I did a lot of rewrites here, don't worry I WILL be doing some outtakes and different POVs, so if there's something or someone you want more of just let me know (:
Happy Reading!
Chapter 25
Epilogue
F POV
I frowned, looking down at the instructions for the home security system we'd installed in the house I'd bought for us. My frown melted a little when I heard her giggles, turning my gaze to the little bundle wriggling around in the bassinet on the table beside me.
"Well, neonata, we might just have to wait for mommy to get home because truth be told I have no idea what I'm doing, but don't you ever tell anyone that…especially not your mother. Or Alec." I sighed, putting down the tablet before I crushed it in my annoyance, instead scooping Holly up into my arms and taking her out onto the back deck. I could feel Bella getting closer, making some of the tension ease from between my shoulders as I pulled our daughter up to nuzzle her dark ringlets and press a kiss to her small, warm head.
It'd taken me all of one day to succumb to my wife's incessant pleas and stubbornness about taking Holly into our care. Between Bella's pout and Holly's big green eyes – much like mine had been as a human – I was a goner. I couldn't bring myself to regret it, despite knowing one day our daughter would have to become unchanging like her parents, having her felt right, like the missing piece of our bond we'd never known existed.
We'd delayed our arrival in Volterra, scouring the Italian countryside for the perfect place to reside until coming across a small village in the northern part of Italy where the winter months were darker. Bella had made a point of getting to know our neighbors when the sun was tucked away, making friends with a few of the local families and learning some recipes she could make that were baby friendly. One of the families nearby had a daughter who was an excellent babysitter. Between the hours we got to spend alone while Holly slept, and Alessia babysat, I still had plenty of time to enjoy my mate.
But we knew we'd have to go back soon. It'd been a few months since we moved here, remodeling an old town home and rigging it with the best home security system money could buy. Alessia was going to stay over for a few days so we could go on a 'business trip'. Aro had harassed us a few times about our timeline away, pointing out multiple times how we were supposed to have returned months ago. I just reminded him of my hundreds of years of service without one single break or absence which shut him up pretty quickly.
Now that the Romanian and southern covens had been decimated along with the Cullens, the atmosphere in Volterra had shifted, at least from we we'd gathered on our phone calls. The queens roamed free from the towers, participating in more meetings and hearings. Jane was even teaching Athenodora how to fight, claiming she finally wanted to have an upper hand on her stubborn brute of a husband. I didn't blame her.
"How's my favourite little Italian noodle" my mate cooed, breezing up the porch step and leaning down to press butterfly kisses to Holly's chubby cheeks.
Holly giggle, clapping her little hands that had just been twining around one of my fingers that she teethed. We tried to keep her from doing that but our hard skin didn't seem to harm her soft gums, just soothe the irritation with our cool temperature.
"Better be talking to our neonata" I grumbled, narrowing my gaze menacingly at my wife who just winked and brushed past me, strolling into the house. I looked down at Holly, "you women are going to be the death of me" I huffed.
Holly just wiggled and gave a little grin, eyes peering back, trying to catch a glimpse of Bella from behind my shoulder. "Alright you little monster, let's go see what mammina got for you". I wrinkled my nose, smelling the food she was pulling out of a cloth bag. Bella had taken to going south for fresh, juicy fruits and vegetables that she could make into baby food for Holly who was luckily out of the breastfeeding phase. According to her birth certificate that we'd found she was eight months old when we took her into our care, and her first birthday was approaching quickly. Up until this point she'd been cooing and giggling, but no words yet.
"Fresh apricots, oranges, pears, cherries, and of course peaches" she trilled, pulling out a few bowls,
"I'm going to make enough baby food for a week and a half just to be safe. I figured I can just freeze most of it and then Alessia can defrost and give it to Holl." I nodded, gaze snapping to her bag when I heard her phone go off playing out You're the Best by Joe Esposito. I pursed my lips, knowing just who'd programmed that tune in over six months ago.
"Al" Bell smiled as she answered, making my stomach twist a little. I'd never admit it out loud but I missed his annoying ass. Things with Dem and I were a little strained still, but I had yet to reconcile with Alec. I knew it hurt Jane and Bella, but neither were pressuring me to come around any faster than I was capable. Every time I felt I was okay with him, images of his teeth pressed against the pulse in her soft human neck flashed through my mind and I just couldn't fucking give in.
"B" he sighed back, sounding exasperated, "you've gotta come back, it's so boring here without you guys. I miss watching your mate terrify and rip and shred. No one rips and shreds like him. Jane terrifies pretty well, but it's not the same as watching real life Darth Vader paralyze our enemies" he paused for a while, then added, "oh and miss my favourite non-blood-related sister. Don't tell Heidi, but you're way cooler."
My mate snorted, rolling her eyes, "gee, thanks Al. Fan girling after my mate as usual. Maybe I'll have to keep him away longer, just visit on my own tomorrow…" she trailed off.
"…"
"Wait, WHAT!? You're coming tomorrow!? Since when? B? Does anyone know?" he fired off his questions, not even bothering to hide his excitement at our return.
"Yes, but not for long, just a visit, there's still a lot of things we'd like to…experience before we come back permanently." She grinned over at me with that secret smile of hers that made my chest rumble lowly in response.
Without the constant threat to her life I felt lighter, calmer now. Our months together before finding Holly had been pure bliss, and now that I had both the girls in my life safe and happy, I felt complete and perfectly at ease. Doesn't mean I'm not ready to rip a motherfucker apart in less that the blink of an eye.
I could practically hear Alec pouting, "But you've been gone so long aren't you done fucking like rabbits yet? The castle feels…incomplete, things are unsettled." I tried not to feel the pang of guilt when melancholy seeped into his voice, no doubt thinking about our fractured relationship.
Holly opened her mouth to make a sound and I bolted, not wanting to alert Alec as to what was really going on on our side of the phone. We didn't know what everyone would think about us harboring a human baby, and neither of us were willing to take any chances. Holly would be protected at all times, it was non-negotiable. Once she turned eighteen we'd allow her the choice of when she wanted to turn and would wait until she'd been changed to return to Volterra permanently unless we were found out before then.
I stopped under a tree, murmuring quietly to my daughter, giving Bella some time to finish up with Alec. After a few minutes or rocking and pacing, I felt her tugging through our bond and returned, watching her prepare Holly's food while humming to herself.
Without looking up she spoke, "did you break the tablet?" I froze. My mate had picked up some sort of sixth sense when it came to me and I hadn't decided how much I disliked it yet.
"No" I growled, indignant.
"You figured out the alarm system then?" I ground my teeth at her tone of disbelief.
"Also no" I relented, putting Holly back in her basinet so I could curl my fingers into my palms in annoyance. I both loved and hated how she got under my skin all the time. I had the same effect on my glorious wife, with the added bonus of getting under her skin and inside her body.
"I'll show you, old man" she tittered.
I approached quietly, winding my arms around her waist, pulling her back flush with my chest, thumbs tracing circles on her pelvis. "If it weren't for our daughter being here and awake, I'd punish you for your insolence." I muttered, laving my tongue over my mark on her neck. She immediately and instinctively bared her neck to me in a sign of submission, picking up her humming tune again, though this time the notes came out a little shakier as she trembled in my arms.
I smirked against her warm skin, not heated like it was before her change, but still hot enough to drive me wild whenever I got my hands on her. There was rarely a time when my hands weren't on my wife's body, our daughter's presence being the only deterrent in my insatiable need for her.
Bella was no better, bringing a baby monitor with her for extra reassurance and constantly luring me outside to lose ourselves to our consuming bond in the shadow of night.
A tiny little yawn from behind us reminded me that it was well past her bedtime, but I knew from experience that when Bella left, our daughter wouldn't rest until she returned. She couldn't sleep well without Bella, but she always looked for me during the day. There were days we felt guilty about keeping her from our coven, knowing the chances of them accepting her were probably pretty high and that most would be miffed to have missed witnessing our daughter grow up. But we couldn't risk her safety, if any newborns or scorned vampires were to slip passed us that would be the end.
"Babe I'll finish making the mush. You go put her down, you know she's been waiting for you." I suggested, pressing one more kiss to her sweet smelling skin and then dropping my arms so she could skirt around me with a quick press of her lips on mine and then scoop up Holly, carrying her off to get her ready for bed.
I refrained from breathing as I made the shitty scented baby food, mixing together the various fruits into combinations that had been tested and approved by Holly. I was pushing the fridge and freezer doors shut when Bella came back in, soft smile on her face.
"You ready for tomorrow?" she asked, hesitant beyond anything else.
I sighed, reeling her back into my arms and swaying our bodies ever so slightly, "yes and no. Ready to see everyone, not ready to leave Holl." I explained, using the little nickname Bella had given our daughter. I fought against using the ridiculous abbreviation of her name but over time listening to Bella used it so often, I found myself also using it.
"I feel the same way" she agreed, giving me a lost smile, also feeling torn about sharing our little family with our big one. We also knew wouldn't have much time with our daughter like this; time was already flying by and before I knew it I'd be throwing the boys away from her, getting my mate to put a physical shield around Holly at all times.
Bella always just rolled her eyes at me when I shared these plans with her. I'd get my way. Hopefully.
"Still clear on the plan?" I asked, gazing down at my mate and running my knuckles over her cheek.
She nuzzled against me, nodding, "sure am" she responded, reaching up on her toes and threading her fingers into my hair.
We'd agreed to go back, check in and catch up before telling our coven that we would like to spend some time alone, living all over the world. To appease them though we'd offer to join on missions from time to time, knowing they'd grow suspicious eventually. While the years would fly by to us vampires, my family had yet to endure an extended absence from myself. As head of the guard, I took my position seriously and never left them without my tactical mind and brutal combat abilities. But now things were different; I wasn't just the head of a guard but the head of our family. Holly and Bella were my number one priority, and they always would be.
My thoughts trailed off as Bella's hands trailed down my neck and shoulder, questing fingers coasting under my shirt and along the bottom ridges of my abdomen, making the muscles there clench in anticipation.
Wordlessly, she waved the monitor in her hand at me, making me grin and toss her lithe body over my shoulder, not wasting a second after pausing for Bella to somehow arm the security system, I turned, locked the door and darted off. We'd found a grotto on the outskirts of the village, hidden by winding trees that parted above it to let in sunlight during the daytime and moonlight at night.
I paused, letting her body drag down mine, groaning as she wiggled her hips on the way down, tossing me a devious little grin. We shucked our clothes quickly, and I caught my wife's waist before she could dart off forcing me to give chase.
"Not today, little vixen" I growled at her ear, hauling her back into my arms and submerging our bodies in the crystal waters of the grotto. The temperature was always warm compared to our cool skin and Bella sighed as I submerged our bodies, hands cupping her ass and holding her against where I was hard and ready.
Stalking over to the far edge I hoisted her up onto the ledge, a spot I'd figured out quickly on our first trip here put her at the perfect height. I leaned over he prone body, grasping both of her hands in one of mine and slamming them down above her head.
She moaned out her appreciation, back bowing off the rock surface beneath her, anticipating my next move. I leaned over her, that thrumming I felt along my skin when she was around surging through my body, making me yank her closer, my movements more primal, craving to dominate her.
As usual, she could sense my need, and our mouths collided hungrily, desperately, like being unable to be together like this for a whole day was nearly too agonizing to bare. I sank lower, one hand pressing down above her pubic bone to hold her steady while my large frame forced her legs wide open, glistening wet skin opened up for my eyes to feast on. I licked my lips, marvelling her body for a second before diving in and running my flattened tongue through her folds up her slit, eyes locked onto her face. I watched as she thrashed, threw her head back and tried to squirm against my iron grip.
"Still so fucking sweet and delicious, my little mate," I teased, tongue continuing to probe at her sensitive flesh, "always so wet for your husband" I swirled my tongue higher, flicking the pointed end against her clit, grinning at her gasps and pleas. Pleas for me to fill her with something larger than my tongue.
"Not yet, baby. Not until you come on my tongue so you can soak my cock when I ram it into your tight, little pussy" I muttered, fingers coming up to replace my tongue, swirling and flicking at her bud while my tongue slid lower and delved inside of her.
"Oh, fuck. Felix!" she moaned, eyes locked onto mine, fingers flexing in my steel grip.
I chuckled and kept up my rhythm, tongue pressing in against the spot inside of her that I knew drove her wild, fingers pressing and swirling on her clit, not letting up my pressure or pace.
Bella started wailing, head thrown back in her pleasure. I pulled my tongue out, fingers thrusting into her, "you gonna come, baby? You close?" I demanded, the heel of my palm pressing into her clit while my other fingers sped up. I didn't need to ask, I could feel her walls fluttering and clenching down on my fingers, biting my lip as she grew closer to her release.
"Yes!" she cried.
I leered down at her, "that's right, come. I wanna hear your screams kitten." I demanded, unrelenting in my assault on her willing body.
When she started cresting, I replaced my fingers with my tongue once more, jamming it up inside her tightness, fingers maintaining that same pressure while I lapped up everything that spilled out of my mate, growling at the taste.
"Good girl" I groaned, pulling back a bit and running my tongue over my lip, savouring her taste. She was panting, staring into my eyes, still anticipating my next move.
I lean forward, running my tip through her folds and pressing it against her bundle of nerves, making her writhe and arch beneath me, trying to angle her body in a way that would make me slip inside her heat.
"So greedy, gattino" I rumbled, a dark chuckle rumbling through my chest making her bite her lip in response, red eyes darkening.
Her legs locked around me, urging me closer, "you know I hate waiting, husband" she responded, eyebrow raised, "don't be an ass" she added, making my smirk widen.
Not willing to wait any longer, my grip tightening on her tight ass was the only warning she got before I rammed myself through her wetness balls deep, groaning when my tip met the end of her, rubbing along it in this position.
I froze, staring down at her and taking in her expression as it morphed from impatience to a mixture of pure shock and arousal when I filled her so abruptly and ruthlessly. I lifted her hips and tilted them downwards, angling her just right before I started driving into her mercilessly, reveling in the mewls and moans that fell from her plump, wet lips.
I kept up my pace, pressing down on her clit again, reaching down to where we joined to gather the wetness seeping out of her and returning to tightly circle her bundle of nerves. I slowed my thrusts, wanting to see the hell cat in her come out as it usually did when I teased her.
"Felix, fuck me." She growled out her demand. We both knew how this would go, but still, I didn't stop my slowed, shallow thrusts into her tight heat.
"Mmm I am, kitten, just savouring taking what is mine" I offered, grinning salaciously.
Her eyes were spitting fire there's my girl. Suddenly her wrists were ripped from beneath me and she was straddling my hips by the water's edge. She sank down on me and I dug my fingers into her hips, holding back from drilling into her. Her hands pressed down on my abs, and then she was off, riding me like there was no tomorrow, ripping a growl from my throat.
"That's it, baby, fuck yourself on my cock, show me how bad you need it," I sat up, wrapping my arms around her waist and flicking my tongue out against her ear, "wanna feel you dripping down my cock before I fill you up" I growled, feeling her body tense up in reaction to my words. For her, I'd get downright filthy just to get the reactions I love best in my mate.
She groaned in response to my words, increasing her pace and force, dropping her hips down over my straining erection, my gaze locked onto where I kept disappearing into her tight body.
Before long, I started to feel her walls fluttering, my own orgasm also approaching. I tightened my grip on her hips again, raising her off of me, ignoring he whine in protest as I flip her over and around, slamming back into her from behind, making her shout at the new angle and intrusion.
"Oh god" she muttered, hands grasping the rock beneath her. I grasped her legs and parted them wide along the ledge, grateful for the extra flexibility she got with her immortality, allowing her to lean her upper half over while I had her legs in the splits, hips up so I could drive into her and mash my pelvis into her.
"Please, oh please," she begged, almost falling off that edge. I smiled, triumphant as one hand reached around to flick her clit, making her yelp until I pinched and twisted it, causing her to convulse, screaming out as her orgasm thrummed through her body.
I fucked her through it, feeling my balls tighten in response tongue poking out, "oh yeah, just like that" I praised before my own orgasm took hold of me, and I rocked into her as I released into her depths, groaning all the while.
As my pants slowed and I no longer felt the unnecessary need to breath, I felt her fingers running languidly through my short hair, scratching along my scalp, making me groan again, but this time in content.
"I love you" she said, easy as breathing, like a caress on my soul.
I looked back up and pulled her into the water, pinning her body to the ledge with mine, "you are the treasure I have been waiting thousands of years for, my love. You and now Holly are my life and I will love and protect both of you forever and even after," I vowed, seeing her eyes mist a little with venom. This woman who had me captivated since I first smelt her in Volterra, got under my skin in Forks, and then officially became mine forever in both Florida and Volterra.
I pulled her body closer again, relishing in the way she shivered at my touch, still as overwhelmed by my proximity as I was hers.
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B POV
We spent the night how we always did: making love, laughing, and talking about the future, both near and far. We heard the beginnings of Holly stirring a of couple hours past dawn and dressed, heading back home to wake her and get ready for our trip to Volterra.
We had no need to pack; our rooms were left untouched, and Heidi had enthusiastically informed me that I had a whole new wardrobe waiting for me.
Holly had just finished eating her breakfast when a knock sounded at the door. I greeted Alessia, ushering her into our home that we'd stocked with human food, new toiletries, and anything else she might enjoy. Felix had scooped up our daughter, cooing softly to her and whispering his goodbyes before passing our angel over to me so I could press kisses to her sweet smelling head.
"Momma and Daddy will be back very soon, Holl. Try not to give Alessia a hard time, okay baby? I love you more than my own life." I murmured, handing her over to her babysitter who smiled warmly as she gathered Holly into her arms, speaking hushed Italian to her and rocking her gently.
I turned to my husband who raised an outstretched hand to me, I grasped it and grinned, a small thrill running through me at finally seeing our coven—our family again.
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It didn't take us long, flying through the countryside with our enhanced supernatural speed had us approaching the castle walls before lunch time despite having to stop in a hotel along the way to shower off any human smells and change our clothes. We slowed to a stop, my mate's arms winding around my shoulder and waist, leaning down to rest his chin on my head while we gazed at our home, the one we would inevitably return to once Holly was older. Felix nudged his nose into my hairline, inhaling and then speaking on the exhale, "ready, my love?"
I nodded, giving his arms a squeeze as we started off towards the castle, hands clasped between us as we approached at a near human pace.
I could feel her before I saw her, a blur of blonde launching into my arms, "BITCH" Jane Volturi had not been shy in expressing her exasperation over our extended 'vacationing', pouting over phone calls and video chats about how she and Tristan hadn't needed to be away so long, and neither had Ang and Demi.
I laughed, swaying a little and smiling with my eyes closed, enjoying the closeness of my sister, "Hey sis, nice to see you" I said, mirth creeping into my tone at her exberant display.
I heard another chuckle ring out before the clap of marble hds smacked together as Tristan greeted my mate. His mate took the opportunity to jump down from my arms and then launch herself at Felix who almost smiled. He did smirk a little bit though. He argued his smiles were reserved for his two favorite girls, swoon.
Tristan scooped me up with a little twirl, "nice to see you again, Bells. Hopefully Janie can get her sis fix in now and be a little less…ragey around the castle." He grinned, dodging his mate's poorly aimed swat in retaliation to the slight.
"I only rage because you boys are fucking insufferable with no imminent threat or a stream of uprisings to take out all your testosterone out on. Angela's too sweet, she does help by distracting Demi sometimes, but between the kings, and you three knuckle heads I'm about to commit murder."
The nearly-invisible twinkle in her eye suggested Jane wasn't as pissed as she let off, but I did have to sympathize somewhat, I mean the guys were bad enough with dangerous threats keeping them occupied…
"Alright, we promised we wouldn't keep them" Tristan prompted, and when Jane began protesting her swooped down and tossed her small form over his shoulder, carting one of the most feared vampires in the world back to the rest of our coven.
I giggled and followed along, casting a quick knowing glance at my mate, "don't even think about it."
His trademark smirk peeked out but before he could make a move I darted off towards the castle entrance, mindful of being seen by any tourists on the thankfully clouded day.
"Lil B!" I heard Demi holler when I pushed open the doors to the throne room. Ang, Demi, Alec, Heidi, Renata, and the kings were all seated and stood around the room with other guard members. I noticed there were three vampires in the middle, most likely here for a hearing of some sort.
It seemed Aro had paused whatever he was saying prior to our abrupt arrival, casting an annoyed glance at his infamous tracker before tossing me a wink and then continuing. I felt my mate come up behind me, ushering us over to the side of the room.
"As I was saying, we do not condone immortal children. Do not give me that look, you have brought this not only upon yourselves, but also an innocent and bright child. Had you left them alone a few more years, there wouldn't even be need for this conversation" he sneered at the two taller vampires.
I stiffened beside Felix, feeling him push calming emotions at me through our bond even though I could sense his own trepidation tinged within them. He bent down, lips at my ear and voice so low I could barely hear it with my enhanced hearing, "she is not immortal, we are not breaking the law."
I tried to relax, Jane and Tristan eased in beside us and we all watched as Alec stepped forwards to exact punishment with Afton on the offending party.
The trial hit way too close to home, that little boy could be our sweet Holly in only a matter of years. I looked away as they tore them apart, trying to drown out their pleas and screams as Alec's power creeped around them, removing their senses. I bit my lip to keep the sob building in my throat at bay when Afton began dismembering the coven—no, the family before us.
Welcome home, Bella I thought sarcastically, having my biggest fear quite literally thrown in my face upon our arrival. It only made me that much more certain that we were doing the right thing by sticking to our plan.
Once the smoke started to dissipate, we shared hugs and began catching up with our coven mates. I noticed Demi and Al hanging back a little, still unsure of how to act around Felix. I sighed and nudged my mate, he looked down at me, brow furrowed, "it's time." I said, giving him a warm but encouraging smile as I tilted my head towards his brothers.
He straightened his shoulders and nodded his assent, locking eyes on them and jerking his chin towards the exit before starting off in that direction.
I gave Alec's hand a gentle squeeze as he walked by, making him cast a hopeful grin my way.
F POV
I rolled my shoulders back as I strolled into the training room, turning to face my brothers.
"Now" I begun, making a show of cracking my neck and smirking over at them, "which one of you fuckers thinks they're suddenly strong enough to take me in hand to hand?" I taunted, arms spread invitingly at my sides, offering up a challenge.
They shared a look, smiling before turning around and charging me.
Three hours later we were sprawled over the bleachers and floor shooting the shit. "Man, I can't believe little Angela Weber told off Caius Volturi of all people for hurting Renata's feelings, I'd have paid good money to see his face" I enthused, leaning back on my hands on the top row.
Alec was sprawled out two rows below me on his back, sharing all the stories Bella and I had missed during our phone and video calls. Dem seemed content to sit with his elbows resting on his knees, ass on the floor facing us.
"It's Angela Volturi now, or at least it will be this weekend." Dem grinned. They'd been waiting for us to return to have a small ceremony with just our close knit group and the kings of course. Aro would never toss up an opportunity to be dramatic, and Marcus had become quite protective over one of our newest coven mates, connecting over her unique and soothing gift.
"Just don't up and disappear for a long ass honeymoon like the boss mates did" Alec grumbled. He'd taken to calling us boss mates instead of just me being boss man. I kind of liked it, no one aside from my mate and child could boss me around but they didn't need to know that. Not to mention because of our gifts, Bella and I were practically equals in strength and power…well maybe not strength I thought idly, remembering the ways I'd made her body submit to mine night after night.
"Honeymoon's not over" I said, trying to hide my reluctance.
Alec sat up, surprised and showing the beginnings of defiance, "what do you mean not over?" He must've forgotten that Bella had said this was just a visit in his excitement.
I sighed, "not ready to be stagnant. We want to keep travelling, exploring the world and each other. Almost lost her on numerous occasions, after two thousand years of being by myself…honeymoon's not over." I stated once more with an air of finality.
I heard Dem sigh like he'd been expecting this, "then what was the point in coming back now, you didn't even know about the wedding" he asked.
"We'll be available for threatening missions and video conferences." I conceded, and Alec looked more hopeful, grinning at Dem who just rolled his eyes but still ended on a smirk.
Alec turned to me now, we hadn't really spoken about where we stood now though I'm sure by my actions he knew I was okay with him again.
"Felix I can't—I still can't even begin to find the words after all these months—" he cut off when I glared down at him.
"Mind control is not your fault. Needed time to get the incident out of my head. It's out now. Mostly. Stop whining about it already." I barked. Despite my harsh tone, my brother smiled, standing up.
"Excellent. This means I can finally tell you that Demetri dared Jane to fuck Tristan in your rooms and she followed through!" he hollered.
I felt the growl building in my chest as my eyes turned to slits, narrowing on the other pain in my ass, but he'd already disappeared. Maybe it was because we had a child now and our private rooms felt more like a nest or safe haven, but I was suddenly steaming.
"Oh man, this is going to be a great weekend" Alec enthused, practically skipping along behind me as I stalked off to find the little blond devil.
B POV
I'd just finished telling Jane, Ang, Heidi, Gianna, and Renata about our plans to continue travelling while also being active in missions and conferences when I sensed my mate's anger surging through our bond, making my spine straighten.
My head whipped toward the doors to the garden we were gathered in, anxious to see what had him so riled up. He appeared in the doorway, gaze thunderous, pace slow and menacing, eyes burning into my sister.
I saw Alec come in, a smile stretched across his face this can't be good.
"Oh Janie" Felix sang darkly, a sinister smile hinting at the corners of his lips as he continued his advance, "my quarters?" he growled out.
I heard Jane's gasp and saw her lips pressing together in a grim line that dropped open in shock as she was lifted into the air, looking down defiantly at my mate as his gift choked her. Though she was immune to most gifts thanks to drinking Tristan's blood, it seemed my mental shield paired with Felix's own telekinesis gift was able to effect Jane. Thank god she didn't need to breathe, but I was still afraid he was too far gone to be stopped from cracking her smooth granite skin.
I watched as she wriggled around in the air and heard a ferocious roar rip through the castle. Tristan. We hadn't had much chance to be around the mated pair after his change, but we'd noticed and heard through calls that he'd become rather dominant in their relationship, dwarfing her in size and overall presence. Apparently, Jane took advantage of his easily distractable mind often, thrilled to now have her mate as durable as she is. Nothing set off a protective vampire more than a threat to their mate, especially a newborn one.
Not in the mood for dramatics, I strode over to my husband and reached up, slapping my hands onto his cheeks and jumping up to press a kiss to his full lips. He staggered for a second, physically and mentally, warring between his instincts as he caught me.
I pulled back, pressing my forehead to his, "what and why?" I demanded, flicking his nose which pulled a small growl form his lips.
"Jane and Tristan fucked in our room." He mumbled lowly, almost petulantly.
I gave him an incredulous look, "so you go choke her? What the hell?"
"No. Not what the hell. What the fuck?" Raged Tristan, who'd come in sometime after I'd pressed my lips to Felix's. He was now wrapped around Jane, hands running over her unharmed body. I could see looks of amusement on the faces of those around us, finding humor at the overreactions of two dominating male vampires. The buffoons.
Felix didn't back down, locking a steely gaze onto the younger vampire's form, "any surface area, no any part of our rooms you two fucked on or around. Replace it." He commanded before smacking me on the ass and then giving Alec a shove as they ambled off find Demi, grumbling about how it was also his fault. He also ignored my indignant protest of his brutish display, but I'd just have to make sure he made it up to me later…
The rest of our stay at the castle went by without a hitch. The kings were a tough sell on our extended honeymoon; we avoided telling them the full timeline of our departure, hoping distance would make it easier for them to accept our long absence.
Ang and Demi's wedding was beautiful, if we could cry, I'm sure everyone in that room would've shed a tear at their heartfelt vows. Of course, except for my macho mate who would've just sighed and tried to cover up his own reaction. Being a dad was making him a little softer but he'd deny that until the day he died, which would be forever and a day away.
We saw them off on their own honeymoon, which they'd teased us endlessly about how it was going to be much shorter than our own.
By the end of the weekend, we were practically crawling out of our skin with the anticipation of seeing Holly again. We'd snuck away a few times, both separately and together to call Alessia and check in. I even sang Holly to sleep one evening when Alessia hinted that she was more restless than the first night.
We left with two suitcases that Heidi had insisted on us taking, stating no family of hers was going to walk around in last season's clothing. The trip home was somehow faster that the trip to Volterra had been, and my heart fluttered when I could smell Holly's sweet baby smell and hear little heart pattering away as we approached the house.
I greeted Alessia at the door while Felix marched through the house, dropping our bags and making a beeline for our daughter, "there's my little bambino, were you good for Alessia, hmm? Daddy missed you so much, Holl" he swung her around in the air, delighted at her giggles. I thanked Alessia profusely and handed her a large wad of cash that made her eyes bug out.
"Hey my little angel" I cooed, pressing a kiss to her warm head and then snatching up her tiny, fingers and smacking loud kisses to them all, making her giggles change into peals of laughter.
Life couldn't get any better; we had our daughter to teach during the day, our bodies to re-explore at night, and a coven to see on occasion.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
*Thirteen and a half years later*
F POV
"No. Absolutely fucking not."
"Mooooooom! Dad's being horrible again" she whined, stomping her foot.
Holly may not be ours biologically but she certainly acted like it. She had my temper coupled with Bella's stubborn streak, paired with our shared tendency of not giving a fuck.
"I'm so not getting involved. Remember, Holly girl, if you can convince dad, you can convince anyone." She baited, making me narrow my eyes at my wife for egging on our pubescent teenage daughter.
Time went by way too fast; the little girl who toddled after me and begged to lick batter from the bowl when Bella made cupcakes for her to bring to school was gone. Now she was a teenager more stubborn than a mule and with a brighter mean streak than Caius.
It felt like just yesterday she was pouting when the bike I got her didn't have pink streamers, and then smiling after I kissed her scraped knee when she tried to ride the bike anyways and fell off.
"Eighteen for eighteen" I said dismissively, making Bella snort.
I'd always told Holly as she grew up that she could only start dating once she'd been eighteen for eighteen years. After age nine we'd started letting her know certain things about us that we had very been carefully hiding. By thirteen she knew that one day she'd become granite and unchanging like her parents, and as my insightful wife loved to rub in my face, Holly was more than ready for that change. In fact, she took after her mother in that regard, seeming to have been born for the supernatural world.
Holly growled, stomping her foot again, she turned a little smug and then opened her mouth to voice her rebuttal.
"Do it and I'll kill them" I cut her off, all of us knowing I would not even blink when making the decision to end the life of a hormonal, idiotic, little fucker who dared to take out my little princess. She's only fourteen for crying out loud, not nearly old enough to have some bastard potentially mess with her emotions.
Her mouth snapped shut, green eyes sparking with anger. I just grinned until my beautiful mate's sexy voice broke the new silence, "I mean Felix honestly, if we know the boy's parents and she has a curfew I don't see the harm…" she trailed off, whipping the spatula in her hand at my head when I let out a snarl at her statement.
"Don't use that tone of growl with me, mister. I was only a few years older when my ancient husband came on to me. Maybe we oughta let Holly spread her wings now before she becomes one of us and begins the search for her own mate."
I glared at the spatula now lying on the floor. Bella still loved to cook, and often bickered with me over who cooked for our daughter.
"Dinner's ready, honey." She added, and with one more withering glare, Holly swiveled around and slumped into a dining chair, digging into the shepherd's pie Bella made.
I moved my angered stare back to my wife who raised a brow in challenge. Faster than our human daughter could see, I slid in behind her mother, wrapping her small frame in my arms and dipping down to push my lips against her neck, the low rumble from my chest making her melt into me more. I'd found over the years there were three ways I could go about getting my way; being a dominant ass, seducing her, or being sweet. I tried to keep the third option incredibly rare so that it worked 100% of the time.
"Babe" I murmured, lips skating down her neck, words too low for Holly to hear. "I'm just worried about our little girl, it's feels like just yesterday she was chasing the local boys away with muddy worms in her hands. She's got a tough exterior but we both know Holl loves hard. I just want to protect her heart, like I do yours." She hummed, sagging a little more.
Hook, line, sinker. I suppressed my grin knowing I'd gotten my way. My words were completely true, but my intentions were a little more…possessive. I wanted to keep my family safe, keep my girls under my wing and away from the dangers that lie outside our front door.
Bella was just starting to nod along, opening her full lips to agree when our daughter ruined my plans, "let me guess, dad's being all mushy and gross so that you let him continue to imprison me, way to stay strong mom."
The little sneak hadn't even turned around once, knowing both of us nearly as well as we knew her by now. My mate stiffened in my arms, as if coming out of a trance which made me curse lowly.
An elbow to the ribs followed by, "Felix Volturi, that is it! Holly gets a date that is chaperoned, and we meet the boy and his parents. And you…no sex until I'm not annoyed enough to tell Alec that you're not getting any so he can torment you from afar."
"That's so gross, mom"
"Baby be reasonable"
"Both of you, shut it. Holly, eat your dinner before it gets cold. We will talk about a potential future date later."
I knew by the time Holly went to sleep I'd be able to sway my mate's temper and turn it from anger and annoyance to anger and arousal, so I wasn't too worried about her idle threats. I was just worried about some little dickhead messing with my baby girl.
But my scowl melted despite my ire when little warm arms slid around my hips, green eyes sparkling up at me, "don't worry, daddy, you'll always be my protector" she grinned. Despite my simmering temper, I could feel my lips curving up a little as my stone arms wrapped around her, hoisting her up and tossing her in the air, before setting her back at the table to finish her dinner with kiss pressed to the crown of her head.
Hook, line, sinker. She really was my daughter.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
*Three and half years later*
B POV
"Bella, we have a problem."
Not the first thing I wanted to hear when I answered my husband's call. He was in the Amazon with Demi, Alec, Jane, and Tristan, handling some nomads and having some 'male bonding time'. Poor Jane probably hated being a part of that.
My eyes shifted nervously, looking at Holly who was sitting at the kitchen table with headphones on, head bobbing along to her music while she worked through her math homework. She'd broken up with her boyfriend Matteo a few weeks ago and finally admitted the reason after her father left for his mission. Apparently, the little shit thought he could pressure our baby girl into rounding more bases than she was comfortable with. Thank god Felix had made her take self defense lessons, a condition he'd later included with her being allowed to start dating. I swear, somehow that man was always able to get his way, but this time I was incredibly grateful for his overbearing tendencies.
I knew my mate was going to lose his shit once he found out, I just had to make sure he didn't kill the boy like I wanted to for a few brief minutes after Holly confessed the whole truth to me. But at the end of the day you couldn't kill a seventeen year old boy for being a horny asshole, and besides, he'd already been embarrassed when our girl kicked his sorry ass for all to see.
"What is it?" I asked, worrying my lip. We'd both gone on our share of 'excursions' with our coven over the years, usually not at the same time if we could avoid it. I wasn't complaining though, the reclaiming every time we reconnected after being apart was always spectacular. I licked my lips just thinking about running them along his sculpted torso when he got back.
"Baby I can feel where your mind is," he growled, not making concentrating any easier, "focus, kitten."
I sucked in a breath, nodding to myself, "right, what's the problem?"
"Jane may have figured us out" he hedged. Okay, it's just Janie, we can work with this, maybe make something up on the fly—"
"She caught Holly's scent on my bag and waited until we were scouting alone to bring it up. I tried to play it off as a kill I made before meeting up but she can tell it's a young female, which we both know it not my MO." I sighed, hoping this wasn't heading where I feared.
"It's time, Bella. It's time to bring our baby girl home."
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Packing up didn't take long; we knew this day was coming and already had everything set in motion for a quick relocation. Our house was put on the market, clothes donated, and anything we'd need was packed into the SUV Felix had gotten that was bullet proof with blacked out windows and all the bells and whistles.
"Hey mom…"
"No"
"But you don't even—"
"No, Holly, you can't drive. You'll be sitting in the backseat with your father while I drive." I said sternly, we weren't going to risk her safety and allow her human reflexes behind the wheel or to have her alone in the backseat. Too vulnerable. There were plenty of vampires where we were going and the last thing we needed was a nomad or even one of our own smelling her blood and making a move to grab her.
The drive only took a few hours, nothing compared to the short run when Felix or I visited Volterra. Holly knew all about this place, about her family, even though they were none the wiser. As I drove I occasionally casted worried glances at my husband in the rearview mirror, trying to keep my nerves from our daughter who was caught up in gazing out at the countryside.
He sent me calming emotions through our bond but I could still feel the slight tremor through him, trepidation about what would await our arrival and reveal. Holly was innocent and also of age to be changed so she should be let off and given the choice to either change or die. Felix and I on the other hand weren't sure of our fate. Though it would impossible for them to catch us and nearly impossible to be killed, we were hopeful our coven would be lenient and understanding of our deceit.
The castle came into view, and I heard Holly's gasp as she took in the castle walls and grounds surrounding the monstrous stone building. We pulled up outside, just far enough that we wouldn't alert any of the guard to approach us just yet. Felix and I turned to Holly, both wearing serious expression and muscles taut, ready to defend, flee, or both.
"Alright baby girl, when we enter the castle you will stay between your mother and I at all times. This castle is full of human drinkers, not all are nice and not all have control over their bloodlust. And please, for once do not mouth off. This isn't your principal, babysitter, or camp counselor. Saying or doing one wrong thing can and will cost you your life. Understood?" Felix ranted, tilting Holly's face up to keep her attention from wandering to her new surroundings.
She bit her lip – a habit she'd inherited from me – and nodded, "Yeah, okay. I promise dad, mom. Do—do you think they'll like me?" she asked hesitantly.
Felix smirked and I reached out to smack him, so not the time for teasing. "Of course, honey, they're your family. They will probably be hurt and very pissed off with your father and I, but you will be fine and they will adore you. Just don't snark right away." I winked at her and gave a soft squeeze to her shoulder, climbing out of the car and opening her door.
Holly and Felix got out, shutting the door and locking the SUV. We made our way into the castle gates which were open due to regular public visitation hours. Holly remained glued to our sides as we strode forward, entering the large doors and then veering off down a closed off hall, deciding not to alert Mia, the new receptionist, of our arrival.
We walked the wide corridors, getting closer to the throne room. Felix had warned Jane to keep her mouth shut and that we would explain everything within two days. If she listened like we assumed she would, our arrival would be a surprise to everyone.
"Lil B? Felix?" Demi paused, "Human girl…?"
Holly stiffened and I wrapped my arm around her waist to calm her down while Felix's large arm wove around her shoulders, hand settling at the back of my neck around the base.
"Throne room. Everyone." Felix ordered with a jerk of his chin. Demi nodded, looking confused and reluctant, but followed the directions.
A few minutes later we reached the doors to the throne room. I could feel everyone on the other side, they'd all come. I halted and turned Holly to face me fully, cupping her face in my hands, wide green eyes anxious, brown curls wild.
"No matter what happens inside that room, you will be safe. We love you so much Holl, and so will they. You are after all Holly Daphne Volturi. This is your home; we are your family." I spoke at a level loud enough for the immortals behind the closed doors would also hear and give pause to any initial assumptions. They could evidently hear her heart beating, proving she wasn't an immortal but a human, and a human who was already part of our coven.
Felix and I shared a look, his eyes softened for a moment, hands curling around Holly's slim shoulders giving a supportive squeeze, I felt his love and certainty about the situation we were literally walking into. I nodded and he turned, pulling open the doors. We slipped our daughter back between our bodies, arms around her again as we drifted closer to our coven.
Caius's eyes narrowed, Aro looked intrigued, and Marcus looked happy. I took that as a good sign, maybe things would work out easily.
We stopped in front of the thrones, Demi and Ang visible in their usual spots, both casting us looks of confusion. Felix had mentioned Jane, Alec, and Tristan may still be hunting after their trip. Since Demi was acting leader when Felix wasn't around, he'd be needed back first to debrief and wouldn't ever dream of leaving Ang behind.
I fought the urge to bite my lip when I felt a wave of guilt for keeping this – keeping her from them.
"Felix, Bella. Lovely to see the both of you here in the castle together for the first time in what? Fifteen—sixteen years has it been? With a human girl no less, I'm awaiting the explanation, you know I do not like to be kept out of the loop." He finished with one brow quirked.
We'd agreed ahead of time that I would explain, Felix wasn't one for long lectures and we'd hoped my warmth would be able to come across better in the delivery of our story.
I cleared my throat, and all eyes shifted to me. Holding my head high, I spoke our truth, "around sixteen years ago on our honeymoon we came across a woman being attacked by a vile man who'd already killed her husband. We were not able to save her without exposing ourselves and unfortunately, she didn't make it. We killed her attacker and on her dying breath, she pleaded with me to watch over her daughter. We found the baby girl and fell in love with her. We knew because of our laws we'd have to either give her up or do something drastic: raise her in secret and then turn her once she was old enough. Thanks to our gifts it was feasible, and so we've spent the last sixteen years raising our daughter and living peacefully as a family in the countryside."
I paused to smile down at Holly, our bright and beautiful independent girl before continuing, "we gave her as long as we could, but Jane picked up on things on their latest excursion with my mate and we didn't want to lie, so here we are. Holly is our daughter, and by relation a Volturi member. While we would love to wait a couple more weeks for her eighteenth birthday to change her, we understand if that will not be allowed. Our daughter is innocent and has been prepared to join our world for some time. We know we are not innocent in our actions and will accept our sentencing as you see fit." I bowed my head, stepping back and closer to Holly who reached out and clung onto my arm, eyes panicked at the prospect of Felix and I being subjected to a harsh sentencing.
"Hmm" Aro began, fingers steepled under his chin as he pondered our predicament, "young Holly, please step forward" he requested, hand out.
Felix stiffened, a growl beginning until I pushed calming emotions at him through our bond. Getting pissed wouldn't help our cause. He placed one large hand between Holly's shoulder blades and gently urged her forward, walking so close to her he was nearly plastered up against her side.
I took the chance to cast my eyes at our coven mates, they all wore looks of shock and a little hurt, barely recognizable beneath their nearly impassive masks. Except for Ang, who gave me a watery smile and a nod, no doubt knowing with her gift that Holly was who we'd needed to feel complete. She grasped her mate's hand who looked down at her with a quick flicker of his eyes, expression softening at her gaze. When Demi's eyes met mine, I also saw understanding in his expression.
My attention was quickly brought back to Holly and Felix. Aro reached out and Holly slipped her pale, warm hand into his chalky white one. He closed his eyes, humming a little as he watched her memories, her childhood playing through his mind like a movie on fast forward.
The tension in the room was building when Aro's lips twisted a little in anger, making my back stiffen. Felix pulled her back, guiding her behind his broad body as I flew forward and joined in to protect our daughter from whatever the king was about to say.
He gave Felix an annoyed glance, sighing when he couldn't even lean to the side to see Holly, "well, little Holly, I do hope your father finds out soon and teaches that boy some manners. Absolutely unacceptable behavior that is." He quipped, returning to his chair.
Holly straightened, "shit" she whispered.
Felix twisted around when Aro and Holly's words registered to give her a withering look, "later" he said, and I heard her gulp before she nodded.
The following silence in the large room was cut by an indignant roar by Caius as he rose from his seat.
"Aro, they must be punished, keeping pets is against our law and so is exposing our kind. Break the law as a family, die as a family." He sneered, clearly having forgotten just who he was speaking about.
A growl ripped from my throat as a threatening snarl echoed around the room, my husband was pissed.
"You touch one hair on my daughter's head and I will wrap your intestines around your head until it pops off. Then I'll slowly peel your body apart like an onion, wait until you slowly glue yourself back together, and then do it all over again."
"Dad, that's really gross" Holly made a gagging sound before straightening her shoulders and stepping out from behind Felix despite our protests.
"I'd like to say something" at Aro's nod, she continued, "my parents saved me a long time ago. If it weren't for them, I would've died with my biological mother and never had the life they've given me. You may all be shocked and very pissed off about finding out about me, but I've known about all of you for as long as I can remember." Caius frowned, sitting down again but leaning forward in his chair.
"I know about Heidi's love of fashion, how to get under Demetri's skin, that Aunt Angela is always good for advice, the list goes on," she paused, casting the most ruthless king a glance, "I also know grandpa Caius is all bark but lets others bite for him." She cocked her hip in challenge as if daring Caius to contradict what we all knew to be true.
The room went silent. Suddenly, the silence was broken by Marcus's laughter. We all looked to him, eyes wide as he grinned at Holly, "well you, granddaughter, are going to be an absolute delight. Aro, we could have a big, what do they call it—birthday bush—no, bash for the girl. Afterwards she can be changed. I can see their lines, young Bella has lifted her shield so that I can at least see her connection to her daughter, one I'm certain is reciprocated by the head of our guard. Caius, really, give it a rest." He rolled his eyes and Holly grinned at him, earning a wink from the usually stoic king.
Caius huffed, seeming to have softened slightly when he heard the familial title she freely gave him. Felix was mighty proud of our girl, and I basked in the warmth of our bond at his feelings.
Aro clapped his hands, "alright, brothers let's deliberate about what shall be done here" he reached out both hands, listening to his brothers' thoughts, head inclined to the side, nodding at whatever one or both of them were thinking. While they deliberated, Holly sunk back between us, gaze shifting around the room.
A grin started to stretch across his pale lips, thin lids opening to reveal his red eyes glittering down at us mischievously. I stiffened, hand raising to clasp Felix's where it rested once again at the back of my neck. His large fingers curled around mine and he gave them a comforting squeeze that made me relax marginally. After all these years my husband was well-versed in deciphering Aro's expressions so hopefully his demeanor meant we'd be okay.
"We have come to a decision," he began, "Holly will be changed the day after her eighteenth birthday, no sooner or later. Felix and Bella, you will both be sentenced to one hundred years of service and must remain in the castle apart from any field trips you are needed on" a grin started spreading across my face at his words. Sentenced to one hundred years hanging out with our family seemed like just what we needed. We both knew we'd be here long after our time served was up.
"As for who will be changing Holly—" Felix and I both froze up this time.
Even Aro froze when a loud snarl ripped through the air, mist crawling throughout the throne room. I wrapped my shield around Holly, exchanging a look with my mate as Alec's power enveloped everyone in the room apart from our family, Alec's sister, and Tristan. The three of them strode into the room, Alec's eyes locked intensely onto Holly in a way that made Felix give an answering growl, a warning so severe it usually would have made the smaller vampire pause.
Alec forged on, intent on reaching us. Without thinking, I threw my physical shield around all three of us and Alec looked murderous when he reached the bubble, another growl ripping through him. I'd never seen him so angry, so unhinged, so serious.
I looked to Jane and Tristan who also looked confused.
My mate seemed to know exactly what was happening, "touch my daughter, Alec, and it will be the last thing you do. She's human and not ready to be changed. Run. It. Off."
Alec just bared his teeth in response, Jane's eyebrows rose, hiked high on her porcelain face, and Tristan looked like the word 'yikes' was painted across his features.
I cast Jane a help look, "I'm so sorry guys, Janie. This is our daughter, Holly. Her mother was killed by a psychotic bastard and we saved her when she was barely one year old. Her mother's dying wish was that we take care of Holly and we fell in love with her immediately. We've been living in a small town raising her as our own. She's known for as long as she could understand what we are and what she'll become. She has accepted her fate to become one of us, and the kings just ruled she would be changed after her eighteenth birthday in three weeks, they were just about to say who was going to be the one to—"
"I will be the one to change her. No one else's venom will run through my mate's veins apart from mine and hers." Alec barked; eyes still trained on Holly.
Before Felix or I could react, our daughter beat us to it, "Umm excuse me? No. And gross. Up until now you were supposed to be uncle Alec. My dad definitely didn't come onto mom this aggressively" she huffed, crossing her arms.
Tristan choked at her statement, remembering how possessive my mate had been and still was. We kept anything too intimate or overly physical mostly under wraps around Holly, not wanting to scar her.
Jane raised one blond brow this time, "well she's certainly yours. She even looks like both of you which is pretty freaky" her eyes flicked over to her brother, "Alec, stop numbing the entire guard and the kings, you idiot. You're not going to win your mate over by being a crazed dickhead. Jesus."
Her words seemed to registered and Alec huffed, releasing some of the tension in his body, and finally realizing who exactly was the father of his mate. He pursed his lips and looked up at Felix, gulping a little. Holly was about my height which put her just below Alec's chin if they were standing close.
Felix growled in frustration, pointing one large finger at his brother/future son-in-law, "hurt our little princess at all and this time I really will tear you apart. I can't kill you now that she's attached to you, but I can still make your life hell." He promised darkly.
I frowned, leaning over to smack my husband, "don't be an ass. Aren't you glad she'll have a mate we know we can trust to protect her?"
He frowned, muttering "she already has a protector."
I softened, smiling at my mate all big and burly but scared our daughter would leave us completely for her mate.
I murmured back to him low enough that the others couldn't hear, "she'll always need her dad, you will always be the first man she could rely on in her life and the one she can and will always depend on."
He sighed, pinching his nose, cursing up at the ceiling as if fate was playing some sort of huge cosmic joke on him. Straightening, he glared back at Alec who visibly stiffened, awaiting my mate's next insults or objections.
"Let her process," then he looked to Holly, "you have a curfew, you will stay in our rooms until you're eighteen, and no sex." He gave Alec one more withering look then gave me a small nod and I pulled back my physical shield.
Alec stepped forward and Holly let out a little eep sound at his closeness. He smirked at her reaction, reaching one hand out, "Hi Holly, despite my aggressive entrance and possessive statements I promise to protect you from everything and everyone until I die."
"Overboard" Demi coughed out under his breath, loud enough for Holly to hear and giggle. Alec let his power dissipate when I pulled my physical shield, followed by my mental one as well.
I swear Alec would be blushing right now if he could, "umm right. Well, my name's Alec, it's a pleasure to meet you" he rushed out.
Holly slipped her small hand into his bigger one, smiling teasingly at him, "definite upgrade from my ex, even though you're really old. Also, my dad's already a protective caveman, so don't even think about controlling or pushing me, or I'll sick aunt Jane on you."
"Damn my niece is cool" Jane chuckled, grinning at Holly, and then the two us in appreciation. My eyes watered knowing our family was accepting of our deceit and more importantly, our daughter.
Alec looked passed us, "Aro, I apologize for what just happened, I sensed my mate and heard what was being said. I will be the one to change her, I hope you can accept this."
Aro smirked, "Alec, it's about time you found your other half. Perhaps she can help keep you from…riling up other members of the guard with your thoughtful tricks. Of course, you have the right to change your mate, so long as she agrees."
Alec's eyes flickered back to Holly who crossed her arms over her chest, sizing him up, "you're on probation. No teeth near me until after my birthday, and it'll only be your teeth if I deem you worthy."
One of his blonde brows kicked up at her statement, "I think I know of some ways I could sway yo—"
"Mother and father right here Alec Volturi!" I snapped. Felix bared his teeth. Alec looked a little sheepish, but still kept his focus on Holly.
Holly blushed, only now realising her hand was still in Alec's, gently extracting her hand from his before glancing up at us, "can I see our rooms then?"
Felix twirled a lock of her dark curls, eyes swimming with apprehension and a little anger, "yes and then you can tell me about exactly what happened with Matteo" he practically spat the name of the boy he knew was going to be bad news from the start.
Alec's expression darkened again too, power swirling around him but not reaching out to us, "who the fuck is Matteo?!"
I tilted my head back, "oh jesus take the fucking wheel."
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*Four months later*
F POV
"Daaaaad it's just a teensy-weensy little trip. Besides, I don't even actually have to ask for your permission, I'm not the one serving a hundred-year sentence."
"Yes you do have to ask me as a member of my guard, Holl." I swear if I were human, I'd have gone grey from the past few months alone.
Holly had given Alec a run for his money, sticking to our rules and staying true to her words about having him on probation. It was hard for her to accept him at first because she grew up hearing about 'uncle Alec'. It was annoying as fuck to have to put up with the little shit dating my daughter all the while pulling the same fucking pranks he always does on me.
Whenever I'd tossed him around, Holly was there seconds later, red eyes pleading with me to let her mate go so they could go walk around the gardens or hangout with the queens. Those big, round eyes got me every time, and everyone knew it.
Holly and the queens got along really well, she and Bella spent a lot of time with them talking about modern society, enthralling them with useless celebrity gossip and fashion trends Heidi supported.
"Daddy" she whined, dragging the name out. She only called me that when she wanted something, "I'm eighteen and I want to see the world, and my bloodlust is under control now. Besides, if anything happens, Lec can shut me down and diffuse the situation. Pleeeease. Mom said it was okay."
Of course Bella said yes, infuriating woman of mine.
I sighed, "do not make me regret this, princess."
"Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, I'll be on my best behaviour, we both will, cross my dead heart."
I barely suppressed my grin at her antics, there'd been comments since we returned about my daughter making me soft. Most whispers ceased when I viciously tore into a nomad who dared to make a move on my mate a month ago. I'd be a teddy bear for my baby girl and occasionally her mother, but a ferocious and merciless fucking grizzly bear towards anyone else. Bell loved when I was the grizzly bear.
Holly jumped, nearly strangling me with the strength of her hug; she'd inherited the super enhanced senses and strength Bella and I had. Aside from that, she had no gift as far as we knew.
I pressed a kiss to her head, grumbling as I did it. She'd always be my baby girl for as long as well lived.
Another voice interrupted, "thanks for the permission, Daddio" I growled out a low warning; Alec had taken to calling me that annoying ass name ever since they'd officially become mates. I'd nearly torn Alec apart when I saw the mate mark on my daughter's neck, the only thing stopping me was the serene look on her face and the delighted giggles she was making as they joked around, strolling hand in hand to the training room.
I rubbed my temples, pointing towards the door, "leave now" I barked. I heard snickering and then I was alone.
They must've run into my wife on their way out because she came into our room with a devious smile playing on her lips.
"I heard you crumbled, did she pull the princess look?" I glared and her grin widened. I was getting really fucking tired of the women in my life playing me at my own game and getting their way.
Enough was enough. I changed tactics, prowling toward my mate, glare morphing into a leery grin, "Uninterrupted time with my mate, how could I turn that down?"
The second I reached her, hands sliding around her slim waist and pulled her up my body, brushing my lips teasingly along hers, pulling little sighs from them.
"Never gonna get enough of you, baby" I growled, the sound making her moan softly and tighten her legs around me.
"Chasing Cullen was the best decision I ever made" I screwed up my face hearing that little shit's name, "it lead me to you. To my forever. I love you Felix Volturi, you infuriating, intoxicating man and amazing father and husband.
I chuckled a little, "oh Bell, I would've found you eventually, and you would've been mine all the same. But I'm so damn glad you started making better decisions, Bella Volturi. I love you, amazing mother and wife, for forever and even after that."
Bella smiled back, clapping her palms to my face, "now, dear husband, we only have one week before they're back and I don't plan on leaving this room, do you?" she asked, one brow raised in question.
"Nothing in this world could tear me away, kitten."
The End
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Shout out to those of you who guessed about Alec and Holly, it was something I'd known I'd do since Ang and Demetri became an item, I was just biding my time *winks*. Thank you so much for coming along on this journey, I've loved writing this story. I will try to post the extra outtakes next weekend, so for now have a great week everyone. xx