Author's Note: Two chapters in 4 days? What is this madness?! I'm simply inspired with the way Aro is going in this... Be prepared to go for a ride this chapter! As always, all mistakes are my own. I do not own the characters, I just play with them... consensually. Have fun, fair readers!

Last Time...

Aro nodded in affirmation. "Are you, as you said, 'okay'?" He asked awkwardly in his attempt to mirror the modern language she had used earlier.

He was rewarded with a small laugh. "As best as I can be. Thank you, Aro. Really. But.. uh…you don't need to tend to me, I know you have many important things to do."

"There is nothing more important to me now than ensuring your safety, Isabella. It is clear that whomever threatens us is aware of your presence, and seeks to wipe you out. I will not allow that to happen. I promise you."

Chapter 6

Isabella's Rooms— Afternoon

Aro refused to leave Isabella alone for quite some time, his protectiveness evident through touch; it wasn't even remotely sexual, but it happened often. Earlier it was with her ankle, then light taps to the top of her hand, then her knees. They were not unwelcome, just rather odd in nature. Eventually she plucked up the courage to ask him about it, as his hand rested on her knee absentmindedly as they both read their own books in content silence. "Making sure I don't run away?"

Aro feigned irritation, despite a small smile as he turned a page. "Hardly."

"What, then?"

He looked at her finally, his expression guarded. "Even as I cannot see your thoughts, I can relatively monitor your overall wellbeing by your heartbeat. At first, I thought you might block that too, as you did when you first entered Volterra. Although I cannot hear it with your gift, I can feel it."

"That's interesting."

"Very."

Aro looked away from her once more, feeling conflicted. Despite her continued presence around him for these next months, he could not betray his own nature and position to feel the stirrings affection for a mortal. Especially one as mysterious as her, however captivating she may be. Sure that she was well, he stood rigidly and bid her farewell before disappearing into the night.

Courtyard- Evening

"Penny for your thoughts?" Marcus interrupted Aro's brooding, looking quite amused. It was odd, and Aro was not amused.

"You are to offer me a coin for thinking, brother?" Aro was beginning to question his sanity.

"No. It's a phrase the mortals use when someone is in deep thought, and may desire a confidant."

"How strange." Aro said dismissively.

"Indeed. I hadn't presumed you were one for sulking, Aro. It's quite unbecoming."

Another exasperated sigh. "Must you occupy my time with your ramblings?"

"Would you prefer the company of Caius? I am sure I could locate him, if you wish."

Aro growled, his answer clear. "Your cadence leads me to believe you hold questions. Get on with them, then."

"Easy, dear brother. I am simply here to inquire after fair Isabella. She had quite a scare today with the nomad."

"She is well enough."

"Yes... You spent much time with her to ensure that."

"I am simply protecting what is ours. She is no use to us if she is otherwise affected by lesser beings. " He replied cooly, though he seethed with unbridled anger. Aro bid Marcus a quick farewell, before disappearing into the night.

Isabella's Rooms- Early Morning

Isabella woke with a start, a cold sweat beading at her brow. Rubbing her hands over her face once, she pushed aside the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She paused, considering her options now for late night escapades when she encountered such nightmares, given her new location.

After some consideration, she threw on black sweatpants and a long sleeved burgundy shirt—surprising finds among such high end options. She stayed barefoot, figuring it would aid her in avoiding interaction with most inhabitants of the castle. She wasn't anti-social per se, but rather enjoyed her solitude this early in the morning.

The sky was still dark by the time Isabella found her way to the study she had occupied for some time the day before. Due to the lack of electric lighting in the progressively gothic seeming castle, the only illumination came from the candelabra left burning on the mahogany desk.

"Vampires." She muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. She soon settled in with a book of poetry, thankfully in English, to occupy her time until at least sunrise.

Her readings, however, were cut short as she observed the sound of footsteps approaching the door. Isabella didn't sense any danger, but felt a bit of apprehension as the door creaked open.

"Oh there you are." Isabella said

Aro's eyes glowed bright crimson in the dim light. "Here I am." He purred, moving forward at a slow pace further into the soft light. He looked positively predatory, a sly smile on his face.

"You've just fed."

He was now inches from her seated form, standing still between the desk and the chair she occupied. "Are you afraid?"

"Not quite." Still, Aro drew closer, now hovering over her. His hands rested on either side of her, his cool breath fanning against her cheeks. He smelled… divine. Similar to fresh parchment with underlying tones of honeysuckle and musk, it was rather indescribable.

"Many know not to be around a vampire after he's just fed… Why not call someone to your rescue?" His eyes narrowed slightly, though his voice was still smooth like honey.

"Am I in need of rescuing?" Isabella quipped, brushing her fingers against his jaw as she stared up at the ancient vampire haughtily. Her fingers traveled upwards upwards, just slightly, to the corner of his mouth, collecting the dark crimson liquid that remained there. Observing the bead for a moment as it glinted in the light, she looked back to him, unafraid. "I trust you."

"A foolish, foolish thing… Isabella." His tongue darted out, swiping across her fingertip to sample the excess liquid there.

"If you must know, your natural allure in this state does not affect me." She referred to his highly seductive quality as she observed him. He was in his most primal state— highly emotive, bloodthirsty, and dripping pure, dangerous sex. Nevertheless, "I am capable of taking care of myself" she finished, never wavering.

"Are you?" He growled, fingers digging into the wood beneath his fingers that framed either side of her body. "Such sweet blood… I could drain you in a moment, piccola."

Isabella held his gaze. "You won't." Her fingers were still positioned dangerously close to his mouth, tracing his bottom lip. Slowly he gravitated mere centimeters closer until…

"Indeed." Aro blinked a few times, seeming to regain his composure before stepping away from her.

Rather than allowing an awkward tension to set in after being nearly eaten… or whatever his vampiric mind had in store… she hopped up and pulled him along by his jacket sleeve. "Come on, I'm the one in need of a drink now."

—

Kitchen— Sunrise

Isabella panted, trying to catch her breath as she leaned against the countertop of the ornate kitchen.

"What… are you… laughing at?"

"Human stamina is such a feeble thing. I'm surprised you lasted so long." Aro shot back, looking very smug with himself.

"If you weren't vampire royalty, I'd tell you to shove it." Isabella emphasized with the whisk in hand, looking ruefully at the un-whipped egg whites in front of her. 5 whole minutes and nada. "But status given, would you kindly aid the helpless mortal?"

"I could… but what do I receive in return?"

"Hm…". Isabella stroked her chin in mock thought. "Tell you what, I won't tell anyone about the vampire mojo you tried on me last night. I'm sure Marcus would find it hysterical."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Wouldn't I?" She challenged, her eyes glinting with mischief.

An exasperated sigh was followed by perfectly whipped egg whites just thirty seconds later.

"Thank you." She took the bowl and whisk from Aro's hands before folding the mixture into her dry ingredients. Adding some vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon, she soon had a glossy pancake batter.

With the first few pancakes cooking on the practically untouched stove, Isabella stole a glance at Aro; he was seated at the marble bar top adjacent to her place at the kitchen island. A few strands of his raven black hair fell in front of his eyes as he gazed down at a book in what appeared to by ancient Greek. It was oddly nice to see Aro in such a relaxed environment. To see him smile occasionally at something, and seem unrestrained by their own impending reality. If she hadn't known better, she would say his allure was affecting her now, despite its impossibility with her immunity to vampiric gifts.

"Isabella." She jumped a bit, snapping out of her glazed look while staring right at him. Her cheeks flamed. Oh god. Why me. She scolded herself internally.

"Isabella, your sustenance appears to be burning."

"Shit!" She exclaimed, turning off the burner quickly and scooping the charred pancakes into the trash.

"A dirty mouth and a bad cook…" Aro murmured, smirking to himself in amusement. Isabella only grumbled in response, scooping a fresh batch of batter into the pan. Focus.

This time, she succeeded without further embarrassment. Soon enough, she sat next to Aro with a stack of fresh pancakes and a steaming cup of coffee. Earlier blood drinking impulses and the end of the world aside, Isabella could get used to this.

Author's Note: Pretty cute with a dash of sexual tension, eh? Let me know what you think! ;)