Unfading Joy and Sorrow Pt 1 (Volturi Kings)

Sticks and Stones

To say he was furious was an understatement. Caius had spent far to long in the box his mate had picked for him. Pain didn't bother him like it would anyone else. It was an old friend that he didn't really want to see. What really bothered him was the time slowly creeping by. Adding the lack of knowledge of what injury he caused Amarantha. Yes it was she that hit him, but it was him losing control which caused her to do so.

He didn't know how much time passed till he finally heard them. Caius only knew it was them by the sound of Amara's fluttering heartbeat and the lack of two more. Even from only being around her the short amount they have, he would be able to identify her just but sound alone. Caius heard her try to fight his brother on would be driving, except this time Aro had won by the sound of things.

He unwillingly continued to sit in the box as he waited for them to enter. When he was able to see again, Caius watched her. She even glanced at him briefly. Not much was said between them as the ride began leaving him alone to his thoughts. Despite not having his body, Caius still felt the need to be with his mate. He needed to feel her warm fleshy body against his chilled hard one. His lips thirst for hers almost as much as his beast thirst for her blood. If he could sigh, one would have escaped him with in that moment. He also felt this need to be the one to protect her. Instead he let his animalistic side control him not just once, but twice now. He was too prideful to admit it that his brothers, but not so prideful he wouldn't berate himself. Caius was an older man when turned, not some randy boy barely off his mother's teat, and living as long as he has he should have more control than this.

As he stewed in his self loathing, they came to a stop. In his peripherals he watched Marcus exit the vehicle and take their mate in his arms. Caius wanted to growl. Does Marcus think he can have her to himself? Why did they have to share a mate? They share everything else, but why her. He wanted her to himself which then made him wonder, did his brothers have these same urges as him. Did their mouths pool with venom just like his did when close to her? Did her heart beat sing to them as it did him? He knew the answers, but would not think of them.

Aro was the one to grab him from where he rested. Caius heard his snarl when he read his mind. "Brother we will discuss what plagues you shortly," Aro said while speeding them through their mates door.

The two took in the eclectic taste of their mate's interior decorating both silently judging the small space. Marcus stood by a counter with flowers in the center that looked to be new. Caius' eyes squinted, 'Which male companion was it that gave her those simplistic weeds?'

Aro set Caius on the counter next to the daisies causing more agitation to swarm within Caius. Once he regained control of his limbs the first thing he was going to do would be to rip out Aro's throat. Thinking of him he was quick to go assist Amarantha when she called leaving Marcus and him alone. Caius could only watch as Marcus studied everything within his eyesight. Caius, too, wanted to look more at what lined the walls of the box they found themselves in. He only caught a glimpse, but was the artwork on the wall behind him, hers? He would catch another glance at what littered her walls when Marcus took him into her cluttered room. He could help but be in awe at some of the paintings his vampyric eyes absorbed. He would need to have a closer look later.

'What stood in front of them now was far more important than any piece of art,' he thought as he looked at Amarantha in only a black piece of lingerie. Her creamy tattooed skin on display just for them. Caius felt his pupils dilate at her perfection. He clearly wasn't the only one affected by her as Marcus managed to get out, "I'll just put this here."

Caius was set on his body and instantly started the process of healing. The feeling was quite unpleasant, but better than not being attached at all.

"Well if that's it I'm going to bed," Amarantha spoke as if nothing else could possibly bother right now. She was about to sleep next to him as if it were a normal occurrence. Caius waited with anticipation to feel her presence next to him.

She'd only set one deliciously thick leg on the bed when she was further delayed by Aro. "Oh, yeah. Thank you," she said as she took her medication and water from Aro's outstretched hands. Caius watched as Aro took the water from her and Amarantha slowly crawled into bed next to him. Once her head hit the pillow her breathing evened out and was fast asleep. Marcus switched the light off leaving them in a moonlight darkness which did not affect their vision.

There was a pregnant pause before Aro spoke low for Amarantha to not be disturbed in her slumber. "Now Caius I believe we have much to discuss."

Aro slowly made his way over to Caius' side of the bed and sat upon its edge gracefully. "Well it will mainly be us talking," Aro motioned to Marcus, "You dear Caius will be listening and only after you've listened will I see if we continue to let your head reattach. Blink once if you understand."

Caius rolled his eyes from Aro to Marcus, seeing no way out he relented and blinked one time. "You have put our mate in danger twice now, Caius. Once with foolishly starting the mating process with her being thousands of miles away. And the second tonight when you lost control at the Cullen's of all places. You made us look weak in front of them when we are supposed to be united and strong. Has the multiple millennia of being alive taught you nothing? The research we've done together about mates just vacate your intelligent mind?"

Aro sighed, shaking his head, allowing Marcus to speak. "I had no other option, other than to remove your head Caius. You were gone to us at that moment. You were pure beast, I hope you understand why I had to protect her.

I can see a strain within our bonds as brothers over this. I know we all don't want that. I also see a beautiful tether from each of us to her though it is small right now. Amarantha might not recognize our bond just yet, but it is there. She will need all of us in time, Caius. Not just one."

"I will not speak of what I saw with in her mind," Aro began speaking with a distant expression as if rewatching everything he learned from Amara on a big screen before turning to look at her, "But I will say from what I gathered, the only threat to our bond might be the strange shifter that she works for, Luke Uley. The one you smelt on her."

Aro shifted his eyes to Caius knowing he knew whom he spoke of. "They've had an open arrangement between them for a while and she has feelings for the thing."

"The bond between them is strong, but not one of mating," it was Marcus' turn to look off into the distance. His vision clouded as the different brightly colored strands that connected them. Focusing on the thin white strand connecting him to Amarantha he began to look at her other bonds. He saw several shattered dull gray bonds to people who were once significant to her, there also was a few yellow signifying friendship, but the one he focused on was the salmon line to the man he had yet to meet. If his mate deemed him a worthy lover and friend he saw nothing wrong in that. He had a lover once upon a time. One he thought was his life until Amarantha appeared before him. Pulling out of his fogged sight, Marcus looked to his brothers. "They are only close friends and distant lovers, nothing more. If I ever meet him I'd like to thank him for keeping our mate safe for us."

"I, too, would like to thank him," Aro knowing the full depth to which Luke's has helped Amarantha.

Caius' eye twitched at the thought of her lover, but was quickly reminded that he had a wife back home. They've shared many people within their bed over the years and even had their own flings separately, neither saw anything wrong in it. It was just how life worked for unmated vampires. They were more companions than husband and wife, but he did love Athenodora. He was driven mad with rage at having his mate covered in the dingy wet dogs scent. She didn't belong to him. She was his, 'theirs,' he corrected himself.

In that moment there was a shifting on the bed. The three sat silent watching as Amara turned over and threw her arm and leg around Caius, snuggling up close to him. Caius smirked though her heat would eventually warm his icy exterior, he would inevitably freeze her.

Marcus and Aro both thought the same thing. Aro stood up and grabbed a few discarded blankets on the ground. He proceeded with the help of Marcus to lift their mate's limbs and cover Caius with more layers in hopes that would keep the cold away from her. She seemed too drugged to even feel their hands upon her for she made no move to wake up. All Amarantha did was snuggle further into Caius' unmoving body.

This soothed the roaring beast, to know she clearly was drawn to them even in sleep. Everything felt right having her next to him. How he wished he could inhale her scent or even move his limbs to further hold her to him. Maybe with time she will be theirs willingly.

Without hesitation Aro picked up Caius' right free hand and sorted through his mind. When he felt pleased with the now passive Caius, Aro released his hand, "You're right, Caius, all we need is time."

"The question is brothers, is how are we going to get her to come with us," Marcus asked after a brief pause, his eyes locked on to the form of their sleeping mate. "We can't take her by force. It would sever any bond between us."

"You can't be serious, Marcus," Aro's perfect brows furrowed.

"Though we have a bond it is still too weak for such strain. We don't want to push her away from us. Either way we should discuss this with her whenever she wakes," Marcus' eyes never leaving Amarantha.

"Hmph, we'll see what happens, but in no way are we leaving here without her," Aro took one look at Amara in her lack of dress and turned on his heel. He would not tempt himself further by watching her sleep. "I must speak with Carlisle about managing a blood supply for Caius. You'll need it when your esophagus reconnects. Hopefully that will contain your urges," he nonchalantly added, knowing full well Caius' thirst for their mate needed to be quenched in other fashions.

Marcus decided to sit in a chair that was in the room. He had nothing better to do other than watch Amarantha sleep. How he wondered if she dreamed and if so, of what? It had been so long since he had slept Marcus couldn't remember what it felt like. He also contemplated the idea of her disappearing again. 'Where would she go,' echoed in his mind. As the Earth spun its course around the sun, his red eyes never left her form. It was past midday when he saw her begin to show signs of waking.

Amara felt perfectly comfortable sleeping. She would have continued to sleep too if it weren't for her body saying it's had enough rest. Her mind was another story. She didn't even bother trying to open her eyes as she lifted out of bed. When she went to use her left hand she was surprised with a sharp ache that radiated through her arm. It was at that moment she popped one eye open. A cast laid upon her dominant hand which confused her momentarily. 'What did I do last night?' She asked her foggy brain. It wasn't till she opened both eyes fully did she remember.

A startled, "Ahh," escaped her and she jumped back off the bed when she saw a dark clad figure sitting in a chair, staring at her. 'Was that Marcus?' She peaked over the bed. It was him. Her head cocked to the side before asking a little forcefully, "Have you been here the whole time?"

"Sì, cara mia," he spoke gently, "I did not mean to frighten you. I promise I only watched you sleep to make sure you didn't leave."

She began to stand from the side of her bed and noticed Caius covered in blankets. She didn't know why he was covered. 'Do vampires get cold,' she wondered before turning her attention back to Marcus, "Well normally people don't watch each other sleep. Not going to lie, it's kind of creepy, but I guess I understand your reasoning."

She pulled her glasses off that she slept in and wiped the sleep out of her eyes. Then looking for her cleaning cloth for her glasses, she walked around the bed to her dresser. Moving clutter around she found it underneath a few papers. Once they were clean Amara placed them back on being able to see once more.

By this time Marcus was standing watching her intently. "Do you sleep with them on often," he inquired, not recalling the glasses on her face the first time they met.

Glancing over her shoulder to Marcus, Amara unintentionally grinned at his question, "I have a bad habit of sleeping with them on. I like seeing before I go to bed."

He nodded in understanding. She turned back to her dresser and opened a drawer containing her undergarments and grabbed out a matching pair. Closing the drawer she went to her closet and pulled out the first thing that would be easy for her to put on with one hand. It was a simple black and white striped V-neck dress that reached her knees. Amara knew she'd struggle with putting her leggings on, but she would have to wear something on her legs. It was too cold during the spring to not have layers.

Amara brushed past the vampire in the cramped space with what she gathered. She stopped by her bathroom and set them down on the counter. She left the bathroom and went to the kitchen to grab a trash bag and tape. When entering the room she hadn't expected the room to be filled with people. Her eyes widened, 'These weren't people,' she thought as she studied their red eyes.

There were at least five vampires there from the night before, but for the life of her she couldn't remember their names. The two that really stuck out to her were the young teenage vampires that looked to be twins. They seemed the most emotionless of the entire group. Though her heart was racing she casually waved her hand in greeting and went about her task of getting what she went in there for.

She felt a burning upon her skin from their stares. It was as if their eyes were asking questions they couldn't quite voice. A presence from behind made goose bumps appear on her arms. Her back was to them as she bent to grab the trash bag from her sink cabinet. When she stood upright again she slowly turned to see who it was behind her.

Aro stood a few inches away from her which immediately she took steps back into her counter. "Tsk, Tsk," he voiced his disapproval, "No need to be scared, Amarantha."

"I'm not scared," coming off too defensively she quickly changed her tone, "I like my personal space which none of y'all seem to understand."

Amara placed her right hand on her hip, while she moved her hurt one referring to everyone in the room. She just wanted to shower, brush her teeth and drink some damn coffee to fully wake up. Instead she is dealing with vampires crowding her home.

'I don't see why you're fighting this. You're drawn to them even now.'

'You're not helping.'

'I'm not here to help. I've never been here for that. I'm here..'

'Shut up! Just shut up,' Amara exclaimed within her mind. She didn't have the energy to battle herself right now, she had more important things to handle. She walked to the draw that held a variety of items within and grabbed the tape she needed from it.

Turning to the vampires still lounging inside the room, Amara addresses the crowd, "I'm going to take a shower and when I'm done I expect there to be less people here."

As she tried passing Aro he stopped her with a touch of his gloved hand to her arm. "My dear, sweet Amarantha, we didn't not mean to overwhelm you in your home. I guarantee when you come back it will just be Marcus and I present. Well, there is also Caius, but there is nothing we can do about that right now."

Inhaling a shaky breath through her nose, Amara nodded her head and pulled away from the tantalizing, deadly creature. She quickly made it to her bathroom, shutting and locking the door though she doubted that would keep anyone of them out. After seeing someone get their head ripped off with their bare hands, Amara was sure these creatures were near unstoppable.

She pressed her body against the door and took a few deep breaths. 'What could possibly kill them besides themselves?' The thought crossed her mind and quickly she buried it. 'What would they think if the first thing she thought of was about how they're killed?'

She removed herself from the door and looked at herself in the mirror. A gasp crawled out from her lips at the sight of her. She had a rat's nest atop her head, slight raccoon eyes from not getting all of her makeup off and she was wearing sheer lingerie that did nothing to hide her figure or permanently hard nipples.

'No wonder they were staring! I look a hot mess.'

'What's new?'

Amara rolled her eyes. She turned the water for her shower and began stripping out of her clothing. Once bare she grabbed the trash bag opening it up to slide her cast arm in. She struggled a bit with holding it down and taping the end shut but she managed to get it done. Before stepping into the shower she turned her small CD player on and proceeded to turn up its volume.

The sound of Enigma's MCMXC a.D. began playing near the end before starting over. She liked the certain calming effect this music had over her. It was the beat and the unknown chanting that had drawn her to this album in the first place. Now she played it on repeat if she wasn't in the mood for her usual music. Today she needed the tranquil, empowering feeling it gave her.

The warm steam of the shower kissed her face when she pulled back the curtain to step in. A warm jet stream of water first hit her body before she stepped further into the spray. As she went through her normal routine with a few adjustments, Amara listened to the music. The beat and the sensual singing had her dancing and attempting to sing along in the shower.

'Sade, dis-moi
Qu'est-ce que tu vas chercher?
Le Bien par le Mal
La Vertu par le Vice
Sade, dis-moi, pourquoi l'évangile du Mal?
Quelle est ta religion? Où sont tes fidèles?
Si tu es contre Dieu, tu es contre l'Homme
Sade, es-tu diabolique ou divin?'

The deep breathing of the female had Amara's mind wander back to the dream of her body joined with Caius. The cool feeling of his marble like flesh against her warm plush skin caused her to like her lips. How he easily cut her breast with his nail and greedily licked up the mess he caused. 'Well it really wasn't a dream,' she corrected herself. Looking at the faint bruising that littered her body, 'It was very much real.'

She swallowed thickly and turned the water from warm to cold. Her sudden intake of breath instantly helped cool down the heat that throbbed between her thighs. Quickly finishing up she stepped out into the steamy bathroom. Normally she'd open the door about now to help the condensation on the mirror to disappear, but considering what laid outside the door she decided against it. She stood a moment letting the water slowly drip down her body onto a towel she placed on the floor.

Drying off will be the easy part for her. It was getting her clothing on that would be hard. She signed before getting to work removing the cold water from her skin. She only took off the trash bag around her arm after everything was dry and her hair was rolled up within a towel. It took her no time to pull up her underwear and surprisingly the leggings weren't hard to get on either. Her bra was what had her fumbling around for a few minutes before finally getting it on and situated properly. Sliding on her dress, she was happy with the results of the outfit she threw together.

The radio still played the CD in the background as Amara applied her makeup onto her clean face. She didn't bother with anything other than her eyes doing another simple smokey eye with black liner. All of which was applied with her right hand. It wasn't as neat as she would have wanted but it was better than nothing. She would put on lipstick after she ate and smoked.

Looking at herself in the cleared mirror, Amara felt pretty except for one thing. She didn't know if she could do anything with her hair besides leaving it down to do whatever it wanted. Amara was sure to dry each strand thoroughly as she let down the towel around her head. She only used her spray in conditioner to her hair to keep it from frizzing and hoped to whoever was out there that her hair didn't become too wild. Not feeling like drying it she left her hair down to air dry.

Her next mission was to at least take her pills and smoke. She might eat a granola bar if she felt like eating. Sliding on her glasses she took a moment to mentally prepare for dealing with her so-called mates.

'They are our mates. You'll see and then you'll wonder why you never listened to me in the first place.'

'You've talked me into nearly killing myself multiple times. Why would I ever trust you again?'

'I'm not asking for trust. I'm merely stating facts. Don't tell me in those times you didn't wish for it to end. I was the only one strong enough to see it through. You just wallowed in your self pity.'

'I had a right to be depressed. Like you have the right to stop talking.'

Amara opened the door and made a beeline to her kitchen. First thing she noticed was the lack of vampires. There was only Marcus and Aro just like he said there would be. Second thing she saw was her medication on the counter next to flowers that were not the daisies she had there.

The music from her bathroom could be heard as she asked, "What happened to my daisies?" She stepped forward to examine the pale red flowers, inhaling their sweet scent as she drew near.

"We figured you could use a fresh bouquet of flowers," Aro said from his seat in her worn out armchair. His pearly white teeth on display in an arrogant smile.

"Scusi, noi?" Marcus gave Aro a knowing look.

"What? They were perfectly fine," Amara said at the same time. She looked between the two men, one looking confused and the other smug. "What did you do with them?"

Aro uncrossed his legs and looked at his manicured nails, "They were disposed of, my dear. Besides, they didn't really suit you."

"What are you talking about? Daisies are my favorite flower. I figured you would know that considering you read my mind, sir," she crossed her arms.

'This is complete bullshit,' she thought, heading to her trash can to see if there were a few salvageable flowers. Only there wasn't anything inside as if someone just took out the trash. The new age music and rain hitting the tin roof were the only sounds within the trailer. Amara's frustration with them was silent, but clearly written on her face.

'Who do they think they are? Coming in here and touching my shit without my permission. Throwing things away that don't belong to them. Fucking assholes,' she fumed.

'Getting upset over flowers from a man who doesn't know how to please a woman in bed? Cry me a fucking river,' the voice within appearing once more.

'Yet again no one asked you for your opinion,' Amara answered herself. She never gets flowers and to have a man give them to her, especially her favorites, made her feel special. She wanted to press a few of the flowers to keep them for her art and memories. Now she was 'shit out of luck.'

'I hate doing this, but look on the bright side. You got more flowers.'

'I'm surprised they're not roses,' Amara thought as one of her hands touched the petals of one flower. They were beautiful. "What flower is this?"

Marcus, who was standing, approached her slowly from the otherside of the counter. "They are carnations, red to be exact," he took a short one from the vase and placed it to his nose to smell. He didn't need to for he could smell them across the room, but he wanted to do this show for her. He was willing to try and be human for her as long as she needed. He just didn't quite remember how. "May I place this in your hair," he asked, pulling the flower away from his youthful features.

"I don't have much hair you can place it in," she fought back a smile as she spoke.

What graced her ears was a soft chortle from the tall vampire. She watched him intently as he strolled around the counter to be next to her. She didn't realize her body was also following him till she was facing him directly. Marcus leaned down and pulled back her hair slightly that fell over her right shoulder before placing the flower gently behind her ear. Amara's chest rose and fell deeply; his scent was intoxicating just as much as his soft touch. She felt a burning need just then to pull him to her and climb him like a tree. Instead she blushed at him and took a step back a little too quickly for Marcus' liking.

"Thank you," she breathed out wishing she hadn't. She sounded horribly needy just then and he picked up on it.

"Sei bellissima, Cuore mia," he attempted to romance her with words.

She just offered a lopsided smile while shaking her head slowly, "I have no idea what you just said, but thanks."

"Would you like to learn Italian, cara mia," Aro called from his chair making sure they remembered he was still there.

"No, I think I'd rather learn German," with that she turned from them and walked to her clean dish rack. She got out a glass and filled it with water from a pitcher from her fridge.

"Why German," Marcus was the one to ask when she turned back to them to grab her pills.

She shrugged as she threw back the medication with some water before giving her answer. "I just love the sound of the language. It is pretty to me."

"How strange, most would say it's a brutal language."

"Well let's just say I'm a little odd," she stared at the half empty glass of water before setting it down. She noticed her bag on the coffee table and moved toward it. She stumbled past the two vampires with a grace of her own. She pulled out her cigarettes and lighter from the bag. As she bent at the waist her dress rode up allowing each man full view of her thick legs. Amara just stood back up straight, like nothing happened, grabbed her coat and headed to her back door.

Marcus was even more intrigued by her. Her lack of tact, poise, and grace was what really drew him further in. She was the complete opposite of what he thought of as their mate. Being surrounded by regal and aristocratic people on the day to day basis tends to be quite repetitive, but Amarantha will be a breath of fresh air amongst the coven.

"May I join you?"

Amara glanced over her shoulder at Marcus, "You smoke?"

"No, I just want to be near you," he put honestly. Unlike Aro, he and Caius would have to get to know their mate through other means.

She didn't know at first if she wanted him a part of her mental break, but something within her gut said to give at least Marcus a chance. "Sure, I can always use some company," she welcomed him along.

Maybe she accepted his company because of the first time she saw him. Amara hated seeing something almost angelic be in such agony. Maybe it was the fact that now he was smiling that she accepted it. She didn't know, but now she stood shoeless outside in the freezing rain, thankfully under her porch, waiting for him to follow.

Marcus didn't make a move till she said yes. It had made his smile broaden. As he quickly followed her Aro remarked under his breath, "Remember brother, she needs all three of us." Aro clearly envious at how fast Amarantha warmed up to Marcus. Of course he did not need to be reminded. He was the one that saw their bonds. He knew what was at stake here. Marcus gave a simple nod of his head before following their mate out.

Amara lit a cigarette and began her ritual of killing herself slowly. A gust of wind rushed through the forest and directly through her bones as she took in some smoke. "Burr," escaped her as she released the radioactive vaper from her lungs. "It sure is chilly this morning," she attempted small talk.

"Are you cold," he said, taking off his outer jacket and wrapping it around her layered form. "How is that?"

She smiled at his old fashioned manner, "I.. Thank you, but won't you be cold now?"

A deep chuckle escaped him, "I don't feel the cold like you do, my dear."

"Oh," she puffed a few times on the cigarette before continuing, "What about heat? Does it affect you?"

"I might warm up slightly if under hot water for a long period of time, but no heat doesn't effect us either. We will always be icy to the touch."

She nodded trying to wrap her mind around the fact that she was talking to a vampire. "I got another question for you. How come you're still awake? Are you supposed to be out during the day?"

Marcus' smile grew wider at her interest in them. She almost sounded concerned. "If you're thinking we sleep in coffins during the day and burst into flames in the sunlight it's all a myth. The sun does have an effect on us, but not in the way you're thinking. And we don't sleep."

"You don't sleep, like ever?" Amara was flabbergasted at the wrong part.

His head bowed, "Tis true. We never sleep."

"And the sun?"

"One day you will see, but for now it seems like it will be a dreary day."

"What other stereotypes are untrue about vampires," she asked eager to learn more about the supernatural creatures that she seemed to be surrounded by.

"Garic will not keep us away nor will a crucifix or silver. Holy water is just water. We don't turn into bats, we have reflections in mirrors, we don't need to be invited into places and a stake in the heart will do nothing. Did I miss anything," he turned to her still form. Her nearly burnt cigarette hung from her mouth, not moving.

It took her a moment for the information to sink in again. 'Were they really so powerful that nothing can touch them?' Amara knew that there had to be some other weakness other than what she already knew and becoming a vampire really wasn't on her to do list. Realizing almost too late that her cigarette was getting dangerously small, Amara put it out and threw it in the butt can.

"There seems to be a lot of misconceptions. Is there a reason why," she felt as if she already knew the answer, but couldn't help but ask.

"You're right, Cuore mia, there is a reason, but let's get you inside before you catch your death," he said, opening the door for her.

She gladly went back into the warmth of her trailer. Her feet felt like ice at this moment and she was in dire need of something warm. Her body was enveloped in the warmth from her over worked heater causing a content sigh to escape her. Eyes falling on Aro, who was watching her, Amara absorbed how majestic he looked while he sat upon the worn flowery chair. She could almost laugh at how ridiculous the image, but she swallowed it away. He was a serious threat, they all were. 'But how can they be so beautiful yet deadly,' she questioned herself.

Glancing past Aro at the clock on the wall, Amara cursed, "Well shit, I'm late."

"For?" He uncrossed his legs and gripped each arm of the chair.

"Work," her reply was simple as she went about putting on her black boots by the front door.

"You're not going to work today, my dear," Aro stood from his chair and was in front of her so fast her mind couldn't keep up.

"Uhh, yes I am," Amara laced up her boots paying him no mind. Just because she broke her dominant hand doesn't mean she isn't decent with her other hand. "Look, how else am I going to pay my bills? I have to work."

"Amarantha you just broke your arm," Marcus tried to reason with her, "It will be okay to take a day or two. Besides, I'm sure we can cover any expense you need."

Her eyes widened and a look of disgust washed over her face. She was not about to let them come in and take everything from her. She didn't want to rely upon anyone having been let down most of her life. She definitely did not want to be a sugar baby to these vampires either. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm good. I'd rather work."

Aro pinched the bridge of his nose, "If you must go then you'll be accompanied by one of us and a few guards."

"Guards? That's excessive," she placed her hands on her hips, "I am pretty sure there ain't anything to be worried about. I'll be fine for a few hours."

Aro slowly let his hand fall from his face allowing her to see a glint in his eyes. He quirked his upper lip in a sneer showing his teeth slightly. "I don't think you understand how mating works."

Amara blushed, "I know what mating means. I've heard The Bad Touch before."

"You know what sex is, cara mia, not how mating works for vampires," Aro crept closer. "Your safety is top priority for us."

"Nothing in this town is trying to harm me."

"No, just yourself," he came back at her.

She narrowed her eyes at him. What did he mean by that? Was he calling her out for her tendency to be accident prone or the fact that she used to self harm. Either option lit a fire under her ass causing anger to rise within her. "Ya might want to check yerself before ya wreck yerself."

She didn't back away when he was inches away instead she stood her ground. "And what, pray tell, do you plan to do, sweet, sweet Amarantha. Are you going to hit me with your other hand, break it too?"

Her hand clenched in a fist. To say she was only tempted to smack him would be an understatement. "Keep pushin' yer luck."

Before anything else could be said or happen Marcus stepped forward, "Aro do not bait her anymore. We need to explain everything to her. Amarantha, once you're no longer ignorant of our ways maybe you can find it within yourself to accept why we are like this. Till then please allow one of us to go with you."

She took a step away from Aro, still feeling upset with him. Amara grabbed her bag and walked over to the counter with her medications to pick up the new ones she got this morning. Stuffing them in her bag, she turned to them having calmed only a smidge, "Only one of you? No guards?"

Aro took a breath as if to answer, but Marcus beat him to it, "Yes, cuore mia. Only one of us will accompany you."

Her lip twitched in annoyance, but she took in a deep breath and released it slowly. Taking off Marcus' jacket she handed it back to him, "Fine, but you need to hurry. I gotta go like ten minutes ago."

She didn't have her sketches with her this time so all she needed to grab was her keys. Picking them up off the coffee table she addressed Aro, "I don't appreciate you using what you know about me against me. If this is how it's going to go from here on out, you will never be allowed to touch me again."

She walked away from them and picked up her umbrella. Exiting her house she locked the bottom lock as she exited out of habit. Marcus was close behind her having placed his suit jacket back on. When they stepped into the rain, Amara offered to share the shelter of her umbrella while Marcus offered to hold it for her. Which she allowed considering he was the taller of the two. He followed her to the drivers side and allowed her to get in before making his way to the passenger side.

Once they were both in and with her seat belt buckled she started Ol' Betsy right up. She turned the heat on full blast and sat there a moment to let the car heat up. She looked to Marcus anxiously. She didn't think about it last night, but now that she wasn't tired or drugged she was nervous about driving with a vampire in her car. Would he be judging how bad her driving was? Does he know how to drive? Aro apparently did.

"Don't worry, cuore mia, you will be fine," his voice broke her out of her ravine.

"How did you-"

"Your face speaks volumes," he looked her in the eyes and gave her a dazzling smile.

Amara noticed immediately something about him changed. His eyes were no longer the deep red they had been. Now they looked like a muddied brown color. "Your eyes," she questioned, "they're different."

Marcus nodded, moving his finger to his eye to show her the contact that was placed over them. "Contacts? Why would you wear those?"

"How many humans do you know have red eyes," he asked her.

She snorted before putting the car in drive. "A few, but they're either stoners or wearing red contacts themselves," she laughed softly.

It was his turn to give her a blank expression. 'How strange were humans now,' he questioned before saying, "We hide our eyes to keep humans from finding out what we are. These contacts won't last but a few hours though. The venom on our eyes will dissolve them."

As she pulled away from the trailer park Amara nodded her head in understanding. She didn't exactly know what he meant about venom, but chalked it up to a vampire thing. The drive to the tattoo shop just out of town was silent except for the rain hitting the windows. She hoped that Luke wouldn't flip out when she got there with a vampire by her side. She also hoped that the day would be nothing significant. What lay ahead of her was unknown, but the day would definitely be more eventful to say the least.