Moving back to the house in the city limits was both a blessing and a curse, Raina decided a few weeks later as Nikki and Destiny drove off to attend that day's classes at the local college. It allowed her the privacy to meditate and practice but she had grown accustomed to the company of her younger sisters in the previous weeks.
After two hours of flipping through television channels Raina got up off of the couch and changed into running clothes. Dressed in loose light blue jogging pants and a grey t-shirt, Raina picked up the music player and house keys Nikki had gotten for her went outside, securing the door before stretching to begin the easy jogging pace away from the house listening to the music playing at a comfortable volume from the headphones.
As she was running something caught Raina's eye near a small wooded area. 'What the hell now?' she thought to herself veering from the path. She came up to a log stopping and watching as a girl seemed to be sitting there only feet not paying attention to anything around her. They girl's face was turned so Raina only caught a small glimpse of closed eyes.
"Hey Raina how are you?" the girl asked turning and opening her eyes smiling as recognition dawned on the woman.
Pausing, Raina blinked again and smiled faintly, "Got restless in the quiet of the house – the terrible twosome have classes so I figured I'd go for a run."
Bella smiled, "I don't doubt that one bit." she paused watching as to joggers went past before continuing, "How'd you know I was here?"
"Didn't." Raina shrugged slightly, "Kind of went in a random direction when I walked out the door. I found the jogging path about thirty minutes ago and just started following it."
Bella nodded getting up, "Well its best if we keep walking considering too many people pass by here and this isn't the best place for lone humans or at least that's what Edward told me one time." she stated motioning Raina back toward the main path. "Are you hungry?" she asked as they headed off.
"I'm not overly concerned about being a lone human around here," Raina replied in an undertone, certain that she would be heard as they continued on the path at a comfortable stride. "I've been taking care of myself a long time."
Bella nodded, "I know you can. I don't know what has those three boys worried about you being by yourself. I swear Jasper's more protective over you than he is at times over Alice being by herself. Granted, I can't talk Edward almost didn't let me come - not that I'm by myself. Alice is up here ahead somewhere considering she's got Nikki and Destiny's schedule memorized down to the minute." Bella answered as they stopped to let some bikers pass by them from a cross path.
"I wasn't sure at times when Luke did the same thing if he was protecting me, or if he was protecting others." Raina said sidestepping the topic of the younger male members of the Cullen household. "Sometimes I am quite certain he was protecting others from me, others not so much."
Bella nodded noticing that the subject of any of the boys seemed to put Raina on edge especially if it involved Jasper. "There's Alice might as well let her know everything's good here not that she wouldn't know besides it looks like she found one of your sisters." Bella answered letting the subject drop for the moment.
Looking ahead Raina recognized that Alice had found Nikki and they were standing near one of the fountains talking it seemed, and whatever Alice had just said Nikki had disagreed with by the shake of her dark blond head. "Looks like the pixie is annoying her."
Bella laughed, "I don't doubt that its one of her favorite past times. Besides I know Nikki well enough to know she'll get her back." Bella answered as both Alice and Nikki turned at the mention of Alice's name.
Because whatever topic they'd been disagreeing on was dropped the instant that the pair realized that Raina and Bella were close enough to hear the words it wasn't hard for Bella at least to guess at what the topic had been, probably the petite redhead at her side. "So what were you two disagreeing about this time – stripes or solids?" she asked trying to break up the tension in the air.
Nikki smiled, "Neither was debating on whether we should challenge the boys to baseball again tonight or wait." she answered looking at Raina. "Get bored at the house there sis?" Nikki asked.
Raina wasn't buying it, even though they had already agreed that baseball was going to be a good idea if there was a storm soon. Shaking her head, "Nothing on the television and I got restless so I went for a run, no harm in that," she cut her eyes at Nikki, "Even if some people think I require a babysitter."
Nikki looked at her sister, "Trust me I didn't ask to be babysat personally this smells of the boys but I can't get Alice to confirm it. You won't tell me either will you Bella?" she asked raising an eyebrow at Bella.
"Nope," Bella answered with a small smile, "But I think Destiny should be done with class soon and then we can all go grab a bite to eat and decide what to do."
Nikki nodded frowning a bit, "Let's go find Destiny I've got three hours before I'm bored to tears with history."
A little while later the foursome became a quad, sitting around a cozy table in one of the coffee houses designed for college students. The buzzer on the table lit up indicating the order was ready and Nikki wormed her way across the room to the counter to pick up the orders. Each of them had ordered something and the tray was heavy as she weaved her way back across the room to their table.
"Watch it guys so I don't drop food on someone," Nikki stated setting the tray down in time with she was suddenly bumped from behind.
Nikki turned and suddenly came face to face with Felix who smiled, "Sorry Felix but our shit card is full today and I'd make an appointment cause it's looking like the month is filling up as well."
"I didn't come to bother you any of you besides your mates are watching everything I'm doing at the moment," Felix answered pointing to where Jasper and Edward lurked by yet another table. "I did however come to warn you that whatever your sisters and yourself did to piss off Aro and his brothers well they've sent Alec and Jane to find you while you're at your home or school and finish the job." he answered backing away a little as he noticed that Emmett and Carlisle had entered the building.
Nikki nodded looking at Raina, "Sorry sis looks like the brat patrol has a big issue with being made fools of. Felix don't you think it's a little dangerous for you to be telling us this when Aro can touch you know you told us?" Nikki asked turning to face Felix.
Felix shrugged, "I personally don't care. I'm getting tired of the games that Aro and his brothers are playing. It's time for a change, even if it only ends me up dead." He responded looking straight at Nikki.
"Maybe you could talk to Carlisle about joining the family then and giving our way a try Felix." Bella suggested getting a snort from Edward and a raised eyebrow from Jasper.
"That's a thought but I doubt you want that kind of burden. Bella I don't know how to be anything but what I am. I'm a monster that has preyed on to many humans." Felix answered his voice lowering.
Raina watched the exchange and her gaze flickered briefly toward Jasper to see if he was picking up on the same things she was – Felix's fatigue, the frustration – and the shame? – and got up to take the tray from Nikki speaking softly, "Obviously you do or believing yourself such wouldn't upset you." She murmured without giving him a chance to answer turned to set the tray on the table.
Nikki glanced at her sister and Jasper. "So give it a try Felix, I think you'll find you'll like the change in diet and the change in how things are run." she answered before glaring at the doorway outside. "Guys we've got company and there's too many children lurking about to just handle it so eat up and let's get the hell out of here before Alec and Jane decide to try something." she added pulling a chair up and grabbing Felix making him sit between her and Destiny.
It was awkward for the Cullens and for Felix alike as he was keenly aware of the staring from all sides as he folded his hands on the table but the stares were less unnerving than the penetrating stare from eyes he counted too unusual to be human. At the same time the redhead was obviously mortal – her heart beat and the voracious appetite were misleading when paired with the fragile size. Worse than the stare was the proximity of the heartbeats on either side of his body – one racing more than the other.
She's out of her mind! Edward thought to himself watching as the girls sat around a bewildered and obviously troubled Felix.
'Speak for yourself Edward. Everyone deserves a chance at a new beginning.' Nikki thought to back in response.'
Edward raised an eyebrow at her. 'I sure hope you know what you're doing otherwise you'll end up getting real disappointed real quick. Why is your heart racing Nikki?'
Nikki looked at Edward, "We've got trouble thats why." she muttered nodding with her head toward the entrance.
Edward nodded picking up easily on both vampire's thoughts. 'Come on you damn humans how long does it take to eat.' was Alec's thought. 'Real smart Felix hope you enjoy pain.' was Jane's thoughts.
Nikki turned and glanced sideays at Raina, "Sis sit still I'll be back." She said getting up quickly and heading in the general direction of where Alec and Jane stood ignoring Edward's hollering at her in her mind to sit her ass back down.
"Well looky what the human's let in. Tell me something come to ask for your life Nichole?" Alec smarted as Jane just glared at her.
"No not really but I have come to tell you if you start anything here with all these humans here I hope Aro chews you up one side and spits you out as rat food. So if you don't mind we'll meet you somewhere we're we can easily deal with this." Nikki answered her voice soft enough that any human nearby couldn't hear.
Jane growled lowly, "I bet you'd love for us to leave so you could escape but sorry we're smarter than that so hurry up and tell the traitor his days are numbered."
Nikki laughed out loud, "Really and I'll believe you're smart in what century Jane. You've never been smart enough to tie your own shoes without asking permission. I'm telling you leave now or face consequences with your masters later. As for Felix, believe what you want but unlike you two he's got brains enough to make Aro look like a fish swimming for a hook."
Jane took a step only to find that Carlisle had come up beside her during their brief argument. "I think Nikki's right now and here are proper if you masters are trying to keep the humans from knowing to much but we'll gladly meet you about a mile from here where there's a clearing." he said firmly glancing at the people around that had begun to stare.
Alec nodded tugging on his sister's arm, "Fine but if you're not there in two hours time we have permission to make sure you are found and dealt with even if you are Master Aro's friend."
Once they left Carlisle turned to Nikki, "That was a bold and dangerous move Nikki. Please try to be careful next time." he admonished smiling and leading her back toward the table.
Once Nikki was sat everyone turned toward her. "They want us to meet them at the clearing, at least that's what Carlisle suggested. Besides that they spouted their usual shit and oh Felix if you are going to change sides I'd suggest staying downwind for a while they are pissed cause you were with us." Nikki said sticking her fork in her mouth with food so she couldn't say anything else. 'I hope I didn't ruin anything for him he's kinda cute when he's being good. Oh shit what am I saying keep your thoughts to yourself Nikki.' she glanced at Edward glaring at him not to say a word.
"Want to um explain the glare there sis?" Destiny asked smiling a bit.
"What glare? I was thinking about the two idiots and what they said I wasn't glaring at anyone." Nikki said not looking at her sister.
"Yeah and I was turned but it sure as hell wasn't yesterday Nikki." Jasper answered receiving a roll of the eyes from Nikki.
"I was born at night, little sister but it wasn't last night." Raina said in nearly the same tone and cadence as Jasper which took both of them by surprise, causing a brief glance between the two before Raina focused on Nikki, "Regardless, I smell bullshit."
"Itls okay I'll be fine just need to stomp a child into the ground and we'll talk later sis." Nikki answered trying to curb anymore questions before it headed off in a direction that would lead her to admit her feelings for Felix suddenly. It was something she really didn't think he needed at the moment.
Raina nodded once polishing off the impossible sandwich in what seemed to Felix record time wiping her hands gently on the paper napkin, "Fair enough, so what did the mismatched twins want or was it more lip service for the other three?"
"The usual lip service but I'm sure it's going to turn into more when we get to the clearing. Everyone ready to go?" Nikki asked.
"Yep." Raina answered finishing off her drink and prepared to get up, "I take it this could become unpleasant fast?"
Nikki nodded getting up and motioning everyone toward the door, "I'd say more likely than not that someone's going to try something." she answered her mind in a whirl and her emotions on edge enough she began putting a little distance between her and Edward and Jasper.
Raina frowned and picked up her own pace to match Nikki's as they headed out the door in short order, "Hey, you okay I mean you've got to get yourself in order or I'm not going to be able to convince Edward or Jasper to let it go." Raina said quietly touching Nikki's shoulder revealing why the boys had let it go when she had agreed to talk to Raina later
I'll be okay just don't know something inside me suddenly feels protective over Felix." She answered switching into Phaedosean.
"It's his own indecision and like your father you like to give people a chance to prove you wrong. Even if they prove you right in the end. Just don't let it get in the way of your better judgment." Raina said nodding, "Come we're going to be late and I don't feel like dealing with children who think they're smarter than me when they are thinking they are right."
Nikki nodded and picked up the pace again pushing everyone toward the clearing, "I still want to talk to you when we get a chance to be alone." she answered as they stopped as they came to the edge of the clearing.
"Please come forward we wish to talk to you Carlisle and your family." Aro said looking at Carlisle.
Carlisle stepped out first with everyone forming a long line on either of him, "What is it that you need Aro or is this a social visit from an old friend?" he asked
"Should I have a reason for checking up on an old friend and his family though I do wonder why you continue to disobey rules about humans knowing? First, Bella then your two friends there and now their sister. I would think you'd understand that they're knowing is a danger to us all what if one of them decide to go and talk to other humans it would be disastrous for us all Carlisle not just the Volturi but even your family." Aro answered watching the girls carefully.
"Actually," Raina spoke up as she moved to glare at the vampire, "It wasn't rocket science to figure it out when the Cullens aren't the first vampires I've dealt with." She eyed him keeping her hands in her pockets, her gaze shifting from a scowl to a placid, almost amused expression, "Furthermore you overgrown leech I asked my sister about the Cullens not one of them so your precious rules stand unbroken."
Aro found himself at first amused that such a slip of a thing would speak to him as if he were a petulant spoiled child and smiled brightly at her as if she had reacted precisely as he had anticipated, "Magnificent, bold as the others, I might've guessed that this one would be no different," he reached out both hands as if to grasp her hidden hands, "Come now child I won't bite." He cajoled as Raina rocked back on her heels.
"I might." Nikki heard the amusement in Raina's voice as she tilted her head to look Aro in the eye. "And something tells me you'd taste like dirt."
Aro smiled though Carlisle noted that Aro's patience grew thin, "Come now isn't it polite for a handshake in these parts?" he queried innocently.
"Probably but I wouldn't know seeing as I'm not from these parts." Raina smarted back her tone revealing her agitation, "Face it, Aro you're not touching me and if you try I can promise you won't like it little keeper there or not." She flicked her gaze toward where the female vampire stood near his side. "You'd be a fool to test me." She smiled as Jasper cleared his throat.
"I'm not much for stirring animosity among others, but this is one time I'd take a warning to heart." He said shifting his weight, "Last time I saw someone touch the lady when she refused they landed on their ass." He said with a faint bit of amusement trickling into his voice.
Aro's gaze flickered to Jasper who stood firm, masking the want to keep Aro's fingers from Raina's skin not only he admitted privately because it would cause unnecessary strife but also because it would cause Raina a great deal of pain – she could barely stand the touch of any of the Cullens for a few seconds without screaming – but also because a very small strange part of himself found the idea vile. "Now that is interesting, you of all the Cullens speaking up for a human. Tell me young one if there is some other reason you might do so."
"No." Jasper lied keeping his pose calm as his hand rested on Alice's shoulder calming himself with her presence, "Just trying to keep the peace. Is there anything else, Aro?"
"Or are you just being your usual pain in the ass self?" Destiny chimed in scowling, "Leave my sister alone."
Aro turned looking at Destiny, "Then may I have the pleasure?" he asked extending his hands intentionally trying to get close to Destiny.
"No." she replied tartly glaring at him, "Nikki and I were born at the ass crack of dawn but it damn sure wasn't yesterday morning. Nice try." She replied stepping so that Aro would have to reach around either Emmett or Rosalie to touch her.
Nikki batted Aro's hand away as Destiny stepped behind Emmett and Rose, "Hey Aro go bite your own ass. Guess what it's not like we don't know what you do. My sister and I sure as hell don't need another mind in ours its crowded enough in there." Nikki answered her eyes seeming to glow as she advanced one step causing the older vampire to back a step.
Raina turned in time to see the glow to Nikki's eyes and spoke quietly in her native tongue, "No need to waste Power on a waste of dust, calm yourself and think or he wins."
Nikki nodded at the voice allowing Jasper's calming to subdue her flaring temper. Nikki's gaze never left Aro's as she spoke firmly, "Now then if you have no other business I'd suggest leaving here before you and your bunch bring too much attention to yourselves."
"Just one other bit of business," Aro nodded and crooked a finger at Felix who had been keeping a bit of a distance, "Explain to me why you would be seen cavorting with .. humans?"
"May I?" Raina inquired looking at Felix recognizing the masked fear in his gaze.
Felix nodded and gestured to the small woman, hoping that she knew what she was doing. "Be my guest."
"Humans were noticing the exchange between Nikki and Felix and the only practical way to deflect their attention was to make it appear that everything was fine. It's called blending in; you might desire to try it sometime." Raina said calmly sliding her pose to one that the twins recognized as reminiscent of Luke's "Jedi Master" pose – her feet were shoulder width apart and she was utterly, eerily calm as Aro focused on her again.
"You're telling me it was a way to deflect attention? Fascinating."
"It was working until Jane – I think that's her name came in and starting raising another stink bomb in the café. Really, Aro was that necessary?" Raina replied her tone low and soothing.
"No, I suppose it wasn't." Aro answered before snapping out of the lulling tone, "I do find it distressing that it would be happening at all."
"Done is done. Do you have anything else cause," her stomach growled quietly as she smiled sweetly, "Cause this little tete a tete is making me miss my afternoon snack and I get kinda pissy if I don't eat."
"No, come Felix let us be on our way. We'll talk about this incident some more as I'm curious as to the events of the afternoon." Aro said motioning Felix forward.
Felix shook his head, "I'm sorry Aro but I've decided to stay for the moment and see what kind of life the Cullens live." Bella and Edward stepped closer to him allowing Bella's shield to fully cover him.
"I don't believe that is necessary Felix and we have need of you at home for more urgent matters at the moment now come on we're late getting back as it is." Aro stated his voice starting to show his irritation.
"I think he has a right to choose, Aro. Hasn't that always been your policy or so I've heard." Nikki said moving a little so that her body covered any sudden attack that Aro's guard might try. She had seen some moving in Felix's general direction at the start of the conversation.
"Aro, I don't see the harm in letting him satisfy a curiosity." Carlisle said calmly, "A few days perhaps a fortnight's time and we can make sure he has all his questions answered and on his way to Volterra again."
Aro turned toward Carlisle, "You know old friend I would normally agree but this is a matter that unfortunately out of your hands. Now Felix enough of this foolishness or I'll have Alec and Demetri escort."
Nikki snorted at him, "I'd suggest keeping your dogs at bay or they might lose a few um how shall I put this limbs starting in places I'm sure they don't want to lose." she stated her arm dropping in a casual stance by her side a rod object just in reach.
Aro watched shaking his head, "Felix, you have a fortnight to satiate you curiosity no longer. Now, let us be on our way, Jane, Alec, Demetri." Aro answered backing up a ways before turning and heading back through the trees.
"Good riddance," Raina muttered at their retreating backs, exhaling deeply as Nikki realized that Raina had exerted a minor force of will over the Volturi's mind, "Arrogant little prick."
Nikki laughed turning toward her sister, "And dad always called me the hot head. You realize we weren't suppose to use our power right not that going all Jedi on them was allowed but I always wanted to see if vampires could fly and flame." she answered smiling at the almost confused vampires standing around.
"I did nothing," Raina grinned wickedly, "He had the want to I mighta tipped the scale a teeny bit but hey I wasn't in the mood to beat anyone today."
Carlisle just raised an eyebrow and shook his head, "Time to go home kids. Ladies might I suggest a small visit as well besides Alice told me on the way over there's a storm brewing and baseball would be in order tonight." he smiled as the twins nodded and even Raina gave a faint smile.
"Sure, I'd like to see what it is about this baseball game that almost blew out Destiny's knee." Raina agreed. "But food first."
Nikki nodded as Bella and Alice hooked arms with Nikki, "Of course food first sis. Can't have you starving to death before one of the boys back there knock your head off with a baseball." She answered as everyone started off back up the path toward the road so the girls could get one of their cars.