Chapter 2
The next evening, the family headed to Italy for the Volturi's annual holiday party. The stealth jet made every trip faster and the family was in Volterra in no time. Connell brought the Denalis and the group was mingling with vampires from all over the world. Marcus and Didyme greeted each of their guests and did their part as hosts as they glided around the room. The party was in full swing with lively music and cheerful conversations playing out around the ballroom. Zach, Allie, Josh, and Natalie were looking around at the masterpieces of art on display and the holiday decorations.
"Didyme goes all out. She almost has Aunt Alice beat," said Zach.
"Almost being the key word," said Alice as she skipped over to them and kissed her nephew's cheek.
"Zach, Josh, my fashion sense has rubbed off well on you. Red has always been your color, sweet nephew of mine, and green is perfect for bringing out your eyes, Josh. Ladies, you look absolutely stunning. Allie, I appreciate that you wore the gown I suggested. Natalie, yours is beautiful as well. I am just surprised you didn't like the choice I picked out for you."
"It was a beautiful choice, Alice, but I can dress myself. The gown was great. I just prefer something simple," informed Natalie and Alice eyed her and Allie suspiciously.
"When did you decide not to wear it? When I bought it, I had a vision of you looking quite beautiful." Allie gulped as she glanced at Natalie.
"I changed my mind while packing today. It isn't a big deal, Alice," assured Natalie.
"Are you two alright? Something seems off," said Alice and Allie avoided eye contact as she looked around the castle.
"We are great. It is a wonderful party," assured Natalie and Alice slowly nodded.
"Yes, it is. Well, I should go check on my mate. By the way, Natalie, Edward says that gift you are obsessing over will be great for Josh. No need to repeat it in your head so much," said Alice with an arch of her eyebrow.
"I will keep that in mind," said Natalie and Alice continued to eye them as they walked away.
"What was that all about," asked Josh and Natalie shrugged.
"You said it yourself, Alice is on her own level. Hey, aren't those your friends," asked Natalie and Zach grinned from ear to ear.
"Senna and Kachiri showed up. Let's all go say hi," suggested Zach, but Natalie shook her head.
"You guys go ahead. Allie and I are going to look at some more of the artwork. We will catch up with you in a bit," said Natalie before kissing Josh. Allie kissed Zach and gulped as she watched her mate make his way toward Senna and Kachiri.
"Let's go for a walk," suggested Natalie and Allie whined.
"I've walked enough. I'm good," said Allie, but Natalie grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the ballroom.
"Stop trying to make this difficult. The more you drag your feet, the longer this will take. Besides, we are partners in crime, start acting like it," whispered Natalie as they headed out of the wing.
"Nope, not your partner in crime, nothing of the sort," said Allie and Natalie rolled her eyes.
"It is a figure of speech."
"Not when you are dealing with an actual criminal," whispered Allie. They raced toward the closed off wing, which was darker than the rest of the pristinely kept castle. It was dimly lit by the moonlight shining through the floor to ceiling walls, the artwork was much older and they could tell the wing was not tended to on a regular basis by the amount of dust collecting in the halls. Natalie hid behind a corner that led to a long, dark hallway with a door at the end of it.
"That must be where it is kept. There is a camera above the door and a code that unlocks it. You're going to have to help me get in," whispered Natalie.
"How am I supposed to do that? I already told you everything I know about Gavin's security system. Even if we get in, that doesn't mean we will be in the clear. Gavin is all about backups to his backups."
"Yea, but if this wing of the castle is closed now, why would he need it to be under security, unless you are starting to realize I am right. The Volturi are using this wing for something."
"You don't know that."
"Then help me crack the code and we will be just fine," challenged Natalie.
"This is such a bad idea," whispered Allie and Natalie shushed her.
"Did you hear that," asked Natalie and Allie groaned.
"We are so dead," she whispered and Natalie covered her mouth. Allie's eyes widened as they began to disappear. She looked down at her body and all she saw was the wall behind her and the marble floors. They both held their breaths as the sounds of footsteps sped into their direction. Three guards walked past them, but paused and turned back.
"Something isn't right," said one of the guards and Allie shut her eyes tightly as she tried to wish them away. The guards began to survey the area and one headed toward the keypad.
"I'm running a quick check. Keying in now," said the guard to the other two. Natalie and Allie glanced over at the keypad as the guard punched in a code. The door unlocked and the guard darted into the room. He exited seconds later and gave a curt nod as he locked the door again. The moment the guards were out of sight, Allie and Natalie sighed in relief.
"I am going to kill you if we survive this," whispered Allie.
"Did you see what code they used," asked Natalie and Allie rolled her eyes.
"No, which is probably a sign that we shouldn't be here. Let's go." Suddenly, they heard footsteps heading their way again and Allie scooted closer to Natalie as she cloaked them again. Josh and Zach looked around curiously as they walked down the hallway.
"That's weird, they should be close, but why would they be down here," asked Josh.
"I don't know but I can sense Allie. I don't have a good feeling about this. What if something happened to them? Why would they go off on their own anyways? Something is off," said Zach.
"Maybe we should alert the others and…."
"No," said Natalie as she uncloaked her and Allie. Zach and Josh shrieked and jumped back as their mates appeared in front of them and shushed them loudly.
"You are going to get us caught," whispered Natalie.
"What is going on," asked Josh and Natalie shushed him.
"We are looking for something," she whispered.
"What could you possibly be looking for and why did you shush me? Oh God, she shushed me, which means she doesn't want anyone to know we are down here, which means she is up to something. Nat, please tell me you are not up to something," whined Josh.
"I am not up to something. I am trying to figure out what the Volturi are up to," she confessed and Zach frowned.
"That sounds like the epitome of being up to something. What are you even talking about? Allie, what have you gotten yourself into? You are supposed to be helping her fit in, not roaming the castle like you are trying to steal from it," scolded Zach.
"She thinks the Volturi are keeping notes on you in the same way Aro used to keep notes on her," confessed Allie.
"That's insane," said Josh.
"That's what I tried to tell her, but she wouldn't believe me," said Allie. Josh pulled Natalie toward him.
"You can't seriously think the Volturi are out to get us. Look how much they have done for us and how they forgave you after all you did," said Josh and Natalie glared at him.
"I didn't do anything worth forgiving and this is exactly why I didn't tell you. Whenever it comes to the Volturi, it is like you are brainwashed or something," she whispered harshly and he growled in frustration.
"No, it is like I understand who they are and you don't. Allie, I expect this from her, but you should know better," said Josh and Allie huffed.
"I tried to stop her," defended Allie.
"Oh yea, Al, you are doing a wonderful job with that. I thought being around you would be a good influence on her, not that she would have you playing hide and seek in the Volturi castle," argued Josh.
"Don't talk about me like I am not right here, Josh. I am a grown woman and I make my own choices. If you thought Allie being my friend would make her my babysitter then you are wrong. I don't need a handler or your approval," yelled Natalie and Zach shushed her.
"Enough, all of you. Let's get out of here already. I am surprised my Aunt Alice isn't already down here with everyone else ready to kick our butts," whispered Zach.
"That's because Natalie can still cloak herself," confessed Allie and Josh groaned.
"What? Why are you hiding from Alice? Are you trying to look guilty right now," asked Josh.
"I am trying to find out the truth about this place because it has you blinded by your loyalty to these people," said Natalie and Josh crossed his arms.
"The only one blinded right now is you. You are so blinded by your fear and paranoia that you can't even see how messed up this is. They invited us into their home and you are using the invitation to go back to your old ways."
"My old ways, what's that supposed to mean," challenged Natalie and Allie tried to step in between them.
"I don't think this is the best place for this argument and…." Josh interrupted Allie.
"It means that maybe you like sneaking around and using your power to try to get over on people. You blame Aro, but he is dead, Natalie. I am right here and yet you keep hiding from me and shutting yourself off. Now, you have Allie involved and it is not okay."
"I chose to go with her, Josh. She thinks there is something down here that proves…."
"Don't even bother, Allie. He doesn't care. He already has his mind made up about me and what I am all about. Are you sure you even want to be with me if this is how you act when I…."
"When you're breaking and entering into the fortress of the rulers of the vampire world, hmmmm let me think about it," exclaimed Josh and Zach pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Alright, enough," hissed Zach and they each quieted down. "We can talk about this when we get out of here and back to the party. Let's just get out of here before we do anymore damage."
"I'm not going anywhere," said Natalie as the others turned to leave. Allie groaned.
"I told you she is stubborn," said Allie and Natalie crossed her arms.
"I am going to find out what Marcus and Didyme are hiding. I think they are hiding something from all of us."
"Based on what evidence," asked Josh.
"They knew about The Program. They had the files and notebooks that Aro kept. What makes you think they don't have more of Aro's things," she asked.
"Marcus told my grandpa that they shut down all things having to do with Aro. There is nothing to find," assured Zach.
"Then prove it, help us get in there. Let's look around and if we find nothing, I promise to drop this. If I do though, you three start taking me seriously. I am not some damaged goods for you to fix."
"Nat, that's not what…." Natalie interrupted Josh.
"That is exactly how you treat me, like I am breakable and anything I say is just because Aro screwed me up. I have instincts too, Josh, and yea, maybe I am screwed up because of The Program, but that doesn't make me wrong. It just sucks that you will talk about eternity with me, but won't actually trust me." Josh sighed and slipped his hands into hers.
"I do trust you. I love you, Nat, so if this is what you need in order to move on, then let's do it," said Josh, much to the surprise of Natalie, Allie, and Zach.
"I'm sorry, do what now," asked Zach and Josh smiled sheepishly at him.
"Between the three of you, I'm sure you can get us in and out before anyone notices," assured Josh and Zach shook his head.
"Nope, not doing this. We are not going to break into that room," whispered Zach.
"It is the only room in this wing with a keypad. Why do you think that is," challenged Natalie and Zach smirked.
"Because nosey people like you keep trying to see what's in there," he exclaimed and Allie wrapped her arms around him.
"Please, help us, help Nat, and then I promise to never put us in a situation like this again," said Allie, but Zach stepped away from her.
"Really because Natalie isn't the only one with a penchant for an adrenaline rush, when were you going to tell me about all of this?"
"I was going to tell you after I proved that she was wrong about the Volturi."
"Allie, how many times do we have to go over this? You don't get to pick and choose when you tell me the truth," said Zach.
"I know but….."
"No, you don't and that's problem, but since you two feel so strongly about this, then fine, let's get it over with," grumbled Zach as he looked around the corner at the locked door. Allie sighed and Natalie smiled apologetically at her.
"I'm with Z, let's get in, get out, and get back to the party," suggested Josh. Natalie nodded.
"I can cloak us and…."
"No need," said Zach as he used his power to tilt the camera in the opposite direction. He darted over to the door and forced the lock open with a crunch. He opened the door and they each looked around the spacious room. It was a library full of books and antiques. Zach shrugged as the dust settled around them.
"Looks pretty normal to me, just old," said Zach and Natalie gulped as she surveyed the room. A stack of books on a shelf beside the back window caught her eye and she raced over to them.
"This one is Aro's. He showed it to me," said Natalie as she perused the book. Allie grabbed an identical book beside it and her eyes widened as she read through it.
"Um, Zach, you may want to see this," said Allie and Zach took in a shaky breath as he read over it.
"E.C. can be bombarded and distracted, but not completely blocked. Talks of using their bonds against one another. A.C. can be overpowered if her visions are temporarily dismantled. What is this," asked Zach and Natalie sighed in relief.
"That is the proof I was looking for. They are not good people, Zach. They have plans in place to harm you," said Natalie, but Zach shook his head.
"No, this is from Aro. This isn't Marcus or Didyme," defended Zach.
"Then explain this one. It isn't just about Edward and Alice. This one includes you and the Denali coven as well. Aro didn't even know about your powers," said Josh as he pointed to the page he was on. The screeching sound of an alarm made them jump as they looked around the room. They tried to run out, but the door slammed shut, trapping them in.
"We must have tripped something," said Natalie as she crouched down defensively.
"Oh, this is bad. This is very bad," said Zach as the ceiling opened up and a massive weapon descended. A stealth jet appeared outside the window and a red laser beamed into the room. The door opened and several cloaked guards entered, along with Alexander, Lena, and Gavin.
"Zach," questioned Alexander.
"I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes," added Lena.
"You know, you four are really insulting my intelligence. You really think I would only have one camera? It was a decoy by the way and you actually tripped the alarm the moment Zach crushed the keypad. What are you doing here," asked Gavin as he turned off the alarm. Marcus and Didyme darted into the room and Zach gulped.
"Definitely bad," grumbled Zach. Marcus waved his guards off and clapped Gavin on the back.
"Stand down and call it in. Tell the others it was a false alarm," instructed Marcus and Gavin glanced suspiciously at Zach and Allie before nodding and exiting the room. The stealth jet disappeared again as Gavin gave the code to stand down. Suddenly, Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Edward, Bella, Alice, and Jasper were in the room.
"What is going on," asked Carlisle and Marcus glanced over at Zach before shrugging.
"I was just about to ask our guests the same thing. This wing is closed. This room was locked, so care to explain to me what hankering for a read you had that was so powerful it made you break in," asked Marcus and Zach looked over at Natalie as she placed the books behind her back.
"Answer him, young man," declared Rosalie and Zach took in a deep breath as he looked at Allie, Natalie, and Josh, who were all pleading for him to not say something. He was quiet and Emmett nudged Edward.
"What's going on," asked Emmett and Edward frowned as he sifted through their thoughts.
"They are all repeating sonnets, which means they are definitely up to something. Somehow, Natalie managed to block Alice as well," informed Edward and Alice glared at Natalie.
"I knew you were up to something and now you are starting to try my patience. After all I have done for you, this is how you repay us and our friends," asked Alice and Natalie glared back at her.
"If you knew what your so-called friends have been up to, you would be thanking me," said Natalie.
"For what part, breaking in here, hiding within my visions, or getting the three of them in trouble," challenged Alice. Jacob, Leah, Seth, Kaya, Renesmee, and Nahuel ran into the room.
"The castle was just on lockdown. What happened," asked Seth and Leah arched an eyebrow at Josh and Natalie.
"Uh oh, what have you gotten yourselves into now," asked Leah. Marcus cleared his throat as he approached Carlisle.
"It seems some members of your family decided to intrude and have something of mine. I would like the books back," said Marcus and Carlisle nodded.
"Of course, Marcus, Zach, give him back whatever you four were looking at," instructed Carlisle. Allie slipped her hand into Zach's and shook her head as their eyes met. He slowly nodded and kissed her cheek as they silently communicated.
"We can't do that, grandpa," declared Zach and everyone looked at him shocked.
"Excuse me," asked Marcus and Zach gulped.
"We can't give you back the books because you shouldn't have them in the first place," announced Zach and Marcus chuckled as Alexander and Lena glanced at each other.
"You're refusing to give me back my property, is that correct," asked Marcus and Zach slowly nodded.
"Refusing is such a harsh word. I was thinking more like holding onto it until we get some answers," said Zach. Marcus walked over to Zach and stood toe to toe with him. Zach was taller in stature, but Marcus was still intimidating as he stared him down.
"Those books do not belong to you. Put them back and all is forgiven," warned Marcus. Rosalie frowned as Zach took a step closer to Marcus.
"I will put them back when you explain why you have them in the first place," stated Zach and Marcus chuckled.
"You come in to my castle as a guest and now make demands for my property," questioned Marcus. The guards started whispering to one another, which Marcus noticed as Zach spoke.
"I mean no disrespect, but I need to know why you have these notes on us and the Denali coven," asked Zach. The Denalis darted into the room and Garrett frowned.
"We were just going to eavesdrop until we heard our names. What exactly do you mean by notes on us," asked Garrett. Zach grabbed one of the books and showed his parents and grandparents.
"Natalie said we would find these notes on all of us. They talk about our powers, how they work, and how they can be stopped. I defended Marcus and Didyme, but I cannot defend this. They have entire books on us as if we are a threat," explained Zach and Rosalie cursed under her breath when she saw the book. Edward read Marcus's mind and the man glanced at Joaquin as he entered the room.
"Leave us, Joaquin take the rest of the guards with you. Didyme, Alexander, Lena, and I need to speak with our guests alone," instructed Marcus and Joaquin bowed before exiting with the other guards. Alexander closed the door and gave a curt nod to Marcus as he pushed a button on the wall. A low buzzing filled the room and Edward frowned in confusion.
"Why does the room need to be soundproof and impenetrable," asked Edward and Marcus smirked.
"Because this is not something I wanted to bring up, especially not in hearing distance of other vampires, but it seems Zachary and his friends leave me no choice. He is right. I did keep Aro's notes and made a few of my own," admitted Marcus.
"I don't understand. You said you were closing down the wing," said Carlisle.
"I did close it down, to outsiders," informed Marcus. Edward read the minds of everyone in the room and frowned even more.
"Something you failed to tell Alexander, Lena, and your mate," informed Edward. Alexander crossed his arms.
"He does not owe me or my mate an explanation, just like he does not owe you one," said Alexander and Garrett gritted his teeth.
"The hell he doesn't, I was under the impression we were all friends here, but it seems this is just a recon mission to dig up more dirt on us," said Garrett and Lena rolled his eyes.
"Really, you believe we invited you to a holiday festival to spy on you," laughed Lena and Keegan nodded.
"Are there notes about me in there," asked Keegan and Natalie handed him the book.
"Easily overwhelmed and distracted, what is this? Some type of playbook," yelled Keegan and Jasper protectively stood beside his mate as he eyed Marcus.
"It is a blueprint against us that could be used in war, to stop our powers," accused Jasper.
"This is all a big misunderstanding that I can explain if you would just put back the books. I am trying to keep everyone safe," assured Marcus, but Garrett shook his head.
"Is tyranny your idea of safety? Spying on your friends and the people that have fought alongside you for years, is this what the rulers of our world call safety," asked Garrett.
"Garrett," warned Kate as he took a step closer to Marcus. Alexander and Lena were immediately at his side.
"Stand down," warned Alexander as Garrett glared at Marcus.
"I bow down to no king," reminded Garrett and Marcus crossed his arms.
"I do not remember asking you to," reminded Marcus. Didyme stepped in between the two men and sent a wave of euphoria through everyone. They each relaxed for a moment, but tensed back up as Zach showed a book to Marcus.
"Why do you have these," asked Zach and Marcus smirked as he shook his head in amusement.
"I do not owe you an explanation or have to answer to you for my choices, Zachary, but since I still view us as friends, I shall entertain this notion that you somehow believe you are owed something from me," declared Marcus as he looked around the room. Marcus held out his hand and Zach glanced over at his mother. She nodded and he begrudgingly gave the book to Marcus, who turned to a page and began reading.
"Burns out of control and is a danger to us all, that is the testimony of a vampire from Tacoma about Keegan. If not monitored, could use her powers to influence and manipulate the power systems of the world. That was said by a nomad passing through Brazil about Alice. The most powerful and therefore, dangerous vampire to ever walk this earth, that is how you were described Zachary and it wasn't until this moment that I wandered about this next observation. Spoiled, impulsive, and used to getting his way, I suppose as you stand here in my castle and demand things of me, I can see how others in our world would notice that and how they could see it as a threat. You have no clue how many in our world see you as a danger and how many times I have had to quell the fears. You do a lot of good in this world, but your powers and abilities make you easy targets. Coming in here and demanding that I explain myself to you does not quell those fears either," argued Marcus and Alice frowned in confusion.
"But I would see something if…."
"Not if she is blocking you, just like Aro trained her to do," revealed Marcus and Alice gasped as Natalie looked down.
"Did you know about this, all of you," asked Alice and Zach shook his head.
"We just found out, Aunt Alice," assured Zach.
"Alice, we were just trying to help Natalie through this without it causing such a big issue," explained Allie and Alice scoffed.
"Well, as long as you four have it all under control, I guess the rest of us should just be happy to be along for the ride. Since Natalie continues to hide from my visions, I guess there is no use for me to be here. I am going to enjoy the party that you four tried to ruin. Come on, Jasper," said Alice as she darted from the room and Jasper sighed.
"Not okay, nephew," said Jasper to Zach before going after his mate. Natalie growled in frustration.
"This isn't about Alice. It is about the Volturi seeing us as a threat and wanting to control us," shouted Natalie and Marcus laughed.
"You think I am the threat to them? I am trying to figure out if you are this masterful or this naïve," said Marcus as Natalie glowered at him. Josh pulled Natalie back from Marcus.
"Okay, let's all just calm down," suggested Josh.
"No, by all means, since you four are here to demand answers, let's get some answers. Tell me, Natalie, do you really not know what Aro made you to be or are you just afraid you know the answer too well," challenged Marcus and Natalie gulped. Didyme grabbed her mate's hands.
"Marcus, that is enough," tried Didyme, but Marcus shook his head.
"No, they want the truth, so let's give it to them. I have vampires all over the world concerned about this family and their powers, the way they meddle, the way rules don't apply to them, and I was fine with that until she joined the family. I thought Josh imprinting on you would make a difference, but it does not change that you are a weapon meant to bring fear and terror down onto this world. He knew it. Deep down you know it and maybe it is time I started treating you like the threat he promised you would be," declared Marcus and Didyme pulled him away as a low growl rumbled in Josh's chest. Natalie dropped the book and darted from the room.
"Natalie," called Josh, but Natalie did not return.
"Seriously, Marcus," yelled Josh and Alexander stopped him before he could run out the door to go after her.
"Get out of my way," growled Josh and Alexander gave him a look.
"You need to hear this. While I was not in on this particular move, I do know about Natalie," advised Alexander and Leah pulled her son to her as Jacob spoke up.
"Okay, can someone actually give us some straight answers? Why is Natalie upset? Why do you have a book with information about us," asked Jacob. Marcus briefly whispered to Didyme and he looked down as she pointed a finger to his chest.
"Make this right," warned Didyme and he slowly nodded.
"My beloved is right. I have let my anger cloud my judgment. I apologize, my friends. The truth is that tension has been rising for quite some time in the vampire world. It is no secret that your family gets preferential treatment. Some vampires are beginning to notice and wonder about the strength of the Volturi. You keep adding powers to your family, powers that are concerning to many, and many believe you are now above the law," admitted Marcus.
"That's ridiculous. Sure, we are friends, but my family has done nothing wrong," defended Carlisle.
"I allowed you to handle the confrontation between Tesla and the mates she angered even though the Volturi would usually do nothing of the sort. I have allowed you to share the secrets of this world with humans, like Charlie, Sue, Renee, and Allison."
"That is not completely true. The Quileute legends played a role in most of those cases. Renee is the only one that it did not, but it was an extenuating circumstance."
"What about allowing you and Merek to experiment with the serum? I don't even know where Merek is. I would never allow another vampire to experiment with the process in such a way and then just disappear without many answers."
"And you agreed with our decisions, so what is the issue here," questioned Carlisle.
"The issue is fear and the power it holds over rational beings. I need to know what that fear is doing, so I have my guards report back to me of any concerns. I keep them in those books."
"Why, it isn't like you can't just memorize them," said Carlisle.
"They are not just for me. I have a target on my back and in case something somehow happens to me, there are several failsafe options available. I apologize for not telling you sooner, but I wanted to handle this on my own." Carlisle clapped him on the back.
"I suppose I understand that. You have always given us space and time to handle things in our own way. We should give you the same courtesy. I apologize for questioning your intentions, my friend. I know you would never bring us harm," assured Carlisle. Marcus walked over to Zach.
"Your friend means well, but she has led you astray. Do not let her paranoia be the beginning of yours, Zachary. She was trained to hate us. She may hate Aro now, but that hate for us still lingers."
"Us," asked Zach and Marcus glanced over at Edward, who nodded.
"You're right. She was hiding parts of her past from us, which was easy because no one wanted to pry out of fear of scaring her away from Josh. Natalie was trained by the best at deception. She didn't know it at the time, but Aro was training her to be a defense system against us," informed Edward.
"No, that's impossible. Natalie isn't evil," said Josh. Marcus shook his head.
"That doesn't make her evil, Josh. Aro made it his mission to corrupt everything around him, but somehow goodness won out. You are the goodness she needs. I believe that is why you imprinted on her, even though the wolfy gene, as Zachary calls it, is extremely confusing to me. You should go check on her," suggested Marcus and Josh slowly nodded as he walked out of the room. Garrett eyed Marcus suspiciously.
"I still don't like that you have notes on us," said Garrett and Marcus chuckled.
"I don't know what insults me more, your little faith in me or your assumption that I would need notes. Garrett, we are the most powerful rulers of the vampire world. We have endless resources and guards. There is a laser that can come down from that ceiling and obliterate anything in its path. I have three stealth jets monitoring our movements as we speak. Out of all the things at play, are you really concerned that I may have notes of grievances against you," questioned Marcus with an amused smile and Garrett thought for a moment as he looked up at the ceiling and then out the window where he knew a stealth jet was lurking. Garrett cleared his throat.
"In the future, I would just like to know if I am on some list or someone has a complaint about me," said Garrett and Marcus winked at him.
"Noted," said Marcus. Zach and Allie put the books back in their place on the shelf and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry for causing so much of a commotion, Marcus. We were just trying to be good friends to Natalie," said Zach, but Allie shook her head.
"Don't listen to him. This is my fault. I wanted to help Natalie get over this and I just made it worse. This is on me," said Allie and Marcus smiled at her.
"You meant well and while I am sure Gavin is not happy with you trying to take down his system, all is forgiven," assured Marcus. Esme sighed in relief and gave her grandson a look.
"We apologize for Zachary's behavior and the behavior of his friends and mate," said Esme and Didyme giggled.
"I told you I was amazed by your ability to have so many kids around. They are a handful," teased Didyme and Esme giggled as they returned to the party together along with most of the others. Zach sighed in relief and let out a nervous chuckle as Rosalie, Emmett, and Carlisle walked over to him.
"Wow that was a close one. Glad no one got hurt, everyone is still in the holiday spirit….and not in the mood to punish me in any way," tried Zach with his signature dimpled grin, but Rosalie shook her head.
"What was going through your head," she asked and he sighed.
"I didn't know what was going on until I got down here and by that time, Allie and Natalie were already determined. Plus, Josh wanted to appease his imprint."
"So you did all of this out of loyalty and friendship," asked Carlisle and Zach nodded.
"Of course, grandpa, you know I wouldn't do something like this without a good reason."
"And what about my loyalty, my friendship, and my reasons, Zach? Did you ever stop to think about them? About how you are disrespecting my friends by breaking into the home they invited us into? Did you think about the consequences of challenging the Volturi," asked Carlisle and Zach gulped.
"Yes….well no….but…"
"Baby boy, you could have gotten someone killed tonight and are lucky the Volturi aren't the same Volturi that Natalie believes they are. That Volturi doesn't give second chances," scolded Rosalie and Emmett shook his head at his son.
"I'm not going to give you a lecture. You are a married man now and old enough to know right from wrong, but you're smarter than this. Start acting like it," warned Emmett before departing with Rosalie and Carlisle. Allie cupped Zach's cheek but he turned away from her.
"You know, I get that you wanted to help Natalie. Really, I do, but what I don't get is why it didn't cross your mind to tell me."
"Because Natalie didn't want me to tell you and even though I knew it was wrong, I kept her secret. I was trying to be a good friend, just like you would be to Josh."
"You and I are mates, Allie. We are forever and I hate that you feel the need to lie or withhold information. You can't keep doing this. I put my neck out there for you, Josh, and Natalie, and it could have been avoided if you were willing to give me the same benefit of the doubt that I would give you. Talk to me before you put yourself in danger."
"I know you are right. I am sorry and it won't happen again," she said as she hugged him, but he stepped away from her.
"Yea, I've heard that before," he grumbled before darting from the room and she groaned knowing she was on her mate's bad side once again.
Josh watched his mother pace back and forth as she and Jacob stood by the doorway of the suite Josh and Natalie were staying in while at the castle. Natalie continued to stuff clothes into her bag as Leah rambled on.
"The stupidest thing I have ever heard of doing, how does this even make sense to you, Natalie? Your smart idea was that since you thought the Volturi were actually killers that were out to destroy all of us, you would go roaming around the castle and look for evidence to prove it while also putting my son in danger," yelled Leah and Natalie rolled her eyes.
"I don't need a lecture. I am getting out of here and don't need your permission to do that," said Natalie and Leah glared at her as she marched over to her.
"You may not need my permission, but I am still his mother and I will be damned before I let you get him hurt," warned Leah. Jacob grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back to him.
"Okay, we are all a bit on edge, so how about we go enjoy the party and talk about this later," suggested Jacob. Leah gave a curt nod and stormed out as Jacob sighed in relief.
"Try not to set off any more alarms tonight, okay," pleaded Jacob and Josh nodded. Jacob exited the room and Natalie smirked.
"Thanks for sticking up for me against your mom. I guess I don't have to ask if you are a mama's boy like Zach," she grumbled and Josh threw his arms up in exasperation.
"Are you serious right now? You cause all this drama and you want to be mad at me for it," he yelled and she glared at him.
"I was right about Marcus!"
"You were wrong to even put Allie in that situation or me or Zach! Look, I know Aro screwed you up but that doesn't mean you just go around ruining any good thing that comes your way now!"
"It isn't that simple for me, Josh! I can't just agree to marry you and have Esme and Alice build us a cottage on the island, and live happily ever after. I wasn't programmed that way!" He was quiet for a moment as she changed out of her dress and put on some jeans and a shirt.
"Wait, how did marriage get involved in all of this? Why would you bring that up?"
"I saw the ring, okay? I know that you plan on asking me," she said as she put her hair into a ponytail.
"Yea, Nat, eventually I would have asked you, but why in the world are you going through my stuff anyways?"
"It is a nervous habit when I feel out of control, I like to know where everything is and how it is lined up and then I focus on it and map it out in my mind. I was mapping out the closet and then the bed and then the drawer and I saw it," she confessed and he slowly nodded as he untied his tie.
"Well, you don't have to worry about being scared or nervous anymore because I don't plan on asking you anytime soon and honestly, Nat, if this is what you are going to do, sneak and conspire and snoop, you won't have to worry about me asking you ever," he informed before storming out. She angrily grabbed her bag and darted from the castle as soon as she could. Josh knocked on the door to Zach and Allie's room and Zach smirked when he answered. Josh entered and plopped down on the bed.
"No Allie, which means you two fought just like Nat and I did." Zach nodded and closed the door before sitting down beside his friend in silence.
"Well, are you at least talking to me," asked Josh and Zach rolled his eyes.
"Shut up, J," he grumbled and Josh sighed in relief.
"Good, that's at least one relationship I don't have to mend. This party sucks."
"Yea, tell me about it. My parents are pissed. It is more than that though. I can deal with them being angry at me, but having my grandpa be upset and them being….I don't know."
"Disappointed," asked Josh and Zach nodded.
"Yea, I think being disappointed is way worse," admitted Zach before sitting in silence again and trying to process the mess they got themselves into.
