The Secret Keeper

Chapter 10

This chapter is dedicated to Jeredith and all of my other story reviewers. Thanks so much! You inflate my ego so big my head barely fits on my shoulders!

"What has happened to you in my absence?" Peruses and I were on our way to his house which was only a few blocks from the park.

It was, like for most permanently settled vampires, in a very secluded area in the forest. Easy access to what Peruses calls the best game in the world. And the best food, for a matter of fact.

Personally, I don't see how he can adore the area so. I prefer my Africa for food and game, but as for the scenery…France wins out over all. France is the place that I visit second the most to America.

"Peruses, you came back at an unlucky but convenient time. I stayed with the Volutri, for ninety percent of that time. In the last year, I have been running. I knew you saw them as a potential threat before, well Peruses, know they are a threat. A big threat, to love, to mercy, and to your family of animal drinkers."

Peruses seemed to take consideration of what I said, but then a smile formed on his lips.

"What happened to 'your precious animal drinkers'?" He said this the patronizing way that made me remember the way I used to think of animal drinkers. I didn't personally believe in the strength of their control. "Have you by chance met a family of animal drinkers?" His smile was beyond playful now. It was facetious.

Damn him! Sometimes, Peruses knows how to really get under my skin!

"Uh, yes." I cleared my throat. "I have, actually. "

"Who? The Cullen's or the Denali's?"

"The Cullen's"

"Oh joy! They are my favorite family. Especially Carlisle. I changed him personally myself, you know."

"What?"

"Yes. I knew it when I met him at a town meeting that he was perfect for this life as a vegetarian vampire. A great success, because it brings him less ailments and more celebrations; especially compared to most vampires. He became a doctor! Oh! I would have visited him had I had the time! I had wanted to meet him in person since I first saw him. How has been fairing?"

I blinked. Usual Peruses did not speak so highly of anybody. Even I did not earn his petulant praise. I always swallowed it and finally told him I was undeserving of it and he stopped, realizing that it got on my nerves by making me guilty.

"He is doing quite well. Attained three more members since you were around last, I believe; Emmet, Alice, and her mate, Jasper."

"Wonderful. But something is amiss dear sister, I can sense that."

"Yes, Peruses. The Volturi, they are starting a war! We have the power, but he has the numbers. Peruses! I need both you and Derek to help me."

"Derek?" He seemed mildly inquisitive. "Have you spoken to him recently?" His tone had acquired a coolness that only Derek brings to his tone of voice.

"Yes, dear brother. Of course he will help. But, gah! You saved me from an alternatively horrid fate of either rotting in hell of dying of boredom. "

"I chance you, of all people, would prefer rotting in hell than dying of boredom."

I cracked a smile.

"Yes. But that means we will have to have a family reunion. For the sake of the war, will you come to Derek's home in Syria?"

He looked unsure.

"Please Peruses! You know I would never make you do this if it wasn't for the war. Derek has all of the things we need to stay secure during the war. Ammunition, and all that military technology or whatever."

He looked a little more like he might cave. After a few seconds of weighing his options, he finally sighed and looked away from my hopeful face.

He seemed pleased only that he had pleased me. I really didn't want to ruin our little moment.

I had to admit, after watching his unchanging expression, seeing his face break out in a smirk had me both pleased and frightened.

"I will go to Derek's with you only if you take me to see the Cullen's first."

Uh oh. I would have gladly given him anything, but this…

"I don't know…"

"Please!" His face was pleading. You would think that a 1900 year old vampire as a grown man would be more mature…but no.

I squirmed under the power of the puppy dog face that I hadn't seen in centuries-that still had the same effect. I found myself caving quickly.

"Ok! Fine! Now stop giving me 'the face'"

He laughed and jumped up and down shouting "Yes!" However, he soon alleviated his chortles and I smiled at him.

"Now, come on! If we want to get there in time, we can leave now-no! We must leave now, if you insist on taking such a an unnecessary-"

"Says you! I want to see the Cullen's, now stop your complaining! Let's go! Vamanos!"

Eager to see the Cullen's again? I know I am!

-Gracegoddess