Waking up was no easy task for Amara. She tended to take her time in waking up which meant being lazy till the very last second. At some point during the night she had kicked the covers down to her hips, probably from getting too hot underneath them. As she laid on her side she was trying to open her eyes, but found it hard to do after having such a deep sleep. Raising her glasses up she rubbed each of her eyes and picked the sleep out of the corners of them. She slowly and painfully raised herself up and leaned against the headboard. She sat there glancing around her room noticing the clothes were picked up, folded and set on the end table. She also noticed a note on top of them. She leaned over to get the note before leaning back again.
It read, "Mia dolcezza, I hoped you have slept well. I enjoyed being by you for most of the night and wished I didn't have to go. I will not be there to wake you up how I'd love to, unfortunately, but will try to be with you by lunch time. You will be fine at your appointment, I have faith in you. I promise today will be great. Yours eternally, Marcus"
She couldn't stop the grin from forming on her face. His admission to being hers made her heart flutter. She was rereading the note when there was a knock on her door that she didn't hear. It wasn't till the door was opened and with Caius in tow with what she presumed was food in hand. She gasped and quickly tried to bring the covers over herself, but it was too late. He had already seen everything by the sound he made.
"Caius, what are you doing here," she exclaimed her question.
Instead of pouncing her like she expected he stood frozen for a moment before setting the tray down and sitting down at the table. He swallowed thickly, "I thought I would bring you food to break your fast. I knocked."
"Well I didn't hear it, besides people normally wait for a response before busting through the door," she said while keeping the sheer sheet pressed against her body.
Caius gave her a look of absurdity, "I did not bust through the door. I came through it properly. Now are you going to get up to eat or do I need to bring it to you?"
"I would prefer to get dressed," she muttered.
She sat up straight and winced. He was over to her in an instant, not bothering to push the chair in. "You are hurt," he pointed out her back was revealed to him and so were the sides of her hips. He noticed the bruises that littered her body. His fist clenched in rage.
"Its nothing, I'm just sore," she reassured him.
He reached out and touched a deep purple handprint on her backside causing her to flinch, "Ow."
"This is more than sore," he ground out, "You're clearly hurt."
"Caius, cool your tits," she swatted his hand, "You've done the same to me the first time we met."
"I don't have tits, I have pectorals," he looked confused, "And that is besides the point."
She shook her head and sighed, clearly that went over his head. Amara wrapped the sheet around her body before getting off the bed. She stood facing Caius momentarily. His eyes were angry and if she wasn't mistaken, jealousy. 'Why would he be jealous of a few bruises... oh,' then it dawned on her. He was jealous of Marcus getting all of her attention. She barely has let him even touch her, so she could see where he might be a little envious.
She wouldn't give him sex, but she would give him something to think about. She went to her tiptoes, grabbed his jacket and forced him down to her level. She crashed her lips against his giving him her raw emotions. She kissed him with the anger she had felt toward him, but also with longing. She showed him the feelings of hopelessness and desperation. She communicated all that and more toward him in that one kiss. When she pulled back her chest rose and fell fast and her lips were bright red. At some point during the kiss the sheet she wore slid down her body.
Caius looked auspicious, his eyes alight. His dark eyes roamed over her body landing on her heavy breasts before he groaned. He rested his forehead against hers and practically begged, "Please let me touch you, Amara."
"The one who's going to be doing the touching around here is me, not you. Is that understood," her brow raised as she easily commanded the broody vampire.
Caius nodded and did something she had a habit of doing and bit his lip. He took a few steps away quickly before she could process it. "I'll leave you to your breakfast," he bowed to her.
"Caius, don't go. Stay with me before I have to go to this therapy thing," she requested.
He continued to avert his eyes from her, trying to stop his inner beast from bursting through. He wanted her and wanted her badly. "You don't know what you ask of me," he stood tense.
She watched him struggle. It made her feel bad. "Am I triggering you?"
He refused to look in her direction, but he could still fully see her in his peripherals. She had yet to cover herself which was making it difficult for him to stay sane. "Please Amara, cover yourself before I lose it," his voice desperate.
She looked down at the sheet that had fallen and lifted it up, wrapping it around her. Her fave crestfallen, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
Caius snapped his head in her direction, "You didn't make me uncomfortable, quite the opposite. I just don't want to do something that would cause more harm toward you."
She nodded her head, eyes not quite meeting his, "You can leave, I guess. I don't want to make you do something you don't want to do."
He took steps back to being in front of her. He lifted her head, "Amara, you couldn't force me to do anything as much as I can't force you. I want to stay with you if you'll have me."
Again she nodded with a slight smile, "I would appreciate your company."
He motioned with his head toward her closet, "Go get dressed then, I'll be right here when you are finished."
With the sheet wrapped around her figure, Amara went across the room to the walk in closet and quickly choose an outfit for the day. It happened to be an off the shoulder peasant dress in a deep purple shade that reached the ground. She looked in the full length mirror in the closet and smiled. She'd always loved this dress and had yet to wear it. Stepping out of the closet after sliding into some witch like boots, Amara smiled at Caius who sat at the table.
When his eyes landed on her his pants became tighter than before. She held this glow about her when she smiled which lit up the room for him. He stood and pulled out a chair for you. As she drew near he pressed his hand to the small of her back and brushed her unmanaged hair to the side exposing her bruised neck. He growled hating that Marcus marked her before he did. He fought the urge to go to the other side of her neck and leave a twin bite mark. Instead of doing that he leaned down and gave the one Marcus left a kiss, growling in her ear, "One day you'll carry my mark."
That made her shiver against him at the thought. She looked at him over her shoulder. Her hazel eyes narrowed, warning him, "Caius."
"Amara," he retorted, placing another kiss on her shoulder, causing her to melt into his touch. She felt weakened by his close proximity, so she took the step away from his grasp to the chair and sat down.
Today there was a bowl of fruit, some yogurt and an omelet for her meal. She had what she assumed was a blend of fruit juices to drink which she enjoyed. Of course, also on the tray was her medication waiting for her to take. As she ate, every now and then Caius would make small talk with her, ranging from the weather to what she'd been reading recently to the flowers in the garden or even how she was doing with her art. Amara, when her mouth wasn't full, would reply and ask her own questions about his work and how things were, always avoiding asking how his wife was. That didn't stop her from thinking about Athenadora though.
"Are you looking forward to today," Caius examined her.
She wiped her face with the cloth napkin, finished with her meal before answering, "Do you want me to be truthful or to lie?"
He gave her a look stating her full name. They both knew what he wanted. She sighed, "Not really. I know I need this. I just.. I am nervous."
"There is nothing to be nervous about, bellissima. You just have to talk about what is inside your head," Caius attempted to reason with her.
"That's the problem," she muttered. She stood from the table, heading in the direction of the bathroom.
She was stopped by a hand wrapped around her thick arm and spun to face him. Caius released her arm and cupped her face, "Amarantha, there is nothing wrong with having someone help you."
"That's not what I'm upset about," her brows scrunched up annoyed, "I don't like talking about myself or what I've been through. I hate it, in fact. I hate reliving everything every single time I get a new doctor. I was doing just fine with the one I had."
Caius looked deep within her eyes seeing the damage they caused by taking her away from her life before. He wondered then what she had to have lived through to cause her such pain. It wasn't like she had ever seen real battles like he had, but she was always having to fight one within herself. It made him wondered who or what could have caused this. It also made him want to kill whomever hurt her.
"Amara, I'm sorry for taking you from your life, but call me selfish because I wouldn't change a damn thing that we've done," Caius looked her dead in her eyes, "If you hadn't appeared in front of us, we may never have found you within this lifetime and that would have been devastating. If we didn't hunt you down in that God forsaken town we would have never been able to survive without having you near. You complete us in ways you have yet to understand. I don't regret doing what we did, for I wouldn't be able to do this if you weren't here."
He bent down and stole a kiss from her causing her to whimper within his mouth. He didn't let up though. Caius continued kissing her till she was out of breath and then some to drive home the fact that he needed her. They all did whether he'd admit it or not. He released her lips when he smelt the salty liquid secreting down her face. He pulled back and watched tears slide down her cheeks. He went to kiss them away while dropping his hands down to her shoulders, rubbing them slowly as they went. They lowered further and went to grab her waist, pulling her against him. He held her in place while moving his lips down to the side of her neck that was bite free. He gave it a lick before wrapping his teeth around the sensitive area and biting softly. He didn't sink his teeth in like he wanted to, so instead he sucked on the skin hard, bruising it.
Amara let out a reluctant moan. She didn't know what to do other than let this creature do as he wished to her. If he tried anything with her now she would probably cave. All rational thought left the building when she felt his hands roam further up. He yanked down the top of her dress allowing her breast to fall free. She gasped and was about to ask him what he was doing till his lips removed themselves from her neck to her chest. He captured one of her nipples into his mouth and began to flick across it with his tongue. The only sound that escaped Amara was a long whine. Her hands went to tangle within his soft, almost white hair. She didn't know whether to pull him away or to keep him attached to her breast. The decision was made for her when she felt him cut her other breast with his nail right on her areola. His mouth moved to the cut that seeped blood and began to lick it up before wrapping his lips around it. He groaned in ecstasy from the taste of his mate's blood.
"Caius," she whimpered his name when he began sucking hard, unsure if she wanted him to really stop or not.
She felt him suck harder as her fingers gripped his hair roughly and pulled it. In her pleasured state, Amara planted a kiss to the top of his head while pressing further into him, feeling something long and hard poking into her. It made her moan at the knowledge that she was the reason for his arousal. Before now she would have been trying to fight him off, but deep within she craved to feel Caius everywhere. Had she starved herself from his touch for too long and now she had no choice but to yield? What happened to her earlier resolve?
When she was about to beg him for more, he pulled back with a pop causing her breast to bounce. He smirked at her flushed face and heavy breathing. Caius grabbed the top of her dress and straightened it up over her chest. Once she was righted he took another step back causing her hands to slip away from him. He wasn't surprised by the scent of her arousal. If anything it made him feel smug. He would have continued further, but he stopped because of what she said earlier. He wasn't supposed to touch and yet he did.
Amara stared at him in disbelief. Why did he pull away? Did he not want to go forward with what he started? She opened her mouth only to close it again. She had no clue what to say.
"You taste lovely, my sweet Amara," Caius said as his hand reached up to her face. His thumb ran against her bottom lip as his hand pressed against her cheek.
Amara, in her sex fogged brain, took his thumb into her mouth and swirled her tongue around its tip before giving it a tug causing Caius to groan. She contemplated what he would taste like within her mouth. She watched him reluctantly pull his thumb from the warm depths of her mouth. He seemed to be struggling just like she was.
"Amara," he began barely above a whisper, "You look absolutely delectable in your dress, I couldn't help myself. Please forgive me for my forwardness."
She took a step away from him, unsure whether or not she should continue down the dangerous path or to let this be it. "It.. It's nothing I didn't want," she admitted to the vampire before asking, "Why did you stop?"
That surprised Caius, he figured she would have yelled at him. He took a step forward, "Amara, if you were ready for me, you'd let me know. Besides I don't want to force you into anything," 'for now,' he added within his mind.
She felt his eyes roam over her once more. She blurted out, "I need to go to the bathroom," and quickly walked away from the temptation Caius extruded.
She locked the door behind her knowing full well there was no point in doing so. She just felt better with the door being locked. Amara went about using the restroom and brushing her teeth and hair as best as she could. She needed to shave the sides of her head, but would do that another time. Instead she let her naturally crazy hair fall to one side of her head. She wished she had time to do more with it. She did her makeup quickly and was in the middle of putting on a neutral lip on when there was a knock at the door.
"Amara, we're running a few minutes late," came the muffled sound of Caius' voice.
"Almost done," she called out. Glancing at herself in the mirror she felt like herself upon the first glance. Shrugging at the thought of her appearance not getting any better Amara went to the door. Her mind went back to what had just transpired between her and Caius. A blush rose to her pale cheeks. Leaning her head against the door she attempted to reign in her emotions. A few deep breaths later Amara felt her heated cheeks cool down.
With a sigh she opened the door and found Caius standing close by. His ruby eyes took in her appearance and smirked. Her brows drew close together, giving him an almost blank expression she questioned, "What?"
Caius couldn't help, but notice the faint pink underneath her makeup. He shook his head and shrugged, "Nothing, nothing at all. Are you ready to go?"
Her eyes narrowed, not quite believing him. Being suspicious, she answered cautiously, "Yeah, I guess so."
"Would you like me to pick you up," he asked as he came closer to her.
Amara grabbed her bag before she shrugged, "How far do we have to go?"
He grabbed one hair that was out of place and moved it, "Not far, but we are late."
She shook her head, not really looking forward to this. With a sigh she agreed to be picked up. Holding on tightly to the man that had just made her second guess herself, they zipped out of the room and throughout the halls till he gradually came to a stop. He set her down in front of the dark wooden door before placing a light knock upon its surface.
A petite redhead answered the door with an eerie smile. Her eyes matching the color of her hair made Amara's skin crawl. Her song like voice greeted them, "Hello Master Caius, Miss Davis. The doctor has been awaiting your arrival."
"Mrs. Penterghast," Caius gave her a sneer before nodding out of respect. He turned his attention back to his mate who had stiffened at the sight of the woman. "You'll be fine, mia amore. One of us will be here when you're through."
Amara gave him a sideways glance as he placed a peck upon the top of her head. The red head opened the door wider to allow Amara passage into the warm room. She took a deep breath before leaving the safety Caius presented and walked into the unknown. After walking a few steps into the room she heard the door shut. Turning around she noticed the red head was no longer there leaving her alone in the dimly lit room. A throat was cleared making Amara almost jump out of her skin. Turning to look back in front of her she could barely make out an outline of a figure sitting at the desk at the other end of the room.
"Please have a seat, Miss Davis," a female voice coming from the figure on the opposite side of the room.
Amara's eyes squinted in an attempt to see who was speaking. She was already uncomfortable with speaking to someone new, not being able to see them was making it worse. Amara spotted a lounging chair with a floor lamp next to it a few feet away from her and walked to it. Sitting down she stayed upright and stark still as she waited for what would happen next.
"Does the darkness make you uncomfortable, Miss Davis," the female asked.
Amara stared ahead of her toward the female and shook her head no. She was used to the dark. Hell she was even used to judgment from others because of how she looked. What she wasn't used to was the uncertainty of this situation. She was in a dark room with a protagonist she could not see.
She heard scribbling of a pen on paper before another question was thrown her way, "Then why are you sitting stiff as a board right now?"
Amara blinked. 'Well who wouldn't be if they were experiencing this,' she said inside her head. "Maybe because I can't see you, or maybe because I know what will be coming from this and I am not looking forward to it. You pick," she shot off.
More scribbling could be heard before a light on the desk was turned on, illuminating the room some more. Dirty blonde hair came into view along with another set of red eyes. "Oh great, another vampire," Amara sighed. No matter what she did she was surrounded by the undead.
"I take it you're done with vampires," the woman asked from her chair.
"Isn't that why we're here," Amara's eyes narrowed, "It's all because I happened to be mated to the three ruling vampires. If they never appeared in my life we wouldn't be here right now. I would be with my regular doctor and you would be wherever it is you'd rather be."
"What makes you think I don't want to be here," she asked, her face not showing any emotion.
"Pfft," Amara rolled her eyes," From what I've learned from being here is that no one willingly wants to help the Volturi unless you're a part of it and even then it is iffy."
The blonde nodded while taking notes on the sheet in front of her. She looked up from her papers and gave Amara a once over, "What makes you think that?"
Amara took no time in answering, "Their personalities."
"Elaborate."
"They feel as if they're owed everything and take what they want. If they didn't I wouldn't be here. I wasn't jumping for joy when I found out what they were to me. Hell if it were my choice I would be back home blissfully unaware of everything that lurks in the dark," she admitted. Even though she has grown to have feelings toward Marcus, and even a little for Caius, she missed her old life. Amara, in her own way, was still grieving for the loss.
"Do you know why I'm here," the woman asked Amara.
Amara mulled over the question for a little bit before actually answering. She didn't want to come off as a bitch when speaking to this person, but couldn't help if she did, "Because I'm mentally unstable, or I hate not having control over my life. Because I relapsed into cutting. Or maybe because I want to die? I don't know which one you want to hear from me."
There was a silence before Amara continued, "I was doing so well until they came into my life and fucked it up if the "We're your mates, you must come with us," bullshit."
The woman nodded, "I can see how that could be traumatic for you. Do you want to delve into your past today?"
"Why would I want that?"
"In most cases, not all, people who have had traumatic pasts tend to have a harder time coping with trauma in their adult life. Would it help to talk about the past?"
"I haven't even told two of my mates everything about my past. I don't want to relive it to be honest. It's why I try to bury it deep within myself where it belongs," Amara stared off into nothing as she spoke. She felt the familiar pull of a memory trying to take over her mind. She wouldn't let it if she could help it. When she remembered things she felt everything she felt back then again and hated it. She hated not feeling strong, hated the weakness inside herself.
"What was the diagnosis your doctors have given you," she asked Amara.
"It's not like you don't know. I'm sure Aro has told you everything about me," Amara bitterly expressed.
"He has not and would not. I assure you it would be unprofessional of me to talk about my patient with anyone besides my patient. I do believe in doctor, patient confidentiality," said the doctor in an impassive tone.
"So what's said here, stays here? Can you guarantee that," Amara asked, knowing full well Aro could ruin that in a heartbeat.
"If you're referring to your mate and his power, I again assure you I will not let him touch me from this moment forward. He needs to respect your privacy in this if you are to get well."
Amara took another deep breath before nodding. She still wasn't a hundred percent sure she could trust this woman, but decided to take a chance. "Well I appreciate that. Hopefully he will listen to you."
"I believe he will," said the doctor, "Now tell me, Miss Davis, what have they diagnosed you with?"
Amara's shoulders fell from being so stiff, "I have been diagnosed with bipolar one and borderline personality disorder. I've been taking medication for it since I was sixteen."
"That's odd to have both, but not unheard of. Have they ever spoken with you about maybe having PTSD?"
Amara shook her head.
"How often do you relive your past?"
Amara bit her lip. She didn't want to say often, but found herself doing so. She even expressed how she would feel the emotions along with the physical aspect of a fast heart rate and sometimes the nightmares that follow. She also went into the mood swings that happened when she isn't on her medicine and the manias she experiences followed by the depressions. All the while the doctor wrote down on her pad. Every now and then she would stop Amara and ask her more questions about the effects or about her thoughts as to why she felt that way. It felt like hours passed before the doctor called an end to their session.
Amara went to stand on her feet feeling weary and dizzy from the mental exercise she did today. The woman was by her side in an instant helping steady her. "Are you feeling alright?"
Amara nodded, "Just a little tired."
"Take a nap, you've earned it," the short blonde woman said with a small smile.
"You know I never caught your name," Amara said as she was being lead to the door.
"I'm Abigail Penterghast to my friends, but to my patients I prefer Dr. Penterghast," she replied.
"Well Dr. Penterghast, my friends call me Amara, but I prefer strangers to call me by my name, Amarantha," Amara said.
"Amarantha it is," Dr. Penterghast opened the door for her, "We'll start back up tomorrow, same time if that works?"
Amara nodded and walked out of the room to be passed by the same red head from earlier. She brows drew together when the door shut, but shrugged it off when she felt a hand wrap its way around her waist.
"Mia dolcezza, how'd it go," Marcus asked with his head lowered to her neck. He placed a few quick pecks on her exposed bite mark.
Amara turned within his arm and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Well, I guess. I'm tired."
"Then let's take you back to your room for some rest. You can always eat when you wake up," he said while picking her up in his arms. Marcus was quick to bring her to her room. He didn't bother setting her on her feet. Instead he laid her down on her bed and went about taking off her shoes.
"I can do that myself you know," Amara said with a sleepy grin.
"I know, but I want to do this," he replied with his own smile. Once the shoes were off he sat down on the edge and gently grabbed her hand. His oversized thumb drew circles on the back of her inked hand. "Thank you, cara mia," he whispered to her before placing a kiss to the back of her hand.
"Why thank me," she asked with sleepy eyes, not quite understanding why he'd feel the need to thank her.
"You did something I know you didn't want to do for us. You took a big step today in making yourself better and I know all of us appreciate that," Marcus continued in a low voice, "Now sleep, mia dolcezza, I'll be here when you awake."
"Snuggle with me," she murmured, her eyes already half hooded. It was only when she felt the dip in the bed and his arms pulled her into him that Amara let the sleep take over her with a smile on her face.
She was unsure how long she slept, but when she awoke she could still feel the strong arms of Marcus wrapped around her. "Good evening, how was your slumber," he asked while placing a kiss to her forehead.
Stifling a yawn, Amara looked up to him, "It was nice. I honestly feel like I could sleep for days."
Marcus gave her his breath taking smile before leaning down to capture her lips in a heated kiss. Before their lips could connect there was a knock at her door. Marcus' smile dropped as he glanced toward the door. Saying under his breath, "What could they possibly want?"
Whoever was at the door obviously soured Marcus' mood which had Amara questioning who it could be. "Enter," Marcus called out with his arms still around her.
In came the vampires Amara hasn't had a lot of interaction with. Sulpicia and Athenadora glided in with a perfect smile gracing their faces. They both gave a nod of their heads to Marcus and Amara, acknowledging them.
"To whom do we own the pleasure of you gracing us with your presence," Marcus eyed both of the women. Something inside him told him this visit wasn't going to be a pleasant one.
"We were sent here to request your presence in the throne room," Sulpicia stated, not looking at either of them in the eye. She was obviously avoiding Marcus' gaze which only had him even more guarded.
Marcus released his hold on Amara and began to move to stand up from her bed. Only to be stopped by Athenadora's next sentence. "Not just your presence, Marcus. Hers as well," she pointed to Amara.
Amara's eyes widened in confusion. "Why," she found herself asking before she could stop herself.
Sulpicia continued to avoid looking at anyone in the eyes while Athenadora just smirked and stared at Amara, "You'll just have to find out, darling, now won't you."
Marcus gave a warning snarl, letting Athenadora know she overstepped. He turned his head toward his mate as she sat up from the bed. He could see her nervousness behind her eyes which he didn't like. He reached out to her to sooth her by placing a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, mia dolcezza, I will be with you."
She gave him a weary smile before sliding her legs off the bed and her feet back into the shoes right beside it. When she stood up Marcus was beside her offering his hand for her to take which she gladly accepted. Amara turned to him, "How do I look?"
"Perfect," he said without skipping a beat.
"Marcus, I'm being serious. Is my make up smeared, do I need to fix my hair, what about my-"
He pressed a finger to her lips, "You look beautiful, Amarantha. Don't worry."
A snort of disapproval was heard from Athenadora to which they ignored. Amara knew better than to let anyone make her feel differently about herself. With him guiding her, they walked past the two women, out the doorway only for them to be followed by the two. She was nervous as to what could possibly be awaiting her in the throne room. It obviously had Aro written all over it. Who else would send the wives from their tower to retrieve her and Marcus.
When they came upon the double doors leading to the huge room that opened allowing the party to enter. Amara's brows furrowed when seeing the place filled with most of the elite guard. At the dais was Aro and Caius waiting for them. "Marcus what's happening," her small voice was heard by all within the room.
He turned his gaze from his brothers to her. His grip on her hand tightened slightly in comfort, "We shall find out soon."
"Ah, finally," came Aro's manic voice from the other side of the room, "I am happy to see our mate has awakened."
Marcus led them closer to the thrones, "Aro, what exactly is going on?"
Aro smiled at his brother and mate showing off his pearly white teeth, "I called this meeting for an important announcement and figured it would be best for everyone to hear."
Marcus helped Amara up the few steps and brought her to his throne. He offered his seat to her which she reluctantly took. She glanced around the room and found most of the eyes were focused on her. She was used to stares, but not like this.
"Thank you Sulpicia and Athenadora," Aro praised the two, "Your service was much appreciated."
They each nodded to him before going to stand off to the side as they were instructed by a gesture of Aro's hand. "Now I know you are all wondering why I called you here. We have a guest that should be arriving any moment now that is different from our usual guests. They are to be treated with respect while they remain here no matter how unpleasant they are to the senses. Now I invited them for-"
Amara grew even more curious as to who would be arriving as Aro droned on. She clutched the arms of the chair in anticipation. Could it be another vampire? Would it be a human? Why were they so important? Amara's head swarmed with questions. She stayed zoned out of the tell all till the doors of the throne room began to open once more.
"Here they are," Aro announced as the doors opened wider.
"Get your hands off me," came a very familiar voice.
Amara's head shot up in the direction the voice came. Could it be who she thought it was? When the vampires parted to reveal the guest Amara jumped up from her seat.