the yummy smell of the chicken soup and freshly baked bread reached my nose my stomach rumbled hungrily and Edward chuckled before his signature crooked grin occupied his face and his smouldering amber pools followed every one of my movements.
"Hmmm, the soup is delicious, thank you Esme," I said after I took a taste and dipped the spoon happily into the delicious smelling liquid while steam curled from its the surface.
"She says you are welcome," Edward chuckled and I cranked my neck to look at him.
"Did I miss anything important?"
"What do you mean?" He cocked his head to the side.
"Your conversations during the flight and where are Eleazar and Carmen?"
"They returned to Alaska," he sighed, his eyes fell on the ground and tiredness was suddenly etched into his marble features.
"Do you think the thing with Irina will affect your relationship with the Denalis?" I wondered concerned.
Edward looked up at me then and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly upwards.
"I don't think so. Rosalie is going to cool down eventually and Tanya is very insightful and loyal. Her deepest emotional connection, beside her sisters and Eleazar and Carmen, is to Carlisle. She often refers to herself and the others as Carlisle's extended family."
"And she is particularly fond of you," I teased.
Edward exhaled heavily while shoving his fingers through his messy hair, "well she is also very playful but I always rejected her overtures….. Could it be you are jealous?" He gazed at me with an amused twinkle in his eyes.
"Yeah, you wish." I laughed his accusation off while his face fell just a tiny bit and he muttered something that sounded like "I really do" under his breath but I couldn't be sure.
Cocking my head to the side I saw him narrow his eyes at the full spoon in my hand, "eat up before it gets cold." He urged.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head but popped the spoon full of tasty soup in my mouth.
"Yum," I smacked my lips and rubbed my stomach, mockingly, what caused Edward to chuckle and shake his head in amusement.
"Shall I feed you?" He raised a perfect eyebrow at me.
"I think I manage." I waved him off.
"You sure?" He questioned with uncertainty ringing thick in his voice and a teasing and unconvinced look in his golden depths.
My expression went blank and my lips pursed at him before I placed the spoon which I was still holding in my hand on the tray and picked a piece of fresh baked bread up, holding it up as if it was a missile.
A huge and bantering smile spread across my face while I wiggled my eyebrows at him and he back paddled raising his both hands, palms up, in front of him in defeat.
"Has no one ever told you not to play with your food?"
"You really want me to throw this at you?" I laughed disbelievingly.
He just shrugged his shoulders and smiled that crooked smile of his looking sheepishly at me. I rolled my eyes and popped the piece of bread into my mouth, continuing to eat.
"I think Carlisle already asked that but why did Aro give me a year and why wouldn't you tell your family?" I murmured while I wiped my soup bowl with the last piece of my bread.
At my questioned Edward stilled and looked eye-wide and wary at me before he swallowed hard and his shocked pools of golden cast down on the comforter staring at it as if it was the most interesting think in the world.
What's with that? My subconscious raised a suspicious eyebrow at him.
I watched him while I chewed the last piece of Esme's delicious bread and I swear if he wasn't a Vampire his entire face, ears and neck would have been covered by a deep red blush judging by the way he tried to avoid my eyes, was pulling nervously at his hair and was squirming around.
"Edward?"
Carefully he looked up at me with a mix of fear, dread and anxiousness on his face.
"That bad?" I asked slowly getting concerned.
He parted his lips before he wetted them with his tongue and sighed heavily while his expression turned disgruntled and bitter.
Huh! My subconscious blinked in confusion.
"Aro wants us to have a child." He spat and clenched his jaw.
"Oh," was all said and laid back against the headboard of my bed while I felt Edward's sorrowful, troubled but also irritated gaze on me.
"Is that another requirement of our punishment?" I asked in utter disbelieve and was suddenly slammed back into the reality of what went down in Italy and the consequences of that.
The fact that I was being punished for someone else's mistake and that she was also playing a huge part in it was laughing gleefully into my face, taunting me but this was not the time to vent my anger though definitely something I would have to deal with and talk about with someone, soon.
"No," Edward shook his head, responding to my question.
I sighed, "kids were not something I spend much time dwelling on. It always had been a concept for a really, really distant future …. Oh, my."
"For the longest time I believed I would forever be denied this particular experience." He mumbled looking into the distance.
"Do you want to?" I trailed off gesturing with my hand over my belly.
"I," he said and looked helplessly and torn at me, "its a high risk pregnancy even with everything you told …" He trailed off, clamped his mouth shut, shook his head and swallowed hard before he frowned and his expression hardened and darkened.
"It's something he is curious about and he knows how much Rosalie wants us to have a child to be an aunt and if…..." He spat disgusted and resentfully.
"If we decide not to have one she will resent us for the rest of her life for not taking the chance." I barked a sarcastic laugh and moaned tiredly.
Edward shook his head angrily and clenched his fingers into tight fists.
Nibbling on my bottom lip I just watched him for a long moment with my arms crossed over my chest.
I was aware of the fact that we were doing this whole thing backwards, discussing children when we weren't even officially a couple and there still were so many issues to solve but then again when had our relationship ever been normal or followed any kind of rules?
"Every single of their decisions and requirement was designed to break you guys apart." I mumbled while looking blankly out of the panorama window.
Turning my attention back to Edward I was met with his troubled, dark and conflicted amber depths.
"But if we have one Aro might want this child if it had any special abilities? Would he try to take it away from us?" I mused and threw my arm over my eyes.
"That is what worries me too." He murmured quietly.
Really, when it rains it pours. My subconscious muttered bitterly while she was rubbing her temples against the approaching headache.