You belong to me. [Alec Volturi love story]

7. Interessamento

Carlisle’s soothing voice fills the field and he receives all of their attention. He offers them a warm smile as he stands protectively in front of our alliance.

“My dear friend, let us discuss things as we used to. In a civilized manner.” Carlisle slightly accentuates their ‘friendship’.

“Fair words, Carlisle. But a little out of place given the battalion you've assembled against us.” A black haired man steps forward with a stern look on his face and I assume he is the main leader. He doesn’t look fazed at all by Carlisle’s appeal. I eye him carefully and mark him as my first target.

“I promise you, that this was never my intent. No laws have been broken.” Carlisle still doesn’t lose his warm tonality.

“We see the child! Do not treat us as fools!” A blonde haired man steps forward angrily and glares at Carlisle.

“This girl is not an immortal!” Carlisle raises his voice and the words ring through the field and reflect off of the snow covered trees. “We are all here only as witnesses.” He turns towards us and looks at Renesmee. “Look at her rose skin. Listen to her beating heart.”

“Artifice!” The same fair haired vampire yells angrily, but gets hushed by Aro.

“I will collect all evidence of the truth. But, I suppose, from someone more central to the story.” The dark haired vampire turns to us. His gaze brushes my face for a slight moment then lands on the vampire standing in front of me. “Edward.” He chirps happily and his pesky voice brings a glare to my face. “As your child clings to..” Aro pauses and eyes me intently. “.. your loved ones, I suppose you are involved.” Edward turns around, steps closer and strokes Renesmee’s hair. Bella puts a hand on his and sends him a comforting smile. He and I share a look, but I keep my mind blank to him. I can’t allow him to see all of the strategies that I came up with.

Edward turns around and slowly but confidently walks towards the Volturi. I can’t see, but I definitely feel a cold movement on my right. Bella’s shield. She is trying to project it on Edward, but as I feel, it doesn’t reach that far. Yet. My eyes observe Edward’s every move, but from the corner of my eye I notice the handsome boy observing my every move. His gaze is so intense that I have to fight against my instinct to look back at him. I have to avoid him, because only by being in my presence he can throw me of track. But it is impossible. He attracts me like honey attracts bees. I’m drawn into him and I am powerless against it. My only redemption is that by the looks of it, he feels just the same. The only difference is that I’m fighting against this attraction, but he is giving in..

Edward stops in front of the leader and his outstretched hand. A small bell rings in my head as I realize that he is the one with the mind reading powers also. A heavy weight falls on my perception as I realize that Aro is going to read not only Edward’s thoughts about Renesmee, but also about me. I whisk away my thoughts completely. Apparently, it is not safe to be thinking at all in this field. It won’t be hard for me, as long as I feel the warm gaze of the handsome boy.

Edward slowly extends his arm and Aro grabs his hand. For a few moments silence inundates the vast meadow, but it ends as soon as Aro raises his red eyes and looks at the golden ones in front of him. Shock and astonishment reflects on his white marble face as he whispers silently.

“I’d like to meet her.” The words reach my ears like a gust of knives and I move slightly in front of Renesmee. I glare as a low silent growl escapes my throat. I won’t let her go any closer to this dangerous man. He is unpredictable, importunate and precarious. I meet Bella’s eyes and she slightly shakes her head. I suppress a growl and bite my lip. I nod my head and let go of Renesmee’s hand. She looks at me sadly and takes my hand again wanting me to go with her. It’s better if I refuse. I mustn’t attract a lot of attention. I gently squeeze her hand as both of them step forward and slowly walk towards them. I quickly look at Emmet and he steps forward and joins them. In a matter of seconds they reach the dark coven and stop in front of Aro.

“Ah, young Bella. Immortality becomes you.” A hazardous smile creeps onto his lips as he lowers his gaze towards Renesmee. Upon hearing her uneven heartbeat, Aro shrieks with grisly laughter and clasps his hands in astonishment. “A heartbeat! I hear a strange heartbeat!” He looks at his army and chirps happily. Then he extends a hand towards Renesmee. I swallow another mouthful of anger, but keep my intense glare on Aro. I see Renesmee debating whether to take his hand or not. Instead of putting her small palm into his cold one, she steps closer and raises her hand.

“Hello, Aro.” A lovely voice escapes her lips as she gently touches Aro’s face.

“Magnifico.” He looks at her amazed and whispers quietly. “Such a magnificent discovery.” Suddenly he regains himself and looks at his allies. “Half mortal, half immortal! Conceived and carried by this newborn, while she was still human.”

“Impossible!” The same blonde man tries to disagree, but Aro’s cold glare silences him.

“But this is not all. Right my dear Edward?” Aro’s eyes slowly glide to me. “You have another rather captivating and enchanting addition to your family.” My standing frame receives all of their attention. Esme and Carlisle look at me with worried faces as Seth moves closer to my left. I breathe in cold air through my teeth and clench my fists, but keep my eyes on the dark haired Volturi leader. He eyes me with interest and infatuation. A sick smile spreads across his face as he looks at Edward.

“I want to meet her.”