Chapter 12: Mated
BPOV
We'd been back to Forks for a week and the time to go back to school was slowly approaching. It felt so insignificant now, the idea of needing to graduate high school. The Cullens were the perfect example of this. In the very long existence I would live by my mate's side, I would have plenty, infinite, opportunities to feed my thirst for knowledge and to learn all that the world had to offer. It felt though, that I owed it to myself, my parents and my friends to close this chapter of my life in as normal a way as I could.
The conversations I had with Charlie since that fateful night of our return to Forks had been difficult, intense, and had left me with a sense of peace, despite how lost and out of control I could see my dad felt. He was trying, really trying to wrap his head around the supernatural and I was grateful for Billy, Sue, and Sam, who had been invaluable in answering his seemingly unending flow of questions. Of course, they hadn't been the most complimentary about vampires but Charlie had always been one to give chances and aim for peace.
We had come to some sort of truce and I was now living with Charlie once more, only seeing Marcus when I headed to the Cullens' house during my dad's work day. Esme always had food ready to take home for Charlie and me and we had had a fairly non-eventful week, despite the palpable tension left by the lack of mention of what happened upon my return to Forks.
My time at the Cullens' home was a whirlwind of discovery and adaptation. Marcus became my guide through the intricate web of vampire history, unraveling the depths of Volturi lore that captivated my hunger for knowledge. His insights painted a vivid tapestry of past events and ancient civilisations, each narrative a treasure of wisdom and I could never feel tired of listening to his deep, caressing voice telling me tales of times past. Sometimes, I could still not wrap my head around how much life my mate had witnessed and then I remembered how much of a spectator he had been, frozen in his pains for most of it.
One evening, before I had to leave to go back to Charlie's house, Marcus regaled me with tales of the ancient Egyptians. His voice, a mellifluous symphony, spoke of pharaohs and pyramids, revealing secrets buried in sand and time.
"Did you know, mia Bella," Marcus began, his eyes alight with an ancient fire, "that the Egyptians revered us as gods? Their pantheon included deities embodying what they perceived as our immortal traits. Osiris, the god of the afterlife and rebirth, bore special resemblance to our immortal existence."
He painted a vivid picture of the Valley of the Kings, where the mighty rulers lay entombed for eternity, and how the vampire kind had once walked amongst them, revered and feared simultaneously. The tales unfolded like chapters from an otherworldly book, each page telling of a different time of human civilization intertwined with vampires' clandestine existence.
Another time, in the quiet solitude of his room, Marcus told me stories of ancient Rome. He spoke of emperors and senators, their ambitions and follies entwined with the subtle manipulations of the immortal world. His recounting of the rise and fall of empires, of Caesars and their conquests, cast a different light on history than any mortal textbook could.
"With our longevity, Bella," Marcus explained, "we have witnessed the ebb and flow of human history. We have been advisors, observers, and sometimes catalysts in the fate of empires. Yet, for all our influence, we remained hidden, veiled in the shadows, our existence shaping history but rarely acknowledged."
His stories transported me to forgotten eras, illuminating the depths of time and the enigmatic role vampire kind played in human affairs. Each narrative echoed a resonance of truths, painting a canvas of secrets and revelations that teased at the edges of my human comprehension. It was as if the weight of history rested on Marcus's words, and with every tale he spun, I discovered the vastness of his knowledge and the profound depth of his experiences.
But it wasn't solely the scholarly pursuits that consumed my days. The dynamic within the Cullen family was evolving, molding into a new shape in Edward's absence and with the addition of Marcus and me, as well as our ever-present guard, Felix. I observed the growing camaraderie between Felix and Emmett, a dynamic that fascinated and amused me. One afternoon, I found myself perched on a fallen tree near the edge of the Cullen estate, pretending to read while secretly eavesdropping on their banter.
Emmett and Felix were engaged in what seemed like a good-natured competition to see who could throw a tree trunk farther into the dense forest. Felix, with his stoic demeanor, stood tall and formidable, handling the massive trunk effortlessly. Emmett, in his usual exuberance, flexed his muscles and took on the challenge with a grin that could rival the sun.
"Watch and learn, Felix!" Emmett announced, hoisting an even larger trunk onto his broad shoulders.
Felix merely raised an eyebrow, an almost imperceptible smirk ghosting across his face. With a swift, practiced motion, he flung his trunk deep into the woods, the sound of it crashing against the trees echoing through the forest.
Emmett, undeterred, chuckled heartily and heaved his trunk with impressive force. It soared through the air, landing a few yards behind Felix's throw. He turned to me with a triumphant grin, expecting my reaction.
I couldn't help but laugh at their antics, the absurdity of two immortals engaged in a tree-throwing contest. "Nice try, Emmett! But I think Felix might have you beat this time."
Emmett feigned offense, clutching his heart dramatically. "Oh, come on, Bella! You're on his side?"
Felix, standing a few feet away, gave a rare chuckle, breaking the facade of his usual seriousness. "I believe in fair competition, Mistress Bella."
Their exchange was both unexpected and delightful, showcasing a camaraderie I hadn't anticipated. As they continued their playful rivalry, I found myself enjoying this glimpse into their evolving relationship
I had also tried to apologize for Edward's sentencing, the weight of guilt heavy on my heart. Carlisle and Esme, however, had been incredibly understanding. Their kindness knew no bounds as they reassured me that 50 years, though lengthy by human standards, was a relatively lenient sentencing from the Volturi.
"It's quite remarkable, Bella," Carlisle had spoken gently, his words laced with an understanding that soothed my concerns. "The Volturis' decisions are often swift and severe, especially given the circumstances. Edward joining the Guard was a wise choice. It offers him a chance to be free enough and interact with us while fulfilling his new responsibilities."
Esme chimed in, her warm smile reassuring me further. "You mustn't blame yourself, dear. The decision was made. Edward chose his path, and we'll do everything we can to support him during this time. "We all miss him," Esme had said, her tone filled with empathy. "But we must focus on the present. Edward made his choice willingly."
The discussion had then gradually shifted to lighter topics, diverting away from the weight of the recent events. Esme talked about the flowers she was planting in the garden, while Carlisle discussed an interesting medical case he'd encountered.
As the conversation had continued, I had found comfort in their presence and in the knowledge that Edward had chosen to be remain as free as possible. It was a small relief amid the overwhelming emotions that had been swirling within me since the day of the sentencing. Carlisle and Esme's support and understanding, even in my darkest moments, were a source of strength I deeply appreciated.
—
It was on the Sunday evening before school started again that I found myself sitting alone in Esme's beautiful rose garden, still bare of any roses but alive and green in the fading March light. The gentle breeze whispered through Esme's garden, rustling the leaves of the budding plants that were yet to bloom. It was a tranquil haven, a serene respite that nestled within the Cullen estate. The fading light of the Sunday evening cast a soft glow, painting the surroundings in a hushed palette of blues and purples.
As Alice departed for a hunting excursion with Jasper, leaving me in the quietude of the garden, I reveled in the fleeting moments of solitude. The tranquility was a precious gift, a rare moment of peace before the whirlwind of school routines resumed.
Marcus walked in a few moments later, his presence calming me further still. My senses tingled with anticipation as he settled beside me, a breeze of his alluring scent wrapping around us. Our hands found each other effortlessly, fingers entwining in a familiar dance, as I nestled my head on his shoulder, which was just at the right height for it to be comfortable.
"You seem content, mia Bella," Marcus observed, his voice a symphony of warmth and affection. The endearment, 'Mia Bella,' still fresh on his lips, carried a resonance that stirred my heart.
"I am, amore," I replied softly, the Italian term rolling off my tongue with a newfound ease, embracing the tenderness woven into its meaning. "I feel peaceful. This week, it's been... perfect, in its own way."
The soft nod of Marcus's head against mine filled me with an overwhelming sense of connection and understanding. "I feel the same, beloved. With you by my side, every day feels like a blessing, mia Bella, my mate," his voice, a tender caress, lingered in the tranquil air.
My gaze lifted to meet his, locking into the depths of his crimson eyes, a stark contrast to his pale, translucent face. Emotions swirled within them, reflecting the intensity of our bond. The unspoken language of our shared emotions floating between us in an overwhelming surge of affection and desire that threatened to overwhelm us.
Unable to contain the depth of my feelings, I followed my instincts. I wrapped my arms around Marcus's neck, drawing him closer in an embrace born from an irresistible pull. Our lips met in a passionate union, a testament to the depth of our connection and the fervor of our newfound love. The world around us faded into insignificance as the kiss deepened, enveloping us in shared passion and devotion.
The groan of pleasure that escaped me at getting some release from the overflow of emotions was echoed by my mate and this only served to ignite my desires further. Before I could move by myself, Marcus had pulled me up on his lap,holding me slightly higher to compensate for my petite stature in contrast to his own height, and I was now straddling the bulging evidence of his own desire. I moaned, needing more, wanting more. I was on fire, every nerve in my weak human body screaming in a sweet agony.
My mate's hands were everywhere at once, soothing and teasing the burn all at once. My eyes were closed and I was lost to his touch, unable to form a coherent thought, surrendering to the raw and unbidden instincts that had been set in motion a few days before in Volterra. A long moan escaped me as his hand came further down to offer me a semblance of relief in the treacherous form of more teasing caresses. I couldn't help the whispered prayer that escaped me; "Please…Oh, please"
His touch was a tantalizing dance along the contours of my hips and back, sending shivers up my spine. Every brush of his lips against my neck ignited a fervor within me, a blend of desire and longing that surged through my veins. The light scratching of his thin beard on my skin was like a switch to bring up the passion that ravaged me. The cool breath that escaped him, accompanied by a soft chuckle, sent a delicious shiver through me, intensifying the ache of yearning I felt for him. It was a bittersweet torment, a sweet agony of needing him close, and yet, reveling in the exquisite torture of his teasing affection.
I let out a soft whimper, my voice pleading and raw with the intensity of my desire. "Marcus," I murmured, the sound barely a breath, filled with both urgency and longing. The way his lips worshiped my neck made it feel as though I was teetering on the edge of an emotional precipice, torn between the ecstasy of his touch and the ache of the need to be consumed by him entirely.
He chuckled softly, a sound that felt like music and a caress at once. "Patience, beloved," he murmured, his voice a velvety whisper against my skin. "All in due time." His words were a promise, spoken with a tenderness that both soothed and stoked the flames of my desire. The restraint in his touch, a testament to his control, was both a delight and an exquisite torture.
I could feel the tears welling in my eyes, an emotional overflow brought about by the overwhelming desire for him. It was a longing so consuming that it threatened to fracture the fragile shell of my composure. Yet, in the depth of that wanting, there was an undeniable ecstasy, a beauty found in the intensity of that longing for him.
As his lips continued their hypnotic trail along my neck, in a dance between roughness and delicacy, I felt myself melting into the sensations he evoked, each touch sending ripples of pleasure and anticipation through me. It was a dance of intimacy and restraint, a symphony of desire and self-control that bound us together in a whirlwind of emotion.
"Marcus, please." I was begging now and he stopped his teasing, bringing his hands to hold mines in a tender gesture. In that suspended moment, as our gazes locked, there was an unspoken language that flowed between us.
"Beloved," Marcus's whisper echoed like a tender melody. His eyes, reflecting the vastness of centuries past, met mine, affirming an unspoken pact woven into our souls.
In that poignant moment, uncertainty dissipated, leaving only an unyielding commitment to honor our bond and so, as evening descended into night, our touch spoke volumes, reaffirming our unbreakable union. Seeking solace in the secluded sanctuary of Marcus's room in the deserted Cullen home, our love found expression in a profound yet tender manner, solidifying the depth of our eternal commitment through our continued worship of each other's bodies.
AN: I edited this pretty fast, didn't I? Writing as a form of therapy and it feels good ✨ I created a new IG account as Ada dot McRose to share story pictures and make it easier to chat if you wish to connect, I'd love to see some of you over there! The link is on my profile 😊 I was also thinking to post previews over there so... 👀
Also... New cover picture and I am obsessed, ahah!
I hope you will have loved this chapter, I really really wish that you will share some thoughts as this was challenging to write!
Love and thanks, always.
Ada Xx
AN2: Apologies is you saw the notification for this new chapter for it to have disappeared! Re-reading it, I realised that I had left several drafts in the last part of the chapter! As I said, it was challenging to write. I simply hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
