T.J. POV
Garrett was very easy to convince after I told him the story. He was also very eager, well maybe a little too eager. He didn't have a problem with me and Embry because he said we didn't smell to him. He was a little hesitant to go near Jake because he would either scowl or glare at the floor. I told him that he doesn't really like human drinkers but he's keeping his mouth shut because our friends need the help. He and Kate seem a little shy around each other but I'm happy for them.
After we spoke to Garrett, I lead the others to the tree that Tanya and I were at yesterday so we could talk.
FLASHBACK
Embry and I sat on the ground with our girls in our laps. No one said anything for a good 5 minutes.
"So," Embry said. "Where do we start?"
"Was there anything you two wanted to tell us?" Tanya asked. "Anything? I promise we'll listen."
I looked at Embry who sighed.
"Irina," He said and she stared at him. "I uh I-I-"
"Yes," She said. "What is it?"
"I uh," He looked at the ground nervously. "I had sex before I met you."
He flinched like he was expecting to be hit. When the hit never came he stared at her.
"I had a feeling," She said softly. "You had to much expierence at kissing and caressing to not have done something. And I can't really hold it against you because I have as well. Although," She narrowed her eyes at him and he gulped. "If you so much as look at another woman, I will hurt you in ways that you couldn't even imagine."
His eyes widened and he nodded his head. Tanya looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Well," I started before I turned to Embry. "I can't speak for Embry when I say this, but I love you Tanya Denali and there is something that you need to hear from me and not someone else."
"I'm listening." She said in an even tone but I could hear her voice crack slightly. She must be scared of what I might say.
"I found out about three months ago that my great grandfather was told a prophecy by a shaman," I glanced at Embry who tightened his hold on Irina who looked confused. "It said that there would be a time when an Alpha would find an immortal soulmate. It also said that his right hand could predict the future and had the blood of an Alpha and a Beta. They were talking about me and Jacob."
She blinked at me a few times before she spoke.
"Are you saying that our bond was predicted by a member of your tribe?"
"Yes," I said. "It said alot of things. Things that I can't really bring myself to care about right now with what's going. But there was one thing that does fit with all of this."
"And what is that?"
"It said that we would be the first of many that would unite our people with vampires. I think what's going on is what it was refering to."
"Is there a reason why you didn't tell me this earlier?" She asked with a slight edge in her voice. I need to word this carefully.
"One," I started. "I didn't think it was important. And two, I didn't want you to think that I was only with you because of some prophecy my great grandfather heard, I'm with you because I want to be."
She just stared at nothing.
"Please Tanya," I begged. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything before but I thought it was the best option. I meant what I said when I told you I love you."
She sighed and smiled sadly at me.
"Sorry," She said. "I thought you were going to tell me something terrible, but this was almost as bad. I really thought that you-"
I cut her off with a kiss. She kissed me back but it wasn't like yesterday, she wouldn't open her mouth. She's either afraid that I didn't mean what I said or she's afraid that I'll get venom into my system. I placed my forehead against her's and closed my eyes.
"You don't believe me?" I asked doing my best to keep my voice even.
"I do," She said. "But I don't want my venom-"
"I would've been dead by now," I pointed out by cutting her off. "Even if a little got into my system, I wouldn't be here. So I'm fine."
She sighed in exasperation.
"That doesn't mean we can't be cautious," She grumbled. "Right Irina?"
I opened one eye to see her nod and Embry sulked.
"Really?" He asked and she nodded again. "How do you feel about all of this? With the prophecy I mean?" She asked him.
"I'm neither here nor there on that," He said with a shrug. "I didn't even think of it until T.J. pointed it out."
"Oh so it's my fault?" I teased while looking at him and he rolled his eyes.
"You know what I meant," He said before he looked at Irina. "I know if I say this now it would probably seem that I'm only saying this because he said it," He inclined his head towards me. "But I do love you Irina Denali, make no mistake about that."
She smiled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"That's gonna get old very fast," He grumbled as he snagged a peck on her lips. "We'll be fine fine, right Teej?" He said that last part a little mockingly but he was being serious. I nodded in agreement.
They both sighed.
"How about we talk to Carlisle?" I asked. "He could run tests at the hospital or bring some equipment here, we could see if it will be alright."
This idea appeased them so they nodded.
END FLASHBACK
We spent the rest of the day just talking about each other and our interests. Tanya is a very keen painter and Irina likes to write. Embry said that she be published but she reminded him that he never read anything she wrote so he couldn't say that. He just waved it off and said that she should at least consider it. I told Tanya that I would like to see her paintings and wouldn't mind learning a thing or two.
Me and Embry told them about our appreaciation for anime, comic books and action movies. I told Tanya about my Norton Commando and she said I could have it shipped to Alaska so I wouldn't have to ride it there. If everything goes of with out a hitch that is.
I asked her why she kept looking at Jacob that way and she said I already knew the answer. I frowned at her until I thought about the conversation I had with before. She was giving them those looks because of the fact that he imprinted on Nessie. I sighed and let it go for now. I didn't want to have two Denali sisters on Jacob's ass if I brought it up.
The Irish coven was a group that I was very interested in. Edward told me that the leader of the Coven, a woman named Siobhan, was an old friend of Carlisle's. They met when Carlisle traveled through the United Kingdom in the first 10 years of him being a vampire. They kept in touch and would visit each other from time to time.
FLASHBACK
Edward had lead the coven to living room where we were all sitting down. Siobhan had this immense presence about her. She had a great muscular tone that moved in smooth undulations. She had long black hair, a soft heart shape faced, and ruby red eyes.
Then there was Liam, her tall, hard faced mate. He had light brown hair, a long nose, and a decent frame. His eyes were ruby red but they weren't as bright as the others. His posture was tense and his eyes were cold. I couldn't tell if that's how he usually was, or if he was just being over cautious. Either way, his stance didn't go unnoticed by everyone else and was not appreciated by Jacob who scowled.
The youngest member, who was also the talented one (although I was told that this subject was debated several times) whose name was Maggie, had bright red hair which was so curly, that it looked like she had red ringlets for hair. Kinda like Nessie's except her's is bronze. She had a slightly angelic looking face like Jane's but she didn't have that smug look that Jane had. She wasn't as imposing as the other two, but she was just as important because of her gift. She could tell when someone was lying by a feeling she would get or by one's facial expressions. Siobhan and Liam trusted her word and judgement.
"So," Siobhan started while eyeing us curiously. Her accent was thick but her voice was soft and held this power and wisdom to it. "What seems to be the problem?"
Her gaze fell on Nessie who smiled at her. She raised an eyebrow at Edward and he quickly explained the story we'll be telling people. Liam's expression softened a fraction as he and Siobhan turned to Maggie. She smiled at Nessie.
"He's telling the truth." She said simply. Her accent wasn't as thick as Siobhan's but her voice was just as soft.
"Would you like to hear here explanation?" Edward asked and they all raised an eyebrow at him. "She has a gift that's perfect for telling stories." He said.
They all shrugged and nodded.
END FLASHBACK
They were very fascinated with Nessie and just like I said, they were willing to help. Liam loosened up a little and he was actually very nice to talk to. He stayed away from Jacob because of the look on his face and the bad smell, which me and Embry apparently didn't have anymore. I guess it was because the imprinting bond was changing alot about us.
Maggie was very full of energy. If it was possible to find someone more hyper than Alice, Maggie would be it. Siobhan reminded me of Carlisle in the sense that she was very curious about alot of things. Like us for instance. She asked why we would be willing to fight along side people who should be their enemies. I simply told her that they were our friends and we always help our friends. When she asked Tanya and Irina why they were close to me and Embry, they said we were their mates. She blinked at them for a few moments while Maggie told her it was true. Actually, her exact words were, 'As strange as it is, they are telling the truth'.
Embry almost jumped down her throat for saying that but Irina reminded him that most of their kind will not be so understanding. He frowned and said that it shouldn't matter. She said that she agreed but said that it was the way it is. I told him it was true and one person coming here will be very vocal about it. Tanya asked me who it was and I said it was Amun. I told her that I caught a few glimpses of him make some snide comments and I told Embry and Jake that they needed to ignore him. When they asked me why I said that it wouldn't be good to start a fight with anyone especially him. I told them that we needed all the numbers that we could get even though I disliked Amun and will probably hate him by the end of this.
Speaking of Amun, he couldn't have been a bigger asshole even if you paid him. Honestly, he makes Paul look like a damn saint.
FLASHBACK
"I will not let any memeber of my coven touch her!" Amun snarled as soon as he saw Nessie. He barely stepped into living room when he started glaring at her while she was in Carmen's arms. The others looked at her in interest. "We're leaving."
"Amun-" Edward tried to say but couldn't get another word in because Amun cut him off.
"No Edward," He said coldly. "We are not touching that thing."
Several hisses and growls were heard but Amun just ignored us. Nessie frowned and it looked like she was going to cry. The Irish coven along with Peter and Charlotte glared coldly at him. They had really come to like Nessie and she liked them too. Jacob had a murderous look in his eyes. I guess the only thing holding him back was the fact that Nessie was in the room and he didn't want to scare her. Carmen and Bella looked furious. Eleazar, Embry, and Garrett scowled at him. Irina, Tanya, Kate and I bared our teeth. Edward was the only one without a dangerous look on his face. He had a tight smile on his face and his eyes were almost black with hate but he was holding back.
"We are leaving, now." He commanded.
"You know Amun," Benjamin murmured. "I think this location will be a nice change of scenery for me and Tia. What do you think my love?"
She looked at him and nodded.
"It would be a nice change." She said and Amun narrowed his eyes at them.
"I said we are leaving," He told them. "Did you not hear me?"
"We did," Benjamin said. "You and Kebi are more than welcomed to leave but I thought it would be nice to stay amongst friends, and help them in their time of need."
"I said we were leaving." Amun repeated.
"And I said you are more than welcome to," Benjamin responded with a smile. "But as I said this area would be a nice change for Tia and I."
I liked this kid. Well person, I couldn't really call him a kid because despite the fact he looked younger than me, he was at least over a hundred and eighty years old. He was able to make a subtle threat yet at the same time make it sound conversational.
"I am not leaving you here with them." Amun hissed and I had to hold back the growl that was building in my chest. What was he trying to say?
"Then join us my friend," Benjamin said cheerfully. "What better way to spend our time than to help our companions?" He raised an eyebrow which Tia mirrored. I would've laughed at Amun's expression but I kept it together.
"Fine," He said through his teeth. "We will stay, but we are leaving at the first sign of trouble."
Jacob snorted in disugust which did not go unoticed by Amun. He narrowed his eyes at Jacob who did the same thing.
"And just what is your problem-" Amun started but stopped mid sentence and sniffed the air. He made a face and stepped back. "So that's what that smell is, who invited the dog!"
"Don't call him that!" Renesmee snapped surprising alot of us. It reminded me of when Claire yelled at us for picking on Leah.
Eleazar, Garrett, and Embry loosened their scowls and smiled at Nessie. Actually Embry was giving her a goofy grin. I smiled at her as did the three sisters. The Irish Coven, Peter and Charlotte blinked at her. Carmen and Bella tried to give her reproachful looks but failed because of the smiles they had. Edward tensed and a vision of Amun lunging at Nessie went through my mind so I did the one thing I could think of: I ran to protect her.
I bolted in her direction, stood in front of her, and planted my feet. It was good timing, because Amun had moved forward with his right hand out front. Edward caught it but he kept coming forward so I shoved him back. He looked at me as if he just noticed me for the first time and he frowned while everyone else growled at him.
"How did you-Where did you-" He stumbled over his words before he narrowed his eyes. "What are you boy? You aren't human. I would think you were like him." He jerked his head towards Jacob who growled. "But you don't smell so what are you?"
I didn't answer.
"Well?" He demanded. "What are you boy?"
I gazed at the other members of his coven. They were staring at me in interest but Tia and Benjamin also looked apologetic before they scowled at Amun. I locked eye's with Amun and he looked annoyed.
"Answer the question!" He snapped. "What are you? Did you not hear me boy?"
"Oh I heard you alright," I mumured. "I'm just not going to answer."
"And why not?" He hissed.
"Why should I answer your question after that stunt you just pulled?" I sneered.
"She is an insolent child!" He spat. "She needs to learn to respect her elders."
"I'd watch what I say if I were you Amun," I said over the growling that ensued. "Her mother is a newborn and I have half a mind to let her beat you senseless."
"Oh, and what is the other half telling you?" He spat.
"To do it myself!" I hissed.
"As if you could take me," He said darkly. "I have centuries on you boy and what do you have?"
My eyes glazed over while my nails extended into claws, and my teeth became sharper.
"Wouldn't you like to know," I said. His eyes were wide and he stepped back. "Not so confident now are you?"
"What-"
"Am I?" I finished for him. "I'm not going to answer that question because I don't owe you anything!" I snarled.
He just stared at me and Benjamin stepped forward.
"May I?" He asked Edward. Edward looked at him and nodded.
"What are you doing Benjamin?" Amun asked and he ignored him.
"Could you bring her forward Carmen?"
She hesitated.
"It will be alright," Edward said. "He doesn't want to hurt her."
"Don't worry Carmen," I said giving her a sideways glance. "I'll be watching."
She nodded and moved forward. Amun tried to move forward but stopped at my glare.
"Hello little one," Benjamin said. "My name is Benjamin, what is your name?"
"Renesmee," She said with a smile. "But you can call me Nessie."
Bella groaned and a few of us laughed as Benjamin listened to the story.
END FLASHBACK
Amun tried to keep a tighter leash on Benjamin after that. Tried being the key word in this situation but he couldn't be stopped. Benjamin and Tia quickly became friends with the Irish Coven as well as the Denali's. Embry said that he liked him and I had to admit, he and Tia were very easy to get along with. Jacob actually started warming up to a few of the vampires but he mostly kept to himself.
Carlisle came back a week after he left with an old friend from England. His name was Alistair and he was a tracker though his gift wasn't as strong and accurate as Demetri's. He was a misathropic, brooding vampire that took Carlisle's word when he explained the story but he refused to touch Nessie. He was more calm about it than Amun but he liked to sulk, He practically made himself at home in the Cullen's attic. He was a curious case. He didn't really like anyone yet he considered Carlisle a close acquaintance but he never visted more than once a century.
He was highly suspicious of authority especially the Volturi. With everything going on his fears were now confirmed. He kept complaining about them find out that he was here and that anyone who Carlisle has talked to will be on their list. He said it would also mean centuries on the run for anyone who could get away.
The other nomads that came by were Mary and Randall. They've been friends for along time but they never traveled together. They listened to the story, and said that they would be witnesses for us. They came around the same time that Emmett and Rosalie came back.
The next two vampires that came were the ones that Alice and Jasper had just met in the Amazon. They were a wild pair, who were tall and had feline like features with long braids and red eyes which seemed restless. Carlisle wasn't kidding when he said they wore animal fur, but seeing them in the flesh was different from the image I had in my head.
FLASHBACK
"Zafrina and Senna!" Carlisle exclaimed as he saw the Amazonians. "Where is Karichi though? I've never seen you three apart."
"Alice said that we need to split up," The taller one of the two said in a deep, rough voice. "We do not like to be away from each other for too long because it get's very uncomfortable. Alice said that we were needed here and Karichi was needed elsewhere. That's alll we were told. It sounded like she was in a great hurry...?"
That last part trailed off into a question.
Carlisle motioned for Bella to bring Renesmee. She seemed a bit reluctant but went over to them. The Amazons were very calm throughout the story despite their fierce appearance. They seemed quite taken with Renesmee just as much as the others, save for Amun, his mate, and Allistair.
Edward was estatic to have the Amazonians here because if the Volturi did not listen then she could tell the story with her gift or blind the enemy. She then proceeded to show Edward some images because she couldn't show Bella any. This didn't make her feel put out it actually she seemed amused and intriuged.
"It's a very straightforward illusion," Edward said as Zafrina shifted restlessly. Senna mirrored her action slightly. "She can make most people see whatever she wants them to see, and nothing else. For example, right now I appear to be alone in the middle of a rain forest. It's so clear I might believe it, except for the fact that I can still feel you in my arms."
Zafrina's lips twitched and Edward grinned after his eyes refocused.
"Impressive." He said.
"Can I see?" Nessie asked reaching for Zafrina. Zafrina turned to regard her.
"What would you like to see little one?" She asked.
"What you showed daddy." She said simply and Zafrina nodded. Nessie's face went blank and she stared off into space. After a few seconds she smiled.
"More." She commanded and Zafrina complied.
END FLASHBACK
I wanted laugh when she said that but I kept quiet. It probably would have looked funny. Anyway, those two were practically joined at the hip after that.
Then there was the training that we had to help Bella with. She wasn't bad but she lacks confidence.
FLASHBACK
"Focus Bella," I said as we circled each other in a small clearing not far from the house. "This is important. You can't under any circumstance, let me get by you."
She nodded and charged at me. I charged at her and she swung at me. I caught her wrist, ducked under her arm and yanked her arm back so I could flip her. I spun around and stared down at her.
"Again?" I asked sounding a little bored. We've been training for an hour and she could barely lay a hand on me. Out of the cornor of my eye I could see Edward scowling.
"If you don't want to be here Edward," I started while looking back at Bella who was dusting herself off. "You can leave. Unless you want to help with the training?"
I saw Bella look at him hopefully before her face fell and she turned back to me.
"Again." She said in a dead tone.
I volunteered to be one of her teachers after Edward said that he wouldn't do it. I thought that with my gift, I could sort of act like Felix or Demetri who, according to Eleazar, were very good at predicting their opponents moves. Tanya reluctantly agreed to let me do it only because I pointed out that it would be good for Bella to get as much training as she could. I also said it would be good for me and Embry.
The Denali's, especially the sisters, all had more knowledge when it came to fighting and Garrett was a very patient teacher. I was too but I had half a mind to hold back, and let her hit me, just to give her spirits a boost. But I thought better of it because ultimately, the enemy wouldn't hold back and she would never learn anything.
She charged at me but this time she had her arms to the side. Her idea was to wrap her arms around me and wrestle me to the ground. I had two options, I could roll to the side and avoid her or I could go into a two point stance then a three point stance. I went with option two.
A two point stance and three point stance is what linemen, both offensive and defensive, do in football just before the Center linemen hikes the ball to the Quarterback.
I know it sounds stupid but there was something my uncle Jumbo (That's his nickname by the way. I doubt there would be a woman in the world that would be comfortable with naming their kid Jumbo) said when he came to visit. He was an offensive lineman in college and he would've went pro but he tore his ACL and it never healed correctly. He wasn't saddend by this, because he became a coach for the local highschool and he taught the next generation how to play football as he put it, 'correctly'.
He said, 'You should get as low as you can. The lower you are, the more chance you have at defeating your opponent.'
I crouched into a two point stance when Bella was five feet away. I went lower into my three point stance when she about two feet away. I bolted towards Bella at the right momemnt.
CRACK!
Was the sound that was made when we clashed. I wrapped my arms around her waist and she flailed her arms. I guess she wasn't expecting me to do that. We rolled around for few moments before she placed her hands on my chest and shoved me back. I flew through the air before I crashed into something. I heard something snap then creak. I looked up to see that I landed into a tree and I broke it on impact. It was going to fall on me so I rolled away.
CRASH!
Was the sound it made when it fell to the ground.
"Sorry!" Bella wailed. "I'm so sorry!"
I sat up and gave her an exasperated look.
"Isabella," I said in a teacherly tone and she grimaced. I swear I saw Edward grin at me. "The enemy is not going to apologize to you, so why are you doing that?"
I sprang to my feet to dust myself off. After I did I raised an eyebrow at Bella and I noticed the others had bemused expressions. All except Tayna who had a strange look on her face. She was frowning but she was also smiling. Something tells me it was because of what just happened. I rolled my eyes.
"Tatiana," I said sweetly and she blinked. "I'm fine. Nothing's broken and I'm not bleeding so it's all good."
She rolled her eyes but grinned at me.
"Now Bella," I said turning to her. "You did well, do you want to keep training?"
"Fight training?" She asked and I nodded. "No but I would like to work on my gift."
"Ok," I said shrugging. "But if you want to train with me, just say the word." She nodded and bounded her towards Edward. They held hands and flashed towards the mansion as did the others. Tanya made her way over to me. She didn't say anything but she gave me an inspection with her eyes.
"Turn around." She said after looking at me. I rolled my eyes but complied. When I turned around I felt her hand on my back.
"Does that hurt?" She asked.
"No."
She applied pressure.
"Now?"
"No."
She apllied more pressure.
"No-"
I cut her off by spinning around and pulling her close. I cupped her face leaned forward and kissed her gently.
"I know you worry," I told her as I traced the left side of her jaw with my finger. "I would never tell you that you are not allowed to worry about me. However, I would hope that if I told you I was ok that you would take my word for it."
She made a face as she placed her hands on shoulders.
"You make it sound like I don't trust you," She said softly. "Which is false because I do."
"I didn't mean it like that," I said as I place my hands on her hips. "It just looks that way."
She sighed.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be." I said with a shrug. "There's one thing that's bugging me though."
"What's that?" She said tensing. I should have stated that better.
"Amun." I said.
"What about him?" She said relaxing.
"I think he might know what I am, or he's close to it."
"And that's a bad thing?"
"It might be," I said. "If he uses it against you."
"Your concern is touching," She murmured. "But I can deal with Amun."
"I know," I said. "I didn't mean to make it sound like you were incapable of doing that, it's just I don't want to be a tool that's used against you."
She chuckled.
"There is no way that could happen," She said. "I doubt Amun could find a way of using you against me without looking like an even bigger prick than he already is."
I barked out a laugh before I kissed her forehead.
"Do you want to head back?" I asked and she shook her head.
"Let's stay here for awhile." She said wrapping her arms around me.
"Sure, why not?"
END FLASHBACK
We stayed there until it was dark just talking about whatever came to our minds. I think Tanya did it to take my mind off of Amun. It would have worked had the next thing not happened.
FLASHBACK
We all gathered in the living room. It was a little cramped but we made do. Carlisle had brought a huge dry erase board with wheels from the attic so we could use it. He wanted lay out our positions in the clearing. Edward suggested I mark the areas we need to be in because I knew where they would be. I shrugged and took the pen. I drew a line down the middle of the board. I drew another line on the right side of the board in green marker to mark the trees. I was about to talk when Amun opened his mouth.
"And how exactly," He drawled. "Does this dog know any better than we do?"
We ignored him. I told the others to do this before hand. I have no idea how he found out what I am but I just shrugged it off. I grabbed a red pen and drew X's on the left side of the line.
"This is the Volturi," I said indicating to the X's. I grabbed a blue pen and drew circles on the right side of the line and behind the green line. "This is us," I said pointing to the circles. "The Cullens and the Denali's will be here," I pointed to the first group of circles. "Carlisle, Edward, Bella, and Nessie will be in front," I turned to them and they nodded though Bella did it with a frown. Jake narrowed his eyes at me and I rolled mine. "You can stay close by." I told him and he nodded.
"So he can play guard dog?" Amun commented.
"For the love of god man shut up!" Siobhan snapped and Amun gave her an irritated look. He would have said something but he looked at the members of her Coven who gave him a cold look and backed off. Siobhan looked at me and smiled a little. She may not understand how me and Tanya are together but she was nice to me.
"Please continue."
"These circles here," I said pointing to the line of circles behind the green line. "Are my brothers and sisters."
Amun snorted but said nothing.
"They will wait behind the trees until the right moment to step into the clearing."
"Why?" Maggie asked.
"Because they will give the Volturi pause." I said and Amun laughed.
"As if puppies could scare them," He snorted. "Tell me boy, how could you dogs scare the Italian Coven when none of us could."
"Because," I said slowly as if I were talking to a small child. "Caius is afraid of werewolves and they will be out numbered should it come to a fight."
"Who said it won't." Allistair commented from the attic, stopping his mumbling for a moment, and I looked at the ceiling.
"Do you want to come down here Allistair?" I asked. "It would be easier for me to talk to you."
"Why?" He asked.
"Because I feel like I'm having a conversation with the ceiling," I murmured and a few people chuckled. "And it's a very silly feeling."
He snorted but he didn't address me again, just went back to mumbling stuff.
I looked back to Amun who stared blankly at me.
"No he isn't," He sneered as if the exchange I had before with Allistair didn't happen. "I've known Caius for along time and he's never said anything about that."
"How can you be this dense?" I said and he hissed. "Why would anyone say what makes them afraid to anyone? That would be the dumbest thing to do."
"And how would you know mutt?" He spat while the others hissed.
"Do you not know what I can do?" I asked and he looked stumped. "I can see the future. I'm the first of my kind to do so. I saw the look in Caius' eyes when he looks at us. His face was screwed up into a sneer but his eyes gave everything away. He will be terrified. Now," I said as he looked at me in disbelief. "If you don't have any more idiotic comments to make I will continue."
I was about to talk again but Amun opened his trap.
"You should keep your pets on a tight leash Carlisle," He murmured. "Or they won't be so obedient."
"They are not my pets Amun," Carlisle said stiffly. "You know that."
"And they don't need leashes," Tanya snapped. "But you need a damn muzzle."
Emmett, Garrett, Embry, and Jake roared with laughter. The others joined in except Kebi but her lips twitched a little before she scowled. Amun narrowed his black eyes at Tanya and I knew I wouldn't like what he said next.
"And what would you know about muzzles Tanya?" He said venomously. "I didn't think you and that dog had anything going on because I thought beastiality was beneath you, clearly I was wrong." I couldn't stop the shaking that ensued and the others growled menacingly at Amun even Tia and Benjamin. "I guess once you're a whore, nothing is beneath you."
That did it.
Before I could stop myself, I lunged at Amun. I pulled him out of his seat and punched him the jaw. There was a sickening crack as he flew back into a nearby wall.
"Watch what you say leech," I hissed. I never used the slurs my pack mates came up with because I was never one to use derogatory remarks against anyone, no matter how annoying or harsh they were being. But this was different. No one, and I mean NO ONE insults my Tanya and gets away with it. "Just because she bested you, doesn't mean that you can call her that."
He didn't respond but he charged at me. He pulled his right hand back and threw a punch. Just like with Banks, I caught Amun's arm and twisted it but this time I wrapped my hand around his throat. My grip was so tight that there were cracks forming around his neck. The funny thing was, I wasn't even trying. He tried to pry my hand away but he couldn't.
"So," I started. "This is what centuries of immortality have produced? I am not impressed."
I kicked his right knee so I could make him kneel then I slapped him.
"If you know what's good for you," I said. "You will not open your mouth again or I will have my brothers and sisters turn you into a pile of ash."
I spun around and headed to the board while several people were stunned. The Nomads, the Irish coven, half of the Egyptians were gaping at me. The Cullens and the Denali's smiled at me. Emmett, Embry, Garrett, and Jake clapped me on the back.
"Now where was I," I mused. "Ah yes."
And then I continued.
END FLASHBACK
Amun kept his mouth shut after that although, I'm sure he kept talking shit when he went hunting.
We had some unexpected guests after another week. I had showed Carlise that they were coming but I didn't know what they were here for. He didn't know either but he would keep a look out.
FLASHBACK
We were all in the back yard trying readjust our vision after Zafrina blinded us. Something that she could have told us she was doing before hand when I heard some commotion in the front yard. I heard Carlisle's voice over a sound of surprised chatter.
"Did Alice send you?" He asked sounding unsure and slightly upset.
I caught Edward's eye and we darted into the house. The others followed though I could hear Bella move slowly. I guess it was because Nessie was perched on her back.
There was a crowed by the front door but I could see over their heads. The two figures from my vision were standing in front of Carlisle.
The vampires at the door were both slight and short, one dark-haired and the other with hair so ashy blond that it looked pale gray. They had the same powdery look to their skin like the Volturi, though it was not as pronounced. Their sharp, narrow eyes were dark burgundy, with no milky film. They wore very simple black clothes that could pass as modern but hinted at older designs.
"No one sent us," The blonde said in a feathery soft voice.
"Then what brings you here?" Carlisle asked sounding wary.
"Word travels," The dark haired one murmured. "We heard hints that the Volturi were moving against you. There were whispers that you would not stand alone. Obviously, the whispers were true. This is an impressive gathering."
"There has been a misunderstanding," Carlisle said in a strained toned. "We are not challenging the Volturi at all. Like I said, this a very serious misunderstanding but one we're hoping to clear up. What you see are witnesses. We just need the Volturi to listen. We didn't—"
"We don't care what they say you did," the blonde one told him. "And we don't care if you broke their law."
I noticed there a slight edge in his voice when he said the word their.
"No matter how egregiously." The dark haired one added.
"We've been waiting for a millennium and a half for the Italian scum to be challenged," The blonde said. I noticed that if you didn't see them, and if you didn't have good ears it would sound like you were hearing one person speak. "If there is any chance that they will fall, we will be here to see it."
"Or even help defeat them," The other one added. "If we think that you have a chance of achieveing it."
"Bella," I heard Edward say in a hard voice. I noticed that the others were tense and some were glaring violently at the two. "Let us test their claims. Bring Renesmee in here please."
I heard her shuffle towards us as several people took defensive stances. I did too albeit a little reluctantly. Something was telling we would be ok. The second Bella and Nessie came into view, the dark haired stranger grinned.
"Well, well, well," He drawled flamboyantly before he looked at Carlisle. "You have been a very naughty boy haven't you?"
Part of me wanted to laugh at his sudden campiness but it was to tense to do so.
"She's not what you think Stefan." Carlisle said. Finally, a name.
"And we don't care either way," The blonde respnded. "As we've said before."
"And you are welcome to observe Vladimir," Carlilse told him. "We are not planning to challenge the Volturi, as we have said before."
"Then we will cross our fingers," Stefan began while crossing his fingers.
"And hope we get lucky," Vladimir finished with an impish grin.
They scanned the group until they landed on me, Embry and Jake. The grins they had on their faces made me feel uncomfortable. They glided over to me, ignoring the hisses and growls. Vladimir held his hand out to me.
"Hello little brother." He said and my eyebrows shot up. The others stopped what they were doing to do a double take.
Take it, I heard Takoda say. You can trust them.
You better be right.
I reluctantly took his hand and asked.
"What do you mean when you said, brother?"
"Of course you wouldn't know of our history with werewolves," Stefan said as I shook his hand. "Our apologies. You see, we are known as Romanians but we are really-"
"Dacians?" I offered cutting him off. I remembered the countries that correspond with the empire and Romania was one of them. Peter's tip came in handy.
The Romanians looked stunned.
"Yes," Vladimir said slowly. "Not too many people know that, how is it that you do?"
"Oh I got a tip from a reliable source that said I would need this imformation." I glanced at Peter who winked at me.
"How much do you know?" Stefan asked.
"Not much really," I murmured. "Just that Dacia was a branch of Thrace and you had a godly ancestor called the Dacian Draco."
"Correct young one," Vladimir grinned. "Do you know what it looked like?"
"It had the head of a wolf," I started. "And the body of a dragon."
They grins widened and I felt Tanya's hand slip into mine. I looked down at her and she was eyeing the Romanians suspiciously. They turned to regard her. They looked her up and down then zeroed in on our hands. I didn't like the smirks that crept up on their faces.
"How did you know what I was?" I asked to take the attention off of Tanya. They turned to me and smiled.
"You look just like our brothers." Stefan said.
"They were tall," Vladimir went on. "Handsome and very muscular. Much like yourself and them." He gestured towards Embry and Jacob. "But I can tell that you are different. Tell me, do you change during the full moon?"
"No." I said shaking my head. "I can change when ever I want."
I heard Jacob curse at me in Quiletue and told me not to spill secrets but I had to defy my Alpha. I trusted Takoda so I would trust them. For now at least.
"Interesting," Stefan mused. "You are different than our brothers but you remind us of them in so many ways."
"I thought that we were enemies," Embry said. "Why would you call these werewolves brothers, that is, if they were real."
They gave him a cold look.
"Are you implying that we could never be kind to werewolves?" Vladimir said. "Just because those Italian fools made it a point to murder our brothers does not mean that we felt the same. In fact, we will avenge them if we have the opportunity!"
"And how dare you question the validity of our brothers existence!" Stefan added.
"Now when you say brothers," I murmured trying to keep everything cool. "Do you mean..." I trailed off hoping they know where I was going with this.
"We meant that in both the figurative," Vladimir began.
"And literal sense." Stefan finished.
"How can it be both?" Jacob asked.
"They were related to some of them," I said. "But those who weren't of blood relation were still treated as such."
"Exactly," Stefan said. "And just because the rest of our kind has forgotten one of the oldest alliances ever made does not mean that we do."
"It was a terrible alliance," Amun snapped. "Those dogs were untrustworthy and had no sense of honor-"
Amun would have said more but the Romanians silenced him with a demonic look.
"If anyone is untrustworthy and lacking in honor," Vladmir hissed. He sounded so much like a snake. "It would be you, you coward."
"We may have been over thrown," Stefan added. "Our brothers both vampire and wolf alike may have died in combat but at least we stood together and fought for what was ours. Unlike you Egyptian, who decided to abandon his coven and find a rock to hide under!"
"Why you-"
"Don't Amun," Benjamin said. "We didn't come here to fight."
"No," Amun said. "We didn't come here to fight, we came here to die."
"At least some of us will die with honor," Vladamir snapped. "Unlike you."
"There's a special place in the underworld reserved for people like you," Stefan snarled. "And I'm sure they would welcome you with open arms."
"I don't need to take this!" Amun bellowed. "We are leaving!"
"No we are not." Benjamin said. "We are here to act as witnesses for our friends and that is what we will do."
"I am your leader!" Amun spat. "You dare to defy me?"
"Yes," Benjamin said with a nod. "Because you are not acting like a leader, you are acting like a child."
Several people cracked up at Amun's affronted expression.
"I'm going hunting," He said in a quiet voice. "When I get back, we are leaving."
Kebi rushed over to him then they flashed out of the house.
"Didn't they just hunt?" Tanya asked.
"Yeah," I said. "They did but he doesn't care." I turned to the Romanians. "What was that about?"
"Something we've been meaning to get off our chest," Stefan said. "We never had a chance before this, so we jumped at the opportunity."
"A millenium worth of resentment that we needed to get out of our systems." Vladamir said. "As long as he doesn't do anything, we won't fight him. I swear it on the Dacian Empire."
"As do I."
There was a beat of silence. I noticed that the others weren't as tense, they were a little curious.
"Did you know what I was from looking at me," I began. "Or was my family mentioned in these whispers that you heard?"
"The latter," Vladmir murmured. "We didn't think that our brothers, the Children Of The Moon, had many descendants left. We hoped that there would be and even though you are not them, I can see you share the same traits as them."
"Such as?"
"You have a great sense of selflessness," Stefan said. "You are willing to lay your lives down for someone you care about. You stood ready to attack if we posed a threat to the child. Monsters do not do that, good men do. Our brothers were good men, and so are you. That young one, is what you have in common."
"Not to sound rude," Carlisle said. "But I thought true werewolves were uncontrolable. Kind of like newborns but worse."
The Romanians howled with laughter. It was strange hearing them laugh but at least the tension was dying down.
"That, my friend," Stefan said. "Is a myth. One that only came to fruition because a lone werewolf had killed several vampires in self defense."
"Yes," Vladimir began. "Tell me, what would happen if you backed an animal into a corner?"
"They would lash out." I said.
"Correct," Vladimir said. "And that is what happened. This whole uncontrolable nonsense came about because the group that was trying to capture the wolf were amateurs. The newborn part was because he was stronger than them of course he was purebred, so he knew a thing or two."
Are they telling the truth, I thought to Edward and he nodded. Well this should be interesting.
END FLASHBACK
Jacob, Bella, and well a good chunk of the people here were still wary of the Romanians. I didn't mind them so much they were...interesting to say the least.
In the end we had over 17 witnesses combined with the 16 family members. The Denali's asked to be counted as family and since Garrett, Embry, and myself were mated to the three sisters, we were counted in there as well. Carlisle thought it was fitting to have Jacob in there with us because he had come to view us as sons.
Speaking of Carlisle, he had some left over equipment and he would be happy to run the tests. Turns out our bones are just as dense as vampire skin, which Carlisle said has the same density as titanium alloy. He said our speed and strength are relative to our size, just like a vampire.
He guessed that Embry could be fast as Edward because he was close to him in size. He also guessed that I would be as strong as Emmett or maybe stronger.
I thought this was all well and good but I was more concerned about the venom test. He took blood and venom samples and said he would work on it.
That was a few weeks ago. It was Christmas time now. I surprised my mom and grandma by going home for a few hours and spending time with them. I gave them the gifts I bought them last month and I told them about the money I saved up. I told them to use it just in case. My mom shook her head at me and asked why I didn't bring Tanya. I told her that vampires were not allowed here imprint or not. And I didn't want to put the new wolves on edge. She seemed saddened by this, so did my grandma, but we just kept talking before I left.
Embry came to my house after he was done and we were getting ready to run back to mansion.
"Do you know when Jake will be back?" He asked.
Jake went with Bella and Edward to celebrate Nessie's first christmas at Charlie's. Sam and a few members of his pack will be there. The younger wolves would be at home. Leah said she would take first shift at patrolling. She said the younger ones needed a break. I learned that they were all doing well and they were very enthusiastic about what they were. They were training hard and were paying attention. Jacob told me that Sam said he was glad that they took it so well.
"Probably after 2," I said. "It's almost 1:30 now so we'll see him soon."
Just before we ran I had a vision.
Everyone was gathered in the back yard of the house. Carlisle looked very glum. The others were waiting patiently for him to talk.
"Allistair is gone," Carlisle murmured. I knew this already. I saw him leave last week and I told Carlisle about it. "He didn't leave a note."
There was some murmuring among the group.
"We should all be running." Amun said after a minute or so.
"Just because you want to run doesn't mean we need to run as well." Irina said rolling her eyes.
"Nobody asked for your opinion bitch." He spat.
"Nobody asked for yours either you prick," Tanya said standing in front of him. "And watch what you say to my sister."
"Do not tell me what to do!" He roared and he did something that I never thought he would do. He back handed Tanya.
The vision stopped there and I bolted towards the Cullens house. I didn't care if anyone saw me, my imprint was going to be harmed. I didn't care about anything else as the trees blurred in my vision.
"Hold the hell up!" Embry shouted at me.
"No!" I snapped. "I need to help Tanya! Embry, promise me something!"
He caught up to me.
"What is it?"
"Promise me you will protect Tanya while I deal with Amun."
"I promise."
"I'm counting on you little brother."
"I won't let you down."
I did say anything I just pushed myself to go faster and my vision blurred even more. We arrived at the front of the house in 10 minutes tops. I could hear the arguing in the back.
"Nobody asked for yours either you prick," I heard Tanya say as I reached the side of the house. "And watch what you say to my sister."
I turned the corner and ran.
"Do not tell me what to do!"
And there was the back hand again.
A ferocious roar tore through my lips as red colored my vision. I felt my eyes glaze over, my teeth become sharper and my claws extend. I lunged at the prick who thought he could touch my Tanya. He turned his head a second too late and I tackled his ass to the ground. There was no way I was going to let him think he had any right to do what he did.
TANYA POV
I watched as Thomas tackled Amun to the ground. As much as I wouldn't mind him dismembering Amun, I don't want him to get hurt. He was in control the last time he had an argument with him. His judgement was clouded by anger now who knows what would happen.
I tried to move forward but someone was holding me back. Three people actually. Kate and Irina both had vice grips on my arms. Irina was on my left, Kate was on my right. Emmett was behind me arms wrapped around my waist. Embry stepped in front of me and crouched low.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" I growled.
"No can do sis," Embry said. "I promised my brother that I would make sure I protected you while he dealt with that bastard."
Kate, Irina, and Emmett murmured their agreement and I growled louder. How could they just let him fight like this?
Amun tried to knock Thomas down but he missed. Thomas took that opportunity to claw at Amun's back. Amun cried out and swung at him again. He missed and Thomas clawed at his face. I thought Thomas had a chance, until he swung at Amun and missed. Amun jumped behind him and bit into his left shoulder. I shrieked and my sisters hissed. Carlisle gasped and Embry growled. We all knew what vampire venom does to a wolf's system before we took those tests. Carlisle hadn't gotten his tests results yet so it could have the same result as Jacob described.
I thought Thomas would scream but he laughed instead. How could he laugh at a time like this? Amun didn't let go and I could hear him sucking out Thomas' blood. He's trying to drain him dry! I thrashed against the hold I was in but it was useless.
"Do you like that?" Thomas purred. "Good, because that's all you're going to get."
He elbowed Amun in his stomach. Amun cried out and stepped back. Thomas spun around and took a swipe at his face. When Amun leaned to the side, Thomas flashed behind him.
"Let's see how you like it." He hissed and bit into Amun's neck. Amun screamed and tried to buck him off. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Kebi step forward. Tia pulled her back and Benjamin stepped in front of her, effectively blocking her view.
"What are you doing?" She hissed. This is probably the first time I've heard her speak the entire time she's been here. "We should be helping him!"
"No." Benjamin said coldly. "He got himself into this mess, he can get himself out."
Amun cried out again as Thomas tore out a chunk of his body. Thomas shoved Amun away and spat out the chunk in his mouth.
"Ugh! Jesus you taste like ass!" He exclaimed as he started wiping his tongue with his shirt. He looked over at me and the others and smiled.
"Don't be so glum, I made no plans to die today." He said with a smile and I glared at him. "No really look." He continued and pulled his shirt off. He pointed to his wound which had venom draining out of it. Wait, the venom is draining out and his wound is healing. What is going on?
"All of this, for that whore." Amun scoffed. "Gods you are stupid."
Thomas snarled before he flashed over to Amun. He pulled Amun into the air by his throat with one hand, and yanked out Amun's left arm with the other.
"Watch your mouth you filthy fucking parasite." He spat. It would have been difficult to hear him over Amun's shrieking and Kebi's snarling if I didn't have good hearing. He threw Amun across the stream and tossed his arm at his head.
Thomas took deep breaths before walking back over to us. His irises were starting to turn green. His claws and teeth were retracting with each step. He stopped and whipped his head around. I followed his line sight. Amun had jumped over the stream and darted towards Thomas. Thomas crouched low and hissed.
Amun didn't even get within 5 feet of Thomas because the ground rumbled and a crater opened. Lots of rocks and hail erupted from the crater and hit Amun. He flew back about 6 feet and landed harshly. My gaze flashed to Benjamin who had his left arm outstretched, his palm up and his fingers flexed.
"You lost Amun." He said as he slowly closed his hand. The crater started closing as he did this. "There's no point in continuing."
Amun looked at Benjamin as if he was just slapped in the face. Amun scrambled to his feet and narrowed his eyes.
"You would choose them over me?" He said. "I am the one who gave you life!"
"But it is my life to live, is it not?" Benjamin said in that ice cold tone. It was strange seeing him act like this. "It's such a shame that you couldn't bend my will to match yours. Then, and only then, could you make me the weapon you want me to be."
Amun turned his gaze to Carlisle and bared his teeth.
"Is this why you brought me here Carlisle, to steal from me?" He snapped and there was a chorus of growls. The loudest were from Thomas and Emmett.
"Yes, Carlisle invited his closest friends here to steal from them." Benjamin said while rolling his eyes. "Give it a rest Amun."
"Alistair had the right idea, we should be running!"
"Just like you did before?" Benjamin snapped. "Like when the Volturi destroyed your brothers and sisters!"
"I had my reasons for doing that." Amun said through his teeth.
"Yes, it was so you could live to see another day. I've heard this story before." Benjamin spat. "I also heard the story about your precious Demetri."
At the mention of Demetri, Amun snarled. His eyes were blazing with rage.
"They stole him from me!"
"Yes I know." Benjamin said. "They used Chelsea to change his loyalty. Ever since then you've been plotting your revenge. You were waiting for the right person to change and you found me."
He paused and looked around at the crowd.
"Even when I was human, I had some influence over the elements. The one I had the most influence over was fire. My uncle thought it was something that I could use to entertain people."
He paused again and smiled before he grimaced.
"Amun saw in me a chance to regain his honor. He envisioned me as his avenging angel." He locked gazes with Amun. "I hold no ill will against you for changing me. But I cannot stand by and let you say or do things unchallenged any more."
"So what are you saying?"
"I am saying that I won't join another coven anytime soon, but I will if you won't let go of these paranoid tendencies that you have." He said. "I will only say this once Amun, Carlisle is not Aro and I am not Demetri."
Amun growled at Benjamin before turning to Carlisle.
"I will bear witness that the child has grown, that much is true. However, if the only way to survive is to join the Volturi, I will." He said.
"I won't hold it against you my friend." Carlisle said.
I will. I thought.
"I will." Thomas and Benjamin said at the same time. The rest of my family murmured their agreement. Amun glared frostily at all of us before he motioned for Kebi to walk over to him Tia released her and she ran to Amun. She grasped his hand in hers.
Amun narrowed his eyes at Thomas.
"This is not over mongrel." He spat and Thomas laughed.
"Well, if you ever feel the need to have your ass handed to you again, give me a call." He said inclining his head.
They both hissed before they spun around and flashed away from us.
Thomas heaved a sigh.
"Well that was fun." He said. He turned to Benjamin. "You didn't need to do that."
"Yes, I did." Benjamin said. "He was out of line. First with hitting your mate and when he just accused Carlisle of stealing."
"Well, he should be glad that I didn't set him on fire." Thomas said through gritted teeth and Benjamin chuckled without humor.
"I wouldn't blame you my friend." He said as he patted Thomas' shoulder. Thomas' eyebrows shot up.
"You consider me your friend?" Thomas asked and Benjamin nodded.
"You are one of the few people here that know me for me, and not my gift."
"You got a great personality," Thomas said with a shrug. "You don't have an ego, you're very respectful, what's not to like?"
Benjamin grinned at him.
"I could say the same about you," He said and he held his hand out to Thomas. "Friends?"
Thomas smiled and shook his hand.
"Friends."
I felt the grip from the others loosen so I shrugged them off and stomped over to my idiot mate.
THOMAS MATTHEWS!" I screeched and he flinched. "What the hell were you thinking? Oh yeah you weren't thinking at all!"
"Tany-"
"I don't want to hear it!" I snapped and I punched him in the shoulder. He cringed but didn't say anything. "He bit you! How could you fight him knowing that he could do something like that? What you did was stupid, reckless-"
"And something that I knew would work," He interrupted. I blinked at him, did I hear him correctly?
"What do you mean?" I heard Randall ask. "You didn't do it on purpose did you? You didn't let him bite you right?"
"Of course he did." Peter said while Charlotte added. "It was kind of obvious."
"Obvious?" Thomas asked.
"Yes young one," Stefan murmured.
"You couldn't have been more obvious if you had the words bite me tattooed on your forehead." Vladimir added sounding bemused while Thomas huffed.
"Well it was worth it," He said and at my glare he continued. "He is an arrogant prick who thought he could one up me. You heard him before, 'I have centuries on you boy, what do you have'." He said in decent immitation of Amun's voice. "I'm not gonna say that vampires are arrogant but it seems to be a reccuring trait with some of the older vampires. I mean look at the Volturi, they are the definition of arrogant."
"That doesn't mean you needed to be bitten," I snarled. "You could have finished the fight sooner."
"I didn't see that," He said. "It could have been worse."
"How so?"
"He could have grabbed one of you," He said. "Or when the others came back he could have tried to kill Nessie."
I tensed and I saw a few people do that as well.
"He wouldn't have gotten that close," I said. "Anyone one of us would have stopped him."
"I didn't want it to get that far," He said and he looked to the front where I heard a car pull up. "It's the others."
"Do not think that this conversation is over," I hissed and he nodded.
"At least we have an answer though." He said.
"What do you mean?" I said frowning.
"I wasn't affected by his venom," He explained. "In fact, my body rejected it. So, if that's any indication..."
"My venom may not hurt you either." I said after he trailed off.
"Exactly," He said with a nod. "You know, you look really pretty today."
Several people snorted.
"Don't think you can get out of this by buttering me up," I said and he pouted. "I'm still mad at you."
He sighed as the Romanians shuffled over to us. Stefan had a dufflebag in his hand.
"We wish to give you something," Stefan said.
"For the holidays." Vladimir added and I narrowed my eyes at the two of them. Stefan reached his hand into the bag and pulled something out. It was a stick about 18 inches long. On one end, there was a silver wolf head with rubies for eyes. The other end had a silver ring that you would see on several asian weapons. The shaft looked like it was covered in blackish silver scales. They handed it to Thomas who studied it critically.
"Not to sound well, ungrateful, but why are you giving me this?" He asked as he rotated the stick. "And why now?"
"It took awhile for it to be shipped here." Vladimir said.
"And it would make more sense for you to have it," Stefan added. "We don't have much use for it."
Thomas said nothing. He scanned the item. He narrowed his eyes at the wolf head. He twisted it and it made a clicking sound. The wolf's mouth opened and a metal spike extended out of it. It looked like polished steel and it was roughly the same size as the the stick. He looked at the ring and twisted it too. He pulled it and there was a thin cord that reminded me of piano wire. He frowned and put it back in twisting it to lock it in place. He stared at the spike and did the strangest thing: He sniffed it. He recoiled from the smell and narrowed his eyes at the Romanians.
"Is this what I think it is?" He asked.
"If you mean a mixture of vampire skin," Stefan began.
"Various metals, and werewolf fang," Vladimir added.
"Then you would be correct." They finished together.
Thomas opened his mouth but they held up their hands.
"Let us explain." Vladimir said. "Our fallen brethren asked us to use these things to make weapons."
"They were all warriors and that was their last request." Stefan said. "We honored their wish and that," He pointed to the item. "Is one of the results."
"So I basically have someones remains as a weapon?" Thomas asked. "How lovely."
He twisted the wolf head and the spike retracted. He sighed and twirled the stick.
"I have to admit though," Thomas murmured. "This design is, for lack of a better word, genius. Did you make it?"
"No," Vladimir shook his head. "One our blacksmiths made that before he was killed."
"He would have made more weapons like that," Stefan added. "He had many great designs but he never had a chance to make them."
Out of the cornor of my eye I saw Edward, Bella, Jacob and Nessie join us.
"Allistair is gone." Edward told the others.
"Why did he go?" Bella asked,
"He was probably scared." Jacob snorted.
"Maybe," Thomas murmured. "He's never been one trust many people right?"
He directed that last part to Carlisle who nodded.
"No one really knows because he didn't leave a note." Edward said. "From his muttering, it's been clear that he thinks a fight is inevitable. Despite his demeanor, he actually does care for Carlisle, so much that he was willing to come here. I suppose he decided the danger was too much."
He shrugged at the end of his explanation.
"From the sound of his mumbling," Eleazar began. "It was a bit more than that. We haven't spoken much of the Volturi agenda, but Alistair worried that no matter how decisively we can prove your innocence, the Volturi will not listen. He thinks they will find an excuse to achieve their goals here."
"Wouldn't surprise me." Thomas muttered mostly to himself but we heard him.
We all exchanged an uneasy glance before I stood next to Thomas and took my hand in his. He smiled at me.
There was some small conversations going on but the Romanians were the loudest.
"Brother," Vladimir murmured to Stefan. "I do hope that Allistair was right about this. No matter the outcome word will spread. It's time that our world saw the Volturi for what they've become. They'll never fall if everyone believes this nonsense about them protecting our way of life."
"At least when we ruled, we were honest about what we were," Stefan replied.
"And how did you rule exactly?" Thomas asked sounding a little amused. I never understood why or how he got along with them but he did.
"With a little bit of arrogance young one," Vladimir said with a grin. "But we never put on white hats and called ourselves saints."
"That's what the Volturi do." Stefan added.
"I think this is the right time for a fight," Vladimir said. "Can you imagine if we'll ever find a better force to stand with? Another chance this good?"
"I don't know brother," Stefan said. "But nothing is impossible, maybe someday-"
"We've been waiting for fifteen hundred years, Stefan." Vladimir interrupted. "And they've only gotten stronger with time."
He paused and glanced across the yard. I followed his line of sight to see that he was looking at Bella who was looking at him.
"If the Volturi win this conflict," He said. "Then they will have more power than they have ever known. With every conquest they add to their strengths. Think of what that newborn alone could give them" He jerked his chin toward Bella. "And she has barely scratched the surface of her gift. Same with the earth mover," He nodded to Benjamin who stiffened. "Or this young wolf," He patted Thomas' shoulder and I tensed. Thomas squeezed my hand. "With his gift of foresight and whatever magic he posseses."
He paused again and I noticed that everyone was listening to them.
"With their witch twins," He hissed before looking at Kate and Zafrina. "There will be no need for the illusionist or the one with the fire touch."
Stefan looked at Edward and said. "The mind reader is not necessary. But I see your point brother. Indeed, they will gain much if they win."
"Much more than any of us can afford to have them gain, don't you agree?"
Stefan sighed. "I agree. And that means… "
"That we must stand against them while there is still hope."
"If we can cripple them, expose them even . . ."
"Then someday, others will finish the job."
"And our vendetta will be repaid at last."
They locked eyes and said. "It's the only way."
"So we fight." Stefan said.
They seemed a little conflicted as they said this. Part of them wanted to run but their revenge was calling to them.
"We fight." Vladimir agreed.
"We will fight too," Tia said sounding solemn and grave. "We are of the opinion that the Volturi will overstep their authority. We have no wish to belong to them." Her eyes lingered on Benjamin. He grinned at her then glanced at the Romanians.
"Apparently, I'm a hot commodity. It appears I have to win the right to be free." He said and Thomas chuckled.
"You and me both my friend." He said.
Garrett walked over to us and smirked.
"This won't be the first time I've fought to keep myself from a king's rule," Garrett said in a teasing tone. He clapped Benjamin on the back. "Here's to freedom of oppression."
"We will stand by Carlisle," I said and I saw my family nod. "And we will fight if need be."
"We haven't decided." Peter said while looking at Charlotte who pursed her lips.
"Same for me," Randall said.
"And me." Mary added.
"The packs will stand by the Cullens," Jacob said. "They will not get away with abusing their power."
"Got that right," Embry grunted with a smirk.
"I'm in too," Maggie said shrugging out of Siobhan's hold. "The truth is on Carlisle's side, I can't ignore that."
Siobhan glacned at Carlisle with worried eyes.
"Carlisle," She said ignoring everyone around them. "I don't want this to come to a fight."
"Neither do I Siobhan, this is the last thing I want," He said half smiling. "Maybe you should envision a peaceful solution."
I frowned in confusion. What did he mean by that?
"You know that won't help." She said.
"Couldn't hurt to try," Thomas said.
"Don't tell me you believe this nonsense too?" She asked and Thomas shrugged before turning to Eleazar.
"Siobhan," Eleazar said. "I've been told you don't believe you are gifted, but you are. I can tell just like with the others in this area. You have something."
Oh she's gifted. Why didn't she say anything before?
"So I should visualize the outcome I desire?" She said while rolling her eyes although she looked unsure of her earlier declaration when she said it wouldn't work.
"If it wouldn't be to much trouble," Carlisle said with a grin.
"Then there is no need for my coven to declare itself, now is there?" She retorted. "Since there is no posibility of a fight."
She grabbed Maggie and pulled her back as Liam stood there with no expression but there was a twinkle in his eyes.
People dispersed. Some went to hunt and some headed into the house.
"Hey Benjamin!" Embry called and he looked at him. "Ever seen the show Avatar: The Last Airbender?"
"Can't say that I have." Benjamin replied.
"Then allow me to educate you my friend." He montioned for him to follow them into the house. Benjamin and Tia complied. Thomas turned to the Romanians.
"I have a question." He said and they mentioned for him to continue. "Does this weapon have a name?" He asked holding up the stick. "Like the other Dacian weapons I mean. You know the Falx or the Sica?"
"No." Vladimir said shaking his head.
"The blacksmith who made them, our brother Damien, said this is a special weapon," Stefan explained. "The owner shall give it a name. So that will be your right to do so."
He handed Thomas the bag.
"For your brothers," He said after Thomas raised an eyebrow. "We would give it to them, but something tells me you would have more success with that."
"We need to go hunting," Vladimir said. "We will see you later."
They nodded and darted away from us. Thomas let go of my hand to look in the bag. His eyebrows shot up before he closed it.
"That's interesting," He said. "I don't think they'll use it but if they don't I'll keep them."
"What is it?" I asked.
"More weapons," He said. "The look like the ones out of the images I saw when I did all that research but they smell just like this." He held up the stick. "I think this is some of the other results they were talking about."
"Are you really keeping that?" I said eyeing the weapon in his hand.
"Sure," He said with a shrug. "What's the worst that could happen?"
I shrugged to. I wasn't sure what could happen but I was still unsure about him having it. But if he wanted to keep then I wouldn't stop him.
"What are you going to name it?"
"I don't know," He said looking at it thoughtfully. "I could use a Hawaiian word, in honor of my mother's heritage."
"Like what?"
"I could use Mahina which means moon or moonlight," He said. "Or Alekanekelo, Alika for short, it means protector."
"They're both good," I said. "Either would fit perfectly. Do you want to go inside?"
He nodded and we flashed inside the house so we could join the others.
Damn this took forever to write. Tell me how you feel about T.J. getting a weapon and what name it should have. I haven't decided and I don't know how long it will take for me to write the next one so let me know. I know the encounter with the Romanians was slightly different from the book but I hope you enjoyed it none the less.
Yours truly,
-Capt. Hazard.