Come to Me by Twilight: A Caius Volturi Story

Chapter 11: The Day in Distress

Chapter 11: The Day in Distress.

I spent the morning trying to sort things out. Last night's jumble of dreams and reality left me questioning my sanity. I remember being seen by Mikey, Caius's kiss, and the wind. The ghostly presence talking to me. Caius's voice and someone carrying me back to the inn.

The more I thought about it the more restless and confused I became. I just couldn't concentrate on my study, so I decided to go see Caius.

I can hear him just above walking and pacing restlessly, most likely as unrested as I was. I had unanswered questions that needed answers. So, I was now on my way upstairs tiptoeing along the Hall towards his room. Before I could knock at the door, he drew me in.

''Thank you, God, you are well. I was worried I did not save you in time. ''

I clung to him, weeping. ''The murdered girl came to me. ''

Caius pulled back and stared at me. ''What? ''

''It was her; she spoke to me. ''I insisted.

His hands tightened on my shoulders. ''You must have been delirious. You almost froze to death. ''

''I saw her face; I heard her voice. ''

''A dream, ''his voice was deep and comforting. he kissed me gently, stroking my hair and hold me close. His embrace so sweet. ''You're safe and sound that's all that matters to me. ''

He kissed me passionately, I can feel his emotions and relief as he put all his energy now into the simple act of affection.

''I need you, ''I say in a whisper as he pulled back. My breath panted. My face flushed red. The heat between us cannot be denied.

''Not now, Raina. ''He said in a whisper, ''It's too dangerous. ''

''Please can I stay a little longer, I need to be close to you?''

''Sure, just sit on my bed but only a little while. Cindy in your dad might find out that you're in here with me.'' He said.

''I watched him sit down at his writing desk. Even though it was the middle of the day, his room was dark, curtains tightly drawn. The only light came from the candle illuminating the room. I came over to look at what he was composing, and I was confused at what I read.

The single greatest need vampires have, other than hunting and feeding themselves, is to find their mate. Vampires are drawn to their mates through a combination of affinity and chemical compatibility, the bond between mates is irresistible and lasts a lifetime.

A guide to mating with humans:

First one must establish a relationship with said human. Affinity is essential.

Before I could read anymore Caius jumped at my sudden nearness. And I was aghast at my discovery. I stumbled back as he got to his feet.

''You...you are a,'' I couldn't hardly believe it.

''Say it then, ''Caius said gravely.

''A vampire, it makes sense now. The cold skin, you only come out at night, you never come to dinner.'' I say backing away.

''It's alright, ''he said holding up his hands as if surrendering to me. ''I will never hurt you, my love. ''

''That's why you are so strong and treat me with kids' gloves. ''I say in a whisper.

''I love you my darling, ''he said with feelings coming to the surface that I could not deny.

When I turn to run out of the room, I suddenly heard a whoosh of displaced air and blinked as I discovered Caius was now blocking the door.

''Am I so very disgusting to you that you would reject me now? ''Caius said sadly.

What I knew about what he was terrified me. He was an immortal Hunter from the scariest nightmares and the darkest dreams. I knew his kind drank blood and killed people to survive. I wanted to escape, to flee but what about my family? Would he harm them if I rejected the creature before me now?

I looked on him now with mixed feelings, before I knew this about him, I was profoundly attached in ways I did not fully understand. I knew I loved him without a doubt in my mind, that I was sure of. But could I trust him?

''I want to leave ...I just can't deal with this right now. '' I say stumbling over my words.

''What will you do? ''He says with a tone of sorrow.

''I need to think some, 'I say after a moment of thought. ''I decided I will not betray your secret if you leave my family alone. ''

He nodded. ''I will not betray you either.''

As he stepped aside, I moved quickly forward and placed a hand on the nob. He gently took my hand in his cold papery one.

''I really love you, sweetheart,'' he said.

I pause there, considering his words. He sounded so genuine and caring that I had to take that into account. But who can measure the craftiness of such a creature? Can he truly be trusted?

''I know, Caius, ''I said finally. ''I believe you, but please give me some time.''

He nodded again and placed a chaste kiss on my knuckles before I turned and fled. I left sobbing, deeply saddened by my discovery. I ran towards the stairs, cursing myself for my blindness. Suddenly, Cindy stood at the top of the stairs blocking my way.

''What's going on? Why were you in Caius's room? ''

''Let me by, 'I tried to push past her, but the staircase was too narrow.

Cindy forced me to face her. ''You have no business being alone with a guest in his room.''

''I was just talking to him since when is it a crime? ''

She peered into my eyes, frowning as if she saw something disturbing. Anger drained out of her face. Concerned took its place.

''Listen to me, Raina. Caius is a charming, handsome, and sophisticated but he's a bit older than you. For God sakes stick to boys your own age.''

''You're not my mother, you can't tell me what to do. ''

''I'm responsible for you, ''Cindy said. ''If you persist in hanging out with Caius in his room, I will ask him to leave the Inn. I will not sit back and watch an older man seduce you. ''

''I suppose you know all about that. ''The words flew out of my mouth before I could think better of it. ''Dad must be twice your age. ''

Cindy drew in the shaky breath. ''It is entirely different. ''

''You were 18 years old, ''I said. ''My mother told me all about it. ''

''What's going on? ''Dad shouted from the study. ''How do you expect me to work with all the shouting going on?''

Without looking at me, Cindy fled to down to dad. ''I need to talk with you in private! '' She yelled.

The door slammed shut behind her. I stood there for a time on the steps, fist clenched, trying not to cry. I was not proud of what I just had done, I knew I went too far. An apology would not be accepted. She was too angry, and dad would be too.

The stairs creaked behind me. I whirled around. Caius stood in the shadows at the top of the stairs. One hand raised to stop me from running to him.

''Don't worry my love, ''he murmured.

''They can't come between us. Nothing can. We are well bonded and beyond separating. ''His voice soft and silky, no more than a whisper, laden with kindness and concern.

Silencing me with his simple smile he flitted off as fast as he'd come. Caius was as loving as ever. It was like nothing had happened. Was it all mended? Was it OK? Can I come to terms with him being a monster?

I decided to lock myself in my room for the time being. I knew I'd see Caius again tonight. It was just as well. The scene with Cindy had left me weak and weepy. The situation with Caius drained me as well. If I slept it off maybe my anger and fear will dissipate with my dreams.