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Skin deep
By : fusedtwilight
Category: Twilight Series > Het
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Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.
Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Skin Deep

Chapter 13

Fusedtwilight: Thanks to animegirlkiki for betaing We don’t see Embry or anyone else from Forks this chapter. Probably wont see them for another couple of chapters. I want to focus on Sara and the Volturi right now.

Sara P.O.V

It had been a week since the party.

Volterra wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. During the day I would read the fine selection of books available in the library, talk with Heidi, Marcus, Aro or the wives.

At night I would travel the city. Learning the streets and the stores and houses that inhabited it. I even stopped by the old Roman Theater. It was truly beautiful.

I was also hard pressed to find privacy. I was always accompanied by someone. Heidi or one of the guards. The guards (especially the boys) have been giving me a lot of attention.
Some would just pop in and see how I was doing and start small talk with me. It was a little overwhelming, all this attention I was getting. There once was a time when boys wouldn’t even look at me.

Now I have enough attention to make me fall down in a coma…if I was still capable of a coma. Today I decided to do something new for my day. Today I was going to join Aro and the others in their day to day activities.

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“You’re seriously going to do this?” Heidi asked me again.

I was looking at myself in the mirror. I was going to make a surprise visit to the throne room today. Only Heidi knew what I was planning. “Of course. When I told the wives I wanted to take a more active role in politics I meant it.”

“Do you have any experience with politics?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well…no. But I am a quick study. I want to watch how Aro and the others rule. I want to take an active part in the day to day activities of the vampire world. I don’t just want to sit around on my butt all day and do nothing.”

“Sweetie I don’t think you will want to be involved with vampire politics,” Heidi said softly.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Look I’m not going to sugar coat it for you…your too soft.”

“Huh?”

“I mean…ruling the vampire world takes certain ruthlessness that to be honest…you lack in a large amount.”

“Hey!”

“I’m serious. This isn’t fun and games. We have few rules here Sara, but they all must be obeyed. To break any one of them risks the punishment of death. If you want to attend these meeting that’s okay, but don’t think you can try and save lives.”

“I just want to make sure everyone gets a fair trial,” I said.

“What do you mean fair? Don’t break the rules, how hard is that?” she asked.

“I know Aro isn’t always fair. The Cullens told me all about how he operates.”

“And you believe them?”

“I am no fool Heidi. I sensed his desire. I know he would have killed the Cullens and the Denalis just so I would have no one but him to turn to but him. He also tried to use one of his vampires to make me go to him. He would have messed with my mind just so he could have me in his coven. If Aro wanted me in his coven so bad he should expect I am not going to stay cooped up in this tower all day.”

“I’m just saying I don’t want you going down there thinking you are going to make us into something light and fluffy. The vampire world is bloody and violent; if we are to keep hidden we must show no mercy.”

“Yeesh, ease up tall, slim and serious, I’m not trying to remake the whole coven. I just want to play a faire role. I am not going to be just a new little addition to his coven. I want to play a role in all this.”

“Alright, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she sighed.

“I’m sorry if I’m coming off to strong Heidi, I’m just tired of people thinking just because I’m a girl that I can’t do anything but sit around and not do anything important. I want to be apart of something, I want to make a difference, I want to be a queen Victoria, I want to be a Amelia Airheart, I want to be a someone.”

“Hey I’m all for girl power believes me. I don’t think this is a bad idea because you’re a girl. I think it’s a bad idea because you’re a kind, loving, caring person. Ruling the vampire world requires resolve, ruthlessness, practicality, and yes cruelty. You’ve seen what we are capable of Sara. Can you honestly say you don’t understand why we must be so scary? If our words and actions aren’t taken seriously then the vampires would run around wild and the humans would learn of us and it would be utter Chaos.”

“I have seen what we are capable of Heidi, why should we fear humans? We’re faster, stronger, heck unless a human has a bazooka and is feeling suicidal and stands still a human could never kill us.”

“Humans are a lot of things, resourceful is one of them. If history has shown us one thing is when they are invested in killing something they find it.”

“You don’t think they could pose a threat to us do you?” I asked.

“We didn’t think they could, until Hiroshima,” she said.

She had a point there. Even a vampire is humbled to the power of the atom. “How do I look?” I asked changing the subject. “I don’t look too…uptight do I?” I was wearing a simple brown pin striped dress suit.

“You look fine. Remember we are the ruling class, looking uptight is part of the gig.” she smiled.
“I know, but I hate being elitist. I remember what that was like in high school, isn’t it funny, they say life is different after high school but it’s basically the same only more hellish.”

“I never went to school,” Heidi said.

“Oh, sorry.”

“It’s okay, when I became a prostitute I received education. You’d be surprised how much more a smart whore got paid compared to a dumb whore.”

“Why?” I asked curious. “I mean I thought guys didn’t care for a girl to be smart.”

“They don’t the majority of the time. But every once in a while a man wants some brain to go with the ass he’s buying.” she said with a grin.

“Miracles do happen,” I laughed. “Well lets go, time to humiliate myself.”

“If you think you’re going to be humiliated why do it?”

“I told you, I want to be more than just decoration, I want to make a difference, I have a voice and it will be heard,” I said firmly.

She snapped her fingers. “Now that’s an answer I like to hear. Listen I won’t be able to be there with you, I have…other obligations I have to work on.”

“You have to bring them food,” I said with a smile that had no real emotion to it.

“How did you guess?” she asked.

I waved at what she was wearing. “You look like you’re ready to go out for a fun filled night, plus the contacts are a dead giveaway.”

She sighed. “I know you don’t approve. But this is who we are Sara. We aren’t like some vampires. We don’t play with our food. We make it as quick and painless as possible. Aro and Caius encourage the guard to feed like that. They see making your prey suffer just for the fun of it as primitive and undignified.”

“I didn’t think Caius cared enough for humans. He always seemed to hold them in contempt.”

“Oh he does, but even he has some class. Well let’s go.”

We left my room and I tried not to think about dinner time. I was still uncomfortable as heck about the whole eating people thing. I had to make a mental note to leave the throne room before the poor people showed up.

I could not bear it to have to see any of them. If I did I would probably do something like shout “Run away!” That would be a problem.

Heidi and I walked down the tower into the underground network. Thank god we vampires have perfect memories. No way would a human be able to remember all the twists and turns down here.

Every so often we would pass one of the guard or a human who worked for us. They all stopped walking and bowed as I passed and I thanked them. Eventually we got to the door that led to the throne room.

I opened it without having to knock. As I stepped in all eyes in the room turned to me. Just look away, pretend you don’t notice them looking at you.

“Sara! What a lovely surprise!” Aro said standing up. Caius and Marcus joined him. They had already gotten Marcus a new throne after he demolished the last.

“I hope I didn’t interrupt anything,” I said.

“Nothing of grave importance. We were discussing possibly branching out, moving part of the Coven to the other side of the world.”

“May I join in?” I asked.

Aro and the others looked surprised. “Certainly. Who knows maybe you can give us some input. Maybe a newborn’s perspective is just what we need.” Aro said
.
“Fetch the lady a chair!” Caius called.

A guard appeared with a nice wooden chair and placed it between Aro and Marcus. Compared to the thrones of the men it wasn’t as fancy or impressive but it was still a fine chair.

“See you later,” Heidi whispered. She went back out the door and I waved good bye.

“Nice to see you getting out of the tower,” Marcus said. “I feared you would keep yourself up there like the wives do.”

“I have no intention of staying home while the men work Marcus,” I smiled at him. “I always dreamed of being someone important when I was a human, of making a difference. Why should that change now that I’m a vampire?” I asked.

Marcus smiled at me. His eyes had a hint of pride in them. “Now then, what were we saying? Oh yes. As you know, are coven is the largest in the world. With this in mind me and my brothers have been discussing possibly moving some of our family and placing them in another location,” Aro said.

“This would make it easier for us to police the populace and respond to threats on the other side of the world more quickly.” Caius said.

“How many would be moved?” one of the guard asked. It was Santiago. Of all the guard he was the only one I was curious about. We had barely spoken to one another. Unlike the others he wasn’t desperately trying get my attention.

“Well at least half, then there is the question of who would stay and who would go,” Aro said.
The room broke out in murmurs. The guards were leaning over and talking to one another. I saw Jane and Alec. Alec smiled at me and I smiled back. Jane leaned next to him and whispered something. Alec nudged her and she giggled.

“But lord Aro, we work so well together because we are together in one coven. When a threat looms up we can quickly assemble and deal with the issue,” Felix said. “Separating us may make our jobs more complicated.”

“Indeed Felix, it is a tough situation. By making an extension of the world it means one of us.” Aro waved his arms at Caius and Marcus. “Would have to go as well to make sure things run smoothly.”

“But where would we go?” Jane asked.

“Well since the Mexican area has been a bit problematic for us these last few centuries we considered somewhere in the Americas.”

“Another problem we face is which city,” Marcus said. “Volterra industries is one of the top ten companies in the world. It would be easy to relocate part of the coven in any city.”

“What about a city where crime is a major problem,” I suggested. All eyes turned to me. “I mean…it would help solve two problems, food source and it would make the city safer.”

I can’t believe I was suggesting this! I mean I know I’m talking about bad people but still! I don’t know them, they do things that you see on C.S.I but still they are people.

“A brilliant idea!” Aro beamed at me. “Lord knows New York, Los Angeleas, Los Vegas, any city in America would work well for our nutrition needs, well thought of Sara.”

“Thanks,” I smiled.

“There is also South America to consider, The jungles would be good for us to hide in and work in secret,” Caius said.

“Another good idea!” Aro said.

Los Vegas huh? I had an image of Aro, Marcus and Caius dressed up like mobsters. Somehow the image really clicked.

“What about we make two extensions instead of one,” Marcus said.

“No, half our guard would already be gone, we can’t split it up again,” Caius said.

“What about asking other covens to join?” I suggested. “I mean all those people who came to my party. It would help bolster the ranks and make things easier.”

Aro’s eyes lit up. His face broke out into a wide grin. “Of course! Marcus?” he extended his hand for Marcus to take.

Marcus politely moved the hand away from him. “It can be done. From what I saw quit a few of those who attended the party are loyal. Some I think we should leave be, they have a respect for us but they would not want to join. Others may join when they see the other covens join as a sign of respect.”

Aro looked impressed. “You have no idea how good it is to hear you speak brother, I thought I would have to read your mind for the rest of our days.”

“I never had a reason to speak,” Marcus said. He looked at me and smiled. “Until now.”

“You have proven yourself to be more valuable than I thought Sara, I am impressed,” Caius said.

“Just trying to help,” I smiled. Part of me was pleased I had helped and got to voice my ideas. But another part of me felt…bad. First I suggest using a city with a high crime rate for food, now here I am helping them expand their empire.

I feel like that little angel that reminds me of my morals and virtues is shaking her head right now. I mean they did try to kill the Cullens. What if I just did something now that could have complications in the future?

The whole butterfly affect and all. When you’re immortal you get to see the consequences of your actions. The more practical side was saying they were already talking about breaking off; they would have worked it out all by themselves.

Isn’t it better to point them in the direction away from good people? It won’t last forever I know. Sooner or later the Volturi will cause the crime to plummet so far down the city will be safe and prosperous but the Volturi will be forced to feed on innocents.

If I am trying to reason out my actions does that mean it’s my devil talking? I know one thing for sure, as soon as I can I will contact the Cullens and give them a heads up. If the Volturi are going to branch out I think it would be a good idea to warn them of this.

One of the good things about joining the Volturi is I can at least protect my other family.
For the next couple of hours we talked about which covens to extend the invite to, which coven would be the most useful, which city would be best to form the new coven in, who would go, who will stay.

“I think for now we should focus on forming one new coven,” Aro said. “Test the waters, see how it works. We’ll wait for a decade or so and if everything goes well we will make a third coven somewhere, but for now let’s work on the second.”

Another few hours was all business. I didn’t give any ideas on that one. Stocks and financial holdings were out of my depth.

Then they discussed charities and upcoming events that would bring good P.R for Volterra industries. Corin brought up the play he promised me.

“I promise lady it will be the most epic and beautiful play ever, it will be new, it will be bold, it will honor your existence and inspire many artists’ years to come!”

“Thank you Corin,” I said giving him a smile.

He bowed to me.

Marcus checked the time. “Sara, I think it best you leave,” he said looking stern.

“What why?” I said.

“It is time for Heidi to return,” he said.

I thought for a moment what he meant. Then I realized what he was talking about. “I understand,” I said. I got up and addressed Aro. “Excuse me Aro, I think I should take my leave now,” I said.

“Oh please lady stay, you are so very smart,” Jane said.

I smiled at her. “I would like to but I am afraid I…am unable to stay, I have other business to attend to.”

Actually I just don’t want to watch you all suck the life from a bunch of helpless people.
“Would you like one of the guards to accompany you?” Aro asked.

As soon as he said that the majority of the male guards stepped forward eager to the task. I fought the urge to groan. I did not want to be pestered by love struck boys. Only the guards with mates didn’t step up. I noticed Santiago wasn’t looking at me eagerly or had even moved.

“Santiago may you escort me?” I asked.

I was not sure if Santiago had a mate or not. I did not know much about him. I think he would make a good choice. He doesn’t seem to want to know me like the others do. Plus it would be a good chance to get to know him.

“With pleasure my lady.” he said bowing his head.

He stepped forward and offered his hand. I took it and we headed for the door. “I will see you later Sara,” Aro called.

“Okay,” I said.

We walked out. As we walked out I glanced at Santiago from the corner of my eye. He still had that rough, ragged look. His face still had that stubble that showed early stages of a beard. I liked it; it made him look more bad boy like.

Like Felix he was thick. Not fat, no he was all muscle. His arms were thicker then my waist. He was well muscled. Not overtly so like those muscles bound guys on steroids. No his muscles were that kind a man gets when he works real hard and gets a good body to show for it.

I wanted to take my hand and run it along his face, to fell his stubble as it scrapped against my skin. I had such a strong image in my head that it made me look away from him.

“Something wrong lady?” he asked.

“Please, call me Sara,” I said.

“Okay, are you okay Sara?” I asked.

“Oh I’m fine. Just…looking at the walls,” I said.

He smiled. “The walls?”

“Yes their very…nice…very smooth and concrete like.”

“That’s because it is concrete,” he said.

“Oh.”

He chuckled. “You don’t have to lie, I saw you sneaking a peak.”

“I wasn’t sneaking a peek I just have never seen a vampire with facial hair before,” I said quickly.

He rubbed his chin with his hand. I heard his hair scratch against his skin as he rubbed it. “Yes. I would like to shave but I am afraid razors can’t cut vampire hair.”

“I like them,” I said. “They make you distinguished.”

“Distinguished? I like that.”

“It makes you unique. How many vampires have facial hair?” I asked.

“Not many. Of course I didn’t have the chance to shave before I was turned,” he said.

“How were you turned?” I asked.

“I was a slave once. I was brought to South America by my master as he traveled to the jungles, looking for the fountain of youth. One night my camp was attacked by vampires. We put are armor on and fought with our steel, but it merely bent when it touched their skins. Our armor proved futile against their strength. One of them bit me. Those of us who survived took care of me, confused why I was in pain.”

“What happened when you turned?” I asked.

“Sadly after I turned I turned on my comrades. The thirst over took me,” he said. “After that I became a nomad, wondering around, trying to find my way back to my once beloved home. During my journey I join a coven of three. We made a mess in Europe and it attracted the Volturi and they came to deal with us. I fought Felix one on one and was able to give him a run for his money. Aro was so impressed with my skills he made me an offer, ditch my coven and join him. I joined.”

“What happened to your coven?” I asked.

“They were killed. Do not feel pity for me, I was not sad to see them go. We were just companions to one another, nothing more. Aro normally only lets those with a power join. But since I proved to be quit the fighter I was allowed.”

“I am glad. I hope you have found your happiness here,” I said.

“Oh I have, I am a part of something bigger then myself. I am not a slave; I am my own man now. Becoming a vampire was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“I hope it proves the same for me,” I said.

“I think it will. You really helped us today. I shamefully admit none of us would have thought of that. Well I take that back, we would have but it would have been a long time before any of us would have thought of it. Sadly we are all old thinkers. We have become so accustomed to being our own coven and taking in a few vampires the thought of asking so many to join seems boggling to us now. Vampires aren’t meant to be in large groups, it takes a lot of work to keep us together.”

“You should try drinking animal blood,” I said. It helps you interact better with humans, makes it easier to live in a big coven and you get a nice pair of golden eyes to go with.” I smiled.

“Me? Drinking animal blood? Eugh!”

“It’s not so bad once you get used to it.” I said.

“Sadly it would not be easy to transport so many animals for so many vampires. Besides some of us have been drinking human blood for millennia, I doubt it would be easy for them to adapt.”

I sighed. “I know, but this whole drinking blood thing is just so weird. I know it’s our natural food supply but...”

“You need not explain yourself to me Sara. If it makes you feel better then do it, do not explain yourself. I learned long ago if we are to be happy we must learn to ignore the way others view us. If one lives their life trying to adapt to the way everyone views you, you lose you self and become something you are not meant to be.”

“That’s very wise, brawn and brains.” I said.

“I thank you.”

“You know I was beginning to think you didn’t like me,” I said. “You never seemed interested in me like the others.”

“I apologize if I offended. I did not think you would remember a lowly guard like me Plus what with all the male attention you received I figured you would not suffer over me.”

“Why do you think I chose you and not one of the others?” I asked. “I mean their all nice and polite but sometimes they smother me with their attention. I know a lot of them are only doing it because it will bring them closer to the throne. They don’t see me for me, they see me for what I can bring them.”

“It must be terribly lonely. To only have men wanting you for your status,” he said.

“Its new at least, when I was human, men never looked at me twice.” Until Embry.

We arrived at my room. “Well here we are I must go. I must feed.”

“Of course. Santiago are you busy today?” I asked.

“No.”
“Would you like to visit with me later? I would like to find a computer and web surf a little and I was wondering if you could show me where,” I said.

“I can bring you one, if that is what you want,” he said.

“Of course, when you have the time, I am going nowhere,” I smiled. “Thank you for treating me like a person and not an object to be desired.”

“You are most welcome Sara, I look forward to seeing you later,” he said.

He turned and left. I watched him walk away. Do not look below his waist, do not look below his waist…oh I looked at his butt! What is wrong with me! Stop being a pervert! He is a human being…he is a vampire being….he is a person! Not a piece of meat.

Even though those pants show off all the good meaty parts. No stop that!

He turned around and saw me watching him. I quickly went in my room and closed the door. I began to fan myself with my hand. I wasn’t hot, but I had to do something. When I looked him in the eyes something happened.

It was like I felt a connection with him. I felt like I could feel his gaze like it had weight. Was it my power? Was it starting to act up again? When I felt him looking into my eyes I didn’t feel revulsion like I usually do when I see their red eyes. I felt…need.

I wanted to go up to him and run my hands through his curly jet black hair, I wanted to feel those lips and see what they tasted like, and I wanted to feel his cheek against my skin.

I took off my glove I had been wearing. It hid the charm bracelet Embry got me. Embry. I do miss him. I miss his warmth, I miss his smile, and I miss his god awful smell.

But I gave him up. I pushed him away so far he could never find me again. I did it so he could be happy. So he could have the things he deserved.

Was I doomed to live out the rest of my days alone? Wanting a man I loved so much I pushed away?

I am sure Embry is moving on now. I am sure he has his life back on track. I am sure he hasn’t thought of me once…and that’s the way it must be.

Maybe it was time I moved on. Maybe.

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Marcus P.O.V

It was weird. I felt like I had just woken up from a dream.
A long, lonely, nightmarish dream. All these years I have sleep walked through life, unable to find myself caring for anything. Only Aro and the Volturi kept me going.
I was no fool, I knew he used Chelsea to keep me attached to the coven. I did not care; it kept me going, what more could I want.

I would have liked nothing better than to join Didyme in death but I knew she would want me to live. To continue on without her. Where it not for Aro and his plotting I would have found a way to die by now.

But now I had a new reason to live. A new reason to go on. Sara. When I first saw her I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Then I realized she was not Didyme.

I was angry at first. Thinking Aro was using some new trick. Then I was enraged to learn all these years she lived in mortal form and I had not been there to look after her family.
It matters not, I have Sara now, that is all that matters. Though I am concerned. I know the guard desire her. Desire her for her status. A way to get a new throne.

I was not too happy with Aro right now. I think he acted too soon in starting this little contest. Sara was not ready for this. She still had an emotional tie to the one who gave her that charm.
I knew she loved him greatly. I had gotten her to talk about him a little, but I did not pressure her about it. I know what it is like to be reminded of a lost one every second of every day.

I had been proud at how she handled herself today. She was so much like Didyme. They both were gentle beings, both had a desire to be involved with these messy politic meetings and decide what was best for our people.

But I fear for her. I fear that all that goodness will be squashed out of her. That soon she will be like the wives. I don’t want that to happen. I want her to stay as she is now.

We finished up our meal. Santiago arrived just in time when Heidi arrived. Santiago was one of the few I was not overly worried about perusing Sara. He wanted her for the benefits, but he craved a mate. He had many pointless one night stands with the unmated females in the guard. But he wanted something permanent, something meaningful.

Corin was developing a crush on Sara. But he was a poet. They are all romantics at heart. He will develop a fascination with her, right her poems and songs. There was potential in him. Potential for his connection to her to deepen to something more meaningful.

Another surprisingly was Alec. Were it not for my power I would have never thought it possible Alec was starting to develop genuine feelings for Sara. I didn’t think it possible for the little monster to feel love for anyone but his sister.

Santiago, Corin and Alec. These three have the potential to make Sara happy. To ease the coming hardships she will soon face. Santiago has his need for a true mate. A true wife to hold him and love him. Corin a romantic who has fallen in love hundreds of times with a pretty face but may have finally found that one woman who will ensnare his heart. And Alec? Of all the guards I would have never pegged him as a potential suitor for her.

It wasn’t his age that gave him pause. I myself had I wife older than me when I was younger then him. It was his personality. He was petty, vindictive, sadistic. Like his twin. Only he was more calm and calculating.

People know to keep their guard up around Jane. But Alec is the more dangerous of the two. He minds himself. He makes you think he is apathetic and uncaring. Until he pounces on you, then you realize he is as much a monster as Jane.

I should not even put him on the list. But from what I see it is possible Sara can change him. Maybe for the better. My power tells me with enough time he may truly learn to love her. It makes me happy to know even a monster can love.

I will make sure one of these three will be with Sara. I will help them out give them advice. All I want is for Sara to be happy. I know she still loves this Embry boy but she gave him up. I do not want her to be like me, a zombie, barely alive.

It may take time, but from what I see from these three they have a true devotion to win her heart. They do not realize it but the seeds of love have been planted in their unbeating hearts.

With enough time and effort those seeds will blood into beautiful flowers. They do not know it but Sara owns them already. Not because of her power, no this is the beginning of true love.

I will personally make sure one of them wins her over. I have all the time in the world to make sure this happens. No need to rush things. Love is like a flower. You let it grow at its own rate.

Aro handled this all wrong. He should have come to me first. He may be an expert at scheming and manipulating but when it comes to matters of the heart I am an expert in spades.

Sara will have happiness, I swear it. For Didyme, I will do everything in my power to make sure she is happy.

Fusedtwilight: I always wondered what the volturi do all day. I mean its not like vampires break the rules every day. That’s why I had it they run a company from behind the scenes.

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Skin deep	By : fusedtwilight Category: Twilight Series > Het Views: 1882 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

Skin deep