Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight, but not Merged Souls: Trying for Normal

Author's Note:

Chapter 10

WalPOV

"Mr. Godard came to the castle when people at the hotel cafe told him she worked here. Alastair met with him and if I'm correct did not confirm her employment and turned him away. Instead he sought out Alger who went to consult with his wife. She was not in the kitchens but she had checked in briefly and then said she had to leave. No one thought much of it because things had been rather slow with just a skeleton staff of humans requiring meals. And she had often gone to help Alger or Penny when things were slow. No one saw her after that or heard from her. And that my dear friend is where we left off when we heard the bang and thump in the hallway."

AlgerPOV

The Prince was doing all the talking but the Cullens were all looking at me. Thankfully my mother was holding my hand and gently squeezing it like she could tell exactly how nervous I was. My poor father looked as nervous as I did. We had something in common, neither of us were use to being under the scrutiny of this many people. Bella Cullen was watching me very closely and making me very uncomfortable. I had heard over the years many things about the Cullens enough to know that they were not generally liked by the Volturi. I had even seen Carlisle Cullen when he stayed in Volturi but he had never noticed me. I decided to satisfy my curiosity and ask Bella if she had a question for me. "Mrs Cullen..."she frowned, "... I'm sorry, its Bella right?" I get the feeling that you want to ask me something, please feel free."

Bella took a deep breath. "Alger my family and I have experience with shapeshifters and I was wondering if you could tell us how Donna was before Mr. Godard showed up, even before she found out her mother died."

"What good is that?"

Now she looked uncomfortable about asking me a private question."The shapeshifters we know go through some very specific physical changes prior to phasing. Their cell functions and maturity are transformed in order to accommodate the stress that the phasing will subject their bodies to."

I started to walk towards the window seeing Danna in my mind's eye. "Very well, we've been very happy and nothing seemed out of the ordinary until we had been married for a few months and she started to experience night sweats. At first we were concerned that she might be pregnant even though we were using protection. But nothing is after all a hundred percent foolproof. Donna spoke to Penny and they got a pregnancy kit which tested negative... that was kind of bitter sweet. But Aldrich had told us that Dr. Cullen had some experience with hybrids and we were hoping we would be able to consult him about a pregnancy at some time in the near future and about changing Donna. She wanted it but, I didn't know if I could or if I should ...I think Edward can understand what I was feeling."

Edward was gazing at me intently like he was trying to see my soul when he said. "Alger before you continue I want you to know that my family is committed to helping you find Donna and with anything else you need."

I walked back from the window and sat down next to my parents and took a deep breath my father put his hand on my shoulder and gave it a pat. I think he understood as well. "The night sweats didn't go away and then she started to spike a fever. I wanted her to go see the doctor but the one here in town is a letch and she is an attractive woman. But she wouldn't go to Florence either. She became very moody at times and seemed like she was trying to pick fights with me. But nothing really bad and she would generally walk it off and come back to me just as pleasant as always. The night sweats abated and then her appetite increased yet she didn't put on any weight if anything she was leaner like she had put on muscle. But I put that down to exercise she had started working out with Penny. She was afraid that with the tension gone in the castle that she would relax and start to put on weight." I chuckled at the last statement of all the silly things for me to remember.

The Cullens all looked at each other and nodded Bella spoke again. "Alger those are all signs that we're familiar with. The shapeshifters that we know all experienced the same thing except the males look like they'd been popping steroids, but the one female was just as you described. The shapeshifters we know call themselves werewolves for the lack of a better name. But they are not like those in literature for one thing when phase they remain aware of their human selves, once in control they can phase at will, but strong emotions can also trigger them to change. They share the ability to hear each other's thoughts and can communicate this way for great distances. And while they are considerably larger than the average wolf they resemble them and act like them in every other respect." Bella then told us the Quileute legends.

"But my wife knows nothing about all this shapeshifting business at least she never told me, she did. Wait there is the book her father left her it's a children's story written in long hand and very old, it's called the Children of the Moon. I would have thought with a title like that it would be werewolves and while there are similarities there are many differences as well. It actually coincides more with your friend's story. But what causes these changes? "

"For our friends it was the presence of vampires."

"Excuse me the presence of vampire's turns them into werewolves and they call you friends?"

Edward answered this time. "That's a very long story that we don't have time for now except that yes we eventually became friends. And many of them believe it or not love what they are. They do have choice once they can control themselves enough to stop phasing then they will return to a normal mortal life to live and die with their loved ones. Or they can continue to phase and remain immortal."

"Are you telling me that Donna may be immortal without having to be changed?"

"Yes in theory as long as she continues to phase she is about as immortal as you. It's not that she can't be killed it's just less likely. Just as with you there are enhanced senses, and enhanced healing abilities. I would like to see that book you mentioned it may give us insight into the Richmond line and what to expect. But I would like your permission to bring in some outside help. There's a shapeshifter we know in Scotland right now and if he's willing I'd like to bring him here and see if he can help us find Donna. And I am also going to call Carlisle and ask him to come here to answer your questions. He's also familiar with treating shapshifters should Donna need any medical assistance."

Everyone in the room was looking at him like he'd just lost his mind Bella open and closed her mouth for a bit and then she said. " But I thought Seth was a bad idea, what are you thinking?"

"I'm going to call Sam and talk to him first and see what he thinks. Alice can you get Carlisle and Esme on the next flight to Florence. I think we'll need them."

Wales was getting a little tense. "Would you mind telling us Cullen what is going on?"

"I'm not sure yet Wales but we're going to need as much help as we can get. I think you mentioned that we need to speak with Godard right? Would you like to come with my brothers and me while we pay him a visit?"

Wales was smiling now. "I'd love to, when are we leaving?"

"Just as soon as I finishing talking to Sam Uley."

"Wait one minute! Donna is my wife and I want to be at that meeting."

Edward inhaled deeply and looked at Wales. "Alger you are not as indestructible as the rest of us."

"I don't care I'm coming!"

Gideon rose to his feet. "I think Alger deserves to be there just as do I."

I looked at my Dad and smiled. "There's my protection Edward, my Dad can blend in and watch out for me and he can also look around."

Edward straightened up. "I think you've got something there. I'll even ask my Dad if he'd like to join us, he can walk through closed doors."

Wales was furious. "Why don't you just invite everyone to come along?" I got the distinct impression that Edward Cullen rubbed him the wrong way. I rather liked the Cullens myself, but the Wales guy was a bit of a pompous ass.

You could see Edward was holding back a strong retort when he said. "No I think this will be enough."

Wales shook his head and rubbed his face with his hands. "Okay Cullen we'll do it your way."

EPOV

We returned to our rooms with the promise we'd leave in the next hour. My brothers and sisters came with us. Wales was a little pissy but he'd get over it, this was something he had no experience with so it was a Cullen show for now. Alice had reached Carlisle and explained what was going on. He would be here in the morning with Esme. When I talked to Sam he knew about Seth and said it was my call. He wasn't sure if he could handle it, but said he needed something to snap him out of whatever funk he was in. I was going to talk to the family about telling Seth about Alice's vision, maybe if he knew that Leah was some place good it would help.

Alice came up to me after I put the phone down. "I know what our going to ask Edward and you know I can't see Seth but it couldn't hurt to tell him about Leah and after all he's almost like family. His pain is so deep right now. But he's floundering Edward and we could lose him if we're not careful."

The rest had filed in as she was speaking to me and I filled them in on what I wanted to do. As I was doing that the kids came in and Beth climbed up onto my lap she must have heard me talking to Alice. "Dad Sethy needs to see the vision. You now he won't just accept your words. But I can show him Dad I still have the memory."

It was agreed all the way around that I give Seth a call and tell him what was going on and then offer him the memory. Before calling him I spoke with Carlisle he was on his way to the airport and I told him what I planned he felt it was risky and suggested I talk to Sue and Shawn first. When I got through to them in Scotland it was Seth that answered so I had to ask him out right if he would come. He agreed a little too quickly so I asked to speak with Shawn, on the pretence of discussing Alger and his parent's issues. But Seth wasn't stupid he saw right through me.

"Listen Edward I'll get Shawn for you but maybe he should just come along for the ride, you know in case I lose it or try to off myself, maybe he can talk me down. Is that what you're afraid of?"

The kid pushed my buttons so I didn't wait to tell him about Leah like I was going to. "Seth do you remember on the flight over to London I told you about my parents and seeing them with one foot in heaven and one on earth and how they have an agreement with the powers that be that they can come and go while I'm immortal? Well I left out something. And I think you have a right to know. However you must promise not to tell anyone else, not even your Mom."

I explained Alice's vision and how Beth would show him when he got here. He knew that Beth could not manufacture memories so he would believe her. At least I hoped he would. When I had finished there was only silence and not just for seconds but for minutes finally after asking Seth if he was okay he quietly said. "Yes. And thanks Edward. This is what I've been waiting for. When Leah and I joined the pack Dad had already passed away, Mom was terrified for us and we were afraid for each other. So we made this kind of crazy pact that if one of us died we would find a way to let the other one know that we were okay. I always wanted to ask Alice but I know she can't see us and I didn't know if she got visions of the hereafter anyway. So Leah found a way, thank god she's alright!"

I swallowed and then replied. "We thought it was a special favour to us. But maybe it was meant for all of us that were left behind. For us to know that maybe the struggle is worth it after all."

Seth chuckled a bit. "Edward will you ever stop seeing the glass as half empty?"

"I don't know, but I can tell you this Bella is working on it." Then we both laughed I told him we would be sending the jet for him but that he would be making a stop to pick up Esme and Carlisle at Heathrow.

So it was time to get ready for our guy's day out, my Dad had agreed to come with us. The ladies were not the least bit worried and had decided to let Reagan and Ester take them on a tour of the rest of the castle. No one had heard from or seen Penny and Aldrich except the pool man who had gone to check the ph. He had found them naked at the bottom of the pool. Thank god he was one of us so we didn't have to explain the bodies. But I wasn't too sure I'd want my kids swimming in there again.

Alastair told us how to get to the villa and wished us luck. He walked away clucking about how he needed Penny's help and that he was going to try and pry them apart for a few hours. Alice laughed so I knew that wasn't going to happen.

The Villa was situated on a small hillock and surrounded by olive orchards with stunning views of Florence in the distance. The Villa itself was a mixture of the Renaissance and the modern nicely blended. And you could just see a swimming pool and tennis courts in the back as we drove up the sweeping drive of crushed shell.

We exited the BMW SUV. Emmett had won the coin toss so he drove. With the six of us and one ghost it was a tight squeeze but we were an impressive looking group. Emmett had wanted us to all dress in black to freak out the staff as if we could pass for Mafioso.

I stepped up and rang the doorbell and it was answered by a small middle aged woman who looked like she had seen a ghost. I wondered if she could because she was looking right where my father was standing. I asked her three times if Mr. Godard was in before she finally answered in a very British accent.

"Yes Mr. Godard is expecting you. You must be Mr. Edward Cullen your sister called about thirty minutes ago to tell us of your intent to drop by. Impressive young lady she nailed my birthplace to within a few streets in Barnes based on my accent, yet I've lived here with my husband for twenty years."

Alice must have had a vision that coming unannounced would not be received well. "May I ask madam how you knew I was her brother?"

"She said the lot of you would be very handsome but the one I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off would be her brother Mr. Edward Cullen." Then she blushed and ushered us in to an immense sitting room Alice and Esme would be having a field day with the decor which was a little over the top, in red, white and gold. We remained standing until Mr. Godard came in. He was an imposing man not quiet thirty clean shaven with rather longish brown hair, he was dressed to impress and sneered when he took in our casual attire. He chose to address himself to Wales obviously the oldest amongst us in physical appearance and better dressed. It amused me to sit back and watch the Prince work his magic.

Wales sat down and the rest of us followed his example leaving Godard standing. Wales had chosen a seat that would put me in his line of sight and out of Godard's. Godard's thoughts were arrogant and he certainly felt he was a cut above us, his words not mine.

Godard crossed his legs and addressed Wales. "I was sorry to hear that the Volturi brothers had retired to the United States. An odd choice considering their surroundings and the influence they had here in the district. They always seemed ageless to me and I would never have expected them to leave so suddenly. Am I correct to understand that Aro and Caius wives had both died of the...I believe it was reported the Avian flu. Strange choice...I mean contagion to pick up in an area that hadn't previously had one reported case and oddly enough still doesn't."

I answered for Wales. "They had been travelling aboard and returned to Volterra when they first became ill. So it's not really so strange and they had been removed to Florence before the diagnosis was made. The Volterra physician is woefully under qualified to treat for much of anything above a splinter. "He glared at me and turned his attention back to Wales.

Wales laughed a bit. "My young friend is a medical prodigy and is in his residency in the states, you can believe what he says. His father is also a much respected physician, Dr. Carlisle Cullen, you may have heard of him he is very well known."

Godard swallowed hard Carlisle's name was familiar to him it would seem. He got up to ring a bell to hide his discomfort, a young maid came in and he requested a gin and tonic with a twist, he did not offer us anything. "I assume that none of you would want anything to drink from the bar."

He gave us a cheesy smile. Okay so he knew or pretended he knew something about us based on local gossip. Wales however jumped on it, "On the contrary I would love a cup of tea, anyone else." We all agreed and the maid was sent to prepare tea after returning with his drink. He seemed to be put off his game with this little trick thank god. Wales at had thankfully picked the least offensive type of human drink we could consume.

The tea arrived and Alger poured out for us knowing our delicate digestions he was managed to palm the sugar cubes and lemon. Alastair had him sit in on most of his dealings with the humans at Volterra so he was well practiced at this sleight of hand according to Alastair.

Wales worked his way through all the pleasantries and got down to business. "I represent the interest of the brothers Volturi while they reside in the States and I understand that you were enquiring about an employee of ours a Donna Anderson?"

"Her name is really Richmond of the Wiltshire Richmond's. They are a very old county family. I am her stepfather and have come to take her home. Her mother recently passed away and she needs be home for the reading of the will."

Wales looked at me and I gave him the nod the man was scrambling and grasping at straws so Wales looked him in the eye. "Mr. Godard I wish you wouldn't lie to me. I hate it when people lie and so do my friends here. I know for a fact that Mrs. Richmond had nothing to leave in a will. She was predeceased by her husband and was allotted a lifetime allowance from the estate only while she remained in England. His daughter was his sole beneficiary and there are no other relatives. Mrs. Richmond died intestate. As I said before she had nothing to leave anyone. She had been unfaithful to her husband several times during their marriage so she was excluded from inheriting. Now why don't you tell us the real reason you're really looking for Ms. Richmond?"

I'll never be the one to say Wales doesn't have balls. But I was beginning to wonder if we were barking up the wrong tree. Though Godard had the shapeshifter body type, there was nothing else to indicate that he was anything more than human. The shifters we knew always had a very distinctive scent yet Godard didn't. But Alger and Alastair hadn't said anything about Donna's scent ever changing. Perhaps scent was not universal indicator. If that's the case it might be even harder to find her.

Godard got up and started to pace he didn't understand our interest and it was unnerving him a bit so he decided to try a partial truth. But he was being very careful not to think about the real reason behind his visit. Jasper let me know that he was very angry but had enough sense to rein it in. So Jasper was trying to push relaxation towards him in the hope he might open up more. But he bristled at the mental intrusion like he was aware of it. Which made sense particularly if he knew or even suspected something supernatural about the Volturi?

"Godard turned to me, "Excuse me for my impertinence but your eyes, they are very unusual and to see so many of you with the same colour is it a family trait? It's not unheard of in Volterra but your colour really is very different for this region."

I smiled and thought fine two can play this game. "It's an inherited trait and very strong in our family. Even with distant relatives. And we are spread far and wide. My father Dr. Cullen believes our diet over the ages has influenced our colouring."

Godard was taken back again and was not sure what to make of this so I pressed with Wales question. "I don't believe you answered my cousin's question Mr. Godard. What is your real reason for looking for Ms. Richmond?" He was about to tell us a one sided whopper and Wales was looking to me to clue him in so I raised my eyebrows and nodded once. Wales knew that he was about to hear a tall tale.

"In truth Miss Richmond and I are in love. It happened gradually and we couldn't help ourselves even though she is several years junior to me. We were thrown together on a daily basis and our love grew. But I had already married her exotic mother after she had relentlessly pursued me. Donna was just a school girl then. In fact our families have been close for generations so I had actually watched her grow up never aware of her attractions until it was too late. Donna's mother began to suspect that something had grown between us and accused her of terrible things. Donna and I agreed that she should leave home and after and appropriate length of time I would divorce her mother and then we would meet here in Tuscany."

Alger looked like he was about to break the tea cup he held. His grip was so firm that his knuckles were white and I expected it to shatter at any moment. Jasper had picked up on it and was doing his best to get him to relax.

Wales wasted no time in responding in a sardonic voice. "Nice fairy tale. Now perhaps you would like to hear what we know. Emmett, Jasper would you please seal the room and make sure no one is eavesdropping."

My brothers got up and walked to all the exits and windows assuring they were closed and locked, after looking outside and into the hallway. If Wales hadn't been so serious when he asked them it would have been hilarious watching Emmett in particular acting like he was a Mafia henchman.

WalPOV

"To start with sir you are a liar and a fraud. Ms. Richmond left her home in England to get away from you, your abuse and attempts to seduce her. One thing you did get right is that your wife did find out, but she blamed her daughter not you. Donna left England under the assumed name of Anderson and travelled to elude you. It wasn't until her mother died that you were able to trace the flowers that she sent in her own name. So far it seems that I'm batting a thousand since Mr. Edward Cullen has not indicated to me otherwise." Godard looked around at Edward in a panic. "Oh yes he can read minds amongst his many other talents." I thought I'd throw that in for good measure since we didn't know exactly how much he actually knew about us.

Edward cocked an eyebrow at me and coughed I nodded and let him take the lead. He put on a rather serious expression almost vampiric but not quite. "Mr. Godard. Why don't you tell us exactly what you know about our odd eye colour, the Volturi and Volterra? You see we are very serious about our security at the castle and to us you pose a security risk."

Well done Cullen! So he can be a scary bastard when he wants and the whole mind reading thing really helps. All the colour had drained out of Godard's face and you could see the wheels churning trying to make up a story. Edward stepped in again. "Mr. Godard or can I call you Eric oh wait that's the name of your older brother. Then perhaps Jason, oh sorry again that's the name of your oldest brother and your father's name would be Charles so that leaves you as Brian. But to the point you have come up with roughly three stories you think you might be able to get away with and can I tell you none of them will work we are neither stupid or naive. I can get inside your head and see everything our plotting." Cullen then taped the side of his head.

I almost wanted to chuckle but instead took over."So Brian what do you have to say?"

Godard looked like a cornered animal and his hands were shaking almost vibrating. It was Emmett that spoke up as he leaned over Godard and clamped down on his hands. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. It would be hard to explain all the damage to the staff after phasing in a confined space."

Godard grinned at Emmett then sat back and before we could react he had changed into a very large red fox and smashed through the one terrace windows facing the woods beyond. Emmett and Jasper made to follow but Edward called them back. "Well gentlemen I would say that answers the questions of, is he a shapeshifter and what form does he take?"

The housekeeper was pounding on the hallway door and Edward, got up to open it. She stood in the doorway with middle aged man carrying a shotgun over his arm. They looked over Edward's shoulder and shook their heads.

The housekeeper dodged around Edward and walked up to Alger. "Your Miss Donna's young man, she showed me your picture when she came here for help a few days ago. But when she found out that slimy Godard was staying here she left right away." She turned to the man still standing in the doorway and said "Reg why don't you go and get the replacement pane from the shed and I'll fill these gentlemen in while you're gone." She sat down and smoothed her skirts "Reg will have that pane replaced in no time Mr. Alger we always keep extra glass around for the windows. It takes so damn long to get any replacement glass here all the windows are special order." Then she looked at Edward. "Please Mr. Cullen will you and your brothers take a seat. Now were to begin? I'm sorry but you'll have to be patient with me since I'm the only non-supernatural person in the room at present." She searched each of our faces and announced. "My name is Beatrice Franks and the man that just left with the gun is my husband Reg we both grew up at Richmond Manor in Wiltshire. And we have worked for the family all our lives as our families before us always have. And believe me that has been a very long time. Good thing too for the Richmond's. I don't imagine there are many that would put up with the goings on that we have witnessed. It's been our family's secret as much as theirs all these years."

She stopped and asked Alger for a cup of tea with lemon which he poured immediately and handed to her after a couple of sips and a sigh she resumed her narrative.

"The Richmond and Godard families as far back as anyone can remember have been shapeshifters. And they once made a pact to make sure that the trait never died out. But they couldn't intermarry too often for obvious reasons and with the introduction of foreign blood the numbers of shifters being born was on the decline. In fact since Mr. Richmond passed away Mr. Brian Godard was the only red fox shapeshifter alive that is until Miss Donna came of age. When he came here I knew he was up to no good. Miss Donna had already told me when she first came to Tuscany all that had happened back in England. We agreed it would not be wise for her to stay here or for her tell me where she was staying...those Godard's are mean and nasty men. If I'd known she was walking from the frying pan into the fire I would never had let her go to Volterra. And I guess I don't need to tell you folk what I mean by that."

She cocked her head to the side looked at each of us and smiled softly. "By the way you are the Stregoni Benefici, right?"

Emmett chuckled, Edward smiled and nodded and Jasper smiled saying "Well yes mam we are."

She checked out Jasper. "Such a sweet southern accent sir, do you speak like that all the time or do you just pull it out to charm the cougars." Jasper looked abashed and we all chuckled at his expense but she continued. "The Godard's had at one time been of interest to Caius Volturi when he was hunting werewolves throughout Europe centuries ago. He thought that they were of the same breed. So to prevent extermination at the hands of the Volturi the Godard family assisted Caius in hunting them down. Since then they have stayed in touch but they generally keep their distance. I was so very glad to hear that they have moved to the United States though I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy.

Alger was dying in his seat and he couldn't take it any longer, "Mrs. Franks do you know where Donna is?"

She smiled at him."Yes and no. But I wasn't to tell anyone until you came looking for her. You see she didn't want me going to the castle and making Godard suspicious and bring trouble down on myself, you or your friends. But unfortunately she's in her fox form and I have no way to communicate with her. There is a hiding place that her father would use but I don't know if she's still there. I don't think that she's still in the area or Godard would have found her already.

I finally took the opportunity to pose a question. "Can Godard communicate with her or find her while she is changed?"

She screwed up her face and said, "If you are asking are their minds linked then no. That only happens between mates and in the old days when there was more than one per family only within the family group. But his senses are heightened and he will be hunting for her now that he knows you suspect, and we have no way to warn her."

With that her husband re-entered the room with the replacement pane "Alright love, all the secrets out now? She nodded "Yep Reg but I suspect these gentlemen have more than a few secrets of their own. Oh and Reg you were right about the golden eyed one, they are the Stregoni Benefici. Sorry about that shock there. One of Reg's ancestors got himself treated by a Carlisle Cullen for a rather nasty gash saved his leg so the story goes. I don't suppose Carlisle Cullen will be dropping by any time soon will he? Reg has been having terrible stomach pains and won't go to that quack in Volterra or leave me with Godard while he goes to Florence.

Edward smiled and said. "My father is flying in tomorrow morning; I think perhaps you and your husband should come and stay with us at the castle until this mess gets straighten out. Will the other staff here be okay? Mrs. Franks nodded "There is only the young girl you saw earlier and she's been talking about quitting Mr. Godard won't leave her alone."

"May I suggest that she go home now? And she can apply for a job at the castle. Tell her to ask for Mr. Alastair." She looked at me askance like I had lost my mind. "I assure you Mrs. Franks the Volturi brothers will not be returning ever again, except maybe with the occasional exception of Marcus and believe me when I say he is a changed man."

Reg shrugged his shoulders and Mrs. Franks just nodded."Can you give me an hour to get our things together and lock up? This is still Miss. Donna's property. Oh and Mr. Edward and Mr. Alger both of you gentlemen look remarkably like you fathers." She smiled at Alger and me and pointed to where our fathers apparently stood. "Are you Psychic Mrs. Franks?"

"Oh my no Mr. Edward, I'm just sensitive. Reg and I both are I guess when you grow up with the supernatural surrounding you on daily basis you learn to keep an open mind."