Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

90. Chapter 90

Chapter 90

"So it went well?" Pvt. Andrews asked Kyle when he returned to the base.

"Yes," Kyle said, "It went well. We're meeting again Sunday."

"She must be lovely," Bernice swooned after she finished straightening Pvt. Andrews' pillow.

"Not so lovely as you, Bernice," Pvt. Andrews said and made Bernice blush.

"Really, Arthur," Bernice said, cheeks now beet red.

Kyle walked away while Pvt. Andrews continued to flatter Bernice while making her promise again that she would write him even once he'd left and then again when she returned to America. Kyle went to the doctor's quarters and got himself ready for bed, thinking about Evalina all the while. He was eager to tell Renesmee. She'd certainly be pleased that someone had finally gotten her son's attention. He debated whether or not to bring up her affiliation to the Volturi. He knew better than to think Renesmee would think ill of Evalina for such a thing, but he couldn't deny there was a history that might make Renesmee uncomfortable. Then Kyle determined he was getting ahead of himself. He'd been on two dates with Evalina thus far. That hardly meant she'd agreed to spend her life with him even if Kyle was determined to ensure it. Right now he needed to focus on winning her affections and ensuring they kept in touch even after they were transferred further into Italy. Perhaps she could even visit him in other cities. Maybe Rome! She said she loved Rome.

Kyle eventually fell asleep thinking about Evalina and he got the best sleep he'd had in a while, looking forward to that Sunday when he'd meet her again. Back in Washington, several packages arrived, particularly from Nathan, that were Christmas gifts for the kids. Renesmee tucked them all under the tree with all the other presents despite Ariel's rather adamant attempts to get Renesmee to let him open them the instant they'd arrived. He'd grown so much already, but was still very much a little boy appearing 5 or 6 now. His hair started to curl a little unlike Nathan's hair, but the boy was still rather tall like his father. Gifts that Nathan had bought for Ivory had been sent directly to Las Vegas around the same time.

"Is Ivory and Miss Tamara visiting for Christmas?" Ariel asked Renesmee.

"I'm afraid not, Ariel, but they'll be here again in the summer like this year."

"We could go visit them one of these days if you wanted," Ada María offered. "Maybe after the New Year."

"Can Scarlet come?" Ariel asked and Scarlet appeared hesitant.

"If she wants," Ada María said. She'd be the first to admit hers and Scarlet's relationship was improving, but it was still rather apparent Scarlet didn't care for Ada María. It seemed she was only nice for Ariel's sake. That was fine with her frankly.

"I wouldn't mind visiting Tamara and Ivory," Scarlet said and then smiled at Ariel. "Especially if you're coming with me." Ariel grinned right back and stood from his spot on the floor to give Scarlet a hug. She stopped what she was doing and hugged him back, lifting the boy off the floor and onto her lap.

"I don't suppose you've heard anything from your brother have you?" Renesmee asked Ada María. "About your parents meeting Ariel I mean."

"As far as I'm aware, I'm still a sinner and they're trying to light every candle in South America," Ada María answered flippantly. "I'm sure my mother would love nothing more than to see her only grandchild, but father's so damned stubborn the boy will be grown before it happens I'm sure."

"I guess now we know where you get it from," Scarlet muttered under her breath.

"Cute," Ada María muttered back sarcastically. "But if father doesn't want to see his grandson, that's his problem."

"Have you tried to write them?" Renesmee asked.

"I've written Marcelo," Ada María said. "All he's said is father's really upset with me and refuses to speak to me but not to worry too much as he'll get over it eventually."

"Does he know if your mother might be able to encourage him along?"

"You ask my mother to try pushing a mountain," Ada María grumbled. "I'm sure she's trying, but mother's not one to stand up to father. She's rather meek, just the way father likes it."

Rather than push the topic, Renesmee changed the subject to something else. Scarlet took Ariel outside to play in the snow, getting him away from the uncomfortable topic of Ada María's parents. Ada María, for Christmas, wrote a letter to Nathan. She made no attempt to woo him or apologize for anything; nothing of the sort. Instead, she focused on talking about Ariel. She enclosed another picture Alice had taken of the boy with her letter, wanting Nathan to see how their son was doing. She realized anything regarding the two of them would have to wait, but she'd ensure Nathan remained up to date about Ariel. Even so, she always ended the letter with 'I love you'.

In Italy, that Sunday finally arrived and Kyle was up bright and early. A number of men, Pvt. Andrews included, had been sent back home that week and Kyle had to admit he missed the man a little. He was surprised how much he missed Pvt. Andrews' brand of encouragement. None the less, Kyle pushed on without it, dressing in his best uniform yet again and leaving the base for the Café they'd met at the week before. Kyle made sure he wasn't too early this time, walking slowly down the cobblestone roads to the café. He was still early when he arrived, but as it turned out, so was Evalina. She was already sitting at a table outside and stood when she saw Kyle.

"I ordered that coffee and cookies for you," Evalina said after the two greeted and hugged. "I hope that's alright."

"That's perfect," Kyle said and they sat down beside one another. "You weren't waiting long for me were you?"

"Not at all," Evalina smiled. "I don't think I was here a minute before the waitress came out for my order. That was 2 minutes ago."

"Okay, good," Kyle said. "So how've you been since I saw you last?"

"I've been alright," Evalina smiled. "I started reading Anna Karenina again, actually."

"Oh really?" Kyle said. "How far are you?"

"Not very," she said. "Just up to Anna meeting Count Vronsky."

"Who was that again?"

"That's the man Anna falls in love it," Evalina said. "So I'm not terribly far."

"He pursued her didn't he?"

"You'll just have to read it and find out," Evalina said with a big smile.

"You're leaving me in suspense? How cruel," Kyle joked and earned her breathy laugh.

"What fun would it be for you if I ruined the story for you?"

"I'll still read it once I get home," Kyle protested. "Even if you tell me how it ends, I'll read it just because you said you love it."

"You'll not get another word out of me," Evalina grinned stubbornly just as their coffee, cookies and lemon water was brought out to them.

"I've been made aware," Kyle said, "that I'll have Christmas Day off." More appropriately he had begged he be given that day to himself and one of the doctors agreed to fill on for him, but that wasn't important right now. "Perhaps we could spend the day together."

"I have no plans that day, so I don't see why not," Evalina readily agreed and sipped her water. "I'll even make you a big Christmas lunch."

"Would you really?" Kyle asked. "I didn't realize you knew how to cook. I figured that wasn't something the Volturi guard had occasion to learn."

Evalina waved her hand dismissively. "How hard could it possibly be? I'll make sure it's special."

"I can't wait," Kyle said.

"When I have to send you back to the base, I'll send you with a shot of coffee, some cheese and a bit of pear."

"That sounds wonderful," Kyle said. She smiled back at him and sipped more water. Kyle drank his coffee and ate a cookie before finally getting to something he'd wanted to discuss with her. "Listen, Evalina."

"Yes?"

"I realize you'll be returning home after the New Year. But I was hoping we could keep in touch. I'd love to write to you and receive letters back. I can think of nothing else that would brighten my day more."

"I would love to write to you," Evalina smiled. "Although, I admit I would prefer those letters not go to the castle. I'll check with the post office and see if I can arrange to pick up your letters there."

"Why do you say that?"

"Aro," Evalina said bluntly. "I don't want him knowing about you. He's not one to let things go easily and if he knew I met Renesmee Cullen's son….well…I don't know what would come of him finding out about you."

"I understand," Kyle said, calming a bit. He'd completely forgotten about Aro in truth. "Just let me know where to send the letters."

"I'll write you from that address as soon as I return home," Evalina smiled.

Kyle smiled right back feeling a weight off his shoulders now that she'd agreed they'd write one another. He still had time before Christmas. He hoped in that by then, he could build off the spark between them. He wanted his feelings for her to be well known but he also didn't want to jump the gun with her. He'd explained he can become a wolf though he had not mentioned anything about imprinting. He'd actively avoided bringing it up. He'd tell her he'd imprinted on her later. Right now, he wanted her to love him because he'd won her heart, not because she felt obligated to return his affections.

Back in Washington, it was approaching Christmas and families all over the country were not only preparing for the holiday but also sending their sons good wishes and gifts overseas as well as praying for their safe returns home. Nathan had received Ada María's letter and had avoided it like he always did, going through his other letters first and foremost but always starting with the letter from his son. When he finally did get to Ada María's letter, he was surprised she only spoke of Ariel. Bragged about him even. The picture of Ariel she sent him was almost like a punch to the face. His hair was starting to curl a little and he was getting taller. He was growing up too fast and he felt as though he was missing Ariel's childhood. The boy looked just like him with a few traits from Ada María. She wasn't in the picture with Ariel. On the one hand, Nathan was relieved to have a picture of just their son, but on the other he missed her. Despite everything, he missed her. Regardless, he didn't allow himself to give in. So when he wrote back, his reply was brief.

Ada,

Thank you for the picture of Ariel. I look forward to finally meeting him. Give him a hug and kiss for me.

Nathan

It would be a while before Ada María would receive that letter. In the meantime, she focused on helping Renesmee prepare for Christmas. Ariel had eagerly helped decorate the large evergreen tree that was decorated every year for Christmas. It was one of his favorite things to do with the other kids and seeing Ariel so excited made Ada María happy. For the other kids, it always meant hot chocolate for all their hard work but Ariel never cared for the drink. He did enjoy making them, though. After they'd all finished decorating the tree at the center of the tribe, everyone went up to the Cullen house to enjoy that hot chocolate.

"I don't know how you stand this cold," Ada María muttered to Renesmee when the two were sitting together. "It's bone chilling."

"I suppose I'm just used to it," Renesmee said. "I suppose compared to Salvador it is a rather rude awakening."

"To say the least," Ada María agreed. "I'd love to take Ariel back to Brazil if only for a winter but it's such a grueling trip. I don't want to risk being away when the war's over and Nathan comes home. I want Ariel to be the first person Nathan sees when he gets off that train."

"I'm sure he will be," Renesmee smiled reassuringly. "Nathan's very happy about Ariel. I know it kills him being so far away during such a crucial point in Ariel's life. He's scared when he finally does come home, he won't live up to the heights Ariel's put him up to."

"That's nonsense," Ada María said. "Ariel knows his father is an exciting man who's lived an adventurous life. He knows Nathan loves him. Ariel's idolization of Nathan is not exaggerated or unwarranted."

"I know," Renesmee said. "It still worries him, though. He just wants to be everything his son imagines him to be."

"He'll be that and more," Ada María insisted. From a few feet away, having heard what Ada María said, Scarlet sighed a little and drank her hot chocolate she'd secretly spiked with the Scottish Whiskey Bella had lying around. Not so secret given anyone with a nose could smell the whiskey, but they said nothing.

"When you and Nathan have worked things out, do you suppose you'll have more children?" Renesmee asked.

"I don't know," Ada María said. "I love Ariel and I wouldn't trade him for the world, but it's still strange being a mother."

"You've been a wonderful mother to Ariel," Renesmee reassured.

"Thank you for saying," Ada María said. A moment passed of the two of them sitting on the couch together while Ariel was in the kitchen with Bella and Esme making hot chocolate for everyone. Edward was in the music room playing the piano but he stopped suddenly. When he did, everyone looked at him.

"Edward, is everything okay?" Bella asked from the kitchen.

"More or less," Edward said, leaving the piano and music room to walk over to Ada María. "Your parents will be here shortly."

"What?" Ada María said, surprised and standing up from the couch. "Had they written and we just didn't get their letter?"

"No," Edward said. "Raphael is thinking in Portuguese so I'm not able to understand everything, but from what I can gather, your mother was finally able to convince your father to come here to meet his grandson."

"I suppose they've lit all those candles at last," Renesmee tried to joke but Ada María was just irritated.

"Ariel, ¡ven!" she said and Ariel ran from the kitchen over to Ada María. Ariel didn't have a chance to ask Ada María anything when two people reached the house and let themselves in through the back doors.

Raphael was imposing to say the least. He was tall with dark brown hair, pale skin and a handsome face that was diminished by a scowl. Yaretzi was a stunning woman herself, Ada María clearly favoring her mother. She was shorter, but she had long raven black hair and tan skin with black eyes. She had softer features than Ada María in some respects, though. Ada María had inherited her father's Roman nose to be sure while Yaretzi's nose had no bump on it and her jaw was less squared. Renesmee stood from the couch and went right to Raphael and Yaretzi with Jacob following close behind her, not liking the look on Raphael's face.

"Por que essa casa fede de cachorro molhado?" (Why does this house stink of wet dog?) Raphael asked.

"Raphael," Yaretzi said attempting to be stern but her voice was still rather low.

"You must be Ada María's mother," Renesmee said with a smile. "I'm Renesmee, Nathan's mother. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Oh," Yaretzi said meekly, appearing as though she were a deer in headlights. "I….my English…not-"

"Oh," Renesmee said. "I'm so sorry." She turned and looked at Ada María, desperate for assistance.

"Where's my grandson?" Raphael said sternly, grabbing Renesmee's attention again.

"He's here," Ada María answered as she approached with Ariel in her arms. Yaretzi's eyes lit up and she was the first to come closer. Ariel took to her right away, returning her smile and letting Yaretzi take him into her arms.

"Does he speak Runa Simi?" Yaretzi asked.

"I do,"Ariel answered before Ada María could and Yaretzi was very pleased.

"You taught him proper languages I hope," Raphael said, but Yaretzi ignored Raphael and kept talking to Ariel.

"He does," Ada María answered. "He's most comfortable in Spanish, but he can speak Portuguese and English as well."

"We're still trying to get him accustomed to Quileute as well," Renesmee smiled. "That's our tribe's language."

"I've no concern for that," Raphael said and walked over to Yaretzi. Renesmee was a little stunned by his rude answer and it took a moment for her to finally look at him again and watch the man with Ariel.

"I'm sorry about him," Ada María said. "I see he's still really mad."

"Oh, no, it's alright," Renesmee said after a moment.

"Where's his father?" Raphael asked in a commanding voice.

"He's in London," Renesmee said. "He's fighting in the war."

"A soldier?" Raphael asked almost condescendingly.

"Yes a soldier," Jacob spoke up in a tone matching Raphael's. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"Is he at least of an acceptable rank?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Jacob asked.

"His rank is of little relevance," Ada María spoke up.

"Quite the contrary," Raphael said. "Does this man at least make more than you do at that bar of yours? Please tell me your brother was mistaken and he doesn't work for a restaurant."

"He's held a few different jobs in his life," Ada María defended. "He was traveling with his daughter when he arrived in Salvador. He took on work after he purchased that blue house up the hill from the beach."

"He has a daughter already?"

"From a previous marriage, yes. He's widowed."

"I see," Raphael said.

"Scarlet's my big sister," Ariel said. "Ivory's my little sister."

"I beg pardon?" Raphael asked, immediately looking at Ada María judgmentally.

"He has a daughter with a woman in Las Vegas. Nathan and I left one another on….I suppose less than ideal terms and he was with a woman named Tamara when he was on his way home and she fell with child."

"Does he typically make a habit of being so prolific?" Raphael asked condescendingly.

"From what we're told, Mr. Escada," Jacob said, "Yaretzi was with child before the two of you were married, so you're in no position to talk."

"I promptly married Yaretzi before our son was born," Raphael said. "It would have been the gentlemanly thing for your son to do the same rather than run away without a word and have a child with another woman entirely. Wouldn't you say?" Jacob stepped forward, ready to hit Raphael but Renesmee stopped him.

"Father, Nathan was not aware I was pregnant when he left," Ada María said. "He'd made the decision to join the war effort in Europe in support of his brother and….the point is he didn't know I was pregnant. I didn't either at the time."

"And how, exactly, does he plan to rectify this situation? Last I was aware, bigamy is illegal in the United States."

"I don't know what we're going to do yet, Father. We'll talk when he gets home."

"If he gets home," Raphael said and looked at Ariel who was clearly distressed now. "Năo olhe assim, criança. Você sempre nos terá." (Don't look that way, child. You'll always have us.) The reassurance didn't seem to sit with Ariel. He looked up at Yaretzi who had largely been out of the loop of the conversation.

"I know he seems mean, Ariel, but your grandpa really is a good man,"Yaretzi attempted to sooth, rubbing Ariel's head.

"He said my dad won't come home,"Ariel said.

"I'm sure your father will be alright,"Yaretzi said kindly.

"Não dê ao menino uma falsa esperança, Yaretzi," (Do not give the boy false hope, Yaretzi) Raphael muttered. Yaretzi glared at Raphael before walking away with Ariel and doing her best to reassure Ariel again. Jacob held his tongue but spent the remainder of the evening trying to understand what a woman as sweet as Yaretzi saw in Raphael.

"How is Marcelo?" Ada María asked Yaretzi, continuing to speak Quechua knowing the woman was most comfortable with that language, especially when she was stressed.

"He is doing well,"Yaretzi said. "He's been looking after your bar for you. And don't mind your father. He's still upset about this whole thing. It'll be some time before he admits it, but he is happy to have a grandson."

"Truly, mother, you're a saint."

"I only know your father well,"Yaretzi said and looked at Ariel again. "I know your grandfather didn't exactly make the best first impression, but he's a good man. I know you'll love him."

Ariel hesitated a moment but eventually nodded and sat a little closer to Yaretzi. Ada María did her best to help Renesmee and Yaretzi get to know one another with the language barrier. Renesmee made an attempt to speak French to Yaretzi, but she was not familiar with that language either. She knew Quechua, Spanish and Portuguese. All languages Renesmee didn't know. What conversation the two were able to have with Ada María's assistance was pleasant and the two grew very friendly with one another. The same couldn't be said about Raphael. He kept to himself save for Yaretzi. The only sign of an ounce of tenderness anyone ever saw from the man was towards Yaretzi and, with time, Ariel. Ariel eventually warmed up to Raphael when the man started to relax and was more sociable with him and by Christmas, Ariel was able to see in Raphael what he suspected Yaretzi did.

"So you were a count when you were human?" Ariel asked on a day when Raphael was finally in a more approachable mood.

"Count Raphael Francesco Escada," Raphael said. "We were a very wealthy family in Portugal; cousins to the royal family. We had homes in Paris and Madrid, but my favorite home was in Vila Real. It's a town in the middle of nowhere, but that's how I liked it. No one around to bother me. Most often, that's where I spent my time until I'd have to return to Porto or Lisbon."

"How did you become a vampire?"

"I was on my way home from Madrid when my carriage was attacked. The woman I'd been engaged to at the time was in the carriage too and she'd also been changed. Esparenza was her name. She'd not been my first choice for a wife, but at the time she was adequate."

"Who was your first choice?"

"A young French woman named Danielle. Her father was a Duke in France, but she chose to marry a Baronet in London. Were it not for the fact that this Baronet were so wealthy, I'd be offended. My second choice had been an Italian woman named Margarita, but she chose to take the clothe rather than marry."

"I'm shocked the other one didn't choose to be a nun rather than marry you," Jacob blurted out. To avoid an argument, Ariel interrupted.

"So Esparenza was your third choice?"

"My fourth choice," Raphael finally said. "My 3rd choice was an English woman who'd family lived predominantly in France."

"Why didn't you marry her?"

"She was of unsatisfactory financial standing," Raphael said bluntly. "Esparenza had a suitable dowry, she was reasonably attractive and save for her tendency towards speaking out of she was of proper wife material. In truth, I'd only agreed to marry at all because my father had demanded it otherwise he'd see that our fortune went to the church upon his death."

"He threatened to cut you off?" Jacob asked condescendingly and with a chuckle.

"I suppose such lofty terms are beyond the comprehension of a creature such as yourself." Jacob stopped laughing instantly and was ready to argue further.

"How did you and grandma meet?" Ariel hurried to stop the two from arguing.

"We met in a sugarcane field," Raphael said. He seemed to finally calm a little and even appear happy. "Your poor grandmother was rather alarmed when I'd approached her, though to be fair I'd intended to attack her. However, I realized she was not human and she peaked my interests. We encountered each other a handful of times afterwards and your grandmother proved to be unique among her kind."

"Her kind?" Ariel asked.

"He's implying your grandmother's a savage," Jacob said bitterly. "As I recall, it was your people that invited yourselves to our land and murdered us in the millions."

"To the strong go the spoils, to the weak goes the sword," Raphael said. Jacob and Raphael glared at one another until Edward and Jasper finally stepped in to calm the ever worsening storm between the two grandfathers. Later in the evening, Jacob insisted on taking Ariel back to his and Renesmee's house so the boy could spend the night with them. When they returned, Jacob brought Ariel to Kyle's room and got him tucked in.

"Are you okay, grandpa?" Ariel asked Jacob.

"I'm alright," Jacob said. "Raphael's an asshole, but that's hardly your fault."

"He's not so bad when you get to know him," Ariel defended.

"As long as he's decent with you," Jacob grumbled. "Don't let him convince you your indigenous roots are something to be ashamed of. Your grandma's daughter to a powerful South American empire and your father is son to a proud people with the gift to become wolves. That's a far more worthwhile lineage than a stuffy Count with more money than heart."

"I know," Ariel said and patted Jacob's arm. "I'm very proud. Mommy's made sure of that."

Jacob finally smiled and patted Ariel's head. "I'm glad to hear it. Now get to sleep. You've had a long day."

Ariel snuggled under the covers and fell asleep after Jacob turned off the lights and left the room. As Christmas approached, Kyle and Evalina spent as much time together as they could afford. Every Sunday was a certainty but the week days would always be a hit or miss. The only exception to Sunday would be Christmas. He was getting Christmas off which was on a Saturday, so he would need to work on Sunday. That was fine with Evalina. Finally, it was Christmas Eve and Kyle had gotten off for the day. He grabbed his Christmas present for Evalina from the locked nightstand and started the walk up to the house, hoping to surprise Evalina. When he reached the house, he took a deep breath before knocking on the wooden door. He waited a minute before Evalina opened the door. She was clearly underdressed in a plain white dress that smelled heavily of flour. Her hair was in a messy bun, she wore no lipstick so her lips were their natural pink, her hands were covered in flour and there was a smudge of flour on her cheek. It was the most beautiful Kyle had ever seen her look.

"Kyle? What are you doing here so early? I thought you were coming tomorrow morning."

"I got off work early and I wanted to come by," Kyle said and gently rubbed away the smudge of flour from Evalina's cheek.

"Oh, God, I'm a mess," Evalina stammered and looked down. "I was making pasta."

"You look beautiful," Kyle said with a gentle smile. "I'm sorry to drop in unannounced. I can leave if you prefer."

"No, no, don't be ridiculous," Evalina said and stepped aside. "Please, come in."

"Thank you," Kyle said and stepped inside. Unfortunately, Evalina's roses had long since started dying, but she had dried them to preserve them and they remained in a dry vase on display near the entrance. He could see a big dough ball on the counter that she'd been working on. "What are you making?"

"Right now just pasta," Evalina said. "I haven't decided what exactly I want to do with it. I found a recipe for ravioli that I thought sounded like something you'd like. You like mushrooms correct?"

"Love mushrooms," Kyle said.

"Okay, good," Evalina said. "Then I'll make you mushroom ravioli. I'm making a marinara sauce too."

"Do you want me to help?"

"Not at all. You just relax," Evalina said and returned to the kitchen, washed her hands, got more flour on her hands and returned to kneading the dough.

"It looks good already," Kyle said after reaching the kitchen counter and watching Evalina work. "Is this granite?" he asked about the countertop.

"I believe so," Evalina said. "Aro's nothing if not a masterful decorator with high class taste."

"Clearly," Kyle said. "So have you ever made pasta before?"

"This is my first time," Evalina said. "I followed the recipe exactly, so I hope it turns out well. I found a recipe for coffee cookies too, so I'll make those tonight. I'm afraid I'm terribly boring at the moment."

"Not at all," Kyle reassured. In truth, there was something beautiful to him watching her cook. It was as though he could see into their future watching her cook. "I'll gladly taste everything."

"I knew I could rely on you for that," Evalina smiled and looked up at the clock. "Oh, those tomatoes should be done roasting." Evalina ran to the oven and opened the door releasing a strong smell of roasted garlic, onions and tomatoes with olive oil. She placed the pan on some clothe and closed the oven door before grabbing a food mill. She placed it over a big pot on the stove and poured in the tomatoes, small portion of onion and garlic

"That already smells delicious," Kyle said after taking in a deep breath.

"Thank you," Evalina said and began to turn the food mill to puree the veggies. "I hope this tastes good."

"I know it will," Kyle encouraged.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't even think to offer you anything," Evalina said suddenly and went to the pantry. "Do you want some coffee? I have some pears you can have. I have some fresh black olives too."

"I'll take some coffee and pears," Kyle said. Evalina retrieved a coffee grinder and some coffee beans to ground. "I'll do that," Kyle said, walking around the kitchen to take the coffee grinder. Before Evalina could protest, Kyle gave her a quick kiss and took the coffee beans. "You're already working hard enough. I'll make myself some coffee."

"Alright," Evalina relented and went back to the food mill and turned it the puree the ingredients for the tomato sauce while Kyle ground the coffee beans and fooled around with the espresso press until he eventually figured out how to use it. "Don't worry. I didn't know how to use that thing either," Evalina smiled and Kyle chuckled.

"Buying it at the café is certainly easier," Kyle joked. Finally, he finished making his coffee and poured it into a cup and enjoyed it with a pear. He glanced in the pantry and saw some round brown things. "What are those?"

"Oh, I forgot I bought those," Evalina admitted, slightly embarrassed. "They're dates."

"Are they good?" Kyle asked.

"I don't know," Evalina giggled. "I know they're extremely sweet."

"Hmm," Kyle mumbled and pulled one from its container. When he bit into it, he encountered a big pit and pulled the fruit away with his teeth. It was chewy. Really chewy. There was a strong sugary taste as though it were candy. "I admit I preferred figs, but these are good too," he finally said.

"Figs are a big favorite, but those aren't in season right now. I thought about getting pomegranates but I figured between the pears and the dates, that would be plenty of fruit."

"I'll make sure to eat it all," Kyle promised and took one more date before putting them back in the pantry. "I admit this isn't quite what I'm used to with regards to dinner but I'm told Italians don't really eat big for dinner."

"Not at all," Evalina agreed. "Businesses close at lunch so they can go home for a big family lunch. Dinner tends to be fruit and cheese. At least from what I've seen of people. The coven doesn't really even do that."

"I don't imagine so since none of you eat," Kyle agreed. Evalina finished milling the tomatoes and tapped the mill on the pot before putting it in the sink. Evalina covered the pot and pushed it to the back for later and grabbed a clean towel, wrapping the pasta dough to rest and started cleaning the counter. This time, Kyle helped her and cleaned up the counter and the pan and food mill.

"Thank you," Evalina smiled.

"No need to thank me," Kyle said. "You did the cooking, so I can do the dishes for you." Evalina blushed a little and scratched her head.

"I don't suppose you'd mind if I went upstairs and cleaned up? I know you said I look beautiful, but I really do look a mess."

"Sure," Kyle said, "but don't put on any lipstick. I like it when you don't wear it."

"Really?" Kyle nodded. "Okay," she said, "I'll leave that off."

Evalina stepped away and went up the stairs to get herself cleaned up. While she was away, Kyle made another cup of coffee and enjoyed one more pear. When she stepped downstairs at last, she took his breath away yet again. She wore a silk nightgown with lace around the neck and long, poufy silk sleeves that delicately cuffed at her wrists and synched in at her waist before flowing freely as she moved. Her hair was out of the messy bun and she'd taken a moment to straighten out her curls. She looked like a woman stepping out of the movies in full color.

"I hope you don't mind if I'm a little underdressed," Evalina said and Kyle nearly laughed out loud.

"This is what you consider underdressed?" Kyle teased and Evalina smiled.

"I am in just a nightgown," she said with a blush filling her cheeks. Kyle smiled at her and took a hold of her hand so he could guide her over to him and wrap his free arm around her. The silk of her gown allowed his hand to slide over her back with ease but her skin felt firm under his touch.

"So do you really wear this to bed every night?" Kyle asked.

"No," Evalina admitted and Kyle chuckled. He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers and looked into her brown eyes.

"Red is a stunning color on you," Kyle finally said. "It compliments your hair and eyes."

"Red's my favorite color," Evalina said. "We used to have banners that hanged from the castle that were a bright red, but we were forced to take them down because red was the color of the socialists. That was the only thing Aro couldn't seem to buy us out of: being forced to not hang our red banners. There's a holiday we have in the Tuscany region called the Feast of St. Mark. It's the 25th of April. In Volterra, the townspeople hold a huge feast in the town square as a statue of St. Mark is taken around town and everyone wears red cloaks. But after the rising fear and violence towards the socialists, the color was virtually banned. We still hold the Feast of St. Mark, but we can't wear red, we can't fly red banners. The priests can wear red and gold robes, but they're the only exception. The Catholic church are the only ones that can get away with it."

"So if you were to step out in this, you'd be labeled a communist?"

"Before the Americans invaded," Evalina said. "Here in Naples, I haven't suffered any trouble, although I'd still not be able to wear this much red when I return home."

"That's a shame," Kyle said. "Red really is a stunning color on you." Evalina averted her eyes a moment and took her hand from his so should could rest it on Kyle's shoulder while is hand trailed down to meet the other on her waist. She touched Kyle's uniform and admired it. It was a deep navy color and very well tailored with a white shirt and black tie underneath with black trousers. It wasn't a uniform for combat. Certainly not. It was far too nice. It was a dressier uniform. It was the one he usually wore when he was with her. The caressed a lapel of his coat feeling the fabric between her fingers. "It's not silk, but it's my nicer uniform," Kyle said, taking Evalina out of her trance to look up at him.

"It's just a nice color," she said. "When the fascists were on the rise, they always wore black. It's the color of the party you see. It portrayed the violent vision they have and the unyielding determination. They weren't afraid to cause violence or even murder those in opposition. It was frightening, even from our little bubble in Volterra where we usually paid off whoever we needed to in order to stay out of it."

"It sounds exhausting," Kyle said. "But then, the United States went out of its way to stay out of the war, so we're no one to talk." Evalina finally looked back up at Kyle.

"I admit I'm tempted to remain here," Evalina said. "At least until you have to move again."

"Do you suppose you could?"

"I'd never get away with it," Evalina said. "Not without Aro demanding to read my mind and know why. I have to return after the New Year like I promised or he'll grow suspicious."

"At least we can write each other," Kyle said. Then he became a little sad as he looked at her. "Will I be able to see you again? After you returned to Volterra I mean?"

"Do you want to see me again?" Evalina asked attempting to be seductive but it came out more so as a plea or hope.

"Very much so," Kyle said.

"Then you will," Evalina said. She brought her right hand up to place it on his cheek and lifted her head enough so their noses nearly touched. "I'll make sure of it."

It was a moment of passion; a spark between them. The lids of her eyes grew heavy as they went down as did Kyle's. Just before their lips met in a tender kiss. Without the paint of her lipstick, Evalina's lips were warm and soft with a sinful taste that matched the clean smell of her skin. She still smelled slightly of her cooking. Tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano and basil filled his nose and made him want to drool while he kissed her. Evalina wrapped her arms around Kyle's neck and he tightened his own hold on her so their bodies would be pressed tightly together.

Kyle deepened the kiss by pressing his tongue against her lips hoping for entry. Her lips parted and so Kyle's tongue delved into her mouth tasting her, running his tongue over her teeth, meeting her tongue and groaning when she sucked on his tongue. Kyle, being careful of her bare toes, gently lifted Evalina so her feet dangled just above the floor and walked towards the wall and pressed her against the firm stone of the wall. Evalina trailed her fingers up into Kyle's short hair causing him to tremble under her touch. Evalina was able to place the tips of her toes on the floor, but Kyle still held her up so she was above the floor. Evalina brought her toes to the top of his shoes and rested them there as they kissed and Kyle began to sway back and forth after stepping just a little from the wall. Kyle pulled his lips away and rested his forehead against hers again, smiling at her and continuing to sway from foot to foot.

"How do you say Merry Christmas in Italian?" Kyle asked.

"Buon Natale," Evalina answered.

"Buon Natale," Kyle repeated and kissed her again. "I'm wondering if I should give you your present now or wait until tomorrow morning."

"You brought me a present?" Evalina asked, surprised.

"Just a little something that made me think of you," Kyle said.

"Oh," Evalina said. "Well, now I feel bad." Evalina stepped away and out of Kyle's arms, worrying him as she walked away. "If I had known we were exchanging gifts," she said as she ran at top speed upstairs and then returned downstairs with a small present in her hands, "I would have gotten you something and wrapped it for you." She smiled as she came to him and handed him something hard wrapped in brown paper with a white ribbon.

"You got me a present?" Kyle asked. When Evalina nodded, Kyle stepped away to retrieve her gift and handed it to her. "I suppose we can be impatient and open them now." Evalina shook her head.

"We'll wait until tomorrow morning," Evalina said. "It'll be the best Christmas morning I've had in a long time."

Kyle grinned, "That was the general idea." He won a giggle from Evalina and the two went to the drawing room of the house and place the gifts atop a coffee table near a small loveseat. Kyle saw there was a piano and looked at Evalina with a smile. "I admit I'm not the gifted pianist my brother is, but I'm well versed with Christmas music."

"I would love that," Evalina said and walked over to the piano and sat on the chair beside Kyle.

"I'll start with a personal favorite of mine," Kyle said and started playing We Three Kings. Evalina leaned against Kyle's shoulder as he played, enjoying the music and it's mellow sound. When that was over, he moved on to O' Come All Yee Faithful. This song Evalina hummed along with. "You like this song?" Kyle asked when she started humming.

"It's my daddy's favorite," Evalina said. "I have fond memories of him playing this on the violin next to the fireplace while we opened our presents." She sighed reminiscently. "I miss those days."

"My grandpa Edward always played the piano when we were opening our presents," Kyle said. "My Grandma Bella would play the violin. My favorite, though, was at New Year's when she would play Auld Lang Syne."

"I love that song," Evalina smiled. "Daddy would play that too and we'd all sing it. In the original Scots no less."

"Oh really?" Kyle chuckled. "I can't say as I know the original Scots version. I only know the version my Grandma Bella's father taught her when she was a girl. Your Grandpa Afton was a highlander was he not?"

"Yes, so his native tongue is Scottish Gaelic," Evalina said. "But he'd learned Scots after he became a vampire."

"Do you know when he was changed?"

"I don't know the exact date," Evalina said. "He was it was after William Wallace challenged the King of England, but he didn't know the exact date."

"You said he's mated with a woman named Chelsea right? But she's Roman right?"

"She is," Evalina nodded. "Grandpa was married when he was human. His wife was pregnant with their first child when the Volturi attacked the clan. They were a lot more brazen back then and they weren't quite so strict. It was a different time when an entire clan could meet their death and no one would think strangely of it. Chelsea killed Grandpa's wife and unborn child and had attacked him, but he changed instead of dying. He'd given his wife and unborn child a proper Catholic burial and agreed to join the Volturi. He tells us he had not loved Grandma Chelsea at first because of what she'd done. She loved him, though."

"He fell in love with her eventually though?"

"It was a long time," Evalina said. "Grandpa said that Grandma Chelsea barely spoke to him, but he would always catch a lingering gaze from her. He said he hated her at first but as time passed and he'd mourned, he started to forgive her little by little. She eventually admitted that she'd loved him for a long time, but it still was a long time after that before grandpa reciprocated her feelings. They did eventually, though."

"Even if it might not have been under ideal circumstances, was he happy when your mother was born?"

"He was," Evalina said. "Grandma Chelsea wasn't happy about it at first, but when she saw how happy it made grandpa, she warmed up to my mother. Grandpa said it was like he'd been given a second chance at the family that had been denied him when he was human. By that logic, Chelsea couldn't do anything but love my mother. Things worked out in the end."

"That's good to know," Kyle said. "What about your Grandpa Dimitri?"

"He doesn't remember much from his human life, but he doesn't think he was ever married or had children. He doesn't remember any. He was happy when my father was born, though. My daddy was actually the one that gave my grandpa the courage to start a relationship with Heidi. I'm told the two had liked one another for a long time but never did anything about it until daddy encouraged Grandpa to just go for it. Grandpa Dimitri and Grandma Heidi have been together ever since."

"That's sweet," Kyle said with a smile. "I never pictured the Volturi as being very open to such family orientation."

"Caius is the one that's rather open about his disdain for it," Evalina admitted. "Aro makes him hold his tongue, but he thinks it's a waste."

"Well, fuck him then," Kyle attempted to joke and earned a light giggle from Evalina.

"Exactly," she said. Kyle moved on to Hark! The Herald Angels Sing while Evalina closed her eyes as she listened to him play. "I think you were lying when you said you aren't as good at playing the piano as your brother."

"Like I said," Kyle said, "I'm good at Christmas music. I've got this stuff committed to muscle memory. We both do. I can't play a Waltz to save my life. Kevin loves Shostakovich's 2nd Waltz. I swear he could play that in his sleep."

"I'm fond of waltzes," Evalina agreed. "I do wish I could play an instrument."

"Seeing as you're teaching me Italian, why don't I teach you to play the piano?" Kyle suggested.

"Perhaps next we meet," Evalina said and the implication touched him. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"I can't wait," Kyle said. He saw her smile and it warmed his heart. "Maybe I could teach you at least one song today. It'll be an easy song, I promise."

"What song?"

"It's a song called Jingle Bells," Kyle said. "You can play it with one hand rather easily."

"Finish this song first," Evalina said. A moment passed in which Kyle finished the song he was playing and once it was done, Kyle brought his right hand to the proper portion of the piano.

"This is how it sounds," he said before playing the song with one hand, starting with three keys in ascending sound and then to another lower key to finish the verse. He didn't play the whole song. He kept it simple, ensuring he stuck with the seven keys to play the chorus.

"Well, that's simple enough," Evalina said and brought her hand to the keys and repeated what he'd done with ease. Since she'd done so well with it, Kyle moved on and showed her the other portion of the song which was also very simple. She learned the song in minutes.

"You did great," Kyle said.

"It was a simple song," Evalina said with a blush. She looked up at Kyle again and smiled at him. He smiled right back.

"I'll make sure the next song I teach you is much harder," he joked.

She giggled and leaned against him and placed her hand on his knee. He wasn't sure if she'd meant it in a sexual manner. More likely it was a kind gesture. Regardless, the simple touch to his knee sent a shock through his system and he bit his lip a little. His tie suddenly felt too tight and he reached up to loosen the tie a little.

"Are you alright?" Evalina asked.

"Yeah, it's just a little warm in here," Kyle said quick to find an excuse. He glanced down and suddenly appeared surprised.

"Oh, goodness, you're still wearing your coat," she said and stood from the piano chair. "I'm so sorry, I've had no manners this evening. Can I take your coat and hang it for you?"

"Yes, thank you," Kyle said as he removed his jacket. She took his coat and went to the front of the house and hanged it on a coat hanger at the entrance. Since his coat was off, he undid his tie and removed that too and undid the first two buttons of his white dress shirt. It was his turn to feel underdressed. He was actually underdressed while Evalina looked like a Hollywood starlet. She returned to see him undoing the top two buttons of his shirt.

"I'm so sorry, I don't know what's the matter with me," Evalina said.

"You were in the middle of something," Kyle defended. "I hardly remembered either," he continued with a kind smile trying to reassure her.

"Is it too warm in here? I can open the windows if you like," she offered.

"That would be lovely, thank you," Kyle answered and she walked away to the windows and opened the glass so the cool night air could come in, the sound of the sea waves entering the room in a relaxing ambiance.

The grandfather clock in the drawing room resounded, announcing the time 9 in the evening. Evalina jumped slightly when the clock began to ring, startling her, but she recovered rather quickly. Kyle walked over to her in an act of boldness and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back against his chest and bringing his face down to her neck where he was met by the red lace of her nightgown. He pressed his lips to her neck with the lace obstructing him but he still felt the warmth of her skin through the lace. He felt her shiver and she placed her hands over Kyle's where they rested on her belly. Her head tilted to one side to give him greater access to her neck. He placed a few more kisses on her neck and breathed her in, getting to smell her hair as well. She laced her fingers through his and pulled his arms around her just a little tighter and she sighed longingly. Feeling emboldened by her contented sigh, Kyle kissed her ear and her cheek. A silence passed between them in which Kyle wasn't sure what to say. When he was silent for that prolonged period, Evalina turned in his arms so she was looking up at him and placed her hands on his chest.

"Are you tired?" she asked.

Kyle nodded, "It has been a long day. I don't suppose you have a spare room you don't mind if I use do you?"

Evalina only nodded and stepped away enough to take Kyle's hand and led him with her through the house towards the stairs of the house. There were several rooms upstairs all fully furnished despite likely having no one to use them prior to the half breeds coming into the coven. She led Kyle to one room in particular that had pictures of herself with two other men and woman. He recognized one man as clearly being Alphonse as the two appeared near identical to one another. He assumed the other two were her parents. He saw another, larger, picture of the same people with two additional couples that he assumed to be Dimitri, Heidi, Afton and Chelsea. They looked to be a happy family, smiling the same as the pictures of him and his family. There was makeup on the vanity dresser with those same pictures as well as a thick book with Russian script.

"Have you gotten much father since last we spoke?" Kyle asked, referring to the book.

"Not as much as I'd like," Evalina said when she realized he was looking at her book. "I've nearly finished with Book 1."

"How many books are there again?"

"Eight," Evalina said. "It was published much the same way as Dickens' novels were back in the day. My grandpa has his original clippings of it that he sewed into a full book. Has the advertisements for other books and everything."

"It's certainly longer than I remember," Kyle chuckled. "So Vronsky is still trying to win Anna's affections by that point, right?"

"He's followed her to St. Petersburg from Moscow and he's hoping to meet her at some social functions. Right now he's infatuated with her and is eager to pursue her."

"She's married isn't she?"

"Yes, to Karenin," Evalina nodded. "Levin is in love with Kitty, but she rebuked his proposal because she wanted to be with Vronsky, but he's effectively rejected her for Anna and now her health is in poor constitution."

"Which one's Kitty?"

"The Princess Shcherbatskya's daughter," Evalina said.

"And who is that again?" Kyle asked and made Evalina giggle.

"It'll make more sense when you read it," Evalina said. "Honestly, I've read that book so many times. Do not laugh, but even after reading it so many times, it never fails to make me cry."

"A happy ending?" Kyle asked and suddenly, Evalina was tight lipped and held up chin up with a smile. "I'll just have to read it and see?"

"You'll just have to read it and see," Evalina agreed.

Kyle smiled back at her until her smile softened, appearing slightly nervous. She looked away and reached her hands up behind her towards the top of the neck of her gown and seemed to be undoing the buttons. Kyle couldn't resist watching her as she undid the buttons and notice the reddening of her cheeks. The lace at her neck loosened with each undone button. It teased Kyle's senses and was intensely erotic. She stopped that a moment to unbutton the cuffs of her sleeves at the wrist before returning to the buttons against the back of her neck. She looked up at him and the sudden eye contact surprised him.

"I'm sorry," Kyle said. "I should probably give you some privacy."

"No," Evalina said as she shook her head and approached him. She placed her hands on his chest, touching the fabric of his dress shirt and played with the lapel. "If I didn't want you with me I would have already shown you to another room."

She looked up at Kyle with a tender and loving gaze. Her eyes glowed in the moonlight. The tiniest hint of green showing through her deep brown eyes made more prominent thanks to the compliment of her red nightgown. A gown that was now loose from unbuttoning the lace of the neck. Kyle brought his hands to Evalina's hips, touching the silk of her gown and squeezing her hips beneath it. She was so warm, even to him and she still smelled of basil, garlic and tomatoes. Evalina brought her hands up to Kyle's cheeks before going up to her toes so she could reach him for a kiss. In essence, they picked up where they'd left off earlier that evening. He took her firmly against him, wrapping his arms around her tightly as he deepened the kiss.

He reached up to the buttons at the back and found a small handful that were still secured. In an act of boldness, he undid the remaining buttons and began to gently pull the silk apart towards her shoulders. He pulled away from her enough so he could continue to pull down her gown. She assisted and slipped her hands from the sleeves so the gown would fall away. The gown fell to the ground in a heap of silk leaving Evalina naked before him. It was the third time that night she'd taken his breath away. Her skin appeared slightly paler in the moonlight that peaked in through the window. She brought her hands back to his chest while Kyle's hands returned to her hips. She began unbuttoning his dress shirt from the top while Kyle brought his hands away to unbutton his shirt from the bottom up. Once undone, Kyle pulled away the shirt while Evalina tugged at the wife beater he wore beneath it, pulling it up and away from his belt. She kept lifting it, Kyle lifting his arms for her, until she pulled the white undershirt over his head so his chest was bare.

Once free of his shirts, Kyle wrapped his arms around Evalina again and pulled her close. She trembled under his touch as his hands traveled all over her body, enjoying the softness of her skin. Kyle leaned his head down to take her lips in his again as Evalina wrapped her arms around his neck. Evalina sighed into Kyle's mouth as their tongues met again and she laced her fingers through his short hair. Kyle lifted her up enough so her toes dangled above the floor and took her to the edge of her bed. She leaned back on her bed, pulling Kyle down with her so he was on top, raising her knees up to cradle his hips. Kyle crawled further onto the bed, repositioning so they were vertical rather than horizontal when he'd reached to other side of the twin sized bed.

The two of them simply laid in the bed together just kissing for a prolonged period. Kyle was enjoying the taste of her naked lips while her fingers trailed all over his back, neck and scalp. Eventually he did pull his lips away from hers so he could start kissing along her jaw down to her neck where he suckled at her skin until a red spot was left in his wake. That is healed almost immediately was of little consequence and, if anything, spurred Kyle on to repeat the action all over her neck, shoulders and chest while Evalina's head fell back with sighs and moans of appreciation as well as light giggles when he came to a spot where she was ticklish. He was so tempted to open his mind to her, listen to her. Hear what she wanted most from him. Maybe even find out her feelings for him. But he resisted. If she wanted him to do something, he wanted to hear her ask. If she longed to be touched or loved any particular place, he wanted her to tell him. If she loved him…..if she loved him, he wanted to hear it from her own lips. Perhaps it was silly of him to think Evalina returned his feelings of love so soon after meeting one another, but he would dare to dream. He made his way down to her breasts, full and rotund that filled her delicate figure in a mouthwatering fashion. He started by kissing her breast, avoiding her nipple at first waiting for her moan. When it came he felt himself go all the more rigid and desperate.

"Does that feel good?" Kyle asked. All he got was a nod from her. "I won't read your mind, Evie. I want you to tell me."

"Evie?" Evalina asked and Kyle realized he'd said the nickname out loud without thinking.

"I'm sorry," Kyle hurried, "I'd thought the name suited you, but I won't call you that if you don't want me to. I should have asked first." Evalina shook her head and sat up, taking Kyle's face in her hands and making him look up at her.

"No, I like it," Evalina smiled. "I've never had a nickname before. I think Evie's pretty."

"You do?" Evalina nodded at him and made him smile. Kyle leaned up to kiss her lips briefly before pulling away enough to look into her eyes. "As I was saying, Evie, I want to hear your answer." She smiled at him and kissed him again.

"Yes, that feels nice what you were doing," she answered.

"I'll make it feel better," Kyle said before leaning his head back down to her chest to return his attention to her breasts.

She sighed longingly as Kyle kissed around her breasts as he had before and she leaned back again onto the bed so Kyle could come back on top of her as he'd been before. Though once she was down and relaxed, he took her right nipple into his mouth and earned another moan from her. She was so warm and her skin tasted so sweet. He tenderly licked and sucked at her nipple, biting gently from time to time to make her whimper from his tasting. He shifted to her left breasts and did the same thing to her left as he'd done to her right, savoring each moan, whimper and content sigh. Once he'd finished with her left breast, Kyle began to kiss his way down her midriff, earning more giggles along the way when he kissed a sensitive spot. For greater comfort, while he kissed her hip, Kyle slipped off the bed and pulled Evalina closer to him so her hips were rested on just the edge of the bed. He kissed his way to both her hips, bringing his right hand up to the folds of her entrance. He pressed two fingers against the slick skin teasing her vaginal entrance as he kissed her. Though he was loath to interrupt the moment, it dawned on him to ask.

"Evie," Kyle said. "When was your last period?"

"What?" she asked, a little surprised by the question.

"When was your last period?" Kyle repeated. "It'll tell me what precautions to take."

"Oh," Evalina said. "I actually just had it a few days ago. It's stopped by now."

"Okay," Kyle answered and kissed the slight elevation on her hip from the bone. "We'll be alright then."

Kyle continued to press his fingers against her, rubbing against her clitoris as well. She moaned at the sudden jolt the touch made her feel. He kissed along her hip and inner thigh while he touched her, making her moan and tremble. When he'd reached the inner apex of her thigh, Kyle slipped the two fingers he'd been pressing against her inside, feeling the wet heat of her inner walls. She moaned when he slipped his fingers inside her. She cried when he brought his mouth to her clitoris, pleasuring her with a firm swirl of his tongue. She shivered with delight as he pleasured her, bringing her hands to her breasts desperate to hold something while wanting further pleasure.

"Does that feel good, Evie?" Kyle asked before pressing his tongue to her again and making her moan.

"Yes," she nearly whispered and then moaned again when Kyle gently used his teeth against her sensitive nerves. "Kyle," she whimpered his name when he nipped her hard enough to pleasure her but not hard enough for it to hurt.

He curled his fingers inside her to give her more pleasure and reveled in the sound of her appreciation. He kept that up until he felt her come closer and closer to achieving orgasm. His tongue became just a little more aggressive, his fingers more active, as he brought her higher and higher. Soon, she nearly cried when she felt herself implode and Kyle savored the feel of her inner walls crushing down on his fingers and her core becoming impossibly wetter. He kept his fingers moving inside her and his tongue on her clitoris until he felt the last shiver of her body from her release. He pulled his fingers from her and stood only so he could unbuckle his belt and remove his trousers and underwear. Her eyes were still closed when he approached her as though she were in a daze. She sighed when he was on top of her and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kyle kissed her shoulder and chest up her neck to her ear and finally from her cheek to her lips. He positioned his erection to her entrance preparing to slip in when Evalina pulled her lips away to look into Kyle's eyes.

"Is everything alright?" Kyle asked.

Evalina nodded, "Yes, everything's fine. It's just…..I've never done this before. So…..."

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked but was met with an adamant shake of her head.

"No," Evalina answered. "I only meant that…I'm nervous," she finally admitted. "I wanted to ask you to be gentle." Kyle almost chuckled but instead smiled lovingly at her. He pressed his lips to hers in another kiss before resting his forehead against hers looking at her with reassuring eyes.

"Don't worry, Evie. I won't hurt you," Kyle reassured.

He pressed his lips to hers again and lifted her legs up so they cradled his hips again. He supported his weight on his elbows on either side of her with the tip of his erection already at her entrance. Once he was in full control, he very gently slipped inside her. He moved in slowly, making her sigh into their kiss and hold him tighter. When Kyle felt her envelop him like a warm glove, it took all his will power to remain slow. Eventually, he was hilted inside her having caused her only pleasure; not a single sting or allusion of pain. Regardless, Kyle remained still a moment once he was hilted, kissing her passionately and enjoying the feel of her around him.

"Did I hurt you?" Kyle finally asked.

"No," Evalina whimpered and kissed him again. "It felt good."

"I'll make it feel better," Kyle repeated the claim before he started to move inside her.

Their lips fused together once again in a fiery kiss while Kyle thrust against her like a man gone mad. He suspected he'd done just that. The euphoric feeling was unlike anything he'd felt first hand before. No one had ever felt this good, this right. All the while, Evalina moaned and held on tight enjoying the feel of Kyle inside her. Kyle eventually took his lips from hers only to guide her onto her hands and knees on the bed where he came up behind her and slipped back inside. The new position left Evalina feeling incoherent. She stayed on her hands and knees for just a few minutes while Kyle continued to thrust in and out of her in a strong, passionate manner before she went onto her elbows instead, planting the side of her face onto the sheets of the bed. That simple change made the angle of penetration all the more pleasurable. She clutched onto the fabric of the comforter moaning loudly but being muffled by the fabric. She felt so helpless to the passion and pleasure Kyle inflicted upon her. He began to bring her back to an ascending high, preparing for another orgasm. With the pleasure growing in intensity, she began to moan all the louder, the comforter the only source of modesty in attempts to keeping her voice down.

Kyle could feel Evalina coming closer and closer to her release. He wanted to see her face this time when he brought her to orgasm. He wanted to see her, knowing he was the one bringing her so much pleasure. So Kyle turned her around again so she was on her back, guiding her further onto the bed following after her until they were comfortable. He lifted her legs up so her calves rested on his shoulders before slipping inside her again. He leaned over on her to achieve the angle he could tell brought her the most pleasure and began to thrust harder than before. With each thrust, Kyle could feel her coming closer and closer. He could feel his own release creeping up on him as well. He held out, wanting the two of them to finish together. Soon he was moving faster and harder than before until he felt her finally crush his erection with her inner walls. He kept moving, prolonging her release, until he finally reached his own, clutching the bed sheets on either side of her as he came. Her hands grabbed at his arms while Kyle shivered from the intense waves, slowing down just a little with his thrusts and enjoying the feel of her. When the last of it had passed, Kyle gently nudged Evalina's legs off his shoulders so they would fall to the bed and so he could hold her close. He planted his head against her chest while she wrapped her arms around his head. Kyle could have fallen asleep right then, but he didn't want to fall asleep just yet. She wasn't falling asleep either. Rather, she was holding him, rubbing her nose against his head in an affectionate manner.

"Is it always this good?" Evalina asked.

"Is what?"

"Sex," Evalina said. "Had I known, I'd have done this years ago."

Kyle chuckled a little, "I guess is depends."

"On what?"

"A lot of things," Kyle shrugged.

"Was your first time like this?" Evalina asked.

"I barely remember my first time," Kyle admitted. "She was a girl from my tribe and I remember we'd snuck up to my room one day when my mom wasn't paying attention. I think I was sixteen or something at the time."

"Since you don't remember it very well, I assume it wasn't so enjoyable?" Evalina giggled.

"Neither of us knew what we were doing," Kyle admitted. "It was better than my brother's first time at least."

"Dare I ask?"

"She was a prostitute in Chateau Thierry when he was at the front," Kyle said. "He gave her bread if I remember correctly and it lasted all of 10 minutes."

"Well that sounds boring."

"A waste of bread to be sure," Kyle chuckled.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"How many have you been with?" Evalina asked. "I don't mean to be rude or judgmental. I'm only curious."

"Um," Kyle said, thinking about it. Though it wasn't really necessary if he were honest with himself. "Four," he answered.

"So one every ten years?" Evalina teased and made Kyle chuckle.

"No," he said. "My first time was in my room with that girl from my tribe. It was only once. It had been really awkward. The other times were when I was at University. There had been a girl I'd really liked that worked at the library on campus. We'd talk a lot and before I know it, we're hidden away in the philosophy section having sex against the works of Socrates."

Evalina laughed, "Now that's exciting. What happened with her?"

"She was engaged," Kyle said.

"Oh."

"Yes, 'Oh' just about sums it up," Kyle said. "I didn't find out until a month later when I actually met her fiancé. I didn't say anything to him. I just told her later not to speak to me again and that was the end of that."

"Well, that was very classy of you not to tell her fiancé," Evalina said.

"'Classy'," Kyle repeated the word. "Thank you for putting such a positive spin on it."

"You said there were two others when you were at school?"

"Yes," Kyle said. "One was a woman undergoing nursing training and we had a one night stand at a Halloween party and the last was another nurse at the hospital I was training at before I graduated."

"So a girl from your tribe, a Librarian that was unfaithful, and two nurses?"

Kyle laughed a little. "When you put it like that, you make it sound like a checklist."

"That wasn't the intent, but I suppose it does," Evalina smiled. "Though let me state for the record I will never forget a single detail of my first time."

"If you were to, then I haven't done you justice," Kyle said with a smile. He lifted his head so he could plant a kiss on her lips which she returned. "Buon Natale," Kyle said when their lips parted.

"Buon Natale," Evalina returned and kissed him again.

Kyle rested his head on her shoulder holding her close while she did the same to him. Before he'd realized it, Kyle was sound asleep. When he woke the next morning, he was on his back with Evalina's head on his chest. He glanced at a clock on the wall and groaned just a little. It was too early to be awake. Evalina was still sound asleep so he gently slipped out from under her making sure not to wake her and got dressed, though only in his underwear and trousers, and put his dress shirt on a chair in the room before going downstairs to make coffee. Sadly, making coffee was a noisy endeavor and, as he feared, it woke Evalina. She stepped downstairs wearing the same red nightgown from the night before with disheveled hair.

"I'm sorry to wake you," Kyle said.

"It's alright," Evalina smiled. "It's Christmas morning. I need to wake up anyway. We have presents to open remember?"

"Ah yes," Kyle grinned. "Let me make some coffee and we'll do that." Evalina smiled back and approached him the last bit and stood beside him as he ground coffee.

"Do I get to keep you all day?"

"I'm all yours today," Kyle confirmed and kissed the top of her head. "I have to be on base New Year's Eve, but I can try to sneak away before it's midnight. Or I can get you a pass to come on base. I'll warn you, that last one I can't say I'm able to guarantee."

"I won't put you through the latter," Evalina said. "If you can sneak away to be with me before midnight that will make me happy."

"Are you returning to Volterra the next day?"

"I'd planned to," Evalina said. "But I can stay behind another day to ensure we see each other once more before I leave."

"I'll try to sneak away before midnight," Kyle promised. "I gave you the address to send letters to right?"

"You did," Evalina said. "I'll write you first thing when I return. Just promise to let me know when you're being relocated."

"I will," Kyle promised and kissed her head again.

She lifted hers so their lips could touch. Kyle stopped grinding the coffee beans and turned so he could take Evalina in his arms to kiss her tenderly. After a brief kiss, Evalina pulled away, kissed the tip of his nose and told him to return to making coffee while she brought the presents to the drawing room. Kyle finished making the coffee and poured himself and Evalina a cup before walking to the drawing room. The present she'd gotten him and his present to her were on a little coffee table before a loveseat and Evalina was sitting at the loveseat waiting patiently for him. He sat beside her and handed her a cup.

"I admit I can't stand coffee," Evalina said. "Far too bitter."

"I'm sorry," Kyle said.

"No need," Evalina said. "I drink coffee in the morning, but that's it. Alphonse and my mother enjoy coffee with a touch of sugar. Daddy and I don't even like it then."

"A daddy's girl through and through," Kyle teased and Evalina giggled before taking another sip of her coffee.

"It's weaker than I'm used to," Evalina said. "I quite like it."

"Do you mean that or are you just trying to flatter me?" Kyle asked.

"Both," Evalina smiled. Then she put down her cup and picked up the gift she'd wrapped and handed it to Kyle. "No more delay. Open your present."

"You seem more excited about what you got me than what I got you," Kyle chuckled.

"I'm plenty excited about your gift," Evalina said. "I just want to see what you think of yours. Go on. Open it." Not wanting to risk missing Evalina's reaction to her gift, Kyle went ahead and opened his gift first, tearing away the brown paper and untying the ribbon. Upon unwrapping the gift, he saw it was a book. Anna Karenina and it was a French adaptation. "You said you can read French and I realized we had a French copy here. So now you can start reading it right away."

Kyle smiled at her, "Thank you, Evie. I'll start reading it right away." He placed the book down and took Evalina's present in his hand before handing it to her. "Open mine now."

Evalina accepted the present with a bright smile and unwrapped the decorated paper and bow that the shop had used. After discarding the paper, Evalina opened the box and saw the rose broach. She looked surprised to see it and then was very happy.

"Kyle," Evalina said. "You bought this for me?"

"I could tell you liked it," Kyle said. Evalina took the broach out of the box and handed it to him.

"Will you put it on?" When Kyle took the piece, she pointed at the lace of her neck and asked him to pin it where her clavicle rested. Being careful not to poke her, Kyle pinned the rose broach to the gown. Once secured, Evalina stepped away and looked at herself in the decorative mirror in the drawing room and sighed appreciatively before going to Kyle, sitting on his lap and hugging him. "Thank you, Kyle. It's beautiful."

"A broach is only as beautiful as the woman who wears it," Kyle said. "In that case, it is very beautiful."

"You've been waiting to say that since you bought it haven't you?" Evalina teased.

"Perhaps a little," Kyle said. They shared a laugh and hugged each other on the loveseat a moment.

Eager for Kyle to start, she encouraged him to start reading while she got the tomato sauce simmering and the filling for the raviolis prepared. He sat in the kitchen at the dinner table while she worked. He offered to assist but she insisted he needed to focus on reading. The beginning he remembered rather well. A husband having an affair with his former governess, the wife understandably upset and refusing to forgive him, that husband speaking with young Levin about love and his affections for Kitty and so on. He managed to reach the portion of the book where the reader is introduced to Anna and she is introduced to Vronsky by the time Evalina had finished cooking and plated the ravioli and pasta sauce with a little parmesan cheese and a glass of wine she'd gotten.

"So how do you like it so far?" Evalina asked.

"Same as before thus far," Kyle said. "I've only reached the point where Anna and Vronsky first meet."

"It'll get better," Evalina promised. "Now this is the first time I've cooked in my whole life, so be honest. Don't spare my feelings." Kyle smiled but did not contradict her request. Rather, he cut off a piece of ravioli and took a bite. He noticed something odd right away. "Oh no. What's wrong?"

"It's…..sweet?"

"Sweet? But I added salt like the recipe said." She stepped away and went to the pantry. She found the tiny back of crystals she'd purchased and tasted them. "Oh no."

"What's the matter?"

"I bought sugar," Evalina said, her cheeks glowing red with embarrassment. "I meant to buy salt, but I bought sugar instead."

"Oh," Kyle muttered a little. She looked as though she might cry and he racked his brain trying to think how to salvage this. "Well…I like it. It's just sweet enough and the parmesan cheese gives it plenty of saltiness." Evalina turned to look at him and rubbed away a tear that threatened to fall.

"It's okay; I know it's not good. I didn't follow the recipe," she said.

"It's not your fault," Kyle said. "Whoever sold you everything should have been more careful and warned you that it was sugar and not salt."

She finally smiled just a little, "You're just trying to make me feel better."

"I promise, it really is good, Evie," Kyle said and kept eating the ravioli to prove it.

It was too sweet and he wanted to add more cheese to fix that, but he ate his plate with a smile on his face and it cheered Evalina up. There was some left over that she wrapped up for him to take back to the base. When she wasn't looking, he near drowned the ravioli in parmesan cheese in an effort to add some much needed salt. He stayed with her well into the evening, not wanting their first Christmas together to end. But eventually he did have to leave. When he did, they parted by sharing a passionate kiss at her door before he walked away. The following day, he had the remaining ravioli for lunch, adding more salt to it for good measure. Aside from the case of mistaken identities, the pasta was perfect and soft and the sauce was the perfect consistency. The days until New Year's Eve seemed to drag along. For the moment, things were largely slow and he was able to convince his commanding officer to allow him to leave early for New Year's Eve.

When that Friday finally came and Kyle was off his shift, he dressed up in his best uniform and made the uphill walk to the place where Evalina was staying. When he knocked, Evalina opened the door wearing a loose fitting sundress that was lilac with a floral pattern. While drinking coffee in the drawing room, Kyle told Evalina all about how much further he'd gotten in Anna Karenina, though granted it wasn't very far. She was already on book three while he was still on book one. When it began to near midnight, Evalina went to the ice box and took out a bottle of Prosecco she'd bought the day before hoping he'd be able to come on New Year's. She poured them both a glass and placed them on a flat part of the piano while Kyle played Auld Lang Syne, teaching Evalina how to play the song as well. He pushed the piano chair out enough so Evalina could sit on his lap while he taught her to play. Although they frequently found themselves being mildly distracted. When it was nearly midnight, Evalina took Kyle upstairs to one of the master bedrooms so they could stand on the balcony together looking out onto the sea together. They overheard people in town counting down until they shouted to welcome the New Year.

"Happy New Year," Kyle whispered to Evalina.

"Happy New Year," she said back and they drank their glasses of Prosecco. Afterwards, they looked out at sea again. Kyle brought his hand to Evalina's and laced his fingers through hers. She laid her head against his shoulder and sighed. Kyle looked down at her to see the look of bliss and contentment on her face.

"I love you, Evalina," Kyle said softly and Evalina lifted her head to look up at him. She didn't look shocked or upset. Instead, she smiled brighter.

"I love you too, Kyle," she responded and lifted her head to give him a kiss. Kyle turned to face her completely and took her into his arms, making the simple kiss passionate. When his hands began to travel, Evalina pulled away and giggled. "Not here," she said. Then she leaned up so she could whisper, "technically this is Aro's and Sulpicia's room."

"Oh," Kyle said while Evalina giggled again and led him through the house back to her room.

Kyle fell asleep in Evalina's arms after they'd made love and, though he was remise to, he enjoyed a cup of coffee with her in the morning before getting ready to leave. He tried to prolong it, but he knew he needed to get back to the base or risk getting himself in trouble. Evalina walked him to the door and they kissed there again. He didn't release her right away.

"You'll write me when you get back to Volterra?"

"Yes," Evalina said. "As soon as I'm back, I'll write. In the meantime, you get yourself further in Anna Karenina."

"I will," Kyle said and leaned down to kiss her again. "I love you."

"I love you too," she said and then added. "I'll miss you."

"When can I see you again?"

"As soon as I can get away again," Evalina promised. "As soon as I can get away," she repeated and kissed him again. "Will you miss me?"

"Every day," Kyle answered and kissed her.

They kissed for several more minutes before Kyle finally had to leave. He was about to walk away, but ran back to her before she'd closed the door to give her one last loving kiss. He professed his love one last time, gave her another kiss and then finally walked away. Once he was gone, Evalina closed the door, leaned against it and sighed. She hated having to leave Naples. She found herself dragging her feet and took numerous showers. It had initially been to ensure no one would smell Kyle on her even if she was sad to have to wash him away. But then it developed into an effort to waste time so she wouldn't have to leave. She finally had her things collected by nightfall and began to long run back to Volterra. She avoided battle lines as she had before, making note of any that might have changed, and made it back to Volterra just a few days later. As she promised, her first order of business when she returned was to locate a place so send and receive her letters.

She thought to go directly to the post office, but they were fascist run. If she tried to send Kyle letters through them, he'd never receive them or, worse, she'd get herself in trouble. She suddenly realized sending him letters would be far more difficult than she'd once thought. She would have to be crafty. Then she remembered something that Aro had learned from a sinning vampire many years ago in Romania. A crafty vampire that had fallen in love with a human, not unlike Edward Cullen. A vampire changed centuries before that had learned if a vampire changes an animal, that animal will follow the orders of the one that changed it. So she got to work finding an inconspicuous animal. A bird was the most logical. In all her years, she never realized the countryside had so many types of ducks. But eventually she found a Turtle Dove. A cute, gray bird with tinted brown wings and that was delicate and made a cute purring sound. So she caught the bird and bit it, but all that happened was the bird died from shock and the bite. She realized she had no venom to administer and cursed. As she looked at the dead bird feeling rather bad about the accidental death, a familiar smell filled her nose and she turned around to look at the source.

"Now what did that poor little bird ever do to you?" Alphonse asked with a laugh. She racked her brain for an excuse before answering.

"I…just decided I wanted a pet bird."

"You do realize you're supposed to take care of a pet, right?" Alphonse teased. "That typically requires you keep them alive."

"I was trying to change it but I remembered I don't have venom so it didn't work," Evalina explained.

"Change it? What for? I thought you wanted a pet."

"I do," Evalina said. "I just want one that's obedient."

"And you picked a bird because….."

"I just want a pet that can fly," Evalina said.

"For…"

"Because I want it," Evalina said.

"Well, I want a house all for my own in Rome but we can't always get everything we want."

"I'm not asking for a house in Rome now am I?" Evalina argued. "And seeing as you DO have venom, would you mind being a nice big brother for once and helping your baby sister have a pet bird?"

Alphonse laughed out loud, "For once? Evalina, I beg to differ."

"Alphonse," Evalina said sternly while Alphonse continued to chuckle.

"Fine, fine, I'll change a bird for you. I'll just order it to serve you."

Finally, Evalina smiled and went to Alphonse in a big hug, "Thank you Alphonse! You're the best big brother ever."

"Oh, I'm the best big brother now, am I?" Alphonse teased, hugging Evalina back. They found another Turtle Dove and made a point to be far gentler. Alphonse bit the bird's foot enough to break the skin and inject his venom. In no time, the little bird was wiggling around in pain making distorted noises of what it normally makes.

"You don't think it'll last too long do you? I feel bad for the poor thing," Evalina said.

"It's just a bird, so I doubt it'll take much longer than until the end of the day," Alphonse said. "So why the sudden desire for a bird of all things? Most women want kittens or puppies."

"I just want a bird," Evalina insisted and kneeled down to gently pet the poor bird. "I'm trying to think what to name him." She looked at the bird as it wiggled and squirmed in pain and then looked at the other birds. "Maybe Penna," Evalina suggested (Pen).

"Penna? Why Penna?"

"Okay fine, smart guy, what do you think his name should be?"

"Hey, if you want to name him Penna, it's your pet," Alphonse said and shrugged. No longer feeling very good about the name, Evalina sighed and looked at the bird again. He was already changing drastically. Then she got an idea and smiled.

"Karenin," Evalina said. "His name will be Karenin."

"Are you sure it's a boy?"

"His colors are more prominent," Evalina said. "With birds, the males are always prettier and more colorful."

"Alright, Karenin it is," Alphonse said. "He'll have to stay outside, though. Aro won't let you keep a bird in the castle even if it is a vampire." Evalina grumbled but said nothing. Karenin had gone rather still but he was still changing, so she started petting the little bird's wings. "So how was Naples? Now that it's been overrun with Americans."

"Lovely," Evalina said. "I dare say I quite like the Americans being there. Very pleasant."

Alphonse smiled and shrugged, "You didn't get into any trouble? No fighting in Naples? Nothing to worry about?"

"It was peaceful as a rose in May," Evalina said and sighed a little.

"What's that sigh about?" Alphonse asked suspiciously.

"Nothing except that I had a lovely time and enjoyed being away for a while. It was relaxing. I may have to do it again very soon."

"I'm sure it was," Alphonse said. "I think I'll join you next time." Evalina went stiff a moment but made a point not to let her expression change. "It's been so long since we've all traveled as a family. Maybe we can get away for Easter or something. Go to Naples where it's evidently so peaceful now."

"I….suppose that would be nice," Evalina said. "I admit I quite liked being by myself, though."

"Come now, Evalina," Alphonse said. "You're not the only one that's been cooped up in that castle for years. I'll be pleased when the war is over."

"Indeed," Evalina said. She initially agreed, but it occurred to her that when the war is over, that would mean Kyle returns to America and the thought made her said.

"What's the matter?" Alphonse asked suddenly.

"What?"

"You looked so sad," Alphonse said. "Don't tell me you want the war to go on forever or something."

"Of course not," Evalina said. "I…..I just want things to be better."

"I do too, Evalina," Alphonse said sympathetically. "At this point all we can do is wait and see."

"Do you ever regret not fighting?" Evalina asked. He contemplated his answer a moment.

"I regret being little more than a canary in a cage watching the world fly by without me," Alphonse answered. "I don't regret not fighting for Mussolini. I'm rather relieved Aro's kept us neutral in the whole thing."

"I suppose so," Evalina said. "It's certainly not for our sake."

"Regardless of his motives for doing so, we've been fortunate enough to stay out of the way of the fascists. Under the current circumstances, I'd say that's a positive."

Evalina looked at the bird again. His feathers already appeared brighter and more detailed. "Karenin is coming along well."

"He's a handsome little bird," Alphonse said.

The two looked out to the fields taking in the scenery. A few Italian soldiers drove by in an open car and were gone almost as soon as they came. Another hour later, Karenin was finally done changing; his little eyes now a vivid red and his feathers flawless. The bird looked at Evalina first and, thankfully, that seemed to be enough for the bird to instantly bond with her. Just in case, though, Alphonse specifically ordered the bird to serve Evalina. He already felt silly doing such a thing and when the bird seem to look at him with an uninterested stare, it just made him feel sillier.

"Alright, you've got your pet bird," Alphonse said. "Let's get back to the castle before Aro sends someone looking for us."

"Oh, Grandpa will tell him where we are," Evalina said dismissively. "I actually wanted to stop somewhere to get paper. I'll be home after that."

"I'm sure we have paper at the castle Evalina," Alphonse sighed.

"Well, I don't want that paper," Evalina said. "It has a stamp on it and I don't want to use it."

"What's wrong with the stamp?"

"It's glaring and abrasive," Evalina said. "I will get paper on my way back."

"Fine," Alphonse sighed heavily and walked away. "Don't be too late, okay?"

"I won't be, don't worry," Evalina said and smiled at Karenin. She waited until Alphonse was a reasonable distance away before speaking. "I'll have a project for you Karenin." The bird uttered his Turtle Dove purr and flapped his wings a little. "I need to write a letter to someone and I'll need you to take it to him. He's in Naples. You fly south west to the coast. It'll be past the German and Italian battle lines and it's where the Americans are stationed. Their flag is red, white and blue with lots of stars. I'll need you to give your letter to a man named Dr. Kyle Black. Can you do that for me Karenin?" Spectacularly, the bird seemed to understand her and purred in acknowledgement. She smiled and petted the birds head. "You're so sweet, Karenin."

Evalina kissed the bird's little head and went into town locating the post office, purchasing some plain paper, some twine and a few pencils. She went to a little café down the road that was far enough away from the castle that she was comfortable writing her letter there. Karenin stayed perched on the table with her and purred periodically like any normal Turtle Dove would. It was a very long letter she wrote to Kyle but she made sure it was done before nightfall. Once written, she folded the paper and tied the twine around it. Once she was confident the letter was safely tied, she used the twine to tie it around Karenin's neck securely. She checked to make sure it was secure and when she was confident, she smiled at Karenin.

"You know where to go? If yes, hope two times, if no hope once," she instructed. She waited while Karenin purred and hopped twice, indicating he knew where to go. "Thank you Karenin." She picked up the bird and gave him a kiss on the head. "Once you find Kyle, stay with him until he finishes writing his letter and gives it to you. Then come back and give me the letter when I'm alone." Karenin hopped twice.

Evalina smiled, lifted her hands just a bit and Karenin flew away, going south as she'd instructed. She looked on until the bird was no longer in view before finally returning to the castle. She managed, thankfully, to return before nightfall and let herself in through the main entrance. She was greeted by the young woman that was the most recent receptionist. A woman who was not aware of what they were but was willing to overlook anything weird seeing as she was paid very well.

"Good afternoon, Miss Evalina. How was your trip?"

"It was lovely Donatella, thank you," Evalina said. "Shouldn't you be gone for the day? It's past your shift."

"Aro requested I stay a little later," she answered but appeared guilty. "He was waiting for you to return home. He's saying you were late."

"I don't recall agreeing to a curfew," Evalina said.

"And who said I needed agreement?" Aro's voice came as he walked down the hall, making Donatella jump and squeak a little.

"Sir," Donatella said, "I'm so sorry I didn't ring you the instant she arrived. I was only-"

"That's quite alright, my dear," Aro said reassuringly. "Now you run home. Evalina is correct: it is past your shift. We will pay you for the extra hours you worked of course."

"Thank you sir," Donatella answered with a curtsy before taking her things and leaving for the day.

"So how was Naples?" Aro asked.

"It was lovely," Evalina answered respectfully. "I needed that Christmas to myself."

"So where is your new friend?" Aro said.

"He's out somewhere," Evalina said. "I'm sure he's thirsty so I told the bird he could hunt sheep or something. He'll know to remain outside," Evalina lied confidently.

"Seeing as you wished to have a pet, I fully expect you to take responsibility for it," Aro said.

"Yes, sir," Evalina said and curtsied respectfully. She walked away calmly and entered the castle where everyone else was. She could smell one of her grandpas standing behind her before he even spoke and she smiled.

"What's this about you having a pet bird?" Afton asked. Evalina turned to face him and smiled.

"I just wanted a pet, grandpa," Evalina said. "Nothing more than that."

"Perhaps, but a Turtle Dove?"

"Oh grandpa, what's wrong with Turtle Doves?"

"Nothing I suppose. It's just an odd choice."

"My tastes are simple," Evalina smiled.

"Yes, just like that gold broach," Afton said, looking at the broach she wore on her pocket. Evalina glanced at it and smiled.

"I thought it was beautiful, so I got myself a little Christmas present," Evalina said. "I'm sure if I showed it to grandma, she would adore it."

"No doubt," Afton chuckled and walked over to give Evalina a hug. They embraced and Evalina cuddled to Afton like when she was little.

"Where is everyone by the way?"

"Hunting," Afton said. "Gone for now are the days when we could usher people in as tourists and make clean work of them. I doubt there wouldn't be questions if we tried such things with soldiers."

"I imagine so," Evalina said. "So guess what I'm reading?"

"Anna Karenina?"

"Not fair," Evalina giggled. "How did you know?"

"Because that seems to be the only thing you read," Afton chuckled.

"That's not true, grandpa," Evalina pouted. "I read other things."

"Infrequently," Afton teased and patted Evalina's head. "We all missed you for Christmas."

"I know, but I needed to get away. How have things been?"

"As they typically are," Afton said. "Your father played Christmas music for some of the soldiers in the square Christmas Eve. I think they appreciated it."

"Being so far from home, I can't blame them," Evalina said. "Is daddy hunting?"

"Yes, he and your mother," Afton said. "I hunted yesterday."

"There you are," Evalina heard Alphonse said as he came down the stairs. He looked at her a moment before saying, "where's the paper you said you were going to buy?"

"In my bag," Evalina lied. "Why so nosey, Alphonse?"

"Oh, how quickly the title of 'best big brother ever' falls to the wayside," Alphonse teased and walked over.

"Alright, you two behave yourselves," Afton chastised. "Have you fed, Evalina?"

"I fed on my way home," Evalina said. "So I'm alright."

"Good," Afton said. "How about you humor your poor old grandpa in a game of chess?"

"Why grandpa, I'd humor you any day," Evalina smiled and followed Afton to the library for their game.