TWILIGHT : THE BLOOD INSIDE YOU IS THE BLOOD INSIDE ME
Chapter Twenty-three
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 prepares for testing the guards and their guests, the Cullens, in a fun environment testing skills and strength. She also reaches out to Jane one last time, realizing Jane is not her enemy, but a necessary member of the coven. There is some unknown out there for whom the Volturi will need to be watchful.
Aro/OC, and just about everyone else, Volturi and Cullens alike. Let the games begin!
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Charlotte was attending to Marcus, while wearing the cobalt blue dressing gown Aro had gifted her when she was still human. She stood behind him while he sat on a chair, awaiting her nimble fingers to brush his hair and tie it back for the day. "You have such gorgeous hair, Marcus. Aro does too, but yours is longer and a bit more luxurious, I think." She slowly ran the brush from the top of his head to the ends of his long tresses. She repeated the motion until she thought she heard Marcus actually make a low purring sound. She leaned over his shoulder and kissed his cheek, smiling. "You sound like a giant pussy cat, uncle."
"It's soothing, child." Marcus leaned back into the chair, truly enjoying Charlotte's gentle ministration. One thing he missed in all these centuries since losing Didyme was the feeling of closeness with another person. Not just a mental connection, but physically as well. Being touched and held, let alone the more intimate moments; he did miss all that even if he acted as if he didn't care. Aro and Caius had their mates, and the guards looked upon him as a king, so were not likely to get too friendly with him, out of respect for his position. Since finding Charlotte, who had an unreserved and affectionate nature, he again had some of what he missed. She would sit next to him, curling her body into his while they talked. There was the time she lay beside him, her head on his lap, talking with him about her concerns regarding her impending change. He was always there for her, and always would be. And she gave him some of the affection he so craved. "I haven't had anyone do this for me in centuries," Marcus quietly lamented.
Assuming his mate Didyme was to whom Marcus was referring without saying her name, Charlotte felt a pang of sorrow for her savior. That he should be alone while she was so happy and content with Aro broke Charlotte's heart. "You can ask me anytime, Marcus, at least until you find a proper mate of your own. And don't make that face. Didyme would not be upset at you for finding someone who will love you as much as you would love her. Our kind exist far too long in this world to spend it alone."
"Charlotte, as I have said, I'm fine. There is no need for you to worry about your old uncle Marcus. I cherish our time together."
Charlotte hugged him tightly while she stood behind him. She loved him so much, not just because he had saved her life, but for the kind and gentle man he was. His counsel and advice comforted her time and again. She wished he could find someone who mirrored him, someone who would happily give up her humanity for him as she had done for Aro. There had to be someone out there. "God, but you're a stubborn man. Now let me finish up here so I can go get dressed."
He smiled, saying "Of course, child. I am properly chastised." Charlotte had given him new life, but he could never tell her how much she had done for his old soul.
"Alright then. Now I'm not a professional hair dresser, but I can do braids and ties." She asked Marcus to hand her the thin strip of leather she'd found. Once she had gathered his hair in one hand, she began to braid the leather strip in and around the older vampire's hair. When she was finished, Marcus had a ponytail that hung down his back, the leather braided within his rich brown hair as a band to hold it together. She gave him a hand mirror so he could judge the final work.
"It's perfect, my dear. Thank you. You do have a talent." He set down the mirror. "Are you alright? You seem on edge this morning," Marcus asked in concern.
Charlotte moved from behind Marcus, and sat on his lap. "I'm not feeling anything right now. Maybe that's the reason I'm not being very talkative." She leaned in to hug her friend, her arms around his neck, resting her cheek against his.
Marcus pulled back, thinking of something to draw her thoughts elsewhere. "Have you heard about the impending arrival of four new supplicants who wish to join the Guard?"
Charlotte peered into Marcus's eyes, a slight frown on her face. "No, Aro never mentioned that. He probably didn't want me to pounce on them, demanding to know their gifts. When will they be here?"
"In a few days. They're traveling from Australia, I believe. You will be able to see how our guards are chosen."
Charlotte smiled. "I'd like to see that, Marcus. I suppose I never really gave much thought to how new guards were even elected. With Aro's personal approval, of course. So what are their gifts?"
"Charlotte, what was that about pouncing on them?"
"Sorry," she mumbled, getting up from his lap.
Marcus stood, going to his wardrobe to choose his clothes for the day's event. "Let's see, one has the ability to levitate, both himself and objects around him, within a limited distance."
Charlotte immediately saw that as a useful gift. She hoped Aro would as well.
"Another has the ability to shield herself against attack. She can summon up a bubble of energy that blocks out projectiles, fire, and the like. Vampires cannot be damaged by ordinary human weapons, but they can delay us. And fire, in some circumstances, can harm us, if not destroy us completely. Our venom would have to be exposed to it for it to finish us off."
Charlotte absorbed all the information she heard, saying, "It could still be useful. Oh my god, the time. I have to leave and speak with Aro. Then I've got to get dressed myself." She smiled and gave Marcus a kiss on his cheek. "See you soon!"
Charlotte left for her and Aro's chambers. Once there, she saw Aro sitting at his desk, looking over some paper work. Feeling Charlotte behind him, he looked up at his mate and grinned. Standing, he took her in his arms, hugging her. "Your big day is here, and everyone is excited, cara. I'm not sure why, but this is your party, so I'll leave the details to you."
After giving Aro a kiss, Charlotte leaned into him. She felt him stroking her hair, hardly oblivious to her anxiety. "What is wrong, love?" he asked, concerned.
"Do you remember when we first met? You had taken my i-pad and I said I needed my music because I liked to dance, that dancing calmed me."
"Of course, but why bring up that memory now?"
"I found a new song, and I'd like you to dance with me before we dress. Please, it won't take long. I know it's silly to you, but it helps me."
Aro didn't bother to hide his frown. "You know how I abhor your modern music, my dear..."
"This is different, Aro. It's modern, but not raucous noise, as you so kindly put it. You're an expert at dance throughout history. Just let the music guide you, love. Please," she asked, as she held her hand out to him.
Something in her eyes begged him to comply. If it calmed her, what harm if he did as she asked.
Charlotte called up her playlist and started the song.
Aro was pleasantly surprised when he heard the opening notes. He turned to Charlotte, smiling. His left hand held her right hand, while she placed her other on his shoulder. His free hand held her waist as they moved over the floor, turning slowly. He moved closer, inhaling her scent while nuzzling her neck. The tip of his tongue tasted her flesh, before he pulled back and dipped her gently backwards, then pulled her upright. Aro let go of Charlotte, letting her turn around him, before bringing her closer until there was no space between their bodies. Both swayed slowly to the music, until it became part of their bodies moving in unison.
Charlotte adored her mate. No one had ever made her feel the way he did. To be this happy, she gladly accepted the change. Thirty, fourty, or even fifty years would not have been long enough a life with this man. She needed an eternity to get to know him. Immortality was the only existence she wanted with him. Charlotte stopped, forcing Aro to look at her, concern written in his expression.
"What is it, cara? Tell me." He held her chin, his thumb brushing over her lower lip.
She looked at him, her eyes taking in his beauty, the love for her plain to see in his eyes. She embraced him tighter. "I never want to lose you, Aro. I would prefer death to an existence without you." She closed her eyes against the picture that briefly flashed through her mind.
He felt confusion about her declaration. Wasn't this supposed to be a fun day for Charlotte, the Cullens, and the Guard? He laughed low in his throat, then whispered, "Il mia piu cara cuore. Trust me, I'm not going anywhere." He turned off her i-pad, and smacked her bottom. "Now get dressed before everyone thinks I've lost you."
Charlotte gasped from the smack, brought back from the grim vision in her mind. "Hey! What was that for?" She walked over to Aro and reaching up, hit the top of his head. "You smack me, I bop you."
Startled, Aro looked at Charlotte, one brow raised. "Bop? Explain."
"It's playfully hitting someone lightly on their head. At least I didn't boop you," she said, staring at Aro as if she were Maleficent herself. For someone so intelligent, he could be so naïve.
Now Aro was close to losing his patience. He was over three thousand years old and his much younger mate was teaching him nonsense. "What exactly is boop?"
Charlotte went to stand in front of Aro, and raised her hand, fingers together. She gently hit his nose with her middle finger. "Boop," she said, desperately trying to not laugh. She tilted her head, looking at him, both brows raised. She made a show of sighing. "I suppose when you're as old as you are, you tend to get a little staid and boring."
Aro's eyes widened and shifted around at nothing in particular. "Charlotte..."
She held up her hands defensively. "It's just an expression of affection, I swear. People mostly do it to their pets, like a cat or dog. The animal may even do it back, if they're so inclined. I've seen videos on youtube."
"You're comparing me to a pet? Hmmm...so bop versus boop." Now it was his turn to sigh. "It all seems somewhat pointless, my dear."
"Oh I see, but smacking my bum is very productive." Charlotte crossed her arms, challenging Aro.
He pulled her toward him, his arms locking her body to his. His eyes took on an ebony hue as he nuzzled her neck. "There are many ways to show affection, Charlotte. We'll continue with proven methods." He leaned in and kissed her, feeling satisfaction when her arms slid up his back. Suddenly, getting dressed was not as immediate a need after all.
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Aro and Charlotte finally dressed, joining Marcus and Caius, along with Athenodora, in the training room. Charlotte greeted Athenodora with a hug, and a kiss on each cheek. "I'm pleased Caius has allowed you to come, sister."
"I kept my word, Charlotte," Caius said. "I think I should have my mate join us more often, that is, if she wishes."
The pretty blonde vampire leaned over to kiss Caius, smiling up at him. "Thank you, beloved. I think I will like that, and then I can talk more with Charlotte. Perhaps answering any questions she may have about the Volturi, since she is newer here."
"I would enjoy that, Athenodora. Any time."
"Please call me Dora, Charlotte. Caius does, and it's easier to remember."
"I don't think anyone would have trouble remembering you, Dora." Charlotte never said things that she didn't mean. She saw her new sister as not only very pretty, but her empathy told her Dora was a kind soul who knew her mate had an unpredictable temperament. She was like a cool balm to Caius, and this was probably why he loved her so much.
Caius' mate leaned into him, her arm snaking around his waist. "Will you be competing, my beloved?"
"What? No! I can't imagine any of us tainting ourselves by engaging in such a display of..." He noticed Charlotte glaring at him. He stopped talking. not wanting to hurt her feelings. This was something she felt was necessary. Still, he would be taking no part in the games.
Charlotte turned to her own mate. Aro had worn the new turtle neck sweater Charlotte had bought him. She admired how it looked on his trim body, even if there was no tie for her to playfully grab. "You look extremely ...," she started to say. Patting down the lapels of his black jacket, her tongue peeked out from between her parted lips.
"Calm yourself, my dear. This is not the place for a repeat of earlier," Aro said, but the low growl in his voice meant something else. "Later, I promise."
Chairs had been arranged along one wall where the Volturi leaders and their mates would sit. There was a chair for Carlisle as well.
The guards were entering the room in groups, chatting about the contest. Soon the Cullens appeared, scanning the room.
Carlisle came over to Aro and Charlotte while Alice, Jasper and Emmett joined the guards. "Good morning, Aro, Marcus, Charlie." He leaned in to give Charlotte a kiss on the cheek. "I take it this isn't an everyday thing. Everyone seems excited." Seeing Caius and his mate near, Carlisle greeting Dora with a kiss on each cheek.
"It has been a very long time, Carlisle, since you have been here with us. You're well?"
"Very, Dora. My mate stayed home to remain with our other children," he said, grinning.
"Give her our best, dear friend. One day, I hope to meet her," she replied, knowing Caius was scowling behind her.
"Hello, Caius," Carlisle said cheerfully, knowing this Volturi master was not his biggest booster.
"Carlisle, you won't be competing?" Charlotte asked with a grin, wanting to keep Caius from opening his mouth.
"I leave that to the younger generation, Charlie."
Aro let out a high pitched laugh. "I've missed your sense of humour, Carlisle."
"Of course, my friend. But you had no sense of humour back then," the blonde vampire countered.
"Il miglior comico è quello che non ride," Aro replied, a smirk on his face.
"So is this how training is done?" Carlisle looked around the training room with interest.
"The guards train continuously, of course," Aro explained. "But these...games...no, not an everyday thing. Still, it will be interesting to compare my guards to your children, Carlisle. Not that they would not be welcome in the Guard."
Carlisle held his chin, looking down at the floor, a smile on his face. "You never give up, my friend."
"And I suppose I never will, but it was a courteous remark only." Aro narrowed his eyes, but smiled anyway.
Charlotte gave Aro a kiss, then walked across the floor to the other side of the room. She spoke with Felix and Emmett about their contest, the first of the day. Everyone was dressed in navy or black jeans and t-shirts. Charlotte wore her black jeans with a fuchsia pink sweater and her Converse tennis shoes, just in case she decided to compete. A few of the guards were talking with the Cullens, something that made Charlotte smile. Perhaps uniting the two covens would not be as difficult as she feared.
Walking over to the gathered guards and their guests, Charlotte asked for their attention. "Good morning, everyone. I hope you all are looking forward to the competitions today. And with our friends, the Cullens, here as well, it will be interesting to see who is best at the tests. But I think we can all agree there is no failure when you've done your best."
"Are you serious, Charlie? It's no contest, as I can see it," Emmett spoke up, a wide grin on his face.
Felix was chatting with Emmett in an easy manner, until the arm wrestling contest began, them both men adopted grim faces while summoning their strength, each eager to defeat the other.
The youngest Volturi, Sarah, was not allowed to compete against the more experienced guards. So she didn't feel left out, Charlotte decided she could help with timing the contests.
While everyone encircled the two men, leaving an opening for Aro and the others to watch from a distance, Sarah called "go", and the contest began. Everyone yelled for their favourite competitor, the divisions obviously partisan. Felix was pulling on Emmett's hand, his brute strength seemingly winning the day, but three to four minutes later, Emmett was able to bring Felix's hand backward, both vampires straining until Emmett forced his opponent's hand to the reinforced table top. The guards gave a collective moan, but congratulated Felix for a good show. They were given a couple minutes to prepare for the next round.
Aro turned to Carlisle. "I'm impressed, my friend. Your son is very strong." His compliment made Carlisle shake his head.
"Always shopping. But thank you, Aro, he is that. Emmett has saved us on more than one occasion."
The next round began, with Felix anxious to make it a tie. He pulled on Emmett's hand so hard, tiny cracks appeared on his own. They instantly healed, but it was a lengthier round, both men refusing to give up. Finally, Felix was able to force Emmett's hand backward to slam the tabletop.
Aro shouted, "Eccellente!", while turning to Carlisle, a grin on his face.
"One round each, tie breaker," Sarah called. Charlotte stood next to Sarah, smiling with approval, and hoping the young girl was enjoying herself. "Has Jane started your training yet, Sarah?"
"Si, Charlotte, She is very good at what she knows, and has been showing me how to fight one-on-one. She says it will take time for me to become proficient, but she says I show promise."
"That's wonderful, Sarah." Charlotte said, hugging the young girl, and made a mental note to thank Jane later, if the obstinate vampire would even talk with her.
To see Felix And Emmett talking and laughing, one would never know they were competitors. It made Charlotte so proud of her people, even if she was a relative newcomer. She turned to Aro and gave him a wink.
He also seemed pleased, proud even, of his guards. No greater force existed in the vampire world, despite what other covens felt after the confrontation with the Cullens and their witnesses. As difficult as it was to walk away that day eleven years ago, Aro felt even they were blameless in causing the loss of respect for the Volturi. Other covens would once again know the strength of the Volturi, and fear them.
On their last round, Felix and Emmett appeared more serious now, than the two vampires had seemed this entire morning. They were tied, and only one could win. When Sarah called "go", the two men began the battle of strength, their grunts and growls permeating the air in the training room, even one this size.
Everyone was cheering, even the masters, Dora, and Carlisle, until finally, after nearly ten minutes of brute strength and brutal agony, Felix pinned Emmett's hand to the table top. There was a collective cheer from everyone in the room, but after they congratulated Felix, they also congratulated Emmett, admiring his strength and endurance.
The next contest was a one-on-one fight between Demetri and Jasper. They were equal in size, and while Demetri was an excellent tracker and had fighting skills, Jasper was a better fighter due to both his human history and vampire experience.
Everyone stood against the walls of the room, not wanting to get in the way of what could be a drawn out fight that took up the space.
Demetri stood on one side of the room, while Jasper stood at the other end. Sarah called "Now". Each man ran for the other. Jasper was almost upon Demetri, when he jumped up into the air, doing a mid-air roll, falling to the floor in a crouch behind Demetri. Then he turned and threw his body into the tracker. They rolled as one, nothing but a blur of arms and legs. Demetri had Jasper in a tight hold, his arms wrapped around his torso. He swung him around, but Jasper was ready, and his legs took the brunt of the fall. He quickly stood and raced for Demetri, who jumped into the air, coming straight back down. He reached out and grabbed Jasper by the arms. Jasper again was ready, flipped his body, taking Demetri with him, only now his arms were twisted in the wrong way and useless. Jasper grabbed the other vampire by the throat, forcing him to the floor, unable to move. The group applauded loudly while Jasper held out his hand to help Demetri up off the floor. They shook hands and smiled, everyone gathered around them and talking at once.
Charlotte was happy to see everyone in the Guard participating, even Jane and Alec. There must have been a great deal of competitiveness among them already. Sarah stood to the side, unsure if she could ever compete against such experienced guard members.
Demetri and Felix lined up together for the speed and agility test. When Sarah called "go", they both raced across the room, leaping up the ropes, climbing to the ceiling almost faster than human eyes could follow, then once they reached the top, both jumped in free fall to the floor below, running back to their starting point. Each pair in turn followed the same routine, Charlotte impressed by their physical prowess.
Soon, the guards called Charlotte over to do the run herself. She turned to Aro, who closed his eyes while nodding. He was curious to see his mate in action.
"Alice, join me?" She smiled at the her friend, who stood at the line, until Sarah called "go". Both women sprinted down to the other end of the training room, blurs until they reached the hanging ropes. Jumping up, they climbed hand over hand until they reached the ceiling, then allowed themselves to fall to the floor, before sprinting back to the waiting group. Charlotte beat Alice by a mere .5 second, according to Sarah.
"You are still a newborn, Charlie," Alice conceded. "But that was fun. Let's do it again. Carlisle, come on," she called, waving him over.
Carlisle waved his hand in the negative, until even the Volturi guard began to call to him. With that encouragement, he turned to shrug at Aro and got up to join the others. Emmett was his opponent, waiting until both began the run. Carlisle was ahead, until they reached the ropes, when Emmett overtook his dad. They both dropped to the floor and ran back, with Emmett the winner. "That's why Rosalie calls me her "monkey man," he said, grinning. Carlisle draped his arm around his largest son, proudly grinning.
The last competition involved the basketball hoops. Everyone would be on one side of the sizable room, then throw the basketball to make a basket on the far side of the room. With their strength and visual acuity, it was not difficult, with a mere two missing and only once each. Charlotte saw that was too simple a competition, but this pleased her. The need for this talent would be there, why, she didn't know yet. But she was sure, when it came down to that need, no one would fail.
When the contests were completed, the winners were announced. Aro had decided, in consensus with Marcus and Caius, the top five winners would receive a week's vacation to anywhere in the world they wanted to go, but they had to decide as a group. Aro would not have his guards running willy nilly around the planet. Still, it was a generous surprise, since the Guard rarely left Volterra unless on a mission. Felix, Demetri, Santiago, Renata and Jane were called as the winners. Jane was sorry Alec would not be joining her. He had been a mere second behind her on the contests overall. But he was happy for his sister anyway.
Charlotte returned to the masters, hugging Aro and giving both Marcus and Caius a kiss on their respective cheeks. She hugged Dora and Carlisle once he had returned from congratulating Jasper, Alice, and Emmett.
Everyone returned to their rooms to relax and pack. The Cullens would be leaving Italy soon to return to America. Charlotte had enjoyed their visit, but more importantly, she was satisfied that, when the time came, they would make reliable allies.
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Aro sat on the bed reading an old Elizabethan manuscript purportedly written by Christopher Marlowe, one that had never been published. Charlotte sat next to him, her laptop in front of her. She was reading an article on the coinage of ancient Greece. She held in her hand a shiny silver coin, with the head of the goddess Athena on one side, and an owl on the reverse. Charlotte suddenly gushed aloud.
"Aro, look at this coin! It's a drachma. Did you know you had this? It's uncirculated!" She held the coin carefully by the edges. "What did you do, buy something, get change, then throw this in a drawer for twenty-five hundred years?"
Aro took the coin from Charlotte's hand when she leaned into him. He turned it over, looking over the obverse etching of the Greek goddess, and the reverse. "The owl of wisdom. It is a perfect specimen, my dear. Around 400 BC?"
"Exactly! It's worth around $5000. Just this one coin. I used to go to antique shops, and find baskets of old coins on the counter for a dollar a piece, none with clearly discernible features. I imagined all the hands that held them over the years, but it was sad that they were so worn. This is truly a treasure, Aro."
He leaned down to kiss her temple, amused by her excitement over one old coin. This was her project and it pleased him it made her so happy to investigate each item in the art room.
"I'm envious that you know so much, Aro. Compared to you, my knowledge is infinitesimal."
"My dear, I'm over three thousand years old. You are an infant in the vampire world. Look at how quickly you learned Italian."
Charlotte laughed, saying, "Ma certo. But I want to know so much more."
"And you have a vampire's lifetime to learn. Be patient, love. It will all come to you."
Charlotte suddenly rose from the bed, and went over to the wardrobe to pull out a knee length black dress, removing her satin nightgown to don the dress. She let the dress fall over her naked body, then slipped on her black flats.
"Where are you off to, cara?" Aro asked, looking up from his reading matter.
"I have something I have to take care of. I won't be long."
"Will I know what it is when you return?"
Charlotte knew his curiosity would demand satisfaction, but she wanted to wait until she was sure of success before telling Aro what she had done. "That depends on how things go, Aro. Be back soon." She bent over the edge of the bed and gave him a quick kiss. She wanted to linger, but this was too important.
Walking the corridors in a leisurely pace, Charlotte sought Jane. She was going to confront the vampire, but not as she had intended. As the saying went, "You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar". After considering her situation with Jane and Alec, she thought to try and approach the twins as an ally and not try to impress them with her position. That wasn't her way in any case.
Detecting the scents of the twin vampires, Charlotte found them in the parlour, talking and laughing. She silently entered the glass domed room, to stand next to Alec. Jane stood, her brother following after. "Alec, may I speak with Jane privately, please? I'm sure she'll fill you in when we're done here."
Jane nodded at her brother, who sped away.
"Please, Jane." Charlotte held her hand out to the blonde vampire's chair, taking the seat vacated by Alec. She folded her hands in her lap, preparing her thoughts. "Jane, I know you're not fond of me, and I'm not sure why, but that's not what's important right now. I need to ask you, how do you feel about Master Aro? Do you love him, respect him, fear him?"
Jane looked over at Master Aro's mate, unsure as to the point of the question.
Charlotte, seeing Jane's hesitation, said, "You once called me human as if it were a dirty word. But I was human. Then I fell in love with Master Aro. I allowed him to change me and make me one of you." She leaned forward, holding Jane's attention with the intensity of her gaze. "I love Aro so much," she said, omitting his title on purpose, "I would die for him, Jane. Can you say that?"
Finally finding her voice, Jane replied quietly, "As would I. He saved Alec and me, when our village tried to destroy us for being witches. He took care of us until we were old enough to be turned. Master Aro is like a father to us. Of course, I...we... love him too. The protection of the three masters is important..." Her voice trailed off as she lowered her head, looking down into her lap.
"Jane, it's necessary you understand something. There is someone or something that wants to harm Master Aro." Charlotte saw Jane's head snap up, so she continued. "I don't know what it is, since I don't have the gift of foresight. Alice Cullen told me she senses something as well, but cannot see anything clearly, as if her gift is being blocked. Don't you agree that to be able to block such a gift would take a powerful entity?"
Jane nodded as she thought on Charlotte's words. Was Master Aro in danger, she wondered.
"I don't want us to fight. We are all needed, each of us, to protect the coven. Can I count on you and Alec to be there for us? If you love Aro as much as I do, your support should not even be in question." She held up the crest that hung on the gold chain around her neck. "This is what we are, Jane, what we represent. Law. Justice. And punishment when warranted."
Jane realized her hate for Charlotte served no purpose. Perhaps it wasn't hate after all. She feared Master Aro would look upon Charlotte with more affection than he did Alec and herself. But he had not changed the way he treated them, still showing he cared about the twins. She felt no better than a child for being jealous of Charlotte. Jane stood, facing Aro's mate. "I'm sorry, Mistress Charlotte. Volturi take care of Volturi. Whatever you are feeling, if anyone is seeking to harm the coven, we will fight."
Charlotte stood and brushed her fingertips over the young girl's cheek. Then she held out her open arms, hugging the girl when she accepted the gesture. "And please, just call me Charlotte, not Mistress. Or if you will, do as the other guards do, and call me Charlie." Stepping back, Charlotte smiled. "Thank you for speaking with me, Jane, and with honesty. Remember, Aro loves you and Alec, and it's up to us to protect him. You can go tell your brother now what was said. He's probably pacing the floor with worry. Oh, and thank you, for taking such good care of Sarah, and being an example to her. She looks up to you."
Jane gave Charlotte a nod and smile of her own, then sped off to find her brother, while Charlotte raced back to Aro. Once in their chambers, she shed the dress and put her nightgown back on, before settling on the bed while a waiting Aro watched her every move. Charlotte sighed with satisfaction and smiled.
"Well? Do you intend to keep me in suspense, my dear?"
Charlotte moved to nestle her body against her mate's. "I only spoke with Jane, my love. We have come to...an agreement."
"What sort of agreement?" he asked, eyeing her with suspicion. "What happened to your lessons in mental discipline?"
"I don't have time for that, Aro. It was stupid to think I could block someone as powerful as Jane. At least, within a few weeks of practice. No, I found a commonality between us instead, how we feel about you. We talked, agreeing we both love you terribly, and will do anything to protect you. That's all."
Aro was surprised, if that was indeed the topic of their conversation. So no more infighting between his most treasured guard member and his mate. He made a show of sighing. "I'm glad, cara. It doesn't do to have dissension among coven members. That Jane listened to you pleases me." Capturing Charlotte's chin with one hand, Aro kissed her, nibbling at her full lower lip, the manuscript tossed aside, carefully. There were better things to celebrate tonight.
When they finished their love making, Charlotte lay next to Aro, her arm lying on his chest, the fingers of her hand caressing his smooth skin. "You know, when I first met you, I wasn't a virgin."
Aro didn't move, wondering where Charlotte was going with this statement. The very idea of any other man touching his mate made him want to rend flesh, human male flesh.
Sensing his sudden and quiet agitation, Charlotte turned to let her chest lie half way over his stomach, her fingers brushing his loose hair behind his ear. "What I mean to say is I may as well have been a virgin, because no man has affected me the way you do. Your touches, your kisses." She smiled and ran her fingertips over his lips. "I once told Marcus you're my soul, and I meant it."
Unable to reply to her words in any way sufficient enough to express his feelings for her, Aro flipped Charlotte onto her back, her leg still wrapped around his hips. His eyes dark, he claimed his mate once more, filling her deeply, his thrusts drawing sounds of pleasure from her parted lips. He nibbled on her ear, releasing his essence into her with a groan when he felt her inner muscles squeeze around him. When both had come down from their strong orgasms, Aro murmured in her ear, "No other man will ever take you again. You are my soul and my heart, Charlotte. I cannot love you more."
Charlotte nuzzled and licked at Aro's throat, murmuring, "Ti amo tanto anche io."
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The next morning, when Aro ran into Jane, he smiled and embraced her. "Good day, child. I've heard you and Charlotte talked last night. Made a peace pact between you. I'm proud of you both."
Jane felt only love for this man who had saved her and her brother, gave them sanctuary, and cared for them as if they were his own children. She impulsively hugged him back. "For you, Master Aro, anything."
A/N :
So now Charlotte knows who is best among the Guard, but she may find that everyone will be needed to fight what will be an unexpected adversary to the Volturi, vampires unused to being attacked by anyone. They are feared among the vampire world. Well, maybe not as much as they once were. ( I couldn't decide who would win at arm wrestling so I tossed a dice and Felix won)
The song I listened to during the Marcus/Charlotte scene was "I want to know what love is" by Foreigner. Not that Marcus doesn't know what pure love is, but he no longer has it and wants it again.
The song I listened to while Aro and Charlotte danced was one I found by accident. The instrumental version of "Warum bist du so" by the German rapper, Fler. It's just so pretty.
