I know based on the time frame, it probably doesn't seem so..but this chapter gave me some trouble, the transition of the scenes took a little tweaking to get right, but I hope you all enjoy it all the same. If there are any grammar errors, I am sorry I tried to catch them all... but if computers can make mistakes so can I. However, with all that said I am rather proud of this chapter. I hope you all like it as well.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is associated with Twilight! The characters, the plot, the fact that vampires sparkle...that all belongs to Stephanie Meyer. The only think I own is the plot of this particular story, and Drusilla..thank you.
Dru groaned softly as she regained consciousness, the dim light casting shadows around her. Her head throbbed painfully, and she felt a wave of nausea wash over her. Blinking her eyes open, she tried to focus on the figure sitting beside her. It was her sister, her concerned expression etched with worry.
"Hey love," Dru muttered, her voice hoarse and weak. She struggled to push herself up, movements slow and unsteady. "What happened?" Her mind was foggy, memories hazy and fragmented, as she tried to piece together the events that led to this moment.
"You passed out when you discovered who you were destined to be mated to," Bella explained, a look of worry in her brown eyes.
Dru's eyes furrowed as she processed the information, her mind struggling to grasp the magnitude of what her sister had just revealed. "So I didn't dream that," she grumbled, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Bellas nodded from her spot, her expression tinged with apprehension, unsure of how her sister would take the news. "I tried to tell them no," she admitted quietly.
A soft chuckle escaped Dru's lips as she gazed at her sister, a mixture of gratitude and resignation in her eyes. "I appreciate that," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "But there's no defying fate...and from what Alice said, it's pretty set in stone."
"So is that it?" Bellas asked, surprised by her sister's acceptance.
Turning to face her sister, Dru's expression filled with gratitude and some sort of resolve. "I appreciate your concern, sis. Truly, I do," she said, her voice calm even if she was not. "But sometimes, fighting against fate only leads to more pain."
A mischievous glimmer, suddenly danced in her eyes. "However," she continued, a playful smirk dancing on her lips, "doesn't mean I'm going to make it easy for them."
Bella's laughter echoed through the room, "When do you make anything easy?" She asked the question causing a light-hearted feeling to fill the dense atmosphere. The feeling did not last, however, and soon silence descended upon them, laden with unspoken thoughts.
Dru's mind raced, her thoughts trying to comprehend everything that had happened that evening. Her dreams were shattering around her, and there was nothing she could do about it. The reality of her situation sank in, weighing on her heart. She wouldn't be able to follow in her father's footsteps in becoming the Chief of Police in the small dingy town she called home. Now, that she knew she was mated to the Volturi kings, her time in Forks was limited. She did not know how long they would allow her to remain in her hometown, with her family, they could show up and take her with them tomorrow. The mere notion sent a jolt through her heart.
Blinking away tears, she thought more of her dreams. She had always envisioned herself staying in Forks, surrounded by the Cullens, and her beloved sister. Watching as her father was allowed to retire, and she was there to take care of him in his old age. Finding love, settling down, and embracing a life filled with joy and laughter. Children, one day running through the same streets she had when she was younger, Rosalie being the proud godmother to all and any future little ones. Her eyes began to burn, as the first tear betrayed her; none of this was going to happen now. She had a new future, one that was breaking her heart piece by piece.
A cold hand suddenly startled her. Her gaze moved to find Edward was now in the room with both of the sisters, she tried to glare at him, as she was still angry with him. However she couldn't muster up the strength, "it will be okay, Dru." He offered, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The realization dawned on her that her troubled thoughts must have been tormenting him as well.
"Creepy mind reader," she muttered, finally pulling away from his touch.
Edward's smile persisted, his hand retreating from her as he moved to embrace Bella." "Ah, but this 'creepy mind reader' has his uses."
Dru rolled her eyes, flopping back onto the bed. Suddenly looking around the room once more, realizing she was lying in Carlisle's and Esme's room. "Well, creepy mind reader, what are your uses?" She grumbled.
Silence followed her question, and for a small moment, Dru thought Edward had taken her sister and left the room. Allowing her thoughts to slowly begin to drift once more before he spoke again. "They aren't going to force you." Edward finally said, "They know they have to win your heart."
Dru's heart skipped a beat at that, her eyes widening in surprise at his unexpected response. Part of her disbelieved his words, the other part of her, the part that frightened her was curious. 'How would the Volturi kings, try to win her heart?' She wondered, her eyes narrowing when the 'creepy mind reader' smirked. She hated how her sister's boy toy knew her better than anyone else, and how he could just read her thoughts, always knowing what to say to make her feel better.
"Although the fact that you are technically now royalty, is a little hard to process." Dru sat up straight at that. Staring at Edward as if he had just grown two heads.
"Fuck you," she muttered, that was something she didn't want to think about.
"That's not a very queen thing to say," Edward teased.
Dru's anger faltered for a moment, as Edward's words cut through the tension in the room. She couldn't help the reluctant chuckle, that escaped her lips. "Well, I don't want to be a queen." She replied, narrowing her eyes slightly, even if the room seemed to lighten up a bit. "I'm certainly not gonna act royal."
Edward's lips curled even more into a mischievous grin, his golden eyes sparkling a little with hidden amusement. A melodious chuckle escaped her sister's lips, a sound that soothed Dru a little, breaking the tense atmosphere within the room. Although Dru still harbored a lingering resentment towards her sister's boy toy, she could not help but be thankful to Edward, and his ability to know exactly what to say to make her feel slightly better, even if it was simply due to his unnerving mind-reading abilities. Though she would never admit it aloud.
The three stayed like that a comfortable silence falling between them, as rain began to softly tap at the glass. Dru couldn't help but sense the moment seemed to be a soft pause, and once the universe began to press play on their lives again, it was either going to break her heart in two once more, or it was going to bring some sort of clarity to her world. For, now however she felt solace in the tranquil moment.
Edward's body suddenly tensed, a flicker of apprehension entering his golden eyes, as he looked over to the door. Then back to Dru, a look of unease settling over him. However, before Bella or Dru could ask him what had happened, a knock caused both of them to turn towards the bedroom door, eyes landing on Esme as she peeked into the room. A radiant smile formed on her face, she was dripping with a mother's love, she spoke warmly as she entered the room.
"Ah, Dru, my dear I am glad to see you're awake," The mother of the Cullens carried a gentle cadence, infusing the room with her nurturing presence.
Nodding softly, Dru studied Esme. "What is wrong, mama?" She asked noting the unease that seemed to enter the other woman's eye.
Studying Esme for a moment, Dru could see something was off about her expression. A knot of unease twisted in her gut, as her eyes glanced to the door a light from the hallway entering the darkened room..and yet it felt like the light wanted to swallow the girl. Turning back to Esme, a bubbling of panic began to fill her. "What is it, Mama?" Her voice trembled slightly, the room around them seemed to close around her, as she tried to calm herself.
Esme's eyes darted to Edward, it was so brief that Dru almost missed it, but the fleeting exchange was an unspoken conversation before the matriarch of the Cullen's turned back to her. The smile was now strained as she slowly began to bite her lower lip. "we need you to come downstairs, my dear," Esme finally said, the usual warmth in her voice tinged with an unfamiliar edge. "There are people here to see you."
Fear gripped her heart like ice tendrils, as she slowly began to stand from the bed. Every step she made towards the door, felt heavy, as if she knew what already awaited her, briefly she felt her sister grab her hand, but that did little to comfort her. There was movement from Edward out of the corner of her eye, as he nodded to her, as if to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. She moved closer to Esme, her eyes pled with the woman beside her to please not leave her alone, to face whatever waited for her down the stairs.
Esme nodded, her touch like a lifeline, as she led Dru out of the room. Edward and Bella did not move from the room, their support however followed after her. Clinging to Esme, Dru tried to steady her breathing. The subtle nod from Carlisle, when she met his eye comforted her slightly. He gave her a little strength as she began making her way down, the rest of the Cullens were there watching after her. Alice's vibrant energy beamed at her with a warm smile, and Jasper's tranquil presence and empathic waves helped settle the knots of anxiety that gripped Dru's heart. "Thank you," she whispered to both of them.
Her steps suddenly faltered, when she took note of the four new figures that stood off to the side. Four pairs of red eyes watching her every move, as she studied them closely, they had an undeniable aura of power and authority surrounding them. The black cloaks draped over two of them, while the remaining pair donned gray but that was not what caught her attention. It was the unmistakable gold V pendant, delicately hanging from their necks with matching chains, that was what sent a shiver down her spine. The Volturi, more specifically the Volturi guard were here. Briefly, she wondered where were the kings, as they were her mates; but understanding how they operate...they probably sent the guard to watch her.
"Hello," she greeted, her attention locking on to the only female of the group, her crimson gaze seemed to penetrate her very soul. Jane, the name resonated with her, the descriptions that Carlisle had painted in the past did not lie. As on instinct, Dru stepped back, Esme however made sure she could not.
The guard regarded her for a moment before Jane spoke. "Hello, my Queen." Her voice was sharp as if the word left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Dru's jaw tensed at her words, a flicker of defiance igniting within her. "I am not your Queen." She replied, catching the guard off guard momentarily.
"But you are," Jane quipped, lips curling upwards in a smirk. "How lucky are you, a human girl suddenly having all the power."
Closing her eyes for a brief moment, her eyes going hard as her pale blue eye seemed to become ice. "Luck has nothing to do with it, it is simply an unfortunate side effect."
Jane's smirk faltered, a flicker of surprise crossing her crimson eyes. "Unfortunate side effect?" She echoed, she turning to the rest of her coven mates, as they also regarded the girl with uncertainty.
A hand touched Dru's shoulder, she knew it to be Esme, and knew it was a warning to tread lightly. However, the words that flowed from her lips remained steady. "Indeed," her voice hardened much like the ice in her eyes. "I am not your queen, that is not a title I want, I am simply being thrust into a role out of circumstance." A tension settled amongst the room, as the guard looked back at the girl, regarding her with a little bit more respect.
"I apologize for Jane," the shorter of the two dressed in gray spoke. His eyes seemed to regard her curiously, and Dru met his gaze. Noting his chalky olive skin, and short blonde hair that seemed to compliment his complexion. "I am Demetri," he finally introduced, before nodding to his other gray-cladded coven member, "and this is Felix, it is a pleasure Your Highness."
"It's Dru, please do not call me your Highness." The girl replied, however as her gaze moved to the Volturi's enforcer 'Felix' as he was introduced. She could not help but relax a little, finding him at least in appearance reminded her a little of Emmett.
The other black-cladded male shook her head, "That would be improper."
Letting a smirk dance upon her face. "I am not proper," pausing as she watched him curiously. "Alec right?"
He nodded and pressed on. "Formalities, are important to the Volturi, Your Highness." He spoke, arguing with her slightly, annoyed at her defiance.
"I am who I am," She declared, her voice tinged with equal annoyance. "Titles and formalities, mean nothing to me. I prefer authenticity over decorum."
Alec stepped back a little at that, surprised at the raw defiance that he saw in her new 'queen.' She had spirit, he gave her that and was not what he thought she would be. Her spirited nature made her intriguing, and he could not help but gain a little of his respect. "You are different," he muttered, to which she smiled.
"I hope different is a good thing." She replied, raising an eyebrow at him. She liked this guard, much more than his sister to say the least.
It was in that moment however, Emmett decided to pipe into the conversation. "So, how do you like your babysitters?"
Her head instantly snapped to Emmett, letting his words sink into her before turning back to the guard. Eyes narrowing at this revelation, "No." She said, glaring at them, Dru hated the idea of being watched.
Demetri smirked at her response, before holding his hands up in mock defense, he quite did like the spark of his new queen. "Rest assured, Dru," choosing to use her preferred name. "We won't be intruding on your day-to-day life," reassuring her, he spoke seriously even if there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "Our, presence is to simply ensure you are safe, as per Master Aro's orders."
She regarded him, looking him up and down before speaking. "That may be, but I don't know who any of you are. I know your names, that is not the same as knowing you." She replied, stepping forward for a moment. "I don't know who you are, I have your names, and you have mine. Essentially we are strangers to each other," pausing in her words, snapping a glare at Alice when she went to interrupt. "The idea of having four individuals, who I don't know watching over me from afar, is a bit creepy."
Jane rolled her eyes, dismissively, "it is not like we want to."
Dru disregarded the female guard's tone. "Oh I know you don't, you are the elite guard... and I am just a human." She replied, her voice unwavering, it bewildered her where she got the strength to just speak to the guard with little fear, but here she was doing it. "I cannot be at ease while knowing I am being watched, certainly not by those I do not have any sort of connection with."
Crossing her arms, Jane quipped. "What do you suggest then?"
Dru studied the guard, before pointing to Felix. "I will get to know you first, Giant." Her words surprised all four of them, "I already feel slightly at ease with you, could be because you remind me a little of Emmett."
"I'm offended," the Cullen grumbled.
Dru smiled, looking over to him. "Relax Lovebug, no one is replacing you." Knowing her friend well enough by now.
Turning back to the 'Giant' who looked a little taken back, Felix looked a little taken back, but a chuckle soon escaped along with a slight smile, nodding to her, "Very well." He agreed, "I look getting to know you, Dru."
A huff from Jane, her eyes narrowed with annoyance as she surveyed her queen. "Fine," she begrudgingly spat out, "but this changes nothing, we are still here to protect you."
Nodding warmly, she couldn't help but compare Jane to a frightened kitten, she might be spitting rage, but somewhere Dru figured the two would come to an understanding at some point in their lives. "I understand, and I am not going to try and stop you from doing your job, but I want to build some sort of trust and understanding between us."
Alec's gaze suddenly flickered to Dru's bandaged hand, "You aren't going to make our jobs easy, are you?"
"Nope," she agreed with a large grin before her eyes caught sight of the time. "Shit, Bella!"
"Yeah!" The voice of her sister called.
"If we don't get back home now, you are going to be grounded till you're thirty."
What do you all think? Also, I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to give this story a chance, all of you who have placed this story in your favorites, and/or are following this story. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I have a few Twilight fics brewing once again, I am back in my Twilight era..and that includes a story I have been asked to bring back for quite a while...So, keep an eye out for an old story that I have previously given up on. Again, I am working on the sequel to Goddess of Love, just trying to figure out exactly where I want to begin.
I would love to see some reviews, I am wondering how you all feel about Dru choosing Felix to bond with first. I feel often at times, it is either Jane or Demetri that get all the light...and well Felix and Alec deserve love as well, anyway looking forward to reading any reviews you choose to give..and the ones that are my favorite will be featured in the header in the next chapter.
Nature Faustus