When Ends Meet (Marcus & Aro Volturi)

Chapter 4: Shotgun Promise

"Read this line." I giggle, turning my book up towards Marcus as my head lays in his lap.

His face is showing no signs of emotion as his eyes scan each word on the books page. As he comes to the end of the dialogue, a grin appears on his lips and a low chuckle leaves him. "Alexander has quite a way with words."

"Doesn't he? He is quite funny, even when not meaning to." I say, turning my book back towards me.

"Oh? And what makes you think that he hasn't the intention?" Marcus glances down at me, placing his own book down beside him.

"It may not be obvious, but you can tell by the way it is written. The context and tone set the mood." I show Marcus the page once again, tracing my finger along the text that he had just read.

"Mm, quite observant of you." Marcus chuckles again, and I just stick out my tongue; however, I immediately regret it as I have learned that Marcus has developed a bit of a habit in regard to this action. Marcus' lips connect with mine, and his tongue hungrily wrestles with my own. I have been here for nearly a month, and Marcus has been increasingly intimate with me as the days pass. At first it was just a modest and innocent kiss. Then those kisses began to lengthen and become less modest—just like now. Marcus continues his assault on my mouth, though now, I can feel his hand creeping up my shirt. His cold fingers trace shapes on the skin below my breasts, but I do not stop him.

"Marcus..." I moan into his mouth, and his thumb manages to get past my bra, with the rest of his hand then following. He tweaks at my hardened nipples and I can't help but squirm. "M-Marcus, we can't! We're in the garden!" I try to sober my mate, but he kisses me harder to silence me. I feel incredible, and I almost forget about my worries, when someone suddenly clears their throat.

"I suppose this is something that cannot be done in the bedroom?" Aro says with his arms crossed. But I couldn't even be bothered. Marcus had me in a daze, and I continued to cling desperately to him.

"Things can happen, brother." Marcus replies in an almost snappy tone. He is obviously annoyed that Aro had interrupted, but I was somewhat relieved.

"I'm sorry, Aro." I whisper, still slightly dazed.

Aro smiles brightly at me. "My dear, Anastasia...do not apologize. It is Marcus that needs to remember that there are more appropriate places for such activities." He shoots a warning stare to my mate, leaving Marcus to scoff at such a statement.

"What have you come for, Aro?" Marcus snips.

Aro chuckles half-heartedly but continues his giddy façade. "Caius is looking for you. You should not keep him waiting. I will accompany Ana if she wishes." Aro turns to me with a look of expectation, and of course I agree. Lately Aro and I have become quite close. It's strange, but I feel just as safe with him as I do Marcus.

"Our gardenias are flourishing quite well." Aro kneels down and gently caresses the white petals of the maturing flowers.

"I'm glad. They've become so healthy!" I lean down beside him. I'm admiring the fruit of our hard work, when I notice Aro staring at me. "What? Do I have something on my face?"

"Just your beauty." He replies almost automatically.

I laugh though. "And how long have you been waiting to use that one?"

"Quite some time." His lips part in a smile, but it's not like his usual vibrant or beaming grins...it seems almost wistful.

"Is...is there something bothering you?"