The Huntress – Chapter 10

I apologize if you run into any typos or errors. I do not own any of the Twilight characters except for Emery

Emery's POV

Today is our last day in San Diego and we are spending the day at the zoo. Bella talked us into it. The girls have started to loosen up a little bit. Bella has shared a little bit more about her feelings towards the Cullen's and the situation with her parents. Leah explain the whole saga with imprinting. She asked me if I knew a way around it. I told her I didn't but I'd ask around.

I had already informed Bella not to be surprised if the animals respond differently towards the presences of Leah and myself. Some might cower, others maybe curious and some can be hostile. Apparently Leah hasn't been to a zoo since she started shifting.

Leah looks over at the sign for big cats "How about we say hello to some of your relatives?" I roll my eyes and follow her lead. The leopards, cheetah, mountain lions didn't really cause much of a problem. You can tell they were weary of the observation area. It was when we got to the tiger trail exhibit. Nothing bad or anything but the tiger was a little too curious of our presence. No the trouble started when we got to the lion's den. The trainers had a cub still no taller than to the knee height, off to the side where the general public could get a closer look, it was on a leached harness to ensure the handlers could control her. As soon as I walked into the area the cub had her complete attention on me. The trainer was trying to get the cubs focus fixed onto a fresh jug of milk. The cub scented the air and locked eyes with me. I sent a low chirp throaty noise out in greeting. With that the cub sprinted forward to my position. The handler was caught off guard and didn't have an effective hold to put up much resistance. I crouch down and held out my hand, fingers curried and palm down. Bella and Leah are standing behind me a few steps when the cub reaches my outstretched hand. It curiously sniffs and starts to rub its cheeks against my hand and arm. The handler rushed up apologizing when I stopped him "she's alright I spent a semester in high-school volunteering at a Big Cat Reserve."

The handler looked at me to make sure I was comfortable I nodded and told him I was fine before he continued on with a spiel about lions. Leah and Bella leaned down to get a closer look at the cub, which was now trying to climb higher into my lap. I pulled the cub into my arms and sent a low purr to the cub to sooth it. Within minutes the cub was curled underneath my chin with droopy eyes. Bella stepped closer "can I touch her?" I look down at the cub whose eyes are now completely closed. "Go ahead just keep your hands away from her face and paws." Bella starts stroking her neck. Leah moves over to the other side and pets the cubs back and looks over at me. "So is this what you looked like when you were younger."

I continue the low purr when the cub starts to shift, I check on the handler who is still reciting all of the lion facts to the rest of the spectators "Sort of. I was Larger and my coloring is slightly different. With my mother's help I was able to make my first shift the day I was born" Bella is still running her hands thru the fur "What do you mean help?" The handler is wrapping up now so I stand with the cub.

He walks up and apologizes again for the intrusion and takes the now sleeping cub from me. I wait for the crowd to disperse before answering Bella "When we are young we are unable to control the shift. It takes are parents or an elder member to help bring it out. It's important for our children to be comfortable in all its forms as soon as possible so the adults help with the changing. Usually by the age of 4 the children that grew up in a pride or packs have complete control." Leah looks down at the lion enclosure and sees a Lioness waiting by a trap door. "The cub is hers, she is awaiting its return." Leah looks back to the Lion below "Will the cub be okay with having our smells clinging to it." I stand so I can look down at the Lion's below. "Yes. She will most likely re-apply her own scent to the cub. But a lioness will not harm its own cub. A Lioness will fight to the death to protect its cub." Bella asks "I thought that was the male's job." I gesture below "Do you see any male lions near the cubs." They both look down. Not one male in sight. "Male lions have a habit of killing cubs to ensure the females are ready to mate again. Lionesses will protect the cubs even if it means coming together and running off males."

"Why don't we get out of here? Maybe get some lunch and decide what we want to do next?" We grab some tacos from a food truck and find a picnic table down by the beach. "Leah I have given it some thought and I don't think there is a way to get out of imprinting…" Before I can continue Leah has smashed her drink that was in her hand and throws it to the side, she gives me a pleading look "I just want control over who is my perfect match, I want to choose who I give my heart to not the spirits and stupid wolf." I sympathize but I have an idea "Look Le before you head down that dark path, I think there is a way for you to have some input on the imprinting." I tilt my head to get her eyes to meet mine "You and your wolf need to come to an understanding." She snorts and gives me a dismissive gesture "Le you have been blaming the wolf for your own genetics. The wolf is stuck with you just like you are stuck with her. Instead of looking at her as an invader and nuisance. Look at her as the gift that she is." Leah scuffs "Gift. This life is not a gift." I place my hand on top of hers "The wolf was not at fault for your father's death or how the pack treaded you and neither were you. She has given you the ability to be stronger, to live a life with a higher purposes if that is what you desire. The wolf is not stopping you from going out into the world, or experiencing college, love and menial jobs. Your old pack was doing that. Instead of helping you grow it was caging its members and that is wrong!"

Leah now has tears in her eyes and turns away "I think if you except the wolf and come to an understanding of what you both want in life. Then the imprint will not be so random. It will fit the requirements of what you both want and need in a mate."

"How do I become 'one'?" After a chuckle, I know Leah is still listening even with her back turned "Mediation, we also need to find a safe area with plenty of space where you can just be phased together." We finish lunch and head back to the hotel. As we pass the receptionist desk I get flagged down. I had some documentation prepared for Leah and Bella. It just came in. Once we are in the room I open up the package. I hand each bank cards, new passports, and licenses. "These are your new papers. For the next couple of years you can still use your names it's not like your running from the law of anything. The bank cards are to separate bank accounts that I opened up for both of your names the account is for expenses but the accounts are untraceable. As I said financially you never have to worry."

I let them settle and go over the new paper work. Bella sets everything down a looks out the window. "I have made my decision." I give Bella the time that she needs to get everything out. "I was willing to be turned into a vampire because I thought that I was spending my forever with my soulmate. I was able to be charmed by the dark romance of it all like I was living in some Goth novel. I think I glamorized it. Edwards's betrayal hurt but the Cullen's lies and secrets hurt so much more."

"I have always wanted a close family. So when the Cullen's took interest I allowed myself to be pulled in and do whatever they wanted because I didn't want to lose that." She stops and turns back to us "But I was looking in the wrong places. You weren't always there but when you were, it was special to me. I have always felt like I belonged even if we have been completely different. You always made me feel safe. I had the freedom to stumble but you were there with the band aids when we were younger. When I saw you after I stepped out of the truck I remember feeling relief that I wasn't going to have to be alone thru this."

She takes my hands and looks at me "I want to be like you. If I have to become immortal I don't want to be undead. I want to be a part of the living."

I squeeze her hands "Are you sure Bella? Once you receive the bite there is no going back. You can't change your mind later."

"Yes. I am 100% sure." I nod and give her a quick hug.

I head over to the laptop and pull up the flight schedule for Delta. "How do you guys feel about the rain forest?" Leah jumps up to peek over my shoulder "Never been so I don't know."

"We are going to need a safe place to change Bella. My mother owns property that is in the middle of the Amazon. It has a small tree hut that we can stay in. Plus it will give us time to train Bella and ourselves. We will not have to fear human interference because we will be in the middle of the jungle."

They both are getting excited about the jungle trip and for what the future may bring. "But there is a small glitch. The territory is home to 3 ancient vampires. They are simply called the Amazon Coven. They are human drinkers." I know Leah is going to have the biggest issue with this "We will be going into their backyard. I don't see that being a problem. My mother has known them for practically forever and they were even mentors to me growing up. They have a lot to teach about tracking, hiding your scent, controlling your tempers and fighting in general." I put an arm around Leah's shoulders "There is a whole great wide world out there. Your ex-pack and land was just a small corner. If you are going to succeed in this 'special' world you're going to have to put up with different cultures and beliefs."

"The Amazon coven typically feed on human poachers, drug smugglers and criminals when they hunt in the larger cities. The little villages in the surrounding areas are actually relieved and feel safe with the spirits of the rainforest."

"So what do you guys say?"

Rosalie's POV

Longest trip ever with the family from Hell. We have finally made it to Volterra. Carlisle took a leave of absence. Esme closed the house and everything that was personal has been placed in storage. We took a car service from the private air strip to Volterra. At least it was two separate cars so I don't have to hear Edward complain about the humiliation of being pushed in a wheel chair. He still has 4 days until his limbs get here.

We gain entry inside of the castle which appears to have made us a spectacle. No leader is clearly defined in our coven like the others, we look like a lost tour group that has taken yet another wrong turn. The visiting vampires around us give a wide berth. The guard doesn't even look at us a curiously, we are just a fly in the ointment to them and Edward wanted to fight them. The lowest of their guard doesn't even consider us a threat. Edward has been glaring at everyone that he is pushed past. He waves Carlisle to him. "I can't hear anyone's thoughts. I haven't been able to pick anything up since we arrived." For the first time since the Volturi came to our house Edworm looks frightened. Jane leads up directly to the throne room.

Upon reaching the door Jane says over her shoulder. "Wait here until you are called." And then she disappears behind the large double doors leading to the Kings. Fifteen minutes later Alec, Jane's twin brother has opened the double doors and with an outstretched hand he says "The Kings will see you now, Cullen's."

Carlisle pushes Eddy thru the door, Esme is beside him, and everyone else just slow steps it across the entryway following the parental figures. I take a rear position since this punishment isn't really mine.

The middle throne is occupied by Aro with Marcus and Caius in their respective places. However Athenodora is taking a place between the thrones of Aro and Caius. She stands the picture of a modern day warrior queen. She is wearing a charcoal grey pin striped pants suit with a vest and tie. Complimenting her form. Her Ash Blonde hair with white highlights here and there is up in a tight bun. Her strong angular features are glaring down on my coven. That glare puts my bitch face to shame any day of the week.

Once the family has made it to the middle of the room Carlisle and Esme are the only ones that slightly bow their heads. I scuff and curtsey at the waist from my place in the back. I have only been here once before so the Kings could get an introduction with me after my new born stage was over. All covens are supposed to report and new members and introduce them to the Kings. That way if you ever cause problems they know which coven leader should be responsible for their subordinates. But they informed me back then before arriving the proper way to greet the vampire royalty.

"Cullen's I see that you have made it in one piece." Aro waves his hand in Edwards's direction "Almost all of you. Young Edward it has felt like so long since we've seen you." Eddy huffs and tries to act disinterested "I can't read anyone here. What have you…?" Carlisle places a hand on Edward and takes over "What my son is trying to say, is that his gift hasn't been working since our arrival and we were curious as to why?"

Caius sneers and points down at Edward "That boy was speaking out of turn again. And if you actually paid attention to situation awareness, you would realize that none of your coven's gifts worked since entering the city." Caius smirks at our shock faces "And you have the self-titled 'God of War' whom I wouldn't trust to wipe up shit. He has deserted every war he was involved in."

Jasper looks taken back by the assessment but we have all heard about his past. He was turned to help lead during the vampire wars.

But what I later learn from Kate of all people, whom is friendly with Maria his maker. Is that Jasper's sire found a better fit for him and took him from the front battle groups. He ended up using his gift to calm the newborns while they received training. He knows what he does by watching others train the newborns, but not by experiencing it himself.

Don't get me wrong Jasper has some skills but he is over 250 years old so he'd be an idiot not to pick up something. He is always reading historical books about war and strategy as well. I don't know if that is to look the part or because he is truly interested. He'll spar with the rest of us but I have never seen him go up against the Denali's. When we take down a nomad that threatens our territory it has always been in a group and we utilize Edwards and Alice's gifts to trap first.

Carlisle looks to Aro "And why is it that they're gifts have been effected in such a way?" Aro smiles at Carlisle like an indulgent teacher "That is for us to know old friend, but you will find your members unable to use their gifts as long as they are with the Volturi. We have a new member that can disrupt the gifts of our intended and only passive non-aggressive ones at that. So perfect for your family." Edward growls from his chair "Is this some ploy to have us in your guard?"

Marcus leans forward "You have over stepped your own capabilities. We do not want any of you as part of our guard. You would be more trouble than what it's worth. You have spent so long bragging about the Cullen's gifted members that everyone now knows how to work around you lot." He raises his chin to Alice "Tell me child did you even see Emery coming. She directly impacted your coven, and could have killed you all, she had enough motive?" Alice steps forward to answer "No I didn't see her. I have been trying since meeting her but I still see nothing of her or Bella."

I see Athenodora give a small smile at the corner of her mouth at this and what appears to be pride shining in her eyes. Edward clenches the arm of the wheel chair with too much force and snaps the arm. "What does that bitch have to do with this? We should be hunting her down for stealing another's mate." I look to the queen again and see her eyes turn a murderous black once Edward is done speaking.

Marcus takes over again "Ah yes you still claim to have a mate bond with the human girl." He takes a look at Edward before continuing "I can tell you boy that you have never even had a bonded mate or a true mate. Even with her still human one would have formed. The only bonds that you have is the sire bond which is the strongest and varying degrees of friendship or companionship bonds that are replaceable with the rest of your coven mates."

Edward screws his face up to argue further when Esme shushes him. Aro has a Cheshire cat like grin "Wonderful. Now I want to see the compliance this coven had in regards to breaking the law of our kind." He glides out of his chair and down the stairs to stand in front of Carlisle and holds out his hand "We will start will you as coven leader." He makes his way thru every member until he is now standing in front of me with his hand out "You are more of a formality my dear. We will not rescind our earlier judgement of you no matter what I see." Aro has kept a pretty good poker face since the start and he looks to me still giving nothing away. I slowly lay my hand in his, after a few moments Aro nods and glides back to his throne.

"It would seem that every one of you knew it was against our laws and continued to risk our secrets with humans. Not just with Isabella. You have placed your 'children' in high schools across the world where they were outcasts and everyone had a theory of how they were different. You risk to must to remain something of which you are no longer."

"We pretend to be passerby's in the human world to be able to live in there world and only temporarily not too pretend that we are them and live permanently."

Carlisle steps forward "We live with them to keep hold onto what is left of our humanity." Athenodora now speaks for the first time. She looks down at Carlisle like he is an annoying child "You are no longer human. It is about time that you embrace this fact. Is not morals, ethics, integrity things that the humans value so much. Yet your coven hold none of these values or at least haven't shown it with its activity throughout the decades. You flaunt yourselves to humans every day and show them levels of knowledge, beauty or skills in which they would never achieve. Isn't that cruel?"

My father figure is sputtering now "With all of my years my coven has never broke the law. I will admit our decisions regarding Isabell Swan have not been the best. But surely with her no longer being a concern, which cannot be held over our heads."

With a snap of the fingers Aro tally's up the Cullen's transgressions as a whole. Every slip where we were exposed and had to cover up. How every one of those exposures could have been avoided if we weren't spending extensive time pretending to be human? The list went on until we finally got to the most react violations of Edward playing with a human, telling her about vampires and courting said human for his own game and Carlisle failing to enforce the law multiple time. The warnings about Edwards's behavior over the years. Everything that was overlooked Aro is laying it all out to bare for all to see. And the court is full with other vampire covens, this fuck up has official gotten out to the rest of the vampire world.

What respect Carlisle had before walking thru those doors is now gone. Once he is finally done Aro continued on "Have no fear 'old friend' we are here to help you. We as the Volturi are going to use your coven as an example. We will educated you until you understand every single one of our laws and act accordingly. I will test your thinking thru out to ensure that you are indeed understanding. You are right you did not technically break the law because the girl's life was taken off of your hands but you have been skating with our laws long enough. That is why you are not all dead but you still must be punished." He then looked out to the other covens in the room. "Let this be a lesson to the rest. We have made and enforce these laws to protect vampires. Use the Cullen's as an example. We are vampires and should act as such. If the human world were to know about vampires it would be mass hysteria and we would be hunted."

Tanya's POV

Arriving back at our home in Alaska we contacted our coven mate Eleazar. He and his wife Carmen are on a romantic getaway. The cell is in the center of the table and on speaker as Irina is retelling the events for the past couple of days. She is now going over my mates physical characteristics when Zar cuts her off "I believe I know would you are talking about. She had a tattoo of a tiger on her upper right bicep, correct?"

I lean forward like it could pull me to my mate, excitement drumming threw my undead heart "Yes she did. Do you know what it means?" There is a shuffling noise on the other end of the phone.

"I know who you are referring to. I met her sort of. We didn't speak she was visiting when I was called to make an assessment of a vampire's gift."

Kate is now leaning in "That's great. What is she?" She always has a way to cut to the chase. Eleazar laughs "Well you would already know if you three were a little more interest in the affairs of the supernatural world and Volturi." It's true my sisters and I have isolated ourselves from such things after Sasha. We just didn't want to take the risk. The only coven we interact with regularly was the Cullen's and when Eleazar tried discussing politics we had no interest. We kept up to date with any new laws to ensure they were maintained but we stayed out of their dealings and they stayed out of ours.

"She is an Alpha Were-Lion. Her birth mother is very old and very powerful Were-Tiger, she's the Alpha of the pride. But Emery must be of age now and no longer falls under her mother's domain."

Irina steps closer to the table "What are Were-creatures doing at the Volturi?" Zar tuts and goes on to explain all of the politics that we have missed since the wars with the were-wolves. To say we should have known this is an understatement. There was an entire world we were blinded too that my mate was a part of and I didn't even know.

After Zar is done with the different aspects of Were physiology I ask him about mating bonds and why she didn't feel the pull, or at least act in accordance.

Eleazar is silent for far too long. "I am aware of their mating bonds I was present to witness a discussion of a were-cats mating bonds."

"Tanya. They do in fact have mating bonds but it must be earned. She will never automatically look upon someone and produce a bond except for familiar bonds, they will form upon eye contact or close proximately realizing that the person close or within eyesight is family. It had something to do with protective instincts and pack mentality."

I slump into my seat "So she didn't feel it."

A receive a zap from Kate "You're a dumbass sometimes, if she didn't feel it than she didn't reject you." I hear from the other end of the phone "And she is free to bond with whomever she wants because she is still on the market" I jump up and pick up the phone growling into it "She is MINE" before ending the call. Irina has to take the phone from my hand.

"I need a plan to find her and start wooing her before something else comes to snatch her up." I look to my sisters and I know that they will do everything in their power to help me. "I couldn't do this without you both."

Kate hugs me "Aww just remember that when you get your cat. And I want a threesome." With that she zaps me again and starts running around the house laughing. I scowl after her blurred form. There is something really wrong with her sometimes.

So?