Chapter 2

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The room was silent as Caius helped Erika stand up straight again. She began wiping her hands down her jeans, trying to get rid of the tingling sensation that took over her. She didn't like this new sensation, or the new memories or thoughts or whatever the hell they were in her head. Erika couldn't shake them off and it was giving her a headache.

"Did she just—"

"I believe so," Aro said slowly, staring at his own hands. "Her mind is so organised yet it is chaos. So many thoughts at once but they were separated yet placed on top of each other to prevent me reading her clearly. My dear, what did you see?"

"Too much too quickly yet it feels like it was years," Erika groaned, clutching the side of her head for a moment. "And now I've got a migraine."

"It is always the worst the first time due to the fact I see every thought," Aro turned slowly to Caius who had let go of Erika but stayed close. "Can you take these four to the small library? We will have to discuss this further. Heidi will be here any moment, we will save some for you."

Caius nodded and said to Erika, "Follow me."

Erika had to dust herself off before she turned sharply. Alice tutted lightly as Edward and Bella didn't hesitate to follow Erika.

The woman who had brought in a few dozen humans was stunning, and Erika presumed that her gift was based on physical attraction. When they crossed paths, both women stopped and stared at each other. The woman was almost surprised by Erika's reaction and appearance, even in jeans and a T-shirt, Erika looked amazing.

"Heidi," Caius snapped, giving her a dismissive look before she nodded and carried on the 'tour'.

"Will they be…" Bella gulped.

"I would presume so. She was probably the fisher and bait," Erika stated, careful of her tone as they passed Gianna. The Human was almost shocked at Caius leading them somewhere but she hid it well.

Caius had listened in, only stopping before an unsuspecting door and opening it. "Wait in here. We will not be long. Do not touch anything."

Within moments of that door closing on them, screaming began but Erika hardened herself, mentally preparing for this beforehand.

"I can't believe th…" She trailed off as Edward hugged her to his side. They shuffled to a couch in front of the fireplace of the small library. It looked rather like an office but Erika couldn't be sure. She would have thought that the three Kings would work in Throne room, where there was a long table to a side wall.

"Believe what, Bella?" Erika didn't look back as she stood before the roaring fire, finally being able to feel some warmth. " It is exactly the same if we were to slaughter pigs for survival. Not every Vampire will be vegetarian, just like not all Humans are vegan. It can't be helped."

"But—"

"Bella, there is no point in dwelling on the matter. Food is food, regardless of our moral standing."

"Erika, you need to be careful with them," Alice said, coming forward into her sight. "You don't know what they'll do to you if you anger them. You need to be careful."

"No, Alice," Erika sighed. "What I need is answers and if I have to force them out, I will. Just because you can't see the outcome for me does not mean concern."

Alice was never happy with Erika because her actions could never be found out by visions, and Erika knew this as Alice had brought it up on the journey to Italy. It was just like the wolf pack in La Push, she couldn't see them either and it made her anxious.

When Erika's phone began to vibrate in the leather jacket, Bella jumped and quickly found it. "It's Charlie."

Erika accepted the call at once and placed it on speaker so Bella could hear. "Hi, Dad."

"Where's Bella? Is she with you?" Charlie asked a few more questions that made Erika smile fondly.

"Yeah, we're both fine," Erika began to pace in front of the fireplace, the flames were warm against her legs and somehow it comforted her in the moment. "I'm right to assume that she's in trouble when she gets back?"

"Big trouble." She watched Bella shrink a little, she slumped into Edward who had flung an arm around her shoulders. Bella still wore Erika's jacket and it swamped her a little. It was due to their height difference, Erika was tall for a woman.

"And me?"

He hesitated, Erika could almost see him scratching his head in thought. "Well, I can't very well ground you. You're twenty-two now."

"And Bella's eighteen," She tried to counter.

"But she is still living in my house. She can't just leave the country on a whim without telling me, and leaving a note isn't good enough,"

"You'll have to speak to her about that, Dad. But we're fine. I will make sure that Bella is back in the country within the next two days," Erika gave Alice a pointed look. Alice mouthed something. "Make that by tonight, Dad."

The door opened silently, the three kings strode in without a sound when they had heard that Erika was on the phone. She noticed that their eyes were no longer dark maroon or black, now they shone like brilliant rubies.

"I know that tone, Erika. You're keeping something a secret," He accused. "What about you, Erika?"

"Something really important came up but I don't know the full details so I'll probably stay a few more days. I'll call if anything changes,"

"Just be careful, kid. I want you back in one piece and not a hair out of place."

"I'll be fine but I have to go," They exchanged farewells quickly and Erika hung up. "I should expect that you heard the conversation?"

"Yes, I hope that isn't a problem," Aro stated rather than asked. He tapped his finger together impatiently.

"So," She shoved the phone into her back pocket. "Should we have this conversation alone, with your brothers, or everyone here?"

"I think it best for my brothers and I to speak to you alone, due to the privacy of the matters,"

"No! We can't leave you alone with them, Erika," Bella said, getting out of her slight funk but she sat back down. "Er…"

"Contrary to popular belief, Bella, this isn't my first time dealing with Vampires," She crossed her arms loosely. "Alice, will there be any consequences with me staying? Anything bad?"

"You know I can't see your future,"

"And now?" Erika concentrated on letting the tightly wound control she had on her mind loose.

It was one of the things Erika prided herself on. The control that she had over her mental state was what was stopping Edward reading her thoughts, Alice seeing her future, and Jane's pain. Unlike Bella who actually had no control over her mind, Erika had to work hard to keep Vampires from effecting her. Her physical shield was naturally strong, like Bella's was with her mental one.

Erika has sent a loud thought through her head. 'Please, do not argue with me on this. Bella needs to leave as soon as she can. You don't know if they will change their minds. I fear for myself already, don't bring Bella into more trouble.'

Alice's eyes went glazed before she frowned a little but shook her head. "Nothing negative. I would suppose it would be classed as really positive, depending on your interpretation."

"There you go, Bells. You have to get home anyway. Someone needs to physically convince Dad from coming to hunt me down, you know how he is," Bella nodded in agreement.

"We'll leave you to the discussion then," Edward said, standing up easily.

Aro chucked a dark grey cloak at Edward. "Dark is coming soon. We expect Bella to be turned or killed within three years."

Edward nodded and shrugged it on before Bella quickly resumed her place in his side. Alice was the first to leave the room, wishing Erika good luck. As Edward made his way past Aro, he gently passed a hand over. Aro's eyes turned dark in slight disbelief and hurt, but it was overtaken by concern as he looked to Erika.

Erika stalked over to the doorway and stuck her head out of it, watching their retreating backs. "Really, Edward? I thought that in confidence!"

"It's for the better, Erika," He called over his shoulder with a sad smile.

Erika came back into the room, closing the door before putting her back to it. She watched the three men stare at her like she was the most beautiful creature ever, and like she was the most precious treasure ever found. She appreciated their good appearance which was naturally attractive without the stupid Mate Bond trying to trick her some more.

She strode to the couch, sat down, placed both elbows on her knees, and rubbed her palms into her eyes. "I'm too sober for this conversation." Erika held a hand out for one of them to take, the quickest was Aro.

Thoughts flashed. The bloodlust he had felt minutes ago was quenched. His curiosity at what she was doing was not.

She tried to clear her thoughts into a clean order, wanting Aro to know she was actually thinking for the other two men were watching in fascination and jealousy of Aro getting to touch their Mate.

"I kind of absorb gifts, I suppose. But only for the moments they are being used on me, thus me hurting Jane, and me seeing all of Aro's thoughts as he saw mine," Erika blinked. "I'm still… tryna process all of those."

"Was this time better?" Aro let go of her hand as soon as her thoughts became chaos again.

"Better? No. Easier, definitely. My head doesn't hurt this time." She sighed, sitting up until her back touched the back of the plush couch. "What's gonna happen then?"

Aro stood away from her, quickly getting his brothers to stand with him before her. They were surprised when she didn't stifle or cower. Her eyelids sank low, suggesting that she was tired from today's antics.

Erika fiddled with her long nails. Her eyes were downcast as she fully relaxed in front of them. It was taking her mind some time to catch up on so many thoughts, and when a set of slight shivers went over her, she jumped a little.

"How can you touch anyone with that gift?" Erika asked, her eyes darted from one side of the room to the other. "Especially if they're old. It's taken me a good few minutes to try and process three thousand years worth of thoughts. Oh, you can touch me—" And as soon as she said that, she had three sets of hands on her. Erika had Marcus and Aro to her side with Caius sitting before her with his chin and arms on her legs. "—I saw the desire to touch their Mate, I'm not cruel enough to keep you three in pain."

The strict and stiff atmosphere softened as the three kings watched their Mate ramble on a little. Their beasts were now calm and content with their Mate and her proximity to them. It almost felt right as Erika took a hand and threaded it into Caius' blond hair, gently scraping her nails against his scalp.

She was jealous of his soft hair.

Her movements almost faltered when he began to purr. She stifled a laugh but she couldn't help it when all three began to purr in turn, relaxing her beyond belief. Erika could have fallen asleep there but she didn't want to. She was content with just sitting there and being held like she was a treasure.

"If you keep purring—" she yawned lightly, "— I'm going to fall asleep here. What's the time anyway?"

"It is just past nine in the evening," Caius said without pause, or opening his eyes since he was content with her affections with his hair. He reminded her of a cat as he continued to lightly purr.

"Fuck. I've been up for a long time, and crossed a few time zones. No wonder I feel like passing out."

"I think it would be best if we converse in the morning, after a good amount of rest for you, dear one," Marcus said.

Wincing when she moved her other hand, she finally saw that the bruise had formed.

"Where did you get that from?" Caius growled as soon as he caught sight of it.

"Careful!" Erika gasped when he grabbed her upper palm, bending the hand towards him. She let out a slow breath as pain reduced before smiling sheepishly. "I kinda, might've, maybe, slapped Edward when I saw him."

"You are a violent one, Tesoro," Marcus said as he also looked at the still forming bruise. "It will turn purple by tomorrow."

"You should see the bruises I get from when I fight," Erika's face lit up when she mentioned her favourite pastime.

"Fighting?"

"Yeah, like street fighting. No rules besides don't kill your opponent. I love doing it, and got a lot of money from it too. Helped me pay off my student loans quickly."

"Student loans?"

"For College. It's really expensive in America," She slumped a little in their arms.

"What do you do?"

"I did online classes on Psychology. Sometimes I went to a College out of state to do exams but that happened only once a month. I dropped out last year due to Bella's health deteriorating, Dad couldn't handle her alone. I was failing anyway."

"Distance sickness," Marcus mumbled but Erika heard it just fine. He continued, "There are two types of Mate Bonds, Soulmate like ours, and Lifemate like young Bella and Edward. Soulmate is instantaneous, Humans cannot feel help but feel attracted physically to the Vampire of the pair. It is like love at first sight. The Vampire knows almost straight away but they are careful until they know they have been accepted if the other is Human."

"Kinda like ours?" She asked.

"Yes. We were cautious to approach the subject because of your proximity to young Edward and Alice," Marcus' finger dragged circles into her back, slowly almost coaxing her to relax even more as Aro and Caius purred lowly. "Young Bella and Edward are Lifemates. Their bond was created through emotion and physical distance. It is like a compatible pairing that can turn into a Soul Bond after both parties are turned. They are much more common than someone finding their Mate.

"Unlike Soulmates, Lifemates will become sick, be it physically and mentally for Humans, or mentally for Vampires. The greater the distance, the sicker they become. Due to Edward only being in Alaska, wasn't it? Bella had only mental sickness and minor physical ones.

"Huh," was the long thing Erika could say before she yawned again. She tried to shake it off, blinking the desire to close her sore eyes and just lean into the three men around her.

"I think it is time for some sleep, my dear," Caius said, getting a look from Aro. He easily stood up and softly coaxed her to stand up with him, watching her sway in place for a moment. They all knew she was drunk on the Soul Bond, being Human and having three mates would make sure that she was compliant until such a time where they would discuss everything properly.

"But who's room will she sleep in?" Marcus said, glancing down at her when she stifled a yawn.

"Whoever's room has the best bed," She mumbled. "Cause I don't care who's room it is, I need a good sleep before I drop."

"Caius' room then," Aro stated, trailing a hand down her jawline and throat and watching her lean into the touch with a smile.

"Why do I feel drunk yet sober?" Erika asked, blinking a little as her head felt foggy. "'Cause this isn't what i wanted when i said I was too sober for this conversation."

"The Soul Bond is trying to keep you calm while you get used to us. Having three mates isn't common, especially when they are Vampires and you are human," Marcus said.

"Okay, cool," She yawned again, covering it with her hand easily. "How many times can I fucking yawn?"

There was a knock at the door as they approached it. They had let her go but stood around her in a triangle. Her duffle bag from the motel sat on the floor.

As soon as she was in a new room, Caius', she stripped without a thought, pulled on shorts and a top, undid her bra and dropped it to the duffel bag. She was grateful to be able to take her shoes off, even more when she took her makeup off and brushed her teeth. Erika did not care how tired she was, she never fell asleep with makeup on. It was a good habit.

She noted that they had stared when she stripped, not that she cared. If she did, she would have asked them to leave or gone into the very nice bathroom to change. They had left the room by the time she was finished in the bathroom, which she was surprised that they had.

When her head hit the pillow, she groaned in bliss as she dropped like a log into sleep.

)()()()()()(

Erika was not happy when her phone started blaring.

"Bella, it's four AM where I am," Erika almost yelled into the phone. She laid in the bed still, unwilling to leave it just yet. Erika cuddled the thick duvet, she knew she looked like a koala hugging the bedding between her legs and arms.

"And I just woke you up, didn't I?" Bella cringed over the phone.

"Yes, but I put my phone on loud incase you called," Erika shrugged, sitting up in the bed before shuffling back so her back touched the headboard. "How was Dad when he saw you?"

"...Yeah, I'm grounded until I'm twenty-one I think. Don't laugh at me!" Bella said when Erika snorted.

"If I didn't come with you, you would be grounded until you were thirty,"

"True. So, how did the conversation go?"

"Alright. Kinda almost fell asleep during it. You know when you're so relaxed that you can't help but drift off. Yeah that almost happened."

"Good or bad thing?"

"It'll depend on how our conversation goes today. I found out a little yesterday but it's too soon to say anything." They both sighed in unison. "I'll try to get back to Forks within the next few days but it will depend on how the conversation goes."

"Alright. Charlie says he loves you and you better be back soon," Bella said, snickering a little for some reason.

"Be good or I'll tell him that Edward sneaks in. B-bye." Erika hung up before Bella could reply.

She sat in silence for a few moments, sighing as she looked out to the dark sky through the balcony doors.

The bedroom was large, almost larger than the Swan house. Mainly quite sparse, it definitely felt like she was staying in a castle. Under the gorgeous four post bed was a smooth rug. There was an open door balcony which she could walk onto.

Erika got out of the bed and opened it, standing in the warm night air in only her sleep shirt and shorts. She only wore them because she wasn't in her own bed, otherwise she would have slept nude or in her underwear.

Caius came in with a pleased grin, taking in her messy hair. "Can't sleep anymore?"

"Not anymore," She rubbed her eyes again, getting the sleep out. "But i don't want to get out of the bed either. It's cold and I've only brought warm weather clothes. I didn't think I would have stayed more than a day."

"I am glad you decided to stay more than a day," Caius looked to one of the walls before going over to it and sliding a panel. It revealed a large array of black robes much like the one he was wearing. He plucked one out and carefully laid it over his arm. "Aro wanted to see you when you awoke, dear."

Her lip twitched at his term of endearment, it flustered her a little inside. He offered to help her put it on and she accepted, slipping the offered robe. She one of her thick belts to cinch the waist in to her satisfaction. Now it fit a bit better.

"Are you certain you do not want to put a proper top on first?" He said, his eyes falling down to her pierced nipples that showed through the shirt she wore. It was a comfortable band Shirt that was cropped to show off a hard earned flat stomach.

She looked down. Yeah, she wasn't going to put a bra on. Unless Erika absolutely had to, she didn't. "Nope, I'm good. I'm warm now, thank you."

Erika slipped on a pair of matching flats before Caius began to lead her out of the room. Caius simply jutted an arm out, giving her an elbow as she laced her arm into his. His pace had to be slowed to match Erika's, which he was pleased was quite fast for a human.

The throne room as Erika dubbed the room with the three throne-like chairs and drain, was clean of bodies but there was a speckle of blood on the floor as the blood drained away. She stood by her sentence from before, food was food.

"Oh, you got rid of the bodies,"

Aro grinned, coming up to her before placing both of his hands onto her cheeks in adornment. Images and sounds flashed but she blinked them away within a moment.

"I see you are wearing Caius' robe," He gave his brother a dark look but it wasn't violent. He held a hand for him and his eyes deepened to a maroon red.

"Yeah…" Erika saw the desire forming, quickly shutting the robe fully and crossing her arms. "Are you busy at the moment? I think we should speak of what's going to happen to us, me."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm still Human with the knowledge of Vampires. Bella will be changed, she has a few years. We just have quite a bit to discuss."

Caius looked confused, his eyebrows furrowing together. "You'll be changed as soon as possible and we'll have eternity to discuss everything."

"That's not going to work for me," Erika said carefully, stepping away a little to keep distance as she knew he was the most explosive.

"What do you mean by that? You have to be changed or you'll die of old age."

"How old do you think I am? I am barely into my prime. I've got a good few years before I am even thirty. You have lived without me for years, what's a few more?" Erika almost gasped. "I need to break up with Micheal now."

"Micheal?"

"My boyfriend," She sighed. She had actually liked him, he was a decent man and she was happy.

"What?!"

"You had a wife so you can't talk,"

"Vampires get companions because the chance of finding a Mate is almost zero,"

"So? Humans have limited years. I didn't want to die a spinster," Erika paused. "If this is how you react when I'm dating someone, I'm concerned to tell you I ain't a virgin."

This made all three of them pause, completely still as they looked at her. Their eyes darkened.

"What?" She shrugged. "I didn't know you existed. Even if I did, it wouldn't have changed a thing."

"We didn't expect you to be a virgin. You are an adult with a healthy appetite," Aro smiled.

"That's one way to say that I'm a horny person," she snorted.

Caius blinked, shaking his head a little. "You should be changed as soon as possible,"

"Ahh, no. I'll be changed eventually, there is no need for me to be a Vampire."

"You'll be targeted, Erika," Marcus began, already knowing an argument would break out between the two blonds. "You'll be in danger if you stay Human."

"No one said I was staying Human. I've been fine for two decades, what's one more?"

"Don't you understand? You are our mate. Everyone who is our enemy will try to kill you to get to us. Your safety and happiness is priority to us. Even if the Vampire race was in danger, we would only ever want to keep you happy and safe."

"Don't you understand?" Erika tried. "I am twenty two, almost twenty three. I have a career I want to complete, my education is my priority."

"You could be educated here," Marcus joined.

"I'm not Italian, I can't speak Italian. I can just about speak French and Spanish. I just want a few more years of being Human before you force Immortality onto me," Erika sat on the steps leading up to the thrones.

"We would never force—"

"You are!" Erika almost screamed, her breath heavy in her chest. "You are trying to force Immortality onto me because it would keep me safe. I don't know how three days of excruciating pain would keep me safe."

"Three days of pain and then you're ours forever,"

"Yeah. But I have a mortal life. I will not give it up so easily just because I met you three." She huffed. "I'd like to live some more before I die, and if you can't accept that, this won't work out well."

"You aren't safe here while being Human," Aro said.

"Then I'm not staying,"

"You can not just leave us!" Caius snapped. "We have waited three thousand years for you."

"So what's a few more?!"

Erika abruptly stood up, dodging Caius as she stormed out of the throne room. She didn't care that she only vaguely knew where the room was but she would find it eventually.

Caius touched her elbow, catching it as she quickly walked.

"Don't touch me," She snatched her arm away.

"Don't be irrational, Erika,"

"Don't tell me what to do, Caius,"

It didn't take long for her to find the room, quickly getting and grabbing her bag.

"You are not leaving," Caius said, sending a harsh glare over his shoulder. He became angrier when he realised that she didn't react to it. "Even if I have to lock you up, you will stay safe."

Erika almost screamed at him, snarling to a certain degree. "I am not some thing you can control, Caius. I will not be controlled by the likes of you."

"The likes of me?"

"Pompous assholes who think they can get their way because, apparently, they know best and it's their way or the highway,"

He paused in shock.

"Well, then," He clicked his tongue, coming up to stand before her. He ripped the duffel bag out of her hand, chucking across the room. He stalked away to the door. "This pompous asshole will do it his way."

The doors slammed closed with a simple click and the bending of metal.

"You did not just lock me in here!" Erika tried the doorknob before kicking the bottom, almost regretting it instantly as her toes hurt. "Fine then. If I'm not allowed out, you're not allowed in!"

Erika took one of the heavy dressers and shoved it in front of the door. She tied the knobs together with one of those weird rope dangling things, before cramming the other dresser in front of the one already there.

She took her duffle bag and strutted to the bathroom. It was just as nice as the bedroom but she didn't loyter on it. Shoving out all of her clothes, she decided on black jeans, shirt and boots before shoving everything back into the duffle bag and turning the shower on.

It was pure bliss under the waterfall showerhead.

As Erika showered, she knew that she would have to be careful as she planned her escape. The balcony was only half a dozen metres above the hill the building sat on. Tie a few sheets together and she could climb down without injuring herself, having practised when Charlie didn't let her out as a teen. There were no windows below, nor were there any buildings nearby but a quick internet search and Erika could find her way to town easily.

But with Demetri's gift, she had to be careful. Edward had mentioned it once but she hadn't paid attention. With her mental shields down, Alice would be able to see her future, but Demetri would be able to find her too. Where was she going to go anyway? It was Forks or nowhere, they'd find her eventually.

She waited an hour before she began to scale the side of the building. She had tried as many sheets as she could find, and dangled them out of the balcony. Erika was glad that there were no windows on the lower levels so it was an easy climb down. Her feet touched the ground as she had to jump a metre or two before hitting it, her duffle bag rattled against her back.

Finding her way to the town was actually simpler than she had thought. Finding the nearest airport was difficult but she made it in time. The bruise on her wrist stung but she ignored it, she needed to leave and that was final.

She had to get some food before she got on the plane, she hadn't eaten since yesterday morning and the plane ride would be almost twelve hours long.

As soon as Erika called, it was answered. "Alice, I need to ask a favour."

"I saw yesterday, already booked you a flight but you need to leave at this very moment," She said.

Erika snickered as she dunked her empty coffee into the bin. "I've already left the place."

"Get onto the plane and you'll be safe until you get back here. Be warned, they will get to Forks by the end of the week and they'll be furious,"

"I'm at the airport. See you in about twelve hours, I'll keep my future readable for now,"

"Good luck and have a safe flight."

Erika was surprised to see a business class seat when Alice sent a copy of the ticket over. At least the flight would be bearable.

)()()()()()(

Bella screamed as Erika shoved the door of her room open. "I'm back."

"How are you back already?"

"Slight disagreement," Erika quickly went to Bella's desk and grabbed the jacket from the chair, shrugging it on easily. "Get dressed. I need to speak with the Cullens."

"What happened? You're angry," Bella asked as she pulled on jeans and plain Vans before going for her keys.

"They locked me in a room, Bella," She sighed as they both got in the car. Her nails tapped against her bottom lip as she looked out of the windows. "They locked me in a goddamn room when I said I didn't want to be changed straight away."

"…What else did you do?" Bella gave her a knowing look.

"Might've walked away when we started to argue. You know I don't like confrontation." Erika stuttered as she shivered a little. "I threatened to leave and actually planned to. Call blondie an asshole and he locked me in a room.. Lock me in a room with a window and you know I'll do a Rapunzel."

Bella stifled a yawn as she laughed. "You climbed out of a window?"

"Well, it was an open balcony facing the city. I even shoved a few pieces of furniture against the door." Erika winked. "I'm nothing but resourceful."

)()()()()()(