Nate laid on the living room floor, giving the couch to Liam while Charlie and Sue took the twins' old room and Sarah slept in Jacob's old room. He stared up at the ceiling, his arm under his head as he listened to Liam's heavy breathing. He couldn't help but envy his siblings. While Sarah was intuitive and had been asking Billy and Charlie questions about where their parents were and why they were suddenly sleeping over, Liam was carefree, enjoying the moment. If he was just a few years older, Nate was certain that Liam would have joined him within the pack. Based on hearing Jacob's thoughts, Nate knew that for a while, his Dad was even concerned about Sarah given that both his Mom and Aunt Leah had phased. It seemed that for him and his siblings, having both parents within the pack, made them all a shoo-in for phasing. But thankfully, it seemed that no one else were showing symptoms of phasing, even with the abundance of vampires in the area.
Once again, he didn't sleep much but merely dozed in the dark living room, his mind preoccupied with all things Liz Uley. Nate closed his eyes often and replayed his shared daydream that he had with Liz in his mind. He wished that he had catalogued more detail than he had in those few short minutes. As tormented as he was knowing it was only a dream, it comforted him, reminding him that she was all right and that for the time being, the Volturi wouldn't hurt her.
Still, his foot twitched restlessly as he laid on the ground, staring up at the ceiling while Liam's heavy breathing echoed loudly in the room. He was certain that without Jacob's order, he'd be out searching relentlessly for Liz. The wolf within itched to get out of the house, to stretch his legs and to feel the comfort of his pack brothers. He desperately wanted to know how the search was going. Ryan had stopped by once shortly after everyone had gone to bed. He had knocked softly on the door and said that the reservation was all clear. The Cullen's were sharing in the patrols, keeping to their side of the border as much as possible as to not obscure the scent on the reservation.
When they all awoke the next morning, Liam was thrilled to find out that he wasn't going to school that day. While Liam rejoiced with having the opportunity to spend a day with both his Grandpa Billy and Uncle Charlie, Sarah was confused. She had asked Sue many questions regarding the conference that their parents were supposedly at and then about Charlie's sudden decision to fumigate his house. Her responses were to the point before she offerred to bring her over to hang out with her cousin Amy for the day over at the Lahote's down the road while Nicholas came over to play with Liam. While Sarah agreed, she was still curious.
Charlie spent his day on the phone with a large map spread out on Billy's kitchen table. He had called his contacts with the railway and narrowed down the search area even further before Billy gave Sam a call to let him know.
All around them, the pack continued with thier patrol, well aware of the movements of the imprints, the children and their loved ones within the reservation. Information and locations were being passed mentally throughout the pack while they raced around the perimeter of La Push. It seemed as though everyone was on edge, anticipating the attack that Liz had warned them about. Although he hadn't phased, Nate could sense the apprehension in the air. He spent most of his day standing silently on Billy's front porch or walking around the property, just listening to the sounds of the woods that were talking to him. His keen eyes had spotted Jonah race past a few times and then every so often, he'd see Quil or somoene else who had given them a short break.
"I'm sure that you're well enough to join them now," Sue had told him earlier that morning as she joined him on the porch with a cup of coffee. She hadn't slept much knowing what her kids were about to go through for the second time in their lives.
Nate shrugged. "It doesn't matter anyways. I've been ordered to stay on two feet and protect this house and the people in it. Besides, I doubt Dad and Uncle Paul want either Liam or Nick to see a giant wolf in their grandpa's back yard."
A small smile came to Sue's face as she heard the humour in Nate's voice. "I suppose you are right."
Later on that evening, clouds began to build in from the coast as the temperature dropped. Thunder began to rumble in the distance as Rachel walked beside her daughter Amy and niece, Sarah as they walked along the road towards Billy's house. Although Paul had warned her to stay indoors after sunset, it wasn't anywhere near dusk. When Embry suddenly jumped out from within the woods, wide-eyed, barefoot and in cutoffs, the two younger girls screamed in shock. Amy and Sarah grabbed ahold of Rachel's arms and ducked behind her, not recognizing him as Embry Call. Embry moved towards Rachel.
"You all have to get out of here, now," he said quickly, looking at her firmly and seriously.
Rachel stared at him in surprise.
"Paul said that nothing was expected until after dark."
"We think it's already started," Embry told her, gently taking her by the arm and leading her towards Billy's house. "Quil scented two leeches that we don't recognize just inside the reservation border. He sent me back to warn everyone. When you weren't at home I went looking for you."
Rachel didn't need to be told twice. She grabbed ahold of Amy by the arm while Embry pulled Sarah along.
"Mom! I'm moving as fast as I can."
"I need you to run," she urged, causing both girls to quicken their steps.
Inside Billy's house, Nate suddenly stood up from the supper table, causing everyone to pause in both concern and confusion. Although they had been told the the attack was anticipated for that evening, they had been on edge all afternoon.
"Someone's here," Nate said, moving around from the table towards the front door. Charlie stood up too, his hand instinctively going to his hip while Sue and Billy watched Nate in concern. Liam and Nicholas continued to eat while they watched the adults around the table.
Nate opened the front door just as Rachel, Sarah and Amy quickly moved into the house with Embry on their heels.
"They need to stay here," Embry said curtly, looking seriously at Nate. "Unknown leeches are on our land."
Nate nodded, knowing what that could mean. While Embry quickly closed the door behind him, Nate moved closer to the door and watched him disappear into the woods from the window.
"Rachel, Amy, Sarah, come join us," Billy said, putting a smile on his face for his daughter and grand-daughter's benefits. "Sue here has made us a wonderful dinner and I'm sure that there is more than enough for everyone."
Sue nodded, and wringed her hands together nervously before she grabbed another couple of plates.
"Of course there is," she added, placing some potatoes on the plate. She didn't realize how much her hand was shaking until Charlie suddenly came up behind her and put a steady hand beneath her own. With his other hand, he comfortingly squeezed the back of her neck.
"Allow me," he said softly, taking the plates of food from her and brought them to the table. With a smile, he placed them in front of the girls.
"Mom, I thought leeches live in ponds," Nicholas suddenly said, causing the adults to take pause and suddenly look at him.
"They do, Nick," Amy told her brother with a roll of her eyes. "And they love to suck your blood."
Sarah laughed at Amy's best Dracula impression. It certainly wasn't amusing to the adults in the room.
"Amy, enough of that," Rachel said sternly. "We're not going to talk about sucking blood anymore, especially at the table while we're eating."
"But that's what they do, Aunt Rachel," Liam piped up. "It doesn't hurt or anything. I had one stuck to my leg once when I was playing in the river. Dad pulled it off."
Sarah winced, remembering that occasion before she recalled Embry's words.
"But why was Mr. Call saying that there were leeches on the land?"
"And why didn't he have shoes on!?" Liam added.
"He had no shirt on either," Nicholas piped in. "It's freezing out!"
"Boys," Billy said, leaning towards them, "finish eating and I'm certain that I can find some ice cream in the freezer."
Liam and Nicholas didn't need to be told again. With a smile, they both continued to eat. Billy caught Rachel give him an appreciative nod before he looked up at Nate, who was still standing by the door. He watched as Sue approached him, gently touching his back.
"Nate, honey," she began softly, "you barely ate. Can I get you something else?"
Nate simply shook his head. "I'm not hungry anymore."
"I think it's important that you build up your energy that you have lost over the past few days."
Nate turned to her and forced a smile for the benefit of the younger people in the room.
"I'm fine, Aunt Sue," he said. "But I think I will get some fresh air."
With that, he opened the front door and closed it behind him.
Out on the porch, Nate could hear the conversations continue inside. Nate heard Billy back him up in assuring Sue that he was fine and to allow him to do his job. It was obvious that Sue didn't agree with the comment as he heard her huff.
"Billy, they're just kids - our kids and your grandsons."
He heard Billy sigh. "I know. But they were born for this. We need to trust them.'
Nate stepped away from the door, focusing his attention on the woods surrounding them. The crickets chirped as the thunder continued to roll in from the distance, becoming louder as it approached. The wind picked up as the lightening illuminated the trees within the darkness.
In the distance, Nate saw a quick flash of colour, his nostrils flaring as the scent blew towards him in the strengthening wind.
Vampire.
Right behind it, he saw a pair of wolves chase it down; Seth and Jonah. He stepped off the porch as the rain began to fall, watching the woods carefully around him for any other vampires.
Inside the house, a chorus of footsteps rushing towards the front door caught his attention as the door suddenly opened and Liam bounded out onto the porch behind him.
"Nate! Wanna watch a movie with us? Nick says that..."
Nate swiftly turned to his brother, holding in a growl as the wolf was close to the surface after having scented the vampire within a hundred feet of the house.
"Get inside!" He all but snarled, the Alpha command still holding him firmly from phasing.
The smile on Liam's face fell just as Charlie quickly rushed onto the porch and grabbed ahold of the boy's arm.
"Come on, Liam," Charlie said calmly, eyeing Nate standing in the rain as his muscles vibrated. "I'll watch a show with you guys."
But Liam wasn't listening. His eyes were concerned for his older brother.
"What are you doing in the rain? You okay, Nate?"
Nate didn't turn but merely breathed deeply, in an attempt to calm both his anxiety over his brother's safety and the anger due to the proximity of the vampire that had just passed by the house.
Charlie coaxed Liam once again and with a final glance, he turned to go into the house just as a scream cut the night air.
Nate quickly turned back towards the house, while Charlie and Liam paused inside the doorway.
He recognized the voice.
"Sarah," Nate breathed out before running up the front steps and into the house behind his younger brother and Charlie.
Rachel was already moving down the hallway with Nicholas at her side. Billy was rolling his way after her towards Jacob's old room where the girls were getting ready for bed. Nate rushed in behind him, his eyes scanning for his sister and cousin.
"I just saw a man looking in the window," Sarah gasped, holding her hand to her chest. Amy nodded, pulling the blankets closer to herself.
While Rachel attempted to calm the girls and dismiss it as it being their imagination, Billy looked ominously towards Nate. Billy knew that his grandson knew more than he was letting on. The older man could sense it in the air - something was nearby.
Leaving his Aunt Rachel to deal with his sister and cousin's legitimate fears, Nate turned to head back towards the porch just as the same scent that he had detected outside drifted into the house. He paused, a snarl rumbling in his chest. Billy's eyes widened as the sound was profound and everyone in the room heard it. Before Sarah or Amy could question him, Nate moved down the hallway, every instinct within him begging for him to phase in order to protect his family.
That's when he heard Sue gasp.
"Oh my god! Charlie!"
Nate turned to the living room where he had passed Charlie and Liam before he went to investigate why his sister had screamed.
Charlie laid on the ground, blood coming out of his nose. He seemed dazed and extremely confused as he brought his hand to his face and winced. Sue was quickly at his side, ensuring that the bloody nose was the only issue he had.
"What the hell?" He breathed. "Where did he...?" Charlie winced at the pain radiating from his face as he glanced around the room, eyes wide. "You didn't see him?"
"See who?"
"He was just...here." Charlie paused and looked around, just as Billy passed Sue a roll of paper towels. "At the door. There was a man there and now he's...gone."
"Charlie, where's Liam?" Billy asked.
Charlie's eyes widened as a snarl ripped in the back of Nate's throat.
As though on command, they heard Liam shout for his grandpa in a tone that sent chills down Billy's back. His cries were coming from outside the house. With a flick of his wrist, Billy quickly turned towards the doorway, every instinct calling to him to come to his grandson's aid.
Nate quickly moved ahead of him, stopping him in his tracks, just as another voice called out from outside the front door.
"Alpha's son," the vampire called out sweetly. "I have a present for you."
Billy was breathing deeply, his own anger matching that of Nate's. He met his grandson's intense gaze.
"We have to call Jacob."
But Nate shook his head.
"He wants me. Besides, I'm betting that Dad already knows," Nate told him, quickly scanning the room to ensure everyone else was safe. He saw his Aunt Rachel who held onto Nicholas who was in tears before seeing his younger sister and his cousin Amy standing in the hallway, their eyes wide with fear. "Stay inside."
His command was recieved with silent nods before he turned. Billy grabbed ahold of his wrist as he put his hand on the doorknob.
"Be careful," he said softly, tears in his eyes. "Your Dad ordered you not to phase."
Nate nodded, remembering that sobering fact.
"I wont let a leech hurt my family," he growled before he swiftly opened the door. The strong scent hit him like a brick wall. He felt the intense desire to phase and to throw up. But the alpha's orders held fast as did Nate's strong stomach.
Nate quickly shut the door behind him and moved off the porch, seeing the vampire standing in the yard with Liam in one hand and a leather satchel in the other.
Within the woods, Nate could see two wolves pacing, watching the exchange. They wouldn't dare make a move while Liam, their Alpha's youngest son was being held in such close proximity to their enemy. Still, Nate wished he could hear their thoughts, if only to work together to destroy this threat against his brother.
"Let him go," Nate demanded, snarling each word.
The vampire smirked, glancing at Liam as he sobbed while he held his upper arm within his hand.
"Yeah right," he said with an incredulous laugh, gesturing to the woods behind him. "This kid is my insurance. I know that if I let him go, your friends back there would undoubtedly rip me apart before I could give you this gift."
He gestured to the satchel in his free hand.
"I don't want anything from you."
"Oh, but you do."
The vampire tossed it on the ground towards Nate's feet. "Consider it an offering from Aro. He has something precious of yours that I'm certain that you'll want back. Follow the scent that I left for you and it'll lead you right to her."
Liz.
Nate knew exactly whom the vampire was referring to and according to the Volturi, the pack wasn't aware of what had happened to her or their intentions. But to discover that they had left a trail that would ultimately lead him to Liz, Nate had to hold himself back from moving to fast towards the satchel on the ground. He knew that the trail the vampire left was a trap but his logical mind was locked in a disagreement with his heart. It was an internal fight that caused him to growl aloud.
Slowly, Nate crouched down, his eyes still focused on the vampire as he picked up the satchel. The thing reeked like rancid vinegar mixed with sweet cotton candy; the disgusting scent of a vampire.
"I suspect you'll find the gift I've brought to be quite...interesting."
Nate carefully opened it, not wanting to touch it more than he had to. The moment he lifted the flap, the most aromatic scent plunged into his senses. The wolf inside purred in delight. Nate couldn't help but take a step back in shock as it caused such a physical reaction within him.
The vampire smirked, pleased that it had the affect that Aro suspected that it would.
Nate reached into the bag and pulled out a handful of dark hair. He clutched it within his fist and his hand began to tremble when he realized that it was Liz's hair.
Nate's arms trembled as another growl rolled from his chest. He could feel the heat expand from his chest, hearing Liam's cries in fear as the rain pelted down on them. Still, he could feel Jacob's Alpha order preventing him from phasing loosening it's hold on him. It was like a vice that was being stretched, no longer able to rein in the power that Nate controlled. Nate growled loudly in frustration.
"I'm going to kill you," he growled, glaring darkly at the vampire.
As though a dam suddenly broke within him, Nate exploded, fur replacing skin as his bones elongated and shifted into position. Clothing tore, the ripping heard loudly before Nate landed on four feet.
'Dude! How the hell...!? You broke an alpha order!' Ryan exclaimed.
The voices of his brothers echoed in his mind as the news travelled throughout the pack and what it could mean. Nate's anger penetrated the pack as thoughts of holding Liz's cut hair in his hand brought a pain so deep that he couldn't hold it in. The news also travelled to the Cullen's via Edward being able to listen into the pack conversations. Knowing that Liam was in danger and Nate's focus clearly not on his brother, with Jacob's permission, Bella and Alice raced through the woods towards Billy's house.
Nate fought to focus, hearing Liam's cries and seeing his wide and fearful eyes at what he had just seen happen to his older brother. He huffed and glared at the vampire.
The vampire pulled Liam close to him although the boy squirmed in its cold grasp. In his mind, Nate directed Derek and Ryan who were pacing in the woods what to do. They followed his directive, all the while Nate growled loudly and paw'd at the ground.
"I'll kill him before you even touch me, dog," the vampire warned him. Behind him, Derek prowled out from the covering as he approached from behind, leaving Ryan hidden. Aware that the vampire's threat was legit, he moved in slowly. Just as he moved out, both Bella and Alice dropped to the ground beside Ryan, watching the exchange from inside the treeline.
"Tell Nate that we'll get his brother out of there before you attack," Bella said softly to Ryan, who nodded.
Alice looked to Bella before she nodded. In a blink of an eye, they raced towards the vampire. While Bella grabbed ahold of Liam, Alice grabbed the vampire's arm, ripping it clear off his body.
The vampire barely screamed for a second before Nate, Derek and then Ryan joined in, jumping at it, ripping it apart. Instinctively, Bella turned with Liam, blocking the younger boy from having to watch such a horrid scene. The sounds that the vampire made as it was being torn apart were unearthly. Liam continued to cry, and struggle, desperate to get away from Bella's tight grasp and run back to the safety of the house.
Seeing Ryan, Derek and Alice quickly picking up the pieces in the darkness and running them into the woods to set ablaze, Bella let Liam go, causing him to stumble back slightly before he turned to see a pair of wolves walking back towards the house. Billy had rolled out the doorway and said a few words to the wolves before he turned and called out for Liam, his voice wavering slightly in worry. Liam looked up at Bella in fear, but she smiled back at him, encouraging him to go.
"It's okay. The wolves wont hurt you," she assured him.
Still, Liam didn't move. He was in shock. He stood between a woman who could move as fast as lightening and creatures that were certainly conjured up from his worst nightmares. Suddenly, he heard his Dad calling his name just before he saw him running out from the treeline.
"Daddy?"
Jacob quickly dropped to his knees in front of Liam just as the young boy wrapped his arms around his neck and sobbed.
"You're okay," Jacob said soothingly, running his hand on his son's back before he stood up. "I'm here. You're safe."
Liam held tight to Jacob's neck, and he didn't mind one bit. He had seen what his son had just gone through, having seen the entire event play out through Nate's eyes. He looked over at Bella, who watched the loving father-son exchange.
"Thank you," Jacob told her softly.
Bella nodded, smiling.
Concerned for Liam, Charlie had run off of Billy's porch, despite Billy's protesting. He sighed in relief when he saw the young boy in Jacob's arms.
"Oh thank god," Charlie breathed out, causing Liam to look up at him and Jacob to turn. "Are you okay, Liam?"
While Liam didn't respond, Jacob nodded. "I think he'll be okay. He's just a little shaken up."
Charlie smiled weakly. "I know the feeling. Those wolves are a little overwhelming, aren't they, buddy."
"Uncle Charlie, I saw...Nate...he...he turned into a wolf."
Charlie chuckled uncomfortably, glancing up at Jacob before looking back at Liam. "Yeah, I know, pal. I'll leave your grandpa and your Dad here to explain that one to you. They have more experience with this kind of thing than I do."
Realizing that they weren't alone, Charlie looked past Jacob and for a moment he couldn't believe his eyes. The confusion in them softened to disbelief. Even drenched in the rain, he'd recognize her.
"Bells?" He breathed.
Feeling the need to give them some privacy, Jacob stepped back and turned to bring Liam back to the house.
Bella smiled but it fell when she saw his face, the swollen nose and bruises beneath his eyes. "Dad, are you okay?"
Charlie smirked, remembering his bloody nose and nodded.
"I'm fine, Bella. Just a run-in with that vampire."
"It's nice to hear you say my name. I've missed hearing your voice."
Charlie continued to comfort Liam by rubbing his back. Charlie had to remind himself that this was reality; that this really was Bella in front of him, although she didn't look like the same girl he remembered.
"I heard that you were alive," Charlie said, clearing his throat. "And in town."
Bella nodded. "I got your letter that you gave to Jake." She sighed. "I'm sorry for what I put you through. I was hoping we could move on from all that."
Charlie huffed out an incredulous breath. "Bells, I have moved on. Hell, I buried you along with all the dreams I ever had for ya. I gave that letter to Jake to give to you to remind you that your decision didn't just affect you, but those around you. I'll always love you, Bells, but there's no way that you can make up for 16 years."
"And I'm sorry for that, I really am," Bella implored to him. "I couldn't live my life without Edward. I thought that you could understand that." She paused and looked behind him where Sue had come out onto the porch and looked on in concern. "You married Sue - could you imagine your life without her?"
"It's not the same, Bella," Charlie stated, growing in frustration. "I didn't give up the rest of my life, my family and friends, just to spend my life with her. You leaving, left a hole in my chest."
He paused and looked over at Billy's porch to see Jacob put Liam down. Billy bent over and hugged the young boy.
"And these kids," he began, "Jacob's kids, Seth's daughter and all the others, filled it in a way I never thought anyone could. They're my children as much as you were."
Bella nodded in understanding and put her hands into her pockets.
"Maybe, when all of this is over, we could talk some more," Bella said softly, but meant it more as a question.
Charlie swallowed and nodded. In the distance, by the treeline, he could make out the outline of a figure. He recognized the pixie hair cut and knew who it was. Charlie quickly pieced it together and gave Alice a curt nod towards her before looking back at Bella.
"Thanks for saving Liam," he told Bella before he walked back towards Billy's house.
Charlie had to fight back the tears as he walked away from her. He focused on the people on the porch; Sue, as she watched him walk back towards them in concern, Billy, as he placed his hands on Liam's cheeks before hugging him once again and Rachel, as she wrapped a towel around Liam's shoulders to dry him off. He noticed Jacob as he conversed with the pair of wolves standing in front of the porch. This was his family, as strange and obscure as the circumstances were. He loved each of them and knew without a shadow of a doubt that they'd be there for him, as they always had been.
As he came up to the porch, Ryan had moved off to the woods to join Derek to phase back. Nate remained in wolf form, his ears back as he whimpered.
"I think he's sad," Liam commented softly to Billy, glancing meekly at the wolf sitting on the grass, while Sue rubbed another towel in his wet hair. The rain continued to pour and Charlie shook out the water from the umbrella before coming up to Sue's side.
From the woods, both Derek and Ryan came jogging towards them, coming up beside Jacob.
"The Cullen's took care of that bloo...the bad guy," Ryan said, altering his wording which was much appreciated by Rachel and Billy. The younger kids didn't need to know the horrors of the world they live in all at once. "He's gone now."
Derek picked up the satchel that Nate had dropped just prior to phasing before holding it out at arms length.
"I think this is what caused Nate to break the alpha order," he said. "It smells horrible, but it's what's inside that caused him to break it."
"What is it?" Billy asked, while Derek passed the bag to Jacob.
"It's Liz's hair," he replied softly. "The Volturi are trying to lure Nate away. They created a trail for him to follow."
Beside him, the wolf whimpered. Billy looked up at him, sympathetically.
Jacob turned to Derek and Ryan. "I'd like you two to get back to patrolling."
The pair nodded, glancing worriedly at Nate before waving to the people on the porch. They raced into the woods, no doubt phasing the first chance they got.
"There are more of them lurking around in the woods," Jacob told Billy. "I'm certain that this was just the beginning. Make sure everyone stays inside."
Billy nodded in understanding. Jacob turned to Nate.
"I'd appreciate it if you could continue guarding this section of the reservation."
The wolf huffed and got up off his haunches before leaping into the woods.
Sensing Jacob's desire to speak with Billy privately, Charlie took Liam by the hand while Sue promised him some more of the ice cream that he had for dessert. Before the door even closed, all at once, the kids began to ask questions to Sue, Rachel and Charlie. Billy couldn't help but sigh. They weren't wanting the younger children exposed to this world at such an age. They were going to have to tread carefully, ensuring that they were reminded to keep it a secret from the others who had yet(if at all) to discover the truth behind the legends.
When the door closed, it was Billy who spoke. He had already anticipated Jacob's thoughts as he stood on the grass in the pouring rain.
"He broke your command."
Jacob sighed and nodded. "I felt it. The whole pack felt it. Something is happening."
"Nate is an Alpha, just like you are," Billy reminded him. "He has learned a lot under your leadership."
"I know," Jacob confirmed, running his hands through his hair. "This is just not the opportune time for a shift to be occuring."
"Through our human eyes, it may not be. But you must trust the spirits in knowing what is best for the pack," Billy told him. "From your point of view, it may not be the best timing for this to be occuring, but it may be what the pack needs for such a time. There is a reason why it is happening now. You may never know why and it may not make sense, but there's no way it can go back to how it used to be."
Jacob sighed once again.
"I just don't know if he's ready for this; if he can handle it."
Billy smiled. "As a father, I understand completely."
"And then there's this," Jacob said, looking down at the satchel in his hands. "I know the strong pull an imprint can have on someone. When it comes down to it, my command wouldn't hold him here if he suddenly decided to go after Liz."
Billy sighed, rubbing his chin. "If this was 18 years ago, Jo hadn't phased and she was in Liz's position, what would you have done?"
A rumble of a growl rolled in his chest at the thought.
"I'd gone after her and nothing would have stopped me. I'd have my brothers right beside me," Jacob replied. "But we're on the verge of a war here. Nate knows that the protection of the reservation is paramount. And the imprints are right up there in that priority. As much as I want to, I can't send the pack out after Lizzie right now."
He paused and sighed, running his hands through his hair in frustration and closed his eyes.
"I hate to admit it, but if he can break my Alpha Commands, there's nothing I could do to stop him if he suddenly decided to go after Liz on his own."
"He knows their plan for him and that any trail leading to Liz is a trap," Billy said.
Jacob opened his eyes and looked at his father. Fear was in his eyes.
"If he's desperate enough, he'll go. I saw in his mind how tempting it was to follow the trail to Liz. The wolf was demanding that he go after her. It's a strong instinct that's pulling him," Jacob said. "He wasn't focused. It took Liam's cries to make him realize a threat to his brother was right in front of him."
"Trust him, Jacob," Billy stated. "If he does make the decision to go after Liz, you know that he'll spend his life trying to return with her. You said it yourself, you would go after Jo. You can't assume Nate wouldn't make the same choice."
"I wont lose my son to the Volturi," Jacob declared, just as a howl echoed through the woods.
Jacob turned his head to the treeline, his fists clenching.
"What is it?" Billy asked, concerned.
"It's begun."
Hours earlier...
Liz felt nauseated. It wasn't just the fact that her body was reacting strongly to being away from Nate for so long, but it was the knowledge that the Volturi were planning on attacking her tribe within hours. Although she now knew that the pack had been alerted thanks to Nate somehow being able to contact her, simply knowing that her loved ones could be seriously hurt left a huge pit in her stomach.
She laid on her side, resting her cheek against the cold, metal floor. It seemed to help a bit with the nausea. Although she still couldn't sleep, Liz closed her eyes, bringing to mind that dream that she had shared with Nate. For a moment, she was certain that she had been missing him so much that her mind had conjured up the whole conversation. But there was no way that she could deny that it wasn't Nate when she sensed his familiar presence in her mind.
Behind her, the metal door opened once again and Liz peeked her eyes open just enough to see a shadow against the bright light of the day reflect against the far wall of the container. Assuming it was the large vampire returning to drop off food that she'd eventually eat, only to bring up later on, Liz closed her eyes. It had only been a few days but she was growing tired of this.
To her surprise, the footsteps seemed lighter that what she was used to hearing. She even heard a sigh, undoubtedly belonging to a woman.
"I know that you're awake," the woman declared irritably. "Vampires have great hearing. You can't fool us when we can clearly hear your heart rate pick up and your breathing quicken."
Liz didn't recognize the voice but still didn't bother to acknowledge the presence. She knew well enough that the Volturi weren't planning on killing her and they could torture her all they wanted, they'd never get what they wanted.
"Get up."
Liz again didn't respond, nor did she move. The woman sighed aloud.
"I know that you can hear me."
Liz snorted, just as she felt a cold hand touch her own. Quickly, she opened her eyes as she sucked in a sharp breath and pulled her hand back. Liz turned, pulling herself tightly against the wall of the metal container, as far away from the vampire as she could.
The vampire held up her hands in a way to show she meant Liz no harm. Liz looked at her, seeing the blood red iris and the beautiful blond hair framing her face in long locks.
"Hey, hey! Relax," the blond woman told her, before a small smirk appeared on her red lips. "I'm not here to hurt you."
Liz eyed her suspiciously. "Stay away from me."
The woman sighed unnecessarily and winced. "I wish I could, seriously, I do. Unfortunately, I volunteered to do a job that no one wanted to do and that is to cut your hair off. The Volturi are wanting to send your people a message and also hope to lure your boyfriend here before they attack your tribe. Frankly, the entire Volturi guard can't handle the stench that you've been giving off and I have to agree with them. But," she paused, reaching into her bra and pulling out a piece of paper, "volunteering to do such a vile job also has its perks."
She held out the piece of paper towards Liz who cautiously took it from the blond haired vampire who gave her a warning.
"Remember what I said about our hearing."
While Liz slowly unfolded the piece of paper, the vampire pulled out a pair of scissors from her bag over her shoulder. Liz began to read, not believing the words she was seeing woven out of the elegant handwriting.
'My name is Rosalie Cullen. While your people are not those who I would associate myself with, I find myself feeling compelled to help you. Long ago, Dr. Carlisle Cullen made a deal with Jacob Black - he would protect the pack from the interests of Aro, whom had also been causing my family grief for decades. My family agreed, and although I wasn't pleased with it, I too had agreed. Over the years, I became disgruntled and resentful of that agreement. I was with my family up until nearly a year ago when the Romanians approached myself and my husband, Emmett to join them. I made an excuse and he and I disappeared in the night to evade the Volturi, and we haven't seen our family since. In our desire to vanquish the Volturi for good, Emmett and I are currently working as spies for the Romanians. The Volturi are wanting my family to join them and assume having myself and my husband as part of their guard, it would gain them favour.'
'Since your capture, word has travelled swiftly throughout the vampire world of what Aro is planning on doing with you and the son of Jacob Black. Even though I do not care for your people, I do not agree with Aro's plan. Aro isn't fit to raise anyone's child, much less a shape shifters. While our positions as Romanian spies takes precedence, Emmett and I will do everything we can to help you in order to return you safely to your people. We aren't alone in this endeavour - there are at least twelve of us within the Volturi's guard. I cannot disclose who for their safety. But you can rest assured that we will help you.'
Liz had to reread the words on the paper more than once. While she had read, Rosalie instructed Liz to turn around before she gathered her pin-straight hair at Liz's neck. With a slight wince, Liz heard her hair being cut in a few snips of Rosalie's scissors. She felt the coolness of the blades touch the back of her neck and knew it would be short; shorter than she had ever had it cut. Although she knew she should be mourning the loss of her hair, something that she had taken years to grow, knowing that she had found allies within a dark place made her feel a bit better.
When Rosalie softly told her that she was done, Liz passed the folded paper back to Rosalie who tucked it back inside of her bra. Liz reached behind her head to find that her hair had been cut to her chin. It felt odd to suddenly be able to touch the back of her neck and find the curtain of hair no longer there.
"Don't make such a big deal out of it. It'll grow back," Rosalie reminded her as she put the long strands of dark hair into a bag.
"How can I trust your word?"
Rosalie looked at Liz, knowing she wasn't meaning about her hair but implying about the letter. Her mouth pulled up, impressed at Liz's ability to converse cryptically.
"You're going to have to," she told her. "What other choice do you have? In the meantime, I suggest that you rest. It's going to be a long day."
Liz didn't see Rosalie again that day. As daylight began to descend beneath the clouds of an impending storm, Liz felt that pit in her stomach grow. Thunder echoed in the distance while Liz sat against the metal wall, her eyes closed as she focused as much as she could, straining to somehow reconnect with Nate's mind. She rubbed her arms and her legs, feeling the cold as the temperatures began to drop. Suddenly, the metal door opened and within a blink of an eye, two vampires held onto her arms and pulled on each one, dragging her into the pouring rain. Aro stood, his head protected by the elements by an umbrella being held by another vampire just behind him.
"Move her further into the mountains," he told the two vampires. "Our gift has been delivered and the battle has begun. I'm anticipating the Alpha's son to be coming after her shortly."
Aro smiled sardonically at Liz, moving in closer to gently touch her chin.
"Be sure to scream loudly for him, my dear. I'll be there shortly to witness your reunion with him."
"You can just go to hell, you son of a bitch!" Liz shouted back at him.
Aro simply chuckled before gesturing to the two vampires holding onto her. Within the blink of an eye, the two vampires and Liz disappeared from his presense. Aro rubbed his hands together, anticipating the coming together of his plan.
'A/N - Thank you so much for the reviews!'