Impressions of Three Men in Black - A Poly!Volturi Kings tale
Celeste gets to spend a day with Marcus, the quietest of the Volturi masters. Although they have spoken little, she already feels close to him.
Chapter Four
Silence is golden, unless the chatter is more interesting
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Celeste went to sit in the garden, having asked Felix to take her there. He complied, but insisted on staying with her. It wouldn't do to have the Masters' new mate disappearing.
Sitting in the gazebo, Celeste looked up at the blue sky, scattered clouds floating toward the distant sea. She thought she might ask Aro to take her to see the ocean, IF he asked her what she'd like to do on his day. Caius had not, but he thought of her just the same, knowing she would be hungry. She did enjoy the dancing, surprised vampires could dance. But then, they had existed over centuries, and humans had developed different forms of dance. Why would vampires not indulge in that past time themselves. She'd have to ask one of them.
Celeste closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet floral scent exuding from the many roses and other blooms that filled the garden. She heard a slight rustling behind her. She turned to see Marcus walking up the steps of the gazebo, maybe it was more like floating. He had made no sound himself, but his leg brushing up against a bush was what Celeste had heard. These vampires moved like shades, making no sound at all.
The tall man with the long brown hair sat beside her. "You wouldn't be thinking about going back over the wall," he asked, a smirk on his face.
"Good morning, Marcus. What, run away, with that big tree standing guard over there, watching my every move? Hardly." She gave a wink to Felix, who left knowing Celeste was now in good hands.
"Besides, I have no where else to go. I'm down to my last few euros."
"Are you at least enjoying being here with us, il mio più caro?" Marcus asked.
Oh, no. He must have thought she only wanted to stay because she had nothing and no where to go. Oddly, that couldn't be further from the truth. "I am, Marcus. Caius showed me a wonderful time yesterday morning. We ate, well...I ate. We talked and danced, and he gave me a driving tour of the countryside. It was an unexpected pleasure. Caius was a gentleman in every way. Surprising, considering how he behaved when I first arrived."
"Caius has had...issues over the centuries. The loss of Athenodora, his mate. The near-fatal attack on him by the children of the moon."
When he saw Celeste's questioning expression, he clarified. "Werewolves."
"Werewolves? So they exist too?" she asked, wondering if witches, fairies, and mermaids were also real.
"Yes, and one nearly destroyed Caius. Since then, werewolves are the only things our brother fears."
"I can imagine," she whispered. "Marcus, Caius had a mate? What happened to her?"
Marcus wished Caius had told Celeste himself, but he would if just to spare his brother the need. "They had met long ago, when both were already vampires. They traveled together and eventually became a mated pair when our coven was established. She was killed during a fight against another coven. Later, Aro's mate, Sulpicia, was also killed during another attack. You must understand, the Volturi have many enemies."
"And your mate, Marcus?"
Marcus' mind drifted to the past, his beautiful Didyme beside him. "My mate was killed by a werewolf during an earlier battle. We went out in search of those who had killed her, but we never found them."
Celeste took his hand, squeezing it as much as she was able, his hand feeling like marble that had been sitting in snow. Marcus looked over at Celeste. She was to be his mate, shared with his brothers. She would belong to all three of them. They would want nothing more than to please her and make her happy. And hopefully, she would feel the same about them.
Celeste found her trust in Marcus growing. She knew it wasn't fair of her to feel that way, and hoped to spend time with all three of her mates equally over the next few weeks. Getting to know them intimately would take time, and she was still unsure as to what they expected of her.
"Come, let me show you my garden." Marcus stood, still holding Celeste's hand, leading her down the garden to a far corner.
When they reached the carefully tended patch of land, Celeste saw roses of all kinds. "These are yours, Marcus? They're beautiful. I had no idea you were a gardener."
"I grow them in Didyme's memory. She loved roses. No one else is allowed to touch this bed, but if you like gardening, I will allow you to help me."
"Thank you, I'd like that." Celeste walked among the bed, sniffing the different varieties, some deeply fragrant while others had a more subtle scent.
He moved over to show her his particular favourite. Celeste reached out toward one of the blooms just as Marcus did, their hands touching. She felt the coldness of his touch which never ceased to make her gasp. She pulled back, then apologised. "I'm sorry, Marcus. I was just surprised." She took his hand in hers, attempting to make up for her action.
They walked around the rose bed, Marcus smiling proudly as he explained the different varieties, and a few new ones he had created himself from the cuttings of two roses. While Celeste was listening to Marcus, she scanned the area. He had truly created a bit of floral paradise in this garden. Marcus stood behind his new mate, his hands resting on her shoulders.
Celeste felt the cold weight on her. When Marcus moved closer, inhaling her scent as if it were a perfume, her heart began to race. He had to have known, his hearing being that powerful. "Marcus..."
He said nothing, only wanting to be close to his mate, to memorize her scent and enjoy the feel of her warm flesh beneath his hands. He nuzzled the spot of her neck below her right ear.
Celeste leaned back into Marcus, her breath coming from between parted lips. When she felt the tall vampire kiss her neck, she turned beneath his hands to face him. She peered up at him, her eyes seeking his.
As if reading her mind, he leaned down and kissed her. When her arms encircled Marcus, the ancient vampire responded. He could tell she wanted him as much as he wanted her, but she had insisted they wait. In time, she would be his in every way possible.
"Marcus, I need to let you know that I've decided you will have your day next."
"But Aro..."
"Aro caused the change in scheduling with his petty jealousy. He interrupted my time with Caius, therefore he will have to wait. So if you have any plans for us to be together, let me know. Tomorrow it's just you and me." She leaned against Marcus, reveling in the feel of his arms around her. She closed her eyes, realizing the word 'love' was becoming easier to accept when thinking about these vampires. The only thing she didn't know, was it the thing that attracted humans to them, or was she falling in love with them?
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The next morning, Marcus arrived at Celeste's room to pick her up for their day in the village. He wanted to be sure this was what she wanted. There were other things he could offer her, but she seemed a simple woman with simple needs, and that actually pleased Marcus.
Ready and waiting for him, she was dressed in plain jeans and a light weight sweater top. She had asked him to show her the village to keep it simple. No need to drive, just walking together mingling with her kind. He had reassured her he wasn't going to be thirsty when she asked him nervously, would it be a problem for him to be close to crowds of people. Marcus explained they only needed to feed every few weeks. As with any delectable food that might even set her off with hunger, there was always the chance of being attracted to someone, but as an ancient, he was more in control of his thirst. It was harder for newborns, he explained, knowing he and his brothers would need to prepare her for the change when the time came.
Felix, who had been standing outside Celeste's room, departed as soon as Marcus walked up to the door. He looked quite casual in black jeans and a dark grey button up shirt. He had brought Celeste a small bouquet of flowers cut from the garden, sitting in a blue crystal vase. When he handed them to her, she inhaled the mix of fragrances and colour, thanking the tall vampire with a hug. "They're beautiful, Marcus. Please, sit here on the sofa a moment." Celeste put the flowers on the table beside her bed so she could see them last thing at night and first thing in the morning.
Sitting beside Marcus, Celeste tucked her feet beneath her. She maintained a small distance of empty air between them, then found she didn't like that. She scooted over so she and Marcus were touching, the connection with him feeling more normal. "So, Marcus, what have you planned for today?"
"We'll walk around the village until you're hungry, then we'll stop to eat wherever you choose. If you see anything you'd like to have, let me know and it's yours."
Celeste hated to say anything, but she really wanted to know. "Marcus, why do you vampires all wear black? It's a bit cliché, don't you think? I mean no disrespect, I was just curious as to why black."
Marcus looked down at his clothing. He was used to wearing black. It seemed suitable somehow, for lo these many years. Yet during the Rococo period, they didn't wear only black. "I'm sorry, should I change?"
Celeste gave a small laugh. "Not necessary today. Just remember, when you're with me, I'm human and I love colour. Speaking of colour, are you wearing contacts? Your eyes are brown today."
"Yes, we wear them when we go out, or don sunglasses, depending. If the sun is bright, we tend to stay inside anyway."
"Why," she asked. Surely they weren't like Dracula or anything, burning in the rays of the sun light.
He smiled enigmatically. "You'll see."
She nudged him with her arm teasingly. It was amazing to her that she felt so comfortable with Marcus. She bent down and reached for her shoes, putting them on. Maybe later, she would ask him to light the fireplace in her room so they could enjoy the fire while talking or whatever. Stop, girl, there is no whatever, she chided herself.
Marcus smiled, more than he had smiled in a long time. The day was warm but the sky luckily was cloud covered. He offered her his arm, and the couple left the castle through the back door. Marcus waited for the gate to unlock, then pulled it open for Celeste to pass through. She looked around. Was someone watching them, knowing when to lock and unlock the heavy wrought iron gate? She figured she had so much to learn about life here.
They talked together while they walked down the tourist-filled street, Marcus answering Celeste's questions. He had a list of his own questions for her later. She exclaimed out loud and ran over to a vendor selling gelato. Marcus laughed low, following her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, asking, "What would you like, my dear?"
"Mmmm, the coffee flavoured, please."
Marcus spoke in Italian to the man serving up the rich ice cream-like confection, then handed the cup to Celeste.
She took a bite and groaned with pleasure. "This is so good. Thank you." She stood on tiptoe and kissed Marcus.
His gaze was fixated on his mate, wishing he could be more human for her. In time, though, she would be like him. Their differences would merge into a new life for both Celeste and his brothers. When she had eaten another bite of the gelato, Marcus leaned down to kiss her more deeply.
She looked up at him, this man who was not quite as tall as Felix, but tall enough. She graced him with her smile and then laughing, grabbed his hand to pull him along with her.
They visited shops and stalls, where Marcus bought her a bracelet made of Blue Lapis beads, a small crystal bird, and a burgundy shawl made of hand-made lace.
"No more, Marcus. These gifts are perfect. Thank you." She turned to look up at him. "I am a bit hungry though."
"I am remiss, cara. Forgive me. There is a restaurant just around that corner. Shall we?" He held out his arm for her to take.
Celeste took the proffered arm and walked alongside Marcus, feeling like royalty when she saw people looking at them. He must draw all humans into his sphere whether he was trying or not. Sorry, ladies, he's mine, she thought not without some pride.
Once inside the café, Celeste ordered a plate of pasta with a side salad. She must have been hungry because she practically inhaled her meal.
"I love a healthy appetite in a woman," Marcus remarked.
Celeste looked up at him. "Even if that appetite is fed by a liquid diet?"
Marcus' eyes seemed to darken under the contacts. "More then," he replied.
Once Celeste had finished eating, she asked if they could begin the walk back to the castle. She was tired from the afternoon of walking, and felt there was so much more to see. For another day, she thought.
By the time they had reached the back gate, the sun came out from behind big fluffy clouds. Marcus's hand began to shimmer in the light.
Celeste's eyes widened. "I think I see what you mean, Marcus. You don't burn in sunlight, you shimmer." She reached out to touch the top of his hand, which he rolled over to clasp her fingers in his.
"I had a marvelous day, my dear. I thank you for spending time with me."
"You're welcome, but Marcus, we will spend more time together, I promise."
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Later, after Celeste had showered, Marcus lay with her on her bed, talking about their day. He knew from her discussion about her time with Caius, she completely trusted him being here with her, or she would not have invited him. Not that he would not want to seduce her, but his feelings for her included respecting her wishes. He examined her in a way she would not know. His eyes quickly swept over her. She had complained about having no make up as if it were an apology. He felt she was beautiful enough without it. He hid a smile when he caught her biting her lips for colour, then wetting her lips with her tongue. It was a trick women used long ago when they had no cosmetics.
Her body was trim if not athletic. Marcus wondered if she might enjoy having the guards give her some defense training. Until she was made a vampire, she would always be vulnerable.
Celeste smiled when she noticed Marcus looking at her. She hoped he liked what he saw. She knew he could probably kill her if he wanted to, but obviously he didn't want that. Her hand reached up to touch his face, the skin cool. She slipped her fingers into his loose hair, tugging gently so that he was inches from her face. They kissed, tasting one another. She wanted to feel the weight of his body on top of her, but she forced her thoughts to back away from that desire.
Marcus smiled. "I had better go now?"
Laughing, Celeste nodded. "You must know, if you have to ask. God, it's so hard, but please understand..."
He placed two fingers on her lips. "Believe me, I do. Dormi bene, amore mio. I will see you tomorrow." He rose from the bed, allowing Celeste to slip under the covers. He bent to kiss her once more, then left the room.
"Girl, you have got to be careful with these guys," she said aloud, sighing.
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Celeste, unable to fall asleep, was lying in bed reading a book she had found in a drawer, when she felt a light breeze blow over her. She lowered the book to see Aro staring down at her from the end of her bed. She closed the book, setting it aside, then sat up. "Do you ever knock?"
"You're my mate. Why would I have to knock?" he said in all seriousness, moving to the side of the bed where he sat to be closer to her.
Celeste merely rolled her eyes at Aro, muttering "Impertinent" under her breath. Then..."What can I do for you, Aro?"
"I just wanted you to know what we will be doing on my day, so that you can prepare. First, I will take you to supper at a very nice restaurant, then we'll be attending the opera."
"The opera?" she asked, biting her thumb.
"Have you ever been?"
"Once, a while ago. It was The Merry Widow, I think. What will we be seeing, Aro?"
"La Traviata. Have you heard of it?"
"Yes, I have!" she grinned, thankful it was one she knew. "It was spotlighted in the film "Pretty Woman."
Aro's eyes moved to the left as he thought. " I don't know that film, my dear."
"No worries. I don't understand much Italian, but I know the story at least, so I will be able to follow along."
"Wonderful," Aro beamed. "Now as to your dress. Your wardrobe has some of beautiful gowns. Choose one. And to go with it..." He handed her a couple of velvet boxes. When he saw her frown, Aro said, "Just some small gifts, Celeste."
She opened one to find a pair of gemstone earrings. "Small gifts! Aro, this is too much."
Sitting next to her, he placed his hand on her leg. "Please, do me the honour of accepting them."
She took one of the earrings out of its box and put it in her ear. "How does it look?"
"Exquisite," Aro replied. "Now, the other box."
She opened it to find a matching necklace of clear stones. "Are these real diamonds?"
"Of course," he replied. "What else?"
Celeste shook her head. "Aro, you don't have to try to impress me, especially with your wealth. I'm not interested in that." She smiled at him, saying, "I'm only interested in you."
Her words touched the ancient vampire.
She reached out to caress his cheek with her fingertips. "You can't buy my affections, Aro. Just be yourself. "
"I just want you to be happy, my dear." He leaned forward and kissed her. Grinning, he held out a small make-up bag. "Chelsea asked me to give this to you."
Celeste unzipped the bag to see a foundation compact, several lipsticks, along with mascara, a small eyeshadow palette, and a new eyeliner. "Oh, do thank her for me, Aro. This is perfect."
"You're perfect without all that artifice, dear heart," he said with a smile.
Celeste felt a shiver move through her. This vampire knew how to affect her in ways she wasn't quite ready for. "Look, you make me feel safe and cared for already. I don't have to sleep on the streets or sell myself for a loaf of bread. It may sound silly, but you've given me everything I need in the short time I've been here. I'm happy, Aro."
Aro thought about Caius driving Celeste around in his expensive sports car, yet she seemed to talk more about the company she had kept. As with Marcus, her greatest joy came from looking forward to just being with him. Perhaps Aro could learn to give her what she seemed to want most. Himself. "I am properly chastised, dear one. But for me, wear the pieces tomorrow? Then you may do with them as you wish."
Celeste smiled at Aro. Maybe he was teachable after all. She had to make sure jealousy of his brothers didn't taint their relationship. After she had returned the earring to its box, he picked both up and flashed over to the dresser, laying them there, then flashed back to her bedside. He took her hand and kissed the palm.
She giggled slightly. "Your hands are so cold. It gives me goosebumps when you touch me."
"I noticed you were shivering."
"That was due to..." She could not finish her sentence.
Aro knew. He saw something in the human's eyes, and sensed the beat of her heart increasing. He bent forward, kissing her gently. "Sleep well, my dear." Then he was gone.
A/N : Aro is determined to be THE mate to Celeste over his two brothers. Will they let him?