"We shall begin," Aro nodded while relaxing back into the chair to their side.
Adley looked back to Cassandra. She was keeping notes going floating beside her. The pen was moving at a fast past keeping minutes most likely.
Adley couldn't help but wonder what would this trial look like? What would the out come be? The crimes being presented were serious.
"I'll be upfront about this," Cassandra's aura flooded with dread. "We need to bring forth enough evidence to make a case. I know you are familiar with the laws of your world and many others, but the western council has a history of sweeping things under the rug, to say for people like Gideon."
"If we do not have cooperation from your side, Cassandra we will have Demetri go out and find him. We will not hesitate to bring him in for trial in front of us. We will hold it in Italy if need be."
Aro's words were clear. Either cooperate with us, and let justice be found or they would not stop at having him killed.
"I am nonpartisan in this. One of my requirements to this role. I am simply providing information for this case for you." Cassandra quipped. "I want the man charged and locked away as anyone else. His kind have gotten away with this sort of stuff for too long."
"His kind?"
"Entitled generational rich families with influence." Cassandra answered to Adley. "His privilege blinds him. He takes no consequences to doing the deals he makes. He will do what he wants for the benefit of him. No matter the risks he poses to other supernatural worlds."
"It may be best we be the ones to squash this out." Aro commented.
"I find myself agreeing on the matter." Marcus rumbled. Adley felt his hand run up her back, she leant back to give some comfort of her being nearby. "Has Caius made an opinion clear?"
Aro nodded. "While he remained home, his opinion is never far. He is obviously for execution of the warlock."
Cassandra pursed her lips. "We cannot just execute the man."
"If I recall, the Accords of the Supernatural worlds, in the section of breeching secrecy laws of another species the offender is to be given verdict by said species. In other words, this Gideon Auster, is not facing trial by his own kind and council, but by us. I will have Demetri retrieve the man. Marcus if we are alright to be back to Italy then—"
"Aro, please see reason." Cassandra pinched the bridge of her nose. "While those are the written Accords, and legally you do have jurisdiction over this all. Lord Auster will not see it as that. Gideon Auster is a child of a long line of lords. Their family is powerful with deep ties to old world and new world warlocks and witches. I am not trying to dissuade the Volturi from acting. The accords also state he is entitled to a jury of his peers first and foremost."
"His intent has been in his previous convictions," Aro reminded. Adley suppressed the urge to shudder at the cold words. "While in lesser offences, it would be taken into consideration, but the International Accords, breeches of secrecy are severe offences for most species. I would suggest you tread lightly Cassandra. We would not want your nonpartisanship to be in jeopardy. Surely, the council will send a liaison to discuss this with us. Not use their library resident witch as a pawn of politics."
"I must agree with my brother, while we appreciate your help in finding the magical signature belonging to Gideon Auster, we will be reaching out to the council. It is best this be between both courts." Marcus finalized.
"These were failed attempts." Adley murmured, her heart hurt seeing Cassandra's aura fall with dread of the next steps.
Adley though couldn't say anything. In this situation, the laws were above all meant to keep everyone safe. If they were to ignore the severity of the breech, it would look bad upon their court system. Adley had witnessed the trial of Bella, and the Cullens. They were almost punished with death.
"The case remains that he still made a transaction that placed the vampire world at risk, he has prior attempts upon record as much as charges were dropped. It is best this man be brought to the attention of the Volturi immediately."
"How will you restrain him and keep him down for trial?" Cassandra drawled. "He'd hex you all before you could see it coming. He is still using magic."
"Warlocks move at a slow pace. He will not see us until his senses are cut off." Aro waved. "Alec can be returned to us if we require him."
"You'll risk war. Lord Aster's connections go deep within the communities they are willing to follow him into battle if need be. What then?"
"It would be for naught." Adley added. "Humans have flame throwers, bombs, and a global connection getting faster and faster. Any war between us would do what Gideon failed to do."
"Caius is for execution. I am for trial by us only." Aro clasped his hands together. "Brother?"
"I would have to agree with my mate. A war is just as threatening to us as the original."
Aro pulled out his cell phone and quickly dialled. A few quick whispers went between him and who he was calling. Adley watched his aura slowly turn sour as the words flowed.
"Well, the wives agree. We are open to a combined trial. This Gideon is to be apprehended immediately though and kept under lock and key."
"I cannot lock him up without losing our upper hand of surprise, I can counter that the council will meet with you this Sunday to discuss a trial and its proceedings. We have his magical signature being tracked and he is being watched so he does not flee the country."
Aro grinned. "We do not need to worry of him fleeing. Alec and Demetri will find him."
"We need him alive and unharmed." Cassandra sighed. "I appreciate your enthusiasm for justice, we must do this as efficiently as we can. Only the gods know what would occur if the bastard caught word of this."
"It is for the best." Aro admitted.
"Please draft your charges and present them. I'll contact the council, to have you three meet with them and discuss the proceedings."
Cassandra handed a pen over to Aro and a note of paper. Aro took it and began jotting down notes in a quick scrawl. "I will have this drafted by tomorrow."
"I would not expect anything less." Cassandra's pen finally stopped. She waved them over she began filing them. A pager went off, located on the edge of her desk. "Dr. Kim is on her way down."
Adley looked over to the door. It opened moments later revealing her Aunt Janet, she was in a white coat with a wide grin on her face. She barely had the time to bow to Aro, upon seeing him. She though was back to Adley.
"The tests are back," She breathed. "You are pregnant."
Adley's jaw dropped. She was pregnant? She barely registered Marcus standing up and placing her on her feet. His hands on her upper arms to steady her. Aro didn't say a word, he was writing notes a quirk in his lips.
"May we be excused brother? You are capable to get the charges we wish to present together." Marcus asked.
"Of course, we will hash out the details later tonight when she is asleep. Go now. You have a baby to see." Aro waved his hand.
They followed Aunt Janet down the hall and up a flight of stairs. They entered a bigger medical examination room. An ultrasound machine was in here waiting to be used. A chair was laid back for Adley. It allowed her to see the screen for examination but gave access to her uterus. Adley climbed into the chair lifting her shirt and undid her jean capris to allow access. She watched on with wide eyes. Her taupe belly was extended and squished up at her angle the slight roll, she couldn't decide if it was normal or there was something showing. Sure, her pants had been a little snug that morning, but everyone fluctuated in weight during the day.
Aunt Janet pulled closer with the wand in hand. She squirted the lube on her and pressed. Thankfully, the gel was warmed a bit. The screen came to life in black and grey. Marcus took hold of her hand. She examined him partially before turning back to the screen. Her heart rate was increasing.
"There's the uterus... and there we go. See here? That would be them."
The wand moved on her, the pressure increased. She paused running it back she stopped. There. Two black rounded circles could be seen in the grey.
Adley stiffened. "Them? There are two in there?!"
"Yes, see here? One... two... they are bean shaped right now but give them time. If I press a little more… I don't know if you can hear it Adley. Master Marcus, do you hear the little thuds?"
"It is faint with the machine, but I do. Two little flutters." He responded.
Adley furrowed her brows. "How far along am I? The heart beats surely cannot be detectable already?"
"Well because these fetuses aren't human it will be a bit inaccurate. This ultrasound is placing you at six-seven weeks roughly looking at the beans and shape. However, you died only two weeks ago. Menstruated then?"
"I did." Adley acknowledged.
"You may only be a week at the most then."
"We will do an ultrasound in a few days. How does that sound?"
"I don't have much to do." She shrugged. "Only packing and listing my house."
"Aunt Cecile had a question regarding the buying market in Forks. Your cousin Michael has gotten an offer to become an attending in Forks. His wife is a nurse, and they were looking for a home."
"It's pretty cheap, they don't have kids, yet right?"
"Not yet."
"Tell Aunt Cecile I'm selling my home if they are looking to purchase."
"Wonderful dear." She looked over to the quiet vampire. "How are you holding up, Master Marcus?"
"I am coming to terms. Adley is pregnant."
"It hasn't hit me yet." Adley admitted. "They don't even look like people just yet."
"It's okay dear, I was the same way for it. Sure, we had ultrasounds the photos were not as clear as this. The little grey dots I looked at the doctor and asked him why there was some abstract art on the machine. Are you wishing to tell your Oma and Appa?" Aunt Janet asked snapping a few photos before putting the wand down.
Adley turned red. "Oma will have my head, Auntie. I'll wait just a few days."
"Do not wait too long, you'll be showing shortly. Twins need space."
"A! I get that. They're going to be heavy at some point." She huffed.
"We will get an ultrasound again on Sunday evening. I want to see if they are the same size or increasing. Do you want the photos?"
"While I still can't believe I'm pregnant. Yes, to the photos, please Auntie."
Aunt Janet walked out of the room to go get the few print outs. She turned to Marcus. She could see the usual yellow to the aura. The rest of him, looked to be on pause. Adley had to admit she wasn't better off. The whole situation going over her head.
"How're you handling?"
"I am perfectly content." He assured her, pressing a kiss to her temple.
He went and grabbed some paper towels from beside the sink, he ran the water and was back to wipe off her stomach. His hand paused momentarily, holding her as he just stared below. His pupils dilated remaining quiet.
"Marcus?" She murmured.
"I see the bonds little white strings are blooming from you. They are delicate but they are forming." He replied.
Her heart sang as she looked up to him, she didn't need to read his aura to see the absolute love and adoration he was feeling. She placed her hand on his. She didn't think on anything else in that moment. Only the two of them, and the two growing.
Adley stripped off her blouse and jeans, the moment she set foot in the main bedroom. She stood in her bra and panties. The matching cream material light against her skin. She pulled her hair together, twisting it tightly so it formed a knot atop her head. A few baby hairs and bangs fell around her face. She made her way over to the bathroom. She didn't bother to close the door knowing Marcus would be joining her shortly. They had departed alone from Olympia. They had the cabin currently to themselves.
She stared in the large mirror. The counter hit right at her upper thighs. She ran her hands over her lower abdomen. She couldn't believe it. There, under the protective layer of fat and muscle, two little beans were growing. She paused. She did her best to put her feelers out. Would she be able to see an aura around her stomach? She doubted it. She could try though.
She focused. Eyes straining as she looked over her protruding stomach. The only thing she had was her skin, below her belly button a happy trail… Her cheeks reddened as she grabbed her razor from beside the sink. She usually kept it there, just in case she wanted to shave her underarms. She quickly cleaned up the few hairs of her stomach. The few dark hairs that had always grown.
She bit her bottom lip. What changes would she be in store for? Her body while it had a rapid healing element to it, it still changed and adjusted. In her teen years she still got acne and bared acne scars until her first death. No body was perfect. She had her imperfections despite her immortality. She was perfectly mortal in the sense of her body. Would she gain weight? Her hips, would they become wider than they were? She wasn't bigger in the hips than shoulders but she knew her mother and aunts, had all become bottom heavy after all pregnancies. That was her family traits.
She'd heard of nails growing in thick, and hair getting shinier and stronger. She had long hair as it was… She may need to trim a bit off… she made a mental note to get a hair cut while in Seattle. She turned to the side. How fast would her body stretch to accommodate the two. How quickly would this pregnancy last? They were already bigger than they should have been. Movement caught her gaze in the mirror. Marcus was a step behind her.
"What is going through your head, Little One?" He came up. His chest flush against her back. He ran his hands over her forearms.
"Just thinking about this." She ran a hand over her stomach. "I'm going to expand like a balloon, how soon? I'm excited but also worried of being pregnant."
"You are made by the goddesses of life, and fertility to accommodate life. Worry not Little One. You will be alright. You swell with our children." His chest rumbling with his words.
His hands moved hers to come and hold her belly. Pink coloured her cheeks. His aura swirled with pride and possessiveness. Adley leant back resting against him. She didn't mind one bit.
"I swear if you have a breeding kink… You're going to have me pregnant and barefoot in the castle aren't you?" She breathed.
Marcus pulled back brow raised. Eyes darkened but he was curious. "While the image is tempting, I do want your opinion. How do you feel about children?"
Adley pursed her lips. "I always assumed I would have a few… You're the first person I have seriously thought to have children with. Here we are… We'll see how this pregnancy goes to know if I'm willing to do it again."
"A good idea. If it goes well, how many children did you want?"
"I come from a decent size family. I always saw myself in with three or four." She replied. "Yourself?"
"As many as you wished to carry. If it were one or two, I do not mind."
"I can see the desire in your aura. Well it's definitely two currently, since these are twins." She commented. "We'll discuss others when the time is right."
"Sounds like a plan."
He pressed kisses down her neck, his hands running up her sides. She shivered when he cupped her breasts. She watched through heavy lids in the mirror. She heard the bra snap before it fell from her. He got it out of the way. He was gentle as he messaged her breasts, weighing them in each hand. He was careful with her nipples. The tips already erect and on alert. Her folds already becoming slick from his touches.
His aura was radiating his pleasure at the sight of her. "You're absolutely stunning. Little One, so responsive."
Adley leant back watching her mouth fell open. She watched as his hand ran over her abdomen, he traced the out line of her underwear. Quick little breaths audibly escaped her as his long fingers ran over her covered mound.
"Marcus," she groaned. "You're a tease."
"Mmm… I am merely taking in the beauty of my mate. The mere wonders of womanhood, you are encompassing." He whispered, grazing the shell of her ear.
"Damn it Marcus, I'm already pregnant." She met his onyx gaze in the mirror.
"You are."
He splayed his hand across her lower belly. Her heart fluttering at this action.
"You're the essence of life, and wonder. I think I may need to show you, just how much I am in awe of you." He kissed down her neck.
"How so?"
"I am going to worship you."
He lifted her into his arms. She barely had time to register the movement and she was on her back on the bed.
Adley was sat at the dining room table on the Wednesday late morning. She was eating a breakfast trying to keep some food down. She was finding the early mornings the twins didn't like to be awoken and made it known through morning sickness. They were still in Olympia as they would be for the next few weeks, she had a feeling. Aro and Marcus had been called into a meeting with Cassandra, they were just going over some final details before seeking the council on Friday.
She was surprised they actually had wanted her present for this trial.
"Alright, Lady Adley?" Ibrahim interrupted her thoughts.
She looked up with a smile she stabbed a piece of egg. "Perfectly, just thinking is all."
He nodded, he was standing at the edge of the dining table. He was leant on a chair watching her.
She took the bite of egg. "You know I'm not against you joining me."
Ibrahim ducked his head joining her a chair down. "Apologies, Lady Adley. I was merely watching to make sure you are alright. You've been sick the past four days."
"I'm fine, it's usually earlier in the day." She waved it off.
"Still Master Marcus wishes to take precautions with you. You are pregnant with multiples after all. Immortal twins, are a high risk pregnancy surely."
"I know."
"We do want to make sure you are eating enough and doing alright. There are three of you to feed."
"Yes, there is. The two in here are the size of the grain of rice though. So I am eating just fine. I promise you."
"I trust your judgement. I haven't been educated in pregnancy in centuries." He shrugged. "What was capturing your thoughts?"
"Oh, I was just thinking about the pre-trial. Marcus asked if I wanted to stay home today because I was still feeling ill. I said of course what else would I do, he said I would be in the meetings of course. I just was mulling over the fact he was okay with me being there, Are too."
"Why would you not be there? You are Master Marcus' mate, thus entitled to an opinion on the ruling." He replied.
"Seriously? I thought it would just be between them, this whole making judgements on trials." She commented. "They are the ancient kings afterall."
"Yes, and Lady Sulpicia and Lady Athenadora, have both given their opinions on rulings before. They like to sit back in lesser trials due to the tedious natures of them. Master Aro and Master Caius, would never force them to participate if they had no desire to."
"I wasn't aware."
"Many do not realize how involved the wives are in the organization of the Coven. They are in the background, not always in the forefront of it."
"I guess if I am feeling up to it Friday I will go with them for the trial…" she murmured. "At least to give some support to them."
Her cell phone went off before Ibrahim could reply. She flipped it open putting it to her ear. She swallowed her last bite. She caught sight of the caller ID.
"Hi Oma!"
"Addie dear, you will never believe who I saw today." A sweetness to her voice.
Adley put her fork down. "Who Oma?"
"Your Aunt Janet."
Adley paused. "That is good, anything in particular."
"Well we got to talking about our children of course. How everyone is doing. As you know Anna has finally decided on next summer for a wedding. We are looking into dresses soon! You should come down to Seattle before you go off with your beautiful man."
Adley smiled. "Of course Oma. I'm in Olympia currently. Marcus had some things to work on. I finished work and decided to stay with him in his family resort."
"I forget he is rich. Good, Anna wanted to go this weekend. She will be over the moon to have her sister there. We can have a Ladies Weekend. Will you come by for dinner tonight? Addie, we won't get many family meals. Where it is just us."
"I can ask Marcus if he can join us, the meetings are to take most of the afternoon… I will come of course though to you and Appa. Why wouldn't we have many family meals with all of us in the future?" She was cautious with her inflections.
Oma didn't know did she? She couldn't have found out so fast…
"Cole did not say?" Oma paused. "He is such a forgetful man at times… Your brother and Chelsea are pregnant!"
Adley squealed. "Oh my god! Seriously! I'm going to be an Aunt! How far along?"
"Cole said twelve weeks. So through the first trimester. He has also proposed to her. They wish to go to city hall to marry." Oma sighed.
"Does it matter if it's city hall?"
"I think all three of you should have weddings but how you celebrate is up to you. They wish for a family dinner afterwards and a relaxing evening. They don't want a large ceremony."
"Makes sense. Especially if she's pregnant." Adley cautioned.
"If they married today or in ten years it does not matter."
"Seriously? You're not upset Cole isn't married before having kids?" She gapped.
"Of course not. We are religious, but not crazy! While tradition is nice, it is a matter of family and your happiness."
"Oh."
"You have something to tell me?"
She stiffened. "How?"
"I'm your Oma. I know more than you think I do." She chuckled. "Now come for afternoon Tea, and dinner."
"Yes Oma I will be there in an hour."
The hour came quicker than she thought it would. Adley rang out her hands and wiped the clammy palms on her jeans. Ibrahim had promised to come with her as Marcus was wrapped up in meetings still this evening. She had not been lying when she said he was busy with work. This was only to discuss the Friday meeting.
She had chosen a loose fitting peasant shirt that hid her stomach. Her pubic bone to her belly button had become firm and stuck out. It had been two days since the ultrasound, and she was bloated and her stomach hardening.
She glanced up to the house. She exhaled a shaky breath and undid her seat belt. It was now or never. She shut off her vehicle. She slid out of the Jeep and walked up to the home. Oma had the door open before she could knock.
"Come on Addie, you're still at home here." Oma reminded her.
Adley smiled and kicked off her shoes..
Oma ushered her to the dining room. Tea was set up for both of them along with fruit and scones.
"Appa is at work." She explained. "Now you had something to tell me?"
Adley took a sip of the ginger tea. She sighed at the familiar taste. Her cheeks warmed. She was stalling, she knew it. Oma was a patient woman though.
"I swear you lie about not having psychic abilities." She teased light heartedly.
"I'm your Oma, Empath abilities run in our family. This is my powers from being your mother." She shrugged. "Is this to do with that man of yours? Did he break up with you?"
"Marcus and I are fine, actually we're better than fine. He's just got work negotiations going on at work. He is a CEO after all." Adley dismissed.
"Well if it's not about your relationship, then tell me. Is it your stomach?" A dainty brow raised with her taking a drink of tea.
Adley's mouth fell open. "My stomach? What about it?"
"Simple deduction Addie, you freeze up when I tell you our stance on pregnancy and marriage. You sounded almost relieved. What else could it be? It's not about my abilities, but how open my daughter is. You've always gotten jumpy when I am onto something you wish to keep secret." Oma explained taking her hand. "You're pregnant aren't you."
Adley sighed nodding. "Yes."
Oma pulled her into a bear hug and kissed her forehead. "Oh congratulations! I'm going to have two grandchildren!"
"Three actually."
"Twins?!" Oma gasped. "No wonder you are nervous. Twins are a handful. You three all under ten was more than enough for me. You especially."
"Hey!" Adley chuckled. "I was a perfect child."
"You were spoilt and you were very powerful.I am more thankful for my older sister for training you." She pinched Adley's cheeks. "You're glowing already. How far along are you?"
"Aunt Janet did the ultrasound. She said six-eight weeks?"
"I won't know the gender for a few weeks then." She huffed. "Well I can still get other baby stuff. Come on!"
She pulled Adley to her feet. "Where are we going?"
"Baby shopping! You and Cole are having children." She huffed. "I need to be prepared!"
"Oma, it's still early!"
Oma's eyes widened as she just stared at Adley. "You are having two children! Do you know what it will be like? You have double everything! We can start with the basics at least. A few toys, Sleepers… not to mention there will be Baek-il we will have them so close together for you and Cole… Then Dol… If you are in Italy before then, surely you will come home to celebrate?"
Adley nodded. "Of course, it wouldn't be the same without everyone."
"I am excited to see what my grand babies chose. You chose the string…" Oma informed her. "Anna chose the pen, and Cole the money."
"We will have to wait and see." Adley downed her tea, Oma filled her cup once more.