Adley groaned feeling the tingling of blood slowly returning to her extremities. She opened her eyes taking in the world around her. She blinked a few times realizing she was still in the clearing. She glanced around cautiously. Her neck wasn't hurting as she assumed it would. How long had she been out? She tried her best to sit up.

"Careful now," hands on her shoulders helped her.

She exhaled carefully as she stretched her arms above her head. She rolled her shoulders hearing the telltale sign she had been laying too long.

"What happened?"

"You bled out." Ibrahim responded coming to kneel beside her. "You gave me a heart attack."

"Good thing you're already dead." She smirked trying to get up.

"Easy Adley, you are still coming back."

She looked behind her meeting the compassionate gaze of the good Dr. Cullen. She waved his concern off.

"It's best I keep moving after I die." She advised. "I appreciate your help Carlisle, but no need to fret. I'll be in perfect shape in a few hours. So, what's the damage?"

Ibrahim helped her to her feet. She took in the few burning piles of vampires that had become ash. She saw a few of the Volturi members moving in and out collecting little pieces of vampire.

"The worst of it is over."

She turned to him. "What happened?"

Ibrahim ran a hand over his hair. "There were some injuries sustained. It was expected. No one died beyond you."

"Who got injured?"

"Demetri lost an arm he's reattaching it now. Felix was amongst those who took on the Original. Alec almost lost his head but, the man took the hit. He's got a chunk missing from his shoulder and leg. He'll be alright. The things didn't get away with the pieces. Rosalie Cullen got a dislocated hip bone after trying to get the Original down." He shuddered. "She'll be alright."

"What about Marcus?" Adley asked scanning those present in the field.

She recognized Abdul helping a smaller female with her foot. It was being reattached. She saw the wolves were missing. They either went home or were told to leave. She did not see her mate.

Her heart rate picked up. "You said no one died."

"No one did."

"Where is Marcus?"

"He's tending to the twins." Ibrahim replied.

Adley turned to him confused. What had happened to the twins? The man held his hands up.

"Put the claws away mama bear. The twins are fine. They have found someone very dear to them and Marcus is explaining this. They will be headed back to Italy in the next day or so. My mate is expecting them."

Adley paused, a smile pulling at her lips. He motioned for her to follow him. They passed the main fire, across the field where they had been blocked from view. Jane stood with her arms crossed staring at a vaguely familiar newborn. The girl's long brown hair was a mess around her. Wide crimson eyes darting around and nostrils on a button nose flared. She was a bit taller than Jane, but Adley could see the youth in the girl's face.

Marcus stood impeccably dressed speaking low to the three. Alec's aura bounced around protectively and confused. He didn't understand the desire he was feeling. She didn't interrupt.

"Who is she? And which one is her mate?"

"That is one of the newborns, she said her name was Bree. It's a rare occurrence, this kind of two-pointed mating pair but does happen in very close twins." Ibrahim replied, his voice she barely heard.

"They aren't that old… I did not know ones so young could find soulmates."

"Most vampires are over the age of majority or close to it. The twins were an exception due to the witch trials. It seems Victoria had no preservation of age she turned the newborns. Bree is not much older at fifteen. It is why Marcus is speaking with them."

"It'll be an interesting while watching that pan out." She chuckled.

Four sets of eyes settled on her as she made noise. Adley blushed giving a wave. Alec and Jane bowed their heads. The newborn seemed to stiffen up and cover her nose. Marcus motioned her to come forward.

"Adley," his deep timber summoned her.

She made her way over. He wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her close to him. His cloak slid around her.

"I hear the twins will be heading home?"

"Indeed, Alec will make sure Bree has her sense of smell cut off, so she does not attack. They are off currently." He dismissed the three.

They were gone in a flash.

Marcus turned Adley to face him. He caught her chin guiding her lips to his. His kiss was heated as he demanded submission. She gave it without worry. Hands running to wrap around his neck. She used it to pull herself closer to him. He lifted her with ease not breaking their kiss. He ran his tongue over her bottom lip seeking entrance.

She gave in with a sigh. Her eyes fluttering shut.

His aura washed over her in a frayed blanket. Anxious, desperation, and anger built in him. The ever-present desire for her was there. She pressed herself closer to him, as if possible, to get closer without removing her coat and his clothes.

He pulled back, Adley gasped greedily for air. Lips swollen she met the dark gaze intently watching her.

"You were to stay safe," he growled.

"I was safe."

"You died."

"I did." She agreed. "Yet here I am."

"The utter chaos of it." His words rumbled in his chest. "I felt you, the death of your heart. Scorched through me like hells fire. The bond strained."

Adley frowned. "I didn't realize it could affect you. I'm sorry Marcus."

"Master Marcus, I can take it from here. Why don't you and Lady Adley go home?"

Abdul offered.

They were gone in a flash.

Marcus pressed her into the wall of the foyer, lips seeking hers. She groaned at the pressure of him pressed completely flushed against her. He moved her head to the right. He trailed open mouth kisses against her jaw. He followed down the left side of her neck. His teeth threatening to bite down.

Adley shuddered at the cool touch of his tongue. Anticipation and heat building. She needed him.

His teeth sunk in.

"Ah!" She cried.

"You were deliberately told to stay safe. The only reason you could come was your promise." He explained through clenched teeth. "You disobeyed and broke your promise."

Her chest heaved catching her breath. Her dark gaze met his black gaze. His pupils swallowed his red irises. She didn't need to press into his aura to see the desperation. He was angry. It mixed inside and floated around with his anxiety and fears.

She couldn't blame him for the reaction.

"I'm alive, Marcus. I am sorry I broke my promise. The situation was dire. I am not going anywhere. I will never leave you." She whispered. "Do you need to be shown? I'm yours beyond anything else."

He did not let her go. She heard the moving of the fabric, and felt her pants and panties being yanked down. There was little warning.

The tip of his cock lined up with her entrance. He pressed in sheathing himself deep in her. Adley tossed her head back against the wall. Marcus latched onto her neck his tongue laving the skin as he sucked on it. Marking her not only with his teeth, and lips. He intended on marking her in scent as well.

His pace did not allow for adjustment. He pushed in with force, bottoming out each time. Her walls quaked as he moved in and out of her. The slapping of skin and her pants filled the foyer.

"Marcus!"

Adley clenched around his cock as he thrusted up. His hands held her by her behind bouncing her with little effort. His cock hitting just right.

He slid his hand between them. His fingers pressing into her nub.

"Fuck!"

"That is what I plan to do. Cum for me Little One." He thrust to emphasize each word.

She panted head rolled back.

"Look at me."

She did through heavy lids. Her cheeks flushed. Her center coiling tighter, as he pressed rubbing circles upon her clit. He wound her up higher and higher. The tension ran through her back to her jaw.

Her eyes she fought to keep them open.

"that's it, Little One."

"Ah!"

The flood gates broke as he drove her over the ledge to no return. He kept thrusting through her orgasm. Walls clenching and spasming around his still stiff cock.

Torn material flew around them as Marcus flashed to the bedroom. He was still buried deep in her.

He caught both her wrists and held them above her. He drew out of her inch by inch. The tip remained. She was sensitive as he pressed back in. The motions slower and drawn out.

She peaked down seeing his thick cock stretching her folds open and plunging back in. He was well endowed beyond anything she'd had and if she weren't swimming in the desperation, he was feeling it'd be too much for her.

Her need was his need. She opened her walls to him. Pushing her pleasure to him. He didn't stutter in his movements. He snapped his hips forward growing in speed. She saw the glisten of her wetness upon his cock as he pulled out only to dive back in. She tossed her head back, back arched.

Marcus latched upon her nipple, his free hand reaching up to tweak the other. He sucked, pulling back to switch to the other side. He bit gently upon the puckered nipple.

His aura flashed with unadulterated desire. He was needing her. His frustration rutting over her. It flowed with each of his thrusts, moving deep, inside her. In and out. The patterned speed increasing. Her toes curling. Sweat began to build on her forehead.

She needed release. Now. The coil was tight and taut within her core. She withered under him needing something. Just something to finish her. Her inner walls were beginning to spasm, but it wasn't enough.

The wetness exploding around them. She groaned but it wasn't enough. She bucked forward trying to meet his hips. Get any friction on her.

"Marcus, please! Please... you need to find release... your need... it's overwhelming." She ground out.

He pulled up taking each of her hands in twining their fingers. He pressed, grinding upon her. Her breaths got shallow, faster. Her chest flushed and cheeks red.

His lips latched onto her neck. His teeth sunk in.

"Ah!"

She shuddered, white flashed in her eyes as she stiffened. Marcus thrust into her a few more times. He settled deep in her. Cool seed filled her. He growled pulling off her neck.

His release rolled over her in large tsunami waves. Goose flesh broke out across her body as she shivered under him. Her body became like jelly.

Marcus leant over her, he was upon his elbows and forearms caging her in. His head above hers. She leant up kissing his chest. The icy skin was warm from the movements.

She panted trying to catch her breath. Her leg twitched now and then. He rolled off her pulling out. She winced once he exited her overstimulated core. She laid on her side completely pushed up against him.

He began undoing her braids that had come undone in their passion. She sighed as his fingers ran through her hair. He traced patterns over her side and arm.

A deep rumble began in his chest. She leant back on him.

"I love you... Are you feeling better?" she breathed.

"Much better, thank you for putting up with me. The feeling of you gone is something I wish not to experience again. I love you too."

She let her eyes flutter shut as the basked in the afterglow.

This was it. Her final day as a high school teacher. She unlocked the door to her house as she placed her bag down for the last time. Her boxes were still in the car with what she took home. The rest she left for the next teacher, along with a note on what there was in the classroom. She gave the new teacher a good luck and to enjoy the kids. She'd miss it.

The staff had said good bye to her. Given her a cake. They were sad to see her go but wished her luck on her adventures. Mrs. Cope's words ringing in her head still.

"Jobs like this, in small towns are a dime a dozen. Don't pass up opportunities of a life time for a dime. You're young, live your life. You can always come back. Sure, we'll miss such a brilliant teacher. You though should make memories while you can."

She'd thanked the redhead with a lasting hug. The woman was elderly and spoke from wisdom. Sure, she'd live much longer than the woman, but she was still young herself now. Wisdom was wisdom. She'd cherish the memories of Forks High.

She shut the door to her home. She kicked off her shoes. She froze momentarily, there were too many shoes at her door. Four pairs belonged to men. Her brows raised. She entered further into the home.

"Surprise!" Bella blew on the little horn.

Adley stared jaw dropping. Her living room wasn't empty. There Charlie stood party hat on, and on her island, counter was a cake lit up. The auras were over all excited to be there.

"I —what is this?" She asked stepping into the kitchen.

She watched as Marcus stood beside Edward and Ibrahim off to the side with false drinks in hand. It was for show and she liked the effort. She knew that the vampires had to hold face when around Charlie.

Bella tackled her in a hug and pulled her to the cake.

"It's a congratulations party." Bella explained. "Think of it for all of us. I'm graduating and will be off to Alaska for Fall. Dad got a well done from the governor for solving the murders and putting away some top criminals. To you for being such an amazing teacher and mentor."

"Oh, you guys are so sweet. Get over her Charlie!" Adley pulled the man into a hug.

"It was Bells' idea to do this. She doesn't like parties neither do I but a small gathering works." Charlie shrugged his cheeks turned pink.

"Well then let's eat and —" She was cut off in her motions to go start dinner.

"Already taken care of, love." Marcus came forward to wrap his arm around her waist. "I had the afternoon off, so I cooked the meal."

"Taking over my kitchen." She teased him. "Men always invading spaces."

"You worked hard today you deserve the break." He kissed her forehead.

"Tell us about your cases Charlie. Life is about to go back to normal for you, isn't it?" Adley asked.

"I'll gladly take the time sitting in the station with my feet kicked up. I haven't seen a bored day since the middle of 2005. Even then the cases were starting to come in. Wayland's death on top of it, brought the feds to me." He shook his head. "Rest their souls. Know that the killers have been caught."

"What happened to them?"

"A few higher gang members, they were getting cocky in what they could do. A territorial dispute gone wrong on a few of them. The over all is we found a lot of the missing people dead. The IDs were found in a burnt warehouse off the coast in Port Angeles. I can't go over too much detail as it's still technically classified for the trials. Many of the missing, are still that… missing. Who ever knows if they'll be found?"

He shook his head and grabbed a beer from Edward. He gestured between Marcus and her.

"So, this is the man who's stolen your heart, eh?"

"Yes, this is Marcus." She blushed.

"You're not from here, are you?"

"I am not," Marcus replied.

"Take care of her, she's a special one. I know quite a few higher ups now, so be good to her. I'm not her father but doesn't mean I'm not against using a gun." He warned.

"Charlie no threatening people under my roof. Come on let's eat."

Adley dragged the man to the food and divvied it up. Ibrahim had disappeared. Edward and Marcus through the meal made sure to distract Charlie enough to know that they weren't eating and simply switching plates with the women.

The meal finished and Charlie was two beers in sitting back on a recliner. Edward was sitting with Bella on the couch. On the loveseat, Adley was curled up on Marcus lap despite the room. Charlie had gotten distracted by the TV half way through the meal. When it went to commercial he looked over to his daughter.

"What's with the solemn looks?" Charlie asked.

"Not solemn, simply waiting for the right time." Bella shrugged.

"What for?"

"Well, we were going to bring it up tomorrow but felt tonight was just as good." Bella began.

Charlie sat up straighter.

"You're not knocked, are you?"

"No! Jeez dad!" She flushed. "Edward proposed to me, we're getting married."

Charlie stiffened in his chair. Brown eyes widening as he looked between the two.

Adley didn't push but watched hesitantly as the man's aura floundered in rage, happiness, anxiety, and overall fear.

"Oh."

"Charlie?" Adley pressed.

"You knew?" He looked over to her.

"Last week right after the last of my exams. I happened to see Bella wearing the ring."

Bella showed her left hand. Charlie sat forward. "Big rocks."

"It belonged to my biological grandmother. It's one of the only things I have left from my birth family." Edward lied so smoothly.

He looked up from under his lashes giving a humble smile.

"I wished it to belong to my future wife."

Charlie sat back not saying another word. Adley went to her fridge grabbing another beer and handing it to him. She sat back down on Marcus' lap.

"My daughter's getting hitched. What about you Adley? Have you proposed yet?" He questioned the other two.

She paused as she straightened on Marcus' knee. "We're still only just beginning a relationship."

"When's the wedding?" He turned back to Bella.

"I was wanting it to be this summer..." She responded.

"Are you sure you aren't pregnant?"

"No Dad. I'm still a virgin for crying out loud." She snapped.

"Oh. Well then. Getting married." He tipped his beer to them.

Adley took the moment to flip the TV on to the sports channel. Basketball was on.

'He's simmering like a boiling pot under there. My suggestion is leave it.' Adley mentally relayed as she settled back.

The end of June rolled in and Adley was enjoying the freedom of the fact there were no newborn vampires around any longer. The whole guard and people seemed to relax with the threat gone. The summer heat was beginning to descend upon Forks. She extracted herself from the bed, stretching as she went. She was alone in her room.

She sniffed making her way to the kitchen. Marcus was stood in a white shirt and grey sweat pants. An apron over him as he was cooking away. His hair back in a messy bun with a few loose hairs.

"I don't know what's sexier you cooking for me, or just the casual look." She commented sliding onto a stool. "What are you making?"

"Morning Little One, I'm making you waffles and bacon."

Adley took a deep whiff. Her nose wrinkled up. The sizzling meat was mouthwatering. Her waffle maker was fine. Beside her three bananas on the hook were yellow with a few brown speckles. Her favorite normally. She held a finger up to her concerned mate.

She sniffed again. Her stomach flipped a gurgle rumbling from her. She ran to the bathroom. She closed the door. She barely made it when she hurled her dinner into the toilet. She was on her knees. Head spinning as she heaved.

"Ugh!"

She forced herself up on shaky legs. She turned on the water cupping it and drinking some before gargling and spitting it out. She brushed her teeth and grabbed her mouth wash. What was that? She groaned feeling a bit better. Since when did Bananas make her ill? She shook her head entering the kitchen once more. Marcus was standing with a plate of food prepared for her and a cup of orange juice.

"Can you throw the bananas in the freezer? I don't know what it is, but they set me off." She muttered taking the plate and drink over to the couch.

She sat down and began to eat. The berries were good and so were the waffles. The bacon was to die for. She moaned at the taste of the thick slices. She'd gotten them from the butcher downtown.

Marcus joined her on the couch watching as she ate. "You seem a bit better now."

"I am. I just don't know what set my stomach off. The bananas must've been bad..." she shrugged it off.

She finished her meal with gusto, she stuck the plate in the dishwasher and returned rather quickly to Marcus' side. She curled right in head on his chest.

She took a deep breath, he smelt of the morning meal and the woods. She sighed letting her eyes flutter shut. He pulled her close hand sliding down her back to settle on her waist. His fingers began tracing patterns under her breast.

"Marcus..." she warned.

He didn't pay much attention pretending to be focused in on the current episode of Supernatural she'd flipped on. It was a new show just that had just finished. She'd heard it'd been renewed.

"Humans have surely crafted quite the stories." He commented.

She looked up at him. "A cursed family portrait. Killing all who own it. This and ghost whisperer. That's a good one, sure predictable but it's cool. A human that can speak to spirits. Any vampires that can communicate with the dead?"

"I have not come across one yet. The other worldly communications I leave with the witches and warlocks."

"Scared of ghosts?" She perked up, a teasing grin on her face.

"The idea of my meals haunting me doesn't sit well." He gave a toothy half grin.

She laughed settling back down into his side. His thumb hit her nipple. She sharply inhaled. She was only in a camisole and shorts.

He cupped her breast teasing her. His forefinger and thumb giving a little twist.

Adley flinched. He withdrew bringing her up to straddle his lap.

"Are you alright Little One?"

"Yeah... just my boobs are really sensitive right now." She huffed.

She slipped out of her camisole. She frowned as she inspected herself. They weren't tiny on a normal day, but they usually weren't this heavy feeling… Her nipples were swollen and protruding. The brown areola dark as normal, admitted a bit dry. She cupped her breasts. Marcus was staring eyes darkened but he was concerned.

"This is going to sound stupid but are my boobs bigger? They feel heavier." She climbed off his lap.

He followed her as she went to her bathroom and grabbed some body lotion for sensitive skin. She gently rubbed it in.

"To my eyes they look the same. They just feel I don't know denser. If possible..."

He came to stand behind her. His hands cupping both. She stared at them in the mirror as he gently moved them. His aura flowed yellow. His cool fingers caused the nipples to pebble further.

"You're enjoying this."

"While I wish to help you investigate Little One, your body will always draw me in. I am still a man, with a very attractive mate. I do see a slight swelling to them. Is it your menstrual time?" He questioned.

He let ran his fingers trace each of her sides, he was following her body's curves. She sighed leaning back. Seeing him tease her body, was a new experience. She shifted to rub her thighs together. She made a mental note on maybe moving a full-sized mirror into their bedroom.

"My period isn't due I just had it right after my death... its June thirtieth isn't it?"

"It is."

She tapped her bottom lip. He settled to holding her hips still. Her stomach was its normal soft slightly extended self. She felt bloated sure, but she'd also just eaten a full meal. Her hips the same she'd always had. She ran a hand slightly above her pubic bone. The pooch was a bit firm.

"I'm not due for two more weeks or more." She explained.

Marcus' hand cupped her stomach. It covered more than half of her. Her cheeks began to color pink. Adley became distracted as he held her firmly to him. His aura seeped into hers. The desire, and love, swimming in her head.

His phone rang. He held her with the one hand to answer it.

"Marcus."

She watched as his face contorted momentarily.

"Alright, thank you Cassandra. We will be down later today… Yes, please bring Dr. Kim." He closed his cell phone.

"What's wrong?"

"Cassandra has found the person who supplied the chain. They also supplied the Original." He ground out.

"That's not good." She exhaled.

"No, it's not. I will be calling Aro and Caius momentarily to see how they wish to continue."

He dropped his hand upon her and took a few steps back. Adley turned to face him sliding out of her shorts.

"Ok, I'll go for a shower for now. We're heading to Olympia I take it?"

"Yes, we will be."

"Want to join me?" She quirked her brow.

He took no time to slip his shirt off and pull off his pants. He pulled his hair down and lifted her in his other hand. She leant forward kissing him. He closed the shower door holding her still.

"The day I ever say no, burn me."

They arrived in Olympia that mid-afternoon. Making their way through the underground to the offices near the library. They stopped at a dark wooden door. Marcus barely lifted his hand to knock when it opened.

The walls were lined with many tomes in various sizes and scrolls. The walls that were clear had tapestries with many runes she did not recognize. Behind a dark cherrywood colored desk, Cassandra sat pouring over a book. Her glasses were on the edge of her nose as she read. She motioned to the two chairs in front of her. She didn't glance up to greet them.

Adley entered first. Marcus helped her into the chair.

Cassandra laid a ribbon in her current tome before sending it off with a flick of her wrist. The light purple carried it across to the shelf. Dark eyes met theirs.

"Afternoon Marcus, Adley. Thank you for coming down so quickly." She greeted while summoning a file from her desk and opening it.

She got herself a new pen and looked to them both.

"It is good to see you so soon."

"You were able to kill the newborns, I am glad to hear they are no longer an issue. The Original as well. Any numbers lost?" She asked.

"A few injuries, but we managed." Marcus reported.

"I died." Adley shrugged.

Cassandra turned to her at that. A smile playing on her face. There was no surprise upon her face, nor in her aura. "Indeed. My guess seemed a little early. How are you feeling?"

Adley tilted her head. "I'm fine, why?"

"Morning sickness hasn't set in?"

She sputtered at the words. "Pardon? Morning sickness?"

"You're pregnant, aren't you?" Cassandra paused looking between the two. "Shit am I early again? You didn't puke this morning?"

"How could you possibly know of that?" Adley spluttered, eyes widening.

The witch grinned once more knowing she was right then. Future readings were a finicky thing. Nothing was ever set in stone and futures were ever changing.

"I was contemplating the cosmos and saw your future..." Cassandra wiggled her fingers. "In seriousness I was searching the future through some meditation when I came across that. The early guess was just a hunch."

"Vampires can get people pregnant?!" Adley paled.

"People who are fertile yes. You are fertile right?"

Adley nodded. "I do menstruate every thirty-five days... it's longer than most cycles but yeah..."

"Well then, Marcus is a man and you two have sex, right?"

"We do."

"Then one plus one is three." She pointed down.

"Impossible." Adley proclaimed. "He's practically undead. The logic in that..."

"If I were you Marcus, I'd put a ring on her finger before she pops. Her family is very religious."

"How—"

"Your Aunt is a friend of mine. I'm the library resource witch and your Aunt has had questions for years. Easy to build a friendship. Even if she is quite religious. I'm pagan myself but very relaxed."

Adley straightened herself up as the door to the office opened. There her Aunt Janet came in with a few needles and vials along with a little yellow cup.

"You asked for me?" Aunt Janet questioned looking to the witch.

Her gaze flickered back to Adley. "Hello Addie, what brings you two in?"

"Some work and other matters." Marcus assured wrapped an arm around Adley.

"What is going on Cassandra?"

"I summoned you to get some blood tests done. It seems we've got to do some tests." The witch vaguely gestured to them.

"She thinks I may be pregnant." Adley pinched the bridge of her nose. "How I'm not at all sure."

"You were taught about sex and how children are made. Surely you understand?" Aunt Janet responded beginning to glove up and place her things on a tray.

Adley blushed. "I get the logistics of this Auntie! I'm very aware Marcus and I have been active. The question is how did I get pregnant?"

"You have your cycles do you not?"

"Yes..."

"Then that is how love, you're a young woman in the time of her prime, however long that maybe for you. You are not infertile obviously."

"It's not my fertility I am confused by. I meant Marcus. That doesn't make sense." She added. "Vampires are basically frozen body in time. He is three thousand plus years old..."

Her aunt began the process of extracting her blood as she continued.

"Ah that. No vampires are frozen. Quite literally." She paused. "It's a very hard thing to explain. The venom does not destroy the eggs or sperm. The temperature drops in the tissue of the testicles acting in a way of a freezer. Like we would in a sperm bank. The venom makes them immortal. It infects every cell on a man and woman. The issue is the body does not change from what it was. The heart does not beat as noticeably as a human, and tissues do not move beyond simple function. The sperm while none is created any longer it is still there."

"He's not a virgin though? He had a wife previously... Plus time and I'm assuming as a male self-pleasure is common... how does he have any now?"

"It's not a fast-moving speed." Aunt Janet cautioned. "I would need to test my hypothesis on Marcus if he allowed. It would mean testing the sperm count in the ejaculate. I've done research on it prior and all show that while the count is low, the sperm does exist to some capacity."

"Basically, Marcus has succeeded in getting me pregnant despite high odds against it. I really didn't know we needed condoms." Adley murmured the last part mostly to herself.

"Essentially yes." Aunt Janet affirmed. "You may wish to invest in some."

"This child, will it harm her?" Marcus questioned finally voicing his thoughts.

"That is hard to say. This child is not in a mortal mother. Pregnancy can be hard on any mortal woman. The fetus in most pregnancies is a parasite relationship. It being a vampire makes this even more unknown. We will need to monitor Adley throughout this. I recommend an ultrasound immediately and seeing if we can time how far along, she is. If the sack is not too hard if we can extract DNA from the embryo. To test its cells."

"This will not harm mother or child?" Marcus gridded.

"Oh no! Not at all. Adley will be alright. Remember Marcus, Adley has the advantage of not dying ever. Your child will have a high chance of immortality as well. That is why we wish to test the cells."

"Alright." She conceded while her aunt placed the few blood test tubes down for the moment. She took the needle out and placed a bandaid over the arm.

"When can we do an ultrasound?" Adley queried while looking between Marcus and Cassandra.

"If you are pregnant then I will be back to do it before six. I would like hormonal proof from urine and blood work." She replied. "I have the blood now Adley, down the hall is the washroom. You've done these before."

Adley reddened as she rolled her sleeve back down on her three-quarter sleeve blouse. Marcus gave her a questioning look. "Doctors don't always believe teens when they say they aren't pregnant."

She took the cup from her Aunt and headed down the hall. She did her business closing it and wiping the cup of any overflow. She took a deep breath meeting her face in the mirror. Pregnant. She could barely handle the idea of it. She was going to be a mother. Her mind screamed impossible at her but the witch and these tests her gut was telling her were positive. The illness, breast changes. She pushed a hand to her stomach. It was firm. It was as if she was bloated still.

She exited and returned to the office. She handed the cup Aunt Janet and sat back down in the chair.

"I will be back soon." They waved to her as she exited with each sample.

"Now that we have tests done, back to the warlock now." Cassandra brought their attention back. "The Warlock in question. Gideon Auster, he is around sixty years old but looks to be thirty. He dabbled in the dark arts and underground trafficking scene. He is the one we suspect caught the Original and sold it. He enchanted that chain for Victoria after a large pay out. We tested his magical signature upon the chain at least."

"This Gideon, does he traffic and smuggle more than vampires or humans?" Marcus asked writing notes on a pad of paper she'd supplied.

"Yes. He was blamed for the vampire venom energy drinks that just about hit the market a year ago. He provided the venom or so we believe. He was caught before it went public. Charges dropped after his father Lord Auster stepped in. It is one of the issues of our world. Well known families have influence that goes beyond that of the law."

"He's a spoilt rich kid, from the sounds of it." Adley commented.

"Yep. The man is from a wealthy family and prestigious old-world lineage. To some that means something. The issue is getting a hold of him and apprehending him. We have the chain, and his magical signature. The issue was his intent to provide the original…" Cassandra explained. "More evidence is required on our end."

"Has he been investigated further?" Marcus asked. "We would need it seen through, this man from this situation alone is a threat."

"We are working to bring forth the case to the council for him to make trial. We have someone monitoring him. Do you and your brothers wish to present any charges?"

"Aro and Caius—"

Cassandra held a hand up interrupting him. "I sent summons to Aro three days ago. He should be here momentarily... I didn't wish to have this meeting without being prepared."

The door opened as if on cue. There in a three-piece black suit Aro stood.

Marcus stood from her side to greet his brother. They had been separated for some months now. Adley bit her bottom lip, she'd met the man briefly in March. She hadn't really spent or spoke with his brothers. She really had to fix that. Marcus shook Aro's out stretched hand. The two met gazes briefly before crimson eyes, focused in on her. Black brows raised to his forehead.

"Afternoon Adley, it is wonderful to see you again. I am absolutely thrilled to see you and my brother doing so well." He offered his hand.

She stood shaking it. "Hello again, Aro…"

"Fret not Adley, we have eternity to get to know one another. It is best you get to know Marcus first." He winked turning to take the chair Marcus had been in.

Marcus took hers and pulled her to sit upon his knee. She gasped but bottled her reaction up.

"Now gentlemen shall we begin discussions?"