Chapter 28: Savoring Time.
Caius POV…
The next days were filled with much activity. The whole Volturi coven came to Bella's aid trying to bring comfort hoping to help in anyway the could. My heart could have cracked apart at the sight of my mate's suffering. I sat helpless as I watched how the pregnancy took its toll on her fragile human body. The baby was now going too fast and taking all her bodily resources. I lay next to her and watch her sleep. I adjusted the heating blanket around her so she would not have a chill. It was late and the clocked ticked by the hour and the room was dark and still.
The door creaks open slowly, Jane and Alec peered in before entering. They bow to me and I nod. Jane moved over to the candles on the tables and lit them one by one. Alec handed me a goblet of blood, which in truth I needed, but with one look on my beloved's form lying there beside me again, I just couldn't. I simply place the cup on the nightstand and thanked the boy. Jane joined him after the last candle was glowing dimly into the gloom. I watched as the shadows came alive and danced on every surface as the flames flickered on the wicks.
"A package has arrived for you Master," Alec said, handing me the small brown box and I took it from him, tucking it safely into my pocket.
"Thanks to both of you. Now please leave us for the evening and tell Aro there is no change." I say dismissing them and watched them leave not without seeing them look on my mate with such sorrow that I had to close my eyes and sigh. The pain was getting to me.
There was real danger now. A pang went through me again as I thought of the worst. I had the good sense to call Carlisle and he, along with his dear wife will be here soon. Also, Jasper and Alice will be accompanying them for emotional support for Bella's sake.
I was on the edge as I waited for them to arrive. Time, I took it for granted for so long before it seemed plentiful as a vampire this is a natural thing. But now with Bella pregnant and this baby growing so fast, time is of the essence and a new enemy that I can not fight. It reminded me that human lives were short and goes so fast. They had no time to do anything or see anything. They had but a season and they were gone. It made me sad to think about, I never really gave it any thought before. Before her. Now my love, this beautiful mortal woman had me wishing, almost praying for more of it. It would bring us more chances and experiences, more memories. I had to stop time from doing its damage, soon I will. I have at least that control. I kiss her forehead and got up. I am too restless to stay at her side and I take to my habit of pacing by the fireplace.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Bella's POV…
When I woke, I could tell I have slept for hours, judging by the increasing sunlight spilling through the curtains. I blinked and sensed I was alone in the bed. I searched the large bedroom with sleepy eyes. Caius. There he was, leaning with casual grace against the ancient, Italian mahogany mantle. He stares into the fire with his head bent low. The light plays upon his form shading one side and illuminating the other that caused me to gasp at the unexpected illusion that he was somehow my angel of both darkness and light. A brooding, intense vampire god of both terrible power and fiery passion. The comforting fire crackled in the grate and I could hear voices pick up and fade as the Volturi coven busied about the corridors going about the duties.
I watched him a moment longer and then the spell was broken. Soon, Caius looked up and around at me. His gaze was gentle as he glided toward me with grace grinning as he hid something behind his back secretly keeping me from seeing what it was. He came up to me and sat with me in the bed. Still with that sideways charming smile he produced a tiny box from its hiding place. I knew I was smiling like an idiot, but I did not care. I watched as he opened the purple velvet box. He pulled out a Volturi medallion that winked and twinkled in the morning sunlight. He held it high and let it dangle above my heart. Then slowly, he let it slip down to my awaiting open hand. As it fell all the way in my palm, I closed my fingers around it and examined it. Along with the classic Volturi crest, Caius added something special. There in the center of the V, hung a dove, and in its beak dangled a ruby heart. I looked up on him with such love, and the expression etched on my face left him no doubt of my thanks.
"You see, I added the dove and a heart just for you. You are my dove, and she stole my heart," he whispered sweetly and helped me put in on.
After placing so lovingly around my neck he turned me around to give me a look over.
"My heavens," he gushed. "There has never been a more beautiful creature than my little dove!"
The pendent hung from its gold chain just above my breast. My hair laid about my shoulders and he looked adoringly into my eyes as I brought him down for a kiss. After a moment in his arms he pulled back.
"I'm determined that you try and eat today, so how about some nice eggs and toast, hum?"
"Oh Caius, I don't know…"
"Nonsense, you need to have more food in you."
I watched him clap his hands three times in secession and in flitted Corin. She stood at attention to receive her orders.
"Corin, get Bella some fried eggs, toast and some orange juice."
She bowed to him and left.
"You know I will get sick again, don't you?"
"You have to try. You can't give up. I won't let you," he says as he tilted my chin up to look in his eyes.
"Alright," I say then look over at the nightstand and lifted his jewel crested goblet. "Hey, why haven't you fed?"
"I was…em saving it for later," he explains, hesitating, trying to take it from my hands.
"Liar! Oh, no you don't! Here let me…" I say then put it to his lips and watched his eyes narrow at me.
I took it away from his mouth when I saw it go into a straight line. The pig-headed fool. So, I dipped my finger in the blood then tantalizingly wiggle it just before his lips. He looked once at my coated finger and snapped them back to look at my face. I saw the hunger in his eyes as they darken and glisten with desire. His hand suddenly shot out and grabbed my wrist. I watched him take a playful nip at it. I couldn't move my wrist, but I could the finger, so I wiped it over his parted lips with the blood coating it like lipstick. He growled in frustration and without thinking I kissed him dead on the lips.
My closed eyes flew open. An amazing flavor came to my exploring tongue and I playfully lick my lips. I scooted onto his lap and wrapped my arms around him. I had to have more. It was better than chocolate and sex combined. I moan into his opened mouth and crush my body against his. A sudden tug on my arms had me crying out in protest as I was cruelly denied the delectable pleasure.
"Bella! What… you just lapped up all the blood. It can't be good for the baby!" Caius said sternly looking into my face.
I blinked up at him, confused.
I looked at the goblet still in my hand then without giving it much thought, I drew it to my lips. I gulped the sweet thick liquid greedily., taking in more than half. He grabbed it from my hand and glanced into it a moment than up to me in shock.
"You drank blood Bella! What…why?"
"I wanted it. It tasted so good, better than anything I had ever had before." I explain.
He looked between me, the cup and stopped. He gazed at the blood for some time as if he were contemplating on something. Then he reached for my lips and smoothed his thumb over them.
"You crave it?"
"Yes, I want more." I say as I reach for the goblet again.
He nodded. "I will give you more, just lay back in my arms and I will help you.
I obeyed him and he brought it up to my lips again. I parted them readily as the sweet, blissful essence coated my tongue and dripped down my throat. I placed my hand over his and looked into his eyes. He searched my face for answers why I had this strange craving. All I knew I wanted nothing more than this.
"I think perhaps the baby wanted that, after all it is half mine. Anyway, your color is improving, and I'm impressed." He chuckled.
The laughter and light heartedness broke the gloom hanging over my head. I felt this situation was going to be okay for the very first time. I laughed with him but was startled at the unexpected knock on the door. I sigh as he placed me down and went to answer the door. Damn interrupted again. As he stepped aside, I watched as Sulpicia and Athenodora entered. They had with them a bag and opened it. Pulling out a bundle of clothes they presented it before me. I smiled at their thoughtfulness. They brought me casual clothes that looked comfy like soft cottony shirts, and leggings. Black and cream color cashmere slippers with rubber on the bottom so I would not slip. Oh, and they saved the best for last as they showed me the black yoga pants with tank top to lounge in, day or night.
I thanked them. With newfound energy, I scooted out of bed to everyone's astonishment and went up and look at my new clothes.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next few days were filled with lighthearted fun. Everyone liked to entertain me. Sulpicia, Athenodora, Corin, Jane, Alec, Felix, and Demetri were all gathered around me as Caius was in the throne room attending to the affairs of the coven. The women were laying at the foot of the bed and the men stretched out on the furniture.
"Anyone want to see a movie?" Called Felix, getting up from the window seat.
"Hell yeah! When?" Demetri asked from his chair by the fire.
"Now. I'm going to get the TV and DVD player." Felix said leaving the room and was back in a flash and began hook everything up.
As they were all getting ready for the movie I was typing and clicking away on my laptop. I was more than up to it now. Since I had my first taste of blood, I was much improved body and mind. I could even move about easily and had the energy to do it. I actually was excited about shopping, well online anyway. Sulpicia sat next to me giggling and awed at the various baby item and clothes. She handed me her card and I ordered what I wished.
"Ah Bella, nesting is such a classic sign that you will deliver soon," Sulpicia said as a matter of factually.
I nodded and secretly smile to myself behind the screen as I ordered more unisex clothes for the baby. Suddenly the phone rang, and I picked it up. I knew who it was. Caius.
"Hey my little dove. How are you? Do you need anything?"
"Um, food and more blood. Maybe a little help in the shower later." I say playfully, suppressing a girlish giggle.
"Ummmm, you shall have it my dear." He says in his sexy whisper, then shouts, "Corin!"
"Yes Master. I'm one it," she calls out, standing beside me suddenly waiting for instructions.
"Geez Caius, warn me the next time." I say digging in my ear, trying to get my hearing back.
Laughter erupts in the room and Caius apologizes. "Wow Bella sounds like you have the whole coven in there."
I chuckle. "Yeah, maybe half."
"Just make sure you get some rest and don't let them suck the energy out of you, leave some for me," he says slyly and I could almost hear the smile in his voice and chuckling from my guests in the room.
"Oh, funny," I say sarcastically.
"You won't be so quick to say so, I'll have you squealing with untamed…" He paused to the sound of someone clearing their throat in the background.
I hear… "Caius do you mind? We really must get on with the meeting." Aro says impatiently and some chuckling came from his end.
"Right, well, bye bye my love." He says too quickly.
I grin against the phone. "Where's my kiss?"
"What?" He exclaimed and whispered. "Bella, this is neither the time nor the place…"
"Oh, come on, you know I love it, and you like it too so do it. I'll do that thing you like later." I say to sweeten the deal.
"Ummm, yeah I like the sound of that," he paused and quickly gave me some kissing noises then hung up.
I laughed then then put the phone back on the nightstand.
"Uh, excuse me, Bella? What sort of thing is it that Master Caius likes best? Share with the room." Demetri says as he gets up and gestures around the room as if I had something to display.
"Nosy much? I pled the fifth." I say firmly, avoiding everyone's inquiring stares by paying attention to the computer screen in front of me. Which was showing me now many styles of strollers.
"Awe, Bella you're no fun." Demetri says as Sulpicia shoos him away.
Corin cleared her throat. "So, what will it be? I'm taking your order. How about soup and a cheeseburger?"
"I'll have both and a burrito."
"That will be a lot," she cautioned.
But my empty stomach had no interest in the warning.
"I'm hungry and I want blood too."
"Okaaay, well how do you want your meat prepared? What kind of cheese? Which vegetable and what condiments and what sort of bun? Sesame or plain?"
I gave her a blank stare. I was not sure and unprepared for the amount of questions a simple meal could tend. Felix made a derisive noise to my right and suddenly came to my aid.
"Just kill it and grill it, Corin. She's hungry, so hurry it along."
She huffed and stuck her nose in the air and flitted out in a fury from his rudeness.
"Felix." I admonished hum.
"What? She'll be back in a bit. At least you didn't have to answer all those questions. I saved you, soooooo, do I get a hug?"
He bounded in front of me and held out his arms. Athena kicked him and growled at his closeness to me. He sprang up from the floor and held on to his hurt butt where she nailed him, and I watched with humor as he hobbled away. I stifled a giggle and Sulpicia just shook her head at the foolishness.
"Thank you," I say to Athena.
Athena grinned pleased with herself. "Your welcome."
Just then, Demetri came up to me holding a bunch of DVDs. "Your pick, Miss Bella," he said, but pointing at the only guy movie, Thor.
I giggled again and nodded. He gave me the thumbs up and put it in. I usually like romances with fancy clothes and happily ever after's, but Thor was hot.
I jumped as Corin abruptly flitted to my side still looking annoyed. "I took the liberty of choosing chocolate milk and some juice for you, because some people will not let me do my job…but I will not mention it." She says pointedly at Felix.
Felix just snorts and crosses his arms, turning his attention to the screen.
"Yes, I love the choices you made." I say to smooth it over and she smiled as she arranged my tray for me.
I put my computer down and began to eat like it was going out of style. I watched the god of thunder fall in love with a human named Jane. I sigh because it pleasantly reminds me of Caius and me.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Caius's POV…
As Bella was finishing up diner, I entered to spend time with her. Upon seeing almost the whole coven congregating in my bedroom I glared at them moodily.
"Don't you all have your own room?" I say crossing my arms over my chest.
The guard hardly gave me a second glance. "We like it here; Miss Bella is fun." Demetri answered finally.
I suddenly flared up with temper because I was not taken as seriously as I was aiming for. But thought better of it because in my peripheral vision, Bella was looking at me with a frightful expression. Remembering not to upset her, I decided to keep it cool. I walk over to the TV and stood in front of it.
"Now hear this! Bella and I would like to have the room. Will you all make your way out, NOW!" I say firmly to get my message though.
"Point well taken, we're going. Bye Bella." Everyone waved as the exited. My sisters kissed her on the cheek then left us alone.
I moved to her side by the bed and she looked up at me clearly amused.
"They really like you a lot, huh?" I grumble.
She nodded in modesty, ducking her head. A trait of her that I find endearing. I know I was being unreasonable, but I was glad they were gone. Damn Jealousy and vampire instincts. But I did not want to show it much, it would upset her.
I paused when I saw what she was eating. "What the hell is that repulsive thing you just put in your mouth?"
She laughed and explained about Mexican food and all its spicy goodness. I listened with patience as I settled in next to her. She said that chocolate was her favorite. I read a lot about the charms of chocolate. Never had the pleasure of tasting it. She kept insisting I have been deprived in life and in truth seeing some of the things she ate, I probably was. But I had better quality than this processed crap the humans call food.
"And that? I pointed at the muddy brown liquid in the mug. "No, wait…Let me guess, by the way you devoured Corin's chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter candies em…could be chocolate?"
I watch her grin despite herself and she took another sip. "What a smart Vampire man you are." She said playfully.
I grin and placed more pillows behind her back then jerked back to gaze at the TV. The guy in the cape with a rather large hammer just kissed the girl and Bella cheered.
"I can do it better. Come here." I crook my finger and reeled her in for the kiss that will make her toes curl. But before I do, I remembered something. "Hey, didn't you mention earlier to give me that thing I like best."
She clicked her tongue and pulled me down for the kiss. "Oh, shut it will you."