"So, what do you guys want to do now?"
The movie was finally over and the rest of the guard were gone, leaving only me, Afton, and Santiago left in the room. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and glanced at the time, 18:02, before tipping the bucket of popcorn upside down to empty the rest of the contents into my mouth.
"I honestly don't care dude, but we could always watch another Star Wars movie" Santiago suggested with his legs up on the table, a look of hope on his face.
"You already know my answer to that," I narrowed my eyes at him, "so what rooms does this castle have then?"
"Well, there's the game room, which you've already seen, all of the living quarters, the gardens, the kitchen, the training and fitness room-"
"Fitness room?"
"Yes, usually we use it for combat training, but there is also a general exercising area. We can go if you want" Afton offered.
Come to think about it, I hadn't exercised for a week since I arrived, and it showed. I'd always been a little body conscious, wary of wearing clothing that was too revealing, and I couldn't exactly call myself skinny. Maybe closer to normal sized, but recently I really needed to work out and for once get off of my lazy ass.
"Let's do it then, but we're stopping at my room first" I replied.
"Why?"
I tilted my head at him and gestured to my current outfit; a thin blouse and skinny ripped jeans. Suffice to say I wasn't exactly 'work out ready'.
"Fine," he sighed, "your room and then the training room"
I jumped straight to my feet and skipped to the door, still on a sugar high from the bucket-worth of M&Ms I'd consumed. The other two followed behind me, surprised that I actually knew the way. In fairness, Demetri had led us from my room to the guards' quarters that morning, so it would only make sense if I remembered the way back.
We arrived and I closed the door behind me for privacy before flinging open the doors to my wardrobe. I rummaged through the bottoms, sure that I'd spotted leggings or shorts at some point, before pulling out a pair of black fitness leggings and tossing it over my shoulder. I also managed to find a matching black sports bra, but the amount of midriff it showed made me feel slightly on edge, so I threw on a basic zip-up grey hoodie and a pair of Nike trainers. Mildly satisfied with my appearance, I strutted out of the door, grabbing my iPod from my dresser.
"You ready?" Afton asked.
"Hell yeah, let's go!" I yelled, jumping up in the air. The energy from all those e-numbers and sugar was still cursing through my veins, and I was loving every moment of it. Afton lead the way, me and Santiago left trailing behind.
"Do vampires exercise then, or what?" I asked him.
"Exercise? No, instead we train"
"Isn't that, like, exactly the same thing?" I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Psh, not even close dude" he chuckled as we strolled down several flights of stairs. This in itself felt like a workout for me, and I dreaded to think how I was going to make it back up again. Afton unlocked a wooden door, pushing it open to reveal what I would definitely class as a gym, no matter what Santiago says. One wall acted as a mirror, while a bunch of fitness equipment was spread out across the room. I headed over to a large speaker in the corner and plugged in my iPod.
"Eli, no." Afton had his arms crossed behind me.
"Please?" I begged.
"I said no"
"But what if I only play Kelly Clarkson? You like her music, right?" I pleaded.
"Okay, sure" he sighed sarcastically, picking up weights from the middle of the floor.
I started my Kelly Clarkson playlist and went over to hold up a weight, only for it to not budge in the slightest. I even attempted to roll it over, and used the force of my entire body weight to try and move it, but I was convinced that someone had glued it to the floor or something. Santiago spotted me and strolled over, picking it up with ease and returning it to its stand, to which I stared at him in shock.
"How did…?"
"Vampire, remember?" he laughed, holding another weight easily above his head.
"But, how much did that even weigh?"
"Put it by this way, a human couldn't lift a fraction of that weight," he humoured, "especially not one who hates Star Wars"
"Not this again" I sighed.
"Yes, this again. What is wrong with you dude? This is Star Wars. Star Wars I tell you!" he became riled up very quickly.
"Okay, lets break this up, chill out" Afton stepped between us, pushing us both away from each other with the same force, which ended up sending me flying onto the padded ground while Santiago stood unfazed.
"What the hell was that for?" I yelled, which they both found hilarious as he helped me to my feet.
"I didn't realise I was going to push you over!"
"You should've pushed him as well," I said, pointing at Santiago who pulled a fake innocent face, "I mean, why on earth would you push me? What did I do?"
"Be honest though, that was too funny!" he was still in fits of laughter.
"Hilarious," I rolled my eyes, adjusted my hoodie and tied my hair into a quick low ponytail, "now, can we actually do something then?"
"Of course, of course" he dramatically bowed, which he knew pissed me off.
The two of them spent the next hour or two as my 'personal trainers', which I'm convinced they just used as an excuse to vent out all of their frustration at me. As all of the weights were too heavy for me to use, I ended up having to use all of the machines at the lowest settings possible, which even then was still a lot of effort. By the end, I was a hot mess, my previously neat ponytail now full of lumps and my body sweating like a pig. In all honesty though, it was definitely worth it, as I already looked slightly less bloated than I had when I entered.
"I'm out" I dropped onto my back on the floor, still panting for breath.
"Do you want us to leave you here? I'm sure Kelly Clarkson will keep you company" Afton snickered, hovering over me.
"It's fine, I'm coming" I groaned, dramatically rolling myself over and crawling to my feet before grabbing my iPod and following the two of them back out.
I paused at the stairs and sighed, well knowing I wouldn't make it up but, before I even had the chance to complain, Santiago had carried me up to the top and placed me down next to Afton.
"Thanks" I smiled half-heartedly.
"No problem, little dude" he tapped my head in a condescending manner as we walked down the cool hallways in silence. The sun had already set, the candles providing the only source of light in the castle.
"So, do you guys have abilities or anything then?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Funny you should mention that"
I turned around expecting Afton to be standing behind me, but he was nowhere to be seen. Spinning around a few times and checking behind a giggling Santiago, I was still confused and fed up of looking for him.
"Where the fuc-"
I screamed as a pair of hands made contact either side of my neck, before he faded back in to view in front of me, now in complete hysterics.
"Y-you, you should've seen your-" he didn't even manage to finish his sentence, gripping onto his sides in an attempt to contain himself as Santiago high-fived him.
"Jesus fucking Christ, why would you do that?" My heart was still beating erratically as I, again, slapped him on the arm which, again, didn't hurt him whatsoever.
"Your face!" was the only wheezed response I received before I spun on my heel and turned around, sick and tired of dealing with that man child.
"Don't take it personally dude," Santiago laughed as he patted me on the shoulder, "he does that to everyone at some point"
"It's pretty cool though I guess, that is, when you're not trying to give me a heart attack" I snapped my head to Afton, who was only now managing to compose himself and have a conversation.
"I wasn't trying to give you a heart attack, you asked for it" he chuckled defensively.
"I didn't ask you to half scare me to death, though"
"No, you asked if I had an ability, which I demonstrated in response to your question"
"Wow, how could I ever thank you, I-"
I paused, just about hearing a somewhat familiar voice coming from a room a few feet away.
"Eli, what are you-"
"Shush!" I hissed, edging closer to the door.
Peering through a small gap where it had been left ajar, I eyed Aro, Caius, and Marcus all sat together in his private library having a heated discussion. Aro had his weight leant back against the desk, before he looked over at the door with immaculate timing and made eye contact with me. Their conversation came to a halt as I squealed, jumping away from the door and bumping into Santiago.
"Did you see something, brother?" I heard Caius ask.
"It is nothing to worry about" Aro answered simply, returning back to their discussion.
"What the hell was that?" Santiago whispered as I swerved around him.
"Aren't you going to go and say hello?" Afton sneered, clearly finding my embarrassment very amusing.
"Definitely not after that" I scoffed.
"Just go in" he urged.
"I said no"
"Why not dude?" Santiago chimed in.
"You too?" I turned to face him, unimpressed, "look, I just don't want to get in their way, that's all"
"They're your mates, Eli"
"So? We've only met a few times in anyway. Besides, their conversation seems important, I don't want to intrude"
I put my arms up, waving them off, and turned around before a pair of hands grabbed my waist from behind and carried me straight into the room at crazy vampire speed, placing me down and closing the door. Damn it, why did Afton have to have that invisibility stuff?
"Afton, you retard!" I yelled at the top of my voice at the closed door, to which he responded with an echoed chuckle.
"Ah, Eliana, it is a pleasure to see you again, cara mia!"
I grimaced and turned around slowly to face the kings, all three struggling to take my comment to Afton seriously, causing me to blush. Even Caius had his hand over his mouth, his lips held tightly closed.
"….hey. So, I should maybe go…" I pointed with my thumb towards the door.
"Please do stay, il mio amore. We were simply discussing a trial from earlier today" Marcus looked over at me and patted a space on the sofa between him and Caius. I hesitantly paced over to the sofa before Aro stopped me in my tracks, taking my small hand and cupping it in his.
"Is Afton bothering you in any way, carissima?" Caius asked, and I turned my head to face him.
"He would never. He's the most delightful member of the guard!" I laughed sarcastically.
Caius hummed sceptically as Aro let go of my hand and led me over to the sofa. I don't know why, but being around all three of them at once always made me feel the most uncomfortable and on edge, wary of everything I do. I sat down carefully, my right leg curled underneath me, Aro resuming his spot against the desk.
How was your day then?" Aro smiled, crossing his arms over his chest. Why did he seem annoyed?
I leant back against Marcus shoulder and proceeded to tell them about my entire day. If there was one thing I was competent enough to do, it was tell a good story. They listened surprisingly patiently as I rambled on for a few minutes, only pausing my little monologue for air. I pretty much told them everything, except the whole messing up Aro's private office part.
"That is wonderful, tesoro. I am pleased to hear you enjoyed yourself" Marcus smiled humbly.
"Yes, about that," Aro added, "when I came into my office shortly after you had eaten your lunch, I noticed that my paperwork, which had previously been organised on my desk, was left in an untidy state in the middle, and a few important documents were left missing. Would you happen to know anything about that, Eliana?"
Fuck, he's on to me. His crimson eyes felt like daggers, and my face turned red as I stared timidly at my lap like a toddler being scolded for misbehaving. I shook my head, refusing to look up because if I were to do so, I know I'd give myself away instantly. Caius and Marcus quietly chuckled either side of me. Was I really being that obvious? Aro knelt in front of me, his cold hand rested on my knee.
"Please, do not lie to me Eliana. Do not treat me like a fool" he murmured calmly. I couldn't help it; I looked up and made eye contact with him, his stern face glaring at me. Why?
"Okay, fine," I sighed, leaning my head back, "you caught me. I was in here with Chelsea and Corin when I had my lunch"
He tilted his head to the side slightly, clearly expecting more.
"Sorry" I muttered under my breath while looking back down at my lap, too stubborn to actually face him and apologise properly.
He stood up again and leant his back against the desk, crossing his arms in disappointment as he tutted at me and raised an eyebrow. I was really going to get it this time.
"L-look, put it by this way," I attempted to defend myself, "I did try to tidy the desk up again properly, and I warned them that you'd figure it out eventually"
He sighed, his face softening slightly. Maybe today wasn't my time to die.
"I know you did, cara mia. But please, in the future, avoid disorganising any of my important belongings" he responded, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I promise, I won't," I sighed of relief, leaning further back into Marcus, "but please don't punish Chelsea or Corin. It wasn't…okay, it was their fault, but I should've stopped it" I pleaded.
He hummed in thought, "I could give them a second chance, just this once" he chuckled.
"Thank you" I beamed at him, placing my right leg across Caius' lap. He seemed unimpressed, not by the fact that I was using him as a footrest, but by the fact that he now had no reason to punish Chelsea or Corin.
"How were the trials then?" I glanced at each of them in turn.
"Uneventful, as per usual. Although, one criminal did decide he was strong enough to pounce at Caius" Marcus chuckled, looking over at the unamused blonde.
"He almost ruined my hair!"
"Your hair?" I asked inquisitively.
"For reasons unknown, the fool decided to grab at my hair!" He seethed.
"So blonde, it's offensive" I giggled under my breath.
"Did you want to share something, Eliana?" he turned to glare at me.
"Not at all, I'm sure he was just jealous that your hair's brighter than his future," I remarked, to which he snarled at me, "What crime did he commit then?"
"He had been hunting within the walls of Volterra, but fortunately not for too long before he was reported" Aro informed me, still laughing at my comment about Caius' hair.
"That's a crime?" I drew my eyebrows together.
"Punishable by death" he answered, shrugging one shoulder.
I'd zoned out for the rest of their conversation, which slowly morphed into Italian. Not only because I didn't understand a single word they were saying, but their voices were so melodic and soothing. After a while, a yawn escaped my lips, interrupting their entire discussion.
"It is getting quite late, maybe you should go back to your room to sleep, il mio amore" I felt Marcus' chest rumble softly underneath me.
"It's okay, I'm okay" I reassured lazily, untying my hair and blowing it out of my face.
I'd almost forgotten what I was wearing until I looked down to see that I was still in my sports bra and leggings, my hoodie which had been covering my midriff now tied around my waist. It was definitely a little too much cleavage and ass for me to wear around the kings, which was evident by the fact that they seemed to lose track of their thoughts constantly after staring at me. At least I look hot, apparently.
"Is she asleep?" I heard Caius ask a few minutes later, reminding me that I'd closed my eyes and probably had dosed off.
"Let us take her back to her room, brother" Marcus' deep voice replied.
In an instant, two cold arms were underneath me, carrying me bridal style out of the door and along the considerably cooler corridors. I curled into their chest in an effort to stay warm, instantly recognising the scent as Caius'. The good thing about vampires is that, while I could've been in this freezing corridor for a few minutes, they can easily zoom long distances in a matter of seconds. Before I'd even realised it, I was lying on my back on my mattress with my eyes still closed, stone cold hands removing my shoes and hoodie, and pulling my duvet over me.
"Buona notte, cara mia" a voice that I recognised to be Marcus' whispered as he kissed my forehead and squeezed my hand. I yawned and stretched up before becoming limp, rolling my head slightly to the side.
"Sogni d'oro" Caius chuckled at me quietly, pressing his cold lips to my forehead and stroking the side of my face.
"Dormi bene, il mio piccolo piantagrane" Aro hummed light-heartedly, placing one hand on my side and another on my shoulder as he kissed my forehead.
The three of them walked out silently and closed the door behind them, leaving me to sleep blissfully as I brushed where they had kissed me with the back of my hand. Maybe everything would work out after all.
Author's note: I'm back again haha, and with another chapter. Their relationship is becoming so cute ahhh, I really love writing this. By the way, here's some of the translations from Italian (any mistakes are Google Translate's fault, not mine, but feel free to correct them as I don't know a word of Italian)
Buona notte, cara mia – Good night my dear.
Sogni d'oro – Sweet dreams
Dormi bene, il mio piccolo piantagrane – Sleep well, my little troublemaker
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed reading this. Feel free to leave a review/comment/whatever, as I love hearing feedback. Please stay safe during this whole Coronavirus thing, ily!