Chapter 28: Nightmares and wedding planning
Adley awoke drenched in sweat, her heart racing in the dark room. Her hand on her chest feeling the rapid thumping. She took deep breaths trying to calm the organ. Flutters rolled in her stomach she ran her other hand over her rounded stomach. The dark room of the cabin master bedroom was only lit by the glowing green numbers on the digital alarm clock to her right. Three am. She looked over to the other side of the bed, empty.
She pushed herself up sitting on the bed she pushed her soaked bangs away from her forehead. Marcus wasn't in the room, she sighed shakily getting up on weak legs. She felt up the wall looking for the switch, she found it with memory closing her eyes as she flicked it on. Carefully she opened her eyes to adjust to the light. She was only in a pair of short shorts and a tank top, both of which were covered in sweat.
She quickly tossed her hair into a knot at the top of her head, she'd address it later. She stripped and hurried through washing her body. She'd been dreaming again, of Naomi. She sighed. She'd just done Jenna's photo shoot yesterday. They'd gone for ice cream after to celebrate. The Engagement party would occur later in August. They would plan to marry next year or so.
She got out dressing in a long t-shirt that belonged to Marcus she grabbed her house coat wrapping herself up. Marcus was not in the room like usual. She ran a hand over her stomach rubbing her eyes. She wouldn't be able to get to sleep now.
She exited the room, finding Aro at a laptop on the kitchen island. His black hair pulled back in a low pony tail as he typed away. Red eyes settled upon her he sat up further stopping what he was doing.
"Adley, what are you doing up at this time? Are you alright?" He questioned.
She padded over to him. "Just a nightmare."
"I see," he nodded taking her in. "Do you wish to discuss it?"
"Nothing really to discuss, it was of Naomi again. She's been the center of my nightmares for the past five years."
"It may help calm your rapid heart. I can hear it now,"
She stared at him his concern swelled within his aura. "It's disconcerting how we've only known each other a best of two months. It feels as if it's been longer."
"We met in March," he offered a toothy smile.
She snorted shaking her head. "In the time of immortals hardly a blink of time."
"I tend to feel we are closer upon my end. It is a habit I fear that I feel closer to those I have read everything about. You do not know me as well however I know everything about you." He murmured standing and going to the fridge.
She watched as he grabbed a container and poured it into a large mug, he set it in the microwave for a few seconds before bringing it to her. She raised her brow.
"A drink to calm you. It may not be the most appetizing looking, but it may help soothe you." He explained.
Adley took a sip. The copper was tangy on her tongue but not unwelcomed. It was mixed with something she could not place… she downed it in only a few gulps. She liked her lips. Her stomach felt a bit calmer.
"Blood and milk." He replied to her silent staring.
She chuckled. "I'm sure it's supposed to be warm milk to make someone sleep better."
"You're in a bit more of a unique situation." He waved off.
"I know believe me," she ran a hand over her stomach. "These two don't let me forget them. They grow more active every week. I worry they will grow as quickly as they have in the womb out here in the real world."
"My research so far does point to the hybrids growing faster than the mortal counterparts."
"Will they die as fast?" She questioned. "What kind of life am I cursing them to?"
"Fret not sister, I may have an answer about the lives of those children." He exclaimed. "I was going to tell you later when you awoke, my research has brought me to an actual hybrid. The accounts I have come across are those of hybrids that have not been followed or heard from in nearly seven hundred years. I know they do not have a high population to begin with however most should be immortal. The issue is knowing where they are after they dropped off the face of the earth. My sources showed seven, three were killed by other immortals, the other four are missing."
"They should be immortal?" Adley smiled.
"Yes, my source will be up to north America in eight days, they will meet us here, I have sent Demetri to help escort them here."
"You don't plan on testing them? Right?"
"No merely a history telling and blood work if willing. DNA would suffice." He assured.
"This hybrid is part human and vampire,"
"Yes,"
"The twins aren't half human though. They are half of me, whatever I am."
"They would be half of what makes you unique, however your parents are still humans." He reminded her.
"That is to say if my immortality is genetic." She rebutted.
"True, I had not taken that into consideration… you may not have been born like this." He typed away. "I will reach out to your aunt see if she can tell me when she noticed you were different. You were naturally conceived, yes?"
Adley shook her head. "My brother and I were IVF. An experimental process my aunt did here. Anna is four years older than Cole, they had trouble conceiving him. So, they read into IVF, Aunt Janet said she maybe able to do it for them if they were willing to 'donate' and do it at a lesser cost. There were six of embryos in total. They implanted two for Cole one took. Then they did the same for me two years later in 1981."
Aro paused at this news. "Your aunt has taken some liberties within the compound,"
Adley stiffened. "Don't punish her Aro, please. She's done a lot of good in her career."
"Dr. Janet Kim is a valued member of my science team. I would never punish her for helping her family. If she had not you would not be here. I have been meaning to offer her immortality."
"I don't want to lose my aunt." Adley sighed. "Immortality is her choice though I would not force it upon anyone."
"Would you have chosen immortality if you had been mortal?" Aro questioned.
"If I hadn't met Marcus, probably. I grew up still under the impression I would die, it's been more recently that I realized death didn't care to take me."
"You were meant to live a long life, regardless of your uniqueness. If it had not been for the Cullens I am sure you would have ended up meeting us eventually." He murmured meeting her gaze. "You were always on our radar. A powerful human does not go unnoticed. Especially when you are related to Janet."
"The fates planned it the way it to happen," She smiled. "I still want to know what I am exactly."
"In due time, you've got obligations here in Washington for the summer. We all do."
"Where is Marcus by the way?"
"He went out to feed. He will be back in the morning."
"Okay," She yawned. "I should try and sleep. Thank you Aro, even if I haven't known you that long. I am thankful I have gotten to know you."
"You will have a chance to build an organic relation ship with the rest of our family. Rest assured, Caius nor our wives are gifted with a foresight."
"Will they like me?" Adley asked crossing her arms.
"It will take time I am sure for all of the guard to get to know you to base an opinion. The ones who do matter already Adley think highly of you. You got Marcus to come back to us, that alone is worth more than you know. Caius may take a little to warm up to you, but he already likes you." He assured.
"You're not just saying that are you?"
"No, I promise." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are a confident young woman in most things around you and what you do. You need to have more confidence in yourself. A lot of people gravitate to you."
"Not everyone is bound to like me."
"I know and some may not, but they will respect you for your position as Queen."
"It's too early to be calling me Queen, Aro." She grumbled. He tossed his head back laughing.
"You'll process it eventually, you're still young and grew up in a society where the title was a figure head more than an authority."
"Yep. Right now, at three am in the morning the only thing I am processing is my growing craving for Cap'n Crunch." She went to move off her stool.
Ibrahim was already in motion grabbing it for her. She rubbed her eyes stifling a yawn when he placed it down in front of her.
"Thank you,"
"You are welcome, my Queen."
"Ugh." She rolled her eyes at the two laughing vampires.
*******IM******
Adley couldn't fall back asleep, she eventually dressed into a pair of bike shorts and an old My Chemical Romance concert shirt. It'd been Cole's before she'd swiped it. The size large was enough to comfortably cover her stomach. Dawn approached slowly as she stared out the window with a cup of mint tea in hand.
A knock echoed through the cabin.
She looked up to Ibrahim who was reading a book beside her, Aro was the one to get up from the island and answer it.
"Adley, save me,"
The door was barely opened when Bella came bolting in through the door. She raised her brow looking to the teen. Her aura wasn't full of fear but irritation and annoyance.
"What am I saving you from so early in the morning?" She queried.
The answer came in a flash with two arms fully loaded of black hangers with bags that were fuller than others. All she recognized as being dresses or suits. Jasper Cullen was holding them up with a blank face. Alice stood bouncing right in front of him. Bella skirted the couches and settled upon the furthest from the two Cullens. The door closed.
"Most wait for a greeting, Ms. Swan." Aro tutted.
Adley looked over to him seeing the playful smile on his lips. He didn't mean the warning behind his words. He was amused and intrigued by the distress.
"The menace that is my sister-in-law." Bella huffed.
"What did she do this time? I see dresses."
"I only mentioned high heels…" Alice rolled her eyes.
Adley tried to cover her laugh but failed. Bella shot her a glare.
"I told you no high heels." Bella drew the line.
"You cannot wear converse to a wedding Bella," Alice grimaced. "It isn't proper."
"No,"
"Bella,"
"No,"
"Please—"
"No. No. No. No. No. No. N-O. No. No. No. No. No. Not in a billion years." Bella interrupted.
Adley settled to look on Alice who still stood with a defeated frown. "Alice didn't we discuss boundaries already?"
Alice met her gaze. "Yes… but this—"
"She said no," Adley stated. "No is no. Bella doesn't enjoy wearing heels. She cannot walk in them."
"With training any one can wear heels." Aro commented.
Adley turned to him. "She can barely remain on her two feet confidently enough as is. Bella's coordination is lacking."
"Hey," Bella protested.
"Am I wrong?" Adley turned back.
"No."
"Well then, there is the answer. Don't risk the woman's life because you think heels look better. She's eighteen nearly nineteen. Let the woman make her own choices."
"Yes converse!"
"No," Alice deadpanned.
"My choice." Bella grinned.
Alice ran a hand over her face. "Bella, please they clash with the dress."
"You didn't tell her about the orthotics we had to get you?" Adley blinked a few times to Bella.
Bella paused, Alice's eyes widened, and nose wrinkled.
Adley burst out laughing at the two. "I am kidding. Is there a compromise you two can reach? No heels, and no converse. How about a nice pair of flats?"
Bella sighed. "I can be open to those."
"Good,"
"The dress looks better with heels. It'll drag." Alice grumbled.
"Then hem it, surely the dress design isn't that hurt by taking a few inches in? You know Bella hates heels Alice, why do you insist on trying to force her?" Adley questioned.
Alice frowned. "I will hem it."
"I take it though those bags aren't her wedding dress."
"No," Alice assured. "One is, I will have her try it on for another fitting then hem it. These are some bridesmaid's dresses in the color Bella chose."
"Oh?"
"You are one of the bridesmaids chosen. Have you had time to go looking?" Alice asked.
She shook her head.
"I thought so, when I originally chose your dress, you weren't as heavily pregnant." She admitted. "I didn't foresee them. Though I did foresee you needing dresses so I went and got a few dresses you may like to try on."
"You didn't have to Alice,"
"You've been so busy and now getting further along, I didn't mind." She waved off. "Will you try them on?"
"It's barely six thirty in the morning Alice. I could've been sleeping." Adley huffed.
"I saw Aro was up talking with you, a few hours ago." She shrugged. "Bella's been up since five."
"She drove like a bat out of hell here." Bella grumbled.
"Okay, let's try these on. Purple was her choice, yes?"
"Yep." Bella nodded.
Alice took four bags and helped carry them to the master bedroom. She lined them up for Adley to try on and able to access them. She unzipped the first one holding it up for her. The material was a royal purple, deep satin in fabric. It hit the knees and was strapless. The empire waist line would hit under her breasts. She pursed her lips.
"Will the strapless hold against my chest?" She asked.
"It should. Do you not like this one?" Alice asked.
"I don't mind it it'll be alright for the belly definitely but the strapless I'm not sure."
Alice nodded doing it back up.
She pulled out the second dress, a mermaid style dress with straps. "I am flattered you think this shape will look good."
The same royal purple and the satin material with a few rhinestones throughout the bodice. The flared skirt of tule pushed it out. It was a pretty dress Adley had to give Alice credit there. The straps were thicker, and the square neckline allowed coverage and support.
"You'd be surprised on how this style looks," Alice replied. "Try it,"
"I don't know if I'm comfortable showing off the pregnancy bump…"
"The bump is cute,"
Adley sighed but gave in and tried the thing on. Alice zipped her in. to Adley's surprise the dress wasn't tight along her midsection down to her thighs where it flared. She did a small spin looking it over in the mirror.
"It does look good."
"Told you," Alice smiled.
She exited the bedroom. There Bella was sat next to Ibrahim. Aro was on the next couch with Marcus who had returned. She smiled seeing his eyes had returned somewhat to their normal red. The merlot welcoming.
"Damn," Bella commented.
"Concurred you look amazing Lady Adley," Ibrahim agreed.
"You are stunning, little one," Marcus motioned to give a spin.
"How do you feel in it?" Aro asked.
"Alright, a bit restricted at the thighs but over all it's a nice fit."
"Let's try the next one," Alice suggested.
She was changed into the third gown option. An empire waistline of chiffon and silk under layer. The dress was a bit lighter in a violet shade. The straps were thick, and the V-neck material wrapped around to her back. The dress fell to her feet. There were no embellishments Adley gave a spin. The movement was amazing.
"This one, definitely, it's light and flowy."
"Agreed, the style is more you." Alice agreed.
Adley stepped out.
"That one, 100% that one." Bella advised.
A few murmurs of agreement. Adley looked up to Marcus who approached her. He gave her a small twirl. She smiled up at him.
"This one, it allows you to move much more freely," He murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.
"Well then, the dress fits perfectly, and the length allows for flats or heels." Alice advised.
"I'll make the sacrifice of the heels." Adley agreed.
"Awesome! Thank you," Alice hugged her. "As well there are suits for Aro, and Marcus has been provided with the matching vest, tie, and boutonniere."
"I am a part of the wedding party?" Marcus questioned.
"Someone has to accompany Adley down the aisle, why not her mate?" Alice shrugged.
Adley had changed back into her normal clothes returning the three unchosen dresses to Alice to deal with. She hung up her chosen dress in the bag for the closet for the upcoming wedding. She wandered over to the couches.
"So, since I see more than the bags that were meant for us, is Bella's wedding dress there?" She questioned.
"Alice said it was,"
"I have the final product needing some alterations I will do that of course. Will you try it on for them?" Alice asked.
Bella bit her bottom lip.
"Only if you want to Bella, I don't mind waiting until the day of the wedding."
"I want your opinion on it," she admitted.
"Well then up and get changed let's see what this dress looks like. I don't remember you shopping for it." Adley hinted.
Alice shrugged at the implication. "I found the dress a while back and have been waiting to make the changes with Bella's opinions. I do listen and take her wants into consideration…"
"Not about being fine with city hall."
"Absolutely not, you deserve a wedding." Alice declared. "It's really the only one you'll have with your parents."
Bella rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know."
"I like the idea of a wedding," Adley admitted. "I like parties though so my opinion is a bit skewed. I want to know how long ago though Alice."
"A year…"
"Seriously?"
"I said my visions included Bella becoming like us, not all of the idiotic choices my brother would make." Alice defended. "Aro saw the dress."
"I did, it was quite something…" Aro murmured. "I do hope it is not as such in your vision."
"It will be better." Alice assured. "My strong attribute is fashion."
"That is true," Aro conceded.
Adley chuckled rolling her eyes. "To the bathroom with her."
Alice gave a slight cheer before rushing the to be bride off to the bathroom to dress her. Adley settled back onto Marcus who wrapped his arms around her while she sat across his lap. She laid her head upon his shoulder with a content sigh.
"You've been awake for a while, my brother tells me." Marcus murmured running a hand through her dark strands of hair which he had freed from her bun. She sighed letting her eyes flutter shut.
"Yes, just a nightmare…"
"Would you like to skip our appointment with your aunt?"
"No, I can handle it." Adley declined while she looked up across the room where Jasper Cullen stood watching.
His aura a light golden color as his eyes. He was rigid today. She hadn't seen much of him lately beyond a shadow to Alice. She studied his aura of contentment some stress was amongst it.
"Morning Jasper," she waved. "How have you been feeling?"
He zeroed in on her tilting his head. "Alright, ma'am."
"How are you handling the new sibling to be?" Adley asked.
"As good as I can whilst she's human." He admitted.
The door to the bathroom opened, Alice came out first turning to have Bella approach.
Adley sat up to get a better look at her.
Bella's long dark brown hair was pulled back from her face in a quick bun. The dress was antique in design from what she could see, inspirations from the Edwardian period. The sleeves were long slim arms made of lace, the design floral and swirling. The was brought through the entire dress. The neckline, which may have once been at the collar, was altered to be in a lovely slight V-neck the lace though still showed in the simple yet elegant pearl white satin. Bella rounded to stand in front of them.
It fell to the floor showing indeed it needed to be hemmed so it did not pose a hazard to Bella. The skirt had been taken in it hug closer at the hips than the straight down style of the time. A waistline created at her physical waist. The dress did not come with embellishments nor baubles to load it down. It was simple, but stunning, the train of lace followed down further. She turned showing off the long line of buttons from the shoulders down to her bottom. There the lace had been made the only layer on her back. White skin showed beneath with a few freckles.
"Breathtaking, Bella. Alice, you altered this?" Adley blinked a few times, her mouth hanging a bit.
"Modernized the neckline and back, the train as well. some of the sleeve needed to be taken in but it was essentially original to the era." Alice replied, while she held up a veil she slipped it into the bun.
The thing went down to her train, but it was simple enough it didn't distract from the dress at all.
"How do you feel?" Adley questioned.
"Comfortable, it covers enough and isn't over the top." Bella spun, "The length a bit though in the front…"
"I will hem the bottom it doesn't take away from the dress. I will make sure you are perfect for the wedding."
"End of August almost on the 20th, right?"
"Yep." Alice confirmed.
"As long as you're happy with that Bella,"
"I'm actually looking forward to it." She admitted while she went to head back to take the dress off carefully. Alice followed.
"My only concern is the number of buttons are upon the back for the poor girl." Aro murmured.
"That's what vampires are for, helping to get her out in time." Adley chuckled.
**********IM*******
"The progress of these two are moving along smoothly." Aunt Janet advised as they finished up.
She handed print outs of Baby A and Baby B. "They're finally looking a bit more human."
"They do tend to look reptilian before a certain stage."
Adley shook her head, before embracing her. "I don't know what I would do without you through this Auntie. I'm so glad I have you."
"I as well am glad to see you through this pregnancy."
A knock echoed out. Aro stepped into the room, he nodded to them in greeting. Marcus came to stand behind Adley.
"I have news on Cassandra,"
She perked up at this. "Is she alright?"
"She has been awoken from her induced coma." He advised. "She was awake this past week but not far enough where she could handle speaking with people. I am going to be going to see her now. I know you wished to see her, Adley. Do you want to come with me?"
Adley held the photos close to her chest. "Is she alright to see more than one person at a time?"
"She may be tired, but as long as we do not overwhelm her. I am sure she will be alright to answer how she is feeling."
"Okay," Adley agreed. "I will see you later Auntie,"
"See you,"
The three made their way down to where Cassandra was recovering in the infirmary. The door opened to the private room. The curtain was drawn open. Adley shuffled into the side, Marcus was right behind her.
There on the bed, Cassandra was still hooked up to an oxygen tank, with a few monitors around her. bandages were on her limbs peaking out from the top of the blanket that covered her. The swelling in her face had decreased. Dark eyes zeroed in on them. The bed was raised enough to allow her to see everyone without forcing her to strain to sit up.
"Afternoon Cassandra," Aro greeted.
Dr. Ramirez was off to the side.
"Hi," she rasped.
Adley saw the purple aura around her. The current of yellow was hovering in on her aura. Pulses collided in the purple a steady hum. They existed in certain clashes across the aura that surrounded Cassandra.
"It's a bit unsettling," Cassandra commented, the words were low. Adley stepped forward to her side. "The aura,"
"How?"
"You were focused on something." Cassandra gave her best smile. "The magic and my aura I can see it too. It's weird seeing it trying to heal me."
"Has it been working?"
"It's a slow process," Cassandra coughed, wincing at the motion. "I'm alive though. I'm in pain, but alive."
"Is the pain medication not helping?"
"It does, but I cannot have too much of it. I don't need to become addicted."
"No magic can help?"
"Potions cause the same effects. People have become too reliant on them, so I hesitate."
"You are looking better than you were," Aro commented. "I do wish you a quick recovery Cassandra. You have been a vital part of this all."
"It's my duty," Cassie dismissed. "While I may have pushed limits on my title. I am glad I did. Gideon needed to be knocked down a peg. I heard you have an Aster prisoner. How did that come about?"
Adley blushed. "I may have knocked him out after he tried to attack me."
Cassandra laughed, she grimaced with the faint noise. "It hurts to laugh. I wish I could've seen that. I see the babies are coming along. Do we know the genders?"
"A boy and a girl,"
"One of each, congrats." She coughed.
"Cassandra, we wish not to take too much of your time, do you mind if I," Aro held his hand up.
"My mind was blocking you, wasn't it?"
"In some parts." Aro nodded.
"Go for it,"
Aro was careful to take her bandaged hand, his fingers touched her finger tips that were free of the wrapping. The room fell silent as both stared at each other.
It did not take long before Aro was carefully placing her hand back down to rest it. Cassandra's aura sparked. A faint purple swirled and began to surround her.
As quickly as it had begun the purple disappeared from around her, dark eyes focused in on them once more. She took a few shaky breaths.
"They've found out about the prisoner… the council will not act so quickly upon it. Do not be surprised if they try something, the Aster clan. This isn't over with. Gideon may be facing prison and powers being stripped but the family holds a grudge."
"We will be prepared for such attack. Thank you, Cassandra, do try not to go looking too much into the future. You are trying to heal." Aro reminded.
"I will, trust me I will." She replied. "Has Hanna been by?"
"Your girlfriend is on her way," Dr. Ramirez stepped in. "She will be here in an hour, why don't you try to rest a little longer."
They exited the room allowing Cassandra more time to rest. Adley turned to Marcus once they were out of the room.
"What do we do about this?"
A/N: I promise i have not abandoned this work i have actually been busy with work, exams, and personal issues which have been resolved. I will be back to my weekly scheduled posting. Thank you for your patience and reading i adore you all! let me know what you think the danger is it gone ?