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Chapter 7: Realizations.

Caius's POV.

''Hello Marcus, I…uh have shocking news. Bella is my mate.'' I pause to his sigh. Well I wasn't expecting that reaction. ''What Marcus? ''

''I have known since she walked in and met us. ''He paused to my exclamation. ''What the hell Marcus, why didn't you tell me? ''

I couldn't believe it! I bet that's why he touched Aro when she left and why Aro wanted me to go. I thought he was angry at me but maybe not, the conniving Fox.

''Marcus, will this agony ever end? ''I ask, tiring from the effects of the bond.

Marcus chuckles. ''Yes brother, it will get better soon, believe me. ''

''Hard to believe a vampire suffering from depression just laughed at me. ''I mumble bitterly.

His answers with more laughter, great, just great! ''Just tell me one thing, will the madness and jealousy ever end? ''

''It will lessen and be manageable. But separation will always be painful. However, possession and the desire to protect her will always be present. But the need to dominate her will lighten up some. ''He paused and chuckles again. ''You may even enjoy her on top at times, um.''

''Marcus, you really should shake out of this dreary mood you're in, ''he burst out laughing at me.'' Seriously, I miss how you used to be brother. ''

''Thank you, Caius, if you stop being a hot-tempered pig head, maybe I will, ''he joked.

''Ah, not a chance! Let me talk to Aro. ''

''Just a minute, here's Aro. Bye brother. ''

''Bye Marcus. ''

''Hello my dear brother. What's going on over there now? ''Aro said cheerfully.

''Listen, I need Alec and Jane to come right away. There is a serious issue developing. A newborn army is coming to destroy us. Bella my mate, is in danger.''

''I will send them right away! ''He exclaimed and called them to him. ''Are you two mated yet? ''He asked, a little nosey if you ask me.

''No Aro, I just scared the devil out of her with my mating instincts taking over. Gods, I'm so embarrassed, I don't know how I'm going to explain this? ''I confess and then I hear a muffled drawl of Marcus.

''Just be gentle and let nature take its course. Marcus says to tell you that you need to wait till she asked you. Do not touch her again without permission or you'll go impotent. Before you take her, she needs you to ask you to make Love to her; she will call to you and she will say complete me. Then you can take her and only then. ''

''Aro, will I hurt her, I mean she's so fragile as a human? ''I say my voice shaking with concern, Aro paused to listen to Marcus.

''No, you will never hurt your other half. She is a part of your soul. You will have control once you enter her, it will be alright. ''He says reassuring me, then Alec and Jane arrived and Aro gave some instructions.

''Don't worry Caius, the twins will be there in two days, OK?''

''Yes, thank you. ''I say grateful for the help.

''Be safe dearest one, goodbye. ''Aro says to me then hangs up.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As soon as I pocket my phone, I feel a presence. I jumped down from the trees ready for anything and listened. A rush of displaced air causes my hair to blow about my face and there stood in front of me, Edward. Shit! I knew I had to use my skill I learned to block out Aro. Back in ancient days, I went to Tibet for a year to study with the masters so I could have a bit of privacy when I wanted it. Edward will not read me as long as I concentrate.

''I came to find you. But I'm curious as to why you are here. ''Edward said, narrowing his Topaz eyes at me.

''Bold, aren't you boy? ''He looks suddenly unsure of himself as I spoke. ''Good still afraid I see. ''Well, your girlfriend here is safe, thanks to me.'' I say and his eyes widen at me then snapped them in the direction of her house in worry.

''She's …fine.'' I say with a tone of double meaning that seemed to alarm the kid.

Damn it, I was hiding my thoughts masterly but not my feelings too well. I had to get him distracted so he wouldn't think about it.

''An intruder was going to kill her, so I thought it best to intervene. I believe it was a newborn. It escaped me, regretfully. So, I decided not to leave her unprotected since it would come back. ''Well that did it.

He dashed to her house and landed on her windowsill, quickly disappearing inside. My inner beast wanted to rip him limb from limb. It took all my mental discipline not to go after him. I knew I could trust her; the mating pull will make sure she was loyal to me until we were fully mated, but not him. It killed me that he was near my mate. Ugh.

Bella's POV.

I was up too early for me to get enough sleep. I knew that, but I was thinking too much. My mind was in a whirl, just swirling around with massive amounts of emotions. I looked about my room all in a shamble and went to work. I cleaned furiously by the time I was done, it was Immaculate.

I just couldn't stop my thoughts, damn I was a mess. I fell on my bed and tried to read but I could not take in a single word. So, I tossed it away. Dad came home late and peeked in on me and said goodnight. But I pretended to be sleep. I didn't want to explain my restlessness.

Last night, since the incident with Caius, all I could think about was him. As if he cast an evil spell on me, I thought about his body. His touch. His passion. Now it seemed, I had another vampire in my life. Great, really fate? Don't you have someone else to mess with? I'd hoped it was all just an erotic dream.

Somewhere out of nowhere, I heard him in my mind.

I'm sorry …forgive me ...it whispered huskily to me, full of regret. Then I got up and walked to the window and looked out, yep he was still there. I wasn't dreaming, crap!

Just how was he doing that? I frowned. He had a connection to speak to my mind. It sounded so sad and I wanted to go to him. I yearned as he did. I felt his feelings. It was so strange. As I sat in to try to listen, I was suddenly shaken out of my trance when my window flew up and in came Edward.

He crouched near me and he landed lightly, then stood. I instinctively ran into his arms but something's changed. I pulled away looking embarrassed and feeling awkward. What the hell?

He held me in his arms and asked if I was alright. I assured him that I was. He said he was terribly sorry he could not be there. But I foolishly blurted out my gratitude for Caius being there. Damn? It was like I was compelled to say it.

''So, Caius was your hero. I see I was not needed after all. ''He said bitterly.

''I didn't mean it like that Edward!'' However, I hesitated, and I saw my words didn't quite convince him.

''Well, as long as you're alright …I guess it shouldn't matter who saved you. ''He said, straining to hide his jealousy.

My breath hitched as he snapped his head towards the dresser and sniffed. I went red as a lit match as he realized why. Oh no!

''I know you were aroused, ''I shook my head, ''I know it Bella! He hissed as he moved over to the place Caius had me practically begging for more, I shivered at the intense look he shot at me. ''I smell another vampire and Caius. Did any of them touch you? ''

Holy shit! How was I going to explain that?