Adley and Ibrahim were both currently sat at the coffee table of the living room. It was just after eight in the evening. She'd gotten back from shopping with Oma an hour ago. The baby stuff placed in a suit case to be used when ever. The due date she'd find out in the next few ultrasounds. Immortal children grew at an unknown rate. Adley sighed when she landed on her tile.

"Ouch a set of triplets." Ibrahim chuckled stuffing three babies into her car.

It was full now from kids and they were still barely half way through the game of Life. They had already played Battleship. Something best not played when Adley could sense Ibrahim's discomfort when a shot got too close.

"As if twins aren't bad enough." She smirked running a hand over her stomach. "They assigned you as my personal guard, right?"

Ibrahim nodded slowly, spinning for his turn. "In most cases, Master Marcus did request I be your guard. Only when we require an invisible guard to do some scouting will I be called away."

"Then in that case, you're going to be experiencing these two as well by default." She chuckled as he lost his job.

"You're cruel when you want to be." He deadpanned. "I jest, they are your children. They won't be too bad."

Adley quirked her brow. "When was the last time you were exposed to kids? I was a handful. There was also only one of me. Not to mention the fact Marcus and I are both extremely gifted. In my family Empath abilities are hereditary. There is a guarantee that at least one will have it."

He paused, looking over her shoulder. "Centuries."

"It has been quite some time since any of us have been exposed to children." Aro commented.

Adley whipped around to face the front door. There Aro and Marcus were taking off shoes and outer coats. It had begun to rain from the looks of it. Water droplets shook off coats as they hung them up. She faced the front windows seeing that the rain had indeed started. Heavy and becoming a down pour. Adley got up and launched herself at Marcus.

He caught her without issue and held her close. He ran his hands down her back holding her close. He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

She pressed back to look up at him. "How was the meeting?"

"Without issue." Marcus replied.

Adley turned in his arms to face Aro. Ibrahim had joined them at the foyer, the game forgotten. Aro took hold of Ibrahim's hand. Once completed they made their way over to the couches once more. Aro took a seat on the love seat to the left.

Marcus guided her over to sit on the couch in the middle. He pulled her close to cuddle up into his side. His aura showed his exhaustion. She nuzzled her face into his chest, taking a deep breath. He smelt of papers and his Old Spice cologne. She may have slipped into his bag a few weeks ago when shopping. It emphasized his natural scent.

Ibrahim rounded shortly after with three silver goblets, and a clear wine glass. Inside looked to be a white wine. He knew pregnant women couldn't drink, right? She opened her mouth to say something.

"Worry not Lady Adley, it will be sparkling juice not alcohol." Ibrahim caught her gaze.

"Thank you," she took the glass, taking a few sips.

"While your meeting with Cassandra was without issue, I can sense your exhaustion. Both of you." Adley returned her attention to them both.

Aro smiled accepting a silver goblet from Ibrahim. He offered on to Marcus. Adley caught the steam from the goblets. Ibrahim took his and sat upon the other couch to the right.

"Your perception never ceases to amaze. There is no hiding it. The meeting did go as expected. Cassandra brought forth some points we were aware of. Caius called into the meeting. We are looking at legal proceedings that will be more tedious than what we normally face." Aro explained downing at least half of his drink.

"She wanted to make sure we had the correct paperwork for the council. It is common for them to turn people away if there are errors to be corrected. We will be able to get much more accomplished on Friday in the first trial meeting." Marcus added before taking a drink.

"Time consuming for little reason. Warlocks and Witches are the kind to dot every I and cross every T." Aro drawled. "Our longest trial was three days and that was due to the required time to listen in before we culled them."

"The death penalty isn't common in their world." Adley assumed. "They prefer to proceed with simpler punishments?"

"Something to do with population and powerful connections that could be severed if they went around killing as we do." Aro rolled his eyes. "She made it seem as if we were soulless creatures. We have few laws and our kind know the consequences of them. Not each carries death, but most often than not. We hardly have trials based upon broken laws. It's been quite some time. Our trials usually deal with territory disputes, contracts, etc. The Cullen children were the last true ones to break this law currently."

"They are more for bureaucracy I take it." Adley murmured, before downing her drink.

"They have over eight hundred Accords. To expect everyone to remember those, it is outlandish." Aro waved it off.

"Yes, there was much more we could have been doing." Marcus commented finishing his drink.

Adley caught sight of the dark thick left-over stain on the metal. Inadvertently she also caught a whiff of it. Her nose wrinkling slightly at the metal smell. Copper pennies is what she was reminded of. Of course, it was blood. What else would two vampire kings drink after a boring yet stressful day? She chuckled.

Aro met her gaze. "What is going through that head of yours, sister?"

"Nothing important. You both are the epitome of vampire royalty. Goblets of blood. I'm assuming it's really expensive old silver?" She teased.

"Dracula, was what I inspired." Aro shrugged setting down his empty goblet.

"Your serious?" She perked up.

"All legends start somewhere."

"Who did Nosferatu?" She questioned.

Aro turned his gaze at Marcus. She turned her head to look up at him as well. He returned the stare with a perfect look of indifference. His aura bemused and embarrassed. She poked his side turning to face him more.

"It was the turn of the century. Caius said it was All Hallows' eve..." He trailed off.

"I must insist on the full story." Adley declared stifling a yawn.

"Perhaps another night, you are fighting exhaustion." He excused.

She tried to speak to demand an answer on the story, but she was left fighting another yawn. She rubbed her eyes giving in. "Fine."

"It is best for the twins." Aro reminded. "I am sure he will tell you in the morrow."

"I know." She looked over to Aro, he knew about the pregnancy. She hesitated. "How are you feeling about this news? That I'm pregnant?"

"It is uncharted territory for us as a coven, however it is one I look forward to noting in our history books. I do believe there may be some accounts in diaries in the libraries. I will look into it." He replied. "Do not fret sister, I worry for your safety and these children. You're a strong woman."

"Thank you Aro," she blushed. "I'll admit I worried you'd be against this. That it was too soon or, just not right..."

"You are Marcus' mate, that alone has us thrilled. Children between vampires and humans, while I am sure it has happened. I am not well informed upon the subject. I will do some research to make sure your pregnancy is as comfortable as possible. It'll also bring some life to the castle. Sully and Athena will be ecstatic about them. Now it is time for you to rest. I wish to also find a meal." Aro stood nodding his head to them. "Good night."

He disappeared in a flash. Gone before she could question anything further. The front door closed to the cabin. Adley stretched turning to lay her head on Marcus' shoulder.

"Shall I carry you to bed?" He questioned.

She nodded nuzzling in further. She noted the empty glasses were cleared and Ibrahim was nowhere to be seen. She played with the buttons of his shirt. She traced the material undoing the buttons from his collar. She carefully traced the V pendant the gems shining and gold bright. His aura while the gold was beginning to reclaim him, she was still sensing his pent-up frustration and exhaustion.

In a rapid movement they were in the master bedroom. He sat her on the bed pulling back. She met his merlot gaze. Adley sat up on her knees, tugging on his tie. He raised a brow to her as she slowly undid it. She took the thing dropping it to the ground.

His pupils expanding. "Little one, you should be resting."

"I will... I just really don't think I'll be able to do so when you're so stressed." She explained undoing the buttons until she hit his vest.

She was quick to flick those open. She traced a trail back up to his shoulders. She slid her fingers under his blazer messaging his muscles before pushing the material off. It didn't take much to make him get the idea.

She met his gaze once more cupping his cheek. He caught her hand pressing a kiss to her wrist. She leant up catching his lips with hers. She hummed bringing her arms around his neck bringing him closer. Her eyes fluttered shut her walls tumbling down as she pressed forward her desire for him.

He was tense, the exhaustion not in his body but mind. He was irritated, pent-up from the day. She had been feeling a bit tense today and she wanted —no needed release. Something he also needed.

She lightly ran her tongue over his bottom lip seeking entrance. Marcus allowed her pulling her closer, hands skimming her sides, ghosting passed her breasts.

She took to lowering one hand to finish undoing his shirt. She distracted him with heated kisses, running her tongue over his. Twisting and filling his head with her scent.

She finished opening his shirt. She ran her fingers over the plains of his stomach. defined cool abs were under her fingers. Chest hair spattered across the top. A rumble reverberated through his chest. His hands found the hem of her shirt. He helped her out of it. She gasped breaking the kiss as needed.

"You are a siren, little one." He murmured.

"Mhm, I don't intend to drown you. Maybe intoxicate you." She breathed pushing out waves of desire.

Her hands amplifying her effect on him as she traced his chest and skimmed her fingers to his belt line. She made quick work of his belt.

He stepped out of them. He cupped her breasts tugging at her nipples from over her bra. She held back the growing moans at the sensation.

Her walls down had the air practically electric between them.

She zeroed in on his boxers, his erection renting in the fabric. She sighed cheeks brightening. She lightly ghosted her fingers over him.

"Adley..."

Her name, he ground out the growl rumbling his chest. His hands falling to her hips. He needed to stabilize himself to the earth. Afraid to float away from her in the here and now.

She hooked her fingers into his waistband pulling them down. He helped her out as he kicked them aside.

His cock was straining hard, bobbing with the movements. His tip a pearl of pre-cum glistened.

She took him firmly in her hand, working it up and down his shaft. His head fell back with a sigh.

"Little One..."

"Yes, sir?" She looked up at him from under her lashes.

"Vixen,"

"Your manners..." she teased.

She bent down swiping her tongue over the tip. The sweet taste on her tongue welcomed.

"Please Adley,"

He groaned barely managing words as she worked his cock with her hands. She hummed swirling her tongue around the tip. She was barely remaining above the ocean rising of desire in the room.

"Since you asked nicely," she hummed before taking him into her mouth.

His hands slid into her dark locks. Cool fingers scraped at her scalp. He could crush her, she knew, but she trusted him. She took him in as much as she could. The tip hit the back of her throat. Her groan muffled upon his cock. Her hand worked the free space she could not take in her mouth.

Marcus growled holding to her. His ecstasy built higher and higher. Her free hand she took to fondling his taut balls...

"Little One, enough... I do not wish to finish in your mouth." He groaned.

She looked up at him, tears whelming in her eyes from the sheer jaw work out this took. The man was not small in girth or length. She exhaled from her nose pulling off with a pop.

Her bra disappeared as she sat back on her knees. Lips swollen she wiped the drool that stringed from his cock.

He had her on her back the next second.

Adley huffed with the sudden position change. Marcus' fingers slid down to her folds, he spread her open working her opening he inserted his fingers.

She was soaking. Adley's blush extended down her chest. She tried to keep her eyes open as he pumped his two fingers in and out of her. He caught her lips in a heated kiss. He was quick to lick her bottom lip seeking entrance. She granted it. Entangling his cool tongue with hers. He withdrew his fingers.

She whimpered.

He lined his tip up with her entrance. He teased her entrance sliding his cock over her slit.

She pulled back gasping. "Marcus, please!"

"Patience little one," he murmured trailing kisses down her neck to the junction.

He nipped gently, not to break the skin. She shuddered.

Marcus pressed forward, sheathing himself in her. She groaned tossing her head back. She was wet enough for him to find a faster pace. He pulled out only to snap his hips back in aiming upwards.

"Ah!"

Her head spinning as sparks of pleasure shot through her body. The pressure of pleasure coiling tighter and tighter. Her senses filled with the smell of him. A spice, books, something instantly him.

She pushed her hips up to meet his thrusts. His base hitting her swollen clit. Her hands reaching up to wrap around his neck.

Shallow breaths. "Marcus... close... please... cum, with me..."

He pushed up on his elbows caging her in. She brought her hands over her head hands grasping the sheets. Something to ground her.

Eyes fluttering shut. The pressure building in her middle. Sweat prickled on her brow. She sighed exposing her neck.

"That's it little one, find your pleasure. You're so tight, taking my cock. I can feel you, you're so close. So beautiful in pleasure. Let go... cum on my cock." He whispered in her ear.

The peak inside. His thrusts increased in speed. Each time he bottomed out, he stretched her just right. Each thrust, sending her hurtling towards the edge. He was close. That climax so close she could feel it in her every fiber as he pulled out and snapped back in. To the tip and back in.

She clenched the sheets. Eyes closed. Her words choked in her throat. "Ah!"

Her eyes flashed white. She shivered tensing. Pleasure washed over her and through her.

Two more thrusts. Marcus pushed in to his base. Cool seed filled her. He held her close. Grunting as he came.

"I love you."

"I love you too, little one."

Adley stared herself down in the mirror that Friday morning. She chose one of her wrap dresses. It was a dark evergreen color. The V-neck line didn't show anything immodest. Her V pendant hung on the dainty chain. She paired a few smaller gold chains with it. She slid a bracelet on as well with her wrist watch.

Her heels she slid into and made sure she had a black blazer overtop of it. Her hair she had curled and left down. Her bangs she realized had grown into side bangs over the past two months. She'd used the flat iron to curl them away from her face to blend into the rest of her hair. She'd been nauseous but for once didn't puke. She ran a hand over her stomach.

In two days, she'd noticed the growth. She was barely showing in the wrap dress at all, but she was bloated and rounded. She turned to see Marcus dressed in a three-piece suit. His hair pulled back with a velvet tie. His undershirt she noticed was the same shade as her wrap dress.

"You look lovely, Little One." He offered his hand out to her.

She took it. "Does it say court appropriate? I'm not exactly trained in legal proceedings."

"You look every bit the professional," he kissed her forehead.

"I'm just nervous... I don't know what to expect... I'm just me, you and Aro are the two leaders."

He slid a finger under her chin pulling her gaze up to his. "We rule equally with our mates. These decisions we take your opinion as important."

"I agree wholeheartedly." Aro spoke up. "While Caius and our wives may not be here. Their opinions have been heard."

Adley stepped back looking over to him.

"While you are our youngest member, and inexperienced in court dealings. We value you. Especially where your gift plays a practical part in dissecting the council. They may be able to evade me. They will not be expecting an Empath to your ability." He added.

"Brother, I would not like to overwhelm my mate, while she carries our children." Marcus warned holding a little closer.

"My abilities are always on. Poking around for some lying or hidden emotions isn't draining at all. Reading a room is easy." She shrugged.

"Still little one, do not feel obligated to do so."

"I'll do what I can." She smiled taking hold of Marcus hand.

They made their way out the door and to the gravel driveway. The waiting vehicle was a Rolls Royce Phantom. Dark tinted windows, so dark she wondered if they were legal. She raised a brow when Aro slid into the driver's seat. Marcus opened the back seat for her. She barely had her buckle on when Marcus was in. The front passenger seat opened and closed.

"I thought we were meant to be inconspicuous?"

Aro met her gaze in the rear-view mirror. "We are the windows are completely tinted. In case of sun."

"This is a half a million-dollar vehicle." She commented.

"I never said not in style." He quipped, a toothy grin spreading over his face.

She sat back in the comfortable seat. The vehicle was worth more than her parents' home. Marcus reached across the console between them. He took her hand.

"You should see the collection under Volterra."

"I don't want to know do I..." she chuckled.

"My 1957 Jaguar XKSS, is my favorite of the bunch." Aro added.

"A Jag, they are nice cars. I still like my Jeep."

"Athena has four down in the garage."

"Now those are worth bragging about." She grinned.

"Such low standards, once we return to Volterra let me show you true beautiful machinery."

Adley watched the city pass by. Passing through Olympia they headed up to the North end of Seattle. She barely noticed they'd passed Lynnwood and into Everett.

They turned down what looked like a dead-end street. All there was before them was a house in ruins. Smashed windows, crumbling bricks, over grown yards. She opened her mouth to say something, she grabbed onto Marcus' hand tighter. Aro headed for it though. The dead end didn't keep them out.

She closed her mouth. Her heart hammered into her chest as what felt like electricity passed over them. An illusion of some sort. There before them was a rounding driveway. It was a large estate. Well-trimmed lawns and manicured gardens. The manor before them was perfectly intact. It was a brown brick building in a French provincial style. Many windows a few rounded turrets. A dark roof and trim. A large garage looked to be off to the right side of the manor.

Aro rounded to the side of the garage. One of the doors opened. He pulled in and parked between a Mercedes and BMW. Marcus was around helping her out. Aro was beside them in a flash.

A familiar pop. Ibrahim took to trailing behind them. They exited the same door they had driven into.

In a grey suit a man stood to welcome them. His white hair cut short. He was tall and looked to be in his fifties. A pendant of a pentagram was fixed to a crimson tie. His amber eyes focused in on them.

"Lord Aro, Lord Marcus, it is a pleasure to see you again." He nodded to them. "I do not believe we have met, who is this?"

"Mr. Warner, this is my partner Adley Choi." Marcus gestured to her.

"Welcome to Bruin family Manor, Lady Adley. Lady Bruin has kindly offered her home as a place for us to meet." He explained.

"Lady Bruin? Is she related to Cassandra?" Adley asked.

"Lady Bruin is her grandmother." Marcus answered.

They made their way up a set of concrete steps to the door that swung open with Mr. Warner's flick of the wrist. A subtle golden glow encased his hand and the door.

The marble floor tiles were polished and shining as they made their way down the corridor. High ceilings and walls covered in artwork. She held close to Marcus as they passed by.

They came to a set of double doors of dark brown wood. They opened as the other door had. Inside at an oval table eight people were already present. All dressed in multiple shades of grey and red. All held the same pentagram upon either a lapel or over the heart of a woman. Three men, and five women were present.

Marcus helped her into one of the dark wooden chairs. He took the seat next to her. Ibrahim stood at the wall behind her. Aro sat beside Adley's right side. She realized she had been placed strategically in the middle where all three could watch and keep an eye on her.

"Thank you, Lady Adley, Lord Aro, and Lord Marcus for joining us today." A woman in the middle began.

Her dark locks were pulled back in half up-do. Her skin a warm brown. Her brown gaze looked over the room.

"It is not often our worlds come together. Thank you, Ms. Blackburn." Aro greeted.

"Here today, for our council members. Nominated by our bigger council we will be the witches and warlocks who will be prosecuting Gideon Aster." She began. "To My right. Mr. Daren Warner, Lady Wendy Bishop, Ms. Rhonda Carrier, Lord Henry Malcolm. Now to my left, Lord Cain Cornelius, Lady Astrid Martinez, Ms. Tisha Adams, and not least Ms. Tatiana Zhao."

Adley noted each ranged from what looked to be in their sixties to the youngest Ms. Zhao. She seemed only a few years her senior. She took it with little significance. Aro and Marcus looked only to be in their late twenties. They were over three millennia in age. The lifespan of witches and warlocks wasn't known to her.

"Today we meet for the proceedings on charges to be brought forward upon Gideon." Ms. Blackburn began. "The floor is open to you Lord Aro, as agreed upon, these trials will be a combination of charges from both worlds and legal systems."

Aro brought papers up to be presented. "Thank you, Ms. Blackburn. After deliberation, my brothers and I have put together the proceedings we are pressing for. In the Vampire world, there are few laws we uphold as absolute. Keep our existence a secret. Original Vampires to be destroyed immediately. Gideon Aster procured an Original vampire illegally, he placed an enchantment intended to hold vampires. This was then sold to a deranged vampiric woman. The offender was aware of said actions. His dealings could have led to the exposure of vampires to the human world. The past four months we have had operations here working to end and take control of a situation involving newborns. It has also come to are attentions that Mr. Aster is not a first-time offender. He had procured vampire venom with intent to distribute amongst whom ever on the black market."

"As he is not a vampire he is entitled to a trial within his own community as per their laws. These infringements and crimes are punishable by death." A few scoffed. "While such is not the extent for his own kind. We do implore and urge the western council to see the severity of these offences and past occurrences as evidence to call for a severe punishment. My brothers and I are proceeding with charges of potential exposure to mortals, illegal trading of vampire by products and vampires themselves. We ask he be stripped of his magic indefinitely and be placed in a cell for fifty years. He is a threat to not only our own but yours as well. It is out of respect for our alliance over the years we do not immediately seize the man and prosecute under our laws as per our right in the Accords."

"Locking him up for the expected rest of his life is surely extensive." Lord Malcolm countered. The disbelief evident in his face.

Adley could see the auras around these people. They were bright grey the many of them. Flares of something laced inwards and like electricity ran over their auras and bodies. She pressed through. Lord Henry was bored.

She could see the council was split. She moved her clasp hands off the table. Her eyes roaming over them all. They were seeing the importance of this all. Four were negative, resistant to what Aro had said. She slid her right hand down. She didn't flinch when Aro brushed her hand. She sent through the current emotional scale of the room to him.

"Locking him up is a lesser sentence in the eyes of the Volturi. It is within our right to order death." Marcus refuted.

Adley could see he was on edge, but he was confident in his words. While it was not in her nature to order death without a fair trial the laws were simple in the vampire world. Exposing the existence of vampires called for the person to be turned or death of all those who knew.

"I request order at this table. If you have concerns to voice with the provided requests from Lord Aro and his companions, then please do so in turn." Ms. Blackburn spoke up. "We will be civil in our discussions and disputes."

The room was silent in response as she scanned over those at the table around her.

"Alright, those who object to the presented punishment requests, raise your hands."

Four hands across went up.

"Those in favor of the requested."

Two hands arose.

"Alright those two who are neutral please voice your positions."

"Lord Malcolm," The man introduced. "I remain neutral, I will see a trial proceed before deciding the punishment of the subject. He is entitled to a trial. It should be decided afterwards."

"Lady Martinez, I conquer with Lord Malcolm. I wish to see the evidence and cases brought forth before deciding."

"As you two are entitled to request. Those on the negative please provide why you oppose the requests."

"Lord Cornelius." The man appeared to be the eldest amongst them. "I see such requests as a harsh punishment for failed attempts. The newborns were culled, and no humans were made aware of their existence. Gideon is still in his prime, to lock him away for a good portion of his years would surely be detrimental."

"If we were to hold two separate trials, he would face death." Aro reminded. "I am not against proceeding on a separate trial for this man. The Accords only mention he is entitled to justice in his own community, not that he cannot be double tried."

"Order Lord Aro, please refrain from out bursts." Ms. Blackburn reminded her tone indifferent.

Aro's ire was not. Adley pushed a few calming waves to him. It wouldn't do them well to have escalations.

"Please continue in order."

"Lady Zhao, whilst it is not of my concern for Gideons age. The fact remains these were attempts not successful occurrences."

"Ms. Adams, I am second Lady Zhao."

"Lady Bishop, I am in third upon this."

"That leaves Ms. Carrier and Mr. Warner, in the positive. I am also upon the fence for these requests. I wish to see a further trial amongst a few more members to hear the cases of both prosecution and defense. I am however open to the punishments requested." Ms. Blackburn explained.

"The balance is in the opposition." Lord Malcom spoke up. "In such, can we agree to further trial? Those in favor?"

Seven hands arose.

"A majority speaks. This will go to further trial upon our end." Ms. Blackburn settled. "Does the Volturi appose to further questioning? Once we have more evidence and lay out from the accused, we shall discuss punishment. We will not take stripping of powers off the table, but we will discuss time of jail sentence."

"I do not see this as an issue," Aro relented.

"Nor do I," Marcus replied.

Eyes of the room fell on Adley. Her cheeks warmed as she looked at both men beside her.

"Oh, I didn't realize I got a say… I would be outnumbered if I did oppose. I am for further trial. He deserves to explain himself, and intent." Adley commented.

She lowered her hand to Aro. 'I want to know his emotions on this, see his aura. There is a difference in sentencing a remorseful person upon a deal going wrong, versus someone who cares not of consequences.'

"Then it is settled. There will be a trial with questioning. The council will hear from the accused's side. Until we meet once more in two weeks? In the court house downtown Seattle?" Ms. Blackburn questioned.

"Any court room will suffice." Aro waved it off. "Two weeks is quite some time is it not?"

"He requires a lawyer." Lord Cornelius replied.

"Two weeks it is then." Marcus nodded once.

Everyone got up, and they were on their way back to the vehicle. Adley sat in the back absolutely confused. That was it? What had happened?

"Like we said, they are very thorough in how they proceed. This could have been a phone call." Aro mused catching her gaze in the rear-view mirror.

"I don't know if that was a trial or just them deciding if they want to even proceed." Adley shook her head. "Seriously, would it not have been easier to bring him in. Have him explain the story let Aro read his mind and then decide?"

"My thoughts exactly. However, Witches and Warlocks do not do simple and straightforward. There is family influence to consider, and power plays. Is it worth locking him up to anger a few people? That is what they deal with."

"If they decide to acquit him?" Adley asked.

"Then we will proceed with a separate trial. It will strain our connection with the Western Council, but it is in our right." Marcus answered.

Adley pulled into her parents' driveway. Anna's vehicle was already parked. It was only seven in the morning. Oma hadn't told her to be earlier. She stepped out once shutting off the Jeep heading inside. She knocked once, sliding off her shoes and into her slippers. She saw an extra pair of converse and black flats. She didn't have time to question it.

"Addie!"

Anna called from the kitchen. Her sister popped her head around the wall. Adley made her way inside.

In the living room, Appa was reading and drinking some tea. She spotted Cole flipping through a text book.

"Morning Appa, Cole," She waved passing them to the kitchen.

Once around the corner she was tackled.

"Ah! Anna—"

She huffed as her older sister pulled her into a bear hug. She grunted but it was no use. A second set of arms were tossed around her.

"Adds!" Chelsea greeted.

"Anna, Chelsea, let your sister breathe." Oma warned from the stove. "Anna back to the dough!"

Both girls pulled back getting back to their places. Anna was currently cutting the dough into small squares then rounding them. Chelsea scooted back to the side where she was on dish duty from the looks of it.

Oma turned after moving the bacon. Her warm smile turned to Adley.

"Morning Addie, now please help Anna." Oma directed.

Adley took to helping her sister. She floured her hands and got to work.

"Why isn't Cole helping as well?" She asked.

"Cole has a rewrite on Tuesday. Oma just about boxed his ears." Anna replied low enough only for Adley. "Appa just woke up. He had a rough day yesterday."

"What happened?" She paused looking over to Anna.

"He got called into surgery on an eight-year-old kid. He was on call as rare as it is. After seven hours, the kid passed." Anna replied. "He's still processing it."

"Poor Appa." Adley sighed.

Her father while he was aging and was not on call often to the children's hospital. There were the rare times he volunteered or took a night shift. Appa rarely lost patients. He was a general pediatrician. He didn't deal with a lot of oncology or trauma. It'd been a few years since he'd lost a patient. Each time Appa came home quiet and went and prayed. Then he was quiet for some time.

"He'll be alright." Anna assured her. "So, is it true?"

"Is what true?" Adley questioned.

"Are you knocked?" Anna shot a look to her stomach.

Adley blushed. She ran a hand over her stomach. She was in a short sleeve lavender blouse and black running shorts. Her top wasn't form fitting, but the shorts were, and the bump was showing. It was getting warmer after all. She found herself feeling warm a lot faster recently. The heat and humidity weren't helping. At least her nausea today had been better.

"Oh! Yes, I'm pregnant." She shrugged.

"Awe! I'm going to be an aunt. Twice!" Anna hip bumped her.

"I'm glad it's only one in me." Chelsea laughed peaking around Anna.

"Twins? Oma, why didn't you say!" Anna cried.

"I did, you just would not stop squealing and happy dancing to listen." Oma reminded.

"Maybe she should take a pregnancy test, seems to be contagious." Chelsea teased.

Anna blanched. "Oh, hell no! I'm fine with being an aunt, I'm not getting married round and swollen. I also only just graduated. Kids are expensive."

"These were definitely not planned." Adley reminded.

"Yes, but you are with a CEO and in love with him. I'm only just in my residency as is Jordan."

"So am I," Chelsea reminded. "This was definitely a small oops. A welcomed one, but we definitely skipped a step."

"That's why I take birth control." Anna chuckled.

"So did we."

"I really don't need to know Cole's super fertility." Anna shuddered. "I adore you Chels, but I don't need to know about you and Cole in bed."

"Pregnancy the only proof of people having sex." Adley laughed.

"Gah! No." Anna smacked Adley's hand.

Both girls just laughed harder.

They ate in peace finishing rather fast before taking off to the bridal stores. Oma had made four appointments for the day, there were two tomorrow. Adley was praying her sister found it soon.

"So, do we buy bridesmaids' dresses now, or do we wait until these two are popping?" Anna tapped her chin as they arrived in time for their first appointment.

"Today is about your dress." Adley reminded.

"Yes, but I would like for you two to start looking. I have a color in mind, teal –but the style is anything you want. You're both probably as close as you will be to normal sizes still." Anna pointed out.

Chelsea crossed her arms. "I'm twelve weeks here."

She smoothed out her shirt. Indeed, there was a good size bump already showing.

"I take that back, how did I miss that?"

"I wear a lab coat all day and usually loose blouses."

"Okay, then Adley? Will you try dresses on?" Anna turned to her.

Adley rolled her eyes at her sister's pleading puppy dog look. "Fine, but only after you try on at least five dresses."

"Deal!" Anna went off with the woman to pick out a few.

Adley turned to her Oma, who was quietly staring off at the dressing room before them. Bridal gowns all around on display or on a rack.

"Oma,"

"I am ok,"

"Oma…"

"Okay, I am just overwhelmed. Anna is looking at dresses, you and Cole are expecting babies. When did I get old?" She sighed.

Adley wrapped her arms around Oma. "You aren't getting old Oma. You're gracefully going around the sun."

"Liar, I love you, Addie." She hugged her back.

Anna came back out this time, in the first dress she'd chosen. A white satin trumpet styled dress. Strapless. The sample size a bit too big in the chest. They had clipped her from the looks of it. An off-white satin material and lace belt. There was little sparkle in the belt with encrusted floral gems.

"Well?" Anna asked looking herself over in the three side mirrors giving herself a look over.

Adley tilted her head. "Well… the style is nice. Trumpet works for you…"

"The color works with your skin tone… I just it's pretty but not you." Chelsea agreed.

"Yeah, I'm not feeling it." Anna nodded. "Next dress!"

They went through this in three more stores. They were at the final store of the day. Adley had been shoved into a few teal gowns from floor length empire waist to short body con type. She said no to that immediately.

"It's normal not to find the dress on day one," Adley commented looking through the racks of their current store.

Anna frowned going through all the sample sizes in her size. None were her type or in the right material.

"Why don't you go traditional? Get yourself a Hanbok." Chelsea suggested pulling back.

"I am, for the ceremony." Anna grinned. "It's more the afterparty."

"A!" Adley shoved her sister's shoulder. "Then we should be looking into something you can move in."

"I have it!" Oma declared from two rows over.

The three came over to see what she was referring to. Adley barely got there in time when Anna took it and was off to the changing room. Chelsea pulled her back to the sitting area to wait for her sister.

A few moments later and Anna was back out. The dress fell to her feet, trailing behind in a slight train. The empire waist line was emphasized by a few floral lace design that outlined under the breasts, the v-neckline showed off the girls but was not indecent. The material an ivory silk. The thin straps were perfect on her. The woman a headband of silver over Anna's dark locks pulling them into a quick loose fishtail braid.

"This one," Anna spun facing them.

"Agreed."