Author's Notes: Yes, over a year. I know. Sigh. If you have no idea what this story is or cannot remember, I don't blame you. You can read the entire series ("Sleep" "Nightmare" and "Illusions", in that order) or if you have read this before, just review from the first chapter of Awake. I am currently re-editing "Nightmares" and "Illusions" during the next few days, so that should be looking fresh and fit for you guys. They are a horrid mess in need of grammar and typo attention.
Thanks to all readers who still mention "Awake" every now and again and check to see if I'm still alive. I am!
Disclaimer: Slash. Werepire sex. C'mon, you shouold know this by now.
All original characters are not mine, though the characters Owen and Simon are.
Lyrics from Whenever, Wherever, Whatever by Maxwell
xXx
Chapter Three – Death of a Dawn
And if there's a thing that you need
I'd give you the breath that I breathe
and if ever you yearn for the love in me
Whenever Wherever Whatever
Jacob
Another world flashed before my eyes, one where I was on the outskirts, not of the core. I knew loss, but not like I could know it in this world. How could I miss something that was never mine to begin with? In that world, they were bound to each other; it really didn't matter by what, because in that world he wasn't mine.
I could only imagine that they were happy, that he was as he was with me because that was all I really knew. I wondered if their sex was as mind altering or if he would give her those looks of pure and utter dedication as if he was staring at his everything.
Everything.
I heard him call me that. His everything.
"Bella." I acknowledged her, even as the world swayed and tilted on its axis. I said her name and yet I wondered what it would sound like if he said that name with the same love when he said mine.
Jean's eyes locked with my own and there was a flicker of distant understanding there before she smiled. I wanted to fucking rip her throat out for many reasons. James for one, but there was also the tiny fact that she was leading the Volturi right to our doorstep along with possibly my biggest threat. I looked at Bella briefly. What was odd was that she hadn't even looked at Edward yet. In fact, she seemed infatuated by me.
"Our introduction will be quick." Jean spoke slowly. I could feel everyone tense around her. The pack, Sam included, were crouched low. They were waiting for the wrong move to be made. Jean appeared not to notice, "Some of us are already acquainted. Bella may be familiar with some of you. She's as integral as your family here, you see. Her skills are similar to Joan's – very important." With a slight turn of her head, she nodded towards the three males to her right.
"These boys, you're not so acquainted with, but something tells me friends will be made; Owen, Fred and Simon." A tall, slim blonde with a crew cut gave us a friendly nod. Another blonde, this one bigger and with curly hair appeared uncomfortable. I watched as he observed the pack curiously, as if deciphering whether we'd do more harm than good. The last of the three was a short kid. I would have sworn he was human, a mere innocent amongst creatures, but the red glint in his eyes said otherwise. He couldn't have been more than 5. If it hadn't been for my surprise of seeing Bella first, this kid would have had my attention initially. I suspected he was cute as a human, probably with rosy cheeks to go along with the short, dark brown tendrils on his head. Fuck, they killed a kid?
As if thinking the same thing, Esme spoke, "You have a child amongst you?" I caught the worry and concern in her eyes. It wasn't a surprise that she found this more disturbing than the rest of us.
Jean walked over to the kid, pressing her palm on his shoulder as if he was a noble soldier in war, "We didn't come along to Simon as we came along to the rest of our coven." She spoke gently, "He is...special."
"But a child…" Esme gasped.
"There are rules, we are aware. The Volturi have distaste for those who breed eternal beings so young."
"It's horrific." I was surprised to hear Rosalie growl.
Jean stood like a leader in front her coven. Even the small Joan was a few steps behind her. I watched as Bella remained still, eyes searching every one of us. I was still put off that she still hadn't found interest in Edward.
A hand pressed against the small of my back. He wanted to say something, I know, but now wasn't the time with about 2 dozen sensitive ears present.
"We're here because we didn't want to miss the lesson." Jean spoke as if she had not suspected the hate most of us had for her, "I must say, Dr. Cullen, you know quite a bit about our adversaries. We're more than eager to participate as listeners." I looked to the Doc. He looked cautious, but as usual sported a polite –though small –smile.
"If it would help…" He began.
And like that, the coven blended amongst us. They kept to the margin of our group as I noticed my pack and Edward's family draw closer together. Never in my life, would I have thought I'd witness this…
I kept an eye on Bella. She was silent as well, but I did noticed how those round, ruby eyes would focus on me and the hand that held mine before her brows would furrow in confusion. Carlisle had spoken for what felt like hours and we sparred in that field for what felt like days. I wasn't surprised to find that every single one of Jean's vampires had gifts, little Simon included.
I watched as most of us sparred them with much trepidation. Emmett was paired against Owen, the blonde, whom to my surprise was as relaxed as Edward's biggest and goofiest brother. For a brief moment, even in the thick of the tension, they joked and taunted each other. I didn't know how Emmett could walk into this as relaxed as he did, but it lightened the mood briefly. Owen was easy on Emmett in the first round, but once Emmett joked about losing the training wheels, a small smirk curled up deviously on Owen's face.
"Right." Was all he said and we watched in awe as all of a sudden, Emmett began tripping and falling over his own legs.
"What the fu-" Emmett growled, clearly beat. It was as if watching a drunken man function.
I felt Edward stiffen behind me. He must have been getting some of what was mentally going on with Emmett , "I…" He started slowly, and then shook his head, "It's an interesting gift. He's a mind manipulator."
I continued to watch Emmett as he fell back on the ground, legs kicking out, "That's an evil offspring of yours and Jasper's gift, right?" I mumbled gravely. Finally, Owen let up, offering his hand to a defeated and dirty Emmett.
"I'll get your ass." Emmett growled. The guy always liked a challenge.
Though I could tell much of us were a bit taken aback and fucking intimidated by Owen, we pushed on. Carlisle reminded us that it was wise to learn how each of us functioned individually, so we'd be better prepared as a team. I had a funny inclination that he had a hidden ulterior motive, but we all participated. Edward took on Seth, Rosalie sparred Paul and the other coven watched in odd wonder, Bella included. Her eyes widened the first time she saw Sam phase before taking on Carlisle. She put two and two together and her eyes darted to mine. We shared a gaze, and I could have sworn nothing had changed for her. She appeared to be the same girl, until -of course- I realized just how still she sat and how red her eyes were. I looked away first.
It was my turn to spar. As I stood, unabashedly, shedding my clothes before phasing, I heard Jean offer one of hers. I stilled. Fuck, I didn't know what everyone else had up their sleeves.
Carlisle met eyes with Edward over my shoulder. There was a very audible growl from behind me. I turned to meet Edward's gaze, assuring him that it was okay.
"No." He barked out to Jean, "If you are going to use one of your own, they can fight with me."
"Edward-" I argued.
Jean smiled politely, but gave in, "Fine." He agreed, "You can fight Bella."
I felt my heart sink. And I couldn't help the rage I felt for Jean. I shot daggers her way, but she seemed unresponsive to it.
My rage simmered despite my permission and it only annoyed me more. This couldn't be happening. When I finally had him, when we finally were getting back to normal, something fucked had to get in the way.
My mind began to race.
What if it wasn't meant to be? What if in the end, it was her he was going to be with? What if neither of us got that happy ending? Scenarios were quicker than thoughts. Images of their bodies against each other, longing glances-
"Jacob." Edward spoke softly.
But I couldn't stop. A wedding. God, I pictured a wedding. Maybe I was only meant to have him to save my pack. No matter how secure I was in loving him, no matter how secure I was in his love for me, I knew this could all change, because it always changed every time I felt him, looked at him. I loved and needed him more and more-
"Jacob, love." I felt his cool fingers cupping my cheek.
"Be careful." I whispered to him, giving him a weak smile. He was there with me, he knew what I was thinking, but I still attempted to hide as much as I could from him. I focused on the pack and strategies to use for sparring, hoping to deter him from my previous thoughts, but it didn't work. His fingers stroked my cheek before he applied a chaste kiss on my lips.
"My love." He whispered for my ears only and I couldn't contain the shutter that rushed through my body. He turned around, stepping into the opening in the circle awaiting his opponent. There was no use to be naked now. I redressed and watching in anticipation.
And I was surprised.
Bella stepped in with nonchalance, her eyes meeting mine only briefly before she faced Edward. Their fight was uneventful if no one was observant to Edward's skill, but we all were. And we noticed that she was his weakness. He couldn't read her and he had to focus on small slips of movement and hesitance. Though their motions were both fluid, they seemed out of sync with the other. I knew much of it was due to Edward's inability to use his advantage, but there was an echo of something else, another reason I couldn't put my finger on.
As if expecting an answer, my eyes drifted to Jean, only to see her watching me with a look of assurance. I didn't know what to make of it.
The spar ended with Edward finally managing an upper hand, knocking Bella a good distance away from the circle. She landed gracefully on her feet a few yards away with a sparkle in her eyes.
"You're good." It was the second time I heard her speak and it was directed at Edward. I couldn't help that I was jealous. She was offering him a damn compliment.
"You are very talented for a newborn." Edward said back. And damn if I didn't see red. I set my jaw and coaxed myself to relax.
"How about one more before we call it a night?" Carlisle spoke to the circle, "Anyone willing to volunteer?"
I was on my feet quicker than I could think, "I will." I had anger and energy to vent. I started to strip again, but a hand on my wrist stopped me.
"Jacob," He started.
"It's just a spar, Edward." I answered, keeping my gaze lowered. I knew I was being immature and reacting to a simple exchange between the both of them, but the fear of that other universe where they existed as an item gnawed at me. I couldn't help feeling that this –what we were –was a ruse.
"I don't trust them."
"Neither of us do." And it was true, even as we sparred openly in front of them, I could see the distrust in everyone's eyes. No matter that they weren't a danger to us now, they had James in their midst before and he was what nearly killed two of our own and poisoned Edward and I.
"I'll be fine." I assured him and stepped away, towards the center of the circle where nearly all of us had our opportunity to shine. Who stepped in with me was the vamp named Fred. He gave me an uneasy smile and a shrug. It didn't seem like he wanted to do this.
"It's cool," I said lowly to him, "Just use your gift and I'll see how I can work around it, okay?"
He gave me a slow nod. I backed up, giving myself some room so I could phase. The transition was natural and once I was on all fours, I gave a long stretch relishing the feeling of being powerful again. I felt an intense stare on me and I knew it was Edward. It wasn't often he saw me like this.
I prepared myself for the attack, but found I couldn't place where Fred was. I looked to my right and didn't see him. I wondered where the hell he went. Was his gift being absurdly fast? I thought to look left, but something kept me from doing so. I couldn't look left. I was sure looking in that direction wouldn't be good for me, yet with all the courage I could muster, I turned and simultaneously choked on my tongue. I was repulsed, disgusted. Whatever I was turning to had such an adverse effect on me, I had to look away.
What the hell was that about?
I tried again and was met with the same feeling. It took a while for me to realize that perhaps this was Fred's gift. He can make himself avoided.
"It's a technique to help him stay under the radar." Edward told me once I had phased back after being unsuccessful in taking him down, let alone seeing him, "I'm starting to realize that Jean picked them because they can mostly function without being touched, though I'm still unsure if Bella's gift is just me not being able to read her mind." He said with a hint of curiosity.
"Of course you'd be interested in what she has up her sleeves." I muttered, buckling up my jeans.
"I'm yours." He spoke softly. My eyes shut at the flashback of being inside him. He would have screamed that all night if I asked, I knew it for a fact. But the doubt was a bad taste at the back of my throat. Or it could have been the actual vomit from my spar with Fred. His fingers threaded with mine before he lifted our hands, kissing the back of mine, "Sam wants to talk to you."
I turned towards the pack, and sure enough, Sam stood off to the side with a look of impatience. As I made to walk over to him, I listened in as Carlisle wrapped up the meeting. We had been in the clearing for over 12 hours and he was well aware that the pack had to recoup and rest before continuing training and taking in any information. We were to meet in about 8 hours, so there wasn't much rest we'd be getting.
Everyone broke apart, the pack bleeding in the background as half of the Cullen's disappeared. They were most likely running home or wherever to relax for the next few hours.
"What's up?" I asked, approaching Sam. He looked a little uncomfortable standing between what was left of the Cullens and Jean's coven.
"I'll be coming by later tonight to discuss a few things with Carlisle and I'll be bringing Seth, Collin and Brady. They'll need to catch up on a few things." I frowned. Catch up? I quickly searched the area. Sure enough, the retreating backs of the pack weren't the familiar shade of blonde tufts of hair. Seth wasn't here. And Collin and Brady? No shit. He wasn't kidding when he said there were more of us.
"Why-?" But he gave me the silent command to keep my mouth shut.
"I'll need your help." His tone was final. Great, I had a task at hand. It was a shame I hadn't been paying attention to anything as much as I wanted. Not with Edward and Bella as distractions, "We're going to need to train the rest."
Edward
He was tired, almost dead on his feet. I watched helplessly as he stumbled about, kicking out of his jeans before collapsing on the bed next to me where I again reviewed Carlisle's journal.
"How did it go?" I asked gently.
"Hmph?" Was his muffled reply.
"The training, love." I clarified. With a grumble about being nosy, he turned over, facing me.
"They're young." He yawned, "And scared." His soft, brown eyes tightened in frustration as he tiredly placed his head on the plush pillow.
"It is expected."
He shook his head, "It is ridiculous. Fucked up." I lifted a hand, stroking his locks, loving the way he sought my touch automatically.
"I know."
"They're not supposed to suffer because of me running off like that, getting James' attention. I shouldn't have –" He stopped, catching himself. I could feel the remorse in his thoughts. He was lost, confused. If he hadn't have ran off those months ago, I wouldn't have found him. We wouldn't have had each other. He mentally apologized as he continued to speak, "Would it have been better if you were with her? Could all this have been avoided?"
He was silent for a moment, allowing me time to answer. I inhaled deeply, "No. There was one thing Jean told me; no matter what paths we chose, these things were to happen. Our choices change much but not everything. Some things are…fixed to happen." A thought crossed my mind, "I could only assume that's why Jean and Joan needed Bella."
Jacob sat up sharply, fury clouding his exhaustion, "So they kill her parents and take her?" He nearly roared.
"For all we know, that could have been James." I clasped a hand around his bicep, gently tugging him toward me, nonverbally suggesting he lay back down. He complied –though with a moment's hesitation –allowing his head to now settle on my lap.
"It still doesn't make sense." He growled, "If this shit is fixed, why the hell did they need to take Bella in the first place."
I had time to think about this earlier, "I'm beginning to understand Jean's ability. It has a bit more dimensions than Alice's, where she can see our choices, Jean can see beyond them, given the environment and context in time that shapes them. To put it simply, Alice can see which side of a chess board we play while Jean can see what moves would be necessary to win a game, if all game pieces are available."
"That…" Jacob frowned, "Still sounds confusing." With a scoff, he added, "And you just compared their special skills to chess."
I leaned over despite our awkward position, placing a chaste kiss on his temple. There was a moment of silence between us as I allowed him to think over our conversation. The process for him might have been sluggish due to days of new information bombarding him. Not to mention the hours training. After the brief break where he ate and napped, we had once again been immersed in preparation, learning of most of the nomad coven, while cataloguing the skills of the Volturi's guard. It had been during the second brief break that Jacob met with the rest of the pack, giving them all the lessons he had soaked in while training them along with Sam and Paul. Nearly half a day of that and he was attempting to understand the quirks of a nomad vampire's cognitive abilities.
"So, basically," He started slowly, "Certain things are fixed –no matter our choices –as long as we have all the important people necessary to make it happen."
"Yes." I confirmed.
"So in a way, for all this to happen, we had to meet and shit had to have gone bad and I guess the Volturi have to come here."
"Yes."
"But they are going to take advantage of the Volturi coming here, so they can what…?"
"I believe they want the Volturi annihilated."
Jacob thought for a moment, "But that doesn't make any sense. It was because of them that the pack is now immune to venom and that we're pretty much on the same side. And it is them that lead the Volturi here. How does this…?"
"They need an army." And as the words left my lips, I was struck with a sudden sense of hope, "They need an army that they know could actually kill off the Volturi."
Jacob sat up again, a light in his eyes, "Wait, you think they know we're going to win this?"
"Perhaps Jean." I calculated our odds and found myself pleased to admit that what we did know about this coven, they had remarkable powers they could operate without the necessity of touching. Their powers were elusive, perhaps even easy to overpower a gathering of vampires, "She picked those vampires for a reason."
"Shit!" Jacob's eyes lit up, "You think we can come out of this alive."
My eyes met Jacob's, happy for even a sliver of a chance of keeping him safe, "We just might."
xXx
Alice confirmed that we had 10 hours.
It had been 2 days of training and learning of the coven. It had been 2 days of strategy, sparring and anticipation.
10 hours and counting and the moment I stepped through the threshold of my room, after a quick few hours of feeding to find Jacob waiting for me, aroused and demanding. We made love in more ways than I could imagine. It was rough, then slow, then overpowering. I felt his aggression, his pain, his love and it made and broke me simultaneously. Petting his locks, I came in inside him once more, securing my lips against the length of his neck, feeling his flesh give in under my teeth. With a muted whimper, Jacob came, my name on his lips.
"Yours." I whispered, licking the healing wound. He cooed in delight, holding me close. We lay there, time lost to us, our euphoria slowly ebbing away as the familiar noises of my family walking about the house caught my ears. They were back as well, though this time, my mind felt more bombarded with thoughts. There were others here. The nomad coven.
"What is it?" Jacob grunted from under me. His hands didn't cease their slow stroke along my back, but his voice was tight with concern.
"The coven is here." I answered, regretfully pulling away and out of him. There was a brief pout on his face, before he followed me, sitting up.
"Carlisle trusts them enough to bring them in the house?" I had pondered the same thing, but I knew Carlisle well enough to understand that he believed with shared enemies, the coven was no threat to us even if they awarded us no choice but to fight with them. There hadn't been any hostile interactions between us and them and interestingly enough, both Fred and Owen appeared safe, even when the remaining coven members were withdrawn.
"I think he knows we are of value to them," I spoke my thoughts, "Remember, they need all their pieces to win."
"Right," He answered, "But what happens when they won't need us?"
His fears were my own as well. There was a chance we could win against the Volturi, but it was still unknown if our allies would turn our enemies, "I guess we must see why they're here." I didn't want to leave the comfort of my room, of our space. I was selfish, unable to have Jacob just a few hours more. But the time was upon us, "Go shower. I'll meet you downstairs."
At that, Jacob let his pout linger, "Wait, why do I have to shower and you don't?"
I couldn't help my sheepish smile, "I enjoy the smell of you on me." I whispered lowly, hoping that at least the nomad coven wouldn't be able to hear my confession. Jacob watched me with hungry eyes and parted lips, his body already responding to my words, "And I don't want them lured by your blood." I motioned to the maroon mark on his neck, where my bite healed. He fingered it deftly, sighing.
"That's unfair." He growled.
"I know." I leaned forward, taking his chin with one hand and angling his face up for a kiss. He willingly obliged, despite his ranting thoughts of marching downstairs anyway, hungry, vampires be damned.
He watched me as I dressed, a scowl on his face. Just before I stepped out, he spoke, "Wait, vampires don't really find my blood all that appealing."
With a brief glance over my shoulder, I repeated, "I know." I closed the door before he could respond, a smile on my lips.
Edward, you're a possessive asshole! He angrily directed his thought to me. He was right. It wasn't his blood I was concerned about, but his arousal. He was intoxicating, heavily scented with his juices. I wanted no desired looks his way and I wanted it to be known that I was indeed his. His scent all over me would prove just that. It was my silent pledge to him, whether he was aware of it or not. I was never to be with Bella and if I could help it, I was never to have him taken from me again.
xXx
"I find your diet…intriguing." Jean spoke, gliding along the front hall. Everyone but the coven watched her with cautious eyes.
Then, the small blonde Joan wrinkled her nose in disgust, "Repulsive." She spat, dancing on her heels, "Like dirty old blood from a dirty old, dead body." Despite her disgust for animal blood, she sounded almost…comical.
"We find it fitting and easier for us and our lifestyle." Carlisle answered politely,
"Don't mind Joan," Jean spoke up, "She died by the means of human blood and spent seventy years living for it. Old habits do indeed die hard."
"She died in a war?" Jasper asked, surprising everyone with his interest in the conversation.
"Yes." Jean answered honestly. Joan didn't appear to be listening to the two talk about her, instead, wondered off to where my piano sat but a few feet away, a childish glee on her face. Owen as well appeared to be interested in the furnishings and presentation of our home.
He whistled in awe, "You guys must be loaded."
"We're comfortable." Esme answered, looking as if she was biting back a smile. Bella watched her expression with interest, before letting her eyes settle on me. She was curious –that much I could read about her – red eyes ablaze with unknown thoughts. She spoke them without hesitation.
"Where is Jacob?" I couldn't help the tension in my body as she said his name. She proved not to be hostile, but her presence, her existence had caused him pain and fear. It was irrational of me to dislike her for this very reason. I knew there was nothing she could do that would make me love her more than I loved him. She had no control over me. It wasn't that that Jacob feared anymore, but rather if being with her would have made things better, was how things were supposed to be. It was that thought in mind that I loathed, which ultimately meant I wanted her away from him and myself.
I didn't answer, averting my eyes and noticing just how everyone took interest in our exchange. Instead, I focused on the rest of the coven, taking in the absence of Fred –though I was sure he was here, but desired not to be seen –and the small child standing just a few feet away from his coven. His round, big eyes searched with the same interest as Owen. He appeared an inch taller than I remembered. It was quite puzzling, also given that he was so quiet and still.
Except for the small thumping pulse in his neck.
Why has this not been brought to our attention before? Almost three days and none of us noticed. I listened, attempting to hear the heartbeat, but only able to hear the healthy relaxed pulse of Jacob. I blinked in surprise, wondering if perhaps, even with my clear, inhuman vision I may have been seeing things. Jean had said this child was special. In what way and why couldn't I hear his heart?
"The child Simon." I spoke slowly, unable to lift my eyes from his neck, "Is he human?"
At that, everyone froze in the room, eyes on me or the small child. Rosalie and Esme seemed most interested and concerned.
"I don't hear a heartbeat." Alice spoke, stiffly stepping forward gauging her ears for any small sign of the familiar pulse of noise.
My eyes flitted to Joan who was innocently, stroking the keys of the Baby Grand, "Joan, I take it, has been able to keep us from hearing it." I realized, not hiding my awe. Joan had a remarkable and honed skill. I could only imagine what she would be able to do against an entire guard.
"You are quite clever, Edward." Jean said with an air of admiration in her tone, "More so than even I may have predicted." She must have concluded that there was no use to hide what the child was, so she explained, "I knew Simon would be of help to us. I saw him the moment he was conceived. A young human survived copulation with a vampire. She was burdened with survival and a life unlike any other growing inside of her."
"That's….impossible." Rosalie gasped. I found myself incapable of understanding the possibilities of this as well. She was assaulted, but not bitten? And she survived such a vicious attack, with child?
"How could a human survive that?" Carlisle –though clearly disgusted –was curious as to the frail physical condition of a human.
"You're not the only of our kind that cares for humans like special pets." She appeared thoughtful for a moment, "I would even say the vampire may have loved her enough. This is what they created." Her hand fell on the shoulder of the child, who for the first time appeared to show signs of his young age, looking up at Jean with mild curiosity, "His mother died during the birth and Simon would have died as well if not for my knowledge of his existence."
"What happened to the father?" Esme asked, a look of horror in her eyes.
Jean showed no sign of emotion as she spoke, "He asked for us to take his life as well. He seemed not to want to exist without her."
"Oh, my…" Without realizing her motions, Esme approached the child. I could sense her curiosity and wonder. Her sympathy was evident as well. The child noticed her approach, and to our surprise, stepped away as if in fear.
"Do not worry, child. I will not harm you." Esme desperately pleaded. Rosalie then stepped forward, driven by a deep desire to console him as well. I felt the hurt and remorse, when again the child stepped away, fearful of their approach, before running out of the room.
That had not been what I was expecting.
A sound of surprise had our attention before a voice carried from the stairs, "Whoa! What's up, little man?" A few moments later, Jacob appeared, the child in his arms as he looked at us curiously, "For a vampire, this kid is really warm…and alive." He glared at Jean, coming to his own conclusion, "What the fuck is he supposed to be, a snack?"
Despite his anger, I felt warmth at his protective display. The child clung to him, little fingers clutched around his neck.
Jean merely smiled, "Interesting."
xXx
I couldn't hide just how my jaw dropped. This child…this toddler was part human and vampire. And here I was under the impression that my life was as weird as things got. If it wasn't for the looks of disbelief and everyone's extremely heavy interest in the small child I was holding, I wouldn't have believed Jean. The kid was almost as warm me with a fast heartbeat, but felt human, kind of smelled human as well. And had no plans of letting go of me. I noticed how Rosalie's eyes narrowed in envy and attempted to do my best not to smirk triumphantly.
I failed.
It was a full house of vampires. The Cullens awkwardly stood away from the nomad coven, with the exception of Emmett who was already speaking and pointing random things out to Owen. I couldn't see Fred anywhere, but for all I knew, he was right next to me. I was suddenly aware that I was hearing music, though Edward stood not a few feet from me. Where the hell was that coming from?
"Joan." Sometimes it was good having a mind reader around, "Glad I can be of service to you." He said with an air of exasperation, though I could see that cute little adoring smirk he had. He was totally in love with me. At that thought, he rolled his eyes, such an endearing, human thing to do.
I stepped into the center of the room, child clinging to me like a little monkey, "So all we do now is wait, or-?" I asked, knowing that if I stood here with them for a minute longer, I'd lose my damn mind. Were they all just going to wait here…?
"They haven't made up their minds as to where they will be when they arrive." There was a forebodingly bad look on Alice's face, "It was clear before, but now…" I tensed, knowing what that could mean. If they were changing plans, we would have less time to prepare. As if sensing my discomfort, the child clung tighter to me, whimpering as if scared. I was confused. Now, out of the last few days, he was suddenly acting like a child? How did they take care of him?
"You must be careful." Jean spoke, "Now that Joan as eased her control on the child, he may…act out."
That didn't help the tension in my shoulders any, "That's such a nice phrase, 'act out', whatever could you mean?" I couldn't help the acidic sarcasm at her very last minute warning. It had finally occurred to me that this child was the only one out of the coven whose trick we hadn't seen. And wasn't it my luck that we were about to find out.
It took a while for me to realize my skin was literally burning. At the touch of Edward's hand, I started, "What-?" I gasped then, feeling the strong sting, before it grew to a very burning pain. There was a squeak before the child was pulled from my arms. I was surprised not to see Edward toss him, judging by the look of fury in his eyes. I blinked in shock, looking at my hands, skin burnt and peeling. The crinkle of flesh in my neck and upper back had me sure the same affect was happening. Wherever there was skin contact between me and the kid, there were burn marks.
Edward inhaled deeply, meeting my gaze as if silently asking if I was okay, if there needed to be a reason for him to attack Jean. I shook my head, saying I was fine.
I'm already healing.
"What did he do to him?" Edward's voice was low, but definitely threatening.
"You were witness to it, were you not?" Jean asked evenly as if she wasn't seconds away from being attacked by a very furious vampire. Before Edward could say anything else, someone else spoke.
"He is healing." It was Bella. Her voice was somewhat different than what I remembered, sounded surprised and impressed, "Such interesting creatures." God, how could I forget about her being in the room? Clearly, Edward spared her no attention earlier, but now his eyes watched her with a deathly focus. She was approaching us, her eyes fixed on my body healing under the now flaking dead skin. Like I was some sort of specimen, she reached out to touch, but was confronted with a growling Edward. She stopped wisely, eyes wide not from fear but intrigue.
"Edward." Carlisle chastised softly.
"She won't hurt him." Alice answered surely, "That is not her intention. You two are fine." The last word was loaded, though I wasn't sure what she could have meant. I searched for the small child –Simon, if my memory served right –who now stood behind the legs of Jean, blood-red eyes looking up at me in quiet distress.
"It's okay." I whispered to him, though honestly, who could be sure now with leech royalty and a sneaky coven ally on our side. I hadn't assured myself, but it appeared to relax Edward a bit, who protectively secured an arm around my waist, not before sighing as Simon moved from behind Jean tentatively reaching out a hand as if to ask for mine. Without hesitation, I offered my hand, only to have Edward gently knock it away.
I scowled at Edward, "Seriously, he's just a toddler."
"Not even a month old." Jean answered, eyebrows raised in amusement. The Cullens gaped, staring at the child with new wonder.
"This child has rapid maturation?" Carlisle asked, clearly slipping into doctor mode. I couldn't have been surprised, seeing as he was a hybrid.
"We are unsure exactly what the average aging time for his kind is, but I do know that Simon will come into adulthood where he will remain for many years."
"Immortal." Esme gasped.
"Somewhat." She answered, attention on me, just as I snuck my hand to grasp the child's. There was a small huff beside me and I felt Edward's arm tighten around my waist.
The next few hours, everyone marginally relaxed with the renewed interest of the hybrid toddler to talk about, speaking of which hadn't left my side since I stepped downstairs. It was nice that everyone's minds were at least partially distracted as they spoke and theorized about Simon's human and vampire traits, though as I watched I couldn't help but feel time slipping away, the battle coming ever closer. Edward, Simon and I had walked the to the kitchen, sitting at the counter where I asked Simon if he was hungry. He didn't respond, only watched me through long lashes. I sighed, unsure if it was even right to have him here. God, no one was supposed to be here. The Cullens, Bella…I gulped down a breath, momentarily getting the battle jitters. If anyone was to get hurt or killed –flashes of Seth, Quil, Embry, Sam –I wouldn't forgive myself.
Cool fingers stroked my skin, calling me out of my mind, "If all goes according to plan, they'll be fine." I wasn't convinced, "We cannot change the past, love, but we do have control of what we can do now."
"I know I'm being a broken record here, but I can't help thinking if things were different-"
"Was it not worth us finding and having each other?" He asked, clearly upset by my train of thought. Just hearing him sound so anxious made it hard to even breathe. I inhaled deeply, finding my voice.
"You're worth it all, even if I lose everything, but it's still a bit selfish to accept this face value without considering how things could have been different."
He leaned into me, his breath fanning against my neck, "Your heart is bigger than you'd like to admit, Jake." He whispered, "You prefer a path where no one is hurt or killed, but there is no escaping this, unless of course you want to-"
"We are not leaving." I cut him off. That seemed to be the end of that conversation, but he spoke again, this time in such a tender manner.
"It's when I'm sure I love you with all that I have, that you surprise me." I blinked in surprised.
"What do you mean?" He didn't answer, merely kissing my temple. There was a low, whine beside me, before I saw a hand shoot out, breaking any contact between Edward and I. I laughed out, noticing Edward's face contort into a glower, which he effectively hid from Simon.
"I guess he doesn't like anyone else touching me." I teased Edward, "But look, you both have something in common now."
"Other than being capable of hurting you?" He added bitterly. Count on Edward to go from sweet to sour within the span of 10 seconds. I made to answer with some sort of snarky response when suddenly Edward stiffened, before leaving my sight instantly. He couldn't have been that angry.
But then I heard it.
"No…" The drawn out cry of Alice, "No, they are coming. Sooner than…" And she was silent. I got up from the kitchen counter, taking Simon with me as we entered the living room where all the other vampires had come to gather around Alice.
"They're coming here." Edward said darkly, just as I was about to impatiently ask what the hell was going on. He was already at my side, hand clasping around my own. I could feel it, his need to keep me safe, to fight.
"To the house?" Carlisle seemed pensive, "How many?"
"It's only Aro, Caius and Marcus and a few guards"
"Alec and Jane?" Carlisle pressed.
"No." She shook her head.
"Who are Alec and Jane again?" I asked Edward, all that he told me about the Volturi a blur of information.
"Alec and Jane are part of the guard, important to Aro." Edward said quickly. My thoughts spun at the information. I remembered. They were important alright, if their special skills spoke for them. And they weren't coming here?
"What does this mean then?" Rosalie questioned.
"They have left themselves vulnerable." Jasper spoke softly, "It could be a show of peace." He said though it was quietly followed by, "Or a clever strategic maneuver."
"To catch us off guard." Carlisle answered.
"They'll be here within the next 15 minutes." Alice said quickly, coming back to the conversation, "Whatever we need to do, we have little time to figure it out."
"The Volturi only know that there are wolves here, but they are not aware that we will be here to assist you. We have purposely kept from seeking their attention." Jean said strongly, the coven already assembled behind her, "It is wise that they remain unaware of us. It would still provide us with an advantage."
"Also, if they were to see the child, they wouldn't understand." Esme added.
Carlisle nodded, "You can make yourselves unseen and unheard, do so now before they come." At that, the coven was already gracefully exiting through the back way of the house, though Simon remained with me.
"And Jacob." Edward added.
I frowned, "What?"
But he was already talking to Carlisle, "They will want him, you know this. They find him as some sick novelty and they will try to collect him. If we want any chances of peaceful talk, he should be with the nomad coven."
Carlisle was pensive for a split second, "You're right, Edward, but you will have to remain here." He said regretfully.
"Wherever he goes, I follow."'
"Yes, but it would be just as unwise to be missing amongst us as it would be to have him here." Carlisle was right of course. They would know something was up if Edward was missing. Not to mention, it would only prove that I was important to him. If they were to see that, it would be a weakness they could locate for both of us.
Edward opened his mouth to argue, but I was quicker, "I'll be safe with the nomad coven. With Joan, I'll be invisible and we'll be close enough to attack if anything should go wrong." I spoke to the group before turning to Edward, lowering my voice for him "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right outside."
But I could see my words weren't working. If he couldn't see me or touch me, I was at risk of danger. I could understand this, after what James had done. At my trailing thoughts, he shut his eyes tightly, fighting off the inevitable and wisest decision, "Love." His voice broke, "I can't."
"Edward," I whispered, "I'll be fine. You're the one I have to worry about and keep safe, okay?" And he was. I didn't trust these Volturi as far as Simon could throw them.
Not caring that we had an audience, Edward held my shoulders as if I were fragile, some weak human and tenderly leaned in for a soft kiss, his hands working its way up my neck to cradle my face. He pulled away far enough to watch me, golden eyes committing my face to memory.
"Don't worry." I repeated.
I love you. I said for his mind only.
It was still a pleasant and rare thing to hear his voice in my head, but the echoing, My love… stayed with me even as I left the building walking into the thicket of trees. I found the vampires about a quarter mile in, standing still awaiting Simon and my company.
"This doesn't look like it's going to be good." Owen's ruby eyes shone in the night, even though his expression was nothing but friendly.
"Joan will make sure all senses and skills are dulled. It would be as if we haven't existed in that house." Jean spoke, "If anything does indeed go wrong, we are but a few seconds away."
"Here's to good luck then." Owen said skeptically.
I jumped, hearing Fred speak next to me. It was my first time seeing him in a day, "You and Edward are mates?" He spoke quietly in my ear.
I nodded, "We are." At that confession, I once again remembered Bella was not far.
"I never heard of a werewolf being mates with a vampire. Then again, I never heard of vampire and human hybrids until a few weeks ago." He shrugged, "This is a strange, strange world." The last sentence seemed to be meant for himself though I couldn't disagree.
"Amen to that." I sighed.
"I'm surprised you could be apart like that so willingly." Owen added in on the conversation, "Joan and Jean are mated and it's rare when they are so far apart. It's a bad idea keeping them separate." He shook his head as if knowing this from experience.
He was right, mated or imprinted, being separated could be a strain and I preferred we weren't too far from each other for too long. It was odd how hollow, weak I felt without him.
Then something struck me.
Separation…
"It could be a show of peace or a clever strategic maneuver."
"To catch us off guard."
"Alec and Jane are part of the guard, important to Aro."
"It's a bad idea keeping them separate"
But that was supposed to be our advantage. The Volturi were not to know that there was more of us, hiding and waiting, ready to show the moment they met us for battle. But maybe they were one step ahead of us, using that to their advantage. Maybe we were the ones that were really going to be caught off guard. They knew Alice would see them approaching, they knew we'd assume they were coming to speak civilly, using our own humanity against us. And if the important Alec and Jane weren't present, that could only mean…
"The pack!" I was able to gasp out, already stripping out of my clothes, "This is a fucking trap! They are sending the rest of their guard to take out the pack. They know they are outnumbered and are fucking using our separation against us." There was no time to wait for answers, to warn the Cullens. By now, the Volturi would already be in the Cullen house, keeping them occupied while they believed my pack would be moments away from death.
I phased instantly, awaiting the voice of my pack and wasn't relieved to know I was right. Visuals of colliding forces, fur and stone, blood, venom and fire. Fuck, the battle had already begun and we didn't know.
xXx
AN: Some love for the boys is welcome. This is the second to last chapter. You know what that means. ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GO! Review with all your might if you want it A.S.A.P (meaning you guys not waiting another year) As for now, *cracks knuckles* I got some other incompletes to catch up on.