I want your questions!

Do you have any questions for me regarding Cauchemar Vivant? It may be something that's bothered you from the very beginning, or maybe something recently. Not understanding how this vampiric process works? Want a longer history of these Renfields? Then have I got a deal for you!

Since we're nearing the end of Cauchemar Vivant, I want to make sure that I covered every base, hit every little detail so far. There are not that many chapters left, so I figured I would come to you, my lovely readers, for any information you want answered!
Also, it'd be nice to have a small FAQ, right? ;)

If you have a question (or questions), then please do the following:
Send your questions to cauchemarvivant@hotmail.com
OR
Send your questions to http://www.formspring.me/LunarSiren

Although it would definitely be easier through email, I leave the choice up to you!

Thank you to everyone! There is no deadline (as of right now), so submit those questions whenever you want! -Alice

Chapter Sixteen

In a matter of seconds, Alice’s handiwork was destroyed. I tore the sticks out of my hair, pulled off the boots, and had the dress in a wrinkled heap before I even opened the suitcase. Stretching, I ran my hands through my hair, trying to shake the headache away. It only made it worse.

I didn’t know what Edward was expecting we would do while Jasper was busy, but I had an idea. Answers would be nice. I thought we had negotiated for answers in Forks; turned out they still let me go in blind. I wonder what else they lied about.

I didn’t want to get dressed and interrogate a vampire. I really, really didn’t. The bed was looking more and more comfortable. I wanted to lie down, fall asleep, and let all the terrible things wash away, but I didn’t let myself sit down or I’d never get back up. There was work to do be done, and it all started with a few answers. I wasn’t happy about it—I wasn’t even good at it—but interrogation was necessary.

The thigh holster came off before I threw the suitcase on the bed, popping it open. Either Alice wasn’t committed to dressing me, or she stored the extravagant outfits in another suitcase. Where were the others, and what awful secrets did they hide? This suitcase was barely full. I dug past the skirts and blouses, searching for something suitable to wear for comfort. Alice knew I liked simple, but I wasn’t unconventional. To me, skirts did not say comfort. Comfort meant sneakers and jeans, and I doubted Alice packed that. But then I found hope. Resting on the bottom were faded blue jeans and a few solid scoop-neck T-shirts. I quickly pulled them on, not even caring how ridiculous I looked with the push-up bra. I felt way more normal than I had beforehand.

My pistol sat on the bed, waiting patiently to be returned to its proper place. With the jeans, the band wouldn’t work. I didn’t care if any of the vamps disapproved; I was putting on my rig. The older vamps would simply have to get used to someone being heavily armed.

Grabbing the duffel bag, I eagerly unzipped it, grinning at the sight inside. At least I knew no one bothered my luggage. Everything was still in the bag down to the cleaning utensils, and with a quick check, all my weapons were still loaded. Not one magazine out of place. Either these were stupid vampires, or they really underestimated me.

I pulled out my rig and another strap of fabric. Oh, the wrist sheath for the knives. It wouldn’t hurt to put it on, just in case. I slid into my rig, finally settling my gun back under my arm. Normalcy never felt so good. I only wished I wasn’t twenty thousand leagues under the sea, or ground as it were. I wanted to be holed up in my room in Forks, or maybe out in the Phoenix sunshine. Actually, I wouldn’t mind a nice walk on the beach in Jacksonville with Renee. Where was a genie when you needed it?

Slinging the Striker over my shoulder, I put on the “big girl” pants and flung open the door. Time to get to work, although I wouldn’t say questioning vampires was on my résumé. I tended to shoot first, ask questions later.

Edward was sprawled out on the sofa in the black and tan parlor. Dressed in a loose shirt and jeans, he looked completely at ease. He was so relaxed he even had his nose in a book. How many times had he been here before? Not that they seemed really friendly, but Edward and Aro were close to showing buddy-buddy behavior; it was a little too much for my comfort.

With a small swing, I interrupted his peace and quiet by shoving the Striker in his face, setting the barrel on top of the book. It brought his hand down by a few inches, lining the barrel up perfectly with his broad forehead. He barely spared me a glance, but kept his attention on the book, turning a page. The picture of ease. Oddly enough, his indifference just fueled my anger.

“I want some damn answers,” I growled. “I’m tired of you vampires lying to me. We’re partners, right? We’re supposed to work together, and I’m not sure you realize exactly what it means for me to admit it out loud.”

“What happened to your dress?” he asked, nonchalant.

In the middle of the floor in a silky heap. “I didn’t burn it, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“You should hang it up. You might need to wear it again.”

I shook my head. “Don’t ignore me. You either tell me what’s going on or I will blow your head off.”

“You’ll lose your protection then,” he said.

“I have all the protection I need right here.” I almost chambered a round—after all, the sound of a shotgun pump was the most intimidating sound in the world—but that would be a waste of a bullet.

Those gold eyes peered up at me from thick lashes, a small smile crooking his lips. I had a feeling he didn’t know I had incendiary ammo; if he did, he wouldn’t be so calm.

“You need more than a few guns to help you, Bella,” he said with a chuckle. “You need someone who can see a vampire coming, and match them blow-for-blow.”

“If there’s one thing I know, it’s that vampires aren’t faster than a bullet. And at this range? You definitely have no chance,” I answered darkly.

“Want to try that faith?” he challenged.

If he wasn’t smiling like a jackass, I would shoot him. I’d enjoy it, too. But that smile looked a lot like someone about to win a bet.

I pushed the gun closer to his face; if I shot him from this distance, there would be a lot of splatter, but there was no way I’d miss even if he moved. He must have seen the look on my face, one that said I would shoot him, and that made the smile falter. It was my chance to grin, but it wasn’t nice. In fact, I felt very evil staring down at him. I was about to load a bullet, just to watch his face turn to fear, but then he wasn’t there.

I felt the Striker ripped from my hands; I gave it up without a fight, but that didn’t mean I was going down. He was behind me, his body so close to mine I could feel the chill. I struck out with my elbow; he caught it. I turned to face him, and he let me go, so I could complete the motion. It gave me enough time to pull a knife from the wrist sheath. When I saw his surprised eyes, without pausing, I tried to plunge it into his neck. The blade wasn’t even an inch away when he caught my hand. I fought him, trying to press forward, as my other hand came up for my gun. He grabbed my wrist, pulling my arm over my head; with a painless twist of my other wrist, the knife clattered onto the tile, and I was being pushed back onto the sofa.

Edward towered over me, holding my hands behind my head on the sofa. I tried to wrestle free, but it was useless. He had me pinned, and there was nothing I could do about it; there were no weak spots available, no way I could twist out of his sure grasp. I would have kicked him, if it wouldn’t break my foot.

I scowled at his stupid grin. Why did the Cullens have to painfully demonstrate my weaknesses? Couldn’t they just tell me and let it go?

“Are you done?” I spat.

“I think so,” he replied cheerfully, “but next time it might be easier to get answers by asking a question.”

“Ever wonder how well you’d be able to talk around a gun barrel?”

“Bella, I don’t think you’re in a position to be making threats. Now that you realize you need me, can we get down to business, or would you like to keep kicking and screaming?”

“I don’t need anyone. I can do this on my own,” I grouched.

He raised an eyebrow. “I just proved you can’t best a vampire, and you think you can navigate this entire underground, avoiding possible attacks, without another vampire? Just admit you need our help, and I’ll let you go.”

I lowered my voice to a deadly whisper, speaking slowly so he would understand every word. “Over your dead body.”

He leaned in close, forcing me to press back against the sofa. It might’ve been the light, but it looked like his eyes were sparkling with delight. “I think you mean to say under.” I gave a short frustrated scream as he moved away with a chuckle, releasing my hands. “You’re so stubborn, it’s almost ridiculous. We got you down here safely; don’t you trust us to get you out?”

I rubbed my wrists and jumped up, grabbing the knife and searching for the Striker. Where did he throw it? “Why would I trust you?” I snarled. “You’re a vampire, and you’re trying to get me killed! Aro is out to get me, and you let him fuck with my mind. Where were you when that was happening? Not exactly what I call a good protector. You didn’t even tell me how a Renfield should act!”

“I thought you might have asked about it earlier, before you even agreed,” he said, producing my shotgun from behind his back. I swiped it back, giving him the look he deserved. He didn’t look repentant at all as he continued, “You didn’t, so we weren’t going to bring it up. We wanted your meeting to be candid. If you walked in there like a good little servant, Aro would’ve lost interest. He’s happy Jasper can’t tame you.”

“L-lost interest?” I sputtered. “Why didn’t you tell me that earlier?”

“You should’ve thought to ask. But you don’t want Aro to lose interest. You want to get close to him, right? He likes that you appear so out of control, and he’s positively giddy that he couldn’t get into your mind; it means you’ll be a tough conquest. I was watching his mind the whole time we were in there. I watched as he imagined exactly what he would do to you; how he would slowly break you, as long as it meant he would find the secret to controlling you. But you ‘belong’ to Jasper.”

I threw the Striker’s sling over my head, adjusting it so it fit alongside my hip. Touching it made me feel calmer, or maybe that was because I was finally getting some answers. I kept my eyes on the gun as I asked, “Besides keeping me relatively safe, what does being Jasper’s Renfield mean to Aro?”

“It just means he has to try harder. There are certain laws in our world that even Aro respects. Stealing another vampire’s servant is punishable by death. He was willing to make an exception for you, Bella,” Edward said gravely. “Aro reads every thought you’ve ever had, but it’s more than that. He can plant ideas in your mind like you thought them up yourself. He silently bends you to his will. The law only says that the servant can’t be stolen, but if the servant wants to switch masters, it’s between those two vampires. Most of his private harem was developed by his workaround.”

I sat in one of the plush armchairs. “He made them join him. And he was going to do the same with me.”

Edward nodded. “Exactly. If you didn’t keep him out, he was literally going to roll you with his power. I have to say, I was really surprised he couldn’t break your walls. You have no idea how relieved I am. I thought I was the only one unable to see inside your mind. When I first met you, I thought I was broken. I stayed close while you recovered, waiting for a whisper from your mind even while you talked to Carlisle, but there was nothing. For me, it’s just silence, like you’re never thinking. Aro works through visualization; memories are pictures, not words. He doesn’t hear or see silence; he sees a large steel wall he needs to break through.”

I laid my head against the back of the chair and sighed. Aro didn’t want to just mind-fuck me, he wanted to possess me. The thought was way too icky for me, so I quickly changed subjects. Whatever Aro wanted from me, I’d deal with it later, when I had the chance to kill him.

“Tell me what happened between Jasper and James in the tunnels,” I said with a sigh.

“I’m not sure, he won’t tell me. It’s just a small rivalry; nothing that concerns either of us,” Edward answered as if he was reciting.

“What if James doesn’t follow the laws?” If I had to fight James, I wouldn’t win. I’d keep thinking of the way he threw Jasper against the wall. Yeah, wouldn’t be able to focus on that fight.

Edward easily ignored the question with a shrug. He picked up the book from the floor and gracefully plopped onto the sofa. He set the book beside him, stretching his long legs out in front of him. Every motion was very slow, and it took me a second to realize he was stalling. Why bother? I already knew he wasn’t going to answer. Fine, I would ask Jasper later. I changed the subject again.

“Since Aro can read every thought you’ve ever had—which would have been nice to know before,” I stressed, “what happened when he read Jasper’s mind? The story he gave didn’t sound like the truth at all.”

“Because it isn’t,” he said simply. “It takes many years to achieve what Jasper has, but being around Aro so long, apparently, you pick up the talent to stay alive and in his good graces. In a matter of months, Jasper found a way to quickly hide or rewrite memories. On our drive over until the time he touched Aro, Jasper carefully changed his memories. I caught onto it, letting him create our cover story. I thought it was brilliant, thinking completely in pictures and not words. Although Aro is very powerful, he can’t weigh pictures for truth like he can words; spoken or otherwise. His puts all his faith in his ability. He doesn’t believe anyone can lie through their thoughts.”

“So you just . . . lied straight to his face?” I balked, stupidly. Vampires were not just excellent liars, but also excellent lie detectors. How could they lie so bluntly without being called out?

“That’s right,” Edward grinned. “I wasn’t as good at it, so as our mental conversation droned on, I watched Aro’s thoughts carefully, steering him towards Carlisle. That’s what he was mostly after in my mind. I’m sure he’s still debating my newfound curiosity.”

“Why is he so interested in Carlisle anyway?”

Edward shrugged, his smile becoming more mysterious. “I’m just a lowly vampire, Bella. I don’t have all the answers in the world.”

A mind-reader without answers? I bet he was full of useless information. Why wouldn’t he know a few important things? But I’d learned from Carlisle if a vampire ignored the question, they would keep ignoring it. You try for a few answers, yet you only end up with a headache. Vampires, ugh.

I pouted in the chair. “Well maybe you should,” I huffed. “It would make things so much easier.”

“But perhaps I know more than I let on.”

“This cloak-and-dagger crap is getting old. Can’t you give simple, straight-forward answers?”

“Now where’s the fun in that?” He stood, taking the book with him as he went towards the raised den.

I marched after him, still demanding answers, as we stepped up into the cozy room. The walls were lined with books; two chairs identical to the others in the parlor were pushed against the back wall. Out of curiosity, I scanned a shelf with my eyes. Some spines were decorated with different languages, but there were the usual collections of poems and classics. Hmm, a vampire with a book collection? I smell a cliché.

“Where did all these come from?” I asked, carefully running my fingers across old leather spines. I could still feel the anger boiling just under my skin, but I was surrounded by books, ancient books, that I couldn’t help but stare. Maybe genies do exist . . . now where was some sunshine?

“It’s a mix of Aro’s private collection and most of what Jasper left here,” Edward replied. “Maria didn’t like how much he read, but Aro insisted he keep the books. Rarely anyone reads down here. I think these books helped Jasper crawl up the ladder faster. They have similar interests and would discuss hundreds of different authors.”

I gave him a hard, questioning look. “I thought you said you didn’t know Jasper before he joined your coven.”

In a blink he moved from the shelf to the step behind me, only a small breeze giving him away. “I’ve heard a lot of things,” he said curtly. Another topic to avoid, huh? Why wasn’t Jasper back yet? He seemed to volunteer information. Ignoring a question was just another way to lie.

“You want to know more about Renfields, right?” Edward called from the main room.

I’d like to know a lot of things, but I’d let him keep his secrets for now. I didn’t want to shoot him just yet; I knew he and Jasper were the only ones able to protect me—if they wanted to. Eventually I would have Edward cornered, and then he’d have no choice but to tell me. I just had to find a way to talk circles around a vamp. Was it even possible?

I peered through the doorway to see his stoic face. “Yeah, a little more than their background would be nice.” And if I started acting like a real Renfield, and if it meant Aro lost interest, fine with me. I didn’t need to be close to him to kill him. My guns worked just as fine from a distance, thank you very much.

“Then let’s go meet your new friends. It should be more exciting than any monologue I can provide.”

I stepped down, running over to him as he started down the hallway. I grabbed his shoulder but couldn’t turn him around; he did that for me. “Wait, wait, wait! Meet? Why are we going to meet some Renfields? Can’t you just explain it to me?”

His eyes bored down on me with a creepy look, and I didn’t even understand it, but suddenly I felt like a deer in the proverbial headlights. “Do you know what the most intoxicating part is about stalking your prey?” he asked softly.

His voice made me shudder, and I immediately stepped back. What got into him? He flashed a dark, almost sadistic grin. My reflexes had me reaching for my gun without a conscious thought, but Edward predicted it; he caught me just like he had earlier.

“The anticipation,” he answered. “Watching them wonder when you’ll strike. It makes the outcome so much sweeter.”

My heart was beating so fast it might have skipped a few. My skin crawled with a cold sweat as I tried to keep the fear off my face. I was steadily losing that fight the longer I focused on his eyes. I knew I shouldn’t look, but I couldn’t help it. I was entranced, yet scared, with the way they were changing colors, getting darker. I was nearly hyperventilating by the time I realized I wasn’t fighting him.

He drew me in by my arm, and still I didn’t fight him. My feet moved of their own accord until I was pressed tight against his chest, hands resting on his shoulders. His arms wrapped around my back, securing me to him, before tilting my head up by a short tug on the ends of my hair. His eyes were so black, they were like two onyx stones set in his face; they were terrifying, yet compelling. I watched as they came closer to my face, this time holding my breath.

Edward pressed his nose against my neck with a sharp breath. The quiet moan he gave sent a shiver down my spine; my eyes twisted shut, my fingers digging into his shoulders. “Much, much sweeter,” he whispered, lips ghosting over my skin, before drifting away.

I stumbled back, wrapping my arms around my chest, gasping for air. My ability to think straight was back in my possession, and I used it to release a long stream of cursing. Damn it, what was wrong with me? What did he do?

Edward lost the evil face and chuckled as I tried not to turn into a sobbing mess. I had been a second away from trusting a vampire, and then he pulled this. Why did I ever think they could protect me? I had to protect myself from them! It was stupid of me to let my guard down. I should’ve shot him when he started ignoring questions.

I. Fucking. Hate. Vampires.

Edward wasn’t even concerned about me; he was already halfway to the door by the time my legs stopped trembling. He stood at the end of the short hall, waiting. He honestly expected me to go with him after that? I had no idea where he was going to lead me, and I didn’t want to find out. He could go alone.

“Don’t you want to learn more about Renfields?” he goaded childishly. “I’m not going to wait around forever.”

“Fuck you,” I hissed.

“You won’t impress anyone with that limited vocabulary, Bella. Maybe some time around real Renfields will help you. Come on; it’s not going to hurt you.”

“I’m not worried about that.”

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” he asked with soft concern. “It was just a small test. It wasn’t supposed to hurt you.”

“A test?” I screeched. “That wasn’t a test! You were trying to control me, or eat me, or something! If you come near me again—”

“They’re expecting you, Bella,” he interrupted. “You’re a new Renfield, as far as they know. You at least need to make a small visit.”

“For what?”

He shrugged. “I couldn’t say; I’ve never had a Renfield and I haven’t been down here enough to know what they do for their masters. You’ll just have to go and see, and try not to kill anyone.”

“You’ll be the first to get it,” I mumbled, starting to close the distance.

“What was that?” he asked playfully.

“Coming, Edward,” I replied sweetly, even going so far to fake the smile. He mirrored me with a pleasant smile, holding the door open. I stood in the hall. No way was I going first and giving him my back. Besides, a “good protector” would go first and make sure there was no danger.

He gave in with a sigh and a roll of his eyes, stepping through the doorway. He motioned me out of the room. I considered slamming the door in his face and locking it, maybe set a chair under the handle, but it wouldn’t do any good. I followed after him, closing the door behind me. It was going to be a very long day.

Chapter Fifteen

The ride was silent, only the hum of the machinery filled the small space. A dark cloud of tension surrounded us. I did my best to ignore it, but it was hard. No one told me how Renfields act. I had come to the conclusion they assumed because I grew up around vampires, I knew everything about them. I wanted to ask what I was supposed to do, how I should act, around the vampires, but the ride didn’t take very long. Just as I was about to open my mouth, a chime sounded.

The elevator doors swished open to reveal a wide room with tons of hallways leading off to every direction. They were arched walkways, and a hard-pressed dirt floor. It wasn’t as brightly lit as the previous hallway, but thanks to the light bulbs hanging around, I could see the bones pressed into the floor, the dark shapes of rats scurrying around. I almost didn’t want to step out of the elevator.

Jasper moved first, still leading the way. I knew he wouldn’t wait for me, so I carefully stepped out onto the dirt. My heels sank into the soft floor as I followed Jasper. The ceiling was close to our heads, the walls and columns made from crumbling bricks, and I noticed the dark tunnels on both sides. They were big enough to drive a car through; I couldn’t imagine what a vampire could hide in them.

I was so focused on watching for movement that I crunched several of the bones by accident, my skin crawling with each dry crack. If they were so brittle, they’d been here a while. Were they animal or human? I stayed focused on my feet, trying to avoid stepping on any more, which caused me to bump into Jasper’s back when he abruptly stopped. I looked up to find someone in the hall, blocking our way to the giant door beyond. We were almost out of the catacombs, but we had some vamp to deal with first.

Great, just fucking great.

His hair was a shade darker than Jasper’s, and he wasn’t as tall or muscular. A black eye patch covered his right eye, but the one dark red eye visible held the anger and hatred of two. Oh, this was definitely a problem.

Edward pulled me back by my left arm. I knew it wasn’t accidental. The message was loud and clear, but my fingers kept twitching for my gun anyway.

The vamp closed the distance between him and Jasper. From his walk I could tell he was not a small fish around here. He walked with grace and power, and with a look that said he knew how to use both.

“Well, well, well,” the vampire sneered, “I never thought I’d see the day the great Jasper comes crawling back. And with old flesh comes new blood. Is that your new whore?” He nodded at me. Edward tightened his grip on my arm, nearly bruising flesh.

“Actually, she’s much more important than that,” Jasper answered nonchalantly. “Don’t you recognize her, James?”

In a blink James was in my face. I stepped back, stumbling in the stupid heels, but Edward was there to steady me. James frowned as his eye ran up and down my body, before he made a sound that could never come from a human’s throat. It was an animalistic growl; the deep sound raised goose bumps on my skin.

“Where did you find this thing?” James asked with a snarl. “Aro has been looking for it everywhere.”

Jasper didn’t even turn around, but Edward made me take another step back as James leaned forward. Normally, being so close to a vampire, I’d try to play tough while my heart tried to burst out of my chest, but for some reason I didn’t have to fight to remain still. I wasn’t scared or angry; in fact, I didn’t feel anything. It had to be Jasper playing with my emotions, right? If he could prevent me from shooting something and ruining our plan, then it was almost okay. We couldn’t blow this. I knew that, so why did I still hate the idea that someone could run my emotions?

“She’s mine,” said Jasper. “That’s why Aro couldn’t find her. Now step away from my slave; you’re making her uncomfortable.”

Slave? That proved he was controlling me. If I had an ounce of free will, I’d throw the plan right out the window. I didn’t care what I was supposed to be, I did not want to be called a slave the entire time we were here.

“And what if I don’t want to move?” James challenged, grinning at me.

Jasper finally turned around, and with his sunglasses, it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. I was sure it was all an act, but his voice was deadly serious as he replied, “Then I’ll kill you.”

James growled, and I saw him reach for me. Edward’s grip loosened, probably to stop James. My hand instantly went for the gun that should’ve been under my arm; I grasped empty air. My confusion gave Edward the split second he needed. His arm wrapped around my waist, the room spun, and suddenly I was staring at Jasper’s back. He had James pressed against the wall, a hand secure around his throat.

“We’ve had this discussion before,” Jasper told the other vamp. “You don’t touch my property. Ever.”

“And do you remember what I told you then? I won’t hesitate to kill you. You were always a thorn in my side,” James spat.

“It’s not my fault you were too weak to impress Aro.”

“You stole it from me!”

I didn’t see what happened, but suddenly Jasper was flung across the hall and embedded in the wall. Edward swore quietly. Apparently James wasn’t supposed to be this strong. James was coiled to pounce, but the sound of the door opening behind me stopped him. He stood straight, looking a little panicked.

“Gentlemen, you’re being very disrespectful,” a new voice snapped. I turned to the big door behind me to find a small girl standing in the doorway. She looked like a child with her brown hair in pigtails, her long red dress spotless and wrinkle free. It had a high collar that framed her face; I guess she wore it because she thought it made the red of her eyes pop. Or maybe she just wanted to look like a child from a horror movie. I was betting on the latter.

She held the hem of her gown as she stepped off the high platform onto the dirt floor, assessing the situation with a dark look. “Aro sent me to see what was taking so long, because we all know Master likes to stay on schedule,” she explained. “I never expected this worthless creature to be the holdup.”

I felt a breeze and glanced over my shoulder to find Jasper directly behind me, dusting off his coat. It looked like a hard hit, but he was unscathed, of course. I couldn’t forget that vampires were made of stronger things. A smack against some bricks was no problem for them.

“I’m sorry, Jane,” Jasper said. “I wasn’t expecting James to stir up trouble so soon.”

“No reason to apologize; it’s completely our fault. He wasn’t even supposed to be near these corridors.” She focused her evil little eyes on the creature still skulking behind us. “James, where did your mistress tell you to go?”

“It’s none of your business,” he spat.

“Get there and stay there,” she replied. “I’ll take our guests to Master.”

With a sneer, James shuffled down a different hall and seemed to disappear. Did Jasper know where every tunnel led? I almost didn’t want to know how many there were.

The mood seemed to lighten now that James was gone. Edward released me, and I took that as a sign the immediate trouble was over. I wasn’t going to ask if they trusted Jane. I honestly didn’t want to know where their alliance fell. They were supposed to protect me, but these were vampires. They protected each other. I’d have to find some way to make sure Jasper wasn’t too believable in his role. What Edward was doing here, well, I had yet to figure that out.

Jane sighed; it sounded almost tired. “He’s gotten worse since you’ve been gone. You know, you can have him formally executed,” she said sweetly. “You just need to say the word.”

“I don’t think Aro will value my opinion much anymore,” Jasper replied.

“You never know. Master cherished having you behind his throne. He’s very excited you wanted to come back.”

“And what about my mistress?”

Jane turned on her heel and casually threw over her shoulder, “She wants to see you immediately after your meeting. Better hope Master is never done with you; she’s missed her whipping boy.”

I wanted to look at Jasper, ask him what exactly his mistress did to him while he was here. Was it the reason he left? But I knew he wouldn’t tell me, or at least not in front of Jane.

Was it a good or bad thing that we were getting in so easily?

Jasper helped me step onto the platform, and I sighed with relief. Finally on solid ground, and it was much warmer in here than the tunnels. That was a plus.

The room was a massive oval with halls and doors stretching everywhere, the floor a smooth, polished white that reflected the whole scene; it was filled with desks, tables, and large chairs scattered around. The domed ceiling was covered in what looked like a smaller version of the Sistine Chapel’s mural. How could they even have a dome ceiling underground? Vampires were completely illogical, but I had to admit it looked nice.

Jasper pulled me close and slid his arm through mine as we followed Jane. It looked like he was escorting me, but it felt more like he was showing me off. What was my role? Was I supposed to be smug, or afraid?

Vampires and Renfields hurried back and forth, like good little worker bees should. A lot of them at desks had stopped their work as soon as we entered. Some humans didn’t seem to be surprised we were here, but all the vampires were staring. We were officially in the public eye.

I tried to ignore the stares as we passed. Thanks to Jasper’s influence, I wasn’t really worried about what they meant, but I couldn’t help wondering. Most of them were wide eyes, shock. Was it me, or was it “the great” Jasper? Some vamps actually nodded, or maybe bowed a little, so it had to be because of Jasper. What had he done to gain such respect, and how did he keep it?

Before we left the room down a bright hallway, Jane motioned to a human standing off to the side. He was willing to take our coats, so we would be more comfortable. Coat or not, I was not going to be comfortable at any time. I was reluctant to give mine up; the back of the dress showed off most of my back, which meant the tattoo was in view. For some reason, it made me feel more vulnerable. I hesitantly handed it off, and he took all our coats away with a short bow.

Jane continued to lead us through white halls full of busy bees. The length of the halls was almost as bad as the church, maybe longer. Didn’t they have golf carts for the humans? We passed through three large hallways—left, left, and a right, just because I was trying to memorize this huge place already—before Jane stopped us at a dead end. We stood in front of a huge painting, a portrait of three women. The other walls were bare, so it seemed a little out of place.

She tugged on a hidden indent in the frame and the portrait popped open to reveal a tall porthole leading to more white marble. A hidden room behind a painting? Classic. These vampires really were old fashioned. We followed Jane through the short tunnel, into the large room only to be faced with more vampires.

I almost thought it was a trap, until I noticed where we were, and what their role could’ve been. The room was round, and pillars sat against the wall in certain places, with chairs settled in the space between them.

We were surrounded by vampires.

I counted ten chairs, and every one was full. I didn’t include the chair at the front of the room on the dais, because it wasn’t simply a chair, it was a throne. It was made from gold, with rubies and emeralds set along the straight back. It looked uncomfortable, but I guess if you wanted to intimidate someone and show off your wealth, that was the way to do it. The statuesque vampires sitting around were uncomfortable, but obviously witnesses. Witnesses for what, was what I wanted to know.

Jasper stopped us in the middle of the room, facing the throne. The way the lights reflected off the gold made it almost painful to look at, but I didn’t want to stare at any of the vampires. I could already hear them whispering.

Jane stood beside the throne as another vamp entered from a door behind the throne. He was covered from head-to-toe in a black robe, only his white jaw visible. The other vamps knew what was coming; they stood, still silent.

The big vamp said in a booming voice, “Presenting Master Aro, ruler of Volterra and Seattle!”

The vamps bowed. Jasper and Edward fell to one knee while I stayed standing. I didn’t know what to do, but there was no way I was bowing to a vampire. I was actually surprised Jasper didn’t drag me to the ground with him. Maybe he thought I would curtsy? No way. My eyes stayed glued to the stone doorway, and when the shadows moved, I sucked in a breath.

A tall, slim figure came through the door. He dropped his hood to reveal a youthful face surrounded by soft, almost-feminine black curls brushing his shoulders. I’d say he died no younger than thirty-five, but I might’ve been wrong since he had no wrinkles whatsoever. He grinned at his audience and pulled the robe off with a flourish to reveal a Victorian-style black and gold frock coat with matching vest. A bejeweled rapier hung on his hip, and I tried not to gawk at his pants. Leather?

His murky red eyes took in the room with a single sweep, then came back to settle on me. I slowly let my breath out with a quiet sigh. With one look alone, I knew we were all dead. This wasn’t just any vampire; this was exactly what Carlisle had warned me about.

I was staring into the face of time itself.

Aro smiled and slipped off his rapier, setting it beside the throne as he sat down. When he was settled, he addressed the room with a rich voice, “Sit, sit. No need to trouble yourselves.”

The vamps around the room sat back down, but Jasper and Edward stayed on the floor. Aro looked at them for a second longer, then made a motion with his hand; they must’ve seen it because they quickly stood. He smirked.

“What’s this delicious treat?” His eyes were trained on mine, and I quickly looked away. “Ah, how could I not recognize her? The famed vampire hunter, Isabella Swan. Now I understand why you insulted me. No bow, no curtsy in that adorable dress of yours—no sign of deference at all. Is this Car—”

“I apologize for my slave’s lack of respect, Master Aro, please don’t count it against her,” Jasper interrupted. “She’s very new.”

“So I see. And what about you? Remove those awful glasses; let me see your eyes.”

Jasper quickly took off his sunglasses, tucking them in his pocket, and showed the room his new red eyes. Aro gasped with surprise, sitting forward in his chair, as if he couldn’t see from there. Yeah, right.

“What caused this change of events, Jasper? The last time I saw you, you were trailing a little sprite through the halls. Was she the one who stole you from me, led you to Carlisle?”

“Yes, Master Aro, but I quickly learned it was one of my worse decisions.”

“Intriguing. Usually when one runs off to Carlisle, they stay with him and his unorthodox lifestyle. Completely ridiculous, but he is very persuasive.” Aro held out his hand, as if he expected someone to come and take it. “Whatever took place, it was very recent. I can see you’re still new to your old diet. Tell me what happened.”

Jasper crossed the short distance and took Aro’s hand. What had Carlisle said about his power? He read minds through touch. Why would he want to read Jasper’s mind when he could just say what happened? I glanced behind me to Edward, but because of the dark sunglasses, I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

Aro released Jasper, and he came back to stand beside me. Aro sat further back on his throne, crossed one leg over the other, and steepled his fingers. “This is perhaps too private to be held in front of an audience,” he said. The vamps around the room muttered something about favoritism. Aro quieted them with a wave of his hand. “I never favor one child over another; we all know this. Now go, all of you. Even you, little Jane. Quickly.”

She looked up at him with pleading eyes, but he quickly shooed her away like a dog. She huffed, but like the obedient pet she was, she followed the line. The vampires filed out of the room, all of them murmuring. I had a feeling we were going to be in trouble during our stay. Just because getting in was easy didn’t mean staying in would be too. I’d make sure to shorten our little field trip by a few days. Jasper could start looking for Charlie tonight, and if he wouldn’t do it, I would. I had a whole bag of ammo to spend.

A loud thud echoed in the room; someone had slammed the painting. That left us all alone together. With the glint in Aro’s eyes, I could tell we had an awful conversation coming. Whatever he had planned for me, he could keep it to himself. I wasn’t looking forward to finding out.

He stood and stepped off the dais, coming to stand in front of me. He was a few heads taller than me, but that was okay, I wasn’t going to meet his eyes. Sometimes vampires could control you with just their eyes; no biting required. He walked a tight circle around me, while I stayed glued to my spot, my head high. When he disappeared from view, I clenched my fists to prevent pulling my gun, but I managed. He made a full circle before he stopped in front of me. He had a strange smile on his face, and it took me a second to realize where I had seen it before.

Carlisle had the same smile. Empty, pleasant; a smile that could mean so many things. I resisted the urge to step back.

“I must admit,” Aro started conversationally, “I wasn’t expecting the talented Isabella Swan to appear before me so quickly. I knew you would come for your father, but I thought I might have a few days to prepare before you came knocking at my door. News travels so fast these days.”

Prepare for what? I wanted to ask, but with the look Jasper gave me, I knew it wasn’t what a Renfield would do. I was in enough trouble for not showing respect, I didn’t have to verbally insult him too. I wanted to, but I didn’t have to. I bit my tongue as Aro continued.

“I wasn’t expecting you to come with backup, and of my own blood, too. Such a sneaky girl. Why are you here with Jasper?”

Before I had the chance to panic, Jasper spoke up for me. “She’s mine. I thought you knew that.”

“Yours?” Aro asked with disbelief. “She certainly doesn’t smell like you.” He leaned close, taking a deep breath. “She smells like cosmetics, oil, gun powder, but underneath it all”—he took another breath—“I only smell strawberries. Not a single trace of your ownership. However, I smell her in you. Have you forgotten how to make a faithful servant?”

“There wasn’t much time; she was trying to kill me,” Jasper answered.

Aro chuckled. His face was neutral as he focused on me, but his eyes were way too excited. The first spurt of fear I had was gone in an instant, thanks to Jasper. “Yes, I saw. You’re very lucky you got her first; I was ready to come after her myself. There’s something very . . . interesting about her. Compelling, almost. Did you think the same of her?”

He looked almost sheepish. “Not exactly. I was just looking for food.”

“Was that what happened? It seems almost too likely your prey happened to be a famed vampire hunter. Yet I could barely make sense of the memory; it was vague, missing details in some parts. I’d love to hear the other side.” Aro held his hand out to me. I stared at the smooth pale skin but didn’t take it. Whatever Jasper showed Aro, it was enough to confuse him.

“Take my hand, Isabella,” Aro encouraged with a smile, almost like he was talking to a toddler. “Let me see inside that young mind.”

I didn’t want to touch him. What if he got inside my head? Could he only read minds, or was there something more to his power? I really didn’t want to find out. It would ruin everything. Jasper might have fooled Aro, but I had no idea what I was doing. If our cover was based off a lie, I didn’t want to mess it up. I crossed my arms under my chest, glaring at the old vamp’s chest.

“I don’t want to,” I said stiffly.

In my peripheral vision, I saw Aro’s mouth twitch twice; his smile fell slightly. “It’s not a matter if you want to or not; I want you to do it. Such defiance is not welcome in my palace.”

“Isabella, take Master Aro’s hand,” Jasper barked.

Against my will, my hand shot up, only to be enveloped by both of Aro’s. What just happened? Jasper said he wouldn’t be able to control me. The worry was quickly chased away as Aro touched me. I concentrated on the feel of his chilly hands, but that was a mistake. The cold was unlike anything I felt before, but it wasn’t just a temperature; it was his power. It crawled up my arm, spread over my chest and up my neck, constricting me, making it hard to breathe. I gasped uselessly. I was drowning in a freezing ocean of his power.

Stupidly, I tried to wrench my hand free. Aro held on, pulling me closer as I struggled, until we were toe-to-toe. One of his hands tipped my chin; he forced me to look up into his eyes. His pupils had disappeared, only to be replaced by bright red flames. They seemed to come closer with every breath I took. The cold wind crept into the back of my skull, like skeletal fingers lightly running over my brain. They were trying to pick at something. I could feel it. Oh god. I could feel it.

I screamed and fought to tear free. Aro released me with a gasp. The swiftness of it made me stumble, but my legs were too weak to hold me up. The heels made me teeter before I fell backwards. Jasper was there to catch me; he set me upright, but I shook off him off as soon as I was stable. I wasn’t sure what happened, but I definitely knew I wasn’t happy with him.

I was light headed and nearly hyperventilating, but I didn’t feel sick. Point for me. I took a deep breath, trying to even my breathing. “What did you do?” I panted, glaring at Aro.

He was rubbing his hand like it hurt. “Absolutely nothing. I hoped to see into your mind, yet you fought me. No, there was simply nothing there. Still, in the end, you pushed me out. How did you do that?”

“You mind fucked me!”

He ignored me and went back to his throne, settling back and pulling the rapier from its sheath. He seemed to be thinking about something as he passed it from hand to hand before he drew little circles in the air with the blade. “I wish I had, but that’s not the case. If I had known this would happen, I would have told Marcus and Caius to wait to return to Italy. I know they would love to meet you.”

“They can—”

“Quiet,” interrupted Jasper.

My mouth snapped shut. I tried to open it again, but it was as if I had no control over my body. I wanted to scream at him. This wasn’t what we had agreed on! We were supposed to be partners.

Aro watched it all with a smile as he sheathed the rapier again. “Your servant seems to have trouble controlling herself, Jasper. Is she always this unruly?”

“She doesn’t understand what an honor this is,” he said sternly, glaring right back at me.

“I’m sure there are others here who could tame her, don’t you agree?”

“Of course, but I’m not willing to trade.” Jasper set his hand on my bare shoulder, but I shrugged him off.

Aro sighed. “You never are. You were perhaps the most selfish we produced; sometimes I wondered where it came from. Now then, tell me the real reason you returned. It’s something more than just a few well-placed memories, correct?”

Jasper bristled, but his face remained calm.

“What are you looking for down here?” Aro asked with a smirk.

“A home,” Jasper answered.

“And what about Edward here?” Aro propped his chin on his hand as he leaned on the chair arm. “So disrespectful, Edward. Remove the glasses; I want to know what you’re hiding.”

Edward stepped closer to the throne. “You’re not going to finish with Jasper?” he asked, surprised.

“I believe he’s already done. I don’t care for his motives; he was one of my best soldiers, a true warrior at heart, and he brought Isabella Swan to me. Whatever he wants, he will get it. But you, I’m not so sure. You have always been a deceitful one, Edward. The glasses, please.”

Edward shrugged and lowered his head, hiding his eyes from the old vampire, but I could see them as he took off the sunglasses. I gasped as the gold irises were revealed. He looked up to Aro, his jaw set stubbornly.

Aro sat upright with shock; it was clear as day on his face. It quickly dissolved into anger. “Those damned golden eyes,” he hissed. “I thought you might have changed your mind, yet here I sit, staring at Carlisle’s vassal. What are you here for? A warning? Threats? If so, I have heard them before, and I’m not impressed.”

“Actually, I’m starting to get tired of Carlisle’s way of life,” Edward replied dismissively. “I came with Jasper after he insisted what a great place you have down here. You treat your puppets like royalty; Carlisle only shoves his beliefs on us.”

Aro gave a disbelieving look all with the elegant lift of an eyebrow. “Carlisle does? I never thought he could be so assertive. Show me my old friend.” He motioned Edward forward, apparently going to read his mind too. What did Aro see when he touched people? There had to be more to it than just hearing thoughts.

Aro held onto Edward longer than he did Jasper; he had closed his eyes, nodding randomly. The silence stretched on for so long, I thought they’d forgotten there was a human in the room. When Aro finally moved, I jumped. He sighed heavily, releasing Edward so he could step back.

“I never realized what a hard master Carlisle could become,” Aro murmured thoughtfully. “Well, no reason to fret about the past. I see you have no ill intentions, so I’m willing to let you stay. However, if you choose to stay permanently, you will have to take a blood oath.”

Edward bowed. “I understand. Thank you, Master Aro.”

“As for rooms, I suppose I can spare a few. There is a chamber currently available, as if like magic, wouldn’t you say?” The old vamp gave me a crazy smile. “Isabella and her master can stay there. Edward, I can—”

“That will be fine,” Edward interrupted.

“So convenient,” Aro sighed wistfully. “Perhaps when you make your final decision, I can convince you to wear the coveted cloak?”

Edward chuckled. “We’ll have to wait and see.”

“Not too long, I hope. You know I am not a patient man.”

“We’ll have to wait and see,” he repeated firmly.

The ancient vampire sighed again and assisted his lanky body up from the chair. He made a very human gesture and ran his hand through his hair.

“Very well. Jane and Alec will escort you to your rooms. Jasper, after your loving mistress is done with you, I want to see you back here. We still have many things to discuss,” he said darkly.

Jasper nodded, turning it into a short bow. “Of course. Thank you, Master Aro, for your hospitality.”

“Oh no, Jasper, thank you. Now, away with all of you. I’m very busy, you know,” Aro laughed.

Jasper bowed again, Edward doing the same, before turning for the exit. I almost didn’t want to give the old vamp my back, but when Jasper grabbed me, I had no choice. The skin between my bare shoulder blades twitched and crawled with the knowledge Aro was watching me; I could feel his gaze burning a hole in my back. Was he watching his special mark walk away?

When we were back in the hall, I dragged my feet against the floor, successfully slowing Jasper down. He looked down at me with tired eyes. I saw the expression on Sam enough times to know what it meant. Whatever I was going to say, he didn’t want to hear it. Still, it wasn’t stopping me. This was a vampire, not Sam; they didn’t get tired.

“What did you do in there?” I hissed. “You said you couldn’t control me.”

“Not now, Bella, please,” Jasper groaned. “We’ll talk later.”

“No, we’ll talk right now. I want to know what the fu—”

“Jasper,” Edward warned quietly.

Jasper kept moving me forward, and I noticed his face changed; the exhaustion was still there, but it was a friendly vibe. I looked to the mouth of the hall to see two small figures. Jane was back, and beside her was someone who could have been her male counterpart. His brunette hair was cut short yet still looked shaggy around his boyish face. He was dressed in complete black, only the red tie gave the suit some relief. Jane still looked like an evil doll; actually, with the expression on her face, she looked more like a murderous doll. Her twin was smiling, completely at ease.

“So nice to see real talent back in this place,” he said. “Welcome back, Jasper.”

“It’s good to be back, Alec,” Jasper replied.

“Come with us. We’ll take you to your rooms,” Jane growled.

They turned in unison before clasping hands. We followed closely behind them as we went back to the main room; even their steps were synchronized. Freaky.

From the main room, we moved down a hallway with doors. I couldn’t help but wonder what was behind them. Empty rooms? Torture chambers? Offices? What did vampires even do down here? I knew exactly what they did in Forks and Port Angeles—they monitored people, made their Renfields and humans sort all kinds of paperwork, and keep watch and write reports on certain families. It had to be the same in Seattle, right? Maybe this was where the plans for world domination happened.

We followed the hall as it curved twice, and then morphed into a spiraling staircase. Instead of going down, the steps led up. I had trouble climbing the steps—not because of the heels, oh no, my feet were numb with pain so I couldn’t feel them anymore—because it seemed they were built for something not human. They were wide and uneven; some of the stone was warped in certain places, as if a huge beast had scaled them numerous times, pressed its weight into the stone. But the vamps had no trouble. Ugh, of course not.

When we reached the top, Alec pulled open the wooden door and ushered us through. Suddenly I was in a completely different world.

The stone turned into smooth black and tan tile, the walls couldn’t even be called that; they were works of art. Murals of naked humans and destruction stretched down the hall until we came out in a large room, almost like a foyer. There was a den in one corner, a crackling fireplace, and tons of cushy seats. There were only two halls here, one to my left and right. I gaped and gasped with every elaborate decoration along the wall.

“This is your chamber,” Alec explained, making a sweeping motion with his arm to take in the whole room. “Master wanted you to feel comfortable and have only the best. He also wanted you to know that if you need anything, he’s just downstairs.”

My body ran cold. Aro stayed in a room below ours? That meant he would show up often. Okay, so many this room wasn’t all that great.

Without another word, the twins left. I went back down the painted hallway to check the door; it had a lock, but it wouldn’t do much good. Either way, I flicked the lock. It would calm my nerves a little; at least humans couldn’t come in.

I passed the main room to explore the right hallway and found a single door at the end. I peered into the room. With the light from the hallway, I could see an expansive bedroom complete with en-suite bathroom and an orgy-sized bed with attached canopy. My duffel bag sat on the chaise at the foot of the bed. Was this all mine? Where would Jasper stay? I sat on the bed and immediately sank. Wow, now this is what I call a bed!

Despite the entire situation, at least the stay wouldn’t suck.

Edward appeared in the doorway, blocking the light from the hallway, as he came in. He took a good look around in the dark. “Very . . . aristocratic,” he said. “It’s amazing what they can do, being so far underground.”

“Do I even want to know how deep we are?” I asked, laying back.

“No,” he replied with a smile in his voice, “but I can tell you how deep we are in vampires.”

“Very funny. Hey, where are you and Jasper staying? And where did Jasper disappear to?”

“He went to his mistress, Maria. I have the room at the other end, but Jasper will rarely have any free time. Because he brought you, Aro already wants him back behind the throne. Between Aro and Maria, Jasper will be very busy.”

“So he won’t have time to look for Charlie.” Great. That meant I’d have to do it all myself. Where would I even begin to look? Everything here was super-sized.

“I never said that,” Edward replied softly. “He’ll probably make plenty of stops at the dungeon; there will be time to look for your father.”

I sat up, peering over the footboard. “You really think they have him in the dungeon?”

He shrugged as he stepped outside the room, returning with a suitcase. “Alice packed for you, and yes, there are many more where this came from. For now, let’s not worry about Jasper or Charlie. Let’s just get out of these clothes and relax. We have plenty of time.”

“You’ll help look too, right?” I asked. “Aro won’t have you on lock down because of your eyes, will he?”

“Don’t worry about me, Bella,” Edward answered. “I know exactly what makes Aro tick; I have a feeling he won’t be a problem to any of us.” He set the suitcase down and flicked on the overhead light, an electric hum coming to life. “I’m going to change. Just try not to over think anything, Bella. Whatever happens, it’ll work out. Nothing to worry about.” He closed the door behind him.

As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. I couldn’t worry too much about Charlie; he might not be able to take on a whole coven, but he could take care of himself. He had to still be alive. And I couldn’t worry over Jasper being able to control me. I hated it, I was afraid of it, but if he did it to keep me on everyone’s good side . . . that made it kind of okay.

If I worried too much, it would make it impossible to do my job. As soon as I changed, I was getting answers from Edward. For now, my plan was to get out of the dress, and the stupid fucking boots. I was never wearing heels ever again. That was my plan—no vampires involved. Yeah, definitely sounded like a great idea.