Impressions of Three Men in Black - A Poly!Volturi Kings tale
Chapter Nineteen
Score : Humans - 0, Vampires - 1
Celeste enjoys her final days as a human.
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The next morning, Celeste rose from Marcus' bed, and saw he was not in the room. Probably something to do with Aro, she assumed. After she had showered and dressed, she went out into the ante-room, spotting a tray of food sitting on the desk. When she noticed a note lying on the tray, Celeste picked it up and read it.
"My sweet, I took the liberty of ordering breakfast for you. We have one important task to deal with this morning, and then I will be yours to command, if there is anything you wish to do today. See you soon."
Celeste smiled, and sat down at the desk, while she ate her morning meal, consisting of a slightly spicy hash with a fried egg on top. She enjoyed the hot coffee and croissant that completed the meal, then washed up and brushed her teeth, returning to the outer room. She picked up the tray and left Marcus' room, heading for the kitchen to return the tray. She had tucked the note into her pants pocket, smiling. Last night had been intense for her. It seemed Marcus was learning to rival Aro in their love-making.
Sated and happy, Celeste hummed while she walked, wondering what she and her taller mate might do today. She didn't want to keep Aro or Caius away, but neither had said anything to her about plans for the day.
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Celeste was walking back to her room, humming a favourite song, when she was suddenly shoved up against the stone wall, a pair of cold lips pressed against hers. When she managed to open her eyes after the shock, Celeste saw her blonde mate standing in front of her, a smirk on his face.
"Caius! What the hell! You might have hurt me." She tried to shove him backward, but he was immobile to the pressure.
He leaned in closer, his cool breath whispering against her ear. "How many times have I bruised you in expressing my love for you?"
She smacked his chest, then laughed. "You don't think Aro will care, do you? You're wrong."
Caius' red eyes darkened when he leaned in to inhale her scent while he pressed his hips against hers. "What say you we retire for the morning, sweeting. I will show you such pleasure, the bruises will be forgotten."
Pushing against the vampire's rigid body, Celeste said, "I'm sorry, Caius, but Marcus is taking me into the village for lunch."
"No, he's not. I asked him to let me have you for myself this morning, He will be taking you to supper instead."
"Caius, you had better not have lied to Marcus to get him to delay our time together."
"I did nothing of the sort. He agreed to my request quite amicably."
Celeste wondered if Aro would care that she was not going to be spending any time with him. He had seemed to have tempered his jealousy lately. So why was she thinking about him. Maybe it was because he had infiltrated her heart in such a way she was actually missing him when he was absent. Hadn't she told him she loved him just a bit more than either Caius or Marcus? Did she really mean it?
"You're taking me into the country, as you promised, smart guy. Let's go." Grabbing Caius' hand, Celeste dragged him down the corridor to the back door and outside to the drive where his car was waiting.
Once Caius had reached the open road, he drove well over the limit, sending Celeste into fits of nervous laughter. She trusted his innate skills, but it still made her nervous. She didn't want to die before she had the chance to gain immortality. How ironic would that be.
At some point, she asked Caius to slow down so she could appreciate the views offered. The valley was dotted with several wineries while the hills had copses of different varieties of trees. When they passed a stand sitting on the side of the road, Celeste begged Caius to stop so she could see what they were selling.
It turned out to be a fruit stand that also sold jams and honeys. Caius let Celeste buy the chef a basket of everything to use at breakfast for the staff. He also let her buy some fresh fruits to eat on their drive.
Biting into a ripe peach, Celeste told him, "You have no idea what you're missing, Caius. This is delicious, better than anything sold in a grocery store back home."
"I have eaten fruit when I was human, love. I just don't remember what they taste like."
Placing her hand on the side of his neck, she pulled him down to her and kissed him thoroughly. "Can you taste that?"
Caius licked his lips. "Yes, I can, but it doesn't appeal. I'm sorry."
Celeste hugged her mate, saying, "Don't be sorry. You are what you are. God knows eventually blood with be the only taste I'll be craving."
Caius returned her hug, kissing her neck below her ear. How much he wanted to bed this woman who seemingly bewitched him. But she had warned him not today. So he merely enjoyed being with her and showing her a good time.
Lunch time had arrived, and Caius searched for a place for his mate to eat. He pulled over at a roadside cafe that overlooked the valley. He requested a patio table, and with the extra euros he handed the waiter, it was given instantly.
"Oh, look at this view. It's gorgeous." She reached out her hands to grasp Caius'. "Thank you for today. I truly enjoyed it."
"I only want you to be happy." Caius' eyes never wavered from her face. A smile slowly appeared, a genuine smile and not his usual smirk. He raised one of her hands and kissed the palm. "We'd better get going soon. I promised Marcus to have you home in time."
They left the cafe hand in hand, and neither felt awkward at all.
On the way back to the castle, Caius asked Celeste about the song she was humming. "Was it about a vampire and his lover?"
"Not this one, but the words make me feel as if it were made for me, for us. Its called "I'm under your spell", from an old TV show I used to watch about...uh...a vampire slayer." The last two words, she barely whispered, but Caius heard them.
"A vampire slayer?" Caius laughed. "You must share this show with me sometime. It's not that we don't watch television, my love. It's useful to keep track of the world at large. And I like to be amused as much as anyone else. So, will you sing this song for us?"
Celeste enjoyed entertaining the masters. "Why not. I'll find the music on Aro's laptop if he let's me use it."
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Marcus had patiently waited for Caius to return to the castle with Celeste. He had agreed for his brother to take their mate out in the morning since it was Caius' plan to enjoy the sun away from humans. Their supper together would be better served after sunset. And Marcus knew Celeste liked music, so evening in the piazza would be her pleasure. When it played over the loudspeakers, locals and tourists alike danced, just having a good time.
Marcus also wanted to be available for Celeste if she had questions about her impending change. Aro had probably already answered some, but he could be so lacking in sympathy or compassion. What their human needed was understanding.
Back in her room, Celeste showered and chose a dress more suitable for the evening. Pulling a lightweight sundress and cotton shawl out of the wardrobe, she quickly dressed and put on some make up. She tied her hair into a ponytail and used one of the scarfs Marcus had bought her to wind around the tieback. Checking the mirror, she pronounced herself ready.
Marcus came to her room to pick her up, as was his preference. Celeste opened the door, letting him in. She twirled and asked him, 'Do I look ok?"
Her mate gathered her in his arms and kissed her. "Perfetto, tesoro," he replied. Leading her out the back gate, he asked, "Did you have a good time with Caius?"
"Oh yes. We drove all over the countryside, and had lunch at a quaint cafe overlooking the valley. It was a wonderful morning."
Taking her hand, Marcus walked beside his mate while they headed for the village. The shops and cafes were busy while people enjoyed the Fall weather. Soon it would be Winter, and it would become quieter in town. The locals would be preparing for the Christmas holidays, but tourism would be down. It also meant more work for Heidi in getting people interested in coming to Volterra.
Since it hadn't been long since Celeste had eaten, Marcus bought her a glass of red wine once they reached the center of town. Sitting at a small table, the two talked about their respective days. The waiter kept trying to tempt them with pastries, until Celeste finally caved and asked for a cannoli. She had moved past feeling embarrassed eating alone. What would it matter soon anyway.
Wiping her fingers of the remnants of the sweet creme, she looked at Marcus and held out her hand. "Dance with me?"
He took her hand and led her from the table to the square where the crowd of people were dancing to the music overhead. The next song was slow, and Marcus and Celeste moved together so closely, there was no room between them. Celeste leaned her head on his chest, reveling in the feeling his arm around her waist gave her. She felt secure, safe, and loved.
Marcus could hear her heart beat, a sound that somehow reassured him. Soon, it would stop its familiar beating, but when that happened, she would be his for all time. He rested his chin lightly against her temple, her warmth seeping into his hardened skin. That too would be gone, but he knew the fire of her spirit would live on.
When he looked down at her, her eyes looked up into his with absolute trust. He wished to be rended into a thousand pieces if that trust was ever betrayed.
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It had been a busy day for Celeste and she was exhausted. She had asked to be shown a good time doing fun activities this last week of her human existence, and two of her mates complied. Taking a quick shower, Celeste dried her hair with the blow dryer, and slipped on one of her nightgowns. She thought she might read the book Marcus had lent her, but when she lay down, her eyes started to droop almost immediately.
"Oh, never mind. I'm too tired to read tonight." She set the book on the night stand and lay back on her pillow. She tucked her arms behind her head and stared at the ceiling. Only one of her mates was MIA or missing in action as it were. All day long. She often wondered how she could keep Aro from being underfoot so much of the time, yet when he was not around, it felt too weird. Even when she was peeved with him, he never took the hint to stay away for even a while. Now she missed him, the big bully.
"Well, I did have a wonderful time with Caius and Marcus. That's two out of three," she said aloud.
A figure stepped out from the shadows of the far corner of the room. "Were you missing me, my love?"
Oh god, not again, Celeste thought, her mind filled with conflicting emotions. Why doesn't Aro just knock on her door. It's always a stealth mission with him. So now he appears in her bedroom unasked, expecting what from her exactly? And where had he been all day?
She turned onto her side, facing away from her unwelcome intruder, her head resting on her hand while she lay on her bent arm. "I'm busy right now, Aro. Can I ignore you some other time?"
While she was looking away from him, Aro divested himself of his shoes and socks, and unbuttoned his shirt, about to remove it. He stopped when he recalled Celeste liked him wearing the shirt open, revealing his pale, hard chest. He knew she found it sexy, or at least that was what she'd said.
Walking around the bed, he knelt at its side and looked at his angry mate. He examined her face, finding her beautiful even in anger. How much more beautiful would she become once she had been changed. Her eyes were closed, but she was obviously waiting for Aro to say something.
"I was delayed with business, my dear. I knew Caius and Marcus were taking good care of you, so I did not worry."
Celeste finally opened her eyes to see Aro peering at her with concern. "Not one word for me, all day? Even when people are busy, a note would suffice. You can ask Marcus about that. He left me a sweet message this morning with my breakfast ."
Aro's head dropped to the mattress, realizing he had erred. How to make it up to her. Raising his head, he reached out to take Celeste's free hand, his cool fingers entwining with hers.
"So where were you hiding out?" she asked him.
Hoping her words held an implied welcome, Aro stood and lay on the bed opposite Celeste. "The city, despite any human belief, is ruled by us, cara. I have to meet with city officials regularly. There was a minor emergency, but both Marcus and Caius told me they had worked something out together, and would be taking you to the country and to the village, as you'd requested. I knew you were in good hands."
Celeste forgave Aro on the spot, her fingers squeezing his. "All right, you blew it this time. Don't do it again. God, are all men, human or otherwise, so thoughtless!"
Scooting his body closer to his mate, Aro smiled at her, coaxing a smile from her as well. "I will make it up to you, I promise." He leaned in and kissed her, feeling her respond to him. His cool hands stroked her back when he pulled her over him.
Celeste broke the kiss. "Aro, I am so tired, sex is out tonight. Nothing personal. The fact is, I didn't have sex with anyone today. We just had good times hanging out together. Well, not all together, but...you know what I mean. See? I can't even think straight right now."
"Understood, my dear. May I just lie with you then? I will stay with you until the suns rises, then order you breakfast."
"Thank you, Aro." She shifted her body to lie against the vampire, her hand caressing his chest as she liked to do. His skin was so cold, yet when she was in a heated state, he felt good to snuggle against.
"Do you think you will enjoy being an immortal, cara?" Aro asked, his fingers gently brushing over her forehead.
"I never gave it that much thought. Once it's done, it's done, right?" She smiled, giving it thought now. "It's funny, when people talk about there being a foreverness about marriage, I can assume they weren't imagining this."
Aro felt a certain concern in the sudden direction of her thoughts. "I have existed for three thousand years, give or take, my love, and I can attest to the fact it doesn't seem that long. Plus, I do believe with you as our newborn mate, we won't be bored, having to punish you for every transgression you commit..."
"Will you hush already?" she said, laughing while punching Aro on the chest, knowing her knuckles would be bruised by morning.
Aro pulled Celeste against him, holding her within the circle of his arms. He heard her sigh of contentment while he enjoyed the intoxicating scent of her warm body.
"Aro, I'm just not sure I can do this," Celeste said, the smile disappearing from her face. She had been given the chance to ask questions of her mate, but instead was telling him she wanted out? No, it wasn't that way at all. She just wanted him to know eventually she would be a vampire, but did it have to be so soon.
The ancient vampire accepted his human mate's doubts, but he had to dissuade her from deciding against the change. There could be only one outcome if she refused. Death. He could not imagine stopping her breath or tearing her throat out. He would never be able to force himself to inflict such pain on her, yet would never allow anyone else to touch her, not even Felix. Of course, Aro knew of the friendship blossoming between Celeste and the coven's primary executioner. Felix might refuse any order to kill her.
"Cara, are you having second thoughts? Now, when you already know the benefits of accepting the immortality we offer you."
Celeste thought a moment, then said, "I always imagined I would find the perfect man for me, even with all his flaws." She saw Aro smile at that statement. "We would start our lives together, preferably by traveling. Then we would buy a house, have a couple of children, watch them grow up and eventually have families of their own. Then we'd grow old together, and hopefully die within hours of each other."
"And that is all you want? You said you cannot have children, therefore neither I nor my brothers could impregnate you."
"The having children part I gave up on long ago when I had my surgery. The rest never seemed to fall into place."
"As to 'the rest',cara, why grow old together? Would you not prefer to live an eternity with those you love?" To Aro, an eternity alone was not the best state for a vampire. To have a mate and lose them was hell. The chances of finding another who would be so in tune with him was difficult to imagine, but to find a woman who was so in tune with all three of the coven's leaders seemed impossible. Yet here she was. "And remember all the vampire abilities you will have," Aro reminded her.
"You're trying to make me see what you have to offer is so much more than what I would have as a human." Celeste sighed against Aro's chest.
"So, is it working?"
When Aro discovered the total connection she had, her saying when she was with each of them individually, that person had her absolute love. It was unexpected, but even Aro had to finally accept the situation as it was. "What do you feel, my dear? Can you live with us forever?"
"I can." Celeste looked into the red eyes of her mate, sensing the disquiet. "I will. I still wish I had more to contribute to the coven," Celeste lamented.
Brushing his fingertips over her warm cheeks, Aro reassured her, "You are what's important to us, my dear."
When he looked down at Celeste, seeing her now-closed eyes, and hearing her steady breathing, he knew she was close to sleep. He drew her into his body, her arm draped over him. Even as she was falling into sleep, she was able to tell him, "I love you, Aro dei Volturi."
Aro smiled, then whispered back, "Ti amo, cuore mio."
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The next day, Celeste was pleased when Aro allowed her to sing for them again. She used his laptop, with his permission, to seek the music, without words, so that she could sing to it. She went to the throne room with the laptop to find her mates waiting for her.
Aro greeted her with a smile. "Welcome, cara. We look forward to your singing for us."
"Thanks, Aro. I do enjoy it even though I don't feel I'm all that great, but I appreciated your praise just the same." She set the laptop on a step and started the music. Then she stood and began.
"I lived my life in shadow
Never the sun on my face
It didn't seem so sad, though
I figured that was my place
Now I'm bathed in light
Something just isn't right."
"I'm under your spell
How else could it be
Anyone would notice me?
It's magic, I can tell
How you've set me free
Brought me out so easily."
"I saw a world enchanted
Spirits and charms in the air
I always took for granted
I was the only one there
But your powers shone
Brighter than any I've known."
"I'm under your spell
Nothing I can do
You just took my soul with you
You worked your charms so well
Finally, I knew
Everything I dreamed was true
You made me believe."
"The moon to the tide, I can feel you inside.
I'm under your spell.
Surging like the sea, drawn to you so helplessly.
I break with every swell,
Lost in ecstacy, spread beneath my willow tree.
You make me complete."
Celeste looked at each of her mates in turn when she sang the final lines.
"You make me complete.
You make me complete.
You make me complete."
When the music stopped, all three vampire flashed to her side, arms around her, with kisses on her cheeks.
"What a perfect song for us, as you say, my dear. And you are truly talented," Aro said.
"We are touched, tesoro," Marcus chimed in.
Caius questioned her, "Do you truly feel this way...about us?"
"Yes, of course."
Caius embraced her. He whispered in her ear, "Then I was wrong. You are a blessing to us all." He pulled back and gazed into her eyes. "Promise you will never leave us."
Celeste closed her eyes, that feeling of warm emotion flowing around her. "I promise," she replied.
A/N : I just love the song "I'm Under Your Spell" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer's 'Once more with feeling' episode, ironicly enough. I was surprised to read Amber Benson, the actress who sang the song, wrote it herself. It's on youtube if you want to listen to it. I could not add a link here for some reason.
Celeste likes to sing as we saw on the cruise. She was humming this in the corridor when Caius caught up to her, so he wanted to hear her sing it. She realizes that the lyrics could apply to her feelings about her Volturi mates, now that has been with them awhile.
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