AN: It is February 2016! I can't believe how quickly time is flying by. I also can't believe that this story is the 27th story in the Choice Series. I am amazed by how many people have read these stories, continue to read these stories, and want more of these stories. Thank you to everyone out there still following along and for all of the reviews. I hope you continue to give me feedback about the stories because it really does help. What do you like? What do you want more of in the series? What characters are you mainly interested in? Sorry it has taken me a few months to get this one out there, but hopefully it is worth the wait. Here is Joshua's Choice II, read, review, and of course, enjoy!
Chapter 1
Carlisle smiled smugly at Marcus as he watched him try to figure out a move to successfully escape the trap Carlisle set his king up for in their chess game. The two of them were relaxing in the study of Marcus's mansion on Isola Marcime while the rest of Carlisle's family enjoyed their time in Italy. Marcus gave the chess board one last scan before knocking down his king in defeat.
"You have gotten better at this," said Marcus and Carlisle chuckled.
"I get plenty of practice between all the members of my family. Zach enjoys playing now as well."
"Your family is quite impressive. The more time I spend with all of you, the more I see just how close you are. Aro only saw your family as chess pieces, leaving you as the king, but you are so much more than that. I am proud to be considered a friend to all of you."
"You are a wonderful friend to us as well. Thank you for allowing us and the Denalis to stay on the island for a bit longer. I hope we are not overstaying our welcome." Marcus waved him off.
"It has barely been a week, Carlisle. Stay as long as you like. Didyme and I love the company."
"I am surprised that you are still here and not back in Volterra by now."
"Didyme prefers it here and so do I. It is much more peaceful," informed Marcus as he looked out the window. He smiled when he saw his mate parking her yacht by the dock.
"It looks like our wives are back and with more shopping bags," said Marcus.
"This is their third trip this week. How many more clothes can they buy," asked Carlisle.
"I believe this trip was for your children and grandchildren."
"Aw yes, my wife loves to dote over the kids, especially her grandchildren. Most of those clothes are probably for Allie. Esme wants to make sure she feels welcomed as the newest addition to the family."
"And what an addition she is, your family never ceases to amaze me. I was in awe after Bella and Renesmee joined, but with Zach and now Allie, it seems you continue to outdo yourself. She is quite a remarkable newborn. I have never seen anything like it. If not for her red eyes, I would think she had been around for years."
"I didn't think it was possible, but she is quite astonishing. She still has some newborn tendencies, like her thirst and temper, but she manages them both quite well. Come, let us help our mates with their bags," suggested Carlisle as he stood up and Marcus followed him outside to greet their mates. Carlisle chuckled when he saw the amount of bags Esme had and she winked at him.
"With all the hunting Allie does, she is going to need more clothes," defended Esme and Carlisle kissed her tenderly.
"Who am I to disagree with you, my love? I did miss you today," greeted Carlisle. Marcus kissed his wife and grabbed her bags, but suddenly his phone rang. He sighed when he saw who it was.
"We must take this. It is Alexander. We are due for an update," said Marcus.
"Tomorrow we should go to the jewelry store we passed, Esme. Shopping with you is quite fun and I look forward to another trip. Excuse us," said Didyme before departing with Marcus. Carlisle followed his mate to their villa and she giggled as he tossed the bags on the couch and pulled her into his arms.
"I have missed you," he whispered in her ear.
"I have missed you as well. The kids are off hunting, Renesmee, Nahuel, Kaya, and Seth are having dinner with Roman and Iris, Jacob and Leah are seeing a show in Porto Rotondo, and Zach, Allie, and Josh will not be back until later tonight," she informed and he smiled.
"Then how about we enjoy our quiet time," he suggested and she happily nodded.
Allie smiled as she peered out at the otherworldly view of Lake Geneva and the mountains in the distance. She was still amazed at how clearly she could see as a vampire and loved being able to experience life through brand new eyes. The light bounced off the water and the moon hung high as the sound of the city and music swirled around her. After spending two nights in Rome with Zach and Josh, the trio headed to Switzerland for more sightseeing. They enjoyed running through the mountains that lined the border of Italy and Switzerland and found themselves in Geneva by nightfall. The Monte Cristo was the liveliest club in the city and the view from the rooftop dance floor was stunning. Zach wrapped his arms around his mate and she leaned into his embrace as he nuzzled her neck.
"Having fun," he asked and she happily nodded as she turned to face him with a bright smile.
"How could I not? Yesterday, I was in Rome. Today, I got to run through the mountains, shop in Geneva, and am dancing the night away with you. This cannot be my life," she giggled.
"It is, nayeli. I am just happy my parents decided to give us more freedom so we could go off on our own for a while. Thanks for letting Josh tag along with us. I know you and I had plans of traveling Europe alone, but we can save that for the honeymoon."
"I am having a lot of fun. I thought Josh would be too busy sulking over Callista to enjoy himself, but he seems to be embracing his status as an eligible bachelor," said Allie as she glanced back at the dance floor. Zach chuckled and nodded as he watched Josh dance with three women.
"He is definitely having a good time. We should get going soon though. We promised my parents we would spend our last days in Italy with them. We can hunt on the way back. There isn't much on Mont Blanc, but we should find something as we head south."
"Don't worry about me. The hunt after we left Rome was great. Do you think we are going to be able to pry Josh away?"
"We should be able to. I think the humans are getting a bit too handsy for him," teased Zach and Allie laughed as they made their way through the crowd. Josh jumped as one of the women pinched his backside and fell into his arms. The alcohol on her breath made him cringe.
"Okay, ladies, I hate to love and leave you, but I must. Have a good night," he called over the loud music as he stepped away from the crowd of women. They started to hand their phone numbers to him, but he shook his head and smiled politely.
"It has been a blast, but I am heading back to America soon. Thanks, bye," he called again. One of the women grabbed his hand and rubbed her body against his seductively. His eyes widened as her hand ran down his body.
"Then let me send you off properly," she whispered in his ear and he gulped.
"Al, a little help," he whispered as Allie and Zach made their way over to him. Allie rolled her eyes, but decided to appease him. She grabbed Josh's other hand and pulled him over to her. The woman turned to protest, but was silent as Allie arched a challenging eyebrow at her. The brown contacts shielded humans from her red, newborn eyes, but her glare was still quite intimidating to the humans around them.
"He is with me," she called over the music and the woman immediately let go of Josh. He sighed in relief and waved goodbye to the women.
"Thanks for the dance," he chuckled and followed Allie and Zach out of the club. Josh sighed in relief when they made it down to the street and started walking toward the outskirts of the city.
"Thanks, Al. Z, you were so right about human girls," said Josh and Allie quirked an eyebrow at her mate.
"What exactly did you say about human girls," she questioned and Zach laughed nervously.
"Well, of course besides you, nayeli, a lot of human girls tend to lack subtlety and maturity in my experiences with them. Take Courtney, for example, you didn't exactly love the way she interacted with me," he defended and Allie let out a low hiss as she thought about the human girl from his high school.
"Yes, Courtney, the ugly scarf giver, she certainly could not take a hint," agreed Allie.
"You should have seen her when they first met. She was all over him," laughed Josh and Allie stopped in her tracks.
"Really," she asked and Zach covered Josh's mouth.
"He is exaggerating, nayeli. Besides, it is in the past. You and I found each other and that is all that matters. So J, you seemed to be enjoying the human girls until it was time to leave."
"Yea, but that was just for fun, you know? I am kind of tired of all the superficial stuff and dating can be exhausting. I mean look at my track record, Callista, Nina…."
"Tesla," added Allie and Zach guffawed.
"You can't add, Tess. They never dated and they aren't even into each other, right, J," said Zach, but his eyes widened when Josh was silent. Allie smiled knowingly at Josh.
"You seemed quite cozy with her at Sofi and Caleb's wedding and she didn't seem to mind it," said Allie and Josh blushed.
"She didn't, right? I am not crazy. She did like dancing with me and she laughed at my jokes…." Zach stepped in front of both of them.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, you cannot be serious right now! Tess is….well she is….Tess! You can't date Tess," exclaimed Zach and Allie eyed him curiously.
"Why can't he? Unless of course, you think she should be off limits because of your past with her. What past was that again," challenged Allie and Zach gulped.
"There isn't a past," he defended.
"There was a kiss….and all the gifts….and coming to your defense at the summit….plus, coming to help with me and Callista…." listed Josh and Zach huffed.
"You aren't helping, Josh," warned Zach and Josh shrugged.
"Well now I am curious. Is she off limits to me? Am I breaking bro code if I date her," questioned Josh as he crossed his arms.
"Yea, is he," questioned Allie as she crossed her arms as well. Zach glanced back and forth at the two of them as they waited for his answer. He racked his mind for an answer and waved them off.
"Of course not, I just don't see the point, you haven't imprinted on her and…."
"What if I don't imprint? What if my true love isn't supposed to be someone I imprint on, just like it wasn't for my parents," asked Josh and Zach groaned.
"I don't want to have this conversation anymore. Wolfy genes are too complicated. Why can't you just find someone and know, like with vampires? I knew right away. Allie knew right away. That's it, no weird stipulations or loopholes. All I know is that you need to be careful with Tess," said Zach.
"Why, because you don't want him with her," asked Allie and Zach rolled his eyes.
"No….I mean yes, but not for the reasons you think. Okay, sure, it would be weird because she was my first crush, but also because Tess is complicated. We talked about her finding her mate and she doesn't want that. J, you need someone that can be everything you want and more. I don't think that is Tess. She is great, but not exactly one true love material, at least not for you. I hope she does find her mate someday though," explained Zach and Josh slowly nodded.
"I know what you mean. My mom would have a heart attack if I dated Tess and so would Rose…."
"And my grandma," reminded Zach.
"But it would be exciting," said Josh with a sly smile and Zach shook his head with a chuckle.
"So is playing with fire, but it doesn't mean you should do it," warned Zach.
"Keegan does it all the time," teased Josh. Allie glanced down at her watch and pointed toward a dark road ahead of them.
"We should head back. If we want to run, we should follow that road toward the mountains. No one is around, Josh. You should phase," she informed. He looked down at his designer clothes and pushed out his bottom lip in a pout.
"This is Gucci," he informed and she rolled her eyes.
"You have plenty of clothes and why didn't you bring a backpack, like usual," she scolded.
"Well excuse me for not knowing we were going to stop in Switzerland. I gave my backpack to Alice and Jasper to take back in the jet to Italy. You said all we were going to do was hunt, so really this is all your fault," argued Josh and Allie scoffed.
"You were the one that wanted to shop for new clothes and go to the club! You should have known you were going to need to change out of them at some point and bought a backpack," argued Allie.
"Why can't you just hold my clothes for me," wailed Josh and Allie huffed.
"Because I am not your maid!" Zach stepped in between them.
"Okay you two, enough, wow, it only took you two hours to start arguing again. That has to be some kind of record," teased Zach and they both rolled their eyes.
"She started it," grumbled Josh and Allie smirked.
"At least I can keep my clothes on when I run," she taunted and Zach pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Look, we don't have time for this if we want to have some fun on the way back. J, go change in the alley and I will hold your clothes," appeased Zach and Josh smiled smugly.
"Thank you, Z. You are a great friend, always supportive," said Josh before jogging away and Allie shook her head.
"You coddle the boy," she mumbled and Zach pulled her into his arms with a dimpled grin.
"And you enjoy teasing him and me apparently, really, you think you have a reason to be jealous of Tess," he challenged and she giggled as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Okay, so maybe I enjoyed watching you squirm a bit. I know you love me and I also know that you had an innocent crush on Tess a long time ago."
"Yea, who cares if she was the first woman I ever thought about mating with," he said before jogging toward the alley.
"Right….wait, what…" she shrieked and ran after him. He laughed as she jumped onto his back and he carried her into the alley. He winked at her and grabbed Josh's clothes, which were neatly folded on top of a wooden box in the alley. Josh galloped over to them in wolf form and Allie shook her head in amusement at him.
"You are way too into your clothes, Josh," she teased as Zach slid the clothes underneath his leather jacket and zipped it up.
"If you are just now learning this about him, nayeli, you are in for a long existence. I have a feeling this is something he will not outgrow. My Aunt Alice certainly hasn't," laughed Zach. Allie winked at him and playfully nudged Josh as the three of them headed down the alley. The farther away they ran from the city, the darker the night sky was as the city lights dimmed behind them.
It did not take them long to reach Mont Blanc on the border of Switzerland and Italy and the three of them darted up the side of the mountain. Allie stopped as they reached the top of the highest peak and gazed out at the picturesque landscape of Italy. Zach and Josh stopped as well and Zach winked at his best friend.
"We will catch up with you in a minute," he assured and Josh gave a nod before galloping down the other side of the mountain. Zach wrapped his mate in his arms and looked out at the landscape with a serene smile.
"It is beautiful up here, isn't it," he asked and she nodded.
"Sorry I stopped. I am still not used to this. It still doesn't seem real to me. Leaving Stanford was the hardest decision I ever made, but this is worth it. At the time, I was so scared and I didn't really know what to say to people about it. How do you tell your parents you are leaving an amazing opportunity behind because you have a feeling like something better is going to come along? If I would have known back then, what I would have right now, I wouldn't have been scared," she explained as she rested in his arms. He turned her toward him and gazed into her eyes.
"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I had no clue you were even a possibility. I knew I would find my mate, but I never knew she would be as amazing as you are. A year ago, I was obsessing about if I was prepared enough to be in high school with Josh. I would have never imagined I would be here with you right now. I love you, Allie."
"I love you too. Now how about I race you to the end of the mountain? I will even let you cheat by using your powers."
"Oh yea and why would you do that? It wouldn't even be a competition," he taunted and she smirked as she played with the curls at the nape of his neck. He leaned into her touch as his eyes slid shut.
"Because I plan on cheating too," she whispered into his ear. His eyes darted open and she giggled as she pushed him backward. He tumbled down the backside of the mountain and she blew him a kiss.
"See you on the other side, Cullen," she called before leaping forward. She ran as fast as she could and laughed when she looked back and could see Zach reach the top of the peak again. She winked at him and he smirked before using his force field to blast down the mountain. The sonic boom shook the mountains and surrounding area as several avalanches erupted.
"Avalanche," shouted Allie as she saw Josh in front of her. She managed to catch up with the wolf as the ground beneath their feet quaked. They tumbled the rest of the way down the mountain and landed at the bottom with a thud. Zach was right behind them and Allie's eyes widened as the snow and rocks barreled toward the three of them. Zach used his force field to halt the debris and the three of them looked on as it settled in mounds of snow and rock in front of them. The ground slowly stopped shaking and Josh's massive wolf form snickered and shook out his fur. Allie smiled sheepishly.
"Okay, that one is on me. I still won though," she said smugly before kissing her mate and he shook his head in amusement. He pointed to the sign behind them and chuckled. "Danger Avalanche Area, oops," read Zach and the three of them laughed hysterically as they made it to their feet. Allie kissed Zach again.
"It is nice to know that I can beat you," she teased and he smirked.
"You barely beat me and seducing me shouldn't count. That is just a low blow," he whined.
"I will make it up to you later," she teased with a wink and he nodded happily.
"Alright, let's get back to the villas," he bellowed and she laughed as the three of them ran through the countryside of Italy.
Rosalie sighed happily as she and Emmett floated in the water by the shore of Isola Marcime. She spent the past couple of days indulging in the peace and quiet the island had when Zach, Allie, and Josh were in Rome. Emmett swam over to her and she giggled as he peppered kisses along her neck.
"The kids will be back tonight, but I think we have a few hours," he whispered to her and she wrapped her legs around his waist.
"Whatever could we do with all that time," she teased before kissing him. Before they could get lost in each other, their passionate moment was interrupted by a shout from the shore.
"Alright you two, put some clothes on, and head to the villa," called Leah as she stood by Jacob on the shore, both with their hands over their eyes. Emmett let out a growl of frustration and Rosalie groaned.
"The kids aren't back yet. Go take Jake for a walk or something," called Rosalie. Jacob smirked.
"They aren't back, but already causing trouble," informed Jacob.
"End of the world trouble, Volturi trouble, or just parent trouble," asked Emmett.
"Could have been Volturi trouble, but just parent trouble," answered Leah and Rosalie groaned.
"Let them have their fun, he says. Zach and Allie are practically married, he says. This is why they can't be trusted to go off on their own, Em," grumbled Rosalie as she and Emmett swam back to the shore and he chuckled.
"If that is the standard, then most of this family can't be trusted. I am sure it is nothing. It is nothing…right," asked Emmett as he and Rosalie made it to land. Jacob and Leah glanced at each other and sighed.
By the time Zach, Allie, and Josh made it back to the island, Josh was exhausted. He put back on his clothes and yawned as he joined Zach and Allie by the courtyard leading to the villas.
"I think we made good time, an hour before dawn breaks," said Allie and Josh groaned.
"I have to get some friends that sleep. I haven't slept in four days," he whined and Zach smirked.
"You used to be able to go longer than that. You are getting old, J," teased Zach.
"Whatever, I need food, a shower, and then 24 hours of sleep," said Josh as the three of them entered his villa. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Rosalie, Emmett, Jacob, and Leah standing in the living room. Josh groaned, Zach put his head down in defeat, and Allie gulped.
"I am never going to sleep am I," whispered Josh and Leah smirked.
"Oh you will get plenty of sleep, son, because you will be grounded," she announced and Josh huffed.
"I didn't even do anything," he argued and Jacob turned on the television. Josh rubbed the back of his neck nervously as the news reporter spoke.
"With summer raising temperatures on Mont Blanc, the mountain can be quite volatile with avalanches and melting snow. However, this occurrence is the first in the area since 1975. Thanks to warnings and preventative measures in place on the mountain, no one was harmed. All tourists and hikers are advised to steer clear of the area for the next months in case more avalanches form. Now let's go to Geneva, Switzerland where residents could hear the rumbling from….." Jacob turned the television off and Josh thought for a moment.
"Wait, before you say anything, Uncle Seth got me the perfect thing for this. One second," he said before running into his room. He came back with a small device and Allie frowned in confusion.
"What is that," she asked as he shook it.
"Oh this thing is great. It is called the excuse generator. Uncle Seth got it for me for Christmas," said Josh and Zach pinched the bridge of his nose.
"That thing is not going to work, J, so just…."
"Wait, okay here it is. I am sorry to hear that happened, but I was at a family barbecue. I am sure whoever did this is sorry. Can I get you something to drink," read Josh. Emmett and Jacob snickered, but Leah was not as amused.
"Are you drunk," asked Leah as she marched over to her son and checked his eyes.
"No, but I am ridiculously tired and in my defense, for the first time in a very long time I can actually say I didn't do it. I was running along, minding my own business. I am not going to name any names but it wasn't me. For once, I am clear," he said and tossed the device to Zach.
"What am I going to do with this," asked Zach and Josh shrugged.
"I would put it again and hope that something better pops up. I would also amend it to make it more vampire-friendly. For example, can I take you on a hunt instead of get you something to drink or….."
"Go to bed, J," said Zach and Josh nodded.
"Showering and then going to bed, goodnight all," said Josh before yawning and heading to the bathroom. Leah and Jacob frowned in confusion.
"Wait, so it wasn't Josh and Zach who created the avalanche," asked Leah. Rosalie circled Allie and Zach as she shook her head.
"No, but you got one of the usual suspects right," said Rosalie. Allie groaned.
"In my defense, I was trying to win a competition," said Allie and Emmett nodded appreciatively.
"Good defense," said Emmett and Rosalie rolled her eyes.
"We tried to let the two of you have some freedom and this is what you do? What if there were hikers on the mountain," asked Rosalie and Zach sighed.
"Mom, we didn't see any, so…."
"Which makes you lucky, not right, you two have to be careful. I know you want to be alone and spend time as mates, but that means being responsible and not making breaking news," scolded Rosalie and Allie nodded.
"You are right. No more massive avalanches for us, unless we are in Alaska and far away from humans. I am sorry, Rose," apologized Allie.
"Yea, mom, I am sorry too and…." Zach shook the device and read it.
"….And we will think about the consequences of our actions. Can we make you a drink? Is that the only thing this thing can say? Where did Seth get this from," grumbled Zach as he tossed the device on the couch. Rosalie tried not to laugh at her son's outburst, but Emmett did. He clapped his son on the back.
"Don't worry, your mother and I have caused a few disasters in our time. Most of them were cabins after a night of…."
"Dad," shrieked Zach as he covered his ears and Rosalie pinched the bridge of her nose.
"I love my mate's sense of humor. I love my mate's sense of humor," she chanted to herself and Emmett shook with mirth.
"You two are too easy to tease. We are glad you three made it back. Allie, any problems being around the humans," asked Emmett.
"I was aware of their blood a bit more than I thought I would be, but no. I was okay," assured Allie and Emmett smiled proudly at her.
"You are an impressive newborn. That's for sure. I always knew my baby boy's mate would be a badass and you don't disappoint," commended Emmett and Allie hugged him.
"Thanks, so have any of you heard from my parents? I have been meaning to call them, but I got a bit distracted," admitted Allie. They sat down in the living room and Leah nodded.
"Sam called to check up on you. They wanted to know when the family was heading back to the island. I think your mother wants to come for a visit," informed Leah.
"That would be great," said Allie.
"Maybe the pack could come too," suggested Zach.
"That would be a lot of people wanting your attention. I am used to sharing you with Josh, but the pack too? I may be dealing with being a newborn well, but the mate in me still wants as much of your time as I can get. I am enjoying it too much," she informed and Zach tenderly kissed her. Rosalie averted her eyes as they shared their intimate moment. Zach smiled at his mate and kissed the top of her head before returning his attention to his parents, Jake, and Leah.
"So, what have you four been up to while we were away," asked Zach. Leah and Jake blushed and Rosalie and Emmett glanced at each other.
"Hunting," stated Rosalie and Emmett smiled cheekily.
"A whole lot of hunting," added Emmett and Zach groaned.
"Dad, why do you have to say it like that," whined Zach and Emmett chuckled.
"Oh come on, baby boy, you have a mate now so you know…." Rosalie slapped the back of Emmett's head before he could continue and Zach smiled at his mother.
"Thank you," said Zach as Emmett snickered.
"Just know that we have all enjoyed our downtime," assured Rosalie. Jasper, Alice, Edward, and Bella entered the villa and Rosalie immediately stood up, sensing their concern.
"What is wrong," asked Rosalie and Edward ran a hand through his unruly, bronze hair.
"The Volturi need our help," announced Edward.
"All of our help," added Alice as she glanced at Allie and Rosalie frowned in confusion.
"They have an entire group of guards with talents, what could we possibly help them with," asked Rosalie and Jasper nodded in agreement.
"That's what I said. The rest of the vampire world may think we are the most powerful coven and I suppose technically we are, but Marcus and Didyme have silently gathered new guards over the years that are pretty impressive. Alexander was telling me about some of them. The threat must be pretty big for them to need our help, especially when it does not have anything to do with our territory," said Jasper. Alice groaned as she rubbed her temples.
"I have a feeling it is very big," said Alice and Emmett eyed her cautiously.
"Just a feeling, not a vision," he questioned and Alice sighed.
"Exactly, Em, not a vision, which means I am being blocked….again. Asa said that if I was ever blocked in the future, it would not be her, which means she knew I would be blocked again," stated Alice and Bella smiled comfortingly at her sister.
"I am sure it is only temporary," assured Bella.
"Oh I know it is. I can see all of us and I saw Zach, Allie, and Josh in Switzerland, but the moment we decided to help the Volturi, everything disappeared," informed Alice.
"Carlisle, Esme, and the others are already prepping the jet. It will only take fifteen minutes to get to Volterra. Everyone should pack and be prepared to be there for a few days," said Jasper and Zach's eyes widened.
"Wait, Volterra, this must be pretty serious if it can't be handled from the mansion here," said Zach. Alexander and Lena nodded as they entered the villa.
"It is of the utmost importance and we would appreciate your help. Connell and Tia are bringing back some guards and running surveillance for us at the moment, so your jet and ours will have to do for transportation. We leave in ten minutes," announced Alexander as Josh walked out of his bedroom wearing his black, designer pajama pants and a green shirt. He dried his hair with a towel and waved at everyone as he yawned.
"What's going on? It was just an avalanche," he said in greeting and Lena quirked an eyebrow at him.
"That was you on Mont Blanc," she asked and his eyes widened. Zach rolled his eyes at his friend.
"You just couldn't go to sleep, could you," he groaned and Josh smiled sheepishly at him. Alexander smiled at Josh.
"While we wish it was as simple and light hearted as that, everyone is needed in Volterra. You should pack some clothes," said Alexander and Josh scrubbed his face with his hands.
"Nope, never going to sleep again apparently, at least I got a shower. Alright, what's the threat now, Alexander? A summit, vampires selling yet another mythical potion, oh wait, Aro had more offspring than we thought, right, am I right," asked Josh and Leah giggled at her son.
"Go get dressed. I will make you some coffee to drink on the way to Volterra," said Leah and Jacob chuckled.
"Just what we need, him to be caffeinated," teased Jacob as he ruffled his son's hair.
"We will all be ready in ten minutes," assured Edward and Alexander bowed graciously to them before exiting the villa.
Marcus's eyes were trained on the screens in the surveillance room inside the Volturi Castle in Volterra. All of his guards were hard at work and he was relieved that Didyme was keeping the room relaxed, but focused. Roman, Iris, and Leonardo entered the room and Leonardo handed Marcus a device with coordinates on a global map.
"We are secure in Asia, Australia, and Africa. We are working on South America as we speak," informed Leonardo and Marcus gave a nod.
"Good, all cases remain open and missions are still a go. This changes nothing," stated Marcus.
"But this threat could affect the entire world, is it wise to let other missions distract us," questioned Roman.
"We cannot put all of our resources into one thing and allow the rest of the world to crumble. There are many evils in it and we must keep them at bay. Besides, the vampire world sleeps for no one and if rebellious vampires believe we are not keeping an eye on them because we are distracted, we could have an even bigger problem on our hands," explained Marcus.
"Sire, the Cullens and Denalis are in our air space. They should land within the minute with Alexander and Lena," announced one of the guards and Marcus sighed in relief.
"Our reinforcements have arrived, another reason not to back away from the rest of our missions. The Cullens and Denalis should be able to help," said Marcus.
"What if they can't," asked Roman and Marcus gulped.
"Then, we may have quite the problem," admitted Marcus. Suddenly, a wave of happiness engulfed him as Didyme hugged her mate. He leaned his forehead against hers.
"Even when this job becomes too stressful, you manage to make it all worth it. I am lucky to have you," said Marcus.
"It will be okay," she assured. Connell and Tia appeared with one of the guards. The vampire blinked several times as he became acclimated with his surroundings again.
"Is the ringing in my ear ever going to stop," asked the guard and Connell smirked.
"You must be running pretty thin at guards, Marcus. I would have never pegged this one for a member of the Volturi," said Connell as the guard opened and shut his jaw several times.
"Gavin is new, but useful," said Marcus.
"And young, quite young," quipped Connell.
"I am fifty two," said Gavin and Connell waved him off.
"Merely a baby," assured Connell to which Gavin rolled his eyes. The Cullens and Denalis entered the surveillance room with Alexander and Lena. Roman and Iris greeted their siblings as the large group gathered.
"Where are Sofi and Caleb," asked Kaya.
"Still on their honeymoon," informed Roman.
"And that is where they will stay, we can do this without them and they deserve their time alone together," said Iris as she gave Roman a warning glare. He huffed.
"I don't understand why we can't just call them and let them make their own decision about it. If it was me, I would want to know," argued Roman.
"Well, they are not you," defended Iris and Marcus chuckled at their bickering.
"While this is important, there is no reason to interrupt the happiness of the newlyweds. Cullens, Denalis, thank you for coming. There appears to be a threat out there that could endanger all of us if we are not careful," informed Marcus as he shook hands with Carlisle and Tanya.
"What kind of threat," asked Carlisle and Edward spoke up as he read the thoughts of everyone in the room.
"One that can block Alice, go undetected by the Volturi's surveillance systems, evade their guards, gain access to any system, and may or may not have access to codes that can detonate nuclear warheads all over the world," answered Edward and Emmett let out a low whistle.
"Is it just me or are the bad guys getting crazier as we get older? Whatever happened to newborn armies and wars over territory? I miss the good ole' days," said Emmett.
"We are in the Technological Age now, my friends. There are fixed placements on human advancement. They will never be stronger than us or faster, but there is much they can do, which includes wiping each other off the face of the earth," informed Marcus and Allie frowned in confusion.
"Each other, but what about us, if a nuclear war broke out, could vampires survive it," questioned Allie.
"We are not sure if we could survive the blast or not, but it would not be an event we would want to survive. During World War II, there were vampires that survived the bombings in Japan, but the warheads are stronger now. Even if we survived, the bombs would obliterate the humans, animals, and nature all around. With no food source left for us, it would be a fate worse than dying in the explosions," explained Marcus.
"Even if vampires can survive something like that, our kind cannot. Everyone in La Push, Josh, Jake, me, we would be gone," reminded Leah and Josh took in a shaky breath.
"Well isn't that terrifying, finding my mate has officially become the least of my worries," grumbled Josh and Zach smiled encouragingly at his friend.
"You are going to have plenty of time to find your mate. No one is going to die. We have plenty of resources and some of the most powerful minds and abilities in the world are in this room. We can use trackers, technology, Connell, and anything else we need in order to find this thing. Now, has anyone seen what it looks like and what it can do," questioned Zach as he stood beside Marcus. Alexander and Lena eyed him curiously and Didyme giggled. In that moment, Zach did not look like a teenage vampire, he looked like a leader. Rosalie and Emmett tried to hide their smiles at their son's natural instinct to take over in a dire situation and Carlisle smiled proudly at his grandson, realizing for the first time just how true Merek's prophecy was. Marcus wrapped an arm around Zach and chuckled.
"I couldn't have said it better myself. Josh, you have nothing to fear. We are going to figure this out and for starters, let's see what new intel we have. Gavin, how about you show Connell why you are a pivotal part of the Guard," suggested Marcus and Gavin grinned from ear to ear. He glanced over at Connell and smirked.
"You might want to step back, old man," said Gavin and Connell crossed his arms, but did as Gavin said. Everyone took steps back as blue, electric light accumulated in Gavin's hands. His eyes filled with the light and he smiled as he glanced over at Connell.
"Pretty cool, huh," said Gavin and before Connell could answer, the light surged into the computers and screens in the room.
"What the bloody hell is he doing," asked Connell and Lena smiled at Connell's shocked expression.
"In Gavin's human life, he was one of the most feared hackers in the world. Let's just say, as a vampire, his gifts are heightened," whispered Lena. Images, videos, and documents appeared on screens around the room and Gavin sighed in relief as the light dissipated.
"About time, we got something on this creature. There was nothing on the internet or the cloud, even I was starting to get worried, but they slipped up. I recovered this from a U.S. satellite before the humans could see it. We are lucky too or all things supernatural would have been exposed. Sir, you are going to want to see this," informed Gavin as he played a video on the main screen.
A blonde woman in a military uniform walked down a hallway past three armed guards. She smiled as she did and walked over to a sealed door around the corner. She punched in a code and looked down at a device in her hand before looking around. Suddenly, she morphed into a large man dressed in formal attire and Eleazar stepped closer to the screen.
"A shapeshifter," he whispered in shock and Seth frowned in confusion.
"Like us," he questioned, but Eleazar shook his head.
"No, I have not seen one like this in centuries. Quileutes only shift into wolves, but traditionally, shapeshifters could take on the appearance of whatever they like. This one is powerful and a vampire. Is it dressed like, the president of the United States," asked Eleazar as software recognition programs ran in the video and the sealed door opened.
"That is the irony. If the United States government had this video, it would appear that the President himself accessed the codes and created the security breach," answered Gavin. The video ended with the president leaving the room, smiling, and then morphing back into the blonde woman before leaving the building.
"Were the codes stolen," asked Zach.
"No, that is the odd thing. It is like this creature is playing some sort of game with us. The Americans know there was a security breach and have changed the codes, but nothing appears to have been stolen. The government is keeping it all quite hush, hush though. The media has no clue about it. I only know because we have been tracking this thing for several months now," explained Gavin.
"There were several high profiled burglaries last year. Diamonds stolen without any suspects, banks emptied without a single security measure being alerted, we knew it could not be human. The problem is that we have no clue who the person is. This vampire is at the top of every organization's Most Wanted list, but remains faceless. If we don't stop it soon, we run the risk of our world being exposed or worse," explained Marcus.
"While nothing in the system seems to say that codes were stolen, people don't just access nuclear warhead codes for no reason. Nothing was taken, but this thing now knows it can access codes whenever it wants and that is extremely dangerous," added Gavin. Allie stepped forward as she focused on the screens.
"You said you were tracking it. Can you pull up all the activity you have," asked Allie and Marcus smiled at her.
"I was hoping you would be intrigued. Eleazar, Carlisle, and I were talking about your abilities. Pattern recognition seems to be at the forefront. No one else has been able to track this thing and we were hoping you would help us, if you can," asked Marcus. Allie silently nodded as Gavin accessed all the information they had on the threat. She assessed each location, the times, and routes possible.
"Definitely not from Asia," she whispered to herself.
"But it showed up in Tokyo," said Gavin.
"Look at the location, a tourist spot, that's not where you go if you live in Japan," explained Allie and Jasper smiled at her.
"You are looking for its home, not where it might be next," said Jasper and Allie nodded.
"Do you know what is so fascinating about all creatures? Habits, we are all creatures of habit and we all need a home, a place we can go to put our guard down. This is definitely a vampire, Eleazar, and even a vampire needs a place to stop for a while."
"Most vampires are nomadic," reminded Eleazar.
"I know, but I read the books in Carlisle's study. Even nomads have favorite regions to return to," she informed and Garrett chuckled.
"I traveled all over the world, but the U.S. has always been my home," agreed Garrett and Allie smiled as she continued analyzing the map in front of her.
"Europe, it definitely has a home in Europe. Not the UK, definitely not Spain. Maybe France, no, Switzerland, no…Italy, she has a home in Italy. Something about this country is significant to her based on the patterns and locations where the crimes occur," said Allie.
"Her, you know it is a female, how," asked Alexander.
"Mannerisms, women flip their hair more, we use our hips to sway more when we walk, and our gait is different from men. She may be able to change her physical appearance, but not her mannerisms."
"And you can tell all of that just from that short video," questioned Alexander and she smiled slyly at him.
"Did you know that when you are just standing around, like now, your back foot is your right foot? Every single time, it is really funny once you pick up on it. I think it is because you like to crouch and push off of your right foot, which means even when you are surrounded by allies, you are ready to spring into action as soon as possible," she informed.
"You and I have never fought, so how would you know how I like to crouch," he asked and she shrugged nonchalantly.
"I watched you fight Jasper and Garrett before when you were training," explained Allie and he slowly nodded in awe.
"So then, Italy," said Alexander and she nodded again.
"Why so close to the Volturi though," asked Tanya and Allie shrugged.
"I have no clue," she admitted.
"No one in their right mind would taunt the Volturi by being so close by," said Zafrina.
"Actually, they would because it is the last place the Volturi would look, not the first. I doubt they live in Volterra, but Italy is a big country. There are plenty of places to hide and while the Volturi are scouring the world looking for her, she is here, close, but never too close," explained Kate.
"That would explain some activity I saw months ago in Nerola. Here is the video. She starts off as an older man, a tourist, but then disappears in this crowd in the town square," explained Gavin and Allie nodded in agreement.
"Crowds would benefit her, a place where there are tons of people to emulate and become. Can you show me that crowd, please," asked Allie and Gavin zoomed in on the video. Allie pointed to an elderly woman leaving the square.
"There she is, exiting at the northern gate. What was she doing there in the first place," asked Allie.
"This is the sight of one of the bank robberies. Millions were stolen, quite a payday for her. We do know that she hits a bank every month, all around the world. Any chance you know where she will go next," asked Lena.
"Zach, remember what news report was on outside of that shop in Florence," asked Allie.
"They were talking about routing zones for cash transfers for big banks. Sometimes they use smaller banks to stockpile money in while the bigger banks are treated as decoys," said Zach.
"Oh yea, like a bank in New York City would be a decoy while the money would be transferred to Saratoga Springs. Bank robbers aren't focused on small towns like that. They think the big draw will be in cities," added Josh.
"Based on the pattern, she circles back home to Italy and when she does, France will be hit. Gavin, I need two things. Where people think the most money in banks in France are and where the money actually is," said Allie. Gavin's eyes began to glow as he touched one of the computers.
"Paris is where people search for money, but they would have better luck in Reims. Wait, I think you are right. Reims just received a large transfer yesterday," said Gavin.
"Look at the banks she robbed, how many days after they received a large transfer was the place emptied," asked Allie and his eyes widened.
"Two and always at night," he answered.
"Then I guess we should head to Reims," said Allie and Zach's eyes widened.
"We," he asked and she nodded.
"They need our help finding her, Zach. She could have codes, intel, things that could set off nuclear warheads and kill my family, plus end the world. We have to find her and stop her as soon as possible," urged Allie and Zach glanced over at his parents. Emmett nodded.
"She is right. The more of us that help, the better chance we have at stopping her," agreed Emmett. Zach slowly nodded and hugged his mate as Marcus sighed in relief.
"Didyme and I will stay here to make sure other operations are running smoothly, but you will have the help of any guards you need. Alexander, Lena, your assignment is to keep them safe by any means necessary. Gavin, you, Roman, Iris, and Leonardo will stay together. Didyme and I will make whatever other arrangements that are needed and you can leave tomorrow," informed Marcus and Josh raised his hand.
"Does this huge castle happen to have a bed," he asked and Marcus chuckled.
"Of course, Josh, Didyme and I will show you and your family to some rooms. I am sure you are tired." Josh sighed in relief and Zach pulled his mate closer to him.
"We should hunt," suggested Zach, but Allie shook her head.
"I am okay. I want to go over this data again," she assured and he hesitantly nodded as she sat down in front of a computer. Rosalie winked at him, sensing his concern.
"She just wants to catch this woman," whispered Rosalie.
"I know mom, but she doesn't even know her. Why is she so adamant about this?"
"Zach, one of the things I think made you fall in love with Allie is her competitive drive. She enjoys a physical challenge, but this is something that I think drives her even more, it is mental. This woman is a challenge to her, unidentifiable, hard to track, and Allie is all about finding ways to identify people. She finds patterns and learns from them. This is her ultimate challenge," explained Rosalie.
"I just don't want her to get hurt. We know nothing about this woman," whispered Zach and Rosalie kissed his cheek.
"You will be there to protect her. We all will," assured Rosalie. He hugged his mother before sitting beside his mate, knowing she was anxious to find the woman that had them on edge.