NOW IT BEGINS
I sank into my hunting crouch and growled ferociously at Jacob and his pack. I would have leapt at them instantly but four pairs of restraining hands had grabbed hold of me in the nick of time.
"Embry now would be the best time to run!" Edward said quickly as a warning.
"I'm not going anywhere," the one named Embry said softly, "She can't keep me away."
"You wanna bet?" I shrieked. Taking a quick breath I focused and in one blast, Emmett, Edward, Jasper and Carlisle were blown away from me in one move. Before any of them had hit the ground I'd leapt out the door to the back yard where the wolves had backed away to.
"Leenie, don't hurt him!"
I couldn't recognise the voice that called after me; I couldn't see the Cullen's following me out the door. All I could see were filthy, mangy dogs that were about to die.
"I'll give you one last chance," I growled through my teeth, "if you leave and never come near my daughter again, you can keep three limbs."
He didn't even look scared.
"Bring it on, bloodsucker!" he shouted back, "Let's see what you've got! Because no matter what you say or do, you won't be able to keep me away from her,"
I shrieked in anger and made to charge. In three steps he phased back into a wolf and growled at me. I grinned letting him run at me, waiting for just the right moment...to repel him. Suddenly he was blasted backwards, through the air landing awkwardly on his side. Unfazed, the wolf leapt to his feet barking at me in anger.
"My turn," I muttered, grabbing half a dead tree on one hand and hurling it at him like a spear.
Out of nowhere a little figure came running forward, right in between me and the wolf.
"Both of you stop it right now!" Ali shouted, holding her arms up to keep us back.
"Ali, it's coming for you!" I yelled back, hurrying toward her just as the dog leapt up and snagged the tree/log in his jaws, throwing it to the side carelessly.
Ali was still standing in my path so I came to a halt bare inches away from her outstretched hand and gritted my teeth.
"Ali, move out of the way," I said, trying to stay calm.
"Leenie, I told you not to hurt him," she retorted.
I had no answer to that, and the smugness radiating off the dog was more than I could bear.
"You two are not allowed to fight each other!" she continued, glaring at us both, "So you're just going to have to get used to the other one being around."
I hissed over her shoulder at the mongrel, and he growled back at me, though softer than before.
That familiar violet flashed across my eyes, signalling that I was preparing to sink into my hunting crouch. It had barely registered in the others minds that I was actually preparing to attack, when a familiar pair of arms wrapped around me, holding me back.
"No Lee," whispered Philippe, using that old nickname I hadn't heard in over fifty years. "You'll regret it later,"
Breathing heavily, I shrugged out of his hold, moving away from all of them. This was just too much to bear; I was past my limit. Turning on my heel I ran into the forest as fast as my legs could carry me, far away from there.
(Alina's Perspective)
Leenie didn't say anything. She just spun away from me with an angry huff and took off into the forest as fast as she could go, so long as it was far away from here. I glanced over at Philippe who was ignoring my presence entirely; he simply stared at the gap where Leenie had run through the bushes. He gave me the strangest impression; as though he wanted to run after her, but wasn't sure if he should.
"Go on, go get her please," I murmured, knowing he heard me.
I turned back to look at the enormous wolf beside me who was looking a little worried and very apologetic.
"You should be sorry," I said, wanting to hit him but finding it simply impossible.
"Don't ever call my sister a bloodsucker ever again!" I said, pointing my finger at him, "It's mean and rude and beneath you to use that word."
He whined pathetically and I could feel how sincerely sorry he truly was. I wanted to stay mad at him, to punish him in some way but I couldn't.
"Are you going to explain to me what just happened?" I asked a little awkwardly, "You know, in a way that I can understand, like English?"
He coughed in a way that made me think he was laughing and walked away, disappearing into the trees for a moment. I waited and in minutes he was walking back to me in human form again with nothing but a pair of raggedy shorts on. He gave me the cheesiest smile I'd ever seen on a guy's face and I couldn't help smiling back at him, just a little.
"Hi," he said a little lamely.
"Hi,"
"Did you...wanna go for a walk?" he asked.
I nodded and allowed him to lead the way. He didn't walk in any particular direction but I sensed that he wouldn't stray too far from the Cullen house; but he would want to go far enough away that neither the Cullens nor his wolf pack would be able to hear us too distinctly.
I was trying to think of something to say when he beat me to it.
"So, I'm Embry Call," he began, "you're Alina no-last-name?"
I grinned.
"It's Alina Marie Desade," I corrected softly.
He raised his eyebrows. "Wow...that's pretty."
"Thanks."
He paused a moment before continuing.
"And you're a gifted half vampire right?"
"Right,"
He nodded. "Jacob said it was something like you can know everyone's opinions on anything. Like...if they picked an issue you'd know what people felt about it. Am I right?"
"Pretty much," I allowed, "though Uncle Jazz thinks I can also change those opinions the same way he can change anybody's mood. I haven't been able to do it yet though,"
"So...you can manipulate people?" he asked, "Change the way they think?"
"I could be able to."
"Isn't that dangerous?" he asked.
I frowned; that was the first time anyone responded with concern; very intriguing.
"What do you mean?"
"Well...it's a lot of power for one person to have. It's just waiting to be abused."
It surprised me to feel the concern emanating from him as he said this; it was suddenly clear that, he wanted to protect me from nothing more than a possible future.
"I did say earlier that I haven't been able to do it yet," I reminded him gently, "And I get the feeling that you wouldn't let anyone even think of hurting me."
"Are you...reading me?" he asked hesitantly.
The term he used made me chuckle.
"Yes,"
He seemed impressed; there was also a glimpse of something else he felt; quickly buried in the hope I wouldn't notice.
"What are you trying not to let me see?" I asked him gently.
Instantly he was embarrassed and tried to laugh it off.
"It's to do with what happened between us today," I said persistently.
He sobered up instantly and nodded.
"You were going to explain it to me," I reminded him.
He nodded again.
"It seems we did get off topic," he murmured, "I'm ready to tell you now...if you're sure."
"I am."
He took a deep steadying breath.
"Do you know what imprinting is, Ali?" he asked.
"Not really,"
"Have you ever watched Jake and Nessie when they're together?"
I stopped and it was as if everything clicked into place. I nodded nervously.
"It's very intense," I replied, "It's honestly like there's a cord, connecting them together...is that what's happened to us?"
He shrugged.
"It's something that happens with us werewolves; it's supposed to be rare, but that theory's a washed out joke, it's happened to lots of us. When you see the right girl, you 'imprint' or something; pretty much you've found your soulmate. The one person you're supposed to be with. One look is all it takes and then..."
"I know exactly what happens," I said quickly.
He frowned, not catching my meaning.
"As it happened to you, it happened to me," I explained, "Everything you felt in that moment...I felt it too. That's what my gift is like you see...I feel it as if it were my own."
"Oh," he paused, trying to frame his answer. "I can't apologize for something I have no control over." He said with a frustrated sigh.
It made me smile; he would change it somehow if he could.
"I know. It's the thought that counts."
He smiled and laughed a little. When he laughed it was as if everything around him somehow became brighter. We looked at each other for a moment and whatever connection lay between us, I could feel it growing stronger, tightening its hold. And though he didn't mean to, his thoughts on this new discovery inexorably found their way to me, as powerfully as if he were speaking.
You're the most incredible person I have ever met and will ever know, more precious than could be possible...I WILL keep you safe...I will always be here....
I smiled and took his hand. He seemed to not believe it at first, but his fingers slowly curled around mine and we walked on together in comfortable silence.
(Helena's Perspective)
I don't know how far I ran. All I knew was that I had to get away from everyone, from everything that had happened; from my own feelings. I closed my eyes, seeking silence and oblivion. I wanted to escape; to get away from it all. Today needed to be over, there's just been too much to deal with.
The slightest of rustles through the trees caught my attention, stirring me back to the now.
"Go back to the Cullen's," I murmured, "I want to be alone."
I heard that all too familiar laugh, as Philippe approached me from behind.
"No you don't," he replied calmly.
I didn't turn to look at him. I barely even moved.
"Ali...she seems pretty special," he murmured; probably as a ruse to get a response from me. He'd have to try harder than that. And yet, my lack of response didn't seem to deter him. It never had.
"I'm sure she can take care of herself," he continued, sitting next to me. "And that boy of hers is not going to hurt her."
"That's beside the point!" I scowled
"Is it really?" he retorted, "Then would you please explain it to me."
I sighed again.
"You haven't seen the way Jacob is with Nessie," I said finally. "I already have to put up with Rosalie and Emmett claiming part parentage of my Ali..."
I broke off, realising how shallow I sounded. Philippe merely laughed, as though he too could hear my thoughts.
"You sound like a regular mother to me!" he said quietly, taking my hand in his, and squeezing it softly. "They'll be waiting for you,"
"Let them wait!" I replied.
"You'd make Ali wait as well?"
"She knows me," I murmured, though my confidence was slipping, "she sent you after me; didn't she?"
I felt him shrug.
"I was gonna come anyway,"
I couldn't help but smile at him, though inside I cursed at his ability to so easily get an emotional response from me.
In that moment my phone began to vibrate.
Without taking my eyes off Philippe, I answered it tersely.
"Yes what is it?"
"Alice is having a field day," Emmett's voice sounded a little irritated coming through the phone.
"What's happened?"
"She's had another vision and in three hours' time the Romanians are popping in for their turn at recruiting. We don't need everyone at home to deal with them but I want you to come home so Ali and the puppy stay well behaved."
"How do these vamps keep managing to catch Alice off-guard?" I asked, before one crucial fact filtered into my mind.
"What was that about Ali and her puppy?"
Emmett's voice sighed audibly.
"The guy moves quickly doesn't he? Look you can expect this to happen it really is a two-way situation. But still, the sooner you get back, the more manners the dog will have."
"I'm on my way,"
Seconds later Philippe and I walked through the back door and into the living room where most of the family was gathered.
"Where's Edward?" I asked.
"He, Bella and Ness had to go hunt," Carlisle explained, "I called them, they're just finishing up."
"Leenie you're home?"
Ali came down the stairs and ran straight to my side closely followed by her new mutt.
"Ali, please don't take this the wrong way, but he's making you smell bad," I muttered.
She just shrugged.
"Well, it can't be helped," she said calmly, "you'll just have to put up with it, like the Cullens do with Jake."
I gave a little scowl, glaring over the top of her head at the dog.
"I'm not a Cullen," I replied, "and he's not Jacob,"
"He's still mine," Ali retorted stubbornly.
I took a deep breath, and decided not to continue with the conversation. It was easier that way.
"What do you know of these Romanians?" I asked, not really caring who answered.
"Carlisle knew them from ages ago," Emmett said quickly, "they're weird."
"The Volturi drove them out of power millennia ago," Philippe said suddenly, "a few among the Guard know the story. They've never had the power or the guts to try take on the Volturi again."
"Well, obviously they have both now," Emmett retorted.
"Well, from what I've heard it was your family that gave them the idea." Philippe threw back.
"Oh yeah, it's real original!"
"Emmett, stop it," I muttered, thinking hard.
At that moment, Alice walked in with Carlisle, who immediately turned his attention to Philippe and extended his hand.
"I'm Carlisle," he said graciously, "I'm told your name is Philippe,"
Philippe nodded and accepted Carlisle's handshake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," he said softly.
"And you wish to offer your services toward this family?" Emmett asked sceptically, "as a means of protection?"
Philippe merely inclined his head.
"I serve the needs of the Volturi and they have led me here. I will do my best." He said simply.
"Tell me you weren't like that when you were with them, Hellie," Emmett muttered.
Philippe's eyebrows twitched with controlled mirth at the sound of yet another new nickname. I scowled irritably.
"We don't join the Guard because we're loquacious," I retorted.
"Though in saying that, Helena was the most out-spoken," Philippe remarked; all in his attempt to force me to display some other emotion.
I scowled, turning away from him.
"That's neither here nor there!"
He smirked.
"She had quite a reputation among the Volturi," he continued.
"That's enough Philippe!"
He glanced at me and gave a careless shrug.
Alice stirred from her position by the couch; she'd been still for nearly half a minute.
"There's a new update," she said as her eyes slowly focused on the people surrounding her, "they're bringing someone else with them."
"Who is it?" Ali asked.
"Tanya,"
I nodded, accepting this. "I told you; she's in this for vengeance."
Ali looked as if she were about to say something but she stopped herself. There would be time later for her to know everything.
"They must think that Tanya would be able to convince us to join their cause." Edward said as he and his family walked in the door.
"At the very least they're willing to try anything," I agreed.
"Is it normal for it to be like this?" Renesmee asked suddenly. Everyone turned to look at her.
"Look at the facts; the Volturi show up today; hours later the Romanians. Maybe it's me but it feels like whatever's going on is closing in about us. It just feels like something really big is about to happen." She explained a little nervously.
Alice nodded.
"She's right. We're standing at a crossroads tonight and the most irritating thing is...I can feel that something is being kept from me. Something big is going to happen, and it's obviously something that someone doesn't want me to see."
"We are as prepared as we possibly can be for what may come," Bella said softly, "That's all we can really do."
Everyone seemed to agree. Minutes passed and the silence that was once agreeable now turned uncomfortable; no one seemed to know what to do now.
"Right well, I'm gonna grab some food," Embry said loudly. Ali smiled indulgently and I wanted to vomit.
"Let's sit, Leenie," she said softly, allowing no argument as she pulled me alongside her.
"Embry explained to me how imprinting works," she said conversationally.
"Yes. Emmett explained it to me as well," I tried to speak clearly through my gritted teeth.
"Well, Embry pointed out the part he felt was most important," she continued perseveringly, "he said that the werewolf always becomes whatever the girl needs most. A friend, a brother, a boyfriend...whatever she needs him to be."
She paused, trying to make sure I was receiving the message she was sending perfectly clear.
"Embry's gonna be my best friend," she whispered excitedly, as though it were the best kept secret around. I gazed at her, wrapping my mind around this development. She smiled back knowingly; she'd known how I felt about this whole situation and she'd given me what reassurance she had to give. Despite myself, it did help; it didn't change the fact that when she was old enough the nature of that relationship would invariably change. But she was basically telling me not to worry about that yet. She only wanted a friend.
Finally Alice let out a soft sigh.
"Here we go,"
Carlisle went around to the back door and held it open for them. As they entered, Ali twitched slightly in response to what she was sensing and I gripped her hand both as comfort and warning.
"Welcome Vladimir, Stefan," Carlisle said graciously, "we knew you would come."
"If you knew we would come, you must know why we're here," Vladimir noted, looking around at all of us.
The last remaining Romanians were not exactly impressive; being both short and slight they didn't immediately appear threatening. But they were obviously cunning enough to organise and pull together a force of vampires willing to fight with them, so there was no knowing what they were capable of.
"Sadly we do," Carlisle was saying, turning his attention to the figure behind them.
"Hello Tanya," he said with a smile.
"Carlisle," she murmured, giving him a brief hug.
"Tanya," Ali murmured, tears suddenly springing to her eyes. She glanced in our direction and quickly looked away, as though ashamed.
"We come to ask the assistance of your...family," Vladimir said, drawing the attention back towards him, "we believe that the time has come for the Volturi to be done away with for good."
"So we have heard," Carlisle replied softly, "rumours and whispers of vampire gatherings, marshalling numbers and strength have reached us even here."
"We have nothing to hide," Vladimir said, holding out his arms as emphasis, "we all know that the Volturi have been abusing their roles and acquired power, twisting the laws to suit their needs."
"The rumours began long before we were ready to try;" Stefan added smoothly, "doubt was planted in the hearts of every vampire who was a witness that day, four years ago. The time has come for their prejudiced rule to end."
"And what do you plan to do, if you manage to overthrow them?" Edward asked seriously, "Though I seriously doubt that you can. You're walking into a massacre."
"So it must appear," Vladimir acknowledged, "but you know nothing of our numbers, or our skills."
"You mean their skills," Edward retorted, "If you had the ability to take on the Volturi you would have done it already."
Stefan smirked somewhat evilly.
"We did not...then," he said softly, "we certainly...do now."
Ali twitched in response and automatically I gripped her hand, compelling her to stillness. We simply couldn't afford to give anything away. A brown hand appeared from behind the couch to rest on her shoulder; I needed only to smell that it was Embry.
Carlisle turned his attention to Tanya.
"Tanya, please," he murmured, "don't be apart of this war. You're walking into your graves and you're taking your family with you."
"I let them choose for themselves," she said softly, "they are there of their own accord And I... I don't care about their war, their vendetta."
"After four years you couldn't let it go?" Edward murmured sadly.
"Four years is nothing to us!" she threw back angrily, "don't sit there and tell me you wouldn't be the same if it were your brothers, or sisters, or Bella!"
Her words rang in the silence surrounding us the truth painfully evident. Tanya let out a sigh, making an obvious effort to be calm.
"You don't have to fight with us. But if you would... with your help I will finally get my chance to take my vengeance on Caius. Please will you do this for me?" Tanya pleaded, "We would fight and die with you; you are our family. All I ask is your support as you once asked of me."
"Tanya, don't do this," Edward murmured, "The time is coming when the Volturi will meet their end but it is not now, and certainly not at their hands! You're walking head-on into slaughter and we won't be apart of that!"
"And consider, Tanya," Esme added, "The Volturi are widely considered as the law enforcers of our world. Have they prepared for what will come after if they manage to defeat them? All they want is vengeance and death and pain, and that is all they will get. Think on it, Tanya please; is this what Irina would want for you and Kate?"
"Please Tanya," Ali begged, looking up at her, "please stay with us."
Tanya's expression distorted; she looked as though she would cry if it were possible.
"Ali...she was my sister. Like Helena is to you," she whispered.
"You have already made your choice then," Vladimir said darkly.
"We are taking no part in this," Carlisle said firmly, "it will surely come to no good."
Stefan's expression grew careless.
"It would have been better if you had agreed," he said simply.
"As your choice is made we will leave it to you," Vladimir added, "farewell,"
As one, they soundlessly headed for the back door. Tanya paused, looking at each of us again.
"Goodbye," she murmured.
Everyone was very quiet for a long moment after they had gone. It was as though the reality of the situation was settling in and no one was sure what to do next. It was Edward that broke the silence.
"They're hiding something," he said vaguely.
"Really Edward," Jacob said sarcastically, "come on even I could tell that."
Edward rolled his eyes.
"Jake, this could be really bad. I could hear all of it, but they have something or someone behind them. And it's dangerous."
"How do you mean?" Jasper asked.
Edward shrugged with a frustrated sigh.
"They're confident," Ali said softly, "almost to the point of arrogance. They don't see this as a massacre for their side but for the Volturi. They believe the Volturi will burn."
Suddenly Alice gripped her head letting out a gasp of horror.
"Alice what is it?"
I turned to see Jasper by the side of his partner, tapping her face, trying to get her attention. But she was lost in yet another vision; and this one was different. The expression on her face, usually blank was one of fear and calculation mingled together. I glanced at Ali and it was clear she was picking up on something.
"So many people...people we care about..." she murmured incomprehensibly. Embry instantly leapt over the couch to sit on her other side, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"Edward...what are you seeing?" Bella whispered anxiously; for her husband was locked in the same vision running through Alice's mind.
"It's started," he and Alice said in unison.
