Heidi & Bella - Part 1 (Summer)
Through the window pane, she stares right at the now darkened sky, and listens to the telltale signs of an upcoming thunderstorm. Aside from human blood, Heidi normally has an aversion to the scent of humans and thus, the smell of wet pavement provides a relief to her.
Summers reek of their distasteful scent off the Tuscany street but the summer heat heightens the smell of their delicious blood so she considers it to be one of her favourite seasons.
The concept of time has no significance to most vampires but a few decades ago, Heidi made a conscious decision to anticipate the arrival of summer; similar to how a human would appreciate New Year's Eve. It marks a new beginning for her.
Coasting through the immortal life in the beginning is thrilling and enlightening. The world feels less big when you have vampiric speed, even less so with the powers one wields under the rule of the Volturi Kings. Sex, blood and power can even seem mundane after a while. After countless observations of the humans, Heidi picked up a few of their habits, all those who are blissfully unaware of the predators that walk amongst them. Ignorance is bliss.
"If we could get your signature here, then we'll all be done."
Heidi lowers her sunglasses and stares right into his soul. His eyebrows arch upwards slightly, forming a sinister curve that hints at his insatiable desire. There's not even a slight of hesitancy for him to do this deal with the devil. The corners of his lips twitch into a self-assured grin, his hands impatiently tapping onto the wooden chair in a particular rhythm.
Here right in this room is where the humans prove themselves to be well-deserving of their loomed fate. His greed tramps over his humanity. There he sits, same as where his great ancestors used to sit, with the same crooked grin and ill temperament, when Heidi first struck a deal with this family. They renew the contract every 50 years, equivalent to the span of time of one generation's term of power. In exchange for all the fortunes the family will be receiving, they have had to maintain a humble lifestyle to avoid suspicion from the authorities.
She signs them off in a vampiric speed, refusing to waste any more time in the enclosed space and risking the new Volturi guard to further temptations. Heidi had never needed a guard before but Aro insisted due to a recent attack in the Aspens. Eventhough her power lies as a seductress, she is more than capable to hold a fight on her own. She frequently spars with Felix, knowing full well it will serve her good in a battle. Unlike the arrogant twins, she has seen enough wars to know that having both the gift and the hand combat skills would improve her chances of winning.
Nevertheless, she doesn't appreciate unnecessary scruff if the new guard decides to lunge at the man. She is more than capable of stopping him, if he decides so, but she hates cleaning up the mess. Sometimes it feels like the King is purposely testing her patience.
She stands up to look at him, giving him a warning glare to control his bloodlust, or else face decapitation. He straightens his broad shoulders and nods in understanding.
Thankfully the greedy businessman is still distracted by the amount of money presented to him in the briefcases. They're about to shake hands when she hears the faint whisper of sneakers making contact with the floorboard, heading their way in a sense of urgency and excitement. Another smell she doesn't recognise approaches and she repeats her threats to the new guard.
The door bursts open and a girl, almost 10 years old, comes in excitedly, not sensing the tense presence of two vampires (not that she knows they exist).
"Papa, Aunt Renee sent me these!"
The girl finally notices the company that her father has in the room and her heart stops. She doesn't know why but she is terrified, remaining frozen where she stands.
"Anne, I told you not to interrupt me when I'm in a meeting."
His face is flustered and his heart beats loudly. Gone are the looks of greed and hunger. In its place is now fear.
"I'm sorry, Papa," the girl muttered.
Heidi has never been a fan of kids, she barely tolerates them. She's about to brush it all off when she catches a whiff of a tantalising scent. Against her natural instinct to walk away, she approaches the girl and commands the father to remain silent. She needs to investigate.
So she leans down and puts on her most charming smile, trying to diffuse the tension. It works because the girl is no longer shaking and her eyes seem glazed.
"May I see the box?"
Under Heidi's spell, the girl obeys and offers her the box. Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary but then she finds the source of the scent; an old t-shirt. She pulls it out and puts it in her handbag.
Before leaving, she hands the girl €100 bill.
To a human, the amount may seem absurd for an old t-shirt. But to Heidi, there's really no price to be put on the item. Because she just possibly discovered the scent of her mate.