Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 26: Wedding
Plans, Homecoming
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Like everything in life, I just had to decide what to do with what I was given.
Carlisle Cullen, New Moon, Chapter 2, p.35
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
His words rang into the great room for a solid moment before Bella found her brain, a huge smile wreathing her lips, savoring the feeling for a moment before she was able to, finally speak. Eyes filling with happy tears that needed no explanation as she gazed on the man she loved knelt before her in submission having uttered the question she had dreamed of since the first time she'd kissed him.
“Oh, I thought you'd never ask, yes Aro, of course I will marry you!"
A moment later she was swept off her feet the feeling of a ring's cool metal now adorning her finger rendered to the back part of her mind by the deep sultry kiss he had bestowed on her. It was one for the ages pure in intent, promise and dark enticement all in one moment. Caught off guard and delighted she kissed him back relishing the silky cool feel of his mouth while the vibrations of his purr hit a new depth. Now reminding her solidly of a big cat, if they could indeed make the sound, rather like one feels when standing too close to the base or subwoofer at a rock concert.
He broke the contact for a moment, to allow her to breath, before he exhaled deliberately all over her face, rather like one of the Cullen’s did when they wished her to forget something important. This time however it had quite another effect, the scent pure cinnamon and cloves, his own personal scent that reminded her of spiced tea in winter as it hit her senses sending an odd tingling warmth through her system that was utterly delicious as he nuzzled into her hair, chin resting gently on her shoulder as he gently set her back on terra firma.
*Mia Bella, Il mio più caro amato"
Thanking Alice silently in her head for the Italian lessons, she bit back a soft sound that was shamefully close to a moan, her intended was simply lethal to woman kind!
"Aro, le bien-aimé de mon coeur"
This time his molten passions were checked, not by lack of desire but by the flood of tenderness that had overcame him moments before, presently those wonderful lips of his were flitting here and there, traveling over her face with soft peppering kisses.
“Isabella”
There was no doubt about it, though it took a long moment the import, or perhaps the language had sunk in and his purr turned to a throaty growl as he uttered her name. Silken promise, warning and accusation all in one. Finally he slowly withdrew and Bella was somewhat smug to notice his breathing was not as even as he would have wished, nor did those crimson depths bade all together well for her virtue if she uttered another word in the taboo language. Thus wisely yet unwillingly she closed her mouth pointedly and he shook his head as if to escape its thrall before speaking again.
“Come my dear, it is time the rest of the family shared in our news”
Mutely she nodded, not at all trusting her own voice, remembering now that once he had promised her to protect her modesty until their marriage, and darn it if he wasn't doing it now gently putting his regal foot down before things got out of hand. It made her quite frustrated, he merely chuckled.
Formal and composed they swept from the room with as much grace as she could manage for the short walk to the throne room. Clapping for attention it was without any further ado the important information was conveyed. The roar of approval, that answered, was enough to shake the stone's Marcus had, a split second before Aro gently placed his cool hands over her ears before she could go deaf with the entire hubbub. A moment later he withdrew them leaving an odd ringing silence in its wake. A nod passed between the other two kings and then all at once Aro placed a single piece of silk across her eyes leading her gently from the room.
They passed along several corridors, down a flight of stairs and only the touch of cool evening air told her they had passed outside the castle wall before Caius spoke quietly.
“Consider this a welcome present from all of us little sister”
Bella's jaw dropped as the piece of silk was removed, there in the walled driveway was a car, but on inspection it wasn't just any car. A stang in the most brilliant shade of dark purple she had ever seen, Awestruck creeping closer she ran a hand reverently over the hood. Black leather interior and what looked like an upgrade in the sound system all waited for her beckoning to a new adventure.
“Thank you just doesn’t seem to cover it”
Rumbling chuckles met her ears as a gentle hand ruffled her hair carefully. Marcus gazed down at her fondly.
“Just be careful little one. I think Rosalie would have a stroke if you accidently totaled the car the first time out, she mentioned something about your truck while they, to quote her words “tricked out your ride”
Hearing the elegant elder use such a modern phrase Bella was forced to cover her chuckle with a hasty cough before recounting the story in bare facts.
Last winter had been the last for her first car, though there had been serious doubts in her mind about it being a mix of ice and suspicious vampire activities that had been the death of her faithful old truck. Whether it had actually been natural causes due to the snowstorms or a nudge from Emmett she never did decide but the snow covered tree limb had done its work well. Marcus seemed highly amused by the recounting. More so by her ending comment.
“There is no ice in Italy I should be good”
Fighting a blush she had at last returned inside happy to know her lessons in driving would begin the next night, she swore the new car just begged her to be driven and she pondered where she wanted to go first. Alice no doubt would already have had something planned and Bella was eager for whatever adventure the next evening held. Returning at last to her room she was surprised to find Jane waiting for her, having returned early from her duties. Fed and it seemed with something on her mind. However there was a little business to attend to before her curiosity could be satisfied.
“Ah Jane, punctual as always, ready for an epic movie marathon?”
“Indeed, I wonder though, could we stop after the first one Bella?”
Bella frowned gently not understanding, one did not just stop a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon after just one movie, unless.... Suddenly her expression cleared as Jane was unable to hold her gaze her lips tightening; she had the oddest feeling had it been possible a blush would have been covering those pale cheeks.
“Of course we can. You have plans?”
It came out in a rush as if the blond had been bursting to tell someone all day. Alice came in moments later beaming for all she was worth. A black outfit bag in her hand which she set gently on the bed before going over to revive the dying fire and connect the DVD player. Having not caught the movies the first time around it was considered an unofficial girls night with Esme and Rosalie to look in later.
“No. Yes, well we, that is, it's a date Bella”
“We? Am I correct in guessing that its Felix you’re going out with?”
She had chosen her guess well. Jane beamed, an odd expression on a woman who spent most of her life frowning or glowering at the world in general, for a moment she looked almost human.
“Oh Bella, Yes! He's wonderful! Who cares if he had no special powers, I have more than enough for both of us!”
Almost on cue the other women entered keen for details; like any pack of teenage girls and they spent the next hour digging every last detail out of the blond, who seemed overwhelmed by the attention. Finally when she had been talked into a new outfit with her customary black cloak as accent piece she was declared ready and shoved out the door by a bubbling Alice who set a time the next day to hear everything that happened.
“She deserves to be happy, now ladies I call the official man candy meeting to order, Bella?”
Rosalie lay on her stomach, golden eyes trained on the TV as the movie began, as Jack Sparrow made his grand entrance when Alice suddenly broke the spellbound silence.
“That reminds me. Have you begun planning the big day Bella?”
“Watching a drunken Pirate float in on a half sunk boat reminded you about her wedding?”
Esme looked appalled. Rosalie looked baffled and Bella burst out laughing.
“Alice, no we only got engaged, three hours ago!”
Here a sly expression crossed her best friends face and while Rose hit the play button again the pixie whispered in her ear.
“Hmm that’s right, and did I spy Bella being a very naughty mortal and testing the limit of the vampire’s control?”
A flying pillow started a war; soon feathers covered the floor, clung to ceiling and even the walls as the three friends celebrated life. New beginnings and the best homecoming ever. Finally just as dawn was creeping over the horizon Bella snuggled into the blankets dreaming of the day not too far away where she would be Mrs. Volturi while her best friends began to set the room back to rights
Little did they know, the final threat to their happy ever after still lurked in the wings waiting, this time not for the bride,
But for the groom.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Like everything in life, I just had to decide what to do with what I was given.
Carlisle Cullen, New Moon, Chapter 2, p.35
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
His words rang into the great room for a solid moment before Bella found her brain, a huge smile wreathing her lips, savoring the feeling for a moment before she was able to, finally speak. Eyes filling with happy tears that needed no explanation as she gazed on the man she loved knelt before her in submission having uttered the question she had dreamed of since the first time she'd kissed him.
“Oh, I thought you'd never ask, yes Aro, of course I will marry you!"
A moment later she was swept off her feet the feeling of a ring's cool metal now adorning her finger rendered to the back part of her mind by the deep sultry kiss he had bestowed on her. It was one for the ages pure in intent, promise and dark enticement all in one moment. Caught off guard and delighted she kissed him back relishing the silky cool feel of his mouth while the vibrations of his purr hit a new depth. Now reminding her solidly of a big cat, if they could indeed make the sound, rather like one feels when standing too close to the base or subwoofer at a rock concert.
He broke the contact for a moment, to allow her to breath, before he exhaled deliberately all over her face, rather like one of the Cullen’s did when they wished her to forget something important. This time however it had quite another effect, the scent pure cinnamon and cloves, his own personal scent that reminded her of spiced tea in winter as it hit her senses sending an odd tingling warmth through her system that was utterly delicious as he nuzzled into her hair, chin resting gently on her shoulder as he gently set her back on terra firma.
*Mia Bella, Il mio più caro amato"
Thanking Alice silently in her head for the Italian lessons, she bit back a soft sound that was shamefully close to a moan, her intended was simply lethal to woman kind!
"Aro, le bien-aimé de mon coeur"
This time his molten passions were checked, not by lack of desire but by the flood of tenderness that had overcame him moments before, presently those wonderful lips of his were flitting here and there, traveling over her face with soft peppering kisses.
“Isabella”
There was no doubt about it, though it took a long moment the import, or perhaps the language had sunk in and his purr turned to a throaty growl as he uttered her name. Silken promise, warning and accusation all in one. Finally he slowly withdrew and Bella was somewhat smug to notice his breathing was not as even as he would have wished, nor did those crimson depths bade all together well for her virtue if she uttered another word in the taboo language. Thus wisely yet unwillingly she closed her mouth pointedly and he shook his head as if to escape its thrall before speaking again.
“Come my dear, it is time the rest of the family shared in our news”
Mutely she nodded, not at all trusting her own voice, remembering now that once he had promised her to protect her modesty until their marriage, and darn it if he wasn't doing it now gently putting his regal foot down before things got out of hand. It made her quite frustrated, he merely chuckled.
Formal and composed they swept from the room with as much grace as she could manage for the short walk to the throne room. Clapping for attention it was without any further ado the important information was conveyed. The roar of approval, that answered, was enough to shake the stone's Marcus had, a split second before Aro gently placed his cool hands over her ears before she could go deaf with the entire hubbub. A moment later he withdrew them leaving an odd ringing silence in its wake. A nod passed between the other two kings and then all at once Aro placed a single piece of silk across her eyes leading her gently from the room.
They passed along several corridors, down a flight of stairs and only the touch of cool evening air told her they had passed outside the castle wall before Caius spoke quietly.
“Consider this a welcome present from all of us little sister”
Bella's jaw dropped as the piece of silk was removed, there in the walled driveway was a car, but on inspection it wasn't just any car. A stang in the most brilliant shade of dark purple she had ever seen, Awestruck creeping closer she ran a hand reverently over the hood. Black leather interior and what looked like an upgrade in the sound system all waited for her beckoning to a new adventure.
“Thank you just doesn’t seem to cover it”
Rumbling chuckles met her ears as a gentle hand ruffled her hair carefully. Marcus gazed down at her fondly.
“Just be careful little one. I think Rosalie would have a stroke if you accidently totaled the car the first time out, she mentioned something about your truck while they, to quote her words “tricked out your ride”
Hearing the elegant elder use such a modern phrase Bella was forced to cover her chuckle with a hasty cough before recounting the story in bare facts.
Last winter had been the last for her first car, though there had been serious doubts in her mind about it being a mix of ice and suspicious vampire activities that had been the death of her faithful old truck. Whether it had actually been natural causes due to the snowstorms or a nudge from Emmett she never did decide but the snow covered tree limb had done its work well. Marcus seemed highly amused by the recounting. More so by her ending comment.
“There is no ice in Italy I should be good”
Fighting a blush she had at last returned inside happy to know her lessons in driving would begin the next night, she swore the new car just begged her to be driven and she pondered where she wanted to go first. Alice no doubt would already have had something planned and Bella was eager for whatever adventure the next evening held. Returning at last to her room she was surprised to find Jane waiting for her, having returned early from her duties. Fed and it seemed with something on her mind. However there was a little business to attend to before her curiosity could be satisfied.
“Ah Jane, punctual as always, ready for an epic movie marathon?”
“Indeed, I wonder though, could we stop after the first one Bella?”
Bella frowned gently not understanding, one did not just stop a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon after just one movie, unless.... Suddenly her expression cleared as Jane was unable to hold her gaze her lips tightening; she had the oddest feeling had it been possible a blush would have been covering those pale cheeks.
“Of course we can. You have plans?”
It came out in a rush as if the blond had been bursting to tell someone all day. Alice came in moments later beaming for all she was worth. A black outfit bag in her hand which she set gently on the bed before going over to revive the dying fire and connect the DVD player. Having not caught the movies the first time around it was considered an unofficial girls night with Esme and Rosalie to look in later.
“No. Yes, well we, that is, it's a date Bella”
“We? Am I correct in guessing that its Felix you’re going out with?”
She had chosen her guess well. Jane beamed, an odd expression on a woman who spent most of her life frowning or glowering at the world in general, for a moment she looked almost human.
“Oh Bella, Yes! He's wonderful! Who cares if he had no special powers, I have more than enough for both of us!”
Almost on cue the other women entered keen for details; like any pack of teenage girls and they spent the next hour digging every last detail out of the blond, who seemed overwhelmed by the attention. Finally when she had been talked into a new outfit with her customary black cloak as accent piece she was declared ready and shoved out the door by a bubbling Alice who set a time the next day to hear everything that happened.
“She deserves to be happy, now ladies I call the official man candy meeting to order, Bella?”
Rosalie lay on her stomach, golden eyes trained on the TV as the movie began, as Jack Sparrow made his grand entrance when Alice suddenly broke the spellbound silence.
“That reminds me. Have you begun planning the big day Bella?”
“Watching a drunken Pirate float in on a half sunk boat reminded you about her wedding?”
Esme looked appalled. Rosalie looked baffled and Bella burst out laughing.
“Alice, no we only got engaged, three hours ago!”
Here a sly expression crossed her best friends face and while Rose hit the play button again the pixie whispered in her ear.
“Hmm that’s right, and did I spy Bella being a very naughty mortal and testing the limit of the vampire’s control?”
A flying pillow started a war; soon feathers covered the floor, clung to ceiling and even the walls as the three friends celebrated life. New beginnings and the best homecoming ever. Finally just as dawn was creeping over the horizon Bella snuggled into the blankets dreaming of the day not too far away where she would be Mrs. Volturi while her best friends began to set the room back to rights
Little did they know, the final threat to their happy ever after still lurked in the wings waiting, this time not for the bride,
But for the groom.