It took very little time for my improved mind to register her words. Almost immediately, Jasper and I jumped up and dashed down the stairs and out the front door.
As in my vision, cloaked figures strode across the sand. They were in a 'V' shape, with the tip towards us. It reminded me of a flock of geese.
I waited for the front one to throw off his hood. Ruby-red eyes set in pale, glimmering skin, all surrounded by a sheet of dark hair, revealed themselves. Slowly, the man chuckled. "Ah, Carlisle," he greeted, extending his arms to the doctor like old friends. "What a pleasure to meet you again."
"Aro," greeted Carlisle stiffly.
Aro's gaze focused on each face, one by one, settling on Nessie's. "My dear Renesmee!" he said enthusiastically, looking down at the little girl's face. "I see you are still growing- healthily, too."
"I am," was her reply. She was trembling slightly- from fear or anger, no one except Jasper knew.
Aro's eyes swiveled to Jacob, who was still in human form but seemed ready to transform any second. "I see you still have the dog with you," he commented, ignoring the growls in reply. I gripped Jasper's and tightly as I awaited him eyes to land on me.
"I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting," he grinned when they did. He stepped forward, and a smooth hand emerged from his cloak, sticking out for a handshake. His eyes shone as he stood, anxious to read every thought I've had. I quickly shook my head, causing his smile to grow wider.
"Now, Carlisle," he said, turning back towards him, "I'm sure you are aware why we're here."
"Yes, I am very aware," he said, holding tightly to Esme. I felt my stomach clench as I remembered she wasn't the one they wanted.
Like in my vision, Aro turned towards me and gestured forward. "Alice? Would you care to join us?"
I felt Jasper's breath near my ear. "Resist at first," he whispered, barely audible.
"No," I squeaked. My stomach flopped- I was nervous. The entire fate of the Cullen coven rested on my weak, pathetic shoulders.
Calm spread through the air, wrapping my body like a blanket of safety. "No," I repeated loudly. "I am not leaving my family to join you."
Aro spread his arms out wide. "We are much better than your family, Alice. We are stronger than the Cullens. Think of all you can have with us. Endless money. A whole team of the most talented vampires in the world at your side. Everything you could ever want. Just come with us." His eyes shone with greed.
I pretended to waver. I glanced back and forth between the two covens. "Just think about it," Aro urged.
I stalled for a few more moments. "Alright," I said, releasing Jasper's hand. "I accept your offer."
Aro smiled in victory. "I will go retrieve my belongings," I told him, and dashed into the house before I broke down completely.
I dry sobbed as I gathered my stuff. Jasper was right on my heels. "It will be okay," he promised. "We have a plan. In a few weeks, this will be all over. Alright?"
I nodded and quietly regained myself. "I'll miss you," I whispered. Before I changed my mind, I threw my arms around him, quickly pressed my lips to his, and ran out the door. When I exited, there was a smile plastered across my face. Did it just feel fake, or did it look that way, too? I walked across the sand until I was standing next to the Volturi.
"Bella? Edward?" Aro asked. "Would any of you like to join us today?"
It was then I realized the flaw in our plan. Aro hadn't known Jasper was my mate- that's why he believed me when I said I would join. Bella and Edward, however, were another matter. Aro knew their relationship, and would have to be a fool to believe Bella would leave Edward to join him. "I will," said Bella.
Aro's eyebrows flew up in surprise. "You are leaving your mate?" he asked as I expected.
Bella looked to Edward. "Yes," she said. "He is no longer my mate. I was a fool to fall into his trap and give up my humanity for him. My only regret is that it took so long for me to realize this." I had to admit, she was pretty convincing. I guessed those acting classes Charlie has signed her up for as a kid had paid off.
Still, I knew how much it pained her to say that, and for Edward to hear that. Without a backwards glance, she, too, got her things and stood beside me.
"Alright, then!" exclaimed Aro enthusiastically, although I didn't doubt that he was still a bit suspicious of Bella. "Let's go!"
All the vampires filed onto a large boat. My guess was that they'd stolen it. I waved goodbye to the Cullens as Bella stared stolidly the other way, still pretending to detest Edward and his family. "It'll be okay," I murmured to her.
"I hope so," she whispered back.
"Do you have your shield up?"
She nodded slightly.
"So," a female voice sneered. We both turned to see a short vampire. I froze as a recognized her- it was the girl who was torturing the larger vampire in my vision. Jane, Jasper had called her. "Guess you're one of us now."
"Guess we are," I remarked in reply. "I'm Alice."
"I know," she said dryly. "I'm Jane. I just wanted to say, I'm Aro's number one here. And you better not even think about taking my spot, or you'll regret it...trust me." A creepy smile crept across her girlish features.
I wasn't quite sure how to reply. Luckily, a boy who looked quite similar to her approached. "Don't mind her," he said. "I'm Alec." He gave us a small grin afterwards. I was surprised at his behavior- I had expected everyone to be harsh, cruel people. I suppose I was wrong. After all, we were on their side now. There was no reason for anyone to act hostile, unless, of course, they were Jane, who seemed to be rude to everyone.
Alec introduced us to the others, although Bella knew most of them from when they came to see Renesmee. Felix was a good-natured, flirty vampire who had incredible physical strength- in a way, he reminded me of Emmett. Demetri was a close friend of his, and not nearly as intimidating as I had imagined. He wasn't very smart, as Edward said, but was polite in a charming sort of way. Heidi was an extremely beautiful vampire, almost as gorgeous as Rosalie, whose job was to lure prey into the Volturi castle. She seemed polite enough, but knowing what she did made me want to avoid her. Chelsea seemed very fashion-forward and had a sarcastic sense of humor, while her mate, Afton, was on the quiet side. I made a mental note to maintain good relationships with Chelsea and Demetri- they were the ones that could potentially ruin our plan. I didn't want to get on their bad side.
Bella pulled me aside a little after I'd met everyone. "What are you doing?" she hissed.
"What?" I asked blankly.
"Stop talking to them! You can't trust them!"
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not trusting them. I'm just socializing. We can't be outcasts. That would look suspicious. Besides, isn't it better to know the enemy?"
Bella sighed and stormed off. I looked guiltily after her- maybe she was right. Maybe I should just stick to her plan. I looked out across the blue water as we rapidly approached the mainland, wondering how this had already turned into a mess.
