Learning to Breath

Disclaimer: None of these characters etc. belong to me. They all belong to the wonderful and amazing Stephanie Meyer. I don't think I could ever be that creative. Lol. Stephanie rules!

Author's Note: Hey everyone! This chapter is the very exciting chapter, with Alex's visit to… Volterra! I feel like there should be a 'dun dun dun!' in there. Lol. Anyways, I hope you like it!

Volterra

"Alex?" Tasha called tentatively. I looked up. I hadn't spoken for several minutes after Alice had told me Edward was going to Italy. I had to plan this correctly. If I didn't, there could be hell to pay. "Alex what are you going to do?" she asked.

"I'm going to go get him." I said. Then I turned and spun on my heel, and ran back into the house. My family followed.

"Alex, I think you may be underestimating the Volturi." Carlisle said. "I stayed with them for a time in my younger vampire years. I-"

"I don't care. I'm going to get Edward back." I snarled. I went into the woods, towards the cottage. I went into the huge closet, and grabbed a backpack. I glanced over the silks and satins, and grabbed an armful of the clothes from my pre-Alice period. I stuffed it into the bag. I went into the kitchen, and grabbed a couple of things. I was still half Felix, so on a occasion I ate human food. I slung the backpack over my shoulder, and went back outside.

Everyone was waiting. "Alice, I need the first ticket to Italy." I said. She closed her eyes, looking at my future. She must have seen how adamant I was about this, for she sighed.

"Alright. Give me a few minutes." She went back to the main house. One by one, each member of my family walked forward, and gave me a hug, or kiss on the cheek. Tasha lingered.

"I'm scared for you." She said softly.

"Don't be. I'll be home soon. The Volturi don't know who they're dealing with." I said darkly. Tasha shifted her weight nervously.

"I'm worried. What if something happens? You're so strong, Alex. What if you can't control it?" she asked. I'd thought about that too.

"I can, Tasha. I know it. But I have to do this alone. I don't want anyone else to get hurt." I said. Tasha sighed.

"Alright. Just promise you'll be careful."

"I promise. Now go, I want to be alone for a bit." I said roughly. Tasha nodded, and left. I dug my fingers into my hair. How could I have let this happen? Edward was in danger because of me. It was up to me now, to get him out.

Alice returned ten minutes later. "You'll pick up your ticket at the airport." She said. I nodded.

"Thank you. I'm going to leave. I'm terrible with goodbyes." I said. Alice nodded. We both knew that I may or may not be coming back, and goodbyes would just make things worse.

"Be careful." She murmured. She handed me a wad of cash. "Just in case." She said. I nodded, and clasped her hand for a moment.

"Thanks, and I will." Then I ran. I could run fast enough now so as not to be detected by human eyes. I ran all the way to Seattle, and then walked the small way to the airport. It was sunny, but that didn't stop me. My skin now had a pearly, luminescent luster, but nothing that would keep me inside. There were people all around me, but their scents were only mildly tempting. I weaved in and out of the people, the entirety of my focus on getting to the airport. I could only pray that Edward was safe, and would stay that way until I got to him.

Once I was on the plane, (first class) I got fidgety. I tried my iPod, doodling, but nothing helped. I couldn't focus, or stay put. Alice had assured me that plane was the fastest way, but I wasn't so sure. I had considered high jacking a jet or something, but of course that was ridiculous. I didn't know how to fly.

There was only one connection flight, in New York, and then I finally landed in Italy. It was excruciating, having to move at a mortal pace. I hated it. I wanted more than anything to shove these infuriating humans aside, and run as fast as I could. But I couldn't risk exposure. That was one of the things Carlisle warned me about. Whatever you do – don't expose yourself while in Volterra. The result would be an quick, and instant, death.

Alice told me there was some sort of festival going on to celebrate one of the vampires, Marcus. When I asked why, she laughed darkly. "They think that he drove the vampires out of the city, hundreds of years ago." Wasn't that ironic. I saw the fastest way into the city… it was yellow. And acquiring it would be illegal. But that didn't stop me. Five minutes later I was in the bright yellow Porsche, and on my way to Volterra. When I reached the gate, the guard stopped me. "No admittance." He said. I smiled, and thought about pulling out the cash, but thought better of it.

"Couldn't you make this one little exception?" I purred in Italian. He blinked. I wrapped my energy around him, willing him to accept. My new improved looks and powers did the trick.

"I guess I could let you in." he said. I grinned, and gave him a wink.

"Grazie." I said. He waved me through the gate. About ten minutes and only three yards later, I abandoned the car. People surrounded me, all wearing gray cloaks, and children with little plastic fangs. I called the tiniest bit of my gift forward, and willed the people to move out of my way. A tiny bubble of space surrounded me as I moved easily through the crowd.

I was though the crowded square and to the alley Alice told me to go to in five minutes. Alice told me I would find two vampires there that could take me to the castle. Sure enough, two shadowy figures stood just inside the shadows of the alley. They turned at the sound of my footsteps. "We've been waiting." They said. One of them stepped forward. "My name is Demetri, and this is Felix. We've been told to bring you to the castle." He said. I looked him up and down. My newly improved sight allowed me to see them despite the shadows. Felix looked like what Emmet's evil twin might. He had an olive skin tone underneath the chalky whiteness of a typical vampire, black hair cropped short, scarlet eyes, and a large build. Demetri was a slighter, with the same general look, but his hair waved to his shoulders.

"Yes well, have you heard how well that went for your friends?" I asked. I knew it probably wasn't a good idea to be taunting the vampires that would take me to Edward, but hey. I was fucking pissed. Sure enough, Felix hissed. "Feeling a little resentment?" I said, pushing it.

"Shut your mouth!" he snarled.

"Felix. Another place. Now is not the time." Demetri said in a reasonable tone. He sounded like the responsible older brother. Yuck.

"Yes. Another time, boys." Came a high soprano voice. I spun around. There before me, was what I might have called a little girl an another occasion. She was what? Twelve? She was extremely slight, with pale brown hair trimmed short, a slim, boyish frame, wide eyes, and full lips. She reminded me of… hey, what do you know? Alice's evil twin. I wondered vaguely if I'd run into my evil twin. Uh oh. All this stress and horror must be getting to me. With my grief has come a somewhat, okay a really, twisted sense of humor.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

"I'm Jane. And all you need to know is that I can take you to an unharmed Edward, or a damaged one. Which would you prefer?" she asked sweetly. I immediately shut my mouth. "Excellent choice. Follow me now." She said, walking down the alley. There was a man hole about half way down, which the little monster lifted, and leapt down. Felix and Demetri waited for me to follow. I stepped easily into the hole, and landed in a crouch. Jane was eying me speculatively. Then she turned and walked on.

We walked for several minutes in the dark, cold, dank tunnel. Goon one and two stayed behind me the entire time, making sure I didn't escape. As if they could stop me if I tried.

As we walked, my grim sense of humor fled, replaced by rage. There were two things of mine you did not mess with. My family, and my car. In that order. I tensed when we reached the small room, with a low door. We stepped inside, and I was relieved to be out of the tunnel. The hallway was unremarkable, with off-white walls, and gray carpeting. We stepped into an elevator at the end of the hall, and I couldn't stop quivering. I could feel the power trying desperately to break loose, but I beat it back. I didn't want to anger them just yet. All I wanted was Edward.

We came out of the elevator, and into what might have been a lobby in an posh office building. The walls were wood paneled, the floors covered in thick green carpet. There were no windows, but bright painting hung everywhere in their place. Pale leather couches were arranged with glossy tables, that held crystal vases full of flowers. I could hardly believe that I was in the home of a cruel, royal vampire family.

In the middle of the room, there was a beautiful young woman behind a mahogany counter. She was tall, with dark skin, and green eyes, and all in all a beautiful young woman. A human, young woman. Before I could fully absorb that, a boy in a grey suit entered. He looked to be Jane's brother, for they greeted each other with warmth. Then he turned to me. He could have been her twin; his hair was darker, but he was just as beautiful. "Please, come in. Aro is most anxious to meet you." He said. We walked through another wide hallway, and Alec stopped halfway down the hall. He pushed aside a piece of wood paneling, to expose a plain wooden door. I didn't wait for him to open it. I slipped quickly past them all, and threw open the wood door, that thudded loudly against the wall.

I walked into a large stone, perfectly circular room, with small spaces in the stone instead of actual windows, and no furniture except for massive wooden chairs that seemed like thrones. There were many vampires milling about, but my eyes frantically sought out only one. Past the women in summer dresses, past the men in slacks and shirts; clothing that seemed out of place in this. And then I saw him. The golden-eyed god I'd fallen in love with. I relaxed, but tensed when I saw a vampire walking towards me. He was different from any vampire I'd ever seen. Instead of marble skin, it was thin, like shale. His eyes were filmy, and his hair was black. Unlike the others, he were a long black robe. Even with his frail appearance, I shuddered at the sheer amount of power he possessed. But then I straightened. I had power too.

He walked towards me and smiled. "Alex! How wonderful to see you!" he said. His friendly manner caught me off guard, but only for a moment. I snarled quietly.

"You gave me little choice, milord." I said. He laughed.

"Oh please, call me Aro. I have heard so much about you. Well, seen as well." He said. Ah. His gift was to read a person through physical contact. No way in hell was he touching me.

"So I would assume." I said flatly. His smile was a little wistful.

"So, Edward's memories are accurate. How delightful! This is rare treat indeed."

"One of a kind." I agreed. Aro's expression turned slightly skeptical.

"So, is it really true? What you are?" he asked.

"You've seen it."

"Through another's mind. I'd like to see it for myself." He said. I smiled, my teeth lengthening.

"I'd love to give you a demonstration." I said. I heard several of the vampires hiss at my insolence, but Aro waved them off.

"Yes. Let's wait for my brothers, first." He said.

"I want Edward." I said.

"Just a moment -"

"No. You will hand him over, now." I said, forcefully, a wind picking up around me. I yanked back on the power threatening to spill over. Aro turned envious.

"Ah, to have your power. So potent." He said, his hand reaching towards me, seemingly of its own accord. I roared, and everyone in the room crouched low. Aro once again waved them off. "Be careful, Alex. One wrong move, and…" he made a slight gesture, and two vampires moved closer to Edward. I shuddered at the power that pulsed through me. The walls shook violently, the ground beneath our feet groaned, as if they would break at any moment. The vampires gasped, and made small noises of distress.

"The walls will crumble, the ground will shake, and you will burn, before you ever lay a hand on him." I spat. Aro clapped lightly, seemingly delighted by my actions.

"Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Truly, my apologies. But, I noticed something Edward did not. Your power seems to be strengthened by your emotions, and I couldn't help but test my theory. By all means…" he said, motioning Edward forward. We ran to each other, meeting in the middle. I crushed myself to him.

"My god, Edward. What were you thinking?" I whispered desperately.

"I thought they had you. I had to come." He said, cupping my face. I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, this is entirely my fault." I said.

"No, Alex. Don't blame yourself." He whispered. We both tensed, hearing the rustle of robes approaching. Two other vampires walked in the room, one of them resembling Aro, and the other was very similar, except for the shock of white hair that topped his head. . I shifted slightly so I was in front of Edward. "What are you doing?" he whispered for my ears alone. I smiled slightly.

"For now, I'm more powerful then you, my love. It's my turn to be the protector." I murmured back. He didn't seem to like it.

Marcus touched Aro's hand lightly, and Aro raised his brows. "Thank you, Marcus. This is quite interesting." He said. I needed no translation. Marcus sensed relationships. He must have been surprised by mine and Edward's. "You two have such a powerful love. It surprises both Marcus and I." Somehow I doubted anything surprised Marcus. He looked like he might keel over from boredom at any moment.

"How could you possibly manage to be with her?" Aro asked suddenly. I frowned. What was he talking about? "Even now, as part of us, her blood still calls to you. Admittedly not in the same way, but still… it must be a great temptation." He said. Edward shook his head.

"It is no temptation at all. I could never hurt Alex." He said, glancing at me. Aro smiled.

"Carlisle has finally met his match." He said.

"Hardly." Edward said flatly.

"How I wish he could e here. Although, I imagine he isn't terribly pleased with the way I brought you here. No matter," he said before I could remark. "Now that we're all together, would you mind?" he asked, stretching his hands towards me slightly. Now that I had Edward, I'd do anything to hurry along this little adventure.

"It doesn't always work." I said. "Sometimes I can control the… shield, which my Felix blood gives me in my human form. Sometimes I cannot." I told him. He shrugged.

"I only ask that you try." He said. I nodded, and stepped towards him, and touched his hands lightly. Suddenly my entire life flashed before my eyes. It flew by at an astonishing speed, and I wondered how anyone could see anything from the blur of faces and colors.

When Aro pulled away, he looked… dumbfounded. "You are a fascinating creature, Alex. Your life is… astonishing. So much." He muttered to himself. Then he looked at Jane. "Jane darling, would you?" he asked. Jane smiled, and suddenly Edward was in front of me. And then he was on the floor.

Oh god! I knew what Jane did, and that made it worse. Edward was on the ground, writhing in silent agony. I tried to move towards him, stop the evil little bitch, but two sets of arms gripped me. I wrenched forward. "Let me GO!! Get off of me! EDWARD!" I screamed. He continued to twist in agony for another moment, and then he was released. They let me go, and I rushed forward. I nearly tackled him. I touched his face, my fingers frantically searched for any sign of pain. He seemed unharmed. He waited patiently, and then kissed me softly.

"Don't worry. I'm fine." He said. I moved so that I was in between Jane and him. I snarled at her. She hissed, and then gave me the same smile she gave Edward. I shifted just enough to protect myself, and she hissed angrily. I smiled, and walked forward slightly.

"If you ever, do that to my husband again. I will kill you." I said. She snarled, and made to spring at me.

"Now, now, Jane. Calm down." Aro chided, sounding a bit amused. Jane seemed to pout, and then settled for glaring at me. "Now then, a small demonstration of your shifting, if you don't mind?" he asked politely. I nearly laughed. Like I had a choice.

"Step back." I said. Everyone gave me plenty of room. I sighed. This would be unpleasant. I hated public stripping. I stripped down to my panties, that way I could at least wear my jeans and tee out, though I'd be commando. Then I called forth the change. I made the shift, and watched as everyone gasped in astonishment.

I shook my fur, and then stood tall and proud. I roared to make a point, and many back further away. I couldn't help but feel a bit smug. I walked back, and sat next to Edward, waiting for the examination that would surely follow. Aro approached slowly.

"Fascinating. You're not like the Children of the Moon, are you?" he asked. I spoke to Edward.

"No. Our magic works differently than theirs." I said. Edward relayed the message.

"You can hear her thoughts in this form? Why?"

"We think that when she takes one form or another, then it's easier to hear her." Edward said. Aro nodded absently, still observing. I noticed that his brother did not look happy.

"Edward? Why is he looking at me like that?" I asked. Edward laughed darkly.

"Marcus was nearly killed by a werewolf. He harbors some unpleasant feelings for others like them." He said. I nodded.

"You may change back." He said. I looked at Edward.

"She'd like a cloak, so shield her." He told Aro. He nodded, and waved one of the guards forward, who gave Edward a dark charcoal colored cloak. He held it up in front of me, and I changed back, then dressed quickly.

"Is there anything else?" I asked.

"Yes. Just one last question about your gift. Can you control, anything?" he asked.

"No. Only things that are apart of nature. Vampires for example, are between the living and the dead, making them unnatural. Therefore, I cannot control them." I said. Aro looked at me wistfully.

"I wanted you here, because I want you to join my guard." He said, sweeping his hand at the others surrounding me.

"No."

"You won't even consider?" he asked.

"No." I said flatly. A speculative gleam entered his eyes. Edward laughed.

"I wouldn't try her if I were you." He said. Guessing what he meant, I shook the ground and walls once more.

"I'd listen to him. I didn't like you taking my husband from me." I said, snarling. "If you ever, come near me and my family again, I was come back to this city, and destroy it from the ground up. Do you doubt me?" I demanded. The torch flames flickered, and a couple sparks flew. Many vampires hissed, and Aro's expression turned resigned.

"I don't. I'm sorry I had to resort to such unpleasant lengths to get you here. I confess to being a bit… overzealous." He said, smiling. "We shan't bother you again." Aro said sighing. The air calmed, and stilled. "Please feel free to visit." He said, sounding hopeful.

"Thank you." I said. Like hell.

I took Edward's hand, and we turned to walk out. As we turned, a woman walked into the room. She was dressed as slutty as I could imagine without being actually naked. But I could not deny that her beauty was unlike any I ever seen. She was in the shortest of miniskirts, a red, high-necked, long-sleeved, red vinyl top, and tights that darkened her long legs. Her long mahogany hair lustrous, and her eyes violet from the blue contacts she wore over red irises.

There was a crowd of tourists with her, and while I stared in confusion, Edward tensed and tugged me roughly towards the door. Oh god. She was bringing a crowd of humans into a room full of vampires. As I realized what was happening, I ran as fast as I could, with Edward right behind me. But it still wasn't fast enough to get out before the screams started.

As we made it back into the lobby, I started to shake violently with sobs. Edward held me closely to him, and tried to soothe me. "All those, people!" I said, hiccupping.

"I know, I know. Be still, my love." He said, sitting and pulling me onto his lap. I tried desperately to control the sobs, but I couldn't. The receptionist – Gianna, I remembered – came over to see if I was okay. I snarled once at her, and she immediately back away.

"Doesn't she know?" I demanded.

"Yes."

"Then why?"

"She's hoping they'll keep her." He said furiously. Keep her? Who could ever want to be a part of that. I immediately forced myself to steam the pink tinged tears.

"Edward, I love you. I love you so much." I whispered. His eyes softened.

"I love you, too." He said. I yanked him down by his shirt to show him just how much I missed him.

It was strange how the horror just two rooms over didn't damper on my passion for my husband. My hands tangled in his hair, as his held me tightly to him. I parted my lips, and Edward followed my lead to deepen the kiss. When his tongue swept into my mouth, I groaned. I had missed the taste of him so much, and it had only been just under forty eight hours since I'd last kissed him. But I had to tell him; I had to apologize.

"Edward!" I gasped, pulling away from him.

"Yes?"

"I'm so sorry. It was all my fault, I was with Jacob, so Alice couldn't see me!" I said. Edward frowned.

"Whose Jacob?" he asked.

"My friend, he's part of the Quileute tribe." I said.

"How'd you meet him?" Edward demanded. I knew he'd be angry.

"I went for a run. I'm sorry! I deliberately did what you told me not to, and then you could've…" I stopped, the tears flowing freely again. I felt so terrible! Edward held me close again, stroking my hair.

"Shhh. It's okay. I forgive you. I should have informed you better. Tell me about Jacob." He said, trying to brighten my mood. I smiled a bit.

"He's nice. Kinda funny. And big! As big as Emmet, if not bigger." I said, while Edward laughed. "At first he had the reaction you said he would. But once I talked him down a bit, we got to talking. He's as lonely as I was before I met you." I said. I saw the sympathy flash in Edward's eyes, and I wondered again how I'd gotten someone as amazing as him to love me. Then something occurred to me. Who was the one other person I knew who was available, and in need of a little romance? I held in a grin. I had a lot of planning to do when I got back to Forks.

Edward and I sat together, waiting for the sun to set, and we would finally be free. Alec came out, looking the same as he did before, despite his recent meal. "You are free to go." He said. Edward and I nodded, and made our way out as quickly as possible.

We were on a plane a short while later. I was thankful yet again that I didn't have to sleep. I sat in Edward's lap, my eyes closed, and relaxed fully to the steady sound of Edward's breathing. When we landed, the rest of our family was there to greet us. Everyone rushed forward, and took turns hugging and kissing Edward and me. "We were so worried about you! Don't ever do that again!" Esme said, scolding Edward and me.

"Sorry mom." We said at the same time. Everyone laughed. I sighed as we left the airport. Everything was back where it should be. Right here with me…

Ending Note: Hey everyone. I'm going away – again : ( – for a couple of days, and I won't have access to my laptop – again : ( So this will be the last chapter until about… Thursday? I don't know when exactly I'll be back. Sigh… But I made sure this chapter was nice and long to hopefully tide you over until then. Thanks so much again for favorites and the reviews!! Please keep reading and reviewing! Peace!!!! ~~~~~~~~:D~~~~~~~~