Chapter Twenty-Five

*Addi's POV*

The sun shined brightly through the vibrant green canopy above as I led the way along the hiking trail. I wore a comfortable shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes, feeling a lightness in my steps that stood in stark contrast to Aro, Marcus, and Caius, who followed behind in their usual regal black suits. It was hard not to smile at the sight of them; despite the formality of their attire, they moved gracefully over the rugged terrain, exuding an elegance that was almost mesmerizing. Their expressions were a mix of curiosity and amusement, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy in sharing one of my interests with them. It was surreal to see such powerful beings navigating the wilderness and I wondered if they felt a sense of freedom away from their usual formalities. Each step I took felt like a step into a new adventure and I was grateful to have them by my side.

"It's gotta be close." I spoke, as I was concentrating on the direction of the path of a special spot that wanted to show my mates. "Where exactly are we headed, mio cara? You seem quite certain of your path." Aro called out, with his voice smooth and teasing. "Emmett and Jasper showed me a wonderful spot to stop and view on the hiking trail. I just need to find the marked ribbon that leads us to the direction to get there." I replied, glancing back with a determined smile. Caius raised an eyebrow, with his expression skeptical yet intrigued. "A marked ribbon? I must admit, I find it rather charming that you rely on such...rustic indicators." I laughed lightly, with my enthusiasm infectious. "It's not just any ribbon! It's a signpost of sorts. Trust me, it's worth it!" I told him.

As we continued along the winding path, my eyes scanned the trees for the telltale sign. Suddenly, I spotted a flash of pink tied to a tree branch on the right side of the trail. "Yes! This is it!" I exclaimed, with my voice ringing with excitement. "We'll go this way!" I instructed, as I took the lead, darting down the narrower path, with the Kings following closely behind, as their regal presence were contrasting with the wildness of the trail.

After a short trek, the sound of rushing water grew louder, filling the air with a soothing melody that brought a smile to my face. When we finally emerged into a small clearing, I stared at the breathtaking sight before us—a beautiful waterfall cascading down the rocks, its crystal-clear water sparkling in the sunlight. "We're here. This is my favorite spot." I exclaimed, my eyes wide with wonder. Aro stepped forward, nodding appreciatively as he took in the scene. "Indeed, it is remarkable." He said, allowing himself to be enveloped by the beauty of the cascading water. I watched as Marcus and Caius joined him, as their ancient eyes were reflecting the splendor around us. It was fascinating to see these three powerful beings, so accustomed to the grandeur of their own realms, captivated by something as natural as this waterfall.

I climbed up onto a nearby boulder, with my movements graceful and fluid. I perched myself on the rock, hugging one leg against my chest as I continued to gaze at the waterfall, lost in the tranquil beauty of the moment. I could sense the Kings standing near me, with regal postures strikingly contrasted against the rugged wilderness that surrounded us. I closed my eyes for a moment, leaning my head back slightly, inhaling the fresh, crisp air that filled the clearing. It was invigorating and refreshing, heightening my awareness of this serene space we shared.

*Third Person's POV*

In that moment, the Kings were captivated, as their gazes were fixed on their beautiful human mate. She exuded an aura of serenity that seemed to draw them into a trance, with their thoughts momentarily lost in the wonder of her presence. "Isn't it beautiful?" Addi asked, with her eyes still closed, expecting them to share in her admiration for the scene before them. The Kings shared knowing looks as their gazes were remaining focused on Addi rather than the waterfall.

"Oh, it is beautiful." Aro replied, a soft smile on his lips. "Absolutely stunning." Marcus added, with his gaze unwavering. Caius simply nodded, while his expression was serious yet appreciative, as he murmured, "Truly beautiful." Addi, blissfully unaware of their true intent, opened her eyes and smiled back at them, believing they were speaking of the magnificent waterfall. She shifted her attention back to the cascading water, unaware of the deeper admiration reflected in their eyes.

*Addi's POV*

"You know," I began, with my voice thoughtful, "Everything around here and all over Forks reminds me of my former home state, Oregon." I glanced around the lush landscape, while the memories were flooding my mind and then I looked down, with my expression a mixture of fondness and slight sadness.

I could hear the Kings stepping closer to me by the boulder. Marcus tilted his head slightly, with his tone gentle and inquisitive when he questioned, "You miss your home in Oregon, don't you, Addi?" I nodded, a hint of wistfulness in my voice as I replied, "I do. Oregon has such beautiful scenery, but living near the city of Portland was never really my cup of tea. It felt too busy, too frenetic for my taste." I sighed softly, as my gaze drifted back to the flowing water. "I always preferred the quieter, more intimate feeling of a small town." I admitted.

"And Forks is the small town you've been longing for?" Caius asked, his curiosity evident. "Yes, it is. Forks is just perfect. It has that small-town vibe I love and the scenery reminds me so much of Oregon. The towering trees, the view of the misty mountains, and the way the rain brings everything to life. It feels familiar and comforting." I said, as my face was lighting up with enthusiasm. Aro, listening intently, smiled as he noticed my spirit brighten. "It seems you have found a place that resonates with your heart." He remarked, with his voice warm and inviting. I nodded, with a content smile gracing my lips. "Exactly. It's like I've come home, even if I'm far from where I grew up." I turned to the Kings, with my eyes sparkling with excitement. "And getting to share it with you all makes it even better." I added.

I could see Aro, Marcus, and Caius exchanging knowing glances and I felt their admiration for me deepen with each passing moment. They appreciated not only my connection to the land but also the joy I found in our shared experiences, which made our bond feel even stronger. In that moment, surrounded by their presence, I realized how meaningful this connection was for all of us, weaving more within our lives together in ways I had never imagined.

"What about your home in Volterra, Italy? What does it look like?" I asked, curiously, as I was genuinely interested in their world. Aro smiled, with his eyes glinting with fond memories. "Volterra is a city steeped in history, nestled atop a hill in the Tuscan countryside," He began. "The architecture is ancient and grand, with stone buildings that have stood for centuries. The streets are narrow and winding, filled with the whispers of time. However," He continued, with a hint of seriousness in his tone, "we do not venture into the human world often, as we must keep our existence a secret."

Caius added, "Though we remain hidden, we appreciate the beauty of our home. The vineyards stretch across the landscape, and the rolling hills are breathtaking, especially at sunset." Marcus leaned in, his voice low and thoughtful as he said, "It is a different kind of beauty than what you are accustomed to here in Forks. The greenery you cherish is replaced by sun-kissed fields and the rich hues of the earth. Yet, it is captivating in its own right." I smiled, while my imagination was painting a vivid picture of their home. "It sounds so different from what I'm used to, surrounded by all this greenery. But it also sounds intriguing." I responded.

After a brief pause, my expression shifted as another thought crossed my mind. "Will I be going to Volterra with you all soon?" I asked. "I know you have your royal duties, but since I'm your mate, I can't imagine that would break the connection between us." I added. The Kings shared a look, with a mix of affection and seriousness passing between them.

"We had indeed made plans to take you to Volterra from the moment we first met you, mio cara. You captivated us from the start." Aro spoke first, with his voice gentle but firm. Marcus nodded, adding, "However, we recognize that you are still in the process of getting to know us and the nature of our bond. We also respect the closeness you share with the Cullens and we want to ensure that you feel comfortable and secure with us before we take you away to Volterra." His voice was steady, revealing their deep consideration for my feelings. Caius stepped forward slightly, with his expression softer. "We have decided to prioritize your comfort over our royal duties. You are our main priority, Addi. We want you to feel at home with us, just as you do here in Forks." He said.

My heart swelled at their words, feeling cherished and valued in a way I hadn't expected. "I appreciate that. It means a lot to me that you three are willing to wait. I love Forks and the Cullens, but I'm also curious about the life you all have in Volterra." I replied sincerely, with my voice warm. Aro smiled at my response, with his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and sincerity. "And we will ensure that when the time comes for your visit to Volterra, it will be nothing short of extraordinary. You will experience the rich culture, the history, and the beauty of our home in a way that will resonate with you." He said.

"We envision a time when you can witness the magnificence of our existence—our art, our architecture, and the lives we lead." Marcus spoke, wisely. "But until then, we will continue to explore the depths of our connection right here." Caius added, his voice firm yet inviting. I nodded thoughtfully, feeling a mixture of excitement and gratitude. "I can't wait to experience that. It sounds like a completely different world and I'm eager to see it with you all." I replied.

The sun filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting golden rays that danced across the lush greenery. I experienced a surge of warmth, not only from the sun's rays but also from the powerful presence of the Kings beside me. I glanced over at them and my breath caught in my throat as the sunlight struck their skin. The rays illuminated their features, revealing the tiny diamonds sparkling across their bodies. It was a sight that took me completely by surprise, leaving me captivated.

"Gorgeous." I breathed, barely able to contain my awe. They turned to me, with their expressions a mix of intrigue and amusement as they caught my astonishment at their shimmering skin. The word escaped my lips before I could think twice and I immediately turned away, with a blush creeping onto my cheeks. "I'm so sorry for staring!" I blurted out, feeling embarrassed for my candid admiration.

Aro chuckled softly. "There's nothing to be ashamed of, dear Addi. It's not every day one gets to witness such beauty, even if it is our own." He reassured me, with his tone light and playful. Marcus leaned in closer, with a thoughtful smile on his face. "Beauty is subjective, but it seems our sparkling allure has caught your attention. We are flattered." He teased gently, with his voice deep and melodic.

My heart raced and I felt a mixture of flattery and awkwardness wash over me. "I mean it. I honestly can't help but find you three incredibly attractive when you sparkle like that." I admitted, with a hint of sincerity. The Kings burst into laughter, a sound so rich and harmonious that it seemed to fill the entire clearing. Caius shook his head in amusement. "Oh, Addi, you never fail to impress us with your honesty." He said. "Well, I try my best." I responded, smirking.

However, amidst the laughter and light-hearted banter, something hit me. I hesitated, with my brow furrowing slightly as a more serious thought crossed my mind. "Um, can I ask you guys something?" I ventured, as my voice tinged with uncertainty. "Of course, dear Addi. You can always ask us anything." Aro remarked. "Will I be immortal soon?" I questioned.

Aro, Marcus, and Caius exchanged knowing looks before Aro responded, "No, Addi. You will not become immortal until you are ready. It is a choice, one that requires deep consideration. We want you to embrace it fully when the time comes." He spoke with a calm assurance, wanting to gently ease my concerns. Marcus nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "It's not something to rush into. It's a profound transformation, and we respect your journey toward it." He added.

Yet, I could tell that the Kings were aware something was bothering me and they were right. "Addi, is there something on your mind?" Marcus asked, his voice softening as he leaned closer to me. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Being immortal sounds wonderful," I began, with my voice steady but laced with emotion. "But...there are some things I have to give up." I hesitated, with my gaze drifting to the ground. "There's one thing in particular that I want in my life that I might have to give up." I added.

The Kings leaned in, as their curiosity piqued. "What is it, Addi?" Caius inquired gently, as his tone was encouraging me to share. I thought about it for a moment, grappling with the weight of my desire. Finally, I looked up, meeting their compassionate gazes. "To have a child of my own." I answered.

Afterwards, Aro, Marcus, and Caius' expressions shifted to surprise. Aro blinked as he was taken aback by my admission. "A child? You wish to become a mother?" He questioned, while his voice was soft yet filled with astonishment as his curiosity was palpable, with the usual playfulness in his demeanor replaced by a serious contemplation. "Yes. I've always imagined myself with a family when I got older. I never wanted my children to go through what I did with my father. I wish to give them a life filled with love and safety." I spoke, my voice growing stronger even as a rush of vulnerability washed over me while the memories of my past pressed heavily on my mind.

"But now that I know I am destined to be mated with you three, I feel like I have to let go of that dream." I paused, with my heart aching, as my thoughts were drifting to my adoptive sister, Rosalie, who had always longed for a child of her own but couldn't have one due to her vampire nature. "I'm beginning to feel the same way Rosalie does. She has always wanted a child, but she can't because of what she is...and I fear I'll feel that same loss when I become immortal." I finished, as my gaze drifted downward.

I could feel the Kings exchanging glances, mixture of shock and concern. It was clear they were taken aback by the depth of my emotions and the weight of my dreams. Aro, always the first to respond, stepped closer to me. "Addi, your desire to be a mother is beautiful." He said, with his voice gentle yet firm. Hearing him say that struck a chord within me; it felt like he truly understood the longing I held deep in my heart. "It speaks to the incredible person you are. You would make a wonderful, loving mother if the circumstances allowed." He remarked, and I felt warmth spread through me at his words. His acknowledgment made my heart ache with both hope and sadness.

Caius, moved by my vulnerability, instinctively rubbed my back in a comforting gesture. "It pains us to think of you feeling this way, darling. We understand that once you become immortal, the possibility of having a child of your own will be taken from you. But please know that your dreams are still valid." He spoke, softly, as his words were steady, filled with a warmth that aimed to ease my heartache. Marcus wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a gentle embrace. "You have so much love to give, Addi. You don't have to give up on your dreams entirely. We are here for you and we will find a way to build a life together that brings you joy." He whispered and pressed a soft kiss on the top of my head.

Feeling the energy of their affection, my heart began to soften. The Kings' sweet words and gestures made me feel valued and understood. "Thank you, guys. I'm grateful that you're here with me." I murmured, as my voice trembled with emotion. I slightly moved away from Marcus' embrace, took a deep breath, feeling more at ease. "I know I might not be able to have a child of my own, but with all of you, I can still create a family filled with love." I said. Aro smiled warmly and replied, "We would love that immensely, Addi." Marcus nodded in agreement, adding, "Your vision of family is beautiful and we wholeheartedly support it." Caius stepped closer, saying, "We would cherish the opportunity to create a loving family together." As I remained in Marcus' embrace, Aro and Caius joined in, wrapping their arms around me, surrounded by the love and support of my mates.

Soon, they released me from their embrace and I noticed the sun beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow within the sky, which meant that dusk would arrive very soon. "We should probably head back." I said, glancing at the beginning of the fading light. Aro smirked, playfully. "Are you under Carlisle's curfew, Addi?" He teased, raising an eyebrow. I laughed mockingly, shaking my head. "Please, I'm Carlisle's adopted human daughter. Can you imagine what he would say if he found out I was out too long with my three mates?" I asked playfully, grinning as mischief sparkled in my eyes.

Marcus and Caius exchanged amused glances, both of them clearly enjoying my banter. "I can hear him now. 'Addi, you must be home before the sun sets! I cannot have you gallivanting with these ruffians!'" Caius chimed in, feigning a serious tone. I giggled, but then my expression turned serious. "All jokes aside, I just don't want to walk back in the dark." The Kings nodded in understanding. They were acutely aware of the dangers that lurked in the shadows, even if they themselves were not vulnerable. "Of course, Addi. Let's get you back safely." Marcus said, gently.

The Kings stepped back to give me room to maneuver off the boulder. "Be careful." Aro advised, watching intently as I prepared to descend. However, as I swung my leg down, my shoe caught on a patch of wet moss that had formed on the side of the boulder. In an instant, I lost her footing, slipping off the edge with a startled yell. "Ah!" I exclaimed as I tumbled to the ground, landing with a thud. "Addi!" The Kings exclaimed in unison, with their voices laced with concern as they rushed to my side. They knelt beside me, as their expressions were a mix of alarm and urgency.

"Are you okay?" Aro asked, his voice low and soothing as he gently helped me sit up. I groaned softly, trying to assess my condition. "I'm alright." I replied, calmly, though the tremor in my voice betrayed me. But just as I spoke, a sharp pain shot through my leg, causing me to wince. I instinctively looked down to see a gash on my knee, with blood seeping from the wound and pooling on my skin.

As my gaze fell upon the bloody gash on my knee, a wave of shock washed over me, rendering me momentarily speechless. The bright red blood stood out sharply against my pale skin and I instinctively felt a surge of fear. In that moment, my eyes widened in panic and I let out a trembling whimper as I looked up at the Kings, with my heart racing with dread. I felt vulnerable and terrified, worried that the sight of my blood might awaken their primal cravings for human blood.

"Shh, it's okay, Addi." Aro said gently, with his voice a soothing balm against my rising panic. He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, providing a steady presence. Caius leaned closer, as his eyes were locked on mine. "Please, calm down, darling. We won't harm you. You're our mate." He reiterated, with his tone firm yet tender, hoping to dispel the fear that clung to me. Marcus, with his brow furrowed with concern, added, "We would never have any intention to drink your blood. It's a part of who you are and we cherish you too much for that."

As I heard the their reassuring words, I felt the fear begin to melt away and I stopped whimpering as I calmed down. The panic in her wide eyes faded, replaced by a sense of relief as I realized they truly had no intention of drinking my blood since I'm their mate. "I'm grateful for your honesty; it truly reassures me to know that the three of you wouldn't harm me, even with your vampiric nature." I replied. "Of course, mio cara. No matter what, as our mate, we will do whatever we can to keep you safe." Aro said.

Marcus took the lead as he examined the gash on my knee until he suggested, "Let's get Carlisle to take a look at it. He's the best at treating injuries like this." I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me, appreciating their genuine concern for my well-being. I nodded appreciatively, grateful for their protective instincts despite the throbbing pain. I tried to shift my weight, but a fresh wave of discomfort shot through me, causing me to wince.

Just as I was about to speak again, I looked up, and my blue eyes widened in alarm and horror. "Oh, no." I muttered, with my heart sinking as dread filled me. The Kings exchanged confused glances, momentarily unsure of what had caused my sudden shift in demeanor. Following my gaze, they turned to see what had captured my attention.

At the top of a nearby cliff stood Jacob, his broad figure silhouetted against the fading light of the sunset. His expression was one of fury and his eyes were locked onto the scene below him with fierce intensity. As a werewolf and a fierce protector of those he cared about, he had a heightened sense of awareness. He instinctively sensed the presence of the Aro, Marcus, and Caius, recognizing them as vampires. To him, their proximity to me and the sight of my bloodied knee painted a troubling picture. In his mind, it appeared as though they were harming me and his protective instincts kicked in at full throttle.

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