No one said a word as Seth and Lottie sat side by side at the table. It was after all Lottie's house. Esme who had learned her culinary skills from the cooking channel had prepared a feast. The table was cluttered with dished ranging from a fresh garden salad to slow roasted pork. Lottie helped her self to the fresh rolls and the delicious salad. Esme had also made epically for Lottie a veggie stir-fry over white rice.
Paul shook his head. "I have to consume lie a quadrillion calories a day t be fit enough to phase, and here you are eating lattice and carrots. How do you manage?"
"no one said a Vegetarian's diet was healthy. I eat enough junk food every day to keep my metabolism satisfied not to mention the millions of vitamins and protein drinks Carlisle gave me when I first made the decision. Vegetarianism is not a diet it is a life choice."
"I still think it is gorse." Emmet told her. While not eating the vampires joined their friends at the table for the conversation and entertainment.
"the meeting with your family went well. They listened to what we had to say, and seemed interested in our ideas. You brother even made a few very productive suggestions. Judging from our first meeting I think things are going very well." Jake told Lottie happily.
"Esme this was delicious, you can cook for me any time you want. And I am sorry but I will be needed in the throw room in five minuets. It'd dinner time." Lottie excused herself from the table. Before leaving she stooped down and gave Seth a quick peck on the lips to assure him she was fine with every thing that was happening.
The three Volturi were seated as usual on their thrown. Lottie entered un hurried, gave each a bow before taking her place beside Jane. The guard made no indication that they were any thing more than living statues, not a mussel twitch or even a smile. Even after having received her first kiss and eating a family meal, standing behind Marcus, looking at the jet black hair, not a strand out of place. It felt right.
Lottie's world was changing. She was torn between the life she had always know, and loved…and a new exciting world filled with passion and friends. Was she going to have to choose between her beloved saint Marcus and Seth. Was there even any competition? Being kissed by Seth was amazing and new, but what would it be like to be kissed by Marcus? Hadn't he offered her just that earlier this morning?
Like lambs to the slaughter reliable Heidi led the typical group of tourist in to the hall. Lottie stood guard as the Vampires gorged themselves. Even the guard got to enjoy themselves. Never before had Lottie felt sorry for the victims. They had always been nothing more than Marcus' dinner guests. But after seeing what it was like to be a part of a family, she understood their tears and pleas.
As the bodies were dragged one by one from the room Marcus made for the door. He signaled Lottie to follow. "we are pleased with the progress the Quileute made this morning with your family." he told her as she followed dutifully behind him. "you family has requested they be allowed to leave the ground and trusted to return of there own free will. Jacob thinks we should respect that request. Since you once lived with these people and knew them well Aro asked that I get your opinion."
Lottie considered it for a moment before answering. "I know how fulfilled and happy I feel running free through the woods. In my wolf form I am truly at one with the world. I think their being cooped up here for so long has made them uneasy. Even phasing can't help when you are confined within the walls of some one else's making." she paused letting her words sink in. "I believe that allowing them a little bit of freedom would go along way toward establishing lines of trust between the Volturi and the wolves. You have seen your self the connection that they have to us is one almost of slavery. Perhaps with the help of the Quileute we can begin to change that."
"I agree." he turned to her. "you have always been so intuitive. My little Lottie how are you? I did not meant o upset you earlier."
"I'm fine really. I just….need time to sort things out." she smiled thought the tears that were threatening to spill over. "I thought I was dun with these confusing emotions when puberty ended." she tried to joke.
"it never ends baby." his cold hand was comforting on her back. Marcus had been her best friend and confidant her whole life, there had never been an instance like this before when she couldn't tell him a secret. But telling Marcus that she had kissed Seth would break his heart. "do you want to get out of here for a little while this evening? There is a new vampire film in theaters, you used to enjoy watching them with me."
"I would love to go to the movies with you tonight." just like old times, Lottie and Marcus and inseparable pair. Away from Aro an his disapproving stair Marcus always treated Lottie like an equal.
"be ready at seven Little Lottie." she gave him a bow and was off to find Alice. While Heidi had wonderful fashion sense, Lottie did not fancy feeling naked in front of Marcus, Alice's expertise would come in handy.
Gonna try to post a few more chapters today but tomorrow is thanksgiving and then my daughter has a doctors apt tomorrow, then I am going to NYC to see phantom of the opera Saturday, and then my little brother turns ten on Sunday!!!
So much to do so little time!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Leave me comments please!