Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or anything from Twilight!

Stefan was worried about Vladmir. They'd known each other for thousands upon thousands of years and were closer than even the closest of brothers. They knew everything there was to know about the other and would do anything to ensure one another's happiness. It was one of the reasons Stephan had accepted Leah without question, even though she was a shape-shifter. Though he wasn't particularly fond of the species, it didn't matter whatshe was, so long as she made Vladmir happy. The female shifter was a part of their family, and they would protect her in a way they'd been unable to protect their family in the past.

"She's going to be fine, Vladmir," Stefan stated, sitting next to his friend on the porch – he couldn't stand being inside with everyone else, it was just too much to take. "You must know the Italian scum aren't fool enough to really hurt her. They know what we will do to them if there is one scratch on her when we get there."

The blond Romanian continued to stare blankly at nothing. "I was unable to protect her. It's like history is repeating itself. I couldn't protect the one I love and now she's going through hell and there's nothing I can do about it. For all I know, she could be dead."

Stephan flinched at the tone of his friend's voice. "She's not dead. You would feel it in your heart if she was, even though it no longer beats. You would want to be dead, as well. Don't give up hope, for all is not lost. We have an army willing to lay down their lives to get her back. You mustn't lose hope; if you do, then everyone else will, and then Leah may as well be lost to us. For her, you need to stay strong."

Vladmir nodded as he tried to shake off the human emotions, which were trying to strangle him. He had worked too hard for too long trying to keep his feelings under wraps. "Thank you, Stefan. Depressed is the last thing I need to be in this battle. We're going to get her back, and we need to step it up a notch. The time for training has finally come to an end. It's time for us to make our move. We cannot afford to wait any longer."

At that moment, Carlisle stepped out on the porch, seemingly upset. "Vladmir, we just received a call from Aro. He wishes to set up a meeting. I told him that I would speak to you and get back to him. I didn't want to make any decisions without you. Whatever choice you make, we support you."

The other male thought about it for a few seconds. If Aro wanted a meeting, it obviously had to do with Leah. If he accepted, it would either save or cost some lives. For all he knew, this could be some sort of trap, but on the other hand, it could very well be legitimate. This might have been the only shot he would get to get Leah out safely, and, he resolved, he needed to take it because he knew that there wouldn't be a second chance. Besides, if it didn't work out, there was always Plan B.

"Make the call," Vladimir ordered, getting to his feet. "Before you do, I have a favor to ask of you, Carlisle. We both know that I'm not much of a negotiator, so please take the lead when this meeting finally does take place. When it comes to a fight, I'm the vampire you want in your corner, but peacekeeping is a job for someone like you. I trust you, Carlisle, and I'm putting Leah's life in your hands."

The doctor nodded and smiled slightly. He was surprised, of course, but still pleased to see the Romanian acting so human. "I'll do my best to ensure her safety and make sure she comes back to you. I'll make the call now, and set up the meeting for as soon as possible. I think it would be wise to choose a neutral meeting ground where the Volturi won't have the upper hand."

"I trust you to choose the right place," Vladmir said as he headed back inside. "I'm going to grab some of the others and get some more training in. It's better to be safe than sorry."

He went inside and picked out some of the weaker fighters. They needed as much practice as they could get and since he had nothing other than time, he would watch over their training until the meeting. Training also helped to rid him of some of his stress. Beating on others had always been something he enjoyed, and all he had to do was pretend they were members of the Volturi. Today, he would pretend it was Marcus, and so anyone he faced off with would have to be prepared for a tough training session. With a smile, he headed out the door with a group following him. Soon he would have his Leah back, and once he had her, there was no way he would ever allow himself to lose her again.

TBC