TWILIGHT : THE BLOOD INSIDE YOU IS THE BLOOD INSIDE ME
Chapter Sixteen
This is a fictional story based on the Twilight Series, of which I own neither part nor parcel. Just borrowing the Volturi temporarily. (I'm late to this fandom. I do research online since I haven't committed the films to memory, and hardly recall the books. So I'm sorry if canon is upended a little.)
Charlotte has got to know about the Cullens. It's now a compulsion she cannot ignore. Will Aro approve of her request to be allowed to meet them? Even Marcus feels she must. But then if she finds them, will they allow her to visit their home?
Aro/OC, Caius, Marcus, Carlisle Cullen & various Cullen family members
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Charlotte sought out Caius' chambers, navigating the corridors uneasily, never having been invited there before. However, she remembered the map Malia had given her prior to her change. Marcus had invited her to his rooms when he thought she needed someone to talk with. Aro had only invited her to dance for him, and now his rooms were hers as well. But Caius had never invited her to his rooms, not once.
At last, standing before the great carved wooden doors, Charlotte wasn't even sure if Caius was in today. She reached up a fisted hand, ready to knock. Then she paused. Was this even the correct course of action on her part? Would Aro look at her questioning Caius as a sign of betrayal? She had given him the chance to be honest with her, and he had denied her his full trust. Deciding to take the risk, Charlotte knocked.
In less time it took in between heart beats, Caius opened the door. "Charlotte? Why are you here?" He looked past her into the hall. "Are you alone? Is everything all right?" He stepped aside to let her in.
He showed her to one of the large ornate chairs dating from the 1700s she saw scattered around the sitting area of his chambers. Charlotte glanced around the outer room before taking her seat. "You have exquisite taste, Caius. Rococo, I see. A little old-fashioned, but very elegant. Anyway, I'm fine. Truly."
"I highly doubt that, or you would not have sought me out. Where is your loving mate?"
Charlotte rolled her eyes at the sarcastic reference. "Aro is out on business, something about investments in South America. And if you heard our...disagreement, rest assured, all is well. I even got two new lamps out of it, much prettier than the one that was..."
"Broken? There are few secrets to those whose hearing is exceptional, sister."
"No, Caius, that's my reason for being here. Too many secrets. I know you may feel the same way as Aro does, but I have to risk incurring your wrath to find answers to my questions. I feel like I'm going mad."
Caius brought a hand to his chin, tapping his lips with his forefinger. Feeling agreeable, he sat on a chair opposite Charlotte, and tilted his head, brows raised, waiting for her to speak.
"Ok then, what do you know about the so-called vegetarian vampires that reside in America?"
His expression darkened. "Why do you want to know about those deviants, Charlotte? They dare to call themselves vampires. How do you even know about them?" Caius' look of disgust did not surprise her, but at least he didn't immediately fly into a fit of rage.
"I'm curious, Caius. Please, indulge me."
"So that's why Aro became so angry." The blonde vampire laughed. "You're fortunate he loves you, sister."
"Why does Aro hate this coven so much? What did they ever do to him, except defy tradition?"
Caius sat, tapping the fingers of one hand on the arm of the chair. "How would you feel about vampires who utterly humiliated your mate, Charlotte?"
Her eyes widened. "Whatever are you talking about? Is it this Carlisle Cullen Aro mentioned?"
"Oh, he told you about Carlisle?" Caius was actually surprised that Aro had mentioned the Cullens to Charlotte in the first place.
"Not much. Only that he was here with you for a while, then left for America. He later became a doctor and collected vampires to create his own coven. One thing he did not tell me was why he hates him so."
"I cannot, Charlotte. It would be a betrayal to Aro for me to say anything more. If he will not tell you, perhaps the matter needs to be dropped." When he saw the disappointment on her face, he rose from his chair and went over to her, his hands resting on the arms of her seat, his voice a whisper. "Leave it alone, Charlotte. Despite what I may feel, this is one wound in Aro that remains raw. Don't pick at it." He stood straight and taking her hand, helped her stand.
"Now, sister, if you ever want anything else, a game of chess, a dance, garden time, or just a walk after dark, I'm here for you. Take my advice and stop snooping. Please."
Charlotte looked up at Caius. She read only sincerity from him. Nodding, she said, "Very well, I'll not bother Aro with these questions. Thank you, Caius. I'll see you later then." Giving him a kiss on the cheek, she left his chambers. So, Aro would say nothing more, and Caius was as tight lipped. That only left Marcus, who seemed to know more than he was telling her.
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Charlotte knew Aro would be back soon. For now, all thoughts of the American coven left her mind, or were at least stored in the deep recesses. It wouldn't do for Aro to find them. Waiting at the back gate, Charlotte heard the car before seeing it enter the drive. Noticing him sitting in the back seat, she smiled and waved.
Exiting the car, Aro embraced his mate. "Why are you waiting out here, cara? Is something amiss?"
"Not at all. I wanted to wait for your return. Did all go well today?"
His arm around her shoulders, Aro smiled broadly. "Very well indeed. Our investments have grown by 12.7%, my dear."
"So we're filthy rich?" Charlotte joked.
Aro made a face. "No need to make it sound so vulgar, Charlotte. Money serves a purpose, and that's all."
Charlotte waited, thinking of a way to ask Aro to let her catalogue the art room. It would give her something to do, distract her from all thoughts of the Cullens, and besides, she was very curious as to what was in the room. She had an idea when they found items they wanted, into the art room it went without organization of any kind. Was the collection even insured?
"Anything else of interest?" Aro liked keeping tabs on the goings on in the compound.
"Malia took Sarah out shopping. She needed some new things, clothing and such. They had a lot of fun. I think she's blending in quite well. Felix went with them, and has taken an interest in the girl. It's amusing to see, as she's so small and Felix, as large as he is, treats her as if she were a fragile flower. It's really quite sweet."
Aro nodded as she spoke. "And what have you been up to, il mio cuore?"
"Aro, I want to catalogue the art room for you. I would need a lap top, and I know how you generally disapprove of technology, but it would be necessary. I could create a database, do research, etcetera. Honestly, if you haven't catalogued everything, you should. Just for insurance requirements alone..."
"The art collection is not insured, my dear. There is no need."
"Are you kidding me? Not insured? You talk about international investments, yet don't worry about that fabulous collection of priceless antiques, like the piece you broke?"
Aro stopped walking and turned to Charlotte. "What is this really about?"
"Malia has taken Sarah under her wing. She's happy with the duty. Now I'm back at square one with nothing to do. After you showed me the Roman mosaic, it made me wonder if you even know all you have in that room. Please, Aro, it would fulfill my interest in art, history and more."
Lifting his hand to her face, he stroked her cheek. "Order what you need. Perhaps I would be interested in seeing that database once you complete the...what I think you will find to be a major task."
"Then I'll just be busy for a long time." Charlotte wound her arms around Aro's neck, kissing him as if he'd been gone for a week instead of a day. "Thank you, love." Her smile grew. "Oh my god, I can't wait to see what all is in that room!"
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Aro had left Charlotte alone to catch up with the current secretary on any messages that might have arrived in his absence, so she decided to take the opportunity to visit Marcus. She knocked on the heavy wooden door several times, while muttering to herself, "Be here, be here'". The door finally opened, and she went inside without asking. Marcus closed the door and looked at Charlotte. "What is it, child? Why are you so agitated?"
"Uncle Marcus, you've got to help me. Explain to me why I have to get Aro to let me go visit these animal drinkers. You see ties between people. Is there some tie between me and these vampires, because if you know something, you've got to tell me. I feel like I'm going bonkers!"
"Bonkers?" he asked, her use of slang was not something he understood.
"Yes, Marcus. As in crazy, losing it. I feel like my mind is not my own anymore."
Marcus was about to take his former charge and seat her on his couch, but she started pacing the floor. He sat and let her pace. "Child, you're upset for nothing."
She turned on him, "I love Aro, Marcus, I do. I would never defy him unless I felt it was important." She finally sat beside the older vampire who had been so kind to her, and who seemed to have answers. "Tell me what's going on, please."
Marcus put an arm around Charlotte. He did know what was happening but not why. "My child, you are going to meet these vampires and soon."
"How do you know that?" Charlotte asked.
"Because I will be taking you to meet them myself. We will have to locate them first. They move around to avoid suspicion from the human populace as is the law. It's been over a decade since we last saw them."
"I don't even know who or where they are. But I can do some research. I have Carlisle's name and his profession. I can start there. If they tend not to move far from previous locations, they may still be in Washington.
"Let me know what you find, Charlotte, so that we can make arrangements." Marcus rarely left the compound, so for him to agree to go with her made Charlotte realize how important this meeting was.
"You'll accompany me then, Marcus?" She hugged the older vampire, grateful for his insight, yet frustrated that he couldn't tell her more. "I need to put this behind me, Marcus. It's like having an itch in your brain, one you can't scratch. I want it gone!"
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Once she had returned to her chambers, Charlotte sat at Aro's desk, and turned on her i-pad. She pulled up a list of hospitals in the entire state of Washington. Some had easy access to lists of physicians, while at others she had to do extra research. In less than half an hour, Charlotte found what she she sought. A Doctor Carlisle Cullen worked at Cascade Medical Center in Leavenworth. It wasn't a large facility, but it probably offered him a quiet position close to home. Once she knew where he worked, through an international operator, she was able to contact an operator in America for directory assistance in the Leavenworth area. Finding a home address, Charlotte whispered, smiling to herself, "You don't hide very well, Dr Cullen. This was too easy," Now all she needed was Aro's permission to go.
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Later that evening, sitting on the bed in their chambers as was their custom now, Charlotte decided to ask Aro if he would accompany her to see the Cullen's. She was going one way or another, but she wanted her mate's blessing. "Aro, I need for you to listen to me. It's so important. You may get angry at me again, but please don't break the lamps. They're very expensive and so much prettier than the others."
Aro put down his financial ledger. "Charlotte, if this is about the same topic we have been discussing, I make no promises." His fingers tapped on the ledger impatiently. but he gestured with a finger for her to continue.
"According to Marcus, he says there's a tie between me and the Cullens. Minute, but it could become potentially greater over time. Marcus has agreed to come with me to protect me, but if you agree to accompany me, he won't have to. I just need you to listen and not get so upset this time." She looked at Aro, who was so intelligent, so generous, and so damned sexy, but in this topic, they were at loggerheads. "Aro, I love you so much, I can't even imagine life without you. But this is bigger than both of us. And I don't understand why it all feels so imperative. Come with me. We'll find out together what's going on. I swear I'll go crazy if this continues."
"I cannot accompany you, my heart. Go if you must. Heidi will be here in four days. You have three days to return home. Take the private jet out of the airport in Pisa. Felix will go with you both as your bodyguard."
"We don't need to bother Felix, Aro. Marcus will be with me."
"I lead the Volturi. You are my mate. That makes you very important. Felix will go with you, and not another word."
She knew protesting would accomplish nothing. "Alright, Felix may come with us," she replied, as if the decision were actually based on her approval.
"Go, get ready, Charlotte. I'll call the pilot at the Pisa airport, and tell him to have the jet ready in four hours." Aro shook his head and went back to his ledger. He hoped by giving his mate what she wanted, it would put an end to these feelings of hers, and their existence could get back to normal. He wondered if Carlisle would let Charlotte and Marcus even enter his home. Their last meeting was not without some disagreement. Alice's vision did permit Aro to back off from an outright battle situation with the Cullens. The arrival of the last two witness she had found lay to rest the assumption that Edward and Bella's daughter was a threat to the vampire world. In fact, in all these years, he had heard nary a word about the hybrid child. Instead, the talk in the vampire world was less than complimentary to the Volturi.
Charlotte had showered and dressed in a black coat dress that was short in front and long in back, worn over a pair of black skinny jeans. The coat was lined in rich red satin and had black lace sown in at the cuffs. She looked in the full length mirror, satisfied that she looked suitably vampiric. Although she knew this was very real, at times, she felt it was all a game and she was playing a role, a role that would last for eternity.
"This is for you, cara." It was Aro, who was holding up a full length black cloak, also lined in red satin. Attached was a large hood edged in soft fur. He placed the cloak around her shoulders, and stepped back, his eyes smoldering with a hunger that had nothing to do with the blood lust. "You're beautiful, Charlotte."
She spun around, watching the cloak fan out from her body. "I feel beautiful, Aro. Thank you."
Aro took Charlotte in his arms and kissed her, one arm around her waist within the cloak, the other reaching up to entangle his fingers in her hair. His body was against hers tightly. as if he were unable to let her leave him. Releasing his fingers from her hair, he murmured into her neck, "Mi mancherai."
Charlotte had returned Aro's kisses, knowing she would miss him as well, but this was something she had to do, and it gratified her that he believed her reasoning, and gave her permission to go. "Mi mancherai anche tu."
She leaned in and kissed Aro again, he taking the opportunity to memorize her scent, the curves of her body, and the look in her eyes when she gazed at him. He nuzzled her neck, gently sucking on the sensitive flesh. He smiled when he heard her breath catch in her throat. "Oh god, Aro, I have a plane to catch. But when I return..." Her eyes looked him up and down, knowing she would miss him terribly. "One last chance. Are you sure you won't come with me?"
When he shook his head, he cupped her cheek. "If you see Alice, tell her I send greetings and hope she is well."
She smiled at him. "I will. I love you, Aro. We won't be too long."
"Tornare in fretta," Aro replied. He wanted to go with Charlotte, but was not yet able to bring himself to forgive Carlisle. To have his former friend put the validity of Volturi power into question was unforgivable.
Charlotte wondered if she should mention to Aro, the differences she saw in him. The clarity of his crimson eyes, and the smoothness of his skin. Gone was the corneal cloudiness, and the powdery flesh. He was becoming more active with her in his existence. The stories were true then, that disinterest and inactivity actually harmed vampires, causing them to petrify. Aro never looked more beautiful to her.
When the Volturi trio arrived at Pisa International airport, Felix met with the pilot while Marcus and Charlotte boarded the plane. Shortly after, the small jet took off and headed for America, having to make one quick stop for refueling. Charlotte watched the land fade away as the jet climbed to cruising altitude. This was the first time she had left Italian soil since her arrival there. She glanced over at Marcus, smiling. "I hope this is worth my leaving Aro, even for a short time, Uncle Marcus."
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Carlisle Cullen was enjoying a day off from the clinic, not that he minded working. The family were out hunting together, but he had begged off, sensing he should stay home. He had the radio on and was looking over patient charts he'd brought from his office at the clinic. A tingling raised the hairs on the back of his neck. He left his home office and went out to the deck. In front of the house, he spied two men and a woman dressed in Volturi cloaks, wearing Volturi necklaces. The men were familiar of course, but the woman he had never seen before. Carlisle then noticed a car parked in their drive. Had they actually driven here, and alone?
Charlotte saw a man standing at the window and turned to Marcus, asking, "Is that Dr Carlisle Cullen?" to which Marcus merely nodded. She spoke, knowing the vampire would hear her. "Dr Cullen, may we visit with you? I have Master Marcus with me, one of the Volturi leaders, as you know. Felix is our guard. My name is Charlotte, mate to Master Aro, who is also of your acquaintance."
Carlisle knew if they had meant him harm, they would not have asked permission to come in. He went downstairs and opened the door for the trio forcing a smile on his pale-skinned face. Just as they were about to enter the lower level of the Cullen home, a young man and woman were suddenly at the door.
"It's you!" Holding out her hand, the woman introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Alice. I saw you were coming. You're Aro's mate, from right here in America."
Marcus recognized the woman as the vampire with foresight that Aro had desperately wanted as a member of the Volturi coven.
"Charlotte," she responded with a smile, taking Alice's hand in hers. "You're the woman Aro told me about. He sends his greetings, and hopes you're well." She noticed Alice giving her a surprised look.
Carlisle was interested in why the Volturi would be sending a representative to see him, along with one of their leaders. "Why are you here? Have we done something wrong?"
Marcus replied quietly, "No laws have been broken. We are here merely to speak with you, Cullen."
Charlotte wondered at the past relationship Aro had had with this soft spoken man who seemed to be devoid of animosity toward anyone. His emotions were calm, and her empathy told her that he clearly loved his family. One by one, the Cullen family members returned home. Carlisle introduced his mate, Esme, to Charlotte. Jaspar seemed less than welcoming, and Rosalie matched that attitude. Emmett was a bit warmer to the pretty vampire. So many faces, so many names. "You do have a large brood, Dr Cullen."
"Call me Carlisle, please. And thank you. They can be a handful," he said, grinning as his eyes scanned his family.
"Seriously, Carlisle? You wouldn't have it any other way." A tall young man entered the room, his mate at his side.
"This is Edward and Bella. Took you long enough to get home." Carlisle said to the pair.
Bella looked at the three Volturi with alarm, leaning into Edward. "Sorry we're late. We got a call from Jacob and Renesmee."
"Your daughter?" Charlotte guessed from the spike in emotion she felt coming from the woman.
"She was the one that necessitated our coming here so many years ago, Charlotte," Marcus clarified.
"Ah, the confrontation no one will talk about."
Edward read Charlotte's thoughts, and deduced she meant no harm, and was here just to visit his family. Still, he was more than surprised by this. Looking at Bella, he nodded silently.
Everyone sat together in the large living room. With Marcus' permission, Charlotte was finally able to get the full story about the confrontation that nearly led to the deaths of most of the Volturi and many of Cullen's family and friends. Alice's vision was supposed to have pushed Aro to come to a peaceful solution. He reluctantly agreed with Carlisle that fighting was not necessary. From that point on, the vampire world questioned the effectiveness of the Volturi. If one coven could defy them unconditionally, why not others.
Charlotte loved hearing the stories being told about the family, as far as their entry into the Cullens' vampire lives. They even showed an interest in her own entry. She explained how Marcus had saved her life, something Carlisle listened to with interest. Bella shared her daughter's life with the shapeshifter Jacob since the confrontation. Charlotte found the Cullens to be completely open and without guile. Vampires who wanted to live as normal lives as possible.
"I'm happy for you both," nodding at Edward and Bella, "that Renesmee was allowed to live. I have had to step in on behalf of an innocent myself. Sometimes bending the law is necessary." She reached over to hold Marcus' hand, squeezing it. Her eyes gave him thanks for coming with her. She winked at Felix, who was not the usual scowling stiff guardsman Charlotte was used to.
Eventually, everyone was laughing and sharing stories. Emmett even challenged Felix to arm wrestling. The Cullens cheered for their favourite son, while Charlotte cheered for Felix. Marcus was caught smiling at one point to which Charlotte leaned up and gave the vampire a kiss on his cheek. She later asked Carlisle how animal blood tasted. Jaspar went out into the woods and brought back a small deer, allowing Charlotte to sample some of the animal's blood, before letting the others finish off the animal.
"It's so weak. How do you maintain your strength on this?" Charlotte wanted to wipe her tongue off, but didn't.
The Cullens laughed. "You get used to it," Esme said.
Marcus stood, letting Charlotte know it was time to go. Carlisle led them to their car, Felix already at the wheel. "Carlisle, thank you for allowing us this visit. I didn't mention in front of your family that it was important I meet with you."
"Why such a need?" he asked.
"I don't know," was all Charlotte replied. "But I hope to stay in touch with Alice, in case anything more comes of these strong feelings."
Carlisle nodded, saying, "Please tell Aro that I wished he had come too. If he ever wants to break communication silence, I'm here. He was my friend once, you know."
Charlotte smiled and waved up at Alice before entering the car to sit beside Marcus. "That went better than I expected. And I think it's gone, Marcus. I don't feel that urge anymore. What ever we had to do, we've done." Charlotte closed her eyes, her mind finally at peace.
"For now, child."
"What? No, no, I don't feel anything. Don't tell me 'for now'!"
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The Volturi jet landed at the Pisa International Airport. There were two cars waiting for the arriving party. One Felix headed to, with Marcus behind him. The Guard opened the back seat door for the Master to enter, then got into the front seat, driving away. Charlotte was startled at first, until she saw Aro, dressed in a black suit with a red tie, leaning against the hood of the other car, legs crossed at the ankles, his arms also crossed. She grinned when she now noticed it was his Bentley he was in front of. She giggled when she noticed the sunglasses he was wearing. "Oh my love, you look good enough to eat. You came for me yourself. And here I thought I had been left behind." She embraced Aro tightly.
"Welcome home, cara. I missed you." The dark haired vampire nuzzled his mate's neck in greeting. He opened the passenger door, letting her enter before he shut it and climbed into the driver side. He picked up her hand and kissed the top. "You have no idea how long a day can be. Part of me feared you might wish to attempt to contact your family on the way home."
"I know the law, Aro. I would never put my family at risk. Besides, I needed to be back with you more."
They arrived a bit over an hour later to the compound. Aro led his mate from the car, whereupon a guard got in and drove it to the garage.
They were just about ready to enter the fortress via the back door, when Charlotte stopped, facing Aro, "Carlisle had a message for you, love," Charlotte began to given her mate the message from Dr Cullen, but was stopped.
Aro held up his hand, then lowered it, palm up. He didn't want to hear the message interpreted. He wanted to hear it as Carlisle had given it, tone and all, to Charlotte. Once Charlotte placed her hand on his, he covered it with his other, and began reading the memories of the visit. He was actually surprised by some of the individual scenes being shared. Everyone had gotten along, it seemed. Even Marcus and Felix had participated, apparently having a good time. He released her hand and stepped back.
"Astonishing," he said. "So Carlisle is not my enemy. Yet he manages to thwart my goals at every turn."
"Aro, I met Alice. She's such a sweet person. We've exchanged email addresses, I hope you don't mind. She knows you want her to join us, but she isn't interested right now. She has a mate of her own, and is happy with her family. Please don't let this get to you. It's in the past. Perdonalo, per il tuo bene. For all our sakes."
A/N : So the Cullens are now friends of Charlotte, the mate of Aro, who can barely tolerate them. Maybe that will change. But even Aro will see how important they are to the welfare of every single vampire on Earth. Oooh a twist is coming. Not yet, but in the future.