[BamaFan121s]

Suddenly, I both heard and felt a faint growl building in Edward’s chest and I felt his arm tighten around my waist. Initially I suspected it was in response to Aro’s thoughts of the foretold acquisition to his coven. I was wrong.
“Aro!” Edward’s voice rang out. I felt my muscles tense on their own accord. The tone of his ice cold voice silenced the room. “I kindly ask you, for what will be the last time that you please have Jane refrain from trying to attack my wife.” With a quick jerk of his head, he directed Aro’s attention to the furthest wall of the circular room. Jane and Alec had made their entrance unnoticed by anyone, which I suspected had been their intent.
Aro looked completely abashed and let out an uncomfortable chuckle. “Jane dear, “he called to her nervously, embarrassment tinting his words. “These are our guests! I believe that all here are well informed in regards to your impressive talents, but there is no need for an unwarranted demonstration here.”
Jane narrowed her eyes in indignation. Clearly she did not appreciate having been publically reprimanded. She tightened her fists by her side and locked her jaw in outrage. As I observed her childish reaction, I realized just how little of a threat she actually posed…at least as far as I was concerned. Visions of Edward crumpled in agony on the floor of this very room still haunted me. She was, however, proof that not everyone within the Volturi ranks had been able to forgive and forget the past.
Aro turned to address our entire group again. “Heidi has been kind enough to rescheduled her activities for the day…” He looked at us almost apologetically as he motioned for her to join him. Jane scoffed in obvious disapproval from her corner. I could still sense her vengeful stare, but paid her no attention. Truth be told, I was finding her childish behavior somewhat humerous in my own spiteful way. A small grin tugged at the corner of my mouth, threatening to betray these feelings. “I have asked that she take you on a tour of our museam. It holds some of the world’s most prized artifacts and many related to our own noble history.” He spoke the last portion of his statement with reverence, although I doubted that there were any artifacts that he valued more so than the vampires around him that he held such a high regard for. They were his true ‘prized possesions.’
Carlisle nodded in response. “That’s very thoughtful of you. I’m sure my family would enjoy that.” In acknowledgement, he inclined his head towards Heidi, who returned the gesture.
Obviously pleased with his offer having been accepted, Aro beamed sincerely. “Of course, you know that history all too well, old friend. And we have many things to discuss here, you and I. Of course, any members of your family who wish to stay are welcome to join us….” He trailed off, casting quick glances at the faces of my family before resting his eyes on Edward. His didn’t even try to mask the hopeful expression on his face. Edward merely tightened his arm around my waist.
“No thank you. I will accompany Bella and the others.” Edward answered briskly. The disappointement on his face at Edward’s refusal was clearly evident, but he didn’t have time to linger on his disappointment for long.
“I would like to stay, if it’s not a problem.” Jasper offered stepping forward to join Carlisle side. He glanced from Carlisle to Aro.
“Of course, Jasper, of course.” Aro boomed. “We would be honored to have you join us.”
Instinctively, a small wave of panic swept over me. I did not like the idea of our family being divided here amongst the Volturi. Edward seemed relaxed enough by my side, so I trusted that there were no traces of mal intent in Aro’s thoughts. I stole a glance of Alice, who was animatedly talking with Heidi. She seemed completely at ease, so I assumed she had not seen any indication of impending danger. I took a deep, calming breath and pushed my concerns to the furthest corner of my mind.
“Jane, dear, would you care to join them?” Aro asked casually, not bothering to turn to face her. The look she cast in Aro’s direction was murderous. I gasped, half expecting him to crumple before my feet at any moment. Jane, however merely narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth. If she were trying to control her obvious outrage—and I doubted that she was—her efforts were clearly unsuccessful. “No, Master. I do NOT wish to join them. If I may be excused now, please.” Her words were strained. Almost a hiss and her voice was shaky with anger. With that, my control over my the menacing grin I’d been stifling broke.
“Of course, of course,” Aro waved her off dismissively, still not bothering with so much as a glance in her direction. Jane clentched her fist and turned on her heal, stalking off down the nearest dark, stone cooridor. Alec cast a frown in our direction and turned to hurredly follow his pouting sister, obviously intent on comforting her. I pictured her miles away in the tunnels by now, stomping her feet in a full blown tantrum, just as a child would do.
In the end, Carlisle and Jasper elected to stay behind and Rosalie had insisted that Emmett join them. I doubted that Emmett held any true interest for anything that would be discussed. I suspected that Rosalie’s insistance may have had more to do with keeping him out of Heidi’s sight…not that I could blame her on that account. To my own surprise, the wives decided to join us on our tour as well. As we casually followed Heidi through the intricate tunnels, they talked with Esme at ease. I imagined that there had been instances in the past where they’d imagined her joining their ranks, adorned in the same dark gray robes. Which reminded me…
Alice’s stylish heals clicked rythmically beside me. I sighed.
“I know what you’re thinking,” she spoke easily, addressing no one in particular. “But what choice did I have? It’s not exactly like I could avoid Aro the entire trip. May as well go ahead and get it over with.” She shrugged nochalantly.
“Of course, Alice,” Edward soothed her. “I too would rather he not have seen it...no sense in just giving him false hopes. But I agree, you had no choice in the matter.” They both seemed somewhat relaxed about the exchange, which eased my mind as well.
After what seemed like and endless maze of tunnels, the uneven cobblestone beneath our feet finally began to slope upwards. At the end of the sloping cooridor was a large, heavy metal door. Heidi reached for the door and pulled it open easily. It’s ancient metal hinges squealed in protest. Following her, we stepped back out into the misty open of St. Mark’s Square.