Easter, she spent with family doing egg hunts at home with a few of her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mya her older cousin had just had another little girl making this the sixth kid. A three-month-old little girl who had just began smiling causing dimples in her cheek. While Adley had never thought much on having kids, she loved being around them. She almost swooned seeing Marcus holding her little cousin Winnie a two-year-old who was running around shooting sparks of happiness all over.
Her love of kids was one of the reasons she was in education and not opposed to educate elementary or junior high kids. She'd gotten lucky ending up where she did. Which is where she currently was working on the finals, she had for her three years out of her four. The oldest had government made exams. She'd set up the schedule for her availability to extend her study time to Wednesdays as well.
She stretched looking at the clock on the corner of her screen. It was nearly five in the evening. Where had the time gone? Her study group had left at for thirty. All but three of her students that is. She zeroed in on Alice, Bella, and Edward who were all talking around a far table with auras sparking with worry.
Adley stood seeing the growing fear settling its claws within Bella. The vampires could worry but Bella had other things to focus on. At least here in her class room at least. She was a senior after all.
"What's got the three of you utterly scared shitless?" Adley asked pulling up a stool. "Don't even deny it, Empath remember?"
"You know how we were away for a week on vacation? Charlie's been out in Port Angeles and Seattle too. No one's been in the house for much of a week…" Bella began.
"There was a scent." Edward replied butting in over Bella.
Adley shot him a warning glare to watch it but was confused. What's with a scent? "Okay? Loads of things smell."
"No, this wasn't just a smell. It was another vampire." Alice spoke up out of her dazed look. "I've been having troubles since the beginning with seeing the vampires. They are in sight but something is off about it all."
"Did it happen to be one of the Volturi guards?" Adley suggested.
She didn't like to linger on the thought. Why would a Volturi member go into Bella's home. There was no purpose to investigating her home when they are more than aware that Bella was the target. Unless Charlie had come up on something, he should not have… Still why go into his room? They had eyes on him nearly daily. Was there an ulterior motive to it all? She shook the thoughts out of her head. A vampire investigating wouldn't trigger them like this. Something else had happened besides someone in Bella's home. She crossed her arms.
"What else?"
"Some of my clothes are missing." Bella replied, fear pulsed around her.
"Creepy. Who would go into your home and steal your clothes? You dress like a Mormon most of the time."
"Hey!"
"She's right." Alice snickered.
"Still, this is really weird. Why my room? My things?"
"Victoria is after you, as obviously shown. The woman did try to kidnap you once. She's been working Alice's visions and what not for some time. Now they've taken a step to attack… I'll let Marcus know to go over and get Demetri in there. We could be able to track the scent." Adley pondered rubbing her chin.
"Has the Volturi done anything to end the threat?" Alice asked.
Adley shot a glare but couldn't really comment. She hadn't asked Marcus for an update on them. "I'm not entirely sure what's going on with the guard. I know they've got a few agents working with the human police to put a bigger spin upon the murders and kidnappings. It's some government secret shit. I'm curious as to why Victoria would create a newborn army to get to Bella and your family. She got to you once before without them but why create an army? That's a lot of effort even for a crazed mate."
"For a vampire coven we are quite possibly the biggest outside the Volturi. Our family is disproportionally gifted. Others do see this as a threat. Especially with Jasper, he used to fight in the newborn armies down south a century and a half ago." Edward informed her.
"Newborn armies in the south? The fuck? I'm curious now. This Jasper sounds interesting." Adley murmured a little confused.
Alice gave a small grin. "He's pretty great. He was the first thing I saw when I awoke in this life."
"You were there?" Adley asked.
She didn't mean to judge the girl, but Alice was petite and didn't come off as someone who would be in wars or an army. She wasn't a threatening young woman. Her visions made her valuable but even then.
"No, I had visions immediately when I awoke as a vampire. I was alone my sire was killed. My visions kept me sane." Alice replied.
Adley frowned. "That's terrible. At least you found Jasper. He's your mate yes?"
"Yes."
"Do you think we should hold a family meeting?" Edward asked Alice.
"It might be a good idea. Ms. Choi, would you be able to ask Marcus and some of the guard to meet us? Also check out the scent?" Alice turned to meet her gaze then.
"Alice it's just us, call me Adley." She chuckled. "I'll text him now. Bella shall we make dinner and then head over?"
"The meeting would be tonight?" Bella asked.
"The sooner the better." Edward replied.
"Alright let's get to it then. Bella with me or them?"
"I'll ride with Edward. I'll meet you there."
Adley nodded grabbing her things and turned to usher the three teens out of her classroom. She locked up and lead them outside. She slipped into her waiting Jeep.
A familiar pop was heard. Adley glanced into her rear-view mirror meeting the crimson gaze of Ibrahim. He was relaxed in the back feet up on her seats. She sighed not worrying about it though as no mud was on him.
"So, the newborns have made a move upon the Swan home." He commented.
"Indeed. We don't have anything to do with that do we?" Adley questioned.
"No what use of the girl's clothes do we have use for. Demetri has her scent locked in his vast memory to track her. While we have some issues with the Cullens she and her father are not a major concern to us." Ibrahim replied sitting up.
"I just wanted to be sure. I don't want to imply anything on the Volturi when there has been little reason to do so. I'm not familiar with the issues between the covens and I really don't want to know. I don't want to doubt Marcus or his family."
"They are your coven as well Lady Adley."
"I haven't married him yet." She shook her head. "I barely even got to say hello to them when we were in Volterra. I'm sure in time I'll see them as my family as well. It just takes some time to get used to. It feels more like they are my impending in laws."
"You are Master Marcus' mate. Therefore, you are already family in many of our coven's eyes." He replied.
"Okay." She gave a small smile starting the vehicle up. "Don't know if you heard we've got a meeting with the Cullen family." She started up the car.
"I heard. Doesn't mean I'm pleased about it. Vegetarian types annoy me human or vampire." He snipped giving a half grin.
"The mere fact 'vegetarian' is used for them is annoying. Feeding on humans is one thing but animals? The fuck did they do." Adley sighed. "I eat them just fine but just the blood? Seems like a waste of the carcass."
"If you could be changed, you'd drink from humans no issue, wouldn't you?"
"Obviously. Have you met some people? Take out the top one percent." She smirked heading home. "That or definitely feed on pedophiles and abusers."
"While the human population is growing, you'd be happy to know there really is only a small number of corrupt people."
"Yeah, but enough rapists to feed an army. One in four women is a stat that shouldn't exist."
"The only ones who could really determine the rapists, would be Edward Cullen and Master Aro."
"Fair enough." She shrugged. "I'd turn to stalking and hunting them."
They arrived after dark to the Cullen home. Marcus had slipped into a dark black three-piece suit that was double breasted. His crest slid over and laid on his chest. The air around Marcus changed drastically. He was giving a face of indifference you could barely read the emotions through his gaze or posture. He stood with confidence of a true leader, dominant. He could command a room she realized with his height and stature. He wasn't bent down to her level nor was he relaxed in his stance. This was one of the three leaders of the Volturi before her, and she understood why.
His hand on the small of her back to give guidance in her step. Her heart hammered at the tension around her. She'd stuck to a light long sleeved blouse in a sky blue, her crest sat on it. Her grey trousers and cardigan matching. She realized a little late she was being protected on all sides. Demetri and Felix blocked her from view in front. Marcus to her side. Ibrahim was behind to the corner of her protecting her. The irony she didn't comment on when she was the only one who could come back from death.
They made their way up the steps. Dr. Carlisle Cullen stepped aside allowing them inside. His golden hair was pushed back, and he wore business attire. His golden gaze met hers through the guard's protection. She gave a nod to him.
The white open concept was lit well. The outside was dark not giving any hint of what lurked in the shadows of the forest that surrounded the Cullen home. Adley waved to the few Cullens she could see. She kicked her shoes off at the door, neatly placing them to the side so no one would trip. Namely Bella. She fixed the teens messy converse so she would not smack into the tile floor of the foyer.
She watched Demetri and Felix step to the edge of the tile and about to step on the carpet. She zeroed in eye twitching.
"Not another step! Felix, Demetri. Shoes. That is white carpet. Sure an ivory if we are being specific but still. You were just in the forest. Volturi or not, you will make a good impression on the Cullens and not ruin Esme's home." Adley ordered cheeks burning bright red. Familiar rant fall from her.
Two heads turned to her eyes wide. She stared back not moving or blinking. Her hand turned gesturing to their dress shoes, while polished had some mud on them. She could hear Oma's shrill voice screaming to remove shoes. The dishonor it would bring and back luck. You never disrespect your host by wearing shoes inside.
She spotted Esme who stood holding onto her husband's shoulder. Her golden gaze crinkling with her smile. Caramel curls in victory roles, she wore a dark blue dress. She was not wearing any shoes only stockings. Esme mouthed a 'thank you' to her.
She nodded but returned to glare at the two guards. Ibrahim strolled by them shoes already off. He knew the drill. Demetri and Felix hopped to it and placed their shoes by the door. Marcus in turn followed in suit and said nothing in her snapping at the guards.
"Apologies Esme, if there is any dirt on the carpet, I'm sure Felix and Demetri will be more than willing to clean it." Adley spoke up and walked around the two guards she shot them warning looks.
"Yes, Lady Adley," both men voiced.
"Good," she nodded. "I get you come from Italy where you live in a castle this is not such place with stone floors meant for shoes."
"Thank you, Ms. Choi." Dr. Carlisle Cullen walked forward with a nod of appreciation to her. "Marcus, it is good to see you once more. I hope you have been settling in well to Forks."
"I am adjusting to the modern world outside of Volterra. Adley has made the transition easier though." Marcus replied taking his place beside her.
"He's doing great considering I just really realized he hasn't been around technology often." Adley replied with a smile.
Marcus shook his head at his mate but didn't stop his own smile. They ventured over to the couches. The guards stood behind diligent and close. The Cullen family took the other two couches. Emmett chose to stand behind his wife. Adley sensed the stress in the room she sighed releasing a calming wave.
"So why haven't the newborn army been dealt with yet?" Rosalie asked.
The bodies in the room stiffened at the direct attack. A few warning growls came from behind her and from the Cullens. The golden-haired man wrapped around Alice stood. Adley sighed focusing harder to calm the room.
"Careful Cullen, it would be wise to remember that your coven was the one to dismember a threat of a mated pair without killing the mate." Demetri warned, the sneer adding venom to his words.
"You are the law." She spat.
"We are dealing with the newborns, there is more to it however." Marcus replied. Clear in his words. She was to desist.
Anger flared across auras and irritation.
"This isn't meant to be a Hostile meeting. We are on the same side, we come as allies not enemies." Adley stated at the odd glances she was given. Her gift she pushed out ramping on the effects.
The blond male, on the edge with Alice looked at her curiously. "That's some powerful gift."
"I've been told." Adley replied shrugging. "We come as allies today not in hostilities to your coven. I get there are tensions I am not privy to, and frankly I do not care to know of them. These dislikes are getting in our way of progressing peacefully. So, I suggest the baggage each of you has, leave it at the border. We are here with the same cause. There is a newborn army who has made a move on Bella's home. They are doing more than initially thought. What is the status of what the Volturi knows and what do the Cullens know? Are there solutions?"
"I do believe the lady has spoken." Jasper sat back easing his arm around Alice.
"Indeed, Lady Adley is right." Carlisle agreed, with a nod. "We are not here to fight."
"We are here to serve as the law and deal with the threats that are occurring within Washington. Our tensions with each other are not to hinder this. We come with no ulterior motives." Marcus commanded.
"Good, who wishes to start. Alice, you were quite concerned in my classroom did you want to start?" Adley asked settling back further on the couch, her leg pushed up against Marcus'.
"I had a vision. The first clear and concrete one I have had in a while. These newborns are playing with the holes in my visions. I don't know how, but there is this block that stinks and hurts my head." Alice reported scrunching her nose up. "They were passing around Bella's clothes to get a good scent on her. There are more numbers than I had originally seen. Thirty or more from what I saw."
"Bigger than the armies I ever dealt with." Jasper commented.
The aura in the room darkened. Adley allowed it or wanting to force anything false right now. The worry set in on herself as she wrapped her arms around her middle. Many newborns, she didn't know what it really implied but she gathered it wasn't good.
"Marcus, what are the numbers that you have gathered?" Carlisle asked.
"The numbers have been difficult to zero in on. There are pockets of newborns throughout Seattle and a few other places. This Victoria is keeping things rather spread out. To our calculations there are roughly forty members within this group. We have destroyed thirteen however those were individual attacks. She adds to replace the culled ones. She has no consideration of the mass exposure she is creating." Marcus reported.
"Why haven't you ended them all?" Rosalie asked. "Not to be rude or anything but why do they still live?"
"They are not in one place, the few bunds that are around the city are too close to set on fire without alerting the humans. They move around. We also have not located this Victoria. I have not locked in on her scent. Only that of Riley." Demetri replied.
"There have also been complications with these locations of bunds and a foul smell around them. It works as a shield." Marcus sighed. "Their numbers are too large for a direct attack. We have asked for Alec to be sent to us. There is also report of something that makes this even more dangerous."
Adley turned to Marcus. This was news to her. Fear spiked into his aura. Her heart picked up in speed as she watched him. What else could there be than multiple young vampires out of control?
"An original vampire." Marcus breathed.
The room stiffened. Confusion mainly from the Cullens. Worry and outright fear in the guard and her mate.
She remembered their conversation of ancient vampires on the plane from Italy. His creation from one of these beings. Had there really been one found amongst these newborns?
"An original vampire?" Rosalie voiced. "I don't understand."
"Vampirism has been a venom amongst hominids for centuries. It has only been studied for a millennium and more recently with technology. It is a mysterious origin we do not fully understand how it came to be. We do know however, that there have been vampires in existence longer than the most ancient of us. Original vampires are said the be Neanderthal or other types of hominids. While they are rare and usually killed once found, they are very powerful. These things do not have thought processes to provide them with restraint, compassion, or ability to critically think. They kill with no care for consequences. The strength is five times that of the modern vampire. A newborn has a chance against them, but it is very slim."
"I was created by one. I nearly lost my life to him. He was a foul creature that paid little to no mind when it fed upon me. It had murdered a whole family before I was attached. It was why I lived. It had been a few weeks with the creature from a far, it was too focused on feeding to notice me. I beheaded the creature ending it. I have theorized why it did not attack with my brothers we have simply concluded, as it was my sire it did not see me as a threat." Marcus explained.
Adley took his hand close to hers. She gave a light squeeze. Heart clenching in her chest at the mention he could have been destroyed so early in his existence. She hadn't known him long but she did not wish to think on a reality where he did not exist.
"Is there confirmation behind the report?" Edward asked, fear mounting in him.
"I was the one to see it." Felix replied. He was concerned despite his poker face.
"So, we are out-numbered and now need to focus on an original vampire." Rosalie sighed. "Is the Volturi going to be sending in more guard?"
"I have spoken with my brothers. It is a possibility being discussed. We do have some issues with more numbers in this area." Marcus answered.
"Yes, the local shifters are affected by our presence. They have had a soaring number of teens changing. More of us would only lead to the tribe all shifting. Not to mention the treaty in place to work with." Carlisle added.
Adley paused. The shifters they hunted vampires…
"Would the shifters be willing to consider working with us? Surely the newborns are as much a threat to them and their people. I'm not advocating to put children to war or risk, but I we need numbers."
"It is an option to consider. Will it be necessary to consider our allies in Alaska and Canada?" Carlisle asked.
"We have a guard of eight here along with federal agents whom we have been working with. It brings our numbers to thirteen. Demetri, what are Abdul's numbers here?"
"Abdul and our American operations have a team of twenty across the country. Ten of whom are here in the Seattle region. Master Aro is sending Alec to help us end their capacity."
"Are these guards trained to handle newborn armies?" Jasper asked, southern drawl slipping into his words.
"The senior guard has handled the southern armies. However not the others. You are the only one in your family familiar with the workings of newborn armies, correct Major?" Demetri asked him.
"Correct."
"Then we will begin training our guards to be able to fight. We do not need to lose numbers due to mess-ups. Demetri, Felix will you be able to work the rotations?" Marcus requested.
"Of course, Master." They replied.
"Will your family be joining them?" He turned his attention to the coven across from them.
"It is a benefit and honor to be learning from you Marcus. The opportunity is rare." Carlisle affirmed.
Adley raised a brow to Marcus. He didn't give away any subtle hints of what Carlisle was suggesting. A sense of pride swelled in his aura but nothing more. She turned for elaboration from the Cullens.
"One of the names given to Marcus Volturi long ago was God of War. Stories carried down centuries of the ruthless ruler of the Volturi. Most were not talking of Caius." Jasper added.
"Really?" She asked.
"Yes, my brothers do like to call me spawn of Ares." He replied. "My military campaigns as a human were not long lived however my early years as a vampire were. I am surprised it is still a common knowledge of other vampires."
"Jasper has a knack for battles and such he took a few years learning all he could on the history of the vampire world and its founding. We spent two years in the library in Olympia and then in New York." Alice added. "He grew up during the civil war in Texas was in the army too, he's fascinated by history."
Adley stiffened and turned to settle on the golden-haired man. "You weren't a confederate soldier, were you?"
"I was,"
"You don't still hold pride in that I hope?"
"While I was a Major at the age of twenty. No, I do not find honor in what we were fighting for. I was a product of my time as raising." Jasper stated. "I pride myself in financing a few charities in the south for communities at risk. As well as a few black and minority ran charities."
"Some wouldn't even do that." Adley gave a soft smile. "Alright then it is decided to train to be ready to face these newborns when they do decide to come."
"Of course."
April followed along with little issue and soon it turned to May. She was setting up finals and such getting students prepared for the tests. She had opened her classroom up further during the week to allow all students to bring questions and concerns they had. They were using the study group for not just her class but some others as well. She noted that even other teachers had begun to offer a study time after class for help.
"Ms. Choi, enjoying the nice weather?" Mr. Green asked wiping the rain off his coat as he hung it up in the staff room closet.
Adley shook her coat off and ran a hand through her damp long locks. Her bangs soaked to her head. She unzipped her coat hanging it up beside his. She had her personal items in her purse. Her over bag she made sure was water proof.
"The rain season is in. Not as rainy in Seattle but we had our fair share of this. So, it's nothing new." She replied grin playing on her lips.
"Forks does share most rain days." He chuckled he passed her a few steps before snapping his fingers and turning back to her. "Oh, yes there is a board meeting this afternoon. I just about forgot again. Would you be free to stop in and give a quick presentation on your study group?"
Adley froze. Shit she'd forgotten the talk they'd had a month or so ago. "Yes of course. They are still considering such going forward?"
"Even better, they are discussing adding an hour at lunch for all teachers to be available to their students for study hours and questions. It would add to the bell schedule, but it is proving to be a worthy cause. The committee however does wish to hear from you and your students about their successes."
"I will need to move a few things around as it's Wednesday, but I will be there. What time?" She asked.
"2:30."
"My last class ends at 2:15 I will hurry over then. Normal meeting room?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Alright see you then. Mr. green."
Adley headed up quickly to her class room to toss a power point together. She'd done this already, right? She tapped her chin flipping through the few power points and what not.
Why had he sprung this upon her now? She sighed but eventually found it under random from the end of March. She'd half started one. Good.
She hurried to finish most of it on certain points and progress she'd notice. She made sure to keep her students anonymous for grades when graphing but did show the overall increase in her class alone. She sent an email to each teacher asking if they were willing to share results so she could graph the students who had increased from study group and time to focus.
The end of the day rolled in and she dismissed her class. Bella looked to her as she approached her desk.
"Charlie's coming home tonight, are you coming over to say hi?" Bella asked.
"I'll be in a board meeting until four or five. Do you want to run into my home get supplies for dinner and then I'll be over? Are you okay to do that?"
Adley asked while finishing the last of her graphs. She logged off and tossed her keys to Bella. The girl took the home key and tossed back her Jeep keys and classroom keys.
"I'll see you later!" Bella walked out with Edward and Alice.
Adley hurried down to the bottom floor with USB in hand with her power point. She made her way down the hall passing students who greeted her. She ducked in at 2:28 just in time to slide into the board room.
Inside twenty people with papers and such were around. A few other staff she recognized but overall, the board seemed to be people she really didn't know.
"Afternoon." Adley waved to Ms. Lynn the Math teacher.
"Just in time, good to see you." Ms. Lynn replied.
"All welcome to the second board meeting of 2006, our second quarterly meeting to occur. Today we'll be discussing some extracurriculars for the upcoming 2006-2007 school year. It is will this in mind I have Ms. Choi here to help present one of said ideas."
Mr. Green began. The room turned quiet as he switched on the projector behind him.
Adley went home with a heavy head. She felt better after the meeting, but she'd handed over her resignation. She had quit. Her heart slammed into her chest as she got into her home. She'd be finishing after June ends. She'd be free to go from there. She hung up her jacket in a daze. She had really done it.
Arms came around her waist and lips pressed to her temple. She melded easily to his side staring off.
"Evening Little one, what has you distracted?" Marcus asked.
"I quit, my first full time job... I quit." She whispered.
"How are you handling this?" Marcus turned her and lifted her chin.
"I —I'm not sure. I'm terrified... what if I made a mistake? What if I'm not your mate? I just quit a full-time job. My first one. It's hard to get placement so well suited to my wanted position. I just —I know it would happen sooner or later, but I did it so suddenly. We were in a meeting, and it was about the next school year. My study group was approved for an hour a day and any study groups if teachers volunteered to do it outside of class. They loved my presentation. We were on the subject… I just handed in my resignation to him. I have to write it still and give it but I verbally said it." She whispered.
Marcus nodded not interrupting her.
"I can confirm without a doubt, you are my mate. You just made a big decision in what you'd planned as your future. Losing a bit of control in your so well put together life. You don't like giving up such an aspect?"
Adley blushed. She slowly nodded. He hit the nail on the head. The idea of depending on a man went against her beliefs. She'd been raised to stride for a career of her own. To be an independent woman. Her finances were already perfectly planned. All of it really, she had a rough idea and outline for her life. She expected hiccups in plans as there always were. Life wasn't perfect. This though? She'd never planned to leave a job.
"You're way to accurate. It's scary." She gave a half smile pulling back to settle further into her home. "I'm financially independent from anyone. It's been drilled in my head to rely on no one. It is a privilege to work in a double income home."
She began preparing some dinner.
"While a brilliant thing this modern era allowing women to work and many classes to be free to earn income, it is not necessary for you." Marcus reminded. "You will be my mate and cared for. That said if you wish to work, we can investigate other options. Volterra has two schools, and we have tasks divided amongst all of us to run our coven."
He assured. She paused biting her bottom lip. "Being a Royal and authority figure is a career."
"Indeed, one that requires almost around the clock attention." He agreed.
"I knew we wouldn't be here forever. You're not required in America once the newborn issue is resolved. You are here waiting for me. It was going to happen. I just still am shocked doing this. That I took a step. The USA not always the safest country but it is what I've known as home for a long time." She murmured.
"I do hope in time you will see Italy this way." He hummed helping her clean and prepare her meals she wanted to bring over to the Swan residence. Charlie being back.
"I have time. It's a big deal getting things like that through my head. I have years for Italy to feel like home." She pondered. "I want to take this over to the Swan home and say hello. Charlie's been stressed lately with the investigations."
"A good idea, you are a great friend." He smiled helping her get ready to go over to the Swan home.
It didn't take too long, and she had a bag of meals after eating hers. It was seven in the evening when she walked over to the Swan home. Charlie was in a flannel shirt and jeans. Beer in one hand. His brow eyes widened like his smile when he saw her.
"Adley, been sometime. It's good to see you." He hugged her taking the bag.
"It's some kimchi and some meals for the week. I know you've been working hard. I just wanted to come stop in, and see how it's going."
"Better now that I've seen a familiar face. Those men up in Port Angeles are stuffy shirted city folk. In their bullet proof vests and better uniforms. I've never met such pompous rookies. All of them looking for a giant case, being the officers that were there when they bring the murder or gang to justice." He grumbled sitting down.
"I bet you were once starry eyed too for justice." Adley teased.
"I was, but learnt quickly, sometimes you don't want any trouble. No honor in solving a big murder mystery like this. You've got families to tell and trials if the bastards live and then no answers if they are found dead."
"Closure is closure." She shrugged. "It'll be sad but knowing it won't continue helps."
"Sometimes there just is no winning in situations like this. Too much devastation has already been felt in these communities."
"Are we getting closer to an answer?"
"We've got a few theories. The main one that it's a crime ring that's getting cocky. We've got some suspects finally. They finally fucked up and gave us something to go off of." He answered. "Those stuffy boys are at least getting to the bottom of this all. I'm just surprised it's all leading back to a kid who went south. A well-known good kid, no bad connections. He's proving to be involved in some real shit. I hope it's a right lead at least. I will say it, I'm glad I am not the leading officer on this case. It's a real mess."
"Definitely is." Adley agreed sitting down with him with a beer.
Bella had come down doing some studying while listening into the conversation. "I'm just glad you're alright Dad."
"I'm glad you're a real good kid Bells, difficult at times but over all you aren't trouble." Charlie gruffed.
"I'm not a homicidal teen, don't worry." Bella gave a toothy grin from her relaxed state.
"I fucking hope so."
"I should probably not tell him about the body in the back yard." Bella looked to Adley frowning.
"There better not be Isabella Marie."
"Relax Charlie…" Adley chuckled. "it was me who did the killing."
"You two are just cruel."
"You adore us." She laughed.
"I'm beginning to regret it." He shook his head finishing his beer.
They laughed as they settled in to watch some movies and talk to catch up.
The second week of May came around slowly but surely. A few times Adley found herself alone at home without Marcus. She sighed tossing her keys on the counter. An ache in her chest. She'd gotten so used to him being around, him not hear was odd for her. She expected to come home with either a guard or someone. But no one was around.
Bella was over at the reserve looking to discuss with the elders to see if the shifters would participate or allow a truce for now. Leaving Adley bored.
Well alone to face the ache in her chest. She sighed feeling too warm in her blouse and capris. She went to her closet and stripped down to nothing. The cool air pebbling her dark nipples. She ran her fingers over them with a sigh.
It wasn't the same. Self-pleasure did nothing to sooth the building want in her loins. She wanted —no, needed —Marcus. She cupped her breasts, but it did nothing more but make her frustrated.
She turned from her mirror to grab a deep burgundy teddy. The thin straps supporting her breasts not doing much to hide her nipples. The thing hit her knees and she headed out to make a salad for dinner. She didn't bother with panties.
She was too pent up to focus on cooking much else. She ate her salad in peace flipping to HGTV. The love it or list it was one of her favorites, that, or house hunters. It was mindless and required no thinking to watch.
She finished setting her bowl down and relaxed after finishing a cup of water.
She unconsciously began to rub her legs messaging the recently shaved thighs. The day was settling into her muscles.
"Adley?" A deep baritone rang out into the home.
She peered over the couch. There Marcus stood undoing his coat in the foyer. She turned on her knees and looked over to him. Her heart sung seeing him. He was frustrated in his aura but lessened when he saw her.
"Hi," she smiled waving to him.
"Evening beautiful." He sighed making his way over to her.
He froze catching sight of her. His merlot gaze darkened to an onyx. It wasn't hunger. He'd fed two days prior.
"What do I owe the pleasure." He asked zeroing in on her breasts threatening to slip out.
She sat back on her heels looking up at him under her lashes. Her fingers traced the shapes of her breasts.
"This old thing? It's been in my closet now for a few weeks." She teased.
"Hmm, red is stunning on you. It reminds me of your flush. As if you are a blushing virgin, in my bed for the taking."
"I was never a virgin Marcus." She reminded.
"Yes, but you were more innocent than you are now. I have corrupted you."
"How so? In fucking me? Once?" Adley asked a tease in her words. "Do I belong to you Marcus? Have you ruined any chances I have for another person? Destroyed by your cock?"
He was around the couch sitting and pulling her into his lap. He pulled her up against him with one hand on her lower back. He bumped his hardened cock into her. She groaned propping herself up on his chest. His lips inches from hers.
"Are you issuing a challenge darling? To have you panting and begging at my mercy? Pleading for release, while I edge you over and over again. So close to pleasure only for me to yank it away. How long could you handle being at my will?" He purred pressing kisses up her jaw. She shuddered. "Before I do little one, you will understand. You belong only to me."
"You are only mine as well." She emphasized while running her hands down his chest.
She plucked each button as she went letting his shirt fall open. Marcus' mouth fell open slightly his eyes zeroed in on her. He was taking light breaths.
She pushed open his shirt. She ran her hands over the plains of his chest down his abs. Her fingers tracing and drawing light shapes over him, rounding his navel. Until her hands landed at his belt. She glanced up seeking permission.
He gave it without issue. She shuffled back to give herself room to open his belt. Marcus lifted his hips in a flash. She gasped about to lose her balance. He had her though, making sure she was alright upon his thighs.
His pants were gone.
"Enthusiastic Marcus?" She quirked her brow slipping off his lap to kneel before him.
Her hands trailing from his lower abdomen to his thighs skipping the straining cock in his boxers. She ran her fingers to his knees before touching the lower part of his boxers. She watched it twitch. His hands gripped at her couch nails straining in the leather.
"Gentle Marcus," she warned.
He relaxed his hands. She reached his waist band. He lifted enough for her to slip them down and off him.
His cock strained laying at attention against his stomach. smooth, long, and thick. There was white precum shining in the light. She gently reached forward running her hand over his length.
She heard the hiss fall from his lips. The cool skin jerked in her hand. She met his dark gaze. She wrapped her hand more firmly around his cock as best she could. Her hand could barely close around it.
She began rhythmically moving her hand up and down, watching Marcus as he tossed his head back. A growl leaving him.
She leant forward running her tongue over the head of his cock. The cool skin in her hot mouth. He bucked forward. She smiled around him, twirling her tongue licking off the precum. The sweetness odd but not unwelcome.
She took him deeper in her mouth all the way she could until he hit the point where she'd nearly gag. Mouth full she sucked. Messaging the length of half his cock and pumping the rest.
His aura glowed pulsing over her waves crashing of lust. Heat built in her core as she allowed his emotions to influence her. The need building in her, she was rocking as she moved. Free hand moving to her clit. She moaned. The motion caused vibrations.
Marcus groaned hand in her hair to guide her. She pulled off with a pop breathing before taking him back in her mouth.
"That's it little one, I'm going to cum." He groaned head falling back.
She reached her other hand down to his balls gently squeezing. He jerked forward. Snarling ripping from his mouth. She moaned keeping to the speed.
She felt his cock twitch in her mouth, the cool seed shooting down her throat. She pulled back swallowing.
Elation. Pure ecstasy.
She pulled off his cock gently stroking his deflating cock. She wiped the side of her mouth.
Marcus had her up in a flash. He kissed her a few times. He held her close to him. Hand sliding down to her core. His thumb on her clit and two fingers entered her.
He was gentle in his penetration. He pulled the out before thrusting them back in.
She broke the kiss gasping. She tossed her head back. His lips latched onto her neck. A vibration running through his chest, purring.
He guided her higher and higher. She cried out desperate to peak.
"That's it love. Cum for me."
He pushed in and out working her wanting core. She needed release.
He ran his thumb on her clit circling it.
She moaned nearing her climax.
She was spinning tighter and tighter, head dizzy. She was close to the edge.
"Marcus!"
He growled holding her as pleasure rushed over her.
His teeth sunk into her neck.
"Ah!"
Pleasure courses through her every vein. A burning entered her neck. She groaned clenching down on Marcus.
White flashed in her eyes as she shook collapsing onto his chest.
She awoke in her bed. The dim light from her bedside table was on. She blinked a few times, rolling over onto her side.
She was in the middle of the bed Marcus was not in the room. She propped herself up. The blanket was not on her yet. Her teddy was still on but wrinkled. A blush settled over her face.
"Marcus?" She called.
He walked into the room in cotton tee and sweatpants. His hair was in a messy bun at the base of his neck.
She sat up.
He flashed to the side of the bed helping her. He was hesitant in his approach.
"Marcus what's wrong?"
"I am sorry,"
"For what?"
"Marking you. It was in the moment. I did not mean to bite you." He replied, his hand running over the side of her neck.
She shuddered feeling a stinging from her neck. She reached up. There, a cool raised skin she could feel. There was warm skin on cold. She shivered tracing it.
"It was unexpected but, I don't mind." She gave a shy smile. "Considering I got an orgasm it from it..."
He lifted her into his arms bringing her around to sit on his lap.
"Is it common, this urge to bite?" Adley asked wrapping her arms around his neck.
"It's common amongst mates. Marking is usually used as a sign to show someone is mated. In human and vampire couples it would usually be the changing mark. You however do not change." He stated.
"Did your venom get into my blood?" She asked curious more than anything.
"It would be what sealed your wound. Your blood is not appealing in the traditional way however is very sweet." He admitted, hints of embarrassment trickled into his golden aura.
"I'm not mad Marcus. Unexpected when I felt it but I didn't hate it. If it gives you comfort, it reminds others I'm with you." She smiled pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "Join me in the shower?"