An Infatuation Chapter 3

Sulpicia floated through the cold labyrinth of Volterra, making as much noise as a ghost. She stopped in her tracks when she heard whispers around the corner. She looked to see who it could be and was slightly surprised to see Jane furiously whispering to her brother Alec.

This is Volterra, we have no secrets here. Aro knows everything. Sulpicia shook her head, listening intently, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"…he doesn't understand--"

"Jane don't be foolish! You knew the risk when you went to him. Just accept that he doesn't feel--"

"No! Alec listen to me. He just doesn't understand yet. Aro thinks it's a passing fancy, a childish infatuation, but I love him! I know it as I know my heart does not beat."

Sulpicia heard all this and was flooded with anger. This stupid wretch meant to lay claim to her husband. That was unacceptable. She turned into the large hallway, catching Jane and Alec by surprise.

"Jane."

Jane turned and stepped towards her, calm written on her face, "Yes mistress?"

Jane clearly saw the anger and hatred in Sulpicia's eyes and was arrogant enough to betray a small smirk.

Sulpicia hissed, "Listen to me, you had better hope that the so-called 'love' you feel for MY husband passes. If this nonsense continues I may not think you so important to us that you can't be rid of."

Jane's smirk seemed to widen, "Well mistress, I doubt my master would agree. Do you intend to dispose of me without his knowledge?"

In seconds Sulpicia's hand clawed across Jane's face, making the girl stagger. Jane growled in anger and, without thinking, used her power. Sulpicia fell to the floor, a piercing scream tearing from her lips. Alec couldn't believe this; he grabbed his sister, "Jane stop! Please, it's Sulpicia!"

But Jane simply shrugged him off; all she saw was her only obstacle, the only reason her master could not love her the way she believed he should. Another scream tore from Sulpicia's lips as Alec stood helpless. He was torn between helping his mistress and placating his sister. He had never attacked Jane before and couldn't bring himself to do so now, even for Sulpicia.

Suddenly Alec looked up, hearing footsteps and voices. Jane hadn't noticed, too consumed with joy, believing she was closer to her goal. Alec looked in the direction of the noise and in seconds Aro turned the corner; Caius, Marcus, Felix, Demetri, and Heidi following him. He looked down at Sulpicia's writhing form and a deep guttural growl escaped his lips. Before anyone could move Felix was beside Jane, knocking her to the floor. Sulpicia lay still on the ground taking shallow breaths, as if she couldn't gather enough air.

Everyone looked from Jane to Sulpicia in confusion, all except Aro. For the first time in centuries the smiling mask was gone. In its place Aro was seething with anger, almost shaking from its enormity. He was beside Sulpicia in a heartbeat, lifting her up in his arms.

"Sulpicia?"

"I'm fine," she said. She looked up to him and placed her hand on his, sending all her thoughts into his mind. He held her for one more instant, while Jane still lay on the floor miserably watching the exchange. It should be me in his arms, not her, she thought. Anger was still written on his face as he lifted Sulpicia to her feet. As she walked towards the group behind him he went to Jane and hauled her up by her collar.

"Jane aren't you happy with your life here? Do you want me to end it because that can be done."

"Master--"

"Don't speak," he said the words plainly, almost conversationally, and this terrified her, "I told you to stop this foolishness. I don't want to hear about any more of your ridiculous delusions or any professions of love. Did you think you could attack Sulpicia and I would just allow it and welcome you with open arms?"

"You don't understand, I wish you would simply try to understand--"

Aro's eyes narrowed, then without warning he threw Jane's body into the far wall, destroying it like weak glass. Felix, who still stood nearby, actually took a small step back; it was very rare that Aro or any of his masters showed their true strength. So much was hidden beneath those seemingly fragile exteriors.

Aro turned to Alec, "Why didn't you stop her?"

Alec actually gulped as the rare feeling of fear crept up his spine, "I didn't know how to stop her."

Aro smirked then turned to leave, followed by Sulpicia and the others. Alec turned and saw Jane pulling herself from the rubble; humiliation and misery was the only thing he could see on her face and it was so rare to see those feelings in Jane that his dead heart broke.

"Jane," Alec held out his hand, ready for anger or resentment. Instead she ran into his arms, showing a vulnerability that few had a chance to see.

"I'm so sorry Alec. I don't know what this means for us. What if he decides to get rid of me? Of us?"

Alec simply shook his head, "I don't know"

Sulpicia sat in her room, quietly watching Aro's still form. He had sat still as death for almost an hour now and it was slightly unnerving.

"Aro?"

"Yes love," he said, looking up at her.

"What do you intend to do?"

"I've done what I intend to do."

Sulpicia glared at him, "So you intend to do nothing. She attacked me, how can you let her do that?"

"Love, I told you she is much too important to easily dispose of. Besides, you did provoke her," he replied, a small grin on his face.

"Provoke her? Aro, I gave her a warning, a well-deserved one. If anything, she provoked me. How can you defend her? It's as if you actually do love the little wench."

Aro rose from his seat, and took her hand pulling her towards him.

"Sulpicia are you jealous? Of a child? You know that's ridiculous"

He held her firmly to his chest and she gasped, "She's hardly a child."

Aro laughed, "There is no need to compete with a child, sweet."

He leaned into her and kissed her softly then whispered in her ear.

"Don't ask me to get rid of her again. I've built this, but even a slight tremor could destroy. It would pain me greatly if you became that tremor. If Jane troubles you again I will deal with her in my way."

Aro left her with one last kiss then left the room.

Sulpicia sat looking towards the door he had just walked through, and a chill ran through her body.

LOL, so this just ran through my head while I was supposed to be doing homework and studying. Who wants to do that when they can write? So anyway, I hope u guys like this one. Poor Jane, she can't catch a break. Another shout out to Chocolate Covered Sprinkles (lol, hilarious name) my unofficial beta-reader. She's such a funny douche!!! XD Anywho, ENJOY!!!! And remember to REVIEW!!!!!!!!