Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 Drew was squatted down in the hole she’d made her daily home for the past three months. Her brush in hand as she held up another piece of pottery that she’d carefully extracted from the marked off area. She looked up, searching for Azrael her co-worker and site manager. The Italian country side was scorching with the summer sun beating down upon her terra cotta coloured skin. She’d applied more sunscreen two hours ago, regardless the sun added to her melanin. 

“Az, I’ve got another one.” She called once she spotted the lanky man.

His hat easily spotted from the side as it was a bright rainbow along the three sixty brim. He needed to protect his bald head after all. He turned towards her a smile on his face. He stood up from his own section and made his way over to her.

“Another vase?”

“I’d say more a jug,” she gestured to the one handle and spout.

The dirty clay would be taken to their lab and cleaned. There it would go through more testing and labelling. They didn’t have much of an area they could set up a bigger tent for findings if they wished to keep digging into the hill side. The private job was of a large manor after all that went deep and wide according to the owner’s old blue prints of the property. One that had been destroyed three centuries ago.

“If you find some cups maybe we can break for lemonade.” He chuckled while he motioned for one of the hands to come over.

Davina a second year student from the University of London. One she’d become close to while there, the girl reminded her, of a younger version of herself. Her dark brown hair was in two braids and her glasses settled close on her face. “Yes boss?”

“Take this back to the lab and place it in Drew’s area. We can go over it this afternoon for labelling.”

“Yessir,” she took it carefully with gloved hands and made her trek back up the hill.

Drew wiped her brow with her arm while she stood stretching herself from her position she’d been in for the past hour. “You know they were hired to help excavate too, not run things back and forth.”

“They are younger than us, these young whippersnappers can do that hill a lot faster than we can. Plus, it’s good experience, they will learn that we all help around here. Just because you have a PhD does not save you from labor. The college kids can learn it now.” He shrugged. “I also do not wish to climb that hill.”

The last part was whispered to her. Drew laughed shaking her head. He was only in his late thirties he had not even begun to go grey, just a bit of male pattern baldness. His chin stubble still the dark colour of what his hair had been.

  Drew had only just finished her PhD last year at the age of twenty-five. Her twenty seventh birthday would be at the end of the year. She’d finished high school at the age of fifteen with high marks. Her college career she went at a normal pace with a gap year in between her masters and PhD.

“I guess nineteen does look young to thirty-nine.” She commented while sipping on her water straw that attached to the backpack she wore.

“I am thirty-seven.” He sniffed.

“What is two years?” She laughed.

“Back to work with you,” he waved her off returning to his own spot. “If you find any actual treasure let me know.”

Drew got back to it clearing her area. Still, many of it was just the stairs leading down the hill with random pottery and such throughout. No one had found the lower levels. Access to the basement had not been found in the few months they had been working. It was a slow tedious process, but they had time. Drew grabbed her shovel beginning to carve out the next step down in the stones.

She pushed into the side of the remaining stone wall at three feet high, the wall that had once been much higher than current levels. She leant forward putting weight on the wall.

“Ah!”

She retracted her hand immediately. There, a stone she’d been pushing dirt away from, had disappeared. She grabbed her torch immediately. She dropped to her knees laying flat as she could go. She turned her head to get a better look not caring if her curls got dirty. She cut them short for a reason. The light showed the beginning of an archway, the light faded out to shadows showing it went lower, she was at a ceiling. She grinned.

“Azrael!”

Drew pushed herself up out of the dirt. She looked up seeing he was already standing behind her concern all over his face.

“Are you alright?”

“Spooked from sudden movement, no injury. I found the stairs!”

She stood handing him the torch. “Look,”

He did as instructed, dropping to lay as best he could in her area that really could only allow her to lay flat down at five foot two.

“Well, there they are! Congratulations, let’s get the hands over here with the bigger shovels and help you clear the stone steps and dirt out of the way.”

“Is that a good idea? I’ve been finding pottery within the steps along the way down, is it worth the risk?” Drew questioned as he stood back up to his full height.

Azrael pursed his lips. “The owner of the land wanted to know when we broke down to the basement. He did not seem so concerned for the upper levels as he did the basement. These stares, you are in the east wing of this manor… these stairs did not have connecting ones did they?”

“Not to my knowledge. These ruins are a few centuries old we could be looking at very fragile work.”

Azrael rubbed his chin. “No one is to touch this area without consulting Drew,”

He called to the few who had perked up at their conversation. A few of the younger hands nodded. Their team of fifteen wasn’t large and no one was inexperienced with such digs. Azrael’s dark gaze came back to her, he dug into the left pocket of his khaki shorts.

“Heads I go consult the owner, tails you get to.”

Drew crossed her arms. “You’re the lead archeologist on this project.”

Azrael raised his brow. “We are partners for leads on this, equals. I merely have more years in the field than you. You are the prodigy.”

“Sir. Turi scares you so much?”

She’d never met the owner, she came onto the scene after her colleague Dr. Janis Hodgkin the first choice for this dig, had her husband become ill. She was the one Dr. Hodgkin had recommended in her stead. Drew adored her once professor turned colleague at the University, so she had packed up and came across the world to the Tuscany town. The only thing she knew about them was they made Azrael uncomfortable, and they were not really around a lot. They had money, enough to make people stop asking questions.

“Fine, flip the coin.” She agreed.

He did just that, flipping it. She watched it rotate over and over, glinting in the high morning sun. In time gravity brought the Canadian quarter down. It was something she’d had in her pockets the first time they flipped coin about decisions a few months ago. He liked the caribou head, so he kept the relatively new coin.

She watched as he revealed it on the top of his left hand.

There the caribou was staring back at her. She rolled her eyes as he gave a small yes under his breath.

“I swear if I end up murdered by these mafia people it’s on you.” She grumbled wiping herself off. “I’m going to change quickly before I go.”

“Best to go now, the sooner the better.”

“I won’t get past the front reception of the town hall, looking like this.” Drew protested.

“Change in the office, do not blame me if they scold you for not making hast.” He tutted.

“Then again you are a woman, they may be nicer to you.”

“They aren’t sexist, are they?” Drew scrunched her nose up, a few times in Rome these past few months had had her encountering a few men too willing to be friendly. It was a big city thing she swore.

“Not that I have seen or heard. They are nothing but civil. I merely find they are a bit unsettling to me. You’re a beautiful woman, who could ever be mean to you?” He questioned.

Drew shook her head rolling her eyes at him. “Ridiculous man, stop trying to butter me up. I already lost the stupid coin toss.”

She turned and headed back up the hill, she was careful of the other team members working away still. She waved to Davina who was coming down having finished up.

“What’s going on?”

“We have found the entrance to the basement. So, I must tell the owner.”

“Awesome! Can I help?”

“When I return,”

“Yes!”

She hurried back through the wall of the city that surrounded the properties inside the premises of the town she’d been in for the past six months. Volterra a beautiful town in the Tuscany hills. She opened the gate and hurried through the small tunnel, she exited into a cobble stone side alley. The office building and lab was two streets over. In the town centre where the university campus sat.

She entered the side door opening it with the security code. She was practically running down the polished marble tiled floor. She took the steps to the second level where her work office was. She unlocked it with the code and closed the door behind her. She went to her dark oak desk where she kept baby wipes and some emergency makeup. She’d been caught a few times by the team members wanting to go to a pub or café late in the evening for drinks.

She pulled out her emergency clothing consisting of dark orange blouse with short sleeves cuffing at her bicep. She buttoned it to her collar where it did up. She looked to her shorts and sighed. She wiped the dirt away as best she could before she slipped them off and into straight legged black capris. Her shoes she toed into black kitten heels under her desk.

Finally, she turned to the mirror on the side of her many book shelf right next to the window. Her only mirror.

She met her own honey light brown gaze, her nose had dirt smattered across it with dust on her neck. Her cheeks heated. She grabbed a wipe and cleaned herself. She bent at the waist shaking her curls of dust. She grabbed the small spray bottle and misted her curls before she fingers brushed them down and redid some of the curls. All natural thanks to her maternal grandmother being from Nigeria.

“Well, it’ll do,” She admitted.

She turned once more and grabbed a note pad and clip board, her pens she pocketed. Her blackberry was sitting on her desk she grabbed it and made her way to the front where she could exit and cross to the town hall. Where their current employer was located.

She zipped through the empty halls of the university science department and then main halls. The summer time meant a lot of the students were out for the year. She pushed open the sold wood door with glass and hurried down the steps, across the square, with the fountain in the middle, she caught sight of the bell tower. The few steps up that were imposing under the pillars and stood with the four solid wood doors. Original to the building they seemed.

She passed a few familiar faces she had come to know from her time in the town. It was different than she was used to. The cafes and stores here, existed for many generations, or changed types but stayed relatively family owned. The bakery, to the butcher, to the general store. She always saw three generations in Canada as a long time. These people with eight or more made it obvious she did not know old by true definition.

She pushed open the door to the town hall. There, a full foyer opened into high arched ceilings and marble statues and many art works on display, the museum was connected through the hall way to the left. Her heels clicked on the freshly polished tiles, she approached the round desk where a beautiful woman was sat.

Her light blonde hair in waves around her, while she wore a fitted white blouse and black pencil skirt. Her tan skin kissed from the sun, dark eyes wide and surrounded by large lashes.

“Welcome,” she greeted in Italian.

“Ciao,” Drew waved. “I have some information for Sir. Turi?”

The blonde paused. “Do you have an appointment with which of the Turi brothers?”

There was more than one? Drew looked down to her notepad. A. Turi, if he is not in request Demetri.

“Sir. A. Turi, if he is not available currently… I know lunch is soon, is Demetri available?”

“May I ask your name?” The blonde asked holding the phone to her neck hand hovering to dial.

“Dr. Drew Danvers, I’m one of the archeologists on the excavation outside of the town? I’m not sure if that clarifies it. He had requested to be notified immediately when we found the basement of the old manor. We have,”

“Oh. I thought Dr. Azrael was the lead on that?” She tilted her head.

“He is, we both are.” Drew clenched her clipboard tighter as she was looked over once more by the receptionist.

She’d never really experienced a client who had many people to get through just to talk with. Then again this was her first private excavation.

“One moment,” the woman held a well-manicured nail up to Drew.  

Drew looked over her own hands, her nails were short and had dirt staining the tops of what should’ve been white. Her cheeks warmed. Damn job. She loved archeology and had since she was a young girl. She’d always loved playing in the dirt and discovering history and things from the past. She couldn’t help the uneasy feeling she got when she didn’t look presentable. The nagging that she wasn’t good enough, forever digging at her head. The foster kid, who tragically lost her parents at birth. Lived with her grandmother until eleven when she passed. She had put her nose in books and her studies just to ignore the reality.

“Sir. Turi, will see you now, Dr. Danvers.” The receptionist broke through her thoughts.

She nodded her head. “Thanks,”

“Down the right hall, his assistant will take you,” she gestured to a man in a pair of slacks and button up with a black vest. He appeared out of nowhere.

Drew craned her neck to get a good look at his face. Dark eyes bore down upon her, he was at least two feet taller than her. She gulped offering a smile. He turned on his heel and motioned for her to follow. Drew had to jog to keep up with the big man. His wide shoulders and the shirt left little to question he was a brick wall of muscle. Azrael had said these people weren’t mafia. Did he lie?

She would haunt him from the grave if she walked so unknowingly into the home of the Italian mafia. She’d made it through years of Foster care keeping herself clean only to wind up in shit internationally.

Ms. Cabot, her last and longest foster parent, would have her head if she ever found out one of her previous wards was wanted internationally.

“Sir. Turi,” a bit too much emphasis on the last name? She mentally questioned. “Will see you now.”

He pushed open the door they had stopped in front of. Drew’s gaze went to the many shelves upon shelves of books. A small circular library, or giant office greeted her. No windows but a lot of lighting and large tapestries brought colour to the room. Her jaw went slack as she saw a few pieces under glass with small plaques. She clenched the clipboard tighter, she wanted to go look over each book.

A throat cleared, grabbing her attention. There behind a dark oak stained desk a man was lazily say back in a high leather back chair. He held a book in hand as he looked up. Dark eyes zeroed in on her, a toothy smile greeting her.

Drew gulped pausing only a few feet from him. Her cheeks warmed as she realized she’d all but ignored him.

He who was perched like a predator who had just been introduced to its newest prey. He was a pale man with olive toned skin. His straight Grecian nose and angular face. Onyx waves over his shoulder that was clipped back away from his face. He was a beautiful man in a beautifully expensive suit of pure obsidian and a red tie. He was hardly older than she was.

“What do we have here? Felix, who is this?” He questioned not moving his gaze from her.

“Dr. Danvers, sir.” A deep baritone replied.

“Yes, Dr. Drew Danvers… you were the replacement for Dr. Hodgkin, yes?”

“Yes sir,” she replied. “I am, Dr. Hodgkin trained me and is my mentor back home. She had some family matters that came up.”

“Her husband, yes. We spoke, the ways of illness are quite harrowing.” He mused.

She watched him stand unfolding his surprisingly larger form. She didn’t expect him to be so tall. Her barely over five two made it easy for most to tower over her. She usually could tell when someone was taller though. He rounded the desk offering his hand.

Drew’s heart best picked up, cheeks burning as she lifted hers away from her clip board. He took it ever so softly. He was cold to the touch. She tensed pressing down the urge to shudder. After a morning in the hot Italian sun she was more than willing to hold something cold.

Not like that. She mentally cringed. No, no, no. She was not about to imagine this man, her boss mind you, in such ways. She retracted her hand clinging for dear life to the clipboard.

She took a deep breath to steady her increasing heart rate. A mistake. Citrus and books washed over her. A combination she did not think would compliment each other but it did. He smelt of books as if he’d been in the office for sometime.

“What brings you all the way here, Dr. Danvers?” He asked taking a step back.

She blinked a few times. Why was she here? She looked to her clipboard seeing stairs underlined.

“We found the stairs. We broke ground and Azrael wished for us to inform you. Your request that we notify you immediately.”

“You have excellent listening skills Dr. Danvers,” he complimented, a spark in his gaze that held her captive.

Were her knees made of jelly? She questioned herself as the ground seem to pull her closer.

“If anyone had gone too far, the basement would’ve made you apart or it. It is well fortified after all. Trip wires and traps are throughout the place. It is best your team not get hurt upon our property,” his tone so light for the warning he voiced.

Drew‘a mouth went dry. There were boobytraps? “I wasn’t aware… though should’ve been obvious…”

“You are a smart young woman, common sense keeps you alive.” He commented a small curl to his lips.

Was he telling her to trust her gut? She pondered. The way he walked around the room like he owned everything in this town. A confidence radiated off of him, that he was in charge. To not listen or heed his warnings would mean death. Her eyes fell to his behind that where well tailored trousers hugged his butt. Was he so confident in the bedroom?

“Right you are sir, injuries are highly damaging to an archeologists career. Best not to be hurt or die in such a beautiful property.”

A soft chuckle escaped him. He shook his head returning back around to his chair. He motioned to the chairs across from his desk.

“It is such an inconvenience when people die on our properties.” He teased, a flash of something crossing his expression. She sat down leaning in. “Let us go over these shall we? Best to protect your team?”

“Yes sir,”

Chapter Text

 Drew was back on the work site after two hours going over the schematics Sir Turi had. She turned back to her current corner, carefully carving out the bricks with one of her smaller shovels. It was pretty straightforward warnings of what could be laid within the Manor’s basement. Especially when it had been fortified to keep people out. So here she was carefully going at the behemoth layout with a tooth pick. One of the biggest issues — the main to her — was the fact Sir Turi didn’t know where exactly the trip wires were. Whether they were at the bottom of the stairs or if they were right as one was to enter the stairway.

The exact placing of each and every booby trap was lost to time. That was for the ones written about. Heaven knows that the paranoid ancestor to Sir Turi, didn’t write everything down. That would be too simple. As he had explained it when someone was as powerful as their family, having surprises could save lives. Now it was risking killing lives. It wouldn’t do good to protect the dead.

So here she was squatted back in the dirt and dust with a small shovel. The use of large shovels to clear the area could possibly injure them or worse kill somebody. She scraped away layer by layer, sun beating down on her exposed back. Drew was happy she’d all but changed back into her normal outfit she lived in on sight. Much more comfortable for the movements she was making.

“How’d it go?” Davina questioned while she helped on the other side of the opening.

Drew raised a brow coming out of her own thoughts. “What?”

“Meeting Sir. Turi. Is he as terrifying as Az makes out.” Davina urged not looking up from her work.

Drew bit her cheek momentarily. Was he terrifying? She’d spent a good portion of the meeting staring at him while images of him having his way with her in that office filled her head. She’d barely retained anything the man had said. He complimented her a few times on various things, from her penmanship to her key eye for detail. He’d been so close his scent intoxicating. She was hardly aware of the desk between them at times. She’d been so hypnotized he could’ve asked her to disrobe and she probably would’ve done it.

She believed in firm science. Never one to believe in the supernatural or things as silly as Hypnosis being at all possible. This man proved her otherwise. She hardly remembered having an immediate lust for a man like this. Her attraction was usually upon women on first sight. Men took time to develop feelings for. He made her a desperate woman in a desert thirsty for a drink of water, and he the best tasting water on Earth. 

Davina cleared her throat looking over to her. Drew’s cheeks burned, she looked away to the dirt wall before her.

She shook her head of the thoughts. She could analyze the meeting later. “He’s an intense man, if that’s what you mean. I’m very sure he is intimidating if approached the wrong way. Any man of power comes across that way. Sir Turi though when we spoke he was very polite and friendly. I could not ask for a better interaction with a manager. He owns half the town doesn’t he?”

“A third, his brothers own the other two.” Davina corrected.

She coughed at the number. She hadn’t given much attention to who the Turi brothers were had she. She had some research to do on them. Drew paused. Davina was more into the gossip of the town. 

“You know of them?” She asked.

“Not really. Just what the secretaries and other young hands gossip about. They are like Mafia but they aren’t from what we know. Well, that is what Anthony says. He’s local to Italy after all. He’s also been around Volterra longer than most of us. This is a safe town from all sorts. They protect this town, no one questions it even if they do monopolize the place… The issue is no mafia claims this area, it’s a dead zone on their territory maps. At least that’s what Anthony said. Family connections.”

“Fascinating, didn’t encounter those sorts back home.”

Drew never really paid much attention to organized crime. She knew it existed. She had grown up in a heavy metropolis where many gangs and organized crime was located. The Greater Toronto Area was notorious for all kinds. The heart of the country would do that. A lot of the world was like that. She’d kept her nose out of trouble the moment she’d gone into foster care. Stigma followed her already, she didn’t need to add troubled teen to her rap sheet. Her motto was keep yourself out of others business, and you won’t find it. Trouble only comes for those who go looking.

“What’s your home like? You never really talk about growing up in Toronto.”

“Not much to discuss, it’s like any big city. Newer than Europe that’s about it. You grew up with London right by.”

“I grew up in Oxford.” Davina sniffed.

“Stuffy Brit.”

“Colonist.”

Drew laughed continuing on. “Truly though there isn’t anything different. Beyond it being Canadians more than English folk. A giant diverse city that is the heart of the country. Lots to see and do. Tourist traps and actual city life. Cold during the winter.”

“I want to see Canada, I have been across Europe and some parts of Asia. My next goal is to see North America.” Davina declared. “Maybe I’ll follow you home.”

“I’d be down giving you a tour of TO. You’ll enjoy it, my advice is immerse yourself in the culture. Go head first. It’s a massive country. Do be warned you cannot have breakfast in Toronto and then go to Vancouver for lunch.” Drew warned.

“People actually think they can?” Davina looked up from the brick she was carving out.

“Common sense is a luxury.” She snorted.

Davina laughed turning to the side to place her shovel down and pulled out the brick.

Drew watched eyes wide as a slip of metal slinked off of the brick. 

She blinked once. twice. Sun caught the metal. She lunged forward. Hands out grabbing Davina by the hand yanking back. She tossed herself over the younger woman. Brown eyes widened. Face twisting up. 

Drew tensed.

Boom!

Sharp edges of rock went flying. The ground rumbled. Dirt and dust tossed above blocking her sight. Stinging rained all over her exposed skin. Barbs hitting her arms and legs. Davina grunted. Drew coughed. The ground rumbled below them. Two more explosions sounded off. Further down from where they had been working on.

Smoke surrounded them. More rocks went flying. Drew hissed, one hit her shoulder. Davina flinched. Drew caged the girl in under her. Low breaths, between coughs. 

“Davina…” 

Seconds ticked by. 

one. two. Three. four. five. six…

She forced her eyes open looking down. Drew carefully extracted herself from Davina. She propped herself up slowly. Small stones fell off of her onto Davina’s abdomen.

Drew sat up, she brushed her short curls free of any more debris. She surveyed their surroundings. Dust and dirt swirled in the air around them settling once more. A lot fell around her where she was sat up on the dirty stone step. The once smaller entrance with only a few bricks missing, was now fallen open into a good human sized hole. The edges jagged from the explosion the bricks were partially missing chunks.

“Are you two okay?!” Azrael called over. His voice distanced. Ringing echoed in her head.

Drew squinted looked up seeing in the dust cloud his figure from a safe distance. Other hands that had been close by were covered as well. She waved the dust away.

“Yeah, we are!” Drew croaked.

She turned pushing herself to her feet. She looked over to Davina who was sprawled on the stairs propped up on her elbows. She was taking shallow breaths, chest rising and falling, mouth fallen open. She gave herself a once over. Drew scanned her tanned skin seeing little scratches and dirt bits cling to her. The dust coated her braids. Glasses thankfully switched for contacts and protective eye wear. Drew sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Davina asked meeting her gaze.

Drew shook the concern away, she stepped over to her. “You’re alright just a bit dirty. You may wish to go wipe yourself down.” 

Davina looked Drew over. 

“You too.” She suggested.

“Why?” Drew scrunched her nose up.

“You’ve got blood trailing down your arms and on your legs. Shit you’re actively bleeding.” She motioned to her left arm.

Drew looked down. Her light brown eyes went wide while taking in the red dribbling down her forearm. It was along a scrape near her elbow. She continued her inspection seeing a few more scrapes on her legs and nicks to her clothes. The most concerning was the cut in her leg were blood bubbled over actively. She hadn’t felt the pain of impact. Still she didn’t feel it.

“Yeah.” Drew nodded blinking a few times as the dust and dirt settled around them.

She helped Davina up and they made their way up on shaky legs. They made their way up the stairs up to the more level ground. Azrael stopped them looking them over.

“Shit, you two take the rest of the day.” He directed.

“I’ll be fine, let me escort Davina to the hospital and I’ll be back.”

“I was more referring to you Drew. You’re actively bleeding.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t make me write you up Danvers for not taking safety to heart. Go see a doctor.”

Drew met his dark gaze. She frowned but didn’t argue. “I’ll be fine. If it gets your knickers out of a twist, I’ll go.”

The two stumbled their way out of the site. They made it onto more even cobblestone roads towards the urgent care clinic. It was three streets over between the site and the city centre. Davina kept close to Drew arm looped through hers.

Drew was relieved feeling her belt up finding her small pocket where her passport and ID was located. She didn’t want to make Davina walk too far after that. “Do you have your health care info and ID with you?” 

She opened the door to the clinic for Davina.

“In my ID holder.” Davina held up her lanyard.

“Good, makes this easier.”

“Drew are you sure you’re doing alright? You’ve got blood pouring down your leg.”

Drew looked down seeing her leg where she was pointing. She dug for her napkins and began patting at the streaking crimson liquid. More only replaced it. She sighed.

“I’m fine, let’s get through triage.”

Drew led her to the admin sitting behind plastic shield with her computer. The woman checked them in immediately, telling them to go sit down. She barely made it two steps when Davina grabbed her shoulder.

“Excuse me, can she be seen a bit sooner, she’s actively bleeding.” 

The admin’s head snapped up she stood, zeroing in on the blood. Her eyes went wide she buzzed open the door to the back emergency beds.

“Why did you not say!” The admin tutted pulling her through.

Drew looked back to protest but a nurse was already pushing her into a wheel chair and bringing her back. She settled into the chair until she was in a small doctors exam room.

“The doctor is on his way now, may I ask how this happened?” The nurse asked in broken English.

“An accident on site for an excavation. Set off an explosion.” Drew replied in Italian.

The nurses eyes bulged. She was already getting rags to make the area sterile before she could begin stopping the blood. Drew hissed at the solvent being applied to the legs.

“You were in an explosion on a work site? That one outside of town for the Turi family?” The nurse asked for clarification. Drew nodded. “I should notify my daughter. Giovanna, she is a secretary at town hall.”

“Don’t worry about it. It was minor. I’m sure my boss is already reporting it. No need to panic too many people. I’m quite alright I assure you. It’s but a scratch. Sure maybe some stitches but that’s it. I’ve got travel insurance for my health care and such. Please do not cause such a fuss over scratches.”

The nurse didn’t get time to reply. 

The door opened and closed. The doctor was an older gentleman in a white coat.

“It is better safe than sorry Dr. Danvers. We may need to do some shots to prevent infections and illness. That site was how old?”

“A few centuries…”

“Then we will need to do some tests. There could’ve been a few things within those explosions that have entered your blood now. The owners, are the Turi brothers, correct?”

“Yes, however this was an expected risk.”

“They may know what lays within those traps if any poison or led were there. If not just rust. This is quite a serious situation, Dr. Danvers.” 

Drew slumped in the bed as the doctor began to stick the needle into her leg. She watched the freezing begin to spread at once. The doctor began to stitch the big chunk out of her leg closed. It only took ten stitches to close completely. A few others the nurse began to clean. The process repeating on a few small cuts on her other leg and arm.

“What of my coworker, Davina?”

“Was she bleeding?”

“Not that I saw…”

“Then we will look her over momentarily. You need to be seen first.”

“Fine.”

Drew was released within two hours and a few minutes. They gave her some shots as a preventative. They were firm, in their directions that she was to immediately return if she began to feel ill. She had papers that needed to be put in her office to be dealt with.

She saw Davina sitting with two to go cups in hand on a bench as she exited the Hospital.

“Drew, here I got you a tea latte.”

She took it. “You’re a gem. Thank you. What do I owe you?”

“Nothing, think of it as a thank you for jumping in and saving me.” Davina replied.

“It wasn’t anything major.” She shrugged. “I make more than you I should be treating you.”

“You do on a regular. Az texted, said we are to take the rest of the day off. After we fill out the incident report at the labs.” Davina advised.

Drew quirked her brow sipping from her latte. “An incident report? It wasn’t that serious, unless you’re more injured than you look.”

“While we were in the hospital, Sir. Turi reached out. He heard the explosion. He insists it is reported to them immediately so appropriate action can be taken.” Davina prattled off. “Health and Safety officer’s orders too.”

Drew’s nose wrinkled. “HSOs are a pain in the ass. They do great work eighty percent of the time. The other twenty they are redundant. It was a simple accident on us. No one is to blame for this explosion. If they wish to have inventory marked on what was destroyed in the explosions then I will do that. I don’t want disciplinary actions taken against anyone. We knew the risks associated with this job. Plus no one alive is to blame for those trip wires.”

“Sir. Turi made sure we knew to report all accidents —especially involving blood to them. He takes this very seriously. That was the first thing he warned us of when we started months ago.” Davina explained. “So let’s fill the report out hand it over, then go get dinner with wine.”

Davina wiggled her brows with a smile growing. “We hardly get nearly a full afternoon off. Tomorrow is Saturday let’s take the evening and live a little.”

“Won’t they want us working over time we lost time this afternoon?”

“The site isn’t going anywhere. Live a little Drew.” Davina nudged her.

“Alright.”

She gave in following arm in arm with the younger woman. Davina had become her closest friend working on site. Her humour was close to Drew’s and they both enjoyed the occult and DC comic books. They’d bonded over Buffy the Vampire slayers and the town’s vampire history.

St. Marcus came and drove out all the vampires that were plaguing the town. Thus St. Marcus day was born. One of the only Rumours she knew about the Turi brothers, was according to legend that the Turi brothers were descendants of Marcus Volturi himself. The town of Volterra was named after him. A legend that funded the tourist attractions in the town. 

They made their way to the main lab where the incident reports were located she grabbed her favourite pen out of her belt and flipped through the five pages stapled. They were double sided. She groaned.

“Ten pages. I told you. H&S is utter bullshit. This could’ve been shortened to two pages surely. If they want a contract saying I won’t sue I’ll do it. Davina will you hand me the scalpel so I can end my misery?” Drew pleaded slumping down on the lab table before her.

Davina laughed. “Nope. Your death means I’ll have more paper work to do. So get to it woman.”

She patted her shoulder and turned to fill out her booklet.

“Can’t we do just one since it was one incident and we sign it?”

“Protocol Dr. Danvers. Must be followed to the very letter. I require every T crossed and every I dotted. You were such a good girl this morning. Are you so blatantly defying my request? Do tell me I am wrong?”

Drew stiffened hearing the low soft yet curt voice interrupt them. She straightened her back. Her breath stumbled as her heart did. Her chest heaving as she took shallow breaths. Her cheeks burned the moment he called her a good girl. She quickly picked up the papers, she clenched the papers tight turning to face him. Why did he need to show up now? She mentally groaned.

A. Turi stood in the same suit. His hands clasped behind his back. A perfectly carved brow arched, and lips pressed in a line. Her gut flipped. He looked disappointed. She inwardly cried. He stood towering over her his dark eyes she swore were penetrating her soul. It wasn’t the only thing she wanted penetrated… she shook herself of the thoughts. This was her boss. Highly inappropriate…

An ache sparked in her lower abdomen, spinning around before beginning to spread down to her groin. She pressed her legs together. She took a shallow breath. Her heart slammed into her chest. She had to be the colour of a tomato now if she wasn’t before.

“Apologies Sir Turi. I did not know you had entered the office. I was merely joking with Davina, my friend and coworker. While I do not see the full need for this much information needed, however, I will fill out the information. As I am required.” She explained her cheeks on fire.

He came forward until his dress shoes were nearly hitting her dirtied steel toed boots. Her grandma would’ve whooped her for having on such dirty shoes on even in the lab she was currently in. The tiles were still shining with the recent waxing. She was ruining it. She looked up from under her thick lashes. Her thoughts of dirt on the floor vanished. She was locked in the deep dark pools of his eyes.

“I see,” he nodded, turning his attention to Davina.

“Yes sir, see? Sorry…” she held out the papers the first two pages done.

Sir Turi clasped his hands together in front of himself. He returned his attention to Drew. She offered a slight smile. Had she drank any alcohol recently? She mentally questioned herself, why couldn’t she pull herself out of his hypnotic gaze. She’d only met him twice in less than six hours and now here she was frozen and under his spell.

“I heard the explosion, I came to make sure no one was dead or severely injured.” He said.

“Dr. Danvers quick reflexes saved me from it being worse. Only a few shallow scrapes. She took the worst to the knee.” Davina reported.

Sir Turi gave Drew a slow once over, he ultimately zeroed in on her legs. Drew followed his gaze seeing thankfully the nurses had wiped the dirt and grime from her. She wasn’t looking like the heathen she felt like. The day’s activities were wearing on her and the dirt she noticed clung to her like a second skin.

“very minor injuries. The doctors ran tests. I am all right just a few stitches and a bandage.”

“I do not call a few stitches minor, Dr. Danvers. I expect it filled out. You are to take a break until they heal.” He ordered.

“Sir, surely such a thing is unnecessary?! It is but a scratch.” Drew protested.

“You are a defiant young thing aren’t you?” Sir Turi questioned under his breath.

Drew’s cheeks turned scarlet and her heart beat increased. “Sir—”

“If you begin to bleed on Monday, you are taking the week off. I expect you to report to my office in the town hall at seven thirty am on the dot that morning. Am I clear?” He challenged.

A finger slid under Drew’s chin, he tilted her head upwards to capture her undivided attention once more. She blinked a few times, nodding against his cool touch. She wondered if A/C had something to do with it. Something she found odd here in Volterra was their use of A/C. In other parts of Europe it wasn’t as common, at least in her experience.

“Yessir,” she breathed.

“Good.” He pulled back breaking their connection. “Good day ladies, I have some things that require my attention.”

He turned on his heel walking away. Drew stared after the man in his perfectly tailored suit. The pants she swore were painted onto his behind—

“Drew, you have to close your mouth… you’ll flood the lab.”

“Gah!” Drew startled pushing Davina’s hand away.

She shot the younger woman a glare, though her cheeks burnt as she returned to her paper work.

“You think he’s sexy.” Davina teased.

“Anyone can see he’s a good looking man.” Drew waved her off.

“True, but you Dr. Danvers want to ride him like—”

“Ah! I’m going to stuff your mouth with my sock. I find him attractive yes and wouldn’t be beyond a date. However, I do know it is highly inappropriate to even think of doing such a thing!” Drew huffed. “Now let’s finish these and go get a bottle of wine. It is apparently now the weekend after all.”

Chapter Text

Davina looked up from her phone to Drew whilst they were pursuing the wine selection. “Are you set on spending the night in?” 

Drew raised a brow. “I’m quite fond of a good red wine and House, we’re on the latest season though… What else do you have in mind?”

“Casey has somehow gotten entrance to an exclusive club, wants to know if we wish to join them?”

“I’m not exactly in shape to go clubbing.” She gestured down to her leg which was still bandaged.

“Pants then, you said yourself you were doing alright. Please Drew?” Davina pleaded.

Drew rolled her eyes grabbing her favourite Pinot Grigio she’d come to love from one of the local vineyards.  She handed it to Davina along with a rose. 

“You’re making breakfast at mine tomorrow and are buying these.” 

Davina grinned taking the bottles. “Done and done, let’s go! We only have a few hours.”

“A few hours isn’t enough time for you?”

“It’s not everyday we’re invited to an exclusive club. You need to have a good night, lord knows you need it. You may even run into a certain someone.” She wagged her brows.

“As if he’d be caught out at a club, even if it is exclusive. He doesn’t seem the type.” Drew waved her off towards the register.

Drew looked herself over in her current dark red blouse of satin. The spaghetti straps and deep V left her more exposed than she was used to. Her jeans might as well have been painted on the way they clung to every inch of her curves. Her tight curls were styled with a bit more volume than normal. Her eyes surrounded in a darker brown and sparkle, she painted her lips a deep rouge. She had opted for a two inch kitten heel, her worn pair that allowed her to dance around without blisters.

“How in the hell did I let you talk me into this?” Drew grumbled looking herself over in the mirror. 

She felt utterly nude in her current outfit. She was happy she got away without a skirt. She’d argued that the stitches didn’t look good on display. The skirt may have even hidden her more than her current look. Should she wear a coat or bring one in case the night got too cold for her? She wasn’t a nineteen year old any more and valued herself enough not to suffer.

Davina popped out from her ensuite bathroom curler in hand. She was in a body conforming red dress with thin straps. Heels six inches high. Her glasses replaced with contacts. The teen was way too graceful in the death traps.

“You said you’d go if I made breakfast and bought those bottles of wine. Suck it up, I did. Come on Drew, relax. We’re in Italy. You’re only young once.” Davina pleaded.

Drew chuckled. “I’m already coming despite my feet protesting. My concern solely lays on the question whether police will see me and arrest me. This shirt —if it can be called that —boarders the line clothed and breaking public decency laws.”

Drew grabbed some shaping tape that belonged to Davina, and added a bit more to the left side. She’d already put the sticker over her nipples so as not to flash any one on any wrong move. Heaven knows that’d be the end of her. 

“I see no issue with the outfit. You look absolutely sinful.” Davina looked her up and down. “This club is LGBTQ friendly despite not advertising it. One of the originals apparently since 1890.”

“This country is more progressive than Canada. Penalized until the sixties and still made people socially outcast for years. To this day it sometimes isn’t safe.” Drew huffed.

Davina came up and hugged her. “A shame to deny the existence of people.”

“Oui,” she agreed turning around. “So, who all is coming with us to the club. I know Casey is orchestrating this.”

“Az, Siobhan, Casey and Wes. Some more may join us later, not too sure.” She rattled off heading back into the bathroom.

“Oh Wes, he barely comes out with us. Awesome. I miss that couple. They’ve been stuck inside the past two weeks it’ll be nice to see them.” Drew commented grabbing her small across the body purse for her ID and money.

“Agreed. Casey needs to spill some gossip on a certain something.” Davina replied coming out fully done.

“Come on gorgeous let’s go have fun.”

She practically dragged Drew out of the second floor flat the both of them had been sharing the past six months. The walk down to the few bars in the small city were surprisingly lively for such a small area. One was quite exclusive and hard to get into.

La Notte, built down into the base of the city. Volterra sat on a hill quite nicely, making it easy to build within it. The club was hardly noticeable outside, many people would pass it a simple door in the side of a building, where the main street was a bistro during the day. 

‘Babe, hurry up! We got in. -Azrael.’

‘We’re coming, got in where?-Drew.’

‘La Notte,-Azrael.’

“Az is joking, right? He didn’t actually get us access?” She looked to Davina.

The girl looked up from her phone shaking her head. Drew relaxed a bit. She would prefer a quiet pub if she were being honest. 

“Siobhan did, she’s the one who was talking with the Turi brothers. She’s inside more often anyways and not afraid to befriend them.”

Drew stiffened in her step, her relief was short lived. “What? The bar is owned by the Turi brothers? Why am I surprised? They own this town… but what does that have to do with getting us in? Why?”

Davina shrugged. “Something about it being an apology for the explosion it cut the afternoon’s work off.”

“Why would they apologize for something they didn’t build? They couldn’t have known they’d explode on us.” Drew murmured.

“Whatever the reason, don’t look a gifted horse in the mouth. Now come on!”

Davina hurried their pace. They barely made it safely down the cobble stone roads towards the hill base. The closer they got the bigger the crowds became. The evening was warm even the lack of sun made no difference for the Italian city. The heat was a permanent thing there. Give or take a few degrees. She bit her lip questioning if her jeans would cause her to sweat. Then again she wasn’t wearing much on her top half. Hopefully it worked out.

“Babes, look at the two of you!” Azrael greeted them with a hug.

No longer in his shorts and khaki look. He was freshly done in a tight pair of jeans, a fitted grey V-neck with a sleeveless cardigan. His contacts replaced his rectangle specs. Clean shaven good to go. Behind him Drew recognized Siobhan.

Red box braids styled around her. Big brown eyes framed by thick lashes. Drew gave the girl a slow once over. She was in a small black dress with a halter strap holding her larger breasts which threatened to escape. The V-neck held firm though. She pulled her gaze away back up to her face. Siobhan smiled sauntering over.

“Might want to close your mouth, Doc. You’ll flood the street from drooling.” She chuckled her breathy words.

Drew blinked a few times catching herself. “You look good.”

“Behave right and you’ll really find out just how good I look under.” She winked.

“Siobhan you torture me,” Drew shook her head pinching her nose bridge.

“She tortures us all, don’t fret too much.” Wes laughed helping guide Drew down into the club.

The nondescript door was noted with a small line and a bouncer. The bouncer stopped to check their IDs then allowing them entry. The door was opened and led into a small square room with a metal stair case spiralling down. It was one way to make sure someone was sober enough to enter the club, she had to give it that. Well lit, stone walls around them not unlike the ones she’d spent cleaning the past few months while unearthing the stately manor. 

Once they reached the bottom, there was a larger foyer type hall. Lights dimly lit hung from the ceiling. Many abstract art works hung from floor to ceiling with black, red and white splattered all over them. The floor a deep obsidian marble, a carpet runner down the whole way. People were already lined up. They joined the roped off area.

Drew crossed her arms across her chest, while waiting for the bouncer to either deny people or allow them in. The two bouncer system was odd, but it was an exclusive club after all. Many knew of it, didn’t mean they were granted entry. It did pique interest. Why would they not just have this tight line upstairs in the main street. Why let people in? No. She banished the questions. She was here to let loose and enjoy the night, not question every little thing. How the owner ran a business was their own issue.

Once inside the club the atmosphere took from the creepy old Italian street vibe to a classy club. Black walls that ran up a few stories. A balcony that ran the length of the room with some tables and what looked like doors for privacy. Mirrors reflected the lights of many dimly lit chandeliers. Drew’s hairs stood on edge seeing the red decor and leather booths. A few steps down to the left a dance floor and DJ was already alive. 

Their group made their way to a far corner to get a booth to have their stuff in, and enjoy drinks for breaks between dancing. She allowed the others to slide into the circular booth.

She took some cash out to head to the bar. She leant over to Davina. “First round’s on me, what does everyone want.”

She was handed a request of vodka shots, a few beers and martinis. She was going to order a bottle of wine when all five of the rest shot her down. She wiggled herself through the growing crowd. Ducking people here and there until she squeezed into a spot at the bar. She read off the list and waited. There were a few bar tenders but each busy with a drink. 

It didn’t take long for her to get her order rattled off and be provided the drinks. She made her way back with little casualty of the drinks setting them around taking a shot and martini. She downed the vodka ignoring the burn as she did. Sipping on the other drink she settled into the booth at the end.

“Drew, you’re supposed to wait for the group to do the shot with you.” Az teased from her right.

She stuck her tongue out. “Bite me, you’re the one who told me to relax, so I am.”

“Next round then,”

Wes was off for another few rounds of shots. He handed three to each of them. He answered her questioning look. “We aren’t making it home with our memories.”

“Takes a bit more than a few vodka shots to do me in. Especially dancing!” Drew finished her martini and stood.

“It’s hitting alright though!” Davina laughed joining her.

Casey and Siobhan followed in suit pulling each other close down into the busy floor.

Music blasting, bodies bouncing and drinks not too far behind. Drew accepted a drink from Siobhan a vodka soda.

She stayed close moving to the beat. Her head fuzzy and the buzz really kicking in. The song changed to a good medium paced one. Her hips swaying she circled herself lower. Hours squatted down really paid off. 

“You look absolutely sinful,” Siobhan whispered coming up behind her.

Drew gave a lazy smile leaning back, connecting with the woman. “Maybe that’s the point.”

“Absolutely wicked.” Siobhan kissed her cheek before moving further into their group planning to dance off a few of the drinks.

Drew lost herself in the beat of a few more songs. Her drink finally finished she set it down, before making her way back into the crowd. 

Cool fingers ghosted her hips. She shuddered looking over her shoulder. Looking up from under dark lashes her rejection dying on her lips.

The man currently holding her wasn’t a creep by her definition. No creep was this good looking. Dark eyes set in pale skin. His hair was dark from what she could see, pushed back. He was taller than most on the dance floor. His black button down was skin tight holding onto him for dear life. His pants were no better in the thighs and behind. 

She bit her bottom lip inviting him to dance more with her. He was quick to encircle her hips were bare skin was escaping her sides and back. It was hard to avoid contact when she wore a shirt that practically only covered her breasts.

“Come here often?” He rasped as she dared to grind down on him.

“No, felt a little adventurous.” She breathed leaning back on his broad chest.

Damn when did men ever give her such butterflies? She’d just been as happy to give herself over to Siobhan tonight. This man waltzed in and she was ensnared. She mentally questioned allowing him to lead her closer.

“What ‘bout you? Pretty exclusive club.”

“I know the owners,” he shrugged.

“Strong connections.” She replied.

“What about you, beautiful? How’d a woman like you end up in here?”

“Are you doubting I belong here?” She challenged.

“Only mean you’re too gorgeous for a place like this.” 

“Hmm… well, it simply comes down to it being a Friday night, and good connections.” She dismissed not revealing the answer.

No need to expose her identity to any foreign man. Who in a few days would forget her or not be able to fit into her schedule. She turned towards him running her hands up his chest. He leant closer towards her.

She studied his aquiline nose, and strong jaw. His alabaster skin a contrast to her own. She teased the top button of his shirt. Her mouth watered at the temptation of what was below. She could feel washboard abs daring for touch.

He slid a finger under her chin guiding it higher. He caught her lips in a light kiss.

His hands wrapped around her back holding her closer as his tongue sought entrance. She opened her mouth in a gasp as her nipples hardened against her shirt.

He pulled back allowing her fo breath. A smile on his lips as he kissed her jaw.

“Are you open to moving this somewhere, a bit more private?” He breathed.

“Yes,” she nodded vigorously following as he pulled away.

He didn’t let go. Her head fuzzy from the drinks and his intoxicating kiss made her yarn for more.

He pulled her by her hand up a set of stairs up towards the rooms above. Her heart picking up speed, as did her desire for the man before her grew. He stopped at a door pulling out a key.

She quirked a brow. “You’re connections come in handy.”

He looked over his shoulder tossing her a lazy grin. “You could say that.”

He unlocked the door pushing it in. He turned beckoning her forward.

“Now, where were we, beautiful?”

“Santos, aren’t you supposed to be working?” A throat cleared behind them.

Drew stiffened, ice tossed over her as she broke eye contact with him. She turned where the man had spoken up.

There, in a double panelled blazer and matching charcoal pants a white haired man stood. His crimson undershirt unbuttoned a few at the top and his hair tied back. A sneer upon his face. Her stomach dropped. She took a step back. His dark glare set on her. She gulped standing up straighter as the hairs on her neck stood up and goose flesh broke across her.

He was in his late thirties she could tell. Despite this his lithe form commanded attention from all around him. She noticed how even the few people around parted and turned to give him the attention he called for. An air about him demanded submission. Her cheeks burned hotter daring to show through her melanin. She was sure he could tell her to strip and she would. 

If he hadn’t interrupted the fun, and been giving her such a burning gaze full of distain. She may have invited him to join them. 

Would she have? She looked both men who were going back and forth in front of her, acting as if she was gone. Ninety percent sure she could be convinced to participate in a three some. 

“Sir, I’m on a break. I was merely having a snack,” Santos replied loud enough for her to hear with a hand on her shoulder as he pulled her closer.

“Don’t lower yourself while on duty. Get back to work leave it be.” The man barely gave her a once over as he turned his gaze to Santos.

“It has a name.” Drew snapped. 

The man turned at that, he opened his mouth to speak.

Before he could, she pulled a sharpie out of her small bag. “Sorry you work for such a stuck up douche, Santos. Maybe you can find me another time, off the clock.”

In a flash it was gone. She blinked. What the fuck?! She looked around for it. Was she so drunk to drop a marker? No. She just had it. There in pale long fingers it was. The bastard. She crossed her arms. A smirk curled the corners of his lips.

Asshole! What was his problem? Did he have a small dick problem? 

“Seriously what’s you’re problem?” She stepped forward eyes locked on him.

He stepped up to her bending at the waist. She didn’t back up heat burning through her as red tinted her vision. Gods she hated being short. 

“My problem is such filth trying to distract my workers. Now leave before I have you removed.”

“As if I give a sh—”

A cool finger pressed into her lips cutting her off. “Another word girl and I will have you punished.”

She snapped her mouth shut with his order, to her own surprise. She shifted, a slight dampening in her her pants. She scrunched her nose up. Why she had listened? The flash in his eyes and the challenging look held promise. He was egging her on to protest. It was in his tone he would do as he said. He wanted her to challenge her? She smirked.

She could comply… Not that there wasn’t a loop hole. She took the pen from her purse and scribbled down her number on a piece of paper she had from her small notebook. She pressed it into Santos’ hand.

“Call me, when you’re free. We can meet where there isn’t a dusty cock block in our way.” She shot the man a look of distain, before looking up at Santos from under her lashes and giving a lazy grin. She sauntered off down the stairs allowing all to see her hips sway.

She didn’t dare turn around to make sure she wasn’t being followed. Holy shit. She hurried down the stairs once down them she headed back to the booth. She’d just called someone a dusty cock block. Her cheeks burned. She slid into the booth taking shallow breaths. 

“What’s got you breathless gorgeous, weren’t you about to get some?” Az asked leaning over to her.

“I was but some old dude told the guy he had to work.” She replied.

“That isn’t usually enough for you to be so bashful,”

“I called the dude a dusty cock block.” 

“What?” Az laughed.

Drew nodded. 

Davina delivered another round of shots. He grabbed three pushing them to her. “You need those girl.”

“What’s she drinking away?” Siobhan asked reappearing at the table. Drew caught sight of a petite brunette hanging on Siobhan’s arm. 

“She got cock blocked,” Az answered.

“Boo! What asshole, point him out!” Siobhan turned scanning the bar. 

Drew followed her gaze. There, on the balcony he stood leaning over the railing. She gulped. She nodded towards him.

“There.”

“Mr. C Turi?” Siobhan paused. 

Drew stiffened. “What?”

“That’s Caius Turi, he’s one of the brothers.” She explained.

Drew sunk into the booth. “Oh fuck…”

Az laughed. “She’s going to need more shots.”

“Why?”

“She called him a dusty cock block.”

“Oh…” Siobhan cringed. “Oh girl lets get you some more shots.”

Chapter Text

“Morning gorgeous,” 

A warm hand messaged Drew’s left hip. She blinked a few times through the fuzzy feeling that engulfed her head. She leant back, soft breasts pressed against her back. The smell of a citrus body wash filled her senses along with the distinct vanilla oils Siobhan used for skin care. Lips descended on her extended neck, a hand trailing her curves. 

“Morning,” Drew gave a lazy grin.

Siobhan cupped Drew’s breasts giving them a light squeeze. “Did you sleep alright?”

“Mmm. Like the dead. Some wonderful dreams of a siren in my bed.” Drew turned catching her lips in a quick kiss. “Staying for breakfast? Davina offered to cook.” 

 “That’s tempting. Not needing to cook with a hang over, count me in.” Siobhan pulled back. She turned, glancing to the alarm clock on the side of the bed. It was noon. “Brunch sounds good. We need protein after last night, I believe that was a record six in one night? Mind if I borrow a shirt and shorts?” 

“I recount seven, but maybe need reminding.” She teased. Siobhan laughed shaking her head. 

“You forget nothing gorgeous.”

“Especially not the way you use your tongue.” Drew slid off the bed giving a stretch letting the blanket pool off of her naked form.

“Focus gorgeous, mind if I steal your clothes to get home? That dress I doubt will cover me after you ripped the straps.” Siobhan clucked holding up her dress. 

As described the two thin strings fell around it no longer connected. Drew bit her bottom lip, not feeling any guilt. “I’m not sorry for ruining the dress. Of course you can find something that’ll fit you and its yours. Payback for destroying the dress.”

 “Not my first time stealing your clothes.” She winked.

“Not my first time destroying your clothes.” Drew laughed as Siobhan went into her closet. “I’m aware, the top you love is in the closet third drawer down. You may as well keep it at this point.”

 “The fall out boy one?” Siobhan perked up. She heard the draws opening and closing. “If I kept it what would I wear home after one of our nights?” 

 “The one and the same. May need to just leave some of your clothes here.” She shrugged.

Drew got to her feet and padded into the closet grabbing another over sized shirt with the Ravenclaw crest across it in the dark blue. She slipped a pair of panties on under with some shorts. 

“You know this is a friend’s with benefits situation.” Siobhan commented. “Isn’t that getting to serious?”

“Clothing is clothing.” 

“Maybe if you asked me on a date doctor instead of just to your bed, I’d consider it.” Siobhan replied. 

“I’m —”

“Not looking for anything serious, I know. Neither am I, which is why this works. Now I was promised brunch my Canuck beauty.” 

Drew laughed shaking her head. Siobhan and her had began doing this a few months ago, after one hard night in the lab. The girl was from Belfast. Her beautiful Irish accent had done Drew in the moment she’d heard it.  

 Drew jumped when the front door of her flat echoed out from impact, causing the walls to shake.

 “I bring eggs, bacon and many fresh fruit.” Davina sang.

 Drew sighed rubbing her temples. “How is she such a morning person?”

 “No idea, there’s ibuprofen in the night stand.”

 Drew grabbed the medicine for her head that was beginning to throb. She took her bottle of water and exited going to greet Davina at her living room. Living across the hall from each other made for easy visiting. 

 There she stood with many reusable bags in hand. Davina was barely struggling to carry them, her olive skin tanned like theirs from hours in the sun. The only thing that gave Davina away that she had been somewhat effected from last night was the slight puffiness under her eyes and the fact she chose glasses for time away from the site. The girl usually wore contacts outside of work. Drew took the bags from her. 

 “Did you bring the market with you?” 

 “Close enough.” She replied. “You brought Siobhan home last night so I guessed I was feeding three.” 

 “How?”

 “I saw you two last night on the dance floor.” Davina answered going into the little kitchen setting up to begin cooking.

 “For such a reserved woman she is a siren on that floor.” Siobhan interrupted collecting her braids together to braid them in one larger braid. 

 “I know how to have fun.” Drew shrugged. “It’s not often, but I’m not a sheltered nerd.”

 “Definitely not, our feisty girl here had quite the night. Did you hear what she called our boss’ brother?” Siobhan asked Davina grabbing on of the grapes from the bags.

Davina shook her head.

Drew groaned, the foggy memory in mind.

“She called him a Dusty cock block.” 

Both busted up laughing. Davina pausing to look over her shoulder. “What? When the hell was this?”

 “Earlier when I was dancing with a man.” Drew tried to wave it off.

 “Which brother was it?”

 “Caius.” Siobhan answered giving a playful smack to Drew’s behind. “Brave little sprite.”

Drew tossed her hands up covering her face. “I didn’t even know who he was… I’ve never met them before.” 

“Caius is the oldest right?”

“Yes, I believe in his late thirties?”

“Not wrong on the dusty part.” Davina snickered.

“You two are not helping. This is so embarrassing, he could have me fired. I’m here because my mentor now co-worker at the University of Toronto recommended me to this project in her place. This might be a private job, but people talk, and such remarks could have me fired. I’m not a seasoned doctor like her. I could be black balled from any further jobs. I still represent my University professionally to show what it has to offer. People like the Turi brothers could have my career over before I even began to establish it.”  

“Hopefully he didn’t know you,” Davina offered.

 “If he finds out who I am, I’m so going to be paying for it.”

 “Maybe, only Aro Turi takes an interest in this field. The other two don’t bother. I doubt what happens outside of work will really matter.” 

“Still people talk.” 

“Fret about it on Monday, come help cut up some tomatoes.” Davina instructed.

 “Why are you up so early?” Drew questioned seeing Davina coming from down the hall her gym bag in hand.

 Drew pulled the key out of lock turning to the girl. Davina raised her brow. “What do you mean? It’s ten thirty?“

 “It’s Sunday, a day for rest. Here you are in a pair of running shorts and a tank top looking like you’ve already worked out for sometime.” Drew gestured.

“I went to bed at a decent hour last night. I thought I could get in some time at the gym. It’s not often I get in with no people. Where are you going that requires your work pass?” She nodded to the badge on her neck.

 “The office, I forgot my headphones.” Drew replied holding up her iPod. “Then I’m going to the gym to run the track. I was going to ask you to join but a little late. I guess I’ll see you to do some shopping later?”

“Sure, I’m down for that. Aren’t you supposed to not be exerting yourself, or showing your face at work right now?” 

“Sir Turi said I was to see him before work Monday morning. He made no comment on what I was allowed to be doing. That was Az to take the time off. I am. I am working out not working.”

 “It’s still physical exertion, Doc. Surely you should relax.”

 “Look only slightly red, no blood. Normal healing process.”

 “Okay don’t be surprised if Sir Turi sends you home if he finds out.”

 “I’ll be fine.” 

 Drew made her way down the stairs out into the mid morning light. The streets not too busy as people were beginning their days in the cafes. Which in return were just opening up for their day. Something she was becoming slowly used to. Businesses beyond certain cafes and corner stores often were closed today. Sunday, where she was used to limited hours not closed completely.

 Toronto was always open. She passed a few neighbours she’d come to know waving as she went. She passed the fountain in the city square and down the side road entrance to the university wing her office was closest to. 

 The pass on her lanyard she scanned entering the side entrance to the labs. The familiar scent settled her as she made her way to her office. The cream walls with wooden doors and a few photos and displays of the finds from all over the world.

She stopped at her door where the blinds were closed and her name plate stood out. She unlocked the door flipping the lights on. She opened her top drawer. The few files and empty reusable bottles… pens and clips… 

 She’d put them in here right? She closed the top going to her next level. Nothing but papers bad notes. Next… nope… she huffed… 

 She bent down at the waist pulling open the bottom drawer. She skimmed through the files pushing them to the back. Surely her headphones weren’t in here… did she leave them in the labs with the work incident report? She didn’t have them on site. Not Friday anyways. 

 “Ahem.”

 A throat cleared. She glanced over her shoulder. 

 She stiffened immediately turning to cover herself. The air on her legs very apparent when she caught sight of who decided to interrupt her. 

In a white button down, and black trousers Caius Turi stood. His white blond hair was down around him, tucked behind his ears. Drew gulped, cheeks heating immediately under his dark glare.

“Mr. Turi,” she crossed her arms.

“What are you doing in here? Did you slip away from one of the employees here you were trying to fuck? A doctor Danvers by chance, is that why you are going through his things? He demanded stepping into the room.

She frowned. “We seemed to have gotten off on the wrong foot. I’m Dr. Drew Danvers.”

“Not so smart mouthed when faced with your employer?” He sneered looking around her office. “I could have you fired for what you said.”

She blinked once not giving him the reaction he seemed to be baiting for. Her blood beginning to boil in her, as she watched him lean on her desk as if waiting she would fall to her knees to grovel.

“I have to ask, does Viagra get confused when you take it? Because you’re a massive dick.” She blurted. “I was going to apologize but my assessment Friday night was right. You’re an an asshole with nothing better to do. Expecting me to fall to my knees and suck you off to keep my job? I’d rather become a nun.”

“You little bitch,” he stormed to her stopping merely inches from her. He used his height to his advantage to tower over her. “I will have you regretting every word you have uttered.”

She squared up. “Do it then, I dare you.”

His eyes flashed red she swore immediately before being swallowed by black. The hair on her neck stood at attention. Goose flesh all over. She didn’t break away even though something inside her begged for her to back down. 

“You little —”  

“Caius, what are you doing in here with Dr. Danvers?” 

Drew looked over his shoulder seeing Aro Turi, brows pulled together causing creases in his forehead. He was quick to pull his brother by the shoulder away from her. She straightened up looking over to Aro ignoring his seething brother.

“You remember that woman I told you about Friday?”

“Yes, I don’t see what that has to do with the doctor here,” He cautioned.

“This is said woman. I demand you dispose of the girl.”

“Caius,” Aro sighed putting himself between the two of them. “What happens outside of this office is not of my concern. I will not fire the woman over alcohol induced behaviour, the way you have cornered her makes me think you even owe her the apology.” 

Drew’s eyes went wide before she smirked at the blond. “I will not.”

“Caius.” She swore he growled the word at his brother. 

“I will not.” The man turned and strutted out of the office leaving Aro and Drew.

Her cheeks burned when he looked back to her. 

“I’m sorry Sir, I didn’t know who he was. I was intoxicated like you said…”

Aro held his hand up to silence her. “As I said what you do outside of company time is not my concern. I am more concerned as to why you are here. You were advised not to be working.”

“I only came for my headphones before heading to the gym.” She glanced to her computer seeing them plugged in. She reached over grabbing them and held them up.

“I do not think that is wise.” He glanced down to her bandaged legs.

“I’ll be fine, they’re red sealed and will be gone soon enough. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“You are not allowed on the site until those are healed up.”

 “What?” She gasped. “Why?”

“You’re in no state to be back out on the site with the dangers when you are still healing. You spend a majority of your day squatted down or in the dirt. That would cause infections.” He explained.

“I —I” she huffed. “Fine, I will stay on lab duty until these are healed, Sir.”

Aro gave a small smile approaching her. His black hair was pulled back from his face. He cupped her cheek gently for a moment before pulling away. “Good girl, I don’t need to lose such a valued scientist from this project.”

Drew snorted shaking her head. “Any archeologist could do what I do. But thank you, I should go to the gym… I’ve got some shopping later to do.”

“Of course, good day Dr. Danvers, be safe.” He turned leaving with that.

Drew arrived to her office after checking in with Sir Turi down at city hall. He’d looked her over and sent her on her way. She was slightly happy she was able to wear a comfy dress today, a peter-pan collared periwinkle dress with a knee length skirt. She turned on the computer checking in on her inbox. There in her inbox a few emails had accumulated. Some from the labs letting her know that the pottery had been tagged for her. A few reports from HR with the explosion incident Friday…

 She got through quite a bit of the emails replying and sending required documents. She replied to her mother as well letting her know the progress of the site leaving out the explosion. If the woman found out, she knew her flat would have her the next morning. She stretched right as the phone rang. 

 “Dr. Danvers,”

 “Good morning Doc, thought I saw you. What are you doing in here instead of outside? Their cleaning the stairs off.” 

 “Good morning Kingston. I was told by the boss no field work until my cuts are closed and gone. I was in the explosions after all.” 

 “I heard that, how’re you doing?”

 “I’m doing good healing fine.”

“Good to hear. Since you’re stuck inside, I wanted to let you know I’ve got some funky things in the lab you may wish to see. You’re favourite.” He teased.

 “My favourite you say? You got some bones?” She perked up.

 “I’ve got no bones yet, I’m afraid. I meant some treasures from the few trunks found from the upper level. Some necklaces and decorated pottery. Get this from different eras.”

 “Kingston, you torture me.” She said fighting a smile. “I’ll be down into the lab in a few minutes. Coffee?”

 “If you could Doc, I’d appreciate it. See you.” The line went dead.

 She smiled grabbing her notebook to document what they found. She slid her lab coat on and made her way down. She stopped on her way at one of the few break rooms for staff in this wing of the university. She was quick with the espresso machine adding the shot to the coffee she’d put on earlier this morning. She set them with the to go cups disposable, despite hating the waste. It was one of the only ways to bring drinks into the lab. 

Once done she made her way down to the labs. She went up to the second floor down the left hall. She entered the main lab. Sterile and bright.

 Kingston was leant over a microscope. He was the only one she noticed in this particular part. Unsurprising as he did prefer to work on his own from the other major lab across the hall. She placed his coffee next to him while downing half of hers.

Kingston pulled back meeting her gaze. He was a middle aged man from Scotland. A well known archeologist in his own right. His dark red hair combed back and large beard well sculpted. Blue eyes set on her crinkling with his smile. 

 “Good morning Doc, grab some gloves. I’ve got some finds for you.”

 Drew did as instructed looking around the lab table right behind him. His own station was coordinated by size and cleaned. She paused seeing a black ceramic that did not match the others. She rounded to the uncleared pile, near the far end.  

The piece wasn’t the biggest on the table. A tripod, rounded on the bottom thickened legs. Dirt still clung to it’s ceramic outside. Despite this though she could tell once cleaned it’d be a dark onyx. A colour that wasn’t common in this area of the world, created with a very unique technique. One such as this was specific. One she’d done a paper on for a class during her Masters. They had become some of her favourites.

 “Longshan Culture. However did this piece end up here? Late Neolithic to the middle and lower Yellow River valley areas of Northern China. Preserved in certain areas of Tibet and so forth.” She rambled while opening the drawer below her where some brushes were stored. “This Manor was destroyed in which century?”

She picked up a medium brush beginning to carefully wipe the dust off the ceramic.

 “Seventeenth century. Been buried for almost four hundred years.” He replied.

 Drew’s brows furrowed. “How’d this end up here?”

 “Trade has centuries up on this place. Alexander the Great conquered many places and others did the same.” Kingston reminded.

 “Yes but a small city in Italy, a private collector? The journey from Tibet to here, would take generations…” 

 “The Turi family is an ancient one. They have the resources to get what they want.”

She could give it that, a rich family could hear of these on the spice trade and request one. He rounded to her to get a better look at what she had in hand.

“Yes, but why a vessel such as this? I could understand art, fancy pottery, and things of value. Cultural significance isn’t one I’ve seen being considered. To spend a considerable amount of money to procure, a simple every day object? Europeans were about showing off wealth, like renting a pineapple and placing it on display at parties. Why waste their wealth on this? I mean we all know Mummies became rare because Europeans ate them.” She commented.

 Kingston shuddered. “I don’t need those thoughts right now. Our ancestors did some weird shite.” 

 “Humans are weird in general. We dig in the ground to find connections to our pasts. This piece, it doesn’t fit the whole ‘I’m rich look what I have bought from far away’ thing these people were all about. This specifically would’ve been used daily. To have it here collected by an Italian noble family. I’m utterly puzzled.”

“I haven’t the answer to that,” He hummed. “Early explorers were going to the new world and bringing back every day items of the indigenous people to show what they called savage or exotic. It could be that.”

“I guess… they had begun trading spices, silks, and luxury goods by this time with Asia. Why this? It’s era is specific and the route treacherous. It would be such a risk for little reward or people knowing what it is.”

“It may have been also procured by load, if they had bought many things from the traveller, it does look a bit funky.”

“I’ll give you that, people are odd and it simply could be aesthetic. I mean if a ceramic pot looks like boobs I’d be fascinated too.”

 “I’m sure we’ll find more oddities and fascinating things the further we dig. In time I’ve learnt not to question the rich.” Kingston chuckled, making his way back to his microscope leaving her with the pot. “Now the most interesting I thought you’d like is on the far end in a few of the small pots.” 

 Drew headed to where directed. There she slid on some different gloves disposing of her dusty ones. A variety of pots were laid out of different shapes and sizes. The smallest, rounded. She unscrewed the lid which was stuck from dirt and grime but it did not break. Thankfully, she really hated doing the paperwork after breaking some ancient artifact.

 Inside crusted rouge was dried up the small amount still inside. “A tin of lip colouring used most likely by one of the women in the manor. Time fits the type of Elizabethan kind. A bit of oil one may still be able to use this.” 

 “Don’t you dare try and use it, hell knows the boss will have you suspended if you got sick because I didn’t do a thorough exam of those first.” He warned “I know you’re on lab duty until you heal.” 

Drew grumbled setting it aside. She went through a few more. Face makeup with lotions, and a mask she noted. She grabbed her notebook beginning to inventorying it as she went. This way she could update the tags as she went. The findings she wasn’t surprised considering the era the manor had been destroyed in. The previous century had been full of upper classes wearing makeup. She paused on one vial. Corked and waxed shut. She gave it a little shake.

 Swishing of liquid and small thuds from internal parts. She set it back down turning to the man.  

 “Fucking hell Kingston, are you trying to get us killed?” She snipped. “Bury this again and don’t let it be found. Lord knows we don’t need to be cursed. It’s already risky as it is to be messing with the things belonging to the dead.”

 Kingston looked to her moving from the microscope. “What are you on about?“

 “There’s a goddamn witch’s bottle in here. Who the hell knows what kind of curses it’s containing. I’m surprised it’s still sealed.” She directed his attention to it.

 “Ah, that. I wasn’t sure what it was. Didn’t think I should mess with it. Glad I didn’t. No. I meant for you to look in the one clay pot. There’s a bunch of coins. I know you love old currency.” He turned back to the microscope.

 “You could’ve said that. I’ve been sifting through makeup that could have lead in it, and finding cursed objects…” she said, moving back to the clay jar.

 The orange vase wasn’t large but was sturdy she realized as she picked it up. She cleared the counter top and spilt the contents on the area. Coins of different sizes fell out. Many crusted in dirt she took to her brush it was little help to the caked on dirt.

 She turned and headed to the sink and filled a small dish with water and some gentle soap. A tooth brush, and she headed back. She felt a bit like a crow with shiny coins when she found old money. The fascination for currency started at the young age of ten when she found American quarters with the states on them. She had collected them all and set to find many more unique coins for her collection. She set to cleaning off the worst of them. 

 The first she recognized the fallen horseman larger that some of the others. A part of the Roman coinage reform which had bigger coins replacing the older small ones of the time around 348 AD. She gave it a good scrub. 

 “Huh I’m surprised you’re in such good shape. Common in these parts but an interesting piece none the less.” She whispered setting it down on some paper towel to dry.

 The next she paused seeing a few loose coins with the iconic square in the centre. She was very familiar with older Chinese coins. They made up most of the old currency. Not a lot of value in the metals used but they were well crafted in their casts. Again once cleaned they were still holding their details. 

 “What stories you must hold, to have ended up in Italy. I wonder if you have anything to do with that pot…” She wondered aloud.

She continued sifting through the many coins sorting them into origin and era as she went. The more she determined the more questions appeared in her mind. How did each one end up here buried in the country side of Volterra Italy. Why did they end up here? 

Chapter Text

“Seriously, I’m on lab duty until these damn things heal up.” Drew huffed falling into the rounded booth table. 

“I’m with Sir. Turi, Danvers, you’d kill yourself before taking a moment for yourself.” Azrael commented taking the menu from in front of him. “Take the time and rest. You’ll be out before long. 

Davina nodded. “Sorry girlie, agreed. You do take risks.”

“I get it,” Drew rolled her eyes. “I can still be frustrated about it. Old habits die hard. I’m just upset I’m not the one down in the basement with the shovel. I love the field work.”

“We haven’t found anything more exciting if that helps.” Davina offered. “Nothing major like the explosion, or the stairs themselves. It’s been small inch by inch these last few days. My hands hurt from the small shovel. Az here has made the order clear, too many risks of blowing things up. You’ll be back out before we make much progress at this point. The mapped out area still buried under ground could take us years at this rate.”

“Ciao, are you ready to order?” The waitress stopped in front of the table.

“Thanks for trying to assure me.” Drew patted Davina’s hand and turned back to her menu. “I’ll take the fish and house salad please.”

The waitress got everyone else before leaving. 

Drew stared beyond Azrael’s head, where, guests came and went from the small restaurant. It wasn’t the fact she was in the lab that bothered her. She knew a good portion of her time would be in and out of there for the rest of her life. It was just she would like to make the decision herself. She was bitter the choice was made for her. Orders like this were rare and she hated feeling like a child.

“If you want an excuse to leave the lab, I need an errand ran for some schematics and books. They are in City Halls archives, and down in the university library. It’ll get you out of the labs for some time.” He interrupted her moping. 

“I can do that, text me what you need and I’ll head down after lunch here. While I’m at it might as well get myself a few sources I need for a few artifacts Kingston has brought up. Did you know they have a Tibetan Longshan piece? They are specific pottery pieces where they burnt the pots specifically. Oh, to add, did I tell you he also almost killed us?”

Davina perked up at that. “How?”

“Witch’s bottle. He had it up for cleaning and opening. I put that thing directly where it belonged into the ‘must be reburied’ pile. Damn man wants to curse us. The weird part though was the pot. So I might go through some trading logs if they have anything for it. It’s a long shot, but a Longshan pot is so out of sorts. Why would they have it.” She rambled on.

“I’m sure you’ll enlighten us to what it’s doing so far out of its origin.” Az smiled. 

“I’m holding you to that. You will listen to my rant.” Drew laughed. 

“It’s been an option this whole time to not do so?” He drawled.

She tossed a napkin at him laughing. “Cheeky bastard.”

She made her way through the halls of the university to the Library. She’d scoured the shelves below of the archives. It’d turned up nothing for her on what she was curious of. A bit deflated on not having answers she decided to move on. Az had requested some books and she didn’t want to be passed closing time of the library.

She knew there was a large chance of coming back empty handed in her quest for knowledge. Especially with a private job such as this. A rich family might not have had everything handed to the city on what exactly they possessed. They were the elite family over the area. A few people could be paid off and information conveniently lost. It irked at her. She wanted to desperately know why the Longshan piece was in an old manor. It wasn’t luxurious. Why was it here?

She picked up a few history books on the eastern Asian trading routes to remind herself of time lines she was dealing with. One part of her brain yelled at her to drop it. She was here at the request of some private philanthropist, dig up an old family property and move on. He was certainly paying her enough not to say or question his actions. What would he know of his families histories anyways. He wouldn’t know every little thing.  What the manor held wasn’t her business on how it got there. 

Another part of her, the archeologist, in her screamed to figure out the answer. It’s what she’d dedicated over half of her life on. The urge to find out what exactly was what, and the why. The more she looked for resources on her current subject of curiosity, the more she was lured by the siren’s song. 

“Either you have snuck off early, or you are working quite late.” A smooth voice mused.

Drew jumped slightly, the hairs on her neck prickled at his words. She fought to keep the grin off her face as she turned towards Aro Turi.

Focus on the devil, seems to summon him. She thought tapping the ground was what brought Hades from his layer.

Leant on the book case behind her he was posed, hands in his pockets. His button down undone on the top few, tie gone, and jet black hair loose around him. The vest open and arm sleeves rolled to above the elbow. 

Her face heated. Did the man need to find every subtle way to be more attractive? She mentally cursed. He wasn’t even unprofessional in his attire, he was a bit more disheveled —what she would give to cause it —it still distracted her.

“Sir Turi, evening. What brings you to the university library? Surely your private collection would rival this?” 

“How ever did you know?” He paused brow raised.

“You have that air of ‘I know everything’ about you.” She replied turning back to the books. She didn’t need to see the smug grin on his face.

“I am highly educated,” he agreed. “Experienced in many subjects. My own many degrees. A patron of the arts and sciences.” 

“You’re humble sir,” she snickered. 

“I hold pride in it,” 

She glanced back to him where he shrugged to her. A lazy grin spread across his face.

She turned back to the shelves shaking her head at him. A giggle slipping through. He was absolutely ridiculous. Butterflies erupted in her stomach.

“You evade my question though doctor,” He pointed out. “Are you here working late or were you naughty and snuck out?”

“Who sneaks away from work to a library?” She ignored him calling her naughty, shooting a look over to him challenging him. 

He only stared undisturbed by her attempt to dance around the subject.

“Okay plausible for it to be me. This case, no. I’m just finishing grabbing a few resources Dr. Azrael requested and some for myself.”

“Dr. Azrael could not get his own?”

“I offered to get them since I’m off field work until my legs heal.” She cut him off of that line.

“Just because you are on lab work, does not mean you are to over work yourself.” He said, voice taking on a warning tone.

She turned on her heel to him. Books secured. “Well it’s a good thing I have only my own books to get and they aren’t work related. So sir, I’m off the clock.”

“Cheeky woman,” he mused.

“Merely appeasing my very concerned boss.” 

“Then tell me what you seek and I can help you. If they are personal titles.” He stepped up to her side. 

She looked down in her arms. She was looking for some ancient dynasty works and a romance to read… one she really didn’t want her boss of all people getting for her. Not when her current fantasies seemed to be hinting at him. She wouldn’t be able to look at him let alone continue to work for him if he found out.

“Lord of the Rings. I’m just wanting to reread it. It’s one of my favourites.” She rattled off.

He nodded and turned to go looking for it. She took off to the romance section. She grabbed a random one and slid it between a few reference works. She just exited when Sir Turi strode towards her with a tower of books.

She paused. It was the trilogy she sent him for right? 

“I was not sure if you’d read some of the unfinished works of Tolkien and the others.” He explained.

“No… I hadn’t, I’ll definitely read those. Thank you! Seriously. Well I’ll just take those and go check out.”

“Allow me to help you through the self check out.” He took the tower and then some from her.

He swept through the aisles to the front where a few students were lined up and brought her to one of the computers. She only followed in quick pursuit. She huffed quickly catching her breath. The man could run. Being shorter by nearly a good foot made it hard to keep up. 

“Your library card,” He held out his long fingers to her.

“It’s with my lanyard ID.” She put her pile down. She quickly scanned her card from around her neck. 

She watched in quick succession as he scanned each book in record time. He didn’t seem to react to seeing the romance that he put in order. She took a reusable bag out of her pocket. She’d brought it from her office after lunch. 

“You’re well prepared.” He commented putting them into the bag. 

“Thanks, I try to be environmentally conscious.” She shrugged. “I should drop these off before I head home. I will see you around Sir,” 

She went to leave when he caught her hand gently. Cool fingers touching the inside of her wrist had her turning back. She tilted her head. 

“This next weekend, are you busy?” He questioned. 

“Not to my knowledge,” 

“Would you accompany to a gala? A few charities and business are hosting a gala for the arts. I was wondering if you would come, as my date? This one in particular is at the local museum. Being one of the top donors I am expected to attend the event. There is an ancient Egyptian exhibit opening I’m sure you’d enjoy.” 

Drew schooled her face quickly from the shock. She made sure her jaw didn’t hit the floor. 

He was asking her on a date? She pursed her lips. What?

“I —I don’t know… Sir, that seems inappropriate… you’re my boss. Does that not violate work rules?” 

Aro stepped closer to her. “It is after work hours, it’s a charitable event. While I do plan on introducing the collection eventually it will not be for some time. I do not believe it counts as a work event.” 

“I don’t have anything to wear—”

He cut her off holding his hand up. “I will cover the expenses, allow me.”

“Sir—” He was barely inches from her.

He slid a finger under her chin bringing her drifting gaze up to his. He smiled softly. His lashes blinking slowly around dark eyes. 

Drew’s stomach fluttered. Her heart slammed picking up in pace. Throat going dry. A fuzzy feeling distracting her the longer he touched her. Small sparks already sprouted from her chin down her neck straight to her abdomen.

He’d asked so nicely. His hold on her had her knees shaking threatening to give in. A slow soft smile curled his lips. How easy it’d be to lean forward.

A throat cleared behind her. 

She exhaled sharply. Coolness rushed down her body. She stepped back. 

“Alright.” She ran her clammy hands down her capris. “I will go. I should be heading home.” 

His fingers ghosted over her chin to her cheek before he pulled away. 

“Of course, be safe, I will see you tomorrow. You are granted the day Friday to go shopping for an outfit. It is a black tie event. A card will be dropped off tomorrow.” He advised.

Footsteps sounded on the wooden floor approaching them. She turned half way towards where the sound was coming from. She had no time to object to him paying for the outfit.

In a simple black pair of slacks and a grey button up with a vest on. An overly tall, broad shouldered man stood. He looked to be in his mid twenties to late like she was. His dark brown hair kept back at the base of his neck. Thick arched brows hooded deep dark eyes. He was beyond pale. Even though his yellow undertones showed he’d been taupe if he tanned. 

His nose was straight on a squared face with a sharp jaw. Thin lips that were crooked in amusement. He seemed to be watching her as she studied him. His hands in his pockets.

“Brother,” Aro greeted looking past her. “You have graced us with your presence above archive level. How wonderful. Dr. Danvers, this is my younger brother, Marcus.”

He motioned his brother forward who stepped right up. Drew craned her head back to look up at him. The man stood nearly a foot and a half taller than her. 

She gulped. The hairs on her neck were just about straightening the long she looked between the two of them. What in the hell was in the genetics for the Turi brothers?! Such Grecian statues come to life, so out of place with their beauty. It threatened to force her to her knees, and weep. Definitely not the way she wanted to be near them when on her knees.

She smacked the thought away. No. Absolutely not. Aro had just asked her on a date —charity event. No thinking of both men in such way! 

The nagging in the back of her mind dared to mention Caius. For such an asshole, he too, was unfortunately gorgeous. 

“Dr. Danvers? The woman Caius ranted on about for five hours the other day?” His deep tenor mused.

“A simple unfortunate greeting, seems to have left us at an impasse.” She offered her hand. 

He took it smoothly stepping forward. He held her gaze whilst bending at the waist to kiss the back of her hand.

“A pleasure Dr. Danvers.” He smiled. “I usually take what Caius says with a grain of salt. His mood can get the best of him. I tend to let myself meet the person first.” 

“A brilliant idea, Sir. Turi—”

“None of that now, I am not your boss.” He waved. “Please, call me Marcus.”

“If you refer to me as Drew.” She smirked pulled back. 

Her insides fluttered further as he let a light laugh go. Such a serious dressed man, with an air of melancholy to him. Drew was grateful to see him laugh. The way Aro stared it seemed rare. 

“Deal, I am afraid I must steal my brother for business. Shall we be seeing you?”

“For the time being. The project I am working on is long ways from done.”

“Excellent, until then Drew. Enjoy your evening.” 

“Indeed Dr. Danvers, I shall be by dropping that card off tomorrow. You will be able to get a dress as you need.” 

“Thank you sir. I will see you hopefully soon. Good night.”

“Good night.” They echoed back.

Drew took off, her head swimming. Her body was fuzzy the ground threatening to greet her with how she felt. 

Drew flipped on the light to her office going to check her emails before heading down to the lab. The Thursday morning barely had started, but she knew she had a few reports to do as well. They could wait, she would get to them this afternoon.

She set her coffee down on the desk to the left away from the computer.

She stopped seeing her keyboard. A small white envelop sat. Her name written in beautiful calligraphy. She carefully opened the back.

A note and a pure black credit card sat. She raised a brow seeing her full legal name written on it. 

‘Dear Dr. Danvers,

As promised, use this card for the expenses of the outfit and such for the gala this weekend. Do not fret about the card being paid. It will be covered by me.

Yours truly,

Aro,’

The card was issued from Volturi Enterprises.

She put the card in her lanyard card holder. She’d really not given much battle to the man paying for her to go shopping. While she had nothing to wear, it didn’t mean she couldn’t afford a nice outfit for a black tie event. She had her few dresses back in Toronto is all. She’d been saving her money recently so she had a nice lump sum that she rarely touched. The Turi brothers paid her quite well.

She could always not use the card and return it when she saw him next. She put the lanyard aside with the card in it. She didn’t need to misplace it amongst the messiness of her bag or desk. When he said he’d pay for it, she thought maybe a prepaid card. Not a credit card in her name. Hell she didn’t see why he would pay for her outfit and such in the first place. Just because he asked her to the event didn’t mean he needed to pay for her. 

Her stomach churning. 

The idea of anyone paying for her seemed wrong. She didn’t need hand outs like this. Why had she agreed to go with him to a gala? She had a no dating coworkers policy! It brought too much drama from what she’d witnessed time and time again. No dating outside her socio-economic class either. She rubbed her temples. 

Last time she’d granted a date to a person who came from money and wealth, she’d regretted it. Someone raised with the golden spoon in their mouth understood so little. 

Leo had been sweet when they first met in university. They had a chemistry class together. It’d changed the moment she showed up to the five star restaurant. He began to critique her outfit choice and off brand things. In hindsight she should’ve left then. She didn’t do logos or expensive things then. She was a scholarship kid. She worked two jobs to keep a float. She couldn’t spare such expenses.

Young Drew had bit her tongue while he went on and on afterwards about all the places he’d been. He boasted most of the night of what he owned and done as a kid. Like flew in a private jet to his grandparents mountain resort for a weekend to ski. How he had six cars by the time he had earned his license at seventeen. His parents owning a condo building downtown Toronto was icing on the fruit cake. She shuddered.

her thoughts forming on her tongue, burned. She wanted to say he was wasteful, entitled. She’d only nodded and pressed through until the bills came where she promptly tossed money down for her own meal and booked it without a good-bye. She avoided him for the last six weeks of classes.

She was thankful for her prepaid cell phone then. Nineteen and in her final year of her bachelor, she was more than don with him. He was only a freshman on daddy’s money. Sure he was her age but they were from two different worlds. 

She earned her spot in university through scholarships and government loans. She worked her ass off in the summers and breaks tutoring as many kids as she could just to put decent meals on her table and afford rent in that time. She didn’t have the luxury of family to lean on. He didn’t understand what it was like to have ramen for three meals for a week because a student’s parent couldn’t pay her that week when they lost their job. 

Growing up in the system meant she had nothing of her own either to get on her feet. She was lucky to get into university so she could get out on her own as fast as she could. Her grandma wasn’t rich in a single room apartment they shared with a split curtain. She’d inherited photos and books from the family. Nothing else. Her foster mom kept in contact, it didn’t mean she could stay in her home past eighteen or graduation. She didn’t.

She sighed putting the note from Aro aside.

She didn’t need to give herself a headache before the day began. 

She wasn’t a kid anymore. She had her own income, a PhD in two subjects. She wasn’t helpless anymore. She would be twenty seven soon. 

“Morning Drew— you okay?” Davina stopped at her office door.

“I —I’m fine,” she righted herself in her chair. She tossed the letter into her top drawer. “Didn’t sleep well last night.”

“If you’re sure…” Davina looked her over.

“Do you have time tonight to go shopping with me? I got invited to a gala with someone for this weekend and—”

“Obviously! Yes! You can tell me later this afternoon. Az just texted all hands to site. We’ve got dead ones. Drew you’re to be ready in the cooler.” Davina read out from her phone.

The cooler, where they were prepared to have an old body or new if need be whilst they wait for the city coroner. She’d need to examine it to be sure what they were dealing with. 

Drew felt her pocket vibrate. She fished the phone out seeing the long text from Az. A few bodies had been discovered on the site. She needed to get prepared, they were bringing it in and expecting her. 

She shook her head. Duel degrees to handle bodies. Duel degrees to handle the dead. She repeated. 

“See you,” 

Drew finished sliding on her gloves after having donning an apron and sanitizing herself down. She made her way over to the waiting metal gurneys. She’d watched the two hands hoist a few white tarps onto the tables and opened it up for her. She had two others to help her with the identifying process. 

Davina for notes, and Sienna from the university. A forensics and med student. 

Drew’s eyes widened as she took in what laid before her.

One a long figure was laid out and wrapped up in ancient dusty brown wrappings. Another she held off from cringing was half mummified and half decayed. She was grateful for the masks she’d made sure each assistant wore. She didn’t need mouth moisture disrupting the bodies.

The last two were full skeletons from what she could see. One had her stomach dropping nothing it was a child or preteen. 

“Okay, we have four specimens to examine. Dictation recorder?” 

“Readied,” Davina replied. 

“Where do we want to begin?” She looked across to Sienna. 

The younger woman’s blue eyes shot up to her. She paled more than she already was. 

“Can we come back to the half decaying one?” 

Drew smiled. “Let’s cover our guest up and uncover them when needed.”

“Thanks, it’s giving me the creeps.”

“Partial mummies are scarier than full.” She agreed going to each one and covering the tarps carefully back over the bodies. She stopped at the last one. The smallest one.

“Alright let’s start with our smallest shall we?” 

Both nodded.

“Date, Thursday, August 27th 2009, at 11:30 am. I am Dr. Drew Denvers, initial identification inspection of skeleton number 1 of 4 human remains found. Recovered on private Turi site on north hill, Date August 27th at,”

“7:25am,” Davina piped up.

“Skeleton is well preserved from initial sight.” 

Sienna laid out a tape measure roughly against the lined out body. 

“First measurement of the whole is looking to be 127cm, 4 feet and 2 inches, or 1.27 m. Once a further inspection is done this can change.”

She picked up the skull carefully. “First observations, being made today are for determining a rough sex, age, and height. Samples will be collected to be sent off for Carbon-14 dating. So we can place when roughly the individual died.” 

“The spheno-occipital synchondrosis is open. The anterior intra-occipital suture is closed. Indicating we have a skull belonging to a child older than seven years old, and younger than 11 years old. As the spheno-occipital synchondrosis is open, this area can close from ages 10.5 years to 16 years old.” 

She placed the skull back gently. She made her way down to the pelvis. 

As expected she found a rather small pelvis. 

“Evidence in pelvis, puberty had not been reached when individual 1 died. Subtle indications of narrow sub pubic angle. Lack of ventral arch. ischiopubic ramus is flatter and a bit blunt than expected in a female. Evidence shows skeleton one is a Male. End recording.” 

Davina clicked the recorder off. “It’s a child…”

“Young male, Sienna will you collect the samples needed to do a carbon dating test. We’ll need photos of the body and the bones dusted as best we can. We’ll reassemble the skeleton on the X-ray and other scans.”

They prepared to move onto the next gurney.

Chapter Text

Drew stretched herself in the chair she’d occupied for the last three hours, finally done identifying what she could of the Mummy. Number four needed to be photographed and scanned. She didn’t feel comfortable breaking open the wrappings on the person just yet. The less invasive she could be the better. She’d have the results in the next few hours to days. she knew she couldn’t identify more upon the mummies so she stored them as required to preserve them.

The skeletons she’d determined number two was an older man over fifty five. He was suffering from osteoarthritis in the left knee from a break long healed. She could see the toll of time wearing down on the bone on bone. He was missing five teeth. A good few had cavities. Some grooves in the front teeth from holding a pipe.

She sent the two mummies with Sienna and Dr. Tam down to the radiation area. She took her findings to her office to be typed up and edited. She made her way through the halls down to her office.

She opened the door settling the stuff down. It was only ten twenty five in the morning. Too early for lunch. She turned on her heel and headed for the coffee maker.

“Az says I’m yours today.” Davina entered the break room grabbing a mug from the cupboard above the sink.

“An extra set of eyes. Good. I’ll have the results probably this afternoon at least for the carbon dating.”

“We can talk work back in your office.” Davina dismissed. “Tell me what had you so out of sorts this morning.”

Drew quirked her brow, pouring the creamer into her coffee. She handed the pot to Davina. She made quick work of the espresso machine adding a shot to her coffee.

“I’m not out of sorts.”

“Don’t lie to me, Danvers. I know you too well.” She pointed her spoon at Drew.

Drew turned and leant back on the counter. She took a big gulp from her coffee.

“Okay, but not a word gets out about this. If it does I will personally bury you. Don’t think I don’t know how to hide a body.”

“Continue,” Davina pressed ignoring the threat to her life.

“Sir Turi asked me to be his date to a gala.” She whispered.

“WHAT?!”

“Davina!” She hissed. “Quiet.”

“Sorry.” She took a few breaths. “Why would you be out of it with that? You said you would go out if he asked.”

“I agreed…” Drew admitted, holding a finger up to stop the incoming squeals. “That’s not the issue. My issue is the fact he’s sent me a credit card in my name to buy an outfit.”

“Oh…” Davina said. “You don’t like that… why not hand it back to him?”

“I tried last night to tell him no, but he’s just so damn charming. I didn’t get the words out. Anyways, do you want to come shopping with me tomorrow? I’ve been given the day off and allowed to bring someone with me.”

“You like him,” Davina nudged her shoulder.

Drew rolled her eyes, heat spread across her cheeks. “He’s easy on the eyes.”

“I’ll come shopping. If he wants to pay for it I’ll make sure he regrets it.” Davina laughed.

“Don’t you dare.”

“No promises!” She sang.

“I only have one word for this dress.”

Drew stared down herself in the one eighty mirror. Davina raised a brow.

“Childish.”

Navy blue asymmetrical ruffled layers fell from her waist down. The one shoulder dress with the sweetheart neckline. A few sparkling gems were encrusted down the ruffle edges.

“This looks like a seventeen year old’s prom dress.”

“It was in the evening gown section.” Davina shrugged. “It’s cute, but you’re right, doesn’t give me bombshell at a gala. It’s black tie as well right?”

“Yeah. It is.”

“Damn no waist high slit.”

Drew chuckled. “Undo the zipper please. I’ll try the next one.”

She slipped back into the change rooms. She looked over the ten gowns hung up that she’d yet to get through.

“Did Sir Turi give you a colour?”

“Not really. He didn’t exactly give instructions beyond for him to pay.” She sighed.

Drew disrobed and reached for the deep burgundy dress. A slight peekaboo hole revealed her chest, but the collar remained high. The skirt fell in a mermaid style. It was a halter with a lace back. A sequin look to the beautiful material. It was nothing fancy, but was stunning none the less. She zipped the side where it connected. While it hugged her form it was respectable. The skirt she realized draped the floor.

She sighed taking it off and hung it back up. No time for tailors.

“We need to talk about length.” Drew sighed. “Half of these dresses drown me.”

“You’re barely passing five foot, most dress stores can’t help that my height challenged friend.”

Drew laughed. “Be nice or I’ll smack you at the knees. Who’s short then?!”

She paused on a deep dark emerald green dress, the material a beautiful satin. It fell in an A-line style. She quickly slid into it. It was covered the front at her collar bone wrapping around connecting as a halter. The back had two golden chains that fell against her back two emeralds on tear drops grazed below her bra line.

A small heel she turned, she’d be able to walk with no issues. She stepped out.

“Holy hell.” Davina gasped.

Drew stepped up on the pedestal in front of the mirrors. She gave herself a once over. Her freckles across her back and shoulders on display. She didn’t want to cover them.

“If you decide to wear a weave or wig, you need it pulled up. Seriously you’re a goddess.” Davina complimented.

“I feel it. I don’t do long gowns but I could with this.” Drew agreed.

Davina stepped up checking the tag. Drew watched her eyes widen.

“What?”

“Nothing… I just suggest letting Sir Turi pay for the dress…”

“It can’t be that bad…” Drew scoffed.

“If six thousand euro is cheap to you.”

Drew coughed. “What?!”

“It’s an Alexander McQueen. What’d you expect with one of the legends at Gucci.”

“Not to ever have it on my body.” Drew blanched.

“It looks seriously beautiful on you.”

“And I was only wanting to spend a few hundred euro to splurge…”

“Oh, you should’ve mentioned that…” Davina smiled. “No dress in this store is that cheap.”

“Lord have mercy…”

“Danvers seriously, when will you ever get this chance again? You look so good.”

“May I help you ladies further?” The sales associate stepped in hands clasped as she looked over both of them.

“Uh no I’m—”

“Can we have this dress laid aside for a few moments, she’s really stuck between this dress and a blue one she tried on. Do you mind if we get lunch and come back?”

“Of course signore, we are open until five tonight.” She replied.

“What—”

Davina held up a hand to her waiting until the woman stepped away. “Not so loud. Not the place to argue on prices. Let’s take a break. Call your date and ask him what he thinks. Let me take a photo for you to text him. If he agrees. You get it. If not we move on.”

  Drew rubbed her temples. “I absolutely cannot do this.”

Davina pulled out her iPhone snapped a quick photo and sent it to Drew.

“Please just try.”

Drew stepped aside near the car. Davina excused herself to the book store while Drew called their boss.

Hands clammy she dialled for Aro.

“Ciao?” The cool accented voice answered.

“Hi— Sir Turi… it’s Dr. Danvers.”

“Cara, I am surprised to be hearing from you. How goes the shopping?” Aro’s tone lightened.

“A bit more difficult than I thought shopping could be,” a nervous laugh falling from her.

“Tell me, what has you so worried?”

Drew took a deep breath. “I can’t spend your money like this. It’s so inappropriate.”

“Cara mio, did we not discuss this?” He cooed.

Drew blushed. Memories from the other day returning. How he’d made her feel so lightheaded. She didn’t even get to say her piece.

“I remember it being more of an order.” She quipped.

Aro chuckled. “Are you saying you do not wish to do as I ask like the good girl I know you are.”

Fucking hell.

She leant back pressing her lips together. How could one man who she barely knew make her so weak in the knees, it was utterly unfair. He’d found her praise kink without even trying.

“You have found a dress you like, didn’t you?” He coaxed.

“Yes,” she exhaled.

“You worry about the price?”

“sì,”

“Tell me,”

“Nearly six thousand euros.”

“Oh sweet one, that is all?”

“That is my monthly income, Aro.” She huffed. “I can’t. It’s too much. It’s one night. One dress shouldn’t cost such an about it’s absurd.”

“If it would make you feel better, cara mio, I can donate the amount to a charity of your choice.”

“How—”

“On the condition you be a good girl, get the dress, allow me to pay. I will then donate the amount spent to a charity of your choice.”

“That’s even more money spent.” She pinched her nose.

“Twelve thousand euros is nothing to me.” He reminded. “Now, do we have a deal, a donation to that Toronto youth group program, perhaps?”

“How did you even know of that group?”

“I read in your file of your volunteering. All of my employees I know their resumes.” He reminded her. “Not just anyone works for me.”

“I don’t know if I should fear this manipulation or be grateful.”

“Whichever gets you in that green dress.” He replied a chuckle in his words.

He was enjoying this, she mentally cussed. “Davina contacted you didn’t she.”

“Your friend wants you to have a good time. Get the dress. I have a gift for you when you return to Volterra.”

“Alright…”

“See you soon.”

The line went dead. Drew ended the call on her end and headed back into the Mall.

She was going to murder her friend.

She was talked into a pair of three inch heels and a matching clutch. All at the expense of Aro. In all she spent eight thousand euro.

She blanched seeing the total. She immediately texted Aro the invoice.

  I expect the total to be donated. -Drew

Your wish is granted. -Aro

He sent a photo of the cheque last night. She’d checked it throughout the day to even believe it to be true.

“You’re ridiculous.” She exhaled answering the call from Aro.

“How is that?” He mused.

“You actually donated the amount spent to the charity.” She sat back on her bed. “I didn’t think you’d do it.”

“If there is one thing you should know Dr. Danvers, I am a man of my word. If I make a promise, I keep it.”

She shuddered. “I’m learning that more and more.”

“Good girl.”

She put her fist to her lips keeping in a growing squeal. Lord in heaven above, keep me sane. It’d be difficult to keep herself from willing to sleep with the man at this rate. No. She didn’t sleep with employers. Absolutely no fucking her boss no matter how sexy of a man he was. He already knew her kinks.

“I’m sure you called for something else, sir?” She exhaled, a bit too breathy for her liking.

“Yes, the car will be by your apartment to pick you up in an hour.”

“Oh! I’ll get ready.” She stood immediately. “See you soon.”

“See you,” he repeated.

She hurried over to her vanity. She was happy she’d gone over to Siobhan’s condo to beg for her to braid her hair down. Her wig was cleaned and styled in loose long waves that were held in a bun at the base of her head. A few long strands loose to frame her face. The locks a beautiful dark brown.

She stood in front of her bedroom vanity looking herself over. She turned and made quick for her makeup bag.

She did a light shiny shadow to the inner adding darker at the edges for eyeshadow. A light blush over her foundation and freckles. A deep brown lipstick added to her look. Long lashes given mascara and she was good.

She turned to slide the front lace on. The glue readied. She’d left her forehead blank for this reason of blending the wig afterwards. Securing it, and giving it a last spray she was good to adjust the hair line. Laying her edges. Perfect, Drew smiled.

Lastly the dress. She hurried to her closet sliding on careful to mind the hair. When securing the halter. She slid a few golden bracelets on she’d gotten a while ago. Two tear drop gold earrings to match.

She gave herself a once over. She had to give it to Davina, she was absolutely right with the dress being perfect.

She got into the heels sure to slide a bandaid on her heels to keep from blisters. The heels hid the bandaids just fine. She got her clutch with her phone and ID. Her cards and some cash as well as a just in case.

When she turned to lock up, she heard Davina’s door open.

“Oh wow, you are absolutely gorgeous. the dress just looks so wonderful on you. Doesn’t overtake.”

“Thank you,” Drew’s cheeks warmed. “It’s not over the top is it?

“Hell no! I’m kind of jealous I’m not your date.” Davina gave her a once over. “The top doesn’t even show your boobs yet we can tell you have them.”

Drew laughed. “Thanks my worry was boobs looking good even when covered.”

“Oh shush, now I believe your ride is here. Night!” Davina blew her a kiss and ducked back inside.

She finished climbing the stairs down the two levels and right as she was in the foyer the door opened.

A towering man vaguely familiar stood in the door with a bow to her. He was well dressed, in a way she was beginning to realize almost everyone dressed in for the Turi brothers.

“Dr. Danvers?”

“That is I,” she nodded once.

“Sir Turi awaits in the car. Follow me.”

She did as instructed careful of the uneven cobble stones of the road. There in the street a longer black car sat. The winged front ornament on the hood she did not recognize. The windows tinted to the max. The man opened the back door.

Her eyes widened seeing the inside. Plush leather large seats greeted her. One occupied with her boss who had his phone to his ear. A divider to the front seat in place. She saw a pillow on her seat and cup holders. The vinyl siding sleek she was careful not to touch.

This wasn’t an ordinary car. She slid into her seat and did the seatbelt up. She was surprised to find a button for what looked to be a heated seat.

“Good evening, Dr. Danvers. How are you fairing today?” Aro greeted her shutting off his phone, before putting it in his suit jacket.

His long raven coloured hair was clipped back half way from his face. His suit pure black with a matching tie and undershirt. Triple breasted. She saw his shoes just as polished. A golden handled cane at his side. She didn’t recall him needing one before…

“Sir, I am well. Yourself?”

“Perfectly content,” he smiled. “You may call me Aro, no need for such formalities tonight.”

“If you call me by my name as well. Unless you forgot my first name?” She teased.

He chuckled taking her hand, placing a kiss on the back of it. “I could never forget your name, Drew Elizabeth Danvers.”

“Full name, you do read files well.” She took her hand back covering up the growing blush on her face.

“Always, it pays to be thorough.”

“Since you know my full name, what of you Aro? Do you have a middle name?”

“I do not, such is not common here.”

“A fascinating occurrence.” Drew smiled before moving on with simple questions.

The drive was not far at all in fact Drew was sure they could’ve walked to the location. She was thankful not to do so though in heels. She didn’t need to ruin such an expensive gown because a heel got caught on an uneven stone or something.

Aro rounded taking her elbow and guided her in the main doors of the museum. The wooden double doors were covered by an arch up a few steps. The few steps easy enough to navigate. They were greeted and shown towards the one of the museum’s halls.

Large two story arched ceilings greeted them with multiple pillars in between. Arch ways had a few statues in marble carved in them. The ornate details she had an urge to study up close. Her attention stolen by the growing crowd as they handed their coats to the coat closet at the front. The marble floor was given a red carpet leading them down into a larger hall. She saw many people in various shades of dress and suit mingling already.

Drew’s brow twitched. She hadn’t realized the event would be so big for a town not so populated. The town she was sure was full but the crowd seemed younger than most that she saw on a daily basis.

“These galas draw attention from patrons outside the city. Quite a few donors are family friends or contacts. Quite a few from the university as well.” Aro answered her unspoken question.

“I see, you’re a popular man.” She commented a half grin lighting up her face.

A man walked by with a tray and champagne. Aro plucked two off the tray and handed her one. She took it and carefully sipped at the beverage. The bubbles expected, the light taste she blinked.

“Oh wow, that’s really good.”

“Dom Pérignon, is one of my favourites as well.” Aro agreed taking a sip from his.

Drew covered her need to blanch the liquid out in surprise. Three hundred dollar bottles of champagne. What in the fuck. Did he just toss money at people because? She sipped slower this time. Wishing to savour the expensive drink she’d probably never drink again.

“It’s a personal expense I assure you, I would never make the museum expend such.” Aro leant over to assured her.

Heat took her cheeks. “I —that obvious?”

“Habit of mine to notice patterns. You were concerned for the dress, and I sensed this.” He shrugged. “I know you are thankful for the dress. do not fret young doctor. I am very aware the luxury of my life is not afforded to all.”

Drew’s shoulders dropped a bit. “I’m sincere in that thank you. Donating to the youth group charity. They struggle to keep it afloat especially recently with the recession.”

“A pleasure,” he smiled. “It’s good to see you smile.”

“You’re full of compliments, you’re smile is quite charming yourself.” She looked up at him from under her lashes giving him doe eyes on purpose.

She covered a laugh as he stumbled for a second.

His eyes widened and his step off course from the way he usually glided across a floor.

Pressing her lips she took his arm once more and went with him to mingle.

“When was the museum established here in Volterra?” She questioned walking with Aro through the current collection of Ancient Greek statues.

The marble cut so prestine, a few she squinted at she swore they could’ve been painted still or knew the colours they would’ve been. A few signs showed what they should have looked like to their glory.

She paused at one female statue, hand covering the pubic mound. Jug and blanket in the other hand. The soft stomach and slight curves to the body so well done and preserved through time. A well known statue what looked to be on a smaller scale not over sized as most were. 

“Aphrodite, a modelling of the goddess. The way humans can capture such in stone leaves me astonished to this day. How we make such beautiful things. They made it seem so effortless in art forms. When I know this would’ve taken years.” She sighed stepping forward.

The breasts imperfect and utterly human. She adored the fact the goddess was imperfect like all women. It showed women could be perfect in all ways. As nature meant them to be. 

“I agree, the female form is a wonder to be marvelled at.” Aro’s voice dropped, he was leant over her shoulder close to her ear.

She held back the shudder that raced through her. she sensed his chest close to her back, how he dwarfed her so easily. How it would feel to have him pressed up against her while he took her from behind.

“You wished to show me the new Egyptian exhibit?” She interrupted her own run away thoughts.

“It is just down the west wing on the second level, soon we will reach it.” He assured her.

“You never answered my question though,” she turned her attention back to him.

“The museum was opened to the public in the eighteenth century. Along with the university of course being opened more to all students of different classes.” He answered.

“To the public, is this a private collection to your family?” She questioned.

She watched a small flutter in his face and she swore his chest puffed out a bit.

“It is, a lot of it accumulated over centuries. The collection is said to date back to the founding of the city.” His voice taking on a tone of pride.

“You believe this? No fraud?” She teased.

“If there is one thing we pride ourselves on is the paperwork with all of this. There has been a list of all in the museum and archives for centuries.” He stated.

“What of the stuff in the site?” She blurted.

“Everything in these rooms and archives I should specify. In the manor is a different story.” He corrected.

She deflated. The Longshan pottery, different currencies came to mind. Her current collection of bodies as well.

“You wouldn’t have a vague idea or knowledge if your family ever collected mummies?”

“Actually, yes we do.” Aro answered. “They are on display in the Egypt section. They are not of our possession however, a friend of mine has leant them to our museum from Cairo.”

“None from centuries ago?” She tilted her head as he shook his. “Dr. Azrael never told you of the bodies found on Thursday, did he?”

Aro held a finger up to her stopping to conversation. A few other patrons held a drink to them but passed them by. He motioned her to follow him down a side hall. He quickly unlocked a door.

Once inside he shut the door. He turned on the light. A cleaning supply closet. Her cheeks she swore were on fire. Not the best location if he wanted to talk business. Not while he looked like that. She was two glasses in already and it’d not take much to convince her to do things she really shouldn’t do.

His brow furrowed, a dark flash in his dark eyes studied her. Lips down turned. The hair on her arms stood at attention as he held her captive in his stare.

Would it be completely wrong to kiss away that frown? No. No.

“In what state were these bodies?” He interrupted her thoughts with his on edge words.

She straightened herself. “They’ve been buried I am assuming for at the very least three centuries… bones for two of them, two mummies —one not in prime status…”

Aro clasped his hands in front of him. “I believe this escaped your mind to inform me before today?”

“I thought Az had, I’m sorry Aro.” She looked up at him with wide eyes and a growing pout. “I know you like to know of these discoveries before hand. We haven’t disturbed them beyond moving them to the cooler labs. The carbon dating is coming back Monday or so. It’s safe to say the likelihood of them being fresh is less than a decimal.”

“I see,” he gave her a once over. “Make sure to keep me up to date on such as these. There are protocols. I know you hedge the line—”

“That was a really ill timed joke.” Drew groaned cutting him off.

Aro chuckled stepping forward. He caught her chin tipping it up to keep her gaze on him.

“I do enjoy teasing you, cara.” He whispered. “I will forgo the punishment this time. I am sure you wanted more information to impress me with.”

She snorted. “Did you just call me a keener?”

Aro’s brow rose. “Canadians are quite an interesting sort in words.”

She laughed shaking her head. She took his hands in hers slowly backing up. Drew knew if she didn’t, she’d lean into him and kiss him. A line she was desperate not to cross tonight.

“Says the Greek.” She rolled her eyes. “Now, I was promised an exhibit. If you’re a good boy, I’ll even allow you in the lab to see if my mummy compares.”

She watched something flash across his face. She blinked, and it was gone.

“Indeed, come with me doctor,”

“How interesting!” Drew bent at the waist to get a better look at the mummy before her. “The utter perfection to this one, hair extensions still braided into the natural hair. Oh Aro, this is —just beyond words. The crooked nose you can see where a fine line broke it and healed. Wrinkles preserved. If only these were more common, in the specimens still around.”

“You’re mummy in the morgue?”

“We’ve not unwrapped. It’s a delicate process. They are in the midst of X-rays and such.”

“Technology has allowed for gentler ways to explore.”

Drew looked up from the glass case to the new comer across from them. In a black suit and white top below, a man stood with champagne flute in hand. Dark curls were cut short, brown eyes set in pallor brown skin. She stood stepping back to Aro.

Aro wrapped a hand around her waist. The man came around.

Drew stepped into Aro’s side, feeling his chest bump her arm.

“Amun, I was not expecting you so soon.” Aro greeted.

“I could not miss a chance to explore Volterra’s museum especially with my collection on display.” Amun replied, his gaze wondering to Drew.

“Amun, this is a colleague of mine. Dr. Drew Danvers, she is working on a project of mine.” Aro introduced. “Drew, this is Amun a friend of mine.”

“Dr. Danvers, you look exquisite tonight. Green compliments you. I hope Aro is not boring you to death.” Amun held his hand out to her.

Drew took it carefully noting, like Aro, his hands were like ice. She forced a smile. Her stomach uneasy. She shook his hand.

“A pleasure Amun, your collection is quite magnificent. These collections could never bore me. I am an archeologist after all.”

“Ah, so this is more of your Heaven.” Amun laughed. “I’m sure with old Aro here you’re filled with many stories.”

“Amun,” Aro warned. “My friend you are calling the pot black.”

“Ah yes,” Amun waved him off. “I am older than him.”

Drew chuckled taking to lean into Aro’s chest. She let her hand settle on his chest. Her fingers ghosting the buttons. “Age is but a number. He’s intelligent enough to keep up.”

“She’s a feisty one, Aro!” Amun laughed. “I should get a move on I see your brother.”

Amun winked to Drew moving down the room. She turned with Aro watching him go and greet Marcus who was wandering the displays as well on his own.

Drew pursed her lips. She really wanted to go say hello to him. However the moment Amun caught his attention they began talking and walking the other way.

“Apologies for Amun, he can come across stronger than necessary.” Aro murmured, his hand running up and down her bare back.

She stifled the urge to shudder. “It’s no matter. He was perfectly polite. Shall we finish through, and then make our way to the dance floor?”

“This museum is absolutely wonderful.” Drew complimented as they finished through the exhibits. “Would you mind just a moment I need to visit the rest room.”

“Just down this hall to the right.” Aro directed gesturing straight down the hallway to the left of them.

“Thanks,” Drew pulled away and made her way to where he’d directed.

She was quick to relieve herself. She approached the mirror washing her hands. She fixed her lipstick and wiped the shine off her nose. She stretched before making her exit to find Aro once more.

The most perfect story teller as he explained each item before them. She was sure if he was her professor she’d have been more invested in her history classes. Maybe. He was distracting as hell. She wasn’t too sure if younger Drew could even handle him.

“What in hell did the cat drag in?” A sneer greeted her.

Drew frowned turning.

There in a black suit with white blond hair pulled back in a velvet tie. A glass of champagne in hand. Dark eyes glared down at her.

“You’re on the wrong floor, the relics are supposed to be in the exhibit.”

“Why Aro insists on allowing the trash inside is beyond me.” He snarled.

“Quoting what your mom said when you were born is not original.” Drew rolled her eyes.

Caius stormed forward.

The hairs on her arms and neck stood up. He stopped mere inches from her. Drew had to crane her neck back. She hated being short in moments like this when small dick dudes decided to taunt her.

“You are a thorn in the side of my shoe girl, do not make me waste my time disposing of you.” He snarled.

“Then return to your crypt keeper and I’ll be on my way.” She smiled sweetly.

“Call me old again, you’ll regret it.”

“So many threats, short king. Barely scraping five what eight? Follow through coward, you seem all bark no bite. Do you disappoint women often by claiming one thing and underwhelming in reality?” She glanced down to his crotch paused then looked up from under lashes.

His cool hand took hold of her throat. “Listen here you vile human—”

“Caius!” Aro stormed into sight. A hand pushed hard into his brother’s shoulder.

Drew bit the inside of her cheek. Caius’ hand removed. Her heart lurched from her chest. She was thankful niether brother was paying attention to her blush and growing discomfort. The power of his long fingers wrapped around her neck.

She wondered what else those digits could do. The more he insulted her the more she wished to shut him up and make his mouth do more. She shook her head. No. Absolutely not. No pining after psychopaths. No matter how infuriatingly attractive they were.

Aro approached pulling her into his hold. His hand cupped her cheek examining her in the light. “Are you alright? I am so sorry for my brother’s behaviour. He is never so violent.”

“You don’t need to apologize for your brother’s lack of manners. You’ve done nothing wrong.” Drew waved him off. “Do you still wish to dance?”

Aro smiled nodding once. “If you are.”

“A cranky old man doesn’t put a damper on my mood. He needs to try harder for that.” She laughed taking his arm.

“Careful, Caius’ bite is legendary.” Aro chuckled.

Drew smirked as they made their way down the few steps between levels, to the hall where the gala was still in full swing. “A dog that bites needs a better Master.”

She dared to glance back at him with a brow raised challenging him. It was quick, the surprise that washed over his face before he controlled it once more. 

“I agree fully,”

Chapter Text

Drew held tight to Aro’s arm as they approached the dance floor. Many mingled along the sides a few couples were upon the marbled floor spinning and moving with the slow beat. The live string orchestra amplified by the speakers throughout the hall. 

“How experienced are you in dancing?” He questioned turning to her.

“I did competitive ball room dancing until I was eleven.” She replied. 

Aro guided her onto the floor, beginning off with a simple waltz. 

“Competitive dancing, you don’t seem the type.” He commented when pulling her back from a spin.  

 “My Grandma had me in dance class as early as two years old. I only did ball room because I actually enjoyed it.” Drew revealed. “She wanted me to be a girl so badly. We fought often about the classes. I didn’t like ballet nor jazz. I was always in the dirt digging around searching for dinosaur bones or treasure. She despised this. So, ballroom became our compromise.”

 “You were enraptured by archeology so young?”

 “Take a kid to the library and museum enough times they can get hooked.” She spun out catching a few members of the crowd watching them.

“You have a fondness for knowledge,” he teased holding her close.

His hands didn’t leave the fabric on the small of her back. Even though there were plenty of chances for him to do so. The dress revealed enough of her back for it to occur. Yet he was the gentleman as they worked through the waltz a few times. His hips pressed to hers only briefly. He moved her with little effort. She found herself leaning forward searching for some contact.

The time the songs sped up. Each spin increased with each note. None seemed to affect the man before her. He never took his gaze off her. She tried to remain as poised as he but it was in vein. She could feel her own body heating. No sweat accumulated. No blush to color his cheeks of winding. When the song ended, she huffed a sigh catching her breath. 

He bowed to her, she curtsied in response. He placed a hand on her back, a cool thumb grazed her skin. She suppressed a shudder. A man passed with a tray of champagne. He plucked two off the tray. He offered her a flute of the bubbly liquid. She sipped at it. 

She watched the few pass by, Aro cleared his throat. 

He offered her a bottle of water.

“Thank you,” she took it and downed half in one gulp. “You’re utterly unaffected by that?”

She studied the man before her who sipped so casually upon his champagne. His black hair still fell over his shoulders in one wave of onyx. His tie still tight and collar buttoned up to his neck. She held tight to her drinks. To look so perfect after moving the way he did, was criminal. No sweat on his brow, nor exhaustion in his features. His cheeky grin curling his lips.

“I simply was in dance longer than you,” He shrugged. “You are quite skilled. Maybe you are in the wrong profession.” 

Drew laughed. “I’m quite fond of my profession of choice. Dance required habits I didn’t wish to maintain. I would like the story on when you entered the world of dance.”

Her eyes crinkled with her smile. Aro glanced around as if debating it. He took to guiding her with his free hand. “I will consider divulging that tale. In a less occupied location.”

“Come now Aro, is the story truly salacious?”

“I was a young man, the time eccentric.” He sighed. 

“You make yourself sound ancient,” she chuckled. “I’m sure the story isn’t terrible. You must’ve been the star pupil. My grandma would’ve been so proud of how you moved.”

 “She would be proud of you, I am sure.” Aro commented, holding her close, his face inches from hers. “You are a brilliant woman, and as elegant as she would have wanted.”

Drew paused. “I would like to think so. Despite the many arguments we had over my rankings. I always wanted to make her proud.” 

Aro opened a simple wooden door, down a few steps to the paved pathways in the cool evening. Lamps were placed around showing full gardens of different flowers and manicured hedges. A few bugs moved about in the warm night. She gasped slightly seeing the beauty around the stone buildings. 

“I can attest to the wonderful woman you have become. In the short time I’ve known you, you take my breath away each time. I do not always know what to expect from you.” 

“I –Thank you,” her cheeks warmed. “I believe I was promised a story.”

She finished her flute of champagne. Aro took them setting them down on a small table beside a bench. He guided her with a hand upon her back. She kept close.

“I was a young man, I wished to impress some friends. I took quite a few dance lessons in classical dance. I could already dance from lessons of long ago.” He shrugged. “The only story is I did dress up each time, not always in appropriate attire for the event.”

Drew pursed her lips trying to hide her growing laugh. “Did you dress up for ballroom dancing?”

“I did.” He admitted.

She chuckled this time, changing the subject.  “So, what else do you enjoy, Aro? Tell me about yourself. What is your passion?”

 “Beauty, that is my passion,” he replied. 

 He led her in between the few hedges creating a maze. She looked away from the few rose bushes lit up by the lamp above them. 

 “Beauty? Seriously? So superficial Aro? I took you as a man who appreciated the fuller things in life.” She teased turning to face him directly, her fingers ghosting over his tie right above where it was tucked into his vest.

“Beauty is only surface level when you associate it with only looks.” He countered capturing her hands, placing a kiss to each. “Art is beautiful, the sciences are beautiful, drama, the creation of all is beautiful. It is what is behind it all that is what makes it beautiful. Take archeology, the artistry in what you do. Is it not beautiful? The process of learning what was and how it came to be?”

 “When put like that, I agree.” Drew admitted. 

 “That is my passion, finding the beauty in the world. Finding it and watching it come to life. A flower is beautiful when blooming, but also when it begins sprouting and then grows. The fashion designer who created this gown. Saw fabric and got to work to create such a beautiful dress. Then you chose it to show it off. It was the designer who knew how to manipulate fabric to create such a fine piece to compliment you.”

 “You can just tell me I look pretty.” She ducked her head.

He tipped her chin up bringing her gaze back to him. “Simple compliments aren’t worthy of you. You are so much more.”

 “You’ve quite the silver tongue.” 

 “I have quite a few skills,” Aro chuckled withdrawing his hand.

“What would those skills be?” She asked looking up from under her lashes.

Aro smirked. “In due time, cara. Some things to keep you wanting for more.”

“A virtue I struggle with.”

“It can always be taught,”

“How would you purpose that?” She faltered in her step. “Many have tried.”

He leant down so he could whisper in her ear. “In ways no one has thought to teach you. You seem the type to respond to rewards better than punishment.”

How many drinks had she had? Drew mentally recalled four maybe five flutes whilst between events. The dinner simple and she’d had one more. Okay enough to very much be seeing him as he was.

She wondered just how these ‘rewards’ would come about. In a bed room with her tied up waiting to climax again and again? He seemed like the man who knew how to please a woman. He controlled a room so easily, all gravitated to him. Confidence radiated off the man. While he wasn’t the tallest in the room right below six feet. He still demanded attention. Something she would give him. 

“You seem distracted.” He mused.

Drew looked back seeing he was once again close to her, his face mere inches from hers. His breath washed over her face while he watched her. his brow furrowed. His hand once more found her cheek. A habit of his…

Holy heaven above, she internally sighed. It’d only be leaning forward to kiss him… No. she couldn’t. This was her boss. Even if he was utterly tempting in his suit and easy on the eyes.

“I think we should go back inside.” She blurted stepping back cheeks burning.

“If you wish,” He consented, guiding her back the way they came.

“Am I allowed to call you an idiot while we’re at work?” Davina asked while sorting through the current paper work.

“No,” Drew rolled her eyes.

She tried to focus on the report before her. The carbon dating had come back on her bodies, all four of them.

The youngest of the four remains, the child, wasn’t the youngest of all. No, the boy was third in time frame. The mummies much older, but even their timeline was further spaced than she anticipated. 

She could place the full mummy down from roughly 2500 BCE, the second, their decaying friend was from 400 CE. The boy was from the 1400CE, and the man from 1500 CE. Questions began forming in her head, she needed to get them all aligned so she knew where to begin. 

“Drew.”

She took a deep breath, before she looked up putting her papers down. Davina stood expectantly.

“Sorry Davina,” Drew sighed. “I’m a little more focused on this. The stuff we are meant to be dealing with.” 

“I’ve noticed, I was asking if you were alright.” She pressed, coming around the lab table. “You’ve been spacy the whole morning.”

“I’ve been focused on the report, the one that is our job at this time.” Drew reminded.

“They will still be here in five minutes,” Davina dismissed. 

“I am your boss may I remind you,”

“That’s exactly what I wish to discuss, your boss.” 

Drew groaned. “Why are you so insistent on that?”

“Because you ignored me all Sunday. Now I am your problem. So, spill why didn’t you kiss the man?”

“It’s highly inappropriate to do so, that’s why.” 

“He was inches from your face, clearly dropping giant signs saying he was open to it. You’re so obtuse sometimes.” 

“I’m seriously debating if I need specifically, you today for this. I can ask Ash to come inside.” 

“The more you ignore me, the more annoying I get.” 

Drew slumped on her stool. “Fine! I was scared okay. I don’t do well with that sort of thing.”

“You flirt constantly with Siobhan,”

“Yeah, because she’s open about that stuff. She’s forward with her communication of what she wants. It’s been months of us back and forth. I’ve personally known Sir. Turi for 3 weeks. Since then, it’s been hitting a wall of hot man. He’s so confident, there’s this effortless air of dominance. Its intimidating to go up against that. He’s subtle in flirting, he didn’t say or mention kissing. How was I supposed to know? We’d both had a few glasses of champagne, so who knows if sober him feels that.” She vented.

“Our confident Dr. Danvers is intimidated by a man?” 

Drew shrugged. “One that I kind of want to submit to… this doesn’t leave this room Davina. I’m not sexually submissive to anyone. I’m not used to this giddy feeling of desire. Women are so much easier to be with. I’ve not been with a man romantically like this in six years and even then, I wasn’t that attracted to him.”

“You’re that smitten already?”

“A few steps from it, I can seriously see myself dating the man.”

“You won’t even date Siobhan.” Davina murmured. “Damn didn’t think it was that serious of a crush.” 

“Not yet,” Drew replied. “I don’t know him well enough to declare it anything more than infatuation. He’s easy on the eyes, I’ll admit to that. I also know it doesn’t seem to hard to fall for him. A few dates… who’s to say?”

“Well, if you need any help finding out,”

“Davina, I adore you, trust me I do, but hell no. I know that devious smile and brow wagging way to well. You’d go barging into his office and demand to know how he feels. I don’t think I can handle that kind of rejection right now. Can we please focus on our work right now? I’ll speak with you later this week about it. I need time to think it all through.”

“Okay,” Davina deflated reaching over to go through some more of the reports.

Drew tapped her pen on the pad of paper before her. She’d taken to her office after three in the afternoon. After collecting what she needed from the bodies she needed to get her thoughts in order and the lab techs weren’t helping. Davina had eventually moved over to talk with them, and it was too much. She needed seclusion from them all. Not to hear the idle chatter or the moving of the many more treasures into the lab for processing. She’d cried happy tears when they were called out of the lab to help with the one tunnel at risk of falling.

So here she was sitting contemplating her next few moves. Research mainly. Four very different people all came to be buried four feet below one room’s would have been floors. 

 She’d need to start with the eldest and most out of place of them all. Mummies were an unfortunate delicacy for alleged medicinal properties. The height reaching peak around the 16^th century. Then why wasn’t the body in parts or mostly used? If the Turi family were endeavoring in that at all, why were the bodies all different? Were they creating fakes? Testing for fake bodies? Looking to specify or maybe fraud. Then why was it pristinely wrapped still? 

The perusal was common sure of bodies, but Europeans weren’t always looking to learn the history of the body… She could ask Aro if the practice was noted somewhere. They were rich, doctors may have used the family’s wealth to procure these supposed cures and abused it…

She put her pen down. Was it her place to even be doing this? She’d mentioned to Aro of the bodies, he said he’d come take a look. Should they not be donated to a museum at this point? They were on his property, maybe they just wanted to bury them at this point and move on. They obviously not what he was looking for. He’d call it off, wouldn’t he? If these, were it? 

He’s a man of science, she reminded herself. They were fascinating to her, all so different. She didn’t think these were it. She made a quick note to visit the archives to see if the bodies were in fact for the fake medicine craze of the time. Even if to sate her own curiosity.

Did they even want a cause of death found for these bodies? Did they have questions at all? 

She flipped the document over to the images she’d printed from the mummies to the young boy. A photo she’d taken. She paused an up close on the young boy’s file. What in the world? The left ulna bone, two indents two inches apart. Her brow raised. These would’ve been painful.

She hadn’t even gotten to determine cause of death for the skeletons. Did they want the answers? If they didn’t, they could destroy the reports. If they did, her work done. So, she got to work.

“What ever could be keeping a lady late?” A voice mused.

Drew gasped pushing away from her desk eyes going wide. In her door, illuminated by only the desk lamp and her computer light, a familiar towering man leant. Sir. Turi’s brother, Marcus. She remembered as he gave her a familiar half grin.

“Don’t you know, not to sneak up on people like that? What if I had a heart condition?” 

“Apologies,” He ducked his head entering her office. “I did knock.”

Drew’s face warmed. He could’ve and she would be none the wiser. She looked at the clock on her computer. It was just after eight in the evening. She stretched herself quickly standing up. 

“I hadn’t realized the time.” She cleared her throat. “What brings you all the way here?”

“You requested a few documents from the archives earlier this afternoon. It took some time but I did find somethings.” He held up five thick bound files. “I was going to leave these in your mail box, when I passed by and saw your light.” 

“Oh, yes! Thank you, did you find something on the mummies? I know it’s a strange request but—”

“No request is odd.” He assured leaving the files on her desk. “I was successful indeed. I was able to find some information on the mummy trade here in Volterra and surrounding cities.”

“Wonderful! I thought I’d hit a dead end. It’s often that we do.” She explained.

She lifted the files up and skimmed through the few articles and some ledgers full of supply, with many dates written in the corners.

“What brought you to these?” He queried watching her.

She didn’t look up as she prattled on. “Oh, found some bodies out in the ruins outside the city. Two mummies. If you can believe it. One perfectly preserved and another not so much. Two other bodies were with them. That’s all.”

“It was enough for you to request files from the archives, specific ledgers of the family businesses. These records are highly classified,” he advised. 

Drew froze, eyes widening as she looked right up at him. “You didn’t need to bring them if they were so classified. Seriously!”

“I’m sure Aro would allow you to see them, especially if he is wanting the answer to how they got there. He is just as curious as you.”

Her stomach flipped. She put the files back done on her desk, pulling away as if they burned her. “Sir Turi didn’t request the files.”

Her voice crack had the man rounding the desk. Marcus was hunched over her immediately. His cool hands took hers, as he pulled her closer to him. “I did not mean to cause you panic. It was merely a jest, I meant no harm.”

Drew took a deep breath, tears pricking in her eyes. She really didn’t think it through, how stupid had she been to take such liberties? Sure the Turi family allowed them access to the files in the archives but that did not mean all of them. She could be fired, or worse black balled for over stepping. Her heart slammed with each passing thought.

A finger curled under her chin. Drew focused in on Marcus, who guided her to him. He was barely a few inches from her. Dark eyes swimming with sorrow, his thumb ran over her cheek. 

“Fret not,” his breath washing over her smelling faintly of cinnamon. “Aro would be impressed you took initiative in this. I know my brother well, he has been busy and to have the how and why figured out, he’d be happy.”

“Are you sure? He did tell us to tell him of anything of note. I withheld the bodies from him for a few days, to do this seems overstepping.” She croaked.

“I will help you then, put together the reports. We will find out exactly what these bodies are doing here.” He offered. “I promise we will get to the bottom of it.”

His eyes sparked with his growing grin. Drew’s stomach twisted a bit. She had so many alarms telling her know, but she just nodded returning the smile.

Chapter Text

Drew raised her brow as she made her way down the hall seeing her door open. The light was on. She checked her watch seeing it was just after six thirty in the morning. Who was at her office at this hour, and how did they get in? 

She’d said she’d be ready to meet with Aro at ten to go over what her findings for the bodies. She had been pacing in her apartment for most of the night after talking with Marcus, until she finally gave in and called Aro. 

She grabbed the edge of her counter as she watched the phone connect. Her fingers itching to dive into her already yanked curls. Lord knew what she was doing calling the man this late at night. It was almost eleven at night. She should have texted.

“Whatever could have you up at this hour, Doctor?” 

She blushed hearing the man answer after one ring. 

“I am so sorry Aro. I should have asked you. You haven’t even been down to the labs yet. This is your project and I completely overstepped. Please –”

“Drew.” He cut her off.

The words died in her throat, hearing the firmness in his tone. 

“Take a deep breath.”

She did as she was told.

“Good girl. Now in slow words, tell me, what has you awake at this hour? It is nearly midnight, and as I recall you have an early day.”

“I couldn’t take it.” She blurted, cheeks burning. “I had to tell you.”

“Specifically, now?” He mused. “In what context?”

The question out of place, she scrunched her nose up. Had he not heard from his brother? She had thought he’d make it more obvious what he was doing… she paused, did the brothers even live together? She’d made such an assumption.

“I can hear the wheels turning in your head Doctor,”

“I took liberty of digging for information on the bodies. I over stepped, I’m sorry. I should have told you what was happening the connections and invasive exploration I was doing. Aro, please forgive me. I was going to tell you, when I had answers but the guilt when I spoke with your brother today it got to me. I didn’t mean to over step and go into your family’s history without permission.”

Silence was her answer. 

She stiffened pulling the phone off speaker and putting it to her ear. 

A few muffled laughs and crashes echoed over the line.

“Aro, are you alright?”

“Perfectly fine,” He exhaled, exasperation in the sigh.

She bit her bottom lip, feeling shame pour over her, as ice dripping down her back. “I’m sorry. I understand if you let me go.”

“No.” he snapped. “No… I am not firing you –I owe you my own apologies Drew, my brother is in the same room as I. He decided now would be a good time to interrupt. I am not mad at you, slightly confused but not angry. Why don’t we discuss this at a better time, you need to sleep.” 

“Oh… Does ten in the morning work for you? I have a team meeting at 8 before they go out to the site.”

“It does, now go to sleep, Doctor.” 

“G ’night.” She yawned.

Aro wouldn’t show up now and change his mind, would he? He’d always been punctual in the few weeks she’d known him. He did show up unexpected sometimes, like his annoying brother.

 She got to the door that was swung open, she hesitantly peered around the corner to see inside her office. There humming quietly with a mop in hand was a cleaner. She relaxed stepping back looking around her door. There she saw the cart parked. She blinked. Cleaners existed. They did tend to odd hours. 

She knocked on the door to announce her presence.

 The woman didn’t look up. 

Drew looked the woman over. Long auburn hair was pulled back in a low ponytail. Her skin a few shades lighter than her own. She was in a pair of what looked like grey scrubs. 

 “Hello?” Drew called. 

 The woman turned slowly humming as she went. Dark hazel eyes widened seeing her. Her hand flew to her chest as a small scream escaped her. 

 Her hands frantically moved. “Sorry, we are behind on schedule due to a spill in one of the labs.” 

 “You’re deaf,” Drew signed. “It is of no problem. I am sorry for scaring you.”

 The woman smiled. “You know BSL.”

 “Yes,” 

“The professors usually don’t bother with any sign.”

 “Not a professor. I’m an archeologist.” She replied. “Thank you for cleaning regardless, without you this place would be like the dump.”

 “Makes sense then. I’m Marianna.” She introduced herself with a laugh.

 “I’m Drew, a pleasure.”

 “I should get back to this, it’s nice to meet you.” Freya waved goodbye.

 She watched Marianna leave who waved as she passed by Aro. Drew approached her desk rounding up seeing him. She stood up straighter.

 “Sit down, you are in your own office.” Aro dismissed the silent question on her lips. He sat down in the process. “You know sign language?” 

 He leant back knee lazily over his other with his hands clasped. 

 “Yeah. I had a friend who happened to be deaf. She taught me ASL so we could talk as much as we wanted. We got tired of her trying to read lips. I was insistent we be friends. We had the same shirt on. Also, when I was doing work in university, I had a few deaf classmates who used BSL, so I learnt it as well. Languages come easy to me. Always have.” She explained.

“I learn something new about you each time we meet,” he marveled. 

“My turn for a question.” 

“Ask away,”

“What are you doing here so early? The meeting is not for another three and a half hours.” She questioned eyeing her watch.

“Three hours and nineteen minutes.” 

She rolled her eyes. “You are still three hours early, and we agreed to meet in your office last I checked. You have a habit of that.”

She leant into her hands on propped elbows to stare at him.

“I was making some rounds. Thought I would stop by.”

“Bit of a presumption I would be here.” 

“You are not without your own habits Doctor.” He smirked. “You do not start until seven, yet you arrive early. Unpaid mind you. You then insist on ignoring the riposo despite working the same hours as everyone else. I believe that is called a workaholic, am I correct? You really must learn to take your proper lunch.”

“I took my lunch last week with my colleagues. A restaurant that worked around the busy riposo.” She argued.

“One out of the many months you’ve been here. You have many hours of overtime unpaid. You come in do your work, work over the time and do so continuously. This is the definition of Workaholic. This is correct?” He pressed leaning forward on her desk. 

“You know you are.” She huffed. “I’m not used to long lunches. An hour is usually the max at most companies in North America. Some less.”

“This is why North Americans suffer from bad hearts, and stress.” He sighed. “You do not wish to risk your life, do you? Dying young for a job, it is a waste of such a wonderous woman.”

“That is where you seem confused Sir, this is not a mere job. This is my passion. The discoveries. I live for this.”

“Do you not have other hobbies that keep you busy, family, or friends?” 

Drew sat back. “I have a work life balance. It may not be that of the average Italian, but I do. I do have many friends here and back home. Family is a touchy topic I don’t wish to discuss right now.”

“My sincerest apologies, Drew I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.” He took her hand that she tried to hide. He ran his cool thumb over her knuckles, eyes hooded in his concern.

She gulped trying to look away. “I think we’re even.”

He raised a brow to her.

“I went snooping through your family’s business without permission. I ordered a few Archives from your brother and didn’t even think about the access I may need to be granted to do so. I just jumped into action looking for answers to my own questions without consulting you. I don’t even know if your curious for the source of those bodies. I understand if you let me go or write me up.”

“Ah, that.” He nodded once pulling back. “Marcus is more than capable than knowing what is allowed out of the archives for our history. If it was classified, it’d not be provided to you. His teasing was in ill taste. He told me of what happened. I assure you no reparations will come from this.”

“Oh.” She blinked. “You didn’t answer the other half of what I said.”

“Personally, I do not care if we know the origins of the bodies in detail, as long as they are not recent. I think for the archives it may be a good idea to have it in writing why they were there, in case. I am alright if you do go looking into all of this, causes of deaths as well.” He permitted.

“Yes!” She bounced in her seat spinning around. He laughed as her cheeks heated. “Sorry. I’m relieved that you aren’t punishing me for looking into it, or angry. A small part of me may be happy I get to continue finding out. While it’s not the most fascinating to everyone else. It is for me.” 

“If it makes you happy, I will be more than willing to provide my brother as your personal assistant for this project as well to get to your answers.” He offered.

“You’d really send over your brother to assist?”

“He’s the best with familial knowledge and the archives. It has always been his project. I don’t see the harm in forcing him to come up from his layer now and then.” Aro smiled.

“You’re really wicked at times Aro,” she chuckled.

“I have been told this before,” he agreed standing from his seat. She mirrored his actions. “Now that our ten o’clock has opened, we still have a meeting. You will join me for a morning coffee and stroll around the castle grounds.”

“You are certain? Aren’t you busy running your businesses?”

“For you, cara mia. I will always make time.” He bowed over her hand taking it kissing the back of each.

“Okay, see you then…” She watched as he left her office giving her a wink before closing her door.

The morning meeting ran a bit longer than intended. Drew hurried herself as much as she could in her flats. She mentally cursed herself for not wearing something more appropriate for walking on uneven cobble stones. She glanced at her watch. Dread washed over her. 

10:01

The hands mocked her as she hurried on. All because Azrael needed to be right about some building material. She exhaled. She’d been one of the catalysts to the argument. She questioned why they put up with her at times. She hurried into the town hall barely catching her breath as she stopped right in front of a wide-eyed secretary.

“I have a meeting with Sir Turi –Aro.” She took a deep breath, feeling her cheeks warm.  

“It’s seven minutes passed ten. Sir Turi does not wait for anyone.” The receptionist replied eyeing Drew over.

Drew knew she didn’t look the most put together right now. Her curls were probably standing all over despite her styling them that morning. Her eyeliner could be running because of her own stress tears she’d wiped away on the way over. No time to look in a mirror. Her gut dropped.

“I –I know it’s passed ten, my last meeting—”

“Sir Turi is a very important man. He does not wait around for tardy people.”

“Gianna, in this case I will make the exception. Dr. Danvers is one of my archeologists on a private project.” Aro interrupted.

Drew whirled around finding him standing a foot away. Her eyes went wide as she met his dark gaze. Her heart slammed into her chest. throat suddenly dry.

How was it he managed to look so perfect every time she saw him? She returned his smile despite the increased heart rate.

He motioned her forward towards his office. She turned beginning to walk. Aro stepped in line with her. 

“You are never late Doctor,”

“The team meeting went on longer than intended. I am so sorry Aro. If I’ve messed up your schedule, I seriously don’t mind rescheduling.” She rambled on. 

“If I remember correctly, we were to be getting a drink and going for a stroll. A few minutes is hardly a crime. This was a meeting to relax you, not stress you out.” He offered his arm. 

“Still.”

“You live so close by the clock you forget to truly be in the moment.” He commented guiding her back the way she’d come through the cloudy court yard.

“My life has been pretty much controlled by a clock since I was a kid. I don’t know how I would function if we lost them.” She murmured looking ahead.

The morning rushing crowd had long disappeared. a person now and then would pass but no one remained. Aro kept hold of her arm however guiding her to one of the cafés nearby. 

“You would work as all ancient people did. There were other ways to get tasks done in a timely fashion before we revolved around little clocks.”

“When we only worried to survive.” She quipped. “Humans have been struggling to survive since the dawn of it all. Whether it’s hunting and gathering, to current late teer capitalism. Well, whatever this era is influenced by. The economical crash and growing disproportionate wealth between the poor and ultra-rich. We humans are doomed to the same existence bound by time, ending in dust.”

“A very grim overview, doctor.” Aro mused.

“On the contrary it is a reminder how precious and fragile our lives are. We may be tiny organisms in the vast universe barely existing, does not mean it isn’t something. Each dust is as wonderful as the star we orbit. We are all one within each other.” 

“Yet you work away the hours with your limited time.” He reminded bringing their conversation back to the beginning.

“I’m young, caught up in the want to know everything.” She smiled. “Old habits.”

“One you must learn to let go.”

“It’s what happens when my passion is so intertwined with my work.” She looked over to him before they reached the café counter. “What about you Aro, surely you are as much a workaholic as I.”

“A fair point.”

They paused to get a cup of tea. The cool September sky was surprisingly grey for what usually was always full of sun. she accepted the to go cup from the barista with pleasure. It was not long until Aro was leading her back towards the main city hall and old town fort that housed the Turi family. 

“My leisure time is in perfect balance. I have known when to go home.”   

“Yet you accept my calls at any time of night it seems.” She chuckled. 

“Now that I did not expect to be a work call.” He admitted looking over to her. 

Drew paused, cheeks heating. “I –I’m not really good with the whole…” she gestured to him. “Wow that came out wrong! I meant I’m terrible at reading the whole situation on us. You ask me to a gala, under the guise of work function. I don’t want to offend you Aro, am I reading into this situation wrong? If I am, seriously tell me… I –have you been flirting with me?” 

Aro laughed lightly turning her to stand in front of him. He slid a finger under her chin bringing her gaze back to him, not allowing her to escape. She remained focused on his dark eyes. How the iris was swallowed by black. In times her Gran had told her to run from black eyed people. Yet here she was ignoring it, with the urge to follow up where ever.

“It has been a long time since I have vied for the attention of a young woman, I am the one who should be apologizing. I thought I was being very clear in my intentions towards you.” He clarified. “I mean to get to know you, Doctor.”

Drew’s throat went dry. Her mouth falling open as she stared. A few seconds passed as she tried in vain to get a hold of her own self.

He liked her. He meant for the gala to be something more. Drew fought the urge to smack herself. 

“My Gran used to call me thick headed. I get what she meant…”

“What are your thoughts upon this revelation?” He questioned, not louder than the breeze around them.

“I would like that very much.” She nodded pulling back slightly. “I’m warning you now though Aro. I’m not so good at the whole dating aspect of life. I haven’t been in a relation ship in quite some time, even then it wasn’t with a man.”

Aro arched his brow a small smirk on his lips. “Yes, I do believe I had heard from a Ms. Siobhan.” 

“We didn’t date!” Drew defended. “We were just really good friends…”

“Remind me to move her departments from you.”

“What, afraid of a little competition?” she teased taking a step back.

He caught her hand returning it to his offered arm. “I do not see much of a competition. Something tells me I will win.”

“Cocky.”

“You haven’t the faintiest idea dear, such is an earned privilege.” He whispered to her.

“Okay a few ground rules,” she exhaled. “We remain professional at work. Meaning no special treatment, nothing. We do not alert our co-workers of this, nor show affection beyond pleasantries. I refuse to be looked at differently and to be thought of earning my spot by sleeping with the boss.”

“I will try to uphold these rules, but I cannot make promises I am tempted to break.” He replied. 

“Fair.” She cleared her throat. “As for your brother, how soon can I use his aid?”

“I thought you wanted no special treatment?” He teased.

She shot him a look. 

“He can be as ready by this afternoon,” 

“Amazing. When am I allowed back in the field? It’s been nearly a month since the incident.” 

“How is next week?” 

“A deal sir,” she smiled following him along further into the streets enjoying the late summer stroll.

Chapter Text

 “Okay, spill Danvers.” 

Azrael and Davina cornered her in her own office. The door clicked when she looked up. Davina was quick to switch the lock. Her two friends came and stood arms crossed staring down at her. 

“Spill what?” She questioned brows bunching together.

“I know you weren’t just in La-la-land. That brain is super smart and always going a mile a minute. You know we mean earlier today! After the work meeting. You were seen by five people with Aro Turi. Walking in the town square getting coffee.” Azrael set into her.

Drew’s shoulders slumped as she sighed pushing back from her desk. She was thankful Davina locked the door. Azrael perched on her desk leaning closer.

“We were discussing work.” She dismissed. “The bodies sitting in our fridges we are investigating those then looking into proper burial or returning them to their rightful homes.” 

She saw the disbelief written all over their faces.

 “Uh-huh. Gianna told me that you were late, and he still graced you with his time.” Davina rebutted. “Which he does not do for anyone. I witnessed a large man cowering under his stare. Sir. Turi is a scary man.”

Drew pursed her lips. Why had her co-workers suddenly been so keen on her coming and goings? She cursed the always curious kind of her field. Davina wasn’t stupid in the slightest and to try and fool her was silly. The same for Azrael. The man was a Cambridge graduate for a reason.

“Okay.” She sighed glaring them both down. “Not a single word leaves this office of what is happening. It is still a few hours old. If word gets out, I will hunt each of you down. Am I understood? I will make the Mafia look like kittens. I haven’t even signed an NDA to think of it, I wouldn’t be surprised he wants me to sign one. Rich people do that kind of thing right? Okay, anyways.”

“Come on, Danvers. Enough rambling. The details.” Az interrupted. 

“I was getting to that. Aro and I went for a walk. It was supposed to be a work discussion but that happened before our team meeting. Not a word on overtime.” She snipped, cheeks burning. “When we did go walking, he bought me a tea. We discussed a lot of things, and well turns out he’s been very obviously courting me.” 

The more Drew reflected on the time they had known each other, she realized just how obvious Aro had been with his indulgences of her. She had literally been his date to his Gala. The man inspired fear in many of her coworkers, yet he had never been anything but polite to her. She bit her bottom lip. 

“Courting, you’re so cute Drew. It’s clear the man likes you. Now did you say yes to that?” Davina leant in closer.

“I did yes,” Drew exhaled. “We are to remain professional at work though. I want to keep this as under wraps as possible. Please both of you. I know gossip is like gold here but please. Give us some time to see if we’re compatible. I haven’t dated in so long even then it wasn’t a man. How the hell does one even date a man?!” 

“Oh, our sweet Danvers, it’s okay,” Azrael leant over pulling her into an awkward hug across the desk. “We won’t spill at least for a month, deal? Join us for lunch tomorrow and we will discuss it.” 

“I’ll be over with a bottle of wine if you want to talk tonight.” Davina offered. “That or we can binge some Supernatural.”

“It’s literally only Monday at noon.” She reminded. “I don’t do alcohol on a week night unless it’s at dinner. I know how dangerous it is to drink with you.”

“She refills your wine glass too?” Azrael laughed. 

“Yeah, she thinks I don’t see it.” Drew shot Davina a glare. The teen merely gave a wide grin.

“You’re such a prude with alcohol. You colonials are so puritan at times.” Davina rolled her eyes. 

“Hey, I don’t care if people drink. I’m not nineteen anymore like you are. I’m closer to thirty than twenty. Hangovers are serious at this age, and with our line of work can be dangerous. We work under the hot sun. a hangover can dehydrate us.” She reminded Davina. “Now I believe you two are usually off to lunch right now. I need to get back to it, if I hurry I maybe able to get this update report typed up for Aro before his brother comes up from the archives.” 

Drew turned to her computer shaking the mouse to wake up the machine that had gone into sleep mode since they arrived. She quicky typed in her password ignoring her co-workers who still lingered. 

Her login shook, not budging.

“What the…” she whispered retyping her password. 

A timer appeared freezing up her screen. What in the heck? She mentally cussed while quickly trying the many tricks she’d learnt for computers to get it to override. The computer in turn just dinged at her and remained. She huffed.  

“Okay, who locked my computer?” She turned back to her retreating co-workers. “Carlos Michel Azrael why can’t I access my computer?”

The tall man was a few feet from her, stiff as a board. He offered a sad smile. He pulled out a piece of paper folded neatly. “I received an order at eight am this morning. I say it was not my choice, Danvers. I would never restrict your computer. It was from higher up. I fear him more than you.”

She snatched it from him quickly opening it.

‘Dear doctor,

I fear you are over working yourself, for further notice you are to take your riposo. I have reached out to IT to make sure of it.

Sincerely yours,

Aro’

“Son of a bitch.” She hissed standing up. “I’ll see you two later.”

“You could always join us for the time.” Davina offered intercepting her.

Drew smiled reaching up to cup Davina’s cheek. “I appreciate the offer. I’ll join you tomorrow I promise. Right now, I’m going to castrate a man.”

“Danvers, you can’t do that.” Azrael warned stepping up beside Davina, subsequentially blocking her into her own office.

“Watch me, Aro will rue the day he ever locked me out of—”

“Your frustration Danvers is perfectly reasonable,” Azrael cut her off. “He is busy in a meeting currently.”

She deflated pursing her lips backing up. “Batard…”

“Come take your riposo with us, actually be human for a few hours.” Davina linked her arm through Drew’s and Azrael did the other, dragging her into the hall.

 Drew swiped her key card to her office, re-entering after being dragged to a restaurant to spend a few hours in. Davina had sat on one side of her and Azrael on the other of the circular booth. She was held hostage way passed what she deemed appropriate. An hour tops was acceptable, why did she need nearly two and a half to be alone. She didn’t get a step into her office when a throat cleared.

She paused looking back. There in her door frame, Marcus stood. His brown hair tied back with a red ribbon, he was in a button down with the top two undone and the sleeves folded around his elbows. His vest over the white top was loose as well. She closed her falling jaw.

“Afternoon Dr. Danvers, Aro advised I was to be working with you on a current project.” He took in her office, before settling his dark gaze upon her. A polite closed lip smile on his face.

“Marcus! I’m so sorry, I’m just getting settled come in.” She waved him in. “Your brother made sure I took my riposo after all.”

She kept her snark down as much as she could. The whole situation still left a bitter taste in her mouth. She despised when people made decisions about her without confronting her. He’d had IT go out of their way to lock her computer as if she were a child needing to limit her screen time. If it weren’t a progress report, she needed to have typed up by the end of the week of their progress report she’d have done it on paper.

Her anger that was simmering wasn’t directed at his brother though. She had to remind herself. They were for Aro. Not Marcus. No, they were here to go through the many files he’d brought up with him last week. He’d be able to point her in the right direction if she needed anything else.

“Aro is an advocate of work life balance.” Marcus commented sitting down across from her. “Do you wish to do this here or in a room where we can spread these out? I know I had given you quite a few references.” 

She put her bag aside she looked at her computer and the report she’d been working on before being interrupted earlier that day. “I hadn’t thought that exactly over… I feel so unprepared for this. I’m sorry Marcus,”

“Dr. Danvers do not fret. I can hear your mind racing a mile a minute. Your routine has been disturbed by my very overbearing brother. I am here until we finish up this project of yours. So, we have time. We can even make it, so it is only scheduled for two hours a day so to allow you time for your main work.” He offered.

“That is reasonable. Yes. That works for me.” 

“Tell me what you have so far for the report?” Marcus encouraged leaning back.

He barely fit at the desk in the leather chair across from her. His broad shoulders were over the edges and his knees bending what looked a bit uncomfortable. She turned back to her computer pulling up her messy file with the many scans and her typed reports.

“I’ve got a break down of the ages of the bodies, the conditions in which they were found. The main report is just jotted notes from the what ifs. I mean finding a full mummy and a partial one, is odd. Italy is not the correct area to find such. The age of the corpses shows that there is a vast age difference between the partial and full. It just so happens the property they were found on was during a time of mummies being consumed by Europeans. So, I wanted to see if my theory of these two being from that age correct. If the one was a practice piece or if the other corpses were also to be used in such a way.”

“You are looking to see if we were partaking in the mummy trade, and used other corpses to pretend they were ancient mummies for profit?” Marcus clarified.

“Well, your family is quite rich, and a dollar is a dollar?” She paused meeting his gaze.

“I see, well then, let us see if your theory is correct.” Marcus reached forward to the pile at the top right of her desk, he began sorting through the papers.

“Shouldn’t you be wearing gloves to go through the archival papers?”

“These are only copies, not the physical ones. I assure you.” He winked at her before returning to the papers.

“Thank you, by the way Marcus. I appreciate the help and access to these classified files.”

“It is of little effort.” Marcus assured not looking up.

She got to work typing out the report of what they had gotten done and what they had so far. 

 Drew yawned shutting off the tv in her flat living room. The little news station was background noise while she tried to read a book. She tossed the book down on the couch opposite her, it bounced off the dark Italian leather. 

It’d been three hours since she’d gone home, her computer happily froze the moment the clock hit six. She’d narrowly avoided making a fool of herself in front of Marcus, by cussing Aro out. Her computer tricks be damned, IT had locked her out. She’d thankfully saved her work before the computer shutdown. There’d been too many times she’d lost an essay hours before it was due. Many sleepless nights.

She stood stretching looking around the quiet flat. She wiped her hands on her short shorts, before grabbing the popcorn bowl she’d finished. Her flat was bigger than her condo downtown Toronto she’d been able to purchase with her parents and grand-parents inheritance. Everything in the flat was luxury and high end. she’d spent her first four months tiptoeing around and being careful of every little scuff on the real wood and tile floors. 

She tossed the bowl in the sink along with her dinner dishes she’d do in the morning. she’d rinsed them already and it’d be simple to do before she left for work. She looked at the clock above the stove, it was a few minutes passed nine in the evening. She sighed covering a yawn.

An early night would do her good. The sleep may keep her from straddling Aro for what he’d done. She stopped herself before going down that rabbit hole. She’d done that already today. She turned on her heel flipping the lights out of the living room. The place even had dimmers. She was really looking to invest in them when she got back home.

A knock echoed out.

She froze mid step turning quickly to see who was knocking on her door. She didn’t need Davina barging in. She adored the teen, but personal space and privacy was still a learning curb for her. She stepped up on her tip toes to peered through the peep hole in the dark wooden door.

Aro stood hands in his trouser pockets. He’d left his hair down in a long wave of onyx. His dark gaze lingered on the door. Not the guest she needed lingering in the hall. She swung open the door.

“Aro.” She declared staring up at him. 

She blinked a few times, taking in the fact he was that much taller when she was without shoes or heels. She really needed to make sure not to be caught barefooted. She glanced down at least she’d gone with Davina to get a pedicure two weeks ago. The taupe gloss still in place. She quickly looked back up at him.

Aro was always eyeing her up, slowly taking her in.

“Apologies, Doctor. I did not mean to catch you in such a state?” His brow quirked.

She looked back down. For all that is holy! she mentally screamed, a little yip escaping her. She’d gotten undressed almost two hours ago into her black satin night shorts, and the matching tank top. The straps were a soft lace. She’d also not kept her bra on. What sane person did? The type of dress best kept for behind closed doors. Not in front of her boss. One she was wanting to straddle for two whole different reasons.

“I was just reading before bed…” she crossed her arms over her chest. The cool air of the hall had hardened her nipples, enough for anyone to see.

“It was a mistake for me to come here unannounced, I will see you in the morning.” He cleared his throat taking a step back.

“Aro –wait…” she sighed reaching out. “Come in.”

“Are you certain?” He eyed her over.

She tried in vain to hide her growing smile. He was acting as if he were a scandalized gentleman from some regency film, worried about her honor.

“I’m not some blushing virgin, yes. We’re adults who can communicate our boundaries.” She snickered. “Plus, the longer you linger the more likely Davina opens that door to give us the third degree.”

“Ah,” he nodded once following her inside.

She flipped the light on that was over the island of her kitchen, she pulled the stools out motioning for him to sit. “Do you want a cup of tea?”

“I am alright,” he declined.

“So, what brings you here so late?”

“I was under the impression this was merely the after-dinner time.” He commented.

“That’s for Europeans. I’m Canadian and take my dinner at six.” She replied. “I usually am up though, doing something at any time.”

“Allow me to guess, work?” He teased.

“Hey! That is a sore spot currently sir. Which reminds me, I have half a mind to yell at you. The other is reminding me that I don’t need a noise complaint. You locked me out of the system on a timer. What the hell was it for? Do you not trust me to be an adult enough to begin working in a riposo and know when to go home? You cut me off cold turkey, which could lead to a deleted project if I can’t save it in time.” She blurted.

Aro had the decency to look sheepish. “Marcus mentioned, you had been muttering about wanting to curse me on a few occasions. It was why I was here.”

“Well good, I don’t like being treated like some little kid.” She crossed her arms.

“I thought I had been clear today when we spoke, that you were to begin taking your brakes. I thought a timer would be helpful.” He admitted.

“Aro, if you wish to get to know me. The first thing is you need to realize I’ve been doing a lot of things on my own since I was a young kid. I’m fiercely independent and don’t like when people restrict me without asking if I need such a system in place. You over stepped.” 

He reached out for her hand, leaning closer to her on the stool. She looked up from under her lashes allowing him to take her hand. He ran a cool thumb over the back of her hand. 

“I am sorry Drew, that I did not. I had not realized it upset you such. I will rectify this immediately. If you find it hard to implement the balance, will you come to me? I only wish to see you succeed in this role in your best shape.” He apologized.

A little twinkle in his eyes, the corners wrinkled with his upturn of his smile. She sighed, stomach warming the longer she looked at him. 

“A deal, I will try and ask for help if I need it. You will come to me if you think there is some changes I need to make. Got it? No taking initiatives for me without consulting me.”

“Got it,” he smiled leaning in merely inches from her face. “You look quite good when you are not dressed so properly.” 

She snorted pushing back. “You think with your lower head a little too much sometimes.”

“You haven’t the foggiest idea, cara mia. Since the moment I met you, I thought you were quite stunning. A strong passionate woman.” His hand caught her waist pulling her close, her standing still had her shorter than him while he sat. She rested between his legs.

“Aro, are you trying to sweet-talk me, so I don’t remain mad at you?” She whispered when his thumb caught her chin tilting her up towards him.

“Is it working?”

She closed the distance pressing her lips to his. Her hands sliding up around his neck pulling him closer.

He returned her kiss with vigor, pressing back. His hands ran over her waist down to her behind holding her in place. It wasn’t long until his tongue ran over her bottom lip requesting entrance. She relaxed allowing him to mingle his tongue with hers. He was like honey, sweet when she tasted him. She began to feel dizzy while holding on to his neck to anchor her and let his silk strands of hair run through her fingers.

As quickly as it started, she pulled back gasping for air. Holding on for dear life, she took a moment to gather herself. She met his gaze, hooded as he watched her. Her cheeks burning, lips swollen from the kiss. She exhaled. 

“I should bid you a goodnight, Doctor. Seeing you in such a state of desire, burning to be touched. I do not wish to push you tonight.”

“If I was willing?” She questioned, still out of breath.

“I wish to take you on a proper date before such. I also wish for more time, to worship you properly, like a woman deserves.” He replied, voice dipping deeper.

Chapter Text

 Drew grabbed her favorite hat off the hook by the door. The baseball cap had ‘I dig that’ written across it. She’d been given the hat by an old friend of hers when they were just finishing up their master’s degree. She stared at her flats that sat ready to be slid on. She smiled. Today for the first time in a few weeks, she wouldn’t need them right away. She bent over stuffing them in her tote bag. She grabbed her steel toed boots from the closet and did them up. She’d gotten dressed in khaki shorts, leggings under, and her grey long-sleeved shirt with the university of Toronto logo on it. A shirt she didn’t mind if it got dirty.

She was officially allowed back. A Monday she’d been itching for. She wasn’t just going into the office today. She’d be back out in the dirt having fun looking for treasures. She grabbed her lanyard with her badge and info off the hook and slung her tote bag over her shoulder. She locked up the flat and made her way to the university. She practically skipped her way into the building.

The sun didn’t peak through the buildings around her just yet, the sky was just beginning to turn a lighter blue. The people didn’t hustle around her as she hurried on. It didn’t take too long to reach her office. 

She tossed her bag on the desk. She grabbed her large bottle of water, that had been on her desk. She gulped it down not caring if it was at room temp. She’d fill it at the cooler on her way out. Hydration, key to when in the sun even if it was nearly the end of September. She grabbed her sunscreen from her bag beginning to slather it on rubbing it into her exposed skin. Her early years had reminded her even if she’d never burned before didn’t mean it wouldn’t happen. 

She put her foot down off the chair before her, she pulled the legging up to make sure to rub some into her ankles in case they got exposed at all. 

“Highly inappropriate for a lady to be in such state.” 

She snapped her gaze locked on her open door, where the cold words sneered out. 

Caius. 

“Good thing I’m not a lady. Now kindly fuck off you walking corpse. I have work to do. I’d return you to the cemetery, but I think you know where it is.” She waved.

“You little harlot—” 

“Granddad, it’s time to move on from this realm.” She dismissed him switching legs. 

His mouth twitched and he attempted to walk into her office. She glared at him, challenging him to mess with her on such a good morning. Assholes really did know how to sense out a good mood and fuck it up. 

“Caius, what brings you to Dr. Danvers’ office?” Aro appeared stepping into sight.

She stepped off the chair not taking her eyes off him. Drew exhaled hand on her chest trying to calm the racing organ. She really didn’t want to play fuck around and find out with the man. There was just something about him that caused an urge to stir in her to punch him.

She wasn’t a violent person… most of the time…. This asshat though could have a monk willing to beat his ass. As long as they didn’t touch the face. She’d personally take care of his handsome mug. 

No. No. No. 

She tried her best not to cringe. Sure, he was somewhat attractive like his brothers. In that old man way. He was aesthetically pleasing if she looked the right way. The moment he opened his mouth though, Drew was keener to sucker punch him, than kiss him. She prided herself on dating for personality over looks. She felt lust and submitted to it like any other human. The ones who stuck her though were good people. 

Caius’ crypt keeper ass became dirt the moment he spoke. 

The man’s nostrils flared, and he glowered at her. She watched his fists balled tight, but he did nothing. He only turned on his heel and left. 

Aro shut her door bringing her attention to him. Her cheeks burned and she bit her bottom lip. He had to of heard what she called him. 

“I —he started it.” She blurted.

Aro chuckled shaking his head. “Caius tends to do that constantly. I’ve told him time and time again to play nice with the staff.”

“I don’t work for him.” She defended arms crossed as he approached her.

“Indeed, you work for me.” He whispered before quickly pressing a kiss to her lips. 

“We’re at work.” She squeaked.

“It is only six thirty in the morning. I believe this is personal time.” He smirked. 

“Smart ass.” She rolled her eyes. 

“You enjoy cussing,” he mentioned allowing her to move back a few steps.

“Like you said it’s personal time.” She shrugged. 

“Surely a highly intelligent woman such as yourself, can find other words?” He challenged.

“I haven’t had coffee. What you get is what you get. My turn for a question. Why in the fuck are you hear so early?” She asked. “I’m starting to think you may have a small obsession?”

Aro paused his jaw slightly tightened. His brow arched as approached her again. 

Drew was backed up keeping her gaze on his dark eyes. They were fixated upon her. She gulped straightening up. She barely registered the wood against her hip of her desk. 

His arms caged her against the desk. She craned her neck to keep their stare connected. Her heart slammed harder each inch he closed. 

“Doctor, your language is appalling. I frankly am beginning to desire to correct it. In a way, which you may remember.” He whispered leaning in to her right side. His lips tickled the shell of her ear. “I merely was passing by your office dropping off some important paperwork to the dean of this university. One I fund and own the building of.”

She wondered if Aro would make her kneel in front of him. Images of Aro holding her up against the wall as he had his way with her at a punishing speed, flashed in her mind. 

“Sorry sir.” She blurted leaning back. 

“Such language I’ve never been fond of outside a private setting. Even then.” He pulled back sliding a finger under her chin. “Enjoy your first day back in the field. Remember it is half days. My brother is to help with the reports on those bodies after all.”

“I’m sure Azrael will have an alarm set. You’re surprisingly not the only one who seems to worry I do too much.” She huffed. 

“You have an aversion to people caring so?” 

Drew saw his head tilt and brows pucker a bit. Her stomach rolled as she bit back her knee jerk responses. He was merely curious. He meant no harm. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart.

“Some habits take longer to get rid of. I’m used to doing a lot on my own to get by. It’s been a long time since someone has been deeply invested in me.” She explained. “Look, it’s a long story. One I’m sure we’ll need to talk about eventually. Right now, isn’t the time nor the place. Let’s leave it at that, no more to spoil this good day.”

“I will respect your wishes.” He murmured lifting her hand kissing it. 

She shuddered as he pulled back, her cheeks warm. 

“Have a good first day back.”

“Will you want a report today?” 

“A weekly update should suffice, unless there is a major breakthrough.”

“Alright, I should go get a coffee before I head out.”

 Drew looked out on the site. The early dawn sun was barely above the horizon. The familiar crumbled walls of stone still piling. The hazard signs near the stairs. She wasn’t too early she noted seeing Azrael was handing out sections. She made her way over to him. They’d done this together so often the last few months. She was off kilter.

“Danvers, you’re out and about. Welcome home. You’re on the far west corner top floor.” He didn’t look away from his clipboard.

“You’re practically benching me to the sandbox?” Drew crossed her arms. “Why?”

“Each square foot is important Danvers.” 

“Shouldn’t I be at least where the bodies were found? It is my specialty.” 

“Dr. Danvers, is perfectly capable to be back in heading the dig.” Davina cut in stepping up from the stairs. 

A lamp already set up on her head with a hard hat. She’d switched her glasses for contacts and safety glasses. 

Azrael pinched his nose. “Danvers, I’m not arguing it. I hate enclosed spaces anyways. Get equipped and get down there. If you get hurt again, you’re becoming a lab doctor for the rest of this project.”

She sighed biting back her snide comments. She’d been hurt. They were merely worried for her safety. “Deal.”

Drew headed over to the small tent set up with safety equipment and began sliding on the hard hats and lamp. She strapped the walkie onto her waist belt. Gloves were given to her along with a dust mask. 

“Welcome back Danvers,” Moira nodded to her. “Be safe.”

“Will do. Good to be back.” Drew waved heading back to the rest of her team.

Davina explained how far they’d gotten. Down the full set of stairs and a down through a hall way. A small room had been dug out where they’d found the mummies. A few artefacts, and open spaces. They would need to get down the hallway. According to the blue prints they had a good layout to get through. One they were still working through and digging out. The rate they were moving at this project could take years. If not decades. Or until Aro declared it of no use and closed it down. 

She really didn’t want to think on the idea of Aro getting bored with the place. the site had so many treasures that deserved to resurface and be cared for.

Drew grabbed out her shovel. “Are we still using hand shovels?” 

“Unfortunately for a little while longer. The ground penetrating radars are a bit useless with fully knowing what we are looking at down here. We’ve marked how far we believe this fill in extends before we hit open space. There is always a chance of traps or being off by a bit. These are mostly guestimates.”

“The Turi family was a bit cautious.” 

“Could you blame them? Power comes with the threat of death.” Davina shrugged. “The more you have the more you are at risk.” 

“Are you sure philosophy was not for you?” Drew questioned a playful smile on her face. 

“Philosophy made me break down too often. First year was rough.” 

“Agreed. My first-year class had me questioning reality.” Drew agreed.  

They got down the many steps and through the small entrance to the hall. She carved away the hardened dirt built up with time. Her shovel useless without it being complete dirt. It was stone, mixed with dust and centuries of dirt. The many stones were pulled out and tossed up the chain of people. 

 Drew chiseled carefully into the next layer of stones. The shadows on top revealed that the rubble didn’t extend fully to the top any longer. There was a darkness staring back at them that slanted down ever so slightly. It reminded her of the old mining tunnels she’d explored during her summers in Northern Ontario. She’d go down as far as she could before she got scared and ran out. It thrilled her so, finding old coins and rusted tools. A few tetanus shots were given those years.

Now she was equipped and given a headlamp to make sure she was safe. 

She pulled the next large stone, careful lifting it from the top. She passed it off to the next two hands. A few more came down and were tossed out. She was met with large hall way. It was a foot down the basement hall extended in layers of stone jutted from the walls uneven, a few stones around on the ground. It was arched allowing for people under seven feet to move with ease. It was a lot narrower than she wished. They were lucky there wasn’t any catacombs down here. 

She saw a few indents of what looked like doors. The end a fork in the tunnel.

“Torch.” She reached back.

Davina complied peeking over her shoulder. “Creepy.” 

“Look how far it goes.” Her voice echoed off the walls.

Drew turned to the rest of the crew. “The Chamber of Secrets been opened.” 

She smiled moving back to get out, her watch alarm going off. 

“Okay everyone, that’s lunch. We’ll get some people in the make sure it’s safe to proceed. Once we have all clear from health and safety, we can begin to excavate it.” Drew directed before making them all head back out.

They climbed up the winding ways exiting to the surface few. She grabbed out her rag and wiped her forehead and neck of the sweat that had built up over the last few hours. The early autumn sun was only a fraction better over the summer heat. A small breeze ran over her. She rolled her sleeves headed for the safety tent. 

“Azrael!” She called.

The man popped up from his side across the site. “I’ve been summoned?” 

“We’ve got through. All layers of stone covering the tunnels. We’ve freed it all.” She reported taking the water bottle he offered her. 

“Amazing! Get the report written up and delivered to Sir. Turi.” Azrael instructed.

“Why me? Scared of him still?”

“Always, darling. He has a soft spot for you. Any news he will not try anything with you.” 

“I’ll have it for him later today then. Food then I must meet his brother for the work on those bodies.” 

“That still has me scratching my head how those mummies were found with the bones.” Azrael mused.

“My hypothesis is that the mummies were from a display for the mummy trades. The rest were the bodies that were given to other people.”

“Fraudulent mummies?” Azrael gagged.

“It was one of the biggest commodities amongst Europeans. The medicinal purposes and such.”

“Sounds like a way to die of disease or something.” He shuddered.

“Probably did.” She laughed pulling out her phone.

She waved to her teammates bringing her safety gear back to Moira and headed back inside. She hit call for Aro.

“Cara mia,” he greeted.

“We’ve got access.” 

“Pardon?” 

“The basement has been opened. We can walk further inside. The stones are gone.” She reported. “Would you like to tell us now what we are looking for exactly?”

“Now, doctor where is the fun in that? It is a classified reason.” She could here the smile in his voice.

“Come on Aro,”

“Patience darling is a marvelous virtue.”

“Curiosity has always been my Achilles heel.” She shrugged.

“I am starting to learn.”

“Did you want a full report done up today or have it ready for Friday?” 

“We will discuss in person at the end of the week. I am sure you will have lots to share with me.”

“Of course, talk later Aro.”

Drew leant over the information she and Marcus had accumulated that afternoon. They’d correlated a lot of evidence showing her hypothesis was correct. The Turi family had been involved with fraudulent schemes. They wouldn’t be the first to have done some shady dealings in their time. 

She had so many questions on the partial mummy but there were no accounts in the journals showing its arrival or purchase. She rubbed the back of her neck looking over the photos of the mummies. 

“Let us end it here for the day, yes?” Marcus stood stretching beside her.

“Yeah, we aren’t going to get much more done today.” She agreed shutting her laptop down. “So, Marcus, what is it you usually do for work?”

“I work in the archives. I provide resources to the university mainly. I am a professor as well when needed.” 

“Huh, never took you as the professor type,” she tilted her head looking over the man before her.

He may have dressed like all her old professors, but he didn’t look it. He was ten times better looking than all her old mentors. He offered a polite smile.

“It keeps me social, according to my brothers I do not spend enough time amongst the living.” 

She chuckled. “I can relate to that.”

His smile spread to his whole face causing his face to wrinkle around his dark eyes. She leant closer to him. Her heart picked up speed, her stomach fluttered with butterflies. 

What would it be like if she leant forward, pressed her lips to his? Would he be as cool to the touch like Aro? He was a lot larger, would he cage her in? 

Was she feeling something for Aro’s brother?

She blinked a few times stepping back. “I should get back to my other reports and schematics. We broke through to the full basement finally, it’s going to get busy the next few weeks.”

“Wonderful to hear, be safe down there, Dr. Danvers.” He straightened pushing his chair in. 

He collected his things and bid her a good day. She watched him leave, she deflated, cheeks burning.

Chapter Text

 Drew caught sight of the calendar on her fridge. 

“Another year, already?” she murmured, putting her cereal bowl in the sink.

She padded off to her bedroom to get ready. She slid into a similar outfit from the day before. This time around, she paused at her dresser, next to her vanity. In an old wooden box, carved with a Celtic cross on top, a place she kept her jewelry she’d accumulated. Her Gran’s wedding band was inside.

She’d got it from her case manager when she turned eighteen. She’d gotten a call from their legal department who had been holding onto a few things she was to be given once an adult. It’d been in her Gran’s Will. She pulled out the locket she’d splurged on with her first paycheck. 

A simple silver chain that dropped between her breasts. The pendant was a silver locket with a photo of her parents on one side, along with her grandparents on the other. The people who created her. Two people she never got to know. She slipped open the locket. A photo of her parents taken a month before the accident. The other her grandparents before her Granddad had passed. She slid it over her head kissing the back before stuffing it in her shirt.

She wanted it close today.

She made her way to the office with her bag she’d prepared the night before. She hurried along in the early dawn. A heaviness in her chest. 

Alright. Drew took in the room before her. Her head lamp on, with the larger hand light. This way she was able to see a good half of the room without too much effort. It was a storage room from the looks of it. A few trunks and pieces of decaying furniture. Cobwebs covered them with layers and layers of dust. She was thankful for her dust mask. 

She touched her few curls that escaped the hat. She’d have no choice but to shower tonight. Her poor hair, either she needed to wrap it from now on or shave it again. The downsides of her career. Hair care came last.

“How’s it looking in there?” Davina popped her head in.

“Cramped and dusty. We’ve got an old storage room. There’s piles of furniture and trunks we’ll need these hauled out carefully. Get Max and Justin down here. We need these moved as carefully as possible, who knows what is inside. They are to be dusted off to our best ability in the tent before transporting into one of the labs. Kingston will delegate a spot for each item. I would, but you know how he is with layout.” She ordered.  

“Right away boss.” Davina was out her light following with her.

She bent down to the first box, wiping away layers of dust from the trunk. The wood was beginning to fall apart. What looked to be fabric was in frays barely holding together amongst the dust particles. 

She was careful with the metal latches. She flipped them over. She was gentle in lifting the lid, both hands on each side. She eased it back. A nasty squeak echoed out from the back hinges. She peered in side. 

Fabrics. She closed the lid once more careful not to allow the dust in. she didn’t want to disturb the delicate ecosystem in such a dirty place. 

“We have been summoned?” Max called from the entrance.

She stood immediately. “Careful with these, do not disturb the trunks as best you can. I know the entrance is a lot to slip through, but we need to. The furniture that is basically falling a part and decomposing, can be sent to the bins in proper order. However, they are to be searched for hidden compartments.”

“Right away Doc,” Max nodded once beginning to haul chair after chair. 

Drew helped with a trunk bringing it up to a waiting pair of hands to bring it to the rest. She was up a few times when they reached near the back of the room. There a few dust covered chairs remained. They were at least nearly done with this room. She knelt to grab the chair. 

She stopped in her tracks. 

In the light from her headlamp, she caught sight of a thin string. It was woven between the legs of a few destroyed chaises. She would have missed it if she’d just lifted it and went. Her heart slammed into her chest, she exhaled catching herself. Footfalls stopped behind her. 

“Drew?” Justin questioned.

She held her hand up. 

“No one else is to enter the room or tunnels. That’s it for below today. Nothing further is to leave this area, until it is deemed clear. I’m calling Sir. Turi.” Drew ordered.

The sooner they were out the better. She found Max and Justin to be hard workers, and decent guys over all. The issue was they could be clumsy. She didn’t need any more explosions jeopardizing the rest of the job site. She steered Davina upstairs along with the others who’d turned around. The few that exited began to talk amongst themselves.

Whispers questioning what had happened. She surfaced shaking off the dust from herself.

“What’s wrong?” Azrael called over, making his way over to them.

“Trip wire. It’s still in place. We got lucky. I’ll call Sir Turi and advise of the halt. Get the specialists in there.”  She got him up to date while she began digging into her belt. 

Azrael didn’t hesitate to pull out his own cell and dialing. It wasn’t the first trip wire he’d encountered. It was her typing up the progress reports. She’d just earned herself a good five page report to be added from health and safety and more. 

She hit call on Aro’s contact as she turned and headed back to the tent. She was already covered in sweat, with dust clinging into crevasses she didn’t want to discuss. She glanced over to the side where some of the hands were dusting off the pieces with some value. Five trunks and a bunch of chairs and broken tables. She’d bet under the layers of dirt some of the fabric could be restored or cleaned.

 She forced herself to turn away. She faced Moira who shot her a look. She waved her off. She didn’t have time to explain how she was ogling the craftsmanship of the pieces.

“Ciao, Amore mio.” Aro answered after two rings.

 He practically purred his greeting. 

“Hi,” she clambered. “The dig is on hold again.”

She heard some adjustment in the background. “Ah, that is disappointing. Tell me the cause.”

“What else,” she snorted. “Trip wire in a storage room. Oddest place. Who puts a trip wire in with a bunch of broken tables and chairs? It wasn’t even at the front. It was buried in the back.” 

“Not all rooms are just rooms, Doctor. An entrance may be the back of a room.” He reminded.

“If there is a hidden entrance.” She took off the safety hat handing it over to Moira who was holding her hand out. “It’s utterly ridiculous.” 

“What my family was thinking at the time was safety. So, they had a little fun.” She could hear his smile.

She rolled her eyes. “Your family is delaying our efforts. You’re lucky, we just removed enough to keep the hands busy for the week anyways. Labelling and sorting. Fun stuff. All for you to review and decide what to do with it.”

“My decisions on a lot of it, would surprise you.” 

She paused. “Why?”

“While you may have passion for each item there, cara mio, I find it merely to be objects to be returned to the garbage.” 

She froze. “These are your family’s belongings.”

“Stored away in a basement. Not of much value, if it was. It would be in a vault.” 

She let a deep sigh go. Rich people. “Still, protocol calls for your decisions on these things. That’s what the contract we all signed said. Whether that be to an auction house or to a museum. Also, I wouldn’t suggest a garbage, it’s not good for the planet when you can recycle. Despite what you might think, you can’t buy another planet.” 

“Maybe one day,” He chuckled. “I have a meeting now. We shall talk soon.”

He disconnected. She pulled her phone away disconnecting. She checked the time before pocketing the thing. Her stomach growling reminding her it was time for lunch.

“Thank you for returning these, you can have them when given all clear.” Moira commented taking her walkie.

“It will be a bit. Darn rich people and alarms.” Drew shook her head. “See you later,”

She made her way back towards her office. She slid her necklace out from her shirt pulling the pendant close. She traced the details of the warmed metal. Floral patterns swirled around the heart.

Aro’s words, replayed in her head. ‘Objects to return to the garbage.’ 

She really needed to remind herself. Not everyone had her desire to discover the past. Not everyone saw old items as a connection to their family. These were seen as broken items to be gotten rid of. It’s why they were buried down underground, left to be forgotten by the world.

She reached her office, quick to enter and shut the door. She let the building sting in her eyes over flow. 

Not everyone fought constantly to feel some sort of connection to their family. It wasn’t selfish for Aro not to care about every little table or trunk of items. He came from a rich family. Things were not important. He could replace it in a blink of an eye. Even with something better she bet. He had a home full of much more, and vaults. She reminded herself. He had the important stuff. He didn’t need to desperately cling to something, to feel like he belonged.

She wiped her tears with the palms of her hands. She’d inherited the money from her Gran’s apartment, and the money from her parents’ home which had been sold soon after they died. She only had a few things from them. Limited pictures. She envied the technology she had now. Her cell phone even her canon camera wasn’t limited to a few photos. She could capture whatever she wanted to. See the memories she had. 

Her grandma had died long before they ever had a digital camera. She’d bought her first one in two thousand she was eighteen and had saved for it. She’d filled so many albums and memory cards just trying to capture as many moments as she could. Her parents had two albums between them of their childhood photos and relationship. 

Her stomach growled. She really needed to clean off and get food. She pushed off her desk and grabbed her ID. She made her way to the gym showers

Drew finished making her large mug of coffee in her travel mug. She capped it. She needed to thank Aro for the Espresso machine that was right beside the coffee machines. Meant she could have extra shots if needed. She’d be living on Caffeine for a long time. Today was no different.

Today was proving to be a bit tough. It wasn’t just from the labor of hauling many things up and down those stares. She rubbed her back. She really needed to make sure she stretched and prepared for heavy lifting.

“Dr. Danvers, how was your second day back in the field?” Marcus Turi stood hands in his trouser pockets.

“Sore from hauling all day, but I’m quite happy. Being back in the field is nice, even if we’re cut off for a little while. Trip wire.” She smiled. “I just don’t miss not being able to get my coffee early like I was. A lack of direct source is annoying.”

She turned seeing Marcus’ nose wrinkle up. 

She chuckled. “Not a fan?”

“I’ve never been one for caffeine.” He replied as if he’d smelt sewage.

“I owe my PhDs to this stuff. I used to survive my all-nighters with coffee mixed with red bull. The crash sucks though. Exam season was survived with sugar, caffeine, and I’m ready to go. The issue is it’s gotten to the point I need a lot of it now. On rare occasions I’d chew coffee beans, it did a lot for me too. Those are for extreme measures though.” She rattled off making her way back towards her office.

He followed her. She saw the grimace at her words from the side. “How is the impact to your body? Surely doing that is unhealthy?”

“Never said I wouldn’t paid for it in a few decades. The future is never guaranteed so I enjoy my coffee.” 

“What makes you say you won’t live a long life?” Marcus stopped right before her door brow arched.

“The future is never certain. Death can greet us at any time.” She replied briskly.

Flashes of Gran’s face flickered in her mind. The woman who raised her. She had watched such a mighty woman, vanish before her eyes. Grey hair short curls that’d been lost to chemo in her last few months of life. Her dark brown skin had gone from a healthy glow to sallow in months the disease took over. She’d been in her early seventies. 

Death followed her family in the early years. Age was a privilege. Her parents smiling faces sat upon her heart. She never got to know them, after that night. They had been driving to her mother’s Christmas party. The roads were wet with fresh frozen rain. Gran had told them to skip the party. Her gut told her something was wrong. They’d still gone. 

Her parents were young and naïve. They were twenty-eight years old freshly hired out of university. They were going to party, despite being new parents. It’d be the first and last time they ignored Gran’s plea. They didn’t see the black ice when they crashed with the other car. Three lives were lost that day.

Drew shook her head forcing a smile. The familiar sting in the corner of her eyes. Now wasn’t the time for memories. She needed to get some work done.

Marcus slid his finger under her chin not allowing her to look away. “Words from experience.”

Drew’s cheeks burned. “Uh… yeah…”

“Do you wish to discuss it?” 

“It happened a long time ago. September twenty-ninth is just a hard day for me.”

“We do not need to work hard today if you would like sometime. I am sure my brother will understand.” 

“No. I need the distraction.”

“Have a good night, Davina.” Drew waved as she closed her flat’s door.

She hung her bag and keys up. The silence of the flat became increasingly loud. She slipped off her boots putting them together on the matt.  

She slid her top off and kicked off her pants. She made her way towards her bathroom, stripping out of her dirtied clothes. She tossed them in the hamper right outside the door. She was quick to flip on the lights and shut the door. 

Drew hopped into her shower and turned the hot water on as high as she could tolerate. She scrubbed her scalp as best she could. The conditioner was applied as she soaped herself up with her loofa and lavender body soap. She scrubbed at the caked-on dirt that had stuck to her neck and collar. She’d tried her best to get it off earlier in the gym change room. The issue was she’d been in a rush, she hadn’t realized dirt remained.

She sniffed. A hiccup erupted from her lips. Tears pricked in her eyes.

The running water she allowed to fall over her face, washing the tears off. The day crashed down around her. The sobs ripped from her. She let it take over. 

She began to tremble. The world bleary through the tears and water. 

September twenty ninth. The day her Gran died. 

Drew pushed the door open to their one-bedroom condo. She’d ran up the five floors with her backpack. The school day long ended. She hung up her coat and put her shoes in the closet.

“Gran, I’m home! I’ve got to go to the library this weekend, I need to get a for my English class reading assignment. Saturdays you usually feel better in the afternoon. I will head over to the pharmacy for your recent order…” She rattled off.

Drew made her way inside to the living room. The nurse usually set her Gran up on the recliner in the afternoons until she got home. 

The TV was on low. The green recliner sat back. 

“Gran?” 

She rounded the chair. 

Gran was sat eyes close. Her headscarf still covered her head. She was dressed in her one of her many tracksuits, a quilt draped over her legs. The TV tray in front of her held her glasses and the remote. A few pill bottles of her prescriptions she required to take. 

“Gran, it’s almost four. I’m home, I was going to make alfredo today.”

Drew rounded touching Gran’s head. She pulled away immediately.

“You’re burning.” She gasped. “Gran, wake up.”

She pushed gently on Gran’s shoulder. She merely moved further sideways slumping.

“Gran!” She pried open one eye. 

Nothing.

She ran to the house phone, dialing 9-1-1.

“Nine-one-one –”

“My Gran, she won’t wake up. She’s burning up. Please send an ambulance. She’s got cancer. She can’t get sick. The doctor said.” Drew cried.

 “Aro?” Drew rasped opening the door to her flat. “What are you doing here?”

“When you called you sounded so heart broken, and you were crying,” he lifted his cell phone.

She wiped her sore cheeks on the back of her hand. Aro stepped in handing over an initialed handkerchief. He closed the door behind him. She took it, giving a tight smile. She dabbed at her cheeks. The cool cotton felt nice upon her puffy raw cheeks. She’d been crying for the past few hours. 

“Thanks,” she sniffed. “You didn’t need to come by, I know it’s late on a work night.”

Aro cupped her cheek, pulling her close to him. 

She leant into his ice-cold touch. She sighed turning to press back against him, nesting under his chin. She breathed in his scent. His free hand fell to her waist, causing goosebumps to erupt along her waistband of her shorts. 

“I know I did not need to. I wanted to.” He whispered turning her head a bit. His cool lips pressed below her jaw trailing down her exposed neck.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “It’s been a tough day.”

“Marcus said you were a bit down today. Do you wish to talk about it?” He offered. 

She took his hand from her hip interlinking their fingers, she guided them both over to the living room. She let go to grab the quilt off the back of the couch she’d left there. She wrapped it around herself sitting. Aro kept close settling on the couch beside her. She leant over leaning over into his side. 

He was still in his suit from work. She didn’t frankly care about the dry cleaning it’d need from them snuggled up on her couch. She let her eyes fall shut. Aro pulled her closer into him. 

“I’m not normally like this. So emotional. It’s been fifteen years. You’d think it be just another day.” Drew whispered. 

“You do not need to explain yourself, if you do not want to.” He assured her. 

She shook her head. “I know…” 

“Only when you are ready.” He ran a hand over her side giving a little squeeze.

“September 29^th, 1994 is the day my grandma died. She’d been in the hospital for four days. She’d gotten a flu bug. Something that shouldn’t kill a person. She always got her flu shot. So did I. She had stage four breast cancer, though. Her chances of survival were slim apparently. I didn’t know the stage until she was gone. If I had. Maybe I would’ve prepared better. I would’ve been more cautious with who I was around. She’d fallen into a deep sleep, with a high fever. She never woke up. I remained by her side that week. Until the doctor said they were pulling the cord she was brain dead.” Drew began.

“You were only a child. Do not blame yourself.” Aro soothed. “Cancer is not a kind disease. Where were your parents?”

“Died when I was less than a month old.” She sat up a bit straighter, Aro’s hand fell to her waist. “I –I don’t mean to just trauma dump. I’m not looking for pity or anything. I honestly thought I was over it. September 29^th is a hard day for me. I usually try and take the day off. Sort of a memorial to her. I only buried her recently.”

Aro slid a finger under her chin, turning her towards him. “Do not be afraid to confide this in me. Death isn’t always grieved for a short amount of time. It can come in bursts. Especially in such a case of yours.” 

“Are you sure I’ve only known you a few weeks?” Drew cracked a grin, with a laugh. A small sob in her words “We are still mostly strangers. I don’t get this innate desire to trust you that I have. Am I crazy?”

Aro offered a soft smile, running a finger over her cheek. She shuddered, heat rushing to her cheeks. “You are the definition of sane. Sometimes we meet people who just connect with our souls.”

“Thank you Aro, for listening to me.” She curled up into his side.    

Chapter Text

 “Aro, are you listening to me?” Drew paused, her papers in hand.

Aro peered up from his relaxed position in his executive leather chair. He was leant back papers left in his hands lower than his normal range of vision. He offered her a lazy grin, placing the papers on the desk. She sighed.

It was Friday, while they’d gotten back to work relatively fast on the site. She wasn’t down in the site because she had a meeting with Aro to go over the reports and progress of the bodies. She’d also promised Kingston she’d be by the labs to help with the labelling of the many items she’d hauled in over the last few days. So, she’d dressed with an in office day in mind. Her black pencil skirt clung to her lower curves more than she was used to. Her rose-colored blouse had capped sleeves, and a slightly lower cut showing a little cleavage. 

If she were honest her outfit bordered on inappropriate. If her chest was bigger, it may have been obscene. Not that she would ever imply big breasts meant automatically obscene on any woman. 

She glanced down at herself. It wasn’t the first time she’d donned a pencil skirt and blouse. However, it was the first time with Aro making his intentions clear towards her. Her cheeks warmed as she cleared her throat.

“Aro if I am that distracting to you, I am going to go back to the office and email this to you. You have seen me in a skirt before—less even –I don’t understand your distraction. I would like to have your full attention to these progress reports and not my body.” She deadpanned folding the paperwork in hand and set it on his desk.

She’d been pacing which may have been part of the issue. In her heels mind you. That was new. She’d worn some heels. They were her most comfortable little black three-inch heels with a rounded toe. She’d bought them for her first office position. 

“I apologize cara mio, I did not mean to become so hypnotized. Allow me to assure you, I have been paying attention to every word you have said. It is one of the first times I can outwardly appreciate you in such an outfit.” His dark gaze fell once more to her rear.

“I can’t disagree, a good-looking woman can be distracting. I too have been captured by the beauty of a woman. There is just something so other worldly about each woman.” She agreed a soft sigh falling from her. “However, I can keep my jaw off the ground when doing both. We agreed upon a professional setting. You good sir, are pushing boundaries and my patience. I must get these reports done with you and return to the labs before I must meet with your brother. You may have the time to dottle Aro, I do not have the luxury. This is your project, but this is my career.”

“Of course, Mistress.” He sat up, correcting his posture. “I have one last question in this pause. Will you join me for an outing this weekend? A dinner and a show?”

“It’s Doctor.” She corrected him. “You’re asking me on a date?” 

“Yes. This Saturday, at seven thirty. Will you grant me this?” He looked up under his thick lashes at her. 

“Okay.” She rushed not even thinking it over. “I can wear that dress—”

“I will take care of the outfit for the night since it is I asking you to make such a time with me. Such short notice, and attire required. The cooler evening may call for longer sleeves.”

“Aro you already bought me an expensive dress. Which I do quite like. I can easily get a shawl.” Drew rubbed her nose bridge. “Can we discuss this tonight? I’m not joking when I said I’m on a tight schedule.”

“Of course, take it away.”

 “Damn Doc, heels and a pencil skirt.” Siobhan eyed her over, passing her in the hall. “You look good.”

“Thanks, you look divine as always.” Drew eyed over her simple black dress that was bordering office appropriate. 

The skirt hit mid-thigh, despite it being A-line the V-neck was low enough to show her ample bust. The sky-high heels and her many braids pulled up into a half do. She was a walking goddess. She still was convinced Siobhan was a descendant of Aphrodite. Drew had also been on her knees a few times worshiping her. 

“We’re going out tonight, are you coming?” Siobhan paused a few feet away interrupting her memories. “It’s been a bit.”

“You think Davina would allow me to escape a night out?” She laughed. “Despite how much I groan about it I do enjoy being out. I’ll be there, I can use a good night to relax.”

“See you then,” Siobhan shot her a wink, continuing to her destination.

She watched Siobhan leave, a small sway in her hips. She rounded into her office lunch had just passed. She’d spent the morning labelling so many items in the spare lab for Kingston. Her fingers were beginning to cramp. Marcus was leant against her door with a file in hand.

“Early as always Marcus, I really do try to beat you to my office.” She tutted, trying to remain serious. 

Marcus cracked a soft smile, looking down to her. She watched his eyes widen slightly, as he straightened up from the wall. It was gone before she could comment.

“I believe in being punctual.” He shrugged. “How goes the dig?”

“Back on track for the most part. I had meeting after meeting today, so I stayed above ground despite my love for the dirt.” 

“You enjoy the dirt?” His brows furrowed whilst he sat across from her.

“More so what you can find in the ground. The whole archeologist thing?” She gestured to her hanging degree. “I mean you can find hidden cities, homes, precious items. The daily wears of what people used to survive. Heck now and then you might find a body.”

Marcus paused. “You enjoy finding a body?”

“The dead can still tell their story.” She reminded. “There is a lot that can be found out about the time in which the person lived. The diseases, what they ate. It connects us to our past. It’s in human nature to try and find connections. We are a social species after all.”

 “Indeed,” he agreed. 

“Now shall we get back to finding the origins of the four inside the coolers?” 

Late night in the office, I will see you in the morning to discuss our date this weekend. -Aro

No worries, don’t work too late ;) -Drew 

Temptress.

Drew slid her cell into her clutch, it was nearly fully charged from being plugged in since that afternoon. She turned to Davina, who was looking through her closet. She finally moved grabbing a simple black halter cami. 

“That seems tame for you,” Drew teased.

“Oh, that’s not all,” Davina assured her. 

Davina bent down to the drawers below grabbing what barely passed as a pair of shorts. She turned holding the two pieces out to Drew.

She quirked a brow, when had she bought something so small?

“Okay I may have slipped this into a bag a few months ago and buried them for a good opportunity.”

Drew took hold of the shorts. “These aren’t going to cover my ass let alone let me into a club. I could get charged for indecent exposure.”

“La Notte doesn’t have a policy against nudity.” Davina shrugged. “Now go get dressed.”

“How do you even know that?” Drew questioned.

The teen silenced her. “Go.”

She sighed taking them to the bathroom, she disrobed from her inside clothes. She shimmied into the shorts. The cami and shorts were a second skin, she may as well just strut in a pair of heels nude. She did her makeup quickly, a dark smoky eye, and deep brown lip stain. She’d braided down a few strands of her curls bringing them to puff out in the back. She slid on her kitten heels again.

“How’d we get into La Notte again? I mean isn’t it some exclusive club? Not a normal night club.”

“You know the owners remember?” Davina gave her a once over. “The gladiator heels, same height suits the outfit over those.”

Drew rolled her eyes, but did as directed. 

Davina came up spraying each of Drew’s shoulders before rubbing it up and down her arms. The light of the bedroom showed the sheen that appeared. 

“Body glitter? Didn’t this go out of style a decade ago?”

“The more noticeable stuff yeah, the celebrities were wearing this only a month ago at some award show. Enjoy it. It looks good.” 

Drew was thankful they got passed the bouncer surprisingly quickly. They looked at her once and sent her right through, despite the protests of those in line to attend. 

She really wasn’t liking this preferential treatment. Her friends though, she didn’t want to ruin the good time they were already having. They were in a booth, the music of the dance floor on the first floor was already alive for the evening. 

“Doc, drink up.” Siobhan slid down two shots to each person followed by a cocktail. 

“Are you purposely trying to get me drunk too early?” Drew teased.

“You hold your liquor well, but a little liquid courage does get you on the floor faster.” She winked backing up to shoot hers and down her cocktail. 

Drew groaned following suit. The damn girl was done up with her braids swirling around her, hypnotizing with the sway of her hips. 

She caught Siobhan’s hand caught in the lure of the tempo. She allowed herself to be surrounded by Siobhan, her chest pressing into Drew’s back. Soft thighs pressing against hers. 

Drew leant back looking up at Siobhan, moving in sync. A familiar dance between them. 

Siobhan caught Drew’s free hand bringing it up to her neck to hold tight, her own hands ghosting her ribs down her curves to her hips. She pulled Drew flush against her. 

Drew gasped as warm lips pressed to her exposed neck, trailing upwards to just behind her ear. “You’re gorgeous, Doc. Two outfits today that have had me thinking about you.” 

Drew turned to face her. “You’re one to talk. These dresses you have, border obscene.”

Siobhan quirked her brow, pressing her leg between Drew’s. “They merely are fabric, Doc. You’re a smart woman, you know it’s your appreciation of me that makes you stare.”

“I think we’re passed being coy with flirtations.” Drew laughed leaning her head against Siobhan’s shoulder as she turned once more to press back against her fully. She really didn’t care if she ruined these curls.

“Drinks!” Davina tapped both their shoulders.

Drew stepped forward off Siobhan. “Of course!”

Davina handed them a shop each she’d carried over. The music changed, the three of them kept close. 

Drew’s head began to feel the effect of the four drinks. The room warm with the closeness of all. The bumping, grinding… Drew handed off her shot glass, Siobhan disappeared. She watched the woman hand over the shot glasses returning with three more cocktails. 

“I get we’re partying, but I’d like to enjoy it longer.” Drew called to them over the loud beat. Siobhan didn’t take the protest handing her the glass.

“Relax Doc, we’ll keep you safe.” Siobhan whispered wrapping her free arm around Drew’s waist. 

“You’re the danger.”

“Only with consent.” Siobhan kissed Drew’s cheek. 

Drew laughed turning away. 

A few meters from the floor edge they’d found when getting drinks, she spotted a sore thumb sticking out. In a black three-piece suit, long waves of raven black hair, Aro stood. 

“What’s wrong?” Siobhan whispered. Lips right next to Drew’s ear.

“Uh, I need to go to the ladies’ room…” She replied not waiting for a response.

Drew made her way through the few people that passed by that second. Aro stood hands in his pockets. His dark gaze zeroed in on her. She watched his jaw twitch as he stepped closer to her.

Her cheeks warmed, the loss of the body heat hit her, goosebumps broke out across her body. She slid her half empty cocktail over to a dirty table. She closed the distance between them, stopping within a few inches of Aro. 

His hands immediately fell to her waist, he leant down to her. Butterflies erupted in her stomach the longer she kept his dark gaze.

“Hey,” she greeted a smile curling her lips. “Thought you had a long night?” 

“I did, until I received a call from my brother.” 

His response sent chills down her spin. She frowned looking around. How had she missed his brother? No one stood out within the crowd below, so she scanned the balcony that rounded the dancefloor a floor above. Where a few people passed entering the rooms that remained closed like before. Her target located. There in a dark suit, with white, blond hair pulled back. His long white fingers wrapped around the metal balcony bar. Fucking douche…

She returned her attention to Aro. “I didn’t know my arriving was news worthy unless I was misbehaving? Then wouldn’t the police be involved?”

Aro offered his elbow to her. 

She slid her arms through his, to securely be able to keep up with him in her heels. He led them to the side of the bar, closer to the many booths. Up the stairs she’d journeyed up last time she’d been here. her heart picked up in pace.

Aro took his arm back. His hand roved over her bare back. Icy fingers traced her spine. She shuddered. His hand settled in time upon the small of her back. Despite the cool touch, her body was beginning to burn. Especially in her shorts. He practically stayed within step of her, keeping her steady. 

She wasn’t that drunk to be a hazard to herself, but she didn’t want to tell him to back up. His cologne of spice and citrus, it was quickly becoming one of her favorite scents. She bit her bottom lip. 

Aro opened a door just to the left of them. He entered a code in the door, letting her pass.

She saw right away it was a small office. She paused once further into the room. Why had he brought her here? She turned immediately to face him. 

His dark gaze did not leave her. 

She shifted her weight uncomfortable under the fire in them. The alcohol had not been enough to leave her blissfully unaware to the burning heat in the air. It grew as every second ticked by. Building.

“Aro why are we up here? I was here with my friends.”

He sat down upon an overly large chair behind the massive desk. There was even space between the chair’s arms and his hips. He was leant back flush against the back. He used every chair like a throne. She mentally sighed. 

“If you refuse to tell me, I’m going back downstairs and dancing again.” She put her hands on the desk edges and leant over facing him. Her shirt’s neckline let her breast nearly fall out.

His eyes darted to her chest and then back to her face. “You truly see nothing wrong with this?”

“You bringing me to some empty office, without so much as a hello, how are you?” She quirked her brow.

“Doctor, answer me plainly, did you plan on leaving here with Siobhan.” He snipped. 

Drew relaxed her stance. That’s what this was. She tried her best not to bust out laughing. His brother had seen them dancing. He’d called Aro, then told him. 

She had been rather provocative with Siobhan. If she was honest, she was a bit overly flirty when she indulged in alcohol. She didn’t always out right grind on someone the way she had been. That was the few shots getting her a little too liberal. 

His question still in his eyes.  

She rounded the desk, Aro pushed back slightly. She slid over straddling his lap, facing him. On her knees she was barely an inch or two taller than him. She cupped his cheek. He leant into her touch. His hands fell to cup her behind, securing her to him.

“I’m going to state this to be clear. I have no intention of going home with Siobhan tonight.” 

He opened his lips to speak. She held a finger to his cool lips. His brows lifted.

“I will let you speak momentarily. First what I do in my spare time, is my own prerogative. Second, I am a grown woman, just because I dance with someone doesn’t mean I am going to go home with them. I can be a flirt, I get it. Siobhan and I have a physical history. So, I am not going to say you cannot be jealous. You cannot always control what you feel, when someone you like is with someone they were romantically involved with. However, I told you I was willing to explore whatever this is between us. I don’t focus on more than one person at a time.”

“You have gone home with her before. How am I to believe otherwise?” Aro questioned his hands slowly rubbing her behind. “We have not brought it up, but I would prefer if you did not indulge in these behaviors with others.”

“Aro I cannot make you trust me or put faith in me. Trust is earned. We haven’t discussed any of this in a serious manner. We don’t know each other outside of a work setting and surface level.” She began to play with his tie, pulling it from it’s confines of his vest. “It’s new to me, to open my heart to someone. I don’t know your past Aro, but I’m not them.”

“It is hard to put faith in someone.” He sighed hands moving up to her waist.

“You must be open to putting some trust in me, for us to work out, assumptions can lead to a toxic relationship. I will make this boundary clear Aro, I need to know you can put some trust in me or try. It needs to be an effort you make, to trust I know myself to know what is right and wrong. I am not your possession. I’m not your property, I am an equal in any further relationship we have. Ignore that or make decisions for me, I will end this now. I don’t like being walked on. I am not something to be controlled or told what to do. Can you do that for me.” 

She pulled on his tie pulling him closer, he leant up into her. A firm bump pushed up into the front of her mound. She gasped. 

“I will make this effort for you. I did not mean to let my jealousy bring me here. when Caius told me you were getting more than friendly with her, I nearly saw red.” He admitted. “You are a gorgeous woman. I cannot fault her for being ensnared.”

“I may be flirty Aro, I can confidently say I was not going to go home with her tonight. Such dancing doesn’t always lead to sex.” She leant forward pressing her lips to his.

He pulled her closer, a hand moved to her behind and the other to her neck anchoring her. 

“I can’t lie, I was rather wound up by it.” Drew whispered against his lips, looking up from under her lashes. “You should know since I’ve met you, I really am not interested in anyone else.”

She pushed her lips back to his. He was eager for her, returning the pressure with the same vigor. He ran his cool tongue over her bottom lip seeking entrance.

She submitted to him. Their tongues entwined getting to know each other better. 

Aro lifted her gently against his confined erection. Drew groaned. He hit exactly where she needed him to. Her vison became fuzzy at the edges as she pressed forward wanting more. A building coil in her center, burning hotter. 

She pulled back gasping for air. 

He moved to kiss down her jaw, down her neck paying a special attention to the connection of her shoulder and neck. Aro nipped her neck pulling back.

He held her close, his pupils blown wide. 

“We should stop.” She heard the pain in his words.

“We don’t have to,” she undid his vest.

“I meant it, Doctor. I wish to take you out on a date first.” He stood up keeping her in his grasp. 

Her eyes widened, he lifted her as if she weighed next to nothing. Drew knew she wasn’t light. She was soft over her layer of muscles she’d earned from working out and heavy lifting. She was petite in height, curvy in other ways. Had she drank a little too much? She shook it from her mind, Aro pressed his lips back to hers. Immediately cutting off further questions.

Chapter Text

 Drew awoke to a faint knock on her door. Bleary eyed she huffed forcing herself up. She stumbled out of her bed, barely seeing that it was five in the morning. Who in this god-forsaken world was pounding on her door? Did they wish for death?

Her bare feet padded along on the cool wood, she was thankful to be dressed in an oversized shirt and shorts. She’d not given any attention to attire, and it would not be the first time she’d flashed her neighbors while half asleep. She tossed open the door. 

No one was in the hall. 

Drew grumbled rubbing her eyes. She grabbed the door fully intent on slamming it shut. She stopped inches from slamming a white box laid on the floor before her door. On top of it a shoe size box. One vaguely familiar for clothing deliveries. She picked them up and shut the door with her foot. 

She plopped them down on the counter. She removed the lid of the top box, pulling out a pair of strappy black four-inch heels, with a rounded toe. Inside with them a pair of cushion pads and back cushions for her heels. A lazy grin took over her face.

Aro had made a promise to cover the clothes for their date. He’d even thought of her comfort. 

She put them aside and opened the larger box. She tossed the tissue paper to the floor. A lump of rich satin, Navy in color. She pulled it out carefully. It was a body-hugging cocktail dress. The thing would fall just above her knees. The straps were slim. Inside the box she saw a matching over cloak of a heavier satin. 

She released a small sigh. He’d not given her a fur shrug. She honestly didn’t know how to feel if he had. It’s a whole other issue she didn’t want to think about so early in the morning. Ethical and local fabrics where a whole rant she could go on. 

She was about to place the dress back when she saw a long thin box. She put the dress aside opening the box. Laid upon a soft cushion a pearl necklace with a few buffer beads between. Despite the fact the pearls were so perfectly rounded, Aro was not the man to buy fake.

Her stomach twisted. Such disposable income to toss at whomever he pleases. It was a bit much to put on a first date, wasn’t it? The fact he’d bought such a beautiful piece… She pursed her lips. What if it didn’t work out? Should these items not be reserved for a more serious relationship? A more established one? To be giving gifts so lavishly. Did he do this often?  

She pinched the bridge of her nose after setting the pearls aside. “These are merely trinkets to him when I bet this cost a few months’ rent. They are quite beautiful. They would be more suited for Princess Diana over me. What luxury to toss money where ever one pleases. It makes my head hurt. I’m an idiot to think we’d work out. Aro’s smart, challenging, handsome… I’m fooling myself to believe we’d ever be good for each other. I’m not from his social class.” 

She ran a hand over her hair ignoring the work she was creating for herself. Was she a gold digger for agreeing to date such a rich man? His spending made her feel sick to her gut. Only a few years ago was she eating ramen for three meals to get by.

She took the items to her room, hanging the dress so it didn’t wrinkle. She had a pair of white gloves that would go perfectly with the gown. She’d found them in a second hand store a few months back thinking about Halloween. For a few euros they were worth it. 

She looked over her closet. She pursed her lips. She hadn’t realized how much she’d accumulated here in Italy. In Toronto, her closet was half this size. Then again, she’d usually purge her closet every year to the second-hand shop when she tired of a piece. She had yet to find one in Volterra.

Her phone stole her attention. She flipped it open, seeing the caller ID. 

“You are aware it’s ridiculously early in the morning.” She plopped herself on her bed.

“Good morning to you, as well, Doctor.” Aro chuckled. “I see you found the gifts.”

“I did, I believe you told me it was only the dress you were covering. Not the jewelry or shoes.” 

“I saw the necklace and thought it suited you.” Aro exhaled. “It was of no cost but a piece in a collection. You may return it there once the date is over if you wish. It had long since been displayed or worn.” 

“That is slightly more comforting knowing you didn’t buy it on a whim.” 

“If I had?” She heard the playful challenge.

“I would demand you return it. We’ve hardly began dating Aro, it seems a bit too much. I really don’t want you thinking I’m only interested in you because you have money or power. I’m not a gold digger. Outside the literal sense. I do in fact dig, gold is not always the objective, though sometimes a byproduct of my line of work.”

“I am quite aware, Doctor. You are a modest woman. Attracted to my looks and charm alone.” He assured, a little too smug.

Drew’s face burned. “Well—” 

“It is alright, I found myself taken with you. The moment I laid eyes upon you. I saw a beautiful woman. One who was confident enough to waltz into my lair. Despite the many warnings you’ve heard from all those who work for and around me. I may be a part of the mafia.” He teased.

“If you were a part of the Mafia, I’m sure you wouldn’t tell me.”

“Would I not?”

“Certainly not so early in our relationship. Regardless, if it were a platonic or romantic, it’d be foolish. Such a secret? That’s a risk to take.”

“I promise doctor, I am not a mobster. Despite being Italian.” He laughed.

“I can’t tell if you’re serious or not Aro.” She sighed shaking her head. “What time is our date?”

“Anxious to see me?” 

“You’ll need to wait and see if I’m waiting on bated breath for you good sir. Now what time so I know when to be ready by.” She pressed.

“Six thirty.”

“Ok, see you then Aro. I have time to get a few things done.” 

“Until then, Doctor.”

Drew sat looking over the two polishes in hand. Both a deep navy that would match the dress, the only difference was the matte and shiny looks of each nail. She was taking a large risk to get her nails done at all. A manicure was about the extent she was willing to do with their job. Anything more was a waste of money when the nails would break or get damaged so easily.

 Today Davina got lucky in convincing her to go. Usually, she’d just have her paint them. Drew knew the extent of her talents, painting her nails wasn’t one of them. She couldn’t sit still long enough for them to dry.

“So, think you’ll get lucky tonight?” Davina asked leaning over. 

“I’m not against it.” She admitted. “I’m more nervous about the whole gender thing. He’s a Man. It’s been a while for me. He’s good looking and a fun guy. I love how he doesn’t struggle to keep up with me. It’s so rare having a partner who isn’t feeling insecure because I’ve got two PhDs.”

“This is the first official date, yes?” 

“Yeah?”

“Ah and he’s already got partner status.” She teased.

Drew rolled her eyes. “I’m a bit bias in my feelings for him. I’m just as shocked as you are.”

“Considering he left you high and dry the other night, I’d say he’s more likely to say no.” 

“It was probably for the best he did. I want to be fully aware of when that happens. Something about him screams Dom and he’ll be great at it.” Drew blurted.

Her nail tech snorted. Drew’s cheeks burned muttering an apology. The woman probably barely heard it over Davina’s cackle. 

“Details girl tomorrow at brunch. I want to hear everything!” 

“I’m not going into every detail.” Drew warned. 

“Enough though,”

“I really want this to go well. My gut is already giving me doubts about the whole social class thing. I told you what it was like the last time I dated someone roughly in his socioeconomical circle.” Drew admitted. 

“Drew, do me a favor,”

“What?”

“Stop over thinking the dude and go get some.”

  Drew readied herself having her lace front of deep auburn waves styled. Her curls were braided down that morning before she’d gone out with Davina. She quickly laid her edges and began to settle the wig. Her makeup used to blend the lace front.

 She hurried with her eyeliner, deep shimmering champagne eyeshadow. She finished the look with a deep burgundy lipstick. She used some tape around her breast knowing the deep V would require some support. The straps didn’t allow for a bra of any fitting. 

Six thirty on the dot a knock echoed through her flat. She hurried over fixing her heels as she went. She swung open the door, Aro stood with a bouquet of pink roses. Her favorite flowers. She smiled. 

He stepped forward pressing a kiss to her cheek. “You look beautiful, Doctor.”

She gave him a once over. In a tailored suit that as always screamed expensive, fit him like a second skin. Thin grey stripes were throughout the material. A navy tie in place. He’d matched the dress in the pocket square as well.

“You look quite handsome yourself. Pink roses, a good guess.” She allowed him inside to grab a vase for the flowers.

She filled it making sure the flowers were settled before turning to him with a wide grin. 

“There, this way they won’t die while we’re out.”

“Perfect, shall we?” Aro offered his arm to her.

She slid her arm through following him out to the waiting car. One once again she didn’t recognize the logo on. He opened the front passenger door for her.

Once settled Aro was behind the wheel in seconds. 

“How does dinner and a show sound?” Aro questioned. 

“Dinner theatre?” She perked up. “I wouldn’t have taken you for liking it.”

“I enjoy all kinds of arts.”

“I’m learning.” Drew noted. “I can’t say I’ve been to one, but I’ve always heard good things. Is it here in Volterra or Florence?”

“Florence, the last dinner theatre shut down during the Second World War.” He advised.

“What a shame. I know the local theatre across from campus is popular amongst the students. Stand up and improv goes on all the time there. Along with a few productions.”

“You’ve invested in the local theatre scene, have you?” He glanced over to her as they passed the exit of the walled town. 

“Hard not to, I’m on campus most of my time. A few of the student interns are always dragging us somewhere after long days. Davina being the main culprit.” She revealed. 

“You make it out as if you aren’t a social person.” He mused.

“It might be surprising, but I’m a bit of an introvert. I always buried myself in books and school. In Toronto, I have some friends to an extent… I keep to myself a lot. When I came here though, my life was just turned around. Davina didn’t give me a chance to avoid her. The whole crew is so friendly. Sure, Canadians have the stereotype for being nice, doesn’t mean I really built any bonds. My extended family I was never close to, I kept to myself most of the time.” She admitted.

“Some come into our lives and turn it right on its head. I find myself as reclusive at times.” 

“Are you sure it’s not because you’re running a mafia?” Drew teased.

Aro laughed. “I am not going to live it down that joke.”

“It’s more a rumor.” She shrugged. 

“Yet you heed no caution to the words?” He challenged brow raised.

“You haven’t given me a reason to believe the rumor. You said you weren’t, I believe you. Sure, you’ve got this air of danger to you but that could just be the wealth and power you’ve grown up holding.” She replied.

“That could be a great strength or weakness.” 

“aren’t all virtues?”

“Indeed.”

 Their drive into Florence brought them downtown. An older three-story theatre nestled in a bunch of other homes and businesses. The main area had many tables of two or four spread out. All were set with red table clothes. They were set with crystal glasses and expensive silverware. It took Drew a moment to notice from there table there were some aisles between the tables. She was happy to be seated in the circular booth against the wall that separated the raised second floor where more tables were set. It meant they could observe without other people watching them.

 The main curtain was still drawn close. She lifted the paper of the program off the table. It was a murder mystery. Drew smiled.

“I love mysteries!” She exclaimed leaning over to Aro. 

 The waiter offered them drink menus as others began to filter in. The booth dipped slightly. He had moved closer to her.

“I thought you would enjoy this. My hunch was right.” He leant down to whisper in her ear.

She shuddered when his cool fingers ghosted over her exposed forearm. 

“Curiosity is my greatest strength and weakness.” She smiled. “Is this clue inspired or more serial killer?”

“You will have to wait and see. The program will begin shortly.” He chuckled pressing a kiss to her temple. “Patience.”

 Drew leant on Aro’s side whilst they exited from the theatre. The show ending still whirling in her mind.

“The butler… I really didn’t pin him for it. He was in almost every scene on the edge of the stage. I was certain it had been the maid.”

“Why was that?” Aro questioned.

“Poison, it’s usually the weapon of choice for a female. Think of Aqua Tofana a poison created in Sicily well associated with Guilia Tofana. A ring leader of sorts of women who were murdering men across Italy.” She replied. “I just mean men will usually choose a knife or a gun.”

“Not all the deaths were poison though,” Aro reminded. 

“True, Ms. Barker was stabbed in the heart. The scene wasn’t violent enough to suggest male or female. It could’ve been self-induced for all we know.” She agreed. “I still feel it was the maid and they switch up the killer to keep people guessing but not the type of murders. The writers were they female?” 

“Yes.” 

“That’ll do it then. The story is controlled in a female narrative. A gun shot or more forceful may have been a male.” Drew tried to rationalize.

“Men used poison lots of times throughout as well, think of the rivalries of thrones in royal families. They would try and become immune to poisons to avoid being killed.” Aro reminded.

“Very true…” She looked upwards, towards the night sky. The stars not drowned out by the city lights. “We hardly had any time to get to know each other. Do you want to play twenty questions?”

“A wonderful idea.” Aro agreed. “Why don’t you begin.”

“Okay… What is your favorite color?” She met his gaze.

“Really doctor? You wish to begin so simple?” He teased.

“I said I wanted to get to know you Aro. Knowing your likes and dislikes is good to know.” She quipped.

“Red. In any shade. It has been a favorite of mine, a color of passion and courage. A deep purple is always nice. What of you?”

“I enjoy a lot of colors. My ultimate top three would be the blue of the glacier lakes of the Rocky Mountains, golden yellow like a sunflower, and deep forest green.” She added.

“What’s your favorite and least liked music genre?” 

“That seems like two questions.” He pointed out.

“Think of it as a two-part question.” She grinned moving closer to him craning her neck to get a better look at him. 

Aro slid a finger under her chin, anchoring her whilst he pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. His lips cool, but Drew didn’t care. His scent washing over her while he remained close.

“I enjoy swing or jazz music. Frank Sinatra was a talented man. Nate Cole. I’ve always enjoyed classical as well. My least would be this new era of music, screaming metal.”

“Screamo?” She smirked. “Good to know.”

“What of you, doctor?” He queried, pulling back to wrap his arm around her waist continuing their walk.

“Alternative rock, Coldplay, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy. If you ever tell anyone I will personally seek revenge. I also enjoy country music. I grew up on Shania Twain.” 

“Two very different styles. And you’re least?”

“I agree with you screamo is just terrible. Dubstep is becoming popular too it’s a giant no.” She shuddered.

“I will take your word for it. I have not heard of it and doubt I will be looking into it.” 

“Some arts don’t need to be patronized. Only silenced.” She patted his arm.

“A question for you, beyond Archeology, what activities do you do in your leisure time?” 

“My hobbies?”

“Yes,”

“I like to read. I enjoy learning a lot of new things. There is always something new to read up on. I like board games, computer games when I can. I rarely do but I enjoy them. I enjoy going to the gym to work out, lifting to be exact. Skiing during the winter.” She prattled off. “What of you Aro? What do you do when you aren’t ruling the world?”

“Many things, I partake in the arts, financing many endeavors. I like to increase my linguistic skills. I have been known to pick up many instruments now and then. Recently I started to get into carving. I never realized the patience it took to do all these elaborate designs.” He rattled off.

“You have time for so much?” She went wide eyed. “I would love to see your carvings whenever possible. I wasn’t ever good with sculpting or carving. I drew a bit but that was it.” 

“What is your most embarrassing moment?” He asked.

Drew paused looking up at him. “Going in for the hard questions now. Alright. Tenth grade, I was playing dodge ball, I took not one but three balls to the face. I ended up falling back rolling over a few more dodge balls and ended up in a garbage can. Walked around with trash in my hair after deciding to go natural for the first time in a while. My hair was finally at that perfect length for an afro and then that happened. My head ended up shaved because there was some gross stuff in my hair. My foster mum didn’t have the time to wash it out. So, it got cut off.”

“Such a shame, your hair is always quite lovely. Whether these wigs or your curls. Your care clearly shows. That would have been quite a terrible day.” He murmured bringing her close.

“What about you?”

“My brothers and I were on a vacation, they decided to steal my clothes on the beach and have me walk nude after them. A cloudy day that did not suit the attire.” He exhaled.

Drew bit her bottom lip. “How far?”

“A mile or so.”

“That’s mean. It was both your brothers? Seriously? Marcus took part in that. Caius I could get but Marcus? I don’t believe it.” A smile curled onto her face. 

Aro tilted her head up nodding once. “The very same. You can even ask him.”

“Your Brothers were mean to have you do that. Though I don’t think I’d mind seeing you nude.” Drew looked up from under her lashes, slowly blinking at him.

“Is that so, Doctor?” He quirked his brow.

Her heartbeat began to quicken taking a step closer to him.

They had found themselves in a secluded alcove between the theatres. A person could peak around and see them. She didn’t care at that moment. She pressed up against him, raising to her tip toes in her heels. She secured herself with her hands holding the back of his neck. She played lightly with his silky locks of hair. He lowered himself enough to be merely inches from her. 

“You are very aware of my attraction for you.” She exhaled. 

“Am I?” He brushed his lips against hers. 

Heat began to curl in her abdomen beginning to pool within her core. She could feel herself becoming wet. She pressed her thighs together. 

“You could always find out for yourself.” She whispered kissing him. 

Once, twice. His hands moved down her waist to hold her to him. She brought her hands down, one on his chest another cupping his cheek. He ran his icy tongue along her lower lip, seeking entrance.

She granted him access. 

His tongue cool upon hers. She didn’t linger on it as his scent filled her mind. Citrus. He tasted as sweet. 

She let her eyes flutter close. 

He encompassed her.

Their kiss increasing in tempo, urgency pouring into them. Tongues dancing with each other. 

Her body erupted in little goosebumps, Aro’s cool hand ghosted her spine to her neck. His other travelled down around her behind, giving a squeeze before pulling her closer. He hooked her leg up around his waist. 

She gasped feeling cool fingers graze her upper thigh her stockings did nothing to hold the chill at bay.

A fresh wave of lust washing over her while she clung to him.

Three quick trills rang out.

Aro pulled back growling. “Fuck.”

Drew opened her eyes at the sudden change.

He settled her leg down pulling the offensive object out of his pocket. The black brick ringing again and again. 

“Yes?” He sneered.

His dark gaze softened seeing her. 

Drew smoothed her skirt back down. She fixed her waves finger combing them. She slid her gloves back up her arms. Karma really is cockblocking me. Her heart thundered in her chest, as she caught her breath trying to settle herself. She’d been more than willing to have Aro take her up against the cold brick wall. Others be damned.

She took a few calming breaths. The heat in her core throbbed with need. They’d only been kissing a few minutes surely, but he’d had her head spinning. 

“I will be back within the hour,”

 Aro ended the call running a hand through his own mussed waves of onyx. “I am very sorry Doctor. There has been an emergency I must attend immediately.”

“You’re a very important man.” She sighed. “I can’t fault you for circumstances you can’t control.”

“I may be an important man, but I will always make time for you. Mark my words doctor, I will continue this when there is more time. I will thoroughly show you, my devotion.” He vowed taking her hand in his, bringing it to press a kiss to it his burning gaze never leaving her. 

“I will hold you to that.”   

Chapter Text

 Icy fingers glided slowly along wet glistening folds.

The long digits ghosting over where she needed him most.

“Aro!” She pleaded.

Her back arched off the deep crimson sheets, her hands tied above her head, unable to relieve herself. The throbbing ache in her core grew every time he trailed his lips over her exposed neck and collar bone. The temperature difference set her skin further ablaze.

He nipped at the junction between her shoulder and neck.

“Patience, Doctor, is a virtue.” Aro gave a breathy chuckle. “You will be rewarded, soon, pet. All you must do is wait.”

“Please… Aro… I can’t take it…” she shuddered as his free hand pinched her painfully erect nipple.

He did the same to the other.

“Ah…”

“That’s a good girl, delay yourself.” He cooed pressing a kiss behind her ear.

She tossed her head back staring up at the ceiling above her. She caught sight of those cursed restraints hanging off a metal circle just above the headboard. She wouldn’t be able to escape if she tried. So badly she wished to grab at his head, run her fingers through those raven-colored locks. He was ruthless.

Two fingers circled her entrance.

She stiffened.

His thumb stroked over her clit. Once… twice…

“Ah…”

She shuddered. She’d been balancing on the edge, for what felt like forever.

Sweat was beading at her temple. Her breaths came faster.

He picked up speed, rubbing her clit clockwise. Winding her tighter and tighter. Readying to push her over the edge.

Beep beep

 ******

 Beep beeep beeeep

Drew forced her eyes open turning over to smash the off button on her alarm clock. “Gah! Why the fuck do I have an alarm for eight on a Sunday!”

She flopped back on her bed. Sheets kicked off her upper half. She tossed it the rest of the way off.

She slid her hand into her shorts. She was absolutely soaking wet.

“A damned emergency… The universe is seeing fit to cockblock me. Cruelty at its finest.” She removed her hand.

Drew reached over to the night stand grabbing her small battery-operated friend. She kicked off her shorts remembering Aro from her dream.

He’d barely been out of his own button down, while she was tied and bound at his mercy all while naked. His raven hair spilling around him, a mess. The sleeves of his shirt folded up around his elbows.

He was such a well put together man. She’d make sure he looked as disheveled has she was to be when she finally did get him into her bed.

How he would take her….

 Drew got up for the day and dressed after relieving herself a few times. The release was enough to keep her lust semi under control. She’d never been this horny for someone. She shook her head trying to not think further on it.

She was sporting a pair of yoga pants and a fitted T-shirt. She was planning to relax the rest of the Sunday. After being dolled up for a few hours, left horny on her doorstep she wanted to sulk. She picked up her phone hearing the familiar chirp.

 You up? Or still sleeping off the smexy times? -Davina

Drew rolled her eyes at the text that flitted through.

 Don’t even mention sex right now. -Drew

 Damn man that bad in the bed? Or so sore you can’t mention it? He gives off I’ve got a big dick. -Davina

Wouldn’t know. He had an emergency. -Drew

WHAT THE FUCK!!!! Seriously?! You even shaved! -Davina

Better that than being waxed. Btw I’m booking a sugaring next time. Shaving takes too long. -Drew

Not all of us get your wages. -Davina.

My treat? I hate going alone. Why don’t you just come over btw? Instead of texting me. -Drew

I over did leg day. I’m dying on my couch. -Davina.

Fine I’ll come over- Drew.

Drew slid into a pair of slippers and grabbed her bag of chips, muffins, and a few other treats along with a movie pile. Getting her keys, she locked her flat and sauntered across the Hall.

She knocked once.

“It’s open.”

Drew pushed her way inside. Davina’s flat identical to hers except it was a bit disorganized with dishes needed to be done. Drew made her way to the living room.

Davina was plopped down splayed across the couch. Her curls wrapped up in a knot atop her head. She had her bigger squared glasses on. She was dressed in a pair of booty shorts and a over-sized t-shirt.

“Did you want to go to the one down the street or across the city for sugaring?” Drew questioned setting her haul down on coffee table.

“Whichever, you’re paying.”

“Ok, I brought snacks I was about to eat. And movies.” Drew bent down to flip on the flat screen TV and popped in a DVD version of Beauty and the Beast. “It’s Disney for now.”

“Works for me. Our show is on at eight so we can catch the latest episode.” Davina reached over grabbing a handful of chips. “What did you do on the date? Was that part at least decent?”

“We went to a dinner theatre in Florence. It was a murder mystery. I got the killer wrong mind you. Can you believe that? I was so sure.” Drew ranted.

“Ok, and how was Aro? Did he give you butterflies?” Davina teased.

“Aro looked as he always does, impeccably dressed and handsome enough to make angels weep. It’s absolutely unfair at times. The suit a little more for a fancy dinner. We walked around Florence a little afterwards. We kissed—”

“You left that out! How was that.” Davina urged turning to get a better look at Drew.

“He’s as talented as he is good looking.” Drew rolled her eyes. “We ended up making out, I was severely turned on. We just about did it in some hidden alcove between some closed businesses… Yes, I would have done it, I was that uncaring where it was only that he fuck me into oblivion. Which is even more reason I am frustrated.”

Davina but back her laughter. “Didn’t take you for a voyeur.”

“I’m into a lot of things I don’t discuss.” Drew mumbled. “I might be a nerd but I’m not a prude.”

“Just a sexually frustrated nerd.”

“Hush.” Drew swatted her hand. “What about you? When was the last time you had an escapade?”

“It’s been a while. I’ve been keeping it casual though. I return to London in January for the new semester.”

“So soon?” Drew raised a brow. “I thought you were on for a year?”

“It’s been a year almost.” Davina reminded. “I’ve got a few mandatory classes that require in person attendance. I may be back for summer work though.”

“I forget about the rotation changes of students. Getting a year out in field is a luxury. I might just need to apply for a professor position in London. Come bug you there.” Drew grinned.

“Can professors fraternize with students?”

“The best type of class I’d end up teaching are first or second years for Archeology. I’m more of a paid researcher than educator.” Drew assured. “I could look into research opportunities in England, however. There is always more than there is back home. Canada has a few sites but not in my categories. Alas we must get the most out of these few months then.”

“Of course, and with time passing online is getting better and better. We can always Skype or message each other on Facebook.” Davina agreed.

Drew’s cell went off. One of her urgent contacts.

Davina grabbed the clicker pausing the movie.

“Morning, Dr. Danvers.” Drew greeted.

“Morning Doc,” Kingston’s usual accent thickened. “I don’t mean to bug yea on a weekend. I needed to alert one of you, I’m headed back to Glasgow immediately.”

“Is everything alright? Do you need anything?” Drew sat up.

“No Doc, I appreciate the offer though. I’ll be gone for a week or so. My wife is in hospital. There was an accident. She’s stable. I just need to be with her. I don’t have time to advise the higher ups if you can.”

“Of course, Kingston please go. Give Arlene my regards. I will complete the necessary paper work for you with our bosses. I’ll watch the lab while you’re away of course. Let me know how she does.” Drew assured him.

“Thanks Doc,”

Drew hung up her phone sliding it back into her pocket.

Davina peered over brow raised. “Kingston alright?”

“He’s headed back to Glasgow for a few weeks, his wife was in an accident. She’s stable, he just needs to be home.”

“Are you going to head into the office today then?”

“I’ll probably go this afternoon to make sure everything is in order for Monday.”

“Alright.”

Drew switched on her office lights as she shut the door behind her. She’d merely tossed an oversize crew neck grey sweater and headed over. She plopped herself down beginning with sending a few emails out to Aro, and Azrael. Inside she gave notice to Kingston’s abrupt leaving for a family emergency. She went digging for the forms she’d need to fill for his benefits to make sure they were signed, and he wasn’t affected in anyway.

She’d admit she usually left the further detailing to Az. He was a lot more organized than she was. She had learnt habits that kept her well put together, but it took a lot of time.

She logged into Kingston’s shared files where he kept his logs and to do lists uploaded for them to review and advise on.

She printed out the lists and latest logs so she could get herself aware of what was what.

She didn’t linger around her office. She took her badge so she could secure her office once more.

She headed towards the labs. She investigated the first lab, which Kingston usually always occupied. A lot already processed and tagged items. They were going through the process of being prepared for storing or given away wherever Aro saw fit.

The other two labs Kingston occupied were at different stages of the processes. Some things still needed cleaning, labelling, and categorizing. The very last lab she came to was what she’d dragged in the week before. Piles and piles of chests, and caskets lined the tables further away. She entered the office. This is where she should probably start. She stopped in front of the dreaded pile with furniture and many artefacts. Trunks covered in dust and dirt. She bit her bottom lip scratching the back of her head. She really had left this a mess.

She had promised Kingston to help him with these things this week anyways. It looked like she’d be dragging another hand in here to help organize the lot.

“Karma really said let me fuck you.” Drew sighed.

She turned to the counter along the far wall where boxes of PPE were set up. She took two pairs of gloves sliding one on and setting the other aside for if she needed it.

She got to work sorting through what was most likely recycling or to be given away.

The first trunk closest to her, was two feet by two feet. The brown leather around the locks worn and cracked the wood looked to have seen better days. The grains stained and swollen, causing the wood to darken. The wood gave off a musky smell she recognized as mold.

She carefully undid the case preparing for the nasty squeak that usually followed.

Dust fell around pluming up into the air as the lid dropped particles. She waved the dust out of her face blinking a few times.

She raised her brows.

“A trunk full of silverware?” She picked up a rusted spoon twisted into a circle.

The floral design upon them was still visible despite the rust tarnishing the metal. Send it to a recycling plant to be melted. These couldn’t even be donated to some artist to make something out of them. The time they would need to take to clean the rust. If the silverware even lasted the cleaning.

Not a single thing in the trunk could be saved. Her mind reeling as to why there was a trunk full of silverware. Did the Turi family feel they were so rich the moment they dirtied their forks they needed to be tossed? Or was this someone’s loot they forgot? Most thieves would sell this and be done with it. Did people steal silverware of the rich often to get some money? She’d read accounts of theft throughout the ages.

“If it was someone’s prize they failed miserably.” she shook her head closing the trunk again and bringing it to an empty table.

The next trunk held many decaying fabrics also wet form being stored underground so long. To the table it went for disposal.

She got through four more. A few broken bottles with liquid she didn’t wish to test. A few clothes long destroyed with time. She came across a medium size casket she was going to toss while sorting through the molded corset. She paused, set upon the dress below three golden bangles dulled with time. The swirled designs on them still very detailed. She picked them up careful of their condition. Below them two golden matching earrings, with beautiful circle uppers and longer dangling bits.

“Jhumkas, we’re finding the world within these treasures.” Drew took the jewelry out bringing them over to the back counter.

She wrapped them with paper towel before placing them within a storage container so they would not be lost or damaged further. She would give them a thorough cleaning on Monday.

 She returned to the pile once more. She sighed settling on a small chest to be her last. She was getting hungry and didn’t wish to remain in the lab the remaining parts to what was her lazy day.

“The fates don’t seem to think I need a lazy day.” She murmured setting the smaller casket down.

It was a dark domed casket. A handle upon the top of iron. The materials she could see were leather and wrought iron. A lock was fastened to the front secured.

 She pursed her lips. It needed a key. She didn’t wish to damage the beautiful Spanish casket. A late 16th century piece she was certain. Could she pick it? Absolutely not, her mind scolded.

She stopped seeing an old key sat upon the lab table a few feet away. She leant over grabbing it. She slid the key into the lock, a slight struggle with the internal workings. She wiggled it a little more… and she was in. She set the key aside.

She popped the casket open. Inside red fabric lined the wooden core.

She took in the details of the worn fabric still held up very well.

She looked down to the contents.

“Gah!” She flinched.

Settled down in the casket, a perfectly carved marble white hand.

Regardless of the fact her heart was in her throat she leant forward taking a closer look. The details so life like. The nails were showing imperfections, the dimples in the back of the hand… to the lines of where the hand would open and close. The skin so smooth and tight against what looked like bone and muscle.

“I’d put this on Az’s desk for tomorrow, but I know we’d be knocking him off the ceiling with a broom.” Drew chuckled.

She picked up the hand. She noticed a bit of the wrist as well. It looked to be cut off in a staggered line. She sighed. It wouldn’t be the first time someone destroyed a statue for a piece of it. She turned it to get a look at the palm, the marble nails slid across her exposed forearm.

She hissed at the sharp pain.

Drew glanced down.

Blood dribbled down her forearm in a steady flow, quickly trailing down, falling onto the marble hand. She turned still holding the hand to grab paper towel.

She put it immediately to her arm to cut off the flow.

The hand she placed down as she soaked the paper towels. She’d need the first aid kit… her stomach dropped a bit she’d made a right mess. The blood had travelled down the length of the hand to the wrist cut off.

It twitched.

“What…” she stepped forward.

The hand twitched again.

“Ah!” Drew shrieked.

The blood dripped down the back of the hand more.

She didn’t let the hand out of her sight.

It flopped once more.

“What the fuck…” she hissed backing up to grab more paper towel. She pressed it against the cut. She never took her eyes off the hand.

 “This better be some sick fucking joke… some remote-controlled thing… Az is a dick enough to do it…”

She reached over to the counter feeling up not taking her eyes off the hand as it stretched one finger, then another. It was just the top joints. She got a hold of some band-aids.

“Don’t you dare move off that table. You pull a Thing stunt as if you’re part of the Addams family I will burn you. Historical artefact and all. Az if you have cameras in here, I will whoop your ass if this was you.”

She looked down seeing she had grabbed a band-aid and quickly took the gauze. She tossed the kit back onto the counter and held her arm up where a two-inch slice was slowly beginning to stop. She held up her arm so she could look between the cut and the hand.

She peeled open the sterile gauze packet not caring about the garbage. She dropped it. She padded at her arm. She undid the band-aids and slid it over the square to hold it in place.

“Okay, Thing, I’m going to come around to your other side… If there is some battery pack or something…” she narrated while she rounded to the other side of the table to get a better look at the hand without touching it.

She shivered with a groan. No wires or battery pack. All there was, were darkened veins and arteries. It brought flashes of her undergrad anatomy class of a cut section of a human hand and wrist. It was identical in looks for the cadavers she spent hours on.

Now she was staring some fucking monstrosity in the face. Wrist?

She watched her blood dripped around the edge of the outer side, it trailed down hitting the open blackened arteries. It soaked in.

The hand flexed.

“Oh, Gods of whatever faith, what in the fucking supernatural shit is this!” Drew whimpered counting to ten. She flapped her arms a bit getting through a new set of shivers.

She took deep breaths trying to calm her speeding heart.

“I don’t know what you are, you spooky fuck… You are going to Aro.” She grumbled building her confidence to get the thing back in its box.

Drew shot forward grabbed it and tossed it into the casket once more. She closed the lock and pocketed the key.

“I am not dealing with this today! Hell no. This is some horror movie shit.” Drew shuddered.

Her phone pinged.

She dug it out.

I received your email, Doctor. What are you doing into work? -Aro.

“Speak the devils name and he shall answer.” She mumbled.

She didn’t respond to the text, only took the casket, and made her way down to city hall.

 Drew ignored the receptionist who was shouting at her while running in four-inch heels.

Despite her height Drew was able to run down the hall towards the room she remembered first meeting Aro in. She held the casket close by the handle and hurried her pace.

The running clacks of the secretary’s heels gaining on her.

Drew ignored her hammering heart and ringing ears. She was probably red faced too. She was passed the point of caring. She had something she would rather burn.

She shot down the hall stopping when she found the double doors. She forced one open, quickly slamming it shut locking the doors. She didn’t want to reveal this thing to anyone she didn’t know. Heavens know her ears couldn’t take it.

She turned on her heel and faced the same executive dark wooden desk. Aro was sat behind it in his high back leather chair. Many papers and documents spread out before him.

He glanced up with brows raised. He set his pen down.

Drew hurried and slammed the casket down on the desk.

She crossed her arms leg shaking below her.

“I have a high tolerance for weird shit.” She snapped. “I don’t care what the fuck that is. Get it out of my sight. My tolerance has hit the fan.”

“I would reprimand your language Doctor, but from your state, you look as if you’ve seen a ghost.” Aro drawled. “Are you alright?”

“I’d much rather the fucking ghost at least then there’s a way to get rid of it.” She snapped ignoring his warning. “Deal with it.”

“What is it?” Aro sighed looking to the casket in front of him.

Drew dug the key out and tossed it to him.

He caught it without hesitation. He turned the casket towards himself. He slowly opened the box. Occasionally he looked up to her.

She remained stiffened in place.

He opened the lid peering inside.

No response as he shut it once more. He locked it once more, setting it aside. Aro sat back, keeping his dark gaze upon her.

“You have questions.” He said at last.

“You think?”

“Come now doctor, we can discuss this civilly as we both know you are capable of, or I wait out your swearing and bad behavior. I am a patient man.” He offered.

“How are you so calm looking at that thing?”

“It’s but a statue hand,” He replied. “Why you are so frightened is beyond me.”

Drew pursed her lips. A deep burn built in her chest. “Do not lie to me Aro. Do not gaslight me into thinking I did not see what I saw. That is no statue hand.”

Aro unlocked the box once more. He lifted the hand. “It is a marble hand.”

Drew’s temper flared. She pulled down her sweater sleeve again, she revealed the gauze and bandaids.

Aro’s nostrils flared. He sat straighter.

She peeled off the bandage and tossed it in the trash beside his desk. The blood had just clotted. She grabbed the hand from him. He didn’t stop her.

She pressed the nail against the slice again, fresh blood scented the air.

Aro choked covering his mouth and nose.

“Doctor—”

“Watch.” She snapped back.

She turned the hand, exposing the wrist. She set the hand down on his desk. She lowered the arm so blood could travel down her arm and onto the wrist with the littlest amount of mess.

Seconds ticked by. The blood seeped into the wrist.

 The fingers twitched. A spasm in the hand.

She looked up to Aro’s black gaze.

“I repeat this isn’t a statue hand.” She whispered tossing the hand into the box.

She grabbed tissues from his desk and pushed them into would cutting off the flow.

Aro’s nose scrunched up, whilst he took a few deep breaths.

He forced himself to open his second drawer in his desk and dug out a small pack of band-aids. He rounded the desk at a slow pace.

He carefully approached her.

Drew looked up from under her lashes. He didn’t look at her but focused upon the wound.

He was taking long deep breaths.

His cool hands caught her wrist, and he began to cover the wound and tissue to allow it to stop the bleeding. Once done She went to step back.

Aro caught her other hand.

“I apologize for the way you found out, doctor. I truly did not mean for the truth to come out in such a violent manner.” He sighed cupping her cheek, he ran his thumb over the apple of her cheek as she leant into his touch.

Her brow’s pulled together. “What truth? What does that thing have to do with anything else?”

“You don’t see the connections.” He questioned.

She looked up at him tilting her head. “A Thing in a box, to what?”

“Me?” Aro held up his own hand.

She studied the detail of his long digits, his own alabaster skin so stark against her own warm brown skin. It was as always, cold and hard feeling…

Like the hand in the box.

“Okay…”

“That is, it?” Aro questioned. “No further questions, doctor? I do not know whether to feel elated or concerned. This is not the woman I have come to know.”

“I just thought you were severely anemic.” Drew blurted.

Aro cracked a smile shaking his head. “Your mind usually races with a thousand questions. Yet the oddest thing you encounter it is simply written to anemia?”

“You? Sure. That thing in the box? What in the Addams’ family is that?”

“A severed hand of a vampire.” He replied.

“I know it’s a hand but—” Drew closed her mouth. “Vampire?”

He took a step back. He clasped his hands together. “Yes.”

“Vampires can lose limbs and they still move? I thought they’d turn to dust like when you stake a vampire.” She shrugged. “Weird.”

“Doctor, are you quite alright? This is not –”

“Oh. Oh!” Drew smacked a hand over her mouth, eyes wide. “Shit, you’re a vampire!”

Chapter Text

 Vampire.

 A preternatural being, commonly believed to be a reanimated corpse, that is said to suck the blood of sleeping people at night.

Usually found within folklore, and mythology. Historically the word was first recorded in the 1680’s. The word had no definition found with it, likely pointing out people knew exactly what the word meant.

Trials were held throughout the centuries to eliminate the vampire.

Weaknesses include, sunlight, garlic, stakes, and anything associated with religion.

Bram Stoker inspired a more humanoid creature beautiful. Alluring to their victims. Some were thought to be able to shapeshift into animals.

Blood drinking demons, gods, and spirits had existed for thousands of years from the Persians, the Sumerians, and Babylonians. They had Lilithu, Lamashtu, and Gallu to name a few.

Drew mentally scanned the various vampires she’d seen depicted in media to the ancient terrifying beings. She’d studied a few of the replica pottery pieces throughout her masters. Beings depicted drinking from men and women. She had long watched many variants of Dracula, to Buffy the Vampire slayer. Each creature vastly different than the man before her.

Aro’s familiar features had not miraculously turned into something unholy. No claws where his long fingers remained. Though he was unnaturally pale, the man looked everything like he had the moment she’d met him.

She took in his aquiline nose, to his skin which showed no scars, no pores, no imperfections. His lips were not too full nor thin but somewhere in the middle. Angular jaw. His dark onyx waves were over his shoulders, thick and voluminous. He was perfect. It was unnatural. He fit the dark Prince that was Dracula. His expensive clothes more modern but still the epitome of dark lord.

She paused seeing his thick brows pulled together casting shadows over his eyes. No longer a deep brown nearly black. They were bright scarlet. Well around his pupil as they remained dilated watching her. The color many associated with vampires. Red eyes, showing they were unnatural beings. Cursed to forever wander soulless… Drew tilted her head.

No.

That was wrong. Soulless did not define the man who stood watching her with concern. He’d not moved for however long. Drew pursed her lips.

Vampires were supposed to be myths. Not real. Yet Aro was very real. Her feelings and frustrations she’d experienced that morning were very real.

“Aro, whatever is taking you so long in here? You were to return to the throne room half an hour ago.”

A sneer broke through the silence of the room, as the door opened to his office.

Drew flinched stepping back from Aro. She turned pulling her sleeves down immediately whipping around to see who’d forced their way into the office.

In a complete deep grey suit, buttons done with a black robe laid over him. His white-blond hair pushed back behind his ears. Caius stood within the doorway.

Speaking of a devil who could be soulless…

She pushed the thought away. This man’s eyes she focused in on. They were not a dark shade she had the displeasure to have seen multiple times.

“Brother, I will be by momentarily—”

“Are you planning to dispose of this one finally?” Caius snipped interrupting by entering the room.

He did not linger upon her though, moving his attention back to his brother. He caught sight of his red eyes.

Drew studied the man’s profile.

He was as pale as Aro. The same perfect skin across high cheek bones. He was as devastating has his brother. He was taller than Aro by an inch or so. Beyond these the men had no familial features. She mentally quizzed herself on how she’d missed the fact they did not look alike. Who was she to judge what family was? Blood had never defined hers.

The two men stood exchanging a few whispered words she missed. Caius’ nose crinkled while he caught sight of Drew.

“Do you have no manners, Harlot?” He sneered.

Drew rolled her eyes. “Do you have such a limited vocabulary you only know how to call me a whore, harlot, slut? Get some originality. Seriously, your so fucking dull even your hairline is receding because it got bored.”

            She didn’t bother to filter herself.

 Caius flashed in front of her.

She didn’t back down. Heat warmed her cheeks. She clenched her hands into fists. Anger boiled in her chest. Could a vampire be staked? Pushed into the sun to turn to ash?

He shot his hand forward. His fingers inches from her neck. His pupils dilated further, lips curling into a sneer.

Drew planted her feet a shoulder-widths a part. She didn’t drop his glare. Fucker could lay hands on her. she’d gladly find a way to destroy his ass.

 “Brother let me take this one off your hands.”

“Caius, you know you cannot harm her.” Aro sighed coming to stand beside Drew. His hand fell heavy upon her shoulder. “You know exactly who she is to us.”

Aro’s words caught Drew. She frowned turning away from the raging asshole. A dangerous move, she was sure. The man would be unhinged enough to kill her, especially when he was probably a vampire too. Who was she to them exactly, beyond an employee?

“Wait, what are you talking about? Who am I to you beyond us dating and being hired by you. Put a pin in this whole vampire thing, my brain is short circuiting there. What are you implying Aro?”

“You told her about us!” Caius snarled.

Drew cringed hearing the guttural roar in his words reverberating off the stone walls and high roof of the room.

“There is no reason now for us to keep this mortal alive.” Caius was focused back on her.

Aro stood closer to Drew his hand falling to her waist to pull her closer. She looked up to him a frown settling on her face. Aro looked utterly bored.

The man was threatening her and he had no issue with this? Drew mentally questioned.

 “Caius, if you do not leave my office, I will have you disassembled and sent downstairs to Athena.” Aro warned. “Now is not the time.”

He objected, “you know the laws.”

“Yes, there is only one outcome of this, however in due time. We are immortal after all, brother. Currently, she comes first. The trial will wait until tomorrow.” Aro dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

Drew focus back on the outraged snarl from the vampire before them. Caius shot her a glare before flashing out of the room. The door slammed shut behind him.

“Apologies, Doctor. I did not mean for his temper to reveal too much without explanation to you.” Aro stepped back releasing his hold upon her.

“Okay.” Drew nodded once. “Yeah… I need answers immediately. I am so confused right now. As well as tomorrow off my brain isn’t going to be functioning for a while. Can we get some wine? I need something to take the edge off this.”

“Of course, Cara mia.”

Drew was upon the couch across from him, cocooned up in two large blankets. Her face and hands were the only thing exposed. They had moved into a more secluded common space to discuss the matters at hand. She held tight to her wine glass.

A fire was lit within the old slate colored stone fireplace adjacent from them. A few book shelves lined the right wall, a few paintings, and sculptures around the other empty stone walls. She turned her attention back to Aro, who was sat back on the couch across from her. His legs crossed over his other. He held a silver chalice filled with contents she didn’t wish to focus on.

A coffee table between them, two bottles of wine, a third dark bottle for him, along with snacks for her.

“Alright, now, let us begin to answer those thousands of questions I see bouncing around your mind.” He sipped from his glass.

“One thing tells me I want to know about the hand in the box, what the fuck is that about? Logic tells me there’s a story there.” She took a large gulp of her wine.

Aro opened his mouth to speak.

“Maybe we should start somewhere easier. I won’t understand quantum physics without basic math…” She interrupted him. “Okay. One plus one is two. Let’s begin with the basics. You are immortal.”

“Yes,”

“Are vampires really effected by garlic? Or is it more of you don’t like it? What about stakes? Are holy objects an issue for you? Do you sleep? If so, is it really done in a coffin? I have a feeling that’d ruin your suits and you’d be upset about it. Will you burn in direct sunlight? I’ve seen you in the day so direct would be the issue… I think. Are you able to shapeshift? Do you have fangs? Do you get the impulse to count? Do you drink blood?”

She took a few deep breaths in and out, trying to not run out of air.

“The flood gates open,” Aro teased. “Vampires can only be destroyed by fire. If you were to not set fire to the vampire, they will rebuild themselves. You witnessed what happens to a limb if it is left for long. While it may be immobile it will be fine essentially to time. Holy objects are of no consequence to us. We do not consume food so there is no effect upon us. The smell is quite atrocious, however. We do not sleep at all. We do not require it. Sunlight merely causes our skin to shine it is a very clear sign to mortals what we are. I do not have fangs, but I do have very sharp teeth, coated in venom. No, I do not have an impulse to count, though I am rather good at it. We do drink blood to survive.”

“How often does one need to consume blood, and how much? Is it a little bit, or can like humans be bitten and left alive?”

“A few pints of blood are required to circulate within the vampire to remain sated. The fire in our throats and hunger grows if it is lower. We cannot leave a human after feeding, the venom would ultimately change them. Not every human will change into a vampire, but many suffer from the venom, it will kill them before they turn. The older one gets the more time you can place between feedings. Every month or so for most. The most I can go can be about two months. Though it is not preferred. We feed upon humans of course, however these feedings are quite organized as to not bring our existence to light.” He explained further into detail.

“Does it bother you to be near people? I cut myself in front of you earlier… fuck. I am so sorry Aro. That’s like putting a nice juicy steak in front of someone and saying they can’t have it.” Drew gasped.

“You are so eloquent, doctor. Must you continue to curse?” Aro sighed, frowning.

Drew downed the rest of her wine. “I really want to tell you to bite me but I’m not suicidal.”

He chuckled. “I promise you I have no intent to drink from you.”

“Does it smell good to you? I mean I’ve smelt blood it’s this coppery smell to it. The taste is very metallic. Do I smell good to you?”

“In a younger vampire, it takes a lot of control to avoid draining every human they see. Blood is quite tempting, the longer we are without it, the more we get out of control. Every person is different scent wise. Each is delectable. You are no exception.” He admitted.

“What do I smell like?”

“Your blood is a very floral with hints maple. A common effect of the northern hemisphere.”

“So, you’re telling me I’m a walking canadian stereotype of maple syrup in my blood.” She laughed. “Are you able to hypnotize your food? Like mind control?”

“While all vampires are beautiful to lure our prey to us, mind control is not a default ability of our kind. Our abilities are heightened, sight, sensation, smell, motions, our minds as well. We are stronger, faster than humans. We do not require mind control. I have yet to come across any vampire who can truly control another’s mind. It would be a very dangerous power indeed. There are vampires with special abilities for example, invisibility, reading minds, mental illusions.” He replied.

“Do you have any special abilities?”

Aro sat up. “I will preface my response it is not an ability I can control. I can read every thought you have had by a simple touch.”

“Oh…”

Drew’s cheeks burnt. She put her empty glass down and buried further under the blankets.

He’d seen every thought… Every thought? The thoughts she’d had earlier that morning. She ran a hand over her face. The ones from when she was in her darkest moments. It was invasive… overstepping… exposing…

“You can’t control it? Are you able to forget it?”

Could she hold any anger for the man who had shown her nothing but respect? Drew pursed her lips. A lot of those thoughts she’d wanted to remain buried.

“I cannot forget anything. While most memories are filed away within my mind, they get muddier with time, yours are quite new.” He admitted. “I will keep your thoughts private out of respect.”   

Aro poured her another glass of wine passing her the glass. His fingertips grazed hers. She settled back drinking some wine.

“It truly does not anger you, my gift?” He questioned quietly.

“My mind wars.” Drew looked back to him. “You said you’d respect my private thoughts. I’ll put my trust in you. You haven’t given me reason not to. It’s not your fault you can’t control it.”

“You astound me.” He murmured.

“Why’s that?”

“You accept this so easily. There is no fear in you. I am a dangerous creature who has killed. I could kill you so easily.” He twisted his chalice within his long fingers.

“Any human can kill me. That’s not a special skill.” She pointed out. “You have given me no reason to fear you. Should I?”

“You heard what Caius said about laws,” he began. “We are the reason humans do not know about all that go bump in the night. We are called the Volturi. We are made of five rulers and our guard. We rule and govern the vampire world.”

“What are these laws?”

“There are a few. The main being no one must draw attention to vampires and no mortal should know. Hunting must be done diligently, no leaving remains and moving territories regularly. This is so as not to alert the humans to the feedings. Interacting with humans must be limited and controlled. No vampiric children as we do not age or change physically.”

“Oh. So that’s what he meant. What happens when a human finds out?”

“They are to be disposed of or turned.”

“Caius wishes to see me dead.” Drew’s eyes widened. Her heart began to slam against her chest. She sat up further, looking to the door of the room and back to Aro.

“You will not be killed.” He affirmed. “You are too important.”

“I will be made into a vampire?” She blinked a few times. “That seems like a lot of work for your family.”

“You are a very special person, Doctor. To kill you would be a waist.” He sighed filling his chalice once more and drinking it as fast.

“How? What’s so special about me? I’m a pretty normal human.” She yawned.

“Are you certain you wish to proceed? You are tired.”

“I want to know.”

“Vampires are amongst the lucky few species in this world, with what you would consider a soulmate. A true match. It can take centuries or mere years. A good few number of vampires have found their matches within others.”

“I’m someone’s soulmate, aren’t I.” She blurted.

“Yes.” He confirmed. “You are indeed the mate to some vampires.”

“Who?”

“You are a smart woman, can you guess?” A curl pulled up at his lips before sipping from his glass.

There was a spark within his gaze.

Drew shifted to cross her legs another way. Would a ruler of a vampiric world show interest in her otherwise? She knew whilst she’d been a prodigy throughout school graduating early and earning a few scholarships. She still considered herself to be normal. She didn’t go out of her way to stand out to her bosses without reason. She definitely hadn’t here. Yet Aro had began to pop up everywhere in her life the moment they’d met. His family in general.

“You.” She whispered. “Is that why you began speaking to me? We are soulmates?”

“You do work for me, however beyond this, our bond is one motivating factor. Like you, I am curious and wished to meet one of the people I had hired who captivated so many. While you may think you leave little impression upon others, it is quite the opposite. I’ve been set in this project for almost two years now. I’ve come to know those in higher positions. You had been here a few months and yet never crossed my path. I did not know of the bond until I laid eyes on you. That is how it usually works.”

“Well,” she cleared her throat. “Thank you, I didn’t know I did leave an impact. Side effect of growing up in foster care.”

Soulmates.

She downed more wine.

She’d never focused on the existence of soulmates. Never believing in religion despite her Gran’s insistence upon Catholicism. She’d gone to a religious school but found no belief of god. The idea of a perfect match was so farfetched. Relationships weren’t spontaneous but to be worked upon by both parties… It would take continuous efforts to remain together. Everyday choosing to remain with the same person. The amount of devotion, it was a reason she did not do relationships…

‘You are mated to a few vampires.’ Aro’s words echoed through her mind.

“You’re not the only one.” She zeroed back in and met his red gaze.

He tilted his head. “What?”

“You said mated to a few vampires. That’s plural. You aren’t my only mate?”

“I am not.” He confirmed nodding once.

‘She is important to us.’

Caius flashed into her mind. His snarled lips, and glaring black eyes. The way he’d belittled her.

Absolutely fucking not. There is no way. She downed her wine. No. No. NO! She’d rather stick a cactus up the ass than ever be within his presence for the rest of eternity. Her soulmate? What kind of sick fucking joke.

Drew pushed her blankets off. She slammed the glass down on the table. Dread dripped down her spine like ice.

“For fuck sakes. Caius? Seriously? How in the fuck!” She squeaked beginning to bounce her leg.

“If it makes you feel any better, he is only one of three.” Aro filled her glass again and nudged it to her.

“Three! Oh yes that is so much better.” Drew whimpered.

She took shallow breaths.

Three? Was the universe really so out of balance she needed to deal with three people? She couldn’t handle one! She hated the second. She couldn’t fathom a third.

Aro flashed in front of her. He took her face within his hands, eyes wide.

“Doctor, breath. You’re hyperventilating.” His voice became distant.

“You think?” She exhaled, vision becoming blurry.

Aro had her lay back as the world fell away.

Chapter Text

 Deep burgundy eyes, stared intently down on her. An alabaster nose merely a millimeter away. Black strands of hair brushed against her cheeks.

Drew blinked once. Twice.

A slight pressure upon the sides of her face. Drew pressed back against the surface she was laid on, trying to put distance between them.

 “You are awake,” Aro murmured above her.

 “Uh huh…” she nodded, getting a feel for the soft material below her hands. “Question.”

 “Anything,” he blinked, tracing his fingers over her jaw and cheek.

His scent filled her nose as she inhaled. He did not move from where he was hovering above her.

“While this view isn’t necessarily unwelcome…” She exhaled. “Why are you in my face?”

She couldn’t feel too indignant to awaken with him so close to her. He was a handsome man. She quite enjoyed looking at him. 

“You fainted.” A line appeared between his furrowed brows.

“I recall.” She lifted her hands capturing Aro’s face.

She gently pressed on his cheeks, Aro backed with her touch. No fight was given, she was sure he could remain if he wished. He frowned.

“Nothing personal, just a little creepy to wake up with someone right there.” She waved her hand over her face.

Aro sat back from her.

Drew mirrored his movement.

In a flash Aro caught her shoulders steadying her.  

Drew froze.

“Careful, you mustn’t move too fast.” He warned.

“I’m fine—”

“Drew Elizabeth Danvers.” He growled.

She shut her mouth. Eyes wide. Her heart picked up in pace. Her stomach twisted her name so sternly. He’d been speaking so softly.

 He cupped the side of her face, running a thumb over her cheek once more. She took shallow breaths.

“You will listen to me.” He kept her eyes upon him. She gulped. “You fainted. I may not be a medical professional, but I am quite educated. Your loss of consciousness is quite serious, and you will not down play the severity of it. Am I understood?”

“Yes sir.” She nodded.

“Good. Now, let us get you to the emergency clinic.”

“Do we have to?” Drew sighed fixing herself to sit up fully. She swung her feet off his lap onto the floor. “That’s a bit extreme, isn’t it?”

“You fainted.”

“Yes, and I’m alert and responding. I do not require immediate medical attention. I can remember we were discussing your brother being my mate as much as it disturbs me.” She argued.

Not that she wished to remain on that topic long at this moment. The ideas of mates, and multiple partners. She shook it from her mind. She turned herself to face him more directly as she had been.

“It is a serious issue.” He pressed.

“You caught me in time. I’m not injured. I was overwhelmed and needed to breathe.” She bit back the urge to scream at him.

“You will see a doctor.” He snipped. “You will not risk your life.”

“I’m not!” Drew rubbed at her temples. “Good lord Aro, listen to me. If I’m not feeling good tomorrow, I’ll go. Can we first start with food and juice? Not jump to the last step on what to do when a human loses consciousness?”

She stared at him once more, trying to get her words through his head. He was silent for a moment.

“Yes, of course,” he stood in a blurred flash. “What would you like?”

“Apple juice sounds good, water too. A ham sandwich, would that be too much? I can make it at home if it is.” Drew made to stand.

Aro caught her shoulders settling his hands upon them keeping her in place. She frowned looking up at him.

Aro leant over her, getting closer. Her cheeks burned.

“Nothing you request is too much. Do not ever think you could become a burden to me.” He whispered pulling back. “I apologize, I was worried for you. I implore you to go slow when you move.”

“Alright.” She agreed.

He stood back up, snapping his fingers.

Drew tilted her head. She looked around the common room they had moved to earlier in the evening. Nothing changed. Did he mean for something to appear?

“Do you have some magic abilities that automatically brings things to you, or—”

A knock on the double doors across the room interrupted her. She peered around Aro remained standing in front of her.

The doors opened in seconds. A large man entered cloaked in dark grey robes and a suit. His dark hair perfectly styled and deep crimson eyes passed her before landing on Aro.

“Master?”

Drew’s brows scrunched together. What in the word choice? Master? Boss, or to refer to him as sir would be appropriate, yes? Why Master? Was this man a servant? What era had she entered?

“Have the kitchens prepare a few sandwiches and retrieve some refreshments, water and apple juice.” Aro listed off.

“Please and thank you!” Drew blurted.

The large man zeroed in on her. No expression came upon his face. Only a slight downward pull on his lips.

Did she say something wrong?

 Sure, Aro was quite rich and an apparent ruler of vampires –oh. He was an essential king of vampires, and this was his servant. He was used to given orders. Drew clasped her hands together trying to not facepalm. Kings simply ordered. Her Gran would smack her if she ever dared to order someone around. This was quite the conundrum.

“Yes, Master.” The man nodded before retreating in a flash.

Drew returned her gaze up to Aro who had not once turned to the man who had just taken her order.

He had a small smirk upon his face. “Use your words, Doctor, I can see the distain within your eyes.”

“You didn’t say please and thank you…”

“I am a King,” he removed his suit jacket at a human pace. He folded it, tossing it on the couch across from them.

He rolled his sleeves not moving his gaze from her. He took a seat beside her once more. He was leant back relaxed, facing her.

“I reached that conclusion…” She murmured, cheeks burning. “It goes against everything I was taught and believe in. Class systems are so archaic in my eyes. It’s why I didn’t say anything. I’m sorry.”

“I did ask for you to tell me, do not apologize for voicing your opinions to me.” He waved her apology away. “Felix is one of my loyal guards, he and the guard have called me Master for centuries. It is just our ways. I assure you, the guard while they service us do it on their own free will. They are compensated well monetarily and through luxuries.”

“I am so going to struggle with the whole class system you have. I probably won’t participate in that for quite some time. If ever.” She commented.

“I would not expect you to be different from who you are Doctor, you may wish to prepare for the guard to ignore your requests. They are in their habits as you are.” He warned.

“Fair.” She shrugged. “I don’t need to call you Master, do I?”

“No, you my dear are free to call me by my name.” He took her warm hand in his. “I do not mind if you wish to call me Sir.”

“Only in bed.” She snorted.

“You would welcome me in your bed?” He queried.

She snapped her gaze up to his face from their hands. He had a lazy toothy grin upon his face. She cleared her throat.

She hadn’t exactly thought the comment through… truth be told. She’d meant… meant what? With all that had transpired within a few hours. All that she had learnt about him. Would she really let him in her bed? In both the ways implied.

She looked him over once more in his relaxed state beside her not saying anything.

 She’d meant what she said. In any future time in her bed, weather curled up watching something. Passionately making out… foreplay… She realized she would welcome him in her bed.

She hadn’t had a chance to stop and digest the news. He was a vampire. He was also her boss… also the man she was dating? He ruled a complete vampiric world. What exactly did this mean going forward? Would she continue to work the contract, then return to Canada? Did they still date, or did this eternal thing mean they were essentially married?

She didn’t want to think of it as being married… she really wanted to go through all those firsts with him of a new relationship. She wanted to stay the first night with him, in the capacity she could… she wanted to get to know everything about him, like he technically knew about her. She wanted to experience their first time together… Could he physically be with her?

The passionate night in the alley fluttered into mind. The way he’d held her and lifted her without effort. She bit her bottom lip.

Could he safely be around her during that time of month? He’d been near her before, with injuries that had been stitched and fresh. He’d said the blood had not bothered him… was that just him being polite?

What if she really was torturing him being so close with him? She was human after all. A walking meal.

No. She stopped the train of thoughts. This whole time he had still been a vampire. He still drank blood the first day she met him, to now. Nothing had changed about the man in the mere hours they’d been conversing. She’d just learnt a truth about him. That was it. Just a secret…

…Well… A giant secret. Which humans weren’t to know about. Shit.

Drew paused focusing back on Aro. He remained watching her. She saw his hands were back within his lap.  

“Are you alright?” Aro broke the silence.

“Humans can’t know about vampires.”

“Yes,”

“I’m human. You said the law is to either turn the human, or to kill them. You said you won’t kill me. I must become a vampire, don’t I?” She asked.

His face fell void of all readable emotion. “Does this upset you?” 

Did she want to become a vampire? She hadn’t the faintest clue. She hadn’t thought about it. Beyond watching Dracula, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she had not wished to be anything but human. She never thought there was anything else. So why would she try to be something she wasn’t? She really needed time to think this over… would she have time?

“We would never force you to choose something you did not wish for.” Aro spoke up, after she’d fallen silent again.

“Does it need to be right now?” Drew cautioned.

Forget contemplating the whole process, or science behind becoming a vampire, she had to get things back home organized. She couldn’t just drop everything and become a vampire at this moment. She had a home in Canada, a job that she was on leave from. She had friends to tell that she would be moving. She had bills to close out, personal items she needed to get together… did she need to immigrate?

She pursed her lips… she also really didn’t want short hair for all of eternity… What if vampire hair couldn’t grow?

Aro cleared his throat.

She focused once more, cheeks warming.

Aro offered a soft smile, reaching out for her hand. She scooched over to him taking his hand. His smile widened.

“You have every right to worry over such matters, amore.” He assured her.

“You don’t think I’m being vain?” She pressed.

 “Eternity is a large commitment, to do so unprepared, would be foolish. Not everyone gets the chance of approaching the change with preparation. Your desires, we will always wish to accommodate. If you would like time, it will be granted.” He promised. “This will also, allow our bonds to grow. While the mating bond influences us towards each other, it does not create emotions or relationships that do not exist. We can still court.” He answered her silent questions.

The door opened catching their attention. Felix flashed in placing the requested items in front of Drew, along with another dark bottle for Aro. He was gone as quickly as he came.

“That is seriously amazing news.” She exhaled beginning to smile. She reached over for the juice downing it. “I’ve got so much to organize. The whole vampire thing is one thing, but poly relationships? I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m not off put –beyond your brother’s terrible personality –only cautious. I don’t do relationships because of how much commitment it takes. I never really gave myself the time. I was so focused on my work.”

“We will work with you to understand it, as we work to understand it. A poly bond is uncommon. It has happened before, however not often. You come from a Christian country as well, this is unheard of for you.”

“Well, I’ve heard of it, like a lot of things, experienced it? No. I’ve met some poly couples at pride, but never got to talk in depth with them about it.” She took a few bites of the sandwich realizing just how hungry she was.

“You do retain quite a lot of knowledge for a human.” He mused. “I am curious if this will proceed into your immortal life. While our minds are much faster and vaster than the human mind, we tend to forget what we do not wish to continuously remember, like a memory from childhood it is murky and vague. That is how a gift manifests in humans, a skill one is good at can change in the process of becoming a vampire.”

She nodded with a shrug. Mouth full.

“We will see. Right now, we will focus upon us.”

She swallowed. “What exactly happens now? Now that I know.”

“Well, we’ve established you wish for time as a human. We can take this slow we have eternity after all. We can continue to court. You can build your bond, and relationships with Caius and Marcus. The guard as well, you may wish to get to know.”

She finished her bite. “Marcus, huh.”

That was her third mate. He was a quiet man, reserved. In the last few weeks, he’d been working with her upon the project for those bodies, he had been pleasant. He was kind, not as terrifying as his height would have one believe.

“All three of you are vampires, right?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” She paused. “I’m wasting my time going through your records, aren’t I? Those four bodies. You know how they got there.”

Aro sipped from his chalice. “Marcus has been using the opportunity to get to know you. If those bodies had been meals for us, they would have been burned along with our others. That manor was not entirely ours. I mentioned five rulers to our coven, yes?”

She nodded mouth full once more.

“That home belonged to our sisters. They had their own manor at one time. They now occupy a wing of the palace as we do. The place burned to the ground during an attack of a rival coven. The first level, and basement was all that remained. They were the ones to put the bodies there. They have been known to take part in some illicit trades and work.” Aro sighed. “I would have destroyed them had I known.”

“You will not destroy that mummy.” Drew objected. “I’ve very much confirmed that it came from the mummy trade and business from the period. You will return that to the country of origin. Then the half-decomposed mummy, and two skeletons will be buried as they should have been years ago.”

“I will do as you order.” He vowed. “Here you were doubting you could give orders, Doctor.”

She shot him a glare while finishing off her sandwich. She put the plate down and downed half of her water.

“Okay, can I ask about the hand now? Why was it down there, and was it what you were looking for this whole time?” She questioned.

“The easy question first, no it was not what I was looking for. I am looking for something long taken by Athena, she hid it away six centuries ago and finally told me where it was.” He huffed. “The hand was merely tossed into storage by mistake. It was a punishment for a rogue vampire for attempting to steal from us. He was forced into servitude for another crime. He still works for us. It reminds me, it should be returned to him.”

“Why don’t you just ask Athena for it back?” Drew scrunched her nose up. “Why waste the near millions of dollars you have on hiring humans?”

“She conveniently forgot where she put it, and the fact she set up many traps throughout the basement.” He frowned.

“There aren’t anymore hands in the basement are there?” She shuddered. “The whole Thing Addams concept is just too much.”

Aro laughed. “Yes, my dear, there should be no more hands in there.”

“I will put blood on the next one and throw it at you. Don’t test me.” She warned getting up on her knees to try and tower over the man.

Aro raised a brow. She took his chalice setting it down on the table.

She pushed him back against the couch. She straddled his lap, up on her knees hands on his shoulders.

“I am serious.”

Aro took her hips in his hands pulling her down to sit.

She fell forward, she caught herself against his chest. He slid a finger under her chin recapturing her gaze.

“You are quite terrifying,” he whispered, lips brushing over hers. “I vow to make sure there are no more hidden hands without owners.”

“Good.” She pressed a kiss to his lips.

She pulled back with a smirk.

“Now Doctor, I believe I owe you another apology.”

She tilted her head “For what?”

“Leaving you as frustrated as you were last night.”

Chapter Text

 Drew ground herself down upon Aro without breaking their kiss.

His thrust up against her falling into their own rhythm. He groaned against her lips, pulling her closer. She smiled, feeling his cool fingers digging into her hips.

He kissed down her jaw allowing her to catch her breath. She gasped softly, pressing down upon him. Her insides heating, with each hit. They’d barely begun, and she was warm faced, lips swollen, and out of breath.

“Seeing you so disheveled dearest Doctor, truly is a beautiful sight.” He whispered kissing his way back up her neck.

He captured her lips once pulling back. She caught herself against his chest hardly realizing she’d been chasing his lips. She looked up from hooded eyes, his pupils were blown wide. He cupped her face with his hand running a thumb over her cheek.

“Your dreams are quite vivid. However, nothing will diminish the breath-taking sight of the real thing.”

A vibration echoed in his chest while she reached up running her fingers through his dark locks. She licked her lips. The sweetness remained from his kiss.

“They don’t scare you?” She tilted her head. “My dreams?”

He quirked his brow to her. “What ever is so terrifying about a little BDSM?”

She shrugged, bringing her hands back to his chest to play with the buttons of his shirt. “I don’t usually bring it up on the first few dates. The secrecy is moot I know, but I still would like to have some conversation about it… you’re a lot older than me…”

Aro chuckled. He captured her lips in another few exchanges of kisses, rocking into her. “Many Millenia older than you, yes.”

Many millennia? How much older? She groaned propping herself up slightly more trying to gain some control. Aro had not let up upon her. Slowly teasing her. He had her hurdling towards the edge too easily. She cleared her throat.

“You’ve never said how old you were…” she exhaled.

“Physically I am in my mid-thirties. Give or take, time wasn’t as well documented. I have however existed for well over three thousand years.” He paused slowing his hips, watching her.

Three thousand? She gulped.

“Does this disturb you?” He sat up. She caught his shoulders.

“No.” she blurted. “I’m a grown adult. I turn twenty-seven this year, my brain is fully developed. Plus, we’re consenting adults.”

He’s also a perfect source for events across thousands of years. He was practically a walking treasure trove of knowledge. All that he had seen, experienced… She smiled. If she had questions, he could possibly see it…

“Doctor, you would use me for your own pleasure in such a way.” Aro mocked hurt.

She met his gaze seeing the smirk set on his lips.

He’d seen so much… experienced — Would this topic bother him? She froze up. He’s practically the age of the ancient Mesopotamian world. He would’ve held some different opinions surely… He mentioned BDSM so nonchalant. Did it bother him? Historically men have held some sexist and prudish views… Old biases… He looked Greek but she wasn’t a forensic anthropologist. She studied bodies and how they died. She couldn’t be one hundred percent sure exactly when Aro came from or where in the world.

Her face burned as she met Aro’s gaze. He’d maintained skin contact with her.

“Use your words Doctor,”

She licked her lips wetting them, suddenly parched. “Do my fantasies bother you?”

“I could never judge your desires, dearest. You are quite human. we all are beings of desires and lusts. I however am more than willing to make these desires a bucket list.” He gave her a toothy grin.

She snorted.

She covered her mouth. “Oh my god. I didn’t mean for that to happen. I’m nervous. It’s just been a lot today, you know? I’m really attracted to you and more than willing to run to the bedroom and have sex but…”

She trailed off.

He sat up completely, holding her close with one hand, while cupping her jaw with the other. He pressed a kiss to her lips, then her cheeks, then forehead. She sighed, holding tight to his shirt.

“I’m completely over thinking this, aren’t I? I really need to get control on my thoughts.”

“Never apologize for how you feel. Especially in a situation such as this. We can go at our own pace. There is no rush for us to have sex. When we do couple, it will be with the consent of both parties. I have waited thousands of years to meet you, I can wait a few mere days, months, even years for you. Do not fear communicating your needs and concerns with me. I may be quite old, but my philosophies are not. We can explore this together. Christianity suppressed a lot, that I openly embraced in ancient Greece.” He assured her. “It also gives me time to plan a proper apology to you.”

She relaxed within his hold. His soft gaze warming her.

“So, you were indulging in orgies in the bath houses.” She teased.

 “My youth was full of parties. Some were innocent social events, other were displays of devotion to the God Eros.” He winked.

“Your brothers, I should probably ask them too… but are they your age roughly? I will ask them too, but will I need to prepare myself for bigotry or sexist things?” she questioned.

“I cannot speak for my brothers. I warn you now. I may have access to their minds through eons of connection with them, however I would never betray the trust they have placed upon me. I see the fear in you, I will assure you, Marcus’ views are like my own. He is from the same era as I am, a different city in Greece than I was. Caius is quite older he is a difficult man. He has never made his judgements off a person’s gender or ethnicity. He may be unpleasant to you dearest, however it is not because of the things you cannot control. If any of us dared, our other two leaders would have destroyed us long ago.” He explained.

“That’s seriously a relief.” She exhaled letting her shoulders fall. “I do need to try and get to know your brothers in time… I know Caius doesn’t like me, but at least it’s because I was an asshole to him.”

“Language, Doctor.” Aro sighed frowning.

“English.” She quipped. “We’ve been using it for the past few hours today. I do know a few others if it’s easier for you.”

  Aro rolled his eyes standing with her in his hold. “You can be a brat, you are aware of this, yes?”

She merely offered him a smile.

“Hey stranger.”

 Davina greeted, placing a cup of coffee upon the desk in front of Drew.

She looked up from the computer she was setting up. She’d hijacked one of the upper level’s offices to borrow while she was taking over for Kingston while he was out.

“Stranger?” Drew’s brows scrunched together

“Yeah, you disappeared Sunday afternoon. I haven’t seen you since. It’s now Wednesday.”

“I didn’t mean to abruptly disappear. Sorry about that. I was honestly organizing a few things and arranging the labs with Kingston gone.” She apologized.

“Yes, but usually you’d slink home after doing after hours work.” Davina pointed out. “Did Turi find out you were working late, and he punished you?”

“Are you trying to imply that I was busy having kinky sex with our boss?” Drew deadpanned.

Davina coughed, some of her coffee dribbled down her chin. She darted forward nodding, grabbing one of the Kleenex on the desk. She wiped her mouth off.

“It’s seven in the morning, don’t say that word so loudly.”

“You implied it.” Drew shrugged.

“Yeah implied!” She huffed. “Anyways, did you? Did the man make up for leaving you high and dry?”

“No.”

“Damn. You seem chipper though.”

“Had a break through,” Drew lied quickly. She really didn’t want to be grilled so early in the day about her private life. “The bodies, I got some answers. I will be going over it with Marcus later this week. You know how much I love a solved puzzle. Don’t you have some hole to be in?”

“Az has a team meeting first. Made me come get you, he wants to rearrange a few hands as some students are out. I came to get you.” She relayed.

“You could have led with that. When is the meeting?” Drew stood up grabbing her clip board and note book.

“In five minutes.”

“Davina.” She huffed. “Come on.”

“Relax Drew, it’s next door. You’re so tense, Aro really needs to help loosen a few coils in you.”

“Oh hush. I don’t need the whole office knowing my personal business.”

“One you two weren’t exactly discrete. Two, they may already know?” Davina blushed.

“Seriously?” she groaned. “I really don’t want people thinking I slept with the boss for this job. It really doesn’t look good for my reputation. This industry is so small. Sure it’s international, but I’m only twenty six, people remember stuff.”

“Relax, everyone’s happy for you.” Davina assured her patting her shoulder.

 “Not comforting.” Drew sighed following her next door.

Thursday afternoon rolled around. She was able to escape to her office. She didn’t mind the lab techs and assistants. They were great people. The issue really was not being able to find a moment to herself. She had people asking her questions and looking for guidance. She never minded helping. She’d once been in their place. She wanted them to learn. She just needed to be able to think with no one around. After lunch she was able to escape as Az entered to give her some relief.

She let the badge snap back to its place on her coat, while she unlocked the door to her borrowed office. She flipped the lights on.

She flinched clinging to her coffee, while her clipboard went flying hitting the floor. She quickly swallowed the scream trapped in her throat.

There in the seat at the desk, Marcus sat relaxed looking over a few papers. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows. His dark brown hair tied back at the base of his neck.

She cleared her throat steadying herself, face burning. “Marcus.”

“Afternoon,” He greeted brow quirked.

“You’re in my office.” She blurted. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

She quickly grabbed her clipboard. She skirted around the desk to plop down in the chair behind the desk. She logged in, trying to ignore her rapid heart beat slamming into her chest.

“This is the time we usually work upon the project we have been for the last few weeks. Did I miss an email, or memo? I do apologize if I did. I do tend to get preoccupied.” He apologized about to get up.

“No. Uh no, you didn’t. I just assumed with the events of this weekend… That you would not be here, humoring my little search… you know with the whole I know the secret thing?” She looked up to the ceiling searching for any security cameras. She didn’t see any. “Are there cameras in the offices?”

“None that any humans have access to.” He answered her.

She focused back upon him.

“My brothers did inform me, in one way or another.” He nodded.

“Both of them?” Drew tilted her head. “What did Caius go off on a rant because I know the secret. He was enthusiastic with my demise.”

“Caius is in plain terms, an idiot at times.” Marcus commented.

“Yeah, I’ve reached that conclusion.” Drew smirked. “Though to round it back. The bodies. Wouldn’t you be able to just tell me how these bodies got like this? How the mummies came into your possession… Among a few other things.”

“I would not be the best source.”

“Why not?” her nose scrunched. “You’re the archivist, aren’t you? That wasn’t a cover, was it?”

“I am the archivist of our covens handling, this is true.” He agreed. “These bodies were not obtained by the coven, however. That manor belonged to Sulpicia and Athenadora. Those answers would best be given by them.”

“Oh.”

“Yes, our sisters have participated in some questionable things throughout the times. Some ended up being for the greater good… others, best buried and never talked about.”

 “They’re a bit grey in morality, I take it?”

“In some ways.” He shrugged. “No person is completely good or bad.”

“I would need to ask them, don’t I?”

“Yes.”

“How would one go about doing that?”

“Now you are asking the right questions. I can help arrange this, it may be some time, but we must play by their rules.” He warned. “It keeps the peace to do so. Vampires can be testy at times.”

“Anything else I should know?”

“It may be best we discuss preparation of the subject later on when you have more time.”

Drew’s eyes went wide. What exactly were these two women like? Sure, they were vampires. The way Marcus’ brows furrowed, and his shoulders slouched, it was as if he was preparing her for battle.

“This weekend?”

“Sure.”

Chapter Text

 Drew pushed herself to get up in the early morning hours. She slapped the off button for her alarm clock. Friday finally arrived. She’d been swamped with organization and menial tasks for the last few days. She was looking forward to the weekend. This time in the lab was really cementing her want to either remain in the field or a more solitary career in the future.

She looked herself over in her vanity mirror. She removed her bonnet.

Had she really found something in her dream career that she disliked? She blinked a few times. Even dreams had some boring parts. She bit her bottom lip. Her foster mother would be smirking. She’d always warned Drew that no matter the career there was something to dislike. Even if it was her dream job.

She rolled her eyes, while she began to refresh her curls. Finishing with a bit of mascara, brow gel, and lip stain. She headed over to her closet.

She pulled forward, a comfortable long sleeved black shirt, with a lavender cashmere sweater vest. She stuck with dark leggings for comfort. Fall weather had finally set in for the Italian city. That or she’d finally given in and mentally admitted the laboratory was cold.

She grabbed her needed things of wallet, ID badge, cell phone, and made her way to the kitchen. She paused in her hallway holding her bedroom door. The kitchen light was on. She had a straight sight to the fridge and island counter seating. Nothing beyond that though.

She frowned. She’d need to sneak further up in the hall to peer around it. Her stomach flipped. She took a slow deep breath.

She’d turned off all the lights. She was one hundred percent sure. Her Gran made damn well sure she didn’t waste power. A force of habit she’d retained well into her adulthood.

Metal upon metal clinked. A distant whirring sound… dripping…

Someone was in her flat and they were cooking? She sniffed. A savory smell, of eggs.

She tiptoed forward, making sure to step heel to toe to quiet her steps. She reached the edge of the hallway.

Aro stood facing the stove, she saw a few shells on her counter near the coffee pot. A few eggs remained broken around the other shells. That and the coffee machine’s light was on, she saw the pot full of enough coffee for her to fill her cup.

She pursed her lips, relaxing slightly.

How had he gotten in? What was he doing here in the first place. Question after question flew around her head.

“Aro? It’s six in the morning. What are you doing?” She spoke up stepping closer.

He glanced over his shoulder, giving her a toothy grin. “Good morning, Doctor. Sleep well?”

“Quite. What are you doing? How did you get in?” She made her way to the counter seating.

“I thought I’d make you a nice hearty breakfast. It is Friday after all. Last day of work before a weekend.” He replied. “I used the front door.”

“I locked the door. I also used the latch.” She muttered rubbing her temples. “Did you pick the lock?”

“No I have a master key dear. These flats are owned by us.” He replied not turning around. “A latch is quite simple to pop off.”

“That’s terrifying and good to know you did not chance someone seeing you pick the lock.”

“Your friend sleeps soundly in her flat still.” He responded. “I also would be quick enough no human would see me. Key or not vampires could easily remove the door.”

“Thank you for respecting the common courtesy of not breaking my door down. You can hear her?”

“Yes.” Aro turned placing a full plate of an omelet with peppers, spinach, and ham. He handed her a cup of coffee. “Does it look correct?”

Her stomach rumbled. “Indeed, it does. Thank you, for this.”

She took a bite, chewing before swallowing the warm dish. She hummed. The spices were perfect, spicy but still mild enough not to make her stomach hurt. It was familiar.

“Taste?”

“Really good. Do you cook often? I mean you did say vampires only consumed blood…”

“I was relying upon your memories. It is not common I find myself utilizing a kitchen. Merely for invention, drinking blood for centuries does become repetitive after a while. So, I looked for ways to change it up. We’ve achieved a few things but surely more to come as technology advances.” He answered directing her to sit.

She did as directed settling on one of the stools. “These do taste familiar. Thank you for this, really. You weren’t watching me sleep, were you?”

She took a few more bites while he began to clean.

“No, I did not linger. Merely began cooking for you. An attempt to apologize in some sort. I also had a question for you.”

“Oh?” she perked up.

“Next weekend, will you join me for a trip?”

“Where to?”

“I was thinking sometime in the north. Would you humor an old man in accompanying me?” he asked.

She tilted her head. “Can we travel far in a weekend? Two days isn’t a long time… Nor is it enough warning to the staff that I am going to be away from the labs. We are already down a senior Archeologist.”

“We can make this a longer trip if you wish for it.” He assured.

“What about the site? I’m watching over the project for the next few weeks. It’ll be nearly November before Kingston is back. I can’t just abandon it.” Drew questioned.

“Think of it as a late Canadian Thanksgiving gift.” He shrugged. “Surely you deserve a makeup for the missed holiday.”

“We don’t give gifts on thanksgiving.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll agree if you give the whole team time off and paid.”

“Done.”

“I really need to remember you don’t blink an eye at spending money.” She shook her head, finishing her breakfast. “Walk with me to work?”

“It would be my pleasure.” He finished blurring around the kitchen setting the dishes away. Aro turned to her with a travel mug steaming.

She grabbed her things quickly tossing them into her bag she usually carried. She slid into some sensible boots and grabbed her outer windbreaker. Aro took the scarf off the hanger, with one hand he slung it over her neck.

“It is a little chilly.”

“I’m Canadian we’re a hardy bunch.” She waved him off.

“Still.”

“Yessir.” She finished wrapping it over her shoulder, so it covered her mouth.

Drew cursed looking through her borrowed office. Where were her head phones? Had she not brought them today? She checked her bag for the third time. Nope the white demon tangled ball of wires, was no where to be found. She’d need to traverse down to her office two floors down. She huffed.

She really didn’t enjoy needing to leave after just sitting down. It was her afternoon task time. She was free to type up progress reports and zone out. Nope she needed to get back up and fetch her headphones. She grabbed her cell phone.

 Dav, do you have headphones? :( -Drew

Let me check -Davina

A minute passed before she got a reply.

Nope, sorry :/ -Davina

Damnit I need to go downstairs :( :P wanna go for me? Plz? :) -Drew

I’m in the loo. I’ve got a hole to crawl back into :P some of us still get to play in the dirt. -Davina

Boo :P -Drew

Awe muffin :P you can always play the music out loud. Shocking concept I know :o -Davina

Not the same. You’re buying wine then since you can’t assist your favorite human :P >:3 -Drew

Pfft. You should be buying it all for tonight. To say sorry to me for ditching me Sunday :P I had to snack by on myself. Thought Canadians were supposed to be nice :’( -Davina

FIIIIIIIINE. Damn using the Canadian Oath against me. :P  -Drew

Drew quickly switched contacts to select Azrael’s number.

I wish to file a complaint >:( -Drew

What happened?? -Az

Davina refuses to go get my headphones :( -Drew

-.- Drew. Girlie. We are on site. -Az

Davina’s in the ‘loo’ :P -Drew

Still. Go get them lazy butt. OR you can text your man <3 :D :3 -Az

-.- He’s busy running an empire. -Drew

He has two brothers, surely, he could make the world wait 5 mins for you >:P -Az

FINE. I will force myself downstairs. -.- :’’’( -Drew

Lmao. See you tonight Danvers, wine night :P XD -Az

Drew chuckled shutting off her phone. She knew it was a long shot getting either of them to go for her. She slipped her phone in her pocket and grabbed her badge.

She made her way down the hall towards the elevator. She slid inside, tapping her fingers on her thigh. She made her way down towards her office.

It’d been a few nights since they’d done a wine night. It’d been Friday nights at the bars lately. She’d have to break out the board games from her closet. She knew the few people would turn into a good eight people or more. She was glad it was at Davina’s flat this time. She’d been cleaning for hours after the last one. That had more to do with the edibles someone had brought.

She smirked. They had had fun that night. Siobhan had declared they needed to play strip truth or dare. It had led to the two of them having a really good night.

She smacked into something hard.

“Ah.” She hissed pulling back immediately.

She blinked rubbing at her nose. Pain shooting around her head. Tears whelmed in her eyes.

There standing in a three-piece suit, a sneer pulling at his thin lips. Caius. He eyed her over, he looked as if he’d smelt the worst thing.

“Watch where you walk, harlot.” He snapped.

“So original, gramps.” She rolled her eyes. “Seriously for someone with supernatural abilities, you’re pretty slow. Is your age getting to you?”

He stepped right up to her. His long legs brought him within inches of her within a few steps.

She gulped, mouth dry.

He leant down into her space.

The firm, cool surface of the wall hit her back.

He placed his hand on the wall beside her face. He caught her chin between two cold fingers.

“Another old joke and I will rip your tongue from your mouth.” He snarled.

“I fucking dare you.” She snorted. “You’re all bark. Like a rabid dog they need to take you out back.”

 Crack!

She looked over her shoulder. Her eyes widened. His fist was surrounded by multiple fissures in the solid stone. Her heart picked up speed.

She gulped. Sometimes she really needed to watch her tongue. This was a vampire for fuck sake’s.

“I am not beyond teaching you multiple lessons. You have been nothing but a wild unruly woman.” He seethed. “What my brothers see in you, I haven’t the faintest clue. I would have ended you the moment you opened your mouth in that club.”

“Aro said you can’t physically hurt me, because of this supposed bond.” She snipped. “I would rather drink acid than ever fathom an eternity with the likes of you. Let it be known, I didn’t choose your dusty ass either. I would rather never know the pleasure of an orgasm ever again than ever touch you.”

“I should end you here. You uncouth wench, you are unworthy of even consumption. I would not even feed you to my enemies. Know this girl, I would rather spend eternity looking for each body part than ever lie with you. I would walk into the pits of hell before I ever kissed you. My brothers lie.”

 “The pits of hell aren’t that hard to make you know.” Drew threw back. “It is seriously easy to make a flame thrower. Your kind is rather flammable, better watch yourself. The fact you’re crusty and dusty, just adds fuel to it. I carry hairspray and a lighter all the time. Don’t test me.”

She gave him a toothy smile, not dropping his glare.

He wanted to toss his weight around like an oversized douche canoe, she’d gladly show him how much of a bitch she was. Why did the fates require her to have three mates? Aro had to be pulling her leg. She would rather toss herself into a wood chipper than ever be near the man before her.

She was more than willing to light his ass up as if it was the Canada Day. If she wasn’t allowed to carry a flame thrower at all times, she wondered if Aro would allow her to take Thing Addams out to hit Caius. Did she need to have vampire speed, and strength to land a punch? She really needed some answers.  

Caius pushed off the wall from her. in a blink he was gone.

She let herself fall against the wall, taking a shaky deep breath.

Good lords above, let her not burn the university to the ground.

Chapter Text

Drew pushed open the door to Davina’s flat as best she could. Four bags clinked back and forth as she waddled into the flat.

Davina popped around the corner of her bedroom. “Need help?”

“A wee bit.” Drew huffed.

She’d traversed the last street and a bit with fourteen bottles of wine. Her arms burned from the four bags filled with paper bags protecting the bottles. The elderly woman behind the till nearly refused to allow her out with the bottles in one trip.

Drew insisted to her best abilities two trips was for the weak.

Davina hurried grabbing two of the bags. “Jesus, why did you do this in one trip? Did you seriously walk the two floors with these.”

Drew placed her two bags on the counter. She exhaled loudly stretching herself. “Yep. I wasn’t going back to get the rest.”

“Why didn’t you text me first to come help you?”

“Stubborn, also I forgot my phone in my flat.” Drew smiled. “Does this make up for earlier?”

“Yeah, I’d say. Damn you splurged.” Davina began to unload the bags. “How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing. It’s my treat. I didn’t want too severe of a hangover on pop wine. No offense, Dav you’re taste in wine isn’t great.”

“I prefer the cheap stuff, bite me. Okay, seriously Sunday’s brunch then is my treat this weekend.” Davina began sliding the wine into the fridge. It was only just after six in the evening.

“Fair, now need help setting up here? I see you’re half way ready.” Drew eyed her over.

Davina shrugged. She was in trackpants and a camisole top. Her curls were stuffed in two buns. “It’s a casual evening. Nothing fancy is needed.”

“Want me to braid your hair?”

“Yes.” Davina nodded.

Drew followed her to her bedroom. She plopped down at her vanity handing the comb, detangling brush, gel, and ties to her.

Drew grabbed the spray bottle and took out the buns.

 “How was the site today?” Drew asked parting the first section, wetting the curls.

“Same old same old, we’ve got a few hidden objects being moved out in the front places. They cleared the site as you know earlier this week. Nothing serious was found. A spider crawled over Az’s hand.” Davina chuckled.

“Poor man,” Drew laughed. “Down side of our work are a bunch of small critters.”

“Any closer to finishing the organizing of those artefacts?”

“I’d say a quarter down at this point. A lot of damaged items. Preservation isn’t always easy as we know. I can’t wait until Kingston’s back, the tedious nature of this all. I like the field work or the researching.”

“You could always rope in Aro to it, if you get too bored.” Davina teased.

Drew snorted. “Yeah no, I have to be able to work.”

“No quick shags in the office?”

“That is a horrific idea. The dangers to the many rare treasures? The mere idea is sacrilegious.” She shuddered.

“It doesn’t need to be done in a lab, Doc. Just because you live in there currently. Most do it in an office. A little more security. You’re gorgeous, but I don’t need to see you bumping uglies.”  

Drew rolled her eyes, cheeks burning. “Just because I’m going on a few dates with Aro Turi doesn’t mean I’m going to risk getting caught like that. I could never show my face again, that’s not even considering my reputation. You do know how small of a world we work in, yes?”

The question didn’t deter Davina’s smirk. “Yet you’re open to voyeurism?”

“You’re never going to let me live that down.” She shot Davina a look in the mirror.

“Never.”

“I’m almost regretting making Aro give you lot a long weekend next week, while we’re away…” Drew grumbled.

“You’re not taking the piss with me.” Davina’s eyes went wide.

“Nope. Aro wants to take a trip away on a weekend, and there are no holidays currently that would allow us to get away. So, we’ll be going on a trip.” Drew revealed. “I didn’t think it’d be fair for us to be the only ones off.”

“You’re sweet, to think of us.” Davina smiled patting Drew’s hand on her shoulder. “But spill where is he taking you, and is it a romantic holiday?”

Drew should have expected Davina not to be able to hold a secret like this too long. Three bottles down, head swimming, her friends and coworkers had her cornered in the living room. Under the veil of a game of truth and dare. Az and Davina on each side of her. One or the other was kindly making her small glass seem bottomless.

“Dare,” Siobhan replied to Casey.

“I dare you to reveal your most scandalous sexcapade.”

“Hotel orgy that ended when police broke down the door. They were there to arrest someone who’d been wanted. I’d never seen someone go from pale white to tomato red so quickly. They had the room numbers backwards.”

Drew paused. “When was that?”

“When I was in the states for Comicon. Three years ago, I believe?” Siobhan smiled.

“I have so many questions.” Az whispered taking a sip of his wine. “Alright Siobhan, it’s your turn.”

“Kels, truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“When did you first drink alcohol?”

Kels tapped her chin, “Maybe fourteen? It’s a boring story. It was new years with a few friends. We were in a friend’s basement having a movie marathon, her older brought beer and shared it with us. It was gross.”

Drew downed the last of her drink. Az took it filling it back up with some red wine.

Kels set her blue-eyed gaze on Azrael. “Truth or Dare, boss?”

“Truth.”

“Which Turi brother would you go to bed with?”

Az laughed. “Though all three men, are terrifying and beautiful at the same time, it’d have to be Caius. He’s older than I am, from the looks of it. I prefer my men older.”

“The man’s a raging douche.” Drew scoffed.

All eyes fell on her.

“Are you two still at odds?” Siobhan questioned. “Have you two even ran into each other since the bar a few weeks ago?”

“What’s this between her lover’s family?” Casey perked up.

“Caius cockblocked Danvers back in September. She called him a dusty old man in a sense to his face. They’ve not gotten along since then.” Az explained before she could reply.

A few laughs circled.

“I’d rather eat my own unwashed socks than be near him.” She huffed. “I ran into him earlier today. What are Italy’s laws on flame throwers?”

“Illegal. No setting the man ablaze.” Davina warned patting her knee.

“Still bitter.” Az shook his head. “Truth or Dare, Doc?”

“Truth,” she grumbled, cheeks burning.

“Okay Danvers spill, how big is the man.” Az pressed.

Her eyes went wide, her heart hammering in her ears. “How the hell would I know? I have not thankfully seen the man in such a state.”

“I meant Aro.”

“Oh.” Drew cleared her throat ignoring the few laughs. “I really don’t want to share such details about my partner.”

“Partner now, is it?” Davina sang. “That was fast how quickly it went from a few dates to partner.”

“Shut up,” Drew rolled her eyes. “The shots.”

She took the two shot glasses from Siobhan, who offered a toothy grin and a wink. “Bottoms up, Doc.”

“At least we’ve got confirmation, they’re dating.” Casey commented.

“They’re even going on a romantic get away next weekend.” Davina added. “It’s why we’re getting a long weekend next week.”

“Are we?” Az perked up. “Three or four days?”

“Four.” Siobhan confirmed. “Aro stopped by the office to make sure payroll was aware to make sure HR and Payroll was aware it applied to all in the office.”

“Damn, Danvers. I hope you two have a wonderful time. That it is just filled with bonding activities.” Az laughed.

Drew downed her two shots. Lords above she was going to drown.

Drew’s alarm went off at eight o’clock sharp. The sun was spilling from between the curtains in her bedroom, of the late autumn morning. She groaned rolling over.

Why was she set to get up so early? On a Saturday?

She sat up running her hands over her face. Flashes of Marcus came to mind. They had agreed that if she wanted to get the answers to her hundreds upon hundreds of questions answered she’d meet up with him.

She took the Advil on her night stand and downed them with the full bottle of water there. They agreed on ten in the morning. She reached up and took off her bonnet. She pushed herself up.

She caught sight of herself in the mirror. The braids. She sighed. She’d planned on washing her hair before going out. Why did she agree to staying out so late?

“Mercy be on my soul.” She groaned making her way to the bathroom.

Drew took her time letting the hot water engulf her. She stepped out after thoroughly washing herself and her hair. She took her time deep conditioning it. She checked her phone on the charger in the wall. She sighed.

She’d taken nearly forty minutes in the shower. She settled for a wash n go it’d been a while. She’d been leaning on braids recently. She also hadn’t cut her curls in sometime. She noticed pulling on one curl earlier it was going on four inches without shrinkage. She moisturized her body and face.

She kept her outfit casual in a knitted navy sweater, and a deep orange corduroy overalls skirt. Her tights a deeper brown lined. She kept makeup to eyebrows and lashes today, lip balm as the dry autumn air settled into Volterra.

By nine thirty after eating, Drew was making her way across the city towards the city hall. She had her small purse with her phone, wallet and keys in it. She took a deep breath making her way towards the building Marcus had agreed to meet her at. She entered the front doors she’d usually push open to meet with Aro.

They didn’t live in this building? She stopped momentarily. She hadn’t asked Aro, where exactly the Volturi were located. He’d mentioned the old fort, but not the full details of it.

She saw the front desk was empty. Marcus was stood right to the right of the desk though, hands in his pockets. His deep burgundy gaze landed on her.

“Good morning, Marcus, you’re early.” She greeted stopping within a foot of him.

She looked him over. He was dressed within what must have been a wardrobe staple for the man, a suit. The jacket was missing however, she noted. He only sported a dark charcoal vest over a white button down. His red tie matched his eyes. She came eye level with his lapels she realized. The man was taller than she’d realized. Most of the time they were usually sitting.

“Good morning, Doctor. Indeed, it seems you are as well. Did you sleep well?” He questioned.

“As best I could.” Drew shrugged. “Some friend’s decided to have a good night.”

“Ah I see.” He smiled. “Shall we make our way further into the castle, so we may discuss sensitive matters?”

“Of course,”

Marcus offered his arm to her. They made there way down a hall she’d not ventured down yet. The over arching halls, she noted the stones went from the lighter sleeker style, into a rougher grey slate. The tapestries around them were beautiful along with the other décor. She spotted a few pots and portraits. She didn’t get much time to linger, however.

A few set of stairs led them downwards at one point, when they turned to the left, eight more stairs upwards. He opened four doors in their time. The once open hallway with a few doors to what must have been offices turned into a narrow passage, a door only here and there. She didn’t question the metal gate that Marcus directed her through.

“To the right here,” He gestured to her side, a dark wooden door was cracked open.

She took in the room around her. A meeting room? There were a few book shelves full of books. Some large thick volumes, to single small booklets. The walls were stone, but the floors a hard wood. There were a few large leather chairs sat around a table already set up with tea and a tray of snacks. There was a bottle of dark red liquid and a chalice. She didn’t ponder it too much.

“Will this suffice?”

“More than. It’s quite lovely. Your home is quite vast.” She complimented, sitting in the chair he pulled out for her.

“Yes, Aro does enjoy the castle, hidden partially under ground and disguised as a few buildings from the outside. It allows us to blend into the surrounding city.” He added sitting beside her.

“How old is the castle?”

“We’ve occupied Volterra since nine hundred AD.”

She tried to compose herself. “I –I forget you are all immortal.”

“Do not fret, Drew. It is a shock to many who meet us. Our coven is one of the oldest within the world.”

“How many covens are there?” Drew asked taking a blueberry scone.

“Globally?” She nodded. “These things are always changing.  We consider a coven a group more than three within our world. The more permanent covens over five members, there are roughly three hundred? My math may be off, however. The vampire population is continuously changing. It can sometimes dip or spike. We keep a good reign upon the world, but direct numbers can be hard to track when a lot of our population is nomadic.”

“Is it common to have large covens?”

“No, covens like ours are even rarer. Our numbers are within the forties. The main family there are five of us, pending to be six. The rest are our guard.”

“Fascinating,” she sipped at her tea. “The two I am to meet. Sulpicia and Athenadora what are they like? Is it safe I meet them? Do they know about me? Do they even want to meet me?”

Marcus took hold of her hand. Drew turned to look up at him, brows furrowed.

“You will not be alone when facing them, I assure you. I have spoken with our sisters to make sure they are willing to meet you.”

“Glad to hear they won’t be thrown off by me.” She murmured. “They aren’t going to try and drink my blood, are they?”

Marcus laughed offering a toothy smile. “You have stood toe to toe with Caius, our most volatile member, yet you fear our sisters. I apologize, I am not laughing at you. It is merely the perspective. Caius is much more terrifying than our sisters can ever be. You willingly sit here with a vampire yet worry of them.”

“Aro said mates couldn’t hurt each other.” She bit her bottom lip.

“I assure you no harm will come to you.” He vowed. “Our sisters are quite unique with their operations. While we do tend to rule together, we do have our own individual lives and pursuits in this life. They are within the upper level of the castle. We are not allowed within their wings without permission. I merely wished to prepare you to them.”

“Are they very social people?”

“Yes, they are usually the hosts to many galas and parties within our society.” Marcus replied.

She eyed him over, studying his face. He wasn’t meeting her gaze.

“You’re concerned though. What causes you to be hesitant?”

“Our sisters have gained a reputation for themselves. You are aware of the Succubus?”

“A female demon who has sex with sleeping men through their dreams?”

“They garnered the legend a few thousand years ago. While they do not indulge in carnal desires with men, they have been quite liberal in their mating. It has never subsided. Their wing is often, a den of pleasure.” He cleared his throat. “Athena and Sully are mated to each other. It seems they also have found their bond growing to include others together. Their own guard is personally bonded with them. These instances can have a few of our newer members being seduced… They are not usually dressed for company unless forewarned.”

Drew’s eyes widened momentarily, as she listened.

“They’re nudists and have a poly relation.” She nodded. “Okay, I can see the concern… Wait you and Aro don’t think I would join them, do you?”

“We trust you to control your own actions.” Marcus shook his head. “I realize we are not very well acquainted. This was just to prepare you to be aware they may not be fully dressed if we go to them for answers. They would have the answers within their archives which is kept in their wing. I wanted to know if you’d like to meet with them there, or a more formal meeting in a neutral part of the castle.”

“A formal meeting, could delay access to the archives, yes?”

“Yes, it would need them to bring the resources to us.”

“I don’t mind meeting them, it may be a little easier on everyone if less formal.” Drew replied. “Would it be today?”

“They are free this afternoon. Until then, did you wish to explore our library?”

Drew grinned. “That is a silly question. Of course, I want to see the library.”

Chapter Text

 “Our meeting begins shortly,” Marcus interrupted.

Drew looked up from the large book in her lap. She’d sprawled out on one of the many couches in the library with many books pulled for reading. She slid a bookmark in place before closing the book. She stood stretching as she did so.

“What time is it?”

“It is just after one,”

“I was reading that long?” She whispered. “I may need to be monitored in this place.”

“I will make note for the future. If you ever go missing in the castle to check the library.” He smiled offering his arm.

“I can sometimes be found with other people or eating.”

The walk to their destination didn’t take as long as she thought it would. They’d climbed two sets of stairs and followed down a long hall. They stopped in front of a large set of ornate wooden doors. They towered eight feet above them within a custom stone arch. Many figures of women were chiseled within the stone walls around them. A marble plaque held a few words she noted.

“Tana Di Psappha?” She turned to Marcus eyes widening.

“Sully’s other name.”

She paused letting go of his arm. She brought her hands together, taking deep breaths to calm herself. “How did that detail slip from your mind?”

“I was not aware you knew the name.” He replied.

“Seriously?” She gasped. “She’s Sappho! The original lover of women. How could I not know her name?! I’m sure it never escaped any observation of me, I love to read. She’s one of my top ten favorite poets! It’s because of her I knew I was bisexual! I came across a collection of hers when I was a young teen, it helped me make sense of what I was feeling.”

“I was not aware you were a fan of her writings. I am sure she would be delighted to discuss those.” Marcus mused. “She has always taken to the arts and is always happy to meet a fan.”

“I’m a giant nerd with a soft spot for romance.” Drew’s cheeks burned.

Marcus’ gaze softened. “I also enjoy a romantic epic now and then. Your love of knowledge has been noted between the three of us.”

“Three?” Drew hedged. “I get you and Aro talking about me to some extent. You don’t mean Caius is capable of inquiring about me? I thought he only ranted about me and all that I’ve either done wrong or merely about me existing.”

“While he does rant, he has questioned a few things about you. Nothing too in-depth. More so questioning us on why we chose you to be one of the heads on this project, what your qualifications are. He was quite defeated learning of your education.” He replied.

“Why would he doubt the fact I’m capable of my job?”

“You’re quite young compared to your co-workers. He was more questioning Aro if he knew who you were before hiring you.”

“I’m only slightly ahead of others in my degrees and experience. I’m nearly twenty-seven.” She shrugged looking away.

Marcus approached her, catching her chin with his forefinger tipping it up to meet his gaze. “You are not a mere worker with us. Do not belittle all you have accomplished. You are a lead upon this project. Something usually given to more experienced individuals.”

“I wasn’t the first choice, my mentor was. Her husband got sick. She recommended me to come here.” Drew blurted pointing out.

He remained smiling. “An honor, nonetheless. Whether you had applied or not. You are quite accomplished in your field. You deserve to feel the pride in all you have done.”

“Thank you,” she cleared her throat stepping back while wiping her hands on her pants. “Shall we meet up with them?”

Marcus offered his arm once more and lead her through the doors.

The wing looked like all the rest she’d seen today. The slate grey walls occupied with electric torches or tapestries. The ceiling was high above them, arched. A few chandeliers hung above them casting more light upon the artworks of statues, and different pieces. A few of them looked to date to ancient times, up to the twenty first century. Contemporary mixed with realistic. A few closed doors between it all.

Her cheeks burned as they passed one large oil painting. Six feet by six feet. Many nude women lounged in a celestial sky. A few had wings that were casually open or closed on each woman. Their figures were diverse, some thin with pert breasts, different shades of skin across the spectrum. Some women were rounded figures, with big breasts, laughing with no cares.

“Quite the collections…” She complimented looking forward immediately. She kept close to Marcus while they approached their destination.

A large door swung open.

Drew noticed a woman wrapped in a silk light blue robe holding the door. She was barefooted, she noticed. She scanned up the tall woman. Red eyes stared back. She looked away immediately.

A large drawing room greeted them. A few large leather couches covered in throw blankets gathered around a large fire place that was lit. Drew inhaled. A heavy scent of Cinnamon, Jasmine, and Vanilla. Her shoulders fell back, she noticed two women were lazing back on one couch across from where Marcus gestured her to sit.

“Good afternoon, Sisters. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. May I introduce, Drew Danvers. Our mate.” Marcus greeted. “Drew, Sulpicia and Athenadora.”

Marcus introduced with a wave of his hand at each woman.

Athenadora, offered a lazy toothy smile. She was in a cream-colored slip dress that was bunched up near her thighs. The straps were thin, laid across her shoulders nearly falling off them. Her skin, a warm medium brown. Some cool ashy tones in her features like every vampire. She was heavier in the bottom portion, long legs bent at the knee, feet without shoes. Merlot eyes stood out surrounded by dark lashes. Full lips painted a deep brownish red gloss. Her many micro braids fell forward over her shoulders and back.

Drew’s cheeks burned hotter, the longer she watched the woman before her. Her heart slammed into her chest. A heaviness entered her head. She tore her attention away towards the other woman.

Sulpicia, was the definition of Goddess. In a silk lilac colored slip dress and over gown of matching color, sheer muslin. Her dark auburn waves were pulled away from her face, falling over her shoulders to the small of her back. Olive skin toned, with cool undertones. Thick brows framed her merlot eyes. High cheekbones in an oval face. Cupid bow lips, with a thicker bottom lip.

Drew’s bottom lip fell. She did her best to stifle her gasp. They were descendants of Aphrodite. That or this was the Goddess’ true form. There was no other choice, she was sure of it. If she hadn’t been sitting, she’d have fallen to her knees. Begging to be shown mercy. Did she want mercy? She would service both women before her, worship the ground they walked on. Made sure to truly idolize each Goddess in the way they deserved.

A throat cleared from beside her.

She looked to Marcus. He looked to his sisters. Drew swallowing thickly. She blinked a few times trying to get it together. She’d been staring.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for meeting with us,” she mentally kicked herself.

Athenadora offered a wide toothy grin. She sat up, stretching herself over the table and distance between them, she offered her hand. Drew took it without hesitation. Small sparks zapped her skin, as cool fingers caressed hers. Athena leant down placing a kiss to the back of her hand, never breaking eye contact.

She was warm all over, it radiated down her chest, into her core. while butterflies erupted in her stomach. The scent of vanilla became stronger. Could she remain here forever? She mentally sighed.

“The pleasure is all ours. How could we possibly pass up the chance to meet our future sister. It isn’t every day a new coven member joins us.” Athena purred.

“Indeed, our brothers do you little Justice when they told us of you. You are quite the beauty. Isn’t she Athena? It is too bad we didn’t see her earlier. I’m sure the pleasure may have been more imminent.” Sulpicia gave a hearty laugh.

Athenadora allowed Drew to take her hand back. She held it close in her lap. Both women were eyeing her as if she was a snack. She straightened her posture trying her best to fight the growing desire for them. She needed to remember why she was here… why was she here if not to worship them?

“Athena,” A sigh interrupted her.

Drew looked over to Marcus, his brows drawn together. Work! She was here because of the bodies found in the ruins of their old home…

The only bodies she wanted to discuss though were the ones dressed in silk across from her. Their flesh was luminous in the warm lights of the drawing room. They were relaxed in their stances, lashes batting at her, lazy grins across their face. What would it be like to lay beneath them? They were cold to the touch like the others, but they were still soft, rounded as most women were. She wanted to find out what it would be like to lay in their glory and kiss each inch of them. She would follow their curves, to her target areas, she’d do her best to bring them to higher heavens as they deserved.

“Athena, please, I request you stop trying to seduce my mate.” Marcus’ words were ice down her back.

Drew snapped her wandering eyes away from the women. She squeezed Marcus’ hand. It was like being splashed in the face with water. Her eyes widened, face burning. This is what he meant by seductive nature?! She gulped. She’d been all too willing to fall to her knees and do as they bid. She dared to look to Marcus for the third time. His merlot eyes darkened as his pupils dilated focusing on her.

Lord above, how willing am I to fall for the beauty of all women. Drew mentally sighed, shaking the fog away. They were dangerous.

She was in a fresh relationship and committed to two others. How easily she’d nearly thrown that away. She hardly knew the men granted, but she wasn’t going to dive into another’s bed. She believed in fidelity. She barely knew how to be with men, but she’d made a promise to herself. She would try.

“Peace brother, we mean no harm to her.” Athena offered a fuller smile. “Merely a test, she’s quite strong. Since she is unmated in the full sense, it was an opportunity to test the bond. It is a marvel the bond still has quite the grip on her.”

“I ask you, to refrain from testing her without warning. As we’ve discussed sisters.” He warned.

“Alright Marcus we shall.” Sulpicia interrupted placing a hand on Athena’s knee. “I believe you had a few questions for us, Doctor?”

“Uhm, yes, I do… Thank you for your time. I’m sure as Queens you are quite busy.” Drew sat forward gathering herself. “Did Marcus or Aro say what it is I do for work?”

“We were given a rundown yes,” Athena assured.

“Okay great. Well, we are excavating one of your old manors, as hired by Aro. We came across some human remains within the basement while we were working. Four sets to be exact. I had a few questions on who they were, how they exactly ended up in there. If either of you have any information at all about them. It would be helpful.”

“Straight to the point.” Athena chuckled.

“Dearest.” Sulpicia shot her a look. “Tell us, about these bodies a bit. It has been sometime since we occupied that manor. Time can trickle away the memories if deemed unimportant.”

“Two sets were mummies. The oldest is perfectly preserved mummy. Estimated back to 2500 BCE. The second one, is partially decayed, from approximately 400 CE. The skeletons are from the 1400’s and 1500’s.”

“Yes… I believe I remember that” Athena cooed. “Sully, you remember when Amun tried to teach us how to mummify a body?” Athena cooed.

Recognition sparked in Sully, who nodded. “We’d been so fascinated with the Egyptian coven when they’d come to convene with us. We’d tried to mimic the practice, however the first few attempts failed. I don’t think we made a successful one.”

“That second one, decayed must’ve been the first try. I hadn’t realized we’d kept it. I thought we’d returned the complete mummy back to Amun after the whole craze died down.” Athena mused.

“I cannot recall. Corin,” Sully called.

In a flash a woman stood before them. She had auburn curls tied back over her shoulders. Bright crimson eyes, she was a tall willowy woman. A strong square jaw and straight nose. Tanned skin the same shade as Sulpicia.

“Yes Mistress?” A melodic voice asked.

“The mummies we had displayed a few hundred years ago. Did we return them to Amun? Or were some used in the trade and sale?” Sully questioned.

Corin stood up gazing into the distance momentarily. “My records indicate four mummies were sold off for medicinal purposes in the late fifteen hundreds. One pristine one was kept as display to the buyers… This one was the oldest mummy. Acquired from Amun. It was placed into storage.”

“What of the partial one?”  Athena asked.

“Our full supply had been used. Our records indicate all was sold. It seems that one must have not been used as thought or disposed of properly.”

“Thank you,” Sulpicia waved her off.

Corin flashed away as quickly as she came.

Drew blinked a few times. So, she’d been right. They were involved in the mummy trades across Europe. Four full mummies in fact, completely gone and most likely consumed. Her stomach sank. It was the down side of history. Humans had done some things not all were ethical. She wasn’t here to judge.

“The skeletons, one older man and one younger boy. They were placed in the same area.” Drew pushed herself to move on.

“The older man, broken knee?” Athena questioned.

“Yes,” she hedged. She hadn’t mentioned the injury.

“His Christian name was David. He was a cleaner for our home and served in the kitchens of our human staff. We were investigating reports of vampires enslaving humans, and completely disregarding our secrecy laws. We’d intercepted a caravan of humans in Portugal. They were part of the groups in question. We’d fed upon the humans in charge of the slaves. We could not consume all of course, we’d only brought six guards with us. A few ended up spared. David was one of those people. He didn’t understand any of it. He had a heart attack in his middle years age fifty something. He was a good man.” Athena recounted.

“David was a good man. In the time he worked for us, he’d earned our respect. He worked hard and learnt Italian eventually. We’d wanted to change him, but he declined each time. We’d wanted to honor him. We’d been moving around at that time and wanted to keep him in one location. We’d need to confirm his year of death with our own records.” Sulpicia added.

Drew sat in silence for a few minutes.

He’d been a slave. While Italy never contributed to the majority of the Slave trade of the time, by proxy they never stopped it. Slavery from Africa to Europe existed since Rome. She’d known this. To see the women before her to have freed him. He’d served with them until his obvious death. Time would come for all humans she knew. To actually put a name to the body. It was not his original name, but a name he grew to know. It was more than she could have hoped for. It was unfathomable previously to find someone who’d known them.

She took a few slow breaths. “The next was a young boy, barely over eleven. Time of life would’ve been the fourteen hundreds. He had cracks in his chest. Also stored with this man.”

“A child?” Sulpicia hummed tapping her chin. “We’ve steered clear of those for a long time. Especially since the laws went into place children were to be left alone unless dying. No changing them.”

“I cannot recall a child. There were a few plagues on going. Disease. Many vampire visitors in the time to the manor. We held many parties. Someone may have stashed their victim. I’ll take a look for the records. That is concerning.” Athena added.

“That was all, I had about the bodies in the home. My next question is what would you like done with them? We’ve got them in the morgue currently. They are technically your property.” Drew spoke up.

“The decomposing mummy can be placed in the furnace I am sure it is unpleasant. The boy, bury him in the cemetery with David. We will place a name plaque upon it to honor the man as we had planned. The boy has kept him company this long. Allow them to rest together. If you would like I can bring you the books of the parties and guest lists written out by Corin. She may be a walking computer but even she is fallible to forgetting. She writes down every event.” Sully explained.

Drew nodded making mental note. “Will do, now the mummy? Shall we return it to Amun? He has a display currently doesn’t he, here in Volterra. I can have it arranged the mummy can be returned to where it belongs.”

“Yes, I like that idea. You are quite considerate young one to the dead.”

“They were people once, colonization led to a bit of trade of sacred items.” Drew shrugged. “I believe in the reconciliation of what our ancestors did. Returning people to their places of rest is for the best. While we may not have known the morality of it then, we do now.”

“Morally we have always greyed. It was business, never personal.” Sulpicia dismissed. “However, in this case, do as you feel doctor. Aro advised us, to accommodate you to our abilities.”

“I don’t want to overstep or do what displeases you either. Please don’t burden yourself for my curiosity or benefit. If we have permission to move these without issue to you, we can. There is some jewelry down in the labs if you want these brought to you, to see if you want them at all?” Drew offered.

“If it burdened us, sweet one, we would have refused to meet with you.” Athena assured giving a toothy grin. “If they are in good condition yes bring them by. If not donate or do as you see fit, please.”

“Thank you for your time. I can take care of it all immediately now with the direction.”

“Did you have any more questions?” Sulpicia raised her brow.

Drew bit her bottom lip. She looked to Marcus who gave her a nod of encouragement.

“One last. Are you really, the poet Sappho?” Drew questioned.

Sulpicia laughed. “Yes, indeed I am.”

“That is so cool! Your work is absolutely breath taking. Do you remember a majority of your works? Many of them were destroyed.” Drew blurted.

“I do, maybe one day I can recite them for you.”

“I would love that.” Drew beamed.

“Mistresses, Heidi has a meal for you.” Corin flashed back into the room.

“We shall take our leave then, thank you sisters for your time. I will have Demetri retrieve the archives once Corin has acquired them.” Marcus stood bowing his head to them.

“Thank you, and it has been wonderful to meet both of you.” Drew copied Marcus.

Athena followed suit, she rounded the table, taking hold of Drew’s hand. She bent laying a kiss once more to the back of her hand. Drew blushed meeting her gaze that had darkened looking up from under thick lashes.

“Athena,” Sulpicia warned. “A pleasure as well. I am sure our paths will cross many more times to come.”

Sulpicia took her hand next and pressed a kiss to it. She winked as she let go.

Drew gulped stepping back, a soft smile upon her face. Marcus pressed a hand to her lower back. She allowed herself to be guided towards the exit to the hallway. Once they were outside of the women’s chambers she turned to Marcus.

“Are you alright doctor? Your heart is threatening to exit your chest.” He asked while examining her.

“I’ll be fine.” She dismissed. “They’re really something. I get now what you meant by seduction.”

“Athenadora is one of the gifted members of our coven. The embodiment of a siren.” He agreed.

“That’s exactly it! She could’ve told me to dance into a watery grave and holy moly I would’ve.” She chuckled shaking the woman’s image from her mind. “I promise though I’m not going to ever cross that line.”

“We trust you, amore.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “What would you like to do now?”

“What time is it?”

“Just after five.”

“I should probably head home. Would you walk me to the exit? I don’t trust myself to exit here safely.”

“Of course.” He offered his arm to her. They barely made it two steps when another flashed into view.

Caius stood in his usual suit with his signature twisted snarl in place.

“Brother, are you a thick-headed fool? You bring our mate into that den of pure temptation. She is weak for the fairer sex, you know this.” He snarled.

Drew flinched into Marcus. She wasn’t expecting him so close to them.

“You place her in danger being in there. How can you be so careless?” Caius stepped into Marcus’ face.

A growl escaped Marcus he dropped her hand.

 “I trust her, that is how brother. She was in no danger.” Marcus sneered.

“Our sister has the ability to seduce anyone. You think she is infallible?”

“Can you not talk about me as if I’m not in the room? Said person is right here. Which may I remind you is exactly what I am. I am a person, not some piece of property. You suggesting as much is sexist and racist.” Drew interrupted.

Caius focused immediately on her. His eyes darkened. Brows tightened. He balled his hands into fists. “It is their responsibility to keep you safe. I am very aware you are a person. You are however a human. They are to keep you out of harm’s way. We are to protect you. Do you have any idea how easy it is for us to kill you?”

Drew opened her mouth to snap at him but stopped. She crossed her arms. He’d said called her their mate. They were to protect her. He considered her, his mate.

“You said ‘we’ and ‘our’,” she smirked.

Caius stared. “Your point?”

“You consider me your mate. You Caius Volturi like me.” Her grin widened. “Caius Volturi has a crush.”

“Do not get a head about you, woman. It has been a well stated fact, to my displeasure, you are my mate. For some cruel reason the Fates thought it best to bind us. Do not think it means anything.” He dismissed taking a step back.

“You say that, but you’ve subconsciously accepted it as fact. It is one thing to be told the fact, but the language you use. You are acknowledging our bond. You’re beginning to feel the bond. Nice.”

“Why are you happy about this, you hate me as much as I you.” He eyed her over.

“Because this makes irritating you so much more fun. This is another level.” She laughed. “I’m going to absolutely enjoy torturing you. Prepare yourself old man. Grasp your pearls now, this has so many new opportunities to it.”

“Gods above smite me now…” Caius growled before disappearing from their sight.

Chapter Text

Drew held many bags whilst climbing the stairs behind Davina towards their flats.

“Ugh, I shouldn’t have had the gelato after that steak.” Davina groaned.

“Eyes were bigger than your stomach?” She laughed.

“Always! You had the same thing, how are you not in pain?”

“I didn’t eat the giant cinnamon bun an hour before dinner.”  

“True.” Davina huffed. “You and Casey were looking at the many books, and my nose got the best of me.”

“Go get into comfy clothes and relax then. I know I’ll be doing that.” Drew sighed happily. “I’ve got a new book and it’s begging to be read.”

“Yeah, I’m going to loaf for a bit. Night.”

“Night.” Drew waved unlocking her flat.

She put her bags on the kitchen counter, kicking her shoes over to the foyer. She hung her coat, padding over towards her bedroom. She’d been out all day she was happy to be home. It’d been a very social weekend and she was ready to fall into her bed with a book in hand. She flicked on the lights undressing herself, tossing her bra at the hamper balled in the sweater.  

She headed to the closet, slipping into an over-sized shirt and booty shorts. She washed up quickly, before crawling into her bed with a book. A simple romance between a shy librarian and her rich patron.

It was pure sex. She knew it. She’d picked it up for that reason. She’d been a little pent up all day. The aching that’d been in her core yesterday from Athena’s gift never went fully away. She’d walked home with the desire boiled in her. Marcus had been a gentleman, walking her out of the castle, kissing her hand.

 She’d texted Aro, asking him if he was free, apparently, he had a trial to attend that’d been urgently scheduled. She gone to bed tense. She’d awoken rested, but the fire was not gone. She got the knock at the door from Davina before she could do anything about it. Sure, she’d been distracted all day. It lingered in the back of her mind, an itch, she couldn’t take care of.

She slipped a hand into her shorts, sliding a finger between her folds. Wet already. It was becoming a daily thing, this tension. She’d process the day, remembering how Aro complimented her. How he looked with his sleeves rolled up. How his lips felt on hers, the fire it always lit. Today was no different. She’d been brought to higher lands of desire yesterday. Athena’s gift made her feel drunk, needing to drink something to quench the fire. She couldn’t though. She needed to find herself release.

So, she went to the erotica section at the local book shop. It was discrete in the floral cover with a couple staring at each other. She was intrigued by the internal first page, a of a man leaning over a woman on a ladder in a library.

 Drew swiped a finger over her folds, she was practically soaked. She gently pressed on her clit. What would it be like to have someone corner her in the library, like the one earlier today. If Marcus had been more forward? The library did have one of the rolling ladders. She bit the bottom of her lip, heart rate spiking. He was a tall man, she would need something to reach him, a practical prop.

Aro was a little shorter, but even he could tower over her. When he lifted her to meet his lips. She was caged in, safer…She rubbed counterclockwise circles around her clit, building herself higher. The fire building, spreading. If only he was here…

He’d whisper dirty words in her ear, while he held her back against him. Long fingers, touching her, slowly. He’d be the type of man to drag it out. Make her suffer… like he already had. Each time they were together recently, she’d found herself teetering on the edge. He would remind her who she belonged to, while sliding flingers into her. Enjoying the whimpers that would fall from her lips, in silent pleas. He’d make her vocalize her desire though.

He always sought her permission. She’d ask for release… No, she’d beg for it.

A knock echoed.

She jumped. Eyes widened fingers frozen over her clit. Her heart slammed into her chest, echoing in her ears. She was nearly there. She tossed her head back groaning.

“Who the fuck?”

A second set of knocks.

She grumbled pushing off her blankets off, padded over to her bathroom. She quickly washed her hands, before hurrying to the door. The cockblock could wait a minute. If they didn’t she’d more than willingly stab a fucker. It wasn’t late sure, but she’d told Davina good night. She wouldn’t bug her without texting.

She threw open the door to her flat, glaring.

“Evening, Doctor.” Aro greeted her.

What was he doing here? She stared at him for a few moments.

He raised his brow, a small smile curled his lips.

Why was he smiling? He was supposed to be in some sort of trial…  

“Am I interrupting something?”

“Huh?” She shook her head.

“You are very flushed doctor,” He noted, voice deepening. “You are taking deep breaths, to slow a racing heart. It is as if you have ran a marathon, yet you are in night clothes.”

 She scrunched her nose up. “I was just reading in bed—”

Drew cut herself off. Vampires’ senses are heightened. All of them. Every single one. She clutched the door handle in hand. Oh… oh…

“Bye Aro.” She squeaked, backing up.

She was about to shut the door when Aro stepped forward. He slid through it before it shut behind him. She barely registered it before he caught her chin tilting her gaze up to him. He didn’t allow her to escape. His thumb ran over her left cheek.

“Doctor,” his voice deepened, merlot eyes darkening. “My apologies, to showing up unannounced, may I offer to make up for it?”

Images of Aro down between her legs flashed before her eyes. She bit her bottom lip, feeling herself become wet once more. She nodded.

“Your words, Doctor,” He whispered leaning down, lips hovering above hers. “I will not touch you until you do.”

She looked up through hooded eyes, inhaling his intoxicating scent. Citrus, books…

“Please Aro,”

“When you plead so sweetly.” He smirked.

She was about to roll her eyes when he lifted her up. She gasped.

Aro took advantage of her open mouth and kissed her. He entangled their tongues, teasing her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself up against him. The taste of him, sweeter than ever. Aro held her close, both hands on her bottom, massaging her cheeks. She moaned against his mouth.

She didn’t realize they’d moved to her bedroom until Aro placed her down on her bed. She pulled back to breath, taking big gulps of air. He didn’t keep away, pressing kisses to her neck, stopping to suck on the juncture between her shoulder and neck.

“Ah…”

“I have fantasized hearing your sweet cries of desire.” Aro murmured.

She reached up running her hands into his long locks of onyx. He kissed down to her exposed collar bone. The dampened fire built again.

“May I?” He asked letting his fingers skim the hem of her shirt.

“Yes.”

She leant up making it easier for him to disrobe her shirt. Her nipples hardened in the cool air.

“Beautiful.”

He took both in hand, cupping them, rolling her nipples between finger and thumb.

“Fuck…”

“Patience,”

She bit back her snarky comment.

“You forget I can read you darling, in due time. I wish to worship you properly.” He chuckled, running his tongue over her nipple.

She sighed.

He gave each breast equal attention, until she bucked her hips against her. He trailed down her body, open mouthed kisses each inch on soft brown skin. He traced her sides, memorizing each dip in her body, each curve he could hold. The blush that had been on her face, travelled to her chest.

He looked up to her, taking in each detail. The way her mouth fell open. The frustrated huffs from her while he lingered. He kissed her soft stomach, the pouch right above her mons pubis. He kissed along the waistline of her shorts, teasing her.

She lifted up, allowing him to pull them off of her.

He discarded them over his shoulder.

She bit her bottom lip, heart stammering the longer he looked over her. The intensity. She wanted to close her legs, but he was settled between them. He inhaled deeply.

“My sweet doctor, how delectable you smell.” He cooed.

She opened her mouth.

“Ah!”

He ran his cool tongue over her clit, pressing down. She shuddered.

He didn’t make her suffer, swirling his tongue around her clit. He held her in one hand and traced a finger through her folds.

She was already so wet. It made easy for him to dip his finger in, the long digit curled in and out.

“You taste divine,”

He added a second finger, pressing it in and withdrew it.

She groaned at the stretch.

He found rhythm, in and out. He laved at her clit, keeping her in place.

Drew’s heart slammed into her chest. The fire burned higher and higher, spreading throughout. She was twisted tighter and tighter. She bucked against his mouth, she was close. Gods above…

Both hands yanked on his hair, trying to anchor herself. She wiggled around but was not able to escape the onslaught attack, Aro had an iron grip.

The edge inched closer… and closer…

“Aro!”

She screamed, tossed off the ledge. Body shuddering, as pleasure washed through each inch of her nerves.

“You are devastatingly beautiful, when you climax.” Aro whispered, moving up from between her legs. He draped her across his clothed chest. “Do I earn your forgiveness, dearest?”

“Uh huh.” She nodded, breathless.

Midmorning, on Monday, Drew stood in the university morgue. She had her clipboard and camera in hand. She’d spoken with Aro the night before, about the next steps for the four sets of remains they had. The first, was to arrange for the mummy.

The mummy being in good condition and had the most preparation to arrange. She’d advised she would be dealing with them first. She had x-rays for investigational purposes, and she would take photos for documentation. Then it could be sent back to Egypt. That was the mystery to her. Would she need to contact the Egyptian government to return the mummy? Aro thankfully reminded her of Amun.

His friend whose collection had been on display. So, he was called and would be here shortly. Drew put the clipboard aside on the counter, she pulled the camera up. She began snapping photos of the mummy laid out on the table before her. She made sure to take one from each angle she could. Above, below, side to side, she got as close to the fabric and such.

“Well, my friend, thank you for your time. I have enjoyed the honor, but it is time to get you back home where you belong.” She shut off the camera.

“A beautiful sentiment Doctor,” A voice interrupted her.

She turned looking over her shoulder. At the door of the morgue, Amun stood. He was dressed casually leaning on the metal door frame.

“Morning Amun, I didn’t hear you knock. Apologies. I was taking some last photos, as best we could without further intrusion.” She greeted.

“No apologies needed. I am sure whomever this is, would thank you for the care.” He stepped up beside her. “I am glad to have been contacted about the mummy. It isn’t often such an old specimen is returned to me. Especially in this fine condition.”

“Of course, I’d be horrified to ruin them. They are delicate considering their age. We didn’t wish to disturb the wrapping or internal, it’d be a bit disrespectful.”

“Centuries ago, I would have not cared as there were many, but now they dwindle in numbers. The preservation is needed.” He added. “They will be displayed back in Cairo, in the National Museum.”

“How would you like the mummy packed?”

“No need to fret Doctor, I have a casket, and crate coming as we speak.”

Two blurs appeared before them. Items in hand.

“Oh.” Drew flinched, heart stumbling in her chest.

“Did Aro fail to mention, what we are? He advised you had been made aware.” Amun paused, crestfallen beside her.

She blushed. That had failed to be mentioned. They’d discussed arrangements, while she was tired. She remembered meeting him a few weeks prior. How he’d been cool to the touch. He had the same pallor to his skin that every other vampire she’d met had. She studied his features, they were too perfect.

“Not explicitly, makes more sense though.” She waved off. “It was the sudden movement I wasn’t expecting it. Ignore me please, go ahead. If you need any help from me, please let me know. I need to put a few final reports together, for our file. Now that we’ve solved how they arrived here, we can properly put them where they need to be.”

“We will be alright, please continue about. We will be out of your way momentarily.”

Drew moved further into the room and removed the sheets from the two sets of remains. The once decayed partial mummy, no longer was on the table. An urn sat in its place, with a tag set on it. She jotted down David’s concluding report.

He was to be laid to rest in the cemetery behind the castle. A plaque would join the bones, identifying the man. An approximate date of death. A dedication to a man who served the Volturi. She placed a hand on table, looking to the smaller skeleton.

The young boy. She frowned. It was a long shot, to find out exactly who they were. When they had been discarded to storage essentially. She couldn’t leave it though. Once upon a time this had been a person. The boy had been a life. He had a name.

“What troubles you?” Amun asked, coming to stand beside her.

“Nothing major.”

“You have stood here for a few minutes, surely it is enough.”

“This boy, he has no name. I talked to Athenadora and Sulpicia about the bodies in the basement. They identified this man, as David. Each other had a story to them, except him. I know the half mummy did not have a name either but there was a story. I just don’t want to write unknown boy, or John Doe for him.” She explained.

“Chisisi, a name which means secret.” Amun offered. “His true name, shall be between him and the Gods.”

“Chisisi, it fits.” She smiled. “Thank you.”

“Anytime Doctor, thank you for returning the mummy to us. Until we meet again.” Amun bowed his head to her, before leaving.

Drew finished typing up her reports, stretching looking at the clock on her computer. It was nearly nine in the evening, she’d been in the lab all afternoon, cleaning off artefacts and getting them sorted. The dirt that clung to a good few of them were stubborn. She hit print on the computer.

A few beeps echoed in response to the command.

She turned getting up. The machine flashed at her.

“Out of ink? Of course…” She rolled her eyes.

She got up exiting her office making her way down the hall to the supply closet. The door was open, and light on inside. She raised her brow. Did the janitor leave it on?

She paused.

A figure stood with a back towards them, holding too many packs of printing paper stacked in hand stood. The person put them on the shelves, organizing them. She watched them grab more from the few boxes on the floor, stacking them.

“Hey, do you need some help?” Drew asked.

 The figure turned in a quick flash. Scarlet eyes zeroed in on her wide.

 “Shit… No one was supposed to be in here.” A feminine voice cursed.

“I wasn’t keeping track of time, don’t mind me. I’m here for ink.” Drew pointed to the packages on the right of the woman. “If you just pass me some I can be out of your way—”

“No.” The woman interrupted, flashing in front of Drew. “I’m sorry, but you’ve seen too much.”

The woman grabbed Drew’s arm in an iron grip. Pain exploded through her forearm. She practically dragged Drew down the hall of the university.

She tried to keep up, the pulling in her arm didn’t give her a choice but to sprint. She didn’t want to lose an arm. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Tears whelmed in her eyes. The vampire hit a dead end.

“Damnit, I thought this was the way…”

“If you’re dragging me to the Volturi—”

“Fuck, how do you know that name?” The woman demanded, not letting go of her arm.

Drew didn’t have time to respond.

A flash of black ripped the woman from in front of her and smashed her into the wall across the hall.

“You dare touch her,”

Drew’s eyes went wide, ice trickled down her back.

“Master!” The woman croaked. “I didn’t—”

Craaack!

It was deafening. Drew flinched, at the sound. In two thumps, she watched the body of the woman fly one way, and the head go the other. Eyes open wide, mouth still half open.

Drew’s stomach churned.

The figure turned black eyes landed on her. Face twisted in a sneer.

Caius.

“You just…” Drew covered her mouth. “What the fuck?”

“Most would say thank you,” He spat.

“Thank you, for what? Decapitating her?” She choked back the growing queasiness.

 “You were in danger.” He shouted.

“What?”

“She was about to kill you, are you so daft?”

“She wasn’t.” She urged.

“Did you not hear how she was panicking? Our guard is trained to kill any human they expose themselves to. While this guard was new, and should have ended you where you were, she was a moment from killing you.” He snarled at her.

“I was about to explain to her I knew already,” she argued. “You came in here deranged and tore her apart.”

“There was no explanation you could give to stop her. She was not listening to you. I heard you two for a few minutes. I saved your life.” Caius stepped within a few inches of her. “Is it so difficult for you, to be grateful and move on? Instead of arguing with me?”

She scrunched her nose up. Her heart was imprinting itself onto her ribcage, her body was shaking. Pain still shot through her arm. It was on fire if she was honest. She dared to look to her arm, her sweater sleeve was ripped. Finger holes dug into the thick material. The skin throbbed.

He was right.

She looked back to him.

Did he have to be a smug bastard about it? She squared up ignoring the ache beginning in her left shoulder. Damn him.

“Are you always a colossal dick?” She rolled her eyes. “You didn’t need to step in. I know you’ve got a crush on me, but I’m not some damsel in distress.”

He grabbed her chin stepping really close to her, he was bent over merely inches from her face. He bared his teeth. “Do not be delusional. I did not save you because I feel anything for you. I did it because if anyone is going to end your miserable existence it will be me.”

He pulled away, picking up the head and body of the other vampire, before disappearing.

Why was he so good looking when being a smug bastard? No. she mentally slapped herself. She would never think of this asshat in such a way. She peeled herself off the stone wall and looked towards the way they’d come. Damn fucker left her in the middle of some hall, where she had no clue where she was. She didn’t even have her cell phone.

Chapter Text

Drew had been wandering around for what seemed like eons. It was probably closer to an hour, but it didn’t negate her building rage. The damn fool had abandoned her. She’d taken a left, and then a right. A set of stairs upwards. Then she went down another set.

She’d ended up in some dead end.

“One thing’s for sure, I definitely can’t go that way.” She rolled her eyes turning the way she’d came.

They’d taken a left… then a right… there were stairs… right? She sighed pinching the bridge of her nose with her good hand. She hadn’t been paying attention to the path she’d been dragged down. She was too busy focusing on the excruciating pain in her arm. So here she was in some labyrinth, way after work hours. Making it less likely she’d be found by some random student or co-worker. She’d last been in the university. Surely, they couldn’t have gone far. If they had would any other vampire be in the premises?  

Only one way to find out…

“Is any other vampire lurking down here?! Serious question. Some twat waffle named Caius Volturi decided it would be a good idea to leave a VERY HUMAN-being lost in a trap. One who is mated to said fuck knuckle.” She shouted as loudly as she could.

She continued down the hallway taking a right turn. The hall opened wider it was better lit than the left direction.

“Caius Volturi, if I see your dusty crusty face ever again, I am going to turn you into a sparkler. I’m not a chemist but I’m pretty fucking handy. If you don’t send someone saner than you are, to retrieve me I will make your immortal life miserable!” She screamed.

She turned left after a few moments only to hit another dead end. She groaned. What sadist designed this place?! She turned around once more trying with no luck to get out. Think about burning Caius over a bonfire. Roasting him with more than words. Drew took a few deep breaths. It didn’t touch the red surrounding her vision.

“ARO VOLTURI, MARCUS VOLTURI. I HAVE A LIGHTER AND A MIND TO SET THIS CASTLE ON FIRE! I WILL GET OUT OF HERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, CAIUS!”

They had super hearing, right? Then why the fuck were they not responding to her? Was this a sick joke to them? Were they all involved in this?  

“I will move back to Canada so fast if this is some fucked up attempt at a joke.” She whispered before shouting. “IF SOMEONE DOES NOT RETRIEVE THE DOCTOR FROM THIS MIND FUCK, I WILL MAKE YOU ALL SUFFER! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A VAMPIRE’S MATE DIES?! DO YOU REALLY WANT TO FACE THAT SHIT?!”

She slumped into herself ignoring the shooting pain in her left shoulder as she did so. She rolled her sleeve up getting a better look at her left arm. A handprint surrounded by red deepening into purple and blue formed. She tentatively moved her arm back, she gasped at the pain when she got a bit back. Damn it… She didn’t like the fire burning in her arm as she tried to move her arm forward either. She prayed it wasn’t broken.

“Well fuck, she really did a number on me.” She grumbled pushing the sleeve down. “CAIUS, if you’re waiting around some corner like the creep to jump out…I will torture you! Starting by finding items that can hurt vampires. High voltage tasers. I will make it, so you have no balls. I will boil your teeth. In the end turning you into a firework for my own entertainment.”

She took a deep breath and leant against the wall to give herself a small break. Her feet were beginning to hurt, calves burning. She would need to pace herself. She cleared her throat. Soreness already starting from screaming.

“You are quite the creative thing.” A deep voice mused.

Drew immediately looked to the newcomer. Dressed in all black, lean built, tall with brown wispy hair. Red eyes zeroed in on her. His thick brow arched while he took her in.

“Yeah, well you try being trapped in here for an hour. In pain because an idiot decided to abandon you.” She snapped.

“It’s only been forty-five minutes, Dr. Danvers… I heard… a good few of us did.” He smirked.

“Why did you wait to reveal yourself?” She demanded.

“I wanted to hear how creative you could be.” He shrugged. “Do you really have a lighter?”

Drew dug into her pocket with her good hand and revealed a lighter. “Despite my threat I don’t have a taser on me. Only my Swiss army knife.”

The vampire before her laughed. He offered his arm to her. “We shall get you back to Master Aro. I didn’t expect you to be so funny.”

“I’m a wee bit pissed off. Sorry, I shouldn’t be taking it out on you. I’m in pain, and willing to murder a specific someone for leaving me here. I didn’t even ask your name.” She sighed taking deep breaths to calm herself.

“I am Demetri,” he advised. “These halls were designed to keep humans out of the castle.”

“Mission accomplished there.” She rolled her eyes taking the offered arm.

“This way,”

Demetri was gentle with her, going slowly while he guided her through the hallway. The stone walls were all too familiar. Each was identical to another hall. If it was small hall, it mirrored another small hall further up, and vice versa. They took a few right turns and down a set of stairs. He reached a dead end. She had been here already. She may have been messed up, but this was where she’d been left. She turned to glare at him, mouth opened.

He pressed on the stone. It swung inward revealing a nicer marble floored hallway with high lights and arches. He helped her through. The hall was filled with art works, despite no windows it was spacious. These looked more familiar to the castle halls she’d seen glimpses of with Aro and Marcus. She relaxed slightly in her steps.

She recognized a secretary desk surrounded in a stone shell. No one was behind it though. They made a quick left and into an elevator. The trip down was quick to the third basement level. Eerie elevator music filled the silence.

The mirror across from her revealed, she had quite a few frizzy curls that stood out from the others. She was flushed in the face she could see it trickling down her neck dipping into her shirt. Drew really couldn’t find it in her to care about the fact she was disheveled.  

They finally exited onto the third level. Demetri didn’t say anything to her whilst allowing her to take in the various tapestries and art. One of a castle burning with many figures caught her eye. She noted in the burning flames of the castle, figures were blurred as if people were on fire. She squinted closer, seeing one figure in the bottom corner. It was haunting, the face of a woman on her knees in the background looking so anguished.

“Master Aro, and Master Marcus have finished trial but linger within the throne room.” Demetri explained catching her attention.

They picked up their pace once more. She didn’t really understand what he meant by trial but didn’t linger. They stopped in front of two heavy wooden doors.

They swung open.

Drew took a hesitant step forward pausing when Demetri dropped her arm. He motioned with his arm out for her to proceed first. She did as he silently suggested. She eyed up the large circular room.

Three story high stone walls, a few slits in the top she noted looked to let in light. Marble pillars climbed upwards as did a domed ceiling. Beautiful artwork was painted upon it. Many clouds and angels. People lounging about. She followed the room seeing Latin scripture, ‘No one is above the Law.’

She dropped the gaze to straight ahead, the floor slanted ever so lightly towards a drain in the ground. At the far side five thrones sat upon a raised dais. Two of which were occupied. Aro and Marcus… Bastard was lucky he wasn’t here. She may have cooled a fraction, but she’d still torch him.

In a flash, Aro stood before her. He was shrouded in a large black cloak. Concern twisted his face as he looked her over, zeroing in on her arm. The citrus, musk surrounded her the closer he got. She sighed meeting his merlot gaze.

The room was silent, the doors closing thundered around them. She bit her bottom lip, her gut churned. He didn’t embrace her or try to take her hand. She shifted her weight to under the scrutiny. She groaned pain shooting through her arm with the movement. She’d been injured. She mentally reminded herself.

“Now if you’d been wearing that when you said you were a vampire, I’d have believed you.” She broke the silence.

“Amore, are you alright?” Aro whispered rolling her sleeve up.

“Absolutely peachy keen.” She drawled.

Aro was careful as he helped slip her left arm from the shirt. Below she’d worn a camisole for warmth. She heard fabric rip as the thin strap of the camisole fell.

“The bra is able to be made strapless, don’t rip it.” She warned, eyes wide. “This is one of my favorites.”

“May I remove the strap?” He met her gaze searching.

“Why?”

“To inspect your shoulder,” he replied, patiently waiting.

“Fine.” She bit her lip looking away from her arm.

She really didn’t want to see what shape her arm was in, the bruising and swelling was enough to tell her she was hurt. Drew glanced around seeing the room was empty except for the three of them.

Aro’s cool fingers traced her shoulder blade. He applied pressure. She inhaled sharply.

“We will need to x-ray this.” He murmured.

“First I get to murder your brother.” She snapped, as he let her arm gently down. “Where is Caius? Surely, he’d come crawling to you for protection. I want to make good on my words. He’s dead —more dead than he currently is. I’m going to make sparklers out of him after finding things that can hurt a vampire. Can I borrow Thing?”

“My idiot brother can wait. The hand has been returned to its owner.” Aro replied.

“What has our brother done to incur this rath?” Marcus questioned.

“Ah, let me relay the night. I caught a vampire apparently stocking the supply closet when I went to get ink for my printer. She panicked dragged me into some crazy hallways. Your lovely dick of a brother beheaded her. Snapped at me for not realizing the danger, and then abandoned me in said tunnels. I wandered aimlessly for nearly an hour while in pain and injured.” She vented.

Aro’s face contorted further with fury. His red eyes swallowed by black. Marcus approached the two of them, a similar anger written in his features.

“He will be punished, for this. You must not worry for it.” Aro’s voice dropped a few octaves coated in ice.

“Oh no, I’m the one turning his balls into firecrackers.” Drew took a step back. “Where is the poor excuse of a King?”

She didn’t have supplies like she wanted. She’d like to make a spectacle of the event but setting him alight would be fun. She had a lighter for that.

“Doctor, while I do believe Caius deserves this anger. You will regret it.” Marcus interrupted her train of thought. “When a mate dies, all involved perish. It is a delicate thing these bonds. Despite your anger, and hatred. You will only hurt your future yourself. Is he worth suffering all eternity for?”

Drew paused. “Eternity?”

“Yes.”

The damned walking prickle bush seriously would impact her for eternity? She scrunched her nose up remembering the conversation with Aro of how mated vampires could not harm each other and to lose mate was the worst pain. She’d lost a lot of loved ones very dear to her. She’d gone through therapy to cope with it many times. Even so many years later it hurt. Would she really wish to force her future self to suffer so? Eternity in pain for some man?

Caius Volturi was not worth her own suffering. There had to be other ways to make him pay. Revenge would need to be a cold served dish for him. She’d need to strike when he wasn’t expecting it. Anything rash wouldn’t be as satisfying, anyways.

 “Fucking absolute fucknut.” She grumbled.

Marcus sighed hearing her language. 

Aro stepped close once more and traced the bruises on her arm. The throbbing fire was shooting up and down her left arm. She sighed. She saw the grim looks on both men. They didn’t need to hear her ranting like this. Caius should be getting the earful.

“He is most likely in his art studio, hiding amongst his paintings. Leave him for now, you need to be tended to.”

“My questions don’t always need to be answered.” She rolled her eyes. “Especially the ones that are unwanted and pertaining to him.”

“It may be best brother, if you escort Drew to the infirmary. The longer that is not set the worse it may be.”

“He will rue the day he wished to start a war with me…”

“Rightly, so brother.” Aro conceded. “Doctor, let us go.”

She immediately focused in on him.  

“Your arm, I fear it may be dislocated or broken. We must have x-rays done to see if it is so.” He advised.

Drew shook the anger that clouded her thoughts. “Good idea. Is the urgent care open here in Volterra?”

“We have the equipment on site we can tend to this. No need to involve the police in our affairs. It can be quite hard to replace them in this town.” He replied, leading her from the room and down the hall.

“Ah, right. They might think someone beat me.” She nodded agreeing. “Well more so like this was domestic violence. Which this wasn’t on your brother. He killed the vampire that did this.”

“I am glad to hear he didn’t.” He cringed slightly. “That as well, the line of questioning would lead to exposure.”

Chapter Text

Aro assisted Drew up onto the examination table, hospital gown in place. X-rays had been taken to see the extent of her injury. Aro stood beside her, keeping close watch of her.

His brows were pulled together, a slight crease between them. Red eyes blown wide. Cool fingers traced patterns on top of her thigh. His lips down turned.

“Please don’t look at me like that.” She whispered taking hold of his hand with her right hand.

“How am I looking at you?” He mused, cupping her cheek.

“As if I’m so fragile, already broken. The imaging isn’t back, the pain medication has kicked in. I’m—”

“Do not finish that sentence, Doctor.” He warned, voice dropping a few octaves.

She shuddered when he caught hold of her chin.

“You wish I did not worry over you it makes you uncomfortable. I want you to consider my perspective. That someone I care for dearly has been hurt, possibly with nerve, muscles, ligaments and bones broken or torn. You are not a burden to me, your well being is and always will be my priority. You are in luck Marcus is not here.”

“I —” Drew struggled whilst Aro looked up at her from under thick lashes.

She remembered the many arguments she’d had as a fresh young adult. The fear that churned her stomach of another person caring for her. Relying on others, meant trusting them. Each person that entered her life left. No one stayed. She was tired of opening only for someone to be gone. A crack fissured into her heart each time. She was getting too fragile.

She tried, she really did, to open. Aro in these last few weeks had her spiraling. She was willing to be close so quickly, it was baffling. There was a sense of safety that enveloped her whenever he was near. She didn’t have the urgency to plan any escape route or to push him to the edge. He wanted to be there for her. To face her demons head on and care for her. Even if it meant overstepping some boundaries. He desired to be present in her life. She found herself willing to do so.

“I’ll try. I’m not used to this…”

“It takes time, amore, to be at peace with your inner turmoil.” He murmured kissing her temple. “Know that we are not going anywhere. Immortality and all.”

Drew’s cheeks warmed. He remained keeping contact with her skin. He’d read every concern and worry in her head. She would try, she realized to accept the care.

It took her a long time to open herself up to others. Constantly moving around, seven schools between ages twelve until fifteen. They never remained. She built friendships in her PhDs that she had been unable to before being much younger than her classmates. She’d been to therapy in that time to come to terms of her trauma. She’d kept romance at am arm’s length due to concentrating on her studies. In her career she wished to keep it casual… she’d justified it as wanting to get her feet about her… until now. She gave Aro’s hand a light squeeze, taking a deep breath. She wanted to be closer to him.

“Thank you, for being here. Despite my denial.” She admitted.

“I will always be by your side.”

The door opened to the room.

“Thank you for your patience, I have the results here.”

 Dr. Perez put the X-rays up on the illuminated board.

“As you can see, there are fortunately no breaks. The bones remain strong and intact. There is some swelling within the muscles which is usual with a dislocation. I recommend we pop the shoulder back in place and a sling be used to stabilize the joint. There should be time to ice the area daily, pain medication to manage symptoms. I do not recommend heavy lifting or repetitive movements for a few weeks, as in the field work. Exercise it within a few weeks, the brace will only be needed for a few days.”

“Thank the gods.” Drew exhaled a grin on her face.

The two vampires looked between her and themselves.

“You need to pop it in.” She realized. “Make it quick.”

Wednesday morning, she made her way to work. She hummed to herself passed the receptionist, she wanted to stop off for coffee before she headed to her desk for the day.

“Danvers, you were under strict orders not to be here.” Az pinned her with a glare, from next to the coffee machine.

“I’ve got a few things to sign off on I forgot about.” She replied, filling her mug with coffee.

“If anything was needing to be signed, I am capable to do so. You are under clear instructions to be nowhere on university grounds. If you were, you were to be sent straight home.”

 “Reports are still due. I’m to be away for four days, and we must keep on top of this all. Kingston is gone home on emergency still.” She argued.

“I can manage, this work is going nowhere it has not been for three hundred years. You however are under direct orders not to be here, as per our employer and your boyfriend. Go home Danvers.” He took her mug from her.

“It is a dislocated shoulder my right hand still works. I will be at my desk not another place.”

Az’s brows creased. He pinched his nose bridge. “I do not want to be skinless. I may or may not agree you are still capable of working, however your boytoy has made his words clear.”

“Who would tell him I was here?”

“He would see your name upon the papers, which are dated.”

“What would he truly do, honestly? He wouldn’t skin you.”

“Your boyfriend bites, he is not all bark. In fact, he’s falsely polite and will kill.”

She paused. Azrael had a point, Aro was a vampire. A king at that, he could easily make the man disappear. She really liked her co-workers too, they didn’t need to go missing.

“That’s— fair. Okay.” She remembered the first time she’d met him, scared in her own shoes. “I should pack… I haven’t done that yet. Not that I can do it too well.”

Az pulled out his phone, flipping it open and dialing. “Dav, get your stuff your off the rest of the day with Danvers. She needs help packing. If that’s what it takes to keep her away from the office. It’s paid.”

“You’re even paying her?” Drew laughed. “Alright, I will leave.”

“Good.”

Davina practically dragged her home within a few minutes. She put Drew next to her half-filled suitcase mindful of the sling.

“Okay, let’s start with what’s in here.” Davina began lifting a few of the items, a light blue sweater dress and black stockings. “These are okay, it’s supposed to be chilly.”

She folded them back up and placed them to the side. Drew had kept a variety of clothes from sweaters, t-shirts, long sleeves and jeans and trousers and skirts, she wasn’t sure what to expect in where Aro was taking her. She’d included two dresses for any fancy dates. She wanted to be prepared, as he had been tight lipped on their destination and only told her it would be in northern Italy.

“Drew, seriously what are these atrocities?” Davina held plain black cotton underwear. “This is a romantic four day get away, to get more intimate, isn’t it?”

“Those are back ups in case my period sneaks up on me.”

Davina nodded slowly folding the stuff back into the suitcase. “Smart… but you need something more too.”

Davina turned and headed into her closet. She opened the top drawer of her dresser and dug deep. It wasn’t long until she had a dark purple lacy bra and matching low cut panties. The set still had the tags on them. “These are what I’m talking about!”

“I forgot I had those.” Drew took them with her good hand. They had been bought on some random shopping spree with Davina. The girl was always shopping, so Drew ended up buying a few extra things.

Drew folded them and placed them in the suitcase, while Davina went digging.

“Oh wow, what was the occasion for this?”

Drew looked up her face burned. There Davina held up two hangers from further in her closet. One was a lilac lacy baby doll with the cups that were see-through. the other a bright red lace trimmed deep V-neck satin teddy lingerie.

“Prepping for the weekend?”

“I bought those after our wine tasting three months ago, when you said I wasn’t adventurous enough to buy these things. I had gone slightly tipsy to the boutique and bought them. Hence the tags.”

“Ah you’re more of the silk chemises from what I see.” Davina turned hanging them back up and grabbing the few silk chemise nightgowns from their hangers.

“The goal is nude in the end, why make it complicated?” Drew chuckled getting up and digging further into the corner, she grabbed the lace baby doll set with sheer cups. “I’ll bring the two baby dolls. Easier access.”

“If I dig further will I find garters, and leather pieces?” Davina teased.

“I left my whips at home.” Drew drawled. She laughed seeing Davina pause in her packing of the lingerie.

“I don’t know if that’s a joke.”

“I don’t have a whip. I’m more into the rewards than pain.”

“So silk or satin restraints?”

Drew shook her head pushing Davina away from her sock drawer. “I’ll let Aro supply those, he’s got a lot of ties.”

“Nope! I surrender. I don’t need to picture the man. He’s hot but also twenty years my senior.”

“He’s barely in his early thirties.” Drew corrected. Give or take a few millennia…

“Swimsuit?” Davina asked onto the middle drawers.

Drew paused. “Honestly never thought that over, sure this will be a romantic weekend, but we never discussed activities. It’s unrealistic to think we’d only be in bed. Maybe I’ll pack one or two.”  

  “This is turning into a lot. Can we reduce the number of sweaters you’ve packed?”

“That’s a good idea. I’m an over packer. I still need my night bag in there, bonnet, hair care… do I bring a wig, or do I just go beg Siobhan to braid my hair?” Drew mumbled to herself meeting her own gaze in the vanity mirror.

She’d been sporting her natural look for this week since she wasn’t underground. They weren’t long enough just to use her natural hair. Would she need a few looks for this weekend? Aro had a habit of taking her out to extravagant places… She wanted to be prepared. What if they did go swimming…

“Hey, Drew, relax… deep breaths…” Davina caught her shoulders gently holding her in place. “You’re over thinking this, you’ve got time before you head out with Aro. Your hair is versatile and beautiful. We can twist or braid your hair if you want simple and protective. This isn’t about your hair though. What’s got you worked up?”   

   “I haven’t been sexually active with a man in a long time… and when I was it was terrible.” She blurted.

“That’s it?” Davina gave a small smile.

“I’m twenty-six years old and my only sexual experiences with a penis were a few hand jobs, and one time at a party and he pre-maturely ejaculated.”

“Please know that has nothing to do with you. That’s all on the man.” Davina chuckled. “Tell me, are you open to the idea of being intimate with Aro?”

“Of course, we’ve done a few things more than making out.”

“Do you trust Aro enough to communicate with him?”

“Yes.”

“Then you’ll be fine.”

“How are you so sure?”

“Because all you need to do is use your big brain and communicate your concerns with him. He’s a grown man, and if that’s the case he will care enough about his partner’s pleasure. Thus, you two will do this at your own paces. Consent is a big thing.” Davina explained. “So, deep breaths, take your time and you’ve got it. You can seduce Siobhan, which is no easy feat.”

“I’m usually so confident in my sexuality. Women are just –something else. I’m comfortable with them. Men I revert to this state of nerves.”

“You’re used to being dominant, in new circumstances you revert to the submissive. It’s okay to be a switch.”

“There’s a term for this?”

“Of course. Have you ever explored BDSM?” Davina questioned.

“Not much. I never picked up a book on it.”

“BDSM has a lot of things that can be translated into bigger world around it. Consent, communicating your needs, safe words. People are very diverse, and needs are different in each relationship. I’m not into the extremes of the lifestyle but I enjoy some parts the care and control especially.”

“Aro is one hundred percent a Dom, we’ve established that before.” Drew smirked.

“That’s obvious.” Davina laughed. “He’s loaded and holds a lot of power, there’s this air about him. It’s dark and sexy. You can be the same way when you know what you’re doing and comfortable. In new situations it can take some time to come out. You were reserved when I first met you.”

“Yet you still managed to make me social.”

“I’m charming and everyone adores me. It’s my superpower.”

“Exactly, now let’s get your stuff packed so we can go to lunch.”  

“Amore, are you ready?” Aro asked entering her foyer. He was casually dressed in slacks and a knit sweater.

“As I can be, you’ve divulged no specifics.” She teased. It was just after four thirty am.

“We are headed to one of our properties in the north. It is a Villa on the hills of Conegliano, surrounded by a few vineyards, one of which we own. It affords us some privacy.” He explained. “We are headed to Florence to fly to Venice we can explore the city first of course, then head up the home.”

“Oh, it sounds wonderful.” Drew smiled embracing him. “Will you be alright to fly?”

“It’s our private plane, the weather will be overcast when we arrive. It is the benefits of autumn in Venice, a good chance of clouds.”

“You own a private plane? Why am I questioning this, of course you would.” She slipped on her shoes.

“Multiple, a bigger set for overseas. They are leased out now and then to others or used by the guard. It is the easiest way to travel and not draw too much attention.”

“Fair point mobsters need secrecy.” She agreed slipping on black jacket, she was ready to go.

She was within a few steps of him near the door. Aro raised his brows an upwards curl of his mouth as he leant down to her. She kept his crimson gaze firm, not caring as his gloved hand caught her chin. He was a few inches from her face. His cool breath washed over her, smelling of mint.

The silence between them tense, while her heart thundered in her chest. She offered a soft smile. “I’m joking. I know you’re a ruler of the entire vampire world.”  

“Indeed, I am,” His lips ghosted close to hers as he responded.

She inhaled. His cologne was enticing as was all of him. Eyes heavy as she tried to keep looking up at him. She closed the distance wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him closer. He didn’t resist, capturing her lips in a few gentle kisses. Lips parted she took shallow breaths trying to calm the twisting in her belly, that grew stronger every time she was near him. Heart hammering into her chest.

How had she feared being intimate with this man? It came like second nature to her. Kissing him, running her hands through his soft locks of ebony. Though his skin was cool to the touch and stiff at times, he made her burn with desire. It didn’t take much for him to have her melting at the knees, so easily receptive to each touch, caress, kiss. He’d so easily pleasured her before. It didn’t require her brain to realize each moment could be amazing.

“Thank you for planning this.” she whispered pulling back.

“One of many in our future. I plan to make sure you experience immense pleasure this weekend.” He winked straightening, arm out to escort her out of her flat.

He took her suitcase in the other hand while they exited, pausing for her to lock up.

One thing Drew could count on, it was sleeping soundly on an airplane. She hadn’t meant to sleep all the time on the flight but no coffee and a simple breakfast, it was the perfect mixture to have her falling asleep.

“Amore, we’ve arrived.” Aro said quietly, running his hand up her back.

She propped up off his chest, blinking taking in the brighter light in the cabin. She stretched buckling up seeing the light pop on.

“It’s been three hours, really?”

“Almost, we will land in a few minutes.”

“I’m going to need espresso,” she yawned.

“There are other ways we can keep you awake.” Aro offered, leaning close to her. His cool ungloved hands traced patterns upon hers. “A few dreams we can make reality.”

She bit her bottom lip studying his face.

Aro could bring her to the brink of pleasure, in multiple ways. He’d shown how easy it was for him, with his tongue, fingers, and words to make her climax. She glanced to the window, where the sights of Venice came into view, Marco Polo airport. The ancient city which she was being given the time to explore.

His laughter pulled her back to him.

“Amore, when I plan to bring you to the peaks of pleasure it will not be rushed. I will not try to compete with that thirst you have for knowledge.” He kissed the hand he still held.

“Please never make me choose.”

Chapter Text

Drew maneuvered herself off the last step of the Rialto Bridge, holding tight to Aro’s arm. Despite the overcast skies, many tourists flocked to the popular bridge. She couldn’t blame them. The beautiful stonework, of the few hundred-year-old bridge. She was always amazed at what humans could do without the luxuries of modern technology. Aro guided her with the crowds away from the bridge, back to the street closest to their waiting car.

They had been through a few museums in the city since they’d landed. This was their last stop before they were to finish their journey out to the country villa. The place where they’d be for the rest of this long weekend. She pressed her lips together. Thoughts of tonight had teased the edge of her mind all day.

Simple brushes of touch on her hands, neck, arms set her off. She teetered on edge of excitement and hesitation. The circling thoughts always the same. He was a man. But he was Aro. This wouldn’t be like before. She was an adult. She could communicate her needs. Aro respected her. She’d been intimate with partners before… he was a man…

She took a deep breath, calming her thundering heart. She didn’t need to spiral. No emotions. Be Logical. She could do logic. The facts. Aro had shown her time and time again he was true to his word. He was making a great effort to listen and communicate to her despite past mistakes. Aro was patient. He had given her pleasure before.

“I’m serious!”

Drew’s thoughts interrupted. Two girls in front of them stood face to face. The smaller girl had been the one to shout.

“I’m calling bullshit. You really think that it’s a real vampire?” The second girl scoffed arms crossed.

Drew’s eyes widened, heart thundering in her chest she looked around to the crowds that floated around them moving without a care in the world. She dared a glance over to Aro. He met her gaze, his face blank of any emotions. Well, there’s the damper on her spiraling she mentally sighed.

“It says right here that a vampire skull was unearthed in a plague grave on the island of Lazzaretto Nouvi,” The smaller girl thrust her smartphone at the other’s face.

Drew exhaled shaking her head. Okay, not real vampires. The title of the article did catch many people’s attention. She’d read it out of curiosity a few months prior. Matteo Borrini an anthropologist from the University of Florence. She’d read a bit of his work on the mass grave on the island.

“Read the full article Kristie, they found the origin of the legend that the black plague was caused by vampires. It’s not a real vampire, only a body that got gross.” The girl pulled Kristie along and off to the side.

Drew searched their surrounds they had wandered far enough from the crowds to be relatively private. She turned back to Aro. “She just had me turning white. How often do you find yourself stopping when you hear that word in public?”

“In centuries passed that word, made me stop. I would lurk until I confirmed there had not been any laws broken. It was not common for everyday humans to bring forth such legends without cause. It was when Dracula was published, I began ignoring the word. Humans have become obsessive with the occult since then.” He explained.

“I guess it was Dracula that made vampires sexy.” She murmured. “Before that it was always corpses roaming looking for blood.”

“Those legends were created to keep humans away as a whole.” He mused leading her around the corner further to where the car awaited.  

 “Does one of you keep tabs on all the vampire stories to make sure none are close to the truth? The whole clickbait title of that article, it could raise suspicions.” She asked when they reached the waiting car.

 “We have a few guards who filter through works of fiction and the online sphere. IT works with security to monitor the deep and dark web.”

“I didn’t even think of that level of the internet. The possibilities are endless of what could be revealed.” She hummed sitting back in her seat.

“Do you attend the vampire and ghost tours?”

“It is tasked to the guards to keep track of all occult occurrences. We do not take chances in breaches.” Aro assured her.

“Darn, the Venice ghost tour is on my list of things to do. I love the urban legends.”

“We can always delay our return home.” He offered.

“Maybe.” She smirked grabbing hold of his hand.  

The car had rounded down the narrow road, the sun was still behind the clouds the skies had begun to darken with the evening encroaching. A two-story white stone manor appeared between the bare trees. She could see the rows upon rows of bare vineyard trees. The car pulled between some iron gates the drive was long at least a few hundred meters before the car parked.

“I really need to know your definition of villa.” Drew gawked sliding out of the car door Aro held open for her. “When you said country villa, I assumed you meant some quaint cottage, not a literal mansion.”

She heard the clicking the trunk shut, a brush of wind. Felix was already gone inside. Aro’s hands landed on her shoulders, sliding down to settle on her hips. There were hedges set in a maze of sorts in front between the two gravel driveways that diverged around it. They had turned with the autumn coolness. The ivy on the bottom windows of the large manor was losing leaves as well. The many sets of stone stairs were greeted with marble pillars to the double arched doors with matching windows on each side. The lights from inside greeted them.

“In comparison to a palace.” He chuckled leaning close to her ear.

She rolled her eyes turning to him. “Semantics. Are all the properties you own mansions or bigger?”

“Not every home is as grand.” He stepped forward offering his arm. “We do own some small cottages as you say. They are not for comfort but a shelter from the elements. Just because our kind can survive does not mean we wish for our guards to suffer. Different property types offer different levels of hiding in plain sight. New York for example, we own a few penthouses. Those though are usually occupied by a few elite guards, or Sully and Athena.”

“Ah penthouses how economic.” She nodded once. “What of castles?”

“In true definition two. In size comparison five.”

She’d meant it as a joke. She gulped flexing her grip on his black wool outer jacket’s sleeve. He’s a vampire with thousands of years in life. Money accumulates, especially if they invest it correctly. They ran multiple enterprises globally. She focused on the golden buttons on his lapel. Each held a V stamped in it…

 Not her circus to monitor. She’s here to indulge and relax, not discuss financial books and what her opinions were. Despite the dry mouth…

“If it appeases you Doctor, these properties are available to all guards and sometimes rented out too. None remain neglected as the manor you work upon.” He glanced down to her.

Drew knew her eyes were wide, taking in the mastery before her. Aro pulled her attention back, taking her hand. She shuddered. The thought of these homes in ruins.    

“That’d be criminal.” She blurted. “This manor is absolutely stunning from what I can see. The one in Volterra is well designed too. To allow beautiful homes rot away not caring for what you own. I would take the credit card you gave me and make it a personal mission to restore every square inch of those places. I would vow to make a dent in your massively endless accounts.”     

A smile curled his lips upwards. “I hold you to that. I quite agree with your opinion. There is beauty and artform in architecture. The only other home to fall to ruins was destroyed in the French Revolution, a party got out of hand. It was in the early days of developing alcohol that vampires could consume.”

“What happened?” she asked as they made their way arm in arm up the many steps. She huffed once they made it to the grand foyer.

Crystal chandeliers hung with lights that mimicked candles. The dark wooden baseboards with cream-colored walls. The door frames were in the deep oak color. Aro opened a door off to the side, she peaked in seeing two wracks on each side a few hangers to take coats, and shelves for shoes and belongings. The floors were the matching wood, the staining she assumed was upkept through time, but original to the time when the building was constructed.  

“A few vampire nomads had consumed a fair amount they had begun debating philosophical questions of the times. They got louder and louder. a duel was challenged, and one thing led to another leading to the demise of our home. We did not discover this until half the home was demolished.”

“Really? You didn’t hear the commotion until the house fell around you?” Drew raised a brow. “I thought vampires heard everything.”

“While our senses are superior, when intoxicated we are as humans are.” He explained.

“I feel you may have been involved more than you’re saying. Are you sure, you weren’t a catalyst to the destruction?” She teased crossing his arms while he took his own off at a human pace.

“Are you challenging my honesty?” He returned after shutting off the light and closing the closet door.

“Me? Never!” She grinned.

Aro bent at the waist lowering his gaze to her level. He captured her chin with a forefinger and thumb. “Your mouth inches closer to getting you in trouble. That may need to be corrected.”

“How far?” Drew exhaled, darting forward pressing a kiss to his lips.

Aro caught her waist before she could move. His fingers splayed her back pulling her closer. He ran a cool tongue over her bottom lip seeking entrance. She didn’t fight him, wrapping her arms around his neck, playing with his silky black locks. Their tongues mingled, dancing in her mouth. She moaned against him.

He pulled back allowing her to breath, forehead rested against hers.

 “Too close,” he murmured, eyes turned pitch black.

Drew’s cheeks warmed. “Will you give me a tour?”

She settled onto her own feet, taking his arm just in case they gave out.  Aro began leading her through the manor.

“This home was built and designed in the seventeenth century by the architect Baldassarre Longhenga. The property consists of this main building and a guest house closer to the vineyards. Through those doors there, we have the reception halls, hardly used but upkept for the façade. The furniture is from the same century.” He explained allowing her to pop her head in.   

A few couches sat with the large windows. Thick curtains were drawn open. A coffee table and center piece of gold sat. End tables matched, a bright carpet under it all. A few paintings covered the walls of beautiful heavenly scenes in the skies with a rolling vineyard below.

“There are three floors to the home. This first floor there are entertaining rooms, and reception halls. The ball room attaches to the conservatory, which wraps around to the stairs down to the heated in ground pool and hot tub, in the gardens. Those are a modern addition.”

“a heated pool? That’s a bonus.” She perked up. “We’ll need to check it out... maybe later.”

“The second floor has six bedrooms, with four bathrooms. On the lower ground floor there is a kitchen and dining table, and what was the staff rooms. These were converted into the library a century into owning the building. Not many human staff were kept here. The living room is on the ground floor with an over hanging loggia that would house the orchestra had any stayed permanently. There are a few studies up there now. The gardens are upkept by a hired gardener, and we have a guard who upkeeps the interior regularly.”

They rounded the ground floor. The large kitchen’s lights were on, with commercial grade stoves and fridges. The countertops were dark marble, a worktable in the middle of the room. There a large dining room sat with a long table and fifteen chairs. The crystal chandeliers inside the high vaulted ceilings. They rounded to the first floor up a set of stairs.

Eventually, He led her up a main set of stairs towards the bedrooms. The heigh ceilings were open as they climbed, many paintings greeted them as they went.

They poked inside each room briefly the original furnishings or similar replicas sat waiting to be used.

Aro guided her to the master bedroom. The high ceilings continued in here, with warm lights above and side lamps on each side table. Two vanities were set up on each side, with dressing curtains drawn and wardrobes. A plush cream carpet covered a good area of the room, and a sitting area was set to the side near a modern gas fireplace.

The sheets were beautiful in creams and dark reds. She saw her suite case sat on the end of the bed. She really didn’t need Felix putting her clothes away for her. It would be enough for Aro to see them. She didn’t need the guards seeing those.

“That first door on the left is the ensuite bathroom,” Aro advised.

Drew followed his lead he flipped the lights on as he went. The washroom had a massive walk-in shower on the right side, subway tiled walls from floor to ceiling. A rain shower head was coming from the ceiling, with wall pieces that moved. Double sinks sat on the vanity, with a large mirror reflecting them. The toilet was in a private area with a bidet. To the left a large pool with jets sat. She smiled wide.

“This place is absolutely breath taking.” Drew admitted turning to Aro who stood behind her.

“While the property is stunning, it pales in comparison to you,” he murmured leaning down to her.

Drew’s cheeks burned, allowing him to steal a kiss. She reached up caressing his cheek.

“Now amore, why don’t you go relax as you are itching to do, while I cook your dinner?” He suggested.

“I can help with the cooking.” She argued.

“You do not hear the siren’s call from the large shower? The rain heads with multiple speeds does not tempt you?” He teased looking behind her.

She bit her bottom lip, before cracking a smile. He’d read her mind loud and clear. The shower sung for her to get undressed and into it. “A little,” 

“I shall cook, you go settle it has been a long day of walking.” He encouraged her holding her toiletry bag in hand.

She took it. “You know me a little too well.”

“I cheat to my benefit.” He shrugged chuckling. “Take your time it is just the two of us. Felix has gone to the guest house.”

Aro left with that closing the door behind him. Drew put her bag down and quickly undressed.  

“Oh, Heaven is filled with these.” She sighed happily closing the shower door.

Drew emerged from the steaming washroom wrapped in a robe freshly washed and moisturized. She went to her suitcase it’d been moved to sit behind the dressing curtain on the left side of the bed. She took her time setting her things away in the wardrobe. She looked between her clothes. Did she want to be dressed up only to be disrobed quickly?

She grabbed the lilac teddy and a pair of matching silk shorts. They would be alone in the house. She slipped into her thicker house coat of dark grey that fell to her knees. She toed on her slippers, so she didn’t suffer cold feet.

Drew found her way towards the kitchen on the ground floor, following the enticing smell of dinner. Not having to cook was a lovely bonus of the day. She opened the kitchen door pausing at the sight.

Aro stood back to her, at one of the stove tops. Meat sizzled within the wok he was operating. She saw the discarded heads of the vegetables included in the meal. Two wine glasses sat beside the cutting board on the worktable in between them. One filled with a dark red liquid, the other filled with a white wine.

She froze in her step.

Aro had also changed out of his suit for the evening. He wore tight fitted black slacks. They sculpted his rear giving her a better idea to the rounded behind in them the thigh muscles strained with the fabric. The shirt he wore, was completely sheer with lace detailing in deep burgundy, his back muscles rippled as he worked on her dinner. The fabric puffed a bit from his skin that tapered in on the satin wrist cuffs and waist that was a fitted layer of deep burgundy satin. Dark raven locks were tied back in a low knot at the nape of his neck.

Aro turned setting the food off to the side on the marble counter.

“Amore,” he greeted smiling.

Drew’s tongue was heavy. She stood frozen, eyes wide, with her fist in her teeth. Her heart pounded, setting her body aflame.

The front was a better sight. The shirt revealed his chiseled chest. She could see his pecks and abs through the transparent material. She’d never thought of the idea of men’s lingerie before, but this… this was it. She pulled her hand away making sure no drool followed it.

“Do you like it?” He raised his brow, his lips quirked up.

She opened her mouth to respond. “I —I… uh… uhm…Aaaaa…”

Drew slammed her mouth shut.

If she’d had any remaining hesitation about tonight, it was gone. Had it gotten warmer in here? She was one hundred percent certain her face and chest were bright red breaking through her melanin. She was already fighting her knees that threatened to drop her to the ground. Would it be appropriate to give in and open her lips?

“I will take your silence as a yes?” Aro chuckled sipping from his wine glass.

He rounded the worktop island with the second glass of wine in hand at a human pace. Shaky hands she took it. She gulped down half.

“You… you… also took the time to change…” she whispered. She reached out gesturing to his chest with her free hand not making contact.

“The evening called for a more casual attire with just the two of us. Your dinner is cooked. Go have a seat and I shall bring it to you.” He waved her back not losing his grin.

“I’m really not hungry for food.” She didn’t take her eyes off him.

“Ah ah,” He tsked waving finger at her. “You will eat first, doctor. I planned an evening of vigorous exercises that require you to be nourished.”

Drew’s heart skipped a beat. “Yes sir.”

“Be a good girl and do as you are told.” His voice dropped an octave.

His earlier words came back to her.

“This is the punishment, isn’t it?”

“Perhaps,” he chuckled. “Now go before you acquire more.”

Drew turned and exited to the left where the dining room was located. The long table was set with a plate at the right side of the head of the table. She sat immediately.

She was soaking. A pang tightened in her abdomen. She pressed her legs together while Aro carried out her meal. He placed it down for her, before sitting himself along with two dark bottles of wine.

She forced herself to take in the meal before her. A beautifully presented beef stir fry.

“It is done correctly, yes?”

Drew looked back to him. “Yes! I’m a little slow to the take right now.”

“Distracted?” He practically sung in a sickly-sweet tone.

She shifted herself the wetness was a bit uncomfortable. “a bit…”

“What fills that vast brain of yours, Doctor?”

Your dick. “Everything.”

“Will you clarify?”

“Best I eat.” She whispered stuffing her mouth to not respond.

The spices. The crunch of the okra and peppers, not over cooked. Perfectly heated. She swallowed taking a bite of the beef strip. She closed her eyes. Perfection. She moaned.

 “It is satisfactory?” Aro chuckled.

She met his gaze. His eyes no longer red. His pupils had swallowed the iris. She gulped. She wasn’t going to be losing the flushed skin at all tonight… probably not for these four days…

“It’s perfect.”

“Excellent,” he whispered loud enough for her to hear, before taking a sip of his wine. His eyes never left her.

Chapter Text

“That was, wow. Honestly where did you learn to cook like that?” Drew sat back from her meal, comfortably full.

“Centuries of hobbies, our one cook recommended this recipe.” He dismissed eyes aflame. “Come here,”

Drew paused polishing off her wine. She pointed to herself. He crooked a finger to her.

She slowly got up and took the few steps to him. He pushed back from the table slightly angling the chair towards her. She stopped right in front of the chair.

Aro was quick to take her wrist and gently pull her towards him. She landed straddling his lap facing him. She gasped on impact hands on his chest. She adjusted herself to be back enough to be able to see him, her clit bumped his erection tented in his slacks. One of his hands landed on her thigh holding her in place.

“Were we too far?” She tilted her head.

“Yes, especially when you smell so divine.” He replied running his free hand up to the opening of her robe. “I was punishing more than you with this dinner.”

Drew traced the buttons from the bottom of the shirt up to the exposed skin at his neck. “My exact thoughts to this –where did you even get the shirt –while you sat staring at me as if you were about to eat me.”

“I had it made, a few of them actually.” He untied her robe pushing it off her shoulders. Gooseflesh broke out on her arms. “How exquisite you look in lilac.”

He cupped both her breasts through the lacy see through cups of her teddy. She sighed when he rolled her nipples.

“I am torn, whether to be a gentleman and take you upstairs to bed or do I fuck you here in this chair then on the table. I do wish to christen each surface in this house with you.”

Mouth fallen open eyes widened. He caught her chin running his thumb over her bottom lip. He continued to knead her breast with the other hand. She sighed as he ground up into her with each word.  

“How would you enjoy that, Doctor? Riding my cock while chasing your own climax.” He mused returning both hands to her chest before running his hands down to her hips guiding her to grind against him as well. “We could always begin with you on the table, I am feeling hunger for the first time in a few centuries.”

“You’re… you’re… really asking a lot… of me… while teasing me…”

“We will need to invest in a few cushions all over the palace.” He sighed shaking his head. “This mouth of yours will run you into trouble, you’re quite a brat when filled with lust. A choice Doctor, I will not continue this until you do.”

“Bed.” She replied.

In a blink she was kneeling on the edge of the large king-sized bed. The robe she wore gone along with Aro’s shirt. He stood only in his slacks. She studied the ivory cool skin, hair was sprinkled across his chest, a slight happy trail led into his pants. He was practically straining against the fabric.

Aro approached her, her hands landed on his chest tracing patterns to his shoulders down his abdomen. He was cool to the touch, stiff, his skin didn’t move as that of a human. She was a contrast to him, the warm browns of her skin on his. She looked up from under her lashes to him. The bed didn’t give her much height advantage.

He leant down to meet her lips. He kissed her once, twice. He captured her waist bringing her flush against him. He kissed every word from her head before he leant back to guide the teddy over her head. He tossed it aside. His gaze zeroed in on her hardened nipples.

Drew sighed as he glanced to her, “May I?”

“Yes,” she nodded.

He cupped both breasts, before taking one in his mouth. He laved it with his tongue, gently tugging it.

She moaned, the heat twisting tight in her gut. He mimicked his tongue with his hand on her other breast. He switched places, giving enough attention to the other breast. He then began peppering kisses down her middle, down her soft stomach, he ran his hands over her ample behind squeezing gently. She groaned closing her eyes.

The coolness familiar to a few nights ago. She took shallow breaths leaning back, with his guidance.

“Eyes on me, amore, see how beautiful you are.” He commanded, from right below her bellybutton.

She inhaled sharply. He was right above her short’s waistband. The material was darkened, soaked from sitting at dinner. He smiled up at her between open mouth kisses. She bit her bottom lip. He was close. Right where she needed him. The fire burned. It grew steadily with each touch. She took shallow breaths.

Aro pulled her legs apart he lowered himself below her shorts he pulled her knee up kissing up her inner thigh. He took his time repeating the action up the other thigh.

“Aro…” she whined.

“Patience, darling, I wish to savor you.”

She groaned propping herself on her elbows. Hands fisted the top comforter below her.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her pubic bone. He trailed down her pussy with his nose.

“The nectar of the Gods, would never smell as good.”

Face on fire Drew watched with through heavy lids, he pulled the shorts down her legs. He threw them off to the side. He spread her open to him, propping her legs on his shoulders.

“May I?” He requested.

She nodded.

“Words, darling. I require spoken consent.”

“Yes… please…” she whimpered.

“Such wonderful manners,” he said before kissing her clit, directly. He swirled his tongue around the swollen nub.

She was wound up tight. She burned with each caress, and lick. He built her up closer and closer to the cliff edge. She tried to buck against him, but he held her in place with one hand, long fingers secured.

He ran one finger between her soaking folds, tracing her entrance.

“I… need… more…” She gasped.

Aro paused his movement. “What do you desire?”

“You,” she panted. “I need something in me.”

“Like this?” he inserted one finger, before retracting it.

“Yes!”

He slid one finger into her slow in his pace. He returned his mouth to her clit, running his tongue around it clockwise before sucking it into his mouth.

“Fuck!” Drew hissed tossing her head back eyes clenched shut. “Aro!”

“That’s it darling, would you like more?”

“Yes!” She responded bucking herself against him at the loss.

He chuckled returning to her clit, teasing her. He inserted a second finger, then a third.

A slight burn began with the stretching as he crooked his fingers in and out of her pussy towards her pubic bone, he coaxed her closer. Each pull beckoning her to follow him. She bowed off the bed with a strangled gasp. She weaved her fingers into his dark locks, anchoring herself.

He alternated between licking, nibbling at her clit. Each crux of the finger tied her tighter. She was so close. She tensed, sweat broke across her forehead. He sucked on her clit harder.

“Gah!”

She sucked in a harsh breath, choking on her intake as pleasure shot from his mouth and through her body. She shook, little sparks rippled through her, as she fell from the precipice.

“Divine,” Aro growled licking her through her climax.

“Aro…” she whispered embracing him as his lips found her neck again licking and nipping softly at her skin.

He trailed kisses along her jaw, he cradled her face with his hand, bringing her towards him. She pressed her lips to his, tasting herself off him as she let him into her mouth. She threaded her hands around his neck playing with the hair that poured over his shoulders. Their tongues mingled as she settled from her orgasm.

Aro withdrew, from her kiss allowing her to breath. He pulled back enough to slide off his slacks and kick them off the side of the bed. She pushed herself up on her elbows.

His cock bobbed with his movement, hitting his abdomen. He took himself in hand stroking himself. Drew gulped seeing it. The length longer and thicker than she realized, up close.

 He came back to her, settled between her thighs. He was cool against her burning skin. She kissed him, once, twice. She let her mouth fall open, pulling his tongue into her mouth, tracing figures with his. He surrounded her, hands cradling her face to his, his other ran up and odwn her side memorizing each inch of her body.

Drew’s head hit the bed below as Aro took one of her hands with his holding it above her interlocking their fingers. The head of his cock pressed against her opening.

She tensed.

Aro backed up, concern pulled his brows together. “Amore, are you alright?”

She nodded looking to his pitch-black gaze, fighting the heaviness that surrounded her. His scent filled her head, and senses. He was causing her body to alight with the flames of desire once more. The tightening in her core throbbed this time as his cock head hit her clit.

“It’s a new sensation, the coolness of your cock, against me.” She whispered with her free hand she took his cock in hand stroking him before aligning themselves. “I’m on fire and you’re not. It’s a lot all at once.”

  “This may be painful,” he warned, jaw flexing as he pressed the tip inside her.

Drew moaned, fighting the urge to close her eyes. He slid himself halfway inside her, agonizingly slow, and more than once she heard his gasps and groans. He withdrew to the tip, easing himself back into her.

The lubrication from her last orgasm made it easier for him to fully sheath himself inside her. She rolled her hips bumping her clit on his pubic bone. She sighed. It was better than she’d ever dreamed about. She stretched open, he hit new spots in her as he began to set pace. In and out, he withdrew fully before pushing all the way in.

She thrust her hips forward meeting his. The pleasure and heat sparking and burning through her blood and nerves. The pace picked up quicker, and harder. He reached down gripping her side angling her upwards to take him deeper.

“Fuck, Aro, right there!” she cried out when he hit the right spot.

He repeated the motion.

She tossed her head back gasping.

“That’s it darling, allow yourself to feel it all.” Aro groaned.

Each stroke and thrust brought her higher and higher up the hill back towards an orgasm. She reached up wrapping her arms around his neck bringing him down to her. Open mouth kisses we exchanged between sharp inhales. She cried out, stiffening as he brought her closer.

 A cool finger circled her clit, pressing just right.

“Aro!”

She screamed. Sparks of pleasure rocketed through her harder than she’d every felt before. She shook gasping, gulping at the air greedily trying to regain herself. She was covered in a sheen of sweat.

“That –That was…” She panted.

“Utter perfection,” Aro whispered kissing the side of her face, withdrawing himself from inside her.

“Yeah…” she let her eyes flutter shut.

Chapter Text

 “Jesus-fucking-Christ… How’d I miss this?”

Drew glared holding up the sorry excuse of a swimsuit. It was two triangles held together by strings, long ones from what she assumed was supposed to wrap around her to be secured? The bottoms were no better, the high waist and thin coverage, she was asking for a wedgie.

“I’m wanting to swim not floss my ass.” She tossed the thing down digging through the rest.

She’d gotten one of her normal suits in here she had been so sure of it. So focused on having sex with a man she’d completely ignored what her friend had helped her pack. At least it’s a private pool and not a resort…

She caught the tale end of her second suit. It was more material. The black suit was a deep V-neck from the halter ties, it hit her right below her navel, the bottoms were connected and low on the back side. She pursed her lips. Better than initially being nude. She chuckled not that it’d stay on long.

She’d been a bit of a nudist this weekend. Aro had taken her on almost all surfaces of the villa. She didn’t want to lose more outfits after the first two pairs of pants ripped. Finding pants off the rack that went over her thighs and behind was a bit hard.

Drew dropped her robe and quickly slid into the suit. She used the mirror to tie the halter top. She fixed each boob making sure they were secure. She turned to check out the back side.

“She might be annoying, but Davina knows what works.” Drew murmured to herself.

Drew slipped out the backdoor to the patio that led down to the pool. The cool air had her breaking out in gooseflesh. She wrapped the towel around herself. Maybe coming out in only the bathing suit was not the brightest idea as she hurried down the little incline towards the grand stairs that led to the pool.

The skies were overcast as it had been all weekend. The dipping temperatures threatened snow. The browning grass was covered in frost awaiting their fluffy blankets of snow for the winter. She shuddered.

“The cold cannot bother me… I am Canadian. I will not risk my citizenship because I cannot handle the Italian winter.” She mumbled to herself reaching the cement patio where a few lounging chairs sat around the uncovered pool.

The pool was quite large, a deep end with a diving board. Off to the left side a hot tub was located. She grinned while tossing the towels onto the closest chair. She kicked off her shoes and hurried to the edge, plunging herself in.

Absolute heaven.

She was enveloped by warmth all around. She remained a few seconds before surfacing.

“Oh, beautiful heat. No telling the Canadian embassy that I can barely handle the cold.”

“I don’t know… not being able to handle this weather? I might need to report an imposter.” A voice replied.

Drew jumped, turning towards the intruder.

On a lounge chair sitting further back, in a full suit, a large man sat. Arms behind his head. The guard that drove them here. Felix.

“Shit...” She placed a hand on her heart trying to slow it. “Sorry I didn’t know there was anyone out here.”

 “No need to apologize I just arrived. Master Aro had a quick phone call that was urgent. He didn’t wish to leave you unguarded.” Felix explained with a smirk. “I also won’t tell the Canadian Embassy about you not tolerating the cold. You apologize like a Canadian.”

Drew laughed. “I’m grateful. I don’t need to bring shame to my Nation.”

“You don’t,” Felix assured. “I’ve heard quite the tales of how you’ve told off one of the most feared vampires in the world, Master Caius.”

 She pushed off the edge of the pool to do a few laps. She was careful not to over do it with her right shoulder. The tenderness had subsided a bit, she was finished with the prescribed pain meds but took a Tylenol now and then. The bruise was all that remained of her last interaction with that vampire.

Okay, it wasn’t all his doing. There had been a different vampire that had dislocated her shoulder. He had intervened in time, most likely saving her life. He still wasn’t helpful to get out of those halls…

She twisted in her last lap treading in the deep end. No focusing on that asshat. She was here with Aro, her one mate who cared for her. He brought her here to this villa – country manor –to spoil her and bond.  

 She turned floating on her back staring up at the grey clouds. This was their last evening in this wonderful place. She was tempted to ask to stay longer.

Cool hands settled on her back and behind.

Drew glanced up meeting his merlot gaze. A soft smile on his lips.

“Hi.”

“Evening, Amore.” He greeted. “Enjoying the pool?”

“More now that you’re here.” She sat up, wrapping her arms around his neck, and legs around his waist. “How was your call?”

“Of little significance. It could have awaited my return.”

“Frustrating,” she hummed adjusting herself to face him directly.

He guided her to wrap her legs around his waist, he used one hand to hold her behind another to cup her face. He pulled her flush against him.

“Not so much now that I have you in my arms.” He whispered before capturing her lips with his.

She let her eyes close. She returned his kiss with fervor. She leant in wrapping her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. Gooseflesh broke across her skin, her nipples hardened against his chest. He nipped her bottom lip running his tongue right after. He bucked his erection against her.

“Aro,” she gasped breaking away.

He kissed down the side of her jaw. Heat built in her core as he set a steady pace, bumping against her clit. The coolness of his skin wrapped around her with the cool afternoon air. She shuddered trying to get closer.

He pulled back, slowing his hips. “Amore, you are shivering,”

She looked up to him. “Hot tub?”

There was a quick whoosh of air. She clung onto him, as he sat down with her straddling his lap. The cool air caressed her chilling her with his skin. The water, hotter lapped against her waist creating a good mix.

Drew sat back on her knees. “Now, that’s cleared up…”

She quickly loosened the halter top of her suit. She pushed it down removing it. She saw black swim trunks surface.

“Well then.” She grinned reaching down between them taking hold of his hard cock.  

She stroked him, a few times.

He groaned.

 Fingers slid through her slick folds sinking in and out of her.

“Fuck…”

She braced herself with her free hand on his chest. His thumb brushed her clit circling the numb adding pressure.

She gripped him harder, running her thumb over the tip of his cock head. His jaw twitched.

“Amore…”

Drew moved his erection closer to her center, she ran the tip through her folds nudging his fingers out of the way. She was wet enough. She sank down onto him in one smooth movement.

Both groaned grinding against each other.

She raised herself pulling up until the tip remained. She circled her hips, watching his face contort with pleasure. She dropped down harder, repeating the motion gaining in speed.

He took hold of her hip with one hand, guiding her up and down. He pressed against her clit, adding pressure with each stroke. He kept with the pace she set.

Drew closed her eyes, taking shallow breaths. She built the tightness in her core winding it tighter, and tighter. She was close, she picked up her pace chasing her pleasure.

“That’s it, make yourself cum.” Aro cooed, running his hand up her hip. He plucked her nipple, capturing the other with his mouth he laved his tongue around.

She panted, short shallow breaths. Pleasure shot through her. She shuddered, collapsing into Aro. He took control lifting her, once, twice. He followed her over the edge.

 “Drew, you are absolutely glowing!” Az greeted her at the door of the lab. “Did you finally relax and get some?

Drew choked slamming her coffee cup down.

“What the fuck, Az could you be any louder?!”

She coughed making sure coffee didn’t ruin her cream long sleeved blouse.

“You’re the only one in here.” He quirked one brow.

“Yeah, but it’s hardly seven am. This is my first coffee this morning—”

“Hold it, this is your first?” He interrupted.

“Yeah? I brought this from home.” She frowned. “I do every work morning…”

Az approached her taking the cup. He lifted the lid looking inside, the cup was half full.

“It’s warm.” He stated matter-of-factly. “Your first cup is always done by six fifty, or at the latest seven twenty. You usually hit the coffee pot down in the staff lounge about now. This, along with the fact you’re not up to your neck in artefacts yet implies you just got here maybe ten minutes ago. It’s seven ten.”

“Okay? The day starts at seven…” She crossed her arms as he set her coffee down on the table.

 He pulled the stool from the closest table. Why did her co-workers need to be amazingly smart and good detectives?!  

“Meaning you were on time today.” He smirked, leaning closer. “So again, was the dick good?”

She rolled her eyes rolling her chair away from Az.

“We flew in late last night. I was getting rest.”

“She got in at ten thirty last night! Not alone.” Davina countered hanging her outer coat up. “Didn’t even bother to join me for a morning run.”

“I’m on conditional return to work, remember?” Drew mentioned rubbing her temples. “I can’t be exerting myself.”

“Hasn’t stopped you before.”

Az added. “Conditional returns don’t usually have you on time.”

Davina chuckled. “Yeah, and the walls I’m realizing are too thin. I swear I heard you two last night.”

Drew’s face burned as she glared at them. “Okay, unless you’re on lab duty. Both of you out.”

“According to rotation, I’m all yours this week.” Davina gave a toothy grin pointing to the whiteboard behind her. “So, spill.”

“You two aren’t going to let this go, are you?”

“Never.”

She slumped forward taking a deep breath. “The weekend was divine. He’s the best I’ve been with ever… I’ve discovered positions I didn’t know I was capable of. I seriously don’t think I could be with another.”

“Damn…” Davina nodded.

“I knew it.” Az laughed. “In serious Danvers, I’m glad to see you happy. The weekend was a requirement for you. You work yourself to the bone, this is the most relaxed I’ve seen you.”

Drew sighed. “Yeah, now can we begin work?”

 “Fine!” Davina surrendered. “See you at lunch Az!”

A knock echoed from her door.

Drew looked up, in the window Marcus stood. She waved him in.

“Marcus.” She perked up taking her earbuds out. “What brings you to my office today?”

“It is the usual time I stop by,”

“Yes, of course. It slipped from my mind, vacation brain.” She admitted.

He gave a kind smile sitting across from her, a large file folder he placed on her desk. He settled in, leant back in the chair, he was dressed down in a simple button up and slacks.

“I was just working on a list of questions for Sully and Athena on a few of the artefacts that’ve been stumping me. Aro and I didn’t exactly have time recently to discuss work in the last few weeks…”

“Understandable, a vacation is not the place for work. These things can wait a while longer, while you and Aro built your bond.”

Warmth flushed her face. “Yeah.”

“Do not fret, I will not judge or comment upon such. I actively encourage you to deepen your bonds.” Marcus assured.

“Thank you. This is all so new, and a lot. Soulmates thing aside, I’ve never exactly been in a serious relationship. I’ve dated, had a few flings and what not, I’m sure all of you have too… but this is unknown waters to me.”

“It warms my heart to know you trust me enough to tell me this. I do not know if Aro told you, I can see bonds between people. All that has ever existed, from a mere meeting to deepest connections.” He revealed.

“He mentioned,” She nodded, tilting her head. “Such a thing is fascinating. I’m curious, what do you see with me?”

“As with a lot of people, you are surrounded by strings of many colors. You have a thick ones tethered by death, implicating you have lost those closest to you. Many lines of friendships of various degrees, mentors, co-workers. Not many tainted by anger, there is a few wispy ones suggesting some adversaries. There are three connecting to you of golden hue, in various strength and size.”  

She gave a small smile. “Accurate. My biggest current pain in the behind being your eldest brother.”

Marcus shook his head. “It is not ideal Caius has made an enemy in you. How you two go forth in your relationship is between the two of you. It may be the one that takes the longest to settle.”

“This sharing a soul mate thing, does it bother you?” She blurted.

He titled his head slightly. “How so?”

“That you share a mate of sorts with two other men. Do you feel jealous, or resentment?”   

Marcus shook his head. “This bond, between the four of us, it is not a one-sided bond. Did Aro elaborate on what this bond does to the three of us?”

“No.”

“We three are not only mated to you, but to each other.”

Drew’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yes, and because of this, we do not experience resentment of each other, as we have all come to love and care for one another. You being the fourth included in our bond, merely made it feel as if something was missing.”

“huh, good to know.” Drew nodded. “So, what’s in the folder?”

“I wondered how long it would take you to ask,” he chuckled pushing the folder to her.

Drew took it opening it up. “I can be patient.”

“Corin put together some logs of the many artefacts that should be in the ruins. It is not complete but may be of some use for you to go through.”

“Definitely will be. Maybe I’ll finally get an answer to how the heck they acquired the Longshan pot.”

Chapter Text

“Ugh. I hate being a woman!” Davina groaned from the washroom stall.

Drew glanced up in the mirror, paused washing her hands. They’d just finished getting dressed after their evening workout –including her physiotherapy routine.

“You okay in there?”

“My body has decided to betray me.” She admitted. “Do you have a tampon or pad?”

Drew quickly dried her hands before digging into her gym bag for her emergency kit. It didn’t take long to find the red and grey zip-up bag. An old makeup bag repurposed filled with a variety of pads and tampons, wipes, and travel sized meds.  

“Here.” She knocked on the stall door.

It creaked open enough for Davina to snatch the bag. “Thank you!”

Drew went back refolding her gym clothes she’d tossed around. The bag had come in handy a few times in her near decade of adulthood.

Davina exited washing up before she handed over the bag. She slid her glasses on before pulling her water bottle out. “It wasn’t supposed to happen until tomorrow. It’s always on time.”

“Bodies suck, sometimes.” Drew agreed. “Did you take some Midol?”

“Yes, thank you. Seriously you saved the day. How are you so prepared?”

“Learnt the hard way a few times. I was irregular when I was younger, led to some awkward situations… Which is why I always carry that now. I don’t carry underwear though.”

“No worries there, I had some in my bag.” Davina assured, opening the door for her. “We’re still on for snack and movie sleepover, right?”

“Of course, it’s Halloween after all. I’ll make sure to lay out extra pillows tonight, Hot water bottle or heating pad?” Drew asked while they made the trek home.

“Heating pad, I don’t want to have to constantly reheat the bottle.”

“I’d offer my heated blanket, but I left that back in Canada.”

“A heated blanket? Are those even safe?”

“For the most part.” She shrugged. “Certain months really made me want to become a human burrito.”

“I forgot it’s like winter half of the year there.” Davina teased.

“Ha ha.” Drew rolled her eyes. “Not in the GTA anymore. It’s more like December to February. Further north, yes, it’s winter from October to April. Canada is bigger than all of Europe —excluding Russia.”

“True. What’s the coldest you’ve seen?”

“Minus twenty-five Celsius? Or so? It’s been fifteen years about since then… The lowest I believe for Toronto and area was maybe mid minus thirties. I need to check. The lowest recorded temperature of Canadian history I do know it was minus sixty-three. Mostly the territories see those temperatures.”

“Fuck minus twenty-five, that’s like the lowest recorded temp ever back home.” Davina shuddered.

Drew smirked. “Remember those are the actual temperatures not how they feel with windchill. That would be minus seventy-eight Celsius or so.”

“Bullshit.”

“I’m telling the truth.”

“Do you have an encyclopedia with you that you just read constantly?”

Drew laughed “Yes, I carry a complete encyclopedia on Canada I read when bored. My purse is magic and holds bookshelves full of all volumes.”

Davina paused, eyeing her up and down.

“You don’t really think that do you?”

“Yes.”

Drew rolled her eyes. “Sorry to disappoint the encyclopedia is in my head. So, I can’t pull it out of my bag to prove it to you. May I suggest for convenience sakes that we simply open my handy dandy laptop and simply google it? Or if you prefer Bing or Yahoo? I can get access to some of the books in the University of Toronto library if that would be more authentic?”

“No that’s ok. I’m just in shock this planet gets so cold.” Davina shook her head.

“Canada while we have some records at times, it doesn’t hold the coldest recorded temperature. That goes to Antarctica at minus eighty-nine point two Celsius.”

“Why do you know this?”

“The coldest temp recorded in Canada was out of spite, got into an argument with a classmate years ago. The rest of it was weekly trivia nights at one of the campus bars back at U of T, when I was an undergrad.”

“The same bar you took part in hosting the trivia nights?”

Drew nodded unlocking the door to their building. “Yep. Once the knowledge is there it’s never gone. See you in a few minutes?”

“Just got to grab my things then I’ll be right over.”

It was barely an hour later Drew had settled into a Buffy the Vampire oversized shirt and pajama pants. She was sitting on the floor in front of Davina’s empty blanket nest. She had her DVDs sprawled out around her. “Now, are we beginning with the cult classics like Dracula, Frankenstein, or start off soft with Halloweentown? Or do we get right into the true horror like Saw, or the shining.”

Her collection since being in Italy for the last ten months had grown significantly. They’d gone into Florence last weekend and purchased a few movies to watch over Halloween weekend. A lot accumulated during movie nights and marathons. She reached across to one that caught her eye.

“Or do we want more action than horror like Underworld and Blade?”

“I haven’t seen Underworld.” Davina settled in on the couch popcorn bowl in hand and heating pad on stomach.

“Obviously then we start there. It’s not a masterpiece by any means but it’s entertaining. Truly the two leads left me in a bi panic.” Drew sighed looking over Lucius.

“Then let’s get it started.”

Drew set it up and grabbed the remote. She grabbed her wine and chips settled in on the other end settling a blanket over herself.

 November slipped into the sleepy town of Volterra. The cooler air had them dressed warmer than Drew would ever admit to wearing. The year was also coming quicker to a close than she wanted. The days were growing shorter and the time frame to be out in the field was dwindling.

She looked over her latest message from Azrael. While it shamed her the team had made little dent in the many artefacts on her list and in the laboratory. They tried to keep busy with cleaning and organizing their existing collection. The longer the site sat untouched, the less progress could be made.

Aro had sent out a memo a week prior to the whole team granting them four weeks for the upcoming holiday season. They would be off from December eleventh until January sixth. That left them two weeks essentially. The international students working as hands would be gone after the holidays. At this point would they be wise to send people home earlier…

Drew tapped her chin looking over her schedule. She was to meet with the one department she really didn’t want to, but Azrael had requested she follow up.

The rate at which the health and safety team was moving for the site… They may be off until springtime. The specialists had been taking their time to make sure all was perfect. The team would only return in time for barely six weeks before it would be too chilly to force people to dig. Sure, Volterra had a long season to be digging without issue, but it wasn’t always reliable. New hands would need to be obtained, and the hiring process she wasn’t even sure could go so smoothly at that time, even for vampires.

Drew’s alarm dinged from her phone. She tossed up a quick plea to whatever deity existed to make this go smoothly. She grabbed her ID badge and notebook beginning to make her way through the university. She marched down the halls and up a flight of stairs to meet with the Health and Safety head officer overseeing the site, Moira. The trek wasn’t long to the floor right above the labs.

She counted three doors down and on the right and knocked on the solid dark wooden door.

“Come in,” Moira called.

Drew took a deep breath before she opened the door and made her way to the large executive desk that was buried in towers of reports and papers.

Moira glanced up from her computer, over the edge of her glasses. “Dr. Danvers, how can I help you this fine morning?”

“Right to it as always,” Drew gave a small smile while taking a seat across. “I’m here to follow up on the status of the site.”

Moira sighed, taking off her glasses. She focused on Drew, evaluating her with a steely glare.

“Didn’t I just tell Dr. Azrael what was going on?”

“The last official status update was two weeks ago on October thirtieth two thousand and nine.” She answered carefully. “I’m looking for another official update for the monthly and quarterly reports. Also, what the plan of action is for the site. We’ve been stalled for —”

“Four weeks and now one day. I’m aware. Days and weeks are practically the same in our field.” Moira interrupted. “I do not mean to snap at you Dr. Danvers, but I do wish to remind you how long projects like this take? We could be here for years. We are to be as careful as we can. I will not risk our lives. The speed of this project is not urgent, we are to take every step required. These are not just my words but those of the owner and person currently funding this work. Our work.”

Drew sat straight not uttering another word. She saw the lines deepening in Moira’s forehead. Aro had made it very clear time and time again. She nipped the inside of her cheek. Why did she do this favor for Az?

“I completely understand.” Drew nodded once. “I know you’re doing your hardest to ensure all safety is top priority for everyone here. I appreciate the hard work you’re putting in.”

Moira pushed back in her chair. “Azrael sent you here to soften the request, didn’t he?”

“That obvious?”

“He’s lucky we’re cousins. I will send you an update via email by end of day.” Moira replied, waving her off.

“Thank you, Moira! I appreciate the hell out of you.”

“Just tell Azrael he owes me.”

“Will do!”

 “So, any update on—D”

“E.O.D.” Drew set her bag on the table in the lunchroom right between Davina and Azrael.

“Did Moira go up one side of you and down the other?” Davina hedged pausing in mixing her salad.

“Yep, which from now on Az follow the damn schedules for requests like this with Health and Safety. You’re putting a lot of pressure on the darn woman.” Drew griped.

Az’s hands went up in surrender. “I wanted to be prepared for the holidays.”

“That’s in like three weeks?” Davina questioned.

“Yes, and only two weeks until end of year reports are due to A. Turi. He wants a thorough layout of what is expected next year. The man has gifted us with four weeks of paid holiday to go home be with family. I wouldn’t wish to miss anytime down on site because of that if we can.”

“The likelihood we’ll be allowed back on site is exponentially low. The artefacts we have cleaned and stored we might want to start reviewing with Aro to even see if next year a viable option is even to be back in field or if we’re looking at spring...” Drew rambled.

“True.” Az agreed. “I’ll make some recommendations to you when you meet with him next.”

“When did I become the go to supervisor to meet with Aro?”

“When he became Aro, to you.” Davina chuckled. “Now can we move on to talk holidays? What are you two up to for them?”

“Undecided, I may spend some time within Europe, then head to Toronto for Christmas to see my foster mum for a week or so.”

“I’ll be spending some of it with my family in Greece then possibly back in Spain. What of you?”

“I’ll be back finishing essays and exams for my classes then preparing for the new semester stuck in classrooms once more. I truly wish I could stay here. It’s been awesome to be doing what I’m studying. Working like a true archeologist.” She sighed.

“At this pace I’m sure we’ll barely be further into the ground of these ruins before you’re graduated.” Az sighed.

“Inside really is the kryptonite of archeologists, isn’t it?”

“Yep. We all crave the dirt and back breaking labor.” Drew chuckled. “It’s hard work but the field is the best part beyond getting answers to your questions. I used to try and find every excuse to be on site.”

“That tracks our little nerd.” Az patted her shoulder.

“Speaking of said nerd, December 6th approaches.”

Drew’s face warmed. “What about it?”

“Don’t try and be cute about it. You are aware it’s your birthday. I’ve been back and forth on a few ideas—”

“I thought we were doing surprise party.” Az shot her a glare.

“I don’t really like surprise parties…”

“Exactly. I’m shocked we got this far along with hiding the planning. We are at a few disagreements, cake flavor, venue…” Davina continued.

“I’ve been a little busy to notice you two acting odd or anyone…”

“Thank you Aro,” Davina grinned. “Now answers! Or we will be doing a giant dinner and bar hopping in Florence if you don’t tell me.”

 Drew shook her head making her way down to her office. The moment Davina brought up her birthday the questions never stopped. It was still a few weeks away. She’d never really liked massive celebrations focused on solely her. Conditioning of growing up raised by grandparents or in the system she wasn’t quite sure.

Her therapist had long told her she was insecure with affection and people trying to get close to her. The idea of being celebrated was overwhelming. December 2008 she’d spent it out at a nice restaurant with her foster mum. She’d gotten a cake and a card from work Dr. Hopkins gave her a nice pen and leather-bound journal along with a few books on her to be read list.

“Doctor?”

“Huh?” She snapped her attention at the door of her office.

Aro stood eyeing her over. Knuckle remained on her open-door frame.

“Aro! Sorry, lost in thought. How are you?”

He smiled softly, closing the door behind himself. He sat down in a chair across from her at a human pace.

“Quite well, busier than I would prefer. What has you so occupied?”

“Wallowing in the turmoil caused by my friends and coworkers planning my birthday.” Drew pressed her lips together, pushing away from her end of year report.

“Birthdays are usually positive things.”

“It is… the event sounds like it will be fun.”

“Why does it cause you to hesitate?”

She looked from her nails to his face. He did not rush her, nor show signs of irritation. Only a softness to his dark gaze that matched his tone. She took a deep breath shaking herself out to release the stress tightening her body. He laid a palm up on the desk in front of her.

“I’m not used to having others in control of planning an event where I am the main focus…” she trailed off placing her hand in his.

She allowed the jumble to come to mind again knowing he was seeing it all. The flashes of parties of few with her grandparents, to the simple dinners and a small gift from some foster parent or case worker. Then as an adult just herself once or twice as finals took all her focus.

“You feel vulnerable to the idea of rejection, that having expectations will only hurt you in the end, as it has before.”

“Yeah.” She exhaled. “It’s also ridiculous. I know that my friends haven’t let me down before so this will be no different. I’m also turning twenty-seven years old birthdays aren’t a big deal.”

“You are not foolish with these emotions. Your past experiences have made you cautious, it is understandable. You crave what younger you yarned for, to be acknowledged, loved, celebrated, wanted.”

Drew took a shaky deep breath beginning to remove her hand.

Aro’s thumb massaged the back of her hand as she did so.

“I know I was loved by my family. That the foster parents did their best, I wasn’t abused or neglected which a is a more common reality in the system.”

“You also were only fifteen years old when you were thrusted into adulthood.”

“Why can’t logic and emotions always align?” She sighed, shaking her head. “I understand your point, Aro. It’s mighty convenient that you can read minds. Takes away the struggle for me.”

“I am pleased to ease your restless mind, amore.”

“Since you know my whole birthday situation. What about you, Aro? Do you still celebrate your human birthday or the date you were turned?”

“The calendar was not the same today as it was back when I was born. The exact date is unknown. It is similar upon my change. I celebrate on August first as I was born and turned within the hottest days of the year.”

“I see, and how do you celebrate?”

“Every few years we host parties as to not alert the humans to our existence. Age to us means very little, as vampires do not age.”

“Fascinating, then again what is a year when you’ve seen centuries?”

“What are centuries in nearly three millennia?”

“Damn. It slipped my mind you’re nearly three thousand years old.”

“Does it bother you?”

“I’m an archeologist, I like artefacts.”

Aro chuckled rounding the desk, scooping her up so she straddled his lap. Drew lifted up pressing her lips to his.