Chapter 10
When we arrived at Marcus' chambers I lifted my hand and rapped quickly. The door opened immediately to reveal Marcus' smiling face and I returned his smile.
"Sorry we are late," I apologized walking into his room uninvited and Eron followed me closely.
"Don't worry, I don't sleep so I am not inconvenienced, I hope nothing was amiss?" Marcus queried pleasantly and I grinned widely, still elated by the birth of my new siblings.
"My mother gave birth to my new brother and sister."
"Indeed, and they are all well?"
"Yup all went to plan," I gave him the thumbs up and took a seat on the chair he gestured to. Eron said nothing; he just sat beside me, a little closer than was probably normal. I looked over at him curiously but he wasn't looking at me, he was glaring at Marcus.
"Eron, I wanted to talk to you about the werewolves, we would like to meet with their leaders to discuss a friendship between werewolves and vampires, do you think they would be willing?" Marcus proposed to Eron, taking a seat opposite me and we both looked at Eron hopefully.
"Maybe," Eron replied shortly and we waited for him to say more but he remained silent, seeming to be a little agitated. It fell into an awkward silence and I was so uncomfortable I had to say something.
"We ran into another werewolf in Venice, I think there are more of them out there right Eron?"
"There are werewolves that managed to escape the slaughter," Eron revealed without giving too much away at all. I glanced at him in confusion, what was with the strong, silent treatment?
"I think it would be in both species interest to call a truce between them, I want to put an end to the war," Marcus said smoothly and Eron sat up straighter in his seat.
"How could a werewolf trust a vampire?" he spat at Marcus and Marcus rose to the challenge.
"The same way a vampire would trust a werewolf."
They glared at each other and both got to their feet, staring the other down. I stood up as well, wanting to make sure this didn't end up in a big fight. I couldn't understand this sudden show of testosterone from men who when in my presence separately were usually so cordial, especially Marcus.
"There are more of you vampires left than us werewolves," Eron retorted his fists clenching and unclenching. A shiver ran through me as I found myself inexplicably attracted by Eron's show of dominance. It must be a wolf thing.
"Vampires are known to keep to their word; can you say the same of werewolves?" Marcus asked, purposely being cruel and Eron growled as they stepped closer to each other, squashing me between them.
"What are you trying to insinuate bloodsucker?"
I don't know if they realized they were snarling and hissing at each other with me in-between them but it was only a matter of time before I received spittle in my face. I placed a hand on each other their chests and pushed them away from each other.
"Well this isn't difficult, if relations between vampires and werewolves are to be civil then an agreement must be drawn up, signed by the leaders of both species," I said quite simply and Marcus turned his attention to me.
"Such a wonderful mind you have young Abigail," Marcus complimented me taking a seat next to me and I heard Eron growl under his breath. I wondered at Eron's strange reaction. Marcus stroked his chin thoughtfully, "We must discuss this further, after the dance tonight, you are taking Abigail I would assume Eron?"
"I am not taking her to the dance, I'm not even going to the stupid thing," Eron spat rudely and I felt like he had slapped me in the face. He didn't want to take me to a dance. Surely this was my proof that Eron didn't care for me the way I did for him.
"Well then you won't mind if I took her," Marcus turned his attention to me and took my hand in his as he addressed me, "Abigail my dear, would you like to be my date for the dance?"
I glared at Eron, who was staring at me.
"I'd love to," I replied still glaring at Eron. Eron hissed under his breath then turned and stalked from the room. I tried to ignore the way my heart hurt at his rejection. If Eron was going to be a bastard, then I would forget him and have a great time tonight. Marcus had that sad look on his face again, I didn't understand it but when he saw me inspecting him Marcus smiled widely.
"I will come and get you before the dance," Marcus told me and I nodded.
"I'll be ready," I assured him hugging him, and then I ran to go prepare.
***************
I was standing in my underwear with three dresses laid out in front of me to choose from, but I didn't really feel like dressing up. I collapsed onto the nearest lounge and pouted. Why didn't Eron want to take me to the dance? He didn't even care that Marcus was taking me. Stupid oaf of a werewolf. What did I care? I would have a wonderful time tonight, without him and his grumpiness keeping me down. There was a knock on my door and Heidi strolled in without me even inviting her. Volturi Vampires, gotta love their no respect for my privacy.
"Heidi?" I greeted her dully, "What are you doing here?"
"Hey Abby, Marcus sent me to help you get ready for the dance tonight," Heidi was carrying some dresses with her and threw them onto my bed before asking, "Now what are you wearing?"
"Aunt Alice packed me a couple of dresses, I was thinking of this one," I held up a purple dress that was an appropriate length, sensible and elegant and Heidi shook her head.
"If you want to catch the eye of a certain werewolf, then I am afraid you will have to go a little more daring," Heidi said rather ominously and I was alarmed at the mischievous tone to her words. I didn't like the look on her face, it was a little scary.
"How much more?"
"Something like this," Heidi pulled out a dress from her personal collection and my mouth dropped open as I stared at the scanty item of clothing.
"Oh my god."
*********************
Hours later I was standing in front of the mirror, staring at myself in the 'Heidi' outfit, hair and make up. Heidi was standing behind me and nodding her head approvingly.
"Oh my god, if my dad saw me he would have a fit!" I screeched embarrassed, tugging at the extremely short skirt and Heidi chuckled.
"Well sometimes you have to go to extremes to get someone's attention," she replied knowingly and I sighed deeply staring at my reflection. I almost didn't look like myself. The corset, yes another corset; Heidi loved them apparently, was black with ribbon on the front pulling the bodice tight. Again, the whole 'boobs falling out of the top' was happening but I was getting used to it, being dressed by Heidi meant it was inevitable. My make up was heavy, dark eye shadow, black mascara and eyeliner, bright red lipstick. Tiny red skirt, and knee high black boots. My hair was slicked back and pulled into a low ponytail on one side of the neck. I looked pretty gothic actually, but it was how most of the vampire women dressed in Volterra. The men dressed in their cloaks, all in black.
"Why is Marcus doing this, trying to help me win over Eron? From his reactions to Eron, he really doesn't like him," I asked tugging at my hair and Heidi slapped my hand away.
"Marcus can see relationships, you and Eron have a strong bond, even if Eron doesn't acknowledge it. As to why he is trying to help you both, well, you will just have to ask him," Heidi nudged me out of the way with her bum as she then proceeded to check out her reflection appraisingly in the mirror. She smiled at herself. God I wish I had her legs.
"Eron won't be jealous," I said depressingly sitting on my bed and Heidi's cell beeped so she flicked it open and then grinned at me.
"Felix just texted me that Eron turned up at the dance, I assure you he is jealous, and he is at this dance merely for you, to keep an eye on you."
I heard the tapping on my door and I raced to answer it. I was kind of hoping it was Eron coming to apologize for being an arse, again, but it was Marcus picking me up for the dance. I was heartened to see his smiling face. He looked quite dashing tonight. Instead of the regular Volturi cloak, he was wearing a tight black sweater and black dress pants.
"Marcus," I gave him the once over nodding approvingly.
"Abigail…you look…amazing," Marcus breathed in awe, then he sniffed my scent discreetly, though I noticed of course. I didn't say anything, as per our deal, but I was even more curious as time went on.
"Thank you," I couldn't help the blush that rose to my face. Marcus held out his arm and I took it beaming up at him.
Marcus lead me downstairs and to the hall where the ball was being held. The music was already playing, this time it was current music. It was more like a dance party than anything else. Vampires were getting on down with each other, it was actually kind of raunchy. Well that explained why Heidi told me to wear this outfit in particular. I fit right in except for my dark skin. I unconsciously tried to look for Eron, to catch sight of him, but I couldn't see anything over the crowd of vampires.
Marcus and I walked around for a while, greeting and speaking to vampires before Marcus took my hand and spun me into his arms as a slow song came on. Marcus was very proper with how he held me, one hand holding mine, the other on my waist. He pulled me close so that my head was against his shoulder.
"Why are you doing this?" I blurted out and Marcus pulled away from me slightly looking a little confused.
"Doing what dear?"
"Helping me get Eron to notice me."
Marcus pursed his lips at my question. He pulled me back close to him and then he began whispering his story in my ear.
"I once had a mate, her name was Didyme. She was my everything. When she died, I died with her, passing through life but never experiencing it, doing whatever Caius and Aro asked of me. I became numb to my feelings. And then you came. You remind me so much of Didyme. Her gift was to make people happy, you also have the ability to do this without any powers at all. You bring your Grandfather and Grandmother so much pride, your brother though devoted to Jane is only completely happy when you are with him, your aunts and uncles take joy in being near you, even Heidi and Felix have become brighter because of you, you bring happiness to anyone you come in contact with, including me."
"I think that is a bit of exaggeration Marcus," I said blushing to the roots of my hair and Marcus pulled away from me and smiled fondly.
"I don't think so, I esteem you Abigail Black, and because I regard you so highly, I want to see you happy with whomever you choose," it looked like it pained Marcus to say those words. I hated seeing him look like that.
"Even if its with a werewolf?" I asked shyly and Marcus nodded.
"Even if it is with a werewolf," he repeated, his voice lacking the warmth it held previously, then he spotted something over my shoulder and gave a weak smile, "Speaking of said werewolf, look who approaches."
I looked over my shoulder to see Eron walking towards us, a purpose in his step. He came over to us and Marcus and I stopped dancing looking at Eron expectantly.
"Abigail, a dance?" Eron asked through clenched teeth and I smiled politely.
"Of course."
"Take a hike bloodsucker," Eron hissed at Marcus who smiled a little sadly at me, then backed away handing me delicately to Eron.
Eron was nowhere near as graceful a dancer at Marcus. In fact, he sucked. He held me awkwardly and then sighed with annoyance like it was a big chore. He wasn't looking at me, which sort of pissed me off because all the other vampires were looking at me quite lecherously. And I stunk to them!
"Why are you dressed like that?" Eron spat at me his face twisting in disgust. I was offended. I thought I looked quite nice, different but still nice.
"Like what?" I demanded, my voice hardening with anger and Eron refused to look at me, like he was so angry he could barely contain himself.
"Like one of them, are you hoping to entice a vampire lover?" he enquired cruelly and I stopped dancing and pushed him away from me. I saw Ephraim in my peripheral vision moving to come to me, but Marcus interfered holding him back and shaking his head.
"You are such an idiot," I retorted angrily backing away from him and moving towards the gardens to stand by the fountain breathing deeply to keep my temper. I heard heavy footsteps behind me. Eron had followed me out to the garden and he grabbed my arm roughly.
"I don't want you looking like that," he growled darkly in my ear and I turned to face him absolutely furious. Who did he think he was? He didn't own me.
"Like what? A vampire whore-wannabe?" I asked sarcastically, then I glanced down at his hand that held my arm and said stonily, "Let go of my arm."
Eron seemed to realize he was holding me tighter than he should and let go immediately. The bruises that were there faded away.
"Abby, I'm sorry," he apologized immediately, then he ran a hand through his sandy hair with frustration, "I just…all those vampires were looking at you."
"So?" I demanded hands on my hips in what I hoped was an intimidating pose because I was very pissed off. What a freaking jerk! I can't believe I even thought he was remotely attractive. I can't believe that I thought I was in love with this moron.
"I don't want them looking at you," Eron stated strongly, possessively.
Well that kind of shut me up. Eron started pacing, scratching the back of his head with embarrassment. I'd never seen him so unsure of himself. It was strange.
"Eron…" I said reaching out to him but he turned away from me.
"I hated you at first you know. You were like best friends with those bloodsuckers, and I hated you for it," Eron's voice was venomous at the beginning, but as his speech went on his voice became softer, fonder, "I thought that hate was why I felt I had to follow you around, keep an eye on you but I've begun to realize that hate isn't the reason that I want to be near you all the time. I can't let you out of my sight. I don't want anyone else looking at you, or touching you. You're in my thoughts, when I sleep your in my head, when I'm awake I have to be near you. Your scent drives me insane. When I saw you with Marcus I wanted to rip him apart with my bare hands. I want you to be mine forever, I want you for my mate."
I stared at him; mouth open and he looked at me furtively, waiting for my response.
"That was…not the big romantic speech I was hoping for," I said honestly and Eron swallowed hard before rushing forward and grabbing my hands in his.
"Abigail, I…I…love you," he stuttered in a way that was endearing. I melted at his words. I was in love, and he loved me back. I was sure that what I was feeling now was what my parents felt.
"That was a bit closer to the speech I was hoping for," I said shyly, and Eron kissed my hands smiling, his handsome face shining with happiness when I added, "I love you too Eron."
Eron took my face in his hands gently and brought my lips to his. When our lips met it felt like fireworks were going off all around us. I forgot where I was, why I was here, all I knew was that I was kissing the man I loved and who loved me back and it was glorious. His tongue licked my lips and I moaned against his mouth. This was the best kiss I'd ever had…not that I had much to compare. I kissed a total of two men in my life, one being my Uncle Jasper and the other being Embry and both were severely huge mistakes. Kissing Eron was incredible. Somehow my hands had crept around his neck and my fingers were tangling with the hair at the nape of his neck. One of his hands was around my waist clutching me to him, his other hand was still caressing my face. We finally broke apart for air both of us panting heavily. Our eyes met and we both smiled.
"Now that we have established that we love each other and belong to each other for ever, lets get you out of that hideous dress," Eron growled lustfully into my ear and I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck bringing his lips to meet mine again passionately. Tonight ended up being my lucky night after all.
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Felix and Heidi's wedding was mine and Eron's first official public outing as a couple. Straight after the wedding we were heading home. Of course I wanted Eron to meet my family since he was my mate now. Just saying he was my mate made my stomach feel all tingly and excited. Eron was looking forward to coming to La Push and meeting his long lost sister. Aunt Alice was very surprised but over the moon that Eron and I were together, though when she started talking about our wedding I quickly pushed Eron out of the room. Uncle Jasper was delighted and was happy to confirm to me that what Eron and I felt for each other was real. Ephraim was overjoyed, although he was also a little depressed that he didn't have a mate of his own, but at least he had Jane and she kept him happy. Heidi and Felix were happy for me but I think also a little unsure about my choice of partner. After assuring them both that I couldn't be happier they warmed up to Eron and Eron started treating them as he did Jane.
So it was the day of Felix and Heidi's wedding and it was a bittersweet moment for me. I was so happy for Heidi and Felix, but I was also saddened that I was returning home and I wouldn't see them everyday. Heidi had gone with a theme wedding idea, much to Aunt Alice's delight. Aunt Alice had picked all the dresses and the decorations and pretty much organized the whole ceremony. Aunt Alice was good at theme weddings, I'd seen pictures of my Aunt Rosalie's wedding to Uncle Emmett when my mom had been maid of honour. It was Grecian themed and everything looked amazing, I was sure Heidi's wedding would be just as perfect, in spite of the costumes. It was a medieval themed wedding; in my opinion it wasn't the greatest idea but at least it wasn't a Star Wars themed wedding or something equally amusing. Plus it was what Heidi wanted seeing as she is the bride. The wedding was going to be held in the garden of the mansion on ground level in the morning light. I couldn't wait to see all the vampires sparkling in the sun, I loved watching them glitter.
At this moment in time I was with Aunt Alice in the mansion room upstairs squeezing myself into my dress. I should have known the stupid thing would come with a corset, but even worse, Aunt Alice and I would be dressed as wenches. Yes, I was seriously dressing as a bar wench to be a bridesmaid in a vampire wedding. Once I was shoved into the dress Aunt Alice gave me the once over.
"You look good," Aunt Alice smiled approvingly and I gave a weak smile, trying to hike up my top. Why did Heidi love 'booby falling out' tops? This was ridiculous.
Heidi swept into the room, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Oh you both look wonderful!" Heidi gushed before running to the mirror and checking out her reflection. I rolled my eyes. God that woman loved her own reflection, but I couldn't blame her, she looked amazing.
Her luscious hair was pulled back from her face, and she had a gold headband around her forehead. Her eyes were a honey red colour, nearly golden from her new vegetarian diet. Her make up was simple, basic, but enhanced her features. The dress was also simple. It was a pale blue colour, with a tight bodice that fell into a full skirt from her waist. The sleeves got bigger the closer they got to her wrists. She looked the very image of a medieval princess. I couldn't wait to see what the boys looked like. Uncle Jasper and Ephraim were standing in as Felix's best men.
The ceremony was ready to begin so we hurried downstairs preparing to walk. A string quartet began playing and Aunt Alice started walking down the aisle. All the vampire guests were dressed in period costumes, I loved how into costumes the whole Volturi were. It was my turn next and I turned to give Heidi the thumbs up before making my walk down the aisle. At the end of the aisle Ephraim was making funny faces at me. I looked over at the guests and saw Eron standing with Jane. Eron waved and smiled at me and my heart filled with warmth as I floated down the aisle. As I reached the end of the carpet I came face to face with Marcus who was presiding over the ceremony. We smiled at each other and then I took my place beside Aunt Alice for Heidi's entrance. She looked beautiful. As she started walking down the aisle I turned to look at Felix and he had this big grin on his face that he couldn't wipe away. He looked so happy. I glanced over at Eron and he winked. My eyes never left his face during the whole ceremony.
As Felix and Heidi ran back down the aisle under a rain of rice I met up with Eron and he kissed me gently wrapping his arm around my waist.
"I like your dress," he whispered grinning widely and I punched him in the arm.
We turned as our family approached and I knew that they were going to tell us that it was time to go. My heart fell with sadness.
"It's time Abby, you have to go," Grandpa said tapping me on the shoulder and I sighed deeply as Heidi and Felix hurried over to us. They were holding hands and giggling together. They looked so happy and in love, the perfect newlyweds, I was overjoyed for them.
"Heidi, Felix, congratulations, I'll come visit as soon as I can," I promised hugging Felix tightly, before turning to Heidi and we hugged.
"I'll miss you," Heidi whispered to me and I hugged her tighter.
"I'll miss you too," I said sadly, then leaned over and pulled Felix into the hug as well adding, "both of you."
Felix and Heidi moved to say goodbye to Eron, Ephraim, Jane, Aunt Alice and Uncle Jasper. Jane was coming with us, she had decided she needed a break from Volterra and Ephraim was overjoyed. I knew she was coming just for him, she couldn't make him stay away from his family, she was doing this for him.
"Grandma, Grandpa, you will both come soon won't you?" I turned to my grandparents and they both smiled sadly.
"We promise," Grandma told me drawing me into a gentle hug before passing me to Grandpa.
"Have a safe flight," Grandpa told me pinching my cheek like he did when I was a little girl and I laughed.
I would miss my grandparents. I was sure my Aunts and Uncles would feel their absence the most. Aunt Alice said that the others back home were devastated when they were told my grandparents weren't coming home. They understood it was for the good of their kind but they couldn't help but feel sad that their family was being separated.
I smelt a familiar scent come up behind me, plus Eron's growl under his breath and I knew who was behind me without turning around.
"Marcus," I greeted him turning to give him a goodbye hug. Marcus held onto me quite tightly, then he released me suddenly.
"I did not forget my promise," Marcus held out an envelope to me, his voice tight with emotion, "Here. Don't read it until you are on the plane."
"Take care of yourself Marcus," I whispered to him, leaning over to kiss his cheek and he breathed in my scent.
"You too Abigail Black," he replied, his eyes staring into mine, "I shall miss you dearly."
Eron came over and placed an arm around my shoulders possessively and giving everyone one last wave we headed out to the waiting car to be taken to Rome, and then back to La Push.
AN: So its over, Abby chose. She still deosn't even realise the extent of Marcus' affection for her. I thought I might add an update of characters for La Push so that you don't forget who they are next chapter. Please review. Thank you so much to everyone who has been reading and reviewing. All the reviews really motivate me to keep going!
La Push Characters
Stella - Kim and Jared's daughter
Levi - Sam and Emily's eldest son
Alyssa - Paul and Rachel's eldest daughter.
Naomi - Sam and Emily's youngest daughter
Harry - Leah and Jacob's eldest
Esther - Leah and Jacob's youngest. Embry's imprint.
The current Pack members - They will only be alluded to briefly and referred to as The Pack. Colin (BEta) Logan, Duncan, Ethan, Noah, Connor, Nathan, Caden and Anthony.
Skylar - Werewolf. Seth's imprint.
The imprints have other children, I haven't named yet, most will only be alluded to briefly but if you would like to suggest any names please let me know! I have at least a boy and a girl that needs names (Seth's son and daughter). Probably Rachel and Paul's twins as well.
I think that's everyone.