AN: I cannot believe it is already Summer 2017! I had a lot of fun writing this one, so I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 1
Allie serenely smiled as she rested the back of her head against Zach's chest and watched the waves crash into the ocean below the cliff where the cottage was nestled in the forest of Cape Flattery. Their time in the cottage was coming to an end and they were expected to be back on the island that afternoon, but as the fog and mist rolled through the forest and the smell of dew filled her senses, she was too relaxed to think about leaving. The two of them were sitting out on the patio enjoying the morning breeze. Zach rested his chin on the top of her shoulder and caressed her legs.
"What are you thinking about, nayeli," he whispered.
"I was just thinking about how much I love this place and how lucky I am to have an amazing mate that had this cottage built for us."
"Mate and now husband," he grinned and she giggled as she nodded.
"The best husband in the world, this is perfect, Zach. I can't believe the honeymoon is already over. I feel like we just got here."
"Nayeli, the honeymoon will never be over for us. It did go by too fast though. A part of me wishes we could stay here forever." She smirked.
"Not happening. I might have a good relationship with your mother and Josh, but I am pretty sure they would both hunt me down if I was the reason you did not return to the island."
"Well, Mrs. McCarty Cullen, I am fine with going back as long as you and I promise to always come back when we need alone time. Life is just so simple when we are here. No Aunt Alice meddling or needing to. No crazed mates or imprints to worry about. It is just you and me. I happen to like you and me," he chuckled as he nuzzled her neck.
"And no future to worry about," she added as she stroked his curly hair.
"I am not worried about the future."
"You can't fool me. I know you are worried about our future, the future that Asa showed you, and that is okay. It is a lot to know, but I hope you also know that I am going to be right there with you, no matter what."
"I love you and you are right. You and I are forever and I know we can deal with anything that comes our way. I guess we should start getting ready to go."
"No, just a couple more hours," she whined and he chuckled.
"Fine by me, but if we stay too much longer you know Aunt Alice will start pestering us. Besides, I do miss my family…."
"And your best bro," she added.
"And the island and all of our video games, do you realize we have not played one video game since we have been here? You haven't even read a comic book. That has to be some sort of record," he teased as she turned to face him and straddle his waist.
"Well, I have been a bit preoccupied," she said with a seductive smile and he sighed happily.
"How about we end the first of many honeymoons together properly," he suggested and she giggled as he scooped her up and headed to their bedroom.
Natalie smiled when she heard her mate's heartbeat begin to pick up in pace and he stirred in bed. Her eyes stayed trained on the beach of La Push, but her body was buzzing with anticipation as it sensed Josh rolling out of bed. He wrapped her in his arms and she instantly relaxed into his warm embrace.
"Morning," he mumbled as he kissed her shoulder and she sighed contently.
"It is a beautiful morning. I have spent so much of my existence underground that I forgot how beautiful mornings could be," she admitted.
"Well, as someone that has seen many beautiful mornings in La Push, let me assure you that none of them are as beautiful as the ones I get to share with you."
"You are such a charmer," she giggled.
"It is true. I wasn't expecting our time in the cabin to go like this, but it is an amazing surprise."
"So when you rented out the cabin for us, you had no expectations of intimacy? Why do I find that hard to believe?"
"I hoped, but never wanted to rush you. Not that I am complaining, but what made you decide it was time to take our relationship to the next level?" She turned in his arms so she could gaze into his eyes and stroke his hair.
"I guess I was just tired of waiting or being worried about what I want. I have spent so much of my life worrying, obsessing over every move I make, and for once I just wanted to feel and be happy. For once in my life, I wanted to do something I actually wanted to do. Making love to you is something I have wanted to do for longer than I want to admit."
"Oh really," he asked with a grin and she rolled her eyes.
"Like you don't know the effect you have on me," she teased back.
"Actually, I didn't, but I do now and I hope you know that you have that same effect on me. No one else will ever come close to making me feel as happy as you do, Nat."
"Good because I plan on sticking around," she giggled before kissing him tenderly.
"We should head back to the island soon, but do you want to go surfing before we go? It will probably be hectic when we arrive. With everyone heading to the masquerade ball in Volterra tonight, I am sure Alice is in rare form."
"I can't believe I am actually going back to Volterra. The last time I was there….." She instinctively shuddered and he hugged her.
"I promise you that tonight will be fun, but if you don't want to go…."
"I want to do this. In fact, I think I need to do this. Aro is dead and I need to stop letting his memory dictate everything that I do," she assured and he kissed the tops of her hands.
"That's my girl," he said with a smile.
"I am not in the mood to surf. How about I show you just how much that smile of yours affects me," she teased and he happily nodded as she pulled him back over to their bed.
Alice closed her eyes and tried to block out the noise around her as she sat on her favorite cliff of the island. She glanced over at the small screen beside her and groaned.
"This is not working, Lian," she whined and the woman on the screen giggled as she shook her head.
"You are not very good at relaxing," said Lian. Alice picked up the small screen and rolled her eyes.
"Well excuse me for not being able to relax when I know that, even though I don't technically know, there is something wrong," exclaimed Alice.
"You must clear your mind for this to work. In order to overcome whatever is blocking you, you must get in touch with…."
"My instincts, I know! Jazzy has said it. Eleazar keeps saying it. I get it! I have to find a way to trust my instincts, but you know what my instincts are telling me, Lian? Panic!"
"Actually, I was going to say you must get in touch with the energy around you."
"Oh," said Alice and Lian smiled comfortingly at her.
"I understand how frustrating this must be for you, but as someone that has no power to rely on, I assure you that this can work. The earth is balanced by energy, good and evil. Our kind can sense when danger is coming because of our heightened senses. Sensing waves of energy and how it affects you can help you see where the threat you sense is coming from."
"How?"
"You must clear your mind of all that is distracting you and stop trying to force your visions. You must sense the changes in the energy around you. It takes much focus, but you can harness the same focus you place on your visions into focusing on the energy around you. Focus on that energy and let it guide you toward the source of the problem."
"I will keep that in mind. Thank you for trying to help."
"Of course, Alice, I too sense a shift in the balance, but am confident that you will find answers soon. Let me know when you find those answers. I am curious to find out myself."
"Will do," said Alice before turning off the device and placing her face in her hands. Jasper strolled over and sat down beside his mate. She leaned her head against his shoulder and he wrapped her in his arms.
"You are on edge, darlin'. Your whole body is anxious. I know it does not help much that the family has been away for the past weeks, but everyone will be back today. Besides, we have a party to attend tonight and I know you are a fan of masquerade balls. It has been far too long since we have been to one."
"Celebrating All Saints' Day in Volterra does sound fun, but I can't shake this sense of uneasiness that I feel."
"Then don't shake it. Just don't let it consume you either. Come on, how about we go for a nice hunt before it is time to leave," he suggested and she nodded in agreement, hoping that the hunt calmed her nerves a bit.
By the time Zach and Allie managed to pack and head back to the island, the rest of the family was back. Zach beamed with happiness when he saw Josh and Natalie waiting for them to land the jet on the island. As soon as they did, he and Allie greeted the couple and Allie quirked an eyebrow at Natalie.
"You look happy, very happy," said Allie and Natalie tried to hide her smile.
"It is a beautiful day and we are happy you are back," said Natalie as they hugged.
"Why do I have a feeling that isn't the only reason you are smiling," teased Allie and Natalie playfully glared at her.
"Come help me pack for this extravagant party we are heading to and I will answer that," said Natalie and Allie kissed Zach.
"Time for girl talk, we will see you two in a bit," she giggled and Josh chuckled as Natalie and Allie darted away. He and Zach did their handshake and Zach eyed him curiously.
"You do seem very happy. Was it a good trip to La Push," asked Zach.
"The best trip of my life," said Josh as he dreamily sighed and thought about his time in the cabin with Natalie.
"The best trip of your life, huh? How good of a time did you two have," teased Zach.
"A gentleman never kisses and tells."
"Oh good, then you will tell me everything!" Josh hugged him and laughed.
"I missed you, Z. How does it feel to be a married man?"
"Honestly, not that different, I think I felt more of a change after Allie was turned. That was definitely a significant change, but I can finally say I understand how amazing honeymoons are. I love honeymoons. I plan on going on plenty of them. So, where is everyone? I expected to be bombarded with questions and hugs when we got back."
"Everyone is packing for the trip to Italy. Your mom has your mask."
"I should go spend some time with her. I missed her. Seth better not have been hogging all of her attention while I was gone. You know he tries to act like her favorite even though we both know it is me."
"You are such a mama's boy."
"And don't you forget it," chuckled Zach.
"I need to go pack, but video games on the way to Volterra, okay," asked Josh and Zach happily nodded.
"See you in a bit," he said before racing toward his parents' cottage. He could hear his mother humming to herself when he arrived and poked his head in.
"Too busy to say hello to your favorite son," he asked and she beamed with happiness when he entered the cottage. She pulled him in for a tight hug and kissed his dimpled cheeks.
"I am never too busy for one of my favorite sons," she giggled.
"Seth isn't here, mom. You don't have to spare his feelings," he teased as she ran a hand through his curly hair.
"I missed you," she said with a happy sigh.
"I missed you too. So what did you do while I was gone?"
"Your father and I immensely enjoyed France. I even managed to drag him to some shops. Here is your mask for tonight and I packed your bags for you."
"Aw mom, you didn't have to do that. I appreciate it because I hate packing, but you didn't have to do that," he chuckled.
"Alice already packed Allie and Natalie's bags because she knew they would be nervous about what to wear to such an event, so I told her I would pack yours. You may be a married man now, but you are still my son and I can still spoil you."
"Always, mom, so where is dad?"
"He went hunting with Edward and Nahuel. We didn't do much hunting while we were away and he knows there will not be much to hunt near Volterra."
"So what exactly is All Saints' Day? Is it like Halloween or something?"
"It is a tradition in Italy. Every November 1st and 2nd, Ognissanti and Giorno dei Morti are celebrated. They translate to All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in English. All Saints' Day celebrates the Saints of the Catholic calendar and All Souls' Day is a day to remember all those that have departed the world. I think it will be good for you kids to experience and learn more about Italian culture."
"And to party," added Zach and she kissed his cheek.
"This family does party in style," she agreed.
"Well, when we come back I want us to spend some time together. Maybe I can help you with some cars or something, unless Seth has already done all of that." She eyed him carefully and smiled even more.
"Is that jealousy I detect in your tone?"
"I just know that Seth tends to get your attention while I am away and now that I am back, I would like to request some time."
"Your brother and I have not spent much together either. All of us have been with our mates, so whatever competition you two have for my time is not an issue."
"Good because he teases me when he gets more time with you than I do."
"Oh, my poor baby," she teased and he rolled his eyes.
"He is the baby. I am the mature man that just happens to want to spend time with his mother, especially more time than Seth." She laughed and shook her head in amusement.
"How about when we get back from Volterra, you help me in the garage," she suggested and he kissed her cheek.
"That's all I ask. Now, how about we play the piano for a bit before we have to go," he asked as he sat down at the piano and she joined him. She ran a hand through his hair and hugged him.
"Thank you," she said and he frowned in confusion.
"For what?"
"For always making me feel important to you." He guffawed.
"Uh, you're my mom. Of course you are important to me. Why would you think any differently? Wait, did Seth say something to you," he exclaimed. She laughed and kissed his cheek.
"I am very lucky to have two such amazing sons," she informed and he winked at her as they began to play his lullaby.
Rain pelted the roof of the warehouse as the woman gazed at herself in the mirror and put her long, red hair in a ponytail. She zipped up her leather jacket and her mate smiled as he pulled her into his arms.
"Beautiful as always, you know I find you even sexier when you are planning something," he informed and she winked at him.
"Then you must find me extremely sexy right now. It is all coming together."
"How are you feeling? Do you need to hunt? I know this is draining your energy."
"I will be fine since I have extra motivation to make sure this works. After years of planning, we are finally going to do what so many have tried to and failed. The vampire world is counting on us to make this right."
"Then we should deal with any hiccups beforehand. We have a problem with one of the recruits," said Ennis as he entered the room and the mates turned to face him.
"A problem," asked Dag.
"One of them would like to speak with you two," said Ennis and she sighed as she turned back to face the mirror and fix her hair. Dag looked at his mate and then gave a curt nod.
"Bring them all in, let's make this a group affair," said Dag and Ennis nodded before darting out of the room. He returned with twenty vampires and they were silent as the woman finished primping in the mirror. Dag cleared his throat to get her attention and she spun back around to face them.
"Yes, right, someone has a problem," she questioned, but no one said a word. She began to slowly circle the group.
"You know, I understand. It is scary to think about everything we must do to save ourselves and all the values we hold dear. I remember, even though it is not very clear anymore, the first time I faced an army of British soldiers. I was terrified. They had the resources and the manpower, but I had something they did not, courage. Fear is normal in such a circumstance, but do not let it mislead you. That fear comes from Volterra because they want to own us. They want to dominate us and tell us how to exist. Most in our world are too scared to take a stand, but we have courage. We know what we are and what we need to survive." One of the vampires stepped forward. The woman could tell she was nervous as she found her voice.
"But we can survive off of animal blood as well. Maybe they just don't want us to have to kill humans if it is unnecessary," said the vampire and the woman smirked.
"Have you tried animal blood? It tastes unnatural. The very thought makes my stomach turn. Human blood makes our body buzz. It is the natural way. Aro was an evil man, but at least he understood that! He never tried to starve us of our true desires. I understand if you have second thoughts. I know what I am asking of you, so if you have something to say, then speak now," she urged. The vampires began to whisper and another stepped forward.
"We know that Alice Cullen has not come after us and that you are blocking her, but for how long? Once she knows of the plan, we are as good as dead and that is if we even survive in the first place."
"The three of us each have remarkable powers and together, we are unstoppable. How many vampires do you know that can challenge Alice Cullen? You should worry about me, not Alice. After all, I don't just have the ability to disappear, but I have the ability to make others disappear as well. You made your choice because you know I am right. The new way is flawed, so join us and help us stop it. Alice Cullen will never see us coming, you have my word," she said as she held out her hand. The two vampires glanced at each other and the man reluctantly shook it, but the other woman did not.
"This is a suicide mission. The vampire world is already hearing the whispers of a rebellion. There is no way any of us will get away with this. I rather drink the blood of animals and survive than drink the blood of humans and be slaughtered. If the Volturi do not stop us, Zachary McCarty Cullen will." Dag glanced over at his mate and nodded. She sighed but nodded as well.
"I am sorry you feel that way because you are wrong. It is simple really. You cannot stop what you cannot see," she informed before disappearing. The other vampires gasped as the female recruit was beheaded. Dag picked up the head and Ennis started a fire in the corner to dispose of the body. The woman appeared again and dusted off her hands.
"We do not have time for these hesitations. You joined us because you wanted to be on the right side of the fight. Traitors will not be tolerated! I need rebels, warriors willing to fight for what has been taken from us! This is not about powers. It is about survival," she shouted and the vampires began to nod.
"By the time we are done, every vampire in our world will be free to drink the blood of humans without judgment. It is time to stop the new way from spreading like the disease it is," she encouraged and the vampires cheered. They got back to work and she sighed as her mate wrapped an arm around her.
"I hate to say it, but Rayna had a point. We will not be able to keep this up for much longer. No matter how much we hunt, you are getting weaker. I sense it," warned Dag and she nodded.
"Which is why we need to speed things up, they are getting too antsy. If we want this to work, we need to strike. No more planning. It is time," she announced before storming out to go hunt and her mate smiled.