Demetri's POV
The plane touches down a few hours later, close to the castle. Peyton doesn't talk to me again, instead opting to talk to Felix or the twins. She enjoys their company too: laughing at their jokes, smiling when they spoke of fond memories, chattering with them about whether more strength or speed was better.
To be honest, I was jealous. I wanted her with me, to hold her, to joke with her. If I had to, I would all the way to Egypt if it meant getting her alone with me. But I still convinced myself was that all I wanted was sex.
We finally arrive at the castle, all of us piling out of the car.
Dread pools in my stomach. What if she didn't like the place I had grown to call home? What if she ran, and was caught and tortured?
What the fuck, Demetri? You are one of the best trackers in the world, you shouldn't care about what some vampire, much less a vegetarian, thought. This was an insurance policy to ensure the Swan girl would be turned, nothing more.
Peyton's neutral expression morphs to one of awe. I school my emotions, ignoring the warm feeling, letting coldness spread throughout my body. Of course Felix takes this moment to make a move.
His hand rests on Peyton's shoulder, smiling at the blonde and winking. I tell myself not to care, not to pay any attention, but I can't stop the mental snarl.
Peyton smiles kindly at Felix, shaking off his hand and starting towards the castle. My protectiveness spikes, making me want to grab her and hold her and not let her go and…
She's not yours. She never will be. No matter how hard you wish.
We enter the castle, walking the same way the tourists would. I cheer up at the sight of the familiar walls. I could finally retreat to my room and be alone with my thoughts. I could be away from the blonde vampire who influences me too much already.
I could stay in my room and read by the firelight or even play a bit of my guitar. I wonder if Peyton can play an instrument. Gah!
I needed away from this blonde. She plagues my thoughts already, leaving me incapable of concentrating. What if that happened on a mission? Why did she even affect me like this?
So many new questions in just a few hours of meeting a girl. Why me? Just, why me?
I didn't even realize that we had reached the throne room doors. As soon as she saw them, Peyton took the lead and pushes both thick doors open. She marches in, tapping her foot impatiently once she gets to the middle of the chamber. The Kings look up, wide eyed. They look at one another, then moving to their thrones. She obviously had the balls to be doing this.
Peyton eyes each King, exhibiting nonchalance even though her eyes told a different story. Her golden eyes show restrained anger. Marcus looks at her, bored until his eyes light up. He stares at her, and occasionally glances at me. Marcus knew something. And it had to do with Peyton and I.
He offers his hand to Aro, which he gladly takes. As Marcus's thoughts become Aro's, the raven haired man smiles gleefully. He turns to the blonde-haired Cullen.
"Ah, you must be Peyton! I am afraid that I do not know much about you. Carlisle was very secretive about you, but, you were his first companion. How is he by the way?" Aro greets warmly.
Pain flashes through Peyton's eyes, disappearing just as fast as I see it.
""He is well. He sends his regards. Now, would you explain to me the terms of this arrangement? I'm afraid I wasn't informed prior to arriving." Her tone was businesslike, dripping with professionalism. Not even here an hour and she already wishes to leave Volterra. My mood drops once again.
"Ah! You seem to be close to him. May I?" He asks, offering his hand to her. I see the hesitance in her eyes as she slowly touched Aro's hand, the man cradling her palm.
Aro shifts through her memories for about a minute. I see his face change from excitement to sadness to anger. Whatever she had gone through, it was enough to make the Ancient react this way.
Finally, Aro comes out of her thoughts, staring in wonder. Peyton slowly pulls her hand away from Aro's, crossing her arms.
"You are very brave. And I was correct. I have never seen a relationship quite like you and Carlisle's. I'm happy that he has someone like you to raise. Your courage is very amazing. Sacrificing yourself so your brother wouldn't have to go to war? That is an honorable feat. And now staying with us!" Aro chuckles merrily. "And your gift! Such a powerful ability, much more powerful than your sister's!"
"Care to explain this gift?" Caius questions, a scowl on his face.
"Why, dear Peyton, would you prefer me to explain?" Aro asks delightfully.
"Knock yourself out." Peyton throws her hands up.
"Dear Peyton has the gift of foresight. Able to see the past, present, and future! She can't see anything that has to do with herself, but such a useful ability! And she has something similar to gut feelings, good or bad." Aro explains.
My eyes widen. She had taken her brother's place in the army? She had loved him so deeply. And that was when she was a human! She also could see the future and past!
"To answer your previous questions, Peyton, you can return home once Bella is turned. I apologize for taking you from your family, but I had to be sure that our secret stayed hidden. Demetri was actually the one who gave me the idea, didn't you." I turn to Aro in shock. Did he really just…
Peyton turns to me, fury evident in her eyes. I flinch at the unsaid threats in her eyes. Of course this is what happens.
Felix was holding back laughter now, the twins stepping towards Peyton. They were already watching out for her? Come on!
Aro smiles at me, his eyes holding mischief and hope. Marcus winks at me and Caius smirks devilishly. I glare at all three of the Ancients, wanting blood.
Peyton never breaks her glare, instead, her fury seems to multiply.
"I may have mentioned something about it." I clear my throat, trying not to stutter.
Peyton closes her eyes, taking a deep breath, before opening them. "Well, Demetri, I have to admit, you're persistent. Too bad you are a man whore from what I'm seeing of your past, and a dick to top it off. Long list of achievements you have there, asshole." She sasses.
"Remind me to stay on her good side." Felix laughs. Jane cracks a small smile. Aro claps happily. Marcus is watching me. My expression was probably one of shock. The fire in Peyton's eyes evaporate. I could still see a trace of anger when she looks at me though.
"Where will I be staying?" She asks in her melodic voice.
Marcus perks up. "You'll be staying in my wing." He says, a kind smile on his face. I glare. My room was located in that wing, along with Marcus's room, a library, his study, and a music room.
"Would you like Felix to escort you?" He asks. She nods while my blood boils. I didn't like that idea.
"Well, I look forward to getting to know you, Miss Peyton. You are all dismissed." Marcus says in conclusion. I start towards the door. "Demetri, can you stay for a few extra minutes?" I pause, turning around slowly.
"Of course, Master." I say. Peyton disappears with Felix while Jane and Alec head to their own quarters.
"Demetri, do you mind if I ask you some questions?" The brunet asks.
"I don't mind." I reply. Marcus glances at Aro, Caius leaving the room.
"Tell me about your thoughts and feelings when you first saw Peyton." He asks.
"When I first saw her, she was fighting the newborns along with the other Cullen's. I thought that she was gorgeous, even more so than Rosalie. I had never seen nor heard of her and was contemplating who she was. I noticed that she had dropped her guard as she turned around. A vampire charged at her and was about go for the kill. I almost exposed myself by yelling. I remember feeling so relieved that she sidestepped in time. Then, after killing that one, another newborn almost got the upper hand. I wanted to kill that newborn also." I sigh.
"She's been on my mind ever since I met her." I end.
"How would you feel if Felix and her fell for one another?" Aro asks. I stop breathing.
"I would be furious." I confess. "Maybe a bit sad."
"May I see what has happened?" Aro asks, holding out his hand. I simply nod.
He takes my hand into his, his eyes glazing over from my memories. Soon, he drops my hand, his eyes coming back to reality.
"Thank you Demetri. You can leave now." Aro dismisses me.
"Call me if you need me." I nod, starting towards the door.
"Oh and Demetri?" I hear. I turn to Marcus. "Stay on your mate's good side." The doors slam shut, the two Ancients chuckling. I barely pay any attention.
I had given up searching for my mate. It had been at least 200 years since I last searched for her. Now, to find out that my soulmate was here and hating me?
It was much different hearing it from someone else. Marcus specialized in relationships due to his gift. He had seen it. It was real.
I had thought she wasn't mine. But she was. I would make her mine.
I just had to survive her rage first.
Another chapter done! Hope y'all enjoyed!
~Abby