Healing Hearts

Chapter 3: First Day

Two hours later Katerina began to cry. Then the most awful stenched filled my nostrils. She had done her personal business and was demanding to be changed. Even though she couldn't speak her ear piercing scream was enough for me to hurry up and get a clean diaper. I was cursing my vampire senses right now as I changed her. I will have to invest in some nose plugs for the palace. I finished then changed her into a little onesie and a sleeper with bears and hearts and some socks and hand covers so she was warm. It swaddled her into a thick blanket. I took an empty bottle and the formula and took her to the kitchen. I filled the bottle with warm water, put the formula in and shook it she started to wriggle in my arms and whine. I put the bottle between her tiny lips and she began to eat automatically. As she ate she wrapped her hand around my finger. I watched as she ate noisily. She opened her eyes they were big and full of wonderment as she stared back at me. Her lashes were long and swept across her rosy cheeks as she blinked. She was slowly stealing bits of my undead heart replacing it with pieces of life. she finished her bottle I put it in the sink. I placed her against my shoulder and began to burp her. In a few minutes she let out a loud belch accompanied with the horrendous scent of formula. Honestly I didn't know how humans could feed their children this stuff. But it will have to do for her. I cradled her back in my arms and made my way to Aro's study. I reached my destination and walked in I was immediately surrounded by my sister in laws Sculpicia and Athendora. I pulled Katerina closer to me. Calm down Marcus we aren't going to steal her we just want to meet her and possibly hold her so that you can speak with Aro and caius. Sculpicia said as she moved closer fine but you need to be gentle I carefully placed Katerina in her arms I began to have separation anxiety. It's OK Marcus me and Athendora will be sitting by the fireplace. I watched the girls walk away towards the couch and sit with her. They were cooing and shaking a small rattle in front of her I calmed myself and turned towards Aro and caius.
Well now that you finally have joined us I think we need to discuss the baby in the room. Caius said as he flipped through a book trying to look like he didn't care. But in secret he did and Marcus could see the bond slowly forming between his elusive brother and his mate does she have a name asked Aro yes her name is Katerina Louise Kingston Marcus replied as he looked over to her. That's a very beautiful name it suits her. I'm glad you have found a new mate brother hopefully soon you will be back to your old self once again. Aro replied what will she be to us? Once she gets older we will have to tell her about her parents. Aro asked I was hoping you would help with that I will be her uncle and I was hoping you and Sculpicia would be her adoptive parents. Marcus asked Sculpicia walked over we would be honored to Marcus she answered before Aro could decline Aro looked at his wife and saw how happy she was holding Katerina and nodded in agreement. I have sent Jane and Chelsea out to get supplies and Demetri and Felix are getting furniture and an extensive supply of wood to set up in the room in the middle of our quarters. I figured since she will need a room of her own. She will need to be changed once she reaches maturity. Aro explained I know I decided that when she twenty five would be a good age she would be a year younger than I was when u was turned. Marcus replied Good now that, that is settled I think I will throw a ball in honor of our new member a small one only those within the castle I want her kept secret until she is turned Aro said as he reached out to sculpicia to take Katerina. He held her he looked down at her and smiled she will be a beauty when she is older. He handed her back to Marcus she will stay in my quarters for her first few months then I will move her to the nursery. Marcus said agreed brother Aro replied now if you will excuse me I need to spend time with Sculpicia. Come my beautiful wife we have some things to catch up on he walked out of the study with Sculpicia trailing behind him. Oh by all the gods what is that horrendous stench caius said as he covered his nose Marcus smiled oh that would Katerina I need to change her diaper I suggest you invest in a nose plug because there will be alot of these. Marcus laughed at the appalled look caius gave as he made a quick exit. Athendora followed behind laughing as well. Well little one it's just you and me now for now and forever. Let's go get you a clean diaper he went back to his quarters and cleaned her up. Then fed her one more time before he laid her back down to sleep.

He began to go thru the diaper bag and cleared the top drawer. he organized everything when he opened the side pocket he found her birth certificate along with a note inside that read please take care of our little girl we are too young and poor. please let her know we love her. thank you.
he put the letter away he finished then went and sat by the fire and began to read one of the many books that were stacked ext to his chair and waited for her too awaken to eat again.