You see, my mind takes me far, but my heart dreams of return

CHAPTER SEVEN©

Caius | Mania

As I climbed through the window and into Mania's bedroom, I couldn't help but be struck by the similarities between this room and my own back in Italy.

The deep blood-red walls, the light beige trimmings - it was almost as if she had taken a page out of my design book.

The large four-poster bed in the center of the room, draped in a matching crimson comforter, was a particularly familiar touch. I had to admit, the girl certainly had good taste.

Of course, I suppose that shouldn't have been all that surprising, given our bond.

Emmett had been right - Edward did seem to make a habit of sneaking into his human paramour's bedroom, so why shouldn't I try the same with Mania?

We were both immortal beings, drawn to the allure of the mortal world, after all. And Mania, for all her protestations, was undeniably mine.

I could feel the pull between us, the invisible threads that tied our fates together.

No matter how much she might try to push me away, I knew in the end she would come around. We were destined to be a family, whether she liked it or not.

As I took in the luxurious surroundings, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. "I guess we're more alike than we care to admit," I murmured, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

It was true, though - for all our differences, Mania and I were kindred spirits in many ways. Of course, Mania didn't seem to share my amusement.

The sound of the bathroom door opening behind me made me spin around, and there she was, emerging with a towel wrapped tightly around her body, her eyes narrowed in a fierce glare.

"What the hell are you doing in my cramped apartment? Matter of fact, in my house, Caius?" she demanded, her voice dripping with venom.

"This isn't a cramped apartment, Mania," I said, confused.

She rolled her eyes. "Why are you here?" she asked.

I couldn't help but smirk. "Mania, you can't keep me away forever," I replied, my tone infuriatingly casual.

"Yes, I can. I can kill you," she shot back, her fingers twitching as if she was already planning my demise.

"Oh, please," I scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "If you wanted me dead, you would have killed me the first day we met. You love me, and we're going to be a family, so stop being a bitch."

The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them, and I instantly regretted them as Mania's eyes widened in fury.

"Did you just call me a bitch?" she hissed, her hand darting out to grab something off the dresser - a hairbrush, by the looks of it - and hurling it at my head.

I dodged it easily, of course. "You're acting like one," I retorted, my own temper flaring.

"I hate you!" Mania cried, her voice cracking with emotion as she continued her barrage of projectiles.

"Of course, you do," I sighed, easily sidestepping each attack. Really, this was getting rather tiresome. Couldn't the girl see that I was only here because I cared for her? Couldn't she understand that our bond was stronger than her petty tantrums?

"Cara mia, please calm down," I tried, using the endearment I knew she secretly craved, even if she would never admit it.

"Don't 'cara mia' me, Caius," she snapped, her eyes flashing with fury.

"Why must you be like this?" I asked, genuinely perplexed. Couldn't she see that I only wanted what was best for us?

"Why must you be such a fool?" she retorted, the insult stinging more than I cared to admit.

"Just get dressed and come downstairs," I said, finally conceding defeat.

There was no reasoning with her when she was in this state, and I knew it was best to give her some space to cool off. Maybe then she would be more amenable to listening to reason.

With a huff, I turned and made my way out of the room, leaving Mania to her own devices. As I descended the stairs, I couldn't help but shake my head in frustration.

That girl was going to be the death of me, I just knew it. But still, I couldn't deny the pull I felt towards her, the undeniable connection that bound us together.

Perhaps it was my own fault, in a way. I had been the one to seek her out, to claim her as mine. I had pursued her relentlessly, drawn to the fire and passion that burned within her.

And now, I was reaping the consequences of my own actions. Mania was a force to be reckoned with, a hurricane of emotion and defiance that threatened to sweep me away at any moment.

But I wouldn't give up. I couldn't. Mania was mine, and I was hers, whether she liked it or not. We were two halves of the same whole, two sides of the same coin. And I would do whatever it took to make her see that.

As I paced the length of the living room, my mind raced, trying to come up with a plan. Mania was stubborn, that much was certain, but I knew there had to be a way to break through her defenses.

Perhaps I could appeal to her sense of reason, or tap into the deeper emotions that I knew she tried so hard to hide.

Or maybe I just needed to be more persistent. Mania might try to push me away, but I was nothing if not relentless. I would wear her down, bit by bit, until she had no choice but to surrender to the inevitable.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked up to see Mania descending, now fully dressed in a simple tank top and jeans.

Her face was set in a hard, unyielding expression, but I could see the underlying tension in her posture, the way her fingers twitched nervously at her sides.

"So, what do you want, Caius?" she asked, her tone clipped and guarded.

I couldn't help but smile, sensing an opening. "I want you, Mania," I replied, my voice low and sincere. "I want us to be a family, to build a life together. I know you feel it too, the bond between us. We're meant for each other, cara mia."

Mania's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought she might lash out again. But then, something shifted in her expression, a flicker of vulnerability that she couldn't quite hide.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, her bravado faltering.

"Don't deny it, Mania," I murmured, taking a step closer to her. "I can see it in your eyes, feel it in the way your heart races when I'm near. You may try to push me away, but deep down, you know the truth. We belong together."

Mania opened her mouth, as if to protest, but the words seemed to die on her lips. Instead, she stood there, her gaze locked with mine, the tension palpable between us.

In that moment, I knew I had her. Mania might try to fight it, might rail against the inevitability of our connection, but I could see the cracks in her armor. She was wavering, her resolve starting to crumble, and I was determined to seize this opportunity.

Slowly, I reached out and took her hand, marveling at the way her fingers trembled in my grasp. "Let me in, Mania," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. "Let me show you what we can be, together."

For a long, breathless moment, Mania remained silent, her eyes searching mine. And then, finally, I saw the walls begin to fall, the defiance in her gaze giving way to something softer, more vulnerable.

"Caius..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

And in that single word, I heard the beginnings of surrender. The battle was far from over, but I knew, in that moment, that I had won.

Mania | Caius

As I entered the kitchen, the familiar aroma of sizzling eggs and sausage immediately wafted through the air, piquing my senses.

I watched intently as Caius, my immortal vampire companion, carefully placed a plate on the table, his movements graceful and deliberate.

There was a softness in his expression that I rarely saw, a tenderness that seemed to emanate from him as he gestured towards the chair, beckoning me to join him.

"Come, Mania," he said, his voice low and soothing. "You and the baby need to eat." The mention of the child growing within me sent a flutter of anticipation through my heart.

This was a new and uncharted territory for both of us, a responsibility that we had never imagined ourselves taking on, yet here we were, facing it head-on.

I made my way to the table, my steps a bit unsteady as the weight of the child I carried altered my balance.

Caius, ever the attentive partner, pulled out the chair for me, ensuring that I could sit comfortably.

As I settled into the seat, my gaze was immediately drawn to the plate before me – a veritable feast of culinary delights.

Scrambled eggs, their golden hue flecked with vibrant specks of green and red from the peppers and onions, were artfully arranged on the ceramic surface.

The aroma of the sautéed mushrooms wafted up, mingling with the savory scent of the sausage and the sweet fragrance of the freshly sliced strawberries.

Beside the plate, a glass of vibrant orange juice stood, its surface glistening invitingly.

"I didn't know you could cook," I remarked, my eyes widening in surprise.

Caius, the ancient vampire who had once struck fear into the hearts of his enemies, was now standing before me, having taken on the role of a nurturing caretaker.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he settled into the chair opposite me. "I didn't," he admitted, a hint of sheepishness in his tone. "Your brother, Seth – that annoying kid – gave me a cookbook and said I must learn to feed you. So, I've been studying it since."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image of Caius, the fearsome Volturi leader, poring over the pages of a cookbook, determined to master the culinary arts for my sake.

It was a far cry from the ruthless vampire I had once known, and the realization that he was willing to put in the effort to ensure my well-being and that of our child warmed my heart.

"Thanks, I guess," I said, my voice laced with a touch of amusement and gratitude.

"No problem," he replied, his gaze fixed on me as I began to eat.

As I savored the first bite of the expertly prepared meal, the flavors exploded on my tongue, a testament to Caius' diligence and dedication.

The fluffy eggs, the subtle sweetness of the peppers, the earthy mushrooms, and the juicy sausage all combined to create a harmonious symphony of taste.

The freshly squeezed orange juice, cool and refreshing, provided the perfect accompaniment to the hearty breakfast.

Throughout my meal, Caius watched me intently, his crimson eyes – once a vivid testament to his vampiric nature – now a softer shade, a subtle indication of the changes he had undergone. I couldn't help but notice the shift, the subtle transformation that had taken place within him.

"Caius, your eyes," I remarked, my curiosity piqued. "It's a different shade."

He nodded, a hint of pride in his expression. "I've been feeding on animal blood since I can't really hunt humans around here," he explained, his voice low and measured.

The revelation caught me off guard, for Caius had always been unapologetic about his predatory nature, embracing his vampiric identity without hesitation.

Yet, here he was, making conscious choices to adapt his feeding habits to better suit our newfound circumstances.

"Caius, are you okay?" I asked, concern lacing my words. "Why are you really here?"

He leaned forward, his gaze unwavering as he met my eyes. "Cara mia, I'm wonderful, and I'm here to help you raise our child," he replied, his tone sincere and earnest.

His words, however, gave me pause. This was not the Caius I had known – the ruthless, calculating vampire who had once struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. This was a different man, one who seemed to have undergone a profound transformation, his priorities shifting to accommodate the life we had created together.

"It just doesn't seem like you," I admitted, my brow furrowed in contemplation.

Caius reached across the table, his cool fingers gently enveloping my hand. "A child changes a man, cara mia," he said, his voice soft and tender. "When I first learned of your pregnancy, I was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions – fear, uncertainty, but also a deep sense of wonder and responsibility. This child, our child, has become the most precious thing in my existence."

His words resonated within me, and I could see the sincerity shining in his eyes. The Caius I had known was still there, but he had been tempered by the weight of this new responsibility, his priorities realigned to focus on the well-being of our family.

"Right," I murmured, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions – relief, gratitude, and a newfound respect for the man before me.

As I continued to eat, Caius remained by my side, his gaze never wavering. He seemed content to simply watch over me, ensuring that I was nourished and cared for. It was a stark contrast to the aloof and distant vampire I had once known, and I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation that had taken place.

The meal passed in a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the occasional exchange of glances and the soft clink of utensils against the plate. I savored every bite, my body and mind nourished by the sustenance Caius had so lovingly prepared.

Once the last morsel had been consumed, Caius rose from his seat and moved to my side. Gently, he placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch feather-light.

"How are you feeling, cara mia?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

I considered his question for a moment, taking stock of my physical and emotional state. "I'm doing well," I replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "The baby and I are both healthy."

Caius nodded, his expression softening. "Good," he said, his hand moving to gently caress my abdomen. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that you and our child are safe and cared for."

Mania | Caius

I clutched Mania tightly as I carried her into the Cullens' house, her body thrashing against mine as she yelled "Let me go!"

I could feel the tension radiating off of her, her muscles coiled and ready to spring. I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I had to get her to Carlisle - for her own good, whether she liked it or not.

As we entered, Esme approached with a concerned look on her face. "What's going on?" she asked.

"I've brought Mania here so Carlisle can give her a check-up," I explained, struggling to maintain my grip on the squirming woman in my arms.

"Against my will. I don't need a check-up. I already had one," Mania spat, her brown eyes narrowed in defiance.

"I would like to hear it from a professional and not you," I retorted, unwavering.

Mania was always so stubborn, so resistant to anything she perceived as a threat to her independence. But this was for her own good - the good of both her and the child she carried.

"I swear to God!" Mania cried, twisting violently in an attempt to break free. She lunged towards me, mouth open, and I quickly pulled my arm away, narrowly avoiding her teeth. "You're childish," I said, shaking my head in exasperation.

Reneesme approached, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Were you really going to bite him?" she asked Mania.

"Yes, now Caius give me back your arm, I want to see something," Mania replied, her tone almost nonchalant.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern - Mania had always been unpredictable, but the prospect of her biting me was unsettling.

"Mania, your bite cannot affect me," I reminded her, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"We won't know until we try because when I bit what's his face, he screamed and burst into flames," Mania said, a twisted smile playing on her lips. The casual way she spoke of biting and killing another vampire sent a chill down my spine.

"Who did you bite?" I asked, shocked. I couldn't believe what I was hearing - Mania, my Mania, had killed another vampire? This was unprecedented, unheard of.

"I don't remember his name but he was in Italy and kept saying I was special and I just bit him to get away from him but it was fun watching him scream and beg me to stop," Mania answered, her eyes gleaming with a disturbing sense of satisfaction.

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "You two are so alike," she muttered, a hint of disdain in her voice.

Alice's brow furrowed in concern. "Does this mean Mania has venom?" she asked.

I felt my heart sink at the implications. "Can that affect the baby?" I asked, the worry evident in my voice.

"No dummy, that just means the baby will have a combined venom that could kill a vampire and wolves or transform a human," Mania replied matter-of-factly.

I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at her words. "My child is a God," I said, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

But Mania's expression quickly turned dark. "No, Caius, my child will not be used as a weapon against your enemies. I will kill you before you can blink if you use my child to gain power," she growled, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

"I would never use my child in that way!" I shouted, taken aback by her vehement reaction. How could she think I would ever do such a thing?

"Oh, really so why are you here? I know you're not here to be a good father. There's nothing good in you, Caius," Mania yelled, her voice dripping with venom.

I felt a surge of anger at her words. "You didn't seem to care when we were having sex!" I exclaimed, the memory of our passionate encounters flooding my mind.

"You caught me when I was weak! You took advantage of me! I hate you!" Mania shouted, her face contorted with rage.

"Advantage? If anything you took advantage of me," I retorted, unwilling to back down.

"You ass!" Mania growled, her hand snapping out to grasp my wrist in a vice-like grip.

I felt the bones shift and crack under her fingers, and I stumbled backward, cradling my broken wrist.

Mania chuckled, a twisted smile spreading across her face as she watched me. "Why did you do that?" I growled, the pain radiating through my arm.

Mania rolled her eyes, and suddenly, I was transfixed by the sight of glowing orange tribal markings appearing on her skin, crawling up her arms and neck. Her brown eyes shifted to the same fiery hue, and I swore I could see the hint of fangs protruding from her lips.

"Mania, cara mia, calm down," I said, my voice soft and soothing, despite the turmoil raging within me. I had never seen her like this, her power and ferocity on full display.

Carlisle stepped forward, his brow furrowed in concern. "Mania, what's going on? Why is she glowing?" he asked, his gaze shifting between Mania and me.

Mania's eyes narrowed, and she let out a low, rumbling growl. "You're testing my patience with you, Caius," she said, her voice laced with a primal, animalistic edge.

Emmett chimed in, his tone laced with a hint of humor, "Okay, let's see, what to do to calm the glowing werewolf?"

Bella's response was immediate. "The baby," she said, her voice calm and steady.

Esme moved to stand in front of me, her expression maternal and soothing. "Yes, Mania, think about the baby," she said gently.

Mania's eyes flashed, the glowing orange fading as she snapped them shut. When she opened them again, her brown irises had returned, and the tribal markings had disappeared from her skin.

"I'm leaving, and Caius, stay away from me and my child," Mania said, her voice cold and detached as she headed for the door.

I watched her go, a sense of helplessness and frustration welling up inside me. Why did everything have to be so complicated with her?

Edward's voice broke the silence. "Caius, is there something that you want to tell us about Mania?" he asked, his gaze piercing and unrelenting.

I sighed, running my uninjured hand through my hair. "Yeah, don't piss her off or else you're all dead," I answered, the weight of my words settling heavily in the air.

The Cullens exchanged uneasy glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

Mania was a force to be reckoned with, a wild and unpredictable power that I had somehow managed to unleash.

And now, as the father of her child, I found myself caught in the middle of this delicate, volatile situation.

I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets Mania was hiding, what other abilities she possessed that could put us all at risk.

The thought of her biting and killing another vampire was unsettling, a stark reminder of the danger she posed.

And the idea of our child inheriting such a potent combination of venom - one that could potentially kill even the strongest of our kind - was both awe-inspiring and deeply concerning.

As I stood there, cradling my broken wrist, I knew that I had to tread carefully, that I had to find a way to navigate this treacherous path without pushing Mania too far.

Her anger and resentment towards me was evident, and I couldn't blame her. I had taken advantage of her, used her for my own selfish desires, and now I was faced with the consequences of my actions.

But this child, this child that we had created together, was more than just a means to an end. It was a life, a precious being that deserved to be protected and nurtured, regardless of the circumstances of its conception.

And I vowed, in that moment, that I would do whatever it took to keep both Mania and our child safe, even if it meant putting aside my own desires and ambitions.