Another chapter down! Woo! I really like this one, though I love all my kings equally. I'm just in a Caius' mood currently. Did you know his movie actor is in a really good rock band? It's a lot of story fuel, just let me tell you.

Thank you so much to: Marlastiano, Angel897, CrystalVixen93, MarleeMiller5769, BellaDu57 and You Only Live Once-Cherish It! It means so much to hear that people really do love this story.

Hekate smiled as she silently opened the door to Caius' art studio. She leaned against the doorway as she just watched her mate. Caius was standing in front of an easel, his side facing her. He was in a black button-up shirt, tight jeans and converse of all things. His hair was even spiked back instead of falling naturally. He looked like a normal guy instead of an ancient vampire king, an ancient vampire king who happened to be painting a carnival scene.

The painting was hectic, bright and beautiful, which was something he usually didn't do. She recognized the scene, however. It was their first date. Hekate looked at the walls around the room, as well as the storage room that was connected, the doors open on it as well. Most of the paintings Caius did were in the older styles, which made sense. The new painting Caius was doing looked almost like a picture.

Hekate smiled brightly when Caius mumbled to himself as he mixed together some brown, yellow, red and white as he tried to find the right shade for her eyes. "I know exactly what shade they are and what they look like, yet I can't replicate it!"

Hekate moved behind Caius, wrapping her arms around his waist while she leaned around. She looked down at the palette he was working on, grinning at the color he mixed. "That looks like my eyes, love." She looked up at Caius to see him looking very nervous. "I promise, it's a perfect shade." She leaned up, kissing his cheek. "Just like your works, Caius. You're an amazing artist."

Caius smiled nervously down at her as he set his supplies down, turning to her fully with his full attention. "You mean it?"

Hekate knew Caius had horrible self-image and self-esteem issues, despite his outward persona. Those only fueled the anger and violent streaks Caius had. He had to be harsh and strict to keep any sort of respect, awe, fear and power he gained. He was too afraid to show his softer sides, afraid to lose any of those things. She gently caressed his cheek, smiling up at him. "Of course, love." She leaned up and kissed him softly, closing her eyes.

Caius gently pulled her close, moving his lips slowly with hers. Soft classical music was playing in the room, sunlight coming through the huge windows that made their skin sparkle. "I love you…"

Hekate smiled up at him happily when she pulled back, barely able to do so in the first place. Kissing her mates was addictive, especially when Caius was being so needy. Even when she pulled back, he was kissing her cheek and jaw, his hands were rubbing her hips. "I love you too, Caius."

Caius pulled himself together, kissing her forehead while hugging her gently. "Since my brothers are going to be busy, how about we use the opportunity?"

Hekate tilted her head before laying her head on Caius' shoulder, "What are you proposing?"

Caius smiled as he looked outside, knowing the sun would be setting soon. "My date." He winked down at her, "We've been waiting for you to get settled in first, but-"

Hekate laughed softly, "You have no patience."

Caius smirked at her, gently squeezing her in retaliation. "Shush."

Hekate grinned as she moved out of his arms, "When do you want to leave?"

Caius looked at his watch, "Aro and Marcus should be back soon. About an hour after they get back?" He looked down at her, smiling softly. "I know you'll want to say goodbye."

Hekate leaned up, kissing his cheek in thanks. "I do, thank you, Caius. I'll go pack!" She appeared by the door before turning back, frowning at him. "What should I pack?"

Caius was about to reply when Hekate's phone buzzed in her pocket. Caius chuckled when he saw the exasperated expression on his mate's face. "Alice has that covered, I see."

Hekate smiled at him softly, "She always does." She waved her hand before walking to her room, Jane following her. "Have you heard from my mates yet?"

Jane shook her head softly, "Not yet, Hekate." She then smiled up at her, "Are you excited?"

Hekate smiled brightly down at the girl, "I am. I have no idea what Caius would want to do. Alice told me to pack for a whole weekend and for a variety of occasions."

Jane nodded softly, "That would be good. You can always buy whatever you need before you go anyways." She then sighed softly, "Caius asked Renata and Felix to go. Demetri was going to go but he's spending the weekend with Amelia in England."

Hekate smiled at that as she entered her room, pulling out the luxury suitcases already in her closet. "I'm glad for him. I really like Amelia." She then turned to the girl, hugging her gently. "I know Aro will take you and Alec at least. I'll make him if Marcus doesn't."

Jane hugged her back, smiling happily at her. "Thank you." She then sat on the chaise in the closet while she watched Hekate picking out outfits to take. "Demetri's been taking his time courting her and spending time with her away from Volterra, to give her time to adjust. We don't know her that well but she's nice." She then smirked, rolling her eyes. "Heidi is happy to have another female joining us soon."

Hekate raised her eyebrows at that, deciding which bathing suits to take. "So, she's agreed to be turned and join the coven?"

Jane leaned back on the chaise, sighing softly as she stared at the ceiling. "Yes and no. Demetri hasn't asked her yet, but she loves him as much as he loves her. She wants to be with him forever, hints at it. He just wants to be dramatic and plan a grandiose thing for it."

Hekate looked over at Jane at that, a grin on her lips. "I can see that. Demetri is quite dramatic at times."

Jane smirked, "Not as much as Aro."

Hekate laughed, hugging Jane around her small shoulders. "Thankfully. I don't think we could handle a second person in this coven as dramatic as he." She winked at the brunette when Jane laughed with her. "We love Aro, but he can be a bit much sometimes."

{X}

Aro and Marcus were on their way to Hekate's wing when Caius joined them at the cross section of the royal wings. "Brother."

Marcus smirked at him, "Using our absence as an excuse?"

Caius sighed at Marcus, shaking his head. "Not entirely. I've been meaning to ask her any day now, I was just waiting for the right moment and for her to be comfortable again."

Aro glanced at Marcus then, mentally going over what date he'd like to take her on. "We could follow the order for our first dates since you're first again, Caius."

Caius grinned when Aro and Marcus sighed at him. "Sounds good to me."

Marcus rolled his eyes, nodding to Aro. "If nothing comes up, I'll take Hekate on our date not long after you get back, Caius."

Aro hummed in agreement as he opened the door to Hekate's quarters. He smiled when he saw her sighing at her phone, shaking her head and mumbling to herself. "I am NOT getting anything from that drawer, mother." She looked up to see the kings in the doorway. She laughed nervously, putting her phone away and smiling at them. "Hello."

Aro chuckled at her behavior, wondering which drawer she was talking about. He would find out eventually though. "Hello, cara mia."

Marcus appeared beside her, sitting on the bed and kissing her hand. "Hello, dear. I'm sorry we've been so busy today."

Aro nodded softly as he sat behind Hekate, kissing the back of her head and wrapping his arms around her. "We unfortunately have more business this weekend so don't feel bad for leaving. We will miss you though."

Hekate leaned back into him, bringing his hand up and kissing it gently. "I'll miss you both too." She then leaned over, laying her head on Marcus' shoulder. "Don't have too much fun without me?" She grinned when Marcus chuckled softly, shaking his head at her.

Caius, who had been leaning against the bed's frame, smirked at his brothers. "They'll have a blast, I'm sure, dealing with insubordinate and foolish newborns."

Hekate raised her eyebrows at her mates before getting up, moving to where her luggage was waiting. "I wouldn't know the feeling since I can't be trusted around the newborns." She then paused, placing her finger on her chin. "Even though I am a newborn… Weird."

Aro sighed softly, looking at his brothers. He saw that they didn't know how to handle this, so he started for them. "Hekate, love… We are just worried. Yes, you are a newborn and will be for seven more months. You have an amazing offensive power that you could use to protect yourself. But…"

Caius spoke up then, his eyes looking hard, but he wasn't angry. He was worried about Hekate getting hurt. "You're still training. Demetri and Felix haven't cleared you yet. A newborn has the strength to kill you, but older vampires have more experience than you. They could outsmart you and kill you before we could kill them."

Marcus stood up, moving over to her and squeezing her hands. "I am not going to lose you, Hekate, not like Didyme. If it means you being angry with us in order to keep you safe, so be it."

Hekate looked at him, wanting to be angry but how could she when the heartbreak was so evident in Marcus' eyes. Hekate sighed and squeezed his hand, shaking her head. They could visibly see her deflate. "I'm sorry…"

Aro appeared beside her, brushing her hair back and gently kissing her. "There is no need for apologies, cara mia. We understand your frustrations. They are just heightened from being a newborn, which is normal. Still, I want nothing more than to have you by my side in the throne room. I just want you to be ready."

Caius nodded, holding out his arms for her. He smiled when she moved into them, wrapping his arms around her. "Aro already has your throne ready, waiting for the day you're ready to join us." He then kissed her forehead, gently squeezing her. "We're about to go on our second date and you're already upset?"

Hekate laughed softly against his chest, shaking her head. "Shush. I love you and no matter what we do, I'll love it."

Caius grinned at her before letting go, reluctantly. "I'll go tell Felix and Renata to get the jet ready, take your time and join us when you're ready."

Hekate watched as Caius exited the room at a human pace, then using his vampire speed to leave the castle. She turned only to be pulled into Marcus' chest. She smiled and squeezed him, laying her head against the crook of his neck. "I love you, Marcus. I'll be fine, you know that."

Marcus nodded against her head, kissing it. "I know, dear. I trust my brother, Felix and Renata to keep you safe." He then lifted her head up, kissing her forehead. "I will miss you dearly, but It will give me time to plan an extraordinary date."

Aro grinned at them, "That means I get even more time to make ours even better."

Hekate laughed at them, pointing at Aro. "Don't go overboard. You turned a camping trip into a glamping trip, Aro."

Aro shrugged, not looking bothered by that at all. "I can't even begin to promise that I won't go overboard." He winked at her when she walked into his waiting arms. "You know me, cara mia." He then used the chance to mouth silently at Marcus. 'What is glamping?'

Marcus shrugged comically, frowning as he did. He then sighed, knowing just how true Aro's words were. "Don't we all. With our luck he'll buy out a luxury resort in the Caribbean for the weekend."

Aro hummed in thought. "Well, I could certainly do that but that depends on the weather… I wouldn't want to keep Hekate inside all day if it's sunny…"

Hekate just sighed, thumping her forehead against his chest. "Guys… Second dates are usually just nice restaurants, a movie or some nice scenic location for a walk. Maybe some heavy making out and stuff. Not buying out hotels, anywhere, especially not in the Caribbean." Marcus and Aro laughed at her fond exasperation before they both kissed her.

"What about an entire island in the Bahamas?"

"NO, Aro!"

{X}

Hekate smiled when she boarded the jet, seeing Renata sitting in one of the chairs. Or she had been until Hekate stepped onto the jet. "Hello, Renata."

Renata quickly stood up, smiling at the queen. "Hello your… Hekate." She then took in the outfit Hekate was wearing and smiled even more. "You look beautiful, Hekate."

Hekate grinned at her, brushing some lose strands of hair behind her ear. Her hair was pulled back into a messy fishtail braid. She had on smokey eyeshadow, mascara and winged eyeliner. She was wearing a black dress that fell to mid-thigh and went lower in the back. She had on a black and green flannel over that. She was wearing black flats to match. "Thank you, Renata. You look adorable."

Renata smiled bashfully, "Thank you, ma'am." Renata was in a pink blouse with a bow by the neckline. She had on high-waisted jeans with matching pink sandals. Her black hair was pulled half-back, the rest behind her shoulders. Renata bowed her head slightly to her, "We'll take off as soon as you get settled."

Hekate peeked her head around to see Felix chilling in the cockpit, grinning at her. "Hey, Felix." She laughed when Felix saluted her in greeting. She turned and entered the bedroom, smiling when she saw Caius reclined on the bed. Hekate jumped on the bed, landing beside him with her head in his lap and her arms spread out. Hekate laughed when Caius let out a dramatic 'oomph.'

Caius chuckled as he looked down at her, leaning down to kiss her. "You're silly." He held her down securely as the plane took off, making sure she didn't fall.

Hekate hummed against his lips in agreement. She reached up, holding his cheeks in her hands so he wouldn't pull away. "You need to be more silly. You're always so serious and angry." She giggled when Caius pulled away when she let him, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at her. "You are."

Caius sighed as he stroked her hair, "You, my brothers and a select few of our coven are the only people to see the other sides of me. As the only king without a gift, it's that much more important that the vampire world fears me. I have to be taken seriously which is why I'm so serious all the time. I have to be just as feared as Aro, Marcus, the twins or Demetri."

Hekate sat up, frowning at him. "Do I make you feel bad for having a gift as well?" She loved Caius with all her heart, she never wanted to upset him, make him feel bad or inferior to her.

Caius quickly shook his head, pulling his mate into his lap. "Of course not. I'm awed by your gifts, love. I am happy for you and I do not have any ill feelings about that. I only need to ensure that my reputation doesn't falter."

Hekate curled up on his lap, leaning against him. "You don't need to worry about that, love." She then smiled, kissing his jaw. "Hell, you drove a species to extinction."

Caius shuddered, remembering nearly being killed by one of those monsters. He wrapped his arms around Hekate more securely. He was glad he had done so because now Hekate would be safe from those creatures. He would absolutely lose his mind if one of them ever got ahold of his mate. He looked down at her, looking into her amber eyes with a warm smile on his lips. "As long as you believe in me, my love, I will be okay."

Hekate grinned at him, taking his hand in hers and squeezing gently. "I always will, my king."

Caius's eyes darkened at her calling him that, fighting down his desire for her. He instead kissed her forehead, closing his eyes. "I love you, my Queen."

"We're about to land, masters."

Hekate looked out the windows as they began descending, a city coming to view beneath them. "So, where have you taken me, Caius? It hasn't even been half an hour."

Caius smiled at her, brushing her hair back. "Ravenna, Italy. Just on the other side of the country which isn't far by jet."

Hekate laughed softly before looking up at him, "Well, what's in Ravenna?"

Caius winked at her. "That you'll have to wait for."

{X}

Hekate looked around as they passed by house boats, private jets and yachts as they walked down the marina. That was until she saw a big, black yacht almost at the end of the dock. She raised her eyebrows at how beautiful it was. It was very sleek, every inch of it black and had tinted windows. In the back were multiple seating areas, as well as a sitting area on the bottom where the storage was. The seats were perfectly white, matching the black yacht well. She was going to pass it until Caius stopped, grinning at her. Hekate paused, turning around to him as her jaw dropped. "This is your yacht?"

Caius laughed at her expression. "Yes. It's flashier than Marcus' but not as extravagant as Aro's."

Hekate rubbed the back of her neck as she walked up to Caius, down the little strip to get on the yacht. "Oh my god… This is crazy."

Caius grinned at her. "Get used to it love, you've joined two very rich families. Our side is just more dramatic."

Hekate grinned back at him as he helped her onto the yacht. "So, what's her name?"

Caius climbed the steps to the main level of the boat, still holding her hand. "Welcome aboard, Persephone, Hekate."

Hekate smiled fondly at her mate as they stood on the main deck, turning him to face her. "You named her Persephone because you're a king of the underworld, hm?"

Caius kissed her knuckles before pulling her closer, kissing her tenderly. One hand was resting on her neck, the other on her waist. He whispered to her when he finally pulled back, looking into her eyes while his love was evident in his eyes. "I did… But it seems especially fitting now, to have my ship named after you, love. You are a dark queen, are you not? But you also have a wonderful caring side, just like Persephone."

Hekate blinked back tears, feeling her heart swelling with the love she felt for Caius. "I guess so, my Hades." She leaned up, kissing him again. That was until Felix chuckled, walking up onto the main level as well, Renata trying to be quiet as she followed him. Hekate sighed as she pulled back, smiling at the grin on Felix's face. "Oh shush."

Caius rolled his eyes, keeping his irritation hidden. "Thank you. I can get them from here."

Felix nodded his head, knowing he shouldn't tease Hekate so much, especially in front of Caius. "Of course. Do you want to take her out?"

Caius nodded his head to Felix, "Yes. We'll return in the morning." Felix nodded once more, climbing to the bridge. Renate began getting the ship ready to leave the dock. Caius then turned to his mate, smiling softly at her. "Have you ever been out on the ocean?"

Hekate nodded, looking pensive as she stared down at the floor. "Yes, once. My father took my mother and I on a dolphin and whale watch trip shortly before… before I killed him." She sighed before looking out at the ocean. She smiled faintly, remembering how beautiful the dolphins were in their natural habitat. "It was nice…"

Caius moved his left hand from her neck to tilt her head up gently. He smiled when she looked up at him. "They are beautiful creatures, though not as beautiful as my mate."

Hekate's lips turned up at the corners from the compliment. "Stop it."

Caius smirked at her, feeling a little mischievous now. "The moon pales to the light and beauty you bring to my life. The ocean's sway will always remind me of our first dance together. The songs of the whales aren't nearly as beautiful as when you sing, my love."

Hekate groaned while he continued complimenting her, covering her face with her hands. "Caius!"

Caius laughed, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her up. "Why? I love showering you in compliments, love. You deserve them and more. You are also especially adorable when embarrassed. I almost wish your heart was beating just to see you blush."

Hekate looked down at him then, moving her hands to see. The moon was rising now, the glow reflecting off the water and making Caius' look even more god-like. His platinum hair was almost glowing, his red eyes standing out even more than usual. His lips were pulled into a smirk still, which made him look even hotter. Hekate groaned before she leaned down, kissing him again. "Because I can't handle it." She stopped kissing him to talk but quickly pressed her lips against his again. She didn't want to say it, especially where the guard could hear, but she was frustrated. Sexually frustrated and her mates weren't helping, at all!

Caius hummed against her lips, one hand slipping from her waist to her ass. He grinned when she growled against his lips, her eyes getting darker. "Oh, you can't handle it?"

Hekate huffed at him, narrowing her eyes at her mate. "Caius."

Caius raised an eyebrow up at her, "Hekate."

Hekate shook her head at her mate, hiding her face in his neck. "You know what I mean."

Caius's gaze softened at her getting bashful on him. He held her securely with one arm, opening the sliding glass doors on the inside with the other. "I know, love. I'm sorry." He felt the boat move then, heading down the stairs. He then used his vampire speed to appear in the master bedroom, setting Hekate down. "Do you feel better now that we're alone?" He could hear Renata talking to Felix, both now in the bridge.

Hekate didn't reply as she was looking at the master bedroom on the yacht. The floor was black wood, matching the ship's theme, as well as the room's design. The walls were a light gray, a door built into the wall, showing a hint of the bathroom behind the slightly agape doors. The huge king bed was the focus on the room. The bed had dark gray sheets, white pillows, black pillows with white designs on the edges, a black comforter with the Volturi Crest and fuzzy blankets on the edges. The headboard was made of the same black wood as the floor. Two black end tables were on either side of the bed, lamps attached to the wall above them. The big dresser was the same style as the end tables, black with silver furnishings. A white couch was pressed against one wall, another black blanket on it as well. Two more end tables were on either side of the couch, adding more storage. Across from the bed was a desk, though you could tell it was used for art. There were pain splatters, resin smears and faded marks from harsh cleaners. She was sure the drawers held more art supplies, especially judging by the art hung up around the room. She could see Caius' signature on all of them, making her smile more. She loved seeing Caius' private rooms, where he truly got to be himself. He didn't have to hide here. Every little thing was something Caius picked out that made him happy.

Hekate turned to Caius, kissing his cheekbone. "It's beautiful, Caius."

Caius rubbed her cheekbone in return, leaning in close enough that only centimeters were between their lips. He looked into her amber eyes with his dark ones, a slight smirk on his lips. His other hand trailed down her neck, over her shoulder and arms. He lightly ran his fingers down her palm and fingers, watching her shiver from the feeling. He moved his hand to her hip, rubbing the hip over her dress. Her eyes kept looking down at his lips, her lips parting and then closing as she tried to remain calm. Her eyes and body language betrayed her. Her amber eyes, which once resembled molten gold, were steadily becoming as dark as the night. She leaned into him subconsciously, licking her lips. One hand was pressing against his cheekbone with enough force to hurt a human, but barely felt anything to him. Her other hand was clenched, a last-ditch effort to keep her composure.

Caius finally broke Hekate when he spoke Italian in her ear, licking the shell before biting the tip. "Basta arrenderti, amore mio. Lascia che ti mostri quanto ti amo. Sei già al limite, cadiamo insieme."

Don't you just love cliffhangers, guys? No?