She loves deeply, regardless of the love she gets in return, and it is both her greatest strength and her biggest weakness.

CHAPTER FOUR©

Mania | Caius

As Leah entered my bedroom and sat down on the edge of my bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me.

The way she was looking at me, with that suspicious little smile playing on her lips, immediately set my nerves on edge.

I knew my sister all too well - there was always some ulterior motive lurking beneath the surface whenever she had that particular expression on her face.

"What do you want, Leah?" I asked cautiously, my eyes narrowing as I studied her intently.

I could tell she was up to something, and I was determined to get to the bottom of it before agreeing to whatever scheme she had cooked up.

"So, how are you feeling today?" she replied, that infuriating smile still firmly in place.

I let out a soft sigh, already anticipating the headache I could feel building behind my eyes.

Leah had a way of getting under my skin like no one else, and I braced myself for the inevitable battle of wills that was about to ensue.

"I'm feeling fine, why?" I answered, my tone clipped and guarded.

I wasn't about to let my guard down, not when I knew Leah was clearly up to something. She had that glint in her eye, the one that told me she was planning something, and I had a sinking feeling I wasn't going to like it.

"Oh, you know," she said airily, waving a dismissive hand. "I was just wondering if we could go shopping for baby stuff, you know - clothes, toys, that sort of thing." She paused, her smile widening. "Etcetera."

I felt my shoulders tense as the words registered. Shopping? For baby stuff? My mind raced, trying to make sense of what she was saying. Was she...? No, it couldn't be. Surely she wasn't suggesting what I thought she was.

"Leah, I don't like shopping," I said flatly, cutting her off before she could say anything else.

I knew exactly where this was going, and I had no intention of going along with it. I'd done the whole baby shopping thing before, and it was not an experience I was eager to repeat.

"Come on, Mania," Leah pressed, her tone taking on a slightly wheedling quality. "Are you really going to wait until the last minute to buy everything for the baby?" She fixed me with a pointed look, her eyebrows raised in a silent challenge.

I felt my jaw tighten as I held her gaze, unwilling to back down. "No, I am not," I said firmly, my voice brooking no argument. I had everything under control, thank you very much, and I didn't need Leah's help - or her constant interference - to get it done.

"Good," Leah said, seeming unfazed by my resistance. "Now, let's go shopping. I've never gone shopping for baby clothes before, and I want to spoil my niece."

I could feel the beginnings of a headache starting to throb at my temples as I listened to her, my frustration mounting.

Of course Leah would want to go shopping for the baby - she was always sticking her nose where it didn't belong, and this was just the latest example of her meddling.

I opened my mouth to protest, to tell her in no uncertain terms that I had no intention of going shopping with her, but before I could get the words out, she was reaching for my hand, pulling me to my feet.

"Okay, let's go," she said, her tone brooking no argument.

I found myself being dragged along in her wake, my protests dying on my lips as I realized there was no point in trying to fight her.

Leah was like a force of nature, and once she set her mind to something, there was no stopping her.

As we made our way out of the house and towards Leah's car, I couldn't help but feel a sense of resignation wash over me.

I knew this was going to be a long and exhausting day, filled with Leah's incessant chatter and her endless critiques of every item I so much as glanced at.

She would insist on buying everything in sight, no matter how impractical or unnecessary it might be, and I would be the one left to deal with the aftermath - the mountains of baby clothes and toys that would inevitably take over my already cramped apartment, referring to my master bedroom where I would mostly store everything.

But as much as I dreaded the prospect, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement deep within me. After all, this was for my baby - my little girl, who would soon be making her grand entrance into the world.

And despite Leah's overbearing nature, I knew that at the end of the day, she only wanted what was best for us. She was excited about becoming an aunt, and in her own way, she was just trying to help.

So, with a resigned sigh, I allowed Leah to lead me to the car, bracing myself for the whirlwind of activity that was sure to follow.

As we pulled out of the driveway and headed towards the nearest shopping mall, I couldn't help but wonder what adventures - and headaches - the day had in store for us.

But one thing was certain: with Leah by my side, it was sure to be an experience I would never forget.

Mania | Caius

I strode up to the Cullen residence, my footsteps purposeful and determined. I had come here with a singular mission - to find my mate, Mania, and ensure the safety of our unborn child. As

I approached the grand house, I could sense the tension in the air. The Cullens were not exactly my allies, and I knew they would likely be less than thrilled to see me. Nevertheless, I pressed on.

"Hello Caius, how can we help you?" Carlisle asked, his tone cautious yet polite. I wasted no time getting to the point.

"Where is my mate?" I demanded, my crimson eyes narrowing as I scanned the group assembled before me.

Rosalie scoffed, her perfect features twisting into a sneer. "How should we know?" she retorted.

I felt a flicker of annoyance. "Seeing how she voted to save your lives, I would assume that you all were friends," I replied, my voice dripping with disdain.

Emmett let out a booming laugh. "Umm hello, yeah she hates our guts. She only voted to save us so she wouldn't have to fight," he said, shaking his head in amusement.

I clenched my fists, my patience wearing thin. "Still, she saved you all and none of you know where she currently is. How pathetic," I spat.

Edward stepped forward, his expression guarded. "Why are you here, Caius?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

"To see my mate and unborn child," I answered simply, my gaze unwavering.

Alice's eyes suddenly went wide, and she let out a soft gasp. "It's a girl," she said, her voice tinged with wonder.

I felt a surge of pride and excitement at the news. "Really?" I asked, unable to conceal the eagerness in my voice.

Carlisle nodded solemnly. "Yes, it is, and Caius, we really don't know where she is," he said, his brow furrowed with concern.

I narrowed my eyes, a growl rumbling in my chest. "If I find out you're lying-" I began, but Jasper cut me off.

"Please, at this point we're more afraid of Mania than you, so your threats mean nothing to us, Caius," he said, his tone firm and unyielding.

I felt a twinge of both proud and offense at his words. "Is that so? Well, I'm both proud and offended by your statement," I replied, my lips curving into a sardonic smile.

Carlisle cleared his throat, his expression diplomatic. "Is there anything else we can help you with, Caius? Now that we have told you we know nothing about Mania's whereabouts," he asked.

I considered his question for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I need a place to stay until I fix my problems with Mania, so would you be kind enough to fix a spare room for me," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Esme's eyes widened in surprise. "A spare room? Where? Here? Are you staying here?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, here. Is there a problem?" I asked, my gaze challenging.

Carlisle glanced at his family, then turned back to me with a resigned sigh. "No, not at all," he said, his voice laced with reluctance.

"Good," I said, satisfied with their acquiescence.

Mania | Caius

I had had enough of the Cullens and their strange human-vampire hybrid, Reneesme, and decided to take a walk, needing some time to myself to clear my head.

As I made my way through the dense forest, a familiar scent caught my attention. It was a sweet, intoxicating aroma, stronger and more alluring than any blood I had ever encountered. Honey and vanilla - it could only belong to one person. Mania.

I came to a sudden halt, my coat swaying in the gentle breeze. Without hesitation, I began to run, following the tantalizing scent. It led me to a beautiful, two-story house on the outskirts of town, yet still close enough to the Cullen residence.

I could hear the faint sound of three heartbeats from within, and I strained my enhanced hearing to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"I swear to God! Leah, we're not painting the nursery black," Mania's voice rang out, laced with exasperation.

"It's a beautiful color!" her sister, Leah, exclaimed.

"I don't care!" Mania shot back, her frustration palpable.

"Mania, do you smell that?" Leah suddenly asked, her tone wary.

"Chocolate," Mania replied, her voice tense.

"No, it's a leech," Leah corrected, her words laced with hostility.

"I know that, but only one smells like that. Caius, you fucker! You better get away from this house before I kill you!" Mania shouted, her voice filled with venom as she threw open the window and glared down at me.

I felt a pang of hurt at her venomous words, but I refused to let it show. "My love, how can you say such a thing?" I asked, my voice tinged with feigned hurt.

"Because I hate you," she replied, her tone unyielding.

"But you hate everyone," I countered, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"I hate you the most," she spat, her eyes narrowing into slits.

"I'm willing to live with that. I've come here to help you with the baby," I said, my smile widening as I gazed up at her.

Mania's expression shifted from one of anger to one of bewilderment. "Are you okay? Why are you smiling? You look creepy," she said, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"May I enter so we can speak?" I asked, my voice soft and inviting.

"Go to hell, Caius," she replied, her tone dripping with disdain.

"I'm already in hell without you, my love," I said, my voice laced with longing.

"Fuck off!" Mania shouted, her anger once again flaring to life.

She began to hurl various objects out the window, her sister Leah eagerly handing her more ammunition. I easily dodged most of the projectiles, until Mania grabbed a stiletto and hurled it at me. The sharp heel struck me in the chest, right where my heart would have been, had I still possessed one.

"My love, you have stabbed me in the heart," I said, my voice tinged with mock anguish, even as I felt the stiletto pierce my marble skin.

Mania's response was to continue her barrage of insults and objects, her rage seemingly unquenchable. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement at her fiery temper, even as I dodged her attacks.

At that moment, I knew that winning back her affection would be no easy task, but I was determined to do whatever it took to repair the rift between us and ensure the safety of our unborn child.

This was a battle I was willing to fight, no matter the cost.