Chapter Thirty Eight

Jasper

The rest of the pack joined us as arranged and we flew using Darius special contacts to charter a private plane straight to Pisa. The others, both Greek, Roman, and the nomads, would meet us there. They set up camp in the Italian countryside. There was a disused and tumbled down farm building that suited our purposes very well and from there we would launch our attack on Volterra unless Bella appeared very quickly. Something told me I had no need to worry about her, that she was quite capable of protecting herself now she was a vampire but my heart told me I should be there at her side to help her in her fight against the Volturi. We hadn't heard anything from Carlisle since Bella left, whether he was being watched or was keeping a low profile I didn't know but in case it was the former I wouldn't attempt to reach him either. I sat beside Darius on the plane, it was more peaceful than Peter's company, he was getting fired up now as he always did before a fight while I liked the peace to think, strategize or just calm my own mixed emotions.

"She'll be fine Major. You have to believe that or you'll be no use to any of us."

I nodded knowing he was right and trying to find a way to express the emotions I was feeling.

"I know Major, its difficult being away from your mate especially when you haven't even made it official yet but I sense something in Bella, a determination, a strength of will. I think Aro and his brothers might just find out they've bitten off more than they can swallow with Bella Swan."

"I hope you're right Darius because I really don't see how I could go on without her. I can feel her absence here"

I tapped my chest,

"It's a dull ache that's growing steadily and I know if I don't get her back it will kill me."

He nodded and I remembered who I was talking to.

"I'm sorry Darius that was insensitive, I wasn't thinking straight."

"Major you said what you feel, that's fine. I remember when I lost Sara, while I was looking for her, the pain was almost unbearable and I really thought if she died I couldn't go on, that I would die too. When she was killed by Caius the pain felled me like a tree to the axe. I couldn't move or think, I didn't want to keep living but something told me that to die was to give up and that would besmirch Sara's memory,. She always fought so hard and she never gave up however difficult it got at times. So I found a new purpose, that's why I'm here now. I know when Caius Volturi falls my Sara will be free, she can go on to whatever waits for us on the other side. I want him dead, of course I'd like to be the one to kill him but that's not important as long as he dies."

"Then we don't leave until he is Darius. Can I ask you how it feels now?"

He smiled at me then closed his eyes,

"She's always there, not a minute goes by when I don't miss her but its bearable now. I guess I know I can't see her again but she's there beside me, willing me to go on. It may not be much help to you Major but I think Bella is going to surprise us all."

"Zeus asked me to protect her until she found her mate and I'm not there to do it any longer Darius, I'm not there for her."

"I think you missed the point Major, you did what he asked, you fulfilled your task. She's found her mate, you."

I hadn't thought about it like that but he was right and it did make me feel a little better. Maybe he was right, maybe Bella could hold her own now with her gift. I just hoped she had come out of the transformation quickly and been more controlled than most newborns.

When the plane landed the others piled into the mini coach Darius had rented and drove out to the farm building. I travelled alone using a different route and making sure I wasn't followed before I joined up with the others. Once out of Pisa I didn't see a soul, so no one was following me and no one saw me turn down the disused and overgrown farm track which led to the stone barn. I just hoped everyone had fed on the way because humans seemed to be sparse around here and I didn't want a spate of disappearances or deaths in the city alerting the Volturi to our presence. Aro would be watching for me and had probably been notified I was in Italy which was fine, he didn't know where I was now or who I was with.

The tumbledown barn was cramped with all of us inside but I made sure I touched base with everyone. They seemed happy enough to follow my lead although some were more than a little upset at the idea of being so close to a the wolf pack. I listened to the grumbles for a few minutes before calling for silence and the muttering slowed to a halt.

"I know some of you are unhappy at the presence of the wolf pack but they are on our side, they owe Bella my mate a debt and are here to pay it. We will be thankful for any help when we hit Volterra."

One of the Greek contingent stood up,

"I'd like to know more about this mate of yours. What makes her so special? Why do you lead us to believe she is going to be responsible for the defeat of the hated Volturi?"

Some of the others murmured assent at his question.

"Who here has heard of the prophecy regarding Athena's daughter?"

"I have, all we Greeks have, are you trying to tell us that your mate is the one the prophecy speaks of?"

"What prophecy? Someone fill us in."

I nodded to Diana the leader of the Roman group and explained the prophecy to her and the others then went on to tell them what the stranger had told me.

"You think the stranger you spoke to was Zeus himself?"

"Yes I do, I also believe he is now dead, killed by the Volturi after being tortured. Aro believes the prophecy that's why he wanted Bella. What he isn't aware of is that Bella has a very powerful gift, one that could well mean the end for him and his brothers."

"If the prophecy is right that is Major Whitlock."

I turned to look at Berengaria who stood with Storm and Archie. They were a loose association rather than a coven but they were powerful and I wanted them on side if it came to a fight but before I could answer her Garrett spoke up,

"Well I don't know about you Ber, but it seems to me you wouldn't be here if you didn't think it was worth it. We've all been bested by the Volturi at one time or another, every one of us wants revenge for ourselves or friends. I'm willing to take the chance, I trust the Major, now its time for you to declare yourselves. Put up or shut up."

He stood eyes glued to Berengaria until her own dropped,

"Very well, we stand with The Major. I just hope he is right or we could all be dead very soon."

"What was it the Romans used to say? Death or Glory? Or was that the Spartans?"

"Who gives a flying fuck who said it, you're just confusing us all Garrett so shut up and let The Major continue."

The strangers to our little band stood wary, waiting for Peter and Garrett to fight but Garrett merely smiled,

"You're just pissed off because you didn't think of the slogan first."

"Hey if I thought up a slogan it would be better than that Garrett, fuck the death let's go for glory. How does that sound?"

Garrett nodded thoughtfully,

"It has a certain ring to it I'll grant you that."

I interrupted then knowing that Garrett And Peter could go on like this for hours if not halted before they got in the swing of things and there was a lot to get through.

Sorry folks but I'm going to be away for the next five days. I'll post as often as I can and I promise extra when I get back. Please keep the reviews coming. Jules x