Twilight Imagines

37. Change the Mood (Alec Volturi)

(Published February 3, 2025) 

   I didn't want to live forever.  I still didn't know why Aro had spared my life and let me join his clan on that terrifying day where I had been on the wrong tour at the wrong time.  I wasn't gifted or even that talented of a human let alone an immortal.  So why was I now allowed to live as a vampire in a very powerful group of vampires?  That was a question I couldn't answer.  

   Even though my meaningless life was held in the marble hands of three very powerful men, I tried to stay positive.  My new state of being had cured my clumsiness, meaning I could take on my dream of training to be a gymnast.  Thanks to YouTube and the Volturi's unlimited WiFi, I was quickly learning moves my previously two left footed self could never have pulled off.  My cartwheels were finally straight, I could manage a front walkover without breaking in half, and there was no time limit on my handstands anymore.  It was amazing!  

   I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath as I continued a handstand I had been holding for a half hour now.  The carpet was like silk under my palms.  The Volturi spared no expense in furnishing their rooms, buying only the best and ornate furnishings that came in dark red, black, gold or bronze.  The colors went together quite well and were tasteful, but I did miss my neon green and purple t-shirts every now and then.  

   The door creaked, alerting me that someone was entering the room.  My eyes flickered open and a grin spread across my face as I recognized who it was.  Alec paused in the doorway, his own lips curling into a smile as he tipped his head to the side and gave me a questioning look.  I dropped my feet to the ground and stood upright out of my handstand.  Turning to face him, I sported a cheesy grin.  

   "You have no idea how wonderful it feels to be upside down for hours and not get a headrush," I told him giddily, clasping my hands behind my back like the child I often felt like.  

   He shook his head with a chuckle.  "You are so easy to please, Ginny." 

   "You just wait until I figure out a back flip.  Then you'll be impressed," I assured him.  "What's up?  You need something?" 

   "No, I was simply looking for you." 

   He left the doorway, moving to stand in front of me.  His red eyes gazed down at me with a fondness in his gaze that was impossible to mistake.  I averted my eyes, knowing I'd be blushing if that was still possible.  

   "Well, here I am," I joked lightly.  

   Lifting his hand, he gently cupped my cheek.  With a soft pressure, he nudged my face so I'd look at him again.  I managed to hold his gaze this time, wondering what he could possibly be thinking.  I was terrible at reading people, especially people I cared about.  The fear of misreading their emotions kept me from understanding the hints in their emotions and expressions.  

   "Here you are," He agreed in a low whisper.  

   His thumb gently swept across my cheekbone, sending shivers down my spine.  I didn't have a heartbeat to give me away anymore, so my body had somehow found other ways to let him blatantly know how much he affected me.  It was enough to drive a girl insane!  

   "So, what did you want me for?" I asked quietly.  

   "Do I need a reason to see you?" He inquired just as quietly.  

   "Well, no... but most of the time you do, so I figured I'd better ask anyway just in case." 

   He chuckled at my rambling, his other hand sweeping up to brush against my other cheek.  "If I'm going to be completely honest, I was rather angry and I knew you could change the mood." 

   "Me?" He didn't seem angry to me when he had walked in only a few minutes before.  

   "You.  And you did.  With these beautiful lips, turned up in a smile that could make a cloudy day brighten as if the sun had reappeared.  Even when you're upside down, that smile makes my frozen heart feel alive again." 

   I stared at him for a minute, feeling as if I could melt into a puddle right there before him.  How did he always know what to say to make me fall even more in love with him?  I brought my hands to his chest, letting my fingers rest on the smooth black fabric as I scrambled to think up a response.  One of his hands slid around to the back of my neck, tangling his perfect fingers into my long loose hair.  And then, he leaned in.  

   His lips ghosted over mine at first in almost a teasing manner.  I couldn't help but smile a little at this before leaning closer in order to press our lips together in a real kiss.  He obliged, kissing me back with a gentle firmness that I found intoxicating.  My hands slid around to his back, pulling his body closer to mine to make the kiss easier.  I reveled in each minute that the kiss lasted, soaking in the feeling of him being so near.  It had been so long since my last relationship, and I wanted to savor this one.  Even though it might last forever, I needed to cherish each moment.  

   Pulling away slowly, he rested his forehead against my own.  His thumb ran across my cheek again, caressing my vampire skin softly.  I continued to hug him, not quite ready to release him yet.  

   "You should come looking for me without a reason more often," I teased him in a whisper.  

   He chuckled yet again, moving back to look me in the eye.  "Maybe I will." 

   "Good." I bit my lip, wondering if I ought to voice my thoughts.  Aro would know them with our next handshake, so why not tell Alec, too?  "I think you're going to make the rest of my life bearable." 

   His head tilted slightly in confusion.  "Does the thought of endless days ahead scare you?" 

   "Sometimes," I admitted.  "But not when I'm with you." 

   "Then we'll just have to keep each other sane," He took hold of both of my hands and gave them gently squeezes.  "Because sometimes, I feel the same." 

   "Really?" 

   "Really." 

   I gave his hands a squeeze in return, my smile returning.  "I'm glad you like me." 

   "Love you, Ginny.  I'm in love with you," He corrected with his own smile.  

   "Really?" I had hardly dared to hope he would love me any time soon.  

   "Really.  Do you think I kiss just any pretty girl who smiles at me?" He teased. 

   "You're the one that's been alive for centuries!  I don't know," I laughed, glad I didn't have to hide a blush.  "So, you really do love me?" 

   "I really do, just as much as you love me.  Aro told me earlier today," He explained when I gave him a questioning look. 

   "No secrets in this place, huh?" I joked.  

   "Not with Aro around."  He changed the topic.  "Didn't you have a backflip you wanted to show me?" 

   "Not yet, I'll fall on my face!  I need more practice," I stated.  

   "Ah, okay.  I could always help you practice.  Spot you and all of that." 

   I grinned.  "I'd like that."  

   "Tonight in the square, say, three am?" 

   "It's a date."