I do not own the Twilight .. nope nope

Chapter 4 – Just what have I walked into

Trouble

That is exactly what I walked into those years ago. It has been 4 years since I walked through the doors of this castle. To this day, I do not know what drove me to leave my sunny climate in Jacksonville, Florida. But leave it I did. I packed up the kiddo and our belongings and moved to Volterra, Italy. It was actually Emaline that decided on the exact location. She pointed, with grape jelly covered fingers, on the globe that her grandfather bought her.

I didn't have the heart to tell her that the globe probably cost more than a full semester at an Ivy League School. After moving half way around the world, then came the wonderful job of finding a place to stay, while apologizing to my mother for not advising them of said move. I had to also find a job to support us in this new country, might I add.

It was in my unsuccessful hunt that I met her. It was a horribly unsuccessful day for me, I was about to turn 20 with a 3 year old child looking for an accounting position in another country. It was not going well. I was on my way to another interview when I ran the woman over. She was breathtakingly beautiful with deep waves of auburn hair and legs to die for. She topped them off with the most stunning pair of Onyx Saint Laurent Platform Sandals. She watched me watching her for a few minutes before confidently gliding over to me.

She stood in front of me and glanced down quickly. A slow grin formed on her garnet lips before she extended her hand. "Heidi."

I looked up quickly and took her hand firmly letting her pull me to my feet once more, "Jennifer."

Now, any sane person who knew exactly what I would be walking into would have run away screaming. However, I just stood there shaking her hand while still staring at her shoes. "You are new here."

"Just arrived yesterday," Yep, you guessed it, staring at the shoes.

"Looking for employment, I can see." She replied, most likely thinking I was insane to be lusting after a pair for thousand dollar shoes.

"And having no luck whatsoever." I seriously needed some help at this point. I mean really? They are just shoes. You walk on shoes. You run in shoes.

"I believe I have what you need, Jennifer. If you would follow me," she said as she took her hand back and turned swiftly.

"I actually need the shoes you are wearing. Where did you buy them, heaven?" I quickly replied, causing her to slowly turn to look at me once more. Her eyes were filled with laughter and a kindness that she seemed uncomfortable with. The two of us chatted quietly as we walked into the ancient castle in the center of town. We passed two men who were chatting up a cute woman at a desk. They nodded as we walked passed them to come to a set of elegant double doors. The men were there suddenly to open the doors and I had to gasp. From our conversation, I learned that her company was currently in search for an associate who could tackle many tasks presented to them. However, accounting would be the focus of the position, which was right up my proverbial alley.

That was when I met HIM.

Now, to everyone out there, I was at the time, 19 with an almost 4 year old child. So you can gather that I, much like many others, enjoy the opposite sex. But ladies this man was in a universe completely by himself. He wore a suit a solid black. Not many men could pull off a solid black but, yes sir I was standing in front of him. Most likely, staring with my mouth gaping like a complete moron. His raven hair was much longer than mine and I could see it pulled back in a low plait to rest just below his shoulders. He was sitting in an ornate chair in front of a table covered with books. The candles were lit to softly light the room around him. Dear lord he also had perfect posture! Now, I grew up with my mother, so I knew perfect posture. This man could put even my mother to shame.

I watched as Heidi walked over to him slowly. When he gestured her forward with a flick of his hand, she leaned down and took his outstretched hand. His whole posture seemed to perk up immediately and I heard the book close firmly. Now, don't ask me why but I was seriously still staring at the poor woman's shoes. Yes, I know, I have a thing for shoes. I might need medical treatment.

"My sweetling, you have brought me a guest?! Do bring her to me and run along now, I am certain you have other duties to attend

I was apprehensive about seeing the face that belonged to that voice. The lovely shoes, and Heidi, walked briskly out of the room. Our eyes met and I swore I could see her rooting for me. I followed her out the door with my eyes before returning my gaze to the now standing man. He looked at me in wonderment for a moment or two before gesturing me towards the table. He moved to stand behind the chair close to him, pulling it out as I reached him. Once he took his seat, the two of us seemed to stare at each other for a time in silence.

"Heidi has informed me that you are a recent resident to Volterra

"Yes sir, I moved a few days ago."

"Such formality in one so young, your parents must be quite proud."

"If they are then they are not my parents, most likely an alien invading the planet." I replied effortlessly before shutting my mouth quickly. Sometimes I was too quick for my own good. Looking up at him sheepishly, "I apologize for that, I'm really.."

He cut me off quickly with a sharp look before saying in perhaps the sexiest voice I have ever heard, "You have not been a disappointment so far, please do not start."

The look of coldness shut my mouth immediately as I saw him move his finger to rest on his cheek bone and thumb to rest under his chin. He looked like he was pondering my existence. Something in me prayed he was pleased; it seemed to be a safer option for me in the long run. That was when the doubt entered my brain. Perhaps I should not have followed the amazing shoes. What about Emaline?

"You are quite young to apply for the position that I have available. You must be rather confident of your abilities or quite foolish."

I shot him a look that seemed to cause him to sit closer to the edge of his seat. "I can assure you that I am perfectly capable to exceed any expectation you set for me."

He broke into a charming grin and laughed quietly, "Oh I desperately hope so mia bella."

Master Aro, kept me on my toes for 2 hours before I was released with an appointment set up to meet him again in 2 days. Those painstakingly tiring 2 hours left my mind reeling until I could find comfort in the arms of the best cuddler ever. For the first time since I arrived in Italy, I felt hopeful of the future. I made sure to give the kiddo extra hugs that night.

Two days later folks and you would be pleased to know that I did it right this time. I dressed professionally in one of the many suits that my mother insisted on buying for me as a graduation present. Yes, that was nice of her! Of course she told me right after she gave them to me that now I could start dressing like I belonged behind a desk rather than on top of one.

Touché, mother, point one to you.

I was escorted by a dashing man with a grey tweed suit and a matching grey duster. He had spiky dirty blonde hair and a permanent killer smirk on his face. Top it off with the fact that he spent the entire time he walked with me trying to get me to allow him to escort me to dinner. Yeah, right buddy, I fooled for that line and now have Emaline. I didn't fall from the preverbal turnip truck.

Master Aro was waiting in the office that is currently my office. To this day, I think he set this up to tease me. In front of him was a signed stack of papers. He was

sitting behind the desk with his chin propped up with his closed hands.

"You look quite exceptional today Jennifer. Tell me, do you wish to impress someone?"

"I'm hoping that if I dress nice enough Heidi's shoes will leave her feet and come home with me." I quickly replied to him while seating in the chair in front of him. His eyes widened a slight time before he let out a slightly higher chuckle.

Aro laughed for a few moments before staring at me with a look that spoke all business. "Now, Mia Bella, this is for you. I must admit, I have not had the opportunity to create a document such as this in quite some time. I advise that you review it carefully, leave no questions unanswered."

I looked down, pulled out my glasses and began to read the large stack of paper in front of me. In the corner of my eye, I noticed that he chose to stay in the room, watching me carefully. He would flitter over to the bookcase filled with books and then sit in the chair once more, never in the same place for long.

Hold the plane .. did this contract just say Vampires? I turned the page again and read the paragraph. I reread it again and again. Vampires, plain as day. So I did what any normal, sane person did. I took out my planner, opened my pen and began to write my notes. The contract was a thing of beauty. It was ruthless and ironclad; no one could get out of this contract once it was signed. I could also tell that someone did his homework. There were provisions that related to time off, there was health information for myself and my daughter along with monetary information.

Holy hell, there were quite a lot of zeros behind that 1.

Once I was finished, I picked up the contract and straightened it neatly before placing my notes in front of him. I waited patiently as he read the notes that I wrote. He looked up at me with quite possibly the sexiest grin I have ever seen on a man before in my life. Forget Heidi's shoes coming home with me, I wonder if …

WHHHOOOOOAAAA! Stop the hormone train Jennifer.

"Do you requite proof that what I say is truth Mia Bella (My Lovely)?"

"Any sane person that is told that he or she will be working and living close to vampires would need proof." I replied, while watching him stand up slowly and approach the windows on the far side of the office. With a flick of his wrist, he opened the closed curtains and that's when I saw it. I knew that I looked like a gasping fish out of water but how could you not stare?! The man glittered; he looked like he injected my favorite shine lotion from Bath and Body Works into his skin. The light still reflected off of his skin as he approached me and perched himself delicately on the edge of the desk closest to me.

"I have read your requests and will speak with my brothers for advice with proceeding. You will be expected to return tomorrow." With that, he stood and quietly left me sitting alone in the office. It wasn't until my escort returned for me that I noticed that he glittered once the sun shone on his porcelain skin.

"Are you one of them too?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Demetri is my name, and while I already know of yours, I am desperately asking for you to tell me yours."

I stood up at him and began laughing loudly. He stood in front of me with a slightly confused expression. Once the tears stopped rolling down my face I turned and extended my hand. "Jennifer, my name is Jennifer."

He took my hand and raised it delicately to his lips. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow as he kissed the back of my hand before sliding his other hand down my waist. He grinned as he began to pull me closer to him while watching me closely.

I was pressed tightly against him before I opened my mouth, "Seriously? What are you expecting me to do, swoon?" I stepped away from him and picked up my purse. He was still watching me as I opened the door.

"Oh I do hope you are hired, the fun we will have will be amazing."

"Keep dreaming about that Romeo."

True to his word, Aro was ready and waiting in the same office the next morning. This time, the contract was to my specification and while a few things were tweaked from my previous notes. I was pleased with the outcome. I took the pen from his outstretched hand and delicately signed my life away.

Aro stood and glided over to my side immediately after I signed the contract.

"Perfetto!" He exclaimed as he stood closer to me, towering over my smaller form. As he approached me I saw that he outstretched those perfect hands towards me. I don't know what ever compelled me but I bravely offered my hands to him. The first thing I noticed was that he was cold, like ice cold. Ever since I was a child, I had loved the cold. But this was an all new cold. The second thing I noticed was that he seemed overly pleased with himself at that moment. It was almost as if he had been waiting for this exact moment. He closed his eyes and lifted both of my hands to his lips. After kissing them briefly, he returned them to me and backed a few steps away from me. "Welcome to your office, Miss Mueller! I shall send Demetri and Felix with you to assist in moving your things into your home."

"That isn't necessary. We don't own much and most of it is Emaline's."

"Necessity or not, they will assist you just the same. I expect you here bright and early tomorrow! There is much to do, Mia Bella! I would like to request the pleasure of meeting your child this evening, if I would be permitted."

Aro smiled as he watched me closely while I pondered his request, he could tell I was leaning towards no and quickly added, "I will wait for another day. The evening will be tiring for the two of you and I don't wish to cause you discomfort," He finished quickly before gliding out the office, leaving me with the two men that were assigned to help me. I rolled my eyes at Demetri while extending my hand to the giant that is known as Felix.

"Look, another small one Demetri." The hulking man said to me as he sat in the chair that I just occupied. "You must be the one that knocked Demetri down a few pegs."

"I'm going to knock him down a few more if he decides to move his hand any closer." I replied as I looked back at Demetri who was trying to coyly slip his fingers up my arm once more.

Felix laughed deeply and stood up while clasping my shoulders tightly. "I like this one! I do hope the Masters keep her."

And that ladies and gentleman is how I became employed to a coven of vampires, before you ask. No! I am not one of those silly secretaries who pray to become one of them. Pretty girls, all of them, but they are all one flapjack short of a stack. None of them could spell, communicate or speak. They also didn't breath any more either. Aro did not accept anything less than his absolute best. Marcus couldn't be bothered with anything and Caius .. well if you had a pulse, don't come near Caius.

Now, don't get me wrong. I will always be insanely jealous of the secretaries that the Volturi hired. The sex must be amazing. However, I like being on this side of the ground for the time being. My relationship, or lack thereof, with the vampires of this complicated coven are so different.

Master Aro is sophisticated and charming while managing to be utterly ruthless and demanding. Half of the time I feel like I am displeasing him. However, I am still breathing, so that must be a good thing. I fear what will happen to me if I ever displease him. He daily searches for me in the mornings or he will wait until I am leaving for the day. When I asked him about it, which I will never do again by the way, he told me he wanted to either experience me fresh and ready for him or too tired and weary to fight.

It took forever to gain Master Marcus's attention. I was informed by Master Aro early on to not take Marcus's cold shoulder to heart. He never smiled and always seemed to glide within sadness. Since I didn't like to be around a downer, I paid him no mind. It was actually Emaline who noticed his daily trends. Emaline was always drawn to the gardens since the first day we arrived. When she informed me that he did not visit his normal spot that day, I was curious. We both discovered the disarray of the plaque in the garden and decided that something had to be done. Personally I wanted to play music and have a party for Didyme but Emaline gladly pushed me towards my office, effectively shutting me up. Imagine my shock when he approached me one afternoon.

Now he often join's me for tea at our house weekly to give me a report on Emaline's progress. Personally, I think he is lonely and wants our presence, even for a little while. The shock increased when Emaline came home one Friday to announce that Master Marcus was going to stay for dinner and movie night. So Emaline and I ate entirely too much food, had too much sweets and watched Pride and Prejudice. Master Marcus hovered near the windows until Emaline pulled him over to sit on the sofa.

My first meeting with Master Caius was much like my first meeting with Master Aro. That man is gorgeous. He moves with precision and would be so damn great to look at. Except for one thing, he loathes my existence. He hates everything about me. If he isn't insulting me then he is glaring at me. He calls me human or mortal like he is calling me a banana slug. However, he has a precious relationship with my daughter. She drew him in with art, much to his surprise. I don't let him know that i know of their friendship but I know it's there. He is still a twat! A snobby unforgiving ungrateful sexy twat!

That being said, I must admit that I have a long list of things I want to do to that body, most of them are illegal to do in public.

I couldn't stand him that way so I did the only thing I knew I could do. I drew him. I have pictured him in almost every suit in every fabric known to man. My favorite has been emerald. I love to draw him in emerald. My father gave me an overly expensive set of charcoal pencils and leather bound sketch book for my tailoring. I am not surprised that in most of my drawings are of him, he looks like a god.

My friends are the closest thing to a home that I have known. They accepted us and have watched us grow, helping us along the way. All of this was given to us by a pair of magnificent shoes .. that still haven't left her side by the way .. but i am still working on it.

Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews and favorites! I love hearing from you and seeing new people follow my story! You all get amazing hugs and … TADA .. a new chapter. As for Jennifer meeting Bella .. heh heh .. we shall see Oh and my lovelies, we will get to Caius! He is to wicked to not include, I think he would be most displeased with my muse if I took too long! The first 8 chapters will be kind of like an introduction to everything and their thoughts. Then around Chapter 9, we will get into the live story. I think the chapters set it up nicely! So! Read! Review! Click that lovely box! Tell your friends! And call me in the morning darlings! I love our chats!

UPDATE: Chapter edited. See you soon! MaM