'Italicized' words are the inner thoughts of characters

Bold and "italicized" words are the void speak

~Italicized~ words are conversations over mental link

Return to Forks

(BELLA'S P.O.V)

Alec, Santiago, Demetri, Fredrick, Jane, and I were all sat on one of the Volturi's private planes heading for an airport just outside of Seattle, Washington.

(Flashback)

Jane and I had just been summoned to the throne room by Aro and upon reaching the room I made particularly sure to keep Jane exceptionally close upon seeing the surprising amount of occupants inside.

"Ahh, Isabella, what a joy it is to see you amongst us after such a long time of absence. And how wonderful, the two of you have finally consummated your mating, congratulations." Aro said with his usual childishly exuberant attitude.

Instantly sending him a warning glare upon sensing a hint of mocking in his tone I then growled as my glare seemed to do nothing but provide the foolish king entertainment.

Seeing as an amused smile began to grace his lips, I almost missed how Didyme began to squirm in her seat with hints of longing and uncertainty flashing in her eyes as the edge of my vision became tinged with red. Feeling a pang of regret upon remembering how I treated her a few days ago, I could sense her inner battle she fought against the decisions of whether or not she should interact with me at the moment.

Realizing how much pain the struggle must have been causing her only caused my feelings of regret and self-loathing to grow. Averting my eyes from hers in the hope that it would quel my inner turmoil, I begin to pull in on myself. Jane, having felt the echoes of my emotions across our link, stiffened, causing the rest of the room's occupants to grow tense with caution.

"Now Aro, you know better than to tease the girls; especially so soon after their mating. Unless you would like them to relieve you of your limbs again, I suggest you choose your words more wisely, hmm?" Suplicia said while slowly walking up to her husband from her own seat to give him a repriming look before turning to us with a gleeful and loving expression.

"How are you Isabella, Dear? I do hope Jane hasn't been wearing you out too much since your return, as she has been rather unappeasable since your separation. Going around maiming and killing anyone unfortunate enough to cross her path, it had gotten to the point where Aro had to threaten to ban her from the castle if she didn't settle down. As we all expected, it didn't do much in calming her down but now she seems a lot better. The both of you do. Congratulations." she said with a loving smile allowing me to momentarily forget my feelings toward Didyme.

Bowing my head in both respect and thanks for her words, I then turned my attention back towards Aro.

"Alright back to the reason why I had the eight of you gathered here. Jane, you already know this but I'm sure with how eventful the past couple of days were for you that it might have slipped your mind to tell your mate of the mission. We are already behind schedule so we must hurry. You all will be on a flight to Seattle, Washington within the next hour. The missing people reports and newborn sightings coming from the Olympic area have increased significantly since we spoke of this two days prior and the humans are getting suspicious. Your mission is to track down and dispose of the ones responsible along with any under their command. You will also be providing protection for the residing coven there and report back in. I will provide you with further instructions on what to do after, you are dismissed."

"Yes Master." we all said before leaving to get ready for the mission.

(End of Flashback)

Unknowingly to everyone except Jane and myself, I had already been informed of the mission prior to our summoning as Jane had made sure to tell me as to prevent me from reacting violently towards anyone else who may possibly give me the news. To say she had a great sense of foresight in that instant would have been an understatement. we both knew that had the news came from anyone else, I would have gone on a killing spree, but since it didn't, it just resulted in an extra day of rough sex.

Feeling a shift from the body curled up in my lap, I looked down to find Jane staring up at me with concern and instantly moved to put her at ease. Tightening my hold on her, I pulled her further into me before leaning down to nuzzle her neck, causing her to purr and nuzzle me back as I kissed my mark on her shoulder. Looking up at the three guys sat across from us (Alec was sitting two seats over from me as Jane was originally sitting between us) I found them to be frozen in place with varying looks of discomfort, fear, and confusion as they watched Jane continue to cuddle up to me. Wanting to make them even more uncomfortable, I then lean up to whisper softly into Jane's ear, causing her to giggle childishly at the comment before fixing the three across from us with a cold stare.

"Is there a problem, Gentlemen?" my voice was cold and even promising harm to anyone who dare challenge me.

"N-No Isabella! No problem at all!" the three said spontaneously all shaking their heads and holding their hands up in a placating manner. This caused a feral grin to take home on my face as I heard the twins laugh in dark amusement.

"Ha ha ha ha. Morans." Jane continued to laugh while turning to look at the three with glowing crimsons, depicting her activating her gift.

Hearing Fredrick shriek in agony while failing around in his seat only to inadvertently throw himself on the floor in his ploy to escape the internal inferno laying siege throughout his body, I couldn't help chuckling darkly alongside the twins at the sight of his blatant torture.

Sensing the approach of our human flight attendant, I could feel a tinge of sadness taint my amusement as I knew I had to put a stop to Jane's play time and reluctantly told her to stop.

"Sorry love, but I must put a stop to your play time as our human attendant has decided that now was the perfect time to do her job." I whispered softly in her ear and couldn't help smirking fondly at her upon hearing her grumble her dislike for the situation under her breath.

"Figures. Humans are just as bad with their timing as they are with everything else. Insolent pest, she better know how to keep her eyes to herself or I will be sure to make her the snack on this trip." she growled before possessively tightening her hold on me as her eyes glared absentmindedly into those across from us, momentously allowing her mind to wonder.

Kissing her head, I waited the few seconds for the attendant to finally reach us with her cart and slightly tighten my grip on Jane as well in a subconscious display of possessiveness and restraint. It didn't matter that I had impeccable control over my thirst or that the intruder was a weak, measly human, my beast and I were still very protective and possessive of Jane and didn't want to take any chances of someone getting the idea that it was okay to try taking her away from us; because it wasn't. The anxiety of having Jane stolen from us again was so great that I was beginning to fear my constant need for her was approaching obsession as I could sense the void's ominous presence whisper threats of future oblivion whenever she moves out of my sensing range which luckily, wasn't often. At least, not anymore.

"It's important that Jane stays within range, no matter what."

'Don't you think I know that? I can sense your threats of taking me over should I fail in this task which I won't. I need her with me always.'

"I know, but I just figured I warn you. I can't exactly describe what it was but something changed when we completed our bond, specifically when we marked her as ours and us, hers. Upon her venom entering our system, I could sense something that laid asleep deep inside you wake up, and can now feel its influence changing us slowly but surely. This is serious Isabella, whatever this thing is, it's very adamant about keeping its mate close and has no qualms about destroying everything including ourselves to keep her that way. It is both very ancient and very powerful and has somehow managed to bind itself to the beast and I making us slaves to its desires and will."

'And exactly what is its desires?'

"Jane, but it is different than us. It's hungry for her in a way that is practically obsessive and you may find it harder for you to control yourself now especially when it comes to matters of Jane but you must never let it take over you. It is an Alpha by nature and means to dominate all it feels undeserving of power and yet it's also highly dependant on its mate bond and requires the bond to be enforced on a regular bases. Prolonged periods of separation is no longer an option as it will resort to forcing itself onto Jane to reestablish its bond to her."

'So wait, you're saying that it would... that I... would...No. No I would never. I could never hurt Jane that way. I would rather spend eternity in that whole than do that. Hell I'd rather die in the most painful of ways possible one thousand times over than hurt her that way. There has to be a mistake. '

"There is no mistake about it Isabella, I can feel its urges just as well as we can feel Jane's and you know it. You are starting to notice the changes too, that's why you're starting to fear our constant need for Jane to be close because you can sense the impending consequences if there ever comes a time when she isn't. My advice is to reinforce your defenses, be alert to your feelings and desires to keep them in check, and keep Jane close."

'Great this is just what I needed, more things to add to my ''Shit that Happens Due to me Being a Freak'' list.' I continued to fume only to be interrupted upon sensing the approach of our human flight attendant.

"Hello. Can I offer any of you a drink? The captain said the flight should last at least another two hours meaning we still have a while until we land so how about it?"

This girl obviously must have had a death wish because she started to pay especially close attention to Alec causing Jane to release a low warning growl while Alec simply continued to stare blankly ahead with a bored expression on his face, completely disregarding the girl's presence altogether.

"Back off human, he's is not for you, unless you want to become an early meal." Jane growled at the girl while sending her murderous glares resulting in the girl taking a step back in fear before turning her attention towards the other three sat across from us.

"An-And you?"

"No. I think we are all good for now. You may leave." Santiago said cooly, not even bothering to pay the girl any attention before dismissing her from our presence.

Waiting for the girl to be completely gone, he then cleared his throat, signaling he was about to speak, causing the rest of us to fix our eyes on him. Figuring it best for me to stay out of the conversation as I still get the urge to attack anyone not of the royal family, I lowered my head to place a tender kiss to the top of Jane's before nuzzling her once more and burying my nose in her hair. Breathing in the minty scent of her shampoo that seemed to only enhance her natural scent, I was finally able to relax against my seat resulting in me bringing Jane with me as I settled in to listen to the impending conversation.

"What's the plan for when we land?"

Demetri being the leader of the mission was the one to speak.

"Our plan is to patrol the surrounding area before making our way to Forks. We should be landing around 8 P.M. giving us at least two hours of patrol time in Seattle before making our way to Forks and setting up a perimeter search with the Cullens." He spit the name out as if it were acid before continuing yet I could see he was now being cautious with his word choice as he knew that coven was a particular trigger warning for me.

'Never pull the trigger of a gun unless you are ready for the resulting consequences. They must must know that saying by heart now.' I smirked to myself before focusing back onto the conversation.

"Aro has set us up with a small home at the edge of the forest where no humans go so we shouldn't have to worry about being discovered but stay on guard nonetheless. Remember, there is a pack of shifters living in the area so try to avoid their land as much as possible to prevent any unnecessary problems. We most likely will be dealing with them indefinitely in the future but for now avoid all possible confrontation with them as we are still unsure of their numbers and Aro has ordered us not to engage in any fight with them unless necessary."

"But Demetri, isn't it the purpose of the wolves to kill vampires? How are they able to live so close to the Cullens without the two groups being at constant war?" Fredrick asked, voice soft and wavering with nervousness.

'Humm...Still a yellow belly I see. How pathetic.'

"It's because the Pack's anciesters made a treaty with the Cullens but we can't really trust that to keep the dogs on their own land so stay alert."

"How will we do the patrols and perimeter searches?" -Santiago

"We'll be doing the patrols in pairs of two, allowing us to search a larger area quicker, and with more security than doing it as a group or individually. Isabella should also be able to shield us mentally during the duration of our patrol which is another plus. The problems will come upon entering Forks."

"Yeah, don't we know it. Those Cullens, even with us going there to practically save their asses, will still be too scared and superstitious of us to simply allow us to do our job and will demand themselves to be integrated into our plans in some way to make sure we don't double cross them." Jane said while scoffing at the mere idea of the Cullen's interfering due to their paranoia.

'As if we would stoop so low as to do such cowarly things. If anything, we would do our job, leave to report the outcome of the mission then come back to kill them later; separating the two events completely.'

"Exactly Jane, that is way we are going to have to do the perimeter searches in groups of three or four as it's practically guarantee they will try to integrate themselves into the mission with some holier than thou excuse to support their reason."

Everyone then groaned and rolled their eyes as the truth of the matter made itself known. There won't be any human hunting anywhere near the coven.

Sliding my hands inside Jane's cloak, then under her shirt, I allowed my thumbs to rub small circles on her belly causing her to purr but this time louder than before.

"Jane, your soft side is showing." I whispered softly into her ear.

Stopping herself immediately after, you could tell she would be blushing now if her heart still beat, resulting in wheezing sounds escaping two of the three sat across from us as they fought back their urge to laugh with amused smirks while the third seemed to become lost in his thoughts as he continued to stare at Jane with a mixed look of fear, amazement, and, what looked to be, lust.

Growling at the lustful look in his eyes, I practically roared as a hint of his arousal began to perfume the air as he continued to stare at Jane. Breaking him out of the trance, I watched him then quiver in absolute fear at my fury. Feeling my eyes darken with rage towards this child's disrespect, I could feel my beast brush just beneath my skin, demanding retribution for the insult and instantly tightened my hold on Jane. Pulling her even closer to me, I then directed my ire into glaring at the pathetic creature sniveling in front of me.

"Boy, it would be wise to advert both your sights and urges away from my mate before I take the capability for both away from you. Jane is already both spoken for and marked making her fully mated, you have no right to even think about making a claim to her. This is your only warning. Do it again, and I won't hesitate to torture and kill you. And believe me, me killing you would be a mercy. You will beg me for it." I growled while feeling a bit of my powers slip from my control as shadows began to darken the plane.

Feeling my eyes quickly flash colors, I watched as the other occupants became statues. All afraid to attract the attention of the beast except for the beast's mate, Jane.

"There, there, Kitten. You know I'm yours entirely, in every sense of the word; so there's no need to be jealous. Besides, the worm wouldn't dare try anything as he knows what would happen to anyone who tries to separate us. Now don't you, Fredrick?" She asked while nuzzling her head beneath my chin as her hand reached up to combe fingers through my hair before turning, most likely glowing, crimsons to look at a now petrified Fredrick.

Watching the creature nod his head so fast that you wonder how it didn't just snap off his neck, I almost laughed at how he yelped in fear as Jane demanded for him to give her a verbal answer.

"Yes Jane, I understand." The fear in him was so palpable that you could almost taste it, making me think that if he were still human he would have surly pissed himself before passing out.

'How pathetic, it was more of an insult to Jane than myself that this thing even entertained the idea of claiming her.' I thought with a huff before relaxing back into my previous position, looking out the window, content to finish out the flight in complete silence.

(Time Skip)

Arriving in Seattle, we immediately broke up into pairs with Demetri and Fredrick taking the northern part of the city, Alec and Santiago the western and Jane and I the southern part. After agreeing to patrol all our designated districts to the best of our abilities and meeting back up at a local car dealership before the two hour deadline, I made sure to cast my mental shield over everyone before departing.

Checking every part of the city from sewers and junkyards, to abandoned buildings and alleyways, Jane and I were disappointed to have found nothing but old, fading trails and a sparse newborn or two. We took great pleasure in disposing of them after doing an extensive investigation only to once again be greeted with disappointment as none of them seemed to know anything about Victoria or her army.

~Damn it, where are they?!~ I growled silently to myself as frustration quickly turned to anger.

~Calm down Love, we will find them eventually. They can't stay hidden forever.~ Jane supplied via our mentallink, momentarily surprising me as I had thought I blocked her.

~Now don't be surprised. You know it's impossible for you to block me out completely, especially now with you shielding me.~ she finished with a chuckle, obviously amused at catching me off guard.

~Not funny, Jane.~

This instantly caused her to somber up as she then looked at me with a blank expression.

~You're right, it's not. Not when I know you were consciously trying to block me out and hide your feelings. What's wrong Isa? I thought we talked about this. You can tell me anything so why are you trying to hide from me?~ she asked, clearly upset with my actions.

Stopping in our track to our designated meeting point I let out a sigh before turning to speak to her.

"It's not so much that I'm trying to hide anything from you Jane, but more of me trying to protect you. I know that at times my emotions can get out of hand, becoming too intense for others to handle, and so I tried to block you from them so you wouldn't get hurt." I then dropped my eyes to the ground as memories of Jane screaming in agony as she relived my past flashed across our link.

'See, I knew it.' I thought this time being sure to block the thought completely from Jane.

"Isa. Isa look at me. Isabella." the use of my full name quickly caused me to reestablish eye contact with her leading to me just barely being able to hold back the rising whimper that wanted to escape upon seeing the amount of sadness and understanding shining back at me from her enchanting crimsons.

"Look Isabella, I know you don't mean to hurt me by hiding and can understand you wanting to protect me from being hurt but what you fail to understand is that there is nothing besides you leaving me that can truly hurt me. I have relived and overcome the pain and suffering of our past and survived the agony of our separation. We both have so withstanding the intensity of your full emotions will be nothing." she finished with eyes depicting absolute love and conviction.

She looked so determined. So confident in her conviction to being able to bare the full brunt of my emotions that I was almost able to convince myself that she was right but we both knew better. It didn't matter how determined or strong she was there are just some things strength and determination alone aren't enough to overcome. Everyone has their limits to what they can bare and unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, this was Jane's.

Casting my eyes towards the ground while taking a slight step back, I couldn't help the slight tinge of bitterness thrumming in my chest as the reality of our situation took hold. 'I would never be able to be completely open with Jane.' this alone made me feel sad and lonely causing my beast to cry out in pain at the thought.

Lifting my head back up so that my eyes could reconnect with Jane's, I couldn't help but smile sadly at her as I knew nothing I could ever say could stop her from being hurt by the truth.

"Haaa... that's where you're wrong Jane. The emotions you felt while experiencing my past was but a shadow of their real strength and you seen how they made you crumble. If you were ever to feel the true strength of my feelings they would crush you, leaving you a broken shell of yourself and I can't allow that to happen. I won't allow that to happen. I have to protect you or I would be lost forever. You are my everything, Jane." I was practically begging her to understand now. I needed her to understand.

Knowing full well how Jane would react to my words, I wasn't surprised upon feeling her anger begin to rush through our link like a tidal wave and yet that still did nothing to lessen the amount of pain and sadness I felt at knowing I was the one to cause such emotions within her. Taking a moment to push back my own rising emotions, I quickly began to prepare myself for the impending argument as I knew she would fight me tooth and nail on situations like this until the end resulted in something she was pleased with.

"That's a bullshit excuse, Isabella and you know it. It would be nothing to train myself to withstand the brunt of your feelings through constant steady exposure. And if it's the pain that's bothering you, you can rest easy as there is nothing I wouldn't or couldn't withstand if my end reward is you. I love you and want for us to be able to share everything of ourselves with each other yet you seem adamant on hiding things from me; why is that? Is it because you don't yet fully trust me enough to let me in or is it because you think me not strong enough?!" she continued to press while taking steps towards me, consequently backing me into a nearby tree.

Sensing her spiraling emotions as hurt and sadness quickly turned into frustration then anger I scrambled to try to calm her with reinsurance only to have my efforts completely disregarded.

"Jane please calm down. I didn't mean to upset you, I just-"

"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!" she roared before continuing in a quieter volume that still hinted at the same amount of aggression and power as her words before.

"I'm tired of feeling as if I'm constantly walking on eggshells with you. Afraid that at any moment I could accidently trigger a painful memory resulting in the five steps forward we managed to make in our relationship to be immediately followed by another three steps back. I get it okay, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry that your past haunts you so much, that those bastards forced you to endure so much pain and suffering for something that wasn't even your fault, and I'm sorry that I wasn't there to protect you but that doesn't mean you have to continue to suffer alone and it definitely doesn't excuse you constantly trying to push me away whenever things seem to get tough."

"I know Jane, and I-" Again I tried to speak up only to cut off before I could really try to say anything.

"Oh do you? Do you really, Isabella, because as far as I'm concerned you seem to be almost completely dumb to anything involving letting others in!" this instantly caused me to be alarmed as Jane's anger almost seemed as if it were trying to attack me instead of simply flowing into me to be felt as usual making me wonder just how long has Jane been holding on to these feeling for them to get this intense.

"You have unknowingly hurt me almost everyday since we've met, did you realize that? Your constant distancing and need to be overprotective of me without allowing me the chance to return the favor makes me question both your trust in me and myself and I hate it!" she continued, her anger and frustration on full display but nothing could hide the tinge of fear and uncertainty I could sense thriving just underneath.

It was hidden within the slight wavering of her voice, the tension of her clenched fists, and the shaking of slightly darkened eyes. For the first time ever I could see fear swirling within Jane's darkened crimsons and it was hurting me. It hurt to know that I am the reason for this normally confident, self assured, and independent women suddenly feeling so insecure and doubtful of herself making me want nothing more than to correct this grievance made against her.

Pulling her to me, I made sure to keep my hold on her tight as she tried to struggle against me, pushing and pounding her fists against my chest only to settle down moments later. Feeling her body relax as she allowed her head to rest on my shoulder, I couldn't hold back my sigh of relief upon feeling her wrap one of her arms around my waist while her other hand clenched down tightly onto my shirt bringing me that much closer to her.

Stiffening upon feeling the violent shakes of silent sobbs raking through her body, I had to bite down on my lip to hold back my own urge to cry at the pain I felt flowing from Jane and quickly readjusted my hold so that her head was tucked securely under my chin. Placing a gentle kiss to the top of her head, I soon replaced my lips with my cheek as I began to sooth and sush her in an effort to help calm and comfort her.

"Shh... It'll be okay Jane, we'll get through this. You were right, about everything, and I am so sorry Jane. So very sorry. I never meant to hurt you, you know that right? I was just scared. I am scared, scared of myself, of losing you, of hurting you. I'm scared of you, Jane, of you pushing me away, but I am also scared for you. Something in me changed during the night of our concinmation, making it harder than ever for me to retain control over my urges but I am trying, Jane. I am trying for you. You have so much power over me and you don't even know it. I would literally jump through fire if you asked me to. You mean everything to me and it terrifies me because I have never cared for, let alone loved, anyone that much before which is how I know this isn't something I'll be able to do alone. I need your help Jane and I am begging for your forgiveness, please." I begged while burying my face in her hair in fear of her possible rejection.

Laying all my cards on the table for Jane to see, I knew I was defeated but didn't care. I would willingly submit to her every day for the rest of eternity so long as she forgave me.

Hearing the sound of air being discharged in the form of a sigh, I immediately stiffen up at the resignation I felt flowing into me from Jane and instinctively tightened my hold on her as she tried to pull away from me. Hearing her release another sigh in frustration with her unsuccessful attempt at escape I could feel myself begin to shake as I tried to retain a sense of calm while being trapped in a storm of chaos,

Feeling as fear quickly became accompanied by panic I struggled to make sense anything my mind was trying to process as it all began to blur together into a cloud of indistinct sounds and fuzzy images. Nothing was tangible anymore and there was no color, just varying shades of gray. It was like I was floating alone in the void again but unlike then, I was still able to sense a small connection tethering me to something solid far off in the distance stopping me from completely falling prey to the nothingness I knew was always lurking in the nearby shadows, there was still hope.

Grasping on to that hope as tightly as I could I was desperate for it to be proven right, for my fears to be put to rest by Jane's pardening kiss only to feel as if it had all suddenly been torn away from me upon hearing her next words.

"Isabella, you need to let me go now."

And all had turned silent. The grays have turned to black and the hope frozen and broken. Everything was now cold. I was cold, and alone. She didn't forgive me.

'She didn't forgive me. She wants me to let her go. She's going to leave me. But she can't leave, right?'

"No, not anymore. The pack was sealed, she is ours forever and she knows it."

'But she won't forgive me. Why won't she forgive me? Have I really caused her to hate me so much? What do I have to do so she will forgive me?'

"Try reminding her. Our mate obviously isn't one for simple words, Isabella, she needs proof of our conviction so we must show her. Show her that we meant what we said, that we are just as much hers as she is ours."

'But how?' I asked only to be meet with silence.

I didn't know how I was going to gain Jane's forgiveness and the void seemed to either be unforthcoming or didn't have a suitable answer to give causing me to grow tense with trepidation and uncertainty.

Ignorant to how the anxiety was affecting my body, I was startled into awareness by feeling the soft pads of Jane's hands upon my face as she commanded my attention to her.

"Isabella you need to stop and calm down, you're starting to slip."

Shaking my head no, I tried to dislodge her hands only for her to tighten her hold as she forced me to maintain eye contact with her.

"I mean it Isabella. I'm not trying to leave you. I'm not going anywhere, I just want to talk, but to do that you have to calm down."

Relenting, I granted her freedom from my embrace and couldn't help but whimper at the sense of loss I got from the new distance placed between us but knew it was most likely for the best.

Looking at her, I watched anxiously as darkened crimsons glared stubbornly into my own as their owner were searching for something I couldn't understand. Jane's search must have came up empty as her glare soon soften into a look of defeat followed by a sigh of resignation.

"...Fine, seeing as neither of us are willing to back down on this, how about I propose a compromise? For now, I will allow you to funnel the emotional part of the link, giving you full control over how much of your emotions I'll be able to experience and in exchange, you will be sure to never completely close the funnel for any reason. You will also keep the telepathic part of the link completely open and confide in me whenever you feel conflicted or overwhelmed. I want us to be on equal ground within this relationship, for that to happen you have to let me support and protect you just as much as you do me. We are partners as well as mates, we should be able to lean on each other without any doubts or second guesses so for that I will not allow you to push me away anymore."

Reaching up to bury her fingers in my hair, she used her hold to pull me down to her so that our faces were once again only mere inches apart, allowing me to see just how serious she was about her decision.

"Do you understand me Isabella; there will be no hiding from me any more." her tone left no room for discussion and her eyes were hard with conviction. She was steeled in her decision and nothing I could say would make her change it.

Being sure to return her stare with just as much intensity, I nod my head, both stating my understanding and agreement to the compromise.

"I understand, Jane."

~My Goddess.~ this resulted in a smirk of amusement from Jane at the nickname.

~You know I could hear that, right?~ she giggled, obviously enjoying the light moment of fun.

"I know." I grinned back at her before stealing a quick kiss from her succulent lips. Grabbing her hand, I instantly interlocked our fingers before continuing our walk.

Arriving at the dealership, we found the guys to already be there and standing around a vehicle to their collective choosing which I found upon closer inspection to be an all black Dodge Grand Caravan with a three row seating arrangement, allowing plenty of room for a six person passage. Nodding my head in approval of the imbeciles' practical choice in vehicle, I then turn towards the dealer to inquire about my own means of transportation.

"Excuse me Sir, but would you happen to have any bikes in stalk?" this caused the others to look at me with varying levels of confusion before my attention was once again drawn towards the dealer as he responded to my question.

"Of course Ma'm, right this way." he then directed me to their motorcycle section.

Eventually settling on a Yamaha Star Stryker with a raven black finish, I then picked out a matching pair of gloves and two helmet before paying for it all. Straddling the bike I motioned for Jane to get on behind me before starting the engine.

"Why in the world did you buy this thing? Not that I dislike it because you look sexy as hell on it but the guys already bought the car."

Jane inquired while hopping on behind me, being sure to put the helmet on, before encircling her arms around my waist.

"It's because 1) I like the feeling of riding a bike, always have and 2) because it would be too cramped in there for my liking."

"Cramped? But it's a seven seater car, there would be plenty of space."

"Yes, bodily wise there is plenty of space but we all know I tend to lose my shit around anyone not of the royal family, and with that child's behavior earlier today, I figured it'd be best to play it safe and got my own means of transportation rather than risk going berserk in a confined space." I then revved the engine a few time to help it heat up faster as we were still waiting on the others to start the car before pulling off.

~Besides this give us more time to ourselves and the chance for me to try and relax before meeting the Cullens.~

~I can understand that, also I think I'm starting to get why you like riding this contraption so much, it's nice.~

Laughing upon hearing Jane purr as she snuggled herself closer to me, I was surprised at how relaxed and carefree I had become within the short time we've been riding the bike and silently thanked Jane as I knew majority of this feeling sourced from her.

Focusing back on the road, I noticed the guys starting to pick up speed the closer we got to the city's limits and was overcome with the sudden urge to go faster. Cranking back more on the throttle, I quickly caught up to and passed the Caravan only to smirk upon seeing the completely flabbergasted look Demetri's face as we passed him leading to him stepping more on the gas in an effort to keep up.

Eventually making the event into a race we sped down the road as fast as we could to see who could reach our destination first.

(Time Skip)

Entering Forks, I was instantly hit with a sense of forewarning and unease resulting in the guys winning the race do to my lapse in concentration but I could care less about the matter; something felt seriously wrong here and it wasn't just the time change.

~What's wrong Isa, you feel uneasy?~

~I don't know Jane, something just doesn't feel right here and it seems the closer we get to the Cullens the stronger the feeling grows. It's like my instincts are telling me something bad is going to happen but I don't know what or when.~

Looking around, I found everything to be just as bland and green as I remembered.

~Alright. Well, try not to worry about it too much. I'm sure that whatever it might be we will be more than ready to handle it. Also, I meant to talk to you earlier about this but I think it would be best for you to hide your identity and the fact that you are a hybrid.~

~Why?~

~Nothing much, I would just like to have a back-up plan in case we get there only to find the Cullen's have made things worse by taking matters into their own hands. Besides, I'm sure it will be absolutely hysterical to see the looks on their faces upon realizing their old "Pet" is now a feared member of the Volturi and my mate.~ Jane chuckled darkly while subconsciously tightening her grip on me upon remembering all the pain the Cullen's had put me through.

~Basterds.~

~Hey it's alright. I'm alright. Now, how are we going to do this?~ I asked while parking the bike and shutting off the engine.

We now stood parked in front of a mini, stone structured mansion and upon seeing the amount of windows the place had couldn't help rolling my eyes at how flashy it all looked.

~Of course, leave it to Aro to pick one of Fork's few mansions to be our base of operations. God if I didn't know any better I would think it just natural for vampires to want to flaunt their money despite having to stay under the humans' radar.~

"Now now Isa, it's not all that bad. Yes, vampires do tend to like spending money on fancy things, at least those of us who like to keep any but that's simply because we live so long and crave to experience all the new and finer things in life. Also, you have to think about the practical use in choosing a house like this. Think about it. We are a relatively large group of vampires, majority of us male, with the only two females being newly mated meaning we are prone to violent, possessive outbursts, and we're all living under the same roof. This all amounts to a need for extra space in the living arrangement to keep peace amongst the inhabitants which is exactly what was provided along with privacy to allow us the freedom to roam without the risk of being caught by humans."

"Yeah, well I'm sure even with the extra space none of those fools would be safe from me if they ever so much as look at you funny."

Allowing what I hoped to be a predatory grin to take homage on my face, I instinctively took hold of Jane's hand before leading her into the house after the guys.

Entering the house, I immediately went about finding the master bedroom. Claiming the room as ours, I quickly pulled Jane inside to find the room already furnished but still lacking our personal touch to make it truly our own.

"This certainly isn't home but it will do. Hopefully we'll only have to stay in this hellhole for a few months before going back home so there shouldn't be much need to get too comfortable."

"Right, and it's not like we'll be spending much time here anyway. Knowing the Cullens, we'll probably have to fight to get any space away from them with how suspicious they are of our intentions. The way I see it, we'll probably only return here to shower and get a change of clothes which, by the way, are scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning."

"Like hell I'll allow that to happen. I don't care how suspicious the Cullens are of us, you still require sleep from time to time and I'll be damned if you think I'd let you sleep anywhere near them. Let them throw their tantrums and cry all they want to Aro about it, we will not be staying with them!" she growled while taking my hand and pulling me out with her to tour the rest of the house.

Stopping in the living room, we found the rest of our party gathered there waiting quietly for Demetri to get off the phone with who seemed to be Queen Suplicia.

~Twenty bucks says the reason for her being on the phone right now is because Aro broke his while trying to answer it again.~

~I'm sure that will be just like him considering how clueless he is with modern technology despite being alive for so long, so no. Sorry Hun, I'm crazy, not stupid.~

~Kill joy.~ she grumbled, seemedly upset with me not taking her bet but I knew it was all an act and simply tugged her closer to nuzzle her before focusing back on Demetri as he finished the call.

"Did Aro destroy another phone trying to answer it again?" Jane asked despite already knowing the answer upon seeing the hopelessly amused expression on everyone's face.

"You know it." - Alec

"Figures."

"Anyway, enough with that. We've been ordered to perform a thorough scouting of the area before meeting up with the Cullens. They apparently were expecting us at 10 but with our previous discovery of newborns in Seattle, the masters understand our need for caution and have granted us extra time to scope out the surrounding area. We have thirty minutes, so be quick. Remember, the quicker we get this done the sooner we can get the meeting with the bunny munchers over with. Isabella and Jane will take near the reservation. Make sure the wolves are staying on their land but remain out of sight and undetected." he then turned towards Alec and Santiago.

"The two of you will go ahead of us to scope out around the Cullens' land. I want to make sure they are all there and not hiding any unwanted surprises for us. Remember to be careful of the mind reader, Major and Orical, Isabella's shield should protect you but we cant be certain of the effects with the wolves factored in so remain cautious. Lastly, Fredrick and I will look around town to see if we can pick up on where Victoria and her group are hiding; we'll all then meet back up here to discuss any findings. Dismissed!"

We all then blurred out of the house towards our assigned locations.

(Time Skip)

(ALEC'S P.O.V)

Leaping through the trees, we soon slowed upon catching a glimpse of the house through the forest treeline up ahead. Being sure to remain as quiet as possible, we slowly pressed our advancement closer before stopping completely a good three hundred meters within the treeline to prevent them from scenting us.

Observing the coven through the windows, we found majority of them to be gathered within the living room discussing plans on what to do upon our arrival.

determining their discussion as being unimportant for now, I signaled Santiago to do a quick perimeter check as it was obvious that two of the coven's members were missing. Watching him leave I quickly tuned back in to the coven's conversation to see what information I could get from it and as always was left disappointed by the Cullen's lack of tact when it came to anything relating to strategic planning.

(Spying on Cullen Conversation)

"Carlisle what are we going to do? The Volturi are expected to show up in any minute and they still aren't back yet." - Esme

"Don't worry Dear I'm sure they're fine and are on their way back as we speak." He then pulled his mate tight against him while continuing to provide reinsurance in the hopes of dissipating her fears.

"Oh really Now? And what, persay, do you think we should do if they fail to get back in time, Carlisle? The Volturi are on their way so just how do you think they will respond upon finding out some of our members are missing? With violence, that's how! Those monsters are always looking for reasons to get rid of us, and us making it seem as if we have some ultra vendetta just about hands them one on a silver platter!"

Rosalie growled, obviously angry at the situation the coven's patriarch had put them in.

'So two of them did leave and by the looks of things it was the Major and his mate the Orical. Weird coupling those two, but whatever. With them gone, it leaves us with only the mind reader to deal with, this should be fun.'

Rosalie please, I know you're worried, we all are, but there just isn't much we can do. Their phones aren't working and short of sending more out to look for them the only thing we can do is wait. That would probably serve to only make matters worse if the Volturi show up to find more people missing then there already is. No, waiting seem to be our only and best option."

"He's right Babe, we should just calm down and wait for them to come back. Besides, it's Jazz and Tink, if there's anyone knows how to get out of trouble it's those two so try to relax, okay? They'll be fine." the bear of the coven then reached out, wrapping his arms around the still fuming blond and pulling her so her back was press against his front causing her to instantly soften.

'God, there they go again. Always touching. I can't understand what is it about finding ones mate that suddenly makes it so they have no regard for personal space. Take Jane for instance. Before Isa, she would hardly let anyone besides Sulpicia, Aro, or myself touch her unless it was in a combative situation and even then, they were all short and far inbetween; but now, it's as if they can't stop touching. Not once within the last week have they ever been separated for more than a couple of hours, and within the last four days, that time has been nonexistent. Unlike other mated pairs, for them it seems to be more than just instinct. More than just a craving. For them, it seems to be a necessity. They have to remain within range, within contact of each other no matter what and I just can't understand why.'

Sighing with frustration at my thoughts I turn towards my left upon hearing santiago's return before sparing the anxious coven a final glance and leaving with him further into the forest.

(End of Spy OP)

"Were you able to find them; the Major and the Oricle?"

"No, but I did pick up their scents heading Northwards towards the border."

"Towards Canada?"

"Yes, but it was at least a day old, meaning they must have left sometime yesterday."

'Strange. What are they doing leaving the States?' I wondered before remembering the strange aliment the coven had towards another residing in Alaska.

"Dentali! They went to get reinforcements."

"Seems that way, won't the others just get a kick out of this." Santiago then shrugged before grinning darkly at the idea of the imposing fight.

Grinning along with him, I couldn't help imagining all the painful things those two would have instore for the coven of veggie munchers and pitied the naivety of the Dentali's for allowing the Cullens to drag them along with them into such a fate.

'You've done gone and done it now Carlisle, hope you're prepared to face the consequences of your actions.'

(JANE'S P.O.V)

Quickly existing the house, I was momentarily confused with the shift in air pressure until I looked beside me to find my tiger stretching out her midnight colored body with a satisfied purr before coming over to nuzzle lovingly against my chest.

Purring in content, I pulled her closer to nuzzle her back only to feel her give me a gentle shove back with her head. Falling back a bit from the head but, I watched as she smoothly leaped away before looking back at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes as she turned, running into the forest treeline.

~You're it, let's see if you can catch me.~

~You're on.~ I growled playfully back before taking off after her.

(Time Skip)

Our game of tag has been going on continuously for a good twenty minutes or so with us alternation who was the hunter and who was the hunted when Isa suddenly decided to stop.

At the time I was the hunter and Isa was doing a spectacular job of utilizing the torrain to avoid being caught when she suddenly stopped, forcing me to jump and catch a branch of the tree above her to avoid the pending collision. Watching worriedly as her body tensed, I knew something was off as she creeped steadily forward before releasing a low continuous growl upon smelling something up ahead.

Sniffing to try and scent just what had set her off, it took me a while but I could finally detect the offending scent of wet dog and momentarily wondered why I didn't smell it before.

~Wolves.~

~And a vampire. Female by the scent of them; but what are they doing this close to Forks, and with a vampire at that?~

~I'm not sure but I'm sure nothing good. Be ready for a fight Isa because we just might have one.~

A/N: Okay, not much happening in this chapter but at least the group has finally made it to Forks where, upon meeting the Cullens, there is sure to be instances of confrontation. Also, Jane has proven that once again she isn't one to take excuses from anyone including Bella and Alec has finally gave us a glimpse of his thoughts on mating, showing that he isn't too sure how to feel on such matter or that he is even hoping to find his own mate. Sounds like he's kinda on the fence with it but who knows, maybe things will become clearer for him later in the story.

Now, the next few chapters should have a bit more action as plans are put into play and new relationships are made so until then, as always, remember to REVIEW and I'll talk to you later.

~Ravenal