Chapter Twelve
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, but I do own my OCs and this story.
Summary: Witches and Vampires were at war to the point of exposure to the humans. To stop this, the Volturi and the Blackthorn Witches came to an agreement and there was peace. But, an incident happens which threatens the peace and Demi must act as an advocate to make sure that agreements stays intact. While there, Demi must endure the Volturi and ends up finding her mate, Alec Volturi.
Thank you to everyone that has reviewed, followed and favorited this story so far! I
Queenofthetower: I am so glad you're liking the story so far! In regards to the first kiss, it's unfortunately not going to be for a few chapters yet. I really want to build up the relationship between Alec and Demi first. She's only just starting to get more comfortable around him and there is also the years of prejudice from her Coven.
TWILIGHT
Demi stood in the kitchen on her fifth day humming a touch as she cooked her breakfast. She had got up early that morning feeling very refreshed and a spring in her step. That day felt different and she suspected it was because of how relaxed she felt. The heavyweight of fear and anxiety that always draped on her shoulders was slowly fading away and now her day felt brighter. She had got up extra early that day and had set into making herself a big breakfast. She hadn't seen Alec that morning and she couldn't help but feel disappointed but she pushed that aside and focused on that day. Today, she wore a knee-length burgundy dress with black tights and black pumps. Just as she was plating up her foot, the kitchen door opened.
"Good morning," Alec said as he walked into the kitchen.
"Morning," Demi said with a smile only feeling slightly nervous. She saw this as progress though because she didn't feel like she wasn't going to faint at the sight of him. She still felt nervous around him but then she remembered how he had saved her and that made her feel better.
"You're up early," Alec commented as he watched Demi eat her breakfast.
Taking a bite out of her French toast, Demi chewed with thought. "I am. I was hoping to go sightseeing today, as long there are no meetings," She turned to Alec waiting for the answer. She had been waiting for this day for a while and she hoped there would be no meetings.
Alec shook his head, "No meetings for today,"
Demi smiled widely, that was good news. "A-are you free today?" Demi flushed as she asked the question. Before coming to Volterra, Demi had researched the city and found all the places that she wanted to visit. For a time, she thought she wasn't going to get a chance to go sightseeing but it seemed as though it might be the day. However, it would be better if she had someone who knew the city to be her guide.
A ghost of smile rolled onto his face, "I am. Would you like me to accompany you?"
The flush on Demi's face darkened and she nodded her head. She would feel safer if Alec was with her in case there was another attack. She was confident that there wouldn't be another attack so close to the other but she would rather not take the risk.
"Finish up and we'll head out soon after," Alec said as he looked down at his watch, mentally assessing how much time they would have to explore the city.
Demi's eyes lit up and she immediately began scarfing down her food, not noticing that Alec watched her with a soft smile.
Forty minutes later and Alec and Demi were in the town. Alec had driven them in his Aston Martin into town and Demi couldn't help but feel excited. She had decided to stay in her smart attire because she didn't want to feel underdressed stood next to Alec. Luckily, it was a cloudy day and there was no sunshine so Alec could leave the car without any fear of being discovered. Alec had brought a jacket with a hood just in case it did become sunny as well as sunglasses to hide his red eyes. Demi was nearly vibrating in her seat because of how excited she was, she could finally go sightseeing. She kept in mind that she needed to get a souvenir for Lily and Camille and began to wonder what she would get them.
"Is there anything you want to particularly see?" Alec asked as they walked through the plaza. There were many places he could take her but he wanted to know if there was a place, in particular, she wanted to see first.
"Everything," Demi answered without hesitation. She wanted to see as much of Volterra as possible because she knew she didn't have long left before she would need to leave so she was going to make the most of it.
Alec nodded his head and faintly smirked, "As you wish," He was more than happy to show off Volterra to her. It was a beautiful city, one that he had explored many times when his thoughts were troubling him.
Demi's eyes lit up and the smile on her face widened.
Many hours passed and Demi felt happy. Alec had taken her to see Piazza Dei Priori, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum and the Pinacoteca art gallery. Everything had been beautiful and she had bought a disposable camera to capture these moments. She had needed to buy a second one with how many photos she had taken and Alec had bought one for her without one complaint, to which she was very thankful for. At every chance, she took a photograph because she wanted something to look back on. There was so much to take in and Alec was a very good tour guide. He was very detailed about all the places they explored, giving her plenty of facts to remember and she soaked up everything he threw at her. She was so preoccupied with the beauty of the city that she never once thought about the attack from yesterday or the fact that it was Alec that was giving her this amazing tour. She felt like a normal person that she wasn't part of the Blackthorn Coven and forgot that Alec was part of the Volturi – it just felt normal. Demi had been so mesmerised by the city that she had nearly forgotten to eat, if it wasn't for Alec then she definitely would have. Alec guided her to a restaurant and it was only when she smelt food when she realised how hungry she was. When it came time to pay, Demi found out that Alec had already paid for her and when she tried to protest, he just shrugged his shoulders and told her not to worry about it. She hadn't seen everything in Volterra but she had seen as much as she could within the day and now she was starting to feel tired. It was a good tired where she felt like she had accomplished something – though her feet were very sore.
The sky was a dark orange colour and filled with clouds when she and Alec made it back to his car. Seeing how tired she was, Alec had made the decision to head back and Demi found that she didn't have the energy to protest.
Demi sighed in her seat after she put her seatbelt on, "Thank you for today," As soon as her head hit the headrest, her body turned to jelly. It had been a busy day and she had taken only a few breaks under the insistence of Alec and it was catching up with her.
"It was nice to get out," Alec said as he drove on.
Demi peaked at the speedometer and was surprised to find he was going slightly below the speed limit but chose not to comment. As she sat there, her tired mind began to wonder about things and they were all about Alec. "I think I misjudged you…"
Alec looked over to her and frowned, "What do you mean?"
Giggling to herself, Demi smiled, "Before coming here, I was warned about the Volturi and to stay away from certain people. One of them was you and your sister," Her eyelids suddenly felt very heavy but she fought back because she wasn't done with her day.
Grinning faintly, Alec replied, "What was said?" He was aware of the many things that were said by about him and his sister but he paid attention to none of it. However, he was curious to know what Demi thought about him.
"That you're more dangerous than Jane because you're quieter," Demi admitted quietly, slowly losing the battle against sleep.
Alec fell silent for a moment, "And now?" He asked eventually, his grip on the wheel tightened as he awaited her answer. It has been a very long time since he was nervous and he could easily say that he was nervous now. Her answer was very important to him, whether she realised it or not.
Demi hummed in thought, "Now… I think your kind and caring." Thinking back to everything that had happened, that was the one word that stuck. He was kind but it was obvious that he didn't let people see that side of him and she felt warm inside to know that he had shown that side to her. Without it, she doubted that her opinion about him would have changed.
His grip on the steering wheel slackened as he blinked slowly. He had not expected those words and it shocked him. No one had ever referred to him as kind or caring before. He had been called many things before – some things he would rather not repeat as they were not words that should be ever uttered in the presence of his Mate. However, the words made his undead heart clench because she didn't even realise how much those words meant to him. Alec looked over to say something but he stopped himself and smiled at the sight before him. Demi sat asleep in her seat with her head titled back. She looked so peaceful that he didn't want to disturb her. Alec turned his attention back to the road and made sure to not go over any speed bumps as he didn't want to disturb her.
TWILIGHT
Alec walked out of Demi's room after dropping her off. She had stayed asleep the entire ride back to the castle and he didn't have the heart to wake her up. He could see the dark circles under her eyes under the makeup and thought maybe she needed the extra sleep – humans were fragile after all and often suffered if they didn't get enough sleep. When getting her out of the car, he had made a conscious effort to be as gentle as possible with her and carried her bridal style to her room. Alec smirked to himself as he thought about her reaction, if Demi had woken up she more than likely would have blushed and looked absolutely adorable like she always did. He was heading towards the kitchen to make her something to eat for when she woke up but he didn't know what to make or what she liked. As he observed her, he found that Demi would mostly eat anything and she didn't seem that picky – except she seemed to have a disliking towards mushrooms. He had made food for her once and she seemed to have liked it so it was a good sign that he wasn't a terrible cook. When he made it to the kitchen, Alec began to look in the fridge to decide what to make.
The floor flung open for a second time, "Well who would have thought you'd be caught a second time making food," Heidi said as she strolled into the room confidently.
Alec rolled his eyes at her, "Hello Heidi, what do you want?"
"Well I want Demetri, but we all know he's not here," Heidi replied as she shrugged her shoulders. She tried to act as though the separation from her Mate wasn't affecting her but it was. She missed Demetri dearly and she was bored. They had barely got to spend a few hours together before he was sent off again.
Saying nothing, Alec continued to examine and fridge and its contents.
However, Heidi was not done. "Speaking of which, how is your Mate?" She asked with a large grin. She had seen him carry Demi in and she couldn't help herself in coming over to see how he was doing.
"She's worn-out," Alec admitted as he looked away from the human food, "I showed her around Volterra and it tired her out." He knew it was safe to speak because none of the other Guards was nearby or in hearing range. The rest of the Guard were all in the training area and there was plenty of space between them where they wouldn't hear what he said. The last thing he needed was the other Guards trying to tease him.
Heidi let out a soft squeal, "Oh that's so romantic! I love it! Can I assume that she is less scared of you?"
Alec nodded his head, "Yes… it seems that way," He wouldn't reveal what Demi had told him in the car because it was too precious. That was his moment with her and he wasn't willing to share such a personal moment with anyone. It was something he would hold very dear to him.
"I'm happy for you Alec," Heidi said with a genuine smile that would blind a human, "You deserve it,"
A faint smile rolled into his face, "Thank you,"
"How are you and Jane at the moment?" Heidi asked carefully. From what she saw in the Throne Room the previous day, she knew that relations were still frosty and she was a little concerned. She thought they would have patched things up by now but it seems that wasn't the case.
Alec's gaze dropped, "It is not good. She found out about Demi," If there was a moment he could take back, it would be when he put his hand in his sister's throat. The instinct to protect Demi had been too strong and he knew Jane would stay true to her word so he panicked.
Heidi winced at his words, "Ouch." She had an idea Jane's reaction wouldn't be good when she found out but she didn't expect for her stop speaking to Alec all together.
"Now, she hates Demi even more than before." Alec admitted lowly, "And now, I have to watch out in case she attacks Demi,"
"I'll keep an eye out," Heidi said with a frown. The last thing they needed was for the Treaty to be broken because that would then place Alec and Demi in a precarious position and one that wasn't favourable to anyone.
Alec bowed his head slightly in appreciation. "You… haven't told anyone, have you?" He asked cautiously. The last thing he or Demi needed was anyone knowing that they were Mates. He could take the teasing but he didn't think Demi could – especially when she didn't even know they were Mates.
Heidi shook her head, "No, I haven't even told Demetri. This is your business and I won't say anything until you're ready," Heidi smiled at him wholeheartedly. When she and Demetri mated, Felix had been the one to tell everyone before they were ready and Heidi had been pissed. She had wanted to bask in the glow of being newly mated and Felix had burst that bubble, something she didn't forgive him for.
He nearly sighed in relief, "That's good,"
Smiling, Heidi turned around, "I'll leave you to make something for Demi. I would probably suggest something that won't be made to go cold in case she doesn't wake up for some time,"
Alec watched as she watched away and soon he was hit with an idea of what to make.
TWILIGHT
It was late when Demi roused from her sleep. Slowly, Demi blinked away the sleep in her eyes and she sat up. It took her a few minutes to realise she was back in her room within the castle and she was still in her day clothes. For a moment, she felt confused as to how she ended up back in her room but then it clicked. Demi flushed red when she realised she had fallen asleep in front of Alec and that he had more than likely carried her to her room. Demi groaned into her hands and began cursing herself. She couldn't understand why she kept embarrassing herself in front of Alec of all people. Spotting something in the corner of her eye, Demi noticed a tray at her bedside and saw that it was filled with food. It was a simple chicken sandwich with some fruit and a drink. She spotted a note next to the tray and Demi picked it up.
I've prepared you some food in case you get hungry. I didn't want to wake you because you seemed tired. I had a good day today and I hope you did also, you're very good company.
Alec.
Demi smiled at the letter and she found herself laughing slightly. She couldn't help but marvel at his handwriting, it was so neat and fancy that she was almost jealous of how lovely it looked. Gently placing the note down on her bed, Demi carefully grabbed the tray and brought it over to her bed. Taking a sip of her drink Demi was happy that it was still cold, much preferring cold drinks over hot drinks. Demi moved over to the sandwich and hungrily munched on it until it was all gone. Demi smiled again when she realised the effort that Alec went to and imagined him in the kitchen, making her a sandwich and that made her laugh again. Demi would have never imagined that Alec could cook and she wondered when he picked up such a skill.
Once done, Demi stood up and changed into her PJs to be comfier. Dressed in a soft blue fleecy short and matching top with fluffy bed socks, Demi sat back down in her bed and grabbed her phone. She thought she may have received a message or a call from Camille but she was disappointed to find that she had no messages. Deciding to call her Aunt, Demi dialled her familiar number.
The phone rang five times before Camille answered, "Hello?"
"Camille, how are things?" Demi asked, nearly sighing in relief when she picked up. She had been concerned when Camille never answered the day before.
"Things have been good. Lily is still a little monster at this point, asking when you're coming back," Camille answered while laughing.
"That's good," Demi said with a smile, not doubting her words, "Just to let you know that Demetri tracked down one of the attackers and he is currently being interrogated,"
The line went silent for a moment, "Shouldn't he be handed over to the Blackthorns?"
For a moment, Demi was still. "Yeah… about that. I gave the attacker to the Volturi because the letter hadn't arrived yet," This was a conversation she didn't want to have but it had to be done.
"What?!" Demi winced and pulled the phone away but Camille still continued to scream, "Why would you do that?! Nina's letter was nearly ready to be sent!"
"But it wasn't here and Caius was getting angsty. You also said it yourself that we may need to offer something to the Volturi as a peace offering," Demi argued back. She had expected this reaction from Camille and so she was ready for this.
"That wasn't your decision to make!" Camille argued back, her voice shriller than before.
Demi shook her head as annoyance filled her, "Yes it was. I was the only Blackthorn present and I had to make the decision there and then, there wasn't enough time to call you. You're only saying that because it was me who made this decision,"
Camille fell silent and Demi refused to take back her words. After a few moments of silence, Camille sighed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It was just a bit of a shock."
"Thank you," Demi said, her shoulders relaxing slightly. She had expected for Camille to put up more of a fight.
"Nina is not going to be very happy," Camille admitted lowly. Demi could imagine her rubbing her temples as a headache would be coming on.
"I know," Demi nodded her head. She knew Nina wasn't going to be happy as she wasn't going to get her revenge for the death of her child, "But if Nina hadn't sent that letter, we wouldn't be in this situation," She understood how devastated Nina would be but that didn't excuse her bad behaviour. No other Witch would get away with what Nina did but Aro was being lenient and without that, she would have been punished.
Camille hummed in agreement. "Okay, I will let Nina know. You are right, I did say we needed to exchange something. Just keep me updated on what is happening,"
Demi smiled, "I will. Camille, have you felt anything through the earrings?" She was curious to know if Camille had felt anything and if someone was on their way. She hoped that she could explain the situation and that it wasn't the Volturi that had caused her to feel as though her life was in danger.
"No, I haven't. Why? Has something happened?" Camille's voice became high pitched, sounding as if she was panicked.
Demi frantically shook her head, "No! I was just curious! I met Jane the other day and I got a little scared," This was a lie – well a half-lie anyway. She had met Jane and was scared but that's not what she was scared about.
"Keep away from her, Demi," Camille warned, her voice calmer than before, "Just being scared won't activate it. Your life needs to be in danger for it to work,"
Saying nothing about the matter, Demi replied, "Oh, okay. That's fine then," Demi remembered exactly what was said and it made her feel weird. Demi knew that she was in actual danger when that Vampire tried to attack her. She wanted to bring up the attack but she decided against it. "I'm going to head to bed, I'll speak to you soon,"
"Okay, goodnight Demi," Camille said before she hung up the phone.
Placing the phone down on the bed, Demi frowned. She reached over to her ears and took out the left earring, the one that had the protection spell on it. Demi examined the earring, it was a simple silver-studded earring that Camille had gifted her for her twelfth birthday. She had loved them and refused to take them out unless it was to clean them. She didn't understand what had happened. As far as she was aware, Camille's magic had never failed before and she had seen Camille cast the spell. She had only closed her eyes for a moment. It made Demi wonder about the right earring and whether that one had failed too. Demi shook her head, it didn't matter regardless. It had worked out in her favour because it meant Camille wasn't sending anyone out to get her and it made her sigh in relief.
Demi looked down at her gloves and then looked at the time on her phone. It was late for her and nearly ten o'clock at night. However, she wasn't tired and neither was her fire. Her fire hummed lowly and Demi had half a mind to ignore its call but soon decided against it. It wasn't healthy for her to hold onto her fire and it was best to expel in small doses. With that in mind, Demi removed the gloves and placed them down next to her. Warmth gathered in her hands and a single flame lit up in her hands. Tilting her head to the side, Demi examined her fire. She had never really looked at her flame before, she was always too concerned about keeping control of it and not hurting people. But now, she could see flickers of gold within the fire and she agreed with Alec's assessment, her fire was pretty. Her fire hummed in delight at the compliment and it caused Demi to smile.
"Thank you," Demi whispered to her flames. She thought it would be weird that she was talking to her fire but she found it wasn't weird. She had always noticed her fire seemed more alive and almost like a guardian angel. Her fire purred back and the flame in her hand flickered for a moment. Demi looked at the fireplace and decided to finally light it.
Getting up, Demi walked over to the fireplace and gently placed the small flame into the kindling and watched as the wood lit up. Within seconds, the fire grew to a good size and Demi sat back on the rug nearby and as she just watched the flames dance. By doing this, Demi felt a sense of peace and she no longer felt the strain of keeping in her fire. Looking down at her hands, Demi realised how it wasn't bad to not have the gloves on. She had assumed it would have been a lot worse but she felt in control of herself and that made her happy. Glancing at the gloves on the bed, Demi stood up and picked them up. Maybe the gloves weren't necessary.
Besides, what Camille didn't know wouldn't hurt her.