Sorry all.. posted chapters 4-7 kind of quickly.. hope you have time to read them all :)

Chapter 7

Luciana downed the animal blood she'd be given by Edward as she made her way toward her former home in Italy's underground streets.

Alec welcomed her at their gates and she felt overly nervous as she prepared to greet her father. The trip through the tunnels seemed to take forever, but they finally reached the open stone door that lead to his throne.

"Luciana!" he called as she entered, happy as ever to see her, "You've gotten so big."

She nodded, "I'm sorry I've caused you to miss some time with me."

"Nonsense," he continued to smile and gave her a hug, taking an extra long look at her beaming gold eyes. She found herself wishing in that moment that she could read his every thought, as he could hers.

"Eyes of gold," Aro stated.

"Yes," Luciana said, "It hasn't been an easy task."

"And you traveled by plane to get here?"

"Yes," she repeated.

"My, you have certainly mastered the art of control. Carlisle is certainly a miracle worker."

"I've actually spent most of my time with Jasper and Alice," she raised her hand so he could read into her life over the past three weeks.

When he let her hand go, he looked at her, "How I wish you could stay here, closer."

"So do I," Luciana told him, "I miss you. Though now that I'm here, I miss Seth as well."

"I'd never make you choose," Aro assured her.

She nodded, "I know."

"It's such a shame," Jane said from against a side wall, "You wouldn't have been a great asset to our coven."

Luciana felt streams of guilt travel through her body. "I'm sorry."

"How's the boy wonder?" Caius asked sarcastically, referring to Masen.

"Masen?"

He scowled, "Yes."

"He's... fine."

Caius was visibly still bitter about losing his head in the battle, seeming for some reason to be even more angry at the fact that Masen had to put him back together.

"How do you find living off of animal blood?" Jane asked dryly.

Luciana shrugged, "It was hard at first, but I've gotten used to it."

"I see."

"Well, what shall we have for meals while you're here?" Aro asked, "I don't believe I'd be able to get accustomed to wildlife. I hope you don't mind."

Caius made a face of disgust behind Aro's back.

"Your eyes are blackened," Luciana pointed out.

He nodded, "It is about time for a meal for me."

"I just, uh, ate."

"I'll accompany you, Aro," Jane said, "It's time for me to feed, as well."

He looked back at his daughter, "I hate to be so brief, but would you mind if I left for a half hour?"

Luciana shook her head, "Not at all. I'll be here when you return."

They exchanged a hug again before Aro and Jane disappeared from their lair.

Luciana stood facing Caius and Marcus.

"You truly do miss your father," Marcus spoke, "I can feel it. As he does you."

"It's been difficult adjusting to life without him."

"He's your... flesh and blood."

Caius approached with a certain softness that he didn't typically possess, "I'm sure it's been a difficult transition with your meal choices," he smiled kindly, "But think of us like humans would fun uncles. We're suppose to spoil you when you visit."

Luciana smiled, fully falling into his charming trap.

"You see, while you're here, maybe Felix and I could spoil you a bit. Take you out for a real meal. A good, satisfying hunt."

She shrugged, "I don't know."

"You don't have to," he smiled again, "But I figured since you're only around once in a while, it wouldn't pose for too much harm."

Marcus sat silently, knowing of Caius's devious intentions.

Luciana shifted her eyes to him, then back to Caius.

"It'd be like old times," Alec joined in, "I mean, you're on a sort of vacation, right?"

She smiled at their surprising 'welcome back' intentions. "I suppose I am."

Caius continued to smile, trying to hide the devilish expression that was unwillingly forming on his face, "I can see you've recently eaten. So maybe tonight, if your father allows it. Just one yummy snack, then you can get back to your... diet."

Luciana battled in her mind about the decision at hand. She knew how long it had taken her to get to the point that she was currently in, though thought to herself that one time wouldn't be the end of the world. She truly did look at Caius as an uncle, and thought to herself that he never steered her in the wrong direction throughout her short lifespan. Her mind pulled her in two different directions, but Caius's warm smile won her over.

"I guess I'm not here very often," she agreed, "I miss you Caius."

"Oh, we all miss you," he told her enthusiastically, "Remind me of your favorite places to hunt. We'll take a group trip."

She nodded, "Alright."

Caius smiled and patted her on the back, winking across the room at Felix as he turned his back to her.

The Cullens will have a whole new situation on their hands when Luciana returns, he thought to himself.

"Welcome back, Luciana," Felix said with a wide smile.

"Thanks," she said warmly, "I'm glad to be back."

"Back home," Felix said, finishing her sentence.

She smiled and nodded, unsure of where home really was.