June's sisters' place was obviously makeshift.
The Volturi guard stepped in, looking around in horror at the mess of papers and random knick-knacks littering the floor to such an extent June was forced to jump from one spot to another on her toes.
June's eyes narrowed at the rather manly items scattered on the coffee table and couch as well. Tennis shoes, an Ivy League jacket.
Demetri simply stood at the doorway, an amused gleam in his red eyes as he watched the fearsome June jump around the room like a prancing pony.
"Darrell?" June called out, frowning at the strangeness with which her sister's name rolled off her tongue.
"Who is it?" a deep voice called from the kitchen and June froze. Had they reached the wrong address? No, this, June remembered, was her sister's signature scent. Mixed with something that suspiciously smelled like… apple cider?
A human poked his head out of the kitchen, his electric green eyes suddenly round as saucers when he saw her.
"Oh gods..." he breathed, and a second later June was before him.
He blinked, disoriented by her quickness.
Humans, June sighed.
"You're a vamp, aren't you?"
It was June's turn to blink in surprise. "What?"
The man gave a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Uh, if you're looking for Darrell, she's in bed."
"We don't sleep." June snapped, taking a step back. She didn't understand why she was still talking to this human; he knew about their kind so he must be killed. But something was stopping her. A nagging feeling in the back of her mind.
A mate.
The human had the audacity to roll his eyes. "Well duh. But we'll we- just kind of finished and-" he broke off as a heated blush crept up his neck and June exhaled sharply.
"Darrell." she called, feeling sick at the thought of her vampire sister having intercourse with a disgusting, fragile human.
What had she been thinking? Humans were weak, breakable and revolting. How could she-
"June?"
"You're June?" the man asked, staring from one sister to the other in shock.
"Hello, sister. You seem to have found your… other half." June's stare was piercing and angry and Darrell could only shift closer to the man, her stance protective.
Two hundred years changed relationships.
"Sit down, will you? And your mate." Darrell offered, a tense smile on her face. She knew what her sister was capable of and more than herself, she was concerned for her mate's safety.
June's gaze flickered to Demetri, who had been watching the exchange silently. They did not deny the statement. Best if Darrell did not know who June's real mate was. Or anyone for that matter.
"Of course."
They sat.
The silence was thick, asphyxiating. Darrell was practically beside herself with worry. What had she done wrong to have the Volturi personally contact her? Yes, she had told a human of her kind. But he was going to be turned in a week; they had already discussed it.
"So… what brings you to these parts?" she asked.
"Nothing major. How are you?" June asked, and Darrell felt colder than usual. Her sister was stretching it out, avoiding the topic. What did she want?
"Fine. You've obviously met Emanuel."
June's red eyes surveyed the dark haired man. Emanuel felt awkward under the young girl's scrutiny. She looked the part of an average, pretty teenager but the impassive, reserved blue eyes were unnerving. Darrell had told him about her and the Volturi, and at first he refused to believe it. How could vampires exist? But the facts told him otherwise.
"Yes. Emanuel. It's a pleasure to meet my sister's husband."
"Oh! We're not married. Yet." Darrell's affectionate grin at the man made June mentally scoff. What madness.
"Pity. Well, we haven't much time to spend in your company, I'm afraid," June began, feeling Demetri shift restlessly beside her. "Your mating has been completed, I presume?" June merely asked for formalities. She could smell the signature scent of her sister all over the human. And the red bite mark on his collarbone did nothing to rebuke her remark.
Emanuel blushed. "Yeah. So, why're you guys here again? We know the rules, she's gonna turn me next week."
"Oh? Well, then that's one issue we needn't touch upon then. What-"
"You talk like an oldie." Emanuel burst out, before freezing in shock. Shit, he did not just say that to the vampire police.
Darrell's grip on his hand tightened as familiar blue flames spat at June's shoulders.
"I'm sorry?"
"Alright, this is taking far too long," Demetri hissed, standing up. Darrell bared her teeth at him, pushing Emanuel back onto the couch and standing as well.
"Stop it. This is ridiculous. Darrell, I would advise you to keep a tighter leash on your mate," June raised her voice, glaring at Emanuel when he opened his mouth to protest, "and we've just come here to inform you that you must follow the 'vegetarian' diet. Thank you for your time. Come, Demetri." the female Volturi guard commanded, leaving no room for argument.
"Is that it? You won't stay? Not ask about our wedding?" Darrell spoke before she could stop herself.
Demetri glanced over at June, apprehensive. He knew, she was not comfortable around her sister. Rarely did she ever raise her voice.
"You wouldn't want me there."
"You're my sister. I'll always want you in my life."
"Perhaps if you had joined the Volturi as I had, we would be together," June snapped.
"You chose your way, so did I. But that doesn't mean we can't-"
"My master wouldn't allow it." June was looking for excuses to not come and she knew it. They both had been offered places, but Darrell declined. She was more sensible, less reckless and power-hungry than her younger sister.
"Oh, I'm sure if I ask he'll come around. Stay the night? You and your mate." Darrell smiled at Demetri; he was frozen in stone. He had nothing to say, it was all up to his superior to decide.
"No. But is there anything you'd like me to pass on to Sulpicia? A message of greeting?" June said finally, debating the matter.
She had multiple reasons not to stay: her mate being one. She had no clue who it was, but he was close. Or she. June had no preference either way, they were to be a mere distraction anyway.
"Uh, yeah," Darrell left and returned in a flash, handing an envelope to her sister. "Give this to her. And tell her I said hello. June, in complete confidence please. And don't read it."
June pursed her lips in disapproval. She hated not knowing what was going on. "Very well. I shall send your regards," she surveyed Emanuel. "And I will be seeing you very soon, Emanuel. Hopefully, we can fight sometime together."
Emanuel paled. Demetri smirked.
They departed for Italy.
"Darling, we mustn't fall prey to such nonsense." Aro tried to sooth his beautiful mate but she would have nothing of it.
"Nonsense! This is not an unreasonable request, Aro, and you know it. The girl simply wants her sister to live with her for a month. What harm can it bring to your guard? You have enough as it is."
"Sulpicia, you know how much I… treasure June." Aro said, "It would kill me to be separated from a child I believe to be my own."
"You forget, Aro. It was I who introduced you to her and I alone who trained her. Do not try and fool me with your sweet words." Sulpicia said lightly, red eyes gleaming in the candle light.
She lay naked on a large silken bed, her mate pacing before her in his irritation.
"Read the letter again." he demanded, and Sulpicia sighed but complied.
Dearest Lady, I come with the humblest regards. You may have forgotten me in the past two eons (hundred years) ago but I remember you all with absolute clarity. I wish to make a single request, in return for my sacrifice of my sister all those years ago. When I agreed to allow her to join your ranks, you welcomed her with open arms and I am grateful to you for giving her such comfort.
But the time has come for me to demand a single supplication: June would be allowed to come and live with me for a month at my residence near the Olympic coven. Thirty days in a vampire's life mean absolutely nothing at all, and I am sure that you would not be requiring her in this given time period. I would highly like her to be present at my wedding (as the rest of you) and get to know my younger half better. I am sure all these years have immensely changed her. Please do consider and inform me at your convenience.
Yours faithfully,
Darrell Whittock
Sulpicia smiled fondly; she had truly taken a liking to June's sister and was disappointed at her refusal to join their ranks.
How could she refuse such a simple request of her favorite? Aro would have to manage- it was only a measly month after all.
"Aro, there have been many times in our time together that you have failed and I helped you to the fullest of my powers, asking nothing in return but your faith and love-"
"Love! Have you no sense left, my darling? We are creatures of the night, we do not love." he spat.
"Trust, then," said his mate patiently, "I have asked for nothing. Can you overcome your over-protectiveness and selfishness for this once? You musn't be afraid of June's loyalty wavering, she looks up to you in the utmost of awe." Sulpicia was having a hard time reasoning with her husband. He was a stubborn vampire, and a selfish one at that. But she was adamant.
"I- Oh, don't give me that look." Aro hissed as Sulpicia gracefully stood to wrap her bare self around him.
"Come now, love. For me?" she purred, red eyes dark and seductive.
The Volturi leader's sharp jaw was clenched and eyes narrowed from holding himself back. If he could he would ravish his mate right there and then, meetings and arguments be damned. But he had duties, responsibilities to uphold.
"Fine. Fine. She may leave. I will inform her of it now." Aro succumbed to Sulpicia's endeavors and she gave him a heart-stopping smile, as if he had any left.
"Good. Don't keep me waiting too long." she whispered in his ear and Aro's lips twisted up into a smile.
"Never."
"You sent for me, master?" June bowed, before looking up into the sharp red eyes of the man who had controlled her for almost twenty decades. She held no regret or resentment though. Only reverence.
"Yes." Aro was more than having a small issue telling one of his favorite's to leave. He also knew she would try and refuse. Which would only make it harder for him.
Why had he been convinced into this? Lust was a powerful thing.
"Is it serious?" she took the liberty of asking.
"Not particularly. In the letter you conveyed to us from your sister, she has asked a particular… appeal I find difficult to agree with."
"Would you like to relieve your burden? I was curious of the contents of the letter." June wondered, eyes landing once again on the window. The excess greenery was giving her a non-existent, impossible-to-have headache.
"June, I relieve you of your duties and responsibilities to the Volturi from this moment on for thirty days. You may choose to decline. You will take residence in Washington D.C. with your birth sister. Do you agree?"
"No." the answer was immediate. He expected it.
"Then I'm afraid I have no option but to force you."
"Have I done something to displease you?" June's mind was racing; what had she done wrong in the past year? All had gone well, assignments completed and feeding clean.
"No. My mate wishes to consent to your sister's request to have you live with her for a while." Aro explained, his patience was not as good as his wife's.
"Darrell has asked me to come?" June's lips were parted in surprise, fists clenched.
How dare she. She had no right to make such demands; June was not some object to be passed around. She absolutely refused to leave.
"Yes, June. And if Sulpicia wishes it, there is nothing more to discuss. I will see you in four weeks time."
"But-"
"Your word, June. I would like to have your word." Aro raised an eyebrow and June felt like stomping her foot like a child and throwing a temper tantrum. Why would Sulpicia agree to such idiocy? What would she do with her sister? Be a third wheel? No thank you.
But June also knew a vampire could never refuse their mate.
And a vampire's word is the highest honor one must uphold.
"You have my word, master. I will take your leave." she said stiffly, and Aro gave a bright smile and clapped his hands together.
"Good! Be well, my child. And know that if any crisis occurs amidst your family - us - you are to return immediately. Understood?"
"Of course."
Aro nodded, turning away.
And left June staring resentfully behind him.
She looked around the arrivals gate, blue eyes searching for her sister.
"June!" Darrell almost knocked her younger sister over in a crushing hug which would have broken at least ten bones in a human's body. June tried to keep the flames at bay.
"Hello, sister." she answered, voice strained. She did not particularly enjoy physical contact.
"Thank you so much for coming! God, you have no idea how excited I am right now!" Darrell squealed like a teenager, grabbing June's suitcases and briskly walking over to a blue Honda.
"I suppose I am too." June sighed. She thought that as long as she was with Darrell and Emanuel, she might as well try and enjoy her time with them.
But after Darrell's tense attitude a couple of days ago, why was she so... cheerful now?
"Oh, don't worry. We'll totally revamp your look," Darrell grinned. "Hah. Revamp. Geddit?"
June's lips found themselves in her usual frown. "Your sense of humor is severely lacking."
"Oh, don't be such a buzzkill, Junie! Aren't you excited, the maid of honor to my wedding?" Darrell brushed the comment away.
"What in the name of-"
"Yeah, sorry. I forgot to tell you. I invited so many people! All these friends I made during my travels, you have to meet them. Say you will? And be nice." Darrell pouted playfully, starting the engine.
"Alright." June agreed reluctantly. She was already regretting the decision made by Aro to come here. But she had also agreed because she was required to speak with Carlisle.
"Oh, and BTdubs, you'll have to turn vegetarian for a bit." Darrell added with a smile.
"What!"
Yay! Chapter 4 is up for reading and reviews! Gosh, we are so sorry that took so long, two of us were travelling and wifi isn't the best in the mountains :P But we made it longer than usual to make up for the lost love. :) Tell us everything you thought, and it's up to you: Jacob or June's POV next?
Gracias!
- A&M