Struggled with this one a bunch. Would love feedback, or even ideas for future chapters!

WARNING: M-rated content

The next several weeks were spent in chaotic preparation, the guard was informed about Marcus's retirement and Wendy's new seat. Aro insisted vehemently that her throne would be the one in the center, grounding them all together. This decision mainly impacted the guard, but there was very little fuss about the changes. The only discontent being Heidi at being dismissed, which was eased by Corrin's excitement to leave.

Letters were sent out to every single vampiric coven in the world informing them of the change in leadership. Aro had informed her that by doing this it was likely they would see an influx in visitors, many of which would want to see the new lady in charge. The vampire who could tame both the beast and the logician. It was due to this stress that her mates wanted to make sure she was alright.

One of them was almost always at her side, coaching her on a hundred things at once. a thousand years of experience compressed into a few busy weeks. They were lucky that her abilities were somewhat akin to Marcus, so that should they need to Wendy could make those same calls. More than anything though she was assured that if she wasn't ready for something, she could defer to them.

The fact that in a crisis she could simply follow her mate's knowledgeable lead, put a little of the pressure off to the side. It was a shuffling time for the coven, with Heidi gone there were more fights in the lower guard. Most of the Inner Guard had barely changed, other than the fact they seemed pleased with her leadership. She'd earned their loyalty the day she'd saved Demetri, who still remained a constant guard at her side.

More than that it was the way she asked them for assistance, talking to Felix and Santiago about how they worked in military situations, or Jane for information on formal rulings. Any vampire her senior she took information, learning from it and memorizing it to use in her own way. The respect in that action, in trusting them, endeared her entirely to everyone.

Felix had already informed her matter of factly that it wouldn't be long until the Lower Guard loved her just as much. With the way they were talking her up, Wendy was obliged to believe him. Since their conversation regarding Didyme Aro had been reserved. He was his same amused self during trials, but in private he'd become more docile. He didn't speak as much and often avoided touching her when he could.

She gave him the space he seemed to need, understanding that he'd been alive for a very long time and it might require more time than she was used to for him to adjust to the new way of things. Wendy also knew he had a habit of trying hard not to stare at the blatantly newer throne he now sat on. It was a replica of the old one, which she'd made sure to be unsalvageable even by their standards.

It was through the photographic memory of a vampire that the chair could even be so completely reproduced. Though vampirism was also the reason they knew it wasn't the same: fresh paint, a different smelling timber, not the same creak as he sat. That chair had become a constant reminder to her mate what had happened. The unspoken truth that they were waiting for news of Marcus's death weighing heavy.

The kings weren't the only ones who expected it, she could see it in the guard too, in their expectation. Anyone who remotely had met Marcus knew he'd longed for death, it seemed to be a mixed bag on how they felt about him getting his wish. Wanting to die was apparently not entirely uncommon, Caius had told her of vampires who would come to them to end their lives. The Volturi sometimes agreed to these cases, if it didn't seem a waste.

She also knew that Aro made sure those mercy killings were never of vampires with gifts of importance. Another thing she had to decide whether to love or despise him for. With how she felt now it was unlikely that anything would shake her unwavering faith for the two beautiful men. Aro and his magical personality, Caius and his strength. They had so much to offer the world, so many reasons to be the ones in power.

They deserved it, their thrones. Vampires had died yes, but there'd also been nearly a thousand years of equilibrium between vampires and humans because of their tireless persistence. She was grateful to have a chance to touch that legacy, to put her own stamp on the world forevermore. Caius too had been excited at the prospect of working with her, curious to see how she would approach problems.

A logician desiring nothing more than to watch his woman's mind churn and see what comes out. He, similar to Aro, had a desire to learn, it seemed all the older vampires did. They soaked in as much information as their brains could take, never knowing what would be needed in the future. She wondered if this was due to experience, or some strange event she had not experienced yet that all had made them this way.

Out of all the visits she was most excited to meet Carlisle Cullen, the head of the Olympic Coven. Aro had talked animatedly about him, one of the first times he'd shown excitement since Marcus had left. Any man that seemed to make her mate glow in fascination was good enough for her. There would be many others to visit but Cullen was the one she was looking forward to the most.

She was fascinated with his way of life, this 'vegetarian' diet he'd held on to for hundreds of years. Wendy couldn't picture herself following in his footsteps, the taste of blood too sweet on her tongue to ever let go. That had been another part of her 'training' she'd begun to learn every remotely important vampire in the world. She knew the Cullen family in vivid detail now, quite the unusual bunch.

Where Aro loved Carlisle, Caius disliked them all with equal measure. He'd long categorized them as far too risky, but didn't act on it. She liked them, envied Bella Cullen for her ability to have a child with her mate. Wendy related to Jasper on many levels, and hoped to meet him and the woman who changed his diet after so long at war. Edward's gift unnerved her, and Emmett was probably like Felix and Rosalie like Jane.

At the thought Wendy considered Felix and Jane together, before dismissing it with a snort. The two were entirely incompatible, she pictured Jane with someone soft yet stern. If she'd been a human all of this information would have had her in a coma, but as she was now Wendy learned how to dance while Jane spoke about financial responsibilities and still looked graceful. For that at least she was grateful.

"I envy Aro in the fact he can see where your mind goes in times like this." Caius spoke from the doorway, shoulder leaned up against the frame. She peeked up at him amused, before sliding the notebook she'd been staring blankly at closed.

Gesturing him in, she slid out of her chair to round the desk. Caius immediately opened his arms for her, humming in approval as she buried her face in his neck. "You should always greet me like this." He teased, squeezing tighter for a moment. They'd all had so little time together to just be, it was nice just to be held by him.

"I don't expect that would be very professional of me." She responded curling closer. In response he just set his chin on the top of her head and smiled.

"With how hard you've worked, Aro and I have a surprise for you." His voice was light, hopeful as he looked down at her. The smile he received in response was everything that Caius was looking for.

She moved back so that instead she could curl her arms around his shoulders. "I love surprises."

He kissed her forehead before continuing, "Then you'll enjoy this." Caius stepped back, instead reaching for her hand. They exited the office, moving to walk down the hallway where Aro was waiting a little further down. Instead of greeting her with a hug he instead sent her something similar to a smile, but not quite. Wendy did her best to beam back at him, hoping he'd soak in some of her positive energy.

More than anything she wished her ability allowed for others to feel happier, instead of just reminding her that Aro felt morose. "How are you this morning, Aro?"

Not fully responding, he just hummed and began walking beside them toward wherever they were taking her. Wendy was happy they were doing this, whatever it was, together. She'd been so worried Caius would turn his back on Aro, but it seemed her mate's behavior hadn't changed for the better or worse. It was constant, which she thought all things considered was probably the thing that Aro needed.

There was a reason after all they referred to each other as brothers. They turned toward one of the side exits coming into the sunny morning. She immediately glanced toward both of them taking in the sparkle on their skin she could never get enough of. Still after her time here, Wendy was amazed with the sun, having so completely believed that she'd never get to feel it again. Of course it didn't feel quite the same, it still felt warm and she could now look directly at the sun without blinking, taking in the hues of color without pain.

They both waited for her, knowing Wendy well enough at this point to stop as soon as they exited the door. Both turning to watch her the way that she watched them, Caius reaching out to stroke her cheek. She went out of her way to touch Aro's shirt too, so that he knew touching was on the table on her end. She wouldn't rush him, his mind was his own and if he wanted peace then she would give it to him.

They set out again walking through the enclosed courtyard until they came to a small gate leading out into the forest behind Voltura. She hadn't gone out into these woods before, having no need to when her prey were brought to her and it was safer in the walls. Part of her was curious about the wildlife in these woods compared to those in America, deciding to keep an eye out as they went.

Aro opened the gate, gesturing for them to go through. Then they were running all three side by side dodging trees as they took off into the forest. The blood in her system was almost gone now, her advantage leaking away to the point she had to struggle a bit to keep up. They both seemed to realize that at the same time, dropping back more so they could run side by side again.

Caius sent a teasing smile in her direction for it. They didn't run too terribly far, passing Jane in a tree, Felix sitting on the forest floor and she smelled Alec further off. With the perimeter she figured they were close to their destination. She knew they were there as soon as she saw it, coming to a quick stop at the cliffside. Far below was a hidden valley, filled with water. A massive waterfall on one side, and a deep pool of crystal clear water below.

There was no clear way up or down, making it an unlikely spot for humans to visit. "We own this land." Aro explained looking down at the water below. "It's listed as a private forest preserve, in technicality it's haunted."

Caius laughed at that. "Only because any human that enters this forest suddenly disappears." At this Wendy giggled, hand coming to cover her lips as the sound came out. "Ghosts are dangerous, kochanie. Careful or they may sweep you away from us." He smiled wide stepping toward her, "Boo." Then he unabashedly pushed her off the cliff.

She shrieked on her way down, some human part of her afraid before her brain caught up and she emerged from the water laughing. "Bastard." Watching from below Wendy observed the way Caius dodged left and attempted to push Aro in, only for him to try to do the same. This turned into a full wrestling match before Caius finally won and kicked Aro back off the cliff into the water two feet to her left.

When he emerged, his hair stuck to his skin in a way that brought out the youth in his face. But it was the wide smile that truly filled her soul with hope. She swam toward him, with a matching grin as she threw her arms over his shoulders and kissed him. Aro made a noise of surprise having been dodging any type of affection, but accepted it before his hands came to grip her waist, pulling her taut against him as he tasted her, the remnants of today's feed still on her tongue as he made a noise of approval.

Both too distracted to see Caius take the jump, landing with a massive splash. The water misted them, as she smiled into her mate's mouth, before pulling back to laugh again. Caius's voice heavy with sarcasm. "I'm jealous."

Wendy regretfully pulled away from Aro, but luckily his smile didn't falter. That twinkle in his eye finally returning genuinely. "How long do we have?"

Aro continued to swim in place, "Until dawn." She grinned, it wasn't even midday. Finally there was time, just for them. Time for Aro to smile and for her to feel like a young woman in love. The tension immediately seemed to leave her as she let out another cheerful laugh spinning in a circle so she could propel water at Caius. His hair looked darker when wet, and the way his clothes stuck to him had her coming up with all sorts of scenarios in her head.

Aro let them have their moment, knowing while he'd had a chance to enjoy Wendy, his brother had not yet had the privilege. Caius's gleaming eyes said he was ready to change that. He turned glancing at Aro, seeking confirmation. it wouldn't do to leave him alone if he couldn't handle it. Aro just gave a small nod back before disappearing under the surface of the water.

Caius took her hand after she sent another splash his way. "Follow me." Wendy did as asked moving further into the massive pool of water, headed toward the waterfall. It was massive in structure, far too tall and violent for a human to survive jumping the way they had. The impact alone would have killed them, same as the pressure of the water up ahead. The king reached out grabbing one of the stones to hoist himself up out of the water.

She scaled behind him, jeans and t-shirt stuck to her skin like glue. They climbed for a while, going at a human's pace before Caius ducked inside the waterfall. She mimicked cautiously to find herself peeking through the water to find a small shallow cave, close to the entrance there was thick algae feeding off the water, but further in it was littered with moss. Looking back toward the waterfall she could see the way the high sun slithered through the refracting water to fill the whole space full of light.

Her eyes took in each shade in wonder, glancing back at Caius who lay on his back on the cushioned stones. The space was about the size of a car, with a ceiling that was at least ten feet high. "This is my favorite place in Voltura, it's been mine for hundreds of years. The only one allowed to use it is Aro. He mostly just likes to dive under the water. There's a lot of fish he's fond of."

He put one hand behind his head, watching her casually, "You complete the space."

Wendy smiled back at him, feeling light as she looked at everything over again. "It's beautiful." She leaned against the rock face, pulling off her flats and socks, tossing them away. They sat in silence for a long moment before she laughed, "I just remembered my major."

Caius raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

Wendy giggled again, "Criminal Justice." Caius laughed with her, the volume of it shaking his chest as he leaned his head back. They stared at each other, the pleasant mirth in their little alcove infectious. She could feel his happiness, contentment, and desire. His emotions fueling her own in a cycle of pleasantness. Shifting closer she laid down on her side, lying her head on the crook of his arm.

He glanced down at her, taking in the perfect flow of her body. "It's almost like you were made for me." He teased, allowing himself a few more seconds to absorb the beauty before him. Confident that the image would forever be memorized, he rolled slowly pushing her down on her back. One hand coming up to brush a wet strand from her face. "It makes me wonder if I will also fit perfectly inside you."

Her mouth parted, eyes darkening in desire. Her voice was barely audible, "I want to find out." It was all she needed to say before he was upon her, lips pressed hard against her own, while fingers explored across her face. Grasping the edge of her t-shirt to peel it from wet skin. He wasted no time on the rest of her clothes, tossing them by her abandoned shoes, before returning his undivided attention.

This was a part of him she loved, so torn between tactician and man as he surveyed her body like a battle plan where conquest was the only option. Yet he was gentle, more so than Aro in a romantic way that made her smile as she ran her fingers through his hair, reassuring him that they fit like perfect puzzle pieces. He was slower, savoring more with each press of his hips or kiss to her skin.

She fell in love with the way he groaned, lips parted and eyes squeezed shut when he grew close. Adored every detail of how his fingers twitched when she rolled her hips back against his own, or how he always whispered her name when they increased the tempo. There would be so many more times for her to figure out how he reacted to situations, and she was looking forward to each and every single scenario.

Wendy was left entirely ravaged by the time he was done hours later. The sun was an hour or two from setting, when he parted from her, entirely too pleased with himself and the mess he'd made of her. She glanced at him, the way his gaze took in her messy state like he'd won the war. She just rolled her eyes, before blowing him a kiss and shifting to her feet.

Giving one last smile at his tousled hair and wide grin Wendy threw herself forward out of the alcove and through the waterfall into the water below without bothering to put anything else back on. It was clear the kings had insisted on as much privacy as possible. The water was refreshing as she dove head first in, undeterred by the at least fifty foot drop. She swam in even strokes toward the abnormality in the water.

She found Aro looking like a merman, sitting cross-legged with a massive stone in his lap to keep from floating back up. He was sitting so casually, hands resting on the rock as he watched the fish in the distance. Coming up behind him she pressed herself against his back, feeling his shiver as he took in the sinful thoughts she shared. When he looked at her over his shoulder Aro's eyes were already dark with desire and she knew there would be no resisting.

As if the stone were weightless he flipped it off his lap onto the sand below, twirling to face her. Seeing with his eyes this time that she indeed hadn't bothered to put anything on. Aro wheeled her back against the stone, his hair flowing around him as his hands came in contact with the stone just above her shoulders trapping her there and grounding them from moving.

He smiled, apparently not bothered by the water in his mouth. Aro had after all far more time to adjust to his inhumanity. Not giving her time to prepare, he let loose one hand to grab her legs, placing them on either side of his waist before her was taking her against the stone.

He did not take his time, he was rough, demanding and thoroughly handsome. She could get used to the differences. When he came he barely waited a breath, until he grabbed her by the waist and kicked to the surface spitting the water out of his mouth. Opening her mouth to speak, Aro just shook his head, guiding her toward the small section of beach.

They were barely a few steps onto the sand before he had her on all fours, bent over her back as he sent her through a whirlwind once again. One hand's fingers digging into her hips, as the other twirled in her wet hair pulling her head back as she whimpered. When he was done, he kissed her hip, back, head, and lips. Whispering lowly in her ear, "I wouldn't want you to forget about me, now would I, darling."

Kochanie - Honey (Polish)

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