Footsteps echoed down the seemingly endless, candlelit corridors, until the over-sized mahogany doors were visible.

"Ah, why there he is." Aro smiled down from his throne, "And perfectly punctual as well. Mi caro Alec."

"I hope that you're aware of the incredible inconvenience you've brought upon us." Caius hissed from his position.

"Of course," Alec gave a nod.

"We would appreciate if you would bring forth your reason for said audience." Marcus stated.

Alec paced a little. Though he'd spent all of his immortal existence calling the Volturi his family, asking things of them made him extremely uncomfortable. They weren't known for their generosity. He looked up from his reflection on the marble steps. He had rehearsed his speech over and over and yet was having trouble getting his idea out, "There are…things necessary to a vampire's existence, are there not?"

"You request an audience with your elders for mere riddles? You insolent CHILD-"

"Caius," Aro cautioned him, "I happen to enjoy riddles." He gave a glance back at Marcus, smiled, straightened his coat, and sat back, "Vampires require blood to thrive."

"Yes, but what else?"

"I'm afraid there isn't anything else my dear boy."

"What about companionship?" He asked while trying to immerse himself in the idle task of adjusting his collar.

"Companionship! How charming?" Aro mused, "Why of course! That's why WE are a family, affection shown or not."

Alec sighed in frustration seeing as his leader wasn't getting where the conversation was headed. He ran his hand through his hair, "Not THAT kind of companionship."

"Then I'm afraid I don't understa-" Aro cut his sentence short when Marcus gave him a glance, "Ooohhh. Oh dear. You have grown up, haven't you?" He sighed, "I suppose Gina could fetch a courtesan-"

There was another frustrated sigh, "No, Aro, not that either."

Aro gave him a curious look, "You aren't seeking a woman with whom to achieve the desires of the flesh?"

"No!...Perhaps…but no random human-"

"A snack you had in mind?"

"Well no but-"

"Then what do you expect-"

"Aro!" The three froze in disbelief gawking at Alec. "I apologize for interjecting, but it was necessary…" He took a deep breath, "I want a mate." Their faces each changed in a different manner, reflecting their obvious opinions.

Caius rolled his eyes in annoyance, "What a jest? A WASTE of our time and resources."

Alec opened his mouth to speak, but Marcus interrupted, "So this is why you requested to meet with us in private. Your sister would not take lightly to-"

Aro's cogs were turning "Marcus, let him speak. I'm intrigued to hear what he has to say. Please present your case."

He hesitated, "I've been…existing for centuries alone, aside from my sister. As much as I care for Jane, it's not the same affection I see in the eyes of…"

"Speak up."

"The Cullens. Each one has their mate. It keeps them happy and enhances their fighting ability because they have the motivation behind them. Any one of us sees dangerous work situations much more frequently than all of them combined-"

"Shhh," Aro quieted him, grinning like a jack-o-latern, "Say no more. I've always wanted to be a matchmaker. Your romantic journey will be quite amusing to me."

"Is that a yes?"

"Aro, you couldn't POSSIBLY be considering this-"

"Caius, do you dare question my judgment?"

"Of course not but-"

"Splendid! Now how to go about this…"

"If at all possible-"

"Quiet Marcus, let me think. Ah! I have a charming solution." Alec stepped forward expectantly with wide eyes. "Now Alec, I have a riddle for you. In all the fairytales, as the prince was seeking a wife, what was held?"

Alec thought for a moment, then his eyes widened with excitement, "They always held a ball and invited all of the nobles throughout the kingdom."

"Precisely! We'll host a grand ball, invite every coven, and you're BOUND to find a lovely lady dying to get to know you."

"And you don't find that cliché?" Caius growled.

"SOMEONE wants to be UNinvited." Aro chuckled, patting Alec's back, "Now I shall go and begin preparation foooooor this Friday evening. There's SO much work to be done! Gina!" Aro called practically prancing down the hall.

Alec tried to contain his elation, by biting his lip to hide a smirk. He nodded towards the two occupied thrones, "Good day." and turned to leave.

Felix caught his arm, "So I hear you're…how do the kids say it? Gonna get some." Felix nudged.

"Don't get ahead of yourself."

"I am overjoyed on your behalf."

"Are you hoping that Aro will be equally as generous with you?"

"No. I don't need a mate. I've been bedding Gina for years." He winked in the girl's direction. Gina smiled sheepishly and blushed, going back to her typing. Felix patted Alec's back, "Best of luck," and sauntered up to her desk with a sly grin.