An Unresolved Past
This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. WARNING: This is an adult version of twilight and will have sexual submission and violence (after all; the story revolves around vampires). This is not for the faint of heart; it is very dark and has sexual content. 18+
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.
Chapter 21 – The stronger becomes master of the weaker, in so far as the latter cannot assert its degree of independence *
They arrived at a small Venetian airport in less than an hour where another limo was present to taken them on the last leg of their trip. After a short drive the limo stopped at a finely crafted iron gate. Bella immediately recognized it; the Volturi symbol incorporated into the intricate pattern. Once the chauffeur informed the security of the identity of his passengers the gates were swiftly opened, allowing them to enter.
Bella was rendered speechless as she looked out of the rear-window; she had seen this mansion before but now it seemed to be transformed back to another era. The pathway was lit by torches and the trees by small lanterns and as they followed the path she saw the castle coming closer. It too was lit by burning torches and Aro smiled as he watched her face light up. When they finally stopped in front of the castle, she turned back to look at him; the amazement written on her face. Then giving him a beautiful grin she exclaimed "It looks gorgeous"
He greedily absorbed her rare spontaneous reaction and explained "I've rarely gone to carnival the last century but when I decided to go I wanted the estate gardens to be as they were in 17th century"
The door was opened and Aro stepped out; he then turned and gallantly extended his hand to help Bella. Once they had left the limo and walked up the steps the front door opened.
Stepping into the foyer Bella saw three vampires; all old acquaintances of Aro and all very anxious to meet Aro's new mate. Although she had seen them while being Caius's mate it was now quite different as Caius's dealings with these persons had been less direct.
After all introductions had been made Aro was informed that the costumes had arrived and been directly brought up to their room. Bella wanted to relax and once she was told where their room was, she quickly went upstairs.
Seeing they had a bathroom connected to their room she quickly walked inside turning on the bath faucet and running her hand under the water. While the bath filled she walked into their bedroom and gradually removed her working clothes laying them over a chair. She let her hair down and ruffled her hand through her locks as she entered the bathroom. A moment later she heard the door to the hallway open, expecting Aro she said "I'm in the bathroom and was just about to take a bath".
"It's all right I just came to give you a message". Hearing Alec's voice was an ice cold shower and quickly shutting the bathroom door she asked "Alec what are you doing here?"
"As I said master Aro sent me; he wanted me to give you something that goes with your costume"
"Well you have me at a bit if a disadvantage; I was about to take a bath. Can you put it down on the nightstand?"
"I was specifically directed to give it to you without delay".
"Damn that bloody son of a bitch" she whispered, frantically searching for something to wear. Having not brought her house coat or dress she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her as she said "I'll be with you in a minute".
Once she had done so she carefully opened the door and looking through the crack of the doorway she said "Thanks for waiting Alec".
He only chuckled as he said "Jane told me you were shy, I would have thought Aro had remedied that by now".
Bella was mortified saying "she told you?"
"Don't be embarrassed; it's normal for a vampire male to dominate his mate. I don't know why; probably because most of us are quite old and were born when moral women were also dominated by their male counterpart".
"I know about male domination in the vampire world and I've come to grips with that; but why does Aro always push the envelope?"
Looking at Alec's perplexed expression she explained "Why does Aro always force things like this? I am sure he sent you knowing full well that I would be either half-dressed or not dressed at all. He did this on purpose; his signature is all over this action. When I was with Caius, he never exposed me to others".
Once she had explained Alec began to chuckle "Haven't you noticed that the two are very different. Master Caius was always more reserved and never had any use for humans except for play and nourishment. Once he found you he was mesmerized and refused to share you with anyone. Master Aro however has always been more exuberant. Let's suffice to say he is a collector of beautiful and precious things and I wouldn't be surprised if he wishes to display you knowing that no one would ever contest his right of ownership. Alec then shrugged his shoulder adding "but that is only my theory".
Then looking at her feet and slowly allowing this eyes to travel up her body he added "I must say Isabella, while looking at you I can understand; you look amazing with your wild hair and with almost nothing to hide your assets"
If she was human she would blush but instead she softly stuttered "Thanks… I think".
"Well I have to get ready for tonight" He said concluding the conversation. He was about to leave when he remembered why he came; "here is the necklace that I was to give to you".
She looked at the golden object "It looks like some sort of Egyptian symbol; what does it represent?"
Alec wickedly smile saying "Aro knew this would build up your curiosity, that's probably why he gave it to you ahead of time. He then turned to leave saying "I will see you tonight".
Once alone she went back to the bathroom then dropped her towel and she stepped in the tub absorbing the heavenly warmth it gave.
After a moment she stared at the beautifully intricate object she had been given, magnificent in detail for such a small thing. It was a naked woman standing on a cat with what looked like a bunch of flowers in one hand and the other held a symbol something like a cross yet different. Instead of the mere crossing of two bars, the horizontal bar was extended; looping to circle the top part of the vertical bar.
She was completely enthralled by the thing and hadn't realized that she was no longer alone. When she finally looked up she saw Aro staring down at her from the threshold of the room.
With a smile on his face he said "It is beautiful, is it not?"
She watched as he undressed and moved so that he could join her. Once he stepped in, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against his chest. Laying his chin on her shoulder he said "Did you know that Egyptians wore necklaces because it made them feel safe?"
Bella softly shook her head no and he smiled into her neck "Both in life and death, Egyptians used necklaces as a sort of amulet that would help protect them against evil or to worship the gods. The meaning or reason for the necklace varied depending on the symbols and materials used. But gold was very precious to them because they saw it as a reflection of the sun".
He then asked "May I?" as he held out his hand, silently requesting the ornament. Once Bella gave it to him he held it in his palm and continued "Qadesh is my favourite goddess; she was a minor female deity of Syrian origin which was introduced into the Egyptian religion during the eighteenth dynasty. There are many different ideas about what she symbolized but considering I lived in that time I know which one was true".
"I guess eternal life would have advantages" she chuckled.
He smiled as his thumb rubbed the woman figure "Qadesh stood as symbol for love, sexual ecstasy and pleasure and this is the original form she had when she was taken to Egypt. As you see she is nude and is standing on the back of a lion. In one hand she is holding flowers a symbol of eroticism, in the other hand she has an Ankh which is the symbol of eternal life in Egyptian mythology; something that I changed in the design. I found it very appropriate for the costume I have chosen for you" he said as he laid the artifact on the edge of the bath and leaned in to kiss her neck, his hands roaming over her body. "Such a pity, that we have to leave this lovely bath so soon. In a few minutes Jane will come in and do your hair".
She automatically tried to get out of his arms and the bath not wanting a repeat session of what had happened the last time Jane had walked in on them saying "Why didn't you tell me, I have to get out".
He held her close not allowing her to leave "Why are you so shy, you have such a beautiful body".
"It doesn't mean I want everyone to see it; I'm not an exhibitionist and never liked being the centre of attention; it makes me uncomfortable".
Aro only smiled saying "You must get used to it; being the mate of a king"
Unexpectedly she uttered "But Caius never asked me to"
She felt him freeze and heard subdued anger as he spoke "I am not Caius and you will do well to remember that".
Bella quickly tried to correct her words by using all her tact "I didn't mean to say anything inappropriate but I just find it difficult, that's all. Please, I don't wish to upset you; it would be such a shame if such a thoughtless slip of the tong would destroy this week together".
Aro thawed by her words saying "Knowing you must miss my brother I understand but please don't try my patience. I do not compare you to my former wife Sulpicia and wish you would have the courtesy to do the same. But we will not talk of this any further". Having said this he released her and gracefully stood up lifting his robe from the hanger on the wall.
Bella hoped he had accepted her apology; after all living with him she knew that behind his smile he could be treacherous and sometimes even brutal.
Shortly after Aro left the room when she heard Jane come in; without a word she set down all kinds of bottles containing god knew what. When she was finished she turned to look at Bella saying "Aro has already instructed me in what he deems would be an appropriate hairstyle for your costume but first we need to wash it. Once they were done they went to the bedroom and Bella was instructed to sit in front of the mirror. While Jane fidgeted with her hair Bella looked at the various objects lying on her dressing table.
There were two arm bracelets both identical and composed of two golden vipers that were entwined, one with its head pointing upward and the other pointing downwards. She also saw 2 golden clips both of the Ankh symbol. All objects were superbly crafted and Bella absorbed the intricate detail displayed in the objects.
When she finally looked into the mirror she saw that Jane had straitened her locks and was now gathering some strands of hair making thin, long braids from the top layer of hair. When she came to the bottom of each braid she attached a golden ornament to the end. After all the braiding was done Jane entwined a golden viper in her hair and when she had fastened it between the braids it looked as if it had slithered through her hair and was poised to attack anyone who approached. She turned to look at herself in the mirror and was conscious of the fact that every movement she made with her head caused the small ornaments to clatter against one another. It seemed that Aro was determined to get her into the spotlight as every movement she made would announce her presence.
As soon as the eye makeup was applied she realized who she was to portray but said nothing as Aro came in with her costume. She watched as he took it out of the box; the white silk dress was beautiful and elegant and had a low cut v-neckline. He watched her every expression automatically causing her to compliment him on his choice. The v-neckline ended in a band that was just under her breasts from that point on it flowed elegantly to the ground.
Aro looked on as Bella stood up and Jane helped her with the dress; nodding his head in appreciation as he eyed her from all positions. Jane picked up one of the golden upper arm bracelets and gracefully placed the decorative object on her arm clicking it shut; she then repeated her actions with the other bracelet. After that she picked up the two golden clips and attached them to the shoulders of her dress. She then looked at her reflection in the mirror and said "I must say Master Aro has exquisite taste you look stunning Isabella".
"Dear Jane, as always; you have done an excellent job! I knew I could put my faith in your skilful hands" Aro said smiling at his protégée.
Grateful for his complement she answered "Thank you for your kind words master Aro; it was my pleasure".
"Perhaps it would be prudent to get ready for the ball yourself".
Aro waited until Jane left and then walked towards Bella his eyes taking in every detail and she stood still allowing him to do so. Once he was standing behind her she watched as his arms encircle her, holding the necklace in his hands. He carefully placed it around her neck and proceeded to close the fitting; he then turned her around and settled the necklace between her breasts giving her a long intense kiss. When he let her go he gave her a program of the evening's events and began to discuss it with her as he changed into his costume; once dressed, he looked magnificent.
"So" she said you are the famous "Marcus Antonius or is it Caesar?"
"It is Marcus Antonius and as you have probably guessed you are my Cleopatra; Jane really did an excellent job, you look as mesmerizing as she did".
"What…You met her?" She asked totally stunned by his revelation.
"Yes, just before her reign began" he chuckled.
"I really shouldn't be amazed by things like that anymore after all; most of you have seen so many things that I have only read about and even then I find that the historians are often wrong".
"History is often written by the victors and all information written is tainted by their opinions". He logically answered.
Speaking of history books, you look like you stepped out of a history book yourself. You look very handsome in your costume; it suits you. Aro smiled at the compliment saying "Actually it is an exact copy of something I picked up when I was young vampire".
Fathoming what he said Bella was stunned saying "My god; I'm afraid to ask about this garment". She added looking down at the garment she was wearing.
Your attire is also an exact replica of what Cleopatra wore, except of course the Ankh symbols of eternal life that adorn your shoulder straps. After all, who has better reason to wear it than we he said as his hand touched one of the symbols and slowly trailed down her arm and ending at the snake bracelet. "According to legend Cleopatra used the viper to commit suicide after the death of Marcus Antonius and their defeat by Octavian". His eyes then penetrated hers as his voice and body language turning ominous "You need not worry my lovely Isabella. That will not be our destiny; I will never succumb to suicide and you will never leave my side for I will never allow it"
"But enough of this" he said in a nimbler tone as he gathered his helmet in one arm and held his other out. She placed her hand on top of it as expected and they left to meet the others.
Aro was very possessive, displaying his mate for all to see as Bella moved in time with him, meeting many of his associates in the outside world. These people were not afraid as they thought that Aro and his group were albino's which declared the reason why their eyes were red and their complexion white. Aro was in deep conversation with one of his relations when Bella saw something catch her eyes.
Bella saw the Cullen's in at the far end of the room and found it strange that neither Jasper nor Alice had joined them. Seeing that Aro was momentary occupied she quickly went to join them. It had been so long since she had seen them and she was in desperate need of not only their company but also news from her father.
As Bella approached both Rose and Emmett made no move to meet her; it was as if both were hesitant to approach. Esme realizing someone had to make a move she walked up to greet her.
Esme nodded her head with respect and said "You look gorgeous Isabella; I hardly recognized you in your outfit".
Bella giggled as she explained "Yes, with all the eyeliner and makeup I don't even recognize myself".
Once the ice was broken the other two approached while Emmett said "I didn't know how to approach you; and I don't think a bear hug is appropriate at the moment. And you look so fragile in that outfit I would be afraid to break you".
Bella chuckled at his remark and then looking at him and Rose she said, "Let me guess; Rose is Marie Antoinette and you are count Axel von Fersen". Rose curtsied and Emmett bowed impersonating their chosen characters. Then turning to Esme she said "Who are you impersonating?"
"Princess de Lamballe, her best friend" she said while pointing towards Rose; "but don't ask me what happened to her. All I have to say is; she didn't live happily ever after" Esme said while shrugging her shoulders.
Bella gave them a puzzled look and asked "What are you doing here? I have never seen any of you here before".
"Well actually we were hoping to meet Jasper, Alice and you here. Unhappily it seems that Jasper and Alice haven't come but we are so glad to see you"
"I'm sorry, maybe I could have convinced them to come if I'd have known that you would be here; but then.." she considered "it was a last minute decision so I wouldn't have been able to ask them".
"Do you see much of them?" Esme asked and Bella felt sad for Esme knowing how heart-retching it was for her.
"Actually, not anymore. When they first arrived we would sometimes practice in the same group but soon after that they moved to Caius's part of the castle. Since then I see them occasionally but, not as often as I would like".
"Yes, we heard of your bond with Aro" Esme uncomfortably said.
"Oh yes, soon after I came back Aro asked me to become his mate; actually this is my first official appearance as his mate outside of the coven" she reluctantly said. Then, in an effort to change the subject Bella searched the crowd and asked "Didn't Carlisle come with you?"
"No, he and Edward stayed in Alaska" Esme said not giving her a further explanation Bella decided not to ask for details.
Looking at Bella, Esme carefully said "If you would ever like to visit us you know you are always welcome".
"How very nice of you but I doubt that will be possible" Bella sadly replied.
She moved in closer in hopes to ask about her dad when she saw through the Cullen's body language, that someone annoying was approaching. A moment later she felt two hands resting on her shoulders and then recognized Aro's voice as he bent over to whisper in her ear "Isabella love, I was looking for you".
Upon which she announced "I am sorry but I am just talking to old friends"
As answer to her comment Aro pinched her shoulders and whispered "I see, but I require your company on the dance floor".
Realizing Aro would not give up she graciously said goodbye to her friends and went to the dance floor with him. They were playing a fast waltz and Aro took her in his arms.
That night they danced for hours and between times Aro would discuss business with the humans and tell others of their sort that his mate had brought him into the 21st century. After a while as he spoke she slipped away and mingling with the crowd she cautiously scanned the area but saw no trace of the Cullen's. She was about to go back to Aro when she felt someone grasp her arm saying "Is that you Bella?" Turning to face the perpetrator she slowly recognized Alexia. "Oh my god, you came too!"
"Yes, but I didn't dare to come with Esme or the others; they don't even know I'm here! Edward was afraid that Aro would have become curious and look into my mind and I couldn't risk him seeing our relationship. Edward is extremely careful." Alexia explained.
"He has right to be; you must stay under his radar at all costs" Bella said while fixing her eyes on Aro who was still conversing with a human.
Leaning towards Bella's ear she whispered "We need to speak".
"I can't; It's too dangerous for the both of us" Bella whispered back still watching her mate.
"I won't let go until you agree" Alexia threatened although she was afraid to carry out her threat and thus fall under the attention of Aro.
"You must go to the gardens. After a half hour I will follow; go now!" Bells then turned away and proceeded to mingle with the crowd.
At the pre-arranged time Bella walked towards the balcony doors carefully watching her surroundings and on her way told Alec "I wish to go out for some fresh air would inform Aro; should he search for me?"
Walking through the gardens the moon cast an eerie translucent light on the trees and the lights along the path were very dim and sparse. Alexia had strolled through and had concealed herself behind some tall bushes and whispered "I'm here" as Bella threatened to pass her by.
Bella joined her and as they walked Alexia began by saying "We needed to speak to you and this seems to be the only way to do it. After all, I am the only one Aro or Alec knows nothing of, so he and Edward elected me to contact you".
"I'm sorry Alexia but I can't say much; I just wanted to hear how everyone in Forks and Alaska are doing. At least I am glad it's you and not Carlisle or Edward"
"What do you mean?" Alexia innocently asked.
"Do you know what will happen if Aro sees us together? My father's life will be worthless!" Bella angrily whispered
"Jacob was right; your father was used as leverage" Alexia said.
"Damn right he was! I won't risk him or his family by doing anything Aro doesn't want me to do. Being alone with you is risky enough for the both of us. Maybe you can try via Jazz and
Alice" she asked hopefully as she attempted to leave.
Alexia grabbed her wrist holding her in place while saying "Impossible, you know Aro can read their minds but not yours".
Bella looked at her hand but did not pull away then impassively replied "I can't help you".
Trying to convince her she said "When you left Alaska you pleaded with Edward to keep searching for Caius. Feeling duty bound, he and Carlisle are still looking but, what happens if he is found?"
Looking at Bella she quickly saw the dilemma playing out in her mind then with an anxious wave of her hand Bella uttered "He is gone, Aro has proved that to me"
"What do you mean?"
"I am now Aro's bed-mate and although I hunker for Caius I am more than receptive to Aro's sexual advances. If Caius were still alive that would not be possible".
In pure frustration her eyes locked on Alexia as she hissed "Can't you see? I have no free choice, I was headstrong and fought a huge struggle with Aro but he holds all the cards; he watches my every move like a hawk".
Totally taken off guard by Bella's emotional outburst Alexia paused for a minute and then softly whispered "Remember when everyone said Caius could not survive because Demetri could not detect his brain waves. At that time you suggested that Demetri might not be able to find him because the fall had changed them; that might also be the reason for the lose bonds between you and Caius".
Bella had never considered that and looked up to her old friend.
When Bella gave no verbal reaction Alexia softly added "I understand; you're trapped!"
Nervously looking towards the mansion she turned her gaze back to Alexia "Alexia keep your voice down!"
"You have changed Bella; in the past you would have laid your life out for Caius".
"Yes, my life" she bit back. "Don't you understand? I can't fight anymore; I fought to get Caius back and soon found out that it is no use fighting the Royals. As I have been told, women have no choice but to follow their mate and Aro makes sure I understand that fact. I must follow Aro for as you have already guessed the consequences will be astronomical and not only for my father and his family; maybe even yours and the Quileute tribe".
"Really I do understand but there will be no way to communicate if he is found. Are you certain that Aro will step down and give you up when Caius reappears? How do you think Caius will react if he hears that Aro had taken you to warm his bed so soon after his demise?"
Looking at her lost expression Alexia added "There is one other very crucial fact; what if, Demetri automatically picks up his signal before we find him. We would be powerless to help Caius".
"Then I would lose him for a second time" she whispered more to herself than Alexia.
Hearing the desperation in her voice impaled Alexia's heart.
"Damn it Alexia you may be the vessel but I recognize Carlisle and Edward trademark behind this; they know just how to push my buttons" she said as she stopped her pacing. Then Bella whispered "OK let's say you find Caius and at the same time are able to get everyone in safety then I may be able to help you".
"Now we come to the problem; how we contact one another?"
Bella's mind when wild searching for a solution to their dilemma as the pressure of discovery was building. She knew Aro would soon send someone to look for her. Then all of a sudden her eyes lit up as she "If we need to send emergency messages it should be through one of the other covens; not the Denali because they are equally out of bounds for me. You see, all calls that I take or give, are monitored; so I we must use a secret sentence that both sides understand".
"What kind of message?" Alexia asked
"Why not 'we have received the article in good order'? That way; we don't have to worry about being accused of treason. " She shuddered to think of what would happen if Aro caught her in betrayal but as long as those she loved were safe she would have to risk it".
"OK, now it is imperative you leave before we are found together for it would only initiate questions which neither of us are waiting for" she said.
Alexia was about to leave when Bella looked through the trees she saw Alec approach from a distance and quickly grabbed Alexia's wrist pulling her deeper into the alcove of trees. She then put her index finger in front of her lips and pointed towards Alec whispering "leave as soon as you can; if Alec or Aro sees you, there will be hell to pay" she left Alexia behind and walked out of the alcove and turning her head towards Alec she gave him a warm smile.
"Hello Bella, sorry for the interruption; I thought I saw you with someone else in the garden". He said as he tried to walk forward craning his neck in search of her colloquial companion.
She entwined her arm in his as she walked towards the mansion saying "Yes it was an old friend of mine; a woman I met while I was still mate to Caius; no one that you or Aro would know".
"I beg to differ; would you introduce me?" Alec suspiciously asked
"She had already left when she saw you coming; actually she is quite shy" Bella said while pulling him along.
Once they arrived at the balcony Aro came to meet them and holding out his hands he saw Alec's vision. Then looking at his mate he crossly said "it seems you have been secretly meeting others in the gardens; I see that it was a woman so this time I will allow it but from now on you will not speak in private".
"It was only a friend from the past and she was too overwhelmed by your presence to meet me openly with you at my side so we went to the gardens to speak" Bella explained.
He hissed as his eyes held hers "You have heard me; I will not be disobeyed! This is not negotiable! In the meanwhile you will accompany me back to the party and stay by my side".
"Of course" She said more than grateful that neither had recognized Alexia or sent anyone to search the gardens for her. When the sun was about to arise she and Aro took the limo to their home the dark glass diminishing any light.
Upon entering their bedroom Bella saw two young women that Aro had apparently arranged to have delivered and seeing them Bella was taken aback but was quickly pulled into their room by Aro. She understood the reason for their presence and looked at Aro waiting for him to say something. Bella watched his every movement as he slowly circled the two saying "they are delicious morsels and I wish to continue partying as long as possible, don't you agree?"
"Of course" she said not daring to object as she was still recovering from her last reprimand.
Aro slowly walked towards her and kissed her deeply while his hand slowly removed her garments letting them fall around her feet. He then took a step back and scrutinizing every inch of her he said "You don't even realize how beautiful you are but I was envied by many men and some women when they saw you at my side. I was glad it was a woman in the gardens; if it were a man I would have killed him. If I ever allow you to take a lover it will be one of my choosing".
"You fill my life; I wouldn't have the energy to take on anyone else but from what I see that is not the same for you" she said, then motioning towards the women. "Am I not enough?"
He plastered a large smile on his face and said "I love drinking your blood my love; even after your transformation it kept its delicate bouquet but you know the saying 'variety is the spice of life'" then looking back at the two he added "Let's have some fun".
One of the women groggily opened her eyes and smiled as Aro approached and he gave her a seductive look saying "It's alright my dear I only wish to enjoy your body and I promise you that you will enjoy yourself as well. He slowly took of his garments and looked over to Bella to join him.
They made love to the two women slowly enjoying their life's essence bit by bit feeling their heart weaken. All of a sudden Aro drank greedily until both fell into an eternal sleep. He then turned to Bella and she saw him release the anger and frustration that she knew was hiding behind his beautiful face saying "It's a pity that humans are so very fragile but thankfully I have a devoted mate to fill my carnal needs".
The night dissolved in a flurry of passion and as Aro began to surface from his high he put one leg on her hips pinning her down on the mattress. Looking towards Bella and leaning his head on his folded elbow he muttered "Do you know you how seductive you look? You are the ideal courtesan!" His thumb traced her bottom lip as he continued "my god how much it pleases me to have you warm my bed".
He watched as her mouth opened to accommodate it and saw the passion in his features as he moved his thumb back and forth then looking into her eyes he continued "At first I found it frustrating that I could not read your mind but, as of late I have found it advantageous. Having a lover of whom I cannot predict her moods or moves gives a certain mystery to our lovemaking"
He then slowly drew his thumb out and unexpectedly used his other hand to trap her chin in a vice like grip as he said "However just when you seem to have become more pliant you show that streak of obstinacy. You will never, I repeat never, leave my presence while we are out of the coven; do you understand? If you ever do that again, for whatever reason you will regret it for centuries to come. I promise you that!"
Letting his eyes fall on the corpses and pointing his chin toward the bodies he said "I will have those disposed of then we can enjoy the carnival again. Maybe pick up some other geese" he said his eyebrows lifting as he waited for her reaction. After all; we have a week before we go back to Volterra".
"Won't the humans notice the deaths?"
"No; we are always careful. As you know secrecy has always been a necessity through the centuries therefore the safe removal of bodies has become an art. You and I are on the top of the food chain and as your mate it is my wish that you enjoy yourself"
He then turned his head to face her and put his arm around her middle saying "I relish their blood but, most of all it exhilarates me to watch the suckling technique you use; it enhances and amplifies my desire".
*The stronger becomes master of the weaker, in so far as the latter cannot assert its degree of independence — here there is no mercy, no forbearance, even less a respect for "laws."~ Nietzsche
