So here is the chapter you all been waiting for, it's a long one so I hope you all have your popcorn or snacks for it as your in for a treat, this is gonna be including all that you will love and will want more, but also to be looking forward to the next chapter.
I once again would like to thank you all for following and favouriting this story as it does mean a lot when I see a new followers and you all who favourite it, as it makes all this writing feel appreciated.
Kouga's older woman - yeah same here and I wanted to keep that connection going forward to chapters going forward as it will play a major role in chapters coming up and near the end (when I get that far). Well you ask for Jasper and here is this chapter with more Jasper so I hope you enjoy it.
Guest - well seeing as this is chapter 27 despite it looking to be chapter 28 (as I had one that was more of a note than a chapter) I hope this is what you look forward to and that when I start writing chapter 28 it will be what you look forward to soon.
Chapter 27
Jasper/ Major POV
Nearly seven days I have spent in this castle, gaining multiple things that before I never had or imagined I would eve have, not that I regret any of it, of all that I've gained im still yet to have a room of my own, not that I felt the need to ask, demand or be bothered to obtain one with all my free time spending it with my wonderful mate Isabella, alongside learning more about the infamous witch twins who love to tell me all that I should know about their coven mates and details that Demetri unfortunately left out to me on our journey together, not that I fault him for that.
One of my habits of calling Maria mistress, was one thing I was told numerous of times that i shouldn't be calling her that, now that I've been told I'm now part of the Volturi due to me being mated to Isabella who may not joined in the traditional sense like the rest of the coven but is part of it, which now makes me part of the same coven, as the twins said it comes with the one important thing that I need to remember which that I don't call anyone mistress or master unless they are one of the kings or queens, which I accepted but also told that that I refuse to call them that with how little respect I have for them apart from Caius, who even he I wouldn't call him master but a brother in arms or comrade in time as he was the only one I felt I could respect and get on with from the royalty of the supernatural creatures of this unnatural world.
The almost a week has been all but peaceful, as I have found many visitors either attempt or have visited myself or my mate for something or another, most of the time the twins have tortured or scared most away only allowing the few individuals to pass due to myself allowing them to visit or because my Isabella mind spoke to our heads to let them pass. The most common visitors, consisted of Heidi who first came with someone she said was a old friend from the coven she used to belong to, who had red unruly, wild hair, but I didn't get much of a look to gather much else, besides the fact that I felt her fear before she got closer, which Heidi did tell me that her friend was gifted with a power of self preservation, which I assumed must have been because of myself and the twins radiating power at such strong volumes must have been why her friend didn't stick around, I didn't continue with that subject while she stayed to bother with her friend's name. Me and Heidi did have quite a conversation about other things that I was very interested to knowing, such as the bond she shares with my mate, as she saw it more motherly despite the many claims from others telling her otherwise that it's only auntie bond, which did give me a laugh at that much to her displeasure, I could definitely see why the twins didn't mind her being around as despite us sometimes reminding her to not go overboard amoung others we had to tell the same to like the queens, she was good company and conversationlist to have around for day to day subjects.
As of the other visitors that made it pass the twins assessment to see myself or Isabella, two out of the three kings showed up mainly to talk to me or the twins while they held or played with Isabella on their daily visits, which was fine, but I found that when they was together sometimes I felt coming off them some tension like they came here to get away from Aro who I have yet to see as he kept away in his room or just sat at his throne watching everyone walk by without a word. When they came alone my conversations with Marcus was mainly about his gift and finding out who was bonded to who, and all the little details which most found not boring but to me it was information I could use in a tight spot if things went sideways for me and Isabella in the future, not that things should go wrong, but I always like to be prepared for anything, which me and Caius did have in common. Mine and Caius' conversations, was let just say we could be talking about for ages on end if it wasn't for my mates needs or the twins interrupting trying to put their opinions about the subjects we spoke about which we didn't mind as some of their opinions was valid and interesting.
One of the few times when it was just me and Isabella spending time alone even without the twins about, I would sometimes here of the of the guards outside the door keeping guard under orders from not just the kings but the twins who I was told was very trustworthy, from the emotions they expressed while outside the door I couldn't find or see anything to suggest anything for me to worry about but I always checked or felt any changes in their emotions whether they knew or not, but as with the conversations they spoke about did make the quiet less boring despite the times I sometimes enjoyed the peace and quiet, I heard them mentioned a couple of times about my mistress, I mean Maria and Demetri are yet to detached themselves from Demetri's room which they said makes it difficult for anyone to walk pass without silently wishing they was deaf much to my amusement at hearing it.
When I did hear about those two still in the room, it did make me wonder why anyone want them to stop, because from what Marcus spoke about bonds and definitely theirs in particular, what they was doing was long overdue and it was a important factor in a mate bond, plus the emotions that radiate from that room was a improvement from how they felt about each other when they was divided for so long, not that I mentioned that to anyone as the amusement I got from the conversations kept me entertained, but I was curious myself how long they will be as I did want to talk to them both to see how they are despite what my gift could tell me in a matter of seconds of being in a certain distance from them, as sometimes hearing words was sometimes just as informative as feeling their emotions.
As with the other guests who stuck around for their own reasons they either occupied empty rooms temporarily or left the castle for other living arrangements, I know for a fact that majority of the nomads left a day or two after the main celebration day as Caius mentioned they felt no need to stick around unless they was heavily required to stay for something or forced to stay and as Caius said they wasn't forced or required at this moment, he did give them a few words spoken to ensure they behave when they leave the castle doors, I found that only one nomad stayed but occupying a room with a good vantage point which I was told was where the queen's used to stay in till the left it for reasons I've yet to be informed on. Not much was said about this nomad but I could tell that Heidi and Marcus knew something that the refused to inform me about until it was fully confirmed or allowed for others to know about, as Heidi's reason for not spilling was because she said it wasn't for her to tell but what I felt from her when she said it, did give me enough to work out it had to do with her old friend, Marcus just kept tight lipped or avoided bringing up that subject whenever I attempted to ask about it.
As of today, I decided to leave my mate in the safety of the twins while I get a few things sorted, mainly finding this nomad, see who he is, and if he's got a gift or not so I can find out from the source itself about what it has to do with Marcus, Heidi and he old friend as I'm nothing but persistent. As I walk the hallways looking through the open doors, or using my gift to detect how many or if that nomad is close by, not being in any rush as doing this slowly makes finding out much more interesting and satisfying.
While searching for the nomad I think back to one of the earlier conversations with Caius that involved that discussion that took place earlier during the week of being here.
Flashback to day two early morning.
I turn up to the office door as I said I would for the discussion that Caius asked for me to turn up to, talk about something that requires myself, I open the door and see it Caius and Marcus alone talking amongst themselves not paying attention to that I arrived, I noticed that Aro is not here.
"So what did you want to discuss as I'm here as I said I was and yet I don't see the other king who I'm assuming is supposed to be here too for this discussion of sorts" I demanded, not in the best of moods as despite leaving my mate in the twins protection I didn't want to leave my mate so soon after meeting her, so it caused me to feel irritated and anger fueled to be away again.
"Sorry Major, we have been having some sibling problems as it would be called with Aro, which is why he isn't available to attend, we would normally go ahead with it without him but unfortunately we have to involve him in it as it was his idea and his need to bring you to this discussion as the questions we have he most likely wants to know or have questions of his own to ask" Caius informed with a disgust look and his emotions showing the exact same, while Marcus showed to be infuriated and angry in his feelings which caused me to quirk my eyebrows at him to see if he will tell me what's happening.
"Well as I was just telling my brother before you arrived, that all Aro wants to discuss is asking questions about you to find out everything about you, despite that he could do it with a touch of his gift if your gave him permission" Marcus said, "not that he should even attempt it" he muttered silently, even though I could still hear clearly, " so in other words he setted this whole discussion thing just to get to know me, well if that's what he wants to do then he can move himself to find me himself and ask instead of pulling me away from my mate to keep me in a room to ask questions" I said with a bit more venom in my tone showing how angry I was feeling.
"I told you he would say that, and we both said that to him" Caius pointed out, "yeah we are sorry for our idiotic brother for that, we both had a feeling you would feel like that so before you arrived we decided on something else that you may prefer, how about if you continue to get situated here in the castle and if we have a question or want to talk we come and find you instead of dragging you away from where you are with your mate" Caius explained, feeling slightly hopeful, hearing it sounded like a much better idea, which I just nodded and walked out leaving them be.
Flashback ended
"Ah I see you have finally left your mate to do your own thing then?" Caius spoke as he walked out of a room just a few metres away from where I was walking up the hallway after taking so many corners searching, "ah yes I have but she is in safe hands of the twins, plus any trouble that she be in I will know within less than a second, so for the moment I can try and find this one nomad who stayed" I explained with a smirk, "ah your looking for him also then, mind if I tag along as despite my close ties with my brother, he won't even tell me what he knows, and my other idiotic brother is refusing to use his gift or wanting to help, but said he will just watch from his throne, and if he see the nomad to order him to stay until I get there" Caius responded back, "so should we share opinions on what we think about this nomad and why Heidi and my brother is keeping tight lipped about it?" Caius asked.
I could feel that he was definitely curious, but very confident, not too much that it would put a dent in his ego if I declined but enough that he was confident that we would agree and work together on it, which from everyone here, he was the one of three I would work well with with little problems appearing, " fine I could do with the information that you may know as it may be information I don't have and you know as well as I do that no mission small or big can be without all the information to ensure it goes without something going wrong" I said with a small nod of respect.
"Okay then should we get on with it then" Caius sped ahead but then stopped to realize I didn't follow and moved back to where I continued my slow stroll approach, " I thought we were going like in a rush to get it situated?" Caius questioned, I looked at him not in any way but a serious look, that got his attention, "well despite your approach, may be efficient and effective when you last tried something like this in the past which I have to guess would have been several centuries ago or less as I don't really pay much mind to how old you are to someone like myself" I stated, "as for my approach I may not have the years of experience that you have but in this era my approach is the one that has worked against numerous of enemies that I've taken down solo without the aid of the army that I was in charge of, but even with the army my approach, my keen for detail, my tactics and strategies have never gave me a single lost compared to that of your win, loss ratio if I have been informed correctly" I explained proudly with a smirk to show that I have read about his battles from the twins, as well as listened very carefully whenever we spoke together about his past life with enemies he's encountered.
"Very well played Major Whitlock, well played indeed" Caius clapped his hands with a smile that wasn't fake, as his emotions I felt gave nothing to show he hated me for a how I spoke to him or what I said, "if others did what you did I would have taken them down a peg or showed them that they are weaker than myself but, with you I can hold my hands up to admit you played that response very well, not that I was expecting anything less from someone like yourself, it's why I respect your opinions and that I won't intentionally cause you to challenge me with a clear reason for it, but I do appreciate that you also don't try to act above me despite the difference in power between us both" Caius responded.
"So why is this approach better in this circumstance as it's not like he should pose a threat or challenge to either of us and I know this castle's layout better than the nomad would?" Caius asked while going at the same pace as I was, while clearly confused to why I wasn't in any rush, " well you see that is where you're wrong, even one nomad with nothing to lose can hold all the cards to beat us if we rush in without careful consideration, plus we are not finding him as enemies but as allies who just need information that he will give willingly if we approach him in the right way" I explained keeping my serious tone so he could see that I knew what I meant, "well if you insist, but do you even know where he is?" Caius asked, I nod but didn't respond as he most likely knew where as well.
We continued our stroll in silence as we both had the same way to concentrate which involved not talking so our minds could work on the task in hand. As we moved closer to the top of where the castle with the best vantage spot I looked to Caius with a nod, not needing to communicate when most of what is needed doesn't always require words but a gesture to get the same message across, I used my gift to sense how many is about, only sensing Caius emotions of confidence and glee, and the nomads of being in a relaxed state, while feeling on guard at the same time which most would say it shouldn't mix well but to me I disagree to that it felt perfect combination together.
I used a few hand movements to signal Caius to go round the other exposed exit while I took the other, as I opened the door to this room I looked about seeing no light source yet knowing that there was no way for the nomad to escape without either of us getting to him first, "nomad we have need of you for some information, my friend here is by the window and I'm near the door so please hear us out before you judge us too soon, as we come as not as friends but allies who wished to know your connection to Heidi, Heidi's friend and the king also known as Marcus, as they are keeping tight lipped about something that your apparently involved in and we both wished to hear what it is, to see if it's any concern" I explained calmly, "well I'm not exactly care for your approach but kudos to you both for getting me alone, as I already had my fill of a hunt to keep me going until I find a prey worthy of my time, so me staying put here wasn't anything for me to feel threatened, despite what I know what you both are capable of" the nomad said with overconfidence, which caused me to think that this nomad may be smarter than we gave him credit for but slightly crazy to think that his overconfidence will get him out of here unscaved if a fight ensured.
"So what is it about you that they know that we don't know or should I have to let my fists do the questioning if you refuse to do it the easy way" Caius threatened, which I could tell he meant what he said, which if it wasn't for who we was in front of I would have said something but decided to keep quiet to see if the nomad would respond either way, "well you can keep those fists to yourself as I'm not stupid enough to think that I could out fight either of you, but given enough preparation I might find a way to get pass you both but given that I'm smarter enough to know when I'm at a loss in a situation is the only way I get out of here when I've got what I've come for" the nomad responded.
While none of us spoke so I decided to start, "well let me be the first to ask the questions then, first what's your name and do you have a gift?" I asked, the nomad smirked, "I'm surprised that you knew neither with one of the kings being gifted to know the answer to both of those, very well then, the name is James and I have the gift to track my prey little bit like the one known as Demetri's tracking gift, but seeing that I have neither been asked or forced to join the Volturi with my gift I'm assuming that my gift isn't as powerful as his" James responded with a feeling of bitterness as he spoke about Demetri, which I could understand but hope he wouldn't be causing trouble if those two came to butt heads, "the next question you said something along the lines of you get out of here when you got what you came for, what did you mean about that" I said questioningly, "as if it involves Isabella then trouble is definitely something you will get and most likely not be getting out of here with a limb intact" I said, with a threatening tone as I won't let anyone harm my mate in any possible way that they would dare trying.
"Ah I see that your protective of your little mate but don't worry I'm not here for her but actually for my own that I gained unexpectedly, who I don't feel the need to tell you who if you two are as smart as I've heard" James taunted with a smile, he was right we did know, as I knew it was Heidi's friend that he was mated to, without the need of Marcus to inform me of, as just by knowing that Marcus was involved gave me enough information to know that it was a bond involvement, " is that all that they are keeping tight lipped about or is there something else your not telling us" Caius barked, while clearly not moving any closer as I have him the look to stay where he was, "you two are so much fun to play with, definitely when I have nothing to hide being that games is something I enjoyed and sometimes you got to know that some games giving all the information truthfully with the right individual can be more fun than keeping it out of reach " James spoke in the same playful taunting as before, I could feel that he wasn't feeling threatened but enjoying himself instead, whereas Caius on the other hand was getting more angry by the second, as for myself I continued to stay calm.as within moments of meeting this James, I knew what type of approach would work and I just had to hope that Caius can put a lid on it before he messes this all up.
"So this is a game to you then, what pieces in this game of your are we to you?, Also if your target is your mate, why is it that you haven't left with her already?, Is there something else that is going on or is it that you're being patient for your mate to leave alongside you in her time and not your own?" I questioned,
"Ooh I like you, I knew you would work it out, let me guess you met others like me in your experience, while your friend there the king may or may not have it's hard to tell with his life expectancy being so long I haven't got the full scope of his entire life story to know that bit, not that it changes the game that much" James said happily, "as for your questions I will gladly answer them just to see your response and reactions to my answers, so question one, yes it is a game to me, as for what you both are in it, I say powerful pieces who for someone like me means that time is something I have limited of to be wary of to ensure I survive, as for myself I say I'm more like a snake, fox and a mouse" James continued with a smile that came across more creepy than one of pleasant kind.
"I'll stop you there, so I'm assuming that the animals your describe yourself is, the mouse for being weaker, small and can escape when not trapped, the fox for being sly and cunning, and the snake I'm assuming it's because its related to being like a vampire or as close to relation but also that they strike when threatened, but if your expecting a reaction from me you can keep waiting" I explained before I crossed my arms my arms to show I wasn't intimidated of his toying to get a reaction from myself, I heard and saw that James began to clap with sarcastic manner, "I knew you be fun to take part in this game while your friend over there looks to awfully close to losing it and coming over and killing me where I stand" James taunted while smiling at Caius, like he was intentionally trying to provoke him.
"Caius calm down I can feel your anger boiling hotter and hotter and if you don't calm down then I will use my gift to force you to do ignore his taunting otherwise I will have to call someone else to take over if you can't get a hold of yourself" I said in a raised voice staring at Caius while I spoke, as well fully intending to use my gift if needed, on both of them as I could easily use it to knock James down to feel emotions to make him more easier to deal with but I wanted to play it his way for now unless he drags this on too long then I may change tactics. I turn James again, "as for you stop your taunting of him because if he does go after you I will let him so you better speed this game of yours up and get talking quickly" I said, so far his so called game isn't as infuriating as others that I've dealt in the past but he was the only one so far to try and drag it out the longest, "fine, spoilsport and then there's me thinking you be fun, well my mate isn't the target, nor was Isabella so you don't have to panic either, the target is my rival Demetri as I was told that because our gifts are similar our game would be one for the ages but with him locked in his room I decided to call it quits as he's no fun when he's with his mate who I've heard is lethal more than myself not just in cunning or being sly but that she's gifted with incredible speed that out beats everyone here that I know about, so yes I'm just as informed on everyone as you are Major" James spoke, the last bit caught me off guard that he knew just as much as I did about everyone here's abilities and life, which made me wonder to who his source was.
"As I was saying so yes he was my target but now my mates comes first and I will wait however long I must until she is ready to leave with me, so it means I get more fun with you lot, and don't worry I haven't killed anyone in the city as I like my hunts to interest me, making it fun and fulfilling as I don't go after the boring humans of this world I go after the ones that makes the hunt worth it, giving chase, testing my skills as a hunter, predator and tracker" James spoke with pride and confidence, dropping the whole playfulness that he spoke with before as it seems what he spoke of is what he's takes pride in over talking about when he's playing a game.
"So there's nothing else that we don't know, so what those three know is what you told us and nothing else?" I asked disappointedly, " what you was expecting more, well in sorry to disappoint you but what your coven mates and my mate was keeping tight lipped isn't anything special, it's just that I didn't want it going about being mated so soon and that my target was Demetri, as I knew that wouldn't go well for me being here" James spoke in disgust, "sorry baby king looks like your own laws protects me from you a bit longer maybe I let you spar with me to get your anger out but I doubt I ever let you spar with me, with those demonic red eyes that looks like your gonna shoot fire at me with" James laughed as he pushed passed me, "so long you two I've got business to attend to with my mate if you don't mind" he said while waving his hand in a goodbye gesture.
While James left, leaving Caius looking to pull a childish temper tantrum but instead angrily punching several holes in the wall next to the window he was standing in front of, instead of stopping him I left him to it, as it was his castle too, so it was for him to fix if needed, I knew that I let James passed without care as, he told us all that he knew and he was right that no one could harm him due to the law that the Volturi set when they ruled in the beginning, which didn't exactly make him untouchable but did give him some breathing room definitely from Caius, as for myself I got what I needed and didn't feel the need to end James for his long drawn out game of his.
Two hours later
Sitting in the library with my mate in arms as I wanted to spend more time with her in my arms in a place where no one would disturb me and give us some spare and quiet, plus it was the best place to do some research on all that's been recorded in human and supernatural history of all that's could be vital information but also that I found I enjoyed reading about history of what came before myself. The twins was somewhere occupied in the castle archives with that tome again still trying to find anything new as the tome from what they specified to me that despite how thick and large it is, not every page will show it's contents to them no matter how many times they look as it's almost like it's been altered by the original owner of the tome to only show what's written to certain individuals but not all and when it can be seen, which did make me very interested in it, but the last time the twins showed me it, I couldn't see a single thing on any of the pages, so it was all blank which confused them and baffled me for a time, oddly enough Isabella giggled at that exact moment not sure if it was for that reason or for something else.
I heard a knock on the library door which came to me as odd as no one knocks on the door but just enters as it was exactly private part of the library from what I was told, so I did wonder who would knock instead of just entering, "who is knocking on the door when it's not even the private section of the library so you may as well as enter" I spoke in a quiet tone as I didn't want to raise my voice too loud as I didn't want to spook Isabella who seemed happy in my arms, no one answered back so I continued to go back to the book I was reading with Isabella who decided to plant both of her hands on the book to get my attention, "what do you want my angel, are you hungry or need a drink or something" I asked her, to which she looked at me in what I called her scowling face, "okay so it's none of those, can't you tell me in my mind again like the other day what you want as I'm still new at trying to work out what you want" I said in the same calm sweet tone that I only used for her and only her, she looked at me again with the same scowl while her eyes changed to yellow like the bunny munchers eyes was, "I've got it, it's can't be him at the door as he has kept his distance from me since my last encounter with him" I told her, not like I was gonna get a response as her eyes went back to their usual chocolate brown colour.
"Carlisle if that's you at the door you can come in, I won't harm you" I said annoyingly, I heard the door open slightly, "you mean it?, Also how did you know it's me, was it your gift or something?" Carlisle asked quietly, with his head slightly appearing in, "yes I mean it and no it wasn't my gift telling me it was you as for once it was Isabella that told me in her little way that it was you, but thinking about it I should have guessed it was you with how much fear is leaking from you, but sometimes I forget that there is others who are just as fearful as you" I mentioned, as I looked up waiting for him to get closer, so I could find out why he was here. "So what's your reason for being here unless you are here to read like I am, or is it because you want to spend time with Isabella as if so you can't take her from me, so if it's my mate you want then stay here where I can see you to interact with her" I said in a serious tone, as I looked to Isabella she gave me one of her scowls again, "okay sorry but I rarely get time with it just being us two so forgive me if I want to keep you with me more, despite what Carlisle's reason for being here" I said apologetically to her, causing her facial expression to soften which I took as a sign that she forgave me, she was the only one in this entire castle that I couldnt know how she felt with my gift so i had to use our bond, expressions and body language to work it out unless she used her gifts, yes she has multiple yet there seems to be a sort of on and off switch as sometimes she doesn't use them.
"I've come here to read like you, even though I will say hi to Isabella, but the main reason I've done here is that Caius has a request for you" Carlisle said still feeling fearful, I knew that it didn't matter how often I could tell him to relax he wouldn't, yes I could use my gift but being around Jane has made me enjoy the sadistic side of seeing others fearful of me, but looking at my mates eyes will always remind me to behave for her, so I sent a wave of calm to him to help him relax around me, as I waited to see if he felt it or put a struggle against it, I saw that he started to calm down, looking less fearful of me now but not the confident kind of just his usual self before the whole threat I said to him.
"There you go, now you look relaxed, so tell me what is this request that you said Caius sent you to give me instead of coming himself? I asked calmly, but also curious to why Caius sent Carlisle out of everyone that he could have picked, "well he picked me because he knew that I been avoiding you, plus I was just there when he was on his way to the training room" Carlisle spoke, "as for the request he said that he wants your expertise to aid him with training the guards alongside others who volunteered to take part, such as the queens which surprised me when he told me they openly volunteered to take part in the training alongside the guards" Carlisle explained, in detail which pleased me, I looked at Isabella, who just smiled.
I began to think about it, he was right the queens openly volunteering to join in the training sessions is something that is a surprise but something I would have suggested anyway definitely so they can avoid getting killed themselves if any enemies try to take them out to cause psychological damage to the the remaining kings, as they are mated to them, even though given the right circumstance like Marcus it could do the opposite and not affect them but even then they will go into a vegetable state for awhile, from what I've heard happened to him when he lost his due to Aro's involvement. Of course there's so many possibilities and ideas that run through my mind that could be beneficial for my involvement, definitely as Caius is right mentioning my expertise in this area of experience, so if I accept this request I could alongside Caius make this coven even more powerful, even aid the gifted ones to higher standard of levels of their gifts as I could borrow the one named Eleazar to see the gifts and what the levels of them to still be unlocked.
"Is he expecting an answer now or when I'm ready? Just so I know how much time I have to think on this so I can get things done or ready for it to work out as unlike what the guards are used to I do things differently" I asked, while explaining it to Carlisle, "he never said anything about when he was expecting a response so I expect he's waiting for you to go to him with an answer, unless you want me to tell him as I can do that if you want to stay with Isabella longer" Carlisle said while looking at my pile of books I had by me, with a look of admiration of what I already got through.
"Nah it's fine we both could do with getting out of this room for a bit definitely as I think she is due for something to eat or something as it's about the same time that it was yesterday when she got hungry, so I take her to the kitchen to sort her out before I make my way to Caius to provide him with my response to the request" I said, while noticing that he was still looking at my pile of books, "is there a reason why your looking at what I've read already because not that I mind but I can feel that you curious about them or something" I asked him, "yeah sorry it's just that I thought that it was just myself and Marcus who took an interest in research and reading so seeing someone such as yourself who was in the southern wars with Maria I just didn't expect it" Carlisle spoke trying to keep his eyes at the same level as my own as he spoke, which I could tell he was feeling brave but slightly worried.
"I've always took an interest in history, and wars, even before I joined the war as a human, despite my young age compared to the rest of my trope, so being here and needing to find ways to fill my time up during mine and Isabella's time together or when she's asleep it gives me something to read, if I was being honest I'm surprised with how well most of detailed in some of what I've read but some lack details which is why I try and communicate with Caius, seeing that he's more ancient than we are so he's more likely to know about the missing documents and details of these battles that took place in these wars" I explained enthusiastically, which I could tell from the expression on Carlisle's face that he noticed, "so where we share the thirst for knowledge our subjects in knowledge differs, if you have time during my stay here I would love to hear more of your research if you don't mind" he said, with a smile, I just nod in response.
As stood up with Isabella in arms as she is yet to start walking herself, which may be down to all of us not giving her a chance to learn or out of habit of picking her up as she didn't feel heavy when we lifted her up compared to if a human would feel the weight difference. " Well I see you later or another time as me and Isabella are going to the kitchen now, maybe they can provide me with some blood from a bottle to satisfy me until I chose to leave or take part in their monthly human only party to get it from the source" I said as I walk slowly out the door, seeing that Carlisle was too engrossed in a book to notice, I shrugged my shoulders as I knew it was probably for the best he didn't respond, as it meant I could leave with any other possible questions he may ask from what he read as Caius told me before that when Carlisle wants to he could talk for so long without knowing that someone lost interest in what he was talking about or just wanted to leave but didn't want to be rude, by just leaving.
Two hours later
Finally finished feeding my mate as it took longer than expected, all because of a few disagreements with me and the human staff who tried telling me they knew better, most of the time spent was more of a test of wills of who will give in first, being that I was her mate and they have been caring for her even before I arrived, learning I was mated to her. The feeding part itself was difficult as always, not because I didn't know how to do it as I did from all the times Heidi and others showed me, all the little ways of fun and boring methods that work to get the food into her mouth without her refusing to eat. Whenever I feed my mate or watch someone else do it, it takes my mind back trying to remember something if it was something I may did as a human, but knowing that I joined the human army at a young age, it was unlikely as I couldn't remember if I had any younger siblings or had the chance to do something like this.
"Hey Jasper, are you busy?" Aro said as he approached me as he entered the kitchen in a casual stride, which I didn't want to show my surprise that he picked this opportunity to now approach me to talk, "not now as I just finished a moment ago feeding my mate, I would say I was surprised that you decided now to approach me after what's been nearly a whole week of staying away after you crumbled and been a silent mess on your throne, with feeling of pity, self dealt, and many others that I rather not list, as you wasn't exactly the positive beacon of light that I you used to be" I said, with a slight boredom showing as I said it, "not that I care much of you, from the three of you, it's only Caius that I respect, Marcus I enjoy for his company that he provides for my mate, being a good uncle figure, but also informing me of bonds and updates of my own with Isabella that he said that you wanted to be a father figure to, yet I've seen none of that within the time I've spent in this castle" I continued.
"There's not much I can say that will make all that better to how you see me, but I'm hoping for a single chance to be better, but I also love to know more about you in the traditional way without using my gift to tell me it all within seconds, as I may have been like a statue on the throne but I have been listening to what has been said around me, even if I haven't look like I was" Aro said, I checked his emotions again to see if there was anything to be weary of, but seeing nothing to worry about, only sensing worry and still some doubt on the edge of his more positive feelings, i knew what I was gonna say next, " your correct there isn't anything you can say as words mean nothing if your actions does the complete opposite of what you say, but if you want to be a father figure to my mate, and want to know me better then you need to show it, I won't say I give you a chance as I don't think saying that will mean anything to you unless I feel it's deserved, but as for now I am heading off to meet your brother for a request he asked of me" I explained, "if you want to follow and see what it is you may but don't expect much else from me" I said in a serious tone.
As I walked out the kitchen with my mate in my arms with a smile on her face, "smiling again are you, well I hope you keep that smile as I will have to leave you with the twins again as I seriously doubt they be taking part in training with anyone else unless it's just me" I said to her while we walked, she looked at me with her eyes changing colour to red and then back again, almost like she enjoyed changing her eye colour, as it seemed the one thing that she had control over with perfection, while the other gifts that she showed or has done recently seem to be temporary or only happens at certain times such as the strong shield she used on Felix that I heard about, wishing to have seen to witness it myself.
As we near the corner of the training room I see many guards, some Volturi coven members who I don't remember being part of the guards like the queens and Heidi, but I also noticed some of the guests from the celebration also watching from the sidelines by the edge of the walls of the room trying to keep out of the way. It amazed me with how many there were here, but what pleased me the most was watching Caius alongside Marcus working together training them all together. Some who look less experienced in battle seemed to be working with the more experienced, to learn and work together in a one on one sparring match.
"Ah I see you went ahead with the training session without me then, I'm impressed with how many who happily volunteered to take part and learn how to protect themselves and each other better" I explained with a rare smile of my own that I don't use that often in crowds unless it was necessary, "ah yes we did, it feels good to be teaching again, as i sorely needed something to let out my frustration out from time to time, plus seeing some of them showing me what they have learnt with Demetri, I've noticed that not all of them have been keeping up with the training, which I don't approve of if they want to keep their ranks in the coven" Caius specified with the feeling of being proud but also disgust, which I could understand if I here to witness it from the beginning.
"Well being here is answer enough to your request that you sent Carlisle with, which I seriously doubt he ever attempt to learn to fight instead of reading despite what his views on being a pacifist will take him in this world" I mentioned to Caius, with getting a response of a single nod, "so how did the walls fair to your fists earlier?" I mentioned with a chuckle knowing might get a response more than a nod and curious to how he responds to it, as if he said it to me I would take it as a challenge which I so hoped he did to so I test myself to him in front of everyone, "if your trying to get a rise out of him then don't as there's more important things to do then you both brawling it out to see who's top dog" Marcus said to pacify the situation before anything could happen, much to my disappointment, even though I probably shouldn't attempt it with Isabella here, "actually before anything else starts anyone seen the twins? As Isabella needs some quality time with them" I called out to the whole room, seeing a few heads perk up such as the queens and Heidi in particular, "no you three are not taking her as you are needed here, so don't dare think I will be soft, letting you off the hook, just because I brought her with me here" I told them sternly, "if I heard correctly you three amongst others also volunteered for this so that's even more so why you should stay" I added.
"So why does the twins not taking part in this then" one of the low leveled guards mentioned, getting a joint of anger that I threw at him, that no one dared to say anything after seeing that guard crumple to the floor feeling my anger in huge amounts, "anyone else dare question me, because I will say this once and only once so listen well" I said still feeling annoyed that someone questioned who I decided to leave to care for my mate while I aid Caius with the request he asked of me. "I only trust a fair few of you, and the ones I do trust are the only ones I will trust to be with my mate alone, so I don't give a single care to anyone else who spent time with her alone or what, as while I'm here and my mate is still too young to be able to defend herself in a adequate manner, and not by a fluke of protection like it was with Felix" I explained keeping the same serious but professional manner that I spoke to every single being in this very room, "so if anyone dares to question my judgement trust me no one in this very room has the capability or will to defend you against my wrath" I said glaring at that one guard in particular who spoke out earlier.
"Not even Caius" the guard spoke, but before he could finish his sentence, I sped over so quick despite still having my mate in my arm, and launched my free arm wrapped round the guard's head and pulled it off his shoulders without breaking a sweat or it taking any effort, as I stood behind the headless guard I threw his head to one of the other guards who like everyone else stares at me with clear shock and disbelief, at what I just did with just one free arm, "stop staring and looking like fish, and put find a way to attach his head back to him" I roared getting everyones attention, "if you think that's impressive, that was just a small fraction of what I can do, without much effort, as I was holding back due to my mate was in my other arm, so everyone better start listening to me and not try to infuriate me further " I said sternly, not caring what everyone thought of me in that moment, as I immediately turned my gaze to my mate.
"Sorry about that, hope your not hurt my little mate" I said in a quiet tone, checking her over to make sure there is no bruises or anything to indicate that she was harmed, as I saw her face she just smiled turning to a giggle, "looks like you been around Jane for too long to not be effected for vilonce to happen around you, I guess, might mean I have to have a word with her with that, and for myself to be careful not to do it around you till your much older to understand" I said in the same quiet tone, while feeling everyones gaze on me as I talked to my mate, I looked up seeing them all still staring, "what you all looking at, she may be a child but doesn't mean I won't try to act like a what a true mate would do despite the lack of communication in words or everything else that you lot can do that I'm not able to till she is of age" I spoke up in a harsher tone than I intended,
"I'm sorry if anyone of you think I'm coming across as harsh or anything but my mates protection and needs is always gonna be top priority to me, so I know what I feel is best for her" I said slightly calmer now, "as for the training sessions I will be teaching alongside Caius and Marcus if he chooses to aid as I assume he is just as skilled as Caius here, despite what anyone may think, as I can feel a warriors spirit when they are close, so I know that Marcus would be a good match for anyone who tries to take what's his in the future" I mentioned, "as for today's seeing that the twins may not be about or available for whatever reason is their own, I will watch everyone and give advice where I see fit until any of us see that the session is to end ready for next time, where I'll be in fully force showing the ropes to improvement" I explained, seeing everyone nod their heads.
I saw one of the guests who was watching from the sidelines raise their hand like they thought this was a school or something like that, " this isn't a raising hands to get my attention or anything, if you have something to ask then just ask, as I'm not gonna bite your head off despite what I did to that idiotic guard" I said in annoyance, the guest instead stood up and walked closer so I could get a better look seeing it was one of the Denali sisters called Kate, " yeah I have question actually a few but just one that I really want to ask" I could feel her desire, and confidence as she was determined to ask it, even though I knew that even without the aid of my gift to tell me it, "Kate don't" both of her blonde haired sisters called out while trying to pull her back, I raised my free hand to signal them to stop, "you both can relax I won't harm her, not because of her gender, but because I'm not gonna harm anyone for the fun of it, since I dealt with that guard a moment ago who is getting his head put back on as we speak" I said seeing them calm down while looking at the two guards fixing the head back on the headless guard still.
"Ha, I told you I be fine" Kate laughed to her two sisters in a mocking tone, I felt my need to interrupt before she continues,"Kate, yes you was right but it doesn't mean you can do that to the last of remaining family, since the lost of your mother, Sasha, who turned her child into a immortal child, that coated not just the life of her newborn immortal baby but also her own through her actions, costing you all in a mother, while bringing in the law against immortal children, so I'm telling you this nicely to treat Tanya and Irina better as you don't want to lose them or them to lose you because of you or them actimg again any laws or angering someone who wishes you harm" I said, showing just how informed I truly was, "wow I can see why Caius respects you enough to not stop you from doing what you did to that guard" she said wish surprise in her voice and getting a nod from Caius as she what was true and Caius knew it.
"Anyway you said you had a question you wanted to ask" I reminded her, "oh yeah thanks, even though the more I think about it I'm not sure if you call it a question but something that I guess most if not all of us are curious at wanting to see" Kate said, looking a bit ashamed at what she was gonna ask, which gave me the inclination at what it was, without her even saying it as I could guess it without the words being told, "you all want to see me spar with Caius am I correct in assuming?" I said with a smirk that caused Caius to look worried at hearing, "erm yes that's exactly it, how did you know?" Kate said slightly feeling worried, causing me to laugh out loud, "I'm a empath but also it's something I've been asking Caius for since I arrived here" I said happily, "but I do you one better, if these individuals agree of course, if Marcus, Caius, and Aro agrees to go three on one against myself, so it be a no holds barred match so I can truly let myself go while you all can see them in a fight too, is that something that you all would be interested to see" I announced to the whole room, seeing both Marcus and Caius looking at each other realizing they have little chance of declining with everyone cheering them to accept.
With the cheering getting louder, myself feeling quite pleased at the reaction as I knew that I would finally get to test the kings skills myself even if I knew I would be guaranteed a win at the end of it, "quite" Caius shouted, getting everyone to stop cheering and staring to see what was gonna happen next,"me and my brother will accept your challenge Major, of course Aro will join either way, despite him not being here to accept it himself" Caius said proudly while trying to hide his worry, which I felt and caused myself to smile.
The door of the training room opened, "ah I'm here just in time, what did I miss" Aro sang as he waltzes into the room in while humming a tune to himself, before letting anyone chance to ruin the surprise as I wanted to see his reaction myself, "actually you missed quite a bit for example that you and your brothers are all going to be in a no holds barred match against yours truly, so I hope your have your big boy pants on because your gonna need them" I said with a smile that most likely looked bigger than my face, seeing Aro's face just drop was priceless, causing his once happy mood to look of dread, "he can't be serious brothers, please don't say it's not true" Aro asked with plea, "oh he's not joking and if you was here a few moments sooner than you would have seen the reaction it go from everyone here so we have little choice in the matter as it's what they want too" Caius said shamelessly.
"I do you three a deal, this match of ours can wait till next week, give you three some time to prepare yourselves, while giving everyone a chance to look forward to it too, plus it means that the twins can watch as I so want them to witness this moment too" I suggested with a smirk, "we agree" the three kings said in a defeated tone, at the same time, causing everyone to clap in joy, which I could feel making me very happy. "Well until then I see you Caius next training session, and everyone else when I see you as me and my mate are going for a nice walk to find the twins and to enjoy this moment of joyfulness" I said while I walked out leaving the room like I owned it, while Isabella giggled in my arms.
Bari POV
Lying comfortably in a simple yet luxurious king size bed which looked more like something I could only dream of, while having two beauties sleeping soundly on both sides of me, almost like I was sandwiched between them, yet neither bothering me or me wishing for anything else, I looked about my room like I so often find myself doing with a smile on my face ready to start the day like no other. I prod both women on my left and right to see if they are awake or still sleeping soundly, only getting whispers of nothing I understood, but knew they was awake, as I waited to see who is who, and who he the first to say good morning to make my day even brighter than the last, I began to recognise who they was by seeing little features in their appearance that both shocked me and yet made me smile.
"Oh Chelsea, Aderes I know you're awake after giving me the best night I've ever had" I said sweetly as I could remember the pure bliss of an evening we shared before we slept together in this shared bed that surprised me that we all fitted in.
As they both turned to face me, eyes closed as they sat themselves up as I did the same, to join in, "that was no night but your nightmare that will never end" they both said at the same time yet, not sounding like their usual voices, which made me wonder how I knew that voice yet felt suddenly terrified of who that voice began to remind me of.
Both women opened their eyes looking like the voices eyes as they was slitted like a reptile but also was in blood crimson red in colour, the women's bodies started to change in shape to resemble a snake, which started to make me want to move away in fear, yet feeling trapped with so much fear I couldn't even move if I tried. The one snake looking woman started to coil, restricting my very movement, going round and round my body, while the other began to open its mouth so wide as it began to take in my feet into its mouth, as it began the slow horrifying process of swallowing me whole. During this process I couldn't move like being paralyzed, yet not just fear but something else that I couldn't figure out, until it was too late being fully inside the body, the body felt slimy, and hot which I knew was the stomach acid rising bit by bit dissolving me until I was nothing.
As nothing of myself was left yet only seeing darkness and nothingness, a single voice could be heard, "this is your fate, for eternity, seeing what you love most and desire all for it to end in your demise to repeat it all over again, and again" I wanted to say something but unable to as the whole thing started over and over again, like I was seeing it all on autopilot like a spectator, being unable to change anything only receiving all the feelings alongside it all.
The joy, happiness, feeling loved, to then change to fear, entrapment, terrified, and pain so much pain that it never ended, hours upon hours this continued not knowing if it was all in my head or something else.
Aderes POV
How did my life bring me all the way here, through so much time that has gone, passed me by has lead me to this moment is nothing but something if I told my parents, my old friends, they wouldn't believe a single bit of it, even if I had a way to tell myself at a much, much younger age before all this now, even she wouldn't believe it. My journey that led me here has gone on much longer and complicated that I intended, I never got to tell my parents I'm sorry for what I said to them, or that I wished I stayed to learn everything they wanted to teach me, or tell me before I was at the intended age to rightfully leave and teach my own family the same. It's surprising that I have never really told anyone the full truth or everything about my life not even Bari the keeper or Chelsea that I've been spending all this time with recently, they know some of my life or what I choose to tell them, not because I'm scared of what they think or care for my decisions, as the one thing that holds true is that sometimes no matter how many turns you take on your path in life it will most likely always end or lead you to the same destination no matter how hard you try to avoid it.
While what I know is true about most I most certainly didn't take into account of how everything I was trying alongside Chelsea to prepare Bari or to escape again, I definitely didn't expect to witness this, what is happening in front of me and Chelsea who are bound, chained, with restraints that have special properties that makes us unable to do much of anything under his presence, even without his presence either of us can only do so much with our skills or abilities that we have, despite our difference in species.
To what I am seeing, I can't unsee now or ever, as I am a unwillingly witness to Kur, Chelsea's boss of sorts, the one who paid enormous amount of riches to Bari to do his job and the one who sent multiple of assassins to find me, capture me and bring me to this place until I told him what he wanted to know, but through all that watching Kur torture Bari Infront of us with what looked like long, sharp blades that was so dark it resemblance was like a shadow, which looking to find the other end of where it came from was coming from the walls and floor itself. This power was so unholy, dangerous that it was nothing I've ever seen being used before, not just that but seeing what it's capable of doing with someone like Kur using it was like that of nightmares, as he was using it in a way that slices into Bari's skin like a hot knife through butter, but not even looking to drop a single drop of blood which I could tell if it did then Chelsea next to me would react as she's been without blood longer enough to be very hungry almost like she act without thinking if one drop was dropped, but seeing Bari's skin with slice marks so red, and bruises that looked black, blue and even purple, the surrounding area of where Bari was lying on the floor in so much pain caused him to be in a large amounts of liquid soaking his clothing, I could tell it was sweat and not any old water as it has this particular smell and taste in the air when it has been stagnant, just due to all that psychologicaland physical torture that he's been going through for what I can only guess at being almost a week long.
Time since Kur arrived made it even more difficult to know as before we only had use of a clock and the constant ticking sound to give us a rough estimate to a time of the day or Bari's routine of when he fed to know the time, but Kur being here changed all that, the ticking of the clock couldn't be heard with Bari's constant screaming which deafened the ticking sound to a halt.
I rarely had much chance to breathe, with that I was absolutely terrified that if I breathed during those silent moments I would be next, and most would have thought I why when I was tortured for information before but that wasn't anything like this, as this was worse, not not worse horrifying, so when Bari screamed I chose those moments to breathe or try and catch my breath again to try and calm myself to not make my heart rate get so high, being in fear, that my heart rate would make too much sound or give away my fear at seeing this.
Every so often I would take a look at Chelsea to see how she was dealing with this, watching Kur her boss or master, whatever she chooses to call him these days torturing Bari like this, the faces I saw play on her face wasn't enjoyment or anything positive, definitely as I knew her threats she used to throw at Bari before was only to wind him up, as she enjoyed having fun with him without giving away that I think she actually cared about him in her twisted way of hers, looking at her now she looked broken yet still looking to try and hold back her hunger still every moment she was chained like myself to be able to move closer.
I look back again now at the moment during one of the nights when Bari sleeps where we have our lengthened conversations, of course the recent one we had before Kur's arrival, I can remember clearly. As we spoke how much she actually knew about Kur herself, it took several attempts to ever get her to reveal what she knew, as she definitely held strong loyalty to him, which baffled me with my experiences with him being someone I wouldn't be loyal to no matter what someone paid or asked of me. She said that he never revealed much in what he could do fully, but in rare off moments he would show something that would make the individual he attacks or shows off how powerful he is to utter shock where they stand frozen unable to respond or react in time to defend themselves, she mentions he is well versed in shadow travel, as well as using it to suit his methods but never gave up much to really go by, other than that she only said that she has never seen anyone stronger or faster than him.
How right she was with the use of shadows to suiting his purpose,even though I had to assume that he had some mental powers also as I remember a few times he spoke into my mind or made me see something that wasn't there or happening, so maybe she knew that or didn't, but at this very moment I just hope that we all come out of this alive, that's if Kur doesn't kill us or Bari.
I felt something familiar, powerful and painful directing itself at my mind as I kept still continuing to spectate the scene in front of me unwillingly, "don't think that keeping quiet or still means that I don't know your there, little girl" the voice rages painfully into my mind with so much sharpness that it would slice my head open if it was a knife, instead of words, that I knew could only come from Kur, which made me shiver in terror, I look to Chelsea once more and see that her face shook to terror also, which meant he said the either the same to her or different but she definitely wasn't the confident Chelsea I knew but now a more fearful one.
I take a look at Kur instead of looking at Bari, already knowing and hating what's happening to him, but as I do Kur turns to face me, but his face didn't look anything human as he always tried to look on his previous visits or how Bari tried to describe his first encounter or any of the other encounters to when we was heavily sedated, but he looked more a mix between a dragon in overall look, but had bulk that reminded me of something monstrous, if anything it was the eyes and that evil big smile that scared me the most. In those moments and many more during the possible of a week that he's been he constantly enjoying the torture, with the maniac of a laugh you here ever so often, it did make myself wish that I tried harder to not just push the argument further to get Bari to get us all to escape but to learn some magic that would have helped us to escape from this hell of a torture, that we may or may not escape from or survive from by the end that Kur has had his fun.
Well I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it. I love to hear what you all thought about it and any questions you may have.
I have big plans for the next chapter heavily involving Jasper and also to explain how Bari, Aderes and Chelsea have gotten in the situation they did in a sort of flashback.
So until next time for chapter 28.