The Fates

Part XXXIII: Who's That Guy?

Marcus looked at his reflection in the mirror. He looked at his newly purchased apparel with a raised brow, the only indication of displeasure from his white face.

How would he know if he looked dapper enough?

Yesternight, Aro had suddenly regained his spirits from Marcus' loss of confidence and the upcoming festivities. He turned to Marcus in his throne and gave him one of his overly flamboyant smiles.

"I am uncertain if you are aware, brother, but we are hosting a ball tomorrow. Do try and dress up this time."

Caius finding a foothold, finally added on to the injury with his own brand of acerbity.

"Yes, do refrain from embarrassing us in front of our guests."

Marcus' red eyes glowed like hot cinders and his brethren nearly swallowed their tongues.

They were formerly leaning towards him and chuckling like teenagers, now they shrunk back in their wooden thrones.

"Who are these guests of yours, Aro?"

Aro pulled at his white collar and fanned himself.

"The Denalis, the Cullens and some American nomads will be in attendance."

Caius growled.

"Why must the Cullens be in attendance?"

Aro gave a patient smile.

"Oh, Caius they must be ; we discussed this," he said looking at Marcus with a condescending glower.

Caius and Aro had discussed it in his absence. Fine, he too could play foul.

"The Cullens should be there so we prove all is well between us now, no animosity is to be had."

Aro had all the animosity to bear. Caius was only disappointed heads were not rolled during their altercation with them.

Marcus could use this to vex them and perhaps kick some sense into Aro. He stood and dashed down the dais.

Aro was not used to interruption; his grin fell of his square face. Caius leered at Marcus but kept quiet. Aro could not keep quiet.

"Where are you going? We were about to counsel."

Marcus' eyes burnt through Aro's unbeating heart.
"I am to prepare for the gathering. Do not disturb me, hm?"

Now, he was in his chamber approximately twenty hours from that time. It was his time. He requested for all guards to not disturb him and it was accepted by all.

He sensed the foreign vampires enter. Volterra. He sighed and spoke to himself quietly. They shall never undermine you again after this ball.

Aro tapped his foot excitedly. He whispered to Renata, who stood by his side, in the corner of the dining hall.

"Where is Marcus?"

Renata shrugged and loosened her bun, brunette tresses toppled over.

"I believe Demetri would know."
Yes, Demetri had travelled with Marcus on a whim to Florence.

He scanned the little groupings in his hall and found Demetri conversing with a statuesque, dark skinned beauty. Demetri flashed a debonair grin and stooped forward.

She gave him a tensed smile and she was moving back every few seconds so he would distance himself. Aro looked at them darkly. It reminded him of Makayla. He shook his head and painted on a cherubic grin.

Be happy, Aro he told himself.

He floated towards the mismatched pair. Renata walked slowly behind, her hair swaying to her feminine hip movements.

Aro said in a high-pitched voice: "Mary, good to see you again."

Her small, wine eyes flitted to Aro's suited body nervously. She greeted the Master of the Castle in a rush and hurried away from the Volturi members.

Demetri lowered his shoulders and he frowned. When would he have a love life? He bowed to his Master his enthusiasm for life deflated.

"Master," he said sadly.

Aro took no notice. He tilted his head.
"Have you seen my brother? Actually, bring him now before the party disperses."

Demetri shook his head. Aro's perfect smile twitched.

"How come?" said Aro.

"Master, I have, and as well as the other guard, been prohibited to disturb him in any form. He said he shall arrive shortly."

Darn.

Aro sighed and dismissed Demetri.

Demetri decided to speak with Felix on the other side of the room. He was not having much luck with the unmated ladies either. Then the door opened wide. Everyone's individual conversations halted and Aro gasped as one tall man approached.

"Evening," he spoke audibly and as he passed a white-haired woman; he gave her a friendly smile. She was enamoured.

He was wearing black jeans, white Nikes, a white tee and a denim jacket. If not for the guards bowing as he passed Aro may have not recognised him.

The Denalis and the Cullens were huddled together and they witnessed the spectacle.

Emmett turned to Eleazar, his brown curls flopping as he did.

"Dude, who's the new guy?"
Eleazar squinted his yellow eyes.

"I am uncertain. His scent seems familiar though."

Rosalie looked at the boy's backside and wondered as well as the others who the newcomer was and why he was being given the highest respect by the guards.

"The guards are bowing, perhaps he is an old guard like you?" said Carmen to her mate, who held her arm. Her chestnut hair was in a fishtail.

The newcomer did not stand out at all. The dress code was semi-casual. Aro and Caius stood out in their expensive French suits, golden wristwatches and leather cuffs.

Carlisle and Esme were curious too. Carlisle brushed his blond hair back. Esme smiled at the group they were in.

"Let us introduce ourselves and we may learn which coven he is in."
Rosalie frowned and crossed her arms. Carlisle encouraged his wife.

"That's a wonderful idea Esme, then when Garrett and Kate return, we shall introduce them as well."

The group of eight approached the nineteen-year-old boy, who was quite friendly with Demetri. Eleazar acknowledged Carmen with a stray look. He could be a member.

"Let's not," said Rosalie, pushing up her curled fair hair.

Emmett chortled and his cheek dimpled.

"Come on babe, it's fine." He said to her. She rolled her eyes at his jovial comeback but hugged her arms across her leather varsity jacket.

Carlisle non-verbally took charge of the group. And Eleazar was happy to let him decide things, since his coven leader was not present.

"Excuse me, we are the Cullens and Denalis; we don't recognise you and would like to make your acquittance."

Carlisle was speaking to the boy's back. The other vampires noticed the interaction. Why was he talking to a Volturi member willingly?

Why were these large covens interacting so much? Marcus was still facing Demetri. Demetri could not believe none recognised his Master. So, clothes could alter one's appearance. Demetri laughed.

"Carlisle you have already met him."
Carlisle looked at his group.
"I have?"

Marcus chose that moment. He turned around and the whole room was quiet as a mortuary.

"Hello, Carlisle."