52 Weeks
by Wizardtho
Chapter 1:
I can’t even comprehend this whole situation right now. Seriously, there are no words. It was stupid of me to come here, even though I once cared a great deal about Edward. Stupid beyond belief, because now saving him has just gotten a whole lot more complicated.
Right now, I am pacing in a private study. I was left alone to decide -after the three brothers put a halt to the meeting in the throne room- because Caius apparently had a deal to offer me. He, of the three kings, unsettled me the most… yet he also intrigued me beyond belief.
I thought back to his offer, still not completely believing it. Aro had put a stop to Demitri and Edward’s fight after I had noticed Caius placing his fingertips to Aro’s hand. Whatever the blonde king had thought to him had Aro’s eyes widening for a brief moment before he stood to call a halt to the fight. Then, he said with a smile on his face, “I believe we will adjourn this meeting, in favor of speaking to Isabella in private… or we can be done with this annoyance to my day now, sentencing all three of you to death.”
I gasped, then quickly agreed to speak to the kings in private. I couldn’t let Alice die. Jasper would have been out of his mind with grief. I couldn’t have Edward’s death on my hands, as Esme and Carlisle would forever mourn the loss of their first son. “I’ll do it. I’ll go with you. Please, just… just let them go.”
I had been taken through many winding hallways and stairways. When we finally slowed to a stop, Aro and Marcus stopped only long enough to say, “Take your time, Brother. Have Demetri notify us when a decision to your offer has been reached.”
Then they left me alone with Caius. He opened a heavy wooden door, then held his hand out, allowing me to enter the room before him. I was confused, nervous, and honestly, scared shitless of what was going to happen.
When I entered the room to find it was a beautiful study, I couldn’t help my audible sigh of relief. Caius chuckled behind me, “Did you think we were leading you to a torture chamber, Isabella? Honestly, what has been told to you about the Volturi? We are not barbarians, I assure you. Please, have a seat.”
Once I sat in a comfy armchair, Caius took the one opposite me, bringing a glass of water with him. “I thought you might like something to drink, after the walk here.”
I nodded gratefully, “Thank you, Sir.”
He winced slightly at my words, then said, “Please, call me Caius. With the offer I am about to give you, formality seems a bit out of place.”
I looked at him in confusion, but agreed by saying softly, “Thank you, Caius.”
After a breath, Caius stood to pace before the flickering fire in front of me. “Isabella, please excuse my forthrightness, but there is not the time to go about this another way. I find myself taken with you. I have only taken to one other in this manner, in all my days on this earth. Athenodora, the only other, left to find her mate nearly 100 years ago. Now that I have given you such personal information, allow me to say this. The Cullen coven has broken vampire law. Rightfully, the whole coven should be put to their deaths for the breach, but I have convinced my brothers to allow me this chance.”
Running a seemingly shaky hand through his hair, he offered finally, “Stay with me… here. Allow me one year... 52 weeks from this day. In that time, I will provide for your every need, show you places you’ve never dreamed of being able to see, give you every moment of my time that is not taken by Volturi duty, and strive to make sure you experience unimaginable pleasure at my touch. In return, your Cullens will be freed with a stern warning for their behavior and law-breaking.”
I choked on the water I had tried to sip. Wait… say what? That train just steamrolled right through the station, buddy.
I coughed loudly then gasped, “What? You want me to -in exchange for the Cullens’ lives- be your sex toy for a year?!”
His eyes went wide as he stopped dead in his tracks, then he hurriedly explained, “No! Wait, you misunderstand. What I mean to say is yes, I want you in my bed… but I find you intriguing. I want more than just the pleasure of your body. I want to know you, Isabella. I want you to be my companion, my lover, my friend, and much more. Be with me fully for one year. If, after that time, you wish to part ways, you will be free to do so. My hope, though, is that you will come to find you do not wish to leave… that you will come to have a desire to stay with me.”
I was shocked. There has to be a catch. “What happens to the Cullens if I leave after the 52 weeks?”
Caius shook his head as he knelt in front of me. “For the crimes they committed pertaining to before today, they will only receive the warning and intermittent monitoring. Any crimes committed after this meeting stand on their own for judgment. Your leaving or staying after the year timeline will not have any fallback for them. If you choose to leave before that year, Aro made it clear to me that the entire coven would be called in for trial. The decision would also have to be made whether you be turned or your life to be forfeit if you were to leave early.”
And there’s the catch.
If I didn’t agree to this, not only would I die or have to be turned for knowing vampires exist, but the Cullens would die for breaking the most strict vampire law… allowing a human to know of vampires’ existence. I couldn’t just… no, I couldn’t. I needed time. This was too much to think about… too big of a dilemma for me to answer him right now.
I looked to Caius, who actually seemed hopeful, but could only ask, “May I have a few moments to think? Please, this is a lot to wrap my head around.”
He nodded, stood, then offered, “I will give you one hour alone here to weigh your options in peace. If you come to a decision before I return, Demetri will be standing guard at the door. You have but to request my return.”
He reached the door, then dropped his head as he grasped the handle, “I am not a heartless monster, Isabella, regardless of what you have been told. If you would only give me this year, I vow to make it a year full of passion and adventure.”
He left without another word, closing the door with a barely audible click.
Now, here I sit, completely dumbfounded. Caius just asked me to be his lover for a year, in exchange for the Cullens’ freedom. He made it clear that Aro would not see favor because of whatever friendship they may have had with Carlisle long ago. The whole family would be killed for breaking the law… for letting me in. They would die for me having knowledge I shouldn’t.
I can’t even comprehend this whole situation right now. Seriously, there are no words. It was stupid of me to come here, even though I once cared a great deal about Edward. Stupid beyond belief, because now saving him has just gotten a whole lot more complicated.
It was now up to me to either save all of them or doom them to die.
I’m pacing in a private study, not having a clue about how to do this.
Can I do this? I have no clue how to be someone’s lover. Am I even attracted to Caius? A year could turn out to be torture if I’m giving myself to a man I don’t even want to be around. On the other hand, it could turn out to be an amazing year… a year of passion and adventure, like Caius suggested. Maybe it won’t be so bad.
I think back to how Caius looked… how he spoke to me and treated me.
Though it could have been a ploy to help his cause, he did think of my needs by bringing me a glass of water when we sat. He also opened the door for me, then had me enter before him. He didn’t talk down to me, nor did he try to persuade me. He left me alone to think when he could have stayed or told me to answer right then.
Maybe this won’t be so bad. Maybe I can do this. Maybe he won’t expect me to give myself to him right away. He did say he wanted to know me… that he wanted more than just sex. Too many maybe’s. I need to ask him before I give my answer.
I try to steel my nerves as I walk to the door. After trying to open it and barely getting it to crack, I hear Demetri say, “Please stand back, and I will open the door.”
I stand to the side, then a few seconds pass before Demetri pokes his head in. “Is there something you need?”
I take a shaky breath, saying with what I hope is a confident voice, “Please call for Caius. I need to speak to him before I give him my answer.” He nods before closing the door.
I pace for several minutes in front of the fire, in much the same manner Caius had, then I hear the door open. Looking up, I see the man in question, seeming tense but hopeful as he approaches. He is definitely not who I was led to believe, which gives me enough hope to actually ask my questions. I stop pacing to say, “Hi. Will you talk with me for a minute, please? I just have a couple of questions.”
He nods, sits in the same chair as earlier, then waits for me to speak. I take a breath, then delve right in. “Are you expecting… I mean… how soon would you be expecting intimacy between us?”
He rises slowly, walks to stand only inches in front of me, then holds one of my hands as he tilts my chin up. In a soft but clear voice, he says, “Truthfully, it would need to be before your next cycle. Your scent is quite arousing. I do not wish to scare you with how passionate lovemaking would be, especially then. Your scent will heighten during your cycle, Isabella, which will undoubtedly have me clawing the walls wanting to have you intimately. If we are together before then, you will be accustomed to my touch, and not fear my passionate advances. I’m afraid my will would crumble the moment I am within reach of you during your cycle, otherwise.”
Air whooshed from my lungs in response.
Two weeks… that’s not a lot of time. It’s better than tonight, though. He’s giving me as much time as he thinks he can handle. He’s afraid of scaring me with how much he’ll want me sexually then. He’s not wanting to scare me or hurt me, so he’s being truthful with me.
With an internal nod, I ask my final questions all at once, “You said you wanted to know me… want me here for more than just sex. So in your spare time, we would be doing things together, getting to know each other, correct? Where will I sleep? Will I be in danger here with so many human drinkers? Am I allowed out of the castle at all, or am I a prisoner here? Will I ever be able to speak to my father again?”
Caius chuckles in response, “Slowly, My Sweet. I will answer any question you have, but we will take them one at a time. Yes, I want more than physical pleasure with you. I could find that in any number of vampires with no strings attached. With you, I crave intimacy in all its forms, not just sex. Think of it as a sort of fast-tracked courting… or dating, I believe the term is now. We will not only have talks and walks through the grounds, but trips outside the walls of the castle.”
I nod, so he goes on to say, “Your sleeping arrangements are simple. You will take your rest in our bed, in our room. I will not lay a hand on you intimately until you ask me to, Isabella. Have no fear of me taking you against your will. Let me point out that if you do not see yourself willing to be intimately involved with me, you should decline the offer right now. That is a non-negotiable part of this arrangement. We will either be together fully for this year, emotionally and physically, or the deal is off. As for your welfare, you are safe here. No vampire will harm a hair on your head, or they will answer to me.”
The growl in Caius’ voice let me know he clearly would tolerate no one looking at me as dinner. My gaze never wavers, so he takes a steadying breath before continuing. “For the short term, while you are accustoming yourself to your new home, the castle grounds and Volterra shops are the farthest you will have access to. A guard will be placed with you to ensure your protection, as some factions try to attack the Volturi however they can at times. I would not want you in danger of being hurt. Once you have the lay of the land, so to speak, we will -of course- venture out for holidays to lands unknown to you… places you’ve wished to see, or lands you’ve hoped to explore. You are not now -nor will you ever be- my prisoner, Isabella.”
I let out a breath, then the blonde king states, “As for your final question, I can not answer that alone, My Sweet. That is a question that must be talked over with my brothers, then decided on together. If you are permitted to speak to your father, know that the law still stands. If you or the Cullens tell him, he will be put to death. Exposing us is not an option, and your life will be tangled with mine for the foreseeable future. Think on it carefully, please, before you ask me to take this matter to my brothers.”
I visibly deflate at this statement. I know… I do… but it’s hard to think I won’t see or talk to him again. I look to Caius, then say softly, “I know I can’t now. Maybe down the road, if a solid story is agreed on beforehand… do you think it might be possible then?”
He looks at me with what I think is understanding in his eyes as he says, “Perhaps, Isabella… if, as you say, a believable and solid story is agreed upon down the road.”
Taking a slow, deep breath, I look into Caius’ eyes. With a swarm of angry bees in my stomach for what I’m about to say, I offer, “I’ve made my decision.”
I can’t even comprehend this whole situation right now. Seriously, there are no words. It was stupid of me to come here, even though I once cared a great deal about Edward. Stupid beyond belief, because now saving him has just gotten a whole lot more complicated.
Right now, I am pacing in a private study. I was left alone to decide -after the three brothers put a halt to the meeting in the throne room- because Caius apparently had a deal to offer me. He, of the three kings, unsettled me the most… yet he also intrigued me beyond belief.
I thought back to his offer, still not completely believing it. Aro had put a stop to Demitri and Edward’s fight after I had noticed Caius placing his fingertips to Aro’s hand. Whatever the blonde king had thought to him had Aro’s eyes widening for a brief moment before he stood to call a halt to the fight. Then, he said with a smile on his face, “I believe we will adjourn this meeting, in favor of speaking to Isabella in private… or we can be done with this annoyance to my day now, sentencing all three of you to death.”
I gasped, then quickly agreed to speak to the kings in private. I couldn’t let Alice die. Jasper would have been out of his mind with grief. I couldn’t have Edward’s death on my hands, as Esme and Carlisle would forever mourn the loss of their first son. “I’ll do it. I’ll go with you. Please, just… just let them go.”
I had been taken through many winding hallways and stairways. When we finally slowed to a stop, Aro and Marcus stopped only long enough to say, “Take your time, Brother. Have Demetri notify us when a decision to your offer has been reached.”
Then they left me alone with Caius. He opened a heavy wooden door, then held his hand out, allowing me to enter the room before him. I was confused, nervous, and honestly, scared shitless of what was going to happen.
When I entered the room to find it was a beautiful study, I couldn’t help my audible sigh of relief. Caius chuckled behind me, “Did you think we were leading you to a torture chamber, Isabella? Honestly, what has been told to you about the Volturi? We are not barbarians, I assure you. Please, have a seat.”
Once I sat in a comfy armchair, Caius took the one opposite me, bringing a glass of water with him. “I thought you might like something to drink, after the walk here.”
I nodded gratefully, “Thank you, Sir.”
He winced slightly at my words, then said, “Please, call me Caius. With the offer I am about to give you, formality seems a bit out of place.”
I looked at him in confusion, but agreed by saying softly, “Thank you, Caius.”
After a breath, Caius stood to pace before the flickering fire in front of me. “Isabella, please excuse my forthrightness, but there is not the time to go about this another way. I find myself taken with you. I have only taken to one other in this manner, in all my days on this earth. Athenodora, the only other, left to find her mate nearly 100 years ago. Now that I have given you such personal information, allow me to say this. The Cullen coven has broken vampire law. Rightfully, the whole coven should be put to their deaths for the breach, but I have convinced my brothers to allow me this chance.”
Running a seemingly shaky hand through his hair, he offered finally, “Stay with me… here. Allow me one year... 52 weeks from this day. In that time, I will provide for your every need, show you places you’ve never dreamed of being able to see, give you every moment of my time that is not taken by Volturi duty, and strive to make sure you experience unimaginable pleasure at my touch. In return, your Cullens will be freed with a stern warning for their behavior and law-breaking.”
I choked on the water I had tried to sip. Wait… say what? That train just steamrolled right through the station, buddy.
I coughed loudly then gasped, “What? You want me to -in exchange for the Cullens’ lives- be your sex toy for a year?!”
His eyes went wide as he stopped dead in his tracks, then he hurriedly explained, “No! Wait, you misunderstand. What I mean to say is yes, I want you in my bed… but I find you intriguing. I want more than just the pleasure of your body. I want to know you, Isabella. I want you to be my companion, my lover, my friend, and much more. Be with me fully for one year. If, after that time, you wish to part ways, you will be free to do so. My hope, though, is that you will come to find you do not wish to leave… that you will come to have a desire to stay with me.”
I was shocked. There has to be a catch. “What happens to the Cullens if I leave after the 52 weeks?”
Caius shook his head as he knelt in front of me. “For the crimes they committed pertaining to before today, they will only receive the warning and intermittent monitoring. Any crimes committed after this meeting stand on their own for judgment. Your leaving or staying after the year timeline will not have any fallback for them. If you choose to leave before that year, Aro made it clear to me that the entire coven would be called in for trial. The decision would also have to be made whether you be turned or your life to be forfeit if you were to leave early.”
And there’s the catch.
If I didn’t agree to this, not only would I die or have to be turned for knowing vampires exist, but the Cullens would die for breaking the most strict vampire law… allowing a human to know of vampires’ existence. I couldn’t just… no, I couldn’t. I needed time. This was too much to think about… too big of a dilemma for me to answer him right now.
I looked to Caius, who actually seemed hopeful, but could only ask, “May I have a few moments to think? Please, this is a lot to wrap my head around.”
He nodded, stood, then offered, “I will give you one hour alone here to weigh your options in peace. If you come to a decision before I return, Demetri will be standing guard at the door. You have but to request my return.”
He reached the door, then dropped his head as he grasped the handle, “I am not a heartless monster, Isabella, regardless of what you have been told. If you would only give me this year, I vow to make it a year full of passion and adventure.”
He left without another word, closing the door with a barely audible click.
Now, here I sit, completely dumbfounded. Caius just asked me to be his lover for a year, in exchange for the Cullens’ freedom. He made it clear that Aro would not see favor because of whatever friendship they may have had with Carlisle long ago. The whole family would be killed for breaking the law… for letting me in. They would die for me having knowledge I shouldn’t.
I can’t even comprehend this whole situation right now. Seriously, there are no words. It was stupid of me to come here, even though I once cared a great deal about Edward. Stupid beyond belief, because now saving him has just gotten a whole lot more complicated.
It was now up to me to either save all of them or doom them to die.
I’m pacing in a private study, not having a clue about how to do this.
Can I do this? I have no clue how to be someone’s lover. Am I even attracted to Caius? A year could turn out to be torture if I’m giving myself to a man I don’t even want to be around. On the other hand, it could turn out to be an amazing year… a year of passion and adventure, like Caius suggested. Maybe it won’t be so bad.
I think back to how Caius looked… how he spoke to me and treated me.
Though it could have been a ploy to help his cause, he did think of my needs by bringing me a glass of water when we sat. He also opened the door for me, then had me enter before him. He didn’t talk down to me, nor did he try to persuade me. He left me alone to think when he could have stayed or told me to answer right then.
Maybe this won’t be so bad. Maybe I can do this. Maybe he won’t expect me to give myself to him right away. He did say he wanted to know me… that he wanted more than just sex. Too many maybe’s. I need to ask him before I give my answer.
I try to steel my nerves as I walk to the door. After trying to open it and barely getting it to crack, I hear Demetri say, “Please stand back, and I will open the door.”
I stand to the side, then a few seconds pass before Demetri pokes his head in. “Is there something you need?”
I take a shaky breath, saying with what I hope is a confident voice, “Please call for Caius. I need to speak to him before I give him my answer.” He nods before closing the door.
I pace for several minutes in front of the fire, in much the same manner Caius had, then I hear the door open. Looking up, I see the man in question, seeming tense but hopeful as he approaches. He is definitely not who I was led to believe, which gives me enough hope to actually ask my questions. I stop pacing to say, “Hi. Will you talk with me for a minute, please? I just have a couple of questions.”
He nods, sits in the same chair as earlier, then waits for me to speak. I take a breath, then delve right in. “Are you expecting… I mean… how soon would you be expecting intimacy between us?”
He rises slowly, walks to stand only inches in front of me, then holds one of my hands as he tilts my chin up. In a soft but clear voice, he says, “Truthfully, it would need to be before your next cycle. Your scent is quite arousing. I do not wish to scare you with how passionate lovemaking would be, especially then. Your scent will heighten during your cycle, Isabella, which will undoubtedly have me clawing the walls wanting to have you intimately. If we are together before then, you will be accustomed to my touch, and not fear my passionate advances. I’m afraid my will would crumble the moment I am within reach of you during your cycle, otherwise.”
Air whooshed from my lungs in response.
Two weeks… that’s not a lot of time. It’s better than tonight, though. He’s giving me as much time as he thinks he can handle. He’s afraid of scaring me with how much he’ll want me sexually then. He’s not wanting to scare me or hurt me, so he’s being truthful with me.
With an internal nod, I ask my final questions all at once, “You said you wanted to know me… want me here for more than just sex. So in your spare time, we would be doing things together, getting to know each other, correct? Where will I sleep? Will I be in danger here with so many human drinkers? Am I allowed out of the castle at all, or am I a prisoner here? Will I ever be able to speak to my father again?”
Caius chuckles in response, “Slowly, My Sweet. I will answer any question you have, but we will take them one at a time. Yes, I want more than physical pleasure with you. I could find that in any number of vampires with no strings attached. With you, I crave intimacy in all its forms, not just sex. Think of it as a sort of fast-tracked courting… or dating, I believe the term is now. We will not only have talks and walks through the grounds, but trips outside the walls of the castle.”
I nod, so he goes on to say, “Your sleeping arrangements are simple. You will take your rest in our bed, in our room. I will not lay a hand on you intimately until you ask me to, Isabella. Have no fear of me taking you against your will. Let me point out that if you do not see yourself willing to be intimately involved with me, you should decline the offer right now. That is a non-negotiable part of this arrangement. We will either be together fully for this year, emotionally and physically, or the deal is off. As for your welfare, you are safe here. No vampire will harm a hair on your head, or they will answer to me.”
The growl in Caius’ voice let me know he clearly would tolerate no one looking at me as dinner. My gaze never wavers, so he takes a steadying breath before continuing. “For the short term, while you are accustoming yourself to your new home, the castle grounds and Volterra shops are the farthest you will have access to. A guard will be placed with you to ensure your protection, as some factions try to attack the Volturi however they can at times. I would not want you in danger of being hurt. Once you have the lay of the land, so to speak, we will -of course- venture out for holidays to lands unknown to you… places you’ve wished to see, or lands you’ve hoped to explore. You are not now -nor will you ever be- my prisoner, Isabella.”
I let out a breath, then the blonde king states, “As for your final question, I can not answer that alone, My Sweet. That is a question that must be talked over with my brothers, then decided on together. If you are permitted to speak to your father, know that the law still stands. If you or the Cullens tell him, he will be put to death. Exposing us is not an option, and your life will be tangled with mine for the foreseeable future. Think on it carefully, please, before you ask me to take this matter to my brothers.”
I visibly deflate at this statement. I know… I do… but it’s hard to think I won’t see or talk to him again. I look to Caius, then say softly, “I know I can’t now. Maybe down the road, if a solid story is agreed on beforehand… do you think it might be possible then?”
He looks at me with what I think is understanding in his eyes as he says, “Perhaps, Isabella… if, as you say, a believable and solid story is agreed upon down the road.”
Taking a slow, deep breath, I look into Caius’ eyes. With a swarm of angry bees in my stomach for what I’m about to say, I offer, “I’ve made my decision.”