Felix

Secluded away in our rooms Bella was suddenly quiet, her eyes on my bare chest. She rushed over to me, her hands on my chest and my muscles jumped from the unexpected contact. She caressed my chest and down to my stomach kissing the bite scars I have gained over the years. Her tongue darted out and licked over one of them on my left shoulder. Then quicker than a snake, she bit my neck. I grunted. Bites hurt but I was immeasurably proud. My young mate had been driven to mark me. That would be a scar I would be proud to wear.

I picked her up and moved us to the couch where I set her down straddling my waist. She kissed me eagerly, hungrily. Her body moved restlessly against me. I hardened instantly and she rubbed on me with eager little moans. She was such a passionate woman. I couldn't wait to claim her. I stroked her back and she moved against me even quicker. My hands moved to the front of her tank top and I gently stroked her breasts. She moaned into my mouth and her tongue snuck out to lick my bottom lip begging for entrance. Our tongues dueled and I continued to stroke her. I rubbed little circles on her nipples and her hips bucked.

I was hard and straining, she was panting and writhing. My hands slipped up under her tank and I caressed her breasts for the first time, skin on skin. I pinched her tight little nipples and inhaled the intoxicating scent of her arousal. Reaching down I grabbed the hem on her tank and pulled it over her head. She snapped out of her lust-filled haze for a second but then her nipples rubbed my chest and she hugged herself to me tightly. I fell back into kissing her with passion and the tatters of my control. I grabbed the perfect globes of her ass and pulled her hard against my straining erection. She moaned loud and long bucking and grinding against me. Her eyes were wide and then she pulled me even tighter.

She was panting "yes, yes yes," and my control shattered. I ripped her little yoga pants off of her and kissed her deeply. "Yes, yes, yes," She panted I laid her down on the couch and kissed her delectable little neck. I hoped I got to mark her tonight. Then my lips and tongue explored both of her pert little nipples. I nipped them lightly and then sucked away the sting. I wandered over her stomach and down between her milky white thighs. I licked her lower lips and Bella's hips bucked against me. I ate her slowly, enjoying every taste of her sweet nectar. I moved my thumb up to rub her little nub. She cried out and came. I continued to devour her until every last drop was gone.

Bella was purring like a contented kitten and I moved back to her mouth and kissed her until she was writhing again. I went to unbutton my pants and I noticed her eyes widening like she was worried. I went back to kissing her. There would be other nights to claim. I would enjoy the gift she'd given me and not push her any farther tonight. I started kissing her again determined to give my little mate another orgasm so I could hear her purr again.

Demetri

It came time for combat training and Felix, Bella, Jasper, and Jane were all not there. I got worried and went to get them only to find Jasper and Jane waiting outside the door.

"They won't answer but I know they're in there," Jasper said as I approached.

"I guess they don't need a guard right now then. They'll call when they need you I smirked at them. Jasper and Jane both grinned and followed me back to the training room. An hour and a half later they joined us. Bella looked so embarrassed I couldn't bring myself to tease her. Instead, I just directed Felix to start on the basics with her. I'd give him hell for it later, but he was newly mated. We were probably lucky they weren't spending their first year in their rooms.

I dismissed combat training at eleven to give Bella time to feed and everyone else plenty of time to change clothes before court. Jasper and Jane took Bella to feed while Felix approached me.

"Sorry Dem," He said.

"Just be on time tomorrow man, okay?" I said.

"You got it."

"Go shower and change, they need their princess in court today. I need you to get back to work too. We have judgments today." I reminded him. I knew I was going to have to be patient with both of them for the next several years, but I couldn't let my enforcer out of all of his duties. I would take over the paperwork, but I needed him to do his own job when in court.

I went and grabbed my own shower and changed into black pants and a white dress shirt and headed down to the audience chamber.

We gathered in ones and twos. Bella walked in right on time with Jane and Jasper. They went to her throne.

"Welcome, welcome, young ones," Aro said. "We have two judgments today and our princess has rejoined us after her transformation."

"Princess," the majority of the group bowed.

"Our first judgment will be here momentarily."

We waited patiently and soon the doors opened. In walked Victoria and Laurent, guarded by a cocoa-skinned vampire.

"Our first case is a nomad named Victoria and her companion Laurent. They tried to infiltrate our home. Demetri, Felix, restrain them."

Jasper had stepped in front of my throne and Jane joined him.

"Jasper, tell us what happened when Victoria and Laurent came with James to the Cullens. We have already heard the Princess's testimony."

While Jasper spoke I had to struggle with Victoria. She was trying to get to Bella with all her strength.

"Jane dear," Aro interrupted Jasper's recount of events, "Perhaps you can encourage Victoria to pay attention to the proceedings."

"Yes, Master," Jane said and she smiled angelically at Victoria. Victoria started shrieking and it was a little harder to hold on to her. After a full thirty seconds, Aro said, "Very well Jane, we will see if that is enough."

Victoria slumped toward the ground but I held on tighter.

"Continue Jasper."

Jasper continued his recounting from where he had left off and I put all my focus on my task. Victoria was starting to stir.

When Jasper finished his tale he crouched ready to spring if either vampire escaped.

Aro rose from his throne and approached Victoria, Renata followed along closely behind him, keeping a hand on his back. Aro read Victoria's memory then Laurent's. He ghosted back to his throne.

"The proof of their intent is in their thoughts. They came for our princess. So, princess, I will let you take center stage for this judgment. What shall we do with them?" Aro asked.

Bella stood and for the first time, I saw the mantle of authority fall upon her shoulders. She addressed Aro. "James tried to kill me as a game against a larger, gifted coven. If you play dangerous games, you have to accept that you might lose. James lost. Holding me responsible is like playing Russian roulette and blaming the bullet that kills you. Victoria and Laurent have no case against me. Destroy them."

"Felix, Demetri, dispose of them," Aro ordered.

We moved immediately, dismembering them. When they were in pieces I stepped back and let Felix burn them.

I watched Caius smile approvingly at Bella while they burned. I was proud of her too. She'd do alright. From the murmurs around me, the rest of the elites approved of her as well.

"Dispose of the ashes and we shall continue in five minutes," Caius announced.

Alton got the broom and swept the ashes down the drain. The sickly sweet stink of vampire venom filled the chamber.

When five minutes passed everyone was in their positions.

A small coven of vampires was led in, the smallest, a girl, was very, very, young. She looked no older than thirteen.

Aro stood. "Anders, your coven is here because you have been accused of creating an immortal child. We would hear your testimony."

The girl crouched at Aro's voice and tried to lunge at him. I did not expect it, but Felix did. He caught the girl and held her still.

"I must admit that this does not endear me to be lenient with you," Aro said wryly. "Give your testimony Anders."

"She was dying after being attacked by two men that became my dinner. It was dark and she was in makeup, dressed in a short skirt and revealing top. It turns out that she had been turned out as a prostitute. I thought I was saving a much older girl." Anders said.

Aro went to read his and the girl's thoughts. When he returned to his throne he said, "It is true you were mistaken in her appearance. However, it is also true that she has nearly revealed our existence not once but twice. You had quite a job covering up her work."

"I should have destroyed her the first time. I am sorry." Anders said.

"Let us council," Aro said.

"Let us council." Caius agreed.

The Kings and Bella formed a close circle. There was a short seemingly heated discussion that I couldn't hear and then I heard Bella's voice murmur quietly.

"Chelsea, Alec, your services are required," Aro announced.

They both ghosted to the throne and Aro instructed them. They both turned to the coven.

Chelsea focused on the group first. Then Alec anesthetized the girl. Anders looked afraid.

"Felix, the girl only," Aro instructed. "Anders, you have made a narrow escape. You owe our princess for your freedom. She was the one to point out that you had successfully covered up both cases of near exposure. She also suggested Alec numb the girl to spare her unnecessary pain. Do not make such an error again."

"Thank you, Aro," Anders said bowing and then he turned to Bella, "Thank you, Princess."

Bella smiled regally and nodded her head. Approving murmurs rose in the room and Aro spoke again. "Dear ones, that is all for the day. We will not have court tomorrow or the next day. Enjoy your free time. Dismissed."

I started to leave but I was stopped by Bella calling out quietly, "Captain? A moment please?"

I turned back dismayed but walked happily enough to Bella.

"Have you decided yet what to do with the Cullens, where to assign them?" She asked.

"I was going to see to that tomorrow. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Esme is a gentle soul. She would do best with interior design or possibly with the tailors. Rosalie is supposed to be a first-rate mechanic if you have a need for that skill, otherwise, I have no recommendations for her. Emmett, if you can use one is skilled with computers. He is also fiercely loyal."

"I will assign Esme to the tailors and Rosalie to the mechanics, but I'm not sure about assigning Emmett to the guard that works on computers. He missed many things when he did that job for the Cullens."

"Give him a month to prove he can learn from his mistakes?" She pleaded.

"Oh fine, worst case we have to cover for him but it is Felix that is going to have to take that time to train him. Jasper will have to take over your combat training. Is that a sacrifice your willing to make?"

Bella leaped into my arms and hugged me, Felix roared and crouched. Apparently, they hadn't had any discussions about proper behavior yet.

Bella

Oops. I made a mistake. Felix was angry. I turned quickly and threw myself into Felix's arms trying to fix my error. I kissed him all over his face and apologized for upsetting him. He calmed slowly but steadily in my arms. Demetri took several steps away and allowed me to calm him. I kissed his lips and then begged him to forgive me. He sat me gently on the ground and said, "My love, please do not hug unmated males. I am controlling the urge to claim you but that nearly sent me over the line. I know you were just thanking him but I need you to control yourself."

"I'm sorry. It was all my fault. Forgive me?" I begged.

"Of course my love." He said and kissed me gently.

Once Felix was calm I turned back to Demetri.

"I'm sorry Demetri. I behaved badly. Will you forgive me?"

"We forget because you are so calm that you are a newborn. You're forgiven. Would you like to come with me to the Cullens?"

"Yes, please," I said smiling widely.

Jane walked in front of me and Jasper walked behind. Felix was on my left and Demetri was on my right. I felt incredibly protected but I hoped this level of care was not necessary.

We came to the new arrival barracks and entered. The Cullens were the only ones there.

They looked up surprised at our entrance.

"Cullens, I have consulted with Bella and decided where to place you. Esme, you will work with the tailors so you can take part in the decorating and clothing of the castle. Rosalie, you will work in our auto division keeping the cars running and upgraded. Emmett, you have a month to prove to me that you can work in the IT division. You will begin training tomorrow morning with Felix. Do you accept? Your other option is to stay with the lower guard to protect the castle."

"I accept," Emmett said and walked over to Felix. They began to discuss computer things that made no sense to me. It was something about Wifi access. "I accept," Esme said. Rosalie glared at me but said, "I accept."

"Gather your things and seek Alton to find accommodation on the second floor. Esme, you have the option of living on the second floor near your 'children' or going to the fifth floor with the others in your department. Welcome to the Volturi," Demetri said. "I'll leave you all here to talk." he turned and walked out. Felix moved a little closer to me but introduced himself to Esme.

We talked for about an hour while they collected their things before Felix made a motion toward the door. I was so happy that they had been placed in areas they would like and glad they would leave the barracks for someplace more hospitable. The room had many couches and televisions, a small library, and a pool table but they hadn't had any privacy. Esme looked sad, but I reminded myself that she was managing without Carlisle and that had to be hard.

I excused myself and we left Jasper talking to the family. When we got to the fourth floor we went to the recreation room. I felt myself relax in the company of my friends. We had a movie night and I cuddled with Felix on the couch. When the movie was over Felix and I went to our room. When Felix closed the door behind us I got on my tiptoes and kissed him passionately. Jumping up in his arms, I wrapped my legs around his waist and whispered, "Claim me."