Destined ~ Volturi Kings ~ (A Twilight Fanfic)

Chapter Seven

*Addi's POV*

As I reached the bottom of the stairs and stepped into the living room, I was, suddenly, enveloped from behind in a bear hug. Startled, I laughed as I recognized Emmett's familiar, playful grip. "Emmett!" I exclaimed, trying to wiggle free, but his hold was too strong.

Just then, Jasper, Alice, and Rosalie appeared around the corner. Jasper and Alice's faces lit up with amusement as they took in the scene, while Rosalie's expression was unreadable. Esme stood nearby, watching with a warm smile as she observed Emmett's antics.

"What's a human like you doing wandering around a house full of vampires?" Emmett teased, his voice booming with playful mischief, as I continued laughing. Jasper chuckled at Emmett's comment, shaking his head slightly. "Take it easy on her, Emmett. You might break her and she's a fragile one." He warned Emmett, though his smile suggested he was enjoying the playful banter just as much as everyone else. I giggled, finally managing to twist around and face Emmett. "I think I can handle a little bear hug!" I said, with my laughter ringing through the room, filling it with warmth and light. It felt good to be surrounded by family, even if they were a little unconventional.

Carlisle entered the room just in time to observe the playful scene unfolding. With a gentle smile, he approached Emmett and kindly said, "Why don't you put Addi down now?" Emmett released his grip from me and set me back on the floor and he turned to me, with a grin. "If you did end up breaking me, I can get a second chance if someone turns me into a vampire." I joked, laughing a bit.

Rosalie scoffed at the comment, shaking her head as she turned and walked away. My smile faltered slightly, with confusion settling in. I had always sensed a certain resentment from Rosalie ever since I became part of the family, and it left me wondering if I had done something wrong. "Did I say something to upset her?" I asked, glancing around at the others for reassurance. I felt a knot of uncertainty in my stomach, hoping nothing I had done had caused any friction.

Carlisle noticed the flicker of concern in my eyes and gently reassured me. "Just ignore Rosalie for now. She has her moments." He said, offering a comforting smile. Emmett chimed in with a playful tone, "Yeah, she's just being Rosalie. Don't take it personally!" Feeling a bit better, I nodded and decided to shake off the unease. "Okay, thanks, guys." I replied.

"Anyway, we're going on a hike and we wanted to know if you wanted to come with us, Addi?" Emmett asked. My face lit up. "That sounds great! It's such a nice day out today, so count me in!" I answered. "Great! We'll wait for you to change before we go!" Alice said. "Okay! I'll be right back!" I responded. I headed upstairs to my room to change into my hiking clothes.

*Third Person's POV*

As Addi walked away, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice exchanged amused glances as they went outside to wait for her. The anticipation of the hike lifted the mood, and soon Addi would join them, ready for an adventure in the great outdoors.

Afterwards, Esme noticed the concerned expression etched on Carlisle's face. She approached him, her voice soft and filled with care. "I can tell something is wrong. What is it, Carlisle?" She asked. Carlisle thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Addi was in my office not too long ago and she saw the painting with the Volturi Kings. She...felt a tugging sensation in her heart." He explained.

Esme's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. "Carlisle, you don't mean—" She began to say. "Yes, Esme. Addi felt the initial symptoms of the mating bond forming between her and the Volturi Kings." Carlisle confirmed, with his voice heavy with concern. "Oh, no." Esme spoke, softly, as her worry deepened, while Carlisle wrapped his arms around her.

***

Meanwhile, deep within the ancient stone castle of Volterra, Italy, the three Volturi Kings—Aro, Marcus, and Caius—sat upon their respective thrones, with their expressions solemn as they discussed matters of their realm. Suddenly, an unexpected tugging sensation pulsed through their unbeating hearts, drawing their attention.

Marcus furrowed his brow, breaking the silence. "Did you both feel that?" He asked, glancing at his brothers. Aro nodded, a look of intrigue crossing his face. "Yes, I felt it too. It's quite unusual." He answered. Caius, ever the pragmatic one, leaned forward slightly as his interest piqued. "What do you think it means?" He questioned. Marcus closed his eyes, focusing on the connection that had, suddenly, sparked within him. His unique ability to perceive bonds allowed him to sense the source of the tugging. "Our mate." He spoke, with his voice steady yet filled with awe. "It seems she has somehow connected to our mating bond." He explained.

Aro's eyes brightened with excitement, recognizing the significance of Marcus's revelation. "Addi." He murmured, the name rolling off his tongue like a promise. "It appears our time has finally come." He confirmed. Caius leaned forward while a fierce determination was present in his eyes. "We need to see our mate in order to complete the mating bond." He declared, firmly with conviction. Aro nodded in agreement as his excitement was barely contained. "Indeed. We have waited far too long to meet her, especially since she has been under the care of the Cullens. It's time to claim what is rightfully ours." He acknowledged.

Caius's expression darkened slightly as he added, "I just hope Carlisle has kept his word." His tone was laced with anger with the thought of their mate being kept from them stirring a protective instinct within him. Marcus raised an eyebrow, curiously. "What do you mean by that, Caius?" He asked. Caius's frustration bubbled to the surface as he explained, "I mean about Carlisle keeping our mate safe within his coven. If he has failed in that regard..."

Aro interjected, sensing the tension rising. "Let's not jump to conclusions. We must trust that he understands the importance of this bond." He told him. After a brief pause, Aro's expression shifted to one of resolve. "We should meet her very soon. The bond will grow stronger and we cannot allow any more time to slip away. It's time to bring Addi into our world." He said.

Then, Aro stood up from his throne while his demeanor was shifting to one of urgency. "We must deal with an important matter before we begin the arrangements to meet our mate." He announced, with his voice steady and resolute. Marcus and Caius exchanged glances, sensing the gravity of the situation. They both stood up alongside Aro, ready to follow him. "What is it that requires our immediate attention?" Marcus asked, his curiosity piqued. Aro gestured for them to follow as they left the throne room. "We need to address the exiles—two familiar figures that we have no more use for. It's crucial that we handle this before we can focus on Addi." He said.

Caius's expression hardened at the mention of the exiles, a flicker of anger crossing his features. "Let's deal with them swiftly then." He replied, with his tone clipped. Together, the three kings moved toward the castle tower as the air thick with anticipation and determination. They knew that handling this matter was essential before they could fully embrace the bond that awaited them with their mate.