Chapter 1

Alec was beginning to get bored when Aro called him. Finally he thought I'll have something to do. I hope it's something serious. Not some old vampire they took pity on and want to kill painlessly again! What am I, a painkiller? Well yeah maybe I can relieve pain but I cut off all senses not just pain! And I've had it with these executions!

'What's bothering you?' a voice asked jerking Alec back from his chain of thoughts. He turned to find his sister Jane caught up with him.

'Nothing,' he replied. 'Aro called you too?'

'Yes,' she replied. 'He called us both. Must be something important.'

At least this means it's no execution. He called Jane. Jane can't be all that handy during an execution can she? I mean not unless they want to torture the guy first. But then why the hell call me? Torture and then give the guy a painless death. That's just weird. And most definitely not Aro's style.

'And as far as I know Demetri and Renata were called too,' Jane notified. 'Looks like this is going to be a mission outside the castle. It's been a long time since I've been out. I'm excited. What about you, brother?'

'Let's first find out what Aro really wants,' he said. 'Then let's get excited.'

Jane shrugged and they soon found themselves in the main chambers. Aro was standing by the window, looking outside. He did not turn when he heard Alec and Jane arrive. Neither Alec nor Jane did anything to notify Aro that they had arrived. They both knew Aro knew they were present and would only talk to them when he wished to.

A few seconds later the twins were joined by Demetri and a few seconds after that by Renata. On the arrival of the four of them, Aro finally turned to look at them.

'You called us master?' Jane asked sweetly.

'Yes, I did, my dear Jane,' Aro replied back in the same tone of affection. 'I have something very important for you four to do. If my informant is correct, then with your help we can have another addition to our guard.' He stopped talking and left the sentence hanging.

'What do you mean, master?' Jane asked.

Alec could not even guess where Aro was going with this. Addition to the guard? So vague. Alec waited for Aro to say more and clarify himself.

'Yes, an addition,' Aro said, smiling triumphantly. 'I've news that there is a human in Alaska who shows extraordinary skills. I don't know yet what exactly it is that that person can do but if my information is correct, then think how powerful he or she can be once changed. How very valuable to us.'

'What is it you want us to do?' Jane asked Aro. It was always Jane who spoke mostly to Aro. Alec preferred to keep silent unless asked a question directly.

'Find that human,' Aro said simply. 'Find him and observe him. See his abilities. Once sure bring him back alive. I want to change him myself. But if that's too difficult stage an accident so that everyone knows he has died. Then one of you can change him yourself. Do it somewhere remote of course. You know how newborns are?'

Alec understood now. They had to observe a human. That didn't matter to him much. What mattered to him was the fact that he could escape the confinements of the Volturi castle at last. And this time most probably for quite a long period of time. He let his lips curve into a smile. He already liked the sound of this mission. He just wished now that it wouldn't be over all that quickly.

'Sounds easy enough,' Demetri said.

'Yes, so I expect you not to screw up,' Aro in his dangerously quite voice. 'Try to blend in. Don't let anybody suspect that what you are. Discretion is a must in this mission.'

'Don't worry master,' Jane said. 'We will not fail you.'

'Yes,' Aro said. 'I hope you are right.'

Aro remained silent for a moment, thinking things over. Then he started talking again. 'The human will be in school. Alec, Jane you two will be enrolled in it as students. Make sure you do not miss anything. Keep an eye out in every second. And once you find the find the human, don't take your eyes off him. Find a way to change him or bring him here. Don't leave rumours behind you. Demetri and Renata will be on the lookout outside. The four of you will go into town as a family. You've done this before. So don't make mistakes. We are the volturi. We implement the rules so we can't break the rules ourselves.'

'Yes master,' Jane said. 'You won't be disappointed.'

'I sure hope not,' Aro replied. 'You are dismissed. Prepare and leave as soon as you are ready.'

The four of them came out of the main chambers and shut the door behind. 'Let's get ready then. Seems easy enough,' Demetri said. 'Find human, observe human, bring human. Three little steps. How hard can that be?'

How hard indeed. Alec thought. School again. This should be fun.

The following night the four of them were aboard a plane, already acting completely human, on their way to Alaska. Every pair of eyes that looked at them thought how adorable a family they were. Demetri was acting the father, Renata the mother. Alec and Jane as the twin kids. Alec smiled. If only they knew that under all the pretence they were showing off he had more authority over Demetri or Renata. They put on contacts to hide the red of their eyes and instinctively avoided any place with the sunlight.

Alec relaxed as the plane took off. He took out his play station and started playing games, his fingers moving across the buttons in lightning speed.

'Act human,' Jane hissed beside him.

'Everyone's sleeping,' Alec muttered back. 'And trust me no one can notice this. To human eyes it would just seem I'm holding this thing, not playing on it.'

Jane hissed again, discontent with his reply.

Alec ignored her. He had all the time to relax now. Once the plane landed he would get down to business.