Did this mean Uriah wasn't going to let Aro know what was going on? But why? Was there something deeper going on here? Whatever it was, it appeared that not only Aro, but Esme was also unaware. Judging by their suspicious ogling in Uriah's direction.

Aro cleared his throat, attempting to gather back the attention of the rest of the reapers at the table. "You claim this little get-together is to strengthen our alliance. But to be honest, Esme, I can't think of one reason why you would still want a partnership with Galen, now that I'm the man sitting at the top."

Esme rolled her eyes, finally dropping her fabricated disposition and allowing her true emotions to surface. A sinister look covered her beautiful face. Everyone sitting close by could sense her malicious intent and tensed. Even Edward appeared on edge. "Don't allow yourself to be under an illusion. I do hate you. I've always hated you Aro. But your strength and power has been something I have great respect for," She lit up a cigarette, drawing in a deep breath of smoke, before letting it blow up into the air. "We used to rule together, we were revered, our enemies feared us. Our partnership worked perfectly."

Aro shifted in his seat, appearing slightly uncomfortable, he looked away. "That is ancient history Esme. Things became too complicated. You do recall why things didn't end up working out."

Esme's eyes began to glisten, a dark red, like blood. "Do. Not. blame Carlisle. He was a victim. And I was foolish. It was a mistake on my part. One that I still pay for… daily." Her gaze fell to Emmett for just a moment, quick enough that he hadn't noticed. Nor did anyone else for that matter. But I had a feeling there was something she wasn't saying. And it had to do with Emmett.

"I'm not a heartless man," Aro shrugged his shoulders. "But I also don't tend to trust someone, who has already betrayed me once."

"Don't pretend that you weren't having a number of affairs while we were together. Your daughters look to be around the same age as Edward." Esme pointed out with a cold look that sent chills down my spine. She was furious. Maybe she didn't quite hate Aro as much as she wanted to believe. It was clear there was a lot of pain and mistrust between the two of them. They may be reapers, powerful, supernatural creatures of death. But they were still ex-lovers and at one point, loved each other enough to get married.

Aro slammed his hand down on the table, causing a loud rattle to all the plates. I clutched a little tighter on my wine glass to keep it from falling over. All the reapers at the table kept their heads down. The awkwardness of this conversation was almost painful.

"Damn it, I didn't mark any of them. They were office flings. Something to do. A distraction. None of them had my affections." Aro yelled.

"I didn't mark Carlisle on purpose. It just happened. I thought it was the eternal marking. I didn't know what else to do." Esme shot back.

"Should we move this conversation to… a different topic…" Alice spoke up with a glare. "I don't want to hear about my parent's sex life. Let's just get to the point already." Her voice was frigid.

Esme flicked her ashes on the table, before bringing her cigarette back to her mouth. She looked away, ignoring Alice's statement entirely.

"Alice Mary," Aro spoke with authority. "Mind your place. If I wanted to hear what you had to say, I would have asked. Remain quiet. Or leave."

Without hesitation Alice stood up from her seat with an angry look on her face. A silent growl slipped through her teeth as she stormed away from the table, kicking her chair across the room. The chair crashed into the live band that had been standing nearby. The performers didn't flinch, even as their instruments were knocked from their hands, most of them getting destroyed by the impact. They only gathered backup instruments and went back to playing.

I wanted to follow after her, but when I attempted to move, Edward wrapped his arm around my shoulder, keeping me seated. He shook his head quietly. "Leave her be. She isn't safe to be around right now."

"Unfortunate. She has inherited your temper, dearest Esme." Aro snickered.

Esme cracked a smile. "And your unfathomable skills of causing problems. The girl has been a thorn in my side since her birth." Her words were so unpleasant, yet her tone almost sounded as if she was proud. In fact Aro sounded proud as well. It didn't make sense, why couldn't they show this pride in front of Alice? Both of them treated her so coldly when she was right in front of them.

Edith and Elease had sour looks on their faces. They didn't seem pleased that Alice was getting praised - to some degree. I watched as the two of them excused themselves from the table. They both began to head in the direction that Alice had gone. I hoped they wouldn't try anything. I didn't trust them.

Esme snapped her fingers as she finished her cigarette, dying it out on the table, before tossing it to the side. Several servers approached the table once again, this time they filled our table with alcohol. Now was the time to use restraint. I couldn't allow myself to be distracted.

Everyone else appeared more than eager to begin drinking. I believe Katlyn described that alcohol to a reaper didn't have much of a taste, but it still had a profound effect on them. In other words, they could drink it like water and get drunk, just like a human. I'm assuming Esme wanted to dissolve some of the tension that has been growing at the table.

I had to admit, I didn't think this was how the party was going to go. I thought there would be more… dancing, celebrating, maybe even some gift exchanging. But this felt more like a heated business meeting. At least it wasn't boring. And even more surprising, the Galen reapers didn't seem to hold any hostility. I didn't feel like I was in any kind of danger at the moment. Which made me wonder why Edward was so set against coming tonight.

"Probably because three of his ex's are here in attendance and he didn't want you to feel uncomfortable." Uriah spoke up, watching me with a small smile. His strange violet eyes flickered between me and Edward. He leaned back, taking a long gulp out of his drink.

Edward glared towards Uriah. "I wasn't aware they would be here until I walked in the door. Stop trying to fill her head with nonsense."

The mention of Edward's ex's had me feeling a little insecure and annoyed. I had already figured Edward has been with a number of women. Look at him. He was the most handsome man I've ever come into contact with. How couldn't you be attracted to him? But that didn't change the fact that it bothered me.

Uriah disregarded Edward's warning, only looking at me. "You have nothing to worry about. With that eternal marking, those other relationships are equivalent to grade-school crushes."

His words actually were comforting. But Edward was growing more and more angry. I heard him click his tongue, before downing his glass of whiskey.

Emmett took notice of the exchange between me and Uriah. "You are always meddling with relationships, why not mind your business?" He glared at Uriah.

"Coming from the guy that is in love with his brother's girlfriend. I don't think I'm the one meddling. That fur jacket she is wearing is proof. You couldn't help yourself could you?" Uriah challenged.

No. That wasn't true. The feelings that Emmett held for me weren't romantic. They were something else. Twisted. Possessive. Unnatural. Something that two human beings shouldn't have for one another. He wanted me to himself. To own me. Like an object. It was hard to come to those terms. I really liked Emmett. He was a very kind man. He was always so nice to me. It was difficult at first to see him as anything else. But over the last few months, I have picked up on some things.

"It was a meaningless gift," Emmett muttered, turning away from Uriah to take a few mouthfuls of his drink.

Edward leered at Emmett for a moment. While Uriah's smugness only seemed to increase. "If that's true, why didn't you even think to bother buying your girlfriend something for Christmas? Why was Bella the only one to get a gift?"

Emmett clicked his tongue with an annoyed glance in Uriah's direction. The two of them stared at each other for a moment, before Uriah held his hands up, as if admitting defeat. They must have had some kind of private exchange. I wonder what Emmett had been thinking? Reading minds would be an incredible gift.

Aro and Esme knocked back drinks, left and right. For a pretty long time. I could tell they were starting to feel the effects of the alcohol. Esme slumped in her seat a little, her eyes fluttering. Her movements had become much less graceful. Aro was hunched over, leaning back in his chair, his arms folded across his chest. He seemed in much better spirits. They both did actually.

I refused to have more than one drink. But Edward and Emmett began to hit the drinks hard. It was almost as if they were trying to out drink each other. I could tell Emmett wasn't holding his liquid well. He was slurring his speech a bit and his eyes seemed to roam towards me, much more often. Edward was also getting close to being drunk. He always became much more lively and talkative when he was drunk. Not to mention, he constantly tried to take my clothes off. I was thankful he hadn't started doing that. But I caught his hand a few times attempting to get a handful of my breast.

My face flushed cherry red as I held his hand down in my lap. A smirk came to his face as he watched me. I knew he was delighted by my reactions. And if we weren't here sitting in a very public place, with his mother just an arms-length away, we would be in a very different position. I can't resist Edward.

A few of the reapers from the table had paired off and went to the dancefloor. They were all full of alcohol and walls began to crumble between our company and the Galen reapers. Only a handful remained at the table.

Esme and Aro, Edward and Emmett, Uriah and a young woman that belonged to our company. I didn't remember her name. But She was part of Emmett's support team. Stenton mentioned that she and Emmett had an intimate relationship in the past, but her older sister Vex made sure to ruin it. I wasn't sure why she didn't leave with the others. Maybe she was shy. Which was hard to imagine. Knowing Vex, I couldn't imagine her sister was much different.

But I guess that wasn't a fair statement. My sister Ana was nothing like me. We were two totally different people. She was so pure-hearted, innocent and sweet. She's always been a very dependent person. Probably because she has always been the baby of the family. Everyone was always dotting on her. Spoiling her rotten. Yet she was always grateful and humble for everything she has ever been given.

I was always more independent. I never wanted to put my faith in anyone else. I wanted to take care of everything myself. I was far from innocent, especially since I've made the move to Boswell. I've wanted to be more like Ana at times. I wanted to show a more vulnerable side. I wanted to let people in, show them my true self. But in all honesty, I've never really liked myself. It was easier just to keep it hidden.

I was suddenly taken out of my thoughts as Aro propped his legs up on the table, a cigar between his lips. He lit it with a single match, keeping his golden eyes on Esme. I wasn't sure what his expression was at this moment. But it made me feel uneasy.

"I'll make a deal with you Esme," He said, wrinkling his nose. "I will agree to keeping this alliance with the Boswell reapers, if you answer one question for me."

Esme appeared uncharacteristically delighted. "Oh, and what question would you like an answer to?" Again, her eyes fluttered.

I wondered if it was the alcohol causing this action, or if she was attempting to be flirtatious.

"I'd like to know who Emmett belongs to."

The table now fell silent. A very drunk Emmett glared openly at Aro. Not showing any restraint in the least. "What the hell are you talking about? I belong to no one."

"Drop it Aro," Esme said, instantly getting serious. His statement appeared to have sobered her a little.

"I will do no such thing," Aro said, narrowing his eyes at Esme, then to Emmett. "I know he isn't your son. This is the only secret you've truly been keeping from me. And I'd like to know why."

Emmett shot up to his feet in bewilderment. "What is he talking about mother?"

Edward also seemed confused.

"This has absolutely nothing to do with you." Esme snapped, her glass of wine shattering into pieces in her hands. She was fuming. This had really struck a chord with her. She didn't look at Emmett. Only Aro as she spoke.

"Maybe so, but if you want my trust," Aro shrugged his shoulders. "You have to tell me the truth. It's the only way I'll continue this partnership."

Esme snorted, looking away from everyone now. She snapped her fingers. A server moved to her with a new glass of wine. She snatched it off the serving plate and finished the glass in seconds, before lighting up another cigarette.

"Don't tell me he is actually telling the truth. Emmett isn't my actual brother?" Edward muttered, his brows pulled together. He watched Esme closely.

"He is your brother Edward," Esme said gently. Her eyes didn't leave Edward for a second. "Carlisle cared deeply for you both… It's just… well… I'm not Emmett's biological mother."

Esme finally looked to Emmett and for once, there was emotion behind her eyes. I couldn't tell what she was feeling right now. But it wasn't good. I wonder if she had been afraid to tell Emmett the truth. This was an extremely surprising secret that she has been keeping. Apparently from everyone. Even Edward.

It made sense why she was always so cold toward Emmett at times, compared to Edward.

I had thought Emmett was going to be angry. But he only looked hurt. Tears came to his eyes, he wiped them away without a word. It was clear to see this had pained him. He didn't stick around to listen any further. He walked off, without looking back.

Edward lightly touched my shoulder, sadness in his emerald eyes. "I'm going to go talk with him for a second. Please stay here with Katlyn. I'll be right back."

"Of course, make sure he is okay." I said quietly.

Edward kissed the top of my head, before excusing himself from the table. He jogged off in the direction that Emmett had gone. They didn't always act like it, but the two of them were very close. Edward cared deeply for his brother. I knew it wouldn't matter to him that Emmett had a different mother.

Esme sighed heavily, turning her sights back to Aro. "You are fully aware of what a fragile boy Emmett is. That was cruel."

"The kid is old enough to know the truth. And I don't believe you have answered my question fully. I already knew Carlisle was his father. I want to know who the mother is and where is she?" Aro said matter-of-factly.

Esme clicked her tongue with a look of distaste, she kept her cigarette pressed between her lips as she spoke. "Carlisle's wife of course. Lauren."

So, Carlisle had been married when he met Esme. He had an affair with her, but maintained an intimate relationship with his wife. Thus, Edward and Emmett were born, right around the same time. Edward had mentioned he was older by just a few minutes.

"What happened to dear Lauren?" Aro asked, taking a few more sips out of his cup. He didn't appear to be as intoxicated as he had been. I wondered if he was just acting like he was losing control over himself. Now that I think of it, Esme seemed to get a hold of herself rather quickly as well when the conversation started getting uncomfortable.

"She died, only an hour after Emmett was born. I reaped her soul myself. There were complications with her pregnancy. She suffered from eclampsia. The doctors weren't even sure if Emmett was going to survive. But he did. Carlisle begged me to help him. I couldn't refuse him. I saved the boy's life."

"How did you save him?" I asked quietly.

Esme turned to me with slight surprise, as if she had forgotten that I was even here. She died out her cigarette as she gained some of her composure. "The only way to save a life is by sacrificing a life. It's the only way my abilities could actually save someone from death," She shifted a little in her seat. Her expression remained mostly expressionless. "Carlisle killed himself, I took his soul and transferred it into Emmett. Which saved his life."

So that's the real reason Carlisle had killed himself. It wasn't like Alice had said. It wasn't to get away from Esme. It was to save his son's life.

Aro stared at Esme, slack-jawed. "You used the corruption curse on Carlisle's soul. Didn't you? Esme, the use of that curse is forbidden." For the first time, Aro looked scared.

I wasn't sure what the corruption curse was, but it sounded like a big deal. Just judging by how Aro was acting.

"I didn't have a choice. Because of the covertness marking, I had to do as he asked. I was just as bound to him as he was to me."

Uriah slipped around the table without me noticing, sitting down next to me with a wide smile. He leaned in, until I felt his breath on my neck. His lips nearly coming into contact with my ear, he whispered. "The corruption curse is something all reapers have the ability to do. But it's quite taboo. No one in this generation of reapers uses it," He paused, enjoying how uncomfortable I was getting. I inched my chair a little further from him, creating a bit of space.

But what is it exactly? What does the cure do?

"It turns a human being into a reaper. Without them dying. So they become a hybrid of sorts. Half human and half reaper."

"It's a very dangerous curse, to both the caster and the one to be cursed. But I'm assuming the curse was weak. Emmett is basically just a human. I can only sense a sliver of reaper in him." Aro commented with a hard look.

Esme shrugged her shoulders. "He only needed a small boost for him to survive. I didn't need to turn him fully. Just enough he could live a happy, normal life."

"You haven't exactly given him a normal life. He is in the thick of this Esme. Do you think this is what Carlisle had in mind for him?" Aro's words were cold.

"Like I said, it isn't your business. I'll raise Emmett however I see fit. His father trusted me to be his mother. So, that's what I'll be."

This might be the only time I actually thought Esme was a kind person. She didn't have to take on her lover's child. He must be a constant reminder of her past. I wonder if that's why their relationship was so strained. What did Esme see when she looked at Emmett? Her son? Carlisle? Or the other woman in Carlisle's life. Lauren. It was more complicated than I had thought. I wished that Emmett would have stayed and listened to this story. I'm sure he would have wanted to hear about his birth mother. But I think he had enough surprises for the night. And he was entirely too drunk.

Aro rolled his eyes. "Well, you shared your little secret. Now I'll share mine." He tilted his head back to take another long drink, this time finishing his glass. "The Harlow reapers are the ones responsible for tainting your replenishing stations."

I hope you guys are enjoying this story. Each chapter hasn't really been getting many reviews, honestly there is less and less reviews with each chapter which really motivates me to slow down updating. I'm not getting the feeling that people are actually reading this. *sighs* Not sure when I'll post another chapter. I need to do some soul searching. Maybe scrap this idea and try something new?