Soul Seer

Chapter Ten

(Aro's Office)...

Caius paced in front of Aro's desk, as they waited for Marcus to join them. He had not been pleased to be pulled away from his favorite pass time in his studio at the far end of the palace. His latest work was one that demanded a continual steam of uninterrupted concentration, at least that's what he said when he entered Aro's office in a huff. Aro smiled at his brother's state of displeasure, saying,

"I am sorry to pull you away from your paintings my dear brother, but we simply must come to some solid agreement as to what we shall do about Amina and her claims of treachery in our midst. Don't you think?" Caius could tell by his brother's tone that he wasn't the least bit sorry for summoning him, never the less he did agree. The girl's claims had to be, at the very least, questioned, if not explored to a reasonable conclusion. So Caius resigned himself to one of the chairs in front of Aro's desk just as Marcus entered and seated himself in the other. Aro smiled at both of his brothers and said,

"Well my brothers, we have quite a bit to discuss. The first and foremost being that of Amina's claim of our Queens being guilty of treachery. I assume you both feel as I do, that though we can not fathom for what reason Sulpicia or Athenodora would do such a thing, we must explore the possibilities of there being a traitor in our midst, whether it be the Queens or not." Both Marcus and Caius nodded in agreement to this, as Aro went on.

"Very well then, I will ask several of the guard to do regular checks of the palace grounds, and I'll have Heidi do a background check on Amina and see what we can find about her and her gift. Which brings me to the second subject for discussion." Aro leaned against his desk as he spoke, his hands folded in front of him.

He almost appeared to be at ease, though both of his brothers could see how tense his shoulders where as he spoke.

"Amina has made the claim that both Caius and I are her two other mates, which you yourself, Marcus, have claimed she in fact has. While I am flattered by the notion of having such a lovely woman as a mate, both Caius and myself are already mated. However, I will admit that I feel a strong connection with Amina, and I wish her no ill will...in fact I wish to protect her, with force if I must, yet I do not feel a mating bond." He looked up at his brother's with confusion written on his face saying,

"Never before have I felt so drawn to an individual, human or vampire, yet I have no real interest in her other then the fact she's gifted as well as my brother's mate. Is that not strange?" Caius was also very puzzled by his want to protect and be near the human, though he hated human's with a passion. It was a mystery he would rather have lived without, but here it was. A feeling of protectiveness to the point of violence over a silly human girl. It was unacceptable in his opinion, yet he found he could not deny the fact that he was drawn to Amina for some reason or another, and he wanted to know why. Marcus was stunned by his brother's omission, and debated whether he should tell them of his inability to see even a single strand of any kind of bond forming between them and Amina. While he turned this over in his head, Aro went on to discuss what ideas he had to deal with things as they stood at the moment.

It wasn't long before the brothers came to the conclusion that they would wait and see what turned up with Heidi's investigation. As far as the effect Amina had on the brothers they would wait until she woke to question her further about her claims that Aro and Caius were her mates. Marcus believed that that would also be the best time to bring up the bonds, or lack there of, that he had seen to all those involved. Aro sat back in his chair, and looked at Marcus saying,

"Now brother, I realize it will be hard not having your mate as near to you as possible, but I believe that until we are sure that she is in fact not deceiving us in anyway, we must maintain a certain amount of distance. Now by no means will I lock her away, you and she can spend as much time as you like together, however, she must have her own room and I don't want you two to be left alone for any long periods of time for now." Marcus growled in displeasure, but knew it wouldn't be wise to go against Aro's wishes, so he reluctantly nodded to his brother in agreement. Aro gave Marcus a sympathetic smile as he went on about what they would do concerning the Queens.

Marcus' mind, however, was elsewhere as Aro went on and on. He thought about what Amina would say, or what she would do when she was told she would be staying in her own room. She was still recovering from her latest vision, and if she had another he would need to be near by. But then, Aro did say that her new room would be near his own. It was all just very disagreeable to him, he wanted his mate with him at every moment possible. He was then brought out of his thoughts by Demetri walking into the office saying,

"Master Marcus, she's awake and in quite a bit of distress. I can't get her to calm down." Marcus was out of his chair and down the hall before Demetri could say anything else, with his brothers not far behind. He had just made it to the northwest wing when he heard Amina screaming,

"Where are they, what's happened to them?! Let me see them, take me to them!" Marcus rushed in to see Felix trying his best to keep Amina in bed without hurting her. He had had the foresight to put gloves on before he started to try and keep her still, but even without her gift activating she was struggling and crying as if she was being torn away from everything she held dear.

Quickly Marcus was at her side, pulling her into his lap, letting his hands run over her tear stained face as she continued to struggle. It was only seconds later, when both Aro and Caius were on either side of him letting their hands run over the covered portions of her arms and back in calming motions. Strange as it was for them to have such a strong reaction to her in her state of distress, never the less they let their hands roam over her in gentle, calming caresses. It was like a switch had been flipped, and Amina instantly stilled in Marcus' arms. She turned to Aro and Caius, her eyes awash with fresh tears, as she reached out and touched their faces. Both Kings stilled and Marcus knew they must be experiencing what he had, when he'd first touched her skin. Aro pulled back first, scrambling off the bed in a flurry of confusion. He looked Amina in the eye and then turned to Marcus, saying,

"I couldn't focus in on her thoughts...she...everything she could see, it was my history...all I've done...everything." Before he could say more Caius pulled back in much the same fashion as Aro had his eyes wide and hard with anger and surprise.

"What is she!?" he demanded, staring at Amina with hot anger and reluctance. Amina was confused at their actions, and reached out to each of them saying,

"Why...why do you run from me?" Tears spilled from her eyes again, only now it wasn't from fear of danger, it was fear of being abandoned. She looked at each of the two Kings, hoping to find some sign that they knew who and what she was to them, but there was nothing.

In that moment Amina fell to the bed next to Marcus and wept. She had found them, after so many years of pain and suffering, dreaming of them every night. But even though she was right before them, two of them didn't even know her.

'How?' she thought to herself,

'How can they not know? What has them blind to the fact that they are a part of me?' But no answer came, only the deep soul wrenching pain of rejection. She shook violently as she sobbed, not knowing what else she could do. Her heart hurt and they just stood there watching as she fell apart at their feet. Marcus was furious, and roared for everyone to get out. There was no hesitation, even Aro didn't question he's demand, everyone left the room, and in fact the entire wing, hoping Marcus could find a way to calm his mate.

Amina continued to cry as Marcus held her to him gently in comfort, hoping being close would help her to settle down. She looked up at him saying,

"How is it that they don't know who I am?! *sob*...why do you know me and they don't?!" Marcus shook his head, wondering why, if indeed Amina was correct, Aro and Caius did not recognize her as she did them, as he himself recognized her. Amina buried her face into Marcus' chest, her sobs slowly becoming small and less distressed. He let his fingers run through her hair, allowing her scent to overtake him. She smelled of roses, violets, wet earth, and musk. Amina moved her head to his shoulder, allowing him to bury his nose in her hair, taking long deep breaths. He could smell the salt from her tears though they were dry now, and her worry and sorrow were still present. How to get rid of these troubling emotions was what Marcus was considering, when Amina gave him the answer.

Marcus felt a light touch to the skin of his neck, so light he'd barely noticed, having been distracted by Amina's scent. Then he felt it again, a light touch of lips on his neck where his pulse should have been. The feeling sent slight jolts down his spine, her warm breath against his skin causing his inner beast to awaken after so long of being dormant. Amina became bolder and let her tongue trace the line of his neck up to his ear. A small growl escaped Marcus' throat, as his hands came up to rest on her shoulders. He pulled her back to look into her eyes, those ever hypnotizing pools, and asked,

"Are you sure...this is what you want? I can't promise I'll be able to stop once we have begun." Amina gave him a sad smile and placed her hand on his cheek, saying,

"Yes...please...I...I need you." Her please did him in, Marcus leaned down, kissing Amina with barely restrained passion, as the beast inside him roared to be set free. Marcus struggled to contained it, for his inner demon would only serve to hurt Amina, as she was still human, when his only wish was to bring his mate pleasure.

The vampire ancient showered her with passion filled kisses. Amina's breathing picked up as she responded to each one. Her hands roaming all over his back, scratching at his shirt in annoyance, for she wanted to feel his flesh against hers. Marcus quickly removed his outer robe, jacket, and shirt before continuing to kiss his mate. Her hands were like hot embers, leaving trails of scolding heat in their wake, while Amina explored his exposed chest and back. Her blunt nails scraped down his arms, causing Marcus to growl deep in his chest, which, in turn, made Amina gasp in excitement. He nipped and licked at her neck getting slightly agitated at his mate's clothes. Until he'd finally had enough, and tore them from her body, leaving her in nothing but her undergarments before him. Marcus was in awe of her, she looked as if she had been sculpted by a famous artisan of ancient Greece or Rome. She was full figured, but by no means unhealthy. Her waist was short, yet it was beautifully shaped, with her breasts and hips making a perfect hourglass shape.

However, it wasn't until Amina blushed and turned slightly away from his heated gaze, that he noted there were what looked to be black feathers tattooed on her shoulders. They seemed to run towards the middle of her upper back, and Marcus found himself turning her on her stomach to look at her tattoo more closely. Before she had even settled into her new position, Marcus found once again that he was in awe. For there in blacks, shady grays, and crimson red was laid out in shocking detail, his throne as well as his brothers'. Each displayed a clear notion of their gifts or personality, all under the umbrella of a pair of beautiful Crow wings, a bird believed, by some, to be the barer of souls to the other-side. His cold fingers ran along the webbing that surrounded his throne, and said,

"How did you know?" Amina smiled to herself and said,

"I've always known you, since as far back as I can remember. All of you were there in my head...in my dreams each night. Always with your arms open, a feeling of love and understanding would fill me as you three held me." Her voice shook slightly, remembering that two of them didn't even know her. She had thought that if she could just meet them, that there would be an instant connection, but she had been wrong.

Marcus could sense her sorrow returning, and quickly placed kisses on her shoulders and neck, with low purr emitting from his chest, to calm her. His hair fell like a curtain over them as he continued to kiss her. It felt like silk lightly brushing her face, then her shoulders, and arms, while Marcus traveled down her back. He let his lips, teeth, and tongue trace her inked skin, so sweet he felt he would never get enough of her. But, in the back of his mind he knew he would need to be gentle with her. So he slowly removed her bra and panties, then after he'd rid himself of the rest of his own clothes, gently set her in the center of his bed. He could smell that she was untouched, and knowing her gift had kept her from experiencing the pleasures of a man saddened him slightly, but only slightly. For this meant he would be the first, and that pleased him greatly.

Amina let her eyes roam over Marcus as he slowly crawled onto the bed. He was broad shouldered and well muscled, but not overly so. Her eyes run down his firm chest and waist to gaze upon his arousal. Surrounded by dark curls, his manhood stood long, thick, and proud, as he climbed up her body like a large jungle cat. The look in his eyes was one of intense desire. He watched her squirm under his gaze with a mischievous smile on his face. Leaning down to kiss her deeply, Marcus let his hands explore her body. Stroking her legs, squeezing her hips, and kneading her breasts. He continued to touch her, wishing to commit every patch of skin, and the responses he could insight from their owner, to memory. As he let his hands roam, she ran her hands along his back, arms, chest, stomach, and waist. Her hands lingered on his hips wondering if he would make the first move. Though his touch excited her beyond belief, she wanted more.

So, reaching between them, Amina made the first contact by stroking him lightly. Marcus froze instantly and emitted a deep primal growl, as Amina continued to stroke him. She let her fingers circle the head, then down the underside, and back up the sides of him to the tip. He shuddered, his fists clinching in the sheets, with his head hung next to her neck. She could feel him breath against her, though the action was no longer needed he took in quick excited breaths against her neck. He then focused in on the object of his desires, and carefully forced her to release him from her hold. Placing her hands above her head, Marcus stared into her eyes and said,

"If you keep teasing me, I won't be able to control myself." He closed his eyes, as if to clear his head of the pleasure he felt, and swallowed before he said,

"You have yet to know what it is to be loved both in body and soul. Let me guide your motions and attentions, so we both may enjoy this without fear of pain." Amina understood what he meant, and allowed her body to relax, as he slid down along the length of her, nipping and kissing as he went.

When he reached the cradle of her hips he kissed each thigh and placed his hands on either side of her waist to keep her still as he moved lower. He took a deep breath before gently probing her with his tongue, slowly circling her clit and dipping shallowly into her before tracing the outer lips. Amina was in pure heaven, but soon his slow movements and gentle touches became torturous. She wanted him to go deeper, to move faster, to make her scream with pleasure. Marcus could feel her patience wearing thin, and began to incorporate his fingers in his ministrations. His tongue kept tickling her clit while his fingers thrust inside her, bringing her closer and closer to the edge. As her pleasure mounted, Marcus felt a slight tingle in the back of his mind. As if something was trying to make itself know, but couldn't break through entirely. It was like something was holding it back.

The presence was quickly forgotten, however, as Amina screamed in pleasure. Marcus' senses were overrun as he smelled her release, felt her trembling underneath him. He was so close to losing himself, but he rained in his demon as he traveled up her body to kiss her. Amina buried her hands in his hair, her breath coming in short gasps as he kissed her over and over. Her body still singing with pleasure as he rolled off to the side to let her breath, but she would not let him go that easily. Amina quickly straddled his hips taking Marcus a bit by surprise as she began to kiss and bite his chest and collar bone. Her naked body pressed teasingly against his, letting him feel every curve and line of her as she worked her way down his body. She paid particular attention to his abs, and dipped her tongue into his navel playfully as she continued to move down. But when she finally reached his arousal she didn't touch it, she simply stared at it. She stared for almost five minutes, making Marcus look down his body at her in concern that his size might have frightened her. But that thought was soon swept away when she looked up at him with a mischievous grin on her face.

Before he could say anything she took a deep breath and blew lightly on the tip of his penis. The sensation caused him to shudder slightly, and she continued to blow warm air on him from the tip of his arousal to base and back up again. After the third pass she took the base in her right hand and his balls in her left, she gently messaged both letting her tongue dart out and lick the head every once in a while. Finally she took the whole head into her mouth and sucked, making Marcus growl. Soon she was taking as much of him in as she could, bobbing up and down as quickly as she could all while stroking what she couldn't fit in her mouth. She could feel him getting closer to release, his arousal twitched and swelled with oncoming orgasm. It was then than she grabbed the base of his cock and stilled her movements, preventing him from coming. Marcus growled in frustration and looked down at Amina to find her climbing up his body to seat herself on his stomach.

He started at her in amazement saying,

"Where...or rather how did you learn to do that?" She smiled and said,

"Just because I have yet to have sex, doesn't mean I haven't done my research on the subject." Marcus gave her a pleasantly surprised look, but it was taken over by a look of pleasurable agony as she rocked herself back against his still weeping cock. She readjusted herself so she was sitting on his waist, but not allowing him to enter her. Then she began to slowly rub against him, causing them both to become more excited then ever. Marcus longed to throw her down on the bed and thrust into her willing flesh, but refrained due to her fragile human body. Not knowing what else to do, he gripped one of the rot iron posts of the headboard on the bed to hold himself in check. Seeing his determination not to rush her, or hurt her unintentionally Amina smiled and slowly reached down to place him at her entrance. She relaxed as much as she could before gradually sliding him inside, biting her lip as she was stretched to near breaking point until he was fulling seated inside her. They both stilled for a moment, but it was only a moment, and then Amina had to move, she needed to feel him moving inside her. Marcus for his part let her control the pace so as not to go too hard on her. Even from his current position he could still hurt her if he wasn't careful.

Amina moved at leisurely pace at first, and then slowly picked up a faster rhythm that made both of them call the other's name. It wasn't long before they were nearing climax when Marcus felt that presence again in the back of his mind, only now it was louder. It felt like something was pushing past whatever barrier there was in his mind so it might be at the forefront of his mind. In those last moments of before orgasm overtook them, Marcus let his mind open to whatever it was, and then pleasure he had never known overtook him. He could feel himself roaring, but couldn't hear it over the collective of screams, roars, and growls in his head, as the pleasure reached its peek. It was in that second that he felt something shatter, something that seemed so out of place now in his mind, was broken. He barely had time to register and examine this feeling, as both Aro and Caius burst into the room. They both looked quite de-shelved, their eyes wide in wonder and disbelief. Marcus stared at the two of them, he saw their souls clearly, and the ties they held. They each had three thick white bonds, one that bound them to each other, another that bound them to him, and the third to Amina. All three of them stared at each other, then to Amina, who had a very satisfied look on her face as she said,

"Do you see me now? Do you know me now?" It was in that moment, at Aro and Caius' nods, that Marcus knew she had felt all of them in her mind. And now, that he and his brothers were no longer blocked, they could feel her and each other as well. But questions still remained, what had been blocking their bond, who had made it to begin with, and why?