The Southern Thing

15

I held the framed picture of the Cullens close to my chest, it was the last thing I needed to pack for my return to Italy. I hadn't pack a lot of my belongings, for I knew life in the Volturi meant most things would be provided for me already.
"Adeline, its time," I turned around to look at Edward in my doorway.
"Help grab a bag?" I said quietly trying to smile. He responded by grabbing my larger bag and heading downstairs in front of me. At the bottom of the stairs, I saw my family waiting for me. As I reached the bottom, I was pulled into a hug by each person.
"You will always have a home here," Esme said sounding as if her heart was breaking, "Even if we leave Forks, every home of mine will have a room that is yours."
"Thank you, Esme," I pulled her tighter into a hug, there are no words to describe how much love I had for this women. She is the mother I have never had and will never have again.
"You have brought so much happiness to this family. Even if you do not see it, you create light everywhere you go," Carlisle said while hugging me.
Emmett swooped me into a tight hug, raising me from the ground; something he knows I hate. "I'm going to miss you Abe."
"I will miss you most, Big Bear."
"Go create some trouble in the Volturi," He laughed setting me back down.
Looking at Rose, I knew that there were no words either of us could say to describe our pain or how much we were going to miss each other. I pulled her into the tightest hug I have ever given, and at the same time we whispered "I love you" to one another. We knew this wasn't our final goodbye, but it hurt just as much.
"Come here Edwort!" I yelled pulling him into a hug.
"Ew Adeline let me go; you have cooties!" He yelled back, making the whole family burst into laughter.
"I will miss this. Remember you always have a friend within the Volturi. So when you get in trouble, because we all know you will, I will always help you." I said with a smile looking at everyone, Edward especially.
"Are you ready to go?" Edward asked, as he was the one driving me to the airport.
"Ready as I'll ever be."
***
As we arrived to the airport, I looked at Edward sadly, "I guess this is it."
"You were hoping he would say something."
"Perhaps deep down. I thought maybe he'd at least watch me leave, but instead he was out with Alice wasn't he?"
Edward looked down, telling me the answer without words.
"You know it's okay, he deserves to be happy. Even if it's not with me."
Edward grabbed my hand giving it a squeeze, "It's time to go or you will miss your flight. Your ticket was expensive, don't make the Volturi pay for another." He finished his statement with a laugh, trying to make me feel better. We both got out of the car meeting at the back, after my bags were in order we shared one last hug before I headed into the airport; Italy my next destination.
***
As I exited baggage claim in Italy, I saw Alec standing towards the exit of the airport.
"Alec!" I said wrapping him in a hug.
"Oh Adeline, I've missed you so much," he responded hugging me back.
"You must be acting very well lately, this the second time they've let you leave the city. By the looks of it, the same can not be said for Jane?"
"No, no. We've both been well mannered lately. She is just more prominent to the kings than I am. Instant pain works better within the walls of the throne room." I knew Alec had always felt so insecure compared to Jane. She has always been the favorite child, to everyone but me. I love Jane and she is my sister, but Alec and I have always had a closer bond.
"Alec, don't start comparing yourself to Jane. You are extremely valuable. Plus, you're both about to be replaced by me," I said with a laugh.
"Oh hush Adeline. Let's go to the car."
With that we headed to the Volturi's personal car, only used when I am around I don't like running as much as everyone else, and headed towards our home.
***
As Alec throws open the doors of the throne room, the place we immediately headed towards once we arrived, I felt my worries all disappear.
"Adeline," Aro said with a bright smile, "Welcome home."
I bowed, "It is wonderful to be home."
I presented my hand for Aro to take, allowing him to indulge in my memories.
As Aro held my hand, I saw him both smile and frown.
"It looks as if you have had quite a time away from us. You seem to have met your mate, though that didn't end too nicely. Your mate's family, the Cullens, have also seemed to have outed our secret to a human, is this correct?"
I looked down at the ground, "Yes, that is correct. She was exposed to a pack of shapeshifters, their tribe stories outed the secret to her. The Cullens themselves did not tell her."
"That does not matter, she must be dealt with." At the sound of his voice I snapped my head towards him. There he sat, staring at me intensely; the real reason I had been summoned back to the Volturi court.
"Caius," Marcus started softly, "We do not need to rush into any violence with that coven. Carlisle severed us loyally, let us wait for any trouble from them. After that point will we take measures towards them."
"I agree," Aro said turning towards the other two kings, "We have our own matter to take care of: your title my dear Adeline."
Shocked by the sentence, I spoke, "Respectfully my kings, I was under the impression I was returning as a member of the guard."
"We have decided you have a larger purpose than a simple member of the guard. With three male leaders who have not left this court on our own will in centuries, we stand blinded to the happening of our community. We have agreed that we need a new leader among us; you, Adeline. We have welcomed you back to our city in order to take hot well deserved seat among us, as an equal."
I gasped, "Pardon me? Did I hear you correctly? You are offering me a position as a queen of the Volturi and of the entire vampire population."
"Yes mi amor, that is what we are offering you," Caius said, smiling at my bewilderment.
"You have always gone above your job descriptions for all of us, for this whole coven. As a coven, we would be honored for you to join us," As Marcus said this he gestured to an empty chair beside Caius, I had not noticed until this moment.
"I would be honored to rule alongside the three of you," I bowed at the three, before walking to the chair and sitting down.
It felt right, this is character development. From broken hearted, to a ruler; take that Jasper Hale.
***
Hey loves! I'm sorry this is late! My " key has not been working which made this hard to write for a few days. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I've been excited for Adeline to be back with the Volturi.
If you have suggestions please comment them.
***
I also want to thank everyone who is reading and voting for this story. When I started this story, I was writing for myself. I didn't think anyone would ever actually read it. Getting notifications saying it's been added to a reading list or voted for has been surreal. Thank you, everyone of you. You all hold a very special place in my heart. This is not my story, it is our story.
I love you all, until the next update xx