Chapter 2
Edward, Bella, Alice, and Jasper walked out of Edward and Bella's cottage to head to the main house. They were not in a rush since Alice knew the exact moment Alexander and Lena would arrive, but were a bit on edge nonetheless.
"Don't worry so much. Charlie and Sue are back home in Bodega Bay. Connell took the pack back to La Push and everyone is safe. Roman, Iris, Leonardo, Sofi, and Caleb headed back to Volterra, but Renesmee, Nahuel, Seth, and Kaya just arrived at the dock. Carlisle and Rosalie are almost here and the rest of the family is waiting in the main house. The Denalis know of the situation and have assured us they are just a call away if we need them. Connell and Tia are in Alaska now as well," informed Alice and Bella gulped.
"Are you two sure about this," asked Bella and Jasper shook his head.
"No, they are nervous," he informed.
"It is the right choice. It doesn't make it any easier though. Sometimes, things must play out, especially in this case. No one is in danger…well…life-threatening danger," said Edward and Alice planted her hands on her hips.
"And honestly you two, you are our mates and should know better. Do you dare bet against me," she challenged and Jasper gave her a wink.
"Of course not, darlin', just covering our bases," he drawled out and Bella sighed.
"Our very prone to drama bases," grumbled Bella. They reached the front lawn just as the Volturi stealth jet appeared overhead and began its descent onto the island. Emmett and Esme darted out of the house.
"Carlisle and Rose have arrived. I told Renesmee, Nahuel, Seth, and Kaya to stay in one of the cottages until we are certain about what is happening," informed Esme. Alice gave her a hug.
"It is going to be fine," she assured. Carlisle and Rosalie darted over to their mates and hugged them as Alexander and Lena stepped out of the jet wearing their Volturi garb.
"Good, Alice alerted you to why we are here," said Alexander and Emmett crossed his arms over his broad chest as he frowned.
"Not exactly, but the cloaks don't say you are here to party. What is going on, Alexander," asked Emmett and Lena eyed Alice curiously.
"You didn't tell them," she questioned and Alice shrugged.
"I believe that is your duty," she reminded and Lena scoffed.
"Since when? You called me yesterday demanding I wear the black dress instead of the gray one to the New Year's Eve party. Telling people what to do and how it's going to be is kind of your thing," reminded Lena and Alice stuck her tongue out at her as Lena wore a sly smile. Alexander cleared his throat.
"We are here on official Volturi business, not a social call. I quite like the gray dress though," said Alexander.
"You're her mate. You have to say that and…" Alice rolled her eyes as Alexander interrupted her before she could go on a rant.
"Carlisle, as the head of your coven, we come to you with a concern brought forward. It seems there may be someone in your coven being held against their will," said Alexander in his best stern voice and Carlisle's eyes widened in surprise.
"Against their will," he questioned.
"Who would say such a thing," asked Esme. Edward eyed them suspiciously as two men descended the steps of the jet and joined Alexander and Lena. Carlisle frowned in confusion.
"Haines, what in the world are you doing," asked Carlisle and Lena handed Carlisle an official letter from Marcus and Didyme.
"As is our way, when the Volturi are notified of a potential conflict or crisis, we must investigate. Carlisle, Cullens, you are accused of holding a vampire against their will and requiring them to join your coven in order to gain control of their power. This is a wellness check of sorts to ensure everyone in this coven is here on their own accord," stated Lena and Haines sighed.
"This is not my doing, old sport," assured Haines and Rosalie arched an eyebrow as the other man stepped forward. He was tall in stature with a muscular build. It was difficult to detect the age of when he was turned since his facial hair masked a bit of his baby faced features. They also could not detect his choice in diet due to his eyes being shielded by a pair of thick, black sunglasses with deep red trim.
"Haines came at my request. He knows everyone involved and I consider him trustworthy enough to make sure nothing gets out of hand on this island of yours," informed the man. Carlisle extended his hand to him with a kind smile.
"I assure you my family and I welcome anyone willing to come in peace. I am Carlisle." The man hesitantly shook his hand and gave a nod.
"Tomas and I am here to see Natalie Daveed," he informed. The sound of heavy footsteps and an argument ensuing inside caught their attention. Rosalie pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned.
"Of course you are," she muttered and Emmett's booming laugh echoed around them as they could hear shouting inside the house between Josh and Leah. Jacob emerged shaking his head as his wife and son continued to argue inside. Zach and Allie were peeking out a window to see who the man was as Jacob approached the group.
"Tomas, I am Jacob Black. It seems you have already caused a bit of concern for my family, so may I ask what it is you want with Natalie?"
"That is between Natalie and I, so where is she," Tomas asked again and Jacob leaned over to whisper to Carlisle.
"You can't just let him come here and start making demands. Josh wants to come out, but Leah and I aren't letting that happen until we know if this guy is a threat," explained Jacob and Carlisle nodded his understanding.
"What is it exactly you think is happening here, Tomas," asked Carlisle.
"You are hiding her on this island to use her powers. I watched one madman collect us like toys and I am not going to watch another. I know your reputation and that you are considered a force of good in our world, but I also know Natalie. She wouldn't want to live on this island or be in the spotlight your coven constantly has on it. You are targets and Natalie has spent her life trying not to be one. If she is here, it is against her will. Now, I will only ask you one more time, where is Natalie Daveed," he said through gritted teeth as one of his hands reached for his glasses. Alexander grabbed his hand and Lena let out a hiss in warning.
"Careful," warned Alexander and Tomas smirked.
"I think we both know I am not the only one that needs to be careful," warned Tomas, but he frowned when Alice giggled and skipped over to him.
"Wow, you are fearless. I mean I saw you coming in here with all your bravado demanding to see her, but there are very few vampires willing to face the Volturi and step foot on our island to threaten us. You are pretty confident in that power of yours," said Alice and he smiled slyly.
"It tends to get people's attention," he informed and Alice pursed her lips as she sifted through her visions. She gave a nod to Jacob.
"Leah, it is okay to let Joshua come out here and the rest of you might as well come on out too. I mean really, we are vampires. We can all hear you," called Alice. Josh ran out of the house and glared at Tomas as the rest of the family emerged. Leah, Zach, and Allie stood by Rosalie, Emmett, and Jacob, while Seth, Kaya, Renesmee, and Nahuel emerged from the trees with sheepish smiles.
"What part of go to your cottages was unclear," asked Esme and Seth immediately pointed at Renesmee.
"It was her idea," he said quickly and Renesmee nudged him.
"Remind me to never commit a crime in front of you," she grumbled.
"Commit as many crimes as you want as long as the person asking me about said crimes doesn't also have the power to stop making me cookies," said Seth and Alexander smiled in amusement.
"The person asking you would have a lot of power as well," reminded Alexander and Seth shrugged as he looked him up and down.
"Eh," he said in a teasing tone and Alexander nodded.
"I will remember that during the next snowball fight," taunted Alexander and Seth jutted his chin out in defiance. Tomas let out a growl of frustration.
"Enough of this! Take me to Natalie or I will burn this entire island to the ground," growled Tomas and Haines placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down, there is no need for threats. Carlisle comes in peace," reminded Haines and before Tomas could respond, all their senses perked up. The sound of someone emerging from the water and onto the shore caught their ears, along with the sound of feet racing toward them. Natalie gasped when she saw the group on the front lawn looking at her with different expressions. Her eyes locked on Tomas and Jasper had to send her waves of calm as anxiety seeped into her. Edward winced at the memories flooding her mind and a broken sob escaped her. Josh frowned when she ran over to Tomas and jumped into his arms to hug him.
"This is impossible. You died. I saw you die," she cried and Tomas smiled as he hugged her tightly.
"Natalie, my Natalie," he whispered in her ear.
"I don't understand. We all saw them execute you."
"You saw what Aro wanted everyone to see. I was beheaded, but he didn't kill me. He locked me up in a tower and kept me restrained until he could find a way to control my power. That's how I got these," he informed as he pointed to his glasses.
"What's his power," asked Zach and Alice smiled.
"He's a firestarter, like Keegan. Eleazar is not going to be happy about this. He is so funny when he gets so serious. They are dangerous. They wipe out populations of people. They must be stopped. Oh Eleazar, always the worrier," giggled Alice and Carlisle slowly nodded.
"I am guessing by your sense of calm you do not see him as a threat, but if he is as powerful as is believed, how can the glasses assist him in controlling his ability," asked Carlisle and Seth nodded at Zach who was practically bouncing in place with excitement.
"He's Cyclops! This is so cool," exclaimed Zach until Josh glared at him.
"I mean not cool at all. He's a firestarter, not an X-Men with awesome tech to contain the full strength of his power. Nothing cool to see here," amended Zach.
"I wonder if the glasses are made out of ruby quartz," asked Allie and Josh rolled his eyes.
"Will you two shut up about Cyclops? This guy could be dangerous," scolded Josh and Zach smirked.
"Nat doesn't seem to think so. Look at her smiling and hugging him and….my apologies, I see the issue now," said Zach as he tried not to notice the way Josh was glaring at him. Josh walked over to Natalie and slipped his hand into hers to get her attention. She smiled at him and he pulled her into his arms.
"As you can see, Nat is fine, so you can leave now," said Josh.
"I am not going anywhere. Natalie and I have much to talk about, so how about you and your coven give us some time to reconnect," suggested Tomas. Zach guffawed.
"Whoa, cool your jets there, Scott Summers," said Zach and Tomas frowned in confusion.
"Who," he asked and Zach rolled his eyes.
"You know, Scott Summers, Cyclops," he said.
"One of the leaders of the X-Men," added Allie.
"Married to Jean Grey," added Seth and Tomas looked over at Haines.
"These people are the most powerful coven in the world," questioned Tomas. Lena had to hide her smile as Alexander cleared his throat.
"How about we let them catch up and resolve any confusion there may be," suggested Alexander.
"We will stay nearby until this is resolved peacefully," added Lena and Tomas gave them a curt nod before stepping closer to Natalie.
"You don't have to be afraid of these people," he whispered and Josh rolled his eyes.
"This is ridiculous. Nat isn't being held against her will. I don't know who you are, but I want you gone. You have no right to even be here," said Josh and Tomas smirked.
"I have every right to check on Natalie. You do not own her, so how about you let her speak for herself," suggested Tomas. Natalie stood there in shock and Edward smiled sympathetically at her.
"Let's give them some space," suggested Edward and the others nodded. Leah eyed Natalie carefully before heading back to the main house with everyone except Josh, Zach, Allie, and Tomas.
"Do you want me to stay," asked Allie and Natalie took the first breath she had in several minutes as she shook her head.
"No, um, I am okay. I think I need to talk to Tomas in private. Can you three give us a minute?" Josh scoffed at the question.
"Seriously, you think I am going to leave you alone with this guy," asked Josh and she sighed.
"Tomas won't hurt me," she assured.
"If this is the guy you mentioned before, you said he was a firestarter who couldn't control his power. What if he loses his temper and hurts you," asked Josh.
"My glasses keep my power under control. The only one that is a threat to her is you. Wouldn't want you to lose your temper and morph into a mutt," he taunted and Natalie stepped in between them as they postured up to one another.
"Okay, enough you two. Josh, just give us a minute, please," said Natalie and he sighed, but nodded.
"Fine, but I won't be far," he assured before tenderly kissing her. Tomas looked away and Josh glared at him again before leaving. She frowned in confusion.
"What are you doing here? How is this even possible?"
"The night The Program was destroyed, two guards came in to kill me. I could hear all the chaos and knew something happened, so I took it as a chance to escape. I went in search of you, but there was nothing but bodies and hysteria in Volterra."
"I escaped through one of the back tunnels before everything went to hell," she explained and he beamed with pride.
"He always said you were brilliant and elusive. I am so happy you are okay, Natalie. I have missed you so much," he said as he cupped her cheek. She looked down and took a step back from him, causing him to frown.
"I still don't understand what you are doing here."
"I am here to rescue you."
"Well, you certainly did call in the Calvary. You got the Volturi and Haines involved?"
"I know how powerful the Cullens are and the wide range of powers they have at their disposal. Rumor has it they even have someone who can manipulate your thoughts."
"Tess isn't a Cullen or part of the coven. She is just a friend of Josh and Zach's."
"So you have met her?"
"Yes, why?"
"Come on, Natalie, you aren't just a bit concerned that she could be manipulating your every move?"
"That isn't how her power works. She would have to be close by and it still manages to wear off. Trust me, I thought about it. Look, I am not in any danger here and I choose to be here with Josh."
"Yes, Josh, the one they say has found his mate," he grumbled.
"Tomas…"
"How about you give me a tour of the island? If it isn't as bad as I believe, then you will have no problem showing me around," he suggested.
"Sure, just let me go get Josh and…" He slipped his hand into hers and cupped her cheek again.
"You don't need his permission. Unless of course your every move is under their control after all," he challenged.
"Fine, let's go for a walk," she said and he smiled as he followed. Josh let out a low growl as he watched the two of them from an upstairs window in the house. Zach glared as well and Allie placed a comforting hand on Josh's shoulder.
"You need to trust her," advised Allie, but Josh shook his head.
"This guy is bad news," he said and Zach nodded in agreement.
"Totally, he is nothing like Scott Summers. Logan was the one making moves on his girl, not the other way around."
"It depends on the universe," reminded Allie and Zach smiled adoringly at her.
"Oh, nayeli, you and your comic book knowledge are so amazing," he said before kissing her and Josh stomped his foot.
"Can you two focus for like two seconds on me? This guy is trying to take Nat. This is a problem," he reminded.
"You two are going to have to learn to trust each other. She isn't yours to be taken, Josh. She makes her own choices and she chooses to be with you. Trust in that," she suggested.
"Easier said than done when she keeps secrets from me," he muttered and marched out of the room. Allie groaned and ran a hand through her hair.
"I don't remember it being this complicated with us," she whined and Zach guffawed.
"Do you mean before or after you became a vampire? Spoiler alert, it was all very complicated," he teased and she tenderly kissed him.
"And look how amazing that worked out," she giggled and he winked at her.
"Exactly, so come on. Let's go help them work this out or at the very least make sure Josh doesn't kill Cyclops. Even if he isn't the real deal, it just seems wrong, you know?" Allie shook her head in amusement as she followed him out of the room in search of Josh.