Chapter 34
Demetri and I were currently racing over the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, aboard a sleek, high-speed vessel, leaving the Italian coastline behind. The past few days had been some of the best of my life. After showing me many of the iconic landmarks that Rome and the Vatican had to offer, we spent the next night exploring Florence, and the night after that, we glided through the canals of Venice in a gondola. During our excursions, we snapped tons of pictures of all the sites and of us together. I don't think I've ever had a better time.
The next day, we stayed at the castle, which allowed me to better get to know all the members of the Volturi. It turned out they did have a rather large pool in the lower levels. They had transformed the former training room into a magnificent, expansive pool area with several hot tubs adjacent to it. The pool featured a range of diving boards, each at varying heights, and at the opposite end, a petite artificial waterfall adding to the charm, allowing swimmers to pass beneath it and let the water shower them.
At one point during the day, I offered to help Heidi pick up a part for her personal motorcycle. Since it was daylight, I volunteered to accompany her and retrieve the part from the garage. We took another motorcycle, with me riding behind her. It was my first time on a bike, and I absolutely loved it. Heidi had to fully cover herself from head to toe, and she let me borrow another jacket and helmet she owned. Our ride also allowed me to see more of the city further away from the castle, and it did resemble a more typical Italian city, similar to the ones Demetri and I had visited.
That night, Demetri and I had a lengthy conversation with Aro and his wife, Sulpicia, in his office. It went very well, and Aro shared many captivating stories. With the vast amount of information swirling in his head from the memories of humans and vampires spanning thousands of years, I still can't fathom how he manages to keep everything straight. Nonetheless, the evening was quite enjoyable, and I found Sulpicia to be very pleasant. She was just as curious to learn about the life of a modern female teenager, as I was about vampires. I appreciated that they both seemed down to earth and didn't adopt an uppity demeanor, playing the roles of king and queen. I don't believe I would have taken kindly to them if they had displayed airs of superiority.
Today, Demetri had offered to take me on one of the Volturi's high-speed boats for a cruise in the Mediterranean. I eagerly accepted the chance, as I had never been on a speedboat before. As it raced over the waves, I couldn't help but smile and wrap my arms around Demetri, who was navigating. I wore my new string bikini, which I had purchased the night before during a shopping trip with Heidi, Chelsea, and Jane. I got the impression that Jane was excluded from many social events, mostly due to her own actions, but I wanted to try and include her, so I invited her along. We all had a great time trying on clothes. I ended up buying several outfits, and when Heidi showed me the string bikini, I playfully asked, 'Where's the rest of it?' The truth was, by this point, my inhibitions had pretty much gone out the window, and I only thought about how sexy I would look in it. I even convinced Jane to purchase a couple of pieces with more color.
Demetri was still covered up as he had to ensure there were no other boats around before he could reveal his sparkling skin. The boat was rather sizable, featuring a cabin below deck complete with a bathroom. The rear deck was perfect for sunbathing.
Finally, Demetri shut the boat's engine off and turned toward me. "Okay, we're about 50 miles away from the shore, so I think it's safe to undress." He pulled me close to him, causing my breasts to press against his chest, and leaned down to kiss me. "You look amazing, Bella. My head is spinning with all the ways I want to ravish you. Would you like to take a swim? The water is calm and quite comfortable at this time of year."
Oh god, I wanted him. "Yes, let's take a swim, and afterward, I want to have my way with you over and over again. I've never had sex in the water. That needs to be remedied immediately."
My fingers danced over the fabric of Demetri's clothes, eagerly undoing each button and zipper. He soon stood before me, baring his sculpted body, which glistened in the sunlight, his skin sparkling like diamonds. I couldn't help but smile as I circled around him, my gaze filled with hunger and anticipation.
I smiled as I reached around, and my top which was so thin it barely covered my nipples, fell by the wayside. Demetri was eyeing me, looking quite hungry. I turned around and bent over slowly, knowing the string bikini bottoms were pretty much just a thong at the rear and didn't cover my ass at all. With a playful wiggle, I teased him, watching as his dick looked like it was getting harder right in front of my eyes.
As I stood upright, I sensually slid the bikini bottoms down my legs, leaving me utterly exposed. My heart raced as I met his gaze once more. "Are you ready to have some fun?" I purred, my smile as seductive as it was inviting, my eyes locked onto Demetri's hard, well-built body.
"You have no idea," Demetri looked down at his erection, standing upright at full attention. "Well, I guess you probably can tell I'm quite excited at the moment." With that, he dove into the water and swam out a good 40 feet from the boat.
I smiled and eagerly dove after him into the water. The sensation of the cool, refreshing water against my skin sent shivers of delight through me. The sun's warm embrace from above made the moment even more perfect. As I gracefully swam toward Demetri, I couldn't help but pause and admire his glistening figure, radiant in the sunlight. His beauty was utterly captivating.
A playful idea crossed my mind, and I decided it was the perfect time to have fun with my abilities. Since we were in the water, I had no reservations about enclosing a shield around myself. I lifted myself effortlessly out of the water, ascending about 20 feet into the air. There, I hung suspended, the sun behind me painting my nude form with its golden hues, I'm sure creating an ethereal spectacle. I looked down at Demetri, my voice dripping with sensuality as I asked, "Do you want me, Demetri?"
"Oh, God, yes! I have to tell you, you look just like a female Dr. Manhattan, without the blue skin," he remarked, staring up at me in awe.
I grinned at him and replied, "You know, I have no idea who you're talking about." Slowly, I lowered myself, gliding towards him until my body met the water, and then I sank down further until my legs wrapped around his waist. Every few moments, I felt the tip of his member teasing my entrance as the water rocked us gently. "So, besides the sex, what other things do you enjoy doing in the water?"
Demetri grinned and replied, "Well, what vampires like to do the most, we'll have to wait until you're one as well. Since we don't need to breathe, we enjoy exploring deep underwater. It's quite fun without any scuba gear, and the water pressure doesn't affect us, so we can swim down as far as we want."
I had never thought of that. "That sounds amazing. I can't wait to experience that with you. Have you ever found sunken treasure?"
"I once found a ship full of treasure over a thousand years ago. But the truth is, at that time, it was just considered currency and was not regarded as special, other than for its gold value. It's only now, in the past century, that sunken treasure has gained its current interest."
"Thats interesting. I guess thousands of years ago no one cared about what was around thousands of years before that?" I found it fascinating how cultures had changed over time.
Demetri's voice took on a thoughtful tone. "No, the world was such a different place back then that it would never have occurred to anyone to study the past like people do today." I was loving the conversation, but the sensation of his hard length persistently pressing against me ignited an intense desire within me. I yearned for more. We could continue this conversation after we had both satisfied our cravings.
I lowered myself slightly, feeling his hard member start to penetrate me. With a smile, I scooted down until he was fully sheathed in me. Our lips met, and we kissed passionately as I started moving my hips back and forth. I began slowly, but I had gotten so worked up over the past few minutes talking with him while his dick poked me repeatedly, that it drove me to quicken my movements. Soon, I was bucking into him like crazy, desperate to reach my peak.
Demetri moved in perfect sync with me, and I reveled in how the water around us heightened the sensations in our entwined bodies. As my climax approached, I couldn't contain my pleasure any longer. Knowing we were alone far out in the ocean, I let out loud, unrestrained cries of ecstasy, my explicit words growing increasingly racier as I approached the peak of my pleasure.
As I reached my climax, I screamed out for the all world to hear, and I could feel Demetri climaxing at the same moment. Afterward, I clung to him, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist while he remained inside me. We floated together in the water, my heart racing against his chest. We had had so many unbelievable encounters in our time together, but that one felt different, and I rested my head on his shoulder as he kept us afloat.
We indulged in several more passionate encounters in the water, each unique in its own way. Eventually, we made our way up onto the deck of the boat, where we basked in the warm sun, naked, and for a long while, we talked, just enjoying each other's company.
I woke up around 9:00 am the next day, finding myself wrapped around Demetri's cool body in his room, where I had been sleeping most nights. As I snuggled closer to him, I contemplated our plans for the day. Later tonight, we would drive to Florence to attend the play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. I was looking forward to it as I had never been to a big theatrical production before, but Aro's enthusiastic recommendation piqued my curiosity. Initially, Aro had suggested Demetri and I attend the opera, a favored outing for him and Sulpicia, but I had to let him know that I just didn't think the opera was my thing. However, when he mentioned the various plays staged across Italy, I thought it could be fun. Even though they'd perform the play in Italian, I felt confident I could follow along, having read the book several times.
We didn't have to leave until around 7:00 pm, so I asked Demetri if we could spend some time in the training center. Last night, I had some ideas about a new way I could potentially use my shield, and I wanted to experiment with it. I thought Alec could be very helpful in the testing, and if I succeeded in my attempt, Jane might be able to assist too. I called Alec and asked if he was free and interested in joining us for some testing. Alec agreed and said he would check if Jane wanted to meet us there as well.
As we walked to the training center, I contemplated Alec's power. It was unlike most vampire abilities, as it had a physical effect on the environment. A mist of sorts spread out wherever he directed it, which would incapacitate any human or vampire who came in contact with it. Well, everyone, that is, until he met me. I could walk right through the mist, and it didn't affect me at all.
When we reached the training center, I kissed Demetri and said, "Okay, wish me luck. I'll give you a yell if I need anything." Then, I walked over to Alec. "Hey, Alec. Thanks for helping."
"No problem, Bella. What were you thinking?" He asked, clearly intrigued.
"Well, I was thinking about your power last night and then mine, and how I can block yours. Since I can see the mist you put out, I thought it would be worth seeing if I could learn to push out my shield. If I could do that, maybe I could protect another from other vampire abilities, such as yours. I thought practice would go faster if you helped by using your power, as we could see any physical movements in your mist if I succeeded."
Alec thought for a moment and smiled. "That's a well-thought-out plan. Okay, I'm ready when you are. Are you ready for me to deploy the mist?"
"Sure, let's just move a little closer to the edge so we don't get in the way of others practicing." We walked over to one side, and Alec and I both sat down on the ground about six feet apart. I watched as Alec's mist started emanating from him, moving my way until it enveloped me in a ten-foot diameter all around us. Being inside the supernatural mist was intriguing. I waved my hand through it, observing it move like smoke. I wondered if there was a way to properly analyze it to determine if it had any properties. However, that would have to wait for another day, most likely not until after I became a vampire.
"Okay, I'm going to start trying to manipulate my shield to see if I can affect your mist. It's mostly trial and error at this point, so it might take a while. Your eyesight is sharper than mine. If you notice even a tiny difference in the mist, speak up." I saw Alec nod at me and I closed my eyes, centering myself.
Once I felt calm and in tune with myself and my abilities, I opened my eyes and began attempting to push my shield out with my mind. I tried various methods for a long time, but nothing seemed to work. I didn't get frustrated, as I knew that learning something new took time and patience. I worked at it for hours until, at last, I noticed a small result. I saw it just as Alec spoke up, the mist had moved, it was only for a second but it had happened. I concentrated on replicating the effect, and soon I achieved a similar result. I smiled, realizing that I was onto something.
It was difficult to put into words, but I had found an unusual way to use my brain, seemingly allowing me to extend my shield. I worked on it methodically, repeatedly pushing my shield out and retracting it. With each repetition, I found it becoming easier to manipulate my mind in this manner. I then worked to hold it extended for short periods. After another hour of practice, I felt like I had a rudimentary grasp of what I needed to do.
"Okay, I think it's going well enough to do a trial run and see if I can protect someone else. Why don't you shut your mist off for a minute?" I watched as the mist all around me vanished and called out to Demetri, who had been practicing with Felix this whole time. He was next to me in an instant.
"So, how's it going?" he asked, smiling down at me.
"Really well, actually. I was hoping you would be my guinea pig for a bit. It will mean you have to be under Alec's power for a while, though." I knew he would agree but added some playful, sad puppy dog eyes, making him grin at me.
Demetri nodded, "Okay, but try not to take advantage of my body while I'm under."
"Darn, how did you know that was my plan all along." I smirked back, "please sit right next to me." He sat down beside me, and I nodded to Alec. As the mist surrounded us, I watched Demetri; he was still staring ahead at Alec, but he looked kind of glassy-eyed. I waved my hand in front of his eyes but got no response from him, so I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, but still got no reaction. "Can he hear us?" It was weird seeing him like this.
"No, every sense he has is gone. He's still conscious in his head, but I've been told it's like being in pitch darkness with no external stimuli whatsoever. Nobody likes to be under the effect, I've been told."
"Okay, let's see what happens. Even if he comes out of it, keep the mist going as I want to practice how long I can hold it." With that, I started to push out my shield, as I had just learned how to do. I watched Demetri intently, and as the mist moved further and further away, as soon as it completely moved away from his body, he instantly became fully aware again and started looking around. He saw the mist all around us and realized what I had done.
"This is incredible, Bella," Demetri marveled, his eyes reflecting astonishment. "You learned to do this in only a few hours. You're amazing."
"Yes, well, keeping my shield extended isn't easy right now, so let's conduct a more challenging test while it's still working," I said, offering Demetri my sweetest smile. Then, I raised my voice, yelling out, "Jane!" I watched as she swiftly moved behind Alec, curious to see what was happening. "Alright, Jane, I want you to blast Demetri with your power as hard as you can. Really give it to him!" Demetri's mouth fell open in astonishment, and I slyly smirked at him before turning my attention to Jane.
Jane had a devilish grin on her face as Demetri finally managed to utter, "What?" I kept a close watch on Jane, her grin slowly transforming into confusion as Demetri showed no signs of distress. Her intense stare at Demetri made me imagine about the unbelievable pain he would feel if my shield failed. I pushed my shield out harder to ensure his safety, but the strain was beginning to take a toll on me.
After a few minutes, I could feel my strength waning, so I said, "Jane, Alec, please stop using your powers. Holding my shield extended over Demetri is becoming too exhausting." The mist began to dissipate, and Jane didn't look like she was giving Demetri the death stare anymore. With that, I lowered my shield.
Exercising my shield in that manner for the first time had taken a toll on me, and I felt almost as if I could fall asleep right there on the training ground floor. Demetri must have sensed my exhaustion because he gently lifted me into his lap, enveloping me in his arms so that I could rest against his chest.
"That was incredible, Bella," Demetri said, his voice soft and filled with admiration. "Being able to protect others is extremely helpful. Truthfully, I've never seen an ability like that. If we ever find ourselves facing a dangerous vampire with an offensive power, what you've just learned could be invaluable, potentially saving lives in the years to come."
"I'm glad. I'm actually a little beat from learning to push out my shield in that way. Let's go back to your room so I can rest for a couple of hours before we head out later tonight." I felt like I could fall asleep right there, but I wanted to make it to his room first.
"Of course," Demetri said, helping me to my feet.
"Thanks, Alec, Jane, for your help." I smiled at them, and they nodded in response as Demetri and I started for his room.
Once we reached his room, we both lay down on his bed, and I snuggled up to him. I managed to mutter, "Wake me up when it's time to head out," before I fell soundly asleep.
Over the next few days, we adopted a more relaxed pace instead of constantly moving around Italy to see the sights. I spent time getting to know everyone better, and we ventured as groups to several more clubs at night. I could truly envision this as my life one day, and it pleased me. I had conversations with many members of the Volturi who described their past and current business ventures, highlighting how it was possible to lead a fulfilling life. They emphasized that opportunities now were even greater, especially for women. Many female members shared how even a 100 years ago, women struggled to be considered equals in almost any profession.
A couple days later, Demetri and I were at the movies with Heidi and Felix. After we exited the theater, we were strolled down the streets, engrossed in conversation and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Suddenly, all three of the vampires turned their heads in the same direction, their attention fixed on something ahead. I hadn't heard anything, so I asked, "What is it?"
Demetri appeared somewhat uncertain but explained, "We all heard an argument up ahead. It seems there was an altercation between a call girl and a man. From what we overheard, the woman managed to escape, but it sounded like he had beaten her." It was at this point that I noticed Heidi, who seemed particularly incensed.
Her usual radiant smile was conspicuously absent as she declared, "If you'll excuse me, I find myself rather hungry at the moment." Felix gave a nod of understanding, and she briskly departed, her demeanor clear on what was about to go down.
Demetri regarded me, uncertain about how to proceed. "Would you prefer to return to the castle, Bella?" he asked, his concern evident. He seemed cautious, perhaps worried about freaking me out. But I couldn't quell the anger welling up inside me. The idea of a man laying his hands on a woman, no matter the circumstances, was infuriating. I understood why Heidi was so affected by what she had heard. She had confided in me about her human life, recounting the harsh struggles she faced when she was all alone in what would later become Germany during the 1500s. In those desperate times, she had resorted to working as a prostitute just to survive.
"Once Heidi is finished, do you think we could go take a look? I'm curious about what you guys do when outside the castle, and I need to start preparing myself for the day when I'll be doing the same." I didn't have a strong desire to see a dead body, but I understood the importance of coming to terms with all aspects of being a vampire.
"Are you sure, Bella?" Demetri asked, his tone filled with concern. "Thinking about feeding is very different as a vampire than when you are a human. You don't have to see this now if you don't want to."
He clearly didn't want to spook me, and I appreciated his concern. I thought I had a pretty strong constitution and wouldn't be easily freaked out.
"Thanks, but I think I do want to see," I replied. "I didn't witness the act itself before, but I did run into some of the cleanup crew disposing of a body when I first got here. It was a little fucked up to see, but I managed fine. Is she done yet?"
"Yes, she can hear our conversation and was waiting with the body to hear what you wanted to do," Demetri said.
I nodded, and the three of us, Demetri, Felix, and I, began to walk. We eventually came to an alleyway and turned down it. The alleyway was long and dimly lit, with only the pale glow of the moon filtering through the narrow gap between the buildings. Eventually, we met up with Heidi, who stood motionless over a figure shrouded in darkness. As we drew nearer, the man's form became clearer against the grimy ground.
Heidi moved to Felix, who draped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a comforting squeeze. I positioned myself over the lifeless body, studying his features with detached curiosity. He appeared quite ordinary, perhaps in his late 30s or early 40s. There were no visible signs of violence; he looked as if he had simply been knocked out or was in a deep sleep. It was hard to fathom that he was actually dead. Fortunately, there was no trace of blood, suggesting that Heidi was a tidy eater.
Bending down, I pushed his collar back, revealing two rows of teeth imprints. Contrary to the dramatic portrayals in movies, real vampires didn't possess fangs. Thankfully, I remained composed and unaffected by the sight. Straightening up, I turned my attention to my companions.
"What do you intend to do with the body?" I inquired.
Felix spoke up, "The dumpster behind you and a lighter will make the evidence of what we've done go away." As Felix moved forward to grab hold of the body, a thought occurred to me.
"Hang on a second," I said before he had picked up the body. I bent down and reached into his back pocket, taking out his wallet. After extracting all his cash, which looked to be several hundred Euros, I put the wallet back and handed the money to Heidi. "You should donate what he had to a battered women's shelter." Heidi gave me a smile and nodded, pocketing the cash.
I watched as Felix picked up the body and unceremoniously dumped him into the trash bin. He then took out his lighter, flicked it on, and threw it in after the body. I thought they really should use an accelerant to make sure the job gets done right, but they must know what they're doing. After the flames had taken hold, we all walked out of the alleyway as if nothing had happened.
"Are you okay, Bella?" Demetri asked, his arm around my shoulders, clearly concerned that I might be traumatized.
I smiled at him. "I'm fine. Luckily, it didn't freak me out at all. I'm very pleased about that." Demetri looked relieved. "You were really quick, Heidi. Is it usually that fast?"
Heidi smiled at me. "It depends on the situation. Sometimes we might want to drag it out for one reason or another. In this case, I wanted to get it done nice and quick." I nodded, feeling confident that I could handle feeding when the time came.
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