Chapter 1

Disrespected

Jane's perspective

I was in the alley way near the edge of the City, The farthest from the heart of Volterra as physically possible while remaining within the walls. I watched as the Sun slowly set below the horizon, signaling that Twilight was near, making it safe for me and all of my kind to step out into the open and let ourselves really be seen. This was the time Alec would meet me here and I would tell him my plan. I waited about fifteen minutes before he arrived. I removed my cloak at the sight of him. It was more than dark enough now.

"Alec, my brother," I smiled as I greeted him. "I have been waiting for you."

"I apologize Jane. I was held up." I took his hand.

"Come, let us take a stroll and you can tell me all about it."

"It's nothing too exciting. I was helping to… persuade the humans into coming with us. A few of them were resistant at the sight of Felix. I also fed on a few." I took a glance at his eyes to find that were bright red, a sure sign of recent feeding. "I left you two of my six, your eyes are getting a bit dark."

"Why, thank you, Alec. How considerate of you."

"Of course, Jane."

We walked for at least two hours in silence. I listened to the barely audible crunch of the snow beneath our shoes as we walked each step together, perfectly synchronized. As time went on more and more of the humans retreated to their homes, signaling the end of yet another day. They were heavily clothed and breathing shallowly through their mouths. Small puffs of visible air escaped from their lips as they quickly scurried from the short distance from the buildings to their vehicles on the cold December night. My breath was not visible in the cold, for it was the same temperature as the air outside, as was I. Soon, in that part of the city we were in anyway, the streets were almost completely cleared of people.

"Jane," Alec said, breaking the silence. "If you don't mind my asking, exactly why did you ask me to accompany you here tonight?" I stopped walking and turned to face him.

"I'm glad you asked, Alec. I have something to discuss with you."

"Something that you couldn't discuss with me at home?"

"You see, it's something I'm afraid Aro wouldn't agree with."

"And why not?"

"It has to do with the Cullens."

"Aro admires the Cullens. I'm sure he would be more than happy to help you with anything that would help him win Carlisle's trust." He just couldn't take a hint.

"I'm afraid I won't be doing anything… in admiration towards the Cullens, my dear brother." His face slightly turned up at the corners.

"Jane, you certainly are a vindictive little thing, aren't you?" I ignored his jibe. I turned away from him to conceal the anger that was becoming more and more evident on my face. I could hear my smooth and soprano voice dip low and fill with acid as I spoke.

"I've always been looked down upon by those who do not know me for my size and physical age. My special ability is what I used to gain respect. But now, that respect has been tarnished by an insignificant newborn and her suicidal husband!" I stomped hard on the ground a caused a small crack to form in the concrete.

"And not only mine, Alec, yours as well!" I whirled around to look at him. I took a step closer so we were less than an inch away from each other.

"Do you remember, Alec?" I whispered, the venom in my voice still obviously present.

"Yes, I do." His face was calm and subtle. Which, for him meant he was just as angry as I was, possibly more.

"Not a day goes by that I don't remember." He said. "The way she looked as…"

"… Isabella openly laughed at us." I finished. "And even worse," I said "The smug look on…"

"Edward Cullen's face as he told Aro to order you…"

"To stop attacking his wife!" The pressure of my foot crushed the entire block of side walk to chalk dust. I turned around to see my bother with a slight grin on his face.

"I won't let her disrespect us in that way Alec. I refuse." Alec took a step towards me his beautiful face subtle and calm.

"Do not worry, Jane, dear." He said, as if comforting a small child. "She will not live long enough to make the mistake again."