Chapter nine: Manners.

Things were beginning to take place. The decorations were all but almost in place. I had Felix and Demetri on the rest, while Jane and Santiago went and reminded the visitors of the human's arivil. I presumed that the majority of the immortals would set off to hunt in other towns, perhaps go as far as other cities. I wouldn't let it pass them, considering the laws of the Volturi stood even more stricter within this city. This was our land, and so our rules should be obeyed even more so. I sat with much glee at the fact things were beginning to take effect, even more so when Jane walked through the door; as angelic as she always does. She came to a halt in front of me, curtsied and bowed her head in respect.

"They have been informed, master."

I let my already large smile grow. "Excellent. Now I will tell you the same as I did with your brother. You are to name me father for the remainder of this weekend. With the human's arriving, we cannot allow them to think you are my slaves. Especially Alec and yourself."

Her large ruby hues moved up to look at me, and with a nod she complied. There would be no questioning. Jane never questioned my authority anyhow. She did as she was told. She was a good girl, that one. Why her biological father saw her as a nuisance and disgrace I wouldn't truly understand. There was no fault within either of the twins. They were loyal above anything else, and obedient. Everything a man of their day and age could wish for in children. I presumed if I had ever had been graced with the chance of having children before I was turned, I would have very much liked them to be like Jane and her brother. Never the less, they were my children now. I had basically raised them; shown them the road to true success. Alec was the perfect example of that. He had gone ahead and fallen for the hybrid; stolen her heart in return. And thus, we held the leverage we did today over the Cullen's. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought of such a plan, and yet he had done so without even realizing. He may hold true feelings towards the girl yes, but I wasn't one to ignore the act of finding a mate. Thus why many of the members in this coven have already obtained a mate. Alec was none the different. Hysterical, really; for I could remember quite vividly the memory of Alec and Jane being repulsed at the thought of having a mate. Alec's words were 'I have my sister, and this coven. I do not need a mate, nor do I want one.'

How things change, hm? Jane still stuck to those words, however. She was incredibly stubborn that one. Set in her ways about herself. Very independant. The days where she relied on her brother, and her brother alone were long gone. Indeed, she still would die for him, but she didn't feel the compulsion to hide behind him like she used too. Jane had grown from those days, as has Alec. He no longer feels the pressure of needing protect her as severely as he had before. He knew Jane could handle herself, and would only step in if things became too uncomfortable for him to stand by and watch. If he ever felt that Jane was in some amount of danger, I held no second guess as to how he would react. That temper in such a timid boy. You wouldn't expect such a thing from a classy, well mannered and respectful boy such as he. That may be due to how he was treated before his immortal years, and then how he was treated as an immortal. The temper that brewed within that one was indeed deadly. It would be wise to say that he was in fact the devil suppressed behind a pretty face.

"Has Alec and the hybrid left the castle?" I queried, drumming my hand against the throne I was parched upon. Jane stood up straight, placed her hands on the front of her dress, clasping them both neatly. With an elegant bob of her head, her lips parted to speak.

"They have. As I came into this room, Natalia informed me that he and miss Cullen left five minutes ago."

"Perfect. Have Demetri and Felix meet the remaining guests to arrive at the airport."

She nodded yet again, bowed her head while taking a few steps back. Just as she turned, I stopped her once again.

"Accompany them also, Jane. Demetri and Felix may be responsible while on the job, but the uncanny attraction Felix once had towards Isabella long ago may still be in effect. With you there, I know things will go without a hitch."

I could practically hear the sinister smile on her face as she answered me. "But of course, father."

With that, Jane continued her exit of the room; while my attention moved to Renata entering with another set of golden cloth for the tables. Time to finish up this hall, and allow the celebration to take place. My plan was soon to take effect, and I would make sure nothing stood in the way of that.

—xXx—

The room was large. Almost ten times the little shack we had been building. Cream sheets, satin red walls, a beautiful view. This was heaven. The closest thing too it, at least. Mary wasn't sure if she would ever see heaven, or if her parents were there waiting. But if they were, she would hope it was in a grand place like this. With the amazing city below them being the world; where they could watch over her. When they arrived; she had been fearful to say the least. Snuggled close to Lily and Delilah. In order to keep attention off them, Scott had gone in before them. He was yet to be found yet; that's where Delilah was. Out searching for their lost brother. But now, there wasn't anything to be fearful of. It was peaceful, and in her view... Perfection. Especially the garden, where she could sit for hours and let the sun cause her skin to glow like a thousand diamonds. She wasn't allowed to do that yet, though. Lily's stern words were to stay within this room until Scott and Delilah were back. It wouldn't be long, though. He was probably off making friends - even though that would annoy Lily. From the beginning, when they were learning the basic's of this life, all Scott wanted to know is if there were others like him. Lily's reply wasn't all that nice, naturally but there was. And now they were in a castle full of them. Of course he would want to mingle! He didn't have many friends in his human life, and she didn't think he was going to make the same mistakes as he had in the prior life.

Laying upon her stomach on the bet, Mary sat and picked at the threads of the end cover decorating the bed. Lily was putting a few clothes away (ones she had stolen from a few people to keep up with the 'civil' act she was putting on for this event) and humming a small tune to herself.

It was a sweet song, and Mary couldn't help but wonder where she had got it from. It wouldn't hurt to ask right? She had told them not to be afraid of her, for she was to be seen as their sister, not the master or creator anymore. Sisters asked questions, right? Besides... Mary was meant to be the youngest, so from what Mary had heard about younger siblings, they were annoying, right?

"Lily?" She finally broke the silence, swinging her black skinny jeaned clothed legs up into the air, and crossing her ankles around one another.

"Mm?" The immortal answered, not turning to look at her on the bed.

"What's that song called?"

"It was a lullaby when I was a child." She answered, folding a shirt for Scott and putting it into a drawer.

"You're mother sung it?"

"She did. Alec once tried to get me to teach it to him. Silly boy couldn't understand a word I was saying."

"Why not?"

He spoke English, didn't he?

"It was in a different language. Gaelic I believe."

"Oh." Mary muttered. That would make sense as to why he wouldn't understand.

"You really love the twins, don't you? Especially Alec..."

Lilianna didn't answer. Instead, she closed the drawer and turned to look at Mary. As she parted her lips to give an order for her to wash up, the door opened. In stalked Scott with Delilah. Both looking a little... Delighted. Lily frowned and crossed her arms over her small frame. "Where have you been Scott? I've been worried."

"Sorry, Lils." Lils? That was a new nickname. Mary looked to her to find a reaction. She didn't seems to mind. "I bumped into the hybrid. And then when Alec ca-"

"You spoke to Alec?" Lilianna snapped, appearing in front of him and pinning him against the door by his throat. "What did he say?"

"Nothing! I just said hi and asked if Jane was here." Scott tried to defend himself. Mary could feel her stomach churning in anxiety as to what would become of Scott. She couldn't help but think in pleads for her not to kill him.

"And is she?"

"Yeah. Somewhere, he didn't say where."

She frowned, and after a few seconds; let him go. Scott took a few unneeded breaths and fixed his shirt while Lillianna walked back and forth, pacing in thought.

"This is all wrong. Why are they apart? Jane never left Alec's side, and when she did Alec always tried to find her..."

"He was with that hyb-"

"I know, I know." She hushed, waving her hand for Scott to shut up. He moved across the room and took a seat next to Mary. His arm brushed hers when she sat up, and she couldn't help but feel the butterflies caused by the sparks from the simple brush of his skin on hers. Delilah moved to lean against a table that merely held a vase of flowers, and a few fresh towels. Her arms were crossed over her bright green t-shirt.

"Where did you find him?" Lily asked, turning her attention to the girl with the bright purple fringe. Delilah shifted her shoulders; which Mary took as a shrug.

"He was coming up the second set of stairs as I was going down them."

It was like they were talking as if Scott wasn't there. Mary cast him a small glance, and a sympathetic smile. He winked in return, and Mary knew if she would have been human, her cheeks would be burning.

"You didn't speak to anyone other than Scott, right?"

"Well," Delilah trailed off, to which all three of the other immortals could feel the playful tone. Odd, for Delilah usually always kept quiet, and her emotions hidden. Perhaps this trip to Italy, being so close to getting Alec and Jane on their side, was a good idea after all? Delilah was coming out of her shell.

"Well what?"

"I ran into your knight in black tinted armour also."

Mary could have cut the sarcasm with a knife, if it were possible. Though Delilah went along with this life Lily had planned, it didn't mean she entirely liked it. When Scott had asked a while back what her life was before, Delilah refused to say. She just said following Lily was better than nothing.

"He said he hadn't seen Scott, and if Jane were to come across him... He'd make sure there wasn't any problems." She shrugged again.

"Oh, Alec. Always looking out for my family." Lily smiled, bringing a hand up to her lips and holding it there to hide the smile.

Mary, Delilah and Scott all shared glances at the word 'family.' She had said that about them multiple times now; and you'd think they would start getting used too it. Only, each time she said it... It was sort of like a sentence. Not a heartwarming thing that family could be.

"Alright. Now we're all here..." Lily sighed, letting her hand fall finally and taking a breath of release. "Settle in. We've got the ball tonight, and I want this to go without a hitch."

They all nodded, as she moved to continue unpacking a few things.

"Well, I'm gonna shower..." Scott muttered after a few seconds of silence, and cast Mary a glance and a smile. It was a new smile, a shy... inviting smile, that could destroy anything and everything in it's way. She had never seen it on his lips before, but boy was it powerful.

As he vanished into the bathroom, and with Delilah now helping Lily put things away; Mary was left sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to figure out how she was going to spend eternity with having him as a 'brother' and yet having these feelings. She thought life was hard before... But this, this was much worse.

—xXx—

The streets were alive. With human tourists, and other immortals roaming around for supplies for tonight. I managed to catch a glimpse of at least two other immortals who had caused problems in the past which I had to deal with. Safe to say I didn't get a friendly 'hello' or a smile. The glare that usually welcomed my presence was still very much in effect. Things could change, but other things just couldn't. Not that it bothered me of what people thought of me. I had Renesmee, and that's all I needed. What she thought of me was the only thing that counted.

Her arm was linked with mine, as she gazed in awe at some of the older buildings. She was talking too, but I was too lost in watching her take in the reality of finally being in Italy and not in Forks, or her new small town home. This was an experience she was enjoying. It seemed she liked travelling? Well, the world was her oyster. She could travel the world if she pleased. Just as long as she kept in mind that she was mine.

"I can't believe this is finally happening." She was saying, giddiness in her voice.

"This is like a dream come true. To think, two years ago today I realized I loved you."

A frown took over my features in this moment. She realized she loved me on her birthday? But it was shortly after her birthday she told me...

"Renesmee Cullen, do you mean you knew before you told me, but refused to disclose this information?" I scolded in a playful tone. Her eyes moved up to meet mine, and I saw the bashful smile taking over her features.

"In my defence, I didn't know how to tell you. Since... You did say 'I don't believe in love.' Didn't want to get rejected... And plus, you weren't even in Forks on my birthday!"

"So this is the first birthday I am spending in your company."

"Mmhm. As you said, there is a first for everything." She grinned, leaning her head onto my shoulder and fluttering her thick eyelashes.

"One of many to come." I smirked.

She winked playfully, then her attention moved to a shop and she was off again. I couldn't really say how long Renesmee had me wandering around with her on my arm. Popping in shops here and there, wanting cotton candy and trying to force me to eat it. We got a few looks off tourists; smiling happily at the seemingly normal couple. Our relationship was far from normal. A hybrid, and a extremely old immortal anesthetic vampire. Belonging to two coven's which don't particularly see eye to eye, both wanting something the other had, or in some cases the same thing. I wanted Renesmee for all eternity - but not in the Volturi. It would corrupt her innocence much more than I had - and the Cullen's seemed to want Renesmee back. Back to the way it was before she knew whom I was personally.

I couldn't really blame them. I was classed as an emotionless monster, after all. But she was changing me. In some ways, I suppose. Sure... I still viewed everyone else as a nuisance, and couldn't care less about the world or it's inhabitance. I still held my strict views on things. But the way I viewed love, and Renesmee, and the prospect of living forever with her in my arms. Before, I was merely living an existence. Now... I had a meaning. To keep her safe, and with me.

"These shoes." Renesmee beamed, pulling me to a stop at a store window. I had been lost, looking off into space, or more profoundly the sky. It was growing lighter, which would mean I would need to return to the castle soon. Otherwise there would be a walking, talking disco ball in the middle of Volterra. I cast my lavender eyes towards the glass window, and spotted the footwear she was swooning over. A pair of designer high heels. A shining silver, with diamond links going down the forefoot.

"Would you like them?" I asked, tilting my head towards her.

"I'd kill for the-" She paused and looked to me, her eyes growing wider. "Wait, no. No, no, no. You're not wasting money on me."

"It's not wasting, il mio amore. You would wear them, correct?"

"... Any chance I got too, yeah."

"Then that answers it. Consider them yours."

I unhooked her arm from mine, and moved to enter the store; only to be pulled back by her.

"No, please." She begged, holding onto my arm and tugging it. "They'll cost a fortune, and then I'll feel guilty because I can't get you something."

"I don't need anything."

"Please?"

She was using her eyes against me. God damn her. Those large pools of warmth were burning into mine, pleading me to do as she wished. Who was I to defy that look and make her unhappy? I sighed inwardly, and let a nod escape. She smiled, leant up and kissed my cheek.

"Thank you for offering though." Entwining her hand with mine, Renesmee began to pull me along again. Offering... That's what she thought. "We better get back. Sun's popping out to say hi."

I glanced towards the large clock tower, noting that it said two pm. Perfect. If I couldn't surprise her with these shoes, then there would be a better surprise for her when we got to the castle.

"Sounds like a plan, mio amore."

—xXx—

"Where the hell is my daughter!"

Amusing how wound up they could become. Just by merely withholding some information; it could set them all off. The most prominent voice was that of the hybrids mother, but it didn't phase me in the slightest. Truth be told, I didn't really know, nor care to know where their darling little girl was. All I knew was she was with my brother. Corrupting him in her own little way; making him feel things that we had sworn we would never feel. She was slowly breaking him. I could see it. There would come a day where he would come to see it also, and it would be too late. Of course I wanted to do something to stop it, and right minded sister would want too. Especially me. Alec was all I had left, and to sit back and watch him become... Something he had always despised. A love struck teen? If I had a heart, it would be broken with seeing this. But alas, I couldn't put a stop to it, despite my want too. Aro had plans, and these plans consisted with this foul relationship my brother had with the freak of nature.

"I swear to go-" Bella went to speak, but Edward cut her off. His hand rested onto her shoulder, sending her into a hush while his eyes never left mine. A chilling look, actually. I was staring right into him, as he was me. Connected, kindred. And all that other crap that made two become one. He could see right into my mind, and was watching all the devious things I would do to Bella if she so even dared speak another word to me.

"She doesn't know, love." Edward said, his eyes still on mine. And I don't care, I added with a hiss in my mind. I caught a small glimmer of a flinch within his eyes; which was enough to cause my lips to curve.

"The last I saw of your daughter, she and Alec were heading to explore the city." I spoke in a bored tone, finally breaking the eye contact with Edward and moving to look up to Demetri on my right.

"Have you had any word from my brother?"

"I cannot say I have, Jane."

I returned my eyes to look at Bella, sinister smile still in place. "I suppose we shall just have to wait until they return."

I couldn't help it. It was a force of habit. Knowing that she couldn't feel my gift... I wanted to see if it had faltered any in the years. I sent the most mind slitting pain I could conjure up, and awaited for any sign of a hint of discomfort. Sadly... There was none. Instead, I got a stern voice of my name present.

"Jane." Edward must be feeling brave.

I parted my lips to speak; but was overtaken by another voice waking up from behind us. Aro came forward, breaking out of the throne room and placing his hand onto my shoulder.

"Ah, the Cullen's. Thank you for coming; I trust you travelled here without problems?"

Carlisle took front and center. His smile was probably the only genuine one from any of them. Though, you could see the worry and concern for his grandchild.

"We had a pleasant trip," Carlisle told, to which I could only withhold the wish to roll my eyes. The whole way here was anything from 'pleasant.' As soon as they got off that darn plane, all they had wished for was to see Renesmee. The record they continued to play over and over up until this very moment.

"Splendid. Demetri, Santiago;" Aro paused, glancing between the two males. Both attention moved instantaneously onto them. "Show them to their designated dormitories."

I watched as they agreed, and moved backwards - waiting for the yellow eyes to follow. Only, they didn't. Instead, Carlisle was appointed or more so felt obliged to continue asking the same thing they had been doing to me for the entire journey to the castle.

"Where is Renesmee, Aro? You can understand our desire to see her..." He put it more civil towards Aro; none of the cursing I had just endured.

"Of course, of course. I had Alec take her out for the day. He is probably spoiling her to a nice meal as we speak. I doubt they will be long, however. Alec may be infatuated with your young offspring, but he does have duties to attend too."

I couldn't tell if he was joking, or was being serious. Infatuated? If he was infatuated, it would be over by now. Anyone who had ever gotten a small amount of interest out of Alec (and trust me... That number was probably lower than Felix's IQ score.) never lasted long. He lost interest in practically everything other than the Volturi and reading. I knew my brother better than I knew myself; and one could only hope he would lose this 'infatuation' with Renesmee like he had with everything else.

The silence continued until Aro spoke again.

"Now that matter is taken care of... If you'll follow Demetri and Santiago."

I watched as they nodded, spoke to Aro has they passed on; following after the two tall males. Lingering red eyes that belong to Demetri fell over me; communicating inwardly that he too shared the displeasure of them being here. Was he trying to sympathise with me? If so, he really had no clue as to what was going on inside my head. I wasn't feeling sorry for myself, nor for Alec at being stupid enough to fall under the hybrids spell. Things would play out, and all I could do was wait and see if things would go my way. They usually did, after all.

"The human's are here?" Aro spoke, breaking my chain of thought. I could recall a small tint in the upper levels when I was roaming around earlier. And not the bad tints of the wet dogs either. Scents that would probably linger for a good few days after these human's left. I myself couldn't wait to see the back of these mutts. The smell was downright repulsive. How Alec managed to survive weeks on end with that stink in the air I would never comprehend.

"Indeed. They arrived on the plane before the Cullen's. I had Felix bring them here while Demetri and I waited on the Cullen's."

His lips curved as his hand tightened around my shoulder. "Good... Go see to Natalia, have her send round a meal to each of the human's while they're waiting and settling in."

This was beginning to feel like a job. What was I now? A freaking concierge at the grand hotel Volturi? Never the less, I nodded and watched as Aro walked on down a corridor; hands behind his back and a gentle melody humming from his lips. Turning my eyes to the reception desk, I noted Natalia wasn't there. Taking a few seconds to compose myself, I walked on down in the other direction to Aro; following the receptionist's scent.

—xXx—

The foul smell of the immortals was stronger than ever. Each and every one of them were sitting, adjited by the stench. The only one who seemed less phased, and more so interested; was Seth. Then again, the kid had always had a soft spot for vampires. Well, the Cullen's and any of it's allies. He wouldn't really call the Voulttare, or whatever their names were allies. If anything, they were the true enemy. One of it's guards had stolen the one thing sacred to him, and her family. Renesmee's heart. She shouldn't love the monster, Jacob believed. She should love him. And she did, yes but not enough to want to be with him. As much as it pained him that once again he wasn't good enough, Jacob would try his best to be happy for her. She was his imprint after all, and whatever she wanted; she got. No questions asked and if she only wanted him as a friend, or a big brother; she had it. Always.

"You'd think they had air freshener or something." Paul grumbled from the back of the room they were in. Course they weren't all staying within the one room. Each had a roommate but the pack had decided to stick together within one room during the time they didn't sleep. Jacob hadn't really paid attention as to who was bunking with who; all he knew what that he had Seth, and Paul was next door with Leah.

Those two together in the same room... It was a wonder the pack got any sleep at all. Those two fought worse than dogs! Right now, whoever; Paul was sprawled out on a long sofa, one leg up and the other dangling over the edge to touch the floor. His hands were crossed behind his head and his eyes narrowed at the ceiling. Trust Paul to make himself at home in a castle full of death first. Leah was showering; he could hear the water running within the locked bathroom. Seth was resting on the bed; his pose mimicking Paul's. The only difference is that Seth seemed to be in a true train of thought. He had never known Seth to be this quiet. Just as his lips parted to ask if he was alright, the door knocked in a light, yet hard and loud melody.

Seth was up and out of the bed in almost a second, rushing to the door and pulling it open wide. There stood a young human girl, probably in her early twenties; with long black hair and a welcoming smile. She was pushing a trolley, and the smell was wonderful.

"Ciao, hai fame, ragazzi?" She beamed; indicating to the trolley. Seth's eyebrows creased.

"English?" He asked.

"Oh, yes.. Sorry, most guests speak Italiano, I presumed; forgive me." She giggled, a fine blush taking over her features. Jacob scoffed, and crossed his arms. Why couldn't the bloodsucker go after this chick and leave Renesmee alone? She was pretty, and giggly. Sure, she wasn't a Nessie, but she could suffice his needs...

"Are you hungry, boys? I brought food on the orders of-" She went to speak; but her words were cut off by a malicious, humor filled one. It still sounded like bells, but sort of like the bells you hear just before you die... If you hear bells before death, that is.

"As hard as I tried, I couldn't find dog bowls." The voice snided, coming into view and Jacob couldn't help but frown almost instantly. It was the bloodsucker he had spent two years hating with a fiery passion's sister. Her hands were behind her back, and her eyes wide and menacing.

Seth was leaning against the door, and for the smallest of moments; Jacob thought he saw him smiling at her.

"The human's have arrived, and most of the immortal beings have left the castle to feed. I have come to tell you it is fine for you to explore now, though I would remember to-" Jane was explaining, but Seth jumped in with the largest smile Jacob had ever seen on his face. And Seth had one pretty normal big smile as it was.

"Travel in a pack; which is good cause s'what we do..."

The monsters eyes landed on him, and a single perfected blonde brow arched in his direction. Her lips in a full, unamused line. She seemed to be questioning why the hell he had interrupted her, and for a moment it looked as though she was about to say something to him. She didn't. Jacob saw Seth sigh and look down.

Jane's eyes moved to look at Jacob, and then spoke towards the human girl in her native tongue. "Dar loro il cibo e andare."

The human nodded, and slowly pushed the cart into the room. There, she began to file out plated filled with food; piles of it on top of one another. As soon as she put it down, the human began to pull the cart out; flash a smile to the pack and then vanished from view.

"Is Renesmee here?" Jacob called, for Jane was just about to leave also. She paused, turned and looked at him with a sinister smirk.

"She's returning from sending the day with Alec." She replied. "She'll be back soon, though I would wait in line. There are many whom wish to see her."

Jacob shifted a little closer, to which she scoffed and turned to leave again.

"Will you come tell me when she's back?" He asked, again stopping her from going. When she turned this time however, her eyes were like daggers.

"Do I look like a messenger girl?" She sneered.

"Is that a trick question?" He retaliated, arching his own thick brow. In honesty, that's all she's been doing all morning. Running around, sending messages; doing Aro's bidding. Her lips curved from the darkened glare she was giving. But it wasn't at all friendly. Honestly, Jacob prefered the death glare.

"I'll have someone come inform you, mongrel."

Jacob frowned, and watched as she turned to leave. He also stood and watched Seth quickly dart out after her and clear his throat. She didn't stop walking, however.

"Thanks for the food! And for the message!" He called out, hoping to gain her attention.

She didn't even so much as look back. Instead, she carried on walking. He sighed deeply, and returned into the room; receiving odd looks from the pack tucking into their food. Shutting the door, he moved over and took a plate.

"What was that about?" Jacob was the one to ask, also sitting down and taking a plate of the heap pile.

"Doesn't hurt to try and be civil..." Seth replied, seemingly deadbeat about not receiving a 'you're welcome.' He's been asking strange since he got here, Jacob decided. Seth didn't say a word more, as neither did Jacob.

What the wolf didn't know, was as she walked down the corridor, seemingly ignoring him; her lips were curved into a smile as she thought; At least one of them had manners...

A/N:

Hello again! How are we all?

This chapter has little progress, sort of like a filler really. But there is some Jane/Seth interaction...

He's acting weird, huh? What do you guys think could be wrong with him? ;3

Also, the 860th review was a guest, and because of this I can't really get in contact. Therefor, I've gone with bellabitter23

So, well done to you, and I will sure try and put the little suggestion you put in. Some Jane/Renesmee interacting of trying to get along.

All is in the process as we speak! The next update won't be long, hopefully.

Until then, I'll see you soon my Corruptedheartian's.

I love you all.

-C.H

Chapter question: Who is your favorite character from the Twilight Saga?