"Oomph!"
Adley hissed clenching her left side, as pain shot through. Her vision bleary from the peaceful sleep she'd been enjoying. She took a few deep breaths, tears whelmed in her eyes as she tried to push through the pain. She did her best to focus on the glowing numbers from her alarm clock. It was just after seven in the morning.
Cool fingers ran over her stomach up to her side.
"Did one of them just kick you?" Marcus asked, a low rumble echoed in his chest.
"Yeah, they're doing gymnastics in my uterus. Making a kick ball of my organs." She said as said baby repeated the action.
She rolled over allowing the blanket to drop from her. She was only in a night gown with thin straps the cotton soft against her. The recent sleep wear she could only stand were the longer gowns that gave room to her growing stomach. The twins had grown once more causing her to need to go to the maternity store soon again.
She traced her left hip over the rounded and protruding stomach. There she felt movement as a little foot showed in her skin from the side. Whichever twin this was had a good kick to them. She made a mental note to put them in a martial arts class when they were big enough. Marcus' fingers traced where the baby had been kicking her insides.
"They are bruising you." He noted.
"I can believe it. Using my organs and sides as a punching bag will do that. Normal babies bruise their mothers too." She assured him. "This is creepy though."
She moved a bit to expose her belly more. She met his questioning look motioning to her stomach. She traced the side where she knew her one baby was being active. There a foot glided along pushing the skin out showing its shape. She looked back to Marcus whose brows were pinched and lips pressed. She smiled a bit. He was just as confused and in awe she'd been in when she first noticed the twins doing this.
"Does it hurt?" He questioned.
"Not when it's my skin. It's a bit alien since they've only been doing this for two three weeks now internally."
"It is not something that was talked about when I was human. How babies moved internally." He said, looking up to catch her gaze.
His aura brightened significantly from the normal yellow, as he kept his eyes on her. Plumes of red in various shades of love, adoration, to lust swirled within him.
Adley reached up kissing his cheek. "Most people don't see it this intimately until they are having their own children. Or if someone in the family is pregnant."
He repeated the same motion she had just done to get the baby to kick. There a little foot came hitting out. She chuckled sitting up a bit more. He rose with her supporting her as she moved. She grunted a bit settling in more with the strain in her lower back.
"Sitting up isn't as easy as it used to be."
"You carry two babies Little one, your body is trying to accommodate." He ran his hands over her shoulders messaging the muscles as he went.
"Only so much longer until they arrive." She leant into him. "Since the wedding is now over and we know the Cullens will change her, what are we doing now?"
"I asked Aro earlier this morning what the plans are now that we've completed our duties here. The threat from the Aster family will be monitored for now. A few documents will be brought back to Italy for Caius to review for the Accords. Right now, Aro wishes to return home in the next week to Italy. He misses Sully. Time away from a mate is strenuous on the bond. He sees no reason to remain much longer for himself."
She wondered if he missed Italy as Aro did. Being away from home would make anyone wish to return. She would miss Seattle if gone too long. She understood they had private jets but it would not be the same as dropping in on her parents when she could. She would miss her family and friends. The ocean coast, to the mountains, she'd miss the unique climate of the north west coast.
Marcus had to be missing his family as well. The downside to relationships when both people are from cities far apart. Never knowing where home truly would be. Her family was mortal, time was fleeting with them here in Seattle. She wanted to get as much time as she could with them. She could also see the yarning in Marcus to return to Italy, even to some extent. He hadn't vocalized it, however when he spoke of Italy she saw it in his aura.
"Are we also returning to Italy then?" She asked.
"If that is what you desire most. I have officially taken a leave of absence from the coven leadership at this time until I deem it fit to return." He explained.
She perked up. "What do your brother's think of this? I didn't realize you could take such a thing?"
"It was their suggestion I take the time away. Athena and Sully will take my place in rotation for the foreseeable future. We are not just a newly mated couple, but parents to be. While they maybe immortals, they won't be little forever."
"That's very generous of them." Adley said. "The twins aren't expected for another eight weeks or so. Did you want to take a trip to Italy? Before I give birth?"
"Is it safe to do so?" He questioned.
"I can always ask Aunt Janet to see if so, if we get the green light do you?"
"It has been sometime since I have been back, a trip would be nice to see everyone. My sisters have been impatient about meeting you. In circumstances where you aren't stressed out." He said softly.
"Well then, let's call Aunt Janet."
She slid off the bed reaching for her cell phone. She padded over to the bathroom grabbing a towel as she went. A whoosh of air had her turning seeing Marcus there waiting to shower with her.
"Well, the twins are looking healthy as always. I do not see any issues with the placenta. It is thicker that normal ones but it's how it has been since the two have come into existence. They have been maintaining the growth rate for some time, at this rate eight weeks may be a little generous for them, but safe enough Adley should be good to travel." Aunt Janet explained.
"So, we can go to Italy."
"Yes, you are free to do so. Please begin to limit her excursions out and about, I know she hikes and is active usually. If you begin to get tired Adley rest. If any sharp pains begin let me know immediately. In Volterra do you have a medical team?" Aunt Janet questioned Marcus.
"We have medical staff trained in secrecy of the unique situation of our human staff. Some are human while a few are vampires as they are at every facility." Marcus answered.
"Good, while I do not wish to have Adley too far from her family, I know she is safe with you. If not with us she is safest with you and the rest of the Volturi."
"I appreciate your trust,"
"You should see your parents before going. Your Oma will have a few things for an emergency delivery."
"Of course, Auntie, we will do this." Adley assured.
While she was sure Marcus had mentioned there was enough needed being prepared for the twins in Italy, she would respect her aunt's request and see her parents.
S.O.S -Anna
Adley raised her brow at the message flashing on her screen. They were just leaving the compound after visiting Aunt Janet. Aro was currently driving the Rolls Royce. The sun made it so they couldn't ride in her Jeep.
What's wrong -Adley
Her phone began to ring. She glanced up to Aro and Marcus who were in mid conversation. Merlot gazes met hers, Aro waved her to answer her phone. She flipped it quickly open by the fourth ring.
"Hello?"
"S-O-S…"
"Need more details Anna, 12 situation or O in M?" She questioned.
"O in M with multiples, it's nearly noon Addie I've been here for four hours…" Anna whispered.
Adley snickered. "What did Oma do?"
"I came over to see about spending time with Oma on my day off. Well, when I got to her home, there were her and two Aunties. She was just speaking to them about my impending wedding and her grandchildren. I am lucky I decided to eat before I was dragged out of the house… Auntie Carol, and Auntie Hyejin are in town…"
She stiffened hearing that. "They don't have Brianna and Dea with them, do they?"
Their youngest first cousins from Oma's side. Brianna was roughly eleven now, and Dea was nearing ten. The two girls were less than a year apart and got into anything they could. She shuddered remembering when they had dumped jam in her sneakers. Her brand-new Nike's. They had been eight and seven then. They had also dumped jam in Anna's bag. The one with her a thesis in it.
"No thank the lord it's bad enough with just our Aunties here. which brings me back to help please. Dear god, help me." Anna pleaded.
"Anna, are you begging?" Adley smirked, she shook away the questioning looks from Aro and Marcus.
Marcus took her free hand.
"I am desperately begging on my knees, Addie please. I need you." She heard Anna cuss away from the phone.
"You're hiding aren't you right now?"
"Yes, and they're coming. Addie I will do anything…"
"You at the usual mall?"
"Yes."
"Taro Boba and cheese fries."
"Together?"
"Obviously not. I'll have the Boba right away." She laughed.
"Deal. Please hurry."
"Why didn't you bug Cole?"
"He's out at a resort with Chelsea."
"Ah alright, I am on my way. Marcus is with me so I'm sure that'll distract the Aunties."
"Ok, but seriously hurry. I'm being forced into more dresses."
Adley assured Anna she'd be there soon closing her phone. She looked up to Aro rattling off the address of where they would be able to find her sister and Oma.
They parked the Royce further down underground as to not draw more attention to themselves. It was bad enough they were driving a half million-dollar car. Adley unbuckled looking to see both men stepping out as well.
"Oh, you don't need to come if you don't want to, I shouldn't be too long. Or if you want to come back—"
"Non-sense sister, I am in the mood to shop myself this mall has a few stores I quite like. I also wish to see if there is something Sully would like. Being away like this is rare," Aro took off his sunglasses.
His once red eyes were covered by dark contacts. Marcus rounded the car helping her out of her seat. His arm going to her waist. "I believe you mentioned my presence for your sister's rescue."
"I can handle my aunts you don't have to." She offered him the opportunity to exit if he wished.
"I'll be right by your side."
She smiled up to him, getting on her toes she kissed his cheek. "You're sweet. Fair warning you may regret it."
"I also find myself intrigued on the situation. Your sister is a doctor, yet in need of rescuing?"
"Anna's been trapped by tradition and social customs. She's the first born, and a female. When Aunties are in town it means one of us is present for outings. Anna happened to go see Oma and ended up being ambushed. She's patient but four hours is even a bit much for her." Adley explained.
"She cannot excuse herself?"
"She could," Adley said. "She lacks the confidence to do it."
The three of them entered the mall without issue. Aro nodded to them taking off in direction of the Louis Vuitton.
She led Marcus towards one of Oma's favorite stores. A locally owned shop by the Bak family, friends of her parents. They sold traditional Hanboks, dress wear, and bridal gowns. The designers were from South Korea, or China, but every now and then they gave room for local designers. Marcus kept close as she entered. She'd been in here a few times for dresses in the past for recitals or gala events.
"Adley!"
Adley turned upon hearing her sister. There at one of the back corners up on the little dais Anna stood. Her dark hair was pinned back in a bun at her neck, with a pin and comb set in it. She waved heading over. Relief swirled in Anna's aura.
Once she appeared from the aisle, there on the chairs around Anna, she recognized her Oma, and aunts. She bowed slightly to them. "Annyeong Haseyo?"
"We are well dear," her Aunt Carol responded with a nod. Her Aunt Hyejin echoed the greeting.
"Addie, I did not know you were coming down." Oma stood a grin on her face.
She embraced Adley as best she could with the swollen stomach. Oma turned to Marcus, her face creasing more as she gave a toothy grin. "Marcus, how nice to see you. Hyejin, Carol, you remember Adley, this is her fiancé, Marcus."
Adley didn't interrupt as they discussed the revelation. The conversation turned quickly into Korean.
Aunt Hyejin was the first to grill her mother. "Fiancé? Susanne, you didn't mention all three were engaged. Why didn't my brother mention this! This is big news. When are Cole and Adley planning on walking down the aisle?"
"Yes, sister you did not mention in your emails." Carol added.
"It was a surprise, just like my grand-children." Oma replied.
"While a little out of order, I see these two are going to be perfectly fine." Aunt Hyejin murmured looking Adley over.
Adley tilted her head. Her Aunt Hyejin was an Empath as well, she'd been told how her Aunt was always playing match maker when they were younger.
Oma placed a hand on Adley's shoulder. "It also helps he is good looking and will keep my grandchildren wanting for nothing."
"So, when is the wedding Adley?" Aunt Carol asked.
"We haven't planned it just yet… we wanted to focus on the twins first." Adley replied, cheeks reddening.
She really didn't like lying to her aunts. It was best she knew so not to have them grilling Oma further on premarital relations. She didn't wish to have the lecture from her aunts either. Her sex life was between her and Marcus. That was all. Aro unwillingly, and her sister if Adley needed help.
"Anna and Jordan will be first, then I am sure Cole and Chelsea." Oma rattled off.
She turned to Marcus as they got distracted once more by Anna coming out with a new dress on. "I'm sorry if you don't understand…"
"While I am not fluent on Korean, I did get the basis they were speaking of us?" He mused.
"Aunties." Adley shrugged. "There is no controlling the filter."
"It is endearing they care enough,"
"Adds, what do you think?" Anna called for her attention.
Anna stood on the dais once more, in a bridal hanbok. Her cheeks were rosy while she motioned to the modernized outfit. The silk layers of the chima and wonsam were a soft rose color. The sleeves had floral lace etched into them. Her hands were able to be covered by the wonsam. The slightly darker ribbon of the same rose pink held it closed. She looked down where it hit her feet. The same floral designs were in the skirts hem.
"It's absolutely stunning, Anna." She breathed.
"Do you think Jordan will like it?"
"He'd be a fool not to. You are doing the traditional ceremony?"
"I was debating it, but this hanbok… it just…"
"Then do it Anna," she encouraged her sister. "You're both doctors I don't see Oma and Appa being against helping the bill instead of monetary gifts."
"Your Appa and I would love it if you did." Oma added.
"Alright I will," Anna smiled, turning to head into the changing room once more.
"What about your Hanbok Susanne?" Aunt Carol questioned.
"Anna is taller than I was. It's an awkward length."
"What about you Adley, are you planning a traditional wedding?" Aunt Hyejin asked.
"It'll depend, Marcus is Greek and Italian. So, we would want to include his traditions as well." She explained.
"You have never seen Adley in a Hanbok have you?" Aunt Hyejin turned her attention to Marcus speaking once more in English.
"I have not had the pleasure, no."
"Marie," Oma called over to the sales rep. "Please ring up an order the Leehwa one for Anna. Oh, as well bring the photos from Helene."
"Oma…" Adley warned.
"Ah, your partner deserves to see the photos you were so cute."
Adley's own face burned at Oma's smile. She remembered exactly which selection of photos Oma was referring to. The photos that had been taken through out the years. Beginning from when she was five to the time, she was an awkward preteen attending a few other weddings. Marie returned too fast with the papers for Anna's hanbok, and a black photo album.
Oma pulled her chair over closer to Marcus, she flipped through opening the photo album that began at least from the early eighties. The first ones were alright her first culture day in school when she was five Oma had dressed Adley in a simple blue and grey hanbok, the darker blue ribbon holding it closed at her waist. She was giving a toothy grin, with her eyes closed and giving a wave to the camera. Anna was a bit older in the same version of the outfit she was missing her two front teeth.
"You were absolutely adorable, little one," Marcus leant over whispering in her ear.
"That's about as cute as they get…" Adley grumbled.
Oma flipped the pages to the next showing one where she was a bit older. Adley bit back her groan as her aunts began pointing out the memory to Marcus.
"This was at my wedding, wasn't it? Addie was twelve here," Aunt Hyejin revealed.
Aldey shook her head seeing the toothy grin. Her front teeth were over sized and the gap between her front two teeth, she had a bit of chub on her cheeks from puberty along with acne. She even noticed her own attempt at makeup. She'd gotten into Anna's foundation, something she knew nothing about at the time. Oma let Adley get away with it for some time not realizing she hadn't blended it to her chin. So, her face was three shades lighter than her neck and chest. It'd been summer and her tan from band camp was still in place. Anna had not gone that year.
"She got into her sister's makeup, thinking we wouldn't notice. I let her go that day. She was wearing pale makeup that made her look like a ghost." Oma chuckled.
"This is why I avoid cover up like the plague…" She huffed.
"Oh, are we showing Marcus little Addie photos?" Anna cheered coming out in her own clothes. She came up beside Adley looking over her shoulder. "She was so cute, did you show him the one with her braces? The head gear photo I think is at home—"
"Anna! Don't you dare bring up that photo!"
"She refused to use her bands, so the dentist made her wear head gear for three months at night." Anna explained to Marcus.
"I am so never rescuing you again…" Adley grumbled slumping in her chair as her Aunts began rattling off more embarrassing stories.
Adley bit her bottom lip looking through the closet before her. Her suitcase was open on the ottoman full of basics like shorts and skirts with waistbands that gave her some relief from the pressure of waist bands. The last two weeks she'd been more adamant on avoiding any denim for the stiff feel on her stomach and lower abdomen. She was swollen and stretch marks marred her lower stomach to her mons pubis.
She wanted to try and get some touring in Italy done as much she could before she was bogged down by the weight of the twins. She was already beginning to feel the effects in her lower back and the pressure on her bladder. She was running to the bathroom way more frequently than she wished.
"Marcus, What's the weather like in Italy for early September?" Adley called staring at a pair of yoga pants.
"I am afraid I do not know,"
She turned quirking a brow. "Serious? You don't know the weather?"
"Temperature doesn't effect us." He shrugged, leaning on the door frame of the closet. "I've hardly paid attention to it in millenniums, and climate change has thrown what I knew out the door."
"Just in case it is, if I need them I have them. If I don't oh well." She quickly folded them and padded out to her suitcase. She set them on top.
She looked over her current contents. She had her shirts, simple empire waisted… a few sweaters, and tank tops not knowing what the weather had planned. "Undergarments."
Marcus gave a lazy half grin as he leant on the wall across from her. He gave her a once over. His golden aura swirled with his usual love and a bit of lust beginning to join in. She was only in a pair of short shorts and a tank top. She'd forgone the bra for now, it was only a little longer until she'd want to settle in for the night anyways.
"I hate to burst that bubble, but none of the underwear I have or bras are exactly the kind you're thinking."
She passed him going into the dresser opening the top drawer she grabbed a few night gowns and tossed them on top for now. She shifted through some briefs and hipsters that fell below the swell of her abdomen.
Hands settled on her waist. She paused looking over her left shoulder. He pushed her dark hair away from the right side of her neck. He pressed gently against her, lining their bodies up. Goose flesh broke out across her body. Her nipples hardening at his fingers playing with the hem line of her camisole. He bent over the right side, cool lips brushing the shell of her ear.
"Little one, the garments are merely wrapping to the delectable prize below. You are the being carved by the gods themselves, I desire. Not scraps of fabric that stay for only a moment. Your curves, call me, asking to trace them, to memorize every inch of your perfect body. You are a siren's call to a stranded sailor pulling me closer to temptation. Your breasts heaving when you gasp for air while in the throes of pleasure, a sight I wish to burn to my mind. Your moans, I will not forget."
She shuddered pushing back into him, his erection pressed into the small of her back just over her bottom. "Marcus…"
"Yes, Little one?" He asked, ever so softly.
Her knees felt like jelly, thankfully her caught her before her legs gave out. Heat broke out across her face and chest. "I need you,"
"You have me," He teased. "What do you desire?"
"You… your touch…" she blurted.
"I am touching you," he ran a hand up her sides, ghosting the swell of her breasts. "Words, little one."
"Please, I need you to… touch me lower."
His left hand dipped to her shorts, fingers skirting the waist band. She took a sharp intake of breath when he cupped her through her shorts. He found her clit without issue, he pressed slightly.
"Ah, there. Please Marcus."
"As you wish," He whispered, teeth grazed the junction of where her neck met her shoulder.
He removed his hand, she opened her mouth to protest. He hushed her easing the shorts and her underwear down her hips, then further down her legs. She stepped out of them kicking them across the closet.
His fingers returned to her burning heat, sliding through her already slick folds. He teased her entrance, circling it, thumb caressing her clit. She all but collapsed. Desire pushed out and swirled around both of them. Her eye lids became heavy. Heart slamming into her chest, rising with each shallow breath.
"Have I told you, how beautiful you are like this?" He asked.
She blinked twice, trying to get her head somewhat clear as he continued to run his fingers through her folds, back and forth, thumb beginning to move counter clockwise. He was twisting her coils tighter and tighter.
"You become so submissive, like this. It should be a sin, how tempting you are. Your scent coats the room like the ambrosia of the gods beckoning me to drink."
"Then drink." She challenged.
In a flash he had her on her back on the bed propped up on the few pillows. She blinked getting her bearings. Her legs were spread wide, Marcus between her legs cool breath washing over her exposed core. He blew lightly, she shuddered, head falling back against the pillows. Two fingers teased her entrance.
"Look at me Little one, watch as a I pleasure you." He crooned, right before he descended upon her.
He ran his tongue the length of her from entrance to her clit. He swirled his tongue upon her bud pulling man cries of desperation from her lips. Her hands immediately went into his hair looking to hold on to something, anything to hold her to reality. As pleasure rocketed her up towards her climax. He pressed forward inserting his fingers in a come hither motion. He knew exactly how to have her crying out in pleasure in mere moments.
"Marcus!" She collapsed back on the pillows.
Her leg spasming as she clenched down. Marcus lapped at her as chuckled, a Cheshire smile spread across his face. She panted trying to slow her rapid heart. She was in a sea of her own desire and his as the golden and red lapped at her. She wrapped her arms around his neck catching his lips with hers. She didn't care she could taste herself upon his lips.
"I need you, now,"
"My pleasure," He murmured pulling her around to straddle his bare lap.
She hadn't realized in the movement he had shredded his clothes. He guided her easily up and down upon his cock. Both sighed in relief as she sunk down.