Chapter 4

Mara's POV:(Halloween)

It's been almost a week since we got here and Alec and I had settled in nicely, he and Jasper had found they had a lot and common and went off to go talk which left me alone in the guest room reading a book. I sighed as I finished my book when my phone went off and I smiled and i saw it was my dad calling.

"Hey daddy you're early what's wrong?" I asked concerned, he usually only calls late at night.

"Well you're uncle Aro wanted to know if you wanted to still have our birthday ball this year or if you were going to stay with the Cullen's this year." he said and I bit my lip sighing.

"I think I'll skip it this year if thats ok i want to stay here for a little longer and it's already my birthday." I said.

"Alright princess, well i hope you have a good day and i'll call you again tonight i love you so much."

"I love you too daddy." I said as I hung up. I smiled and went downstairs where all the others were i saw that Edward and Alice were playing chess and I walked over and smirked.

"So Edward i've heard you usually win at chess, but i've been playing almost as long as it's been around mind if i try to beat you?" I asked and he smirked as Alice got up and I took her place.

"You can try Mara but no one has been able to although Jasper has come close."Edward said as he reset the board and I tilted my head making my face a mask of innocence to throw him off a little. I gave him a small smile as he offered the first move. With that it was like a dance back and forth. Our hands moving quickly to play each piece but being careful about the place we set it. It's such an even match that some of the others were impressed and wondering which of us will falter and lose. One piece after another, black and white. I can tell that he's trying to see if I will give any tell or sign of what my next move would be but im not that easy to read. After a few more moves i give a look of defeat as the others look to Edward thinking he's won before i give a chuckle and knock over his queen, leaving the king defenseless.

"Check mate" I say with a grin as everyone looks shocked. Edward was always the king at chess but this time the king was dethroned. Edward looked up at me completely shocked and I smile.

"How did you do that?" he asked.

"Well I've been playing for almost as long as it's been around so I've had a lot of practice." I said.

"Don't tell me Mara beat young Edward here at chess." Alec said and walked over to me

Alec's POV:

I walked over to Mara smiling happy she beat the mind reader and i couldn't help myself i leaned over and kissed Mara softly filled completely with love for her and she kissed me back. I smiled as I pulled away.

"That's my girl." I said and she smiled as everyone else in the room looked a little confused although Alice and Amber both were shaking their heads smiling which makes me wonder if they had something to do with all this somehow. Then again Amber was the one who told Jasper and I about the chess match. I took Mara's hand and kissed it and she stood up. I held her close to me and we walked outside. I smiled as we walked hand in hand through the forest I couldn't believe I had finally kissed the girl of my dreams and that she loved me just as much as I loved her.

"Mara, you don't know how long I've wanted to tell you how I've felt, but I've been so scared you didn't feel the same," I said and she smiled resting her head on my shoulder.

"Alec that's just exactly how I felt, I've been terrified that you wouldn't feel the same way. Dad said you would and i should have believed him, especially with his ability but still what if he had been wrong just this once? But i guess i was worried for nothing you are my mate." she said smiling and I couldn't help but hug her tightly.

"Now all is left to do is tell the Cullen's your story my princess." I said stroking her long soft hair and i could feel her sigh.

"You're right love, it's time they know my story." she said as she kissed my hand and we walked back to the Cullen's house. Once we got inside, Alice walked over to us.

"Mara, do you know why we haven't gotten an invitation to the Halloween ball this year?" she asked and Mara bit her lip.

"Yes its because the person the ball is for isn't in Volterra this year." Mara replied and the others looked at her confused and she sighed.

"Well this seems like as good a time as any." She said with a small smile as she turned to the group "Now, as I had promised earlier, I will share my story. It's about as old as the Volturi themselves and it's one that will never get old. But first, let us all get more comfortable" with that everyone had followed her to the couch in the living room where we all could sit comfortably, give or take us pulling up a chair or two before Mara's mouth opened again and she started telling her story.

Mara's POV:

I sat next to Alec and took his hand holding it tight knowing this was gonna be hard.

"My place in the Volturi isn't part of the guard, its higher than that. And, like I've said before you know my father and have never met my mother. My parents, like my uncles are powerful vampires, my parents were both blessed with gifts as was one of my uncles. My mother was a vampire with the gift of happiness, and was combined with my father's gift for relationships. Shortly after their wedding it leading to a surprise nobody could have hoped for, a child. Although my parents were vampires, I was conceived and later born in Volterra. I grew quickly learning to master my gift for mimicking others. I reached my current maturity six years after my birth, and a year later I" I paused for a moment not wanting to finish the sentence "I lost my mother.' I looked down and i felt Alec wrap his arms around me pulling me into his lap holding me close to him.

"Its ok my Princess we're still looking for the vampire that killed her we'll never give up not until you and Lord Marcus have revenge." he said and I nodded as I heard everyone gasp at the mention of my father.

"Wait, you're the Volturi Princess?" Carlisle asked shocked and i nodded.

"The one and only yes. My mother was the lovely Didyme, she was Aro's sister and she and daddy fell in love. They were married like I've already said, but when they found out about how they were going to be parents they at first were nervous because they weren't sure how uncle Aro and uncle Caius were going to react. At first everyone was cautious for the first few years of my life, but slowly they grew to love me and saw how much my parents cared about me. After that they knew I wouldn't be a danger to our world. They still kept me hidden but for my protection, especially after mother died. Daddy became very protective of me and assigned Alec as my personal guard. Daddy and I are really close and I promised him no matter what he'd never lose me and he promised me I'd never lose him." I continued shaking a little with emotion. The others could tell that this topic is still sensitive even if it's been a while since the incident. I tried to continue before Carlisle held up his hand to stop me.

"It's alright dear. I think we've heard enough of your story for now. If you would like you can continue whenever you want as we're always willing to lend an ear and listen when needed." I looked up at him with tears wanting to prick at the end of my eyes but I smile and nod at him.

"Thank you, to all of you. Your notice is well appreciated and i will take it to consideration from here on out.'' I said as Alec stood up still holding me close before he picked me up. After deciding it was time to call it a day I gave everyone a good night as i planned to spend some time in my room. Alec surprised me by carrying me up to the guest room and I smiled a little holding onto him.

"Why don't I call your dad and see if he'll come here i know you miss him Mara." Alec said and I looked up at him, not sure if I really wanted my dad here or not.

"Y-yeah i kinda do want my dad here for my birthday." I said agreeing.

"Wait today is your birthday?" I looked up and saw Bella standing there and i nodded.

"Well then let me be the first to say happy birthday Mara. We'd be happy to have Marcus here,"she said with a small smile.