Happy Xmas! :)

10. Present

We were led down the narrow corridors, which were endlessly twisting and turning. I assumed we were passing through the undergrounds of the city as there were no windows at all.

After some time, the guards stopped in front of a massive wooden two-side door with beautiful carvings on it, depicting a saint and people kneeling in front of him. Together, the twins opened the doors for me and Alex into an anteroom. We stepped inside, I took off my cape and gave it to Alec. Then, they led us into the main hall.

Just as we came in, the conversations in the room died out and each and every pair of blood-red eyes turned to us. I looked around: there were several exits to balconies, which could serve as additional escape routes. However, there were guards everywhere. I mentally squeezed the handles of my guns. I have to take care of my family, that is the most important now, I thought to myself. But then I froze.

"Everyone, I present you Renesmee Cullen, one of the most unique creatures on earth, a true vampire-human hybrid. Please greet her."

The applauding vampires made way to Aro, flanked by Caius and Marcus, who were in turn joined by Alec and Jane. Before them and all the other guests, I felt like an animal being sold at a market.

"How have you been, child? And who is this young man with you?" He gestured towards Alexander. Aro must have been waiting for one of my parents to attend with me.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Alexander de Seguin. I am a hybrid as well."

Aro turned to me with his head slightly bent to the right, questioning.

"He is my mate." I stated confidently, though my insides were turning into lulling jelly.

Alex smirked at my statement and slightly bowed to the Volturi.

"To mark this important meeting, I have brought a present for Master Caius."

A present? What? I didn't remember Alexander mentioning a present to the Volturi. Alex took out a small rectangle box and continued.

"I admire your work a lot, Master Caius, as I was told of your many great works in keeping the order among us. If you would allow me..."

He opened the box. Inside, there lay a breathtakingly beautiful silver necklace with a ruby gemstone. Alexander took it out and approached Caius to put it on the vampire's neck.

To everyone's surprise, Caius slightly raised his chin and allowed Alex to put the necklace on. I watched how carefully my boyfriend clasped the lock and retreated to my side.

"What a nice present, Caius." Aro seemed to be annoyed by the fact that Caius, not him, received a present from my partner. Therefore, he assumed it to be just fair to guide me to a balcony for a small talk.

"You seem to be very happy, child." Aro noticed.

"I am." I nodded.

"How long have you been with him?"

I cringed. "One summer."

"How is it you came to me with a person you barely know?" Aro tapped his chin, mocking me.

Trembling, I clenched my fists slightly. He didn't need to know the whole story.

"I... I am an adult now and I have a right to choose my mate. Is there a law prohibiting a relationship between hybrids?"

"Relax, dear, I do not intend to kill your friend for now. Though it will depend on you. I wish you to join my coven."

"That is impossible. I have human relatives, who are expecting me at home. You do not wish for me to need to reveal our existence to them."

Aro pressed his lips together. "You should like it here. And you should come to me on your own free will."

"Aro?" A female voice reached us from the side. I guessed it was Chelsea who stepped into the scene. I knew he would use her, as usual. "She is bound by a lover. She will never become one of us."

"Never? Ah, that is a shame. I guess I will have to search for another hybrid." Aro shrugged and floated away, as if it wasn't that important. Though I wasn't sure if I could trust his words completely.

I stood outside and looked up to the heavy dark night clouds, which were slowly moved by a slight breeze all the way from the seaside. I exhaled and closed my eyes as burning-hot hands pressed me against a hard torso.

Alexander nudged the back of my neck and kissed the top of my head.

"You know, I've never told you one thing."

"What is it?"

"I love you."

I closed my eyes and savored the warmth that spread from my secret core up to my fingers.

"I love you, too, Alexander."

I turned and we embraced each other in a passionate and heart-melting kiss. As I felt wetness on my cheeks, I knew I was crying out of longing and unexplainable sadness. I didn't know why and I felt anxious, therefore I bent backwards a little to look at my love.

I was startled to find a tear rolling from the corner of his right eye.

"I love you", he said to me, "Plus que ma propre vie."

That was a surprise. How could he know..?

"How did you..?"

I didn't manage to finish my sentence. The clouds parted just in time for a full moon to cast its light upon us. With loving eyes, Alexander looked at me for the last time. His eyes had already changed from green and butterscotch into bright orange. Fur rippled on his forearms and his skull started to change its form, elongate into a muzzle.

"Run", he roared and pushed me off the balcony.