A/N: Whoo chapter 3! Okay so this is the last of the book stuff and then we're on to Ori staying with the kings and figuring out the whole mate thing. Thank you everyone who has followed or favorite this story. I hope it continues to entertain you. Also to my reviewers; Mrs. VampDiva Belikov, marlastiano, natsumi456, lucefatale, and the guests who have deigned to as well. Enjoy darlings!
Disclaimer: Ori is mine, nothing else.
Aro stared into her eyes for a long time, and held onto her wrist for even longer. During their little staring contest Oriana could hear the three she had followed here, gasping and murmuring about the predicament she found herself in. Bella in particular was quite hysterical. But it was all back ground noise. Ori cocked her head to the side just barely, a habit she'd never broken that displayed her confusion. The red eyes in front of her sucked her in, and she watched the emotions swirl around them in fascination. The malicious glee faded nearly as soon as they had touched, his dark smile following upon eye contact. Now his face was slack, something like disbelief and unparalleled hope lining his handsome features. Wonder, adoration, awe, hesitance, pain and longing...they were all painted in crimson, plain for her to read.
She felt as if they had been standing there, staring at each other, for hours now. But that wasn't possible. Considering the amount of people in the room someone would have said something if it had truly been going on for so long. Whatever his plans for her may have been seemed to have changed. He simply nodded his head at her, hand sliding from her wrist to gently cup her fingers. With his other hand he reached for her injured limb, lifting it to eye level with a gentle guiding touch. They stared at the bruised, swollen wrist. Images passed through her mind, Edward spinning to protect Bella and the sickening pop as she continued to hold on for too long. Aros eyes flashed to the culprit, growling softly with flashing eyes. Shouldn't be mad at Edward. Was my dumbass fault for trying to drag that lump of stone anywhere. Thoughtful red eyes returned to her and then the king nodded just the smallest amount, looking like he was unhappy about whatever had just happened. Bringing up her hands he pressed his lips softly to her knuckles before backing away, holding onto her until their fingers slipped away.
"I'll be with you shortly il mio fiore."
With the lose of contact between them she was tuned back into the real world, and was startled by the ferociousness of Edwards snarls. Looking back Edward was flicking his gaze between a satisfied looking Aro and a very puzzled looking Marcus. Bella clung to the boys arm, firing off soft questions, trying to figure out what was going on. While Alice simply stood there, eyes wide and locked on Ori, lip trapped between bright white teeth. Stepping back into line, this time next to Edward instead of behind him since they now knew she was there, Ori kept her gaze on the floor. Whatever had happened between her and that vampire couldn't be good. She'd just stay quiet until they left. And then I'm going to kill Bella.
Edwards growls grew louder and, chancing a quick glance, it looked like they were now directed at her. Shooting him a nasty look between her hair she scoffed at the boy and returned to inspecting the lovely stone floor they had. Hell's his problem? All his fault too. Pussy. Now the young vampire was trembling next to her but Aros voice cut through whatever deranged thoughts Edward was having.
"That's enough now Edward! On to more pleasant things. Your Bella...I've seen your thoughts, smelt her in your memories...a nearly torturous experience you've willingly subjected yourself to everyday. How can you stand so close to her?"
Aro and Edward traded words, the ancient seemed quite interested in the self control Edward had displayed, his curiosity nearly insatiable as he quizzed the boy on his relationship with the human girl. With his singer. And then the noirette was turning towards her niece, a disarming smile twisting his lips. He wanted to touch her, see what she saw. The polite words did nothing to cover the command in his words. So ever so slowly, Bella let the man take her hand, casting Edward anxious glances all the while.
He seemed to have found whatever he was looking for. Or not found it, if the incredulous look she'd seen was correct. The vampire released her niece and backed away, glancing thoughtfully between the four of them. Then he called Jane. If Ori had thought Edward had been angry earlier it was nothing compared to how he was now. Feral sounds ripped their way from the proper looking boys chest and Ori half expected foam to form at his mouth. The room seemed to freeze almost in anticipation, but Aro only smiled, requesting Jane to now try her powers on Bella. Ori watched nervously, unsure of what the little blonde could do, but based on crazys reaction it couldn't be anything good.
The blonde king was moving closer, inching up behind Aro, and Edward lost his ever so praised control. His muscles bunched together as he prepared to leap...and then he was writhing on the ground, lips pressed together tightly. Eyes already mostly on the floor Ori got a full view as the snapped vampire dropped like a stone and his muscles tensed even further, something the woman hadn't thought possible before. His face slammed against the floor, smacking off the stone repeatedly as vicious tremors ran their course through his system. No screams escaped him, but the way his face was twisted looked like it took a hell of a lot of effort not to let out a sound.
Not understanding what happened she glanced to Aro, who was surprisingly looking at her, and then to Jane. The look on the girls face, wicked smile and eyes burning with dark pleasure, was all the confirmation Ori needed. Now I know what Jane can do. They want to do that to Bella?! It's making a vampire nearly cry! Bellas desperate plea for them to stop cut through the tension. Ori wrapped her hand around Bellas arm, holding tight as she jerked against her and Alice, trying to get to her fallen vampire. With Edward downed there were no other protests as Aro directed Jane to focus on Bella.
Even though she was slightly ashamed of herself, Ori discreetly drew back her hand and took a delicate half step away from her niece. It may have made her a bad aunt, not immediately jumping in front of Bella or pulling her away, but really the girl had brought whatever was happening on herself. From what she had seen so far Bella had tripped her way through a whirlwind romance with a highly dangerous mythical creature, apparently uncaring about every single one of the risks. Said mythical creature had allowed the foolishness, encouraged it even, and now here they were. Apparently secrecy was a big deal, the very top rule, and the whole coven of vampires hadn't cared, revealed information freely to the naive girl.
Oriana could see, from a third person point of view, that the kings had the right to do what they wanted with their kind. What if every vampire decided to tell a human about their existance? Not that she thought any other vampire would simply based on the red eyed ones currently in the room. Still, humans probably outnumbered supes. Plus, humans had nukes. Or can vampires survive a nuclear bomb? That particular thought had her mind wandering for quite a while, flitting through all the information she had about bombs and the things she knew about vampires. Aros delighted laughter brought her back to earth, blinking rapidly to dispel the images in her head.
"So what do we do with you now?" Edward was standing again and him and his sister tensed at the question, while Bella began to shake once more. She looks like a little chihuahua doesn't she? Edward sent her a dirty sideways look and that was when she remembered the boy could read minds. She also remembered Alice saying he could choose to ignore the thoughts, make them like back ground noise. Ori shot her own look at him, unhappy with the invasion. Oh what, you disagree? Better block as much as you can of me kid, or its gonna get nasty in here. The bronze haired vampire obviously didn't like his new nickname, but when it seemed like he wasn't gonna block her thoughts she pulled up some R rated memories quickly, focusing specifically on the males genitalia. Edwards face grew dark, if his complexion could change she was sure he'd be bright red. Or maybe a nice purple. Either way he turned away and ignored her completely.
Feeling victorious Oriana once again focused her attention on Aro, eyes glued to the floor and hair a wild mess of curls as it blocked her face from view. The black haired man propositioned Edward, apparently for the second time. For what she didn't really know and she didn't particularly care. She just wanted to get out of the creepy castle and return Bella to her father in one piece. The boy declined, as did his sister when asked, and then he turned his attention to Bella. What?
"What?" For a second Ori thought she had actually spoken, but it was the snow haired king who had protested.
"Caius, surely you see the potential. I haven't seen a perspective talent so promising since we found Jane and Alec. Can you imagine the possibilities when she is one of us?"
Stunned, Ori finally rose her gaze, wide eyes trained on Aros profile. Was he serious. Bella? A vampire? They had to be joking! Knowing there was nothing she could do, she'd just seen a 4 foot child take down an over six foot vampire after all, Oriana locked her gaze back to the floor and simply hyperventilated. Charlie is gonna be so mad at me! What is he gonna think when he gets home and everyone is gone? WHAT AM I GONNA DO!? The beginnings of panic tickled her mind, but once again an unexplainable breeze rippled through the room, sweeping along Orianas skin and wrapping around her form before it was gone.
Heart slowing and breaths evening out the wild haired woman relaxed, still refusing to look up. Thus missing the looks she was thrown. Most of the vampires, including the ones beside her, seemed wary at the odd wind burst. Bella stared with wide eyes, mouth gaping as her aunts hair rose slightly and her clothes rustled while no one else was effected. Aros stare was intrigued and curious, and Caius seemed the slightest bit interested, though displeasure was still heavy on his face. Of course Ori saw none of this, concentrated so on her new best friend the floor.
"N-no, thank y-you." Bella found her voice, still staring at her aunt.
Aros forlorn sigh and comment of being such a waste prompted Edward to start snarking at the king, discontent and disgust coating his words. Then Caius joined in and Ori was just lost. They spoke of rules and regulations, their fate sounding less and less guaranteed by the second. Caius was gunning for their blood, but Aro seemed hesitant, suggesting that if Edward changed Bella then they could go home.
"But I'm afraid you would have to mean it."
The king in charge offered his hand to Edward, but him and Bella seemed to be lost in each others eyes. He's not gonna do it. Ori could already see he wouldn't. Quite possibly couldn't. We're done for. However Alice stepped forward, giving her hand up with no hesitation. Aros head bent over their connection and Ori held her breath, hoping whatever Alice showed him was good enough for them to leave. Apparently it was, as the noirette laughed in delight, complimenting Alices' powers. The blonde king was more than unhappy with the decision as he growled his disapproval.
"Dear Caius, do not fret. Think of the possibilities! They do not join us today, but we can always hope for the future. Imagine the joy young Alice alone would bring to our little household... Besides, I'm so terribly curious to see how Bella turns out!" The joy she'd felt bubbling lightly in her chest at the realization they were leaving fell like a stone into her stomach at the child-like vampires words. Turns out? She's still gonna be a vampire? Her brothers sad eyes flashed through her head and she tried to shake the thoughts out to no avail.
"Then we are free to go now?" Edwards voice was even, none of his earlier rage present at all, and Aro waved them off happily with a suggestion to visit again soon. Of course Caius needed to have the last words, and how delightfully threatening they were too. Finally, finally, they were allowed to go. However nothing is at it seems, and as the two vegetarians in the room turned to leave-Bella firmly between them- Ori had a cold hand once again encasing her arm. Gasping loudly-half in surprise and half in pain as it was the arm with her injured wrist- hazel eyes, the green over riding the brown, met other worldly red once more. She watched in fascination as the intimidating vampire softened, his eyes lighting to an almost pink color and the hard lines of his face smoothing away.
"Ah, not you il mio fiore. You will be staying with us." The kind eyes and charming smile kept the words from computing, but only for a few seconds. Eyes wide she jerked her hand away, intention to get far from the crazy vampire. They seem to be in high supply around here. Instead she was hissing in pain and crouching over her arm, hand cradling her wrist. He hadn't pulled on the appendage or anything, thank God. His hold had actually released her quite easily. But his hand had still grazed it. Though to Ori it felt less like a graze and more like she'd just smacked it against solid stone.
The three members of her group were now standing halfway to the doors, confusion and panic coming from the doomed couple, and morose acceptance from the psychic. Aro was crouched over her, growling slightly and more than just a little protective. Oriana was officially lost. Tears in her eyes she looked to her niece, dark brown meeting olive, and noticed the tension once again radiating from the boy next to her. No longer confused, he was just bewildered and angry. Intense eyes locked on Alice before sliding to the couple on the floor.
"Mates?" He'd barely whispered the word but it reached everyone in the giant room, stealing the breath from all those within. Even those that didn't need it. The air froze...and then madness reigned. Aro began a strange rumbling in his chest and shifted closer, face pressing tenderly into her voluminous locks. The remaining two kings seemed to be in shock, Marcus a little less so since he'd seen as the tentative bond wrapped around the tall human woman and his brother. His tether to Sulpicia had shifted and changed colors as soon as Aro had made contact with the mortal, becoming more of a sibling bond instead of the strong marital bond they'd shared.
Bella just stood, shock sticking her body to the floor. She remembered what the Cullens had said about vampires mates. The fact that her beautiful tenacious aunt would be stuck with one of these monsters for eternity made her stomach churn. Caius stared unseeing at his brother curled contentedly around the disgusting human on the ground, pained sounds escaping her. The whimpers seemed to pull on something in the destructive man but he pushed it away, swirling on his heel and marching up to his throne in aggravation. The guards stared in shock, unable to believe one of the kings mates would be a human. And then a terrible screech echoed around them.
Standing on the dais, red eyes blazing and fingers curled into claws at her sides, was Sulpicia herself. "Aro! What are you doing? Get up this instant! Protecting this filthy mortal...when we should just kill her and be done with it!" The females words infuriated the black haired king, and his head lifting to flash a terrifying snarl in his wifes direction.
"You will silence yourself Sulpicia, or find yourself silenced." Backing off with a burning glare Aro returned his gaze to Ori, eyes tender once again. "Now darling, we're to feed soon. If you'd be so kind as to return the way you came and stay with Gianna in the waiting room. She'll fix up your wrist and then I shall explain what's happening."
Unable to form words Oriana simply shook her head, denying the mans words. Stay with Gianna? The madness is spreading. I've gotta get outta here! A soft, reproachful growl came from the king and his arms tightened around her the smallest amount. And then she realized they were making contact, hard not to in a tank top, and he'd most likely heard her frantic thoughts.
"Il mio fiore, please sit with Gianna and wait for us. It would be unfortunate should I have need to follow you." With a numb head Ori let herself be pulled up and pushed gently towards the door, her companions silent behind her. However, before they could exit the room of terror, loud voices began echoing around them. They ooh'ed and aww'ed, snapping pictures and talking excitedly. All except a small woman at the back, gripping a rosary in a death grip. From the corner of her eye Ori noticed Edward trying to block Bellas sight, pushing her face into his chest. The taller human had no one trying to do so with her, and so watched with morbid curiosity as the dozens of humans waltzed their way into the large room. The four of them were pressed against the wall tightly so the group could pass them, but at the first opening Ori was stepping away, leaving the room quickly as Aros warm voice rose to greet their guests. Here's a riddle...what could a castle full of vampires be inviting dozens of humans in for? Hmmm, probably dinner.
Oriana repressed a snort, noticing the contemptuous look Edward shot her. Seems he didn't appreciate her particular brand of humor. Not many people did, that's why the comments stayed in her head. Not her fault the boy could hear them anyway.
The tourists passed quickly after that and then there was just one last person standing in the golden hall. A very beautiful brunette woman stood tall and proud, violet eyes roving the two humans with interest. Ori was startled by the change in color, getting used to the odd red and gold that had surrounded her for the last few hours.
Their escort and the woman chatted for only a moment before Demetri was leading them away, a soft 'save some for me' drifting back to the woman, who smiled to show she had heard. And then once again they were off. Ori cocked her head as Edward very nearly sprinted past her, arm tight around her niece. Walking a little faster she wondered what the big rush was. And then the screaming started.
Really she'd been expecting it, getting exsanguinated was probably pretty damn painful. Still, she had jumped and almost tripped over her feet. Their screams were the most horrifying thing she had ever heard before in her life. A large cold hard landed on her lower back, helping her regain her feet and stay standing, and she glanced up in surprise to meet the amiable face of the volturi guard.
"Let us hasten my lady."
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Oriana allowed the dark vampire to lead her back to the warm, decorative waiting area. Her head felt like it was full of cotton and she was pretty sure the cold wasn't the only reason she was shaking anymore. Demetri left her side and approached Gianna, speaking softly to her as they both shot looks her way. Seemingly satisfied the vampire returned only to eye the two golden eyed beings and Bella with a warning not to leave until dark. While she expected him to leave he instead turned to her, tilting his head forward in a slight bow.
"My lady."
A slow roaring filled her ears and time seemed to slow as she watched the man walk away back towards the room of feeding vampires. My lady? What's happening? There was something about a mate. Aro got weird. Maybe...I'm not sure how he usually acts so that's speculation. Still! We have to leave now! The doors closed on the cloaked mans broad back and time was once again moving how it should. Swirling on her heel her gaze landed on her shaken niece, who was diving further into hysteria the longer they stood there. Sobs broke through her lips and she was almost vibrating in place. Ori had thought she was bad, with her elevated breathing and shaking limbs-which certainly wasn't helping the broken wrist- but Bella was a total mess right now.
"My lady?"
Again? The peppy receptionist had found her way to Orianas side and was staring at her expectantly. Shaking her head wildly she backed away from the woman and made her way towards her niece. But of course the woman followed.
"Please my lady. We must tend to your wrist."
Coming to an abrupt halt she swung around angrily, curls twisting and writhing with the sudden movement. The woman nearly ran into her but quickly backed away, eyes wide. Looking like she was going to speak again Ori rose her hand sharply and Giannas mouth snapped shut.
"Listen. I'm not your lady. I'm not his lady!" Her uninjured arm swung wildly towards the door where the vampire had disappeared. "I'm not any ones lady! Nor am I their mate. What I am, however, is in pain. I'm also an aunt, whose niece is having a nervous breakdown. Now leave me be so I can calm her down!" Gianna really looked like she wanted protest but she gave into the demands and slunk back to her seat. Finally reaching the triad revealed a significantly calmed Bella pressed into Edwards chest, even if a few tears did manage to escape once in a while. They were whispering against each other, something about Gianna and wanting to be turned, but now didn't seem like the time to have that kind of luxurious conversation.
"Let's go."
Three pairs of uncomprehending eyes stared at her. Edwards eyes lit up with understanding pretty quick though.
"We can't leave until after dark." Alice stepped up next to her, placing a small hand against her shoulder. "And Ori...you can't leave this place. Not right now. You heard Aro. He'll come after you if you leave. It could put not only you in danger, but Charlie as well." Her words sounded sympathetic, her eyes staring in melancholy, but Ori remembered. Remembered how insistent she had been for Ori come, to make things go smoothly. Alices words on the plane, 'you're in it now so you should know.' Her knowing looks in the throne room. Alice had seen. Had known. And had led her along anyway. Red filled her vision and a pretty impressive growl made its way out of her chest. Shaking off the girls hand she instead squared off with an opponent she could never hope to beat.
"You knew...You led me straight into this trap! You saw everything! And still you manipulated me here... You're a nasty little girl." Staring down her nose at the small creature of lore she could feel her face twisting into an ugly snarl. That must be another power, her pixie look disarms you until it's too late. Hope she doesn't want her knife back cause I'm gonna kill her! Stepping forward to make one of the stupidest decisions of her life she was stopped by small hands on her shoulders and panicked brown eyes.
"Aunt Oriana! Stop! You can't hurt Alice. Like, literally can't. You'll just hurt yourself even more."
Knowing she was right didn't make that pill any easier to swallow. She was tall for a woman, and her adventures kept her in top condition. She'd taken multiple fighting classes along the way, figuring it was best she know how to protect herself. Especially since she liked to travel alone to strange countries. Turned out the lessons were quite useful. Yet against this slip of a girl she would lose, and all she'd have to do was flick Ori in the forehead. So she settled for glaring as menacingly as she could.
"I... Yes, I did know. Back at the house you must have made a quick decision to go after Bella, because I saw you in Italy. Before the volturi. They're your mates and Aro would have seen that through my memories. I had to bring you. Had I allowed you to stay when I knew where our Queen was it would have most definitely resulted in my death."
Her brain short circuited for the nth time in the last 24 hours or so as she focused on one word.
"They? Who they? Aro is only a he. Who makes a they? THEY WHO ALICE!" She didn't care she was babbling like an idiot, she needed answers. She was freaking out when there was one and now there were multiple people involved. I don't think so.
Looking far beyond hesitant Alice slowly spilled the beans. "Aro is one of your mates. But there is also Marcus... and...and Caius." She finally managed to choke out the name, looking like she was physically pained.
The roaring was back in her ears and she managed to stumble into a cushioned chair, elbows propped on her knees and head hanging limply between her legs. The black and purple skin of her wrist caught her eye and she grimaced at it. Twice its normal size the pain thrummed to the beat of her heart, radiating from her fingertips all the way to her elbow. Blowing out a breath she tried to organize her thoughts but it wasn't working. Everything was too crazy with no where to just ruminate on what had happened. All she knew was she was stuck in a vampiric castle with three apparent mates and if she tried to leave she'd be brought back. Most likely with force.
Weariness settled deep into her bones as flashes of the last couple days shot through her head. Oh how she wished she had never left her brothers house. Just let her crazy niece run around and do what she was going to do. According to Alice she'd probably have ended up here anyway. Groaning loudly she leaned back, tracing her eyes along the designs on the ceiling. How did everything get so messed up this fast?
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Drifting quietly into a stress related nap Ori was startled awake by the large double doors opening once again, the boy sibling she remembered being called Alec striding confidently into the room. Eyes trailing over the three that would be leaving he informed them of their freedom, requesting they leave the city as fast as they could. Then his bright ruby eyes were trained on the injured woman.
"My lady." Eyes locked on her still untended to wrist they flickered to the receptionist darkly for only a moment before settling on her once again. "I see Gianna has failed in her task. Let's remedy that shall we."
Edward was already dragging Bella down a separate hallway, not looking back once. Her niece and Alice on the other hand couldn't take their eyes off her, sympathy and despair warring in their depths. And yet they still were quick to follow the male, leaving Ori to watch their backs, betrayal singing in her veins.