"From the first moment that we touched,
your arms felt like home."
-John Mark Green
Walking through the halls, Aro and I were engrossed in a conversation about the arts when he stopped us in front of another set of large doors.
"Do you trust me?" He asked as I turned to look up at him. Surprisingly, I didn't even have to think before answering.
"Yes." He smiled at my answer and gave me a quick kiss before covering my eyes and opening the door. Thankfully, I only stumbled once as the ground changed from the hard stone of the castle to the plush cushion of grass which earned a chuckle from him.
As I felt him pull me to a stop, he finally uncovered my eyes, and I couldn't help the small gasp that left my lips. Before me sat the exact same garden from my dream, right down to the beautiful lavender plants next to the white roses and lilac-colored hydrangeas. The one thing that I did notice that was different than the dream was a blanket that had been spread out and laden with food of various sorts. My heart swelled with the amount of thought he must have given this.
"You did all this?" I asked while turning to see the sun glittering off of his skin. Temporarily forgetting the food, I lost myself openly staring at my mate's beauty. My hand moved of its own accord as it traced the contours of his cheeks. And yet, he calls me the angel. "Bellissima." I wasn't sure quite how long I stood there marveling at was probably something very normal for him, but nevertheless, I still found it beautiful.
"Eli?" He whispered the question, drawing my attention back to reality as my cheeks burned in embarrassment.
"Sorry." I tried to take a step back only for him to take the same step closer and lifting my chin to look at him.
"Amore, please don't be embarrassed." He gently kissed my forehead before leading me to sit on the food-covered blanket. "I wasn't sure what you would like, so I had a little bit of everything prepared."
"It's perfect, but you didn't have to go through the trouble -" I started to say, only to be silenced by a chocolate cover strawberry being shoved in my mouth.
"You deserve the world, darling. This is something small, so we could get to know each other better. Hopefully, without being interrupted this time." He smirked a little as I rolled my eyes and settled back against his chest.
"What would you like to know then?" I asked while he hummed in thought.
"Well, since you have met my family, what should I know about yours?" The perfectly normal question instantly dropped my happy mood causing me to sit up.
"Um, you've kind of already met the only family I have. Annabeth is all I had left, until now." I awkwardly spoke, trying to will the tears away and failing miserably. I quickly wiped them away and forced the memories away.
"Tesoro, I am so sorry. I had no idea." I completely fell apart as I felt the comforting embrace of my mate as I quietly sobbed into his chest. This is now the second time you have cried in front of him. Pull it together Beth before he changes his mind about you. Slowly, I managed to gain control over my emotions while I sat up to wipe away the last of my tears.
"I apologize, I'm not usually such a mess." I said with a broken, watery laugh which only earned a confused look from him as I changed the subject. "Since I have yet to meet Alec or Jane, could you tell me about them?"
"Well, Alec tends to be on the shyer side and tends to either stay by my or Jane's side when he is here. On missions, he is usually with Jane, Demetri, and Felix because they work best together." He looks so proud while talking about them, and it is honestly adorable. "Jane though, she reminds me more of Caius than either myself or Genevieve. She has a wild spirit and once she sets her mind to something, it is very rarely changed. But I must admit to spoiling them both, probably more than I should have over the years. Truthfully, she can be a bit too stubborn sometimes and she doesn't really like any major changes in her life, much like you as well it would seem." I rolled my eyes as he nudged me playfully while teasing me for yesterday.
"Ha-ha, real funny." The small smirk on my face quickly dropped as he nipped lightly at my neck before kissing his way up and across my jaw and capturing my mouth in a searing kiss. Somehow, we ended up laying down on the blanket with Aro hovering over me all without moving apart. With one hand tangled up in his dark locks, I tried to make quick work of the buttons of his shirt, desperate to feel any part of him that I could, when we were unfortunately interrupted by a loud cough. He placed one last peck on my nose before turning to glare at the one who dared to ruin our moment.
"What do you want, Caius? Clearly, we were busy." He growled out and I laid a hand on his now bare chest to try and calm him a bit.
"I was simply coming to remind you that we still have to deal with the Seattle issue, and to see if Izzy would like her own room or if she preferred to stay in your's." I didn't have to even look at him, his smugness was very evident in his tone. All too happy with himself for being a nuisance.
"Fine." Aro grumbled before returning his attention back to me. "Which would you be more comfortable with, darling?" I pretended to be deep in thought as I ran my hand up his chest and threading my fingers through his hair a bit before giggling.
"If it's okay, can I stay in your room? I'm not entirely sure about being on my own here." I said honestly, and then I had an idea. I stretched up and kissed his cheek before whispering, "It would mean more time we could spend together," I nipped at his ear and he tightened his hold on me. "like this morning." I laughed a little as I pulled away and he groaned while I smirked up at him.
"Stuzzicare." (Tease.) I laughed as he pulled me in for another kiss, much to Caius' annoyance.
"Can we go now?" He huffed and I rolled my eyes.
"If we're keeping you, feel free to go." I sassed him as he scoffed and walked off grumbling. "How much time did that buy us?"
"Unfortunately, not enough." Aro sighed out as I laid down on my side next to him.
"Maybe I could just come with you?" I offered, much to his shock and amusement. "I promise I'll be silent. You won't even know that I'm there." Honestly, I'm not sure why I felt so giddy about sitting quietly while he worked, but the idea of getting a behind-the-scenes look at the inner-workings of the Volturi fascinated me. He seemed to be considering my request, and in a final effort, I gave him my best pouty, pleading look.
"I suppose, just this once, it would be alright." I was already standing when he caught my hand. "But you are to stay by my side the entire time." I nodded eagerly as he laughed at my easy joy.
"I promise!" I was quite literally bouncing in my place, acting more like a child having a sugar rush than an adult getting ready to sit through a meeting, but I had absolutely no care in the world.
"Jane and Alec are going to be there as well, so if you are comfortable with it, I can introduce you to them afterward." He said, hesitantly. Even that did nothing to deter my energy. In actuality, it made me all the more excited.
"Great! Let's go!" I all but squealed in my excited state, earning a chuckle from him as he led us back through the winding hallways and into what I would describe as a large study. The second the door closed all conversation ceased as they took in the fact that Aro wasn't alone.
"I called it! I'll collect my winnings before you all leave." An unknown man spoke while laughing as Caius scowled at him. Aro just growled at them.
"Do I even want to ask?" He snapped making the rest of them laugh, minus Alec who just looked happy for us.
"A few of us, mostly those of us that were present for the little show yesterday, had a bet going and your little human showing up with you means the rest of us lost to Afton. Most of us didn't think the human would be foolish enough to be in a room full of vampires after how she reacted yesterday. Afton was the only one who thought that you would be stupid enough to bring her along and of course, Alec chose to ruin our fun by not participating either way." One of the others commented and I instantly regretted my decision. I tried to turn and flee the room as the tears prickled my eyes, but Aro's arm held me firmly in place as he growled loudly at them.
"Let me make this perfectly clear, if I ever heard of any of you speak about Elizabeth, my mate," I didn't even need to turn, the tension from his threat was palpable. "Caius will look like the reasonable one. Am I clear?" When no one said a thing, he pulled my tighter against his side. "Am. I. Clear?"
"Yes." Came the resounding answer as Aro walked us to a sofa and pulled me onto his lap.
"Now let's get on with it. There had better be new information." He warned and I tensed at his tone.
"There is. They have changed children that are close to being immortal children with how young they look. I wouldn't doubt that a couple of them actually are, honestly." One of them, Demetri I think, said and I was left angry that someone would do that to a child.
"The Cullen seer is watching our decisions, so we cannot make the decision on the matter." How would he know that? "Jane, Alec, Felix and Demetri, you four are assigned to the task. Jane, you are making the final decisions regarding future actions. The rest of you are dismissed. Afton and Santiago, we will be having words later." I saw them both pale at his ominous words, if that was even possible, before fleeing the room with the rest of the vampires who were present.
"Father, what are we actually deciding on? Surely you aren't letting us decide their fate." Alec said, unsure of the situation which the blonde girl scoffed at.
"Father said I was making the final decision, so lighten up, will you? You don't have to make the hard decision, as usual." She muttered the last part under her breath making Alec glare at her.
"Enough, both of you! I will not have you two squabbling like children. We are the Volturi, and you are my children. I taught you both better than that!" Aro scolded them and I bristled at the tone as a strange sound rumbled in my chest. "Mia cara?"
"Apologies. I don't know where that came from." I quickly mumbled out as I felt my cheeks warm in embarrassment.
"Has she met them before now?" Marcus asked and I shook my head.
"Alec saw her last night, but they didn't interact any. All she knows about them is from what I have told her." Aro clarified as Marcus chuckled.
"Is it possible that the resurfacing memories are affecting her?" Caius questioned, and I was left completely confused as I looked to Alec and Jane who shared my concern.
"No. That isn't it. Bonds don't form from past memories." Marcus stated with an eye roll.
"Um, what bonds?" I asked as I glanced at their wide-eyed expressions.
"Did Aro not explain what gifts we have?" Aro shifted under me and I guess that was all the answer that Marcus needed. "What have you actually told her?"
"We haven't exactly had much time to ourselves, Marcus. She only got here yesterday, and Caius seems to enjoy interrupting any private time we have." Aro pointed out and I felt my eyes widen at the realization that I hadn't actually been here all that long when it felt like I had always been here with Aro.
"Okay then… Can I get a vampire101 crash course? What should I know that I don't right now?" Might as well get it all out of the way now.
"Well, the major point for right now that is relevant is that some vampires have gifts. For instance, I have the ability to see the bonds that people share. Jane has the ability to cause someone great pain with a single look. Alec can rob you of all of your senses. And as Aro probably told you, he can read every thought you've ever had." What the hell! I was instantly up and away from him once I processes what Marcus had said.
"Liz." Aro tried to approach me in my frazzled and shocked state and I backed away, not so much in fear but more in an effort to protect any privacy I had left. I knew not asking questions would come back to bite me, but not like this.
"You didn't tell her, did you?" I shot an annoyed look to Marcus.
"Clearly not!" I snapped and Caius smirked at me before looking to Aro.
"So, you bedded her before she even knew anything at all? How modern of you brother." Asshole
"Can I go now? I need to speak with Annabeth." Please just let me leave. Aro gave me a hurt look and said nothing.
"Of course, Elizabeth. Felix will escort you." Marcus said and I gave him a grateful smile as Felix led me from the room. We walked the twisting halls for a few minutes in silence as I worked through everything.
"So, you're Annabeth's mate?" I asked and he instantly lit up.
"Yes." Aw! He is too precious!
"Then since Annabeth is like a sister to me, it is my job to say that if you ever hurt her, I will find a way to make sure that they never find your body." I tried to sound threatening, but we both ended up laughing.
"Good to know, my queen. it's good to know that Anna has someone like you as a friend." He said and I froze. I completely forgot about the whole queen thing!
"Right… So, how long have you been with the Volturi, if you don't mind my asking?" I can see why Annabeth goes on and on about him. He is surprisingly easy to talk to.
"I don't mind. I've been with them for as long as I have been a vampire which has been a few centuries. We don't really keep track of exactly how long it's been given that we live for eternity. Time doesn't really matter much once you have been changed." He explained and I guess that kind of made sense.
"Can I ask you something?" Maybe he knew more about Aro's gift.
"Of course." He gave me a kind smile that helped to ease my nerves a bit.
"What do you know of Aro's gift?" I asked hesitantly and he chuckled for a moment before answering.
"Marcus gave a very glossed over version of it. While yes Aro's gift is being able to read every thought a person has had, he has more control over it so he can only use it when necessary. I think the only time he used it on you was when you first arrived in the throne room yesterday to see just how much Cullens might have told you. But what Marcus also didn't mention, his gift is only confined to when he takes a person's hand. Normal skin-to-skin contact doesn't work." Oh. "Let me assure you, my queen, that Aro would never use his gift on you without your express permission first."
"Thank you. I guess it was just a lot to take in all at once, and I apologize for making a scene." I sheepishly said, trying to hide my growing embarrassment at my actions.
"No need to apologize. It was a perfectly normal reaction to the situation." It probably wasn't but I appreciated his effort. I smiled at his kind words and I realized that I was starting to hear Anna's voice echoing through the otherwise quiet reception area. I laughed as her confused look at seeing me there was quickly replaced by a bright smile at seeing Felix instead.
"I knew you two would get along!" She said with a laugh as she clicked something her computer before getting up to pull me into a hug.
"The Masters asked me to escort her to you. She found out about Aro's gift from Marcus." He explained before giving her a quick kiss in greeting.
"I see. Tell them I'll sort her out by dinner, if not earlier." She said as she gave me a small smirk while taking in my nervous state. "And I'll see you after your shift gets done." TMI Anna!
"Minx." He teased with a laugh before he let to do whatever else his job entailed, and Annabeth turned on me with a sympathetic look.
"Alright, so what actually made you freak out this time?" I shrugged while she led us to the small sofa.
"I don't know, I think I might have overreacted when Marcus said Aro could read ever thought I'd ever had. But on the way here, Felix explained it in more detail and that seemed to help more than anything. I can see why he's your mate." I nudged her shoulder playfully as she rolled her eyes.
"Ha ha, yes he's the calm one. I get it and the universe is trying to tell me to chill out." That it was. "But are you really feeling better about that bomb dropping? I know it took me a while to get over it when I was told." She said as took my hand.
"I think so. I mean, Felix sounded pretty sure that Aro had only once used his gift on me without my permission and that was because he was trying to see how much the Cullens had told me which was pretty much nothing since I didn't really know them until the plane ride back here. I don't even think I was that upset about it to begin with, it was more that I felt like it was an invasion of my privacy than anything else." Even as I said it, I knew that what I was saying was the truth.
"So, you're not even mad for the one time?" She sounded surprised, and honestly, I was a little shocked myself, but I couldn't bring myself to care.
"Not at all. I guess I just needed a minute to work through the shock." Speaking of. "What the hell was with those rags that you tried to pass off as clothing options for me?" I lightly smacked her shoulder in annoyance. "Thanks to your little stunt, I had to meet Aro's sister and Caius' wife this morning so I wasn't uncomfortable all day. They were at least nice enough to loan me something that I'm actually comfortable in."
"Okay, so maybe I was trying to get you to wear something from this century at least. But come on Liz, at least consider some of the lingerie Heidi and I picked out. if not for you, then for Aro's sake. You've got a gorgeous body, why not show it off a little?" She tried to encourage me, but I knew that even if I did consider any of that stuff, I wasn't going to tell her that I was.
"Anna, you know how much I hate clothing from this century. Can you please just learn to respect that instead of trying to dress me up like a doll? I don't force my style onto you, can you please just do the same for me?" I asked and she gave me a hard look before relenting.
"Fine, I'm sorry Liz." She pulled me in for a hug and we giggled a bit. "Now then, are you ready to head back? My shift is over and if you would like, I can help you sort through everything and we can see what you actually want to keep versus what you don't."
"You do know that the majority of it is going to be gone, right? So, let's be honest here, you want to go through it so you can keep what I don't." I teased while she grinned.
She quickly pulled me to my feet and took off in the direction of Aro's room to organize all the bags and articles of clothing that Annabeth and Heidi had picked, laughing the whole time about old memories like we were somewhere else instead of two girls bound to two vampires for the rest of time.
