Here is the awaited chapter 10! I tried to finish it before I went on vacation but decided not to rush it. Enjoy!
Chapter 10
B POV
"Also," I added on, "no distracting me. Don't think I don't know about all your tricks." I frowned.
He sighed again, hands coming up beside his head, palms facing me in a sign of peace. "You got it."
"What did Jane mean by everything? I want to know what's going on. Why did you say I was yours earlier, why do I feel this connection to you?" I fired off the questions as if each one suddenly triggered the next, unable to contain my curiosity.
"One thing at a time gattino." Came his now-familiar signature chuckle, rumbling beneath me. But I believe the answer to all those questions is the same…"
He paused, looking into my eyes, searching. He actually looked a littlenervous. Please don't let this be bad. He took an unnecessary breath, then brought a hand up to cup my right cheek, "you, mia Bella, are my mate."
I felt my body lock up as millions of thoughts were running around in my head, each one competing for my full attention. What does this mean? Is it like with Edward? Will he leave me? Does he love me? Is this real?
I got up and started pacing before opening my mouth, "but I thought Edward—I mean I figured he wasn't my mate but still. He thought he was and he's not so how do I know you're not just doing the same thing? How do I know you're not just doing this to keep me compliant with my deal so that Aro can have his precious shield? How do—"
My breath left my lungs as I suddenly found myself back in his lap. Although, this time I could've sworn he hadn't moved…at all. I looked up into his eyes, and very calmly asked, "what. Did. You. Just. Do?"
Once again, he raised his palms in surrender, smirking as he waited for my racing heart to slow down before answering, "I thought you wanted to know everything. My gift, my other gift. It's telekinesis." His smirk widened into that damn tempting grin as he lowered his hands back to my hips.
He released me a second later when I clambered off him again, looking a little put out. "Woah, woah, woah. You mean to tell me that not only are you like a super supernatural, but that you can also move things with your mind? Including me!? That's just—just—I—" I stormed out of the house, into the backyard, knowing he'd follow. I turned around, hands on my hips as I stared down my supposed vampire mate. "Okay," I urged, "move me".
One second I saw his dimples pressing into his cheeks as he smiled nice and wide, the next I was looking at one of them right up close, dangling in his arms, my feet nearly two feet off the ground as he held me up against him.
"Would you look at that" he crooned in my ear, slowly bringing me out of my daze, "my gift does work on you after all. This could make for some interesting activities" I was done being annoyed with him for keeping all of this from me. Seeing him more at ease, even joking in his own suggestive way, was refreshing.
"So you're my mate, huh?" I said, leaning back a bit so I could really make a show of checking him out head to toe.
His usual smirk wasn't there for once as I ran my eyes over his body, as if being assessed by me had taken on a whole new meaning now that I knew everything.
"Hmmm" I started, looking like I was really pondering our predicament, "I guess you'll have to do" I finished with a wink. Then I started giggling, because this man, this demanding, caring, tree of a man was mine.
"What's so funny, mate?" He asked.
"I'm just…happy!" I continued giggling a little, which caused a genuine smile to creep up onto his face, broadening to its full extent when I framed his face with my hands and leaned in, planted kisses all over him.
I wrapped my dangling legs around his waist, listening to his deep chuckle join my laughter, both of us lighter, freer. His grin grew kind of boyish, an odd juxtaposition to everything else about Felix that screamed danger and male.
"There's one more thing, something I've been working on this past week. It's kept me focused and kept my hands…busy" he finished, slowly dragging my body higher up his as if to emphasize what he's really wanted to be doing with his hands.
"Lead the way, boss man" I grinned, and we were off, he stopped again after what felt like split second or two. I'd burrowed into his chest before he took off, anxious of how if would feel to travel at his speed. He set me down, turning me around gently with his big hands settled over my shoulders.
In front of me was a log cabin about the size of Charlie's downstairs floor. It was made entirely out of wood with a little porch that had two wooden rocking chairs. I gasped taking it in, then looking up at the man behind me, at my mate.
"Oh, Felix," I said, walking up to the porch, "it's beautiful. You made this?" A nod.
"All of it?" Another nod, then he added, "the chairs were all Dem. I said he could do one thing in exchange for doing the electric and plumbing. I said no rocking chairs, he didn't listen. That's why there's a few broken trees over that way, Dem flew that day" he smiled, proud of himself as he no doubt relived tossing Demetri around like a ragdoll for ruining his surprise. "I built it so that once you knew everything and accepted me as your mate, we could spend some free time here, away from everyone."
I blinked hard, getting misty eyed, and then gestured to the door, "can I?" I asked, grinning up at him. He jerked his chin forwards, urging me on, a key dangling between his fingers.
Feeling giddy, I swiped them, and then turned to unlock the door, I laughed slightly when I saw the lock was more his height, about up to my shoulder. I unlocked the door and pushed it open, peering inside and then letting out a little squeal as I looked around. There was a small kitchen, dining table, living area, bathroom, and a huge king-sized bed in the one bedroom. I blushed looking at it, feeling him towering over me, "the tub is also very accommodating as well." I shivered.
Turning towards him, unable to keep the smile from my face I gave him praise, "This is—this is just, perfect! I can't believe you did all this. Thank you." I stared up at him, searching for something in his eyes. They still seemed a little…off. But then I remembered something he said before we came inside. Something I'd already technically done, but jokingly.
I stepped in closer to him, raising my hand to settle it over his 'heart'. "Felix Volturi," I started, "I full heartedly and proudly accept you as my mate" his shoulders sagged, and he scooped me up, twirling me around in the living room before planting a searing kiss on my lips.
Just as I was about to wrap my legs around him, he muttered, "Demetri." Setting me down, he turned towards the door where it opened on its own. "Okay, it might take me a bit to get used to that" I joked, looking at Demi who grinning from the entryway.
"Hey guys, come on out, take a seat on the nice chairs and we can discuss the fact that" his happy tone dropped off and his expression became exasperated while continuing, "we still have a hateful bitch after Lil B, Jane's off in googoo love land, we now have one more human to add to our protected list, and the Cullens are still a wild card on their own."
Felix nodded, flipping open his phone and dialing a number before putting it on speaker phone.
"Well, well, well, look who it is" came a voice I found vaguely familiar. Felix sighed.
"Do not make me regret this," he started, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I still don't want you around my mate. But it seems your sister's also found her mate in a human male down here, so I think we're going to need one more just to keep the numbers even."
Radio silence, then,
"SHE WHAT?" He bellowed down the phone, all joking forgotten.
"Alec!" Felix barked, "she's hundreds of years old. The guy's a human teenager, and her very name strikes fear into other immortals' hearts. Do you really think she's going to be needing her annoying twin brother?" he scoffed, shooting me a quick wink.
"Doesn't matter. I'm on my way now, I'll be there by nightfall. That kid steps one toe out of line or let's his hands wander, he's done." We all knew it was an empty threat, to kill Tristan would be killing his own sister, and Alec would never hurt Jane.
Seems despite his attitude, Demetri couldn't resist, "from what I've seen, Al, I don't think it's Tristan who's got the wandering hands…" that quip got an answering growl.
"Great Demi, just great. Do you want him to eat the pilot?" I asked, alarmed at what an emotionally unstable vampire would do thousands of feet in the air with an unassuming human.
"Is that?" Alec's tone shifted, "Oh ho ho, Felix my friend, do I sense things may have progressed with your little…"
"Mate?" I supplied.
"So you've told her? Excellent." A pause. "OH! Have you used your sexu—" the line presumably went dead as Felix's large hand enclosed around the device, crushing it so fast I didn't even see it happen.
Demetri chuckled at my puzzled expression, "I believe Lil B, what Alec was trying to ask was whether or not Felix had tried using his power on you. He calls it something else that the big guy isn't exactly…fond of." He smirked up at Felix, then I heard a whispered "ah hell" and Demi was gone.
I heard a crash in the distance, then looked up at my mate. This I had to know. It was the first time I'd really seen anyone besides myself really get under his marble skin enough to draw a strong reaction from the stoic guard member.
"You know," I trailed off, sauntering towards the bed, "maybe I should test a couple things out to make sure everything's, to my liking" I batted my eyes at him, watching as he slowly stalked after me, crowding me onto the large plush bed with a thick brown duvet and cream sheets. He kneeled down over me on the bed and I sat up, running my fingers through his hair, hearing him groan as I raked my nails down over his scalp and down the back of his neck.
"I think this will do as well" I felt my own smirk pulling playing around my lips. Deciding to play him at his own game, I leaned forwards, brushing my lips over his neck and jawline, pausing over the spot just above his collarbone and sucking gently on his skin.
A growl vibrated form his body, echoing to my own, making me nearly forget my mission. I leaned up to his ear, "Felix?" I practically whimpered and he hummed in response, urging me to ask, "what does Alec call your gift, baby?"
Red eyes stared into mine, narrowed. He stood to his full height, towering over where I kneeled on the bed. He began tutting at me, "nice try, kitten," I pouted in response, "well," he hedged seeming to change gears, "if you really want to know," sharp eyes, travelled over my body, making me feel hot, "he calls it," suddenly I was pulled from the bed and in his arms, hands wrapped around my legs, holding me to his broad chest "my sexual magnetism."
I couldn't keep it together. Even if my life depended on it, I'm sure I still would've cracked. He saw as I started to succumb to the laughter bubbling up, eyes accusatory as I cackled away.
"I'm going to let this go. Mostly because we don't have time for me to do any of the things, I want to do to you right now, despite you finding humor in the worst joke that's ever been made at my expense." His left brow quirked up and I could see the humor in his eyes despite the deep bass of his voice.
Sobering up, I gave him a smile, slid back down to the ground, and tugged him back out to the porch where Demi had already settled into one of the chairs. Felix scooped me up, settling me across his lap with my feet dangling over the arm of the chair on one side.
"Now that we've all had a good laugh, let's get down to business." Demetri started, cracking his knuckles, and jumping into their next steps.
"Once Alec arrives here tonight you will both go and scope out Seattle, check out the police reports and see what you can find. After you come back, Bella and Tristan can hangout tomorrow morning while Jane and I pick up where you left off. Bella, I'd like you to call the dogs, and check in with them." He paused at my look, "Don't give me that. I'm not saying you can't see them, but I'll be damned if I let my mate be around any supernatural creatures that have threatened to kill them. Whether or not it was an empty threat. I don't care if you visit while in Forks, but Bella, holding myself back the last times you've gone was hard enough on its own." I nodded, understanding his point a little more now that I had all the facts.
We headed back to Charlie's, Felix telling Demi he could have the cabin to himself, except he was not, under any circumstances to even touch the handle to the bedroom door, let alone go inside. He was also banned from the bathtub, "we installed the shower for you. Use it. Not the tub. Those feet go in the tub, I'll rip them off." That was that.
I put on Die Hard, a classic from Charlie's collection that I thought Felix might appreciate. Draping myself over him as the aspirin started to wear off and my body started to feel the achy effects of my night out, I found myself clinging onto his cool body and comforting scent until fingers combing through my hair put me to sleep.
I awoke an hour or so later to a mouth-watering smell coming from the kitchen. I got up and walked over, feeling marginally better after some rest. Leaning against the doorway, I spoke up, "last time you cooked for me I could only compliment the food, not chef" I tried to look put out thinking back on last week.
"Oh?" he asked, stirring the white sauce on the stove while checking on the noodles he'd put in the water as I walked in.
"Yep, I really wanted to say that you, Mr. Volturi, have an excellent backside" I grinned as he guffawed.
"That would be a first for me" he said, turning his attention to the stove once more, plating up the chicken alfredo and setting it on the table for me. He slid into the other chair, folding his body so that his legs splayed out like Jake's the other day.
"Have you had many relationships in the past?" I asked, the question had been burning on my tongue for a while, but I wasn't sure whether to ask. Seems I didn't really care for beating around the bush with him anymore.
He looked down at my pasta as if all the answers were in the sauce. "Yes" he started, "I tried twice to have a relationship with another vampire who was not my mate, but as a human, no. I don't remember why exactly, just that I worked outside a lot, and my family was small with very little possessions."
"Can you tell me about them? About your family?" I clarified.
"I don't remember them much, it's all foggy after the change, especially the one I went through" at my questioning he gaze he continued, "I was changed by two vampires at once, Marcus believes that's the reason for my two gifts. They both wanted me for my promise of physical strength, but when I awoke, I killed all members of both covens." My brows shot up in shock. "I spent years as a nomad, finally coming across the Volturi, and after spending time with the elite guard, I decided to officially join. It was decades later when Aro made me head of the guard and tasked me with leading our field trips."
"Wow." I said, putting my fork down, rubbing my fingers over the back of his hand which he flipped to lace our fingers together.
"And umm," I started, a little bit nervous this time, "what happened with those vampires? The ones you were with?" He grinned at that.
"Jealous, mia stella?" he questioned, practically leering at me now.
I scoffed, "hardly."
"Mmhmm. First one found their mate after a couple years…," he trailed off hesitantly.
"The other?" I hedged, a little apprehensive with how he was acting.
"The other one has still not found their mate. They live in Volterra. I ended things centuries ago because I found the thrill of fighting and going on missions more exciting than her company." He shrugged.
Ouch. That must have hurt.
I didn't dwell on it though, knowing that her loss was my gain, and I gained a lot.
I told him all about Rene and Phil, my time in Phoenix, and some of the time I spent in Forks as a kid. All the while he listened silently but intently as I twirled my fork and chattered away. Once I was finished, I washed up my own dish, giving him a stern look when he tried to do it for me. I was wiping my hands on a towel when a knock sounded at the door, making me glance at Felix in surprise, Demi never knocked.
I watched as my hulking giant of a mate with endless supernatural energy actually hunched over in what looked like defeat as he walked over to the door at a human pace, wrenching it open to reveal the very first Volturi member I'd heard speak.
"Boss man!" he hollered, reaching up to give Felix a fist bump, which he growled at and then slammed the door, walking back to the living room with the smaller vampire trailing after him.
"Oh come on, don't be like that. I'm here now to solve all our problems like getting rid of the psycho nomad and taking Jane to a convent—what? Who said that? Convent? Good idea!"
Alec was already oozing so much energy I had a hard time keeping up with him, but still scoffed at the idea of Jane taking a vow of chastity while being mated with someone as good-looking as Tristan.
My scoff caught his attention, "Ah the mate! Felix!? Introduction?" he said, looking pointedly between us.
"Alec, meet Bella. Bella, meet Rat." He didn't even bother turning his attention away from the soccer game on the screen he'd put on while I was sleeping, though I'm pretty sure it was the same game he'd watched with Demi last weekend.
I narrowed my eyes at the vampire before me, "Huh. I guess Jane was right." I offered no further elaboration, instead waltzing over to Felix, his arms opening automatically without looking up, accepting my closeness as I settled with my legs draped over his, curling my upper body into his side.
"Ummm? Right about…?" he hedged, standing by the chair that Jane usually occupied, tapping his foot impatiently.
I pulled back my sleeve and pretended to check the watch I didn't own, "I believe Demetri should be arriving shortly to chaperone your trip to Seattle." I tried to hold back my smile as I turned my eyes to the screen.
"Okay now that's just rude." Alec said, and suddenly I felt Felix go stiff. I looked up in alarm to notice a purple haze creeping around us and Felix's eyes seemed unfocused.
I turned back to Alec, narrowing my eyes at his smirk, "the longer you wait, the more he's going to hurt you" I said, challenging him.
Seeming unfazed by my threat, the eternal teen merely tapped one pale finger on his chin as if pondering his options. "well, then, I guess he'll just have to wait until you tell me what my dear old sissy said." He gave a cheshire cat smile, as if the impending threat really was just a threat with no promise.
I huffed and sat back, crossing my arms, "fine. She said she was the cuter one. And I for one, disagree," he started to grin until I continued, "not only is she cuter, but she's also much smarter."
I felt when his gift wore off as suddenly, large hands were running over me, checking for injury. I turned to meet his gaze, "I'm fine," I cast my eyes over to Alec briefly, then back up to his eyes which were quickly darkening, "take it outside, and don't hurt our cabin." I gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then they were gone.
I heard what sounded like a cliffside caving in somewhere in the distance, "classic Alec," I jumped, turning to face Demi.
"Hey! Cut that shit out, you know I hate it," I glared up at his innocent expression, watching as he lost the battle, and his smile broke through.
"So Lil B, I take it you're okay with all the new information the boss man unloaded onto you today?" he asked, gaze flickering between mine as if searching for a lie or some kind of hold up.
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around it but I'm happy. I mean, I would've loved knowing sooner, but I'm glad he told me everything. I was starting to feel a little confused about my feelings and how he was reacting…" I trailed off, thinking about all the times I'd found his hot and cold behaviour so disarming.
"Yeah, well, he's been using his hand for longer than ten mortal lifetimes, so he may go about things a little differently."
I covered my face with my hands and shook my head, glancing towards the back door as I heard it open.
Alec walked in, a couple of cracks in his neck and left arm slowly fading as he hooked his right arm over his shoulder, pointing backwards with his thumb, "Hey B, your man wants to take you back to his lair, he's waiting outside."
I giggled, getting up and walking towards the back door, peering through it to see him leaning against the house, legs crossed at the ankles, red eyes fixed on me. If I were just anyone, that look on that man would've sent me packing to another continent, but I just looked back at my frowning mate, a smile spreading across my lips as I skipped over to him and held my arms up. His smirk and rumbling chuckle were my only answer as he swung me onto his back and took off towards the cabin, leaving his brothers to take their scouting shift.
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Looks like Felix did have a good reason for his radio silence!