Matters of the Heart
C8: Flight of Passion
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.
Bella's POV
Two days later I woke up to Alice's soft caresses, although I could feel it was way too early for any kind of activity, sexual or otherwise. "Ali, it's way too early to do anything along the lines you're thinking of."
She giggled and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Unfortunately you have to wake up baby. We have an early flight and Esme is quite adamant on us being at the airport on time."
I groaned and rolled to my back, only now noticing that it was not even light out. "Will I have a chance to get some more sleep on the plane?"
Alice nodded and kissed me. "Of course love, we'll have a private jet available for this trip and you'll be able to get plenty of sleep on the twelve hour flight."
"Good, then I'm kidnapping you for that." I said with a grumble before rolling out of bed to get freshened up and get dressed, for once thankful that our bags were already in the car.
Alice merely giggled and I heard her rummage a bit in my closet before I heard the door close, leaving me to dress what she had undoubtedly picked out in peace.
Ten minutes later I came downstairs dressed in a comfortable pair of jeans and a hoodie, and of course Alice had the foresight of having a cup of coffee waiting next to my breakfast, which I had to admit smelt absolutely delicious. "Morning everyone. Or is it still nighttime?"
Esme smiled sweetly at me as she pressed a kiss to my cheek. "It's morning sweetie, very early, but indeed the morning. I know you're not a morning person, but I promise that you'll have plenty of time to rest up on our way to Italy."
I smiled and kissed her before taking a seat. "Alice told me, and she is aware she is going to be my hostage for the duration of the flight."
Everyone smiled at me as I ate my breakfast, and more importantly enjoyed my coffee, which would help me be at least somewhat functional today. "Are you excited to go to Italy love?" Rosalie asked softly.
I nodded and smiled at her as I finished my breakfast. "Yes, very much so, mostly because it'll be the first time for me going to another country, and as you all know I love history, so Italy will be an amazing experience."
"I think no one will mind if we make a vacation out of this. It'll give us all a chance to relax and get to know Heidi a little before we're faced with the prospect of nosy puppies once again." Esme said with a soft smile.
We all nodded at that. "We've all earned it after the things we had to go through, not only with the wolves, but with Edward and Carlisle too." Rosalie said with her trademark scowl when something annoyed her, something I was not afraid to admit did the state of my panties no good.
Rosalie merely smirked at me before pressing a kiss to my cheek. "Not yet love, but later perhaps."
I couldn't help but smile at her. "I've always wanted to join the Mile High club, or at least I've wanted to ever since you all opened my eyes to the beauties of loving the fairer sex."
Esme sighed softly at that, knowing that it was an inevitability now even though the prospect of making love to Bella on the plane was very tantalizing.
"On the other hand, It is inconsiderate to the others if we're the only ones having fun." I said with a soft smile to Alice, who only pouted a little.
Esme smiled and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Don't pout Alice, I'm sure at some point we'll be comfortable enough with each other where we can do such a thing. This won't be the last time we'll go on a vacation together after all."
"I suppose you have a point. Once Bella's wanderlust sets in we'll go everywhere together. Perhaps we could look into purchasing a jet for ourselves once we return." Alice said with a soft smile.
I smiled at her. "That and let's not forget that while we won't go all the way, I definitely intend to spend some very intimate quality time with all of you."
Everyone nodded and smiled as they all kissed me softly, which was a whole new level of sensations for me. "That we can agree with love, but we'll have to hurry if we want to make our flight time." Esme said with a sweet smile.
I quickly finished my coffee and followed the others to the garage. "Since we'll only be taking one car, we'll have to improvise a little, since we only have two seats in the back. It's also something to look into once we return." Rosalie said kindly.
"I'll hold Bella in my lap for the trip Rose. It'll be easiest. It's either that or have Alice be squished in the middle." Victoria said with a smile.
"Is that okay love?" Rosalie asked softly.
I only nodded and smiled at her. "Like I would ever object to being close to any of you. The only issue I see is how we're going to do this when Heidi joins us."
"We'll rent a car for our return trip love, you don't have to worry about that. No one will have to walk more than strictly necessary." Rosalie said with a wink.
I smiled at her as we got into the car, with me in Victoria's lap and one of my hands firmly in one of Alice's as for once Rosalie drove at a relatively normal pace to the airport, and I had to admit that seeing the sun come up for the first time was a magical experience, even though it would never change my mind about early mornings, or at least for as long as I had to deal with them.
Alice's POV
When we were in the air and were free to walk around, I immediately made my way to Bella, who seemed to have trouble in keeping her eyes open, which I understood, and to keep my promise to her I sat down next to her and pulled her against me. "Your cuddle pillow is here love." I said softly.
"Good, cause I really sleep better when one of you is next to me." She said as she got comfortable and promptly fell asleep.
The moment she was asleep Rosalie sat down across from us. "Is she really just tired or do you think it's nerves too?" She asked softly.
I smiled at her as I ran my fingers through Bella's hair. "I don't think she's nervous anymore. It is probably got more to do with the fact that she is just really not a morning person. I get the feeling she's more excited than anything else, and now that we're not in the proximity of the wolves anymore, I'm getting some visions again too. Edward's fate is sealed, and Carlisle will remain a prisoner of the Volturi for as long as they think is useful, and after that they'll probably kill him too when they see Carlisle will never change. I saw Sulpicia being in doubt about ending Edward for a while, but she has seen that he can't be rehabilitated even with Chelsea's gift and that he might become a serious problem, which is what she wants to avoid. I have also seen that they will instantly love Bella, like most of the Guard will. The only one I saw reacting oddly to Bella will be Heidi, which is understandable."
Rosalie smiled at that. "I think both Esme and Victoria will be able to explain what is going on. After that I'm sure she'll be eager to get to know our lover, and if I'm honest, I'm excited for that as well. From what Esme said she's very beautiful and passionate about sex."
I nodded at that. "From what I've been able to gleam out of my visions she's quite literally sex on legs, which will be much to the appreciation of Bella."
"We've really turned her into a minx, haven't we? All she seems to think about these days revolves around sex." Rose said with a soft smile.
I giggled lightly at that as Bella stirred a little, thankfully not waking up. "Like us she's suppressed her true feelings for months, and we both know that this bond we share is as primal as the mating bond and that it feels the same for vampires and humans. She felt the same things we did. I think this side of her was dying to come out and love us like she wanted to and what we've witnessed over the past few weeks is her making up for lost time. I have a feeling it'll balance out in the coming weeks."
Rosalie smiled at that. "I certainly am not complaining, it just surprised me to see the quiet little bird transform into a full blown sex kitten overnight. I would never have sought that behind her when we first met her."
"Neither did I, but one thing I've learned with Bella is to expect the unexpected. Her ability to surprise us really knows no boundaries." I said with a soft smile to her.
Rosalie merely smiled as she took one of Bella's hands and softly rubbed her thumbs over her knuckles, the two of us staying exactly like this until Bella woke up.
Four hours later Bella stirred awake in my arms, smiling when she saw Rosalie there too. "Hey you two. I hope it wasn't too boring watching me sleep."
"Never love, when you're at peace, we are too, and we've passed the time talking a bit about this trip and what we'll get out of it. Did you sleep okay?" Rosalie asked softly.
Bella smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I'm feeling a lot more awake now that I've gotten a bit more sleep and I can actually see the sun." She said before kissing us both.
We both knew where this would probably lead to, so I made some room on the couch so Rosalie could join us, sandwiching Bella between us. "We were hoping that your offer of making out still stood? Not that we would rush you or anything, we're just a bit giddy to be close to you." I asked with a soft smile.
She smiled and nodded. "Of course it does. I would never pass up an opportunity to make out with any of my lovers."
Rosalie and I smiled at her, both of us nuzzling her neck for a moment. "We could also just cuddle if you're uncomfortable with this, Bella. We'll take any contact we can get."
Bella shook her head at that. "I want to learn how to do this, because I have a feeling this is going to somewhat of a staple in the family. With six women in a house that are all connected through something like this I would say that it is only natural that there is free love. I'm honestly looking forward to that first orgy."
"You've really become a little minx haven't you Bella? I never would've thought it possible a couple of months ago." I said with a soft smile, although I knew exactly why this was.
She grinned and gave my side a squeeze. "I've got a lot of catching up to do and as you know I don't know the meaning of pacing myself in any way, so I'm fully committed to get as many experiences in as I possibly can."
We both smiled as we each straddled one of her legs. "Then we're honored that you want to experience this with us first." Rosalie said before kissing her deeply, and of course Bella did not remain idle because her hands almost immediately found purchase on our asses, giving them a healthy squeeze.
"Someone is eager for this." I said before capturing her lips in a kiss.
Bella only smiled as we kept trading kisses between each other, not even noticing how Victoria and Esme were watching us.
Esme's POV
By the time we got into our rental car, it was late in the evening, since our last refuel had taken a bit longer than had been intended, something which Bella hadn't even noticed because she had been too preoccupied in making out with Victoria.
I was happy that she now chose to be in my lap to share occasional soft kisses with me in between dozing off every now and then in the hour it took us to drive to Volterra. "I can't wait to meet everyone. I just hope I'm not looking too ghost like at the moment." Bella said softly.
"We're meeting with the Queens tomorrow love. It would be improper to meet with them without allowing you to at least freshen up first. They understand that you're probably very tired." I said with a soft smile.
Bella smiled at me and gave my hand a squeeze. "I'm glad for that, because I would hate to fall asleep in the middle of introductions."
I smiled at her. "We wouldn't want that either love, which is why we're going to do something a bit unprecedented. Since we're all going to be in the same room we will all spend the night with you, if that would be something you would like of course. We don't want to assume."
"Like I would ever say no to that." Bella said with a soft smile as she rested her head on my shoulder.
I smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist. "With everything you did with Alice and Rose on the plane, we figured you would say that. You three didn't even notice us until we came in for our first landing."
Bella merely smiled at that. "I think we were a bit lost in our own world. That tends to happen when I am making out with any of you."
"Just wait until Heidi joins us love. She will not only be a great addition to our family, but also in the bedroom, I would dare say her sexual appetite rivals yours." I said with a wink.
Now Bella blushed a little. "I wouldn't exactly say that I've gotten a big sexual appetite ever since I've shared a bed with you all. I just want to catch up on everything that I've missed, and I might have been a bit overzealous in that."
"Not at all love, we certainly are not complaining. We understand why you want to do so." Victoria said with a soft smile.
Bella smiled and gave her hand a squeeze as Rosalie drove into the town I had spent many centuries in, and even in the dim light the cathedral that housed the Castle I could see her eyes light up. "This is a beautiful town, but where is the Castle?"
I smiled at her. "The town was built on top of the Castle love, with the cathedral being one of its entrances. The Queens did this on purpose. The people that would come to live here would think the vampires had been eradicated, while the vampires lived below the city. Once the Queens had established their rule and set the rules that we now live by, they made sure to keep the history alive by influencing events, which led to a yearly parade in town to commemorate the vampires being driven from town. It is also forbidden for any vampire to hunt in this town."
Bella nodded at that, apparently taking a moment to process the information. "That was a very interesting history lesson, Esme."
"I know how much you love history and this is something you won't find in any history book known to man. I thought you might enjoy this little tidbit." I said with a soft smile.
Bella smiled and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "I do, I can't wait to learn more of vampire history now that I have the chance to do so."
I smiled at her as Rosalie brought the car up to the side entrance, which the Queens had asked me to use for today. "We can leave the car here Rosalie. No one will dare to tow it here."
Rosalie nodded and parked the car close to the entrance. "I figured as much. This seems like an area where not a lot of people come."
I merely nodded as we got out, where Bella took a moment to stretch. "I'm glad we're finally on solid ground again." She said with a groan as her bones popped.
We all winced a little at that. "Are you okay love? Because that didn't sound good." Alice asked softly.
Bella smiled and nodded. "I'm okay Ali. That's what long trips do to a human body."
Alice smiled at her as we got our luggage from the trunk before I led them to the entrance. "As I said earlier, all introductions will be done tomorrow. For now we'll make our way to our room and then let Bella get some rest. We're not expected until noon tomorrow."
"That's good, because I feel like I can sleep for a day at the very least, I am also looking forward to taking a quick shower before we go to bed." Bella said with a slight yawn.
We smiled at her as I led them inside, making a beeline to our bedroom, the old route coming back to me with surprising ease. It had been four centuries since I had been here last after all.
When we stepped into the large bedroom, I led Bella to the bathroom, taking a seat inside just to make sure she didn't fall asleep while in the shower. Not only could I see that happen given how tired we all felt she was, it would also be very much in character for her, and I wasn't going to let her get hurt at this point, or ever for that matter.
Thankfully Bella barely noticed my presence as she took her shower, bundling her up in a fluffy towel once she was done. I then took my time in drying her before I led her to bed, for once not minding that she didn't wear anything. It was warm enough in the room for her not to be cold during the night, even with the five of us in bed with her.
The others had changed into something appropriate for bed, and once Bella had situated herself in bed, I changed as well. When I got in bed Bella was already cuddled in between Rosalie and Victoria, with Alice lying behind the redhead, so I thought it was only appropriate if I took up my spot behind Rose, not that Bella noticed, since she was asleep the moment she was comfortable.
Bella's POV
When I woke up the following morning, I was a bit surprised to find myself on top of Rosalie, with the others nowhere to be found. "Morning Rosie. Where is everyone?"
The blonde smiled at me. "Victoria and Alice are deciding on an outfit for today and Esme is preparing your breakfast. She'll be back soon."
I smiled and kissed her softly. "How late is it anyway? It feels like it's super early."
"It's around ten love, we have plenty of time before we have to present ourselves." Rosalie said with a soft smile.
I nodded and rolled off her to cuddle into her side. "Then I hope you won't mind if we stay in bed a little while longer so I can wake up a bit."
"Of course I don't mind love. You should know by now I never mind having you naked next to me." Rosalie said softly.
I smiled at that. "I have a feeling no one minded that, I know I certainly didn't mind."
Rosalie smiled and nuzzled my neck. "I would tend to agree with that, but Esme is on her way with your breakfast, and I know she's not going to want you to eat in bed. Also I promised to have you out of bed when she came back."
I smiled and kissed her. "Fine. I think I'm as awake as I'm going to get, and I wouldn't want to give Esme a reason to spank me the next time we share a bed."
"While that is a very exciting prospect, I don't think she would do that, at least not while you're still human." Rosalie said with a smile.
I blushed a little at that as I got out of bed to get dressed in somewhat comfortable clothes, since I would have to change before we went to meet the Queens.
When Esme came in with a tray filled with sandwiches and fresh coffee, I couldn't help but smile at her. "I'm sorry that it isn't a bit more glamorous love, there wasn't much to choose from."
"That's okay Esme, not every meal has to be super fancy." I said with a soft smile.
She smiled and pressed a kiss to my cheek before she made her way to the closet to get changed, while I enjoyed my breakfast, and more importantly, my coffee.
After breakfast and a change of clothes, Esme deemed us appropriate to meet the Queens. "Our escort should be here soon, and I think it goes without saying that we should all be on our best behavior. The Queens are possibly the oldest vampires in existence and thus need to be shown the utmost respect, because the Guard will not hesitate to intervene if we don't. I also know you all know this, but I just want to have said it."
We all smiled at her. "We understand Esme." Alice said softly as there was a knock on the door.
Esme nodded at us before opening it, revealing a petite blonde with a stern look on her face, but despite that she gave me a feeling of ease. "Good morning Jane. I trust you have been well?" Esme asked kindly.
"Yes Esme, thank you for asking. The Queens are ready for you. It is good that you came when you did. That boy is insufferable." Jane said with a stoic smile, like she was forcing herself not to smile at all.
Esme smiled at her and motioned her to lead us to the Throne Room. "We know Jane, and I have a good feeling that it will be sorted today. We have a lot of information that we have to share that will take care of the problem that is Edward and Carlisle."
Jane smirked at that. "Carlisle hasn't been a problem for a while. He was executed the moment the set foot in the Castle."
"That's good to hear, and honestly I expected that to happen. What has happened to Edward in the time he has been here?" Esme asked softly.
"He's been confined to the dungeons for the entirety of his stay after Queen Sulpicia saw in his memories what he had done. Your report only confirmed that. The only reason he is still alive is because of the fact that the Queens thought your young mate might want to say a few things to him before he is killed." Jane said stoically.
Esme smiled at that. "I think we all have plenty of things to say to him Jane, and we will if allowed that opportunity."
Jane smiled at her, albeit it was a stoic one. "Trust me that you will, old friend. The Queens have missed you over the last centuries."
"I would've checked in more often if Carlisle wasn't such a coward and faced up to what he had done, but unfortunately he was as cunning as he was cowardly and entitled." Esme said with her usual kind smile.
Jane nodded at that. "The latter is clearly something he passed on to Edward, because the boy has truly been insufferable, making demands ever since he got here."
"Carlisle fed that entitlement every opportunity he got. There were many instances I had to threaten to end him because he broke a law. His one saving grace was that he never exposed us to humans. Edward only made that fatal mistake with Bella." Esme said with a loving smile to me.
Jane smiled at that. "It will prove to be his last mistake, besides being disrespectful to the Queens. Apparently he rejects the idea of women in power, undoubtedly something he picked up from Carlisle."
"Indeed it was, and it has proven to be a pain in our ass for a long time. He thought he was God's gift to women." Rosalie said with an annoyed tone.
"Yes, I've noticed, and that is something I quickly corrected when I put him under my gift." Jane said with a smirk.
I smiled at that. "If you don't mind my asking, what is your gift?"
Jane looked at me with a quirked eyebrow before looking at Esme. "Bella has been very interested in all things vampiric, since she wants to go into the change as informed as possible. I promise it is genuine curiosity." Esme said kindly.
Jane nodded at that. "Okay, I suppose I can tell you. I can create unimaginable pain with merely a look, while my twin brother can take away your senses with a mist he can produce from his hands. It is the reason we are called the Witch Twins."
I nodded and smiled at her. "Thank you for telling me Jane. It means a lot to me."
"You're Esme's mate Isabella, and Esme has been my friend for over a millennia. I'm sure we'll have a chance to talk after you've been introduced to the Queens." Jane said as we arrived at two ornate looking doors, which I figured would lead into the Throne Room.