TWILIGHT : THE BLOOD INSIDE YOU IS THE BLOOD INSIDE ME
Chapter Twenty-two
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.)
Lots going on : The Cullens arrive at Volturi headquarters. Caius finally introduces Charlotte to his mate, Athenodora. Charlotte prepares the Volturi guards and the Cullen men for a special competition.
Aro/OC, Carlisle, Alice, Jasper and Emmet Cullen, Demetri, Felix, Caius and Athenodora
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Aro felt surprisingly relaxed as the limousine returned to the Volturi compound. He was enjoying his conversation with Carlisle, recalling their comraderie as it had been back in the early 1700s in Volterra. Granted, the good doctor was never on the same level as Aro, he being one of the three heads of the Volturi leadership. But Aro felt more friendship with Carlisle perhaps than he felt with either Marcus or Caius. In Leavenworth, he had admittedly felt ill-at-ease, even with Charlotte beside him, but Volterra was his home. Now it was up to him to make Carlisle feel welcome again.
"It's interesting how steadfast your convictions have remained, my friend. Do you remember the time I sent a guard to the library with a human body, quite bloodied, if I recall. Even that did not tempt you to return to the roots of your existence."
"I wouldn't change from what I've chosen to be just because of some test you arranged, Aro. But I do admit, for one very brief moment, my venom was up. I'm sorry if I disappointed you," Carlisle countered. "But I had to leave before I forgot what I was."
"Friends don't judge one another, Carlisle, despite their differences in opinion. I had hoped you would stay, but I was not going to force you." He gave the blonde vampire a smile of understanding, knowing Charlotte was watching them. He then gave his mate a slight nod, smiling at her. Aro was glad he had let Charlotte force the meetings with the Cullens. He had been surprised that Marcus had gone along with it in the very beginning, but his brother seemed able to read Charlotte in an easier fashion that suited her needs. Aro was trying to do the same, but he found himself doubtful at times. Not in her beliefs, per se, just about the veracity of her compulsions. This was something even she didn't understand, but as her mate, he had to support her. She seemed to feel it was imperative.
It was good to have Alice here as well. His desire to recruit the pert young vampire to the Volturi Guard had not faded away, but he was pleased to see the friendship between Charlotte and Alice growing. Perhaps in this way, Alice might wish to be close to her friend, should she ever want a change of scenery, although Aro knew the likelihood that her mate Jasper would let her go was nil. Who knew, he might find himself with two new recruits. Surely Alice would see her own future with us, if that indeed was to be her future, Aro thought. Stranger things have happened.
Charlotte gave Aro his privacy by not listening in on their conversation, but she did inadvertently hear what he had voiced to Carlisle. That Aro could now say friends do not judge friends pleased her. For some reason, she felt that was not always the case. Still, Aro had let Carlisle leave Volterra unimpeded.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The limousine drove through the back gate and parked at the double doors. Everyone got out, with Felix and Demetri gathering the Cullen luggage to take to their assigned rooms. Once everyone was properly situated, Emmett had asked the two guards if he could join them. Charlotte was amazed at the ease with which Emmett had fit in. When she had first met him, she looked upon him as a big friendly puppy dog. This was better than expected. Perhaps time was all that was needed to bring these two covens together. Not that everyone was as accepting as Felix, Demetri and some of the others. But it was a start.
Alice had asked Charlotte if she would like to go into town later for a bit of shopping. It was agreed they would meet up in an hour. Jasper wanted to go as well, to check out the town and protect Alice. Malia had invited herself, which made Charlotte happy, not wanting to be a third wheel. Lately, Jane had taken Sarah under her wing, allowing Malia time to herself. Charlotte was surprised at Jane's sudden willingness to guide Sarah, but not unhappily so. Jane had been around a long time, and Charlotte trusted her to watch out for Sarah. If only Jane gave her the same consideration. Shaking off the feeling of rejection, she decided not to let anything mar Alice's visit.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Charlotte, along with Malia, Alice and Jasper, headed for the center of town, during which Charlotte pointed out local sites to Jasper. He seemed very interested in the older buildings and their history, especially any battle history. She explained there was the Siege of Volterra in 1494, and that if Jasper wanted to read more about it, the Volturi library had books and documents about that time period.
Later, the foursome checked out some shops, Alice acting like they had not just recently spent 75,000 euros in Rome. Charlotte bought an Italian wool turtleneck sweater she thought Aro would look wonderful in, something different from his usual button up shirts. It was in black, because she had to admit, he looked good in black.
"Charlie, will you be getting anything for yourself?"
"Alice, my god, after we spent so much in Rome...no, I'm fine. Jasper, you should consider the Italian wool sweaters. They're very nice, and cheaper here than in American stores. And don't forget Emmett. He wears a lot of grey. Get him something in navy perhaps."
"Well, let me see, Charlie, it does get cold and wet in Leavenworth," Jasper teased.
"Jasper, it's for looks, not warmth. And you'd look good in them," Malia pressed. She had eyes for the blonde vampire, but knew he was already the mate of Alice. Since she liked Alice, that was that. One day, she would find her mate. If he were already a vampire, perfect. But if he were a human, she'd tell him what she was and get him to agree to be changed. Then she'd ask Master Aro or Master Marcus to change him for her.
After visiting several of the shops, the group slowly headed back to Volturi headquarters.
"Are you ready for the competition, Jasper?" Charlotte asked. Jasper, unlike Emmett, had said little about the matches. He was willing to help set things up, and Charlotte felt in his emotions he was quietly eager to compete against Demetri. These Cullens were not like the Guard.
"Hey, Charlie, is this just for the men? I want to compete," Alice piped up.
"Yeah, Charlie, me too," Malia said.
"Of course anyone can compete." No one paid attention when she said, 'We may need you all."
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Charlotte was already getting things ready for the contests between Felix and Emmett, Demetri and Jasper, and the rest of the Guard. She slipped on her favourite pair of skinny jeans, black of course. She had just pulled on a chambray button-up shirt, which she knotted at the bottom around her waist. Better to be comfortable for this venture. She was concentrating on her plans when she heard a knock on the outer door. She rushed to open it to find Caius standing there, looking contrite.
"Caius?" Charlotte was surprised because he never came to Aro's chambers. Neither did Marcus, for that matter. At least, not since her arrival.
"May I come in, sister? I know Aro isn't here. He's busy with that Cullen, so I'm taking the opportunity to talk with you, if that's alright."
Charlotte stepped aside to let the blonde vampire in. She wasn't used to Caius asking permission for anything. He just always appeared at the right times. "Is there anything I can do for you, brother?" She sat on the settee, patting the spot next to her.
Caius sat down next to Charlotte. He wanted to tell her why he was being so uncooperative when it came to their guests. Maybe Aro hadn't told her about their history with the Cullens. Oddly nervous, Caius stood and walked the room, looking around at the furnishings. "I see few changes, sister. I'm surprised you had no desire to place your mark on these rooms."
Charlotte laughed. "Caius, these are beautiful rooms. Aro has excellent taste. Except for the lamp he broke and the replacements for it, nothing has been changed."
Caius went to the bedroom doorway. "May I?"
"Of course," Charlotte replied. She stood to follow, wondering why he cared about the furnishings. Her empathy was detecting something in her friend's mind, anxiety or indecision perhaps.
Caius walked into the bedroom, scanning the room. Then he noticed the gold chess piece he had gifted her sitting on the side table. "Is that your side of the bed?"
"For all intents and purposes, it is. Why?" Charlotte frowned. What was Caius up to?
He was there in a fraction of a second, picking up the gold queen and smiling. "You keep it near you, Charlotte."
She nodded and smiled. "Well, it was a gift from someone I love very much. Now what's going on, Caius? Usually, you tease me mercilessly or make some terrible joke. Today you seem almost sentimental."
"I'm not that bad, Charlotte. Who comforted you after Sarah's trial?"
She gave Caius a warm smile. "You did. Truth be told, after getting over the "kill her" bit, you've been very kind and supportive, and I appreciate that." Charlotte said, crooking her finger.
Caius set down the chess piece and followed her to the outer room. "I need to explain something, Charlotte. The Cullens defy us all the time."
"That can't be true, Caius! Carlisle is a decent, hard working man who cares for his family. He sounds quite human when described that way." Charlotte knew out of everyone here, Caius was going to be the hardest sell in bringing the covens together.
"Sister, a werewolf nearly destroyed me many centuries ago. The Cullens consort with werewolves! Can you understand why I don't exactly like them?"
"That's not true, Caius! They're wolf shapeshifters, not true werewolves. Besides, Carlisle moved his family to Leavenworth. The Quileute tribe stayed at La Push near Forks. I'd be surprised if they even see each other anymore, except for Jacob since he's mated to Edward and Bella's daughter. You're just making excuses. By the bye, where is Athenodora? You hide her away like a new pair of shoes you have no intention of wearing, unless it's a special occasion. Ok, this visit is a special occasion. By necessity."
Caius thought a moment. "Would you care to meet her now?"
Caught off guard, Charlotte took more than a couple of seconds to say yes, but as they walked to the outer doors, she placed a hand on Caius' arm as she held him back. "Will she like me, brother? Does she have any affections for Sulpicia that would make her look at me as someone who took Aro away from her friend?"
Caius smiled at Charlotte, understanding her fear. "That was long ago. And she knew Sulpicia was a traitor to the Volturi. Don't worry about that, sister. Come, let's go see her now." Caius held out his hand to Charlotte, squeezing it as he led her from Aro's chambers to the tower stairs.
Once they reached the top of the stairs, Caius led Charlotte down a long corridor. They stopped in front of carved wooden doors which Caius pushed open. Once inside, Charlotte marveled at the decor. It was so elegant, yet simple at the same time. She noticed a petite blonde woman sitting on a settee, reading a book. When she saw Caius come in, she dropped the book and ran to her mate, hugging him tightly. Caius bent to kiss her and return her embrace. The pair smiled at one another, as they spoke. Then Caius, taking Athenodora's hand, led the pretty woman to Charlotte.
"Charlotte, this is my mate, Athenodora." He kissed her hand, before continuing. "My love, this is Aro's mate, Charlotte. She hasn't been with us for very long."
Looking at the female vampire, Charlotte noticed her pale blonde hair, a flawless face with a gentle square jaw and shy smile. She obviously adored Caius, but hadn't Marcus said she tempered her sometimes volatile mate's moods? Charlotte's empathy read Athenodora as amiable and in love, feeling cherished by Caius.
Athenodora, looked at Charlotte with clear red eyes, and smiled. "Welcome to the Volturi, Charlotte. I'm glad Aro has found someone to make him happy. Caius says only the sweetest things about you, almost. I thought he would never let me meet you." Turning to her mate, Athenodora chastised Caius, "She's lovely, Caius. She doesn't seem in the least exasperating."
Charlotte opened her mouth, then decided silence was the best response at the moment, but she managed to give Caius a look that basically called him the name she could not say out loud.
Caius recognized Charlotte's expression, having seen it before, and directed at him.
Charlotte wished she could reciprocate the kind words she heard, but Caius never mentioned his mate, never spoke of her at all. Caius always flirted terribly with Charlotte, but now that she'd seen his behavior with his mate, she knew that in his heart, he loved Athenodora. When he teased her, it was as the brother she had fancied him to be. Relief swept though her. It wouldn't do for Aro to be jealous of Caius, as he had once been. Charlotte decided to lie to protect her friend. "Caius told me only how beautiful you are, and how much he loves you, sister." Charlotte saw Caius throw her a glance, but then he smiled, knowing the situation as it was.
Caius wasn't wholly comfortable talking about his mate with Charlotte. He loved Athenodora, of course. But he had felt an attraction for Charlotte since the day she had appeared before the trio of leaders. If she feared him, her fiery defense didn't betray that. He enjoyed their games of chess, and the occasional repartee they engaged in. But she was Aro's mate, so he decided to treat the new addition to the coven as a sister and friend. And by introducing her to Athenodora, it would remind him every day who belonged to whom.
Athenodora let go of Caius' hand and went to Charlotte, offering her an embrace. "You must visit me more often, dear sister. Please come sit with me."
She followed Athenodora to the settee. "I would ask Caius to bring you to us. We have visitors, Athenodora, from America." She saw Caius glare at her, but she didn't care. "Would you join us tomorrow. We're having a competition for our guests and the guards. You do recall the Cullens, from 11 years ago?"
"I remember them, yes. Aro permitted them to come here?"
"Yes, he is trying to bring about an alliance between the two covens. Will you join us?"
Caius' mate looked at him, her eyes asking him for permission. Charlotte also gave him the same look, forcing him to concede while rolling his eyes.
"I cannot win out against two females, one my beloved mate and the other my good friend. Very well, my love, we will go downstairs tomorrow afternoon and see what Charlotte has put together."
Charlotte grinned and stood. "It was indeed a pleasure to meet you, sister, but I really must go and finish up the plans for the games tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you, downstairs, tomorrow." She gave Athenodora a hug, then Caius, smiling at both before she sped off to find Felix, Demetri, Emmett and Jasper.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The guards helped out attaching the basketball hoop much higher than the standard regulation height for humans. The extra-supported table being used for arm wrestling was ready, several of the guards now expressing interest in competing against Felix and Emmett as well.
"Emmett, you know I really like you. But Felix is Volturi, so I have to support him."
"It's alright, I understand, Charlotte. They're your people, your family. You have to root for them. But I will kick Felix's ass this time, you watch."
"Jasper seemed excited in his match up with Demetri," Charlotte observed.
"You may think Demetri is good, but don't count out Jasper just yet. Jasper is a natural fighter. He trained us before the confrontation against a newborn army from Seattle. "
"Really. That is a story you must tell me later. For now, can you get the ropes attached to the ceiling?"
"Glad to help," the gentle giant replied.
Charlotte looked around. Everything looked good for tomorrow. She just hoped this feeling inside her would fade once the games had been concluded.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Aro sat opposite Carlisle, the pair talking comfortably. They had discussed things that had happened after Carlisle's departure, how he had built up his family, and their hopes for the future, their very long future.
"You and your family would always be welcome here in Volterra, Carlisle."
"A kind invitation, Aro, but we are Americans, and love the country and what we have there."
Aro shrugged, "Can't blame me for trying." Both men laughed amiably.
For his part, Aro was opening up to the one person he knew would never judge him. He had let Carlisle leave the Volturi, knowing his future goals were not the same as his.
As for Carlisle, he wondered what goals the Volturi had in their future. It was not their way to adapt and change. In their world, others adapted to them.
"Charlotte seems to be a good match for you, Aro. Are you happy with her?"
"I am, Carlisle. She is everything I am not. And I like to think the reverse is true. Therefore we compliment each other very well. She sparks something in me I haven't felt in a very long time."
Smiling broadly, Carlisle nodded. "I like her. I wasn't sure how she would fit in with the Volturi, but it seems you've fit yourselves around her in some ways. Alice told us what happened here when Edward thought Bella was dead. The way Charlotte connects with the guards...it's amazing really."
"She does have one who hasn't welcomed her. Jane, for whatever reason, does not like Charlotte. She has tried to reach out to Jane, but to no avail."
"I've learned sometimes a person will have to confront an enemy and fight them, before any friendship can develop after. It sounds strange, but look at all the examples in history." Carlisle watched Aro, wanting to say something to his friend. "Aro, I wanted to thank you for not destroying Edward. He was confused and in a lot of pain, thinking Bella was dead. By your refusal of his request to die, he was given another chance which worked out well for him...and Bella. I hope you understand when I say I'm glad they're not part of your Guard, but I thank you just the same."
"I admit I wanted him to accept our offer to join us. We would have welcomed him. But we would never have forced him." Aro thought Carlisle's gratitude was strange, but he understood, in a way his brother Caius never would. Carlisle's family was never about power. Had he the power Aro had craved, he still would not use his family to benefit from it in any way.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Charlotte sought out the head of the Cullen family once she saw Aro had left him free. Finding him in his room, Charlotte asked if they could visit. Sitting on the settee, Charlotte asked, "Carlisle, has Aro explained to you about my so-called gift? I call it that because it feels more like a curse. Does Alice ever feel that way about her gift?"
Carlisle answered, "It can seem like a burden at times, Charlotte. But the benefit of foreknowledge makes it worth it to her. It has been difficult for you, according to Aro. But if you had ignored your feelings, we wouldn't be here now. And I would not have had the chance to talk with Aro and explain things. It almost feels like we're friends again. I say almost, because I don't want to assume too much."
"He needs such a friend, one who doesn't judge him. Being in a position of power can be thankless. Aro does what he does because he believes the coven needs to be the strongest in the world. It makes him appear almost obsessive about gathering powers."
"That's the ironic thing, Charlie. When I left Volterra, it wasn't because of anything between Aro and myself. I just wanted to live my existence as I chose, and that meant not killing people. I wanted to help them. Going to America seemed the best way to do that. I guess Aro took it differently than I imagined."
Charlotte smiled at her mate across the room. "They way he has taken to you so easily shows me he has forgiven you. Not that there was anything to forgive, of course,"
"It's all right. I understand."
"Carlisle, may I ask you something? I have discussed this with Aro too. He says I hang on to my humanity too tightly, but what does he expect. I haven't been a vampire that long, He told me I would be bringing humanity to the coven, then says I cling too tightly to it." She stopped to gather her thoughts. "Carlisle, do you believe that you're a damned soul. Do you even believe you have a soul?"
Carlisle had no idea how to answer Charlotte's question, but decided his truth at least was the best reply. "We have souls, Charlotte, but we are damned as well. In exchange for immortality, we sacrifice our humanity. We live nearly forever, but we can still find final death under the right circumstances."
"Aro believes we're soulless too. What does it even matter. I don't believe in Hell, so have no fear of it. But Carlisle, you're a doctor. You help humans get well. You can't be damned. It's not possible."
The fair haired vampire laughed. "Bella said the same thing."
"Well, she's right. I only ask because i wish I could show you all how wrong you are. Have you ever studied the nature of our kind? We are not the vampires of legend. The lore versus what we really are and what we can do doesn't match. Have you studied the physicality of a vampire? Are we even true vampires? Perhaps we're still human, only enhanced by the venom."
Carlisle impulsively hugged Charlotte. "Aro is lucky to have you by his side. I'm sure one day you'll convince him that he's better than he thinks he is. But you have an interesting theory. Perhaps one day I'll look into it, and do some research."
Charlotte thanked Carlisle for listening to her. "I guess I'd better get to the training room and make sure things are finished." Before she left, Charlotte held out a set of car keys to Carlisle.
"What's this, Charlie?"
"Carlisle, we were not able to schedule...feeding time, like the perfect happenstance when Alice first visited us. I want you to take the car, get your family off on a road trip, maybe to Pisa, or anywhere you like. Give us 4-5 hours at least. I'm sorry, but I don't want any of you to feel uncomfortable. Just go, have some fun. Sight see. We'll see you back here later. And by the way, it's Aro's Bentley, so be careful. Scratch it and he'll have your head." She gave Carlisle a beaming smile.
"I understand, thank you, Charlie. I'll get Alice and the others. Thank Aro for me."
Charlotte winked at Carlisle, and headed for the training room.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
After Heidi had brought the tourists to the older throne room, and everyone had fed, Charlotte made one last check of the obstacle course the guards and the Cullen men would use in the competition. It would entail running, climbing, and jumping from high up to the ground. There was a basketball hoop that would test accuracy in throwing.
The games were set, with the contests between the Cullen men and the Volturi guard in place. Everyone was actually becoming excited about the competition, and hoped nothing would happen to force any of them on a last minute mission.
Marcus came to stand at Charlotte's side. "Child, do you know why you are putting this all together?"
"No, I don't. But it's necessary, Marcus." Charlotte brought her left hand to her temple while her eyes glazed over. "We must have the strongest, the fastest, and the most agile."
Marcus gripped Charlotte's shoulder, bending to peer into her face. "Child?"
She suddenly smiled and looked up at the older vampire. "Yes, what were we talking about? Oh, the obstacle course. It's completed. We're ready go."
Marcus went to speak with Aro about his mate's odd behavior. Aro knew these compulsions of Charlotte's were something even she didn't know much about.
Aro moved over to his mate, coming up behind her, his arms slipping around her. He kissed the back of her neck, inhaling her sweet scent. "Are you alright, my love? I am quite concerned about you."
"I feel like I'm a burden to you, Aro. I'm sorry you have to suffer this with me. It has a purpose, it really does. I just wish I could articulate to you what that purpose is, but I can't." She turned into his embrace, holding him tightly as the rock in her existence she knew she needed.
"You are never a burden to me, cara. La tua vita รจ la mia vita. I tuoi guai sono i miei guai." Aro nuzzled her neck, planting a kiss below her ear. "We will figure this out, cara. I promise."
Later, when they were alone in their chambers, and sitting on the large bed, Aro asked Charlotte about the obstacle course she had used the guard's training room for. "I will be interested, my dear, to know what this is all about. In the meantime, what about your pet project."
"I'm still working on that. Aro. I finally finished up with the small vase. It dates around 468 BC, by a potter called Theodoris. Although not widely famous, his work was well known in Athenai. Valued worth is $120,000 more or less. See, my love, I'm still cataloguing, but other matters have been taking precedence, as you well know."
"I'm not accusing you of forgetting your plan for the art room, I was merely asking."
Charlotte turned to Aro. "Is there a deadline? Do I have to be finished before I turn a thousand years old?"
Aro laughed and pulled Charlotte down on his lap, his hand cupping her chin while he kissed her deeply.
Looking up at her mate, Charlotte asked, "What was that for?"
"It makes me happy you plan to be around for the next thousand years, cara."
"Longer than that if I have my way." She returned Aro's kisses, the momentary pressure in her mind forgotten. She hoped the events of tomorrow would illuminate things more for her.
A/N : I am so enjoying writing this story. I've written others in the past, and made the mistake of ending them too soon, then I miss the characters. It's not always easy to go back to them later. I know how this story will end, it's just the getting there. I don't want to make a similar mistake and rush it.
I am grateful when people take a look at my chapters, so just a mini survey to see if readers are enjoying the fluff and details of Volturi existence for Charlotte and Aro, and company. It would let me know in which direction to move with it. The Volturi will eventually find themselves in a situation they never have before. But for now, are the more lightweight subjects ok with you?
ALSO...I plan to tone down the love/sex scenes. I mean, I had to rate it M for steamier bits, then no one can find it, unless they follow me or know how to search all ratings. Recently I've read some stories where things get hot and steamy, then fade to black. Maybe more acceptable? Let me know.
One more thing, I really want Marcus to find a mate, so maybe a sequel, so Charlotte and company can be part of that too. I have to think on that. Opinions?
Thanks much to anyone taking their time to read my story.