Fates pov.

I brushed my fingers through those honey blonde waves. They felt silken and free of any tangles. In the past, it was a regimen I took on, as jasper's hair would knot up and get ratty. Especially if we hadn't showered or cleaned in a few days. Those were the days. Just rough and dirty... although getting clean was much better then too.

No one said anything. There was no reason to. His face was smooshed into my breast. I didn't have it in me to ruin his peace. So we sat like that. Listening to thunder clapping and rain droplets pelting the side of the house. I only woke up... I don't know how long ago I woke. Less than an hour I think... time is annoying.

"What are you thinking about?"

Jasper moved his head to look at me. His hair haphazardly covered his face as he gazed at me. I moved the pieces away to see his features clearly. Those perfectly manicured brows, he always knew he was pretty. That was one thing Jasper never let anyone forget. His tongue poked out and gently caressed his bottom lip.

I noticed the gold chain peeking out of his shirt. I pulled it lightly until I held the ring on the end.

"I wondered where this went. I thought I lost it..."

"Nope, just stolen." He reached for the box that was discarded to the floor in my sleep."So neither of us could let them go. Huh?"

"I tried. Oh, believe me, I tried."

I couldn't help but chuckle. I twitched my nose and pointed at the lock. The box opened. Jasper smiled at me. His fingers danced across the dainty chain. He lifted it using his thumb and pointer until the ring was exposed.

"I did too. It's why I got rid of the key. I tossed it into a river... I tried to throw the box too but couldn't. So it's been locked away ever since."

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't you dare apologize to me! Don't ever do that, not for coming back to me. The situation with Alice was my fault, as for the rest... we'll deal with it together."

"You're awfully optimistic."

"One of us has to be."

The left corner of his lips upturned into a smirk. I reached out to touch his lips. He placed a gentle kiss on my thumb. He began to climb onto the futon. His hand caressed my cheek as he leaned in for a kiss. The moment our lips touched the door was opened...

"Oops sorry."

It was Esme. She was probably coming to check on us. Jasper adjusted himself and sat back on the floor.

"It's alright. We're dressed."

"I was just making sure everything was ok."

"I'm starved," I called out.

"Sorry, I meant to get you something, I'll run out in a minute."

"That's unnecessary. Carlisle, he managed to obtain some..."

I got the message. There's somebody's corpse waiting for me downstairs. I got up much quicker than anticipated. The room felt like it was spinning. Jasper steadied me and helped me to the door. Esme moved out of the way. I noticed she was sporting a pair of coals. I'm not the only one that was starving.

"Is Rose okay? She's not taking this well. Please understand, I never intended for this."

Esme sadly smiled at me. She reached out and pulled me into her arms. The emotional shock was written across my face. I lightly tapped her shoulder to indicate some sort of emotional reciprocation. After she let me go. I removed the green vile potion and took two gulps. If I were to describe the taste, it's akin to hot garbage. Most likely a dirty diaper left to stew in a metal garbage can on a hot summer day. Just putrid! But... it helps.

Jasper refused to let me go. He assisted me down the steps. His left arm holds me steady, while his right-hand holds mine tightly, leading me down the hall to the steps. He just about lifted me as we went down them. I felt embarrassed but thankful.

Once we reached the kitchen I was met with an interesting sight. Carlisle was wrist deep inside of a John Doe. A toe tag was still hanging off the foot. It was lying stiffly on the kitchen countertop. It is tarped of course. The kitchen floor was plastered down with thick plastic. He began cutting filets with surgical accuracy.

"You're just in time. How is this meant to be prepared?"

"Well, the rarest the better. Preferably still pumping. Although cold it's alright... you really took what I said to heart."

"I'm going above in beyond. I expect the same."

The glint in his eyes made me feel slightly uncomfortable. He looked a bit too ready to get me under a microscope. I was handed a perfectly moist slice. A selection of seasonings and sauces were at my disposal. They were homemade. Inside the seasonings were infused herbs with immune-boosting abilities. While the sauces were medicated with Mary-Jane. The medical-grade shit they give cancer patients. Hell yeah!

"I don't know what to say..."

"I'm searching for a cure. I don't trust your motives but I see your love for my son. I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. I believe you never meant to hurt my family. So, you're welcome here as long as you please..."

I kept my mouth closed and took the olive branch bestowed. The rest of the body was stored in a freezer of my own housed in the garage. The cutlets were individually vacuum-sealed for optimal protection from frost. As I sat down to eat. The medical benefits began to kick in. Carlisle sat at the table and explained the things he's been able to glean.

"Until we can figure out an adequate replacement for your current prescription. I'll be supplying any supportive pain management. As for any tests I require, you may decline if you're uncomfortable. However it's best if you comply, I need everything to get a complete frame."

"Also to support your own ends. I'm not an idiot. You're looking for a cure for yourself. For whatever you are. I'm not ready to die. Where do I sign."

I signed the proper medical files. After Carlisle thanked my contribution. He's really into this savior mindset. I can see his real vice. Carlisle's nothing but a mad scientist at heart. He spent many years with the Volturi simply doing studies on his kind. Dissecting them. He can't stand this existence. He's willing to do anything to die. I wonder if it's his upbringing?

I knew of it. His past as a hunter. His father spent many decades hunting after my people. Witches. While he never liked the lifestyle, Carlisle excelled at his profession. In fact, it's how he became this. Got caught in a nest. The vampires he maimed didn't take kindly to his treatment and left him to starve. He survived by feasting on rats.

It's how he came about this 'vegetarian' lifestyle his coven lives by.

I rose without speaking much else. I made a beeline for the computer. There was a nice setup in the living room hanging off behind a partition. It was a little office nook. I was able to crack the password easily. I logged into the club website. I acquired the invitation information.

"What are you up to?"

"Jasper."

"I know. What are you up to."

"I need to see Ben. There was a meeting I missed during my trip in the past. I believe it was attended by Mary. I need to know what was talked about!"

"Alright. Let's go then."

"Are you sure?"

"I told you. I'm here. Whatever you need." The ring still exposed hanging over his heart.

"Ok."

Tonight's theme was a masquerade. Very fitting, I'm sure Ben had me in mind when choosing this one. We both looked rather frightening. Perfect! I chose to don a particularly regal-looking stark black dress. The neckline scooped to show a beautiful bust. The train dragged behind me. The bodice was covered in beautiful golden lace. To top it off a cape is attached to the high neck. My mask?

The design is rather intricate. It's a Venetian Nefertiti mask. Gold filigree detailing shoots up from the top in a crown. Black tassels drip from the sides to frame the face. The face itself is made of gold and the makeup is blackened around the eyes and mouth. To set it off crystals are placed around the highlights and twinkle at every turn. Simply magnificent.

While my love has decided to match me. A black swallow-tailed tuxedo made of the finest velvet. The collar is high neck with golden epaulets on the shoulders. Gold chains are connected to each button on either side of the lapels. A glinting sword attached at his hip, the hilt was 24-carat gold. Jasper looked fit for a royal court.

While his mask? A Venetian Baroque devil. Stone encrusted brows were pulled into a menacing arch. Golden ram horns curled around his face. The smirking lips were blackened with red Jasper stones dripping from them in a blood trail.

"Is it bad I wanna take all of it off and fuck you raw right here in this kitchen?"

The looks I got from Carlisle and Esme after the sentence came out of my mouth were pure gold.

"I didn't say I was..."

"Come on."

As Jasper pulled me towards the front door, he kept shaking his head, then tossed an apology over his shoulder. Just as we reached it Edward walked in. He was drenched and looked something akin to a soaked rat. Just downright pitiful.

"Where are you two going?"

"To hell."

"Good, I hope you stay there. "

"We're going to see Benjamin, the witch that tweaked your gift."

"I'm going."

"No, you're not."

Edward brushed up on me and just about got slammed into a wall. Jasper had him pinned up against the front door. He was struggling but eventually just went still, Jasper leaned into his side and whispered something into his ear.

"He's going to come with us. You both are going to behave. Fate is my mate and will be treated with respect!"

The sound of Jasper's voice reverberated throughout the front entryway. Once Edward was let go he stormed past us both. I called after him.

"If you're coming you need to be properly dressed. It's a masquerade."

"Whatever!"

I rolled my eyes, hiked up my dress, and followed after the idiot. I stopped him in his tracks by shoving him into a chair. It sat in the middle of the kitchen. I tapped my lip as I circled him. The first thing I sat about doing was drying him off.

Then making his hair longer. He couldn't help but scratch at his scalp as the hair began to sprout. I changed the color too.

The auburn hair was traded in for frosted white blonde tips that were spiked.

"You're pretty as a blonde. Now what to do?"

He sat sneering at me with his arms crossed his chest. Such a petulant child. His clothes needed to go. Benjamin would crucify me if I showed up with him in these rags. I took a seat on his lap, straddling his thighs. He looked mortified.

"Get off me!"

"Shut up. I'm doing your makeup."

He kept moving his head around so I was forced to yank his hair. He yowled in response, Jasper stood against the wall and laughed. I pointed my finger in his face. He immediately went still.

"Good boy. I promise I'll make you look pretty."

"I'm already pretty."

"Yes, but I'll make you look hot. Now relax and let me work."

By the time I was done with Edward he was fitted out in a blackened eggplant double-breasted suit. It had black micro designs with brocade detailing and black satin lapels. Underneath? A fitted jungle green waistcoat with a black chain hanging from it that connects to the belt loop on his pants. His feet were housed inside beautiful black gators.

I stood back and admired the overall look. I snapped my fingers and tossed him his mask and cane. The cane head? A hissing cobra. While his mask? A black and green Venetian joker mask. I licked my lips.

"Fate."

"Yes, darling?"

"You look like you're going to eat me."

"I just might. Let's go."

The doorbell rang. I smiled and looked at the clock on my phone. Right on time. I helped Edward up from his chair and led him down the hall. Jasper followed behind us chuckling at his discomfort.

"Why are you holding my hand?"

"Shut up and put my shoes on."

In the hallway next to the door were my glass slippers. Edward was forced to bend at the knee and compelled to lift my skirt and place each one on. The glass was embedded with black diamonds and the heel was over six inches. Simply extravagant. Jasper placed his on too. They were just simple black dress shoes.

The door opened on its own once we all were completely ready. A carriage was waiting outside for us. The rain parted to allow us to get in without getting wet. Edward was made to hold the door open for both Jasper and me before he was allowed to step foot inside.

"Can you stop doing that?"

"You're the one that wanted to come."

The inside of the carriage was a deep burgundy, all the intricate details reminded me of the rococo period. The housing unit was sat atop large golden spindle wheels. It seemed to be drawn by nothing... but of course, that wasn't true.

"Ah lady death, what a wonderful time to show your face."

"Oh Rodger, it's always lovely to see you too."

The looks on Jasper and Edward's face made us both split our sides. Rodger was the ghostly coachman. He disappeared and went to the front and we were off.

"Was that a?"

"A ghost. Why yes. Tonight you two are in for a world full of fright. At least that was the tagline Ben wrote on the invitation. Rodger there, he got stabbed to death about forty times."

"What the hell did he do?"

"I cheated on me wife!"

Edward jumped at the sound of Rodger's voice echoing around the cabin. He turned around to see what was pulling us. I could have told him that was a mistake. If he couldn't handle Rodger, he certainly couldn't handle the ghostly skeletal horses. It was quite odd to see the dead. Once he caught sight, he about fainted.

"Oh relax. Are you hungry? Call out anything you want, it will appear."

"A rabbit."

A bouncing virgin white rabbit appeared in his lap. He stared into my eyes, snapped its little neck, and devoured the thing. He tossed me the carcass. I revived the poor creature and let it out. He about shat himself. Jasper was getting a kick out of our antics. I just like making him squirm. The scent that emanates make me tingle in all the right ways.

"I can go all night pretty boy."

"There's something wrong with you."

"Guilty as charged. Now, what's up with Isabella?"

"Why would I tell you?"

"Because she's here to help."

"I find that dubious, however, she wouldn't let me in. I sat outside her house in the rain."

"Oh, how pitiful. Well, I can attempt to speak to the girl if you like. See where her head is at."

"That's completely unnecessary."

"Too bad. It's already past due, I promised the wolf I'd discuss some things with her anyway."

"How can you stand her?"

"By not listening to a word she says. You should try it. She's mostly just trying to get under your skin."

"Trying? Oh please, I'm swimming in his blood vessels. I'll stop only if you open up. Tell me all your little secrets."

Edward scooted more towards the center. He was opposite Jasper and me. He leaned in, his breath smelled of lilacs and berries.

"I. Don't. Like. You."

I pulled his tie making him tumble on top of me. I licked the shell of his ear and whispered, " Too damn bad, because, I like you." Jasper had finally had enough of my playtime and pushed Edward away as I giggled and clapped at his fear. Once relaxed I summoned a bottle of Dom and poured me a glass.

"Leave the boy alone Fate."

"Remember when we used to pull the cutest little things? You did always enjoy watching."

"Fate."

"I'm done!"

Jasper grabbed my chin and forced me to look up at him. He tapped my lips and told me to shush. After he planted a kiss on the corner of my mouth. Despite Jasper's objections, he was aroused. He wasn't the only one...I behaved the rest of the ride. Wouldn't want to scar the boy, now would we. He has yet to come around to why he gets so uppity. It has nothing to do with that little girl he's bemoaning about. His thoughts are...

The carriage came to an abrupt stop. The doors popped open and steps folded out. Rodger got down from the front and escorted us three to the main door. It was roped off and stood guard by werewolves. They were in their human shapes and heavily armed. I was greeted warmly.

"It's just not the same without you Mrs. Fate."

"Of course darling, it's lost its sparkle."

I showed them my invite and we all three were let inside. More ropes led to the main ballroom. As I walked the halls the sound of my heels clacked along the jade tile flooring. Veins of gold glittered about inside them. Sinister has taken the shape of the palace of Versailles.

As I walked I kept my head held high. My reflection bounced along with me as I passed the mirrors littered everywhere. Each one changed shape as if we were at a funhouse. Others were magical and multiplied the image showing an evil double. While some didn't have any effect at all and appeared as if you weren't even there. Just like in the old myths...

Just as we neared the doors to the ballroom I stopped and collected myself. I stared at the large marble monstrosities. Gazing fondly at the carved statues and effigies. The detail was immaculate. Benjamin truly outdid himself tonight.

Once I was ready, I turned towards the men behind me. Jasper looked concerned while Edward was annoyed.

"Boys. Tonight may get ugly. So, it's been lovely."

"Always with the melodrama."

I turned in joy at the sound of my long-time friends' voice. Benjamin greeted me by picking me up and spinning me. Once my feet were back on the ground he addressed Jasper by bowing. He kissed Edward's hand and smiled up at him greedily. He did look delectable in that get-up. Funny enough Edward scooted closer to me in response. I snorted.

"Masks?"

"Of course."

Once they were on we were escorted in. Edward was the first to bound down the steps. While Jasper and I took our time. He held my hand and led me down the winding marble fixture. Once his feet touched the ground he picked me up.

"You look absolutely gorgeous tonight my love."

"Why thank you handsome. Now place me down, momma needs to work."

I was off. I pushed through the dancing crowd. It was a packed night. Patrons were dancing the waltz. Along a large marble stage, a live orchestra played to their hearts' content. The song building right now was new, the fire dancer.

Along the ceiling, deadly acrobats were being performed by lovely ladies of the night. Slicing and dicing, spilling blood.

It burned and sizzled as it fell to the floor. Thirteen belly dancers rose from the mess. Benjamin is ever the showman.

As I reached a hall full of doors. Behind each one was a private room. Inside? Your wildest dreams. Do you like them blonde? Brunette? Redhead? Beastly? Dismembered? With seven tentacles? Benjamin will find a way to provide.

The sounds of an orgy bellowed as I stepped. The center? An eldritch being.

I blushed at the sight of its nine penises.

I found my way to a balcony. I stood outside escaping the noise. I wasn't sure what I was looking for. Or who. But I knew I needed to be here. Low and behold. A tree began to rise. In its branches sat Dominic. He hopped down and greeted me by bowing deeply.

"You gotta love this place."

"I've heard you've been trying to get your grubby fingers on it."

"On this place? Nah. It's one of the last wonders in this world. Besides, Benjamin would skin me if I attempted to take it."

"You poisoned me today."

"I was wondering if you got my present. Have you met my new friend? She's to die for, a bit annoying, but just downright ruthless. I remember someone just like that."

"I'm dying."

"What?"

"I'm dying, have been for some time, don't pretend like you didn't know."

"I didn't... seems my friend has been keeping secrets."

I turned my head towards him and removed my mask. He did the same. I smiled at those red eyes. I remembered the true color. As I neared him he backed away into the railing. They turned a pretty silver. Flecks of blue sparkled around the iris. His lips curled into a smirk.

"Gonna kiss me?"

"I was never your type Dominic."

"No. But your husband is, he was such a pretty thing before you turned him into a wild beast."

"You touch Jasper, I'll break every appendage on your body."

"Even your threats have lost their bite. Such a sad thing... you can come home. If you make the rule change."

"Can't get them to heel can you?"

He sneered and pushed me away from him. Those steels turned a bright red once more. I took in his attire for the night. A charcoal pleated skirt that dragged the floor. Chunky-heeled boots. A black turtleneck with a leather jacket tossed on. Lastly a chunky belt at the waist and large dangling earrings. His mask was an intricate moon. It glittered in the light.

Dominic was a beautiful gay man. His white-blonde hair was slicked back from his face. It accentuates his high cheekbones. His eyebrows were straight and feathered. His lips were thin and stained. The only feature that didn't look feminine on him was his huge angled beak. Even then he still looked fucking cunt.

"You should get going... she should be there already."

"Where?"

Dominic smiled at me. He took my hand in his and sucked on my ring finger. Licking and slobbering as if it was some divine cock. Just as he turned to go, he whispered at me, " I didn't say I was speaking about Jasper."

The words tumbled around in my mind. The meaning behind them built to a crescendo. My heart began to flutter. My hand began to shake. My vision darkened. Just as I collapsed his name slipped from my lips. Elijah... Mary was after Elijah.

Just as my eyes closed I watched those chunky heels clink across the marble. Behind them? A trail of thick oil. The sound of a lighter flicking. Then screams.

Nothing but screams.