Sometimes, it's good that this story is lighthearted and not heavy. I've been in San Diego for about a week last week because of my grandpa's unexpected passing- and unfortunate accident at that, so I had to go see him for the last time. I will never look at those ebikes in the same way ever again, at that. But anyways, some exciting news:

There's officially a Portuguese translation for this story by the amazing, Miriam on Wattpad- (just type in Never Expected This by mi806051), or you could check this story on Ao3!

This chapter was updated October 15th, 2024

Athenodora POV

The garden was beautiful at night. I always loved walking through it, watching the stars above from the ones that could be seen. Even though Volterra was in the countryside, the ambient light of the city made it more challenging to be able to see the countless stars up in the night sky. It was very nice that Didyme and Sulpicia walked with me, one of the many things we do as it just gave us a break and reminded us of what the outside world had to offer.

"It's beautiful tonight," I commented, looking above.

"It is, especially with the full moon. Look at these roses," Sulpicia commented, holding up several freshly-picked red flowers in her hand, holding them up so we can see them. "I bet Aro would love them… He's been so distant lately."

"Especially with the human's affairs… I can't fault him for that. Marcus could care less about the whole thing," Didyme commented. "I don't get the big deal too much, but maybe it's just because of me, although, one thing has changed,"

"What?" I asked.

"Caius seems more smitten with the human girl than anything. The lack of doors off their hinges, and the dismemberments has decreased drastically. How is it with him, Athenodora?" Sulpicia chimed in.

I shrugged, "The same as usual. I'm glad that he has found his mate… I just wish that I would be able to find my mate, as well."

"You'll get there eventually," Didyme murmured, a small smile gracing her features.

"Besides, you'll have us in the meantime… Unless, you're sick of us?" Sulpicia added, a hint of mischief appearing on her face.

I let out a small laugh from Sulpicia's comment. I could never get sick of either of the two. We've been together for so long that I probably wouldn't know what to do with myself if we had ever left each other. Although, I had a feeling that it could happen here soon, and most likely for the better.

From behind me, I heard a shuffling noise and a crunch on the gravel from a footstep from nearby. Sulpicia, Didyme and I turned around and I saw Caius with a blank expression written all over his face. If I was even a human, my heart could have probably skipped a beat. He hadn't ever sought me out like this- so what had a change?

"Caius", I said with my tone betraying nothing. "This is a surprise… You haven't sought me out in so long. What made you seek out my company?"

"I wanted to talk to you," Caius told me, his red eyes flickering towards my companions, "Alone."

Well, this was certainly a surprise. I don't know why Caius was doing any of this, considering that we're vampires and everyone is most likely to hear it- considering our hearing an all. Or maybe, it's probably because we didn't want an audience, which by that part is surprising. He always preferred having an audience considering it's a part of personality at times- so what changed?

Whatever.

I looked towards my companions and said in a quiet voice, "It's okay… I'll come find with you when we're done."

"You must tell us what happens if we don't hear it first," Didyme practically giggled through most of her response, as she and Sulpicia walked away- towards the castle in the meantime. "It's not like there are many secrets around here. We're all going to hear about it anyway." She said before they disappeared from view.

"I don't know why you sent away both of them. We were having a good time," I said, looking towards the spot where the other two vampires were last standing. "Besides, it's not like they're going to hear it anyways."

Caius didn't take long to respond as he said, "I don't want anyone else in our business, considering our current affairs."

Current affairs? There wasn't anything to it. We fell out of love, we stopped seeking each other's company. Sometimes, he got on my nerves especially with his over dramatic personality and his attitude. I don't know how Aro or Marcus was able to deal with him. Besides, we were only together because it was simple, and we've been together for so long.

"What about them?" I asked, wondering where this entire thing was going.

"Our relationship is over… I don't want to be with you any longer, considering I have found my mate…" Caius murmured, his eyes meeting everything but mine.

Well that was too expected. We all saw and noticed how Caius practically changed from the human girl coming into the picture. It wasn't a surprise to anyone, especially me. My status as a queen would change. I just hoped that I wasn't going to be left stranded or kicked out of the only home I ever really knew.

I don't want to leave!

As much as I wanted to voice my fears, I forced myself to try and stay perfectly composed.

"I understand… We fell out of love thousands of years ago and I know you no longer enjoy my company… Besides, our agreement in staying together was so long because of the fact that both of us didn't have mates, and it wouldn't look good on the Volturi otherwise."

"Bella's my mate, and she's changed me. I know I haven't felt this feeling before. I just want to make her smile and make her happy. I want to give her the whole world, and make sure that nothing happens to her. I want to spend all eternity with her."

Oh, the feeling of finding your mate. I've had Didyme and Sulpicia explain it to me so many times, particularly the feeling of what it feels like when you finally found your mate- the way you couldn't live without them, and makes living all so special. A deep pang of sadness flooded through me and I wished I could feel that way.

Maybe one day.

"You know one might think that you were in love with the human girl, but I heard that's what people who are mates feel like- especially considering her… I'm not a fan of humans by any means but she seems good for you…" I told him.

"She is. I really hope you'll be able to find your mate, eventually," Caius said, "But our relationship is done. I'll sign the papers or whatever, but you are free to leave this place. I'm not making you leave permanently. Volterra is still your home and you have been here so long…"

Relief flooded through me. I wasn't going to lose my only home that I ever knew.

"Thank you," I told him. "I wouldn't mind seeing some of the world and maybe in the meantime, be able to find my mate. It's been thousands of years, perhaps there is hope for me yet… It took you a long time, but maybe mine is out there." In a wishful manner, I looked up towards the sky- hoping to find some sign or anything like to tell me that my mate was actually out there and I wasn't going to be alone in this universe.

"All of the Volturi's assets are at your discretion, when and if you choose to leave," Caius told me.

"I'll take my leave in a couple of days after I say my goodbyes. I know I'll miss Sulpicia and Didyme the most… We've been together for so long- it's hard to believe."

"Take as long as you need."

"Thank you for everything, Caius," I said, giving him a small smile in return. "I must get back to Didyme and Sulpicia. I wish you luck with everything."

With that, I ended back at the castle and headed to where I knew Didyme and Sulpicia were waiting. I knew where they were likely going to be: m

My room.

It didn't take long before the two vampires who were sitting on my bed, with Didyme holding one of the romance novels I was reading in her hand, bombarded me with questions.

"So you're finally free?" Didyme asked as soon as I entered my room. "Shit… It's about time."

I rolled my eyes, "You and your eavesdropping, I swear… But yes."

"When are you leaving?" Sulpicia chimed in, before Didyme had a chance to interrupt. "I know you want to go out and find your mate. But after that, I'm not sure if you'll go back here." She shrugged.

"Volterra is my home, but it depends if I even find my mate- otherwise, I'll stay here for a little bit."

"When will you leave?" Didyme asked. "I assume you'll want to leave soon since you no longer need to stay here?"

"Perhaps in a couple of days. I need to get my stuff situated first, before I get that far… Besides, it's a new world out there. So many things have changed since I last ventured out." Like a millennia ago , but it wasn't like I was going to say.

"Well that's good. We could spend some time together. Perhaps do a shopping trip together. It's been a while since we have done that," Sulpicia mentioned.

"Ooh, it would! Maybe I could do something that Marcus would like seeing me in," Didyme's red eyes sparkled as she said that and all I could do was smile.

I was going to miss them when I was gone, but it was going to be for the better.