Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with the books or the films.
Chapter Thirty Six, Bella's POV.
"This is doing nothing for my self-respect" I muttered under my breath. Akasha shushed me without opening her neon blue eyes. I sighed raggedly and leaned back against the ice covered boulder behind me while my biological mother continued with her 'meditation'. I rolled my eyes in irritation. I couldn't believe I was stuck out here in the white blanketed forest surrounded by the pine scents connected with to every piece of woodland, sitting on my ass in the damn snow while Akasha just kept humming to herself. The other Fae was perched on the wide, semi flat surface of the rock I was leaning against with her long legs crossed and her elegant hands on top of her thighs.
"Can we go now?" I grumbled. It had been a week since my training with Akasha had began, I was starting to pick up new techniques in hand-to-hand combat thanks to the many, many times I've had my ass handed to me. It was a good thing I couldn't bruise or else I would be permanent shade of purple.
"Not until you've tried to find an inner calm" Akasha's light accent fluttered down to me, I growled in frustration, I would've left my mentor to her 'inner calm' session. But I knew Rosalie would be disappointed in me. My mate was just as eager for me to learn how to control my abilities as I used to be. I wouldn't have agreed to this boring torture if I knew it would mean being away from golden haired Goddess and our angelic twins. I would stay put for the agreed hour, but if Akasha started reciting ancient Latin poetry again, I was not going to be able to control myself. It was like listening to a recording, on loop, containing nothing but incoherent gibberish. Frustrating and pretty damn useless.
"You mean the kind of calm I feel when I'm with Rosalie?" I murmured. Hoping my biological mother would take the hint and call it a day on our 'training'.
"Exactly" Akasha answered, all too soon she was humming to herself again. I rolled my eyes in frustration as I leaned my head back against the frozen boulder and drew my knees up to my chest, I wrapped my arms around my strong limbs and mentally prepared myself for another half hour of listening to my mentor's constant humming. It was like having a fly buzzing around my head.
"I don't hear you concentrating" Akasha scolded like a fricking school teacher.
"How do you hear someone concentrating!" I exclaimed, growling so loudly that several birds in the vicinity took to the gun-barrel grey sky, their shocked cries echoed around the forest.
"Lets say its the opposite type of ambience I'm getting from you" Akasha growled back at me. I felt her shift on top of the boulder behind me, I registered the smooth slide of her clothes over her pale skin as she moved.
"This is pointless" I snarled in annoyance. I didn't have time to sit on the forest floor, with snow seeping in through my tight jeans and leaving a damn wet patch in its wake, listening to my biological mother humming like a madwoman while Aro was no doubt planning his next attack on me and my family. I needed to learn how to control my power so I could eliminate the deluded son of a bitch.
"No it isn't..." Akasha sighed with her own aggravation "...We have to find your trigger before we can move onto your elemental training, which requires some fucking concentration on your part!" Akasha snarled violently, any vampire or other supernatural being would've instinctively recognised the tone and drifted into silence. But not me. The dangerous notes in her voice didn't dissuade me from releasing a consistent growl of my own. In the back of my mind I knew I was only this irritable and grouchy because I was away from my mate and our children, but fuck if I could control myself. Every muscle in my body was tensed and coiled, ready to take my frustration out on the nearest target.
"I'll concentrate when you give me something that actually needs my attention!" I snapped back. We both fell silent, tiny growls of discontent echoing around us like a sinister symphony, we both longed to be near our respective mates. The distance between myself and Rosalie was killing me, I physically couldn't stand the distance, it almost hurt. Animals, big and small, were swift to flee the area in sheer terror.
"This isn't working" Akasha finally grumbled in a calmer tone, clearly she had stronger self control than I did.
"Really?" I drawled sarcastically, clenching my hands into fists, if I didn't get back to Rosalie soon I was either going to implode with longing or I was going to end up picking a fight with Akasha.
"This is an exercise you have to complete before we can move on Bella" I dragged myself up off the ground, the material of my jeans was sticking to the backs of my long legs and my firm backside. I stretched lazily, more out of a human habit than a real need to work out any kinks in my body. I turned around to face my mentor, Akasha was dressed similarly to me in respects to colour, wearing dark colours just seemed to make sense while training even though we could obviously be seen against the snow. But that was where the similarities ended. Akasha was dressed in a black silk pant suit and black open toed heels, she looked so out of place against the snowy landscape around us but its not like we need to be careful around such an isolated part of the forest, no human would think twice about coming this far North.
"Fine. But my mood isn't going to get any better the longer I'm away from Rose..." I stated as Akasha hopped off the boulder, landing in the seven inch thick blanket of snow, the slow scowl that crossed her ageless face was the only sign that she'd just stepped into the freezing substance around us.
"We continue this later. And you are going to have to concentrate" Her emphasis on each syllable of the word had me smirking a little as we started back towards the mansion at a slow walk.
"Its a deal" I agreed a little sullenly. I might be heading back towards the light of my life but I'd still have to be separated from Rosalie for another hour later on. I was on the losing end of this deal, I realised as I subconsciously picked up my pace. The thought of returning to my mate lifted the frustrated weight in my chest.
Aro's POV.
"I've sent you to her bed every day for the past two weeks and you know absolutely nothing of her plans!..." I bellowed, panting a little as rage built within my stomach.
"...Why do I even keep you around Corin?" I snapped at the tiny vampire as I began to pace the length of the dais, my throne, and my brother's, were supported on.
"Because she is invaluable Aro" Caius snapped behind me, both he and Marcus were reclining in their thrones as though I didn't have a useless servant standing before me, stating that while she had done her best to satisfy our 'guest' she was unable to complete the task I fucking gave her. By rights I should already have two adult Fae and their young at my command and a firm alliance with the Sicarii. But no. I was forced to wait because of the idiots around me. And I couldn't possibly do their tasks myself. It was commoner's work, and I would would soon reign supreme over the supernatural and human worlds.
"As are all of our guards" Marcus added in his maddeningly impassive tone. I turned to face Corin, it was true I suppose, her ability to make those around her feel addictive contentment was most invaluable when I introduced a new member into my coven.
"That does not excuse your failure" I hissed at her angrily. Corin head lowered in response, the grey robe she was wearing hid most of her body from plain view and belied its curves.
"I apologise master" Corin murmured quietly.
"Get out my sight Corin, I have no time for fools and failures..." I growled as I threw myself onto my throne "...Send in Demetri and return to Alexia, if you fail me again I will have Caius execute you in a most painful manner" I couldn't taint myself by personally dealing with such matters. That is the only reason I keep Caius around despite his inferiorities.
"Yes master" Corin scampered away from the dais, she glided down the hall and pulled the doors at the end of the throne room open easily even though each of the double doors weight at least half a ton. Within moments it was Demetri kneeling before the dais with his head lowered respectfully. At least he knows who his better is.
"Ah Demetri I have a task for you" I drawled.
"Where shall I be going master?" Demetri's deep voice ricocheted off the marble walls and echoed around the chamber. He may be an accomplished tracker but his intelligence or lack thereof left much to be desired.
"Alaska of course" I sneered. Why was I the most intelligent vampire in the world?, it made communing with underlings so much more difficult because they couldn't form an appropriate response. If Demetri's inane question was any example, they couldn't even utilise rational thought.
"And what will I be doing?" Demetri murmured.
"You're not the smartest of my guards are you Demetri?..." I barked a laugh "...My tools in Alaska need to be monitored until they are ready to serve me" I sighed, soon I would be the proud owner of not one but four Fae. The things I would accomplish once they were within my grasp.
"I'll leave at once master" Demetri stated.
"There is little point in this, the Fae will sense his presence if he comes within a twenty five mile radius of her mansion" Caius interrupted just as Demetri rose to his feet.
"Nonsense brother..." I spat "...I believe I gave you an order" Demetri looked between myself and Caius, indecision glimmered in his ruby coloured eyes.
"Don't look at him, I'm your master, you do as I command. Now GO!" I shrieked. How dare Caius interfere in my plans. My brothers may have thrones but that meant nothing, I was the elder, it was their duty to assist me in my endeavours not challenge me in front of my footstools.
"When shall I return with my report?" Demetri suddenly asked. Insolent bastard kept his eyes on Caius as he spoke, had I not been a gracious master I would have killed him then and there.
"When I tell you too" I growled. The younger vampire's eyes flickered back to me.
"Master" Why did I get the feeling Demetri was speaking to Caius and not me?. No, he knew I was vastly superior to my brothers in very aspect, the only being who had come close to matching me had been my dear friend Carlisle. Demetri wouldn't dare disrespect me.
"If he catches the Fae's attention you can bid goodbye to our greatest tracker, she won't be very welcoming to Volturi in her territory now that her young have been born" Caius droned on.
"Then I will find another tracker..." I growled, admiring the high pitch of the sound before continuing "...Every guard in this coven is expendable, including y-" I was interrupted by Caius's violent snarl, I rolled my eyes slowly, did he honestly think he stood a chance against Marcus and I?.
"Without them, without us, there wouldn't be a coven. I suggest you remember that before you do or say something further that I will make you regret" Caius was suddenly whispering into my ear, I hadn't even been aware of him crossing the small distance between our thrones. It meant nothing though, he was still my inferior.
"Don't speak to your elder like that Caius" I turned my head to face him, the ageless contours of his face reflected barely restrained rage. I sneered slowly, if he lay one hand on me I would let Marcus deal with him.
"Come with me brother, I would like to speak with Sulpicia" Marcus was suddenly gripping Caius by his upper arm and pulling my blonde brother away from my throne. I smirked at Caius, it was very clear that Marcus favoured me in this regard. At least one of my siblings knew his place.
"Of course" Caius bit out, straightening the light grey jacket of his three piece with his pale hands. I didn't know when or why my brother had began wearing suits instead of the robe I had clearly sated was the compulsory uniform of all my servants.
"Tell my wife I will be visiting her bed tonight. You can go now." I turned away from my slightly taller brothers. Caius snarled, his fists clenching at his sides before he stalked down the hall towards the entrance.
"Keep an eye on him won't you Marcus?" I murmured to my remaining servant.
"He is my brother" Marcus murmured cryptically as he followed after Caius. I sneered at his retreating back, whatever his words meant it was of no interest to me. I would have no use for my 'brothers' once I had the Fae at my disposal.
Caius's POV.
"You should have let me kill him Marcus" I snarled as I stalked through the halls, in front of my brother, heading towards the tower where Sulpicia resided. Alone. Now that her sisters, mine and Marcus' mates, were deceased. The pain that slammed into my chest at the thought of my beloved Athenodora brought me to a stop in the middle of the marble hall. I groaned gently and almost sank to my knees. It felt as though I'd just been impaled on a blunted spear. Shafts of pure agony had me quivering as my hand reached out blindly for something to keep me upright. My hand found my brother.
"Breath Caius" Marcus' voice was strained, thoughts of Didyme were no doubt swimming through his mind as he gripped my elbow.
"I miss her" My voice was hoarse, my ruby red eyes burned with tears that were incapable of falling. Centuries since my mate, my other half had been taken from me and still it hurt like it had happened just yesterday.
"I know" Marcus' long fingers tightened on my arm. I took several deep breaths, the tightness of my chest made the act far more difficult than it should've been.
"At least we will avenge Didyme...soon" I rubbed my chest, over my unbeating heart. As much as I longed to be united with my mate, I couldn't leave my brother until I knew the bastard responsible for his mate's death, the woman I had viewed as my sister, had been killed. Aro's crimes against Marcus were unforgivable.
"How is Bella's training coming along?" Marcus murmured, quietly to avoid anyone overhearing us, once we had resumed our walk, side by side, we made our way over to the staircase on the far side of the compound. I wasn't actually surprised to find Corin lingering at the bottom. The younger vampire was the only one in the coven, with the exception of myself and Marcus, Sulpicia would tolerate inside of her chamber. My mate's sister both resented and embraced her solitude.
"I haven't checked in with her in awhile. I didn't think she'd appreciate the interruption..." I spoke honestly and just as hushed as my brother.
"...Corin" I nodded at the young vampire.
"I was just..." Corin stuttered nervously. The Volturi guard still knew me to be a sadistic bastard and that was fine with me.
"We understand Corin, but you should find Alexia" Marcus spoke for both of us.
"Of course masters" Corin hurried off down the hall towards the guest rooms where the small band of Sicarri were staying. They hadn't even ventured out in to the main compound once in the past two weeks, while I found that suspicious, I was grateful that I wasn't faced with the assassins I had commissioned to hunt down every last Fae. Guilt still ate at me, knowing I was responsible for the decimation of an entire nation. It didn't matter that a Fae had stolen the only woman I'd ever loved from me, Akasha had personally dealt with the bastard responsible. Athenodora would've been very disappointed with my actions, she had never condoned any type of violence.
"Shall we?" Marcus murmured as he began climbing the spiral staircase ahead of me. I jerked myself away from my regrets, it wouldn't do to linger on them, I was doing my best to put them right now. Just as Athenodora would want me to. I ascended the stone stairs behind my brother, the abnormal steepness of the stairway didn't affect me at all. I reached the top just as Sulpicia opened the door for Marcus and I.
"Morning brothers" Sulpicia was only just older than I was, Aro had turned her a year before he turned his attentions on her sisters. Only then did he turn myself and Marcus, Athenodora never told me what Aro had the three sisters do in that year alone with him, she only assured me in her melodious voice that it wasn't anything degrading. I couldn't bring myself to think about it, even now.
"Sister" Marcus and I drawled in usion. She smiled slightly, she was dressed in a flowing white gown that showed off her voluptuous form and complimented her flowing blonde hair, the silky locks framed her face and the ends touched the an inch below her slender waist. We came from an ear when woman were expected to keep extremely long hair as a sign of high status. Sulpicia's human father and mother had sported royal blood and it showed in her aristocratic features.
"Your visit is unexpected" She murmured as she retreated back in her large chamber, once it had housed Athenodora and Didyme, now it was scarcely furnished with only the basics of furniture. A large wardrobe in one corner, a dresser beside it, the right side of the chamber possessed a set of double doors that opened onto a balcony that offered a striking yet mundane view of the Volturi forest, the back wall was dominated by framed oil paintings produced by my sister. The largest was an unframed painting of all three of sisters, running from the ceiling twenty feet above my head to the floor. I smiled tenderly, all of Sulpicia's art was centred on the beautiful faces of her sisters. I found myself standing before painting of Athenodora, I had my own portraits of my beloved mate in my room, but they lacked the detail that Sulpicia had captured.
"We have most urgent business to discuss with you Sister" Marcus said in his impassive tone as he moved to stand beside me, his eyes latched onto Didyme's likeness like a starving flower searching desperately for the sun in a dark cave. In that regard we were exactly the same, both longing for something we would never have again.
"Concerning my husband, no doubt" Sulpicia muttered bitterly, unlike myself and Marcus, Aro hadn't found his mate in Sulpicia. He wanted her because she hated him and because of her undeniable beauty, of course she couldn't say 'no' to him. He was her maker, she would never be able to physically over power him. I hated the life my mate's sister was forced to lead.
"He intends to visit you tonight" I hissed, angry on Sulpicia's behalf. She never reacted when she was given the news, but then, she hardly reacted to anything anymore.
"Don't worry yourself Caius, his visits only last about ten seconds..." Sulpicia laughed to herself as she moved to stand between Marcus and I. Snorting to myself, I heard a similar response from Marcus as the three of us stared at the faces of our lost loved ones.
"But you aren't here just to give me some bad news, are you?" She tilted her head up to look at me, she was tall, about 5ft 10" but I was still taller at 6ft 4".
"Do you recall the mage oracle that Aro met just over a century ago" Marcus murmured.
"He had Jane rip her into tiny pieces and sent them to the high mage after she foretold of his demise at the hands of a royal Fae if I remember correctly" Sulpicia recounted perfectly.
"Precisely" I nodded with a gleeful smirk.
"You mean to tell me that you've found one of the Regius line" My sister pinned with a look of skepticism. I grinned at her despite the look of disbelief she was aiming at me.
"Actually we found Akasha Regius, the former ambassador of the Fae nation and heiress to the throne, her mate Elena, their daughter Bella, her own mate and their two children" Marcus stated calmly.
"You boys have been busy" Sulpicia purred with a wide smile. Her eyes were glowing brightly as she began to pace, I could feel the waves of relief, elation and eagerness falling off my sister. I shared a smile with Marcus, this was the most animated she'd been since the death of her sisters. Sulpicia slowly began chuckling as she drew to a stop, I knew what she felt like. The prospect of having freedom for the first time in two thousand years was surreal, like a distant memory, but it was something the three of us had longed for since the day of our turning.
"I don't think our next question is needed brother" I looked at Marcus to find him grinning, a feat most thought him unable to accomplish.
"If your next question was going to be; Do I want to help you?. Then you already have your answer. What do you need me to do?" Sulpicia was grinning brightly.
"You have a strong connection with Corin..." I inquired slowly.
"We are friends, yes" The way she said that made me think there was more to it than mere friendship, but for now, I didn't have time to explore my muse.
"Then talk to her, I know most of the guards dislike Aro, we need to know which ones will remain faithful and which ones are looking for an escape route" I carried on with the plan we'd devised with Bella at our last meeting.
"Does your Fae know that you intend to spare their lives?" Sulpicia murmured, her experienced with Fae had lead her to believe that the Fae were uncontrollable beings with a lust for destruction. That view had been accurate six thousand years ago, but no longer.
"It was Bella's idea, she doesn't want to partake in mindless killing. In fact I'm convinced that if we could sway the loyalty of all the guards then the only one she would kill when she arrives, would be Aro" Marcus spoke with an air of fondness.
"How noble an act...and very contradictory of those belonging to Fae long dead..." Sulpicia mused, resting her elegant hands on her lean hips "...But how long do we have?, when is this Bella planning to arrive in Volterra?" She asked.
"I'll call Tanya later on today. But we should assume that we need to move with all haste" I suggested. Marcus nodded his agreement.
Victoria's POV.
"Huh, why is it when Carmen and my sexy little Esme were in charge, this project was estimated to take about...what was it again?...three months or so?" I purred to a grinning Alive, the pixie was to hyped up about her finished task that she was practically bouncing in Leah's arms. The female shifter was embracing her mate, as best she could, from behind. The three of us were standing in the, now complete and fully furnished family room.
"Because they argued more than they worked?" Leah offered, dropping her head a little to nuzzle the top of the Pixie's head lovingly. I smirked slowly, having known Leah for over a century, I think I'm qualified to think she was relieved about the finished living room, being as Alice had been working through the night for the past seven days. Poor shifter hadn't gotten any in the last week. Unlike me.
"That...and they could never match my ingenuity in the field of design" Alice grinned.
"No comment..." I said, glancing around the room again with my hands on my hips. The white tank top and low riding jeans I was wearing showed off a thin strip of my pale, flat abdomen. The pixie had done a really good job, and she hadn't changed her original idea which is more than I can say for Carmen and my mate. The old carpet had been replaced with oak hardwood flooring, the furniture, with the exception of the four, leather, three-seater couches, was made out of cherry-wood and the walls were painted a deep maroon colour. Overall it was stylish yet homey.
"...You know we are never going to fit everyone in here even with twelve seats" I spoke with a tiny wince, it wasn't like I wanted to insult the décor, because it really was quite striking in a way only Alice could manage, but my logical side was still curious about what the pixie had in mind about seating arrangements.
"Actually there is more than enough room, after all everyone sits in their significant other's lap." Alice shrugged, leaning back against Leah's chest.
"Very true" I nodded gently.
"So what is my overall score?" I arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow at my daughter, smirking helplessly. So true to form for my daughter.
"Out of..." I trailed off, catching Leah's darks eyes, the shifter grinned contentedly as she happily nuzzled her much shorter mate.
"Hey guys!, bye guys!" The front door slammed open and Bella's voice echoed down the hall and into the living room as she ran up the stairs.
"Hey!...You could've at least checked out the living room!" Alice grumbled. I could hear Bella's footsteps halt in the middle of the carpeted stairs, I nearly jumped out my skin when a split second before she was suddenly standing next to me. Her vastly superior speed still caught me off guard.
"Very nice. Love it. I give you a twelve out of ten. See you later." Bella fired off in rapid succession after a swift glance around the newly furnished living room. Alice didn't even have a chance to respond before Bella was flashing out of the living room, down the hall and back up the stairs. I smiled slowly at the indignant look on the pixie's face, she really took her art a little too seriously, then again maybe I just wasn't as into fashion as the rest of my family, having lived barefoot for the first...six hundred years of my immortal life. At least I sported several pairs of shoes nowadays.
"Was she being sarcastic just then?" Alice suddenly blurted out. She looked like Bella had just called her metaphorical 'baby', an ugly little turd.
"Couldn't say" Laughing a little at my own thoughts.
"Morning..." My good mood evaporated quicker than Bella could run when Akasha appeared in the doorway. I crossed my arms beneath my breasts and grumbled an incoherent greeting.
"...Nice décor, have you thought about displaying some of Van Gogh's work, the bright colours might complement the dark reds better than the works you got now" Akasha commented after a brief silence, I scowled to myself, what a fucking suck up!. Alice looked like a human that just found a briefcase filled the brim with thousand dollar bills. I rolled my eyes in response as I kept my back to Akasha.
"Finally someone that speaks my language..." Alice drawled with a smile. Leah was suddenly glaring darkly at the blonde Fae, I masterfully hid my smirk. I knew there was a reason why I love that shifter like a daughter.
"...Its damn near impossible to find any original works this days though" Alice sighed with a soft pout. I didn't like to see any of my child disappointed, even if I didn't quite understand the pixie's passion about art.
"I know every major art dealer in the U.S and most of Europe if you want their numbers" I finally perked up. I grunted when Alice tore herself out of Leah's arms and barrelled into me with the force of a freight train.
"Bloody hell!..." I groaned, feeling my daughter's arms tighten around my lean waist like a boa constrictor "...My spinal cord!" I croaked even as I returned the embrace gingerly.
"Love you Mom" Alice squealed happily.
"And I hate you, you bloody, clingy, little...Pixie-pest..." I drawled sarcastically "...You can get off of me now" I grumbled. Secretly happy that my daughter was happy.
"SOS Leah" I looked over the top of Alice's head towards Leah. The shifter grinned brightly as she moved towards me and my new, unwanted, accessory.
"Come on baby, you know public shows of affection with anyone except Esme make V blush" Leah was quick to pull her mate back into her arms. I rested the palms on my hands on the small of my back and made a massive show of working the cramps out of my muscles. Leah grinned fondly and Alice giggled.
"Its very unbecoming on a lady of my age" I teased. Suddenly very aware of Akasha standing in the doorway with her head cocked to the side curiously. Did I really want her seeing the softer side of me?. Ever since she moved in, I've going out of my way to avoid her and when we were stuck in a room together, I normally channel my inner bitch with unsurprising ease and that would generally get my message across. I still didn't trust her and I certainly didn't like her, I know I still haven't given her a chance to prove herself to be a good influence in Bella's life, and maybe I was being a little bit interfering, but whatever, I've been the only mother Bella has know for the past century, I am more than entitled to be protective. Right?.
"Now then if you are done with me and my opinions I will be getting back to my mate" Esme was in the kitchen preparing the shifters lunch, I didn't known what they were having but I knew they were going to be having a lot of it.
"Akasha..." I muttered as I made to sidled past her, without a growl. That was major progress on my part, Bella would be pleased.
"Can we talk?" Akasha was suddenly blocking my path. My first instinct was to physically move her, my muscles tightened considerable, subconsciously I balled my hands into fists. I sighed raggedly, even if I wanted to, she was stronger and I'm not an idiot. Guess this really was going to be a confrontation of words.
"Its not me you need to be talking to..." I took a step forward, she didn't even budge an inch. Damn this bitch is tall. I had to crane my head back to look up at her as I moved into her personal space. I felt Alice and Leah tense behind me. I glanced over my shoulder at them, I could see in their eyes that they wanted me to hear the Fae out. I returned my attention to Akasha after giving my children a small inclination of my head. For Bella's sake, I would hear her out. I made no promises beyond that.
"...But seeing as I wouldn't have my daughter without you, I guess I can be civil for few minutes" Akasha's neon blue eyes flashed black, the only sign that I was getting to her. I smirked daringly, she didn't seem to react as she backed up out of my face and walked done the hall towards the foyer and the front doors. The confident sway of her hips made me want to slap her. I growled deep in my throat as I tensed to follow her. The scent of vanilla preceded the presence of my mate. My aggression leaked out of me the second my golden eyes landed on Esme. She was dressed in a pair of slight grey slacks with a black silk blouse tucked into her pants, the three top buttons were undone, giving me a stunning glimpse of my favourite view. I smiled languidly and instinctively pulled the younger vampire's petite body up against mine. I pressed my forehead against hers as I drew her luscious fragrance deep into my lungs, savouring the warmth of her stunning body pressing into mine. A perfect fit, like two puzzle pieces coming together in natural harmony.
"Play nicely..." The sound of my mate's sweet, melodious voice was like invisible hands stroking my skin. Suddenly I didn't want a confrontation with Akasha, I just wanted to curl up in a ball with Esme held safely in my arms.
"...And is the living room really that nice?" I chuckled at the expression she gave me.
"Alice is good, but she has nothing on you..." I promised, dipping my head slightly to brush my lips across hers. I pouted when I felt her pushing gently against my shoulders, lifting my head I raised an eyebrow quizzically.
"...Besides I have plenty of estates around the world just waiting for you to renovate them, I gotta warn you though, they are more than a little run down" I continued when I saw her honey brown eyes flicker towards the open front door.
"Don't stall, just go see what she wants and then come help me dice some vegetables" I grinned lovingly down at my mate.
"Thats when you cut them into massive chunks right?" I laughed loudly when she suddenly slapped my toned thigh playfully, it sounded so much worse than it felt.
"Just go see what Akasha wants, will you?" Esme grinned widely.
"You're the boss" I grumbled dispassionately.
"Just remember that before you say something that will get you in trouble" Esme teased, leaning up to nip my lower lip playfully, the small sting had me growling huskily low in my throat.
"Trouble?. Me?. Surely not." I muttered sardonically as she pulled back with a smirk, I reluctantly let her slip free of my arms. The sooner I 'listened' her Fae-ness the sooner I could be back with my mate. Dicing vegetables or not. I didn't care what she had me doing just so long as I was with her. I ignored the impulse to jerk my mate back into my arms as she walked back into the kitchen, swaying her hips like she knew my golden coloured eyes were firmly trained on her delectable backside. Oh yeah I needed to get this conversation out the way most most fucking ricky-tick. I bolted down the hall and almost fell out the door in my haste.
"Make this quick will you?" I snapped without actually meaning to. I despised being separated from Esme longer than a few minutes at a time, it didn't help that I was with my least favourite person in the house if not the world. I couldn't be mad at Elena, I didn't know why, maybe it was because she was so much more...more...mousy, than Akasha.
"Of course" Akasha spat with rising venom colouring her tone. I crossed my arms beneath my breasts as I sauntered towards the handrail framing the stairs leading up to the door on either side. Leaning my hip against the metal bannister, I sighed, waiting for the inevitable.
"I think you need to act a little more civil" Akasha blurted out.
"I need to be more civil, I'm not the one who abandoned a kid just to pop up over a century later, I don't think you get an opinion in this" I snarled, I could almost feel my eyes turning black,. Seriously she had the nerve to talk to me about being 'civil'!. She should've stayed away, Rosalie and I would've gotten Bella through her transformation just fine.
"I left Bella because she would've lived in constant danger with Elena and I" Akasha snapped, a low growl echoed around us, I stifled a shiver of instinctive fear. Fuck being scared, is she wanted to tangle, I was all for it, granted it would be like a cocker spaniel trying to take on a Doberman, but fuck it, if I got my ass handed to me, so be it, but I would get my own punches in first.
"I get that, I really do. But turning up now?, she has learned to live without you." I stressed.
"And I can see that you and Esme are the one she looks to as parental figures. But she needs me and Elena too." Akasha stated.
"I'm not disputing that, she has to learn how to use her power before we go to Volterra. But I am not okay with the prospect of you or your mate hurting Bella. I will see you in pieces before I let that happen" I growled.
"You do realise that you stand no chance in a fight against me" Akasha pointed out, tight-lipped.
"Woman you could be a God and I still wouldn't relent until I had made you suffer. No one hurts my family..." My eyes narrowed.
"I respect that, how can I not?. That brings me back to my original point. You obviously hate me and I cann't say I'm too crazy about you."
"Damn straight" I eagerly nodded my agreement.
"...But we have one thing in common..." Akasha continued with a smirk.
"What is that?, a desire to find out what colour your venom is?" I smiled with false innocence. She laughed in response.
"...We both want what is best for Bella, we both want to protect her" Akasha pressed on.
"That we do..." I sighed. And I had already promised Bella I would make an effort with her biological parents.
"So a truce?" Akasha was suddenly standing right in front of me, so close I could feel her body heat, when she had been stand five feet away from me a mere second ago. Her hand was extended out to me.
"For now" I nodded, gripping her hand with my own, I found myself squeezing with undue force, a satisfied smirk crossed her ageless face, abruptly it felt like my hand was trapped in a vice. I didn't hiss despite the dull pain. My stubbornness wouldn't allow it, I increased the pressure I was inflicting on Akasha's left hand. I knew she was putting next to nothing into her bone crushing grip, my hand throbbed in agony.
"Cease-fire" I groaned after while, she released my hand instantly, I lifted my palm up to eye level. Fully expecting to find a misshapen claw in the place of my right hand.
"I'm glad you were the one to raise Bella" Akasha announced with a fond smile. I didn't bother correcting her, I may have turned Bella and been there for her since that moment but there were still eighteen years that I couldn't take credit for. All I could think about right now was what Esme was going to say when she found I couldn't dice her vegetables.
"Can I ask you a question?" I murmured, attempting to wiggle some sensation back into my fingers with little success.
"Yes" Akasha tilted her head curiously, her long mane of white, far paler than platinum, blonde hair fell over one shoulder.
"Are you right hand dominant?" I asked after a moment.
"Yes" Akasha answered bluntly.
"Dammit" I growled.
Bella's POV.
"I don't know if I should be relieved that they're fighting to protect you or if I should feel jealous" Rosalie purred into my ear as Akasha and Victoria came back into the mansion, Victoria heading into the kitchen with Esme and Akasha up stairs to her bedroom where Elena was waiting.
"Great now I've got three women fighting over me" I drawled sardonically. Secretly liking the thought of my blonde Goddess getting a little possessive, even if it was unneeded.
"Except this woman would kick their sorry butts if push comes to shove" Rosalie grinned. I smirked and leaned back into my mate's warm, welcoming embrace. In front of us, in the nursery, sleeping soundly in their shared crib was our twins.
"I wouldn't underestimate Akasha if I were you. I swear I don't think my ego can take much more of beating" I sighed raggedly. Rosalie's arms tightened around my waist, shivers crept down my spine when she began nuzzling my neck. As I predicted early in the morning, the moment I'd stepped into my mate's strong arms, every trace of irrational annoyance and light aggression had just seeped out of my muscles.
"Mmm I wonder if she could take the two of us" Rosalie purred in her silky smooth voice. I wanted to curl into a ball with my mate and remain immobile for at least a week, only listening out for the twins. Training with Akasha was so frustrating, I couldn't beat her in hand to hand and I still hadn't found the trigger to my elemental power. If I couldn't beat another Fae, how in the hell was I supposed to fight the bane of my kind's existence?.
"You're thinking too hard, the key to controlling an instinctive action is to clear your mind of everything" Rosalie murmured quietly, our routine was to watch over the twins for a little while until we were sure that they wouldn't wake up before returning to our own room.
"You sound like Akasha" I muttered lifting the lead weights of my hands to begin drawing slow circles on Rosalie's perfect, pale forearms, the feather light touch made her shiver a little against my back.
"Then why didn't you listen to her?" Rosalie's melodious voice was amused.
"Because I wanted to be here" I murmured.
"We're not going anywhere Bella" Rosalie nibbled on the sensitive area behind my ear, I shuddered against her, becoming very aware of her ample breasts pressing into my back. This was another part of our routine, once I got back from training, we would hold each other for hours, neither of us liked the time we spent apart, even if it was only for an hour. It felt painfully longer. And I would have to leave her again to listen to Akasha meditating again. Maybe I should've stuck it out for the full hour.
"I know, but listening to Akasha humming to herself for half an hour was torture and I was already pining for you three anyway" I felt her smile against my neck.
"You mean like meditation?" Rosalie murmured.
"Exactly like meditation..." I nodded slightly "...Apparently I need to find an 'inner calm', what the hell does that even mean?" I muttered.
"Close your eyes for a second..." I found myself obeying even without asking what my mate was up to.
"...Lean into me..." I didn't need any more encouragement, the sensation of Rosalie's gorgeously lithe body pressing into me from behind felt so damn good.
"...Now just let your senses take over your logic" I exhaled slowly. The sounds of Rosalie's steady breathing in my ear accompanied the shallower utterly synchronised exhales of our children blocked out every other sound around me, the animals out in the forest and the movements of my family in the mansion. The warmth of Rosalie's body merging with mine was so soothing, so perfect, that everything else, my budding relationship with my biological parents, the waiting threat of the Sicarii, all of it just drifted away. Leaving me with the three people that I loved most in the world. The scent of freesia and jasmine was subtle in the nursery. With each even breath I pulled more of my mate's semi unique fragrance into my lungs, the twin's held the same aroma that we did, but it was lighter. I'd never felt more at peace, here with the keepers of my heart. Abruptly a low thrumming sensation built up in the pit of my stomach, it felt strange and yet I wanted to find out what it was. Letting my senses run free, the odd pulsing feeling grew stronger until it was like adrenaline pouring through my veins, energising my muscles to intensely my skin began to tingle all over. I involuntarily bolted up right suddenly with a gasp.
"What the hell was that?" Rosalie's silky voice in my ear was soothing despite the confusion I could hear in her tone. I felt her arms tighten around my lean waist as I breathed heavily.
"You felt that?" I had to clear my throat before asking, either it was me or someone had messed with the room temperature, it was way to hot in the nursery.
"It felt like you were burning up" I found myself being spun around to face my beautiful, worried mate. Her arms remained wrapped around my waist tightly.
"I don't know what it was, and I'm not sure I liked it either" I felt sick to my stomach, which considering I was immortal and I didn't need to feed, was pretty fucking unusual.
"Come on, you don't look so good" The concern I read on my mate's stunningly beautiful face and the worry I could hear in her voice was like a hard punch to the gut.
"Woman are you trying to imply I don't look totally hot right now?" I managed to muster a little sarcasm to gain a tiny smile from my mate, my effort to soothe her nerves was really quite pathetic but I couldn't stand knowing that she was distressed.
"You always look beautiful, but..." I leaned forward and caught her apprehensive words with my lips. We both sighed gently at the soft connection.
"But nothing...I am fine. I do need a quick shower though" I purred with a suggestive smile, the light bout of whatever I'd been feeling was already dissipating.
"Make it a very long bubble bath, I'm not in the mood for a 'quick shower'" Rosalie murmured with a stunning smile of her own, it didn't quite reach her striking neon blue eyes though, taking hold of my hand in hers and urging me to follow on her heels. I cast a look over my shoulder at Ashley and Lucas, the twins had moved closer together in their sleep, both of them laying on their sides with their tiny hands touching. I smiled lovingly, for a moment I was almost reluctant to leave them, I loved watching them while they sleep.
"They will be fine for an hour, as you typically say to me" I chuckled lightly as Rosalie opened the doors quietly with her free hand and pulled me out into the hall with her.
Alexia's POV.
"You never said anything about having a fuck toy Alexia" Lyssandra drawled huskily from the doorway. I smirked at her before I drew the silk sheets up over Corin's body, the tiny vampire was sleeping soundly after a very 'physically demanding exercise'. I my smirk grew slightly.
"Now why would I do that Lyss?" I purred, grabbing a black, silk robe and shrugging into the light material. Not failing to catch Lyssandra staring hungrily at my naked body before I covered up.
"This is the kind of information in-laws should share, don't you think?" Lyssandra smirked, moving across the room to sit rather gracefully on the edge of my bed.
"Particularly when said information is actually quite attractive" Lyssandra's laugh was full of seductive suggestion. I rolled my cold black eyes as I stalked towards the dresser, picking up a comb I slowly began dragging it through my waist length platinum blonde hair, all the while Lyssandra gently pulled the duvet down Corin's naked body.
"Such a shame you don't share" Lyssandra returned the sheets up to Corin's slender shoulder and turned to face me with a pout.
"Isn't it just?..." I drawled sarcastically. Many a time my coven mates had kicked up a storm about my possessive habits, I didn't share my women very often, I didn't generally include others in my hunts and I didn't take kindly when my fellow hunters attempted to insert themselves into my business.
"...So what do you want Lyss?" I asked when I finished running the comb through my long thick hair. I replaced the comb on the top of the dresser and turned around to face my future sister in law.
"What?, I can't simply want to bask in your titillating presence?" Lyssandra arched her delicate auburn coloured eyebrow.
"No you can't" I crossed my arms beneath my full breasts, watching as her dark eyes latched onto my chest, unabashed in her ogling.
"Pity, we could've had fun..." Lyssandra stood up gracefully, I narrowed my eyes suspiciously as she sauntered towards me with her hips swaying temptingly. I growled huskily, despite the fact she was promised to my brother I couldn't help but picture her curvy frame, naked and beneath me, her hot little moans in my ear while my hands traced the perfect contours of her body.
"Probably" I drawled, licking my sculpted lower lip slowly. Her responding smile was full with seductive intent. I clenched my jaw tightly when she stopped just in front of me, so close I could feel the warmth of her supple curves, the musky scent of her arousal was thick in the air. I was easily a head taller than she was, forcing her to look up at me.
"...They want to talk to you" Lyssandra breathed gently.
"I'm sure they do" I whispered, she was shifting closer to me, we were almost touching.
"Why did you make us bring them here Lex?" Lyssandra murmured. She really was very beautiful, I mused to myself as I leaned down to her. Wondering what her lips would feel like beneath mine.
"Because they are going to keep Akasha distracted while I kidnap her youngest daughter, right out from under her" I growled warningly when I felt the softness of her ample breast pressing into the top of my taut stomach, right beneath my own, sometimes being 6ft tall truly was quite annoying but it was a testament to my pure breeding.
"You going for the hat trick baby?" Lyssandra smirked. I almost lost my train of thought when I felt her press her curvy hips into my flat abdomen.
"You might say that. I took her eldest, now I'm going to rip her youngest away from her before she even has a chance to know her, and then, I'm going to move on to her mate" I couldn't wait to get my hands on Akasha herself though, destroying everything she loves before hand was just for my own amusement.
"All on your lonesome?" Lyssandra purred, the sensation of her hands suddenly resting on my hips had heat pooling into my stomach. Really what would be the harm in a quick tangle?, it wasn't like Peyral was married to the little tease yet.
"Why, do you know someone who can keep up with me?" I drawled. Her succulent lips were so close, I could almost taste their sweetness. I dipped my head closer to her, inhaling the growing scent of her excitement.
"On a hunt...or in the bedroom?" Lyssandra retorted, trailing her hands up my taut stomach.
"What if I were to say both?" I traded. Suddenly I caught the sound of approaching footsteps, far too light to belong to Jax, no vampire with the exception of Corin ventured into this part of the Volturi compound. Peyral.
"Then I would say, look no further" Lyssandra drawled, I mentally growled in frustration as I forced myself to lift my head, her soft lips connected with my jugular. The sharp scrape of her teeth over my pale skin accompanied the sound of my brother's elegant fist knocking on my door. It was like someone had lit a candle in my lust hazed mind. I gripped Lyssandra's smaller hands in my own, with little effort I pulled her hands away from my body.
"You belong to my brother, don't forget that Lyss" I snapped, tightening my fingers around her wrists. She winced at my painful hold.
"Didn't see you complaining a second ago" Lyssandra growled as she tried to jerk her hands out of my steely hold. I let her thrash helplessly against me for a moment, silently reminding her who the stronger hunter was. She didn't stand a chance, like an an ancient oak trying to stand against a hurricane, one way or another it was going to be destroyed.
"There is a big difference between being tempted and actually giving in..." I snarled, fear was clear in her expression. I released her hands, instantly she moved away from me, rubbing her sore wrists.
"Don't ever try that again..." I warned in a deadly calm voice. I stalked across the room towards the door, Lyssandra didn't nod her understanding, but she didn't have to. She knew I only gave a warning the once, the time after that, I carried out my promises.
"Peyral..." I jerked the door open to find my brother standing nervously out in the hall, he was dressed in his usual designer slacks and a silk shirt "...What is it?"
"I was wondering what was taking you so long" My brother's dark brown eyes slid past me and latched onto his betrothed. Lyssandra's eyes weren't on him though, I could feel her staring at my back.
"I'll be there when I'm good and ready, now return to them and wait for me" I snapped, more irritated at Lyssandra's brazenness after my warning than I was with my younger brother.
"O-of course Lexi" Peyral inclined his head timidly and hurried back down the hall, like a mouse being pursued by a cat. I growled at myself for my my lack of control, it wasn't his fault, but then why did he have to be so damned sensitive all the time. It wasn't proper Sicariibehaviour and I shouldn't have to condone it.
"Was that really necessary?..." Lyssandra murmured, I looked over my shoulder at her, she was leaning back on the four poster bed, her head was resting on the subtle curve of Corin's hip, using the vampire as a pillow. They did make good furniture.
"...I think you scared him" She was regaining her bravado, but at least she didn't make another suggestive comment.
"Then why don't you hurry after him, he is your soon-to-be-husband" I muttered.
"If that is what you wish Prima..." Lyssandra purred my abbreviated title. I narrowed my eyes on her as she sauntered towards me "...If I weren't going to marry your brother-" She stopped in the doorway and glanced at me with something akin to longing in her dark eyes.
"Then I would already be fucking you" I interrupted swiftly.
"See you later Prima" Lyssandra smiled as she stalked down the hall.
Bella's POV.
"You never said anything about having to go back out again" Rosalie pouted furiously. I grinned as I pulled a thin, sleeveless black turtle-neck over my head. I felt invigorated after a very long bath with my mate.
"It could be worse" I sat down on the edge of our bed, Rosalie was sprawled out on her back, nothing but a cream coloured towel hiding her gorgeous body from me. I nibbled my lower lip, reminding myself that I had to get this training session with Akasha out of the way, then I could spend time keeping the twins entertained until it was time for them to have a bath, then there would be more playing, followed by feeding time. When Ashley and Lucas were asleep however, I shook my head a little, it wouldn't do to get distracted.
"How is that exactly?" Rosalie muttered, lifting herself up onto her elbows. I tried unsuccessfully to prevent my eyes from trailing down the ample curves of her breasts. Her pale skin was still damp from our bath, the amber bathing oils we used clung to her, that faint aroma complemented our natural scent perfectly.
"At least I know what to do this time right?" I cleared my throat a little, a single droplet of water was wending its way, teasingly, down the graceful column of her neck, down her chest. I could almost feel my pupils dilate as I followed its painfully slow progress.
"Then why do you have to go, do tell" Rosalie grumbled. I sighed, I didn't see the point myself, not when the centre of my universe was sprawled out on our bed wearing only a towel.
"Don't ask me questions I don't know the answer to" I pleaded, clenching my thighs together as I watched the bead of water continue on its path, trailing downwards, to the my mate's mouth watering cleavage. Rosalie's seductive laugh forced me to raise my hungry eyes.
"Okay fine, but do you have to spend the entire hour away from me" Rosalie grumbled in annoyance. I crawled across the mattress towards her, thankfully I hadn't put on my boots yet. I slumped forward, resting my head on the softness of her flat stomach and flattening my body against the bed.
"It fucking sucks" I muttered reluctantly, I shivered when I felt her elegant hand tangle in the loose strands of my hair, I nuzzled my face against her abdomen. This was my favourite place in the world. With my mate, knowing our children were only one room away, safely tucked in for their evening nap.
"Got that right" Rosalie murmured quietly, the sensation of her hand massaging my scalp was making me shudder at the sensual contact. I could hear myself beginning to purr contentedly, why in God's name did Akasha want another training session, why?. It wasn't fair, I just wanted to stay with Rosalie, stay just like this, with my mate's warm body next to me, her scent surrounding me, listening to the sounds of her slow, even breathing and her touch relaxing my muscles.
"What was I supposed to be doing again?" I mumbled into her stomach. Already I could feel my will power fleeing in the face of my mate's gentle, soothing touches.
"Absolutely nothing. You and I are just going to stay here until Ashley and Lucas wake up" Rosalie said firmly, her melodious voice had me closing my eyes, satisfaction thrummed through my veins as she continued stroking my mahogany coloured hair..
"Perfect..." I smiled languidly. Just as there was a light rapping on the door.
"...This isn't happening" I muttered. I already knew who is was on the other side of the door, subconsciously I had registered the approaching footsteps of my biological mother, I just didn't want to move.
"Ignore her" Rosalie purred.
"You're the boss, love" I agreed easily. I would give Rosalie whatever she wanted. If she wanted the moon, it was hers. She wanted me to achieve world peace, I was going to do it. Another knock on the door caught my attention. I lifted my head with a low growl of frustration.
"I will be half an hour at most, no longer" Fighting the inevitable was useless and Akasha wasn't going away. I crawled up the sinfully delightful shape of my mate's body. Our eyes locked as I dipped my head, savouring the instant moan she gifted me with as our lips brushed together in a long kiss. I lived for the velvet softness of her lips, I could spend hours just kissing her.
"Any longer and I will come looking for you" Rosalie warned with a loving smile as we drew apart. I grinned wickedly.
"Love you" The truth of my statement was overwhelming, it made my head swim with blissful contentedness.
"Love you too..." She leaned up and nipped at my lower lip with her perfect white teeth, my eyes fluttered closed briefly "...Now go before I tie you to the bed"
"Mmm now I'm going to be picturing that all night" I drawled as I climbed off our bed reluctantly, I grabbed my knee high, dark brown leather boots. I pulled them up over my tight, dark jeggings.
"You better hurry up with the session so you can get your tight little butt home then" Rosalie purred with a smile.
"Like I said, you're the boss..." I winked when there was another knock on the door, far more intrusive than the previous ones.
"...Alright!..." I snapped loudly "...Jesus Christ" I growled, slumping over to the door.
"Last chance to change your mind" Rosalie sang after me.
"Temptress" I teased, gripping the solid gold door handle in my right hand.
"Only for you" Rosalie retorted. I smiled tenderly as I pulled the door open with a downhearted sigh. Akasha was waiting for me on the other side, still dressed in her silk pant suit, black open toed heels on her feet and her white blonde hair pinned back from her ageless face.
"You're a pain in my ass" I snapped irritably as I slipped out my bedroom, I heard the melodious laugh of my mate as I pulled the door closed behind me.
"You have to learn" Akasha stated calmly.
"Whatever, thats what my math teacher said and I knew more than him" I grumbled as I stalked down the hall.
"You are learning quickly, soon we will be ready to leave for Volterra" Akasha declared as she caught up with me easily due to her long legs.
"'We'?" I tilted my head to look at her as we descended the mosaic stairs together.
"Yes 'we', you do not think I'm going to let you face Alexia alone, do you?..." Akasha asked as though it were a rhetorical question just as our feet touched the floor at the same time.
"...Besides, have you forgotten it was the Sicarii who killed your sister, I have to get revenge for that" Akasha muttered as she moved towards the front floor ahead of me. I halted suddenly, something was wrong, I could sense it. I turned on my heel and looked up the stairs as my biological mother pulled the door open.
"Bella?..." Akasha's lightly accented voice sounded like it was drifting towards me from over a wide rift. I instinctively climbed back up the first step again, listening intently, for what?, I wasn't sure. But something was not letting me leave the mansion.
"...What is wrong?"
"BELLA!" Rosalie's loud voice carried a note of utter terror, I bolted up the stairs so fast I wouldn't even be visible to the human eye. I didn't stop until I was in the twin's room, where I could sense my mate's presence.
"Rosalie" I locked my arms protectively around my mate's slender waist as my eyes instantly sought out our sleeping children. They weren't there. Panic seized my chest. I couldn't actually be seeing this. This was a hallucination. My twins weren't gone. They couldn't be. They couldn't even support their own heads. Unless someone had them. No. My family members wouldn't dare take the twins without asking first. And no one could've sneaked into the house without me knowing. I knew every unique scent in the area, the swiftness of which I responded to it, depended on how familiar I was with it. So I knew no one had sneaked into the house, a foreign scent would've instantly registered with me.
"Where are they, oh God where are they Bella?" Rosalie's breathing was erratic, I lowered my head to her shoulder, gently nuzzling the small circular mark that lingered at the crook of her slender neck. She calmed only slightly, but it was enough for my inner Fae to focus on inhaling the scents in the nursery. All I could detect was the subtle freesia and jasmine belonging to the twins, it was still very vivid and stronger near the crib. They were still here?.
"Reach into the crib for me Rose..." I breathed into her ear, I couldn't believe what my senses were telling me, but I had always trusted them completely.
"...Go on" I encouraged. The moment Rosalie's shaking hands gripped the side of the crib, the twins were suddenly visible, as though they'd been hiding under an invisible blanket. The hand grotesquely twisting my heart released me instantly. I sighed in relief. Letting go of Rosalie's waist while she lifted Lucas into her arms, I caught her jet black eyes while I reached into the crib for Ashley, my little girl was reaching her arms up for me.
"What the hell did they do, Bella?" Rosalie asked me as I cradled Ashley against my chest, the twins were gurgling to us, like they were trying to explain what had happened. I tightened my arms around Ashley's soft weight. Rosalie was nuzzling the top of Lucas' blonde head.
"I really wish I knew"
TBC. . .