I've been going back and forth on how to do the next chapter so I delayed posting this one in case I changed my mind. We've got some sugar, lots of spice, and a decent amount of nice. Happy reading!
Chapter 23
B POV
"My baby, come here one more time" mom pouted, tugging my reluctant self back into yet another tight hug.
I indulged her the best I could, knowing this would be the last time she was able to embrace me. I pulled back and gave her an encouraging smile, "we'll talk online, okay? I already told dad I would, so it's only fair I talk to both my parents, right?" I joked, making her give me a watery grin before swatting my arm.
"Yeah, yeah okay. Try not to go too distracted at your internship by your man" she winked, making me blush and purse my lips to suppress my own smile.
"Thanks for the reminder, mom." I clapped my hands, looking at my family, "alright squad, let's roll out" I stated, motioning towards the rental car. Felix grabbed our bags and carried them off, making mom raise her eyebrows, impressed by his easy display of strength, tossing me a discrete thumbs up as I chuckled while blushing, turning to follow Jane and the guys.
We filed into the car, and I looked through my window at Rene and Phil standing in the doorway waving goodbye as Felix pulled the car out of the driveway, waving back at them with a watery smile and mouthing love you to them as the car was shifted into drive to go down the street, towards the jet and away from my human family.
The drive was pretty quiet, Tristan passed out, head in Jane's lap as she ran her fingers through his hair while looking out the window, lost in thought.
"Hey Jane?" I asked softly, turning in my seat and shifting Felix's hand from my thigh to my hand as I looked behind me.
"Bells?" she prompted back.
"Are you going to change Tristan as soon as we get back?" I asked, casting his sleeping form a glance.
She smiled down at her mate, tracing her fingers along his face and kneading the muscles at the back of his neck, making him shift in his sleep, pressing closer to her small fingers.
"Yeah, Heidi revamped my room into our room. We'll get in around morning tomorrow because of the time change" she paused, gaze flickering to my mate who I saw nod his head stiffly in the corner of my eye, "Dem told us last night that the Cullens are on the move again towards Italy. We don't know what they're planning but between the friends they've recruited and their approaching court date, I'm not wasting anytime. He's just as vulnerable changing as he would be awake with human strength to defend himself. Now that I share his gift, I will be able to protect him from anyone. Their trial is scheduled for five days after we land, but knowing them they may try and come early to throw us off."
I looked over to Felix, whose hand had tightened around mine when she'd explained her reasons behind changing him immediately upon our arrival. We hadn't really discussed how long he'd wait to change me after reaching Volterra, but as usual, I couldn't agree more with Jane's reasoning and looked questioningly towards my own mate. I knew he could feel my curiosity through our bond without me having to ask the words threatening to spill from my lips.
He nodded slowly, "As soon as we reach my – our quarters, I'll change you." He responded to my unspoken question. I could tell he was a little hesitant, especially after the sob fest from the other night, but I raised his hand to my lips, pressing a firm kiss to it and sending love, happiness, and acceptance to him through our bond. He sighed, pulling our joint hands to press his own kiss to my hand before slowing the car as we reached the private airport where the jet was waiting for us. Jane murmured to Tristan and with a groan and a stretch that had him cursing when his long limbs smacked into various spots in the backseat of the car he sat up, pressing a kiss to her head before leaning over her tiny body and opening her door, letting her get out first.
We got out and I saw my mate smirking to himself and heard Jane snort, "what?" I asked.
He grabbed our bags and jerked his chin towards the jet before replying, "your friend is badgering her mate about our arrival, she's miffed I stole you away so soon after the ceremony." Smirk widening to a grin as he no doubt still heard Angela's disgruntled jabs.
I giggled, practically skipping towards the stairs to the jet and climbing them, excited to catch up with her. Since she and Demi had found each other, I hadn't gotten much of a chance to tell her everything and hear about how my brother was treating my oldest girlfriend.
The moment I stepped aboard I heard Ang's squeal of 'Bella!' along with Alec's 'thank god' and Demi's 'finally'. I was laughing now as I embraced my human friend who was already pulling back and tugging me off towards one of the rooms in the jet.
"Come on, Janie, girl talk time. Don't care that the boys can hear—well except Tristan, but still. Let's go!" she cheered. It seemed being mated to my pain of an over protective brother was bringing out a more confident side of the timid girl, making me love Demi even more for nurturing her in such a way. I caught his eyes as his mate tugged me away, smiling at him encouragingly, trying to convey my happiness over their bond. He smiled back tilting his head in acknowledgement making me giggle when Ang huffed again at my resistance.
Jane rolled her eyes but allowed my human friend to drag her along with us to the room, kicking the door shut with her foot.
Ten minutes later we were all huddled on the bed; I was hugging a pillow to my face trying to stifle my laughter, Jane was smirking where she was sprawled on the foot of the bed, and Ang was grinning as she hugged a pillow to her stomach and prattled on about how she'd put up with our brothers the past few days while they 'sulked around like whiney brats'. It was all in good fun, I could tell she was trying to make light of the fact that despite the steps we'd made to repair their relationship with my mate, there was still a ways to go.
Trying to change topics, I asked her if they'd done the deed yet and got my answer when she blushed bright red, stammering out a few words. Her blush was all we needed to see and I waggled my brows at her, grinning at Jane who seemed torn between cheering the girl on or being grossed out by Dem's sex life.
The shift in conversation seemed to jog Jane's memory about something and she sat up, flashing to the bathroom and back, laying out a foldable table and setting up a pot…a pot with wax in it. My eyes widened in realisation, and I started shaking my head. Ang looked more than a little intimidated, catching onto what was about to happen.
The vampire rolled her eyes, tying up her hair and snapping on some gloves. "Ok sisters, strip," she paused tossing over her shoulder, "no boys allowed, don't care if they sound like they're in pain." Clearly, she murmured an explanation under her breath because the growling that had begun in response to her statement ceased. I could feel my mate's amusement, tinged with a little worry at the thought of me being in pain and sent back a wave of reassurance to keep him from barging in on us.
Jane turned back, seeing our still clothed bodies and hesitant looks, she looked at me first, "I know it hasn't been long since the last time Bells, but do you want eternal stubble? And you," she continued, eyes narrowing in on Ang, "you want a bush for eternity?" I busted up laughing at Angela's continued blush and nervous expression.
Taking pity, I sighed, starting to peel off my clothes, not caring about baring myself in front of the girls. "Fine. I'll go first, I really wish Alec's gift worked on me right now" I sighed which made Angela's face light up in hope.
Jane cackled at something as we heard a loud growl rip through the air, "Demi says only if my dear brother is blindfolded otherwise he'll rip his eyes out and stuff them so far up his…"
"Okay! Ok. Yeah that's fine with me" Ang cut her off before she could finish voicing Dem's threat.
I laid back on the table and Jane looked me over, "Ok B, where do you want it first?" This was going to be a long flight I sighed, motioning to get the worst over with first.
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The waxing had actually barely taken up any time, thanks to Jane's vampire speed it was a quick and thankfully painful process. I did convince Felix that it was only fair that I take a couple shots of tequila to help handle the pain, making me a giggling mess when it was Angela's turn. I'd pulled on some soft pyjamas Jane had picked up, loving the soft material on my raw skin. I couldn't hold in my laughter, watching Alec use gift on Ang while Demetri covered his eyes. Once she'd gotten over her nevers and stripped, my brother's gaze had made me sit up, snapping my fingers. "Gross, bad Demi. You can eye fuck her later, don't make me yack up tequila" I grimaced, making Alec tense.
"Please, for the love of god I've been around enough puking to last me another millennium" he groaned. I giggled again remembering the food he ate at Charlie's.
After the waxing, we'd decided on a traditional sleepover. Ang and I ate snacks, the three of us gossiped, talked more about the guys, watched a chick flick and then the humans passed out in our fluffy pyjamas for a nap.
I woke when my mate pulled me from the bed I was sharing with Ang and into his arms, pressing a kiss to my needy lips as I woke fully. "Landing soon" he murmured, leaving the room as Demi came in to wake his own mate.
My heart rate kicked up a notch when I realised that landing meant we were closer to Volterra, closer to my change. Felix's chest rumbled against my back making low, soothing crooning noises, and I nestled in against his chest, pressing my lips against his cold neck.
His arms curled tighter around my body as we touched down, the plane rattled a little as it slowed along the tarmac, slowing to a near crawl as it moved to its designated disembarking spot. Thankfully, it was a private landing area with a small building, most likely all owned by the Volturi – by my family.
Jane and Tristan emerged from one room, Jane with a satisfied smile and Tristan scratching his neck obviously avoided Al's eyes whose expression was a mix of grossed out and annoyed at whatever they'd been doing that my human ears couldn't pick up. Jane just shrugged, "sleeps like the dead, it's the best way to wake him" she justified, tossing me wink and making her mate purse his lips. He didn't disagree, making me snicker as we all stood to leave the jet.
There were two Land Rovers waiting for us on the ground, the vampires had all our stuff stored away in seconds, even Tristan's things who now looked miffed at the fact that his tiny mate was doing heavy lifting for him.
"Can't wait to be able to do all the heavy lifting myself" he muttered, still turning to bend down and press a kiss to his mate's blond hair before she hopped up into one of the SUV's.
Felix and I slid into the back seat of the other one, letting Angela and Demetri take the front seats, my mate had sensed my warring emotions and motioned toward the back seat where he shifted my legs onto his lap, cool fingers massaging my calves as Demi pulled out and drove towards our home. I curled into my mate's side, sighing at his ministrations, slowly feeling my anxieties melt away. I looked up into his red eyes mouthing a quiet thank you. His lips pulled up on one side and he folded over to place a soft kiss to the corner of my mouth, pulling back and taking out his phone, pressing a few buttons then placing it against his ear. I wondered briefly how he was able to type so easily on the small screen with his huge ass fingers and received an inquisitive glance when he no doubt felt my shifting emotions.
His attention was quickly diverted as he addressed whoever he was calling, "fifteen minutes out. Then clear it, no one else. Fine, Caius too. Five minutes. No. Goes for all of us." I saw Demetri nodding along sharply at whatever my mate's demands had been.
He hung up abruptly, turning back to shuffle me higher so I was now sitting in his lap, head tucked against his chest, arms banding around me after he sent off a text which I assumed was Jane, no doubt updating her. I stared out the window for the next ten minutes or so until a castle came into view in the distance, beyond the city we approached.
Felix looked down at me, speaking clearly so that both Ang and I would know what was about to happen. "Pulling up now, we'll run you both there. Heidi and Renata will get everything to our rooms while we meet with the kings. Then it will be time" he said, looking pointedly at my chest where one of his marks rested underneath my sweater.
I bit my lip nodding, casting my gaze to meet Ang's who looked nervous but determined as her mate pulled over and cupped her face with one hand, attempting to ease her own worries. I smiled softly, happy to see them connecting like Felix and I did, I gazed up at my own mate again and nodded, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"See you there, sis! We'd race you but Demi's a slowpoke" I called out, trying to lighten the mood a little. I felt Felix's rumbling chuckle vibrate along my ribs as he took off, making me clutch him tighter and scrunch my eyes shut.
In true Felix fashion, we were in the throne room in no time at all, the room where everything started and my mate was able to see me for the first time. It was weird to think back on how much had changed since the last time I'd been here. Before I was in the middle of an epiphany, still kind of with Edward, unsure whether I'd be making it out of the room alive.
Now I stood before the kings who were sat on their ridiculously large thrones, smiling lightly at their expressions, feeling somewhat at home despite the stuffy old smell. I scrunched my nose, filter disappearing, "do you guys not dust? The smell doesn't bother you?" I asked, then paused to rub my tingling nose.
Felix pressed his lips together, Aro looked affronted, Caius caught out, and Marcus shrugged. Aro spoke up first, "I apologize to have irritated your sensitive human senses. Perhaps one you've changed your first task could be to dust the castle then?" he challenged; red eyes narrowed. "Us older immortals aren't bothered by such things as dust especially seeing as we don't need to breathe" he sniffed as if to emphasize his indifference towards the swirling dust, then wrinkled his nose slightly, most likely only now noticing how bothersome it was.
I rolled my eyes, "that dust is older than me," I retorted, crossing my arms in defiance.
Caius spoke up, "next one to annoy me will see to it, can we please move on, Felix said we get five minutes only," he paused as everyone else arrived, sometimes I forgot how much faster my mate was than other vampires, "I believe the clock has already started, debrief." He sat back, waiting.
My mate spoke up, voice echoing around the throne room despite his low tones, "Cullens will be arriving soon, Demetri has been tracking them. The Romanians will be a problem, not sure how yet but they are coming as well. The Major's connections are joining in as well. Finally, a good fight." He finished with a sneer.
Aro raised a brow in question, "how worried should I be?" he asked, eyes shifting between our group.
Felix's chuckle was that dark, menacing rumble most often heard from him, "Still won't be a fair fight for them."
Jane smirked evilly while my mate grinned widely, making Caius chuckle with delight, "I can't wait to see you in action, and your mates" he hedged, eyes scanning over us all.
Felix stiffened but I sent him some reassurance through our bond, reminding him I would be fine especially since I would no longer be frail and breakable. He didn't quite relax as I thought he would, instead nodding tersely to the kings before saying, "Time's up. Three days...maybe." I squeezed my eyes shut, knowing what was coming when he hoisted me up and took off again.
My back met a plush mattress, fingers spreading out to run over sheets that felt like the finest silk I'd ever touched, slipping and sliding against my skin making me hum in appreciation of what was definitely Heidi's doing.
"I think Heidi's my favourite Volturi" I mused, spreading my limbs and closing them like I did as a kid when I made snow angels. Felix's red eyes narrowed, and he bent down, nipping my collarbone, making me gasp in shock as his teeth on my skin caused me to flush instantly.
"Don't worry, husband of mine, you'll always be my number one" I said, trying to sound casual but failing when his tongue came out to slowly wet his lower lip. It was only then I realized why I could feel the silk sheets everywhere on my skin. I was naked.
"Hey! No fair" I whined, but continued rubbing my body all of the soft bedding absentmindedly. He chuckled darkly again like in the throne room, getting a predatory look as he watched me continue squirming around on the bed below him, though now I was shifting around for a completely different reason.
He dropped down closer to me, pressing kisses from my neck down to my breasts, a growl building steadily in his chest, ripping up his throat as his lips closed around one nipple, making me gasp and arch into him.
His hands clamped around my waist, keeping my body lifted into his mouth as his mouth trailed a cold path across to the other peak. I breathed his name, murmuring encouragement that made his lips curve up against me. My hands rose and trailed along his bare chest, nails scratching lightly along the tops of his shoulders, meeting in the middle to tug on his hair, urging him even closer.
Too soon, he was pulling away and with another wicked grin, backing down my body until his face was level with my bare mound. If he wasn't so…enthusiastic about that particular part of my body, I'd have been absolutely humiliated by the way he inhaled deeply with his nose nudging at the apex of my thighs. Legs splayed in his hands that were pushing my legs further apart, biting his lip as his eyes roamed over the glistening skin.
He didn't waste anymore time, diving in and immediately seeking my entrance with his thick tongue, pulling a throaty moan of surprise from my throat, "god yes" I moaned as his tongue pulled out and traveled up my body, fingers taking over as he sucked my clit into his mouth, cold lips locking around the nerves, making me whimper. His fingers pumping in and out of me felt like sweet, sweet relief from the acute sensations he caused by flicking his tongue over my clit with a pace and pressure no human could accomplish. It was borderline embarrassing how quickly he could make my body unravel now; within minutes I could feel my toes curling as my back bowed further in the hand that still held me slightly suspended. "Felix!" I wailed, feeling my release rush out of my body where pulled his fingers out to collect it on his tongue.
He groaned, "wonder if you could taste even better after the change" he mused, slowly lapping at me before crawling up my heaving body.
I just moaned in reply, too caught up the after shocks to form a full coherent sentence anymore. He gazed into my eyes, "are you sure?" he asked, waiting for more than just my permission to join our bodies together.
Finally getting my mushy brain under control I reached up and cradled his face, "I'm ready for you, for this. Make me yours, forever. I love you, Felix Volturi" I whispered, and his eyes fell shut for a moment. When they opened again there was so much love and desire in them it nearly took my breath away. I could feel his emotions pushing at me, enfolding around me like a blanket of want, love, happiness, and so many other things that made me tear up a little, leaning up to press our lips together in a soft kiss. I pushed my own feelings back at him, making him murmur foreign words to me that soothed the ache I felt, needing him so badly.
One tear slipped out, the last I'd ever be able to shed. Cool lips, warmed slightly from being plastered to my overheated body kissed it away. "My Bella, I will always protect, respect, and love you, may mate, forever."
"I'm ready" I repeated, legs wrapping around his hips as he pressed one more searing kiss to my lips and then pressed into my body, making both of us groan.
"Fuck. Gonna miss your heat, baby. But can't wait to really fuck you" my whole body clenched at the thought, making him moan as he started up a rhythm, sliding in and out of me, filling me completely as I whimpered and begged for more.
He grunted, thrusting harder and faster, my ankles locked together as if I had the strength to keep him right where he was. All you could hear in the room was slick skin, moans, groans, and panting. Between the luxurious softness under my body and his own cold body working at me, I started to feel my second orgasm coming. "Felix – I" I gasped out, groaning and trying to press closer when his own pelvis started pressing just the right way on my clit as he rocked in and out of me.
"Yeah, you are" he growled back, feeling the tell-tale signs of my approaching release. He shifted into a seated position, not breaking his rhythm or magnificent friction on my bundle of nerves. As he raised me up I could catch glimpses of his heated gaze before he lowered me back down on him, his gaze intense and possessive in a way that made my stomach clench as my orgasm sent me soaring. I was vaguely aware of being lifted as it started, feeling a pinch on my leg over his mark. He dropped me back down onto him, keeping that same maddening rhythm. His lips were now tinged red with my blood, and I felt a familiar burning starting from my thigh, moving like lava through my veins.
One hand leaned me back at an odd angle that despite the pain starting to spread through my body, made me tingle. Folding his body up over mine, his other hand pulled my hair, urging my head back as his lips came to my ear, voice rasping, "mine", and then his teeth sunk into my chest over his other mark, making me cry out. My world became white lights, pain, and pleasure as I vaguely heard the roar of my mate's own release. The fire soon took over me completely, faster than when James had bitten me, probably because the bites were doubled.
As my body was taken over by the fiery sensations, their intensity seemed to gradually recede a little, as if they were more like embers, slowly burning away my humanity instead of lashing and ripping at me like bigger flames. I couldn't feel my body anymore, just the slow burn. My eyes had slammed shut after his teeth sunk into me the second time and I vowed to keep them shut tightly until they were red.
The only other thing I could really feel were my mate's emotions. I had no idea if he could feel mine, but I prayed he couldn't feel mine, suddenly realizing how crazy he'd be going if he could feel the aching pain and numbness I felt.
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FPOV
She looked…annoyed. I cocked my head to the side staring down at my mate. Her body was still, more so than when she slept. Her face was scrunched up though, like when Demetri tries to get her to change into more modest clothes. Only my Bella would be silent during one of the most painful experiences and look annoyed while doing it.
I could feel her pain when I'd first separated our joined bodies and laid her out along the silk sheets she seemed to love so much. But suddenly, her emotions shut off, disconnecting herself from our bond like a sliding door slamming shut. I'd panicked at first, but knowing my mate, she was probably trying to avoid me feeling her pain. I sighed, knowing there was nothing I could to but wait.
I stretched out beside her body as she burned, tugging the top sheet up and around us, molding our bodies together as if I could take her pain away with my touch. I reached up with one hand, fingers running through her hair slowly; an action she always loved and took comfort in.
Hours passed, I'd started talking to her on the second day, recalling everything that had happened in her human life from childhood stories I'd been told, to the events that had unfolded since the day I'd first seen her. I told her about the amnesia, the Cullens, the wolves, her family, our family, our wedding. Everything. My fingers idly stroked along her skin, feeling it start to harden and shift in temperature as the second day passed. Her hair grew out a little and darkened further, reds turning into deeper browns that I knew would look stunning in contrast with red eyes and pale skin. My mate was already pale as a human, so her complexion only lightened a little, freckles fading slightly. I could almost feel her muscles ripping and knitting themselves back together as her DNA morphed and body strengthened. My venom burned away any of the tiny bits of fat she had before, replacing it with toned muscle that I ran my fingers along reverently. As a human Bella was breathtaking, as a vampire, I could already tell she was going to cause me a lot of trouble.
I heard a knock at the door, head whipping around, a menacing growl ripping through my chest. We'd made it to the third day, I could tell she didn't have much longer to go. Her full lips darkened slightly, and her posture changed, back straightening properly.
"Chill. I'm not coming in; I have clothes for both of you. Leaving them right out here, leaving now." Heidi said before I heard her hurried feet carry her away. She was smart enough to know that anyone entering this room before my mate was awake would be signing their own death certificate.
I pressed a kiss to her forehead, "I'm not leaving, just grabbing our clothes." I murmured, seeing her expression scrunch up more when I pulled away. I'd snatched the clothing when I heard a whimper escape her lips and rushed back over, fingers ghosting along her body, seeing her face relax infinitesimally at my touch.
"I'm right here, Bella, I'm not going anywhere." I calmly reassured her, pulling on the clothes from Heidi before gently dressing my mate.
"Try not to rip the clothes, or else Heidi may have to return." I chuckled, running my fingers through her hair again. I noticed her fingers curling a little and then a near-silent gasp passed between her lips as I heard her heart rate kick into high gear, hammering and sputtering away inside her chest as it tried to work through the venom coursing through her veins. My venom I thought, smiling down at my beautiful wife, mine in every way. I had a brief thought about her shields, wondering if the fact that the scum nomad had also bitten her could affect her gifts.
I stepped back from the bed as her heart fell silent after a few more seconds of galloping along, fighting to keep pumping but ultimately losing. I waited, eyes roaming along her body in a red, flowing dress that would hopefully last longer than a more restraining article of clothing.
Suddenly she gasped, fingers clenching as her body arched on the bed and I fought every instinct that screamed at me to run to her. But I didn't want to overwhelm her before she had the chance to try and adjust to her enhanced abilities. I watched as slowly, Bella sat up, shoulder rolling back as she exhaled unnecessarily.
She looked down as her body, fingers drifting along the dress, brow puckering when we both heard the material rip when her nails ran along it. I let out a chuckle at her disgruntled expression before I could stop myself. Her eyes snapped to mine; gaze narrowed.
One side of her mouth kicked up in a smirk, this could either be very good, or very, very bad. I thought idly, waiting for her to make a move.
"I don't think teasing me is a very smart thing to do right now, husband, especially now that I am stronger than you." Her smirk widened into a knowing grin.
I chuckled again, "stronger than normal vampires, yes, but—ouff" if I were human I'd definitely feel winded as my mate charged me and threw me to the ground, straddling my body and grinning down triumphantly with her small, warm hands pressing down on my chest. We were the same temperature now, and that seemed to distract her while I pondered the fact that she had indeed been strong enough to take me down. My brows shot up, she most likely had my gift for enhanced senses and abilities, and I couldn't help but let my mind drift into thinking about how quickly and roughly we could do other activities…
I hissed when my mate rocked hips along my hard-on, smirk back in place as she looked down at me knowingly.
"Minx" I ground out, flipping her onto her back, nose skimming along her hardened body, finally able to settle against her and really grind our bodies together. She hummed her approval, vibrant red eyes now darkening with lust as my lips kissed along her throat.
I paused, pulling back and canted my head to the side as I studied my mate, "thirsty?"
She pursed her lips, thinking about my question, "I mean I'm feeling a little peckish I guess" she replied, teeth glinting in the darkened room as she grinned up at me.
My brows rose in surprise, that's different. She looked pensive, "I'm strong, like you, aren't I?"
I nodded back and she wiggled around a little, a human gesture she usually did when she was excited. I felt the tension I'd been carrying since I'd laid her changing body back on the bed finally ease from my body as I let out a laugh at her adorable quirks.
"Come on then" I said, lifting her with me and setting her on her feet. My eyes ran hungrily up and down her exposed legs, more visible now from the rip she made in the fabric on the hem, "let's test out those runners of yours" I winked and then took off.
I could feel her trailing along behind me, keeping pace as her laughter bounced around the halls like bells, but a lower, huskier pitch that made my own eyes darken at the sound. "Hold your breath, amore mio" I called out as we left Volterra, not wanting her to go wild on civilians; she'd never forgive herself.
We were running through wilderness, coming up to the edge of a village I slowed to a stop, and she joined me. "Breathe, if you want" I said, knowing that many newborns still felt uncomfortable at first about not needing to breathe anymore.
She sucked in a breath, we were just close enough to humans that having senses as strong as my own she should be able to feel the burn so I carefully gaged her reactions, but saw no indication that she was bothered by the scents. I frowned, "smell them?"
She nodded, smiling at me, "I feel…okay. I know I need to feed but I want to feed from the right…or I guess wrong person."
I smiled, shaking my head at her a little, my mate would never cease to surprise me. I reached out and threaded my fingers through hers, letting out a content growl when the buzzing I felt when we touched had only intensified. We walked slowly towards the village, listening for an indication of where our meals would be.
Before long, we heard it; a woman sobbing and a man screaming at her. We heard the sound of flesh connecting when he hit her, causing Bella to growl. I put a hand on her shoulder, "I know, just wait, we can't risk her seeing us or she's as good as dead too."
She nodded in understanding, waiting for my signal. I heard him cursing in Italian, a language Bella wasn't familiar with yet, but would no doubt pick up seamlessly with her supernaturally enhanced mind. I heard the man storm out of the house, heard as he staggered along the side roads and took swigs of liquid – probably alcohol. I looked down at my mate and nodded. We took off after him, pausing when he was in sight.
"Ok, kitten, go quick, don't play with your food…at least not today. Your body will act on instinct. I will stay here, come back to me when you're done and we'll dispose of the body together" I instructed.
She nodded before turning and lunging, colliding with the man and killing him on impact, soft human body crumpling under her marble body. She didn't seem to notice or care, teeth now embedded in his neck, pulling the blood from his veins. She stood, capturing the trickle of blood from her mouth and swiped a finger up the trail. I grabbed her hand before she could follow through, sucking her bloodied finger into my own mouth. Our locked eyes both darkened as my tongue swirled around her finger, primal growl building in my chest as I bit down on her finger, harder than I could when she was human, before releasing it.
She groaned, eyes locked onto my lips, "hold on, vixen, we can't get distracted yet" I said, warring against my own instincts that were screaming at me to claim and mark my mate.
She moaned this time, "hurry", it sounded like a threat but rolled along my tense body like a delicious promise.
I convinced her to return and stay where we'd stopped earlier on the edge of a forest. I hunted on my own, finding a man on the brink of death who raised his arm and whispered out angel in Italian as I approached him, whispering words of comfort in his mother tongue before taking his life swiftly.
I didn't after disposing of another body, I turned and swiftly made my way back to my mate, following the tugging in my chest despite already knowing exactly where she was. I could feel her want and lust pouring into me through our bond. I didn't stop when I saw her, throwing her over me shoulder, hearing her husky laugh ringing through the trees when I found a spot as the sun broke through the clouds, showering us in warmth. My mate's body glowed like it was covered in diamonds, reminding me of her ring which I'd slipped form her body during the change in case it bothered her. I slipped it from my pocket, raising it into the sun where it glinted in the light like her body, "may I?" I asked softly, in awe of her beauty.
She nodded, biting her lip and grinning up at me, left hand extended. I slipped the ring back where it belonged along with a wedding band I'd been keeping until after she'd changed. I'd put my own on before I changed her, but her attention had been otherwise occupied. She noticed it now, the obsidian ring sitting on my ring finger. She pressed our palms together, turning them and looking at our glittering skin, seemingly mesmerized by the contrast of our physical symbols of commitment resting along our marble skin.
I felt her lust return like a semi truck, and reached out, pausing any movement, "let me" I murmured, slowly peeling off her dress to avoid returning to Volterra nude. If that were the case, I'd probably have to kill anyone who'd see her glorious body.
I made quick work of my own clothes, feeling her hot gaze running over every inch of skin I exposed, when I stripped away the last of my clothes, she let loose a growl that was my own undoing and we met in the middle, the sound of our collision echoing through the trees.
"Warm, hard," she mumbled, lips running along my neck, legs wrapped around my waist, my girl could jump a lot higher now.
I smirked, "mmhmm" I agreed, one hand running down her body, heading straight for her warmth, swirling in the wetness I found there.
I growled in approval, bringing that finger to my lips and sucking her flavour off, eyes rolling back in my head as they closed at her taste. "Fucking cherry pie" I muttered, making her giggle, which turned into a groan when my fingers returned, pumping into her way harder than I'd ever even dared to dream of before her change.
"Oh fuck, Felix. Yes!" Her hips were gyrating, senses overloaded from how heightened they were now. If I were merciful, I'd start out slow and let her get accustomed to the intensity or her new sensitivity, but I'm a greedy fucker, and she was far from complaining.
"Ready, baby? Ready for me to take you like I've always wanted?" I goaded, slowing my fingers, causing her to hiss in displeasure.
Her head pulled back and her eyes locked onto mine filled with heat, possessiveness, and pure want that I'm sure were all reflected in my own eyes. "If you don't fuck me now, I'm going to—" I didn't let her finish, pulling her hips back and sliding her down my body, thrusting up into her at the same time.
My head tipped back as I paused, biting hard on my lip to keep from losing it right away at the wild moan that fell from her lips at the abrupt intrusion. I turned to a nearby boulder and wedged her against it, hoping we wouldn't break it, spreading her thighs against it before I started pumping into her aggressively, growling as her nails scratched at me, pain and pleasure blending together with our desperate sounds.
"Even tighter, kitten, and so wet. You like this, don't you, fucking out here in the wild? Anyone could find us…hear us" I teased, folding my body down to nip her ear after hissing the words into it.
She growled in response, hips raising to meet mine and swiveling in a circle, making me groan when her movements caused her to clench even tighter around me. I felt the need to mark her properly overcoming me as my orgasm approached, eyes zeroing in on her slender neck, venom pooling in my mouth. Looking up I noticed her eyeing my own neck.
"That's right baby, mark me. I'm yours, and you're mine" I growled out, bending and twisting in an unnatural angle to sink me teeth into her hardened skin, pumping venom into the wound before pulling back and sealing it with my tongue, groaning when she rose up, digging her own teeth into my neck and repeating my actions.
B POV
After sealing my venom in his neck, I lost track of time. Lost track of orgasms, broken trees, smashed boulders. We were desperate, wild, insatiable. When it was dark, Felix reluctantly pulled away from my body, chuckling at my groan of disapproval. He pressed a kiss to my pouting lips.
"Don't forget, my mate, we have a trial to attend soon. As much as I'd love to stay here doing…you, we should hunt once more then return home."
I sighed, knowing he was right, but still pouted. "Can you dress me?" I asked innocently, making his eyes narrow in suspicion.
We found the spot we shed our clothes, luckily we hadn't shredded them. "Behave" Felix said sternly, but I could see his lips quirk up on one side despite the order. I grinned, raising my hands above my head like a child, sighing happily when the soft fabric floated down until it settled against my granite skin.
"Fine." I retorted, "but once the shit storm is over we're taking that honeymoon and I expect no interruptions for a very long time" I demanded, eyes roaming over my husband's insanely hot body as he dressed. My eyes zeroed in on his wedding ring again and I felt a thrill go through me as my eyes bounced between his ring and my mark on his neck, one staking my claim on him for humans, the other for supernatural beings.
"Stop that" he snapped, looking frustrated. I could feel his own desire warring with his need to prepare and help our coven. I sighed, stomping out my own desire, knowing that being mated to the head of the guard meant we couldn't delay responsibility. I threaded my fingers through his, noticing his soft smile when I sent feelings of comfort and determination back to him through our bond.
"Let's go, stud" I grinned, hearing his laughter as we took off in search of one last meal.
We returned to the castle just before dawn, Alec was waiting for us in the throne room with the kings. He looked uncomfortable which made me frown until I looked up and saw my mate glaring at him. I huffed, sending him my annoyance and he glared down at me, pursing his lips.
"Al can't touch me now, remember?" I asked him. His brows rose at that, and I froze, "oh right…kind of slipped my mind." I mumbled.
"What did, young one?" Aro prompted from his seat, reminding me of the other present.
"Well, when I woke it was kind of like an information download. I can feel my shields—oh and I have enhanced abilities like Felix, it's wild, I feel so strong" I rambled, pausing when I felt my mate's shock.
"Bella, that's the kind of thing you tell me" he said, shock morphing into frustration.
I glared back, "well excuse me but we were pretty preoccupied hunting and f—" my own hand clamped over my mouth to stop from blurting out our recent activities, Felix's brows rose again, this time in amusement.
"Apologies, my mate, you're right" he winked, one arm wrapping around my waist, thumb rubbing soothingly along my side. I'd let his moodiness slide for now, I knew he was under a lot of pressure.
Caius leaned forward in his seat, "tell us more! Please" he tacked on the plea when I pursed my lips in defiance, nodding at his change in tune.
"I can feel my shields, manipulate them kind of like a bubble or elastic band but more pliable. My mental one is just in my head but I can feel the physical one running along my body like a second skin almost" I mused, now running my fingers of one hand along my opposite arm.
"Marvelous!" Aro exclaimed, "Alec here shall be the one to test them" he grinned widely, now making it obvious as to why the younger vampire looked incredibly apprehensive.
"What about the others – Tristan and Angela? Are they okay?" I asked, not wanting to forget my friends with my mind constantly running in a million different directions as I grew accustomed to it.
Marcus sat up this time, "Jane's mate had the gift for power negation it seems. I can no longer see their bond because of it, but I know it is still there as it was when I visited before Jane had bitten him and gained the same gift. Your friend Angela seems to have a nurturing gift, the mending of souls" he finished, and that was when I noticed Marcus seemed much lighter than when I'd seen him last. Angela, I thought, curious about her power and excited for my friends.
"Location?" Felix responded.
"They've done the opposite of you and your mate," Aro supplied, "they came here first, tried out their gifts and then left to hunt…" Aro trailed off, lips mashed together in a straight line as he refrained from simply saying our friends had left to quench their thirst for blood and each other.
"Well, shall we?" Marcus asked, practically floating as he walked off, motioning us to follow.
Felix leaned down, "training room" he explained as Alec followed the king ahead of us.
"We don't have long, the Cullens will be arriving early, as we predicted may happen. They will be here in a few hours, and according to Demetri their cavalry will be joining shortly afterwards so chop chop!" he tisked, hurrying along.
Sharing a look at the now advanced timeline, then we hurried along, quickly reaching what I assumed was the training room and Marcus spread his arms out wide, turning towards us, "okay, Bella, Alec will use his powers on me and then Felix will use his on me afterwards. We will test your ability to protect others and yourself," he grinned, making my wide eyes meet my mate's shocked expression.
Well, shit.
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Okay shit is about to go down, I will try and get it finished ASAP but leave your comments, questions, concerns! Let me know what you think! Thank you guys so much for all the love you've been giving this story, it's making me consider starting another afterwards since this one only has a handful of chapters left…
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