Nora's POV

"Absolutely not! I will not allow it!"

I groaned, as did Marcus at Caius's scathing words. He was raging, pacing around Aro's office and nearly burning a hole in the floor with his expensive leather shoes.

"For fuck's sake! I told you this would be his reaction." I murmured angrily in Marcus's ear, whose response was simply to shrug and pull me tighter into his side, his hand that had been hanging loosely around my waist not so secretly wandering to brush against my thigh. After our um...rather exciting morning, it had taken me a while to be coaxed from my bed. I had no idea such activities made you so exhausted but I can definitely say it was worth it. More than worth it.

Anyway, Marcus had eventually convinced me that we needed to tell Aro and Caius about my going back to the States, something I was reluctant to do. It was no secret Caius was kind of a...drama queen, but I had still hoped due to his age, he'd be at least a little levelheaded.

I had been dead wrong.

I rolled my eyes, throwing my head back to rest on the back of the couch as he continued his little rant. "You are safer here with us! Why would you ever want to leave, especially to go back to that dingy little town where those disgusting vegetarian abominations reside. You could have anything you could ever want here, anything. I'd buy you all the clothes you could need, all of the jewels in the world, an island to name after yourself–hell, even the whole of Italy if you wished it! There is no reason for you to go!"

Growing fed up, I stood to my feet to intercept his aggravating pacing, pressing a firm hand against his chest. "Let's get some things straight here. One: I am not some object or prize that you can keep or hide away for eternity. Two, I don't want any of that! What I do want is to see my father."

He simply scoffed like that was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard, placing challenging eyes upon me as if he was daring me to go against him. well, I won't dissapoint then. "Oh, don't give me that look! This is all really rather simple Caius, or is your head so far up your own ass that you need me to spell it out for you? You do not control me!"

The room was filled with stony silence, both Marcus and Caius gaping at me in disbelief for what I had just said, but I wasn't ashamed–I would never let a man think he can do what he wanted with me ever again.

That silence that was just teetering along being uncomfortable was broken by familiar laughter.

All three of us turned to face the doorway, Aro leant against the frame with his hands shoved in the pockets of his trousers. "Oh my." He sighed, eyes sparkling with mirth. "Such fire, Nora. I would tread carefully brother, or it will be you who she throws books at next."

"Ha ha." I deadpanned with an unimpressed face. "Very funny, Aro."

With a surreptitious smile he moved to enter the room, flitting to stand in front of me. "Well, I do try."

He raised his hand, sighing lightly as he moved to brush my hair away from my face, his other hand falling to my waist. His devoted and calm expression quickly vanished as my hair fell over my shoulder and I was startled when he grasped my face in both of his hands to tilt my head back, his eyes quickly misting over as he read my thoughts and stared so intently at a certain spot on my neck it felt like I could feel his gaze burning my skin.

It was only when his misty eyes darkened and his mouth fell open in shock did I realise what was happening, what he was seeing. He had also noticed the large red and purple bruises on my neck that refused to be covered, no matter how much make–up I used. In record time my face turned tomato red and I was quick to stumble from his hold, avoiding his hands as they tried to follow me."Oh, fucking hell!"

Lady luck was not on my side today, or at least she wasn't anymore. His eyes were now wide with shock and his stare flashed from me, to Marcus and then to me and back to Marcus like he was some sort of glitching robot.

"Well well..." He unfroze, his lips pulled into a half jealous half entertained smile, jaw clenching as he bit the words out."You two have certainly been busy this morning."

Just as I suspected, his goading words provoked a reaction from Caius. Face palming, I looked at the ground wishing it would just swallow me whole. "Why me? Why?" I moaned in despair, glaring heatedly when Aro simply sniggered at my misery.

"What do you mean, Aro? I tire of your mockery, speak the truth." Caius demanded. From his tone it was clear he'd picked up on the not very subtle hidden meaning of Aro's words.

With a snide giggle, Aro simply waved his hand at Marcus and I and floated to be behind his desk, though in my mind I knew that would give him no protection from my wrath if he kept pushing me. "Ask the blushing lovers, dear brother."

I turned my head to look back at Caius and managed to find a bit of humor in this otherwise mortifying situation. He was pouting. Like a fucking five year old. Though his eyes too widened and his jaw dropped comically when his eyes found what had stirred his brother's interest.

"You had sex?!" That humor was washed away by his brash and blunt words.

Blushing an embarrassing shade of red now, I was quick to clarify. "No! I–we didn't!" He continued to frown indignantly and Aro, the conniving little asshole that he was, just had to make it worse.

"That's not entirely true." He smirked, leaning back in his chair and clasping his hands, looking every bit like the stereotypical villain rubbing his hands together as he schemed.

"Wha–I–" I was floundering now, so uncomfortable I was considering jumping out the open window. "It wasn't sex."

Caius rose a sceptical snowy brow, trying to look relaxed by stuffing his clenched hands in his pockets but his bitter curiosity was reflected in his eyes. "Well..." He prompted when I simply stood and twisted my hands together under his expectant stare. "What happened then?"

"It wasn't sex." I repeated dumbly.

Marcus, who I hoped was finally deciding to save me from this horrible interrogation, decided to speak up. "It was oral sex, brother." Or so I had thought. Kill me now.

"Marcus!" I cried in horror, rounding on him and frowning at his teasing grin. "Why?! Why would you–"

He simply smiled fondly and grasped my hand in his. "Relax, dolcezza. They'd have found out eventually, it's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"It is when you're all teasing me for it." I grumbled, pulling my hand away stroppily and plonking myself on the couch, content to face the window and ignore them.

My vengeful plans were foiled when Caius appeared, now knelt in front of me. "Marcus is right, carissima. You mustn't feel ashamed for what is natural and bound to happen."

He brushed my hair behind my ear, cupping the side of my face. His comforting smile that had begun to melt my icy exterior was suddenly full of mischief that had me leaning back from him, searching my mind for why he could be looking at me like that.

"In saying that," He started, leaning to whisper to me though there was really no use since both Aro and Marcus would still hear him."Non vedo l'ora di assaggiarti io stesso, mia dolce."

I had no idea what he had said, though I'm going to assume from the expressions on both Marcus and Aro's faces that it was somewhat scandalous–scratch somewhat, it was clearly very scandalous. Damn, I really need to learn Italian.

"Right..." I laughed awkwardly, patting him on the cheek. "Back at ya."

With an amused smile, he stood to his feet and crossed his arms looking way too proud of himself. I barely heard what he said as he walked away, though what I could make out left me confused. "Let us hope so."

I pulled a face at Marcus, but he simply waved away my concerns looking like it was taking all his power not to laugh.

"Anyway," I stressed, eager to move on from the embarrassing subject of my bedroom activities. "What do you think, Aro? I'm assuming you heard the conversation?"

He hummed, dragged from his thoughts and his...staring at the wall. I noticed he often zoned out and stared into space, something we shared in common. "Yes, I heard." He clarified, swivelling his chair to face us all. "I think it's a fine plan, amore."

I smiled at the fact he had agreed with me, though it dimmed as he lifted his hand to interrupt my thoughts."However, I must insist that we all come with you."

While I wouldn't have minded them all coming with me, I just didn't see how it was going to work or why it was really necessary. It was Forks, not the fiery plains of hell–at least if that was the case I would have understood their reaction. "A–all of you? Why?"

"Hmm, let's see." Caius started, his angry tone and annoying pacing back full force. I just had to ask, didn't I?

"Maybe because the Cullens have taken up residence there? Their flawed lifestyle has left them weak and pathetic. Do you think they would be able to protect you sufficiently should something happen? I think not. To add another point, our dear Carlisle seems to have picked some very questionable children, who lie and scheme and have probably tried to find some way to avoid or alter our ruling regarding your sister."

I blinked, sort of...unable to fight against his reasoning. From what I knew of the Cullen's they were kind of exactly as he described. Though I probably wouldn't have worded it quite as harshly, unless Edward was the target. He deserved to be brought down a few pegs.

"So while I am going there to protect you, carissima, it will also be a very convenient way to check in with those...filth, to see firsthand how your dear sister's change is progressing." His attitude about it all was hot, to put it bluntly. When he was all stern and commanding like that it really did something to me and I cleared my throat to rid myself of the many scenarios I was imagining in my head. I'd never hear the end of it if he knew what I'd just been imagining.

Aro clapped his hands and stood from his chair. "An excellent point, brother! It is decided then. We will leave in two days." Giving none of us time to speak, he turned quickly in the direction of the door. "Felix!"

The imposing guard appeared so suddenly he made me jump. I had no doubt, if the little twitch of his lips was anything to go by, that he had done it on purpose. "My Kings, my Queen." He bowed deeply before standing straight and awaiting his orders.

"Have the private jet prepared to fly to...um..." Aro seemed endearingly confused at where he was actually flying to, tilting his head questioningly at me.

"Seattle." I input, laughing quietly to myself as he nodded with a blinding grin.

"Yes, Seattle! Thank you, darling. Have the jet ready for us in two days. I expect you to know the rest of your duties?" His tone changed from delightfully cheerful to commanding and forceful in what felt like a millisecond–the duality of this man was mind numbing.

When the guard nodded, Caius spoke this time and sneered in Felix's general direction like he was dirt on his shoe. "Well? Get out then." He all but barked.

As much as I didn't particularly enjoy Felix's company or his overall existence, Caius could be far too harsh on his guard. When the giant of a man left I told him as much. "Do you have to talk to them like that?"

He had the audacity to look puzzled, sharing a strange look with his brothers. Either he really didn't realise how he spoke to people or he just didn't care. "What do you mean, amore?"

Even Marcus and Aro seemed interested in what I had to say.

Scratching my neck, feeling awkward now, I spit out what I was trying to say. "I don't know...like–like they're not people?"

He seemed to consider my point thoroughly before responding. "They are below us, carissima. We are royalty, they are our guard. It is their role to serve us and to respect us."

"And you think fear commands the most respect?"

He smirked, eyes shining with something I couldn't decipher but sent a cold chill down my spine. "Better than anything else in this world."

I took quite a bit of pride wiping that self righteous smirk off his face. "...I think you're wrong." Those cold eyes turned calculated; he sat and leant back against the sofa, gesturing for me to continue.

"If you only earn respect from fear, then it is easily taken from you, easy to crumble. People are much more likely to follow someone they know respects them and values them in return, someone they feel they can rely on above all else. Have you ever relied on those you have feared? Put your unwavering trust in those you have feared?"

They all stared at me, mouths agape. The way Aro especially was looking at me made me turn a bright pink. His eyes had taken on a different light since he had seen what had happened this morning and I...couldn't say I wasn't enjoying it, there was almost a promise in them, a silent guarantee of what was to come later. Screw the bastard, he's going to see this and know how much this is turning me on.

When they recovered from their shock, Caius's eyes held a proud gleam along with something much more...passionate. He stood, taking long strides to reach me and when he did, he took my lips in a searing kiss, bending over me to part my legs and lean his knee between them so he was hovering over my sitting form on the couch. "Sei davvero una creatura squisita, gattina." He whispered huskily against my lips before pulling away, his face staying milimetres from mine so he could place sweet kisses along my warm, rosy cheeks.

"Such wise words, my darling." Aro interrupted, causing Caius to groan and pull away to send him an angry glower. "We truly are blessed for you to be ours."

His words caused me to flush an even deeper pink. I was never going to get used to the praise they showered upon me. A knock was heard on the door and I couldn't help but be relieved, sometimes I had no idea how to handle their attention on me.

I jumped from the sofa at the opportunity for distraction, patting Caius on the arm as he pouted once more. "Come in."

Jane entered, bowing respectfully to us all and sending me a happy grin when she noticed me in the room. So cute.

"Sorry for the interruption, my Kings but the Brazilian coven is here. Ademir is growing quite restless."

Marcus scoffed to himself. "What else is to be expected from him, always so impatient. Let them know we will be right there."

Nodding, she sweeped into one last deep bow before disappearing.

"Forgive us for having to leave you, my love." Marcus flashed in front of me, lifting my hand and placing a delicate kiss on the back.

When he stepped back, Caius eagerly took his place but instead placed a rough kiss on my lips. "Continueremo questo più tardi." I again had no idea what he had said, but his hooded eyes let me know it was nowhere near innocent.

Aro was last, taking my face in his hands and pecking me lightly on the lips. His smirk when he pulled away told me he had seen what I predicted he would. Smug bastard.

"That I am my darling, but only for you." He whispered, kissing the crown of my head and heading towards the doors to join his brothers.

I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes. "Go on, get out of here. I'll see you later." They made to leave before I remembered something. "Oh—wait!"

Caius grinned, gesturing for me to continue. "Yes, carissima?"

"Can you have Jane swap with Felix? I need to talk to her."

They nodded and Caius even blew me a kiss as they began to leave. "Fino a dopo, Mia dolcezza." I giggled to myself, falling back onto the couch and staring up at the ceiling.

I guess I was right. Such a drama queen.

Translations

Non vedo l'ora di assaggiarti io stesso, mia dolce-I can't wait to taste you myself, my sweet.

Sei davvero una creatura squisita, gattina-You really are an exquisite creature, kitten.

Continueremo questo più tardi-We will continue this later.

Fino a dopo, Mia dolcezza-Until later, my sweetheart.