Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 12: Italy and
Aro
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You held out your hand, and I took it without stopping to make sense of what I was doing. For the first time in almost a century, I felt hope.
Jasper Hale, Eclipse, Chapter 13, p.301
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Three weeks, two major shopping trips and one plane ticket later, Bella was returning to Italy. Charlie had been slightly reluctant to allow her to go that far away but gradually with Alice's presentation and home cook food he warmed to the idea. Spending hours in front of the computer fascinated by the rolling wine country and art tours. Then Alice introduced him to the food culture and the battle was over. Esme was delighted, spending her days lavishing the family with the best of Italy's kitchen. Ravioli, lasagna and even a pastry or two found its way to their table. Apparently the others on the police force were getting envious of the left overs their chief was bringing to the office. Even going so far as to request the recipe. Charlie gruffly replied that these were old family recipes and could not be given to the general public.
(Even though most had come from a channel on TV much to Bella's amusement)
Alice sat beside her flipping through a fashion magazine. Oblivious to the movie running on the screen. Bella was watching it with nostalgic amusement. There was nothing quite like watching the end of sleeping beauty when your own pale prince charming was waiting for you. Well King sounded a little prideful even though it was his formal title. After all what little girl didn't dream of living in a Castle? Now happily distracted she fell into day dreams until a gentle poke in the ribs brought her back to reality
"Earth to Bella, come in Bella, we'll be landing in a few minutes better grab your gum"
Rummaging through her carry on Bella quickly located her spearmint gum popping a piece in her mouth as they began their descent. There was nothing else like it for helping to ease the pressure changes in your ears after a long flight. Soon enough the wheels struck the runway and bounced to a stop at the terminal taxiing the last few feet while the attendant bid them a good morning. Bella groaned; time changes always messed with her.
Retrieving her laptop, Bella made a mental note to email Charlie, who had all but begged to be informed the minute she touched earth again. So accordingly after collecting her luggage and sliding into the black limo waiting out front for her. Bella sent off a quick email to both the Swan and Cullen families, better to be safe than sorry. Clicking the lid shut she sighed deeply. Relaxing into the plush seats. Even a thousand miles from her father; a sudden feeling of coming home blossomed in her chest. She didn't need to look out the window to know they had just pulled into the formal courtyard. The car came to a smooth stop and the back door was opened with a flourish by Jane who stood with an expression of painted welcome on her face, Bella suspected the young blond beauty wanted nothing more than to see her get back on the plane again, but it could not be helped. Passing her with nothing more than a nod she swept rather grandly into the castle, flanked as she was the guard and Alice who as always was dressed to the nines. Felix met their little party at the secretary’s desk.
“Welcome ladies to the Volturi art institute. The board of directors wishes to greet you; please follow me”
Bella had to give the immortal credit he went through his entire spiel without once breaking his role of official tour guide. Offering her a smile that could have only been described as saucy, he strode forward to push the grand doors open once again. As they closed behind her with a sound not unlike those of a tomb; Bella had to forcefully remind herself that while a teacher Aro had been playing by her rules in a world crafted by man. Now she was in his kingdom where a single word could mean either life and great success or instant death and loss of everything you knew. It was a rather sobering thought.
There like a portrait of a world gone by sat the three vampire kings: Marcus with a smile playing about his lips in welcome, Caius who looked rather put out by this foolish idea and, Bella had only a moment to glimpse him sitting regal in his chair until a pair of cool arms suddenly swept her off her feet and cradled her against the front of his finely tailored suit.
“Cara Mia”
At once a feeling of protection and safety flooded her and she visibly relaxed against his chest, brushing away a lock of dark hair that had fallen into her face. The simply motion causing a familiar rumbling deep inside his chest and she looked into his crimson eyes with astonishment having finally made the connection.
“Aro, are you, purring?”
Her voice low as it was, gleefully caught the attention of Marcus whose sudden hacking sound from his throne betrayed his laughter. Seemingly to pointedly ignore his brothers display, Aro merely threaded his fingers through her hair gently and spoke again. One elegant brow arching as if to challenge her to tease him about such unseemly behavior.
“Yes, it would seem so”
“I didn't know vampires could purr, all I ever heard was growling, a snarl or two, and probably some form of profanity in a tongue I didn't recognize”
Her musings seemed to ease the tension, Marcus merely returning to his former position of bored out of his mind, and the other vanished presumably to hunt; an unseen gesture had sent the guard and Alice off to their own devices leaving them alone.
“It is not something to be done, in public, Mia Cara forgive me an impolite lapse in good manners “
Bella wisely gave her consent clearing him of all guilt. She was about to join the others in unpacking and settling in when something occurred to her and she reached carefully into her hair, withdrawing the clip he had so generously left there a few weeks before. Carefully balancing it on her palm she offered it to him, a rather difficult maneuver considering he had still yet to remove his arms from around her waist.
“Aro, before I forget, here. You left this behind when you returned to Italy”
Here In the bright sun lit room she was able to get a good look at the design, crafted from metal, bronze and a hint of gold, it was a true work of art. A delicate V pendant inlaid with what Bella suspected were stones worth more than her parents could earn in their lifetime. He merely allowed the corner of his mouth to turn up in a gentle smile before loosening his grip on her and covering her hand with both of his own.
“Keep it Cara Mia it is your right to wear it”
“If you say so, professeur.”
Her tone was affectionate, even teasing, but nothing she owned would be worthy of it and she knew it, despite her teasing. Forgetting the fact the man beside her could easily read her thoughts, Bella was surprised to suddenly find herself pressed up against a marble wall and a pair of cool lips caressing her own with something like reckless abandon. Swiftly her rather sad thoughts flew out the window to be replaced with a tidal wave of heat creeping through her veins like fire as he slid his attention from her lips to trail a path of fiery kisses down the column of her throat. Then he withdrew slowly as if it took him every one of his 3,000 years to pull away from her. Lightly resting his forehead against her own; she drank in his words, rough and heated as they were like honey.
“Mia Bella, that was French, don't tease me Mia Cara, I may be undead, but I can assure my blood still runs hot, consider this your only warning.”
Backing away a step he allowed her to return to the others, Bella after taking a moment to get her bearings gladly retreated, all too mindful of the soft growls that followed her out the door as she made quick progress through the familiar corridors. Reaching their room at last she closed the door behind her and faced Alice with an expression rather like a bewildered deer who just escaped from an oncoming car.
“Well Bella, did you receive a proper welcome?”
“Yes, Alice Yes I did,”
Her tone finally got the attention it mandated as Alice suddenly was there wrapping her arms around her shoulders and tugging her over to the bed. After making sure she was carefully settled Alice vanished and returned with a glass of cold fruit juice.
“Well what happened? You look, all hot and, oh!”
It seemed to click as Alice peered closely at her collar where a small tear rested were his right fang had grazed the fabric during their interlude. Still rather dazed Bella sipped at the beverage, which turned out to be a very welcomed glass of sweet tea, just the way she liked it with a little spritz of lemon.
“Remind me in future to never accidentally speak French around Aro, Alice “
“Ah, so it’s rather a trigger for him I take it?”
“Think Gomez Alice, but with three thousand years of added knowledge”
“Wow”
“That about sums it up”
>>>>
The next morning Bella learned several things, first there really was an art institute, and second while she would be sleeping in the castle the classes themselves were very spread out over the campus and without Alice's intervention, would have been horribly lost getting to history class. Her classmates were mostly Italians studying their history in preparation for another field, Rachel wanted to be an art restorer, Philip was heading to New York next year to pursue a career in set design, and Paul wanted to teach. Those were the only three that really stuck out to poor Bella; her first day among the general throng of humanity that swirled about her.
That evening she happily sank into a hot bubble Bath with Alice to discuss the day, both women seeming to relish the feel of the soothing heat on muscles sorely tested crossing the old world cobble stones or marble between their classes.
“Jean is so knowledgeable Alice, he spoke about those paintings like he watched them be crafted”
Alice smiled; it seemed most of the other women had noticed their art history professor, tall blond and fair skinned he would have given the good doctor Cullen a run for his money. Giggling gently Alice splashed her gently. Catching her off guard the simple act sparking a water war that covered the entire bathroom in bubbles and hot water and their laughter could be heard down the hallways.
Later in bed they quickly dispatched emails to their families, as she hit send Alice smirked lightly.
“Bella the reason Jean is so knowledgeable, is he's over 2000 years old, he's Aro's cousin so it’s possible he was there; remember you’re in a different world now, where age isn't measured in years but centuries. Jasper met him years ago, on one of our honeymoons, Aro isn't the only one with a weakness for... other languages.”
Laughing Bella rolled her eyes settling down into the heavenly soft sheets and pillow, her thoughts drifting back to the throne room where a certain crimson eyed immortal tempted her to deeper and deeper waters of romance. Edward had never made her feel like that, she reflected quietly, the fire that danced through her veins and caused her rational mind to cease functioning no longer caring if there was a world outside the window. Just the fact it was him kissing her like she was the most precious jewel in his world. Rather sleepily she murmured a question.
“Alice you speak Italian right?”
Mm-hm why?
“Hmm what does Tesoro mio mean?”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You held out your hand, and I took it without stopping to make sense of what I was doing. For the first time in almost a century, I felt hope.
Jasper Hale, Eclipse, Chapter 13, p.301
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Three weeks, two major shopping trips and one plane ticket later, Bella was returning to Italy. Charlie had been slightly reluctant to allow her to go that far away but gradually with Alice's presentation and home cook food he warmed to the idea. Spending hours in front of the computer fascinated by the rolling wine country and art tours. Then Alice introduced him to the food culture and the battle was over. Esme was delighted, spending her days lavishing the family with the best of Italy's kitchen. Ravioli, lasagna and even a pastry or two found its way to their table. Apparently the others on the police force were getting envious of the left overs their chief was bringing to the office. Even going so far as to request the recipe. Charlie gruffly replied that these were old family recipes and could not be given to the general public.
(Even though most had come from a channel on TV much to Bella's amusement)
Alice sat beside her flipping through a fashion magazine. Oblivious to the movie running on the screen. Bella was watching it with nostalgic amusement. There was nothing quite like watching the end of sleeping beauty when your own pale prince charming was waiting for you. Well King sounded a little prideful even though it was his formal title. After all what little girl didn't dream of living in a Castle? Now happily distracted she fell into day dreams until a gentle poke in the ribs brought her back to reality
"Earth to Bella, come in Bella, we'll be landing in a few minutes better grab your gum"
Rummaging through her carry on Bella quickly located her spearmint gum popping a piece in her mouth as they began their descent. There was nothing else like it for helping to ease the pressure changes in your ears after a long flight. Soon enough the wheels struck the runway and bounced to a stop at the terminal taxiing the last few feet while the attendant bid them a good morning. Bella groaned; time changes always messed with her.
Retrieving her laptop, Bella made a mental note to email Charlie, who had all but begged to be informed the minute she touched earth again. So accordingly after collecting her luggage and sliding into the black limo waiting out front for her. Bella sent off a quick email to both the Swan and Cullen families, better to be safe than sorry. Clicking the lid shut she sighed deeply. Relaxing into the plush seats. Even a thousand miles from her father; a sudden feeling of coming home blossomed in her chest. She didn't need to look out the window to know they had just pulled into the formal courtyard. The car came to a smooth stop and the back door was opened with a flourish by Jane who stood with an expression of painted welcome on her face, Bella suspected the young blond beauty wanted nothing more than to see her get back on the plane again, but it could not be helped. Passing her with nothing more than a nod she swept rather grandly into the castle, flanked as she was the guard and Alice who as always was dressed to the nines. Felix met their little party at the secretary’s desk.
“Welcome ladies to the Volturi art institute. The board of directors wishes to greet you; please follow me”
Bella had to give the immortal credit he went through his entire spiel without once breaking his role of official tour guide. Offering her a smile that could have only been described as saucy, he strode forward to push the grand doors open once again. As they closed behind her with a sound not unlike those of a tomb; Bella had to forcefully remind herself that while a teacher Aro had been playing by her rules in a world crafted by man. Now she was in his kingdom where a single word could mean either life and great success or instant death and loss of everything you knew. It was a rather sobering thought.
There like a portrait of a world gone by sat the three vampire kings: Marcus with a smile playing about his lips in welcome, Caius who looked rather put out by this foolish idea and, Bella had only a moment to glimpse him sitting regal in his chair until a pair of cool arms suddenly swept her off her feet and cradled her against the front of his finely tailored suit.
“Cara Mia”
At once a feeling of protection and safety flooded her and she visibly relaxed against his chest, brushing away a lock of dark hair that had fallen into her face. The simply motion causing a familiar rumbling deep inside his chest and she looked into his crimson eyes with astonishment having finally made the connection.
“Aro, are you, purring?”
Her voice low as it was, gleefully caught the attention of Marcus whose sudden hacking sound from his throne betrayed his laughter. Seemingly to pointedly ignore his brothers display, Aro merely threaded his fingers through her hair gently and spoke again. One elegant brow arching as if to challenge her to tease him about such unseemly behavior.
“Yes, it would seem so”
“I didn't know vampires could purr, all I ever heard was growling, a snarl or two, and probably some form of profanity in a tongue I didn't recognize”
Her musings seemed to ease the tension, Marcus merely returning to his former position of bored out of his mind, and the other vanished presumably to hunt; an unseen gesture had sent the guard and Alice off to their own devices leaving them alone.
“It is not something to be done, in public, Mia Cara forgive me an impolite lapse in good manners “
Bella wisely gave her consent clearing him of all guilt. She was about to join the others in unpacking and settling in when something occurred to her and she reached carefully into her hair, withdrawing the clip he had so generously left there a few weeks before. Carefully balancing it on her palm she offered it to him, a rather difficult maneuver considering he had still yet to remove his arms from around her waist.
“Aro, before I forget, here. You left this behind when you returned to Italy”
Here In the bright sun lit room she was able to get a good look at the design, crafted from metal, bronze and a hint of gold, it was a true work of art. A delicate V pendant inlaid with what Bella suspected were stones worth more than her parents could earn in their lifetime. He merely allowed the corner of his mouth to turn up in a gentle smile before loosening his grip on her and covering her hand with both of his own.
“Keep it Cara Mia it is your right to wear it”
“If you say so, professeur.”
Her tone was affectionate, even teasing, but nothing she owned would be worthy of it and she knew it, despite her teasing. Forgetting the fact the man beside her could easily read her thoughts, Bella was surprised to suddenly find herself pressed up against a marble wall and a pair of cool lips caressing her own with something like reckless abandon. Swiftly her rather sad thoughts flew out the window to be replaced with a tidal wave of heat creeping through her veins like fire as he slid his attention from her lips to trail a path of fiery kisses down the column of her throat. Then he withdrew slowly as if it took him every one of his 3,000 years to pull away from her. Lightly resting his forehead against her own; she drank in his words, rough and heated as they were like honey.
“Mia Bella, that was French, don't tease me Mia Cara, I may be undead, but I can assure my blood still runs hot, consider this your only warning.”
Backing away a step he allowed her to return to the others, Bella after taking a moment to get her bearings gladly retreated, all too mindful of the soft growls that followed her out the door as she made quick progress through the familiar corridors. Reaching their room at last she closed the door behind her and faced Alice with an expression rather like a bewildered deer who just escaped from an oncoming car.
“Well Bella, did you receive a proper welcome?”
“Yes, Alice Yes I did,”
Her tone finally got the attention it mandated as Alice suddenly was there wrapping her arms around her shoulders and tugging her over to the bed. After making sure she was carefully settled Alice vanished and returned with a glass of cold fruit juice.
“Well what happened? You look, all hot and, oh!”
It seemed to click as Alice peered closely at her collar where a small tear rested were his right fang had grazed the fabric during their interlude. Still rather dazed Bella sipped at the beverage, which turned out to be a very welcomed glass of sweet tea, just the way she liked it with a little spritz of lemon.
“Remind me in future to never accidentally speak French around Aro, Alice “
“Ah, so it’s rather a trigger for him I take it?”
“Think Gomez Alice, but with three thousand years of added knowledge”
“Wow”
“That about sums it up”
>>>>
The next morning Bella learned several things, first there really was an art institute, and second while she would be sleeping in the castle the classes themselves were very spread out over the campus and without Alice's intervention, would have been horribly lost getting to history class. Her classmates were mostly Italians studying their history in preparation for another field, Rachel wanted to be an art restorer, Philip was heading to New York next year to pursue a career in set design, and Paul wanted to teach. Those were the only three that really stuck out to poor Bella; her first day among the general throng of humanity that swirled about her.
That evening she happily sank into a hot bubble Bath with Alice to discuss the day, both women seeming to relish the feel of the soothing heat on muscles sorely tested crossing the old world cobble stones or marble between their classes.
“Jean is so knowledgeable Alice, he spoke about those paintings like he watched them be crafted”
Alice smiled; it seemed most of the other women had noticed their art history professor, tall blond and fair skinned he would have given the good doctor Cullen a run for his money. Giggling gently Alice splashed her gently. Catching her off guard the simple act sparking a water war that covered the entire bathroom in bubbles and hot water and their laughter could be heard down the hallways.
Later in bed they quickly dispatched emails to their families, as she hit send Alice smirked lightly.
“Bella the reason Jean is so knowledgeable, is he's over 2000 years old, he's Aro's cousin so it’s possible he was there; remember you’re in a different world now, where age isn't measured in years but centuries. Jasper met him years ago, on one of our honeymoons, Aro isn't the only one with a weakness for... other languages.”
Laughing Bella rolled her eyes settling down into the heavenly soft sheets and pillow, her thoughts drifting back to the throne room where a certain crimson eyed immortal tempted her to deeper and deeper waters of romance. Edward had never made her feel like that, she reflected quietly, the fire that danced through her veins and caused her rational mind to cease functioning no longer caring if there was a world outside the window. Just the fact it was him kissing her like she was the most precious jewel in his world. Rather sleepily she murmured a question.
“Alice you speak Italian right?”
Mm-hm why?
“Hmm what does Tesoro mio mean?”