Sorry for the wait! Enjoy.

WARNING: M-rated inferring ahead

The journey back to Voltera was completely uneventful other than the now slightly promiscuous way Caius kept looking at her, which wasn't unwanted on Wendy's side. It felt like they were lovelorn teenagers experiencing everything for the first time. This trip had been far better than she had originally expected, thinking it would be a time of great sadness for her. Instead it ended up feeling more like a rebirth, Wendy felt better than she ever had as a vampire.

The human part of her, those memories that begged to be addressed at the back of her mind were quiet now. Perhaps that humanity was now dormant or gone completely, regardless she felt comfortable in her own skin. The boy in the woods wasn't going to haunt her the way it would have otherwise. A predator was a predator no matter the skin it wore, he should have known it was dangerous to walk in the woods alone.

There was a reason some animals hid at night. When they returned she'd had the boxes delivered to her room by Demetri and went straight to find Aro. This left her guard as Jane and Alec for the time being, both of which walked directly behind her on each side. She found him in the throne room, the guards were under order to only allow her in if there were no guests in the room at the time, due to her own safety. She'd begrudgingly agreed, but told them that wasn't to be the case forever.

So she didn't think much of it when the door was opened for her, but moved slower when she heard voices from inside. Two she didn't automatically recognize, it was possible Aro changed his mind on the rule when she was away. Straightening her shoulders and suddenly feeling more self conscious about the plain yellow blouse and blue jeans, Wendy ignored the feeling and walked into the room. Inside standing in the center of the room were two women.

They both wore elegant dresses, one with long brown hair that curled just at the very ends and the other a white blonde with long straight hair that fell to her back. They both reminded her of what a woman from a time forgotten would look like, even with the shape of their dresses, more akin to the eighteenth century than modern style. They both had fresh bright red eyes when they turned to look at her.

The room fell into silence, before the dark haired woman spoke, "You must be Blodwen Greene, I am Sulpicia and this is Athenodora."

Wendy's mind flew, trying to catch up with the fact she was finally meeting the women that had been married to her mates for over a thousand years. These weren't quick marriages, they'd been intimate with their husbands no doubt hundreds of times if not more. These were women who had shared conference with Aro and Caius's most private thoughts and moments.

Jane and Alec immediately stepped out from behind her, both coming to each of her sides, a protective stance just in case the woman did anything suspicious. It was clear from Jane's emotions that she was more than ready to put both on the floor, a existence long grudge between them. The queen could recall Aro's original words of Jane's possessive tendencies, their relationship had been an unlikely outcome. No one had expected Jane to actually like her. Wendy's hand came out to touch Jane's wrist, making her stand down without a word. She pulled the words from where they'd been stuck and spoke, "It's a pleasure to meet both of you."

They didn't seem to expect her polite response, both too busy raking their eyes over her pinpointing every asset she had. Wendy let them stare, waiting patiently for them to finish their perusal before walking up to the dais. She easily stepped up onto the raised platform and walked to Caius's empty throne and sat down. It wasn't until later that Jane informed her that absolutely no one was allowed to sit in one of the throne's other than the kings themselves.

The wives even after over a thousand years had never once been given the privilege. So when she sat down so casually in the wooden chair the wives looked stunned and the rest of the guard went directly on edge. Aro looked her way and she could see the swirling amusement there, hidden just under the surface. In response to it Wendy relaxed into the throne, leaning her head back against the solid wood.

"How was your trip, tesoro?" Aro's voice was casual, watching both for her response and for the wives. Jane and Alec had wasted no time moving to stand behind the throne the same way Renata did daily.

Wendy swallowed her discomfort, "It went well."

Aro made a hum of approval before turning back to the women in question, "Perhaps it is best that you are present anyway, amore. We were just discussing the changes in store for Sulpicia and Athenodora. Originally we were going to expel them from Voltura but after conferring with you, this may not be the kind of thing a gracious king would do." He looked at her explaining with his eyes he was referring to her prior note.

"As you know, with your addition to our coven, it wouldn't be proper for the ladies to remain under the status as our wives. Your comfort is extremely important to all of us, Wendy. Neither woman possess abilities, nor would they fit in with the inner guard. We may also want to start looking at using Corin's abilities somewhere more useful, though Corin has become quite close to them over the years." Aro looked toward Wendy expressionlessly, waiting for her own response.

She took a moment absorbing his words and tried to make a decision that didn't revolve around her thinking about the fact that the dark haired woman in front of her had had sex with Aro more times than Wendy had ever spoken to him. Swallowing venom she kept her voice even, "I didn't realize that this would be something I had a choice in, please allow me a moment to think."

This seemed fair enough to the two women in front of her, because they both nodded their agreement and remained silent as Wendy mulled over her options. Somewhere in the minutes that followed both Marcus and Caius appeared. The blonde froze when he saw her on his throne, everyone waiting to see what the firecracker of a king would have to say about such a bold decision.

He paused meeting his mate's eye and then Aro's own before walking forward to touch Aro's hand briefly. After catching his brother up on their journey Cauis walked forward and placed each hand on the armrests of his chair leaning in until their noses nearly touched. "You are very lucky, mo chuisle, that you belong to me." Without any further argument Caius moved to stand beside the chair leaning against the armrest, Alec immediately stepping back to give him more space..

Aro, pleased with Caius's reaction, informed the other two politely the topic at hand. Marcus made a hum of approval at Wendy's involvement, while Caius remained unphased by it all. His tone echoing through the room, "I don't care much what happens to them, proceed." It was strange to see his usual court facade come into play, reminding her that it may be a good idea to at very least start listening in on hearings.

Next she looked to Marcus who gave a more official agreement with a head nod in her direction. Having the floor, Wendy straightened her shoulders again realizing she'd started to slouch and spoke, "These women have served the Volturi for longer than many of us have been alive, though this hasn't been a particularly difficult task all things considered, it was still a service. Because of this, I believe they deserve a stipend for their time spent here, and protection should their lives ever come under threat. If they are ever in danger, or feel they are in danger, they may return here for protection. However, they cannot stay here without probable cause, as they no longer have contributions to make to the Volturi as a whole."

It was all things considered a fair decree, especially considering death would have been on the table should Caius have made the decision. The blonde woman stepped forward. Wendy could feel her disappointment, irritation, relief, and anger. They were all fair feelings, this woman was losing everything she had ever known, just because another woman had shown up to take her place. There was no intention behind the feelings though, nor was the blonde expressing it visibly.

"Are we allowed to stay in the city? Neither of us have hunted on our own in hundreds of years." The concern was evident, as she folded her hands respectfully behind her back.

Making sure to pause between the question, to her response Wendy responded with clarity, "As the two of you are no longer members of the Volturi, all rights other than protection with due cause are no longer available to you. This includes settlement in Voltura and access to Heidi's prey. You're both vampires, hunting should come naturally to you. Please remember, you fall under all applicable Volturi laws including secrecy, so hunt with care. Any other questions?"

At this Sulpicia stepped forward, coming close to the dais to look at Aro. Wendy immediately zoned in on her emotions: anger, desperation, and more importantly intent. The desire to act on the emotions she was feeling. The woman spent a long moment staring up at her previous husband, as if begging him with her eyes to change their minds. Aro remained still looking back with veiled enthusiasm. His voice rolled through the room, "Is there something you would like to say, Sulpicia?"

It took her several long seconds to decide if it was worth it. Wendy shifted in her seat ready to move quickly, she was still fast. She planned to use her newborn advantages until they were entirely gone. The threat could be removed in an instant, if she needed to do so. Jane wouldn't even get the pleasure if this stranger decided to hurt her mate. The intent became clear.

"Aro, we've known each other so long. Are you sure you want to sacrifice that for new love?" She reached for his hand offering all thoughts freely. "No one knows you better than I."

Despite her desire, Wendy didn't say a word, limb snapping out to stop Caius in his tracks, her hand pressed firmly to his stomach. It wasn't their choice to make. She loved Aro, she had the moment she had seen him. That was the beauty of the mating bond, the heavens telling her where her heart was safe. Yet if that wasn't what he wanted, if he wanted someone else, his happiness came above her own.

Ignoring her other mate's fury at the situation, she turned to Alec speaking quietly. "Stop Caius if he tries to kill her." The blonde king snapped his head in the boy's direction, daring him with his eyes. Wendy seeing the dilemma made a sound of disagreement before speaking again. "Jane, do what your brother can't, if needed."

There wasn't a single bone in her body that wanted to hurt Caius, but this choice was crucial. The whole room waited with bated breath for Aro's response. They watched as he leaned forward, that same amused smile that so often sat upon his porcelain face. He leaned forward as if to touch her hand, read the thoughts she seemed desperate to remind his perfect memory.

Then he backhanded the woman across the face hard enough she hit the floor. Athenodora rushed to her friend's side, panic overtaking her at the long crack across the woman's chin to eye. Aro leaned back in his chair crossing his leg at the knee. "If you knew me at all, my dear, then you would know the choice has already been made. Do not insult my mate again, or I will ignore her kind decision to let you leave here intact."

At his brother's response Caius settled beside her, and Wendy breathed out a relieved breath that neither of her loves were injured. Without further argument, no doubt afraid to push the normally calm king the women rushed out of the throne room. Aro tilted his head, gazing at Caius through lidded eyes. " I trust brother, you can handle the rest of our appointments today?"

They shared a look as Wendy stood to give her mate his throne back, which he immediately settled into. Aro twisted to offer his hand to Wendy, a tiny crack healing by his knuckles. She didn't hesitate, taking his hand before smiling at the soft hum of appreciation he let out as they began to leave. They traveled in an uncommon silence as Aro led her down a hall she hadn't explored much of.

Stopping at a large black door, Aro barely paused before stepping through. Automatically flicking on the switch he walked further inside. His rooms were a lot like his office, perfectly clean. There were dark hardwoods throughout, a large bed across from the door with two arched windows on each side. To her left was an ornate wooden and velvet couch, where her mate now sat.

On her right was yet more bookcases, packed to the brim. On each side of the room there was a door, which she assumed led to a bathroom and a closet. The whole room was tastefully decorated in the same red velvet and dark wood. It reminded her slightly of the room she hadn't wanted to stay in upon her arrival, but with a more masculine edge. The decorations were majorly what made the room look masculine: a globe, display swords, a self portrait of Aro.

Ignoring her surroundings to focus entirely on Aro she found him with his head in his hands, taking long slow breaths. It was strange to see him anything but the calm composed man she'd seen. To witness anything that cracked that perfect image endeared her to him completely; that he was willing to be readable in front of her at all. Wendy moved toward him, coming to her knees in between his legs to hold his clothed wrists.

She didn't want to touch him, to bombard his thoughts further with her own. For such a strong man, his voice came out small as he looked up at her. "You are the most beautiful thing I have ever and will ever see. I do not deserve your love for me." Wendy made a sound of dismay leaning forward to wrap her arms around his shoulder, pushing his face into her neck. As her thoughts flowed with his own, Aro sighed. "You're too kind."

Ignoring his words she kept him there, held close, before willing words forth, "There is nothing I will not forgive you for."

Aro laughed, the sound like cracked glass as he pulled away. "I met Alice Cullen when Jasper Whitlock was called here on trial. He was to be executed, and he accepted this ruling, but Alice was not able to. She bartered, said she would reach into my future and show me something I wanted desperately in exchange for her mate's life. It was selfish, but I agreed. Whitlock was already dedicated to his new coven and their lifestyle, he wasn't a threat to us anymore." He refused to meet her eyes. "She showed me you, and all that you would need to go through to be here. I let your parents die, let your muteness happen, I chose to wait for you to come to us."

Out of all the confessions he could have admitted to, allowing her parents to die was not the one she'd been expecting. She blinked trying to understand how that made her feel, she'd loved her family dearly. They'd been beautiful people, and her life would have no doubt been better the last few years with them in it. However she could feel their bond, the soft gentle and beautiful way it made her feel.

Aro knew what the bond felt like, he'd seen it in so many people's memories. He'd waited over a thousand years for her, killed at least that many humans in his lifetime. What was two more to get everything he had ever wanted, and what were they to her a hundred, two hundred, three hundred years from now. Her parents were quickly fading human memories and trauma.

They would have died eventually anyway, she'd never had turned them. They would have become middle aged parents with a missing daughter to mourn. It was better this way to not be missed, to not put them through that. They may have died, but they died as happy people. She couldn't be angry with him, especially not when faced with Aro's own guilt on the matter. She took his face in her hands, tilting it up to catch eyes. "I'm glad you waited."

He didn't respond, just kissed her. It was a slow kiss, filled with all of the gratefulness that came with her easy understanding of the situation. His voice was harsh and rough, "How was I ever a king before you?"

She didn't respond to the statement, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach to instead kiss him again. There was no doubt Aro had been stewing over this since she'd arrived if not since before that. It was time she showed him just how much his sacrifice had meant to her. Wendy pulled away looking toward the large, bold bed in the room before reaching out a hand to caress his cheek.

As soon as the skin made contact Aro's eyes went dark, reading her intentions as easy as breathing. He stood with her, hands on her hips as they moved toward it, a silent and clear promise of acceptance. Wendy allowed herself to fall back on the red silky sheets, watching the way that he knelt before her, carefully removing her shoes and socks. Every touch with such deliberate action she was hot before they'd even begun.

There was something terribly sinful in the way he was looking at her while he stood, causing Wendy to suck on her lower lip. At the sight Aro purred, "Did you need something in your mouth, tesoro?"

In response she just lifted a bare foot and pressed it against his suit clad chest. "And if I did?"

Aro chuckled, fingers coming to grip her ankle tight against the skin. "Then I will be more than happy to oblige you." His love of power came out, the dominance in his stance pulling any oxygen left in her lungs. Lifting her ankle he left it resting on his shoulder, lifting her body slightly off the bed as he reached forward and tugged everything she was wearing on her bottom half smoothly to the floor.

He didn't destroy anything this time, but there would be plenty of time for that in the future. Regardless of the fact he'd seen and touched her several days ago Aro continued to stare, drinking in every detail like it wasn't already sealed in his memory. Reaching out he grabbed her wrists pulling the woman up letting her leg free, so that he could pull the shirt and bra off as well, only satisfied when she was naked on his sheets.

"I have never allowed anyone in my room, not a soul. Not to clean, not to company me, for nothing. You are the first, you may as well be the first of everything here on out." His hands came to trace her thighs, feeling the curve of muscle and flesh. "I will baptize myself in you."

Tesoro - Darling, treasure (Italian)

Amore - Love ( Italian)

Mo Chuisle - My pulse (Irish)

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