TWILIGHT : THE BLOOD INSIDE YOU IS THE BLOOD INSIDE ME
Chapter Twenty-five
This is a fictional story based on the Twilight Series, of which I own neither part nor parcel. Just borrowing the Volturi temporarily. No references to the Cullen family, sorry. (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.)
Aro and Charlotte discuss the new petitioners to the Volturi. Charlotte later visits Dora as another female she could befriend. Aro reveals some of his past to his mate. And Carlisle contacts Aro with some alarming news.
Aro/OC, Athenodora, Caius, Felix, Demetri, Carlisle
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Charlotte was in the outdoor garden, a small rectangular basket lying at her feet. Today, the guards would be returning from their vacation, hopefully with some interesting stories to tell. Charlotte was missing her friends, and wanted to get started on her physical training again. With a pair of scissors, she cut one flower, then another flower off one of the line of bushes planted in neat rows along the rock wall. She had decided to bring some of the beauty from outside to her sister, Dora, and maybe coerce her to join her on a trek to the village sometime in the near future. It was unacceptable that such a beautiful woman was confined to the tower rooms, when she would be most welcome to join the rest of them on the floors below. She didn't seem to take much interest in the goings on at the compound, but at least added some pleasant humour to the company when she was with them.
She carefully chose a mixture of flowers, based on their intermingling scents and colouring, then snipped them from the bushes, placing them carefully in the basket. She was about to reach up to pull down another bloom when she felt arms snake around her waist from behind. Lips kissed the sensitive skin of her neck just below her ear. She laughed low while closing her eyes. Charlotte had been so involved in the flower cutting, anyone would have been able to easily sneak up on her. "This had better be Aro," she said, moving her head to expose more of her neck.
"And whom else would you be expecting, il mio cuore."
"One of my other lovers, I suppose." Her arms covered those around her while she leaned back into her mate.
"Don't even jest, cara, l would have to rend the flesh of any man who would dare touch you in this fashion. Li ucciderei tutti."
"No, you won't have to kill anyone, Aro, since there is no one else and never will be." She smiled and made soft noises while he sucked at the tender flesh of her throat.
His mouth moved to nip at her earlobe with bated teeth, the sounds of pleasure coming from her parted lips music to his ears. As much as Aro would have loved to ravish his mate right here in the garden, he had another reason for wanting to speak with her. He moved to face her, giving her a deep kiss. "You look charming in your gardener's apron."
"I didn't want to get my clothes dirty, love. Or I'm just used to wearing one as I did the few times I worked in my own garden. Being in advertising didn't leave me a lot of time to garden, and I love flowers. I cheated most of the time by buying them at the local florist. Now I have free time. So, besides tempting me to do anything you would demand of me, why are you here?" Her eyes bore into his, defying him NOT to take her here and now.
The look in his darkening eyes matched hers in need, his voice holding a low rumble of desire. He blinked out of necessity to break the spell his mate managed to weave around him, and led her to the closest bench, waiting for her to sit first, then he sat beside her.
"What do you think of our petitioners, my dear? I would like to know your opinion." His hand held hers, their fingers entwined.
Charlotte was surprised Aro was asking her about the new arrivals. Surely Caius' or Marcus' opinions meant more, but she would happily give her mate her honest assessment.
"Galina's gift would be a wonderful defensive power if not offensive. You will need to speak with her, Aro, to find out what she can do with the power. If she could create duplicates to appear to enlarge our army and intimidate any attackers, that would be helpful. If it seemed any of us could be visible in one place, when we were actually sneaking around and behind the enemy, that could be useful," she said, detailing her ideas.
Aro nodded on hearing Charlotte's thoughts. "What about Eleanor?"
"Alright. One thing we need to know is, can she expand the bubble, enlarge it to protect more guards. Can she spilt it to protect multiple areas at once. Now Adam's power could be useful to move attacking forces away from us. Or even disrupt any weaponry they may have by sending it out of their reach. Noah's power is very interesting to me. Metal transmutation would be handy to strengthen an offense or defense."
Aro was fascinated by Charlotte's planning. Had she been tutored by Caius? He was eager to see what his brother, the battle strategist of their coven, would say compared to the things his mate was telling him.
"If, say a tank, were being used, Noah could turn it into tin foil. All we'd have to do is tear it apart like we were eating corn cobs at a BBQ. Likewise, iron could be turned into steel, the second strongest alloy around. One thing to ask Noah is can he create any alloy, or can he only change base metals from one to another. Like changing iron to steel, or are there restrictions to his ability? Titanium is even stronger than steel, but it's an alloy as well."
Aro smiled while listening to Charlotte discuss metallurgy in such detail. He had no idea it was something she had any knowledge of. He would pair her up with Caius when it came to coming up with battle strategy before any battle actually occurred, if one ever did. "This will suit when we prepare against an attack, should one occur."
Charlotte's crimson eyes lit up, betraying her excitement. "Caius told me once to observe what your enemy could plan before they have the chance to plan it." She raised on brow at Aro. "I like that advice." She stood, looking around at the sky. "Aro, I must take these flowers inside and find a vase for them, so I can take them to Dora. Caius asked me to visit her."
Aro stood and gathered Charlotte in his arms. "Check the utility closet on the second floor above the reception area. That's sweet of you to visit her, cara. I will see you later then." He kissed her, loathe to leave both her interesting perceptions of the newcomers and the delights of her body, but they would have the evening.
"Good bye, love. I will see you later." Charlotte took the basket and headed indoors and the second floor to find a vase.
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Charlotte cleaned up and took the vase of flowers up the stairs to Dora's chambers. She lightly knocked on the wooden doors, which opened, revealing Athenodora standing on the other side.
"Sister, do come in. It's such a surprise to see you." She stepped aside letting Charlotte in, then shut the doors. She was about to hug her when she saw the flowers. "Are those for me?"
"Yes, dear sister. I was in the garden cutting some blooms, and I thought I'd bring you some as well."
"I do feel blessed today. Look at the bouquet Caius gave me." She walked over to the antique Rococo table that sat behind the settee, and lifted a large vase filled with roses of all colours to show her sister.
Charlotte leaned in and inhaled the sweet scent, and smiled. So Caius had taken her advice. "They're beautiful, Dora. So where should we put these?"
Athenodora took the vase and set it on a console table that sat against an opposite wall.
Charlotte went the settee and sat down. Athenodora sat on the other end, crossing one leg over the other beneath her full length dressing gown. The fragrance of the roses wafted through the air, almost too strong for Charlotte's vampire sense of smell. Odours were sometimes too strong for her when she was human, such was her nose. It made it difficult to find a favourite fragrance when she shopped the department stores in search of a new perfume.
"Dora, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a walk into the village tomorrow. I thought we might shop a bit. Caius said it would be fine if you approved. The weather is supposed to be perfect. Very overcast," she said laughing.
"I would love to, Charlotte. It's been awhile since I've been to the village for any reason." She clasped her new sister's hand.
Charlotte had an idea. "You should ask Caius to take you some evening. There is piped music with dancing. Aro has taken me a few times." She didn't tell Athenodora about the time she and Caius danced in the village. She didn't feel it was necessary since that was just to give Aro privacy to talk with Carlisle. So why did she feel guilty? "It can be quite fun mingling with the humans while they enjoy their nightlife. Ask him to take you, sister. Surely he couldn't say no to his beautiful mate."
"I will, sister." Charlotte stood, and taking Athenodora's hands in hers, squeezed them. "Thank you for coming by. Let me know when you wish to go to the village, and I'll be ready. It has been so long. It might be fun to shop. And thank you for the flowers."
Charlotte let Athenodora lead her to the doors, gave her a hug and left, wondering why Caius would let his mate live such an idle existence. Charlotte should have asked Dora to go with her and Alice to Rome. But she hadn't met her yet. Caius seemed intent on hiding his mate away in this tower. Charlotte determined if Aro even tried to lock her away, she'd give him what for and then leave. But no, that would never happen. Aro needed her and he seemed to know it. They were mates for eternity, and both felt the weight of having charge of the Volturi.
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The larger limousine arrived at the back gate. Every one of the Guard was waiting to greet their returning comrades. Times like these, Charlotte could feel the unity within the Volturi. Even if a few were compelled to be here, they never seemed to show that it was and enforced behavior, and she hoped they didn't feel it was. She had never spoken to Aro about this, but it was intimated among a few of the more loyal guards that not all felt that loyalty willingly.
Charlotte stood back, waiting for Felix, Demetri, Santiago, Renata, and Jane to exit the limo. She smiled at how excited they were to be home, but she wanted to find out what happened while they were away.
As Charlotte walked alongside Felix and Demetri, she told them about the four supplicants, or petitioners now that Aro had given them provisionary acceptance.
"What? We missed that?" Demetri demanded, with Charlotte knowing he would be the most upset at missing out.
"Not to worry. I'm sure Aro will give them additional tests you will be allowed to watch." She explained briefly their gifts, then demanded to know how their vacation went.
Felix spoke first. "The hotel was unique, completely made of ice. The beds had animal skins on them so we chose not to use them. Jane was furious, tearing them off and throwing them into a corner. I told her at least they weren't wolf skins."
"We lay on the ground one night to watch the Northern Lights. Someone checked on us to make sure we hadn't frozen to death." Demetri laughed, obviously remembering the good experiences they had.
"I missed you guys. I need to get back to training speed. If Aro, Marcus and Caius accept the new arrivals, they will need training too, so you got back just in time." She gave each a hug, then saw Jane while she and Alec were talking together.
Going up to the twins, Charlotte asked, "Jane, did you have a good time as well? Animal skins aside or so I hear." Charlotte flashed her a kind smile, hoping her last talk with Jane still held.
"It was wonderful, Charlotte. I was telling Alec that I wish he'd been there too. The people were so warm and accepting, I didn't feel like hurting any of them."
Charlotte was glad to hear that. She imagined it didn't take much for Jane to want to hurt someone. "I'm just glad everyone enjoyed themselves. You'll all have to tell me more once you've settled in." She offered Jane an embrace, and was gratified it was accepted. "Alec, take your sister to her room, and help her unpack, ok?"
Alec, feeling free of Jane's censure of Charlotte, smiled and nodded. "I was about to do just that, Charlotte. Thank you." Both flashed down the corridor and were gone in seconds.
"Ok, one thing down," Charlotte whispered to herself, before heading to her chambers.
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Charlotte had her laptop sitting next to her on the bed. She was searching the Web for ancient jewels that had been found in various locations in Greece and Italy. In Aro's collection she found a ring, one made of gold, with a human face etched in silver on top. She showed the ring to Aro.
"My love, what is this? It doesn't look like an ordinary ring. All I can find is that it's Greek in origin. The shoulder is too tall though."
Aro took the ring from Charlotte's fingers. He frowned as he examined the ring he had forgotten he had.
"What is it, Aro? Why are you looking so grim?"
"This, my dear, is a ring that actually held poison. See, you open the hinged top here. Inside this small chamber, one could store powders that would then be dispensed into a goblet of, say, wine. The drinker had no idea that their liquid refreshment would be fatal." He passed the ring back to his mate who slipped it on her thumb, being too large for her ring finger.
"I've heard of these rings, but haven't ever seen one. Look, it fits, sort of." She held out her hand, admiring the gold ring with the evil purpose. "But Aro, the Greeks believed in Xenia, the law of hospitality. To harm a guest or traveler seeking shelter was viewed as nearly a crime. Plus, one never knew when the gods themselves might be traveling the countryside, disguised as mortals seeking food and a warm place to sleep. Who would dare take the chance?"
"Some earthly rewards were worth risking the wrath of the gods, cara." His mind went back to those times, and what he had done during them...when he was still human.
"Did you ever use such a method when dealing with an enemy, before you were changed?" Charlotte asked with some apprehension. She knew Aro had to mete out the punishments for crimes against vampire law, and so could be viewed as a harsh, even evil, taskmaster, but had he been so as a human?
Aro felt honesty was the best way to deal with his mate's questions. So far, no truth he had shared with Charlotte disgusted her or repelled her from him. She had accepted him and his actions without reproach. "Once, I had invited an old friend to my home after I found out he had betrayed me to another, which would have threatened my position in the city. We began our meal together, and then I served him wine, which I had poisoned." Aro looked down at the ring on her hand, his ring, the very one he'd used when killing his friend and irrevocably staining his mortal soul forever. And that was only the first time he had done something so heinous while human.
"Aro, is this..."
"Yes, my dear. The ring is mine."
"So, have you always been power hungry?" Charlotte had to challenge Aro if she was to understand the man to whom she had bound herself.
"It was a time when those with wealth also had power through the alliances they made or bought. I wasn't interested in ruling a city or country. The power I sought was more personal. When I was transformed, I never saw it as anything more than another way to gain personal power. I discovered vampire covens, and my goal completely changed. It was then that I started to seek out those who would join me in that goal. Those with gifts. Then I concentrated on the creation of my own coven, one stronger and more powerful than any other on the planet."
Charlotte tried to understand what Aro was sharing with her. He wasn't evil per se, but if he had a desire in mind, apparently no one had better get in his way.
"Perhaps we should destroy it..." Aro began, his eyes on the ring.
"No!' She removed the tainted piece of jewelry from her thumb. "We'll keep it. It's a part of your past, Aro. Nothing can change what you've done. As humans, we're told to remember the past so that we don't repeat our mistakes later." She set the ring on her side table. She would return it to the art room later. Charlotte then turned to Aro and snuggled against him. She raised her face up to his, brushing her fingers across his cheek.
Aro managed a small smile for his mate, then leaned over and kissed her. He embraced her tightly, grateful for this immortal soul that loved him so unconditionally. He wondered if he deserved such devotion. But she was his, and he wished a painful death on anyone who might dare take her from him.
The pair sat quietly, both wrapped in their own thoughts, when Charlotte heard a familiar ping. Checking her laptop, she realized it was an alert that someone was trying to contact her. She unentangled herself from Aro, and checked the message.
"Who is it, cara?"
She smiled and replied, "It's Carlisle. He wants to speak with you. Let me get logged in." She gave Aro the laptop, and with a keystroke, both saw the face of their friend, but he didn't seem very happy at the moment. "Should I leave to give you two some privacy?"
"No! Stay. Let's see what Carlisle has to say that he appears so grim." He peered at the computer screen, and said, "Hello, my friend. Why do you look so worried. Is your family well?"
"Hello, Aro, Charlotte. I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything. I know the time there. And yes, the family's fine. But I did receive some disturbing news from a contact in Turkey."
Aro tilted his head as he stared at the screen. "Go on."
"It's been reported that a minor coven had been found completely destroyed. One of its members had been away, and on his return, he was horrified to find his home nothing but rubble. Piles of ash were scattered just outside the front entrance, as if the entire coven had been executed. He said it appeared as if no struggle had taken place, no chance for anyone to fight back against whomever it was who attacked them. The idea that vampires could be taken by surprise or that any weapon, aside from decapitation and burning, would work against our kind."
"Have you heard any rumours of a threat of a coven war, Carlisle?"
"No, nothing, Aro. I just thought the Volturi needed to know. Charlotte, have you felt anything, experienced any more of your compulsions Alice told me about?"
"No, Carlisle, nothing. It's strange, but a relief as well. And Alice has seen nothing?"
"No, and she's frustrated. She's still blinded by that fog that seems to block her visions."
"We will check into this, my friend," Aro stated. "Thank you for the information. Our community knows better than to attack another coven. It will not be tolerated." Aro was tense with anger, one hand tightened into a fist.
"We'll talk again, Aro. Good night to both of you." Carlisle's face vanished from the screen.
Charlotte turned off the laptop. She waited for Aro to speak. When he didn't, she spoke. "What do you think it is?"
Aro pondered theories. "It could be coven infighting, or a personal grudge between two covens."
"But wouldn't the one who reported the attack know if it were either of those possibilities? He seemed to be as shocked as anyone else in the dark would be, according to Carlisle. Aro, what if this has to do with my feelings? What if a new coven war is about to erupt? The Volturi could be targeted as well." She nestled against Aro's body, drawing strength from him. "I may be new to this existence, but these are my people now. And the Volturi are my family. If there is a threat to my people or my family, I will fight to protect them."
Aro smiled at Charlotte, then kissed her forehead. He knew she never said anything she didn't mean. For good or ill, he could trust her words. If it came to defending their own against some rash acting coven, he and the rest of the Volturi would fight, and Charlotte would be beside him as would his entire coven.
"Shouldn't you go tell Marcus and Caius? They'll need to know. There's no reason to delay telling them." Charlotte rose from Aro's side and sat against the headboard. "Go to them. I'll wait." Once Aro had left, she lay back and rolled over on her side. Charlotte felt like everything she feared was coming to fruition.
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Aro knocked on Caius' door, then demanded he follow him to Marcus's rooms. Once all three men were together, Aro told them what Carlisle had said. Caius spoke first, anger etched on his face.
"Who would dare attack another coven, especially after so many years of war?"
"It was a minor coven, brother, hardly on the map. Still, this is something we must end now." Aro paced the floor, trying to decide on their next course of action. Perhaps they should get more information from Carlisle, and then proceed on to Turkey. Arrangements would have to be made immediately.
Marcus didn't want to hear about more coven wars. He was tired of any fighting, and hoped it was a one time occurrence. But Aro was right. They had to at least investigate the attack. If they went to the country themselves, it would serve two purposes. It would give them the chance to check for details and speak with those involved. Secondly, the news that the Volturi was there might frighten away anyone planning a second attack.
"Caius, inform Felix, Demetri, Jane, and Alec we have a trip to make. Santiago will remain behind to be in charge of the Guard while we're gone. Our four guests will have to wait, but I'll ask Charlotte to keep them occupied. Marcus, help me make the arrangements. We leave in the morning."
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It was 2am, and Charlotte had packed Aro's bag. She sat on the bed, trying to keep her hands together so they wouldn't tremble. She felt no apprehension of any kind, so hoped that was a good sign. He told her to watch their guests and continue to test them if she wished.
After showering and dressing, Aro exited the bathroom, seeing Charlotte looking forlorn. "I wish I could take you, cara, but I need you here. You will represent the Volturi while we are gone, and that won't be long, I promise."
She stood and hugged Aro tightly, murmuring his name, telling him she loved him. He would come back. They all would. Their four most powerful guards would be with them after all.
Aro held Charlotte, kissing her neck, her cheek, then her lips. He went back to just holding her, drawing in her scent to carry with him while he was away.
"Stai attento, amore mio." She kissed him deeply and looked into his crimson eyes. "Torna da me sano e salvo."
Everyone met at the back gate, the stretch limousine being called up again. Charlotte bid the guards good bye while Caius kissed Athenodora. She held him tightly, telling him to hurry home.
Charlotte hugged Marcus, kissing his cheek. "You be careful too, dear uncle. I mean it, take no chances. Find out what you need to know and get back home."
Marcus smiled at her, touching her cheek gently with his fingers. "Do not worry, child. That's all we'll be doing. We'll be home before you know it."
When Caius had left Athenodora, Charlotte hugged him lastly. " Be careful, Caius. No rash acts, alright? Keep a cool head. I know how you can be." She kissed his cheek and stepped back.
"I promise, sister. Take care of Dora for me." Caius was worried, since even when they left on coven business, he usually brought her along.
Nodding, Charlotte said, "I will." She ran over to the front driver door and crouched down, looking through the window. "You guys barely got back, and now you have to run off again. Just watch each other's backs."
"Yes, mother," Felix said, smiling.
Charlotte punched the giant guard on the arm, to which he gave her the requisite "Ouch".
"Demetri, maybe you can lose him while you're in Turkey."
"We'll be watchful, Charlie."
"Jane, you and Alec watch yourselves too."
Jane merely nodded, while Alec held his sister's hand. The connection between the twins was strong, and Charlotte knew they would always be there for each other.
Charlotte waved to everyone, then placed her fingertips to her lips when looking at Aro as the car drove through the gate. She went over to Athenodora, placing an arm around her sister as they walked back inside. "Don't worry, Dora. They'll be back soon."
A/N : So, the first volley has been fired. Does this mean a vampire war is inevitable?
Chapter 24 was a freebie since I had Thanksgiving Day off and could post. Now I am back on track, with the weekend post days of Saturday or Sunday, unless the characters get pushy.
I listened to the music from The Assassination of Jesse James, Song for Bob while typing up the "Aro confesses to Charlotte" scene. All my songs are on youtube if you ever want to listen to any while reading. Like Charlotte, I love music. Just not Rap or Country. I know I know, I am in Charlotte. :-) Isn't that how writers work? Thanks for reading!