The Guardian
Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight characters. They belong to Stepheine Meyer and the Twilight domain. I only claim to own Shamira. Thanks! Please read and review!
Background: picks up where BD ends; a possible move is on the horizon, and some questions are answered. The whole coven is invloved, Jacob Black, and the Volturi.
Alice Cullen hurried to the tiny cottage on the far end of the family's compound. Edward opens the door, as he had heard her calling his name in her head.
"Hey, Alice. What's wrong?" aske Edward, ushering her into the house. He spoke in low tones, so as not to wake up Nessie, his young daughter. His wife, Bella, was off hunting with his other sister and brothers.
"The. Volturi. They're coming again. I don't know why yet, but really soon. Call Rose and the boys and Bella, and I'll get Carlisle and Esme. We should probably get Jacob, too."
"Yeah," Edward frowned. What the hell did they want now? Bella and he had been going back and forth about moving with the family to Hanover, NH, so that Bella and Edward could go to college. They were working things out with Bella's father, Charlie, and they hated to take Nessie away from her human family. But if they had gone already like they were supposed to, this might not be happening. He was a little annoyed that Carlisle hadn't instisted yet, but he couldn't FORCE anyone to make a move they weren't ready for. Carlisle knew that the first year or so of vampire-dom was the most difficult; if Bella could stay where she was comfortable for at least a little while longer, she might be OK sooner than expected. Alice had flew out of the house to call Carlisle, who was on rounds at the hospital and to find Esme.
He picked up his tiny silver cell phone from the table it was on, and quickly dialed Bella.
"Hi, love. Say, where are you guys?" he waited for her answer. It sounded like they were heading back fairly soon.
"I need you to hurry; there's been a…development. Carlisle and Esme will be here soon; can you guys be back in an hour or so?"
"Yeah, I'll tell the others," replied Bella.
"Thanks. And don't worry, it's nothing too serious. Nessie is all right; she's sleeping now."
"Ok, see you when you get here." He snapped the phone shut, and sighed impatiently. He called Alice to let her know that the others were coming.
"Hey, Alice. They're on their way, OK? What exactly did you see?"
"I saw only Aro, Marcus, and Caius with a girl I didn't recognize; I don't think we've met her yet. They were talking; all I could pick up is "Half-blood." That's it, just that word, over and over. The girl looked scared and a little pissed off."
"Damn." Edward hardly ever cursed, but this seemed like an appropriate time. His little girl, his wife were the world to him now, and he would be damned if the Volturi were going to do anything but leave them alone.
"Alice, can you see if you can get more? I know it's hard, but can you try? Please?" Alice was his favorite sibling, and he hated to ask her to use her powers more than she already does. He hated that she felt like she had to protect the whole coven, but he was glad she did.
"I'll try. Carlisle is off in an hour; Esme is here, though, and we're going to try to see what we can figure out. Or actually, I am going to try to figure things out and Esme is going to listen. She says to bring Nessie over as soon as she is up. She's worried about you two alone there; she is thinking that maybe there is a scout or something. They've done that before."
"Why don't I wake her, bring her over, and she can sleep on the couch while we watch her?"
"Good idea. I'm hanging up now; these cell phones mess up my vision." He heard a dial tone, and went into the bedroom to pick up his daughter. Luckily, she didn't stir, even when he placed her on his back and ran out the door towards his parent's house. He entered quickly, and saw Esme standing in the living room, setting up a makeshift bed on the couch.
"Thanks, Esme. She's still out pretty well; Bella and I took her out last night to run and play; I think it wore her out." Esme nodded.
"It's so strange; a run around the meadow wearing you out. I miss it sometimes." Esme sighed, her expression far away. Edward put a hand on her arm; sometimes Nessie brought back memories of the son she had lost before she was changed. He placed Nessie on the couch and let Esme cover her with a blanket. They both touched her soft baby face, and then trooped into the sitting room to find Alice sitting on the floor, her eyes closed, breathing rapidly.
"Hi. OK, I see something new. It seems that only a small contigency is coming this time; just Aro and Caius, their bodyguards, the strange girl, and only Demetri. I think Jane is still annoyed at the last go-around. I'm seeing it be a peaceful mission, whatever that means for the Volturi. And also, they are looking for Carlisle-questions. Yes, they have questions. About the strange girl. Damn, there it goes." She openend her soft yellow eyes and looked up at Edward and Esme.
"Sorry. That's all I could get." She looked both annoyed and anxious.
"No, Alice, honey. That's good. We may not need everyone to be so defensive this time," said Esme.
Edward shrugged. "It could be a trick. They know you see things; they could be doing this to divert your attention."
"Maybe, but the strange girl didn't look like one of their vampires. Actually, she looked a little too human. Like I said, strange."
"Yeah. I guess we just wait for everyone."
"Yeah. Want to play cards?"
"Sure. But can we play in the other room? I want to keep an eye on Ness." Playing a game of cards was always fun to Edward and Alice. Edward's ability to read minds, and Alice's ability to see the future made for an interesting time. Edward usually blocked the thoughts of his family, out of courtesy, but when they played cards, it was each vampire for themselves.
Esme put a hand on Edward's. "Why don't you guys play in here and wait for the others? I'll keep an eye on the child. She's so angelic when she sleeps, I can watch her for hours." Esme chuckled lightly to herself; the grandma thing was great!
Edward smiled. "Thanks, Esme. If you really don't mind, that'd be great."
"I really don't." By the time he could thank her, Esme had already settled herself on the couch, placing a tiny stuffed rabbit next to the baby.
For the next hour, Alice and Edward played quietly, three rounds of Go Fish, one round of poker. Edward won two, Alice the rest. Nessie woke up about the same time everyone came into the house. She was scooped up immediately by Esme, who cooed to her in low tones. Jasper sat by Alice, and Emmett and Rosalie sat on the landing of the stairs. Edward pulled Bella onto his lap and put his arms around her. Right after the door had shut behind the hunters, Carlilse walked in. He set his briefcase down next to the garage door, which was an odd move for him; he usually took it straight to his office. He joined his wife on the couch with the baby. He looked at Alice.
"So, the Volturi are coming again?" He looked pained. His former contemporaries were really starting to get to him; he wondered why his family was all of sudden the target of their watch. Bella and Rosalie gasped; Emmett and Jasper tensed, ready for the defense.
"Yes. Kind of. I don't think the whole of the Volturi are coming. It seems that only a select few, Aro, Caius, their bodyguards, and a strange girl I don't recognize are coming. I can only get a few phrases, "half-blood", which they repeated a lot, and "Carlisle would know." I'm sorry, that's all I can figure out."
"Don't feel bad, Alice. That's really helpful; I don't think we'll bother Jacob or the others with this; let them start school in peace."
Bella spoke up. "What did the strange girl look like, Alice? Was it a newborn?"
Alice shook her head. "No, she was different. Dark hair, but piercing blue eyes. I've never seen anything like it before."
"Maybe if Nessie could expand who you saw, Carlisle might know," Bella said quietly. Carlisle nodded. Esme placed Nessie in Alice's arms.
"Nessie, can you show everyone what Auntie Alice is thinking?" crooned Alice, as she pictured the strange girl in her mind. Nessie placed a hand on her cheek; she closed her eyes as a picture of the girl Alice saw came into view. She was pretty; she was tall; she stood almost as tall as Aro, who was 6 feet tall, and towered over the bodyguards. She had dark, curly hair, but the intense blue of her eyes was really standout. She appeared in Nessie's vision silently; her face flat and unreadable. She stood a few paces behind the Volturi leaders and seemed to be on her own.
"Who?" whispered Nessie. Her language was developing fast.
Carlisle shrugged. "I don't know her. I don't think she's a vampire, though. Unless she is a Bulgarian, one of the Originals. They had odd features, but they were usually shorter, and darker. I just don't know."
"Don't know? Nessie sorry. No name." Nessie smiled at her grandfather.
"It's OK, Nessie. You did a great job, thank you. I will call the Romanians; they may know who she is." Alice handed Nessie to Bella then, who snuggled her into her chest.
"What are we going to do, Carlisle?" That was Emmett, who was still tensed, as though to pounce.
"Nothing until I call the Romanians. See what they know. In the meantime, let's stay close, and we all hunt in large groups. And I think we should ask Jacob to stay away for a few days. Just to be safe; I don't want to draw any more attention to us than nescessary. Can you speak to him, please, Bella?"
She nodded. "Although I don't know how willing he'd be."
"All you can do is ask. And please ask him to keep this to himself; if we need the help of the pack, we'll let him know."
"Ok. I'll call him now." She stood to leave, gesturing to Edward to come with her.
"Let's all meet back here as soon as I speak to Vladimir. I'll come find you," said Carlisle.
"OK."
One Hour Later
Carlisle's Office
Everyone had gathered into Carlisle's office; Esme sitting in a large round armchair holding Nessie, Bella, Edward, Alice and Jasper sitting on the floor, Rose and Emmett standing in the doorway, and Carlisle sitting upright in his desk chair.
"So I spoke to Vladimir and Stefan. They don't know who the strange girl is, but they believe that she is a half-blood; based on the info I have provided them as we know it. I am unsure as to why the Volturi would, number one, be in possesion of a half-blood, and two, brining her here. They didn't sense danger, but will have an informative they have there report back. Alice, do you have an idea how long we have?"
"Yes, while you were on the phone, I was able to conjure up more. Plane tickets. Marked for tomorrow. They are flying into British Columbia, and then coming down. So probably no more than two days. I am sorry I didn't see this sooner; I wish I could've warned everyone." Alice looked at the floor; she truly felt bad that she had missed this. Jasper squeezed her shoulders, Edward sent a message.
"Alice, sweetie, it's OK. Truly. I am just glad you found it now."
Alice sent him a thought back.
"Thanks. I am sorry about Nessie, though. I know Bella must be freaking out."
"Yes. But I'll deal with that, OK? You just keep your eye on the ball."
"OK. Thanks, Edward."
"No problem." He shot her a smile. Carlisle interrupted their exchange.
"I think it's going to be OK. Let's hunt tonight; all of us. Together. Then, we will prepare. I think the meadow is a fantastic place to meet; it'll be like old times." He spit out the last words; no humor was intended. "I need all of you to be mellow, but ready to strike if needed. I also think that we should set up some sort of pretense for us to be in the meadow-a baseball game, perhaps. We haven't played in awhile. Yes, that would work. A ball game. Would that be OK with everyone?" They all nodded their agreement.
"OK. Let's get ready to hunt, and tonight, while we're traveling, we'll work out the details. Alice, please stay here for a minute. I would like a word, alone, if that's Ok. Thank you, everyone." Alice raised her eyebrows, but didn't say a word. Everyone else filed out of the office, leaving the two vampires alone.
"Alice, I need to know that there's nothing you are leaving out, that you're not saying to protect Bella.""No, Carlisle. That's all I have. I'm sorry I didn't know sooner. I would've said something-" Carlisle cut her off.
"Alice, dear. You did fine. I just wanted to be sure; I am confused and, frankly, a little disgusted about this stranger. If she is truly a half-blood, the Volturi haven't been kind to her. I need you and Esme to be as caring to her as you can be when they come; she is likely a pawn for something, and I fear that she may need us to take a stand for her. Do you understand what I am saying?"
"Yes, I think so. I will do my best."
"I know, that is why I asked you. I love you all like you are my own children, but I know your strengths and weaknesses. I am not sure Rose could put a half-blooded stranger ahead of her own thoughts. And something else-this is Esme's idea. Since Nessie was born, she has been wanting another youngster around here." He laughed then. "I, personally, am getting too old for parenting teenagers, but what choice do I have? I love Esme, and if this makes her happy, then OK."
Alice nodded.
"Thank you. You may go. Please try to keep your thoughts to yourself; Edward is snoopy today." It was Alice's turn to laugh.
"Don't worry. From now on, my thoughts are nothing but vapid ideas and useless facts. Unless a new revelation happens. You'll be the first to know."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Please excuse me, I think it's my turn to hold Nessie for awhile." Alice slunk out of the office of her psuedo-father; a new respect and perspective growing in her mind. As she entered the sitting room where the family had gathered, she turned her thoughts to the recent article she had read in Vogue about how polka dots could make even the most petite woman look fat if worn wrong , just in case Edward was listening. She went to the couch, and held her arms out to Bella.
"Can I hold Renesmee for awhile?" Alice knew that Bella hated the nickname that Jacob Black had used for the child. She figured if she used her given name, Bella would allow it.
"Of course. Thanks, Alice." Alice smiled; it worked! Alice settled herself into the recliner in the sitting room, and began to rock the baby. It was only a couple of minutes until the baby was asleep. Alice had been having inklings of something like jealously, although she was too polite and loved Edward too much to say so. It had been a fleeting sadness, not long after she had been changed, that she would no longer be able to have a child. Like most women, it was something she had once wanted, but had been able to reconcile in her head. Until Nessie was born, that is. But it WAS fleeting; she knew that her life now was what it was, and had vowed to just love Nessie as much as she could. A ittle while later, a vision snapped her out of her reverie. It was clear as glass this time: the strange child was a half-blood; Aros' and Caius' disdain for the child was apparent. It also appeared they were moving faster than originally thought; it appeared they were dealing with some newborns in New York. She stood up suddenly, and thrust Nessie at Bella.
"I gotta find Carlisle. Just saw something new. Be right back." She ran from the room, flying down the hallway to the suite that Carlisle shared with Esme. She knocked softly at the door. Carlisle answered right away. He motioned for her to come in. She stood in the doorway, looking uncomfortable. She had always believed that bedrooms were people's most private places and, although Carlisle had a study in an alcove before you could actually get to the bedroom, it felt a little like a violation. She sat on the stool that Carlisle indicated, tense.
"I saw something. The child IS a half-blood. I think you're right; her captivity in the Volturi's coven hasn't been happy. Aro and Caius regard her with disdain; it would be nice to see what Marcus thought, but apparently, he stayed home. Also, they're in New York, so they'll likely be here tomorrow instead. They're confronting a nomad who has a newborn right now, so they may be irritated when they get here. I still can't get a good read on what they want; hopefully as they get closer, it will be clearer." Carlisle had been nodding every so often at things she had said. Now he pursed his lips and furrowed his brow.
"I wonder what they want with the child. She is the key to this, but I can't put my finger on why. And what it has to do with us."
"Well, the Volturi tend to defy logic." She laughed darkly. Carlisle nodded, chuckling also.
"Yes. Thank you for telling me this, Alice. Let's tell the others; I think now is a good time to hunt." Alice nodded, and followed him down the hallway.
"Everyone, Alice has some new information." He indicated that Alice should adress the room.
"Ok, so. It appears that the strange child IS a half-blood. And they are currently in New York; I think they will be here as soon as daybreak." A collective gasp went up among the Cullens.
"Thanks, Alice. What's next, Carlisle?" asked Rosalie.
"Let's hunt to get our strengths up, then-we wait. We go to the meadow tonight; Emmett, please go fetch a tent and the woolen blankets for Renesmee. We'll camp out; a family outing, if you will. I don't expect it to be violent, but Jasper, please remind Bella what to do." The boys nodded; Emmett ran to the garage. They could hear him moving things around briskly. Carlisle turned to Edward and Bella.
"Dress her warmly. I think it's best if she remaind fairly hidden; I know better than to ask you to stay behind, though I wish you would. Having her in a tent, nice and warm, where she can sleep is the next best thing, I guess." Edward and Bella nodded, then rose to go to their house to prepare.
"Everyone else, I need you to be calm. Jasper, I may need your help there, too. Remember, this is NOT a fight; please be on your best behavior. Rose, Jazz, can you get the stuff for the ball game? Esme, perhaps you and I can chat for a minute; I have a question." Everyone scattered; Alice took the minute to go her room and sit. Carlisle led Esme down the hall to their room. He sat her on the bed and faced her.
"Es, if this child needs rescuing, I understand you'd like to ask her to join our family?"
"Yes."
"OK. I think that's great; you know that having the child around has made all want the joy and love a child brings around here. It'll keep us young, anyway. I know I've been distracted lately; I am concerned as to why the Volturi has honed in on our family lately. I apologize for my distance." Esme smiled at him, and kissed him.
"It is alright, Carlisle. I know how hard you work for us, and I know how much you love us. Thank you. I also know you have been distracted by the Volturi; if it helps, I think they're just being terrible. I do love you, and I know that whatever you decide to do regarding them is what is in our best interest." He touched her face; a tender caress.
"Thank you. Let's go gather the children; I think they're all ready." They both rose; Carlisle headed down the stairs to organize everyone; Esme stopped at Alice's room. She knocked softly.
"Come in." Esme opened the door and entered. Alice was sitting in a large armchair, her eyes closed. Esme knew that her oldest daughter sometimes hated the fallible nature of her gift, and didn't always trust herself enough.
"Alice, you're doing spectactularly. If you don't mind, I'd like to remind Carlisle to not rely on you so much; you and Jasper need to feel free to live your lives." Alice opened her eyes, and smiled at Esme.
"Thank you. But I feel that it is the least I can do; you and Carlisle and Edward took me into your family with open arms so instantly. Keeping you as safe as possible is the best way for me to thank you, and look out for you all." Alice looked at the floor. Esme took a step forward and gathered her into a deep hug.
"Thank you, Alice. You do a fantastic job. But cut yourself some slack sometimes, OK? Let's go hunt, and then play some ball." The two women walked arm and arm downstairs and into the sitting room, where everyone was assembled.
"So it was decided that the hunting party who fed this morning will stay behind and prepare things, and the three of us who stayed will hunt now. Edward says he's not thirsty now. We'll try to stay close; Edward mentioned that there is a herd of deer a little bit north of La Push. Bella called Jacob; the pack won't bother us. He *is* on alert; I let him know that the likelihood that he sees action is slim. Edward and Emmett are in the meadow now, setting up a tent, and the others will join them shortly. Let's go." He turned to go outside; Esme and Alice followed after Alice bent to kiss Jasper.
"Bye. Be safe." With that, they were gone.
Three hours later
The Cullen's Meadow
Carlisle, Alice, and Esme landed softly in the field to find Bella and Edward reading while the other three played cards. Alice joined Jasper on a blanket they had spread out on the ground. Alice was concentrating on seeing the Volturi party; she had gotten a flash on the way back, but needed to be still to let it come fully to her. She closed her eyes and let herself sink into Jasper's chest. She breathed in deeply, closing her eyes and d concentrating. She felt Japer touch her face, and a feeling of calm wash over her. She smiled and breathed deeply again. A flash came to her; she concentrated harder and saw that the Volturi was in Spokane. About two hours away; less if they decided to run instead of drive. She opened her eyes and motioned for everyone to gather around.
"They're coming quickly. They're in Spokane; currently, they're driving, but if they decide to run, they'll be here soon. We should be ready." The others nodded. "Something else. Aro has sent me a message specifically. They come in peace; he literally had a white flag."
"Odd," murmered Carlisle. He gestured to Alice to continue.
"Also, Carlisle. The half-blood is the reason they are coming; they are releasing her. She is sick. That's all I got this time." She was more exact now; her voice was stronger and clearer.
"Ok. So I guess this will work, then. Thank you for keeping up with this. We all appreciate it. Why don't you take a break now?" She nodded. She turned away then. Carlisle sighed; he was still worried. He settled onto the grass with his patient files. About an hour later, Edward spoke up.
"Carlisle? Their almost here. I can hear Aro's mind. They're about 15 minutes out." Carlisle nodded. He motioned to everyone to gather around.
"Ok, everyone. Get in your respective positions. Let's pretend that we're actually playing ball. Bella, would you like to join us? Esme can watch Nessie. We need a left outfielder. You can be on a team with Edward, Alice, and Jazz. " Bella nodded; Renesmee was sleeping peacefully, besides.
"Positions. Emmett, Jasper, toss a coin for who's at bat." They already had. Jasper raised his had.
"OK. Let's go." Everyone filed onto the field or batter's mound and played a few regular innings. Halfway through his turn at bat, Edward signaled Carlisle. Carlisle signaled to everyone to keep playing. A minute later, the Volturi group landed softly and quietly on the field. Aro spoke to Esme first.
"Oh, vampire baseball. My favorite." Esme smiled at the ancient, hulking vampire.
"You're just in time for the third inning. Edward's team is winning. Should I call a time-out?" she asked innocently.
"Yes, please. I'd like to speak with Carlisle. If we're not interrupting."
"No, not at all. I actually just had to break up an argument; if you heard them fight, you'd think they were raised by hyenas." Aro nodded as Esme gave the time-out signal. Aro motioned for the vampires to gather. He also motioned for his group to come closer. They lined up, facing each other, as if for battle.
"I'm sorry to interrupt this fun day. But it's a matter of some urgency, you understand. I-well, we-need your help." He motioned for Caius to join him. "Our lovely compatriot here, the beautiful Shamira, is ill. Caius had the idea that you could help her." He gestured to the strange child. She was standing behind the pack of evil vampires, staring at the ground.
"Come here, child, and let Dr. Cullen look at you." With that, Shamira launched herself 6 feet into the air, disappeared, and reappeared just as quickly, landing in front of Carlisle gracefully- toes first, then the rest of her.
"Awesome," said Emmett, quietly. Everyone else glared at him. "Sorry," he mouthed, and shrugged.
The girl stood halfway between Carlisle and the Volturi leaders. She was still staring at the ground, but close up, you could see her features better. She was pale as alabaster, with high color in her cheeks, and shoulder-length curls. Her hair was deep brown, and her eyes were the color of the Caribbean sea in June.
"Step closer, girl. He won't bite. He IS a doctor. He can help." She extended a hand to Carlisle, not lifting her eyes. He took her pulse as Edward read her mind. Edward sent her thoughts to Carlisle, who learned that she was afraid of both sets of vampires, but understood that the Cullens were the safer of the two evils, in her mind. She promised to explain everything later, if they just gave her a chance to get away from the Volturi for even a day.
"Her pulse is racing. Can I touch your head; I should check you for fever, my dear. Edward, please fetch my medical bag." Edward growled, but turned and picked up his black bag, handing it to him as the girl stepped forward.. Edward sent a message to Jasper and asked him to relax everyone. Both sets of vampires visably dropped their hunched shoulders and stood a little straighter. Carlisle made a show of taking her temperature, which was elevated, given that she was a half-blood, and listening to her heart. After he was done with his basic checkup, he held her hand as he spoke to the Volturi.
"Aro, Caius. Her blood pressure is high, her pulse is racing, and her temperture is spiking. She is indeed ill. Please allow me to treat her." It was more of a demand than a request.
Unexpectedly, Aro and Caius nodded in agreement.
"Please, Carlisle. Perhaps you can also her in other ways. She is no longer a…guest of the Volturi," said Aro, carefully. Carlisle knew what he meant; this was code for letting a prisoner go. He had said those same words himself once or twice when he worked for the Volturi. He nodded; then motioned for Alice and Esme.
"My dear child, please allow my wife and my daughter to escort to our home; I can help you more there. It's just beyond that clearing," he said, pointing to the edge of the meadow. The girl nodded, and took Alice's arm. Alice guided her towards Esme. She stopped suddenly, and turned back to face the Volturi. She held up a hand to silence Carlisle.
"Mr. Aro, Mr. Caius, friends. Please accept my thanks for your many years of care and concern. I appreciate the things you have done for me." Edward sent the message to Carlisle that this was an insincere thanks; more of a gesture of goodwill than anything else. "Please also send my best regards to Mr. Marcus, as well as Jane and Demetri; I shall miss their unparalleled skill during practice time." She returned her gaze to the ground and turned to melt into Esme and Alice, who held her flanks.
"Thank you for the kind words, child. Your family's debt is repaid; the Volturi will bother you no longer. I will pass your words on to my brother, and to the children. Enjoy your time with the Cullens, and feel better soon. I hope the world is kind to you." She looked over her shoulder and nodded. Then she sighed deeply, and let her eyes flutter.
"Thank you. May I please go with the Cullen's now?" Aro and Caius nodded their consent in unison.
"Yes, child." She allowed herself to be dragged away by Alice and Esme, with Jasper following close. The other vampires tightened their ranks around Carlisle.
"Where is the young Ms. Cullen? I was quite hoping to be charmed by the child again," said Caius.
"I apologize; she is sleeping now. You came late in the evening."
"Ahh, I understand. Do not worry, Carlisle. We will trouble your family no more," said Aro. Edward could read him; he was sincere this time. He sent a message to Carlisle to wrap it up. Aro stepped forward and handed Carlisle an envelope.
" A small sum for the child's care. She is no longer of use to us; however, her family lineage makes it impossible for us to…dispose of her as we would anyone else. If you cannot care for her, perhaps your friends up North can." It was more of an edict than a question.
"I think my training is adequate. We will see that the child is healed, and then we will accept full responisiblity thereafter." Carlisle placed the envelope inside of his jacket pocket. The rest of the Cullens looked a little shocked, and Edward read their thoughts of surprise, and, from Rosalie, outrage.
"Thank you, Carlisle. As promised, we shan't trouble you again. My apologies for interrupting your game. Please proceed. Come, family. Let us return to the sanctury of Volterra." He turned to his group, signaling for them to back down. They flew off into the trees. A few minutes later, Carlisle signaled for the family to gather near him.
"That was odd," said Edward.
'Let me get this straight. We just adopted a half-blood because the Volturi TOLD us to?" asked Rosalie, incredulous.
"Yes. I am sure they sough us out for a reason; I am sure as the child becomes more and more accoustomed to us, the truth will come out." He turned to Edward and Bella.
"Bella, I admire your restraint; not too many newborns could stand around that long with the Volturi present. Most of them flee. Emmett, please help Edward tear everything down. Bella, Rosalie, bring Renesmee to the house. There is much to discuss."
TO BE CONTINUED…