Chapter fourteen: Moscow.
Falling asleep with the knowledge of him being close by was easy. The gentle fall of water coming from the shower was like a lullaby. Not only was it washing away the blood soaked onto his skin, but it washed away the doubt and worry I had about getting out of here safely. Alongside that, it vaporized the speculation and wonder I had for Stefan and Vladimir. Alec was right... There must be a reason as to why they hadn't informed the police, press and the civilians. If they believed him to be as dangerous as they put out there; then surely they wouldn't want him out in the open? They should have warned society that a dangerous immortal was running free.
I wasn't entirely sure what time it was when I had lulled off into a gentle sleep; but I was stirred at the feeling of movement on the bed. My eyes parted slightly, still blurred from the small doze I had been under. In the haze, I was able to pick out Alec. He was moving into the sheets beside me. His face clean, and his chest still bare. He pulled the covers over him - and me - more, while he lay himself back and brought his arm to rest behind his head.
Through the small slits of my parted eyes, I watched his chest rise and fall; while his eyes closed in an attempt of rest. Although sleep wasn't an option for him, the routine of a human would help; wouldn't it? I knew mom and dad often went to bed just to lay there, and close their eyes as though they were sleeping; despite never needing sleep. Perhaps it did help their mentality. I had no doubt in my mind that after a certain amount of years, you would eventually grow mentally tired. Alec might not be any different from that.
The memory of my mother coming into my bedroom washed over me, causing my lips to curve. I had been confused why she came to lay with me while I slept, but when she rested my hand onto her cheek to watch my dreams, it all made sense. My dreams shared with her was as though she were sleeping herself... A small moment in time where her whole body got some rest, where her mind could switch off and see the imaginative colors of the unconscious mind...
Merely closing your eyes might help with getting some sense of relief from reality, but I could offer something better. With his words playing in my mind, that I had no reason to ever be shy with him or embarrassed to do anything or say anything, I shuffled my body closer to his.
"I thought you were sleeping?" He repeated his words from the bathroom. I let my head rest onto his chest, my cheek pressed against his bare skin. I felt his arm wrap itself around me, and his hand securely hold onto the top of my arm. Letting my hand fall against the space where his chest cavity was, I pressed my palm flat against his marble skin.
"I was," I answered. "And you will be too. Just trust me."
Alec didn't reply. If he wanted too, or had anything to say; he didn't so much as utter a word. Instead, I felt his body relax under my touch, and his posture sink further into the bed. I snuck a look up towards his face, and found his eyes closed in wait. He was trusting me. I had explained to him how my mother used to come watch my dreams, and he looked as though he was in anticipation to do the same thing.
With a subtle smile on my lips, I burrowed my head into his chest slightly more, causing his grip on the top of my arm to tighten. With nothing else holding me back, I whispered the only words that could come to my mind as the sleep began to consume me whole.
"Goodnight."
—xXx—
When Alec said we were leaving at first light, he wasn't kidding. I was ripped from the perfect dream of touring around America; seeing all that it had to offer. From what I can recall, I was gazing up at the Statue of Liberty when Alec's words caused that world to shatter all around me. I was pulled back into the hotel room, brought back into the present, and sleepily watched him roam around the hotel room getting dressed.
He had slept with me. Although Alec's movements were always elegant and beautiful; he seemed to have a lot more spirit behind his steps now. He looked well rested. The dark circles under his eyes were gone, the violent red in his eyes as present as I'd ever seen them, and his lips seemed a lot more fuller than they'd ever been. It was in that small moment of sleep deprivation I was able to appreciate just how beautiful Alec could be, if given the opportunity to be. A small cup of blood was enough to keep him going in the facility; but once given the chance at taking in the proper amount of a full human - the proper dietary intake recommended - Alec was as radiant as aunt Rosalie.
His dark brown hair flicked over his eyebrows, and flicking out at the back where it was too long for the collar of the shirt. The way his cheekbones weren't too high, nor too low for his face. They were at the perfect height for his face. If Jane looked anything like this boy, as he was right now, I had no doubt in my mind she was as beautiful as the sight of summer rain, just after months of drought, or the sight of snow on Christmas morning.
Despite how much I would have enjoyed sitting there, watching him dress himself in the shirt that had been drenched in blood, but was now clean of any trace, Alec wouldn't let me. It was four am when the first sign of light came, and he was quick to get us out of the door and off on the remainder of our journey to Moscow.
Thankfully as we descended down into the lobby of the hotel; Marissa wasn't on the desk. I doubt I would be able to handle the odd looks she had been giving us quite this early in the morning. It was through no fault of Alec, seeing as he had introduced us as brother and sister, then set on with walking hand in hand with me. It may have been a normal thing for his time, for brothers and sisters to hold one another's hands at this age, but in this new world he was being introduced too; it wasn't looked at very holy.
He held the door open for me to venture out into the streets of Bila Tserkva.
The sun was at the east, half peaking over the horizon as if checking all was safe for it to come out. If that be so, then the sun, Alec and I had something in common. We didn't know if we were safe right now; although Alec went through great strives to act as though we were. I was thankful for that, because if he didn't; I would no doubt be a guttering mess of nerves.
I expected him to pull me off into the streets, to find a vehicle to most likely apprehend. Instead, he went straight for the sleek black Audi A5 sitting directly in the parking bay of the hotel. It's rim's were almost as dark as the paint job itself, and the windows tinted. This was the sort of car you would expect the Hellix Facility to use. In fact, I was positive that the facility did use this type of car. Though, the plates weren't that of the usual company data numbers; so this had belonged to someone.
"You stole this already?" I blinked while he pulled the passenger seat open for me to slip into.
"I didn't steal it," Alec corrected before he closed the door behind me. I slipped on my seatbelt while he made his way around to the drivers side. He must have felt confident with his driving now, seeing as he had picked a car of this stature. A classic, actually.
After Alec got into his side, slammed the door shut and twisted the key that was already in the ignition; I frowned towards him. He showed no sign of going on with his explanation of getting this car.
"If you didn't steal it, then how?"
"I traded it." Alec merely answered in a flat tone while setting the vehicle into gear. In a blink of an eye, and with his foot down on the gas; we set off down the empty streets of Bila Tserkva. It was probably a good thing we left at this time, seeing as the rush Alec seemed to be in wouldn't entirely be classed as road safety. The exact opposite, actually.
"Traded it? For what?"
"Since when did you become a interrogation officer?" Alec replied rather sarcastically. Although I knew he could be sarcastic when he wanted to be, I'd have never imagined him to be that quick. "I got this car in exchange for your buddy Christopher's Hellix card."
A number of thoughts emitted through my head with his words that had followed.
The main one being; He did what?!
I may be unaware to how diabolical Alec's mental capacity could be; but giving away a Hellix card?! Had he not listened to my previous statement as to that mere card? All transitions could be traced on that thing! They would follow wherever they used it; find the person whom was using it and then boom. They'd be on our trail in no time!
The nerves that were now coursing through my body - and not due to the rapid rate Alec was picking up speed, though that didn't entirely help either - wouldn't seem to subside. The whole thing in never questioning Alec in what he does, or thinks for that matter was out the window. How could I not question it, when he was doing something like this? A hand on my knee sent my reeling thoughts to a standstill.
Instead of clutching the gear stick, Alec had gripped hold of my knee. Tightly.
"Relax, I did as you suggested. I got rid of the card as quickly as I could. Not only that," he said gently. "But I did it for another reason."
"What reason?"
He removed his hand from my knee to go to the gear stick yet again. He moved up gears, picking up the speed even more. God, was I glad we didn't stop for breakfast.
"To let them know we're on the move," Alec answered. "They'll no doubt come question the male with the card on how he came to posses it... And he'll tell them what I told him."
Dare I even ask? "... Which was?"
"I'm on route to reconcile with lost family, and needed his car to do so."
He was giving them a message. Seeing as the facility had failed in reporting the escape to the press; he was giving them a reason to. He was rustling up their feathers, and letting them know he was going to find his family; and the moment he did... All hell would break lose. Once Stefan and Vladimir knew this, then they'd no doubt be forced into action.
Truthfully, I'd hate to be in their shoes right now. The worst thing to happen to them was for Alec to be let lose, clearly. Buy boy was I happy to be the one to have let him lose. Whatever was coming to Stefan and Vladimir was everything they deserved. Truth be told, I'd hate to be an employee in the facility when things went sour. Lord only knows what would happen...
"Are you nervous?" I asked, finding it the perfect opportunity to get off the subject of trading in stolen items and whatnot.
"About?"
"Seeing your family again?" Alec's eyes flicked to me from the corner of his eyes, while he gave a satisfied smirk.
"Why would I be nervous?" Alec retored with a chuckle. "They are my family."
"Yeah... But you haven't seen them in-" How long was it Alec had said? Five hundred odd years, give or take? -"A long time?"
"If anything, that should make me more eager." He shrugged off. "Though, being nervous may play part eventually. Right now my main concern is finding those who will guide me to my family."
The way Alec was able to put some of the most major feelings towards the current events to the back of his head was astounding. If I were in his shoes, I would most likely be nerve wrackingly nervous. Of course I would be excited in seeing my family again - and currently I still waiting in hope for that day to come. Hell, I was praying for a phone call with them. Whenever that happened would be up to the immortal driving, I guessed - but nerves would be playing part too. I mean so much could have changed in the time he had been gone. Alec had already experienced a preview at how much the world had changed; so thus he must expect some aspects to change between his family? Or, he simply wasn't thinking about it.
My money, or what was left of it, was on the latter.
I doubt I would ever get over the envy I had for how calm Alec could be about practically everything. I guess that was why he was referred to as the emotionless twin, or whatever the urban legends stated him as. The nickname, and reputation must've come from something.
"What is your sister like?" I brought my feet up onto the seat, hastily adjusting the belt around me.
His grip on the steering wheel seemed to tighten for a second. "Jane?"
"Unless you have any other sisters the legends haven't spoken about, yes Jane."
He rolled his eyes. "If you wish to get technical, Jane isn't my only sibling. Biologically, yes. She is my only sibling, but as of being in the coven; I have many."
I had always expected there to be more than Jane. After all, the Volturi rebellion was stated to be built up of very highly skilled individuals that threatened Stefan and Vladimir greatly; but hearing him prove this statement in the legends to be true made my nerves pick up.
"We can move onto them later. What's Jane like?"
Alec sighed deeply through his nose, and even went ahead with letting his eyes close for a short moment. "She's... Complicated."
The whole definition of complicated referred to interconnecting parts or elements, and knowing what I did about Alec know; it was safe to say that when he said something; he usually meant the specific definition of that term. I wasn't entirely sure why Alec would refer to his sister as complicated; though that could be for a number of reasons. 1) Because of what the myth's portrayed her as - minus the boy part. A terrifying, vengeful person who wanted to cause havoc on the world. 2) Because he hasn't seen her in so long, so he himself wasn't sure what she was like any more. And 3) Because he didn't want to scare me, or make me more nervous than what I already was.
Actually, come to think of it... I suspected each and every single one of those points were true. People could change over time, so why couldn't vampire's after five hundred years? He could get back there and find a totally different person as to the one he left behind. He could get back and fine her... Not there at all. Just by looking at Alec, I could tell he hadn't even considered that possibility. I didn't blame him on refusing to think such a thing. Clearly Jane had been the only person he had thought about throughout all this; and he was doing all he could just to get back to her. All the torture and pain he had endured had all been for the chance that one day he would get back to her. With that day finally approaching, there was probably only one person who could tell what was going on inside his head - other than himself, of course.
What I would do to have dad's gift at this certain moment in time. Just so that I could sneak into his mind, and see for myself what vast open thoughts he had. Wither he had a mind like, what my dad described aunt Rose's mind as - A shallow pool with few surprises - or like Uncle Emmett, a large lake with no shadows. Or perhaps he had one completely different to anything else he had seen before? Something so deep, even the ocean itself stood in no comparison. So dark, and entertained with shadows not even the great mind reading Edward Cullen could understand the workings.
Alec had said his sister was 'complicated' but right now... He was making himself seem like the complicated one.
"I'd still like to know about her," I said after a few moments of silence. "Other than what the legends say."
"What do they say?"
I really should have brought that darn book with me, shouldn't I? This would have been a lot easier; I could have just given him it on the correct page, and let him read what the world was making out of his family coven's reputation. Now I was faced with the task of trying to remember exactly what had been written down on the pages, and translated by Octavia.
"Well, I know you're from southern England, now. But the most popular myth says you were from Norway... From the family Ottosen. Even to this day they still claim you both to be from their family."
Alec's mouth twisted upward. "Alec Ottosen. Doesn't that sound attractive."
"One of the most attractive name's I've ever heard," I lied smoothly.
He looked at me from the corner of his eye, and the glint within the crimson orbs of his warned 'Don't get smart.'
I smiled, and buried my chin into my hands.
"What else do they say?" Alec went on, having sound some common interest. It may have been to help that ego of his that I'd witnessed slowly growing in our small allocated time together. Soon enough, his head wouldn't be able to fit into the car. I was sure of it. However, why keep such knowledge from the man these myth's were about? He deserved to know what the world had been saying about him, and his sister in his time of being such in purgatory.
"Well, the looks wise. Nothing was ever stated, other than to Ottosen's stating you were both boys, saying you have the trademark family looks. There's actually a painting in the London art museum of you both... Sandy blonde hair,-" Alec smirked. "-Angelic features-" He rolled his eyes. "And tall in stance... Six foot one, I think it said."
He grimaced. "Six foot one. I wish that were true. I'd be closer to Felix and Demetri's stance then,"
I wanted to ask who Felix and Demetri were, but it was a given really. They were clearly members of his family. I'd find out who they were soon enough, but right now I had images of giants within my head, large and muscular with defiant looks upon their faces. It may be the myth's talking, but my instant image of both of them wasn't exactly the kindest.
"And clearly you don't have blonde hair..."
"One of us does," Alec quickly corrected. "Though, I tend to view it more as a sandy brown. I got stuck with the dark genes, while my sister took all the light. Amusing, judging how her personality is the exact opposite."
Without even realizing it - or perhaps realizing it, but not caring - Alec had given me an insight to his infamous sister. Having the opposite of light... She was a dark person, which could translate to many, many things. Things that I personally dreaded to even consider thinking of.
"What else, what else?" Alec pressed for more. He really had taken an interest in this; hadn't he?
"There isn't that much, really." I half laughed, half awkwardly shuffled in the seat. "Just the origins, little on looks, personality, abilities and goals."
"I trust the abilities one is correct, then?" Alec asked, making a turn onto the highway out of the city, and onto the open road.
"You tell me. One says a twin has sensory paralysis, the other pain illusion."
Alec grinned. "That's accurate."
"And you're the paralysis twin, right?"
"The one any only."
Oh, how that statement was more true than any other statement he had probably ever said. In every single record there has never been a gift logged quite as powerful as the mythical twins. Or any of the Volturi members, for that matter. In some aspects, you could somewhat consider Alec - and perhaps his sister, if you were brave enough - a freak. Like me, in so many ways. Different, rare... One in a million. A freak among freaks, as dad had once considered himself and aunt Alice. We were the different ones, among those who were different than the human race. And boy, was I glad to be a freak in that moment. Because being so meant I had one other thing in common with this criminal; and trust me, the list was very, very short so far.
Before he could question me again, I quickly continued.
"The goals section I think is a lot of bullshit-"
"Language, miss Cullen." Alec smirked. "We may be delinquent offenders of the law, but that does not man we may speak like such."
Oh, right. Yeah... I almost forgot Alec was still new to all this. The language to which I was using - which was rare, because even my parents had a thing against a bad mouth - was an everyday thing these days. There was hardly any person in this world who hadn't used a cuss in their life. If there was, I would personally hand them a medal.
"Sorry." I blushed, tilting my face down to hide the blush.
"You were saying?"
"The goal's that the Volturi apparently want... I don't think those are true."
"And what goals would they be?" He quizzed, his interest peaking yet again.
"They you want to return us to the dark ages," Even with the curtain of hair blocking my full view of Alec, I was able to see his face twist in a little irritation. "That you want us to go back into hiding, and slaughter human's as we see fit."
If he wanted to reply, Alec didn't. Instead, he looked thoughtful and currently fighting a battle internally. Whichever this battle was, I couldn't comprehend. Was it anguish that the world could view his coven as such monsters? They the mere name of the Volturi could mean so many different things to different people? Was it finally sinking in that people used his family, a very real - and very dangerous - coven as a term of mocking?
The world was a cruel place. Surely Alec must have known that, even before being placed in purgatory. He was an extremely smart man, so I had no doubt in my mind he knew what cruel tricks the world could do, let alone morph a name into a feign of mockery over a five hundred year span.
Alec didn't speak for a while. He left me to my own thoughts, and most likely himself to his own. The eleven hour journey we had ahead of us began to tick past; Alec stopping every now and then to fill the car with gas - after I had to explain to him why the car was slowing down. He even made sure I had time to use the restroom, and get something to drink or snack on. I didn't know when I'd next get a real meal, so I was taking all the junk he was giving me with open arms.
At some point or other, my thoughts began to fall to exactly who he had given the card too, and if they had used it already. Truth be told, I would have been a little reluctant in using it to begin with; but temptation would have gotten the best of me, just as it would most people. No doubt the first moment the card was used, the Facility was alerted and units were dispatched. They didn't honestly believe Alec was stupid enough to use the card, did they? Of course it would be a trap for them. Well, not really a trap. More so a distraction. A taunt alongside a message in which would send Stefan and Vladimir off into a state of panic. From what I can gather so far, Alec reuniting with his family was something that the Romanian's didn't want to happen.
If I were in there shoes, that would probably become my worst nightmare. He was the key to everything being unlocked, and exposed. Stefan and Vladimir's plots would come into the light, and all hell would break lose. We would be living in a apocalyptic world yet again, only it would be vampire's fighting amongst themselves. After the message was received, I had no doubt that everything would be on red alert, much like Alec had been in the facility. I couldn't entirely blame them for that though. Stefan and Vladimir wanted to cling to everything they had already, and everything that could occur if Alec hadn't of escaped. Although this was probably the most nerve wracking experience of my entire life, and most dangerous situation I had ever found myself in... I was grateful I hadn't given up on my dream of going to the red zone.
Because if I hadn't, I dreaded to think of the world we would be living in. Human's being rounded off into blood farms... The only act of communication we would have with one another, would be with other vampire's. The world would be plain, and boring... Everyone would be the same, despite the odd few who had gifts.
It wasn't until I was eventually dozing off into a small nap that Alec spoke again. Who was I kidding? Of course I couldn't sleep in the car. Alec had said himself, he preferred it with me awake. It was probably the company he enjoyed mostly - though, I doubt he would ever admit that - alongside that he wished for me to see everything there was to offer along the way. I had told him I hadn't seen anything outside the facilities, and that Romania had been the first time I'd ever been out of the United States. It was... Oddly sweet that he wanted to keep me awake, just so that I could see things, experience new sights. How people had gotten the assumption to base a myth of him being twisted, evil and sadistic, I didn't understand. So far, all Alec was...Was a little bit rude from time to time. Especially when it came down to handing out his orders. He could be a little bossy at times, but it was all in good nature... I think. I hope, anyway.
"Say goodbye to the Ukraine." Smiled Alec, turning his head towards the boarder. The cars around us had all began to filter into different lanes to access boarder control. I was surprised to find Alec so calm about this... I mean, now was a high chance we could get caught. In each boarder, I was positive there were at least a dozen or so Hellix Facility confidants, or at least... That's what I had heard, anyhow. People in direct contact with with officials of the HF, then they would inform the Superiors, to which would lead straight to Stefan and Vladimir.
Alec seemed extremely calm, however. Especially as he joined a lane, and set the vehicle into a slow cruise with the slow moving traffic. I sat as still as I could - which wasn't really still at all, come to think of it - looking out of the window to the many signs pointing to different sections. Trucks, vans, cars by certain height... And then the lane he Alec had placed us in. The English lane, where we would be met with an officer who spoke English, rather than Ukrainian, Romanian or Russian - as the other lanes offered. At first, I wanted to question why Alec would do such a thing, since I was pretty sure he was fluent in both Romanian and Ukrainian; as he had quite happily shown in the past. I wouldn't surprise me if he was fluent in Russian, also.
But the smile he gave me answered my unspoken query. He was in this lane for me, so that I would be aware of what was happening. For my own good. To say I had to fight the blush taking over my face was an understatement. I probably would have blushed, rather profoundly, if it hadn't of been for the reeling matter of us growing closer to the front.
"You're tense." Alec accused.
"No."
"Don't lie. Just relax, and let me handle this."
"But they could know. They could figure it out and you'll be put right back into-"
Alec gave a short laugh that cut off my small rant, followed by a small sigh. It was astounding how he could find something like this amusing! Here I was, practically sitting on nails on how nervous I was from this. I seriously envied his ability to be nonchalant about everything.
"Don't look so chagrined, sweetheart. I'm aware of what may lay ahead of us, but I'm capable of handling these situations."
"How?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he gave me a tight lipped smile, and a gentle wink from his left eye.
The car gently moved forward as the vehicle in front was cleared to move on. We were now at the front, and I was able to see what awaited us. There was a building, far to the right where cars were being flagged for closer inspection. Thanks for my enhanced eyesight, I was able to see at least for men, roaming around ahead close to the road on horses. There were police offers, chatting to one another in their uniforms.
To my dismay, the small building that had the inspectors was on my side. Alec pressed a button, which caused the window to roll down; as did he with his own side. Probably because the person in the small building on my side was looking in; as was there another walking around the car and checking underneath. An officer crouched down to peer in Alec's side, his eyes guarded behind reflecting ray-bans. In his mouth was a cocktail stick...
"Good afternoon, folks," there was a slight accent with his words. Proving that despite speaking English, it wasn't his first language. "Would you mind lifting the hood. Internal check."
"Of course." Alec nodded in compliance. He must have done a check of everything when he first obtained this car; for I had no idea where the pull would be to make the hood lift, where as he did it without even flinching. He moved around to the front, while the back doors opened up and someone peered inside to check the back. I glanced at Alec, while chewing on the inside of my cheek. He didn't seem to be at all phased by this...
The male officer checking the engine and such came back around to Alec's window after he closed the hood back down.
"Reasons for entering Russia, sir?"
"Family." Alec said with a shrug. From the corner, I could see he was smiling. "We have some news to share with them."
The male peered in yet again, his ray bans sliding down his noes; so I was able to peer into the deep blue eyes of this male.
"Mm," he mused before stepping back. "Might I ask the both of you to step outside the vehicle?"
Oh, crap. Oh, crap.
My insides were screaming with nerves. I actually felt like I was about to through up. I wasn't meant for this sort of thing. No matter how much I had dreamt of a thrilling, exciting life. This was almost too much to bare! Alec unbuckled himself from his chair, while the officer opened the door for him. His gaze met mine, and he gave me a warning look that said one word. Relax.
How the hell was I supposed to relax?! He pressed the button of my buckle; causing the strap to come lose and set me free. Alec stepped out of the car, while I opened the passenger side and stepped out also.
Alec walked with his head bowed, as he listened to the officer speak to him. The male who had been searching the back seats moved to look in the front. Across the road, in the other lanes, I could see multiple other people being pulled from their cars and questioned. So, this must be protocol; right? I freaking hoped so!
"You understand what will happen if we find any contraband in the vehicle?" The officer was saying, while Alec nodded his head along. Finally at my side, he put his arm around my shoulder.
"I'm aware," Alec nodded. "I'll be sent to the Hellix Facility, most likely the... Blue zone, I believe?" The officer nodded in agreement. "And she will..."
Alec paused, looking me over. His free hand moved to brush the hair out of my face. Delicately putting it behind my hear. "Actually, I'm not sure what could happen to her."
"Well, she will be put into custody where the terms of her charges will be put forth. If found guilty, she'll be sent to prison."
"So no blood farms?" Alec questioned, causing my eyes to widen. They wouldn't send me to either of them! I wasn't hu- Oh. He was playing along the lines of me being a human...
"No, the crime of bringing in contraband isn't severe enough to send her to a blood farm." He officer chuckled. "Though, if there is indeed nothing you have to hide; you have nothing to worry about."
Oh, we weren't carrying any illegal drugs or anything like that. We were merely just an ex employee of the red zone who just so happened to have helped one of the most notorious criminals the Red Zone has had to come to date. We have absolutely nothing to worry about.
The male who had been checking the seats closed the door and walked around; holding a... Baby bottle.
"Nothing other than this, sir. Doesn't appear to have any liquid inside, but we should test it anyhow?" Although he seemed to be giving a mere statement, it was like he was more so asking a question. Was this guy new? Compared to the officer speaking to us, it appeared so.
"Test it," the officer nodded; causing the male to quickly walk past and into the building behind us. The officer's attention returned back to us, his eyebrow arching curiously. "There isn't a car seat for a child in the vehicle, nor a child present..."
I looked to Alec, my eyes probably growing wide with dread. He had traded a car with a man, who had a child! Not only that, but apparently he had been driving around with that child not in a kids seat! How the hell were we going to expla-
Alec gave an awkward chuckle, while he pulled his arm around me tighter; bringing me closer to his side. "Boy, is this awkward."
Ray-bans arched his eyebrow curiously, twisting the cocktail stick at the left side of his lip to the right corner.
"See, officer.. That's the news we have to share with our family."
I didn't like where this was going. Not one bit.
"Oh?"
"It's a bit early, so we're not really expecting anything out of it yet; since we ourselves didn't believe it to be possible. Hybrids being rare an' all."
Yeah, so rare. Yet here you are, Alec; with your arm draped around one!
Ray-bans seemed to catch on. "Wait... You-" he removed the cocktail stick from his mouth; only to point it in my direction.
"Yes, sir." Alec beamed. "Two weeks along, according to what the test said. Right, sweetheart?"
How the hell had my life come to this? In the past few days I had gone from Red Zone Facility employee 031095, to 97283's personal observer, then onto Ex-employee of the Red Zone, and so forth to 97283's accomplice in escaping. In the past 48 hours alone I had gone on from being in the freaking sister zone - to apparently carrying his freaking child! Alec was sure quick to think on the spot, and the situations he put me in weren't entirely the most comfortable.
"Right... Two weeks, three days." I mused, and to add affect I placed a hand over my flat stomach. The possibility of me ever getting pregnant was about one in a million, considering I was already half dead as it was. Sure, I ovulated and got the typical month crap women got... But it wasn't as bad as human girls got. Mine lasted a day, perhaps two depending on the month; and I could barely ever feel it. From what I could tell with human girls... Their month's cycle usually was the worst time of their lives. I didn't envy them in the slightest.
"Oh, well... Congratulations." Officer ray-bans smiled genuinely, using his forefinger to push his glasses up his nose and cover his eyes again. To my complete and utter joy, the younger male who had gone with the bottle came back.
There was droplets on the inside of the bottle, showing some sort of liquid had been on the inside of it.
"Came back negative, sir." He handed the officer the bottle, who checked it over and nodded. "And the interior?"
"Nothing at all. Completely clean."
Ray bans huffed a grunt, pursed his lips and nodded his head. "Well, there's no reason to keep you here. Good luck with telling the family on your condition."
Condition? Is that what they called pregnancy these days? I had to fight the urge not to roll my eyes. "Thank you."
He held out the bottle, to which Alec took happily. "We'll need all the luck we can get. Especially me."
"Strict family, huh?"
Was he actually... Walking us to the freaking car?! I slipped into the passenger side, pulling the belt buckle around me and clicking it in. Alec was still conversing with him as he slipped into his side. Without even looking at me; he held out the bottle for me to take. I did, and listened to their conversation.
"You have no idea," he chuckled while closing the door. Ray bans lent down to look in the window while talking to Alec. "My father will most likely insist on a wedding immediately. His views are strict on getting a woman pregnant. Views it as though it's your responsibility."
I wasn't going to lie... I found that oddly respectful. Truth be told though, I wasn't sure wither Alec was bullshitting him, or wither this 'Aro' - his father figure, I guess - really was strict on such views. It wouldn't be surprising if he was, seeing as they clearly came from a time where men were forced to take responsibility for their actions. Alec was a true specimen of what men used to be like a long time ago. Boy, would he have been great for a show and tell in high school. The one class where we had been learning about the civil war, and whatnot. Having an actual being there, who had been alive during such a period - even though Alec was evidently locked up for that period of time, and probably had no idea it had even happened - would have gotten me an A plus, rather than the solid A.
"Well if so, all the best of luck for your future." The officer stood up and slapped his hand against the top of the car, giving us the all clear to move on.
Alec wasted no time in starting the engine and moving slowly forward, setting up gear and picking up pace. The multitude of cars coming through slowly broke up into different lanes, and my eyes widened as I saw the sign coming forward.
'Добро пожаловать в Россию.'
Underneath, the English translation.
Welcome to Russia.
This was it... We were finally here. We were finally in Russia.
"How long is it until we come to Moscow?"
"Six hours, but I can make it less if you like."
Although I knew he meant by speeding, but I couldn't help the severe urge of excitement that rushed through me. Not only had we crossed across the Ukraine, but we were finally closing in on Alec's destination on finding his family. As each minute ticked by we were getting closer and closer.
"Less is good."
Alec smiled. His hand shifted towards the gear-stick yet again and moved up a gear; causing his speed to increase. There was no turning back now. With Russia now crossed, Moscow... Here we come.
—xXx—
My eyes fluttered, peering up out of the window. I must have fallen asleep, which was surprising. Alec had actually let me sleep, even after he insisted in me staying awake so I could see all there was to offer. Judging by the road we were going down currently; he didn't seem to mind since there wasn't much to see other than roads, cars and more roads littered with even more cars. I yawned and stretched out my limbs to the extent it would let me.
"Welcome back, sleeping beauty." Alec commented, while I still stretched out my body. As my limbs ached satisfyingly, I slumped back and turned my eyes towards him. He was relaxed. As relaxed as any criminal could be, perhaps even more. His back was pressed against the seat, with one hand on the steering wheel and the other's elbow was resting against the window.
"Where are we?"
"Ten minutes from Moscow."
My nerves picked up, just as I quickly sat myself up also. Ten minutes, and we were there? Alec must have really gone quickly, or I had fallen asleep for quite some time. It wouldn't surprise me if it were the latter. Ever since this began I hadn't been sleeping properly. All in all, I was grateful for the time Alec had let me rest. He must've sensed I needed it.
I peered out the window to the upcoming city before us, watching the horizon in awe. I was mesmerised by the beautiful buildings all coming into view. Moscow was a beautiful city. I felt as though for one person to appreciate a place's beauty, they had to experience it first hand.
"What're we going to do when we get there?"
"Find a hotel and wait till morning. That'll give me a chance to figure this out."
I turned to look at him. "Will you be going out again?"
"Most likely." He nodded. "It won't be long, however. I'm eager to continue that dreaming experience you shared with me last night. It's unlike anything I've ever seen before."
My cheeks flushed to a deep crimson. The blush seared through my cheeks, and for a minute I was positive my face was on fire. I suddenly felt awkward, demure, and coy; even going as far as attempting to hide my rose features behind my fingers. I was all too aware that his eyes had turned to look at me - eagerly waiting for a reaction, a response, like a predatory beast. Alec was narcissistic when it came to his ability in making me blush; I was sure of it.
His words had been the cause of this invasion of color to my cheeks, and the eyes looking at me only made it profoundly more so. It wasn't cute either. It wasn't a soft pink, like a healthy outdoor glow. It was beet red. The blushing made me blush even harder, until I was scarlet and roasting hot.
He really needed to stop this.
He chuckled gently, and returned his eyes back to the road.
"I'm going to drop you off outside a hotel now. You go inside and book a room, while I go in search. The sooner I'm on their trail, the better."
The tone which he was using wasn't one to question. I mean, I rarely ever wanted to question what Alec did. Seeing as I had to stop doubting him, and his intentions. He had promised my safety to my father, after all. Even though what we were doing would be classed as dangerous, Alec had a good mindset on him.
"Alright." I mused, watching as he turned a corner; finally coming into the beautiful city of our destination.
He pulled over to the side walk. While I unbuckled myself, he pulled the wallet out from the blazer jacket and handed it over to me.
"Rest easy, get something to eat."
I nodded in agreement as I opened the passenger door. Alec leant over and pressed a firm, thin lipped kiss onto the side of my temple before I could exit the car. The blush began to form again, so I quickly got outside of the car. As soon as I closed the door, Alec rolled down the window.
"I'll be back soon. Take care, Renesmee."
I smiled, and half heartedly waved my hand towards him. I turned around to enter the hotel he had clearly chosen for our destination, which... Surprisingly was the same as the last hotel we stayed in, in the Ukraine. Clearly their franchise was big.
"Oh, and Renesmee?"
I looked over my shoulder, hand on the door - ready to push it open. "Yes?"
"Welcome to Moscow."
His soft lips stretched into a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. They were lit with sadness, and the forced expression of the contrary on his mouth would have looked comical to me if it didn't make my heart feel heavy. I wasn't sure what this was... But it felt like a goodbye. It truly, truly did. For a few moments I stared at him, almost sure his expression mirrored mine. It would be an understatement to say I didn't want him to leave, because I always felt at more at ease in his company. This... This was a hidden goodbye, wasn't it? Now that he had me safe, he was going to go on without me. For some odd reason, it broke my heart. I didn't want to turn into a random image that floated in the pool of his memory. I didn't want to be the smile that squeezed his chest somewhere far away. I didn't want him to go. I wanted his smile to stay. I wanted him to stay.
Despite the smile on his face, he winked playfully towards me as the window rolled itself back up. Soon enough, the view of Alec vanished completely; and I stood there in awe watching the infamous 97283 drive off down the road and further into the city.
I sighed, deeply, and turned to the door yet again. Although it felt like a goodbye, and I truly felt as though I'd never see him again, I was hopeful. Right now, all I could do was what he told me to. Book a room, rest, eat... And sit in hope that he might walk through the door again at some point.