Chapter 26: The Misunderstanding.

Athena POV…

The evening was still in quiet. The moon rose slowly in the Sky, telling me that the hours were going by and it was late. The peace that Marcus had surround me with a few weeks ago remained constant. My love for him was growing stronger every day that I spend with him. Not that living with him presented no flaws, but my new love interest could be a royal pain in the ass at times. Just like the rest of the Kings, including my ex mate. If they didn't get their way and we Queens did not submit, it's been known that they would throw a tantrum or two. Most of their demands revolved around or safety and happiness. That made it difficult to argue with them. Damn it all to heck. And on the subject of safety, they were most stubborn. They growled and commanded us to comply. But, when he was overbearing and cantankerous, I was content, even happy with him no matter how trapped I felt. I was now accepting my brooding King of vampires. I must be fair; I sure have faults of my own that he must contend with. I could sense that Marcus was having some sort of feelings for me, but I could not discern them if they were real or not. He was either hiding them or not feeling much of anything at all.

I left our room, softly closing the sliding door behind me. I padded to the edge and drew a breath a fresh air as I stand on our terrace. I gripped the rail and leaned over propping my head on my hands as I looked over the at the garden below. With city lights just gleaming over the top of the wall it faintly lit the grounds giving off a play of shadow and light. The moon was now high above the garden making it appear enchanting, all silvery in the moonlight. I was suddenly distracted from my peaceful thoughts as I saw a growing shadow gliding up the path coming towards me. I gasped as I recognize who it was, Caius.

He stopped just before the balcony and turned his face up to me. His hand goes up and he waves at me. When he was sure that he got my attention he asked, ''Athena, can we talk? ''

I nod and hopped up on the rail I perched there for a moment then jumped. I land silently by his side. He looked me over and I came self-conscious, because I was wearing only my silk robe and nightgown. I reached and tighten the robe around me, and he motioned me to take a turn in the garden with him. We walk along in awkward silence for a couple of minutes.

''So how have you been, Dora? ''

''I've been doing well. Marcus is a thoughtful, and caring mate. ''

''It does me good to see you happy. ''

''I think I am. ''

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bella POV…

Caius is gone. I feel strange, and so very anxious. I will call for Jane, she is watching over me.

''Jane, please come help me. ''I call out and she was in front of my bed in an instant. She had been reading by the fire.

''Miss Bella, what is the matter? ''

''I don't really know, but could you take me for a walk? I can't stay here. ''I asked hoping she would not ask too many questions.

''Well, I don't know. Master Caius wishes that you rest and take care of yourself. ''

''Just a little exercise is all I need; besides, it should help me get tired so I could sleep. You see, I'm kind of restless. ''

She nods to me. ''Alright, I see no reason why not. ''

She takes me by the arm in walks me down the hall. I wanted to go and see more than the boring corridors. I needed some more scope for the imagination tonight. It would distract me from my worries. We came around the corner and the light of the full moon sprayed over the wall of the long hall. I glanced out of the window to see the beauty of the night. The silvery moonlight cast shadows everywhere. I stopped and Jane looked with me and I froze. I saw two people in the garden. They seemed to be having a private conversation. I saw Caius turn toward the other person as the moonlight beams shown softly on his pale face. The other person turned is well, and I gasped as Athena stood there with one hand grasping her robe tightly. The other hand held onto Caius's hand. I wrap my arms around my chest, a sad attempt to ward off the cold from entering my heart. My heartbeat faster and Jane pulled me into her embrace as she followed my gaze. Athena? What were they speaking about? He looked attentive and so caring. I sobbed softly; I did not want to imagine it. I did not want to dwell on how Athena look so much prettier than me. Especially since I got pregnant. My looks were waning by the minute as the days passed by. My stomach was not accepting any food. My weight was going down and I grew pale and the dark circles under my eyes told the story of how much I was suffering.

''Jane, please take me back to my room." I say feeling my knees buckle under me.

She caught me and put her arm around me. "Yes, miss Bella, you'll be alright.''

When Jane got me to the room, she lifted me and placed me on the bed. I didn't want her to see me cry so I buried my face in my pillow. My emotions flooded me; I was such a fool. Caius was still in love with her. And why not? She was beautiful and had a long history with him. How could I even think I could begin to fill his heart. I sobbed until I fell asleep.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Marcus POV…

I came to my room and found Athena gone, so I sniffed the air and her lovely Jasmine scent led me to the balcony. I thought I would see her looking out into the night, but she was nowhere to be seen and I was bewildered. Her scent led me to believe this is where she I would find her. I walked to the balcony and gazed out and as soon as I gripped the rail my ears picked up on a whisper of conversation. I scanned the flowers and trees below and did a double take as I spotted my Athena with Caius. How dare he! I growl as I leap over the rail. They jumped as I landed in front of both of them. They gaped at me as I growled furiously.

''Get away from her, Caius! ''

He held up his hands in surrender and stepped away. ''I did not touch her Marcus, believe me, brother! ''

I reached over and snatch Athena away from him and pulled her flush to my body. She gasped and I held her firmly. She looked in awe and frightened up at me as I observed her from the corner of my eye. I maintain my site on Caius, however. He will not have her! Over my dead Ashes!

''Mine! ''I growl.

''Yes, Marcus, she's yours. ''Caius said, and he backed away then flitted out of the gardens leaving me alone with Athena.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Caius POV …

Holy fucking shit! Marcus must be truly in love with Athena. His instincts to possess and protect his mate was extreme. I wasn't expecting that. I merely wished to ask how she was doing. I found out how much Athena was falling for Marcus. I was relieved to that fact. I also thanked her for her dedication to Bella. It meant so much to me that she was her friend. This whole innocent meeting turned out so wrong. I sincerely hope Marcus does not harm her; I would have to avenge her if he hurt her in any way. She meant no disloyalty to him.

I was lost in thought as I entered my bedroom. As soon as I shut the door, I sniffed the air then I scent of salt hit me. As I gazed around, I saw Bella lying in a deep slumber. Suddenly, Jane flitted in front of me and I stood there in shock at the look of her usually sweet countenance, but her face was contorted in anger now. She pointed at me as she spoke in a hoarse whisper.

''You hurt Bella! She saw you master, as you and mistress Athena we're together in the gardens. How could you do it to her? ''She hissed.

''What? Bella saw me tonight with Athena? I did her no wrong Jane; I was only speaking to Athena to see if she was getting along okay. I never meant for this misunderstanding to happen.''

Jane's heated emotions simmer down, and she sighed. ''Master, you need to explain. She is so devastated, and in her condition …'' she trails off.

''I understand, I will comfort her. She will not suffer anymore. Please give us a minute. ''

''Yes master, ''Jane opened the door and slipped out.

I came to the bedside and slipped in next to her. I gently removed her silky brown locks from her eyes and grew sad as I observed her dried tear stains on her cheeks. I felt unimaginable pain at the sight of her sorrow.

''Bella, 'I say and panicked as the sound of my voice made her jump.

''Caius? Leave me, I don't want to see you! ''She begged me.

I took her hand in mine and kissed it passionately. She tried to pull away, but I held on firmly. My eyes burned as the venom welled up in them. She blinked in surprise as she saw my sadness.

''I'm sorry Bella. I did not want to hurt you. I only met with Athena because I was concerned for her, that's all, nothing more. I did not touch her romantically in any way, and she declared her love for Marcus. You see, knowing that she was okay made me at ease and I will worry no more for her.''

''Do …you still love her? ''Bella struggled to ask. I knew she was afraid of the answer.

I shook my head adamantly. ''I knew that is what you thought, and I come to help you understand that I don't anymore. ''

''You care for her and worry about her. ''

I sighed deeply. ''Our love is dissolved. Marcus can attest to that. However, I would wait. He thought I had intentions towards her too, but I know when his instincts calm down, he will think more clearly. The only feeling I have for her is guilt. I feel bad she must suffer at my hands and the humiliation of rejection. My only love is for you, Bella. It will never change, it is forever. ''

Her eyes darted across my face and searched for the truth in my eyes. ''I feel I will have to trust your words. ''

''Thank you my dear. ''I say as I gather in my arms and she buried her face in my shirt.

I hold her and watch her sleep. I lay with her all night long. She is precious to me and her love was all I needed. I could not live without her.