Adley stretched her arms over her head as she exited the master bedroom. It was late Sunday morning and a rare time she was able to sleep in. Her body let her rest without nausea of morning sickness or the sun peaking in from the curtains and needing to be up for work. She was wrapped in a satin robe. Her hair up in a high ponytail. She had dressed already but wanted her robe on. She wore an Iron maiden t-shirt and running shorts. Aro and Marcus were discussing something in quiet fast words on the couches.
"Morning," she waved heading to the kitchen.
She pulled out a few fruits from the fridge and grabbed a cutting board.
"Morning Little One," Marcus appeared at her side. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, no nausea yet..."
"You were ill after you returned from dinner." Marcus reminded.
She shrugged as she cut up some mango.
"Anna decided on sea food." She replied. "I may never eat seafood again. Seriously it smelt disgusting. I'm Korean. Do you know how many dishes contain fish or shellfish?"
Marcus chuckled pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'm sure once you're no longer pregnant you will eat normal meals once more."
"Oma said she was exclusively eating squid with me. I swear if these kids don't like seafood." She tutted while pulling away to get the yogurt and granola. "Are they really my kids?"
She wasn't in the mood for a heavy meal. She had her mango completed and placed in a separate bowl, along with Papaya, raspberries, and strawberries. Her yogurt and granola placed in a smaller cup. She tossed the peels into the compost before moving over to a stool on the island.
Aro arrived to stand at the kitchen island. "I'm sure they will like all kinds of food. Especially protein enriched diets. They will be half vampire after all. I would not be surprised they like blood."
"Maybe they can try blood sausage when they are old enough..." Adley suggested. "I was never the biggest fan but it's alright. My sister loves them. We'll see."
"I never considered these children may require blood to feed." Marcus commented coming to sit beside her.
"Something to watch for. Blood lust." Aro agreed.
"I swear if either of them bites me..." She paused looking down. "They could bite. I'm not risking it. They are being bottle fed."
"Whatever is comfortable for you." Marcus agreed.
"What of yourself, have you noticed any changes in your cravings?" Aro questioned.
She noticed he had moved to grab a pen and notebook. She shook her head. She sat down eating some fruit. She stabbed a few pieces of fruit onto her fork. She chewed enjoying the bursts of flavors. Morning was always made better with fruit.
"Not really. I have enjoyed fuller meat and a little more blood, but I always enjoyed my red meat on the rare side. I am still able to eat normal meals. Not bananas though. It has been more what they are not wanting to eat, versus actually causing cravings for blood."
"Alright. Let me know what the measurements of the little ones are today when you are back from your ultrasound." Aro nodded jotting down a few notes. "We will keep an eye on that over the next few weeks. I will be in the library over the next few days to look into the pregnancies."
"Will do," she saluted him. "I appreciate this Aro."
"Of course, Adley, I wish to see this is easy upon you and Marcus. I shall go meet up with Abdul we had a few things we wish to discuss." Aro closed the journal and was gone.
Adley shook her head. "He's got the mind of a dog at times. One moment he's on one subject then another."
Marcus laughed pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Aro has always been eccentric. This is just how he is. Now eat up. We have an appointment to make."
"Yes sir,"
"I quite enjoy hearing you say sir." He murmured, a growl in his words.
A shiver went up her spine. "We have to see my aunt in an hour. So down boy, until then."
They arrived at the underground facility by eleven am. The air conditioning was on in the building which was combating the plus 86F outside. It had been only 70F all week and this incoming heat wave was rolling in. Aunt Janet had advised she be dressed comfortably so she did not over heat. She thanked the heavens for vampires being cold. She held tight to Marcus' hand moving it from her arms to back of her neck as they had been in the vehicle.
They reached the room where her aunt had specified.
She got up in the waiting chair. She undid her shorts and raised her shirt to allow her aunt access. There the swell was beginning to show. The door opened and closed. Marcus rounded to the right of Adley, to give space to her aunt.
"Morning Adley dear, Master Marcus. How are you two doing?"
"Good morning Auntie, we are doing good." Adley hugged her to the side as best she could.
"Wonderful to hear, Addie. I see these two may have grown. A little bump is present." She observed.
Aunt Janet got a clipboard and pen out and began jotting down the observations. She then got the machine ready. She squirted the warm lube upon Adley's stomach. The screen began to show as it had a few days ago. It did not take long to find the two black and grey circles and bean shaped beings. There were little arms and what looked like legs forming.
"Oh… they look… bigger?" Adley murmured watching the screen.
"They definitely are, these two are looking to be growing at quite the rate. We placed you at six to eight weeks last time. Currently they look to be ten weeks along. They would be an inch and a half in side and barely five grams. I see they are developing well. Both have their own sack and placenta. So, they will be fraternal." Aunt Janet advised.
"They could be either boys or girls. Even one of each…" Adley commented.
"Indeed, from what I see are two healthy developing fetuses. They even have a registering heart beat."
She turned up the volume of the sonograph. Light little thuds filled the room. Adley's mouth fell open as she stared at the screen. Her stomach fluttering. They are alive. Her Aunt snapped a few photos.
"They are strong and healthy. This is good news. I wish to see you again in a week Addie dear." Aunt Janet advised. "This is a progress of 4 days, that is approximately 2 weeks per few days of development. If this is the case this pregnancy may only be four to five months. I wish to keep an eye on it. They may come early just because of the fact they are part vampire and a higher risk pregnancy."
"These children, they still do not possess a threat to Adley?"
"I cannot guarantee they will not bruise or break bones. Fully human babies that are multiples can cause damage. There is only so much room and babies need quite a bit. The damage will be better assessed once they are bigger. It may be wise we consider a c-section to remove the two before they get too big. Incubators exist for this reason." Aunt Janet explained. "It is a case by case currently, Master Marcus. Do not fret she is perfectly healthy at this moment."
"I make no promises." He responded taking a hold of Adley's hand.
She ran her thumb over the back of his knuckles. "I will be alright,"
"I know." He sighed pressing a kiss to her temple.
Adley arrived in Forks that Wednesday morning with Ibrahim. She needed to clean out the fridge and such to make sure it was ready for her impending cousin's arrival. There was a knock on her door. She padded over from the kitchen to answer it. She was currently in athletic shorts and a tank top.
"Bella," Adley smiled seeing the teen, motioning her to come in.
"Hey, I saw your jeep. I wanted to give this to you in case I didn't see you again." The teen handed over a white envelop with her and Marcus' name.
There in beautiful scrawl was an invitation of the wedding for her and Edward. August 19th 2006. She raised her brow. They were over on the couch. Ibrahim brought them some lemonade.
"So soon? How're you feeling about this?" Adley asked. "I want the truth, remember empath."
Bella snorted taking a sip. "I learnt that months ago. I wanted to ask if you'll be a bridesmaid. I'm excited, we decided it was best we got the marriage over with. That way I'm using college as an excuse for the change. Yes, before you ask. I will be attending school. It will be distanced learning for the first year. Then I will transition to in person. I won't waste the work you put into me." Bella explained giving a cheeky grin.
"Good, he may be your mate, but he is still to respect your choices." Adley affirmed. "As long as you are happy Bella."
Bella snorted taking another gulp of lemonade. Her dark eyes falling to the glass. "If only Jake got that. This is my choice."
Adley raised her brow at this. "Come again? Jake has what to say?"
Bella's cheeks turned red. "I said too much."
"Isabella Marie Swan, soon to be Cullen, if you do not tell me what that little boy said I will personally march over there and twist it out of him." Adley warned. "What did the idiot have to say about this. I thought he got it the last time I visited."
"Jake's been making comments and such about the Cullens. Nothing I am not used to. He doesn't think I am making this on my own free will. That Edward is forcing this choice on me, and I should choose him…" Bella blurted.
"Uh-huh, so he thinks he's the better option… as if he were even an option." Adley set her half empty glass down. She got up marching to the washroom.
She quickly did her business, mood still flaring. She saw Bella's worry but Adley ignored it. Bella followed her out grabbing her purse. "What are you going to do… Adley seriously."
"I just want to talk to him." She replied.
"Adley…"
"I just want to talk with him."
"Adley Mae Choi." Bella ground out her full name.
Adley still got into the jeep. Her back door opened and closed. Bella was in the passenger side just doing up her seat belt when taking off.
"You can't beat on him, he's a shapeshifter. He is as dangerous as a vampire. You're pregnant." Bella reminded.
"I'm not going to do anything Bella, I just want to talk with him."
"Bullshit."
"Language, these little ones maybe able to hear you." Adley tutted.
"Pot calling the kettle black, isn't it?"
"I solemnly swear I will not do anything to physically harm the boy. Happy?" She glanced over to Bella.
They were crossing the treaty line and into the reserve soon enough. Adley memorized the address she had visited a few months back. She parked the car on the gravel driveway and hopped out. She sensed Ibrahim was close by if need be. Bella was at her side.
"You cannot mentally hurt him either." Bella stood in her way arms crossed.
"Bella, tell me was there ever a chance you felt anything beyond a platonic friendship with this boy?"
"No," she sighed.
"Then you understand what I am about to do."
"Adley, you could get hurt."
"I have an invisible vampire for one, two if he can really get out of what I can do. I doubt much harm will come to me."
Adley knocked on the door. The door opened. No Billie Black in sight. Only the shirtless form of a teenage boy. His russet skin darkened by the sun his hair cut short. He glowered at Bella as he opened the inner door and screen door.
"Can I help you?"
"The polite response is what brings you here Bella? Not a terse sarcastic response. I am sure your parents didn't raise you like this." Adley responded. "Now Jacob Black, you remember who I am right?"
His nose crinkled. "Ms. Choi, human mate to a king of the vampire world."
"Also, the woman who put you in your place about consent."
"Tell me Jacob, what is consent?"
"Asking permission." He rolled his eyes.
"What will you be doing any time you encounter a person, and you want to do something with them or for them." She pressed. Her emotional feelers going out.
He was tense, she could see it on his external. There was an irritation rolling through him, along with remorse. She firmly waited for his response.
"Asking for consent."
"Good, today I have another lesson for you." Adley clapped her hands together pushing her way passed and inside. She slid off her shoes and padded over to the kitchen.
Bella followed as did the teenager. They made it to the small kitchen table. Adley sat down. Jacob took the free chair. The two younger teens shared a look. Bella was a ball of nerves.
"Now, for today's lesson. Tell me Jacob, Bella is what."
"A girl?"
"You know her gender good job, what are you?"
"A boy."
"What else,"
"A shapeshifter?"
"Okay, and Bella is a what?"
"Human."
"Good, you can acknowledge she is mortal. She is also age of majority, that makes her…" Adley waited for him to finish.
"An adult?"
"Good! We have firmly stated that Bella, is an adult female human. Sure, she is a human and not immortal like us, but there is also one more thing you are missing. She is a person as defined in the constitution she was legally given personhood in the late 1800's I'm sure, history wasn't my major. It is 2006, and she isn't a woman of minority, so I'm assuming she's been technically considered an individual and not property for at least a century. Voting right aside. This means Jacob without going into too much detail, Bella is her own person with her own ability to make decisions. While some of these choices may not involve you, which she can do, it is her choice to make. Bella can choose who she is in a relationship with, and it is your duty if you are even her friend at this point to accept."
"She's making a mistake." He interrupted her, anger flaring.
"It is her right to make that mistake then. She does not love you Jacob Black, she loves Edward. I also see that as an issue, but it is her decision to make. I am her friend and will support her through that choice. I also see the fact she is mated to the vampire they also have eternity to decide how to better their relationship. She needs to be turned because Edward broke the law. Either that or they both die. So yes, she is marrying the vampire, and being turned. Her soul is fine. She is a grown woman who can make this choice. Either you respect your friend and support her or let the relationship go. You are not entitled to her just because you have a one-sided infatuation with her."
She interrupted hands on the table. Her gaze did not break away from his. His nostrils flared as he took deep breaths trying to control his anger.
"Now, repeat after me," Adley gritted out. "Bella is her own person."
"Bella is her own person."
"She is free to her own decisions."
"She is free to her own decisions."
"I can either respect that, or let the friendship go."
"I won't say that." He protested.
"Then let the friendship go. She told you no already, she does not feel this way about you. Move on Jacob Black. You are not entitled to her heart. She has made her choice. Whether if we agree to it or not. She is free to make them." Adley slammed a fist on the table.
"Adley…" Bella warned.
Adley held her hand up to quiet the teen. "I'm fine, they are fine. Now Jacob, think long and hard. Do not let your teenage angst and stupidity ruin your friendships. We all make dumb comments and fuck up. I hope you learn to grow up, and realize you aren't always going to get what you want. You will face rejection in life, and you need to learn to accept it."
Jacob crossed his arms leaning back.
"Bella is a forgiving person. Sometimes too much of a forgiving person even when someone has over stretched the boundaries of acceptable. You Jacob are someone I would not let near or have a relationship with. You though were a good person to Bella. Make your choice. Bella does not need you in her life, not at the hands of her sanity and emotional state. She was a shit show before. You will not drag her down. Come on Bella, give the boy some time to think this over."
Adley stood and walked ahead. Bella joined her. She heard the screeching of the chair on the linoleum. She shuddered at the sound.
"What gives you the right to come into my home and say this to me."
"The type of person who could easily let Charlie know you assaulted her daughter. He maybe human but there is nothing worse than the grudge of a father." She tossed back.
Her own anger flared as she stepped within a foot of him. She watched his chest rise and fall. He shook as the moments ticked by. Bella wrapped an arm around Adley's waist and pulled her back.
A pop occurred between them. Ibrahim stood in front of her.
"I suggest you back up," Ibrahim snipped, his words cold.
"Get out of the way blood sucker." Jacob snarled. "You shouldn't even be here on our land."
"Not when Lady Adley is at risk. Back up," Ibrahim warned. "Bella, escort Adley out to the Jeep. Take the keys and get her home."
"Don't need to tell me twice." Bella grabbed the keys from Adley's pocket in her athletic shorts.
She grabbed Adley's ear and practically dragged her back to the car.
"A! let go!" She smacked at Bella's hand.
"Get in then." Bella ordered.
"Fine… you ruin the fun." Adley huffed crossing her arms.
"I ruin the fun, seriously? You just about squared up against a fucking werewolf."
"Shapeshifter."
"Not the time to be pedantic. You are pregnant! It is one thing to be emotionally manipulating someone, but to only be exchanging the anger you were like that? You could seriously be hurt." Bella hissed. "I don't need an angry Volturi king at my door demanding why you got hurt, or your children did."
"I'm fine Bella," she rolled her eyes.
"Are you? Really? Because you just flipped so easily, like a light switch." Bella gave her the side eye. They were nearly back to her home.
Bella was speeding she got it, but she also knew her father was on an extended salt water fishing out on the ocean. She pulled into the driveway of Adley's home. There in her driveway a black Jaguar and silver Volvo sat. The Volvo was currently running. Edward exited escorting Bella out.
"Figure out what just happened," Bella suggested tossing the keys to Adley.
Adley's brows furrowed. Did she really snap so easily on the teenage boy? She was justified right? He had been forcing opinions on Bella when she clearly was her own person. Adley barely registered her passenger door opening. Merlot colored eyes locked with her dark ones.
"Adley,"
Marcus greeted sliding a finger under her chin.
"You're back early?"
"I had some freedom from Aro, especially when I started to experience some real rage." He stated while carrying her inside the house.
He set her on her feet. She kicked off her shoes and went over to the couch arms crossed.
"Edward Cullen also called, he advised Alice had lost Bella in her visions. He said it involved you getting angry and storming somewhere before both of you disappeared. Do you wish to explain yourself?" He sat down beside her.
"I just happened to tell a boy to back off from Bella, she made her choice. He's a dramatic boy who thinks Bella should love him." She huffed.
"The boy that just so happens to be a shapeshifter?" He asked, his aura flickered with annoyance.
"Yes…" her cheeks warmed.
"Adley, do you realize the danger you placed yourself in?" He demanded, not raising his voice.
"I am immortal… I come back if something happened. They are genetically wolves, not created by a disease like werewolves." She argued.
"You can come back, emphasis on you. Our children we do not know if they carry your gift. I do not wish to find out." He snapped. His ire flared within the golden layer of his aura. "You blatantly placed yourself in danger. Not only yourself, the Cullens as well. You escorted Ibrahim over the treaty line, a treaty we are working to also have a deal with the shifters. We cannot jeopardize the relationship maintained by the Cullens. They could have killed Ibrahim outright. Would you explain that to his mate? They could have killed you."
His anger growing, she sensed it. It smashed over her like a tidal wave. The hairs on her neck bristled as he did. She let a small whimper loose as she looked away from his darkening gaze. She was projecting. Whether it was the bond... or just her hormones. She had not been thinking. He was right.
"I'm sorry… I wasn't thinking."
"I understand Adley, you are still young, and prone to outbursts. You are a powerful Empath who can be overwhelmed as well as sensitive while pregnant from the hormones—"
"If you dare call me a hormonal mess." She stood to her feet in front of him. Even sitting he was only an inch below her.
He stood immediately making her crane her neck to look at his face. He did not give her space as he backed her into the bedroom. He lifted her with ease. "I was going to say emotional, due to hormones. It is not an excuse to place yourself in danger. I will increase your security if I need to. Felix is still around."
"I'm a full-grown woman Marcus." She rolled her eyes. "You'd seriously have guards on me like a child?"
"If I must, to protect you from yourself." He warned hands on the hem of her shirt.
"I did not mean to get overwhelmed like that. It was idiotic of me." Tears spilt down her cheeks. "God, I'm an emotional wreck. Bella told me he was being an ass and I went off… my gift sometimes isn't easily controlled if I'm in an emotional head space."
He caught her lips in a chaste kiss. He held her close. "That is why I am not angered. I was worried you were harmed, Little one."
"I'm fine, I promise. I don't know why I snapped so easily. I'll speak with Aunt Janet… see if I need some meditation therapy again…"
"It may be for the best you seek to calm yourself." He agreed. "Now allow me to help you relax, Little One."
Saturday rolled around and Adley was in the library in a secluded area. Marcus had a meeting with Aro, to get ready for the upcoming trial. He agreed it was best she immediately start meditating and working to control her emotions once again. She had been having mood swings and outbursts. She'd attacked Ibrahim yesterday.
Adley padded out of the her bedroom. A throbbing was beginning in her head. She had a kink in her neck and had been tossing and turning all night. She stretched turning to head into the kitchen.
"Good morning Lady Adley," Ibrahim sung popping into existence.
Her heart slammed into her throat. She jumped two feet clinging to the door of the fridge.
Danger. Danger. Danger.
She took shallow breaths as sweat began to bead on her forehead. Eyes widening. Fear. Absolute terror. Heart racing.
"Gah! Fucking Hell Ibrahim! Must you pop into existence like that?!" She snapped.
She caught his gaze, and he was on the floor spasming. His screams echoed around her. She covered her ears from the snarls that ripped through his lips.
Blood rush blocking him out, her body tensed. Cool hands grasped her upper arms.
"Adley."
She grimaced turning to Marcus.
"Damn..." Ibrahim croaked.
She heard him slowly get to his feet. "She. Is. Lethal..."
"I'm sorry..."
Focus... she mentally called upon herself. She was sat legs crossed in lotus position upon a yoga circular rug. Hands on her knees as she tried to relax herself.
In and out.
Inhale…hold…exhale… repeat…
She was true to what she had told Marcus, she would get in contact with her aunt to do some exercises to help get her emotions under control. She was using her feelers to scope the library. Eyes closed. She could sense the beings walking around. She was at the top floor.
On the second. She sensed the electric purple aura, surrounded by a few other electrical thrumming auras. Cassandra had a few other magical beings present. A few meters from her. She could sense Ibrahim, who was bored. He was sitting shaking his leg as he waited for her to finish.
She took a deep breath. Expanding her feelers, like a net she cast it out. Her feelers were like many fingers she used to feel for the auras that surrounded people. On the bottom floor, there were a few beings, some stood still in a meditative state. There were some that were sat down most likely reading as they went through the emotions that occurred when people read stories.
Exhale…
Her feelers like an intricate web of fingers all over, looking at all the people surrounding her. She sensed when the auras moved and approached her area.
"Are you sure this will work?" A smooth accented voice asked.
Adley paused. When had someone gotten close? She sent feelers looking for the source. The doors to the third level. Two auras were standing close together. Electrical thrums were echoing around the bodies.
"I'm positive. It'll serve as a warning." The second responded. "Not to mess with the Aster family…"
She retracted all her webs focusing in on these two. She slowed her speeding heart. Ears she strained to make out the voices and words they were saying. They probably didn't realize she was sat just below the table out of normal line of sight. Their auras, were vibrant, bouncing with anticipation and fear. She opened her eyes.
She turned to where Ibrahim was. He was standing now, brows pulled together. She opened her mouth to say something. He held a finger to his lips.
She tilted her head. He was beside her in a moment. She didn't get time to guess what was going on. He had her up in his arms. The momentum had her ears rushing with the movement. She pushed her face into his chest.
The door shook as they just made it through. A rumble and groan echoed from the library. Screams muffled through the doors. She looked up to Ibrahim.
"What just…"
"explosion."