Warning: The following chapter has the two following characters Marcus and Caius, being extremely cute and fluffy. If you do not like said characters being such than this is not the story for you. If you are wandering when Caius will be his sadistic self, don't worry he will make an appearance in future chapters.

I would also like to add, that if you are wandering where is Charlie. Venus will not confront him for at least another chapter maybe two. If this confuses you, please note that even surrounded by her mates and elite guard who would all die before anything happens to her, she still fears her biological father, after years of abuse. Just wanted to throw in that in the beginning, so hope you enjoy the chapter.


Venus giggled as Marcus was preparing the bath, she now sitting in her towel. He would look over at her with a smile on his face, the time with his brother had been good. She was relaxed completely and open, and for the first time Marcus could see the bonds as they were. All three a pale yellow currently, as they would be gold once the bond was completed. Of course, Caius had a slight advantage currently it being just a touch darker yellow; but that wasn't very surprising.

What surprised Marcus, was that currently if just barely Aro was in last place. Now, this wasn't a competition as one day all of them will have identical bonds to her. However, with how close Aro and Venus had started, to now. His younger ebony haired brother, had been the first to realize he loved Venus; though he didn't speak it. However, Marcus supposed when he was absent that allowed both he and Caius to dart past him.

"What are you thinking about?" The voice of his goddess spoke up, his red gaze met her chocolate ones instantly.

"You, and the bond we share." He replied calmly.

Venus's eyes widened, before she bit her lip; curiously looking towards him. "Can I see?" She asked hesitantly, and his cherry gaze softened. He held a hand out to her slowly, to which she rose to take.

"I don't see why not." He whispered, before pulling her closer to him. Her eyes stayed locked with his, while he lowered his head to press against hers.

Chocolate eyes closed as he did this, she breathed him in slowly; before a yellow chord took over. It was like a vine, wrapping around the person before her. The sight was so comforting, as she realized just how linked they were. The towel slipped from her grasp, as she moved closer to him.

His cool, soft lips touched her warm; but equally soft ones. "Do you see, just how precious you are to me?" He whispered softly.

"Yes." She breathed, as her eyes opened softly; before he gently picked her up. "Marcus, thank you."

"You are welcome." With that he slowly lowered her into the water. Being the forever gentleman, by keeping his eyes on her chocolate orbs and not wandering. "Let's get you clean."

Venus giggled, as she was lowered into the warm tub; her eyes closing instantly. One thing that humans and vampires shared in common, they both loved to be wrapped in warmth. Though Vampires were not affected by the extreme temperatures, as humans were. This was a comfort both races enjoyed, whether it be the warmth of a freshly ran bath, or their lovers arms.

"Is the water to your liking?" Marcus asked, her response was a soft moan. He grinned, as slowly he began to wash the paint from her hair.

Leaning into his touch was a must, as the dark colors began to fill the tub. He took the time however to drain and refill the water, each and every time. Covering her with a towel when drained, and removing for when it was filled. Needless to say the floor was soaked, as was the man.

Marcus gently washing her neck, suddenly paused. His fingers dusting over the darker flesh, as he eyes it. "Who did this?" He asked concerned that someone had hurt his mate.

"Aro, he thought I looked better with a hickey." Venus replied with a giggle. "He was so sweet the other night."

"This is a love bite, not a bruise?" Marcus clarified.

"Yes." She replied simply. "Surprised that Caius didn't comment on it, honestly."

He nodded in agreement. "He will probably do so when you are cleaning him."

"Any warnings?" She teased.

"My blonde brother is the sexual one out of the group," Marcus replied.

Venus looked up with shock. "I thought that was Aro.".

"No, Aro is a tease." He replied.

She giggled at this. "That I can see." Her eyes scanning up to his. "Does this make you the gentleman and lover."

"Why of course." Was the reply, as he smirked. "Now, with that said I am still very much male."

"Oh, that I know." Venus replied, before turning in the tub so she could kiss her older appearing mate. "I love you." She breathed, when they eventually parted.

"If you were 18, this would be a very different bath." Marcus replied softly. "However, that is a mere two years. Plenty of time to spoil you, before flesh takes over."

Her cheeks turned red instantly, which caused a chuckle in response. "Marcus."

He smiled softly. "However, I have spoken to Aro while you were with Caius. We will be having you enrolled into the school here in Volterra, I know you still wish to study marine science..correct?"

Venus's eyes went huge, before her arms wrapped around him again. "You were serious."

"Very much so." He replied with a grin. "However, I ask you to be the one to tell dear Caius."

"I thought he can hear?" She replied, which caused a look of amusement, which turned into a wince as arguing could be heard.

"I do not mind her going to school, I just wish for Jane to go with her." They could hear Caius snapping.

"Pray tell me, how we can hide Jane's skin?" Aro's voice demanded.

"A parasol." Venus whispered.

Marcus chuckled while nodding. "However you may be at the ocean for a few classes."

"Great!" She replied instantly with excitement.

Caius could be heard again. "Alright, compromise we have a private teacher here. Who will teach her about the ocean and all."

"That is reasonable." Venus whispered to Marcus, as they continued to listen.

Aro's growl startled her. "It is up to her."

"I think I need to calm Aro down." Venus said to Marcus quickly, who was instant to help her out of the tub and dry her body. He then did quite the provocative alternative for clothing, one of his dress shirts.

"If you were 18." Marcus growled, before leading her back to the study.

Both of his brothers whipped their heads to her in shock, before growling instantly. She however, ran straight to Aro; arms wrapping around him. "I don't like it when your mad." She whispered.

"No one does." He replied, before wrapping his own arms around her. "I love you."

"I love you, do you want me to stay with you again tonight?" She asked, instantly he perked up.

"I would love that." Aro purred softly.

Venus grinned as she hugged him tighter. "Now, I promised to help Caius with his back."

"Agreed." The blonde stated. "But first, when did you get that love bite?"

"Last night, by this one." She replied simply, nuzzling deeper into Aro.

"Possessive, brother?" Caius asked.

Aro narrowed his gaze. "You should know that answer."

0.o.0

Venus giggled as she helped Caius into the tub, though he didn't need it. However, he would not pass up the opportunity to have his mate touch his bare skin. She did make him wear a towel around his waist until he was settled into the water.

"What color do you think the water will be?" She asked casually, gaining a laugh.

"I'd say purple." He chuckled softly.

She giggled. "One of my favorites."

Caius smiled softly, before he leaned back into her. A soft sigh escaping his lips, as she ran her fingers through his hair. "I love you." He whispered softly, a purr building in his chest as she kissed his head.

"I love you to." She whispered softly, gently grabbing his hair products and threading the shampoo through his locks.

He smiled, while looking over his shoulder. "You would look great in my shirt." He commented, playfully.

"I'm sure I would." She replied. "That does not give you permission to splash Marcus's." She added smoothly.

His red eyes went huge. "Your not tapping into Aro's gift are you?" He questioned, while eyeing her in amusement.

"No, but I don't need to." Venus giggled, before catching his lips softly. "Your not mad that I'm sharing a bed with him again, are you?"

Caius shook his head. "You spent a majority of the day with me, and Marcus bathed you. Aro is your mate just as much as we are."

"Good, though I don't object to,climbing into your bed tomorrow night." She giggled.

"I look forward to it." He replied, before moaning as she moved to his shoulders. "Your name sake is accurate, you are the Goddess of Love."

Venus giggled. "You know that was cheesy."

"Very." He replied, a smile gracing his lips. The smile however was not sweet in kind, it was filled with a mischievous intent. Moving with the speed that was graced from vampire venom, he pulled her into the tub.

"Caius!" She squealed, before he silenced her with a kiss.

"I wanted to hold you, and with you permission may I grace the other side of your neck with a love bite of my own?" He whispered softly.

Venus sighed softly, as the warmth of the water and the cold of his skin was messing with her senses. "Yes." She whispered softly, before she felt as he pulled her closer. His cool lips trailing from her lips, to her jaw, and finally to the unmarked side of her neck.


Back for more, as you know by now Questions. However first I would like to touch base, why is Aro falling behind Caius and Marcus in the bond. Yes, Aro went and got justice. However, during that time Venus confessed her feelings first to Caius. She and Marcus had a deep heart to heart. This all happened while Aro was away.

Also if you read my other stories, you would know I do gravitate to Aro a lot. In Mate especially. I want something fresh and exciting in each story, and I hope I am delivering.

Question: How will the confrontation with Charlie go? Will Venus stumble on to him alone, will she take one of her mates, or perhaps a guard with her instead? Of course I know the answer, but I love seeing your thoughts.

Nature Faustus