Adley fixed the golden dangling earrings that matched her dress. She slid the backs on with ease, a diamond stud was placed in her second piercings. She stepped back from the mirror she looked over the gold dress. The deep V neck halter tied at her neck base, it was covered by her loose curls of black. A few strands were pulled away from her face, but her bangs were swept to the side and secured.

"You look delectable, little one," Marcus murmured offering her a cloak for the evening chill.

"You are quite the debonair yourself," She gave him a once over.

He was dressed in one of his many black suits, the crimson tie stood out against the ivory button down. He helped her with the buttons on her cloak, before taking her arm headed towards the garage.

The trip took a few hours, sipping on some champagne she watched the country side zoom by in the evening light. It was dark when they arrived in Florence. They were let off in the front. A few words were whispered between each vampire before the door was shut. Marcus offered his arm to her.

The crowds had begun to form around the entrance of patrons waiting to enter the building. Eyes immediately landed on them. A few hushed words of Italian, other languages as well. She caught some compliments in Korean as they passed by a group of young couples who looked to be students.

She noted a few elderly women dressed exquisitely in deep jewel tones. They eyed Marcus up. She could see the blatant display of desire without effort of searching their auras. Though those were swirling with deep rose colors. She straightened up a bit trying to use the height the heels gave her.

She was aware. Marcus was an attractive man. He was tall and stood out amongst the other patrons. He commanded attention from all, they gravitated away as they were drawn in. She wasn't too sure if it was ego, or the predator they sensed that had them so easily baited. She held firm on his arm.

She smirked seeing a few hints of green enter their auras. Serves them to remember he was very much taken.

"What had you grinning, Little One?" He leant down to whisper in her ear.

"Just admiring you, of course. Also reflecting how you garner attention, yet I know you're mine." Adley shrugged, voice kept low knowing he'd heard her perfectly.

"I am not the only one bringing the lustful stares of the humans around us. You my love, look decedent in that dress. It's sinful the way it hugs your form and reveals your pert breasts. They threaten to spill through that deep V."

When they entered handing their stuff over to coat check, his cool fingers ghosted on the exposed skin of her lower back. She turned into him shooting him a warning look.

"Hey Mister, I expect to be able to watch this performance."

"We can always see it again. The orchestra will drown out your screams. How wonderful it is we have a private box." He ignored her to continue musing on. "I have been to the opera many times. This is a celebration for you after all, I merely wish you to experience this pleasurable outing."

"Marcus." She snipped with cheeks burned bright.

She did her best to ignore the warmth that immediately built in her center from his teasing words. He knew exactly what to say to push every button. Did she really mind if he had other ideas for tonight? No but voyeurism was yet to be discussed in much detail.

"Little One?" he pressed.

"How private?" She whispered not turning to face him as he held her in front of him. The crowd was making its way to the many rows of seats.

"Not a soul will see us." He assured. "You will see."

"They might hear." She exhaled shaky breaths moving a step forward.

"Then my dear, you will need to be quiet."

They made it through the internal ticket check. He offered her his arm, leading her through the throngs of milling about humans, towards the stairs up to the private boxes near the left. The box was not separated by a garish red curtain she noted while they passed through security. It gave her comfort not just anyone would be able to stick their head in and interrupt. Made sense with the seats being owned by vampires. Liabilities and all.

Marcus opened the door they were led to and let her past first. His cool fingers ran down her spine. She shuddered, the shocks shooting straight to her core. She tried with her might to remain unphased by the waves of lust rolling off of him.

"Behave." She huffed.

Adley took a seat on the couch that was present. There looked like more seats should have fit in the box however it was only a large leather couch. A bottle of champagne on ice, and two flutes before them on a tray. She saw a few closed water bottles in the ice as well. She sat down looking down upon the stage. Despite the distance. The stage was clear in her view.

Marcus had been right the box faced forward and the many other balconies did not really see into their booth. Two walls cut off the sight to them. Unless the performers had vampire vision no one could truly see them. He sat down beside her, wasting no time pulling her into his lap. Her bottom was met with his arousal.

"I want to see this." She warned.

"Then pay attention," he pulled her flush against his chest moving her hair to one side, to kiss the exposed flesh.

Her legs spread over his lap. The dress had a slit down the side of it allowing one of her legs to remain bare.

"What about security cameras?"

"Conveniently do not see this box. The patrons are rather important people." He assured her.

Cool fingers ghosted over her exposed upper thigh.

She tensed keeping her gaze to the stage, still unoccupied. The lights had at least dimmed.

"Relax, Little one. Do you trust me?"

"Always." She nodded.

"You're color."

"Green."

"Good, and if it goes too far?"

"I say red." She rasped.

"Good girl."

The curtains came up spilling lights all around.

Marcus distracted her, his lips against her jaw. "You are safe."

The performers were dressed in the fashions of the seventeenth century in a garden. The first man began in song. The deep notes carried across the many levels.

Cool fingers messaged her pelvis bone, against her warming skin. her underwear missing. She bit down her gasp.

Two fingers dipped between her folds, coating themselves.

She reached down grabbing his hand that was across her middle holding her in place.

"That's it little one," he purred. "You are soaking. So ready."

She barely registered him lifting her.

Her jaw slacked when he slid fully into her.

The orchestra picked up in tempo, the performance below drowned out her growing groans.

He filled her so perfectly, hitting against the one spot internal, that drove her closer and closer to the edge. She lowered her mental wall to embrace his golden aura.

"ah!"

"Here you are, little one." Marcus slid her cloak over her shoulders.

"Thank you love," Adley replied buttoning it.

He offered his arm to her.

They made there way through the milling humans, towards the exit. Many were still going on about the show. Her blush remained. She'd not paid much mind to the performance. The story lost in desire.

"We will need to see this again, I hardly paid attention."

"Of course, however many times you would like." Marcus chuckled pressing a kiss to her temple.

"Without the distractions," she shot him a look.

Adley smacked face first into something hard. She jumped back, eyes wide.

The gentleman in front of them turned to them. He towered as tall as Marcus, he was at least in his sixties, eyes shrouded in a heavy brow.

"I am so sorry."

He zeroed in on her. "No harm done, ma'am. Line out of here is taking some time."

"It certainly is," a petite woman stepped forward from his right. "Are you alright, walking into this man is like hitting a wall."

She was a few inches shorter than Adley. Her dark hair streaked with grey. She was done up in a deep blue gown.

"I'm well, thank you. Yourself?" Adley looked back to the gentleman.

"All right here." The man nodded, wrapping an arm around his companion.

Adley immediately sent her feelers out to their auras. The white auras showed the joy and happiness rolling around. She stepped closer to Marcus.

There in their auras, electric blue shot across sizzling. Marcus' arm came around her, silently questioning her.

Hartford's face flashed before her. she scrutinized each of them. The aged faces, set upon high cheek bones, straight noses. The stormy grey stared back at her. The woman had eyes of dark hazel filled with concern.

She took a deep breath trying to calm her speeding heart.

"Did you enjoy the show?" Adley questioned.

"Yes, it was quite the performance, the lead Soprano –Eliza Ricci, I believe her name is –is quite the talented girl. We are visiting from the states for family business, but I've always loved the opera. I run a theatre now." The elder woman replied. "Where are my manners, I'm Mary."

"Adley," She offered her hand.

"What a lovely name. I always enjoyed unique names. Sort of like my husband here, Ignatius." Mary went on.

"Yes, she insisted our children to be their own people as well. Not too many men share my name." Ignatius offered a half smile. "I loathed it myself when I was a younger man."

"This is my husband, Marcus." Adley introduced.

"A strong name. Well, Mary dear, I believe we should continue on to find our other companions. The crowd has moved." He redirected his wife.

"Yes, yes. The Lord and Lady Aster, they are awaiting." Mary sighed. "It was so good talking to you two. Have a good night. Happy birthday dear."

Adley's jaw fell slack. The two walked away from them. She turned to Marcus who simply herded her outside before she could begin questioning everything out loud.

They made it to their waiting limo. The back opened for her to slide in. She settled in the leather waiting on him. The door shut, the car began to pull away.

"I heard that correctly, right? She said Lord and Lady Aster?" She muttered. "She said happy birthday. How did she know?"

"She's a witch, they have abilities beyond what we always know." Marcus sighed.

"You don't know them, right?"

"I do not." He confirmed.

"What is the coincidence that we run into them here?"

"In a normal circumstance, not too likely. This however is not the normal chance. The covens are converging upon Italy for their century meeting. It is attended by most of their community."

"So, the Aster family is here. The same time we are. They know what we did to their children right?" She shuddered.

"Two of them, there are many Aster children and families. That was also two of them." He added. "I only know this because I demanded resources from Cassandra. I wanted to know what exactly we are dealing with. The magic their family deals with, follows a thin line of legal and illegal."

"The original."

"Precisely, young Gideon was not the only one to be tempted into the illegal black market trades."

"Are we safe with them here? Is our family?"

"We are completely safe." He assured. "Now, let us return home. You've had a long evening."

"Are we going to do anything about them being so close to Volterra?" Sully questioned while she played with August.

"They have made no threats to us, or our treaties." Marcus replied. "There is no reason for us to intervene with the magic world's meeting. It is in their right to have gatherings and exist. We have seen many of those before."

"Before they had not made an attack on our coven. Such brazen behavior towards Adley. It was practically a declaration of War."

"We are monitoring them. The Cullen's seer is on top of her visons in case. None of you will be left vulnerable again." Marcus vowed pulling Adley closer to him.

"They could try and meet my teeth." Athena added.

"Of course, sister." Marcus smiled.

The door of the living room opened. They paused seeing Aro and Caius enter.

"Doing alright Aro, Caius?" Adley questioned.

"It was a long day of trial after trial. There has been an increased nomadic presence in Afghanistan. The human quarrels are beginning to transfer species. They almost exposed us in a northern town. I may enjoy a good fight as we all do, but I do not enjoy mindless slaughter." Aro sighed settling into a couch pulling Sulpicia close.

"It does become repetitive at times. After the third one I was merely wanting to burn them all and move on. In the end we try to hear them out despite their same fate." Caius sneered.

"Our laws allow for a trial." Marcus reminded. "Even if the law still calls for death."

"That reminds me. The law states no human is to know of the existence of vampires without either being turned or killed." Adley looked around. "Why were my parents allowed to live?"

They each fell silent. She watched guilt seep into each aura with discomfort. Red eyes of various shades fell away from her. The only noise came from Thea on the ground babbling with August under Jane's watchful eye.

"They came barging into the compound after interrogating a top scientist." Aro began shifting back a bit on the couch.

"Marcus you never told your wife?" Caius questioned, a frown on his face.

"We took in a few considerations…" Marcus murmured.

"You didn't bend the law for me, did you?! The Volturi doesn't give second chances. Even for ourselves… do we not?" Adley pressed. "The laws are pretty straight forward."

"The brothers sat down and spoke with your parents while you were out of it." Athena spoke up. "After deliberation, considering the other factors of secrecy they maintain it was not necessary. They did not meet the definition of human. Your family carries the secret of empathic abilities and you. What was one more?"

"Oh."

"Aro is also slightly scared of you. He did not wish to be the one to end your parents' lives." Caius smirked.

"Apologies for not wanting to anger the woman who can torture a vampire and knock them out." Aro rolled his eyes. "They signed a contract. They are older and will never be out of Volturi sight. We ruled in the favor of remaining as they were. They were offered immortality, but they declined."

"They chose to remain mortal?" Adley blinked a few times. "Like my Aunt. I've never really thought about losing them. I knew it'd happen eventually. They had a choice."

"Age brings a sense of acceptance. Death can be comforting." Caius mused. "It was not my choice. I can see their reasons."

"May we change the subject. I really do not wish to linger on it. We may be vampires, but other things exist." Athena shuddered.

"Second that… I'm getting anxious just thinking on it." Adley agreed.

She felt her cell phone vibrate in her pocket. Adley fished it out seeing her aunt's name and flipping it open.

"Hi auntie," She greeted.

"I have the results." Aunt Janet ignored her greeting. "Your DNA dear, why it set off a few alarms in Korea. I wanted to let you know as soon as possible."

"What was the reason?"

"It is best we discuss this in private dear,"

"I am in a very secure place."

"I am not, I will be on a flight to Italy in three days. I require access to a few of the rarer sources the Volturi has. We can then plan a trip to Korea, Eun Kyung from the research facility there will meet us."

"That's wonderful news. I will see you soon then. Safe travels."

"You, too dear be safe."

Adley pushed the stroller with August in it down the Volterra street, the mid-April morning was grey and lightly raining. Jane was beside her walking with Thea's stroller. They had decided on a walk while the family dealt with a sudden visiting vampire.

"Babies are such odd things," Jane tilted her head watching the sleeping girl. "So helpless, and squishy."

"They are," She chuckled reaching down to fix August's soother. It'd fallen out of his mouth.

"They are cute though."

"That too."

"Did you always want kids?" Jane questioned. "Some of the other guards say that it's such a big deal. I heard one say that's the greatest thing ever, parenthood."

"It's different for everyone. I wanted children. I knew I'd probably have one or two. It didn't matter if through adoption or birth. I was a teacher though, so it was bit more expected of me. I've always loved kids. It's not for everyone though, and that's alright too. You can be just as happy without them. I think people should have the choice to decide. It's not easy to be a good parent. So many people want babies, not people."

"I was burned at a stake because of my abilities. I adored my Mama, but she couldn't handle how Alec and I were."

"I'm sorry you suffered like that Jane. You do know it wasn't your fault, right? The prejudice of your society back then was not in your control."

"I didn't always see it that way…" Jane trailed off. "I lived up to my name witch twin."

"You were hurt, what else were you going to do? I know you aren't doing that now."

"Bree's been a great influence." She shrugged.

"How is she doing?"

"Better than she was. She came with her own problems. Abusive dad. She feared us for a while. We're still working overall trusting each other. It's a progress."

"All relationships are, you'll find your groove." Adley smiled.

"How do you remain so optimistic?" Jane questioned. "You always see the best in people and situations."

"I wasn't always like this." She revealed. "I looked at the world as if it was all darkness. I was in a dark place. It took a lot of therapy to get out of it. I knew it wouldn't be how my friend wanted me to live my life. I had to learn to remember the good in the world, that I also had to create it."

Jane held her hand up to her.

Adley squished her brows together looking forward. They were in an alley way behind a few businesses. A figure stood in a black cloak. Blood dripped down its hands.

Fear washed over her. Eyes wide.

The figure dropped its hood.

A disfigured man stared back at them, eyes of charcoal. Teeth snaggled in many sharp points. The man had a few straggled strands of brown hair. He was missing an ear. His mouth was crusted in dried blood.

The beast snarled, lunging forward.

Jane blurred forward.

"Adley run!" She shouted.

Adley blinked once. Twice.

One of the twins screamed.

She reached into the stroller, grabbed Thea, she shoved her in beside August. Both cried out.

She didn't respond turning booking it back the way they had come.

The snarls followed.

She turned with the alley. Almost out. She knew just a little further she'd find the palace. Her heart slammed in her ears.

She staggered to a stop.

Black eyes stared back at her. in a hunched over figure, hair was covered all over the naked form. No tail. Teeth bared with dripping blood.

Adley panted, panic shot through her. she held the stroller in a death grip.

The creature took one step forward.

NO. NO. NO.

She pushed with all her might the panic she was holding onto. She forced it towards the beast before her.

It stumbled howling in pain.

She didn't look away, she ramped up the pain she was forcing into the beast's grey aura.

It wouldn't stop.

She picked up the twins, pushing the stroller at it. Each babe cried.

"Marcus!"

A/N: I'm sorry for late update was busy at work. as well I had got a flu bug. should be sooner next time. Thank you for reading :)