AN: Okay...so I have no excuse. I know. But, at least I've got some of it up. Hopefully with a study hall and brand new inspiration I can finally give this story the attention it NEEDS.
Anywho, This is an EPIC chapter. This is where things really get rolling. So go read, scroll like the crazy people you are!! :D
Disclaimer: Twilight is NOT mine. Never has been, never will be. I will never be collecting the HUGE royalty checks like Stephenie Meyer is right now. -le sigh-
The ceremony was perfect, the traditional vows fitting both Alex and I. We settled for "forever and ever" as a substitute to "till death do us part". Of course for the reception, Alice had outdone herself. Music played and everyone was dancing, Bella and Edward in their slow swaying, Alice and Jasper meshed together and staring into each others eyes. Rose and Emmett moving skillfully over the dance floor in a waltz.
"Showoffs." I muttered.
"Just because you can't dance like that doesn't mean they're showoff's." Alex told me, his tone teasing.
"I can so dance like that!" I led Alex in a quick turnaround and flourish. He laughed.
"Of course, but don't you remember? I'm supposed to lead." he led me into a slow long dip and I sighed luxuriously. Suddenly though, my eyesight went blank.
Swirling black cloaks through the forest, past the mailbox, up the road, their shadows outlined by the glow of the moon. Someone was coming.
"Dani? Dani?" Alex's voice pulled me out.
"What?"
"Dani, you're shaking. What did you see?"
"Someone's coming," I told him. Alice ran over to me, and abruptly the music stopped.
"Who Dani?" she asked
"I don't know. All I saw were black cloaks." I muttered. Bella gasped as Alice was pulled under. Her eyes turned blank and when she surfaced, dread poured from her.
" The Volturi." At that muttered word, the nomads fled, leaving their gifts on a nearby table.
"Who are the Volturi?" I asked, looking from face to face.
"They're-" Edward was trying to explain, but knocking on the door interrupted him. " Well, I guess your about to find out firsthand." Carlisle went to the door and opened it.
"Hello. Aro, Caius, Marcus, Felix, Demetri." he greeted them as they entered. I was amazed as the first three entered. I was amazed as the first three entered. They were unlike any other vampires I had seen. Their skin was still that same pale white, but it looked powdery, as if touching it would leave chalk dust on your hands. The first one came right up to me.
"Ah, the new addition. Very beautiful." Alex tightened his hold on me. The vampire laughed, "Ah, dear boy do not worry. She has no draw for me in the way you think. Young lady, I am Aro." he reached his hand forward, and instinctively I reached for it.
"Dani!" Edward warned. I looked up puzzled, " Aro don't you believe that you should warn Dani beforehand?" Aro sighed.
"I suppose. Dani, is that your name? My power is that when I touch your hand I can read your thoughts. Would you allow me that pleasure?" My glance went to Edward again. He nodded slowly. I reached out my hand and I could see Aro concentrate.
"Ah…mhmm." he made non-committal sounds as I could see him flip through my memories. I jerked back as he went over Nicholas, and tried to break hid hold. His grasp stayed firm. After a few moments. He looked up and let go, apparently satisfied.
"Hmm…Interesting. You can absorb powers. What a fascinating trait." he looked around suddenly, seemingly becoming aware of his surroundings finally. " A wedding? Oh, how wonderful! How is it that we weren't invited?"
"I-I don't know who you are." I stammered, trying to get past the nervousness that was creeping up on me.
" Do not know who I am? But how can this be?" He turned to Carlisle. "Have you not taught the young one our history, our ways? Carlisle I am disappointed. You are usually so good at educating our young ones."
"I'm sorry Aro. The subject simply never came up. Danica knows enough of our rules to know what she is allowed to do." Aro's brow rose.
"Really? Carlisle, dear friend, I'm afraid that your assurances are not enough. Perhaps we should educate little Danica on our histories, since you have failed." he replied, eyeing me. I tensed.
"No. I'm fine. I know what I can't do, and that's enough." I said, my voice weak, feeling the tensions in the room rise at Aro's comment.
"But Danica, a talent such as yours should be educated in the best possible way. We would be delighted to welcome you into the Volturi." I could see Edward tense, and feel Esme, Bella and Alex's fear level spike.
"Uh…no. No, thank you. I think I'll stay here." I replied, getting closer to Alex. He patted my hand reassuringly. Aro smiled.
"We weren't asking." It happened so quickly. In an instant, the big one, Felix had Alex by the throat, and the smaller one had his teeth inches from my throat. I watched my family tense, and the three other men go behind me. Once the initial shock wore off, I struggled against the vampires grip.
"What re you doing! Let go of me!"
"Demetri." Aro murmured. The next thing I knew I felt the brush of teeth at my neck and then fire. A fire I hadn't felt in almost a decade. I cried out in pain and Edward pounced for one of the guards. He took Edward with a simple blow across the chest that sent him flying.
"No! Stop!" I cried out. I saw Alex struggling in my peripheral and Felix, fed up, threw Alex across the room, denting the wall deeply. " No! Please, stop hurting them!"
"Only if you come with us Danica. Come with us without trouble and we'll leave them alone."
"Danica!" Esme called out, her voice shaking.
"Aro, you cannot do this!" Carlisle, sounded, for once, as though he had lost his calm.
"But I can dear friend. A talent like your Danica's cannot go uneducated, or ignored. She will be our brightest gem." Emmett let loose a growl and I saw Felix take a step toward him.
"No! Emmett! Don't. I'll go with you. Peacefully. Just…just leave my family alone." I winced against the pain, but felt it subsiding.
"Good. Do not come for her. It will only guarantee her death." With that Demetri bit into my neck, and the pain blinded me. The last thing I remember was Alex's face, staring after me, eyes devastated.
AN: OOOOOoooooo, cliffy!! What will happen next?!! All you gotta do is review!!
