The Blood inside you is the Blood inside me

by IluthraDanar

Leaving America for her first ever vacation to Italy, Charlotte Wilson is driving alone at night and in unknown territory. After an auto accident that could have ended her vacation before it really started, she finds her death is forestalled by the quick action of a passing stranger. Her life will forever be changed, but for the better or the end?

21. Chapter 21

TWILIGHT : THE BLOOD INSIDE YOU IS THE BLOOD INSIDE ME

Chapter Twenty-One

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 gets ready for the arrival of the Cullens to Volterra, but of course, Aro has a change of mind. Charlotte doesn't give up though. Some vampire sex, so skip that if you're not interested. The arrival of the Cullens signal one circle is complete. Emmett and Felix rematch for arm wrestling.

Aro/OC, Felix, Demetri, Carlisle, Alice, Jasper, Emmett

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While Aro was off tending to business, Charlotte decided to check her email, and found one from Alice. She eagerly opened it, reading something she'd been waiting to see. The Cullens were accepting Aro's invitation to come to Volterra and stay at the Volturi compound.

Hello, Charlie, good news. Carlisle said we can travel to Volterra. We just need to know what would be a good arrival date, so speak with Aro and let me know. Not everyone will be going. It will be Carlisle, me, Jasper, and Emmett. Rosalie decided she had no interest in Volterra, although I believe it's more the Volturi she's not interested in. Esme said she would stay behind with Rosalie. Neither Edward nor Bella will be going, since the last time they were there, well, not the best experience for them. But we look forward to seeing it as welcome guests, as I'm sure you understand. The Cullens and the Volturi are not exactly the best of friends, but we will be, Charlie. I've seen it, fingers crossed nothing gets in the way of that vision. Awaiting your reply. - Alice

Charlotte sat back. Aro would have to be told, of course. Smiling, she wrote back to Alice.

Hello, Alice, this is wonderful news. I can't wait to speak to Aro about it. Will get back to you ASAP. I'm sorry Esme and Rosalie can't make it this time, but there will be other opportunities in the future. I hope anyway. And tell Emmett Felix will be waiting for a re-match. Later! - Charlie

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Charlotte was spending more time with Felix and Demetri to hone her one-on-one fighting skills. She made good use of her self-defense training, but spent much of her time picking herself up off the ground. Truth be told, the two guards had more experience than she did. After awhile, she managed to improve enough to, at times, trick the guards into letting down their mental defenses, making them vulnerable to a surprise attack. But in the end, Charlotte never could touch Felix. He was just too big and too strong.

Aro knew something about Charlotte taking fight lessons, but he had not yet bothered to ask her about it. He heard laughter coming from the training room, and paused to look through the doorway. Aro watched in silence as his mate somersaulted over Demetri until she was standing behind the shorter of the two guards. She threw herself into his body, taking down the fair haired vampire. Demetri then stood across the room, while Charlotte watched him. Suddenly, she cartwheeled several times toward the guard, before flipping over, extending her legs mid-air, and hitting Demetri hard in the chest with her feet. The guard fell onto his back, Charlotte straddling him, her hands on his arms ready to pull.

A smile graced Aro's flawless face, his expression one of delight in his mate's abilities. Charlotte moved like a cat, with such physical dexterity and agility in her movements, he was simply in awe of her.

"You win, Charlotte. Great job!" Demetri said, a smile on his face. He balanced himself on his elbows, looking up at Charlotte. She reached down to him, helping him up off the floor, returning his smile with one of her own.

"You taught me the moves, Demetri. You're an excellent teacher." Next, Charlotte turned to face Felix.

"Felix, now!" Charlotte called out, the tall guard running for her as she cartwheeled twice then did two flips. By the time he reached her, Charlotte leaped upward, then fell on his shoulders, her hands around his chin, ready to twist. Felix reached up and grabbed her by her arms, pulling her forward to land on her back and at his feet. She sat up on the floor, her dignity only somewhat bruised. He held out his hand to help her up off the floor.

"One of these days, I will come up with a way to take you down, you big tree," Charlotte teased.

"Aww, don't feel bad, Charlie. We've all been taken down by Felix one time or other," Demetri said. "It's the main reason he's so valuable to the Guard."

Aro began to applaud as he entered the training room. His smiling face sought out Charlotte, his eyes filled with pride. "My dear, you are Artemis herself. I had no idea that you were so lithe and dangerous." He slipped an arm around Charlotte's waist, and looked over at Felix and Demetri, the Volturi master complimenting them on their training skills. "This is wonderful. I hope you continue training with Charlotte for as long as she wishes."

"Of course, Master Aro. Charlotte has shown us some human tricks as well," Demetri said, trying to suppress his smile.

Aro spoke to Charlotte. "Cara, do you mind suspending your training for the day? I'm done with my work, and I have missed you."

"Yes, Aro. Guys, later then?" She waved goodbye to her two friends.

Both guards gave Charlotte curt nods and continued their sparring together.

"You are una donna magnifica, and all mine." He led her out of the training room and into the corridor. Aro kissed his mate out of eyesight of the guards, and embraced her tightly

"Thank you, my love. You have no problem with me training then?"

"Not at all. Pray, continue for as long as you please." Aro hoped to see her in true fighting form, not that he would ever let her become a member of the Guard.

"The guys have been incredibly helpful. You chose well when you brought them into the Guard." She winked and kissed her mate. "Now, there is something I need to speak to you about, Aro. I received an email from Alice saying her family, well, some of them, are coming to Volterra. They just need to know what day you'd like them to arrive."

Aro's smile dropped from his face. "What else did she say?"

"Only that the party would include Carlisle, she and Jasper, and Emmett. The others are staying behind this time." Charlotte watched Aro carefully, trying to sense his current emotions. She thought he would have been happy that his invitation had been accepted. "Is there a problem?"

Turning to Charlotte, Aro replied, "Only Carlisle may visit. The others are not welcome."

Stunned yet again by Aro's ever changeable mind, Charlotte resisted lighting into the Volturi master. For now, she refused to join him for the one trial today that would result in a quick resolution. Instead, she went to the outdoor garden, walking the length of the grassy area, cursing her mate. Why was Marcus the only one who seemed to understand, and who was also level headed and agreeable. Aro and Caius were both so...her hands balled into fists. Standing in front of one of the concrete garden benches, Charlotte brought down her fist and broke the bench in half. Realizing what she had done, she stopped to control her inner rage and keep it from distracting her from what was important. Charlotte headed back inside to find her mate. She had to get Aro to change his mind.

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Charlotte paced outside the Throne room doors. The trial had ended less than thirty minutes ago. Afterwards, Aro gathered the Volturi for an announcement regarding the visit of his guest, Dr Carlisle Cullen. He was disappointed that Charlotte had refused to join him for the trial, and now she was absent from the group while he gave his directives to the Guard. Aro was ordering everyone to leave the good doctor alone while he was here in Volterra. Anyone caught harassing him would be soundly punished. The doors finally opened, and the Guard streamed out one by one. Charlotte entered the room after the last of them had left, her eyes seeking her mate.

"Charlotte, my dear, come in. Why were you not here earlier? Is something wrong?" Aro asked, while he walked down the steps to greet her. It didn't take his tactile telepathy for him to sense her displeasure. "You are angry with me."

"Yes, I am very upset with you. You offered an invitation to any Cullen, and now you've changed your mind? Again! This is not a game, Aro! You can't just modify the rules midway."

Caius glared at Aro. "So you actually asked those deviants to come to Volterra, as our guests?"

"Yes, brother, I did, but only Carlisle. And you will say and do nothing. You made no effort to welcome Alice. Do you plan to be absent again?" Aro's voice was hard, and his expression harder.

Caius wasn't sure what he was going to do. Aro and Charlotte would both be angry at him if he didn't at least make an effort. He sat on his throne, the scowl marring his attractiveness.

Charlotte went over to Marcus, and bent forward to kiss his cheek, then whispered in his ear, "Talk to him, Uncle. You and I both know the importance of this visit."

He took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "Yes, child, I know and you know. It's already begun, so do not worry. The ribbons grow and expand. There's still the unknown element, but we have time. I will speak with Aro, I promise." He tilted her head, placing his finger under her chin. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel ok, no strange compulsions. Well, just this one need for Aro to grow up."

Aro's acute hearing took in Charlotte's words while she and Marcus spoke together in hushed tones. He turned toward his mate, his eyes blazing bright crimson. "This is what you think of me, my dear?"

"Aro, you invited them. You can't un-invite them!" Charlotte protested. "They're our friends."

"Your friends," Aro said.

"Our friends." she reiterated. "Or they will be. Talk to Marcus. He understands. They're coming, and that's final."

"Only Carlisle has my permission to visit us. The rest of your army of friends will stay behind..."

Charlotte interrupted Aro, "Not all would be coming anyway. Only Carlisle, Alice, Jasper. and Emmett. Hardly an army."

He glared at Charlotte. Her defiance surprised him in this regard. He understood her standing up for Sarah, but this was about the Cullens. Did she care nothing for his feelings in the matter?

The two glared at one another, until Charlotte gave Marcus a quick hug and left the throne room before Aro had a chance to say anything else.

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Charlotte went into their chambers, hoping Aro would not follow her. She showered quickly and slipped on a satin gown, the least revealing nightwear she had, since cotton and flannel were no longer in her wardrobe. She had no desire to welcome him with her naked form. She was relieved Aro had not come to their rooms while she was washing up. Damn him, he was not going to spoil her excitement about her visitors from America, her home country.

She browsed a pile of books stacked on Aro's desk, until she found one about European trade disputes during World War 2. Sitting on the far side of the large bed, Charlotte turned on the lamp even though she didn't really need the light from it. She settled against the headboard, and began reading.

After an hour or so, the outer door opened and closed, Aro deciding he and Charlotte needed to talk. He didn't like arguing with his mate, but he wasn't used to being opposed by one of his own. That his mate was standing for these Cullens and not him was hurtful to him. That she compared him to nothing more than a child angered him. He was a leader of the Volturi, who had been around long before that Judaic nee Christian prophet was born. Hadn't she promised him her respect as well as her love?

On entering their bedroom, Aro saw Charlotte sitting on the bed reading a book. A smirk ghosted over his expression when he saw the fine lettering. So war was the topic she was into at the moment. How perfect.

Charlotte greeted her mate with a less than enthusiastic "hello", not even bothering to look at him. She heard him washing up in the bathroom, and snuck a side glance at him while he was dressing in something akin to pants. Going back to her reading, the next thing Charlotte knew, the book was being snatched out of her hands and sent flying to the desk to land perfectly at its center.

"Is this the welcome I'm to expect from my loving mate?" Aro asked grimly

"Actually, I'm not speaking to you, Aro." Charlotte crossed her arms and stared straight ahead.

"Are you still angry at me, my love?" he questioned, the words 'my love' stressed. His demeanor outwardly betrayed no anger, whatever he was feeling inside.

"Not angry, peeved. I'm peeved at you, Aro," she replied, determined not to look at her mate.

"And how is that different?" he requested, still standing at her side of the bed, looking down at her.

"I am not angry at you nor am I furious with you. I'm just peeved, and as I said, I'm not speaking to you." She refused to look up at Aro. It was too easy for her to give in to his charm and beauty, making her want to forgive him. Not this time.

Aro went to sit at his desk. There was no reason to continue this if Charlotte wasn't even going to speak to him, even while she was speaking to him. Who's playing games now, my sweet?

Working on a few papers he had to sign and mail away tomorrow, Aro hummed a melody he hoped Charlotte would know.

She did know the tune. It was a gentle version of La Volta. It conjured up images of she and Aro dancing together to the music, dressed in costumes of the period. Their hands touching, their eyes focused only on one another. They circled each other in one direction, then changed to the opposite direction. She spun on her feet even as Aro led her in a larger circle, like the Earth orbiting the Sun. How was he doing this, she wondered, her heart feeling only love for this man who was not human, yet acted very human.

Charlotte hadn't noticed what Aro had changed into, having not watched him too closely. When he had finished his work and climbed onto the bed, she gave him the briefest of glances "What are you wearing?" she asked, as if she didn't really care.

"They're called sleep pants. Very lightweight and comfortable. Do you like them?"

"I'm not looking at them or you," Charlotte countered, her stare fixed across the room.

Aro reached over to brush his fingers over Charlotte's hand, but she pulled away.

"So now I'm not even allowed touch you, my dear? Hmm..."

Charlotte peeked at Aro who was sitting a couple of feet to her left, her book now in his hands. She had to admit to herself the sleep pants looked good on her mate, but she was not going to tell him that. Still, he always appeared magnificent to her no matter what he wore, or didn't wear. She turned away before his natural sexiness drew her in irrevocably.

"What can I do to make amends, cara?" Aro tilted his head at her, his eyes begging her response.

"Stop looking so damned...nothing. I'm not speaking to you." Charlotte scooted over as far as she could to the right, the edge of the bed underneath her right thigh. One inch further, and she'd be falling off the bed.

Aro wanted to show her how much her stubbornness amused him, but he wasn't sure that would do anything. Aro could feel her desire for him, even as she tried to fight it off. He knew only one thing would fix this. Scooting over to the edge of the bed, he got up and walked at a human pace around to her side. He stood near her and with his open hands reaching for her, he announced, " Very well, my love. If you feel this is important, who am I to deny those feelings of yours. Forgive me for my short sightedness. The four Cullens may come to Volterra. They will be welcomed as honoured guests, I promise."

Charlotte slowly looked up at Aro, feeling only sincerity radiating from him. She smiled and getting up on her knees, she reached out to hug him tightly. Her arms rested on his shoulders, her dark crimson eyes shining as she peered at him. "Thank you, Aro. Oh, thank you, my love." She peppered his face with kisses, eliciting a laugh from him.

"I'm pleased you're so happy. Now understand, this is not a concession on my part. I thought about the pain you have been suffering with this new gift you seem to have, and I will not be responsible for making you suffer more. If this needs to happen for...whatever reason, so be it."

"You won't regret it, Aro. Tell me the day, and I'll email Alice." She didn't let him go, happy to be holding him again. She had to be strong in her resolve, but everything was going to be ok now, just as Marcus had said. With the great weight lifted from her mind, Charlotte leaned in to kiss her mate. Not just any kiss, but one telling him of her need for him.

Pulling back, she looked Aro up and down. The sleep pants settled perfectly at his hip bone. Charlotte tested the elastic by pulling the waist line away from his body, catching a glimpse of his manhood. Damn, she wanted him so badly. "So they're comfortable, you say?"

"Very," he replied, his hand clasping hers, his thumb rubbing her palm.

"Well, just so we understand one another, you are not allowing the Cullens to visit because I was peeved with you, and I am not hungry for you just because you agreed to allow them to visit. This would have happened in any case, eventually." Her eyes black as night with hunger for her mate, saw the same need in his eyes. She stood up on the bed, and holding his hands, pulled him up with her. Charlotte slipped her arms around him.

Aro kissed Charlotte, then nuzzled her neck, growling low in the back of his throat. His arousal was not hidden by the thin fabric of the sleep pants as he pressed his body against her.

Charlotte pulled back, and linked her fingers within the elastic, slowly tugging down the now annoying pants. They were in her way. Her lover's cock exposed to her, she fell to her knees on the bed. She waited for him to step out of the pants pooled at his feet. She placed her hand around him, slowly stroking him while her mouth encircled the head of his hardening organ. Her tongue lapped around him, then she sucked him into her mouth. She heard sounds coming from his parted lips, and let him slip from her mouth, her teeth lightly grazing down his length.

Aro's hands stroked her thick auburn hair while his hips moved forward as she sucked on him, her hand grasping him at the base. She knelt back on her heels, and waited for Aro to lie down on the bed. Then she hovered over him, taking him back into her mouth, her tongue circling around the head before sucking him deeply into her mouth. Her teeth again grazed him along the hard length, forcing his hips off the bed. Human males loved to be sucked off, but they had a fear of women's teeth. Had Aro been human, his cock would be bleeding already.

Charlotte worked on her mate's erection until his hips rose off the bed, his cold semen shooting into her mouth. His hands grabbed at the bed cover, tearing the fabric. While he was still hard, she sat up to straddle him, falling on him hard, feeling him fill her. She rode him while he guided her hips with his hands. He watched her breasts bounce with her movements as he thrust into her as deeply as he could. She whispered his name between gasps, until she cried out her climax, her inner muscles milking him of his ejaculate. She let herself fall on his chest, his cock still inside her. She purred his name while she kissed his chest, her hips making tiny circles, the feel of him still in her causing small tremors.

Aro shifted his body so that they fell to their sides. Charlotte felt him slip out from her while she moved her legs from around him. He put his arms around his mate, happy they had solved this disagreement between them. He knew life with her would be this way, and he didn't really mind, as long as they ended up thinking as one. He knew she loved and respected him. This damned gift was the cause, but he had to help her when the compulsions struck. They'd have to go away one day, wouldn't they?

"I really do love you, Aro, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm afraid you're stuck with me," Charlotte whispered.

"I can't think of anyone else I'd choose to be stuck with, mia amate," Aro said, kissing her, his hand stroking the unblemished skin of her shoulder.

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Later, while sitting at Aro's desk, Charlotte logged into her email, and sent Alice a quick note they would be expecting them Friday next. That gave Charlotte five days to get their rooms ready. In her reply, Alice said they'd be chartering a private jet, as before, to arrive at the Pisa airport. Aro and Charlotte would pick them up at the airport in a stretch limousine, driven by Felix and Demetri. Both had served their two week punishment, and were now free to go on outside missions.

Charlotte buzzed around the compound, making sure everything was perfect. Malia and Sarah offered to help with the rooms, and the few human housekeepers made sure everything was clean and fresh smelling.

Speaking with Caius, Charlotte wanted to know if he was going to make an appearance or hide out like before when Alice had paid them a visit.

"Sister, is it imperative that I be there as well?"

"Yes, it is, Caius. I need you there to welcome our guests." She took his hand in hers, peering into his face. "Knowing how you feel, I would not ask this of you, brother, unless it was very very important. You're a Volturi leader too. And what of Athenodora. Will you hide her away, or let her join us?"

Caius took her hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing it. "I will think about all your questions, Charlotte, and let you know. I swear."

"Oh, Caius, why must you be so..."

"Be so what, sister?" he asked with a smile on his lips.

"Never mind, Caius. Enjoy being the exasperating person you are. I'll talk to you later," Charlotte speed-ran back to the guest rooms to make sure they were ready.

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It was Friday, and Aro and Charlotte dressed to go pick up their guests. "Everything is ready, my love. We should be proud of our home."

"I'm more pleased you call it home, Charlotte." He held his mate in his arms, kissing her once, before picking her up and swinging her around him. "We'd better go if we're to be there before the plane lands," Aro said, setting her down and giving her a smile denoting his pride in her.

Felix and Demetri were waiting next to the car which sat at the back gate. Felix got in on the driver's side to start the car, while Demetri held the door open for Aro and Charlotte, then taking his place in the front passenger side. The car headed for the Pisa airport, with Demetri actually missing Charlotte demanding control of the radio. He dared not even turn it on with Master Aro in the car.

As for the vampire couple, they sat in back, whispering their plans for the Cullens. Aro would be with Carlisle, showing him around, perhaps bringing up pleasant memories of old. He had to remember to express interest in his coven. Carlisle was a family man now, something that hadn't appealed to Aro for centuries. Once, he had thought no vampire could breed children, only create them. Then Edward and Isabella had produced a female hybrid child. Now it was more generally known that male vampires could breed with human females, with the almost inevitable loss of the mother during childbirth. It was still rarely done, unless there were a vampire human pairing and impregnation was accidental. But what male vampire would want a child without its mother to care for it.

Aro had to remind himself that Carlisle's "children" were created and not bred. Still, Jane and Alec were the closest to being his own children, and perhaps Sarah as well, once he spent more time with the young vampire.

Once they had reached the Pisa airport, Felix parked the car near the small plane runway. Aro and Charlotte stood near the car, and watched as the private jet landed and taxied closer to the gate. Felix and Demetri walked through the gate, ahead of Aro and his mate, then stood at attention, their eyes scanning the area. It would be up to them to gather the Cullen luggage and load it into the trunk of the limousine.

The jet's door opened, and Carlisle appeared at the top of the steps. Charlotte walked to the foot of the steps, with Aro waiting back away from the jet. When Carlisle came down the steps, he gave Charlotte a hug.

"Welcome, Carlisle. It's so good to see you again."

"Thank you for the invitation, Charlotte. It has been a long time since I was last here. I was afraid Aro would change his mind."

Charlotte didn't tell Carlisle he was right in his fear. She only hoped Aro didn't regret the visit.

Carlisle's eyes moved to Aro, who gave him a smile that could not be interpreted. But Carlisle walked up to his old friend, his hand extended. "Hello, Aro. Thanks for the invitation. I was eager to see what you've done with the place."

Aro laughed. It was exactly like old times. The two men walked to the car, talking among each other while Charlotte greeted the others.

Alice was next out, closely followed by Jasper. She gave Charlotte an enthusiastic hug, telling her friend, "Thank you for asking us to come visit, Charlie."

"I wish Esme could have made the trip too."

"Well, Rosalie just refused to leave Leavenworth, so Esme felt it best for her to remain behind. But you're right. There will be other opportunities." Alice took Jasper's hand, pulling him closer.

He nodded at his hostess, saying, "Hello, Charlotte. This is something. I've never been to Italy." His eyes scanned the area, not as comfortable as his mate was, but he still wanted to come so that he could keep an eye on Alice.

"Wait until you see Volterra. It's very old world, Jasper. That's the thing about America. Compared to Europe, it's just a baby nation."

Alice looked past Charlotte, noticing Aro and Carlisle talking together. This was Volturi turf now, yet Carlisle seemed at ease.

Emmett was last to exit the jet. He stood just inside the doorway, leaping over the railing right to the ground below, bypassing the steps completely. He gave Charlotte a big bear hug, his specialty, and swung her around before setting her down. "I've never been to Italy before either, so this is awesome, Charlie." He noticed Felix standing guard with Demetri, so went over to talk to the tall guard about a rematch of arm wrestling, even offering to help with the luggage.

Everyone entered the limousine, Aro and Carlisle opposite each other, still talking. Alice sat opposite Charlotte, with Jasper next to her. Emmett sat next to Charlotte, with his back turned as he talked with the two guards in the front seat. The car headed back to Volterra and the Volturi compound. Charlotte smiled, feeling for the first time in weeks, things were moving along as they should be. She wondered what would follow, but for now, everything felt right.

A/N : FYI-I love listening to Katy Perry's E.T (sans Kanye) when writing Aro & Charlotte scenes. So apt for these two.

Now that the Volturi and the Cullens are together, will Charlotte find peace from her strange gift. Will Caius behave, and will he finally let his mate out of her ivory tower? Does Marcus see anything new with his gift? Stay tuned.