Here you go. It's been a trying week, so it's a little later than I expected. But, I hope you enjoy even so!
Thank you so much for your kind, yet frustrated words on my last chapter!
I want to apoligize for the cliffie from the last chap. I have subdued the impulse in this one to add a cliffie. Hopefully that should appease tha masses, lol!
I haven't read it thoroughly, my head is splitting at the moment, but I had to post despite that. Been writing on it all day to be able to finish it just in time before work this weekend.
Goodnight my lovelies! Cheers!
Oh and, smut abound in this chapter. *Wink*
"I have come to see you, Edward, because I need your help with something."
There was a brief silence as the young vampire saw in Aro's mind what had happened.
"Jesus, Aro! What the hell happened?"
The young man's outburst was ill-timed. It was less than a couple of hours since the incident, and they were in Edward's hotel suite. Aro had searched out the boy, hoping to get some pointers, as he had experienced something very similar to what Aro had just been through. Aro wasn't exactly pleased to be in the teenagers' presence, and he felt tense as it was. Any judgement coming from Edward would easily set off his anger, which bubbled just beneath the surface at the moment.
Of course the boy read that thought in Aro's mind, and he fell silent, lips pressed together in a thin line. They stared at each other, both with a less than friendly expression on their faces.
"I should have known you would end up hurting her!" Edward hissed finally.
Aro's scowl deepened. "That is quite enough, young Cullen. Let us not pretend that your behaviour did not hurt her also."
"Yeah, but at least I didn't attack her!"
Aro growled, his patience snapping like a string of brittle hair. He would not allow a teen, or more specifically, this teenager to address him like this. He was a king god damnit! He swiftly stepped forward and grabbed the young vampire around the throat, angrily shoving him up against the wall, making the plaster crack with the force.
"You forget your place, Edward!" He snarled, rage constricting his voice into a low baritone.
Edward didn't respond at first. He fought the strangle hold at first, but realising that Aro was far stronger, he desisted. "Is Bella okay?" He managed in a strained voice.
Aro saw the contempt in the wasteland of the boy's mind but he also caught the underlying worry. Letting go and stepping back, Aro glanced briefly at the ruined wall before turning away entirely.
"Marcus assured me she is fine. Physically at least. For now."
He neglected to mention the challenges he was facing with their unplanned separation. She was going to need him more and more, and now Aro feared she would be facing the final weeks of her pregnancy alone. He had to find a solution, and fast.
Carlisle had silently let Aro know what might be the reason for his sudden bloodthirst.
In his own mind Aro had gone over the catastrophic events again and again, never quite understanding when things had gone wrong. Or most importantly; why.
Before the incident, he had spent the night away from his young mate, allowing her to sleep soundly after a particular intense love-making session. She had been even more needy for him than ever before, and Aro had been hard pressed to deny her. Of course he granted her just as much pleasure as she granted him, and after some time, she had slipped off into sleep, body content, her mind at ease.
As she slept, Aro had been doing some work in his study, until he heard her beginning to stir. Then he returned to their shared rooms just as she exited the bathroom, and it was then, he had smelled the blood instantly.
Apparently she had accidentally cut herself on a nail cutter, having been a bit too aggressive with the small clipper and clipped off a bit of skin as well. The amount of blood was almost insignificant.
But not to Aro. His mind had fallen into a pit of unfiltered thirst. His mouth had pooled with venom, and before he could stop himself, he had pinned her against the wall, ready to drink from her almost without a second thought. Her distended belly pressed into his abdomen, and it was a small part of his brain that registered it, holding him back long enough for disaster to be avoided.
Luckily she had recognised his… condition, and screamed at the top of her lungs. Within microseconds, both Carlisle, Marcus and a few guards, including Jane, were with them in the room, wrestling to get Aro off the young woman, instructing Jane to use her power on him. The pain did the trick, weakening Aro sufficiently. His brother made swift work of pulling Aro away from her, pushing him hard towards Carlisle who restrained Aro with the help of a few guards. Unfortunately the struggle had left the young woman with physical injuries, but she hardly seemed to notice. Clearly the adrenaline was protecting her from feeling the full impact of her injuries just yet.
As the dust settled, Aro realised his mistake. Too late. In Carlisle's thoughts he saw the hasty conclusions his swift mind had worked up. Aro had failed to keep up with his own thirst, not maintaining his own meals, too preoccupied with the needs of his mate. This would usually not be a problem. Aro's self-control regarding his thirst had been impeccable. Until now.
To add insult to injury, it would seem that the blood of his mate was changing as well. Aro had seen how Carlisle had smelled the changes in the blood from Bella, and had realised what it would mean for her mate. Due to her unusual behaviour lately, she had slowly begun to turn into Aro's singer. Her blood, strengthened by her unusual, yet potent diet, and thickened by her pregnancy, had slowly become irresistible to Aro. And it was only now that he had caught the whiff of it in its fresh form, that the impact had hit him. And then he nearly killed her.
Aro had left to protect her, listening to the sound advice of his brother and friend. Loathe though he was to admit it, he had also recognised the one thing Carlisle had lastly thought; Edward had been in this exact place, nearly overcome with bloodthirst. By the same woman no less.
And so, Aro went to the boy, hoping to find something that could help him. But not before he had found someone to satisfy his still raging bloodthirst.
"For fuck's sake, Aro! I didn't need to see that!" The boy said, revulsion in his voice, having accidentally caught some of the finer details of Aro's story directly from his mind.
Aro turned back around, facing him. "As you have clearly realised, I have a problem," Aro said, ignoring the unpleasant expression on Edward's face.
"She has been living off of your… Wasn't there any other way?" He demanded, warily running a hand down his face.
"Nothing as effective as this," Aro responded stiffly. "I did what I had to to keep her alive."
He was coming to regret his decision to go see the boy more and more.
Edward scoffed. "Oh, how noble of you."
"Careful," Aro growled, stepping closer again. The young man raised his hands in mock surrender, scoffing again.
"Listen, I did not come here to have your scorn thrown at me. I came to ask for your advice. No matter, I see you are not mature enough to handle this kind of conversation." Aro was at the door in a flash, intending to leave the boy in his sour mood.
"You should drink her blood." The words came firmly, almost as if he had to force himself to say it.
"I beg your pardon?" Aro demanded, turning on the doorstep to face him.
"It helped me once I tasted her blood. I found myself able to resist it much easier after that."
Aro pondered the notion. It made sense. "Thank you, Edward."
The boy shrugged. "May as well try and help you. Helping you, helps Bella in the end."
"Indeed, that is true."
"And I think it's important that you do it directly from her. Not drain some of her blood just to drink it. You need to associate your actions and the consequences."
Aro nodded elegantly, not replying, but merely departed, not keen on carrying on this conversation any longer than he had to.
He would have to set up a safe way for him to approach his mate without the risk of harming her again. He could only hope she would allow him to come near her ever again. Pulling out his phone he placed a hasty phone call to his brother, telling them of his plans.
He wanted to call Bella as well, but this was not the kind of topic one discussed on the phone.
It was less than an hour later, and Aro had made swift work of putting his plans into action. Now, he stood waiting for Bella to arrive. It wasn't long before he could hear her approach, her steps wary, her heart pounding. His mind drifted to the scent of her blood, and he felt his mouth fill with venom again, the pain in his throat terrible. He swallowed thickly, trying his best to drive the urge away for now. He needed to do this carefully.
Finally the door opened and Aro could set eyes on her again. She had showered, her skin smelling fresh and clean. Her eyes fell on him at once, and she halted in her tracks as she took in his surroundings.
Deliberately not stepping towards her, he eyed her as she hesitantly stepped forward. As she cleared the door, Marcus followed her in, as well as Carlisle and Felix. Lastly came Jane.
"It is safe," he said softly, speaking to his mate for the first time since he hurt her.
Her gaze travelled from one end of the large room to the other, taking in everything, the rudimentary shower stall, the simple toilet and sink arrangement in the far corner, the sturdy metal that kept Aro locked behind bars, securely away from her.
She stepped closer peering at him. "Is this really necessary?" She asked, in a worried voice. She sounded tired.
Her question startled him. "I nearly killed you, my love," he responded, slightly perplexed.
"Yes, but you didn't."
Aro considered her mutely. "It was a close call. I am taking no chances anymore. I am not losing you."
She stepped close enough to be able to touch the bars that separated them. They looked at each other for a long moment. Then she turned around, giving Marcus a nod. He glanced at Aro, who also nodded, and they all swiftly left the room, allowing the two lovers to talk in private.
"Aro, it was an accident. I know you would never hurt me. Not on purpose."
He swallowed thickly, shaking his head. "That is immaterial, my dear. I nearly lost you. I cannot allow that to happen again."
She sighed, shaking her head. "You are stupidly stubborn. It won't happen again, Aro. I assume you fed already?"
"I did."
"Then you won't have a problem anymore."
"I am afraid it is not that simple, Isabella,-" he began but she interrupted him.
"Life will never be simple, Aro."
He gave her a soft smile. "My life was quite simple not too long ago."
"Do you regret me coming here and complicating things for you?" She whispered.
Feeling his stomach plummeting, he took a hasty step forward before catching himself. "I could never regret meeting you, my love."
"Then you should expect these things to happen. At least as long as I am human," she sighed, glancing down at her big belly.
He longed to kneel in front of her, to kiss her pregnant tummy and to beg for her forgiveness for all eternity.
"As I said, I cannot take any chances with you, my love. Losing you will be the death of me."
"You won't lose me," she said softly, lifting her hand and reaching for him through the bars of his voluntary prison.
He stepped back swiftly and her face fell slightly. "I- I need a bit of distance for a little while yet, my love. I am sorry."
She let her hand fall, letting out a soft sigh. "It's okay. I understand."
A heavy silence fell between them, and she contented herself with looking around the room even more.
"I am relieved that you didn't put me in one of these when I first came here," she said conversationally, forcing a soft chuckle from him.
"It was a close run thing, my dear. I have never had such trouble from a human. Then again, I have never felt so… drawn to a human either."
A smirk ghosted her lips. "I'd like to think that I at least made a few days difficult for you. You were such an asshole."
He chuckled. "Touché, my dear." He bowed elegantly at her, a warm smile on his lips.
He felt elated. This could work. Maybe he didn't have to drink from her after all.
30 weeks pregnant
"So, how long will you be in here?" Isabella asked, her fingers running the expanse of her abdomen, as she took a step sideways to walk a little around. "I have needs too, you know," she added, glancing at him through the metal bars.
Aro had remained in his cell, adamant that he would not come near her without any protection between them, feeling his urges for her blood still pulling at him. Her words made him look down at his hands. He was pretty sure he understood what needs she was referring to. It had been three weeks since he accidentally attacked her, and he still felt the pang of guilt at his own actions.
She had visited him every day since then, spending as much time as she could in his presence. Caius had seen to it that she could be comfortable while there. He had decorated the room with such luxury, that she could probably live there quite comfortably almost without leaving. A few times. she had tried to persuade Aro to come closer to the bars so they could at least touch, but he had backed away from her, once again feeling the pull of her blood, the scent of her filling him until he nearly saw red. Slowly he had come to realise that he had to follow Edward's advice in the end.
"I suppose that depends," he replied eventually, his voice low with worry. He did not relish what their conversation would entail next.
Her soft eyes fell on him immediately. "On what?"
"On you, my dear."
"I already said, you can come out anytime. I miss you so much."
"That is not what I meant, my love. I went to see Edward after the… Incident." He had been thinking it through for awhile, and he felt convinced that this would be the only way. His thirst for her had barely diminished, which was why he kept his distance. He did not like that this was the only way. In fact, it might not even work. And that would be the least of the risks to this mad scheme.
She stopped all movement. "Oh?"
"Seeing as he has been in a similar situation with you, I felt he might have a few suggestions to help resolve the situation."
"Right." She wasn't exactly pleased, he could tell. "Did he have any ideas then?"
Aro nodded once. "He had one suggestion, to be exact." He paused, not certain how to phrase it.
"What did he think, then?" She pressed a little impatiently.
"He made the suggestion that I should... drink from you."
A very pregnant silence followed this statement, and they seemed to stare at each other for an eternity.
Then she stepped closer to his prison again. "Okay." Was all she said.
Aro stared at her. "My dear, did you quite understand what I just said?"
"Of course I understood," she sniffed. "It makes perfect sense. I remember Edward having a much easier time with his thirst after he drank from me. I actually think it's a great idea."
Aro was astounded by the blassé way she spoke of this subject. She took one look at his face, and something must have looked funny, because she erupted into laughter.
"Is something amusing you, mia cara?" He asked stiffly.
His question merely sent her into another fit of giggles, and she had to actually lean on the metal bars between them as she seemed to convulse with laughter. It took her several moments to collect herself.
She waved frantically to try and resolve her laughter. "This is so not funny!" She managed weakly, just as she fell into another set of laughter.
"Apparently it is," Aro remarked dryly, waiting for her to shake the laughter off. It took her quite some time to gather herself enough to speak.
"Seriously though, it's a good idea. We should just get it done, shouldn't we?" She said, wiping her eyes while she spoke.
"I fear it is not that simple, dear. If I were to drink from you now, you would most definitely feel a lot of pain."
"Then how?" She asked, frowning.
"It would be ideal for me to do it while we make love. But I do not think I could do that at the moment. It would be far too risky."
"You won't hurt me, Aro."
"I already have, my dear. I cannot take that risk again."
The young woman glared at him. "You won't hurt me!" She insisted angrily.
"You cannot possibly know that!" He fired back, also getting impatient with her stubbornness.
She changed tack. "Aro, I need you!"
He sighed warily. "I know that, my dear. There is unfortunately not anything I can do as of right now."
"Well, that's not fucking true, is it? You could pull your trousers down for one thing."
She smirked at his shocked expression.
"That is the epitome of bad ideas," he said softly. Despite his words, he felt himself harden almost instantly. It had been so long since they had been intimate.
"Why? We could do it with the bars between us. All I need is for you to stand there. I will do the rest."
"Isabella, have you quite lost your mind?" He demanded sternly. "I will not fuck you through the bars! The mere notion is ridic-"
"Who said anything about fucking?" She interrupted, making him pause sharply.
Keeping her eyes locked on him, she strolled all the way to the cell, and then slowly knelt down, hands clasping onto the bars on either side of her face. "Come here," She commanded in a husky voice.
He swallowed thickly, closing his eyes. "You have no idea what you are asking of me."
"I am asking you to feed my body. As my mate, it is your responsibility. It is you who got me into this mess in the first place. You know what I need, Aro. Carlisle told me all about it."
Aro frowned at this, opening his eyes with a snap. "What exactly did he tell you?"
"He explained the theory of my needs. I haven't quite felt sane lately, not knowing what was wrong with me, you know."
"He told you everything?" Aro had to hand it to the doc. That must have been quite an uncomfortable conversation.
"Well, he said he couldn't be sure, but his theory sounded logical enough. He also told me what it would mean to extract your venom the other way."
Aro swallowed thickly.
"It is not a bad thing to help your mate, Aro."
"Perhaps not, my dear, but it could become worse. I could easily attack you."
"You won't."
Aro pinched the bridge of his nose impatiently. She wasn't listening, her need making her single minded to the point of endangerment of herself. And their unborn child.
"You just need to keep your grasp firmly on the bars above your head. I will do the rest," she said softly, trying to sound reassuring.
Aro regarded her silently, thinking. "You are not going to give up on this, are you?"
"Look who's caught on all of a sudden," she said sardonically.
She was still on her knees, and she used her index to beckon him forward.
"It will become easier in time."
Aro sighed, and slowly stepped towards her. Her smell was far too alluring, and he felt the burning need for her blood again. Clenching his jaw against it, he placed his hands on the bars, high above his head, grasping them firmly. Then he closed his eyes. He was already sporting a massive erection. The instinct of his mind was battling the instinct of his body. His mind lost the fight. He closed his eyes as she began to unfasten his trousers, her breathing telling him exactly how eager she was.
No sooner had she pulled his length free before she enveloped him in her hot mouth. The bars clanged as Aro jerked, automatically pushing his body towards her, closing the distance, thrusting forward with a harsh grunt of pure need. She took him in, moaning in evident satisfaction. Using her hand, she pulled his foreskin back, giving the sensitive tip of his cock a deep pull, her tongue lashing his frenulum. Aro nearly saw stars, his hips thrusting of their own accord now. He gripped the metal beneath his fingers tightly, feeling his body already careening towards a climax. The need to come in her mouth suddenly pulled his senses under dark water, blinding him, deafening him. She needed him, and he had to let go. He would let go.
A deep groan escaped him as he erupted forcefully in her mouth, his head falling forward, his hair obscuring his vision of her taking his load. She was eagerness itself, draining him, pumping him, signaling to Aro that she was far from done yet.
The worst part was that he could smell her arousal now. The temptation to take her right here on the spot was almost insurmountable.
He redoubled his hold around the sturdy metal and allowed her to continue her work.
She barely noticed his struggle, too intent on getting him to climax again. Aro couldn't help but smell her as her scent rose up around him, her hunger, her warm skin. He could hear the pulse beat wetly in her throat, and he swallowed thickly. How he needed to taste her blood.
"Focus, Aro," she crooned softly before taking his cock in her mouth again, bobbing eagerly back and forth.
His fingers clenched tightly around the cold metal. It creaked ominously. "I am trying," he groaned, once again closing his eyes, trying to ward off his thirst for her.
"Thank you," she replied, redoubling her efforts.
It wasn't long before he was giving in to another shuddering orgasm, feeling her collect his seed. It was like she had been stuck in a desert, and his release was the only thing that could quench her thirst. He growled, wishing he could quench his thirst as well. Shoving the thought firmly from his mind, he allowed his body to just feel her. Sensing her fingers pulling on his trousers as she pulled him into her mouth again. Her warm breath hitting the base of his saliva slickened cock as she tried to take him in as deeply as she could. The way her throat tightened and shifted around the mushroom head as she swallowed a few times around him. Suddenly he felt her fingers on his balls. She cradled them gently, massaging them. And then she moaned, the vibrations making him shudder viciously again.
"Oh fuck!" He hissed as she mercilessly coaxed him to a sudden and explosive climax.
He felt her chuckle softly even as she took everything he had to give, swallowing it down. He was panting sharply now, practically hanging in the bars, keeping his hands firmly away from her body. He could so easily just grab her and bite into her throat. He closed his mind off to the horrifying, yet tempting image.
Bella began to suck him again.
"How much do you need, my love?" He asked in a disconcerted voice, trying to reign in his errand thoughts.
"It's been three weeks since I last got something from you. You do the math," she responded even as she made him groan again. This was going to be a long day.
32 weeks pregnant.
"I can't do this anymore, Aro!" His young mate marched into the room, angrily walking all the way to the bars. "Let's just get this over with."
They had negotiated the last couple of weeks by practically bargaining with each other on a daily basis. She would implore him to just bite her and get it over with, and he would refuse, feeling that inner beast rear its head, too scared he would not be able to stop once he tasted her blood. He had spent the time in his cell trying to work up his stamina, trying to get used to the idea of tasting her plasma. It didn't work. Everytime he thought about it, the vampire in him screamed to life with only one goal in mind. Get her blood.
He had placated her by allowing her to have his seed instead, though he insisted she had to do the work, otherwise he would lose control. It had gone reasonably well. Only a few times had he been forced to ask her to leave, his thirst nearly overpowering his senses. But as she obeyed instantly, disaster was avoided. Until now.
Aro's eyebrows contracted in consternation. "I told you. It is not safe right now. I am still thirsting for you, Isabella. I could kill you."
"Well, I am not living like this any longer, so you will just have to get over yourself, Aro!" She snapped. "You have to just drink from me now, so we can get through this."
"Isabella,-"
"Please, Aro. Don't forget, I need you too!" She was scowling angrily, trying to make him understand.
He regarded her placidly, swallowing thickly.
"I know you can do it," she pressed, reaching for him again.
"It will hurt you, my love."
"I'll be fine. Just don't drain me completely." She beckoned him closer, and despite his inner misgivings, he stepped forward, watching her avidly for any signs of fear. He lifted his hand, their fingers brushing lightly against each other. His body sang. It was the first time he had touched her with his hands in more than a month.
She grabbed him and tried to pull him closer still, but he resisted her easily.
"You'll need to be right here," she said gently, and his love for her allowed her to pull him forward, until he was right by the bars. She looked up at him, a soft breath escaping her, as she suddenly saw the blackness of his eyes, the thirst evident in his features. He had been feeding on a regular basis, but whenever she was near, his throat would practically seize up with need for her plasma.
"I trust you, Aro," she whispered, correctly interpreting his silent misgivings.
"That is very unwise of you, my love," he responded softly.
She stood on tiptoe and tried to kiss him on the mouth. With a gut wrenching sensation in his abdomen he withdrew from her, their lips never making contact. "I am sorry, my love. I cannot kiss you right now. It is far too dangerous."
Ignoring him, she turned around and called for Felix. As the vampire entered the room, she turned back towards Aro. "We need to open the cell. I will not have these bars between us anymore."
"Isabella, no!" Aro protested sharply, already backing away.
She gestured at the cell door, making Felix obey her without question.
"Stop Felix!" Aro growled, scowling at the tall vampire. The man halted instantly. Aro cursed himself for giving her a Volturi necklace so soon, practically making her his queen, almost his equal. His mind was travelling at a million miles per hour, trying to think up another solution. "Isabella, we need to think this through! I could kill you! And our daughter!" He pointed at her distended stomach.
"I need you to be close, Aro. This pregnancy is surely coming to an end soon, and I need you at my side! How will you respond once the birth begins? Do you think there will be any less of my blood then?"
Her point hit home. He realised he had absolutely no choice. He could not stay in here until she was turned. His mate needed him. He gave a frustrated sigh at his predicament.
"If you think you can avoid being by my side when our daughter is born, you are in for a world of pain, Aro! Let's just get this over with! You told me in the beginning that you had excellent self-control when it came to blood. Now prove it!"
"That was before you turned into my singer, Isabella," he responded softly, swallowing thickly.
She ignored him and turned towards the silent guard, who had watched their exchange with a dispassionate expression on his face. He caught Aro's eye, and sighing warily, Aro nodded once. Felix unlocked the cell swiftly.
Aro backed away further, soon hitting the back wall of his cell. She disregarded his actions, and stepped through the now open cell door as soon as it swung inward. She waved at the guard, and he left without a word.
Pregnant belly preceding her, she went to him, making him almost growl in frustration. Her lack of self preservation was absolutely infuriating.
"Aro, let's just get it over with. Don't be so selfish."
He bared his teeth at her words, and in a flash he had her pinned against his body, his arm around her expanding waist, a hand cradling the back of her head gently. His lips were slightly parted as his mouth hovered just above the warm skin of her throat, trying to reign in his excruciating need for her.
After a while, he gazed intently into her eyes. "You are... Quite remarkable, my love," he breathed.
Unable to resist, he kissed her tenderly once, feeling more than one basic urge roar to life within him. "And for the record, I was trying not to be selfish, for once," he added in a low voice, his lips traveling to her jaw, urgently searching out her throat, the vein just beneath her skin pumping away, heavy with her blood.
"Do it," she commanded in a breathy voice that brooked no argument.
"So bossy with your king," he crooned in a deep baritone, making her chuckle, her body trembling against his.
He pressed against her, forcing himself to feel her pregnant stomach pushing against him, using it as his anchor to remind himself when to stop. Then, hissing softly, he licked her skin, trying to numb it a little before he proceeded. Her breathing came in rattling bursts, and he sensed she was as ready as she could be, keen on having it over with as soon as possible. And so he sank his teeth into the throat of his mate, breaking her skin far too easily. Her sweet plasma filled his mouth instantly, and he felt that beast almost take over, his fingers digging into her side, holding her even tighter against him, feeling desperately for the reason to stop. He had to stop! But her blood tasted unlike anything he had ever tasted before. He was overwhelmed by it, intoxicated as if it was the sweetest wine, drowning in it. His mind lost focus, only homing in on what was filling him right this instant. And it was all her. He let out a mix between a whimper and a growl, his body taking over, the animal in him almost surfacing.
She moaned softly in response, her body shuddering against his, only this time he knew it was not from pleasure. Her cold fingers were clutching onto the lapels of his suit jacket, and her knees shook, her body beginning to sink slowly towards the floor. He could have easily held her up, but he followed her down, cradling her as she gave into the pain.
He couldn't resist drinking more deeply, her taste far too delicious to stop himself. His body practically thrummed with the potency of her blood.
"Aro," She groaned, still holding onto him desperately.
The soft pronunciation of his name was all he needed to stop, reconnecting his brain, his senses flaring back to life. He released her with a soft hiss, sealing her wound with his venom. He seemed to resurface as he peered intently into her face. She was very pale all of a sudden. It was then he registered that she was trembling against him.
She was looking up at him with a slightly dazed look in her eyes. "This may have been a mistake," she murmured in a voice that was slightly thick with exhaustion. And then, she passed out in his arms.
He held her close, almost ready to scream, realising he had hurt her again. He couldn't exactly cry, but that didn't stop him from heaving a dry sob into her neck as her head dangled pathetically.
"Oh god, what have I done?" He said, desperately, shaking her gently, trying to rouse her again. "Carlisle!" He called sharply, standing up with his unconscious mate in his arms. She was deathly pale.
The doctor appeared instantly.
"What happened?"
"She insisted that I drink from her. I must have taken too much of her blood!" Aro explained swiftly, fear and desperation clouding his mind.
"I see." Carlisle said no more, but merely beckoned for him to follow along at vampire speed until they reached the newly built clinic inside the castle.
"Put her down," Carlisle instructed with authority.
Aro didn't want to let her go, but he obeyed, instead taking one of her hands. They were white and cold.
Carlisle checked her over hastily. "You didn't kill her, Aro. But I think you may have gotten a little carried away."
"I know," the dark vampire hissed, furious at himself for allowing this to happen. He was so distracted with worry, that he didn't even notice his throat was no longer burning with the need for her plasma.
"She will be fine, she is going to need a lot of rest though. I will give her some blood intravenously, and supplement her with fluids. That should help."
He made swift work of treating her, Aro refusing to leave her side as he waited.
"You need to take better care of yourself too, old friend." The doctor spoke softly, as was his trademark.
Glancing up, Aro understood his meaning. "I agree. I will keep a better track of my meals from now on. Hopefully this will have helped with my… problem…" He indicated the unconscious woman between them.
Carlisle nodded, not saying anything further.
A couple of hours later the treatment was done, and the doctor packed everything away. Aro waited on tenterhooks, listening to her breathing, her heart beating a steady rhythm into his very soul. He placed a hand gently on her pregnant stomach, closing his eyes, a frown tugging at his brow.
After a while, the young woman moaned softly and then opened her eyes, her lids fluttering tiredly.
Aro held her hand gingerly, feeling relief surge through him. "How are you feeling, my love?"
Carlisle began to check her vitals again, not waiting for her to answer.
"I'm fine," she insisted, sounding absolutely exhausted.
"Do not lie, my dear," Aro contradicted, though his voice was far from angry.
She smiled weakly up at him. "I'm tired," she finally admitted. "And I have a headache."
"And the baby?" He pressed, eyes filled with worry.
She glanced at Carlisle, who shook his head at her. "I can't see through the wall of your uterus, Bella. Your vitals look fine though. The headache is most likely due to low sodium levels. I will get you something to help with that. I have supplied you with blood as well. You should be on your feet in no time."
She nodded, and the doctor left the room, leaving them to talk in peace.
Aro regarded her solemnly for a long time. She smiled gently up at him.
"That was possibly one of the worst ideas, ever," he finally said, ghosting a finger down her wrist.
She chuckled tiredly. "I disagree."
"You disagree?" He repeated darkly.
"Yeah. Look at you. You clearly feel better about me now."
"Isabella," he began, trying to not get angry with her.
"No, Aro! There's nothing to discuss! It's done, and I survived. That's all we need to know! Nothing good will come from wallowing in this."
He looked at her, a ruffled expression on his face. "I do not wallow."
She waved him off dismissively. "Whatever you call it then. What's done is done. All we can do is go forward."
He didn't respond.
"Don't you feel better?" She demanded, impatient with him now.
He silently confirmed her question. "But at what cost?" He asked quietly.
She shrugged. "I can handle it, Aro."
He looked down at his mate, fascinated. "You never fail to amaze me, my love."
"Well, then you better get used to it. I'm here for good now. You can't get rid of me this easily."
"Your strength is remarkable, Isabella. You just got bitten by a vampire, and here you are, joking about it."
"Meh, it's not the first time. Just don't ask me who did it best," she remarked flippantly.
Aro almost scowled at her.
"You jest, my love, but it does nothing to relieve my feeling of guilt. I could have killed you, so easily."
"But you didn't!" She burst out angrily. "It's fine!"
They fell silent again. He knew she wouldn't allow him to feel bad about what he had done to her. He sighed, recognising that either she loved him too much to the point where she was blind to his faults, or that Edward had set the standard, in which case the bar was so low, it was literally on the ground. Aro decided then and there to do better. He would never hurt her again. She had become too important to him to put her through such an ordeal again. He scowled inwardly. Now there was only the pregnancy to contend with at least.
"Your mate is proving to be stronger than you initially thought, Aro," Marcus said softly. It was later in the day, and Aro had left Isabella after she had drifted off to sleep. Carlisle was watching over her, so she would not be alone. Aro had to go see his brother, telling them both of the latest developments.
Marcus was fascinated. "She allowed you to drink her blood? That is unheard of."
Aro nodded silently, still feeling broody. He could practically still taste her, and he closed his eyes briefly, trying to stomp down his thirst. Though it wasn't as bad as it had been, he still needed it to disappear entirely.
"Is the baby sound?" Caius asked softly, eyes glinting.
Aro focused on his blond brother. "Carlisle cannot tell for certain, but Isabella's vitals are fine, so there should not have been any harm to the child."
"I cannot believe you agreed to such a thing," Caius said, smirking softly. "You risked everything."
Aro knew his brother was shocked. Aro was too in fact. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He had had little choice. Between the pressure from his head strong mate, his own thirst, and the consequences if he did not do it, he had realised the inevitable.
"She is going to be one hell of a vampire," Caius said, chuckling.
The other two agreed.
"Indeed, but as we also know; The brighter a lady shines, the faster she may burn," Aro said, his voice low, a heaviness in his mind.
"You are far too hasty brother. She is going to do remarkable things in her immortality. I can feel it." Marcus nodded slowly at Aro, a reassuring smile on his lips.
Aro sure hoped his brother was right. Then again. They had been destined to find each other. If it was not for them to be together, then what was the point? The baby. The baby was the entire point of them mating. Isabella did not need to survive once the baby was born. He pushed the thought away angrily, agreeing with Marcus. He was being far too negative. They could do nothing but wait for the day that Bella went into labour. The next few weeks could not pass fast enough.
The kings sat in silence, either reading or, in Aro's case, brooding on the future. The hours trickled by, and he was getting increasingly anxious to see his beautiful human. In a few hours dawn would approach.
Aro sat up straight quite suddenly, an idea having suddenly occurred to him, and he wanted to realise it as soon as he could. He turned to the other two, who were already eyeing him curiously.
"Brothers, I am going to need your help."
Telling them of his idea, they both understood his reasoning for his plans, though neither of them said anything out loud. It was not as if they could blame him. They set to work, racing the clock until the young woman would wake up.
"What is going on, Aro?" Bella asked curiously, as Aro carefully walked her through the dark hallways of the castle.
She had woken earlier than he anticipated, just around dawn, but he was at her side as soon as he heard Carlisle call for him. It wasn't even dawn yet. She appeared to feel much better already, and Aro was relieved and grateful for the doctor's help.
She had picked up on his mood almost instantly, though she was unable to guess what was happening. Her gaze lingered on his formal attire, which included his Volturi pendant, glinting at her.
Saying nothing, Aro had merely lifted her off the hospital bed and proceeded to carry her out into the slightly cooler hallway.
"I could walk by myself, you know," she huffed slightly indignant.
"Yes, I know, my dear. This is important though, and I cannot risk anything."
She sighed at his words. "I'm not that clumsy," she groused, clearly miffed.
"I did not infer that you are, my dear. Even so, I want to show you something, but it is all the way out in the garden. I prefer you not walk that distance in your condition."
She frowned, puzzled at his explanation. "The garden? If we are going to the garden, then why are we headed back to our rooms?"
"Your attire isn't exactly appropriate for being outside this early in the morning, my dear. I do not wish for you to get sick."
"Oh." She fell silent then, allowing him to carry her all the way through the castle.
Once the door opened to their bedroom, he set her down, reluctantly letting her go. She stretched a bit, heaving a sigh before she turned towards him. She smiled happily up at him, leaning in to kiss him. Aro obliged her, tenderly leading her in a kiss that made them both struggle for air.
"Screw the gardens, take me to bed," she whispered hotly against his lips, flinging her arms around his neck.
He chuckled, trailing kisses down her jaw. He was highly tempted to do exactly as she asked, but eventually he gently disengaged himself and pulled her towards the walk-in-closet.
"Aro, what are yo-," she began impatiently, trying to pull free of his grasp.
"My love, it is vitally important that we do this first. Once done, I promise you will have me fully again."
She scowled through narrowed eyes. "It better be importa-,"
He simply smiled and pulled down the dress he had picked for her, making her gasp loudly.
"Is that a…?" She whispered, eyes wide with shock.
"Yes, it is."
She stopped resisting him then and simply allowed him to help her dress.
"This is not exactly the traditional way to do things," she mused as Aro zipped up the dress. "The groom is not supposed to see the dress before the wedding. It will bring bad luck."
He turned her around and kissed her heatedly, leaving her panting and with no allusions as to what he really wanted to be doing with her. "Tell me, my love, is there any part of this that is traditional? And as for bad luck, I think we have had our share already." He said in a low voice.
She grinned. "I guess you have a point."
"If you have any objections, now is the time to voice them," said, smiling despite his apprehension that she might in fact object.
She merely shook her head.
"Thank you," he said, turning her back around so he could help with her hair.
Having practically worked through the night, Aro was pleased to see the expressions of his mate as he carried her towards the backend of the garden. The area was huge, and he could tell she was relieved that she didn't have to walk that far.
A row of arches covered in deep red roses showed a path down towards a large fountain. Since the sun was yet to rise, darkness pressed in around them, but lanterns lit the walkway. She turned slightly in his arms and he heard her gasp as she took in the arrangement.
At then end of the archways the garden opened up into an area with a large fountain in the middle. The lighting made the water look like it was glowing and dancing in mid air.
Aro set his mate down and smiled as she looked around. Then her gaze fell upon the four men standing by another archway, this one covered in pale roses that matched her dress. The grass was covered in rose petals sprinkled all around before it made a clear pathway leading right to where Bella and Aro stood.
Someone touched her elbow gently, and gasping, she turned towards whoever it was.
As she looked, her father smiled warmly at her, his eyes impossible to read.
"Dad?" She whispered.
"I heard you needed assistance to walk down the aisle." He said, gesturing at her large abdomen.
The young woman turned wide-eyed towards Aro.
He smiled tenderly down at her. "You thought I would disregard all tradition, my dear?" He leaned in and kissed her gently at the corner of her mouth. "Not entirely, amore mio."
She was left quite speechless.
"So, you really are getting married." It was her father. He watched as Aro bowed elegantly and walked towards his brothers.
Bella seemed dazed. "Yeah."
Aro took his place at the end of the row of male vampires. Beside Aro, Caius stood, hisbblond hair waving slightly in the wind. Then Carlisle and Edward stood. Marcus was standing right under the archway, a gentle smile on his lips. He caught her eye and beckoned for her. Without thinking she took a step towards him. As she did, gentle music lifted up around them. It seemed to come from the bushes scattered around the area.
Her gaze wandered from Marcus to Aro, and then he was all she could focus on. He stood, rigid and proud, his eyes never leaving hers as she approached him.
He could hear her heart hammering, her breathing practically rattling in her chest. He couldn't quite believe how beautiful she looked, and how calmly she took all this. And she was all his.
Finally Bella arrived in front of Aro. Their eyes seemed to lock on each other, and all through the ceremony they didn't look away. Marcus was the one who was ordained and therefore he was the one who officiated them.
Aro scarcely paid attention. He was only focused on his young mate.
Once the official part was over, he stepped swiftly forward and tenderly placed his hand on her jaw. "You are so beautiful, amore mio," he whispered. Her breath caught in her throat, and smiling softly, he leaned down and kissed her gently. Then again, this time more urgently.
They almost clung to each other, and only when Carlisle softly cleared his throat did they let go, both panting gently.
"I love you," she said in a low voice filled with emotion.
"And I love you, Isabella."
They managed to wrench their eyes free from each other long enough to look around at the others assembled there. Bella smiled sheepishly at Edward, who despite himself was smiling back at her.
Aro couldn't help but put an arm possessively around her waist, though he refrained from glaring at the young man. He had done them an enormous service after all. Edward read the thought in Aro's mind and burst out laughing.
He stepped right up close to Aro. "Congratulations Aro." He held out his hand, intending to shake Aro's.
Not feeling too sure he wished to see what the boy was thinking, Aro hesitantly grasped his hand.
You better make her happy. King or not, you will have me to contend with if she ends up getting hurt.
Aro smiled placidly. How quaint. And unwise. One shouldn't threaten kings. Perhaps it was time for the boy to go home now. So focused were they on their silent conversation that neither noticed the young woman beside Aro. Her eyes flicked from one to the other, a slightly worried frown between her brows.
She breathed a soft sigh of relief when the two men finally let go of each other.
"Is everything okay?" She asked, when Aro slowly steered her away from Edward.
Aro flicked her a smile, on, off. "Perfectly," he assured her. "He just wanted to congratulate us."
"Right." She glanced back at the young vampire, but he had already turned away.
"We should have you sit down, my dear."
"I'm fine," she protested. "I could do with some sustenance though."
Aro glanced around for someone to get her something. "No, not that kind of sustenance, Aro," she added, her eyes suddenly aflame with a need only he could fulfill.
He gave her an amused look. "I see." He glanced around. "I can remedy that," he added, glancing at Carlisle, who had heard everything. So had every other vampire. Only her father remained in the dark. He was currently being served a drink by the tall vampire, Felix.
"Thanks," he said, nodding. Felix gave him a tight smile and left at human speed.
"Bella, I think it's time that you get back to your room. You need to rest again." It was Carlisle who spoke. Charlie frowned as he took a sip of his beer. He nodded approvingly weather because he understood what Carlisle said or because he approved of the beverage, Aro couldn't tell.
"I will take her," Aro said seriously, already having her hand in his. He smirked at the double meaning in his words, and gave his new wife a sly smile. "Or is it the other way around?" He added just for ears.
She blushed deeply and began to pull him towards the rose archways. He followed her eagerly, and before long had her in his arms, carrying her faster than she could have walked.
It wasn't long before he set her down just inside the doors of their shared room. As soon as she got her footing back, she turned around and pushed him backwards. Or rather he allowed her at least. His back hit the wall and she kissed him hotly, her hands sliding down his chest. She began to undo his suit jacket, shoving it off him before yanking his tie loose and discarding it too, all the while still kissing him greedily. It wasn't long before her fingers roamed his skin, mouth following in hot pursuit.
Her appetite almost shocked him.
"You know, once you are turned this dynamic is gonna change right. I only allow it because you are pregnant and have different needs right now." He spoke softly, a sultry purr to his voice, knowing full well it would drive her wild.
Indeed she grabbed his belt and aggressively opened it, undoing his placket with such fervour that she actually growled. She was on her knees, not caring that her wedding dress got wrinkled. Aro groaned as she took him in her mouth, eagerly sucking on his cock. He was panting and feeling quite disheveled, pushed against the wall like this, his formal attire pretty much just shoved aside so she could have her way with him.
He pushed his fingers into her hair, undoing the elegant knot he had made on her, allowing her tresses to fall around her shoulders. Moaning as she gave a particular hard pull on him, he couldn't help but thrust deeply into her hot mouth, shuddering as he already felt the first pulsations of his orgasm.
"You're getting good at this," he managed with a deep growl. He gave a deep moan as his seed spurted forth, coating her tongue and she caught it all, swallowing eagerly, moaning as she tasted his essence.
She barely allowed him any respite as she simply began to work on him again, pumping his length with her fist, spreading her saliva all over him.
She made him climax three more times, her hot lips barely leaving his skin.
He sensed that she finally had enough and with one fluid motion he lifted her up and carried her to the bed.
"My turn," he said huskily, depositing her on her back. He dove beneath her dress, easily tearing her knickers off before hungrily devouring her soft flesh. Her taste filled him, and he groaned into her, his tongue searching out all of her, labia, clit, mons and her anus. It had been so long since he had been able to pleasure her like this, and he threw himself into it, soon making her incoherent, his name coming from her lips over and over.
He penetrated her gently with two fingers, and she almost exploded on the instant, her legs closing around his head. He kept up his caresses, slowly coaxing her to another peak.
"Aro, I need you!" She cried, her legs spreading even further. Aro felt her slick entrance ready for him, and he came out from beneath her dress, pushing it up around her hips as he crawled up her body. Taking care not to squash her pregnant stomach, he kissed her deeply, and found her entrance easily enough. He pushed in, filling her in one deep, slow thrust.
"Oh fuck!" She groaned, body jerking beneath him.
Aro wasn't much better off. Her hot and greedy cunt seemed to practically strangle him. He began a slow and gentle canter that soon left her keening into his chest, her hands clinging to his shirt. Despite the amount of time since they had last made love, he moved tenderly within her, extracting from her a pulsating orgasm that made her cry out in a strangled scream, her body shuddering beneath him. Having had several climaxes already, he was able to hold back more easily, taking his time on showing her his adoration for her through tender moves and intense pleasure.
Once he had her coming apart a few times, he disengaged and began to remove her dress without ruining it. Then he undressed himself completely as well, ready to resume their passion. Due to her pregnancy there were a limited number of positions, so he kept her comfortable even as he repeatedly plunged into her waiting body. She was very wet by now, the scent of her heady essence was driving him increasingly wild, and he was reduced to kissing every inch of her body that he could reach, while also filling her over and over. Her warm skin was dotted with her perspiration, and her head was rolling from side to side as he yet again had her climaxing. He could feel her inner muscles squeeze him tightly, and he groaned. Her heat was exquisite, and he was unable to hold out any longer, his release erupting forth within her, coating her silky walls. He groaned into the crook of her neck, thrusting harder as he deposited himself deeply inside of her. He took exceeding care to not just crash down on top of her, and he landed somewhat to the side, panting into her damp skin.
They lay silently for quite a while, just enjoying the feel of each other. He smelled the tears and lifted himself up to peer into her face.
"What is the matter, Isabella?" He asked gently, feeling her tremble against him.
She shook her head, trying to collect herself. "Nothing. I'm just happy," she whispered, trying to pull him closer again.
He kissed her tenderly, his chest swelling with love for her. "I am happy too, my love," he replied softly.
"I can't believe you are my husband," she said after a while.
"Hopefully that is a positive sentiment," he responded, smiling wolfishly down at her.
She laughed briefly. He could sense she needed sleep. "It is," she murmured, snuggling against him.
"Sleep, dear wife. I will keep you safe." He crooned, repositioning them so she could lay on her side comfortably.
"Okay, my king. My husband." she sighed, already drifting off.
Her last words made Aro smile, and he kissed her hair lovingly. "Buonanotte, mia regina."
Translations:
Buonanotte, mia regina (Italian) = Goodnight, my queen.
"The brighter a lady shines, the faster she may burn." This line is stolen from Bridgerton, a series on Netflix. I felt it fit perfectly in this chapter, so I had to borrow it! If you haven't, you should definitely watch it. Great show!
Right, I am off to bed. Goodnight!
-Pancakes