Asylum by patricia51

(As the battle with Victoria's army ends Alice sees the Volturi coming and realizes that they will destroy the newborn vampire who has surrendered to them. Feeling compassion for the frightened Bree the Cullens devise a plan to save her. But saving her is just the beginning of her new life with the Cullens.)

(Note: I'm sure this has done and redone a number of times but I'd still like to take my own shot at saving Bree. And a special thank you to rebecca-in-blue whose heartbreaking story "Little Girl Lost" gave me the desire to write this.)

(Alice)

The Volturi stand in front of us, observing the still raging fire that marks what is left of Victoria's army. Outwardly they act as though they're pleased since their stated reason for coming was to dispatch that army themselves. But I know better. We all know better. But that's not what's concerning me this moment.

There's some verbal sparring.

"If you had arrived a half hour ago you would have fulfilled your purpose," says Edward.

"Pity," replies Jane, a world of meaning in that soft single word. The implication is clear. Who knows what "accidents" could have occured in the confused battle? Then her glance shifts and my heart sinks.

"You missed one," her red eyes rest on the frightened dark-haired new-born crouching behind Carlisle and Esme. Jasper leaves my side and moves to stand by Bree. I understand. All those years before of training and then killing new-borns for Maria and how he turned his back on it all gives him a special affinity for them. I hope that sympathy won't make him challenge whatever the Volturi do because I'm sure we won't like it.

The elder Cullens attempt to defend the girl whom they had learned was named was Bree Tanner.

"We offered her asylum in exchange for her surrender."

"That wasn't yours to offer."

"Why did you come?" Jane questioned Bree, casually inflicting pain for no reason other than to demonstrate what she could do to her, to all of us. "Who created you?" She brushed off Esme's protests with causal dismissal.

"Her name was Victoria," declares Edward. "Perhaps you knew her?"

"Edward," puts in Carlisle, seeking to defuse the situation by offering Jane an excuse for the Volturi's inaction. "If the Volturi had knowledge of Victoria they would have stopped her. Isn't that right Jane?"

"Of course," she replies blandly. But the olive branch doesn't sway her from her course of action. I knew it wouldn't.

"Felix," the blonde vampire motioned the hulking killer forward.

"She didn't know what she was doing," Esme bursts out. Jane halts Felix for a moment. Already in full parental mode Esme offers to take responsibility for the teen, a dangerous offer as it meant she would be liable for Bree's actions.

"Give her a chance," asks Carlisle.

None of the arguments swayed Jane. I knew they would be futile. They all did really, only Esme clung to the hope that she could change the Volturi's mindset. But they didn't deal in mercy or even justice regardless of their pronouncements. They want the Cullens; want my gifts, those of my parents and the others. Victoria was only an excuse and Bree was only an example.

"The Volturi don't give second chances." Jane warns. "Keep that in mind." She looks at Robert and Bella. "Caius will be interested to know that she's still human."

"The date has been set," replies Bella.

For a single moment it almost seems as though the focus has turned away from Bree. But it hasn't. "Take care of that Felix. I'd like to go home.

Esme and Carlisle reluctantly stand aside. Anything else would have given the Volturi what they really wanted, a reason.

I turn my head, unable to watch as did the rest of the coven. Too terrified to cry out or try to run Bree could only whimper and wait helplessly for her doom, finally giving one long piercing scream as Felix seizes her. I can see the smile on Jane's face as he does. Fortunately it was over quickly.

The vision ends and I return to the present. I stagger for a moment.

"What is it?" asks Esme.

"The Volturi are coming."

"How long?"

"Maybe ten minutes."

"The pack needs to leave," declares Edward from where he and Carlisle are helping Jacob. "The Volturi won't honor a truce with the werewolves."

"And they will destroy Bree," I nod towards the teen.

"Why?" demands Esme. "She's done nothing wrong. Any vampire laws she has broken she was not aware of."

I could sigh if it wasn't for the need to get going. I can see the maternal urges wakening in my adopted mother as she places a comforting hand on the new-born's shoulder. If this works out I obviously will have a new little sister. I like the idea but first we have to save her.

"They won't listen. You know the Volturi. Under that cloak of righteous is the desire to dominate and demonstrate their power. They will kill her because they can and will hope we will try to interfere."

Esme seizes Bree's hand. "I'll take her away."

"No," Carlisle shakes his head. "If any of the coven are gone they will want to know where they are."

"What can we do?"

My father the doctor runs his fingers through his hair. Distractedly he turns to the pack.

"We'll take him to Billy's," he's told as the other shape shifters gather around Jacob and prepare to carry him.

"I'll be there as soon as I can," he tells them.

"And her," Esme interjects.

"What?"

"Take Bree with you. Please." She turns to the teen. "Bree, go with them. Trust us. It will be alright. We will come for you soon."

The frightened teen searches her eyes, seeking reassurance. Finding what she hopes for she nods her head. In spite of his pain Jacob copies the gesture. The pack shoulders him and disappears through the trees, taking the injured Alpha and the new-born vampire with them.

We turn and wait for the Volturi. We don't wait very long.

(To be continued)