52 Weeks
by Wizardtho
Chapter 11:
It’s been a week since I accepted Caius’s offer. A week full of days becoming used to my position as a Lady of the castle. A week full of incredibly intimate nights with Caius. I can honestly say it’s been the best week of my life, but I’m more scared than I care to admit, which is why I hesitate to go all the way with him.
It’s the early morning of the one week mark. Caius has just left, and I’m laying in a steaming bath perfumed by the custom oil blend Justine made for me.
I think he realized I was scared last night, which is what prompted me to want a day alone to think. Don’t get me wrong, I love how our intimacy has progressed. What scares me is my feelings for him. I’m terrified that after this year is up, he’ll be bored with me… that my heart will be broken beyond repair. I’m afraid that he’ll never be able to truly love me, as I’m already in too deep. Once I give him this last part of myself, there’s no going back. I’m afraid to risk it.
Plus, the things I’ve been noticing this week have me questioning some things about mates, and whether I’m actually Caius’s. The ache in my chest when he’s away from me, the protectiveness he has, my wanting to gouge out the eyes of any female who looks at him too long, and this whole connection we seemed to have from the start. I want to believe that he is… that my feelings are reciprocated. With my past, though, I’m hesitant.
My thoughts turn to Marcus. With his ability to read relationship lines, he would know undoubtedly whether we are mates or not. I’ve wanted to speak to him privately, to get to know him more, as well as find out more about his Didyme. Something about her kidnapping is bothering me, other than it happening to begin with. I want to know everything that I can because I want to help. I want to have a part in bringing her home where she belongs. I just don’t want to upset him by bringing up sensitive topics.
With a determination I haven’t felt in days, I decide it’s time to see Marcus and get over my fears. I quickly call Jane once I dry and dress, telling her simply, “Take me to Marcus, please.”
She nods, then guides me through the corridors to a private hall. Felix is standing guard outside the only door, and when he sees me, he bows his head, “Lady Isabella.”
He knocks, pokes his head in the door to announce me, then opens the door wide to allow me access. Inside, I find I’m in an artist’s painting studio. It surprises me to see Marcus on a stool in jeans and a paint-splattered white t-shirt, but I smile as I kiss both of his cheeks in greeting. He smiles in response, “Sister, I was wondering when I’d be graced with a visit from you. Pull up a stool.”
I do as he says, placing one of the extra stools within conversation distance, then say, “I apologize for not coming sooner. It had nothing to do with not wanting to speak with you, yet everything to do with not wanting to make a fool of myself.”
At his curious gaze, I shake my head, then decide to just go for it. “There are many reasons, but the first is my relationship line to Caius.”
His eyes show understanding as he offers, “Ah… I see. You do not want to feel a fool if your suspicions are incorrect.”
At my nod, Marcus hums, then asks, “And you are hoping to seek clarification from me? Tell me this, Isabella. What does your heart say?”
I let out a shaky breath, then admit what I’ve been hiding in a whisper, “I’m scared, Marcus. I need to be sure. At one time, I was sure Edward was my mate, but look how that turned out. My feelings for Caius… well... I don’t think I could bear it if I didn’t find out, then ended up with my heart broken. At least if I know, I can protect myself from that eventuality.”
His brushstroke stops as his eyes turn to mine. “This is why you have not given in and made love to him, is it not? Your heart is already invested. You feel that by giving yourself to him, you will be giving the last of yourself.”
I sigh as I run my fingers through my hair, then nod sadly, “Exactly. I just… I need to know, Marcus. Please.”
He chuckles, then says seriously, “You know, I have never seen Caius as frantic as he was when he left the study to allow you time to think. He stormed into my quarters, pacing like a caged animal, torturing his hair while wearing a literal path into my wooden floor. He begged me to help him come up with a backup plan, because in his words, ‘This one failed spectacularly! She basically insinuated I wanted her for a sex toy! Can you believe that?’”
He shook his head with a laugh, then offered, “I tried to calm him, but he was positive you would say no. I told him to explain that your assumption was lightyears from the truth, that he wanted far more than a meaningless romp, but he swore that I’d be helping him come up with a new way to have you stay willingly once you said no.”
I chuckled thinking back to that day, “He did convince me… but I was still hesitant. It just didn’t make sense to me. He could have any lover he wanted at the bat of his eyes, Marcus. Why me?”
He gives me a knowing smile, then looks back to his painting in progress. With a swish of his brush on the canvas, he offers simply, “You already know the answer to that, Sister. If you would just let your inner self have her voice, instead of letting your head fill you with doubts, you would see the truth. Think of all that you have felt this past week, both in his presence and away from it. Close your eyes, think of this past week, and just feel. Do not let your mind fill you with fears or doubts.”
I let out a breath, “I’m being stupid, aren’t I?”
He chuckles as he sets down his brush, then takes my hands, “No… never stupid. Just scared of a future that is already set, Isabella. One full of brightness and love beyond anything you have ever dreamed existed. Your lines with each other are as splendid as Aro and Sulpicia’s. Do not let fear stop you from claiming your mate.”
I bite my lip while blushing, then compose myself and nod. I have my answer. “Speaking of lines, how does that work, exactly? I mean, how far do the lines go? I’m just wondering because some things have been weighing on my mind about Didyme.”
His face falls, so I hurry to say, “Oh God, that came out wrong. I didn’t mean to suggest that your mate is only a passing topic. I would never think such a thing. I just… well, I want to help, but I have questions only you can answer.”
He pats my hand, then replies, “I understand, Isabella. Fear not speaking of her in my presence. To answer your question, I can normally see the direction of lines no matter where a person is in the world… meaning if I am in the presence of one in a mated pair, I can usually follow that line and tell you exactly where the other of the pair is located.”
I shake my head, confused, “Normally?”
He nods, then offers, “I can not see my Didi. My line to her only goes so far, then it seemingly just... stops. I can not understand it. I know she is still alive, but I can not find her.”
I hum before asking, “Your lines… are they straight? Do they swerve at all?”
He shakes his head in response, “Never. Always straight.”
I nod as a piece of the puzzle falls into place, “Someone or something is purposely blocking your line to her, Marcus. Are there gifts out there that could do that? That could make a tie seem invisible for a certain distance?”
His eyes brighten, “You are brilliant, Sister. Chelsea can actually weaken or strengthen any but the mate bond. As long as she has one of the tie in her presence, all who are involved in said tie are affected. It would not be impossible for Didyme’s captors to have collected gifted vampires, especially if they had over 1000 years to accomplish the task.”
I nod, knowing where his thoughts have turned. “Yes, Caius told me you all believe the Romanians have rebuilt their forces.”
Thinking quickly, though it’s off-topic, I mention, “Did you know that Sulpicia thinks I have a gift?”
He shakes his head while giving me a surprised look, so I offer, “Yeah… Carlisle seemed to think so, too, but he didn’t know what. See, no one smells the same thing when they come across my scent. I had to have Caius tell me what he smelled in my scent, so Justine could customize my treatments, as none of the girls could find a single common element. Also, Edward could never read my mind.”
Marcus had picked up his brush again, but at my statement, he gasps while his brush drops to the cloth protecting the floor. “A shield!”
I look at him curiously, so he asks, “Has your mind always been a type of private place for you? Somewhere you could escape?”
I nod, happy that someone understood, “Exactly. So you think I’m what, a type of mental block?”
At his nod, I pull out my phone. As soon as I hear the line pick up, I say seriously, “Jasper, I need your help.”
Marcus is eyeing me curiously, but Jasper says, “Well, hey to you too, Sugar.”
I chuckle, “Sorry, but you know how I get with new information. I’m all over it. Are you busy? Can you make a trip back here?”
He hums, then asks seriously, “Does this new information put ya in danger? I won’t be a party to that, Bella. Ya know my feelin’s on ya bein’ in any type of danger.”
I take a breath to calm myself, then say surely, “Absolutely not. Marcus is sitting right next to me and will testify that this new information only makes my safety more secure. The thing is, we think I have a shield… that it’s the reason Edward couldn’t read me. I can’t be sure, because Marcus thinks it’s only a mental shield, but I think there’s more to it. My gut tells me there’s more, Jasper. I need your help, please.”
I hear mumbling for a second before Jasper says simply, “Have two guest suites made up, and we’ll be on the next flight, Sugar. Does anyone other than Marcus know of your shield?”
I shake my head instinctively, then reply, “No… I don’t think so. Aro hasn’t mentioned not being able to read me. Sulpicia suspects I have a power, with the thing about my scent being different to every person, but doesn’t know what. Caius knows about that, too, but never related it to a power out loud.”
He lets out a breath, “Good. Don’t tell anyone but Caius. Only the royals should be privy to this, seein’ as I know Aro will end up touchin’ Caius or Marcus before I get there. The fewer people who know, the safer ya are, Bella.”
I nod, then say, “I won’t. Be safe, and I’ll see you once you arrive. Tell Peter no. He is not allowed to play pranks on the kings, just because he’s family. I will string him up by his toenails and let Jane have a go at him.”
He barks out a laugh, then I hear a ‘What the hell, Punkin!’ in the background.
“He’s got the message, Sug. See ya soon.”
I end the call, but Marcus silently studies me for a second. When he speaks, it’s to say, “You know something… or suspect it… about your shield.”
I nod, saying softly, “I believe it’s more than just mental. I never said anything, but there were times I was able to brush off Jasper’s influence or block Alice’s sight. Both gifts have to do with my physical being. Those times were sporadic at best, though. That’s why I need Jasper’s help. He’s trained thousands of newborns, not only to fight, but to use their gifts. He’s also the only one I’d trust, other than Caius, to help me do this. I’m going to be changed to stay with Caius, but I want to be at my most powerful when I do. I’m going to help you bring Didyme home, Marcus… then I’m going to keep her safe from this ever happening again. I just need to figure out my shield first, so that I can make that happen.”
Venom tears fill Marcus’s eyes as he cups my cheeks, “You are an amazing creature, Isabella. Though I do hope for that outcome to happen, do not lose faith if your gift does not work in the manner you want it to. No gift is infallible. Each one has its downside.”
I nod in reply, patting his hand, “I truly understand, Marcus, I do. I’ve seen the shortfalls of vampire gifts since my introduction to the species. I’ve also seen the amazing things that can happen with them when someone has the right determination and motivation. Now enough about me. Will you tell me more about your mate? What is she like?”
Marcus chuckles as he picks back up his dropped brush, then starts telling me all about Didyme while his brush meets the canvas again.
Returning to my suite a couple of hours later, I realize it’s just about lunchtime. Just as that thought occurs to me, Caius sweeps into the room. He comes right to me, but there’s a cautiousness in his eyes. Without hesitation, I bring his lips to mine, curling my hand around the back of his neck. He groans as he gives in to my advance, but I soon break the kiss, whispering, “I’m sorry. I think I knew, deep down, but was scared it was all in my head. I just needed time… and reassurance that it was real.”
He hooks his finger under my chin and stares intently at me for a moment. I guess he finds what he needs in my eyes, because he whispers in awe, “You know… that we’re mates, not just lovers. You feel it?”
I nod, a small smile playing at my lips, “I do.”
My confirmation is all Caius needs before he pulls me into a passionate kiss.
There is a knock on the suite door, causing Caius to groan loudly as he pulls away from me. I can’t help but giggle as he opens the suite door to find Demetri holding my meal. He sighs before taking it, thanking Demetri before closing the door.
As we sit at the table, I know I need to tell Caius my newly made decisions. I take a deep breath to settle myself, prompting Caius to look at me with curiosity. At his look, I delve right in. “Knowing for sure what I do, I’ve come to a few decisions today. I want you to change me, Caius. I want to be with you, not for just a year, but for forever. My only request is that you wait to change me for a bit, unless it’s a life or death emergency.”
His smile falls, but I continue. “This is why. Remember the thing with my scent the other day? There’s more to that. Edward was never able to read my mind, and I was able to block both Jasper and Alice’s gifts on rare occasions. Aro hasn’t mentioned it to me, but I don’t think he can read me, either. Marcus thinks I have a shield… that it’s my gift.”
Caius gets up, pacing the length of the room slowly, so I continue, “I don’t think it’s just a mental shield, like Marcus originally thought. I think it’s physical, too, because both Alice and Jasper’s gifts deal with the physical being. Caius, we both know that the stronger a gift is in human form, the stronger it manifests as a vampire. We also know that a gift can be expanded… can grow stronger with practice. That’s why I’ve called Jasper, asking him to come back to Volterra. I want him to help me become stronger before my turning.”
Caius whips his head around, his pacing halted in an instant, then growls, “No! Absolutely not, Isabella.”
I shake my head, standing to go to him, and calmly offer, “Think rationally for a moment, please. The stronger my shield is, in either form, the safer I am. You are always so worried about my safety. My shield will help take some of that burden from your shoulders. If you know that my shield will help my guards keep me safe, you won’t worry so much. Plus, I want to help find Didyme. I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and I want to help bring her home… keep her safe from this ever happening again.”
Caius tortures his hair as a roar echoes around the room, “NO! Not you!”
He’s facing away from me, his arms on the fireplace mantle, so I slide my hands up his extremely tense back. After placing a kiss between his shoulder blades, I ask softly, “Why, Caius? Why not me? If I have the ability to help bring our brother’s mate back to him, why shouldn’t I do everything in my power to make that happen?”
In response, Caius splinters the wood in his tight grip, choking out, “Because I can not live without you. Because I would never make it if something happened to you. Be-… because I love you, Isabella.”
My heart pounds in my chest at his admission, both elated that he loves me and crestfallen that the admission came out this way. I can only sigh, “Oh, Caius…” as I move around to stand in front of him.
When my eyes meet his venom-filled onyx ones, I whisper while cupping his cheeks, “I love you, too… so damn much it scares me. Knowing that love, now that you have me, what would you do in Marcus’s position? You can’t honestly tell me you wouldn’t move heaven and earth to bring me home... or accept whatever help you could get in the way of gifts, especially if someone had a gift that could be exponentially valuable in bringing me home.”
Caius sighs loudly as he pulls me into his strong embrace, then kisses a path along my forehead before saying, “I know… truly, I do. It does not make this situation any easier, though. I have loved your fiery nature from the moment you stepped foot into this castle, but so help me, if you do anything to put yourself in danger, I will never forgive you. Promise me you will not do anything that could be dangerous without speaking to me first.”
I smile and press my lips to his, then promise wholeheartedly, “You will know everything the moment I do. I swear it… and I promise not to knowingly put myself in danger without us having a plan as a family.”
After another heartfelt kiss, Caius sighs, then offers. “With your previous connection, as well as Jasper’s history, I can understand your reasoning for calling him. He has the experience, and he has already proven that he will fight to keep you safe. I guess we should go find Aro now, to confirm that he can not read you. Please, for my sanity, tell no one else about your shield. I worry that someone will covet your gift, and seek to steal you away to have use of it.”
I promised him, so he offered, “Only royalty will know, as you understand that mates can not keep secrets from one another.”
I nod, then he takes my hand to lead me out of the suite, my barely touched lunch forgotten about.
It’s been a week since I accepted Caius’s offer. A week full of days becoming used to my position as a Lady of the castle. A week full of incredibly intimate nights with Caius. I can honestly say it’s been the best week of my life, but I’m more scared than I care to admit, which is why I hesitate to go all the way with him.
It’s the early morning of the one week mark. Caius has just left, and I’m laying in a steaming bath perfumed by the custom oil blend Justine made for me.
I think he realized I was scared last night, which is what prompted me to want a day alone to think. Don’t get me wrong, I love how our intimacy has progressed. What scares me is my feelings for him. I’m terrified that after this year is up, he’ll be bored with me… that my heart will be broken beyond repair. I’m afraid that he’ll never be able to truly love me, as I’m already in too deep. Once I give him this last part of myself, there’s no going back. I’m afraid to risk it.
Plus, the things I’ve been noticing this week have me questioning some things about mates, and whether I’m actually Caius’s. The ache in my chest when he’s away from me, the protectiveness he has, my wanting to gouge out the eyes of any female who looks at him too long, and this whole connection we seemed to have from the start. I want to believe that he is… that my feelings are reciprocated. With my past, though, I’m hesitant.
My thoughts turn to Marcus. With his ability to read relationship lines, he would know undoubtedly whether we are mates or not. I’ve wanted to speak to him privately, to get to know him more, as well as find out more about his Didyme. Something about her kidnapping is bothering me, other than it happening to begin with. I want to know everything that I can because I want to help. I want to have a part in bringing her home where she belongs. I just don’t want to upset him by bringing up sensitive topics.
With a determination I haven’t felt in days, I decide it’s time to see Marcus and get over my fears. I quickly call Jane once I dry and dress, telling her simply, “Take me to Marcus, please.”
She nods, then guides me through the corridors to a private hall. Felix is standing guard outside the only door, and when he sees me, he bows his head, “Lady Isabella.”
He knocks, pokes his head in the door to announce me, then opens the door wide to allow me access. Inside, I find I’m in an artist’s painting studio. It surprises me to see Marcus on a stool in jeans and a paint-splattered white t-shirt, but I smile as I kiss both of his cheeks in greeting. He smiles in response, “Sister, I was wondering when I’d be graced with a visit from you. Pull up a stool.”
I do as he says, placing one of the extra stools within conversation distance, then say, “I apologize for not coming sooner. It had nothing to do with not wanting to speak with you, yet everything to do with not wanting to make a fool of myself.”
At his curious gaze, I shake my head, then decide to just go for it. “There are many reasons, but the first is my relationship line to Caius.”
His eyes show understanding as he offers, “Ah… I see. You do not want to feel a fool if your suspicions are incorrect.”
At my nod, Marcus hums, then asks, “And you are hoping to seek clarification from me? Tell me this, Isabella. What does your heart say?”
I let out a shaky breath, then admit what I’ve been hiding in a whisper, “I’m scared, Marcus. I need to be sure. At one time, I was sure Edward was my mate, but look how that turned out. My feelings for Caius… well... I don’t think I could bear it if I didn’t find out, then ended up with my heart broken. At least if I know, I can protect myself from that eventuality.”
His brushstroke stops as his eyes turn to mine. “This is why you have not given in and made love to him, is it not? Your heart is already invested. You feel that by giving yourself to him, you will be giving the last of yourself.”
I sigh as I run my fingers through my hair, then nod sadly, “Exactly. I just… I need to know, Marcus. Please.”
He chuckles, then says seriously, “You know, I have never seen Caius as frantic as he was when he left the study to allow you time to think. He stormed into my quarters, pacing like a caged animal, torturing his hair while wearing a literal path into my wooden floor. He begged me to help him come up with a backup plan, because in his words, ‘This one failed spectacularly! She basically insinuated I wanted her for a sex toy! Can you believe that?’”
He shook his head with a laugh, then offered, “I tried to calm him, but he was positive you would say no. I told him to explain that your assumption was lightyears from the truth, that he wanted far more than a meaningless romp, but he swore that I’d be helping him come up with a new way to have you stay willingly once you said no.”
I chuckled thinking back to that day, “He did convince me… but I was still hesitant. It just didn’t make sense to me. He could have any lover he wanted at the bat of his eyes, Marcus. Why me?”
He gives me a knowing smile, then looks back to his painting in progress. With a swish of his brush on the canvas, he offers simply, “You already know the answer to that, Sister. If you would just let your inner self have her voice, instead of letting your head fill you with doubts, you would see the truth. Think of all that you have felt this past week, both in his presence and away from it. Close your eyes, think of this past week, and just feel. Do not let your mind fill you with fears or doubts.”
I let out a breath, “I’m being stupid, aren’t I?”
He chuckles as he sets down his brush, then takes my hands, “No… never stupid. Just scared of a future that is already set, Isabella. One full of brightness and love beyond anything you have ever dreamed existed. Your lines with each other are as splendid as Aro and Sulpicia’s. Do not let fear stop you from claiming your mate.”
I bite my lip while blushing, then compose myself and nod. I have my answer. “Speaking of lines, how does that work, exactly? I mean, how far do the lines go? I’m just wondering because some things have been weighing on my mind about Didyme.”
His face falls, so I hurry to say, “Oh God, that came out wrong. I didn’t mean to suggest that your mate is only a passing topic. I would never think such a thing. I just… well, I want to help, but I have questions only you can answer.”
He pats my hand, then replies, “I understand, Isabella. Fear not speaking of her in my presence. To answer your question, I can normally see the direction of lines no matter where a person is in the world… meaning if I am in the presence of one in a mated pair, I can usually follow that line and tell you exactly where the other of the pair is located.”
I shake my head, confused, “Normally?”
He nods, then offers, “I can not see my Didi. My line to her only goes so far, then it seemingly just... stops. I can not understand it. I know she is still alive, but I can not find her.”
I hum before asking, “Your lines… are they straight? Do they swerve at all?”
He shakes his head in response, “Never. Always straight.”
I nod as a piece of the puzzle falls into place, “Someone or something is purposely blocking your line to her, Marcus. Are there gifts out there that could do that? That could make a tie seem invisible for a certain distance?”
His eyes brighten, “You are brilliant, Sister. Chelsea can actually weaken or strengthen any but the mate bond. As long as she has one of the tie in her presence, all who are involved in said tie are affected. It would not be impossible for Didyme’s captors to have collected gifted vampires, especially if they had over 1000 years to accomplish the task.”
I nod, knowing where his thoughts have turned. “Yes, Caius told me you all believe the Romanians have rebuilt their forces.”
Thinking quickly, though it’s off-topic, I mention, “Did you know that Sulpicia thinks I have a gift?”
He shakes his head while giving me a surprised look, so I offer, “Yeah… Carlisle seemed to think so, too, but he didn’t know what. See, no one smells the same thing when they come across my scent. I had to have Caius tell me what he smelled in my scent, so Justine could customize my treatments, as none of the girls could find a single common element. Also, Edward could never read my mind.”
Marcus had picked up his brush again, but at my statement, he gasps while his brush drops to the cloth protecting the floor. “A shield!”
I look at him curiously, so he asks, “Has your mind always been a type of private place for you? Somewhere you could escape?”
I nod, happy that someone understood, “Exactly. So you think I’m what, a type of mental block?”
At his nod, I pull out my phone. As soon as I hear the line pick up, I say seriously, “Jasper, I need your help.”
Marcus is eyeing me curiously, but Jasper says, “Well, hey to you too, Sugar.”
I chuckle, “Sorry, but you know how I get with new information. I’m all over it. Are you busy? Can you make a trip back here?”
He hums, then asks seriously, “Does this new information put ya in danger? I won’t be a party to that, Bella. Ya know my feelin’s on ya bein’ in any type of danger.”
I take a breath to calm myself, then say surely, “Absolutely not. Marcus is sitting right next to me and will testify that this new information only makes my safety more secure. The thing is, we think I have a shield… that it’s the reason Edward couldn’t read me. I can’t be sure, because Marcus thinks it’s only a mental shield, but I think there’s more to it. My gut tells me there’s more, Jasper. I need your help, please.”
I hear mumbling for a second before Jasper says simply, “Have two guest suites made up, and we’ll be on the next flight, Sugar. Does anyone other than Marcus know of your shield?”
I shake my head instinctively, then reply, “No… I don’t think so. Aro hasn’t mentioned not being able to read me. Sulpicia suspects I have a power, with the thing about my scent being different to every person, but doesn’t know what. Caius knows about that, too, but never related it to a power out loud.”
He lets out a breath, “Good. Don’t tell anyone but Caius. Only the royals should be privy to this, seein’ as I know Aro will end up touchin’ Caius or Marcus before I get there. The fewer people who know, the safer ya are, Bella.”
I nod, then say, “I won’t. Be safe, and I’ll see you once you arrive. Tell Peter no. He is not allowed to play pranks on the kings, just because he’s family. I will string him up by his toenails and let Jane have a go at him.”
He barks out a laugh, then I hear a ‘What the hell, Punkin!’ in the background.
“He’s got the message, Sug. See ya soon.”
I end the call, but Marcus silently studies me for a second. When he speaks, it’s to say, “You know something… or suspect it… about your shield.”
I nod, saying softly, “I believe it’s more than just mental. I never said anything, but there were times I was able to brush off Jasper’s influence or block Alice’s sight. Both gifts have to do with my physical being. Those times were sporadic at best, though. That’s why I need Jasper’s help. He’s trained thousands of newborns, not only to fight, but to use their gifts. He’s also the only one I’d trust, other than Caius, to help me do this. I’m going to be changed to stay with Caius, but I want to be at my most powerful when I do. I’m going to help you bring Didyme home, Marcus… then I’m going to keep her safe from this ever happening again. I just need to figure out my shield first, so that I can make that happen.”
Venom tears fill Marcus’s eyes as he cups my cheeks, “You are an amazing creature, Isabella. Though I do hope for that outcome to happen, do not lose faith if your gift does not work in the manner you want it to. No gift is infallible. Each one has its downside.”
I nod in reply, patting his hand, “I truly understand, Marcus, I do. I’ve seen the shortfalls of vampire gifts since my introduction to the species. I’ve also seen the amazing things that can happen with them when someone has the right determination and motivation. Now enough about me. Will you tell me more about your mate? What is she like?”
Marcus chuckles as he picks back up his dropped brush, then starts telling me all about Didyme while his brush meets the canvas again.
Returning to my suite a couple of hours later, I realize it’s just about lunchtime. Just as that thought occurs to me, Caius sweeps into the room. He comes right to me, but there’s a cautiousness in his eyes. Without hesitation, I bring his lips to mine, curling my hand around the back of his neck. He groans as he gives in to my advance, but I soon break the kiss, whispering, “I’m sorry. I think I knew, deep down, but was scared it was all in my head. I just needed time… and reassurance that it was real.”
He hooks his finger under my chin and stares intently at me for a moment. I guess he finds what he needs in my eyes, because he whispers in awe, “You know… that we’re mates, not just lovers. You feel it?”
I nod, a small smile playing at my lips, “I do.”
My confirmation is all Caius needs before he pulls me into a passionate kiss.
There is a knock on the suite door, causing Caius to groan loudly as he pulls away from me. I can’t help but giggle as he opens the suite door to find Demetri holding my meal. He sighs before taking it, thanking Demetri before closing the door.
As we sit at the table, I know I need to tell Caius my newly made decisions. I take a deep breath to settle myself, prompting Caius to look at me with curiosity. At his look, I delve right in. “Knowing for sure what I do, I’ve come to a few decisions today. I want you to change me, Caius. I want to be with you, not for just a year, but for forever. My only request is that you wait to change me for a bit, unless it’s a life or death emergency.”
His smile falls, but I continue. “This is why. Remember the thing with my scent the other day? There’s more to that. Edward was never able to read my mind, and I was able to block both Jasper and Alice’s gifts on rare occasions. Aro hasn’t mentioned it to me, but I don’t think he can read me, either. Marcus thinks I have a shield… that it’s my gift.”
Caius gets up, pacing the length of the room slowly, so I continue, “I don’t think it’s just a mental shield, like Marcus originally thought. I think it’s physical, too, because both Alice and Jasper’s gifts deal with the physical being. Caius, we both know that the stronger a gift is in human form, the stronger it manifests as a vampire. We also know that a gift can be expanded… can grow stronger with practice. That’s why I’ve called Jasper, asking him to come back to Volterra. I want him to help me become stronger before my turning.”
Caius whips his head around, his pacing halted in an instant, then growls, “No! Absolutely not, Isabella.”
I shake my head, standing to go to him, and calmly offer, “Think rationally for a moment, please. The stronger my shield is, in either form, the safer I am. You are always so worried about my safety. My shield will help take some of that burden from your shoulders. If you know that my shield will help my guards keep me safe, you won’t worry so much. Plus, I want to help find Didyme. I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and I want to help bring her home… keep her safe from this ever happening again.”
Caius tortures his hair as a roar echoes around the room, “NO! Not you!”
He’s facing away from me, his arms on the fireplace mantle, so I slide my hands up his extremely tense back. After placing a kiss between his shoulder blades, I ask softly, “Why, Caius? Why not me? If I have the ability to help bring our brother’s mate back to him, why shouldn’t I do everything in my power to make that happen?”
In response, Caius splinters the wood in his tight grip, choking out, “Because I can not live without you. Because I would never make it if something happened to you. Be-… because I love you, Isabella.”
My heart pounds in my chest at his admission, both elated that he loves me and crestfallen that the admission came out this way. I can only sigh, “Oh, Caius…” as I move around to stand in front of him.
When my eyes meet his venom-filled onyx ones, I whisper while cupping his cheeks, “I love you, too… so damn much it scares me. Knowing that love, now that you have me, what would you do in Marcus’s position? You can’t honestly tell me you wouldn’t move heaven and earth to bring me home... or accept whatever help you could get in the way of gifts, especially if someone had a gift that could be exponentially valuable in bringing me home.”
Caius sighs loudly as he pulls me into his strong embrace, then kisses a path along my forehead before saying, “I know… truly, I do. It does not make this situation any easier, though. I have loved your fiery nature from the moment you stepped foot into this castle, but so help me, if you do anything to put yourself in danger, I will never forgive you. Promise me you will not do anything that could be dangerous without speaking to me first.”
I smile and press my lips to his, then promise wholeheartedly, “You will know everything the moment I do. I swear it… and I promise not to knowingly put myself in danger without us having a plan as a family.”
After another heartfelt kiss, Caius sighs, then offers. “With your previous connection, as well as Jasper’s history, I can understand your reasoning for calling him. He has the experience, and he has already proven that he will fight to keep you safe. I guess we should go find Aro now, to confirm that he can not read you. Please, for my sanity, tell no one else about your shield. I worry that someone will covet your gift, and seek to steal you away to have use of it.”
I promised him, so he offered, “Only royalty will know, as you understand that mates can not keep secrets from one another.”
I nod, then he takes my hand to lead me out of the suite, my barely touched lunch forgotten about.