A/N: This chapter is all about Aaliyah. A special shout out to my best friend momoXvolturi. To the incredible awesome individuals like yourself who read, review, follow, and favorite this story I totally thank you. I hope all of your answers have been answer in this chapter.
"Me Time," by Heather Headley
I need some me time
Not some you and some I
Just some me time, I need some she time
Not some him and some her
Just some free time, I wanna' run with my girls
Hit the club, hit the mall
Get my nails and hair done
Spend a day at the spa
Boy you ain't gotta' worry
There ain't nothin' goin' on
I need some me time
That's all, and that's all
~Heather Headley
Running the Volturi castle and dealing with all three strong personalities of the Volturi kings could really be very demanding. It was a 24/7 job that could in every way be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. A reason that Aaliyah made sure that she had her own days to herself without the interruption of castle business and more often the meddlesome kings.
Marcus, she wouldn't say that he was meddlesome. When it was her day off, he'll come by her quarters to check on her, they'll have a small conversation and then he'd insist that she get plenty of rest. With a peck on the cheek he would leave.
To be more correct, it was really Aro and Caius who were officious. She knew all too well that Aro and Caius would either send a guard to her quarters to check on her themselves. If she left the castle they would call her cell phone none stop until she answers. But even with that they would still call her continuously for one useless reason after another.
Today was going to be no different and Aaliyah wouldn't expect anything less. It was kind of sweet, yet annoying as to how protective they were.
Aaliyah quarters were located in the southern part of the castle. The whole southern wing was her families' place of residence from generations on down. It held a collective of twelve rooms, six bathrooms, a chief's kitchen, a den, a study, living room, and sitting room.
The views were that of the city and the countryside below was the courtyard that held the view of the rose garden.
Even with such a spacious living area with beautiful views Aaliyah had no intention to stay indoors.
Hair swept back from her face that was clean of any makeup. Wearing dark orange skinny jeans with a white v-neck long sleeve shirt that stopped at her elbow the sleeves were puffed up the material was light and airy for her to go in the heat. To finish her look she wore Christian Louboutiin leather ankle boots.
Grabbing her nude clutch and grabbing some folders for the Kings to look over she stepped out of her quarters and proceeded to head towards the northern wing of the castle.
She nodded her head to servants and immortals. It was her way of showing respect towards them since they were treated with little to none from the first class of guards.
Everyone in the castle mortal or immortal knew never to disrespect the first class of guards unless you had a death wish. (You really didn't have to worry about the elite guards for they were placed somewhere else and Aro only knew where their locations was.)
Aaliyah on the other hand really didn't have to worry about them. For like the second and third class guards, they also knew no one was to neither threaten nor harm her in any way it was particularly a law within the castle. To even top that off, since she ran the castle she could command the guards to do whatever that needed to be done.
Two reasons that some of them resented the hell out of her.
The formidable and powerful guards of the Volturi had to listen to the demands of a lowly mortal? For shame! To step all over they're suffocating immortal ego? How dare the kings demand such?
Aaliyah couldn't stop herself from chuckling at her thoughts. And it wasn't as if she was making this up this was actually how they felt even specking it out directly towards her.
If she was a bitch, she would enforce that rule more just to be catty, but she never did. It was bad enough for them all ready with them respecting her she wasn't going to do anything more.
That didn't mean she had problems with all of them there were a few that spoke with her civilly and there were some that took civil to another level.
As if on cue, a certain guard approached her, one that took civility to that level. Towering at the height of 6'7 and holding one of the most predatory smiles on his lips, Felix strolled over to Aaliyah.
"Well don't you look very causal today…but I miss your regular attire,"
"Good morning Felix," she smiled upwards.
"And you smell so delicious…"
"Why thank you Felix, are the big three in the main throne room or the private one?"
"If I told you so what do I receive? I think I would prefer a taste Aaliyah?" he said folding his arms as his smirk became wide.
"I'm not going to allow you to drink my blood," she said flatly.
"Who said I wanted a taste of your blood?"
"You're not getting a kiss either," she counters back raising an eyebrow at him.
"Who said I wanted to taste those lips,"
"Felix please, remember the last time they heard you speak to me in such a way you were in serious trouble."
"And the trouble is always worth it when it comes to you,"
"I'm glad you said such, so when Caius starts screaming as to why I was late you can seriously take the blame."
She felt triumphant when his smirk fell knowing all too well what he was thinking.
"There in the private throne room looking for another means of entertainment…since Master Caius got rid of the other."
"Thank you Felix," she said as she walked away from the immortal she stopped when she heard him call out her name.
"Really Aaliyah you're missing out on a perfect opportunity,"
"No thank you Felix," as she continued down the hall.
Oh she knew all too well the opportunity she was missing. From what some of the woman in the castle said about Felix having a tendency of being rough.
Rough, to the point that most woman can't even walk for about three-six months or leaving his room in a body bag.
She loved walking and breathing way much better than having a one night with Felix.
Walking down the hall and making a left where it curved, Aaliyah walked down the stairs until she came to two large double doors.
Grabbing the doorknocker she hit the door once stepping back as she waited for someone to open them.
The loud crack sounded as the doors open stepping within Demetri and Santiago walked towards the door. When they noticed that it was simply her they moved back to their positions. Scanning the room she noticed that the thrones were empty looking towards the right-hand side she saw them.
Separated they were imposing when together the room could be very suffocating. Aro was seated at the head of the table looking through vanilla folders. Caius was standing discarding each folder with a scowl on his face. Marcus just like his brother was standing with his back turned.
Walking towards their direction the brothers stopped what they were doing to turn to her. The once stiff air seemed to disperse and become very mischievous a sure sign that if she didn't leave she wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.
When they caught on to what she was wearing four sets of eyes held disapproval while another held the sparks of approval.
"Dearest we weren't expecting a visit from you," came Marcus as a smile came to his features. Aaliyah smiled back at Marcus and the other two.
"Your off today, did you miss us already?" Caius smirked.
"Is there something you want to tell us Liyah?" perked Aro.
"I did some last minute work and I wanted to give this to you before I leave," she smiled to them. She simply did this as a distraction so they won't call her in the twenty-five minutes she was out the castle.
"Liyah, it could've waited until tomorrow," said Caius as she gave each their individual folder.
"Well you know me, it's better that I give this to you today then tomorrow," she flashed them a smile
Quickly turning around she was rushing to get out before they kept her captured in the room.
"You look lovely today dear," came Marcus
"Thank you Marcus," she stopped herself and turned around.
If it was Aro or Caius, she would've kept walking but she could never do such with Marcus, he had a very soft spot with her that she could never do such to him.
"Are you going out wearing that?" came Caius as he glared at her pants.
"Yes I'm going out wearing this," she said very flatly.
"Don't you think you should be resting dear? After all you've been working extra hard this month" she could hear the concern in Marcus voice.
She let out a soft sigh as a smile graced her face.
"I'm going to take care of that today when I go to the spa," she turned around about to walk off when she was stopped by Aro.
"You're going to a spa with whom?"
They should automatically know how she felt about them asking her a thousand and one questions. She appreciated their concern and worry but Aaliyah was twenty-eight years old very grown to not do anything life threatening or stupid.
"Why?" arms crossed with an eyebrow rising.
"So we can know whom to kill if something happens to you," said Caius who was matching her stance.
"Is that your only answer to everything Caius?" She turned and within seconds Caius was before her.
"Now Aaliyah you know my other answer," a smirk appeared on his attractive face.
"None of that," she warned him as she turned to a now standing Aro, who was walking towards them.
Damn she hated when they started to gain up on her like this.
"Come Aaliyah are you hiding something from us? You know I can always get the answer," Aro said with a self-assured smirk on his face.
"I'm going by myself any more questions?"
"And how long will you be there?" asked Caius.
That was all she needed to walk pass him counting to ten mentally.
"Where are you going Aaliyah?" said Aro she could hear humor and annoyance in his voice. Aro hated it the most when she ignored him.
"To get my life something I advise you guys to find," she snapped as she headed towards the door.
As she was almost out the door she could hear Marcus chuckling causing a smile to come to her face.
It didn't take her long to reach the underground garage-walking pass some of the most exotic and expensive cars in one space. Moving quickly through the garage she walked down the aisle to where her cars were parked.
There was one aspirations in her life that she always wanted to achieve and that was to collect vintage cars specifically vintage American Muscles. With means to afford such luxuries Aaliyah began her goal.
The first was an all-black 1970 Dodge Challenger and the second was an all-black 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429. The love she had for these cars could be compared to the love of a mother to her child.
Deciding to take the Mustang she slipped into the car she took her keys out. Placing the keys in the ignition shifting the car in drive Aaliyah speed out of the garage.
Wearing cateye glasses speeding through the countryside loving the sound of her baby pouring. Aaliyah used this time to clear her mind while taking in the beautiful view of the Tuscany countryside.
If her life had been different she could see herself in a small villa with a beautiful view of the countryside. Living a very simple easy life without any knowledge of vampires.
That didn't mean she didn't like how her life was now if anything she was content with it. She didn't wish for more than what she got and was simply happy with that.
Was there a time she thought about being a vampire?
Yes, but with the help of Aro.
With her very special ability it was very useful to the Volturi now and if she ever was to turn her abilities true nature could be beyond useful. Or that was how Aro told her.
She on the other hand saw the pros and cons of becoming an immortal. The pros were very tempting to the say the less but so were the cons.
She loved the feel of the sun on her flesh being amongst people without the fear of having her skin sparkle. She would also miss eating her favorite meals and going to sleep.
So mortality seems like perfection in her eyes.
Her thoughts were cut off by the sound of her phone ringing. Aaliyah knew all too well who was calling and she wasn't even going to bother to pick up the phone.
A smile pulls to her lips imagining the frown on his face at this minute.
.
.
.
He didn't like it when she ignores him…if anything it made him feels as if he was a child.
"This is Aaliyah, I'm sorry if I missed your call but please leave a detail message and I'll be sure to return it thank you…"
"Aaliyah, I do not appreciate being ignored, answer your phone before I have Demetri sent out to bring you back kicking and screaming," he said as he ended the call.
"Brother don't you think that was uncalled for?" said a very amused Aro.
Caius looked at his brother as if he grew another head. Nothing was uncalled for when it came down to their mate despite her knowing it or not.
"No, since I didn't threaten to lock her up in her chambers," he said flatly as he looked at his brothers who sat at the table collectively without any care.
Which even annoyed him further since their mate was outside without the proper care and guards to protect her from harm.
"I'm surprised by how you two are acting as if you are not worried,"
"Of course we are, but I'm not leaving a thousand voice mails," countered Aro.
"I've left only thirty voicemails," correcting his brother, "and I'm not the only one whose phone is out." Caius wasn't a fool he knew Aro had his phone out texting away.
Aro dismissed his brother's observation as he quickly put his phone in his pocket.
"Aaliyah is perfectly grown not to put herself in a situation that could be dire," came Marcus as he looked over the files Aaliyah had dropped off.
"I don't doubt that brother but I can't say that about the human she may be around," Aro nodded his head in agreement with his brother.
"Her purpose was to rest brothers not with us adding extra stress by calling and texting her a thousand times in a day. When she gets there safe she'll call."
"Then she should answer her phone the first time without us doing such," Caius grumble exasperated, "And those cloths she had on…just to think how those disgusting males would fawn over her."
Images conjured within them at the sight of their mate-walking pass disgusting human males gawking as she walked passed them the detestable comments coming from their mouth as they tried to talk to her.
With such an image this caused Caius and Aro's phones to pop out as they took turns calling her each one going to her voicemail.
It caused Marcus to softly chuckle at his brother's antics. He knew he wasn't the only one who saw the beauty that filled out Aaliyah's pants.
That was the true reason as to why they hated when she wore such. Because they hated the sideways glance that the male guards or human servants gave her.
"Brother your very calm about this, I would assume that you would be the one to worry more than us?" asked Aro.
"Unlike you and Caius, I worry more about her over exerting herself then anything else," the feeling of his phone vibrated caused him to stop his discussion with Aro.
Looking down a smile came to his lips and a soft chuckle to come forth causing his brothers to look directly at him.
"Aaliyah left me a message,"
"She leaves you a message but she doesn't with us?" came Caius
"What did she say?"
"She says everything is fine and that you guys are ruining her message with Antony,"
The last statement had Aro and Caius eyes bulging out while Marcus was the only one who caught on to the joke.
.
.
.
Aaliyah placed her phone down with a smile as Maria continued to massage her back. She knew they would be sending text messages and filling her voicemail up by the end of the day. It really wouldn't matter because she turned her phone off.
Aaliyah really couldn't decipher her relationship with the three kings. In simple terms she was a loyal servant and they were her masters. That was what they portray to the world of the immortals in that castle.
Aaliyah liked to portray, she was put together with her emotions when it came to them. But to be truthful she was as confused and in the dark with her emotions that it scared her. After all she knew these men since she was a young girl.
Each stage in her life they stayed the same yet her feelings for them change with each stage. She saw them in a different lights then what everyone else saw or what they saw in their selves.
She never met three of the most fascinating men in her life. They all held a characteristic that simply drew her to them like a moth to a flame.
Marcus quietness and ease, bought a sense of mystery to him that had you hanging on to everything he said.
Caius mischievous and cunning nature was sensual and sexy it could make the purest woman in the world jump to the dark side with the quickness.
Aro ambitious and confident flare was intoxicating that he could make you follow him mindlessly.
And add on ethereal beauty…it was simply unfair for all mortal and immortal men.
Her friend's wondered why she hadn't even bother to date...if you knew and worked for men like the Volturi there was no chance of normalcy.
And there were plenty of dates that she compare and contrast the men to either one or all three of the Volturi brothers.
But even with such attributes there were flaws and there were plenty of flaws when you speak of the Volturi kings.
Together they could be very petty individuals that would kill anyone.
Marcus walking into his study without knocking could get you killed.
Caius breathing, talking, walking, human, and if you simply got on his nerves could get you killed without hesitation.
Aro interrupting and misspelled words and imperfect grammar could get you killed.
That was how petty they could be.
Separately…
Marcus would always be in grief with the death of his wife and mate. Meaning always second place in his emotions and that constant comparing to her would be a cloud in that relationship.
Caius and Aro shared the same vice when it came to woman mortal and immortal. They had slept with certain guards and humans that she has to forever work with. They have slept and discarded so many human women that she doesn't even know that they even respected them or the notion of a relationship.
Second-guessing and questioning about if their true or not was all for the birds.
Yes, there were times that she thought about having a relationship with one of them…and scandalously with having a relationship with all three.
But seeing their flaws everyday was a constant reminder that she shouldn't even try to think of such.
That didn't mean she didn't care for them…she cared for all three with everything within them. That was the confusing thing about the whole ordeal she couldn't name the feeling she had with all three of them.
Confusing, as it maybe there was one thing that she was positive about and she knew her emotions for them were strong. And that was even scarier.
.
.
.
Walking back to her quarters Aaliyah body never felt so relax as if the entire burden was off her shoulders. Stepping inside she walked and placed her takeout on the kitchen counter.
Pulling out the food containers she moved to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of wine. Grabbing a steam-less wine glass and a fork, she went to seat at the island as she pour her a glass of wine.
While eating she took her phone out and turned it back on. A small red and white circle popped on the message icon on her screen reading she had a hundred unread text messages. Looking at the phone icon it read that she had nearly a hundred voicemails.
Aaliyah did the only sensible thing to do, she listen to each voicemail and read each message and had herself a good laugh.
After eating her dinner she went and took her a quick shower. Dressing in plan orange yoga pants with a white cameo and hair tied in a side ponytail. She went to the living room the fire was lit, the sounds of Miles Davis were playing, and with a good book and a glass of wine Aaliyah was relaxed.
Everything was perfect until her phone ring.
A long sigh came forth she knew all to well who was calling her.
Pressing the green call button and putting the phone on speaker she was ready to deal with Caius.
"Yes Caius?" she said softly a smile on her face expecting him to be dramatic.
He didn't fail.
"I do not like being ignore Aaliyah and with all the common decencies you should answer your phone instead of ignoring it."
"I'm sorry Caius," she said knowing what to shut him up.
"Aaliyah," came the voice of Aro.
"Good evening Aro," she said taking a sip of her wine.
"Did you make back to the castle?"
"Yes," she knew they didn't like it when she was gone for so long. They must have been really worried and she couldn't help but feel bad for doing such to them.
"You didn't have any sort of trouble today,"
"No Aro, I didn't have any trouble," she said
"What are you doing now?" barged in Caius
"Why do you need to know Caius?"
"Because I said so," and that was how the mood ended all thanks to Caius Volturi.
"I'm masturbating," she said flatly.
The other end went quiet, it was like that for five seconds someone was knocking on her door.
Aaliyah hung the phone up since Caius and Aro wanted to be quiet on the other end as to see who was knocking.
Opening the door she was greeted by a confused Marcus and two stoics faces of Aro and Caius.
"Hello Marcus," she greeted Marcus totally ignoring the stare she was getting from the other two.
"I've came to see if you made it home safe," he said smiling at Aaliyah as she returned it.
"Thank you Marcus, yes I made it home safe," she said.
"Well love rest, I'll take with you tomorrow," he said.
He then turned to look at his brothers confuses as to what would cause them in such a state.
"You lied," said Caius
"Oh my," said Aro
"And who told you two perverted men to come down here to see?" they were quiet.
"Good night Marcus," she said pleasantly as she closed the door and locking it.
"Deceitful minx," said Caius
"And rude, she didn't even say good night to us," said Aro.
Marcus looked at his brothers with amusement as he shook his head softly and walked back to his quarters.
There was something's that he wouldn't bother to know about.