Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 10: The
Nomad'sSkydancinghobbit
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Sometimes I wondered if I was seeing the same things through my eyes that the rest of the world was seeing through theirs
Bella Swan, Twilight, Chapter 1, p.11
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``And of this place,'' thought she, ``I might have been mistress! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visitors my Uncle and Aunt"
A tearful sniffle interrupted this chapter, as Esme reached for the tissue box blowing her nose. Bella suspected from force of habit from conflicting emotions rather than a nasal blockage. Tonight was lady central at Alice's place. Esme had appeared shortly after, they returned home, bearing a sumptuous meal and the well traveled copy of the book pleading for their reading sessions to continue. Bella, with her mind full of the events of the day, was more than happy to oblige. Soon a crackling fire, glasses of wine, Bella had hot mulled cider. and the recitation began.
"Oh its so sad, if they only would sit down and speak to one another it would all be well!"
Esme proclaimed, miserably, waving the tissue around in a fashion that put Mrs. Bennet immediately into Bella's thoughts. She dared not utter her thoughts aloud for, with their recent appearance back in her life, she did not wish to offend her listeners. Merely lowered the book for a moment.
"You have a point, but, back in those days men and women couldn't just talk, like we do; it was a very rigid system of behavior."
Alice however was smirking on the couch. The glassy expression of her eyes proclaiming her vision state, more than anything else, put an end to Austen land for now. As she returned to the present, eyes alight and eager, she gazed on the others.
"There is going to be an awesome storm tonight, Bella you game for, referring to, an all American sport?"
Her eyebrow shot up as she met the eager eyes of her best friend. Had she forgotten what had occurred the last time? The events still haunted Bella in her darkest nightmares. True, she had been rescued, from her own stupidity, by Jasper who had put the pieces together just in time. Allowing the cavalry to arrive just in time. James had proved more the sly fox and had, while they all attended to Bella, escaped through a trapdoor build into the floor. Despite weeks of hunting he had not been found.
Looking back, Bella also considered the events, part of the reason Edward had abandoned her in the forest that day, though little good did it do in the end. She was saved by these dark musings, by a pair of cool strong arms that slid around her slender figure, Bella had not realized she had been shaking until the gentle voice of Esme whispered in her ear.
"Easy Bella, I promise you, the family won't allow anything to happen to you. You have my word as co-coven leader"
Alice looked momentarily ashamed for her thoughtlessness and did not have the words to beg a sufficient apology, she had nothing to worry about as her vision again blanked out, and a bright smile again wreathed her face as she all but beamed at the pair on the couch.
"Oh Bella you'll be safe, Aro has just decided to join us, and he's not wearing a shirt"
"Aro? Volturi?"
"Um, yes?"
A long silence followed this statement as Esme let this sink in. She knew, of course, that Bella had lingered in Italy a good long time. Edward had returned, in a rough state, marching up to his room with his piano to vent his frustration only emerging for a hunt and nearly three weeks running. This dark behavior, had thrown her into a state of suspicion and worry. It was so very un-Edward like, who was prone to being moody, but never to this extent. Now the pieces were beginning to fall into place. Her son had just learned his own insignificance and was suffering the side effects.
"I see, in that case, I suggest we leave at once. We wouldn't want to keep him waiting"
Bella let out a breath, she hadn't realized she'd been holding, and smiled. She had been so sure of a lecture from the elder vampire and for her to turn her back on Bella for abandoning her son. Yet she seemed to understand without having all the details. Sometimes having a vampire for a mother figure truly did come in handy.
A quick change and a dash through the endless pines brought them all together. Bella, still a little dizzy from hanging on to Alice, slid to the ground a hair dazed and happily took a moment to drink in the scene around her. Jasper was way out in the outfield stretching, while Carlisle was standing on the pitchers mound discussing something with...
Aro.
Bella's mouth ran dry, as her treacherous mind gleefully replayed the scene from the classroom. The intimacy and forbidden feel of those pale lips, was enough to send her hormones into dangerous territory. Yet it paled in comparison to the vision that now stood before her. Dark hair now soaked through from the rain hung in curling waves the white shirt he'd hastily thrown on clung to his pale chest parted in front enough to reveal a form that any Greek god would have wept for.
"Bella... Earth to Bella"
Alice huffed in exasperation and finally, when calling her name seemed to have no noticeable effect, carefully measured the force and Gibbs slapped her gently across the back of the head. Gentle as it was it barely ruffled her soaking hair as she blinked and seemed to return to the moment
"Huh?"
"Geez Bella, I called you like 5 times, what were you looking...oh!"
She trailed off as the pair concluded the short conference and everyone gathered on the mound to choose teams as the thunder rolled in. Aro, by this time, having grown bored with the sopping fabric and discarded his shirt all together. Heedless to the havoc he was causing by playing with his mate. It was all thanks to sweet Jasper who sidled up to her with a low chuckle.
"Easy Darlin'. "
Heat flooded her face at the raised eyebrow of the cowboy. It said in one motion more than she could have with 5 minutes of spoken words. He did however take pity on her tapping her gently on the shoulder and suddenly the dark tendrils of lust were swiftly caged again leaving Bella free to admire without fear of giving herself away.
"Thanks Jasper! what would I do without you"
"Just here to help Miss"
Affectionately, he ruffled her hair before withdrawing with a roguish smirk to Alice whose lips were pressed into a thin line to prevent a girlish squeal as the Vampire King approached.
"Carlisle has apprised me of the rules. I think it best if I watch for an inning? is it before joining in, if that's agreeable."
Hearty assent was given all around and as the game commenced Bella found herself suddenly sheltered from the rain as she looked up in surprise. Aro having used what looked like his own great coat to provide something like an umbrella for her from a long hanging tree branch over her head. Touched by his thoughtfulness she gifted him with her brightest smile as he leapt from the tree to join her.
"Thank you."
"Of course Mia Cara, I would not wish you to fall ill"
They settled into an easy silence as they watched the action on the field. Each crack of the bat corresponding with the rumbles of thunder that shook the earth beneath her feet. Almost on impulse she moved closer to him as the storm crept closer. Only when a fork of lightning struck a tree on the other side of the clearing did she utter a squeak of fear, drawing his notice. His eyes softened a fraction as his arm found its way around her shoulders very slowly, as if giving her time to rebuke him. When no protest came, he dared to pull her close to his chest. Whispering soft words of comfort into her ear his fingers passing through her drying hair tenderly.
“Luce Mia I'd never allow anything to harm you”
Lulled into a near stupor by the low tenor of his voice as it lapsed into fluid Italian; Bella barely noticed the storm raging around her now, as the teams switches places with the familiar figure of Edward walking up to the plate with Rosalie scuffing her toe on the mound as she considered her next pitch. Bella was only brought back to the moment, as the field was lit by a sudden fork of lightning revealing three approaching figures, with James in the lead. His crimson eyes sweeping the surrounding trees to rest on her shaking form. Momentarily baffled, Aro slipped into her mind and gasped at what he saw. His cruelty, the sensation of breaking bone and the scream that had been wrenched from her lips right before the family arrived. Uttering something that sounded like profanity in any language, she was scooped into his arms.
The Cullen's had by this time ceased their game and the sudden roar from Aro's chest alerted them to the danger. James had almost reached them by this time, as Alice, having been distracted by the game, was caught off guard. He stopped and inhaled deeply as if sampling a fine wine. All she knew, for at that moment,was that all heck broke loose with vampiric screams filling the clearing. Yet she saw no more as at this moment, Bella was well out of sight of the event. Carried in the arms of one who loved her, she knew better than to protest as his entire being vibrated with barely checked rage. He didn't stop until he reached an old hidden property while overgrown and neglected on the outside; it had the opulence she had come to admire and associate with the Volturi name.
Marble floors and walls greeted them as they passed through richly decorated halls until they reached a lavish bedroom done in french blue. She had barely hit the plush mattress, when a crackling sound made her jump but it was only Aro starting a fire in the grate; mitigating the damp chill of the old house. He cast an eye on her shivering figure and tilted his head to one side before returning with something on a dress hanger.
“Mia Cara, here... this will serve until your attire is dry”
His tone was so gentle as he laid the hidden garment before her like an offering. The movement was so old world it brought her mind from the possible scenes unfolding on the field. She could do naught but accept his gift slipping quietly behind a screen that stood in one corner for that very purpose. The sound of a zipper and a soft gasp met his ears, as Bella let the back fall away from the most beautiful gown she had ever laid eyes on. Deep crimson red and dusted with all the gleaming shine of any royal it was almost too beautiful to touch, let alone slide into, but the stiff chill this far from the fire forced her hand. Almost in reverence, she stepped into the gown relishing in its silken feel as it hugged her curves in all the right places. Inhaling she checked the bag and sure enough a pair of simple red heels lay underneath. Blushing, with a sense of fairy tale wonder, she stepped from behind the screen.
“ Sei il mio incantesimo”
The tone alone would have sent most sensible women into a swoon. Lucky for Bella, she had grown to adore that purring tone that escaped his lips, as she sat gently on the edge of the bed as he indicated, his larger form sliding behind her as soon enough and a brush was whispering through her hair. Bella closed her eyes thinking, if this was a dream it was the best yet. His touch however was real, cool, and very tempting as it passed gently across her bare shoulder as he attended to every inch of her hair, fussing with so much tender consideration; she was forcefully reminded of Alice. Then it was over her curls gleaming in the swept updo held with a hair pin bearing a familiar symbol.
“Aro, is this...?”
“Yes Mia cara, it is, this clip hasn't been worn since sometime in the 16th century”
Feeling safe and warm, she began to grow drowsy. When at last sleep claimed her and her eyes slid closed, knowing it was Aro, who cradled her against his chest for the remainder of that long night. Tenderly, he unclipped the pin, when her hair dried.
Later there would be a reckoning and a sentence for those, who had violated his beloved. For now he could wait.
After all, he had all the time in the world.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sometimes I wondered if I was seeing the same things through my eyes that the rest of the world was seeing through theirs
Bella Swan, Twilight, Chapter 1, p.11
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
``And of this place,'' thought she, ``I might have been mistress! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visitors my Uncle and Aunt"
A tearful sniffle interrupted this chapter, as Esme reached for the tissue box blowing her nose. Bella suspected from force of habit from conflicting emotions rather than a nasal blockage. Tonight was lady central at Alice's place. Esme had appeared shortly after, they returned home, bearing a sumptuous meal and the well traveled copy of the book pleading for their reading sessions to continue. Bella, with her mind full of the events of the day, was more than happy to oblige. Soon a crackling fire, glasses of wine, Bella had hot mulled cider. and the recitation began.
"Oh its so sad, if they only would sit down and speak to one another it would all be well!"
Esme proclaimed, miserably, waving the tissue around in a fashion that put Mrs. Bennet immediately into Bella's thoughts. She dared not utter her thoughts aloud for, with their recent appearance back in her life, she did not wish to offend her listeners. Merely lowered the book for a moment.
"You have a point, but, back in those days men and women couldn't just talk, like we do; it was a very rigid system of behavior."
Alice however was smirking on the couch. The glassy expression of her eyes proclaiming her vision state, more than anything else, put an end to Austen land for now. As she returned to the present, eyes alight and eager, she gazed on the others.
"There is going to be an awesome storm tonight, Bella you game for, referring to, an all American sport?"
Her eyebrow shot up as she met the eager eyes of her best friend. Had she forgotten what had occurred the last time? The events still haunted Bella in her darkest nightmares. True, she had been rescued, from her own stupidity, by Jasper who had put the pieces together just in time. Allowing the cavalry to arrive just in time. James had proved more the sly fox and had, while they all attended to Bella, escaped through a trapdoor build into the floor. Despite weeks of hunting he had not been found.
Looking back, Bella also considered the events, part of the reason Edward had abandoned her in the forest that day, though little good did it do in the end. She was saved by these dark musings, by a pair of cool strong arms that slid around her slender figure, Bella had not realized she had been shaking until the gentle voice of Esme whispered in her ear.
"Easy Bella, I promise you, the family won't allow anything to happen to you. You have my word as co-coven leader"
Alice looked momentarily ashamed for her thoughtlessness and did not have the words to beg a sufficient apology, she had nothing to worry about as her vision again blanked out, and a bright smile again wreathed her face as she all but beamed at the pair on the couch.
"Oh Bella you'll be safe, Aro has just decided to join us, and he's not wearing a shirt"
"Aro? Volturi?"
"Um, yes?"
A long silence followed this statement as Esme let this sink in. She knew, of course, that Bella had lingered in Italy a good long time. Edward had returned, in a rough state, marching up to his room with his piano to vent his frustration only emerging for a hunt and nearly three weeks running. This dark behavior, had thrown her into a state of suspicion and worry. It was so very un-Edward like, who was prone to being moody, but never to this extent. Now the pieces were beginning to fall into place. Her son had just learned his own insignificance and was suffering the side effects.
"I see, in that case, I suggest we leave at once. We wouldn't want to keep him waiting"
Bella let out a breath, she hadn't realized she'd been holding, and smiled. She had been so sure of a lecture from the elder vampire and for her to turn her back on Bella for abandoning her son. Yet she seemed to understand without having all the details. Sometimes having a vampire for a mother figure truly did come in handy.
A quick change and a dash through the endless pines brought them all together. Bella, still a little dizzy from hanging on to Alice, slid to the ground a hair dazed and happily took a moment to drink in the scene around her. Jasper was way out in the outfield stretching, while Carlisle was standing on the pitchers mound discussing something with...
Aro.
Bella's mouth ran dry, as her treacherous mind gleefully replayed the scene from the classroom. The intimacy and forbidden feel of those pale lips, was enough to send her hormones into dangerous territory. Yet it paled in comparison to the vision that now stood before her. Dark hair now soaked through from the rain hung in curling waves the white shirt he'd hastily thrown on clung to his pale chest parted in front enough to reveal a form that any Greek god would have wept for.
"Bella... Earth to Bella"
Alice huffed in exasperation and finally, when calling her name seemed to have no noticeable effect, carefully measured the force and Gibbs slapped her gently across the back of the head. Gentle as it was it barely ruffled her soaking hair as she blinked and seemed to return to the moment
"Huh?"
"Geez Bella, I called you like 5 times, what were you looking...oh!"
She trailed off as the pair concluded the short conference and everyone gathered on the mound to choose teams as the thunder rolled in. Aro, by this time, having grown bored with the sopping fabric and discarded his shirt all together. Heedless to the havoc he was causing by playing with his mate. It was all thanks to sweet Jasper who sidled up to her with a low chuckle.
"Easy Darlin'. "
Heat flooded her face at the raised eyebrow of the cowboy. It said in one motion more than she could have with 5 minutes of spoken words. He did however take pity on her tapping her gently on the shoulder and suddenly the dark tendrils of lust were swiftly caged again leaving Bella free to admire without fear of giving herself away.
"Thanks Jasper! what would I do without you"
"Just here to help Miss"
Affectionately, he ruffled her hair before withdrawing with a roguish smirk to Alice whose lips were pressed into a thin line to prevent a girlish squeal as the Vampire King approached.
"Carlisle has apprised me of the rules. I think it best if I watch for an inning? is it before joining in, if that's agreeable."
Hearty assent was given all around and as the game commenced Bella found herself suddenly sheltered from the rain as she looked up in surprise. Aro having used what looked like his own great coat to provide something like an umbrella for her from a long hanging tree branch over her head. Touched by his thoughtfulness she gifted him with her brightest smile as he leapt from the tree to join her.
"Thank you."
"Of course Mia Cara, I would not wish you to fall ill"
They settled into an easy silence as they watched the action on the field. Each crack of the bat corresponding with the rumbles of thunder that shook the earth beneath her feet. Almost on impulse she moved closer to him as the storm crept closer. Only when a fork of lightning struck a tree on the other side of the clearing did she utter a squeak of fear, drawing his notice. His eyes softened a fraction as his arm found its way around her shoulders very slowly, as if giving her time to rebuke him. When no protest came, he dared to pull her close to his chest. Whispering soft words of comfort into her ear his fingers passing through her drying hair tenderly.
“Luce Mia I'd never allow anything to harm you”
Lulled into a near stupor by the low tenor of his voice as it lapsed into fluid Italian; Bella barely noticed the storm raging around her now, as the teams switches places with the familiar figure of Edward walking up to the plate with Rosalie scuffing her toe on the mound as she considered her next pitch. Bella was only brought back to the moment, as the field was lit by a sudden fork of lightning revealing three approaching figures, with James in the lead. His crimson eyes sweeping the surrounding trees to rest on her shaking form. Momentarily baffled, Aro slipped into her mind and gasped at what he saw. His cruelty, the sensation of breaking bone and the scream that had been wrenched from her lips right before the family arrived. Uttering something that sounded like profanity in any language, she was scooped into his arms.
The Cullen's had by this time ceased their game and the sudden roar from Aro's chest alerted them to the danger. James had almost reached them by this time, as Alice, having been distracted by the game, was caught off guard. He stopped and inhaled deeply as if sampling a fine wine. All she knew, for at that moment,was that all heck broke loose with vampiric screams filling the clearing. Yet she saw no more as at this moment, Bella was well out of sight of the event. Carried in the arms of one who loved her, she knew better than to protest as his entire being vibrated with barely checked rage. He didn't stop until he reached an old hidden property while overgrown and neglected on the outside; it had the opulence she had come to admire and associate with the Volturi name.
Marble floors and walls greeted them as they passed through richly decorated halls until they reached a lavish bedroom done in french blue. She had barely hit the plush mattress, when a crackling sound made her jump but it was only Aro starting a fire in the grate; mitigating the damp chill of the old house. He cast an eye on her shivering figure and tilted his head to one side before returning with something on a dress hanger.
“Mia Cara, here... this will serve until your attire is dry”
His tone was so gentle as he laid the hidden garment before her like an offering. The movement was so old world it brought her mind from the possible scenes unfolding on the field. She could do naught but accept his gift slipping quietly behind a screen that stood in one corner for that very purpose. The sound of a zipper and a soft gasp met his ears, as Bella let the back fall away from the most beautiful gown she had ever laid eyes on. Deep crimson red and dusted with all the gleaming shine of any royal it was almost too beautiful to touch, let alone slide into, but the stiff chill this far from the fire forced her hand. Almost in reverence, she stepped into the gown relishing in its silken feel as it hugged her curves in all the right places. Inhaling she checked the bag and sure enough a pair of simple red heels lay underneath. Blushing, with a sense of fairy tale wonder, she stepped from behind the screen.
“ Sei il mio incantesimo”
The tone alone would have sent most sensible women into a swoon. Lucky for Bella, she had grown to adore that purring tone that escaped his lips, as she sat gently on the edge of the bed as he indicated, his larger form sliding behind her as soon enough and a brush was whispering through her hair. Bella closed her eyes thinking, if this was a dream it was the best yet. His touch however was real, cool, and very tempting as it passed gently across her bare shoulder as he attended to every inch of her hair, fussing with so much tender consideration; she was forcefully reminded of Alice. Then it was over her curls gleaming in the swept updo held with a hair pin bearing a familiar symbol.
“Aro, is this...?”
“Yes Mia cara, it is, this clip hasn't been worn since sometime in the 16th century”
Feeling safe and warm, she began to grow drowsy. When at last sleep claimed her and her eyes slid closed, knowing it was Aro, who cradled her against his chest for the remainder of that long night. Tenderly, he unclipped the pin, when her hair dried.
Later there would be a reckoning and a sentence for those, who had violated his beloved. For now he could wait.
After all, he had all the time in the world.