Impressions of Three Men in Black

Impressions of Three Men in Black Part 3

Caius drove all over the countryside, showing Celeste the beauty of this part of Italy. They arrived at the café where he would treat his mate to breakfast and learn more about her. After they had been seated on the patio, both enjoyed the view of the valley and the many vineyards below.

"So what was the song you were singing in the shower?" Caius asked.

Celeste laughed. "It's just a story about a human woman in love with a vampire, but he tries to discourage her from asking him to turn her because she will...she'll lose her humanity. Eventually he gives in and they live happily ever after, I guess."

"Hmm, sounds familiar," Caius remarked, peering at his mate. Discouraging her would not be something he would be doing.

Over breakfast, Celeste and Caius spoke for over an hour, she telling her proposed vampire mate about her life, and he explaining some things about his past and becoming a vampire. He didn't want her to fear the transformation, but rather to embrace the wonder of immortality. He would not reveal that immortality had its dark side. Boredom, rarely leaving the castle for any length of time, and having no concerns except to monitor the vampire community. He knew she wouldn't like that. But now that he and his brothers had their mate, even if shared between them, they might actually do other things if only to keep her entertained.

The Volturi had stables here in Volterra and private villas all over Europe. They only rarely used them. Caius found himself imagining taking Celeste to Greece and explaining the history of his early existence there, as best as he could remember, and use one of the island villas for some time alone with her. He knew Aro would balk, but he was not Celeste's only mate. Aro would have to let her go off alone with him or Marcus sometime.

Music began to play over loudspeakers hanging around the patio, setting the mood for Caius. He rose from his chair and stood at Celeste's side, holding out his hand to her.

Celeste looked up at Caius while a smile formed on his perfect face. She placed her hand in his, being reminded of his nature by the coldness of his skin. Celeste stood and followed Caius to a corner of the patio. He took her in his arms, his right hand resting at her waist, his left hand holding her right.

Celeste gasped lightly when Caius's cold hand landed on her waist. She placed her left hand on his shoulder, his long hair brushing against the top, tickling it.

Caius led, his eyes never leaving hers. The music was slow, and perfect for the pair to be close together. He nuzzled Celeste's neck, his cold breath dancing over her warm skin, sending chills down her back. Not wanting to make her nervous about any inclination he might have to bite her, he merely kissed her neck and straightened up. "I would not here in the public eye, in any case, Celeste."

She nodded, smiling, and leaned into Caius, inhaling a spicy sweet scent, realizing it was coming from him.

Noticing her sniffing him, Caius laughed. "It's the allure. Our bodies are made to attract humans. Our scent, our appearance, even the sound of our voices. It draws our prey to us."

"Is that what I am to you? Prey?" Celeste stopped. A sudden fear infused her body, making her feel hot and cold at the same time.

"Of course not. We would never be able to harm you in any way. To harm you would be harmful to us. Celeste, you may fear us deep down, but you have no need to. We will come to love you as the most important person in our lives. I hope you'll feel that way about me...us."

"As I admitted to Aro, I have begun to feel something, an affection for you both. I have had little time with Marcus, but being with you allows me to imagine what I'll be feeling for all of you."