Chapter 31: The Plan,
Three days have passed. I spent three days in my room, confined to our bed. Carlisle ordered it because I was soon to deliver. However, being stuck in this bed, even though it was for my own good it, was detestable. I don't like the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability. I've always been the independent sort and now, I needed help with everything.
The pregnancy is becoming so uncomfortable that I think nothing will ease my suffering short of giving birth and dying. My only hope is for a successful change so I could be with Caius and my babies forever.
Suddenly, a movement from the babies hit my ribs. Ouch!
When the babies kick, they cause so much pain even being in bed didn't help with all the pain my poor body is in. My abdomen is hard, and I find it difficult to even move. I suddenly feel hunger, so I turned to the table to get the blood and reach carefully trying to get the cup in hand.
''Damn! ''It is placed too far.
I grunted in panted as I tried again, and there was no use. As I settled back with a Huff, urged steps coming towards the room and from the other side of Caius study.
Caius POV…
I remained with my sweet Bella's every day. I can see that my presence relaxes her, and she is more content being by my side. So, it is necessary for her wellbeing. I canceled all my appearances in throne room till I am satisfied that Bella and our babies were safe and sound after the birth. The time with Bella has been beneficial to me as well. I just love being with her and our connection grew stronger for it. It has made me so happy. But this morning while she was lying asleep, however, I've been sitting absorbed in the past. I gaze into space revisiting bygone days of tragedies. Those of my poor sister and the deep regrets of not being able to know her.
My former life is a human once thought forgotten, now came looming up from the depths of my soul. With thoughts of the babies' welfare and Bella's cause such anxiety and pain in me, like vice grip of fear on my heart and it kept growing worse as the time progressed. My thoughts thankfully were interrupted by the sound of Bella struggling to reach her blood ration for the day. I chuckled softly as I heard her curse aloud in frustration. I went in to assist her.
Bella's POV…
I turned my head towards the sound of Caius coming through the door. He wore a white T shirt and black designer dress pants. He stripped out of his suit and jacket and tie a long time ago. I smiled to see his hair tide back like he had done when we first went on our date together.
How long was that ago? It seems like a lifetime ago.
How handsome he looked and yet, so worn. Now his eyes appeared so tired and dark circles formed under them from all the stress he was under? I felt such guilt from seeing him in this state. I sudden need to cry out was hard because of the lump forming in my throat. When he stopped at my side and took the cup in his hand, he extended it to me.
''Here love, ''he said with a gentle whisper.
He drew close and lean down then kiss me on the cheek. I looked up to see his face after he withdrew and met his loving gaze. I felt tears streaming down my cheeks then quickly began to wipe them away. Caius took my hand and sat down next to me kissing it so sweetly, my eyes began to leak tears again.
''What's wrong, my love? Is it the babies? ''
His face now etched in pain as he observed my emotion, I gave him a small smile to reassure him all was well.
''The babies are fine. ''
He released a sigh. ''That's good. I'm so relieved.''
I snuggled and melted into him has he held me. This was his way lately; he was very attentive.
''So, tell me, what's troubling you my dear?''
He turned my face up towards him with his fingers. I manage another brave smile. He returned it but remains stubborn that I tell him everything, like always.
''It's just that you really are wonderful. I love you so much, ''I said hoping to avoid the truth of my pain and worry to spare him.
He closed his eyes to my words and then grinned.
''You're not being forthcoming with the truth, but I know your feelings anyway. Our connection has never been stronger than it is now. But to return the praise you most lovingly bestowed upon me, you are my darling, and the loveliest bravest woman I've ever had the pleasure to know.''
I smiled at his sappy flattery then leaned to plant a long-heated kiss on him. He smooths his tongue grazing my lips tenderly with them to open and I gave way almost urgently and soon that familiar swirling sensation of pleasure ran through my whole being. I really wish that I weren't so huge. I wanted to Make Love to him.
Suddenly, Caius release me in snapped his head towards the door. The door opening after a quick knock the Aro glided gracefully in the room.
He was wearing a long black leather cape and then it appeared also a red silk dress shirt beneath a matching leather vest and pants. His boots for very shiny, they caught the light and it glimmered across my vision. Add a sword, whip, and a mask and he would resemble Zorro. I laughed despite myself. He raised his arm in a dramatic flair and bowed to me.
''Isabella, I'm pleased to inform you upon becoming a vampire if you should be graced with a gift you will be useful and then be added to the guard.''
''What!'' I exclaimed, hardly able to believe my ears.
''She's not just a common member of the guard Aro! ''Caius shouted getting up.
I watched Caius flit and then stand toe to toe with Aro and stare him down. I could sense his anger rising off him in waves then heard a mile-long flow of obscenities, half English half an Italian spilling rapidly from his lips as Aro reasoned with him.
''I understand your feelings on this matter brother but if she should be as powerful as I first believed her to be the day, she met us, I must insist on having her. ''
''She's mine! '' Caius hissed.
I watched his body go rigid with fury and his biceps crunched into large boulders as he flexes hands into fist. Aro turned from him and fix his gaze upon me.
''I will utilize the power that I see in you Isabella. I know you have great potential. After all, I cannot read you. And that's saying something.''
Caius grabbed Aro's cape and spun him around. Aro growled in warning and Caius dropped his hold on him. Aro cleared his throat then straightened his cape.
''She must be protected, Aro! I will not risk her for any reason, ''Caius countered moving in front of me to block Aro's view. Aro turned around and then sighed in defeat.
''I merely wish that if she should possess powers, I would like so much to use her in our coven to benefit us all. She may not be gift less like the other Queens, save Didyme but her gift was not useful to me. ''
Caius paused to ponder his words then reluctantly nodded.
''If, and I do mean if, she should have a useful gift then she will only be present when needed. She will not be a member of the guard Aro. For fucksakes, she is my Queen! ''
Aro, was not insulted in least at Caius harshness. He grinned then extended a friendly hand to Caius. I watched as my love looked down Aro's hand a moment and grinned as he grasped hands with him.
''Done. Caius I shall obey your wishes and only call on her when needed, of course every effort will be done to ensure her safety. I'm sure you will be there every step of the way as well. ''
Caius nodded." Damn right!''
''My Isabella, I'm pleased to have you in our coven and soon to be one of us. And congratulations on the coming birth. You look radiant my dear and I know you can hardly wait to hold your babies. ''
Aro smiled and gave us a graceful bow as he took his leave. I struggled to repress a giggle then nodded to him. With that, Aro whirled on his heal. I watched as his cape billowed around as he flitted out the door. Then I gave into my laughter and let it out heartedly. Caius move to my side and looked at direction I was now gesturing.
''What the hell was he wearing? Capes and leather clothes seem out of place for Aro and leather pants too? What was that? ''
Caius blinked and shook his head. I don't know Bella Aro does like to be dramatic in his attire. So, I guess I should not be surprised at this.''
I laughed along with him but soon I began to think, and fear preyed upon me. I frowned.
''What if I don't meet with his expectations? I mean he seems so sure of me. I'm about as fit to be in the guard as you are to be a… ballerina.''
He gaped at me then let out a bark of laughter that had me in shock.
''You are hilarious, my love! ''
''I really wasn't trying to be funny, but you know I kind of was. ''
Caius POV…
I watched her laugh with me and the joy that spread over my soul at that moment was very precious, especially in these times. My Bella was such a woman! Soon to be a vampire and a mother. She also made me laugh so easily. A truly rare moment in my life indeed. Our shared moments lasted until Carlisle entered with his family in tow and he had more news to share with us.