As They Kiss, Consume (Alec Volturi)

Return

"Ah!" Aro clapped his hands. "The bambina has returned. How lovely," he smiled widely as he stepped down from his platform and bounded towards us.

On instinct, I took a step backwards, only to be stopped by Alec's hand. He'd been anticipating my move again.

"You have nothing to fear my child," Aro smiled in what I suppose he meant to be kindness, but it seemed more deranged. He held his hand out in front of him, asking for me to hand over all my thoughts to him. I didn't even need to think about it. I just quickly moved my hands behind my back, out of the way of his prying gift.

I had no interest in sharing my current thoughts. They could get me killed. My thoughts weren't particularly kind towards the vampires in front of me.

But the change in the air at my refusal was palpable. Alec did his best to cover it, as he moved to grasp Aro's hand in what seemed to be an attempt to take the pressure off of me.

Aro merely looked at Alec and the boy froze. "My child, your hand," he asked me again and I frantically shook my head.

"The insolent..." Caius gasped in a rage. "Aro. The girl must be punished. This behaviour cannot be allowed to stand. I don't care how important she is."

At the threat of punishment, my heart instinctually picked up the pace. Aro turned to his brother and held his hand up.

"Now now brother. The human is not used to our customs. We cannot punish someone so innocent."

"Ignorance is not an excuse. She has caused more than enough trouble."

"So perhaps lessons are in order," Aro suggested and Caius scoffed in disbelief.

Alec had slightly moved his body to shield me from Caius' glare. At least he took his job to protect me seriously.

"Aro is right," Marcus sighed. "We must tread carefully to avoid the future young Alice has seen."

"Alice?" I interrupted, peering around Alec's body. "What are you talking about? What did she see?"

"Do not speak out of turn!" Caius yelled, but I didn't cower away. I had a right to know my own future.

"The human is merely curious brother," Aro smiled as he looked at me. "You are aware of our dear Alice's abilities?"

"She told me," I confessed. Perhaps if I was forthcoming and answered his questions honestly I could avoid him seizing my hand. I'd rather keep some thoughts to myself.

"When was this? You haven't had access to a phone," he noted.

"I used a man in the streets phone."

I heard an intake of gasps around the room.

"You told a human of your situation?" Caius growled.

"No!" I asserted quickly. "No. No. I swear. I told him I was lost and needed to call my family. He has no idea I swear!" This was what I feared. It was the truth. But what if they pursued the kind man that helped me? They didn't strike me as merciful.

"You understand why we may not believe you, child," Aro scolded me lightly. He was desperate to make me like him. I could use that.

"Please," I begged as I looked into his eyes. "I swear it's true. I just borrowed his phone. That's it. Alice told me she can see the future. She saw this happen to me. She said if I ran I wouldn't make it. But I had to try."

"I believe you." He didn't. He was glancing at my hand. Desperate to take a look at my thoughts. "I believe you, child. But understand, we must be fair to others. No one is exempt from my gifts. Not even our lovely new member," he smiled as he held his hand back out.

I was left with no choice. I slowly held my hand out, allowing him to grasp it. Giving him a look at my innermost thoughts. A violation I was not ever going to be comfortable with.

I flooded every expletive word I knew into my mind. Chanting them over and over in my best effort to irritate him. It was a small satisfaction, but satisfaction nonetheless as I saw him slightly grimace.

"Such spirit for one so young," he politely muttered as he released my hand. "The human she interacted with will not be of concern. It appears our young child here accounted for our concern and ensured no suspicions were raised. I think we can excuse her behaviour. Just this once," he said sternly. He'd seen my thoughts. He knew I had no intention of giving in and staying in this place. He knew I'd try to escape again.

"Aro!" Caius exclaimed in shock. "The girl needs to be taught her place."

"Brother," Aro silenced firmly. "Not this time. Jane," he called and I jumped at the immediate appearance of the terrifying girl by his side. "Please escort our young Wilhelmina to her room. We need to discuss matters with Alec," he smiled at me.

"Come," Jane harshly hissed at me before aggressively pushing past me, almost knocking me down in the process.

"Off you go," Aro ushered me, after noticing I'd made no move to follow his young protege.

I spared a quick glance at Alec, who was still standing in front of me before turning and following his twin.

*********************

"Could you slow down?" I asked as Jane walked me through the castle.

"Keep up human. I don't intend on coming back for you if you fall behind."

"It's dark," I muttered grouchily as I bumped into another cabinet.

I heard a huff of annoyance and noticed Jane stop walking and turned around to look at me. She looked me up and down, studying me carefully.

"What?" I snapped.

"It's just... you're human. It's disappointing," she said pointedly.

I scoffed in pure frustration. "You were human once. Or do you conveniently forget that when you're slaughtering innocent people?"

"Humans are not innocent!" she snarled in my face. "You are weak, vile creatures. Come," she yanked my arm and tugged me down the hall. "You're insufferable. You've got my brother in trouble and now you are getting on my last nerve. So do yourself a favour and stay silent before you make any more enemies."

"The Cullens said they're coming for me," I inserted, unable to keep quiet.

"Well if they do, they'll meet their end," Jane said as she opened my door and pushed me in. "Stay," she taunted, using dog commands like her brother had done earlier before she slammed the door in my face.