AN: Thank you for your review and support. This is another chapter for you. Please read and review. I really wanna know what you think. So please please please review. Thank you.
Chapter 8: A Member Of Volturi
Valerie's POV
"Come forward my dear" Aro said to me. It's been two months since I came to Volterra. One month and seven days since I madly fell in love with Alec. And I've finally decided to join the guard. Everyone is in the throne room right now. Aro is going to give me the necklace today and officially declare me as a member of this coven. I walked up to Aro. Caius and Marcus are sitting on their thrones.
"Brother" Aro looked at Marcus.
"She'll be very loyal to us Aro" said Marcus in his husky tone of voice. He seemed pleased with what he sensed about me and it made Aro very happy. I looked at Caius and he nodded at me. It was a sign that he's accepting me in the coven. Aro then looked at the others meaning the guards.
"Does anyone have any objection about Valerie becoming one of us?" Aro asked and he particularly looked at Jane. She still hates me and stays away from me as much as possible. I wish I could do something about it. Well I can. I can compel Jane into liking me but that would be a wrong thing to do. And I don't wish to misuse my power like that. I sometimes feel really bad that because of me the twins are not on best terms with each other like before. Speaking of using my power, sometimes I really wish to compel Alec into falling in love with me because he still says that he isn't in love with me whereas I am head over heels for him. Alec is wrong. Love does exist and I love him. More than anything else in this world. But unfortunately the feeling isn't returned. I don't nag him about it though. I fear that it would irritate Alec and I don't want to do that. Besides, it's not like Alec is going to leave me and go somewhere else. Volterra is his home and it is mine as well. Alec actually hardly lets me get out of his sight. He's very possessive and protective of me. And it makes me feel that Alec does love me but he's just in denial about it. And I hope one day he'll realize it. I can't wait for that day.
"I've considered her a part of our coven from the first day" said Chelsea with cheerful tone of voice. I gave her a smile and nodded my head showing my gratitude. Her mate Afton standing beside her. He also nodded his head in agreement. Demetri, Felix, Heidi, Corin, Renata and Santiago they all nodded their heads. Jane didn't say anything but she didn't object either. She would never dare to. Aro then looked at Alec who is standing right beside Jane.
"Alec, what do you think? Is Valerie ready to be a guard?" asked Aro. I looked at Alec and everyone else also looked at him. Alec remained quiet for a moment then said -
"No" at that not only me but Aro and others also got surprised. What? I thought he wants me to become a part of this coven as soon as possible.
"per quali motivi si pensa che? (For what reasons you think that)" Aro asked Alec in Italian. I only know a few Italian words but I haven't learned the language yet. Therefore I have no idea what Aro just said. Damn, I should've learned the language already. Alec wanted to teach me but I was lazy about it thinking I've an eternity ahead of me.
"Ha bisogno ancora di imparare un sacco di cose. Valerie non è preparato per le responsabilità di una guardia. Lei non è pronto a prendere ancora la vita. (She still needs to learn a lot of things. Valerie isn't prepared for the responsibilities of a guard. She isn't ready to take lives yet)" said Alec. I only understood the mention of my name. And I must say, Alec's Italian is amazing. Wait, what am I thinking? I should be worried about what he is saying to Aro. This is really not a good time to fantasize about Alec's strong manly voice.
"Hmm" said Aro. Obviously considering what Alec just said. Aro decided something in his mind then said -
"Valerie dear, I'm afraid you can't be a Volturi guard" my face immediately fell hearing that. What did Alec say? Before I could think more about it Aro said- "You will be the Volturi Principessa instead"
"You mean Princess" I gasped in shock. I can't believe Aro wishes to make me a princess. I am really surprised.
"Yes dear Valerie. You are precious enough to be our princess" I thought Marcus and Caius would object to it but when I glanced at them they seemed pleased with this decision. I looked at Alec. A small smile is playing on his lips. I looked back at Aro. He's smiling at me widely. Bubbles of happiness started bursting inside me. I knew it. I have always known that this is where I belong. Volterra is where I belong. And I belong with Alec.
"I'm honored master" I said bowing my head in front of Aro. He cupped my face and made me look at him.
"May you always be a blessing for the Volturi coven" then Aro kissed the top of my head and let go of my face.
"Brother" Aro said to Caius. He got up from his throne. The symbolic V necklace is in his hands. Caius gracefully put it around my neck. Aro excitedly clapped his hands and everyone else joined.
"Excellent. From this day forward Valerie is the princess of Volturi" he announced out loud. Aro then looked at me with happiness in his eyes "Welcome to Volturi"
"Grazie Aro (Thank you Aro)" I said smiling widely.
Alec's POV
Valerie couldn't stop smiling since Aro declared her as the princess of Volturi. She's so happy right now. Valerie obviously never thought Aro would make her princess instead of a guard. However I had assumed that. I knew Aro wishes to make Valerie a member of this coven no matter what. But Aro and I both knew that Valerie isn't ready to be a guard. She isn't ready to kill someone. Valerie may have accepted us the way we are and doesn't object about us killing humans but I know that she can't do it herself. At least not yet. And you can't be a Volturi guard when you don't know how to take a life. Besides, I don't want Valerie to become a killer like me. I value her innocence too much. I enjoy it. That's why when Aro asked me, I voiced my opinion about not making her a guard and forced Aro to think about it. As I expected, he decided to make Valerie a princess instead. So that she wouldn't have to do any field work that a guard has to do but also be a member of this coven. Everyone congratulated Valerie except for Jane and me. Jane would never do it but I'll. Later. When we'll be alone. The mere thought of it made me smirk to myself.
"This cause for a celebration" I heard Heidi say "How about we all go to shopping this evening?" Heidi and her obsessed with shopping. It's never going to end.
"Count me out" said Demetri.
"Me too" said Felix
"Me three" said Santiago.
"Ah boys" said Heidi rolling her eyes at them. It caused all the girls to laugh but I only focused on Valerie's laugh. It sounds amazing. I glanced at my sister. She refused to even look at the laughing group. She is looking at the masters while they talked among themselves. I could only sigh out at that. Jane does have fun too but only when she hears someone scream in pain because of her power.
"Well we can do a girls' night out" said Renata and I focused back to the girls.
"That's a great idea" Chelsea agreed to it and looked at Valerie. She nodded her head.
"Yeah, I'm in but what are we going to do?" Valerie asked wondering about it.
"Patience Valerie, you'll find out" said Heidi creating unnecessary suspense in Valerie's mind. She doesn't know anything but I know what a girls' night out means when it involves the ladies of the Volturi coven. And there's no way in hell I'm letting Valerie go with them.
"Okay then, I'll go and start getting ready" Valerie said excitedly.
"Meet us in the parking lot after an hour" said Chelsea and Valerie nodded her head. She turned away from them and started walking towards the door. Valerie glanced at my way and smiled mischievously that only I saw. It made me smirk in return. She walked out of the throne room but I had to stay so that no one would notice me leaving with her and get suspicious that something's going on between us. I'm really surprised that we could keep our affair a secret from everyone for this long especially from Jane. Though I have a feeling that she suspects me but she doesn't have any proof. If Jane found out about me and Valerie, she would grill me for sure. And I don't wish for anyone else to know because I don't want to turn me and Valerie into gossips of the century. And I'm not even sure if the masters would approve of it since Valerie isn't my mate. It's just best to keep our relation a secret.
"I'm going back to my room brother. Are you coming?" Jane asked me.
"No sister. I am planning on going to the library" I said. Jane's eyes narrowed at me for a fraction of second before she nodded her head.
"See you later then" with that she left. Now, I am free to go too. I walked out of the throne room steadily but when I got out of everyone's sight I used my vampire speed and reached Valerie's room. Instead of knocking on the door, I decided to use the window. I love surprising her. It took me a few seconds to get to Valerie's bedroom window on the other side. I gracefully got inside and landed on the floor without making any sound. However when I looked up I froze on my spot. Valerie has her back turned towards me and she is stripping her clothes right in front of my eyes. She should sense my presence in the room already but it's not stopping her from getting naked. I understand that it doesn't matter to her anymore since I've already seen her without clothes plenty of times. However for me, it never gets old. Valerie was wearing a long black gown. I watched as she unzipped the dress and pushed it off her shoulders, revealing her black lacy bras underneath. I smirked seeing that. Her hair is tied up in a bun so her back is perfectly exposed to me. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. The dress pooled around her feet. Her long perfectly sculptured legs started to make me hard.
"Enjoying the show, are we?" Valerie asked without turning towards me. I could see the smile on her lips in my mind.
"Very" I said without any hesitation. I hoped Valerie would strip off her bras and underwear too but sadly she grabbed her bathrobe and put it on.
"Good because you aren't getting anything else tonight" said Valerie finally facing me. A playful smile lingering on her beautiful lips.
"Oh why is that?" I asked smirking as I approached her slowly.
"You know why" I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer to me. Valerie willingly came into my arms like always.
"Right, the girls' night out" Valerie nodded her head to that. I leaned closer to her ear and successfully made her shiver with excitement "Are you sure you want to go?" Valerie nodded her head. I sighed out a little at that.
"Alright but I think you should know what you'll be missing. You'll be missing this" I said and I planted a soft but passionate kiss on the crook of her neck. Valerie closed her eyes immediately due to pleasure.
"And this" I kissed her collar bone.
"And this" I kissed her shoulder.
"And this" saying that I captured her lips with mine and started to kiss her passionately. Valerie kissed me back with need and desperation. I know I already have her wrapped around my fingers. I lift her off the ground while our mouths still stayed connected. Valerie wrapped her long legs around my waist and I carried her to the bed. On the bed, I started ravishing her with urgent kisses. I pushed the bathrobe off her and exposed her body to me again. Valerie has a perfect body and it belongs to me. I claimed her lips again after kissing her neck and shoulders. I took off my jacket while doing that and threw it away. Valerie started unbuttoning my shirt. She revealed my chest and started touching it longingly. She turned us around so that she got on top of me. Valerie is like a wild cat in bed. She never hesitates to do something she wishes to do. And I love it. Valerie started kissing my chest lovingly. I reached her back and in one swift motion I unhooked her bras. Valerie took it off while looking right into my eyes. I sat up and started kissing her breasts. Valerie threw her head back in pleasure and a moan escaped her lips. There is no denying that she's addicted to me and I'm addicted to her. We don't care if this addiction is right or wrong, safe or dangerous. The way we could become one for a few blissful moments is all that matters to me.
"Alec" Valerie called my name.
"Hmm" my mouth is still busy kissing her perfect skin.
"Thank you" she said softly. I stopped and looked at her.
"For what?" I asked with a frown of confusion.
"For existing" said Valerie and she really meant it. Such simple thing to say but I was completely taken aback. "I love you Alec" saying that Valerie embraced me tightly. I stayed quiet for a moment.
"Valerie I -"
"Ssshh, you don't have to say anything. I know you don't believe in love. I just wanted you to know that I believe in love and I love you" Valerie softly kissed my cheek and embraced me more tightly. I embraced her back but I couldn't help but feel troubled a little. Valerie loves me. Somehow I've always known this. But do I love her the way she loves me? I thought of our relation as nothing more than just a physical thing and I do feel protective of her very much. I am possessive of her as well. But I'm possessive of all my belongings. And Valerie belongs to me. She is my addiction. But being in love with Valerie. No, I'm not in love with her. Not to mention I like to think that I'm immune from love. Love is a weakness. And I don't prefer to have any weakness in me. Seeing me quiet Valerie sighed out heavily.
"I'm sorry. I've ruined your mood, haven't I?" I cupped her face and softly kissed her lips.
"It's alright. Just don't talk about love again" Valerie nodded her head in understanding. But I could see the sadness in her that my blunt rejection caused. But I couldn't risk caring about that. She needs to understand that we can't be lovers or a couple for that matter.
"I've something for you" I said and thankfully it diverted Valerie's mind from the rejection.
"What?" she asked with a questioning look on her face.
"One moment" I said and in vampire speed I left and came back with my jacket. I pulled out a small box with red velvet cover. Valerie looked very confused. I opened the box and revealed the ring to her. It's a simple platinum promising ring. Seeing the ring Valerie got more confused.
"Now usually a boy gives a ring to a girl when he wants to marry her but I'm giving you this ring because I'm going to promise something to you today"
"What are you promising?" Valerie asked curiously. I pulled her closer to me and showed her the message inside the ring.
"I'll always be there for you" Valerie read it out loud. I think her heart skipped a beat that moment. She stared at me intensely while I put the ring on her thumb. I really meant it. Valerie will always have me with her whenever she needs me because she's the only friend I have. She trusts me. She accepted me the way I am. And she never judges me. And she's in love with me even after knowing that I'm a monster. I'll never find anyone else like her. That I know for sure.
"You're very complicated Alec you know that" Valerie said after a moment. I smiled at that and said -
"I know" then I brought her hand up to my lips and kissed it softly "My princess"
A small gasp escaped Valerie's breath as someone suddenly knocked on her door. We looked at each other then I quickly got out of her room. Thankfully I wasn't undressed. Outside, I buttoned up my shirt and put on my jacket again and then headed towards the library. Someone could go there looking for me. I should be there.
Valerie's POV
I quickly put on the bathrobe and went to get the door. I wondered who it could be since Chelsea said they'll be waiting for me in the parking lot. I opened the door and my eyes widened with shock. Jane Volturi is standing in front of me. I couldn't believe my own eyes. I must be dreaming. Jane doesn't like to even look at me, what could possibly bring her to my room? To say that I am shocked to see her here, would be a huge understatement.
"Can I come in?" Jane asked. Her voice relatively soft. I nodded my head like an idiot and quickly stepped away to let her in. Jane walked inside my room. She smelled the air. I froze right away. She must've picked up Alec's scent in my room. I quickly put down my hair hoping that she wouldn't be able to smell Alec on me.
"Don't bother. I can smell my brother all over you from miles away" said Jane. Though her voice was stern but it lacked dangerousness. I blushed horribly.
"Yeah... he hugged me.. so" I said stuttering which made me feel like a complete moron.
"I know what he was doing with you. My brother forgot that he can never fool me or keep me in the dark about something" said Jane and my heart started beating crazily in my chest. I was so scared that I couldn't even say anything. Jane must have come here to punish me. Why isn't she torturing me already?
"Anyway, I didn't come here to discuss my brother's stupidity. I came here to explain something to you. Something that didn't get through my brother's thick skull" said Jane and I furrowed my brows at her with confusion. At first Jane came into my room. Then she is behaving nicely with me. And now she wants to talk to me. Has earth started to spin in the opposite direction or something?
"What is it?" I asked curiously. Jane slowly walked up to the couch in the room and sat there. I stood near by while facing her with my arms wrapped around myself. I needed to keep myself together.
"First let me ask you something" said Jane and I nodded my head "Do you know what having a mate means for a vampire?" I shook my head at that. I really didn't know. Jane suddenly chuckled to herself and said -
"I knew Alec wouldn't explain anything to you about it" she that to herself. But since I heard it, I got confused.
"What do you mean?"
"A vampire's mate is the most important person to him or her" said Jane instead of answering my question. "Have you seen how close Afton and Chelsea are?" I nodded my head at that. They are practically inseparable.
"They are mates. Aro's mate is Sulpicia. Caius's wife Athenodora is his mate. Marcus's mate's name was Didyme. But unfortunately he lost her. Marcus wanted to die too because immortality is unbearable for a vampire without his or her mate especially after loosing her. You know now why Marcus is always so sad and depressed. It's been a millennium but Marcus still hasn't gotten over Didyme's death and he never will" said Jane and I listened to her but I didn't understand why she is telling me this. Well at first I didn't understand but then it clicked into my mind.
"Are you saying I'm Alec's mate?" I asked almost hopefully. Jane looked at me sternly and said -
"No, I am telling you that you are not his mate. Why do you think he hasn't declared you as his yet in front of everyone? Because he can't. Because he knows that you're not his mate and one day he might meet her. He can't risk being with you that time. And mark my word when Alec is going to meet her, his mate, he wouldn't even spare you a small glance." After hearing this, I felt like my world crashing down on me. This can't be happening. A moment ago I had hope that one day Alec would fall in love with me. One day we will walk hand in hand in front of everyone. One day he will say that he loves me too. Now I know that will never happen. He'll never love me. And perhaps because I'm not his mate, he isn't already in love with me. I couldn't stand anymore so I dropped myself on the couch across from Jane. I'm not scared of her anymore. Nothing matters to me now. But even though I was lost in my own thoughts, I heard everything Jane kept saying to me.
"Alec won't be able to stay away from his mate once he meets her. He'll fall in love with her and she'll love him in return. They'll be together forever. The only person who's going to get hurt in this is you Valerie. You'll suffer unless of course you find your mate. But that could take decades. Even centuries. Are you really willing to suffer in the long run for the sake of short time pleasure?"
"Why didn't Alec tell me anything?" I managed to ask. My body was shaking from inside. I was feeling both pain and anger at that time.
"Because my brother is stupid. He thinks he'll never find his mate since he hasn't found her in a thousand years. He thinks his mate doesn't exist" said Jane and that showed me a glimpse of hope again.
"Is it true?" I asked.
"It's possible that his mate isn't born yet but there's no way to know that for sure. Alec could meet his mate tomorrow or two days later or after another century. It doesn't matter though, does it? The point is you're not his mate. You and Alec are not meant to be together. What you both have started it's going to end horribly" said Jane confidently. I suddenly started feeling sick in my stomach. Imagining Alec with another girl is plain torture. It caused me more pain than Jane's power. I looked at her hoping that tears wouldn't start falling from my eyes.
"Why are you telling me about this now? And why do you care about me getting hurt?" I asked wondering about it. Jane could've warned me about the possible heartbreak a lot earlier and the way she talked it seemed to me that she is concerned about my well being as well. How did that happen? Jane already had the answer to my questions.
"You are the Volturi princess now. As a guard of this coven it is my responsibility to ensure your safety. I know when Alec's going to leave you for another girl, it's going to break your heart and you will do something reckless. You could end up killing yourself. I'm just trying to prevent that from happening" said Jane and she sounded genuine.
"So I should stay away from Alec" I said concluding this discussion. I felt awful even thinking about staying away from Alec. How could I possibly do it for real?
"I had to explain everything to you and tell you the truth. The rest is up to you Valerie. I can't help you make a decision. No one can. I can only hope that you'll choose to do the right thing" I nodded my head to that. After staying quiet for a moment, I spoke up again.
"Thank you Jane, for telling me about it" I sighed out heavily saying that "I wish you didn't hate me so much. We could've been good friends"
"Perhaps one day we'll be friends. After all we're going to live together till the end of the world"
I never thought about it before but suddenly immortality seems like a burden to me. I found immortality fascinating before because I had Alec with me but now that I know that one day I'll loose him, I don't wish to live forever anymore. I didn't voice my thought to Jane though. I only said to her -
"Hope that day comes sooner rather than later"
