Chapter 26:

It had been a few weeks since Alice's revelation about the impending arrival of the Volturi and Sienna was exhausted after all her training. She had gotten to the point where her mother could be inside the house and she could be at the edge of the Cullen property and still shield her mind from Edward. But it was very taxing for her and she could only last for small bursts before she needed to rest. Jacob was still furiously making plans to leave the country with his family, just in case this dangerous plan fell through.

After a particularly difficult session of mind shielding, Sienna sat in the living room with Edward by her side. She knew he was still completely against the idea of her pretending to be Bella and putting her life on the line. But Sienna didn't want to sit idly by while her two families were torn apart by sadistic vampires.

Edward... she sent her thought to him. He perked up instantly and turned to her.

Yes love? Can I get you anything?

I'm wondering if you have a theory about why I have the particular talent I have. Didn't you say we carry over our talents we had when we were human?

That's what Carlisle thinks. I don't actually know for sure. Its not like I could read minds before. I guess I was just sensitive to what others were thinking. As for you, I'm not sure. Did you copy everybody's answers on tests or something? He smiled teasingly.

No. I'm not a cheater. I don't think I ever copied anybody with anything, actually. My mom always said I was my own person from the moment I was born.

Maybe its because you're a quick learner. You've been able to expand your ability by leaps and bounds just in the last few weeks. Maybe when you come in contact with another vampire that has a talent, you just learn it...instantly.

Hmmm...that sounds like a stretch.

It was just a guess. I don't think there's any way to know for sure.

Bella walked around the corner and saw the two of them staring intently at each other, but not speaking.

"You know, its very strange when you guys do that. Normal people actually use their voices when communicating."

Sienna smiled. "You're just jealous that you and Dad can't do this. Wouldn't things be easier if you could hear each other's thoughts?"

Bella shuddered at the prospect. "I am eternally grateful that your father cannot hear what I'm thinking at every waking moment. He's stressed enough as it is."

Sienna and Edward laughed together. Then Bella went to the kitchen to rummage through the collection of human food Esme had put together. Edward looked after her a split second longer than he'd intended.

Alright, what's going on? Sienna thought.

What? He noted her suspicious tone, but didn't know what brought it on.

I've had a strange feeling ever since you told me about going to the Volturi all that time ago...and how you couldn't live with yourself if something happened to my mom. If you were that deep in love with her, how could you be over it enough to be in love with me?

Sienna, are you still jealous?

No, Edward. This goes beyond jealousy. I'm trying to figure out whether you're actually in love with me, or in love with my mother still and using me as a pawn.

He sat up and looked into her eyes. He had no idea she had any of these feelings. She must have been shielding herself better than he thought possible.

Sienna...I love you. And what happened with your mom and me was a very long time ago.

That doesn't answer my question, Edward. Are you still in love with her?

I will always care about your mother. But I don't love her that way anymore.

Well then, why do you always look at her like that? You look heartbroken.

His face took on a dark look.

Its just that...I feel like its my fault that she's in such danger. I'm the one that went to the Volturi to begin with. They wouldn't even know who she was if it wasn't for me. And she doesn't deserve this now, after having such normalcy for so long. But I don't love her anymore, not the way I used to. When I look at her I see Jacob's wife and your mother. She's a dear friend and always will be. But I love you and only you.

Sienna smiled as she saw the sincerity of his thoughts. Then he leaned in and kissed her deeply. She let herself become lost in his touch, putting every doubt and worry aside so that she could just enjoy his lips on hers.

"Alright you two. I'm coming in the room now, so put it on the back burner for a minute," Bella said in a loud voice, warning them of her reentry.

Sienna smiled sheepishly at her mom as she pulled away from Edward.

"Hey Sienna, I'm on my way to pick up Lucas from school. You want me to say hi to him for you?"

Sienna sighed. She wanted to see her little brother so badly. He might have been a pain sometimes, but he was still her brother. And she missed him.

"I want to see him. We know I'm not a danger to humans. Why can't I just see him again once more before the vultures descend?"

Bella sighed. "Sienna, you know I want that more than anything. But how will we explain how different you are? He'll know something's going on. You look strange compared to what you did before and I'm not ready to explain all of that to my ten year old."

"He knew I was in a car accident, right? Why can't we tell him I had to have extensive plastic surgery to fix what was damaged that night?"

"He'll see right through that. He's too smart for his own good. And its not just that I don't think he's ready for the information. I don't want him to be a liability to us or himself when it comes to the Volturi. If they find out there's a child that knows about all of this, they won't hesitate to take him out so that he won't go and spill the beans to everyone he knows."

Sienna's shoulders slumped in resignation. She didn't want Luke to be in any more danger than he already was.

"You're right, I guess. Just tell him I said hi and Florida has been really nice, even in November."

Bella nodded and smiled sadly before heading towards the door.

Edward took Sienna's hand and she laid her head on his shoulder. He saw her sad thoughts and wished he could make everything better.

*

The wolf pack had reluctantly been training with Jasper and the rest of the Cullens to prepare for a possible battle. Matt had seen the necessity of such a contract, but it was not easy for every member of the pack to set aside their natural enmity toward the vampires. Aaron and Eli had been especially difficult with the change, but were forced to follow orders from their sub-Alpha. Matt was taking a much needed break from the running and fighting. He lay in wolf form at the edge of the forest on the Cullens property. He had just closed his eyes to rest for a minute when he heard a familiar voice ringing inside his head.

Hey, how's it going over there?

Caleb, where are you? We kinda need you here.

I'm far enough that I'm not coming back any time soon. And I'm sure you guys are patrolling just fine without me.

Its not just patrols anymore. We're preparing for battle with those maniacal Italian bloodsuckers Dad told us about.

What?! Are they here? Tell me everything.

Matt explained the situation and the plan to have their sister as a decoy for Bella. Caleb stayed silent throughout the entire story until Matt had to ask if he was still there.

Yeah, I'm still here. I can't believe that's what they decided. Isn't it gonna be extremely dangerous to pull that off?

Yeah probably, but I think its the only option. And like I said, we could really use your help out here.

I still don't know if I can be there. I really screwed things over with Sienna, before and after the accident. I don't think she'll forgive me.

Or maybe you could just get over yourself and help us kill the evil vampires that are gonna attack any day now.

Caleb was quiet for a minute.

Tell the rest of the pack I'm sorry. And tell Mom I'm alright will you?

And then he was gone. Matt released a low growl. Stubborn Ass.

He was too mad to rest now, so he got up and went to see what his wolf brothers were up to. When he came upon the house he was surprised to see everyone together with the Cullens. He ran up to the house and overheard that Alice had finally had another vision. The Volturi would be here within the next two days. Sienna didn't have much time to finish preparing and Matt felt a large lump form at the bottom of his stomach. At least he knew he could kill vampires. And if those leeches did anything to his sister, he would be able to take out at least a few of them before going out in a blaze of glory.

End of Chapter...More to Come