Rated M for language,adult situations,nudity,and sexual situations.Not intended for anyone under 18.
Co-written by Wizardtho
Chapter 2
I lay next to Isabella for a few hours and watched her sleep while holding her in my arms. She looked so flawless and innocent. Her rosy lips were parted in her sleep. Her long dark lashes lay on her cheeks. As content as I was watching her as she rested from today's events, I grew restless and withdrew from her side. I decided to head to the library to play the ornate grand piano to process what was happening to me. I began with Beethoven's "Moonlight" in C sharp this tune seemed to help the beast within me calm. One would think it redundant that I would play the very song Lestat played in that movie "Interview With a Vampire". Even though Hollywood got vampires wrong, the movie was not that bad; as a matter of fact I found it hilarious and thought if they only knew.
I morphed it into something that seemed melancholy, but sweet none the less. As I played I realized that I did indeed fall headlong into the unfathomable abyss known as love with a simple human girl. Never had I felt the remarkable things that I was now experiencing. I now knew I had to tell Isabella of my life, hopefully my story would not drive her away. I was immersed in my thoughts as my brother's entered the room.
"Caius," Aro said with a smirk on his face, "what troubles you, brother?"
"Not a damned thing, Aro. Why do my troubles seem to concern you? I was processing today's events and sorting things in my mind."
"I am just concerned, brother. I have not heard you play in some time and wondered what has brought it on. Pray tell, does it have to do with a certain beautiful human?"
"Aro, do not antagonize him. Let him be as he will work it out!" Marcus told him.
"Brothers, I am trying to figure the best way to tell her about my life without running her off." I concluded dismally.
Marcus lifted his eyes to mine and stated, in his matter of fact tone, "The best way to tell anyone is to come out and say it and do not hide anything from her. Caius, she loves you and will not run. What happened before was no fault of your own. Athenodora could not face you in fear of your wrath. She knew she was wrong and tried to placate the situation in which you had no control. You and Isabella are torn because of your hurt feelings caused by others."
"You are right Marcus. I fell into a trap laid by Athenodora's treachery and I am trying to prevent that from happening again. And as usual, Aro, you are right in believing that Isabella is perfect for me."
"She's all that and more!" Aro said excitedly. "I have a certain feeling that she will be just what everyone needs around here."
I frowned a bit. "What do you mean by that?"
He pouted in return. "Brother," he said sternly, "you haven't exactly been the most optimistic as of late."
My fingers tripped on keys. "Optimistic?"
"Yes exactly! In my opinion—and I don't need to delve into minds to say that the entire guard would agree—you've been perpetually ill-tempered. Moping around, all the scowling, that whining, Honestly, you're like a child!"
I willed myself to keep playing and not growl at him, it only would have proven a point. "A child, Aro? What is that expression mortals use...? Ah yes. Isn't that the pot accusing the kettle of being black?"
Aro rolled his eyes, leaning over the piano and creating a thoughtful steeple with his fingers. "The matter was Bella, and bringing her to that, I would say that if she can revert you back to the way you once were—like the beginning with Athenodora—then the guard won't have to fear your constant wrath. Case in point, brother."
"Perhaps I wish for the guard to fear me."
Smirking, he called out my lie. "That would be the same as you saying you wish for Bella to fear you."
I sneered. "Fine. So, to understand you, you wish for Bella to change my ways, and you want me to rule like I used to, strict and just, and...optimistic?"
He quirked an eyebrow. "Yes exactly."
"You're not talking sense."
"If I were to suddenly start talking sense, complete bedlam would erupt around here! Besides, it's better to talk nonsense and have no one understand you than to talk sense and have someone misunderstand you. If you don't care for my help, figure it out on your own."
And he left, insulted, and I sat at my piano, more puzzled than before. I shook my head and looked at Marcus.
"Tell me, Marcus, has her lines strengthened to us at all?"
"Her bonds to you have intensified Caius but to Aro and I not as much. If we spend time with her and tell her of ourselves they will. She is a kind soul with enormous amounts of love to give; we just need to be receptive of her."
Marcus told me and he and Aro were going to set some time aside for Isabella so they could get to know her. I had a feeling she was going to surprise us all. We were going to teach her our favorites in the arts, music, and literature. Now I just have to figure out how to tell her about my friendship with the only other ruthless son of a bitch I knew, Major Jasper Whitlock.
I thought of many things as I made my way to my office. The one good thing that has entered my life is her; Isabella. Marcus says she loves me but how can she if she does not know the monster that I am. I spent many years trying to control that which lives inside of me but it manages to come out only when needed. I am hoping Isabella never sees the monster inside of me.
How does one tell someone they have changed you in so many ways in such a short period of time? I certainly have no idea. As my thoughts run rampant, my animal starts rattling its cage again. I need to go to what is mine!I long to curl around the girl and give her pleasure she has never had! I can feel my control begin to wane as I listen to his musing. NO, I cannot go I'm too dangerous for her. I refuse to hurt her, Isabella means too much to me. My animal then spoke again: We won't hurt her, we need to love her. She is so good for us. We just want to sink into her and let passion's fire take over and mark her as ours.
As my animal raged in his cage I thought back furiously: No I refuse to do it yet, she is not ready. She needs to know what I am. I want her to grow to love both sides of me in her own time.
Then, my animal spat back: Haven't you heard a word Marcus said? She already love's us, she has stated she wants us to change her, she will not run .Caius, you are an fool if you think she will leave you…She is a human and will die if she tries. Didn't anything Marcus said to you earlier sink into that thick head of yours? Marcus feels like a father to her. And Aro—well, he is Aro. He feels like an over-protective elder brother, even if he is a power hungry, gifted vampire collector.
We argued silently in my mind for a while when I decided to feed. I went to the darkest part of the city and found a couple of criminals, drained them, and properly disposed of them. I tossed them into a condemned building scheduled to be torn down.
Upon re-entering the castle, I heard her scream and was by Bella's side in an instant. I gently pulled her into my arms and quietly spoke, "You are safe Isabella, I will not allow you to be harmed. Sleep, cara mia, everything will be brighter with the sunlight."
She snuggled deeper into me and relaxed into a deep sleep. I once again disengaged myself and left soundlessly. I ordered a guard member to call for my brothers as I started towards my office.
Surprisingly enough, Aro was already in my office, sitting in my chair with his feet up on the desk. When I shut my door, he feigned a deep yawn as he sat forward, stretching like a cat.
"I have no need for a mind-reading talent," he said, "when you're so predictable. I knew you would come here. What is it that troubles you."
I said nothing. If my face could flush, I would be red. I sunk into the armchair to his left.
"Brother," he said sternly, and stretched a hand towards me.
I looked away from him, pouting, and reluctantly grabbed his hand with my own. I felt his mind gently probing around in mine, searching for the answers. I let it all flow with the soft sigh that parted my lips. He drew back slightly, eyes closed, eyebrows drawn together as he took in my thoughts. He bit his bottom lip thoughtfully, and released my hand.
"I see your problem," he murmured. "Yes, a problem, indeed."
"What's the problem, Aro?"
"I think she is your La Tua Cantante," he said.
My eyes widened before I could control my expression .
"Her blood sings to you, Caius. You thirst for her blood to satisfy your very soul. It would explain your desire for her body, to claim her as yours. She is yours, but she doesn't know that yet. You were right to leave her."
"I did not want to, Aro," I said. "I wanted to stay with her. I had to fight myself."
"You will continuously need to," he told me, narrowing his eyes. "And if you struggle so much, then perhaps you should stay away from Bella until it comes time to change her."
I straightened in my seat, looking at him sharply. "What?" I hissed. "What are you saying, Aro? I thought you wanted Bella and I together, and now you put restrictions on us."
He smiled. "I do want you together, brother. But if it puts Bella's life in danger, I will take whatever precautions."
I stood up to tower over him, tasting the anger on my tongue. He was not intimidated at all as he looked up at me patiently. My lip curled in a snarl. How dare he try to tell me that I was to stay away from my own mate?
"Brother," I said, "thank you for the concern, though Bella is none of your concern. She is my mate, and you have no power over our affairs."
"Bella is your mate, but is part of our entire coven. It is not your sole decision."
"Nor is it yours! Marcus and I are your equals. You are not master of us all, therefore you cannot control us."
He raised a smug eyebrow, causing me to draw in a sharp breath. It was almost a challenge, as if to say, "Can't I?"
He wouldn't dare, I thought. He won't challenge me.
But a part of me really thought he would. I had known Aro for centuries, and there was almost nothing he wouldn't do to get his way.
Marcus's quiet voice sounded from the other side of the room. I hadn't heard him enter, so caught up in the argument.
"Caius, Aro," he greeted us. "What's going on here?"
"Aro and I were having a discussion about my Isabella."I spat while continuing to glare at the self-centered idiot.
"Brother's we cannot have this perpetual disdain between two of us. It will show weakening in the ranks among us, we don't want that now do we?" Marcus asked.
"You are absolutely right Marcus, Caius and I will have to set our differences aside for the moment and re-evaluate them at a later time. Brother's if you will excuse me,I need to find Sulpicia and see what she has been up to." Aro replied with a devious smirk.
I sat back down as he left the room. He's such a deplorable fool. As I sat wallowing, Marcus approached me,and said, "Don't let him get under your skin. He means well." I rolled my eyes and he asked, "Caius, what has he said to upset you so?"
"He stated I should to stay away from Isabella. He seems to think, she is my La tua cantante, and It would be best if we spent minimal time together, until after I change her."
"He said what? You and Isabella don't have the very fine link of that. Your Bonds with her are the brightest and strongest I see in many decades. I don't understand, care to enlighten me?"
I pondered what to say ,but figured the direct approach is always best with Marcus.I looked him in the eye and said, "I have been warring with myself about her. My demon want me to take and claim her, but the man in me says she's not ready. My demon has been rattling his cage, I seem to be fearful of what will happen if he gets out. I long to hold her but fight to stay away and the longer I am away from her..."
"It hurts more,doesn't it, Caius? You,my friend and brother, are feeling the effects of the mating pull. The strongest pull I, most definitely, have ever seen. How are you staying away from her?"
"I have no idea, it's like the demon knows she will suffer and tells me to get away from her before she is hurt. I can't explain it. I don't feel overwhelming thirst for her blood, but, I crave to feel her little body curled around me. I am calm when I am with her and restless when not. She had a nightmare a little while ago and I settled her down. Then I came back here, where I found Aro waiting. Why is it called a private office, when you can't have any privacy?"
"I will speak with him about this. Isabella will be waking soon and you should relax in the shower, before seeing her. I would like to see the two of you together so I can figure out if there is a problem. We'll figure this out and I will make sure Aro is not left alone with either of you until after she is changed." He said with I hardened expression.
"Why do I always feel so much better after we talk? Thank you Marcus, I value our relationship." I said to him with a small smile.
"Don't let Aro hear you say that. It will give him more ammunition to rile you up with." He said smiling before adding, "I value it also and you feel better because I am the voice of reason between the three of us."
After he left I want into the bathroom, stripped off my clothes, and stood under the hot spray of the shower. I relished the feeling of the water as it cascaded down my body. As I washed away the day,I felt better, lighter, happier, and wanted ISABELLA. Then it dawned on me I love her. When did that happen?
My demon started up in his cage and said- you have loved her since you saw her. Why do you think we want to be around her constantly? Why do you think we feel so alive? Why do you think it hurts us to stay away from her? She has made us feel alive. She is changing us and making us whole. We will be one again because of her. Aro will not succeed in his plans to keep us from her...you'll see.
I got him settled down as I dressed for the day in my usual black attire; silk boxers, socks, trousers, silk shirt, sport coat, and boots. I planned on wearing a crimson tie with black stripes, but tossed it aside. I walked out of my room and made my way to see Isabella. Wondering how she could awaken me so profoundly.
I morphed it into something that seemed melancholy, but sweet none the less. As I played I realized that I did indeed fall headlong into the unfathomable abyss known as love with a simple human girl. Never had I felt the remarkable things that I was now experiencing. I now knew I had to tell Isabella of my life, hopefully my story would not drive her away. I was immersed in my thoughts as my brother's entered the room.
"Caius," Aro said with a smirk on his face, "what troubles you, brother?"
"Not a damned thing, Aro. Why do my troubles seem to concern you? I was processing today's events and sorting things in my mind."
"I am just concerned, brother. I have not heard you play in some time and wondered what has brought it on. Pray tell, does it have to do with a certain beautiful human?"
"Aro, do not antagonize him. Let him be as he will work it out!" Marcus told him.
"Brothers, I am trying to figure the best way to tell her about my life without running her off." I concluded dismally.
Marcus lifted his eyes to mine and stated, in his matter of fact tone, "The best way to tell anyone is to come out and say it and do not hide anything from her. Caius, she loves you and will not run. What happened before was no fault of your own. Athenodora could not face you in fear of your wrath. She knew she was wrong and tried to placate the situation in which you had no control. You and Isabella are torn because of your hurt feelings caused by others."
"You are right Marcus. I fell into a trap laid by Athenodora's treachery and I am trying to prevent that from happening again. And as usual, Aro, you are right in believing that Isabella is perfect for me."
"She's all that and more!" Aro said excitedly. "I have a certain feeling that she will be just what everyone needs around here."
I frowned a bit. "What do you mean by that?"
He pouted in return. "Brother," he said sternly, "you haven't exactly been the most optimistic as of late."
My fingers tripped on keys. "Optimistic?"
"Yes exactly! In my opinion—and I don't need to delve into minds to say that the entire guard would agree—you've been perpetually ill-tempered. Moping around, all the scowling, that whining, Honestly, you're like a child!"
I willed myself to keep playing and not growl at him, it only would have proven a point. "A child, Aro? What is that expression mortals use...? Ah yes. Isn't that the pot accusing the kettle of being black?"
Aro rolled his eyes, leaning over the piano and creating a thoughtful steeple with his fingers. "The matter was Bella, and bringing her to that, I would say that if she can revert you back to the way you once were—like the beginning with Athenodora—then the guard won't have to fear your constant wrath. Case in point, brother."
"Perhaps I wish for the guard to fear me."
Smirking, he called out my lie. "That would be the same as you saying you wish for Bella to fear you."
I sneered. "Fine. So, to understand you, you wish for Bella to change my ways, and you want me to rule like I used to, strict and just, and...optimistic?"
He quirked an eyebrow. "Yes exactly."
"You're not talking sense."
"If I were to suddenly start talking sense, complete bedlam would erupt around here! Besides, it's better to talk nonsense and have no one understand you than to talk sense and have someone misunderstand you. If you don't care for my help, figure it out on your own."
And he left, insulted, and I sat at my piano, more puzzled than before. I shook my head and looked at Marcus.
"Tell me, Marcus, has her lines strengthened to us at all?"
"Her bonds to you have intensified Caius but to Aro and I not as much. If we spend time with her and tell her of ourselves they will. She is a kind soul with enormous amounts of love to give; we just need to be receptive of her."
Marcus told me and he and Aro were going to set some time aside for Isabella so they could get to know her. I had a feeling she was going to surprise us all. We were going to teach her our favorites in the arts, music, and literature. Now I just have to figure out how to tell her about my friendship with the only other ruthless son of a bitch I knew, Major Jasper Whitlock.
I thought of many things as I made my way to my office. The one good thing that has entered my life is her; Isabella. Marcus says she loves me but how can she if she does not know the monster that I am. I spent many years trying to control that which lives inside of me but it manages to come out only when needed. I am hoping Isabella never sees the monster inside of me.
How does one tell someone they have changed you in so many ways in such a short period of time? I certainly have no idea. As my thoughts run rampant, my animal starts rattling its cage again. I need to go to what is mine!I long to curl around the girl and give her pleasure she has never had! I can feel my control begin to wane as I listen to his musing. NO, I cannot go I'm too dangerous for her. I refuse to hurt her, Isabella means too much to me. My animal then spoke again: We won't hurt her, we need to love her. She is so good for us. We just want to sink into her and let passion's fire take over and mark her as ours.
As my animal raged in his cage I thought back furiously: No I refuse to do it yet, she is not ready. She needs to know what I am. I want her to grow to love both sides of me in her own time.
Then, my animal spat back: Haven't you heard a word Marcus said? She already love's us, she has stated she wants us to change her, she will not run .Caius, you are an fool if you think she will leave you…She is a human and will die if she tries. Didn't anything Marcus said to you earlier sink into that thick head of yours? Marcus feels like a father to her. And Aro—well, he is Aro. He feels like an over-protective elder brother, even if he is a power hungry, gifted vampire collector.
We argued silently in my mind for a while when I decided to feed. I went to the darkest part of the city and found a couple of criminals, drained them, and properly disposed of them. I tossed them into a condemned building scheduled to be torn down.
Upon re-entering the castle, I heard her scream and was by Bella's side in an instant. I gently pulled her into my arms and quietly spoke, "You are safe Isabella, I will not allow you to be harmed. Sleep, cara mia, everything will be brighter with the sunlight."
She snuggled deeper into me and relaxed into a deep sleep. I once again disengaged myself and left soundlessly. I ordered a guard member to call for my brothers as I started towards my office.
Surprisingly enough, Aro was already in my office, sitting in my chair with his feet up on the desk. When I shut my door, he feigned a deep yawn as he sat forward, stretching like a cat.
"I have no need for a mind-reading talent," he said, "when you're so predictable. I knew you would come here. What is it that troubles you."
I said nothing. If my face could flush, I would be red. I sunk into the armchair to his left.
"Brother," he said sternly, and stretched a hand towards me.
I looked away from him, pouting, and reluctantly grabbed his hand with my own. I felt his mind gently probing around in mine, searching for the answers. I let it all flow with the soft sigh that parted my lips. He drew back slightly, eyes closed, eyebrows drawn together as he took in my thoughts. He bit his bottom lip thoughtfully, and released my hand.
"I see your problem," he murmured. "Yes, a problem, indeed."
"What's the problem, Aro?"
"I think she is your La Tua Cantante," he said.
My eyes widened before I could control my expression .
"Her blood sings to you, Caius. You thirst for her blood to satisfy your very soul. It would explain your desire for her body, to claim her as yours. She is yours, but she doesn't know that yet. You were right to leave her."
"I did not want to, Aro," I said. "I wanted to stay with her. I had to fight myself."
"You will continuously need to," he told me, narrowing his eyes. "And if you struggle so much, then perhaps you should stay away from Bella until it comes time to change her."
I straightened in my seat, looking at him sharply. "What?" I hissed. "What are you saying, Aro? I thought you wanted Bella and I together, and now you put restrictions on us."
He smiled. "I do want you together, brother. But if it puts Bella's life in danger, I will take whatever precautions."
I stood up to tower over him, tasting the anger on my tongue. He was not intimidated at all as he looked up at me patiently. My lip curled in a snarl. How dare he try to tell me that I was to stay away from my own mate?
"Brother," I said, "thank you for the concern, though Bella is none of your concern. She is my mate, and you have no power over our affairs."
"Bella is your mate, but is part of our entire coven. It is not your sole decision."
"Nor is it yours! Marcus and I are your equals. You are not master of us all, therefore you cannot control us."
He raised a smug eyebrow, causing me to draw in a sharp breath. It was almost a challenge, as if to say, "Can't I?"
He wouldn't dare, I thought. He won't challenge me.
But a part of me really thought he would. I had known Aro for centuries, and there was almost nothing he wouldn't do to get his way.
Marcus's quiet voice sounded from the other side of the room. I hadn't heard him enter, so caught up in the argument.
"Caius, Aro," he greeted us. "What's going on here?"
"Aro and I were having a discussion about my Isabella."I spat while continuing to glare at the self-centered idiot.
"Brother's we cannot have this perpetual disdain between two of us. It will show weakening in the ranks among us, we don't want that now do we?" Marcus asked.
"You are absolutely right Marcus, Caius and I will have to set our differences aside for the moment and re-evaluate them at a later time. Brother's if you will excuse me,I need to find Sulpicia and see what she has been up to." Aro replied with a devious smirk.
I sat back down as he left the room. He's such a deplorable fool. As I sat wallowing, Marcus approached me,and said, "Don't let him get under your skin. He means well." I rolled my eyes and he asked, "Caius, what has he said to upset you so?"
"He stated I should to stay away from Isabella. He seems to think, she is my La tua cantante, and It would be best if we spent minimal time together, until after I change her."
"He said what? You and Isabella don't have the very fine link of that. Your Bonds with her are the brightest and strongest I see in many decades. I don't understand, care to enlighten me?"
I pondered what to say ,but figured the direct approach is always best with Marcus.I looked him in the eye and said, "I have been warring with myself about her. My demon want me to take and claim her, but the man in me says she's not ready. My demon has been rattling his cage, I seem to be fearful of what will happen if he gets out. I long to hold her but fight to stay away and the longer I am away from her..."
"It hurts more,doesn't it, Caius? You,my friend and brother, are feeling the effects of the mating pull. The strongest pull I, most definitely, have ever seen. How are you staying away from her?"
"I have no idea, it's like the demon knows she will suffer and tells me to get away from her before she is hurt. I can't explain it. I don't feel overwhelming thirst for her blood, but, I crave to feel her little body curled around me. I am calm when I am with her and restless when not. She had a nightmare a little while ago and I settled her down. Then I came back here, where I found Aro waiting. Why is it called a private office, when you can't have any privacy?"
"I will speak with him about this. Isabella will be waking soon and you should relax in the shower, before seeing her. I would like to see the two of you together so I can figure out if there is a problem. We'll figure this out and I will make sure Aro is not left alone with either of you until after she is changed." He said with I hardened expression.
"Why do I always feel so much better after we talk? Thank you Marcus, I value our relationship." I said to him with a small smile.
"Don't let Aro hear you say that. It will give him more ammunition to rile you up with." He said smiling before adding, "I value it also and you feel better because I am the voice of reason between the three of us."
After he left I want into the bathroom, stripped off my clothes, and stood under the hot spray of the shower. I relished the feeling of the water as it cascaded down my body. As I washed away the day,I felt better, lighter, happier, and wanted ISABELLA. Then it dawned on me I love her. When did that happen?
My demon started up in his cage and said- you have loved her since you saw her. Why do you think we want to be around her constantly? Why do you think we feel so alive? Why do you think it hurts us to stay away from her? She has made us feel alive. She is changing us and making us whole. We will be one again because of her. Aro will not succeed in his plans to keep us from her...you'll see.
I got him settled down as I dressed for the day in my usual black attire; silk boxers, socks, trousers, silk shirt, sport coat, and boots. I planned on wearing a crimson tie with black stripes, but tossed it aside. I walked out of my room and made my way to see Isabella. Wondering how she could awaken me so profoundly.