Chapter Thirteen - Italy

Italy's skyline was overwhelming. The sun rays were a luminous shade of fiery red and gold that bled into the sky line. The scent in the air was different from La Push. It felt as if I was in an age old classic foreign film with so much history. We waited a moment until the sky was covered in blanket of darkness and iridescent stars.

Ashling held onto my hand while focusing her eyes through the miniscule window. She took in a deep breath and I knew she missed home.

"I can't wait to show you everything, from my favorite historic sites to my secret hiding place."

I was eager to learn more about her. Throughout the entire flight, she spoke constantly about her home, her mom and the adventures we would uncover together. She always felt alone when in Italy, thus her focus into her artwork. I didn't want to ask her about Luca, but she was fully aware of my sudden silence.

"I didn't have any friends, Ephraim. I know you're wondering about Luca and how he came into my life."

She had a hard time looking at me. Her eyes directed to her lap and she stared out the window again. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, so I didn't press for more information.

"Ashling, whatever happened, I don't need to know."

"It's not that, Ephraim. Whatever it is, Luca wants something and I need to figure out what he wants still. He seems adamant about coming after me."

I squeezed her hand for reassurance, "Hey, we need to figure this out, not just you. Everything about you is now my concern."

She leaned over and kissed me, "But first, you have to meet my mother."

I don't know why I was nervous. Maybe because our relationship was moving forward at a sudden pace, but I knew it wasn't that. It was because I felt responsible for all this. It was as if I had created her for me. I was self-regarding for only my needs and wants. Surely, there was something more that caused Ashling to be in my life, permanently. I knew that's what I wanted. I wanted her etched into my life forever. It seemed like an extensive time, but it felt right.

Her profound laughter woke me up from my trance, "Don't worry, Ephraim. She's an angel and the complete opposite of my father, it seems."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drift off. It's not your mom I was worried about."

She raised her eyebrow, intrigued by my pondering thoughts. "Well, what has you spellbound then?"

"I don't know." That was my honest answer. Technically, I didn't know how to explain it to her without making her think I was attempting for a proposal. We were young and still learning about one another. Proposals and marriage were not even on my radar.

We were both interrupted by the pilot's voice over the intercom. We were free to board off the plane. The evening atmosphere made it simpler on Ashling not having to hide her skin. As we walked pass the cockpit, we could see through the door that a vehicle was waiting our arrival.

The vehicle was a massive SUV with tinted windows. A gentleman though in actuality, a vampire, was waiting at the corner of the vehicle. He was extremely tall and had distinct jawlines that showcased his muscular tones. His gray cloak enclosed his entire body. He didn't flinch as he gazed directly at me, but the moment he saw Ashling, he softened up.

She ran directly to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and he lowered his head down.

"Felix! I've missed you!"

Deep in my gut, I felt a sense of jealousy. His name was familiar and I realized after studying his face where I had remembered him. In the vision my mom showed us, he appeared at the river. He had to have been a guard for Aro at that time.

"Ashling. You've had us all worried about you. Your mum has been eagerly awaiting your arrival back home."

He looked at me while still hugging Ashling. She pulled herself back and smiled at me, "This is Felix. Felix, this is Ephraim. He's my . . . friend."

That was awkward, I thought. But we never established what we were to each other. She couldn't say 'imprint', that would have been more difficult.

She looked at me still with her deep dimples and biggest smile, "Felix is my personal bodyguard. Unfortunately, my mom wouldn't allow me to bring him to Forks. She said I wouldn't need him anymore once I arrived there. It all makes sense now." She lifted her shoulder up to her chin and winked at me.

I was her bodyguard now. The one to protect her always, even though I had no clue as to what I was doing. Felix didn't seem so sure of her statement.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that." He answered her directly with his deep monotone voice. "But please let me drive you both home this evening. There is much to be said between us all."

We got into the SUV and headed towards what could only be described as a castle built for a kingdom. I had been living in the century of modern architecture that I've never grasped at the majestic marvels of Italy's rich culture. The structures of the building had me at a mute standstill.

"Ephraim, you look like you've seen a ghost." She placed her icy hands on mine.

"Hardly. I'm in awe, that's all. I feel so . . . ignorant that such an astounding building like this exists. I guess I've been living in a hole for too long."

"There's so much more to see than this. I'll be your personal tour guide and show you all the magnificent places that you will ever only encounter in Italy."

She truly was readily ecstatic to show me her world, and I was thankful it was with her to share the upcoming memories with.

As the SUV pulled up to the front of the entrance, we entered through the double doors that started from the floor all the way up to the ceiling. It felt like the door was ever growing up and never going to end. Inside the entryway were walls made of stone. Ashling took hold of my hand and pulled me in. She did a little twirl and looked up to the ceiling and smiled. There was a small window that allowed for the moonlight to crawl its way through. It lit across her face and it was as if her face beamed into unforeseen shades of a white iridescent glow.

"You're beautiful." That's all I could murmur out of my mouth. She had me at an awestruck.

She tilted her head and pointed towards a stairwell. I noticed the elevator by the stairwell and wondered how many floors this building had considering it needed an elevator. She led me up the circular stairs which led to a wide hallway that opened to the first floor. The remainder of the house was all cohesive in design with dark walls and antique furnishings which had to have been collected over centuries.

We made it to the end of the hallway and she opened the double doors. She stepped inside and pulled me in. The room was lit with several candles, and in the middle of the room was a massive bed. Again, the furnishings were all dark tones. At the corner was a drafting table that only an artist would find useful. I realized we were in her room.

"Do you think it's a good idea for me to be here?" My nerves took over me and I felt as if I was trespassing.

She giggled at my response. "You've never stopped yourself from coming into my room before."

"That was different. We were at my Gramps and Grams. This is your house, your room."

She jumped on her bed then got back up. "I don't even know why we have beds when we don't even sleep."

She was changing the subject. "Ashling, I don't think I should be in here."

"He's right."

The voice of a woman at the door made us both turn around. She had a serious look and her eyes were locked onto mine. I felt frozen and unable to swallow the spit stuck in my throat.

"Mom!"

Ashling ran to the door and wrapped her arms around the woman. The woman held on tight and didn't let go.

"Ashling. I have missed you so. It seems like you have been gone forever."

The woman stepped back and her hands caressed Ashling on the cheeks. She then looked at me again.

"Hello, m'am. I'm Ephraim. It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry; I didn't realize this was her room." I pointed my finger at Ashling. My heart was palpitating out of my chest.

"It's alright, Ephraim."

She walked over to me and placed her hand over my heart. It was icy cold and I didn't know how to take it.

"Be still, Ephraim. I've sent word to your mother about your safe arrival here. I know she would have returned the favor should Ashling ever run away from me. But please call me Sulpicia."

I didn't know how to read her. She was intimidating, yet had a motherly personality that reminded me of my mom.

"Please, Ephraim, let me show you to your quarter."

I didn't hesitate and followed her down the hallway. It wasn't but a couple doors away from Ashling. I felt relieved knowing I wouldn't be too far away from her because I was a complete stranger in this household.

The room was similar to Ashling except it wasn't as personalized. I couldn't stop marveling at the handcrafted furniture from the bed to the dressers. Each piece unique in its own way, as if it was made for specifically for each room.

Before she stepped out of the room, Sulpicia turned around and glared at me once more, "You'll be wise to stay clear from my daughter's room. I understand your fate of imprinting has been encountered before your arrival here. As much as I do not want to believe in the Quileute's belief, I have much respect for your mother. It was always expected."

"I promise, I won't be in or near her room, m'am – Sulpicia." I felt a rush of my blood going up to my face. I couldn't stop myself from blushing. I couldn't believe I was having this conversation with her.

Just when I thought she was about to leave, she turned around once more, "Oh and Ephraim. Thank you."

I didn't know what she was thanking me for.

"You probably do not remember, but you blessed Aro and me with Ashling. A miracle that you bestowed on us, and for that, I am forever grateful."

"You're welcome." My words were soft spoken because to be honest, I didn't remember any of it. I've been told that but I had no recollection.

The door shut behind her and I studied the room some more. I unpacked whatever clothes I had in my duffel bag. It wasn't much at all, but I was pretty simple when it came to my personal belongings. Traveling in a bike made me more conscious about what my true necessities were.

A quiet knock at the door caught my attention. Ashling's head peeped through and it made me nervous. She was standing in front of me already with her dimples and wide eye smile.

"I don't think you should be in here. Your mom . . ."

She placed her finger over my lips. "My mom said you are to stay clear from my room, but she never said such about me at your room."

I nodded my head and couldn't help but smile back at her. "I'm not going to argue with your mom about a technicality. If you want to talk, then we can go outside into the hallway."

I started to lead her out of my room, but she held on tight to my hand. Soon enough, her arms were already around my neck and her lips grazed against mine. I held her tiny waist with my arms and kissed her back. It seemed each time we kissed felt different. My extreme heated body welcomed her icy touch. My taste for her heightened and she was savory. I inhaled her scent and her little moans she released caused my hormones to do the unthinkable. I had to stop myself.

I put her down and took in a deep breath and closed my eyes. She was looking up at me. I didn't realize it, but I felt as if I was growing taller by the minute.

Her arms were now wrapped around my waist, and she rested her head on my chest. She barely reached my chin.

"You're growing into a real beast, Ephraim. I don't remember you being this tall."

"I don't either. I've been told once we phase that we would be growing in strength, but I didn't realize it would be an overall body growth."

Another knocking on the door startled me and I deliberately pushed Ashling away from me. Please don't be Sulpicia, that's all I was thinking. Instead, it was a human. She was a petite lady with gray hair and dressed in black and white garments.

"Excuse me, sir, but dinner is served. Please court the Lady Sulpicia and Ashling at the dining hall."

"Uh, yeah. I will be there soon."

The petite lady walked out and closed the door behind her. I stared at Ashling and raised my brow, "You don't eat, so why are they asking you to be in the dining hall?"

She rolled her eyes at me, "I don't think it would be proper to let you eat alone. We'll join you to keep you company."

She wrapped her arm around mine and we found ourselves in the grand dining hall. It was a long table that could sit 40 to 50 guests. At the end of the table was a variety of meats, vegetables and soup. It was definitely different from what my mom cooked, but it smelled deliciously actually. I realized I haven't ate in a while, and I was famished.

Sulpicia was already sitting at the head of the table. "Please, Ephraim. I do hope you enjoy. It's been a while since we've used this room for its intended purpose."

"Thank you. You didn't have to. I would have been fine with pizza or a burger."

"Yes, well, Italy has a slightly different diet than American food."

Ashling sat beside me and they both watched as I ate. It was a little unnerving as they both sat there. Ashling finally broke the silence.

"Mum, I wanted to take Ephraim out on a tour of Italy if you don't mind."

Sulpicia seemed hesitant at first, but she stopped herself and nodded her head. "Be careful however. With everything that's happened between you two, you have to take precaution."

"Don't worry, Mum. I'm sure Luca is no threat to us here."

It wasn't long and we were in the night life of the streets. It was a very festive event. There were so many food vendors and music galore. Ashling handed me a paper cone filled with fried seafood. I was already stuffed from dinner, but it was a tasty treat that didn't last long in my hand. Vendors were giving me samples of all sorts of delicacy from handmade pizza to fried meatballs called polpette. We finally found a secluded area and finished our meal with gelato.

"If you're trying to fatten me up, it's working, and I've only been here not even one day."

"It's fascinating how humans can create a variety of food to eat. I am completely jealous that I can't enjoy the flavors that you are."

She placed her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her fisted hand. I was more fascinated with her than all the humans around us. Her eyes made me drown out the crowd and music, but then she dropped her hands down and grabbed mine.

"Let's dance!"

I wasn't able to deny her fast enough. We were both on the streets with the rest of the crowd, dancing to the festive music. She threw her head back, laughing at my attempt of dancing. She was a magnet to all the kids around her as they all circled around her and enjoyed dancing with her. An older lady grabbed my hand and soon we were all exchanging hands with partners. I tried to find my way to Ashling, but she seemed to like the idea of me trying to catch her. My partner turned me around and once I looked at Ashling, I noticed her face had changed drastically.

In front of her stood Luca, he held onto her hand and smiled at her. Less than a second and I was already at her side. "Let go of her, Luca."

"Well, looks like wolf boy made his way into our territory. No one is here to protect you now, wolf boy."

"I don't need anyone, and I don't think you want to test me either, Luca."

"Luca, let me go. You know we can't do anything out in the public."

He stared down at her hard, "Things are about to change, sweetie."

He pressed his lips down on her, and I was now holding his neck with my hand against the wall. He had his hand on mine and tried to release my grip, but my grip was getting tighter by the second.

Ashling came to my side and tried to pull my hand down, "Ephraim, there are too many people here. You can't do this. He's not worth it."

Luca tried to speak but was choking his words, "You should listen to her, Ephraim. Be a good dog, and listen to your master."

I pressed harder against his throat and placed my face right up to his. "The next time you lay a finger on her, you're done."

Luca chuckled at my threat, but it was a promise.

Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice at my side. "Let him go, Ephraim." It was Felix. Why was he here?

"We'll deal with him later, Ephraim. Until then, there are more important matters we have to handle right now."

My body heat was having a hard time cooling down, but once I did, I released Luca and he fell to the ground. Felix walked up to Luca and held him by the neck too. "I knew there was a reason why I never took a liking to you." He released Luca and soon Luca was running through the crowd.

Ashling took my hand to cool me down, she knew I had to control my temper or else my wolf form was going to phase. I had no practice or control yet either. We both looked at Felix and he had a worried look.

"What is it, Felix?" Ashling recognized Felix wasn't himself. There was something he wanted to tell us, but somehow didn't know how to say it.

"Felix." I felt uneasy waiting for him to speak.

"It's your family, Ephraim. The queen has been held captive along with your father and sister. They're being held for ransom. A trade for Ashling and your head."

A/N: Sorry for the delay! It's been a wonderful and busy Holiday for me, but I'm back in motion and needing to finish this story. Thank you for continuing and I do hope you are still enjoying this story! Much love and please vote if you like it!

-kl