Words to Die By

Chapter Ten ~ Surprise Discoveries

Edward couldn't believe what was before him. Mentally thanking Angela for making him learn Italian, he read the document with ease. His mind was racing over the fact that the rival families had come together at one time to sign and pledge with their blood to uphold the rules of the mutual agreement.

"What is this?" Jasper asked, stepping over to Edward.

"It is a Giuramento di sangue delle famiglie unificate. Damn, I had heard tales of this, but never thought they were true," Edward said. His father had mentioned them briefly in his journals. Maybe it was something he needed to tell him face to face.

"What does that mean?" Alice asked.

"It is in Italian, which translates as Blood Oath of the Unified Families," Bella replied.

"Parli italiano?" Edward quizzed.

"Sì," Bella answered with a smirk licking her lips. She loved hearing Edward speak Italian. His voice was raspy as it pronounced the long vowels, and it caused a serious case of arousal where she was concerned, and by the look in his eyes, she knew she was having the same effect.  "I have a talented tongue."

Fuck, could she be any more perfect for him. He would have her speak Italian when he makes love to her or to enjoy her talented tongue. Oh, the possibilities. But he had to be mindful of their current company, and keep his thoughts focused on the information in front of him for now.

"It is an agreement between all the mafia families that they would abide by this set of rules, however, if someone breaks the rules, they will be brought before the families, in the form of a tribunal, to face their punishment," Edward explained. "Killing of women and children are forbidden, especially wives and young heirs, or as it is written, Principi or Princes. Older male children are bound by their grandfather's oath and are subject to the prescribed punishments once they reach the accountable age of eighteen."

"So are you telling me that the other mafia families will come together to make Aro pay for what he did to your family?" Emmett asked.

"Yes."

"But why hadn't they done this when it happened?" Jasper wondered.

"A member of the family who was wronged has to step forward and register a denuncia, a complaint. Since everyone thought everyone in the Cullenello family was dead, the other families didn't have a surviving family member to request justice," Edward said.

"What makes you think Aro is going to comply with this contract?" Alice asked.

Edward pointed down to the paper. "Every family signed the contract and placed a blood print beside their name. This right here is Aro's father's name."

"HOLY SHIT!" Emmett boomed.

"How do we get the other families involved?" Bella questioned.

"I have to send out the code to the first family listed on this oath, they, in turn, will send it to the next, and so on. A conclave will be called and Aro will have to attend, where the families will hold him accountable for his actions," Edward smirked.

"What is the code word?" Bella inquired.

Edward read more of the document which explained the rules, the purposes, and how to enact a conclave and register the denuncia. He found the word and smiled. It was perfect. "Traditore, which is traitor in Italian."

"Fucking perfect!" Jasper gushed.

"What will be the penalty for Aro?" Rose asked.

"Blood for blood," Edward growled. For the last few years, he had been picking away at Aro's hold on the city. It would take him years to be strong enough to challenge Aro and there would be bloodshed on both sides. He needed to keep all those who had joined his family safe. He hoped that the other families would allow him to pass judgment against Aro. Over the years he had imagined killing Aro and how he would do it, now he might have a chance to do so.