Chapter 12

(Chloe's POV)

After Heidi dropped off some pajamas for me. I sat on the couch staring at the fire with the clothing in my lap. I was hesitating to go into the bathroom because it felt awkward since I'm in Demetri's room. After a few minutes, I let out a sigh and walked into the large bathroom that held a huge steam shower and a large bathtub. I shook my head a little thinking this was way too big for one person. I set Heidi's cloths down along with the bath bomb she gave me and turned on the water for the large bathtub. And I mean large, it looked like at least three people could fit in it. Once the tub was filled, I closed and locked the door just in case before getting in. I let out a long sigh as I dropped the bath bomb and watched it dissolve in the water. The lavender scent surrounding me as I relaxed back into the tub. After a while the water went cold, and the bath bomb was gone so I decided to get out. Heidi's cloths were a little too big on me, but they would work until I got back to my room.

I dressed then I walked back out into Demetri's room and looked around, my eyes eventually landing on his large bookshelf. I walked over to it and started to skim through the books, realizing they were all first editions. My eyes stopped on the Sherlock Holms book I had left behind, and I quickly grabbed it before settling into the large couch. I don't know how much time had passed, but Demetri finally walked into the room and closed the door behind him. I watched him remove his large cloak and noticed his eyes were back to a bright red. I quickly looked down at my book when he looked over at me and pressed my lips as I heard him walk into his closet, probably to change.

"It's almost ten in the morning," Demetri said walking out of the closet, and I looked up at him. He stared back at me while buttoning his red shirt sleeve and pulling on another expensive looking jacket.

"Oh," I said looking over at the large red curtains that blocked out all the sunlight, but I could see the small specks of sun trying to get through.

"I should go then," I said while closing my book and standing up. I hesitated then, suddenly remembering that going back to my room would mean I would have to face Jamie and the others. Jamie may love gossip, but she's also very loyal to her friends. I don't worry about her going around talking about my freak out session, but I just didn't want to face anyone right now. I didn't want to deal with the questions, or the worrying looks from Riley, Jamie, and Jason. My eyes snapped up to meet Demetri's when his hand on my shoulder pulled me out of my thoughts.

"You may stay here for the day," Demetri said, somehow knowing what I was thinking, "if you still need time. However, I will be attending trials all day; so, I won't be around." I chewed the inside of my cheek.

"It's fine," I muttered, "I don't want to intrude any more than I already have."

"No," he said making me look up at him, "you're not intruding at all, and you're always welcome here Chloe." His hand moved from my shoulder to cup my cheek and I blinked a little, the memory of our kiss coming back, and I was thankful I couldn't blush anymore.

"Just don't push yourself," he said with a warm smile. I stared into his red eyes and I swore my dead heart was fluttering. I need to ask him about that kiss, why did he do it?

"Um Demetri?" I started to stay, finding the courage to ask. He tilted his head a little and just as I was about to ask, a knock came at his door. His eyes moved from me and he looked at the door while pulling his hand away from me. I found that I missed the contact as he turned to face the door.

"Yes?" Demetri asked, clearly knowing who was there.

"We need to get to the throne room." Felix said on the other side, although he made no move to open the door like the last time I was here.

"I'm coming." Demetri replied and I heard Felix walk off.

"I-I'll stay." I whispered knowing he could still hear me. I thought I saw his lips form a small smile before he nodded and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. I let out a long sigh and looked around the room again. Eventually, I walked back to the couch with a new book and focused on the story to keep my mind distracted. Several hours went by, but I didn't really notice; until someone burst into the room.

"Chloe!" I jumped and fell off the couch when Heidi burst into the room.

"Opps," Heidi smiled as she stood behind the couch and stared down at me, "sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"Um it's fine," I muttered wondering why she was here. Although after my last conversation and learning about her 'relationship' with Demetri, I had a hunch she was in here a lot. My heart pained unexpectedly at the thought as I stood up to face her.

"Demetri isn't here," was all I could think to say as I shifted uncomfortably.

"I know," she said, "I'm here for you!" I blinked as she grabbed my hand and started dragging me out of the room. She closed the door behind us, and I stared at her back while she pulled me down a flight of stairs.

"I was thinking you would be bored to death," Heidi finally said as we walked down a hallway right below the floor Demetri's room was on, "I mean that old man doesn't even have anything modern in his room. I tried to convince him to at least get a radio, but he just won't." Heidi let out a frustrated sigh as she pulled me into her bedroom. The room was the opposite of Demeter's. It had all modern furniture with a TV, a computer, and a radio. Her purple curtains were pulled away from the windows, letting in the afternoon sun. I looked around the room, finding I preferred Demetri's; but Heidi's room was nice too.

"Ok," Heidi smiled as she closed the door, "I'm thinking we have a girl day. I have a lot of nail polish that needs to be used." I watched her walk into her bathroom as she continued to talk, "you like reality shows? I was going to watch reruns of Say Yes to The Dress." She walked back out holding a huge container of nail polish, "I just don't know why, but that show is so addictive."

"Ok." I said a little hesitantly and she smiled at me as she waved me over to the couch.

"Come one," she said, "I don't bite." I smiled a little as I sat on the couch and watched her open the container.

"Well let's pick out a color," she said, "oh and I can do designs as well!"

(Demetri's POV)

It felt like the day would never end. Every trial was the same, boring and predictable. Afterall, those on trial were here for a reason. But, Aro always insisted on hearing their side and a few were set free with a simple warning. A part of me was anxious to get back to Chloe, however that part was dulled by the thought of her being in my room. She would be safe there and that was enough to satisfy me as I continued to help Felix hold down the struggling vampires. When Aro finally dismissed us, I ran to my room only to find Chloe gone. I frowned a little and tracked to her Heidi's room. I pinched the bridge of my nose a little at the information, lords knows what Heidi is up to now. Running a hand though my hair, I turned on my heel and walked to Heidi's room. I didn't bother to knock as I opened the door and walked in into her room.

"Why would anyone wear that?" I looked over at Chloe's voice and saw the two-woman sitting on the couch, their attention was focused on the TV.

"She looks like a cupcake." Heidi said and the two giggled. Chloe was resting her back against the couch armrest with her legs resting over Heidi's lap while Heidi was painting Chloe's toes.

"Heidi," I finally said, gaining their attention.

"Hay!" Heidi smiled and I raised an eyebrow at her, my eyes moving between the two women.

"I borrowed Chloe for the day," Heidi continued as she closed up the nail polish, "hope you don't mind."

"I see." Was all I could think to say, wondering what Heidi was up to.

"I should get going," Chloe said while standing up and slipping her feet into some slippers.

"Thanks for keeping me company Chloe!" Heidi waved as I followed Chole out. I looked over my shoulder at Heidi in question only to receive a wink from her. Rolling my eyes, I closed the door and followed behind Chloe.

"I trust you had a good day then." I finally said as I walked up to be next to Chloe.

"Um, ya." Chloe replied with a small smile. I stared down at her for a moment and spoke without thinking.

"You should smile more," I said, "you're very beautiful with a smile."

"Oh, U-Um… thank you." Chloe seemed to be struggling for words and I glanced back at her to see her biting her lip.

"You're biting that lip again." I muttered and her eyes snapped up to meet mine, I barley noticed that we had stopped walking.

"Sorry," she breathed, "I guess I do that a lot huh?"

"You do." I replied and her eyes met mine. Again, I wondered if she knew how much she affected me…

"Hay Demetri," she said, breaking eye contact and looking down at her feet as she fiddled with her hands, "can I ask you something?"

"Of course." I replied, resisting the urge to move her hair out of her face. I watched her nibble her lip for a second before speaking.

"U-Um," she stuttered, "I was wondering why you kissed me?" I should have expected that question, but it still took me off guard and I shifted a little as I placed my hands behind my back.

"You kissed back." I finally said to avoid answering the question. Chloe looked up at me through her lashes and I stared back, making her quickly look back down.

"You kissed me first," she muttered, "I don't understand why or why I even kissed back." I let out a sigh as I ran a hand through my hair, trying to find an answer. The problem was that I didn't fully have one. I couldn't out right tell her that Marcus believes she's my mate. I was about to speak, but tilted my head when Chloe got a confused look on her face and moved her eyes to look out the window.

"What's wrong?" I asked as she stared out the window.

"I-I think there's someone in the gardens," she muttered and bit her lip, "I don't know I just have a feeling…" the second those words left her mouth I moved forward a little and pulled her to me, feeling the need to protect her as I used my gift to scan the castle. I didn't sense anyone new…

No, there it was. The essence of someone I didn't recognize, but I was having a hard time getting any sort of link.

"Demetri?" Chloe breathed clearly sensing my alert state.

"There's an intruder." I said loud enough for anyone nearby to hear me. Chloe jumped a little when Alec appeared next to me and looked out the window.

"I'll gather the guard," he said, "alert the ancients." With that he was gone, and I picked up Chole making her yelp a little.

"Stay here," I said when I set her back down in my room. She looked like she was going to argue, "please, just stay here. You'll be safe." Chloe pressed her lips together at my last statement before nodding and I left.

"Two times in a week," I muttered as I stood on the wall of the gardens and looked around with Felix nearby.

"We didn't find anything," Alec said walking into the gardens from the town with his sister.

"Maybe that girl was wrong." Jane snapped and Alec placed a hand on her shoulder.

"No," I muttered, "I was sure I sensed someone. And Chloe's feelings have been proven to be very accurate." After we reported to Aro, he decided to increase castle security for the time being. The others were dismissed, but Aro made me stay behind in his office.

"How is Chole?" Aro asked as he took a seat behind his desk.

"Fine." I simply replied and he nodded a little.

"She is a beauty, Demetri." Aro continued while eyeing me and I tilted my head a little, wondering where this conversation was going. I looked behind me when the door opened to reveal Marcus who shut the door behind him.

Ah, so that's what this is about. No doubt Marcus has made Aro aware of the relationship he's seen between me and Chloe. I pressed my lips together, watching Marcus take a seat in a chair by the fire place.

"Sir," I finally decided to ask, "is Chloe who you were referring to the other day?" Marcus tilted his head and looked at me.

"If you have to ask, then you already know then answer." Was his reply and I pressed my lips, again.

"You are lost for what to do." Aro stated making me look back at him. I guess I've been with this coven so long that he doesn't even need to be reading my mind to see through me anymore.

"I don't know how to approach her," I admitted while placing my hands behind my back. Aro nodded a little while leaning back in his seat.

"It is your choice what you choose to do," Aro finally said, "but I would advise you to use caution. She is new to our world and has never been in a romantic relationship. Given her past as well, she will need time to grow. Not just to heal, but to grow. Not having much of a childhood can make her be more childish now that she's able to learn about the world." Images of Chloe at the aquarium flashed through my mind when Aro said this. I remembered back then noting that she would act like a little kid seeing something for the first time.

"On the other hand," Aro continued, "she has shown maturity beyond her human years and that could be a result of her running off. She had to learn from a very young age to fend for herself." Aro let out a long sigh as he placed his hands to his lips and stared at me.

"It is hard for her to trust, Demetri," Aro said after a moment of silence, "I'm sure you're already aware of this."

"She is not comfortable around people," I replied, "even those she calls 'friends' she seems to be unable to trust them." Aro nodded a little.

"It takes time," Marcus chimed in, "yet I can see the threads of trust attached to you. She is beginning to trust you Demetri. The best you can do for her now, is continue what you have done. Be there for her."

"With all that said," Aro spoke up, "should Chole tell you about any more of her 'feelings' report them right away. I do not like that we've had an unknown visitor two times in a week. With this information, I want you stationed at the castle for the time being. You may go out whenever you like, but I want you close; just in case. And stay alert, although I doubt that's something I need to tell you."

"Yes sir," I bowed a little, "and thank you." Aro dismissed me and I returned to my room to find Chloe sitting on my window ledge with the curtain pulled back. She was reading and using the setting sun light as her light. Although with our night vision, she wouldn't need light to read anyways.

"Good book?" I asked and she looked up at me.

"Ya," she said while closing it and standing up. "Is everything alright?"

"For now," I replied, deciding that I would be honest with her. Chloe pressed her lips together for a second before speaking.

"Well thank you for letting me stay here," she said, "but I should probably return to my room now. I'm sure Jamie is worried." I shifted a little not wanting her to leave, but I can't be selfish; so, I held the door open for her.

"I'll walk you out then." I said quietly and followed her out into the hall.

"Hay Demetri," Chloe said halfway down the hall and I looked down at her.

"Yes?"

"You don't have to meet people to track them, do you?" Chloe said, taking me by surprise. That was a secret kept between me, the ancients, and the elite guard. Not even my maker, Amun, knew of the extent of my gift.

"No," I said after a minute of silence, "but that is information I would prefer to keep secret." Chloe looked up at me as we stopped at the exit of Aro's wing.

"I won't tell." She said and I smiled while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I am thankful for that," I said while pulling my hand away. She nodded before turning on her heel and running off. I resisted every urge to go after her as I walked back into Aro's wing.