Chapter Seven

Athenodora's POV:

I paced the floor in my dimly lit chambers trying to gather my thoughts. It felt good to be back in Volterra again. I needed to take control of this coven once again before it fell into total ruin. Desiderius had travelled back here with me, but although there was much improvement, he still did not share my passion for the Volturi. I shrugged my shoulders, I could deal with that, as long as I managed to gain back control and gather the coven back to its former glory.

There was one special ingredient that I needed to carry out my plan. I wanted to track down the creature that had made me this way. I had spent my Immortal existence fearing the thing that took my human life, when really I should be praising it for giving me this omnipotent power. I would be an equal match for it now! Imagine the power I could command if I could control the thing? No one would ever dare to question my authority again! I would be the greatest ever vampire in the history of the world. I just had to work out a way to find my Maker.

I also had another pressing concern: Isabella Swan. This human girl knew too much, she must be taken care of. I would dispatch someone to deal with it. The Cullen's disloyal behaviour must not go unpunished. Who did they think they were? I sensed a presence behind me, marble arms lightly resting on my waist, and cool breath tickling my ear.

"Athenodora, my love. Will you not dine with me tonight? We have some lovely specimens brought in from the city especially", Caius whispered.

I smiled as I leaned back against his embrace. Caius was very dear to me, he could never be as Desiderius was in his prime but he was a very satisfying second best. I had adored taking the priest and turning him into a vampire. It was one of my proudest moments. Caius was already an immortal when we met, he had neither special power nor talent, but he was exceptionally cruel and ruthless, both qualities which I admired. We had never married as I did not believe I should be tied to one man, although we had been partners and lovers for many many years most successfully.

His long fingers moved my long hair away from the nape of my neck as he brought his cold lips to my icy skin. I smiled a knowing little smile to myself. Caius was jealous! He was insecure with Desiderius here, he longed for the time when it was exclusively he and I. How powerful it made me feel to have these beautiful vampire men fall at my feet. I was the vampire queen bee and no one could take my place. Sulpicia had been a most worthwhile adversary until Noah had ended her existence. He would not get away with such a crime! Aro and his whore Victoria would not get away with their heinous behaviour against me, against the Volturi!

My rage rose mercurial in my still heart as I clutched the passionate Caius to me. Our lips burned fiery against the others as we fell into a lustful abandoned embrace. I would indulge him; he would make me feel loved and desired for a little while, enough time to chase away the fear of failure. I would not fail. I could not fail.

Control would be mine once more; no one will stand in my way!