Chapter five: Only business.

Monday; no activity.

Tuesday; no activity.

Wednesday; no activity.

Jane's 'deadline' date came like every other that had passed with no scents, no missing reports. There could be a possibility that they knew we were here, and thus were watching their backs. But even then; they wouldn't know for sure. They could presume us here because of the rate of people going missing, so it was bound for us to get involved at some point or another, but they wouldn't know for certain. We had been discreet in our search and look out. Keeping to the shadows of the night, spending hours on end waiting.

Yet, there was nothing.

And I was pissed; because I knew what this meant. Jane's decision had been final. She was dead set on what was to come, and it made perfect sense if you were to look at it. We were in the known territory of the Cullen's, and the Denali's. Their move to Alabama were the only known vampire's in this area. Going to them and finding investigating if they were behind all these disappearances - given Carlisle's past in adopting teenagers - was a reasonable course of action. We were professionals, after all. But in this moment in time; I was far from professional.

The home we had taken cover under was a family home. Hilariously, there was a pool in the back. Why someone would have a swimming pool when it mostly rained in these parts was beyond me. Corin had picked this place out because the owners were on a family vacation. She had done a little snooping and out of three homes of families gone on vacation; this was the ones who would be gone for the longest. Who knew how long we would have to reside here, after all?

It was a quaint little home. Light and welcoming. The main living area was a rich white with cream sofas and one teal blue feature wall with a fireplace. We didn't care for any of the other rooms since the living area was where we all resided anyhow. Well, it was where I stayed. Felix and Demetri did wander, as did Corin.

Jane would leave every now and then to speak to the others, but I stayed put in the warmly decorated room I was in. The thing that did take something of my interest; merely so I could use it as a distraction for what was to come; was a small box like toy Felix had brought down from upstairs a few nights ago.

Little squares of multi colors all muddled up. The object of the game was to bring all the colors together again. It was a real time waster, I found out. I'd sat there most of the morning and early afternoon completing and muddling it up over and over again.

I didn't even look up when Jane entered the room, nor when she left. Or when Demetri and Felix came to sit and chat. I was concentrating solely on this game because it was the distraction I needed to keep my thoughts from the date.

It wasn't until it was late afternoon that Jane, who was now sitting in the same room at the table in the adjoining dining room, stood up from her seat. I was aware, but I paid no attention.

Demetri and Felix's conversation ended to rest their attention on her, and Corin? I didn't even care where she was. The figure in the doorway moved in the corner of my eye, giving me the knowledge she was indeed here also. It looked as though they had been waiting too. Figures.

I flicked the blue into place and twisted the thing around to view all the colors in their right place. With a bemused pout, I restarted the game. Messing my work up and restarting over.

"It's been three days. There's been no activity so far," said Jane, moving into the living area and standing before all of us. I didn't so much as look up. "We need to take the right course of action. The closest family so far is the Cullen's, and then the Denali's a few miles up. We go to both of them and hear what they have to say."

The moment we all had been waiting for, evidently. Felix was already on his feet, waiting eagerly to go. I knew full well why. They believed me to be oblivious as to what was going on with them, but I'd heard their whispers in Volterra. They had liked Renesmee, and it was obvious they wished to see her again. They had liked her company, her sass, and her fearless nature. They had been caught under the same spell I had been to begin with. Believing that they could have a friend in her, especially Felix who tried to befriend anyone who we weren't sent to destroy or who had come to the Volturi due to a crime. If it was an innocent visit, like Renesmee's birthday had been, he tried to be the friendly figure.

And he had been. Both Felix and Demetri could be extremely likeable... If you weren't me, that is. I just found them as insufferable morons. Actually... I viewed practically anyone who tried to become a Volturi guard member's friend. I also viewed any Volturi guard member willing to become friends with anyone a moron.

Yes, I had been a moron. Of course I had. I let Renesmee in when I should have focused on my mission. If I hadn't of fallen for her; I wouldn't be in the figment of darkness I currently was. I'd be willing to go to the Cullen's and not think twice about it. But I was. And the state of mind I was currently in... I was not going.

"In the course that they do have something to do with this, we'll escort them back to Volterra for Aro to give his view on what the suitable punishment should be for them."

"And if they are innocent?" Demetri asked, arching an eyebrow at my younger sister.

I completed the blue side, quickly followed by the white.

"Then we continue in search. We should share some hope that they know a little about what is going on." Jane answered, her eyes casting over each of us again.

Red and blue side completed.

"Any questions?" Was she being serious? Why would we have any questions when she was using that tone of voice? The 'listen or die' tone, more or less. The silence that followed her question added to the whole tone thing. No one was willing to question her at a time like this. Well, no one besides me.

"Let's head out then." She nodded, beginning to head for the main room door. I made no attempt to move. Perhaps it was the fact they were setting out to go to Renesmee's house that was causing me to fail in this game? No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't seem to complete the green nor orange. Each move that I made to complete those colors would ultimately mess up the others. My irritation began to grow with every twist, flick and turn.

"Alec?" Jane asked.

Flick. Twist. Gritted teeth.

"Come now, Alec."

"No." Twist. The blue was now as messed as the green.

"Alec, stop being stubborn and come."

"I'm not going Jane."

"Alec!"

"I SAID NO."

I snapped. My head turned and glared directly at her. The surprise on her face at the sudden raise of my voice was very, very evident. She was confused, for I'd never raised my voice this harshly before. Honestly, if I wasn't in the state of annoyance and anger I was, I too would be surprised.

Couldn't she see it from my perspective? I didn't want to go there. I didn't want to see her. I didn't want to see any of them. It would just bring back everything I had blocked out for the past five months. It would bring back the pain, the hurt and the anger. If I saw her, knowing she was no longer mine, it would crush me. It would literally cripple me to the point where I'd have no choice but to leave for if I didn't; I wouldn't be responsible for my actions.

"I understand that this is going to be hard, Alec. But we have a duty to fulfil. We must do our job, even if we don't wish too."

"I'm. Not. Going." I said through gritted teeth. "Why can't you understand that? Yes, it will be hard. Too hard. I'm staying right here, because I have no intentions of ever seeing that girl or her family ever again." Behind Jane, Demetri and Felix shared a look. I dared not ponder what the look was, because if it were of sympathy; I'd kill them both. "By all means you go and do your jobs. But I am staying here."

I turned away from them again and tossed the rubik's cube to the side. It clattered across the floor and out of my sight. I was in no mood for playing games to pass the time anymore.

"But what about Aro?" Jane questioned.

"I will deal with that when we return to Volterra."

There was a long pause. No one moved. No one spoke. No one even breathed. Because they were scared too? There was a shuffling from where she stood, but I refused to look her way.

A light pressure was placed onto my lap. Turning my eyes towards the area; the rubik's cube was back. Jane's hand retracting itself from placing it there. My jaw clenched tighter as I looked at the jumbled colors. This game was no doubt invented to piss people off, and make mortals who suffered from OCD go crazy.

"The Alec I know and love wouldn't give up so easily." Jane said gently.

A wave of emotion washed over me with her words. She wasn't just talking about the stupid game. She was using it as a symbol to something much, much deeper. I had given up. I'd given up on everything. On feeling. On living. On loving. I was more emotionless than what I had ever been. I was uninterested in practically everything. I wasn't the Alec who used to stand by her side. I was a shadow of what I had been then. Although Jane might have me, she didn't have who she truly wanted. She had said she was happy for me, to see me feeling things I'd cast off. I had been happy; and now that was gone.

It crashed around me in realization. I was being a fool. Giving up on everything, when I had everything I'd ever need right by me. So a girl didn't love me, that didn't mean I should shut everyone out. I needed to move on. It was time to put my shattered heart back together and harden it. It was time to swallow my metaphorical tears and stop feeling sorry for myself.

My hand clasped around the cube and picked it up. Turning it over, I leant forward and placed it onto the coffee table. Standing up from the sofa, I stared down at my sister. The others didn't mean anything to me for now. My attention was on her and her alone.

"Let's go." I whispered, putting my hand out for her to take. "We have a job to do."

—xXx—

There would always be that part of me that yelled at me to turn back and take retreat, but I ignored it. I had too. We were already here, walking out of the shadows and towards the white house with the blue shutters. The sun was slowly setting, causing the sky to be orange. Dusk had always been my favorite time of day but I was getting sick of seeing it. In Volterra, it was only a select amount of times I'd view this beauty. Now, it was becoming a constant thing.

The feeling of regret for this decision kicked in wildly as we stepped up onto the porch. All that separated us from the Cullen's were walls and a door. Jane reached out to take hold of the door and push it open, but I stopped her.

Trust her to forget her manners. With a smile, I shook my head at her. She might not like the Cullen's, especially now after what I'd gone through, but that didn't mean we had the right to be rude. It wasn't entirely their fault for what happened between Renesmee and I. It was her choice. They were just going with what she wanted. Besides, Esme and Carlisle weren't in the wrong. They had done nothing. They had offered for me to come here when I had been in relations with Renesmee. In the beginning, Esme had forced Edward, Bella and Renesmee out of their house so that I would have a place to reside. They had done nothing but be respectable and kind to me. Thus, I would respect their home.

I knocked on the door and took a step back. With Jane at my side holding my hand, Felix, Demetri and Corin behind us in a line; I could get through this. I wasn't alone. I had Jane here, and strangely, I felt as though I had the other three also.

The door opened and Carlisle stepped forward. His face wasn't something that showed surprise, so obviously they had been expecting us. Alice must've been the cause of that. Strange to think she was able to see our future's now, especially mine. I'd been clouded with Renesmee's ability to remain anonymous to her. Now I was in the clear, because she wasn't with me.

"Carlisle,"Jane greeted.

"Good evening," Carlisle bowed his head. "Can I help you?"

I wanted to roll my eyes. Could he help us? No. We just decided we'd stop by for some tea and biscuits.

"I hope so." She wasn't lying when she said that. Truthfully, I knew Jane wanted to go home just as much as I wanted too. She didn't like being outside of Volterra. Outside of her territory. This wasn't hers, despite the control she may have with just her presence. This wasn't home. "May we come inside?"

"Of course, of course." He nodded quickly, pushing the door open for each of us to walk in. The narrow hallway was littered with photographs. A lone hole in the wall held a vase with.. Lavenders. I didn't pay attention to the photographs because most of them had her in them.

Carlisle followed after us down the hallway and into the main living area. Large. Spacious. Open planned with the kitchen over looking the dining room and living room. They were all present. All standing there at the other side of the room, eyes directly onto us as we came into view.

Rosalie and Emmett side by side, Jasper and Alice beside them. Esme stood alone, though when Carlisle moved past us he took his stance beside her, his arm sliding around her waist. He was wearing a friendly, professional smile. Then my eyes fell onto the other remaining pair. Edward and Bella, mimicking Carlisle and Esme's embrace. Their faces weren't as friendly as their 'parents' so to speak.

"What can we do for you?" Carlisle spoke up, taking the lead as predicted.

Jane took the floor. "We're here on business... A number of weeks ago Aro was info-"

I dazed out of her explanation. She wasn't here. She wasn't present. There was a part of me that was relieved by that, but also disappointed. I had prepared myself for seeing her again, and it had all gone to waste. Actually, now thinking of it, it irritated me. I had the bravery to show face here fully expecting to see her, and yet she wasn't even present!

Had they warned her of our coming and she had run? Was she that much of a coward that she couldn't face me? I didn't understand why she would. It had been her who ended it with me. I had wanted to spend the rest of eternity with her, I was willing to give up everything to be with her. But it hadn't been enough. If anything, I was the one who had the right to run. Not her. If I had the strength to face this, then so should she.

Edward had glanced down, so I was fully aware he could hear my thoughts. He didn't say anything. Wise choice, because I had no problem in voicing what I was thinking if it came to it.

It was a good thing she wasn't here. I didn't want to see her, even if I had been a little disappointed she wasn't present. If she was here... God knows what would happen.

The hours began to tick by, and the subject didn't seem to be loosening up anytime soon. Carlisle began to ask questions, obviously becoming worried as to the activity going on. The family had spread out from their stance and began to sit themselves down. Carlisle had even offered for us to sit, which Demetri, Felix and Jane had accepted. They sat across from Carlisle and his family chatting, while I moved to stand behind Jane in a corner, watching over them all. Corin mimicked my stance and stood at the other side. Perhaps she saw this as the precaution? Jane sat in the middle, and usually I'd sit with her with Demetri and Felix standing in the corners. Though, with her here the numbers were off; meaning Demetri and Felix sat either side of Jane. No, they just wanted to sit down, and I didn't want to get comfortable.

I wanted to leave. It seemed that Edward had the same idea, for he stood up and left the room. I paid no attention. Jane was still talking, Carlisle being completely lost in her words.

"The numbers continue to grow. Alec had come across the information and managed to find a link," She was saying. Their eyes turned to me for a split second, then returned when Jane continued. "They were all lone children. Which I thought, perhaps, they could be creating a family? Bringing only children together and adopting them so to speak."

Carlisle caught on instantly. "I see where we could come into that."

"Precisely. The last missing person was reported-"

In the corner of my eye movement caused my attention to turn from Jane and land on the last person I had wanted to see. Reny.

Standing there, looking at me. I couldn't read her expression. I couldn't read anything on her face other than shock. I don't know what I had been expecting from seeing her. But she hadn't changed in the slightest. She was still the same, big browned eyes, tiny little hybrid I had met two years ago.

And here I thought looking at the pictures on the wall would be hard. The real thing was much worse. With all the strength I could summon, I looked away and returned my eyes to Jane.

Just relax, Alec. It's not like you have to talk to her. Just relax... Edward, if you're in my head; I will slaughter you all. I made a point by remembering Renesmee's dream, the one she had shown me long, long ago.

In the corner of my eye, I saw Edward flinch. There. That would keep him out.

"Do you have these papers?" Carlisle asked, stealing my from my mind.

Jane turned her head to Corin. She stepped forward and pulled the rolled up papers from her inner cloak. Holding them out, Carlisle leant up and took them. Unwrapping the lone string holding the papers together, he rested them down onto the table and spread it out.

".. Seattle..." Carlisle nodded. "D'you think this could be related to the events two years ago?"

I frowned. He was talking to me. Crap. I'd forgotten about that.

"What events?" Jane spoke up, casting a glance my way in confusion and annoyance, then back to Carlisle once again.

"There was a girl who went missing. Her family had been killed, but she hadn't been found. She still hasn't, I'm sure."

Ah, yes. The photocopie place. I remembered now. I had left Renesmee as soon as I saw an opportunity that she wouldn't miss me and no one else would notice my disappearance.

"Remember, I still have to go investigate the store."

"You have to investigate me too," she muttered against my lips, moving them down my jawline yet again. "And I plan on doing that, just.."

She groaned. "Not yet."

"Good girl. Now, sleep and I'll be here when you wake up."

Her arms fell from around me, allowing me to pull her shoes off and tuck her into bed. It was odd doing that again. Tucking someone into bed, when the last person I had done that with had been Jane; when we were human. I leant down again, pressing my lips to hers. I cupped her cheek with my hand, pulling her to me with her lips moving in rhythm to mine. Before I could let it get anymore out of hand, because it was; I pulled away, keeping my forehead against hers with my eyes closed. She'd done it again. Left me breathless.

"You need to hurry up and say it, Reny..." I whispered.

"I'd say it if you told me what it is.."

I closed my eyes tighter. That wasn't really what I wanted to hear. Why couldn't she just... Say it? How hard was it to admit it, if it was real? If she truly loved me or not. It was so simple. I gave a gentle shake of my head. "Go to sleep. I'll be back before you know it."

"Hurry back."

I was at the window, readying myself to jump out. "I always do."

Because it was true. I would always return to her. She was where I belonged.

Renesmee blew me a kiss, to which I was unable to hold back a large grin. I fell from the window and set on through the mountain tops. Rushing as quickly as I could back towards the quiet little town of Forks.

"Then I presume her to be dead." Jane shrugged off. "Her case was a singular one, yes?"

"I believe so... I hadn't heard of any others." Carlisle frowned, still going through the pages.

"I heard that the scene had been horrifying, too messy for a vampire." My chest ached with hearing her voice. "Alec, you went there, didn't you?"

It only got worse hearing her say my name. My jaw clenched automatically while I looked towards her, and then away again. Refusing myself the chance to take her in again. I couldn't handle her looking at me. I just couldn't. I nodded my head as an answer.

"What exactly did it look like?" Jane asked, her body turning to face me.

It became clear in that moment where I was supposed to be. The police banners showed where I was to go, and as easily as taking a breath; I managed to slip inside. There were two things that hit me first. One, the stench of blood. It was old, and drying out, but it was there. The metallic smell was so strong I could almost taste it. I would have to hunt before I returned to Renesmee and her friends due to the fact my contacts had dissolved with coming to face this smell. My throat gave an unpleasant burn, but it was easy enough to ignore.

I walked around the corner, stepping over a few things and going into the back. There were blood stains on the floor leading to a doorway opposite a stock room. I pulled the door open and began up the steps. And finally, the second thing that hit me. The faint scent of rose oil. It was tangy, and barely there. I was just able to catch it, and even then I was struggling keeping tabs on it.

I moved up the stairs more and came to the landing of a home. It was only natural for a store owner to live above his store. It made things a lot easier for him, I supposed. The floor continued to lead trails of blood towards the bedroom areas. I came to the door closest to me first and entered. The room was a plain blue. There was only drips of blood on the floor, and that was it. Nothing happened in here other than the smell of rose oil. I left that room and went to the next. The scene before me was... Animalistic. The sheets on the bed, the floor, the pillows and even the walls were drenched in dried blood. Splatters were all over the place at some distance. This must've been the parents room and the previous one had been of their missing daughters. On a chest of drawers a lone photograph sat. I crossed over; stepping over the dried blood and took ahold of it. One girl sitting in the middle, with her two parents behind her. Around the girls throat was a necklace. Mary.

Was she truly going to make me talk? To converse in a conversation with her? I knew it was probably childish, but could you blame me? The last thing I wanted was to talk to her. Not for me, because there were countless things I wanted to say. But she had requested to never see me again, and yet here I was. I was positive she didn't want to talk to me.

"The typical crime scene," I answered with a firm voice. "Very mature like. I presumed it to be just another human murderer with the sloppiness. I was considering asking Demetri to take a look, but it slipped my mind. Aro must've thought the same for when I took his hand, he never mentioned it."

Jane pursed her lips and nodded her head.

"So, it can't be in connection to that then?" Renesmee asked to anyone, though I knew it was just to me. Her eyes were still on me. I could feel them.

"I don't believe so..." Jane answered, looking towards Demetri in a questioning way. "What do you think?"

Demetri was talking, but I couldn't hear what he was saying. I was just fully aware of the fact she was still looking at me. Staring at me. Taunting me to look up again at her. It was taking everything within me not to look up. I had stopped breathing, for I was positive if I did breathe it would come out in pants. I had stopped thinking, since everything was just in a rush.

There was only one thought that ran through my head.

Get out of there.

Would it make me look weak? If I cave into my subconscious want in not being here? Probably, but I didn't care. I needed to get out. Besides, I could go on ahead and speak with the Denali's. I'd rather take my chances facing a coven who despised mine than be in this room... With her looking at me.

With that I decided to listen to it and stepped forward, placing my hand onto Jane's shoulder. She looked up from Demetri - who was currently talking - and saw the look. I didn't need to explain myself. She understood. I continued on, letting my hand fall from her shoulder while walking and passing Renesmee and Edward. I walked down the hallway and out the door. The cold, fresh air hitting me like a train.

I took a large inhale of breath as I walked down the porch steps and onto the gravelled floor. It felt good to be able to breathe again. Finally finding that my racing thoughts were slowing to a much more manageable pace. I had made the right choice getting out of there. I had made the right choice leaving to breathe, to think. It had been suffocating in there. Thankfully, it would be the last time I'd ever have to endure that. I could go on knowing that I had done it, I had managed to be in the same room as her. Who knew, it might get easier in the future. It might become a numb buzzing pain, something I could ignore as easily as I did with my thirst.

I might actually be able to move on, and I wouldn't have known if I hadn't have endured that. It was something to be proud of, and it spurred me on to keep strong. I had faced one of the things I had dreaded most. I had stood in the same room as her, and I had come out of it with little less than a mere headache. I should be proud in what I had done, and I was.

"Alec!"

Oh, no.

My feet came to a stop walking down the street, and was positive that my heart had burst into life to start hammering. She had come out after me. Why? Why would she do that?! I had left to make it less awkward for us. For me!

Had she forgotten what she did to me by just looking at me? It made me feel things I wasn't supposed to. Not now when it was over.

"Alec, wait!" She jogged down the steps of the porch and set on after me. I just stood there, with my back to her; eyes closed as I tried to think of some way out of this. Her running feet slowed down until they came to a stop just behind me.

"You're not even going to look at me?" She asked, huffing out a breath.

Clenching my eyes closed tighter, I let out a firm breath. Reopening my eyes, I turned around. Setting my eyes on her for the second time. Finally allowing myself to take her in again. To study the face I had longed to look at, touch, kiss, for months.

And yet all I could do was look at it, out of the others. It wasn't mine to do any of that with anymore.

"Why are you leaving?" She asked, a confused look upon her face. "You don't have to go."

My jaw unclenched itself. "On the contrary, it's best that I do."

"Why?"

I didn't respond. I couldn't think of any reasonable explanation as to why I should leave and I wasn't going to tell her the truth. I wasn't giving her the satisfaction of knowing being in the same room as her killed me inside, because of how munched I freaking missed her. Because I did miss her. I missed her more than anything in the world. I missed how she felt against me. I missed how she smelt, which was still amazing! I missed how she talked in her sleep. I missed the way she rolled her eyes at things. I missed her laugh. I missed her smile... I just missed her.

"It doesn't have to be awkward, you know? We can be... Friends." She said, picking at the stitching on the bottom of her shirt. "We don't have to be this way... We can go back to how we were.. Before..."

How could she even consider asking me such a thing. Even suggesting it? Friends? Did she really think I wanted to be her friend? I didn't want to be her friend, I would never want to be her friend, because I would always want more than that. I would always long to have her in my arms again, to be mine to whisper to at night, and have clinging to me as if I were her lifeline.

I gritted my teeth, averting my eyes to the floor. "I cannot be your friend."

"But... Why?"

"Do you really have to ask that?"

"Yes."

"I would presume you to already know, for it is highly obvious."

Renesmee took a step forward, closing in on me. I did the only thing that I thought I should. I took a step back, trying to maintain the distance between us. I couldn't have her so close, and not take her in my arms. It was practically impossible.

"I thought that maybe we could move past that?" She theorised. Finally, I brought my eyes up to look at her once again.

"It has nothing to do with that," I lied. It tasted bitter. Lying to her was something I never wanted to do, and quite frankly; something I didn't want to do. After all... It was a mere lie that had caused me this grief, wasn't it? If I had just told her about Lilianna, whom I hadn't seen since the conformation that her coven was indeed part of what broke us in two, then I wouldn't be here... In this situation. I'd probably be at her side still.

"Then what? Why are you leaving?"

"Volturi business."

She frowned.

"Look, Alec... I know I don't have any right in what you do now; and I know I hurt you but I'd have figured you wouldn't lie to me."

"You're right. You don't have any right in regards to me anymore. And as for knowing you hurt me.." A disbelieving smile forming on my lips. "No, you don't know. You didn't just hurt me, Renesmee. You crushed me."

"I wouldn't have if you ju-"

"No! You listen to me now." I snapped, my fists clenching at my sides. "I was willing to leave everything for you, in order to keep you. Do you realize how hard that would have been for me? Not just leaving my coven, but my sister? But I was willing. For you. But it wasn't good enough. I was never good enough, was I?" I didn't give her a chance to answer, even though she parted her lips to defend herself.

"If I wasn't good enough then, what makes me good enough to be your friend now, hm?"

With her mouth agape, no words came from it. She was mute with shock.

I gave a deep sigh and brought a hand to pinch the bridge of my nose. "I apologize for rejecting the offer, but I cannot be your friend. I cannot be just friends with someone I was in love with. As selfish as it is, I just can't do it."

"We could take things slowly... Maybe we cou-"

"I don't want to be your friend." My hand fell from my face so she could see the full seriousness upon it. The look that was staring back at me was enough for me to wish an eternity in hell. I would rather perish than see that look, and god I wanted to hate her for giving it to me. I thought I was hurting, but she was too.

"Well, fine. But you don't have to leave because of me being here." Her own voice was clipped towards me. I supposed I deserved that. I couldn't complain. With her speaking to me the way I deserved, it would be easier; I suppose.

"I'm not," I decided to lie... Again. It was the best way; make her feel a little more comfortable with the fact of my departure. It was probably for my own benefit. I didn't wish for them to know that her being in the same room as me physically killed me inside. Either way, I was trying to ease some tension. "Like I said, Volturi business. I am doing protocoll. Jane will finish here, while I set out to the Denali's. It's practical and how the Volturi works."

"Oh.." She breathed, her eyes looking down to her feet quickly.

"Any other questions?"

She lightly shook her head side to side.

"Very well. I appreciate your offer. Truly. However, it isn't acceptable nor the norm for a Volturi guard to have friends. Do not take it as anything... Personal. I am just doing my duty and what is expected of me as a guard member."

She nodded her head lightly.

"Now, if that is all.. I apologize for the intrusion of your home. We appreciate the cooperation."

"You're welcome, I guess..."

"Have a nice life, miss Cullen."

I bowed my head towards her, turned around and began down the road. I didn't look back. If I did, I'd be in jeopardy of turning around and forcing her lips to mine. I didn't want to force Renesmee to endure something she didn't want, which was me. It was time to move on. Perhaps now, finally, I'd be able to do that.

"You too... Alec." She whispered in return, which shattered everything inside me. I once again returned to how I had been for the last five months. Blackened. Tainted. Cold. Hollow and numb.

I was once again a walking shell, just as I was supposed to be.

I took a head start for our next destination. Chickasaw, where the Denali's were currently residing. From the conversation I had caught between Jane and Carlisle, the Cullen's had no part in this - but were offering to help, none the less. I knew they didn't have any part in it. Despite my feelings towards them, what was going on currently was beneath them. Their coven was better than these events. But the Denali's? The sisters did have a grudge against the Volturi, not to mention the fact they had previously ate the human diet.

—xXx—

Damien was out; it was his dedicated run. Lilianna saw his 'sense of calm' or whatever it was she called it a perfect way in keeping the newborns in control. So, she and Damien had set out for their rounds of getting the newborns fed. Showing them the ropes.

Leaving Delilah with Ryan, Scott and Mary. Of course, there were the odd few newborns left; but because Lilianna now had some sense of control over all the newborns; she took out most of them. From what Delilah could hear; there were three upstairs and two downstairs. That was it. Not to mention the one sitting in the same room as them, currently looking back and forth between Ryan and Scott bickering.

"How the hell is she going to be able to say that?" Scott scoffed, his arms crossing over his broad chest.

Delilah had to agree with him on that one. Ryan was trying to help, she'd give him that. But trying to get her to say words that... Well, weren't really made for beginners. In some way they were starting from scratch with Shay. You wouldn't tell a baby to say 'Tyrannosaurus' before it could say 'Hi' would you? No. And that was exactly what Ryan was trying to get her to say.

Worst of all... He was making them feel somewhat sick. Not because Ryan was a sick person, because he truly wasn't. Delilah... cared about him a lot. Probably more than anyone she had ever cared about in her entire life. But... He was eating. Yes. Eating. In his mouth, being chewed down into a disgusting pulp was Ryan's little habit of biscuits. Delilah had questioned him why he ate, since there was no real need to anymore, but it had been a stupid question. While human, Ryan loved his food. He always worked it off, but boy did he like to eat.

He was keeping that part of his humanity with his snacking; even if it did taste like dirt. Wouldn't surprise her if Ryan had actually ate dirt a few times in his life. She cared about him, but he could be strange sometimes.

"Easy. Try-ran-oh-sawr-us." He babbled through a mouthful of crumbs.

"Ryan," Scott shook his head. "I get where you're going... But that's a bit too hard."

Shay's head was going back and forth like a tennis ball being batted across the pitch in valleys. There was no end to this little argument. Mary was too preoccupied with sitting next to Scott, minding her own business as always, and Delilah? Well... She was just like Shay. Back, forth, back, forth.

"Maybe we should try and teach her names?" Mary's voice chipped in finally.

All eyes turned to her, while Delilah ran a finger over her bottom lip. That wasn't such a bad idea. Since, well... They were going to be living together for the rest of eternity. They should take little steps to begin with. Besides, it would be nice if she was able to address them; rather than just stare at them and wait to be noticed. Or come up and tap their shoulder. And! Not to mention the fact Damien would like it... Having her saying his name. Delilah wasn't entirely sure about the situation between Shay and himself; but it was obvious he cared about her. Protective over her, but he was practically protective over anyone he deemed his friend. She might've considered Shay being his 'mate' as they're called; but he didn't act like Scott towards Mary with Shay. Actually... Damien was almost aloof to everything. He just sat in a seat, with Shay close by. He only paid her attention when she seeked it. Other than that... It was just a civil relationship. Was it possible he was only protective over her because they had been together in the attic together? That he had been there to comfort her while she went through her transformation?

Delilah wasn't sure. Damien was an odd kid. Kept to himself, was calm and collected all of the time, quiet and observant... And free-willed. Nothing seemed to get to him. He was just... Easy going.

Looking at Ryan and Damien, it was safe to say they were the total opposites. Ryan was hyperactive, loud and... Well, naive when it came to the whole vampire thing. But Damien wasn't. Opposites attract? She believed they were the perfect proof to back that assumption.

"Yeah!" Ryan spat out, a few crumbs being thrown from his overflowing mouth. "That's a great idea! C'mon Shay!" He moved across the room and sat directly in front of her. After swallowing the mouthful of 'dirt', he crunched the half-eaten packet of biscuits in his hand.

"Say Ryan."

All eyes were on Shay the moment he requested it. The pressure was building, and Delilah could see by the look on her face she was under strain. Her lips parted, for the first time Delilah had ever seen, but nothing came out.

"You can do it! C'mon. Remember... Everything fixes itself when you become a vampy!"

Delilah had to refrain from rolling her eyes.

"Ry... Ry..Ry.."

There was a long silence. Surprise, shock, and pride all swelled up inside each of them.

"Close! Ry-an."

"Ry... R-r-ry."

Ryan let out a sigh. "Ry's good enough. Good going, kid! Now... Delly?"

Delilah felt a frown take over her own features. No one called her Delly. Only Ryan. Why the hell was he even allowing her to address her as that? Even when Scott tried to adopt that nickname for her, Ryan had practically bit his head off. Delly was her nickname for her... No one elses.

"Delly will be easier for her to say, right?" Ryan had looked to Delilah and seen the look of irritation on her face. He was trying to ease her, clearly. He was right. Delly was pretty straight forward.

"Delly." Shay spat out before Delilah could agree.

"Great!" Ryan cheered, both his arms shooting up above him in a double fist pump.

"Try my name next!" Scott urged, his smile brighter than what Delilah had ever seen.

God knows how long this went on. Shay had managed to say each of their names. Scott and Mary were easy for her, so she had been able to say them without any shortening needed. The only ones that needed shortened was Ryan - which was Ry. Delilah - which was Delly. And Lilianna - Lily.

They were all done. But the one she was stressing with the most was the one she clearly wanted to say the most. You couldn't really shorten Damien. Sure, you could say 'Day' but when Ryan had suggested it, Shay had refused.

The dedication she had in trying to say Damien's name was admirable, but it made this whole situation longer than what it needed to be.

"... Hey, wait." Ryan frowned, clicking his fingers in front of him; as if an idea had hit him. "When you think of Damien, what kinda animal comes into mind?"

... What? What kind of animal? Where the hell was he going with this?

"Lazy... Calm... Aloof... Bored?" He rattled off the list, his eyes flicking over each of the four confused faces.

"A... Sloth?" Mary whispered.

"A sloth! Perfect!" Ryan clapped and turn to look to Shay. "D'you like Sloths?"

There was a hesitance, but she nodded eventually.

"Why not call him that?"

She made a face.

"Damien's never had a nickname before... You'd be the first to call him one.."

She seemed to lighten up with that fact. Delilah knew what he was doing. He was manipulating Shay into believing that this would be what Damien wanted, what he'd like. She wasn't entirely sure what Damien's reaction would be - for her own would be of laughter if she was to be called a freaking Sloth - but it would probably be the way he reacted to everything. Total uninterest.

"He... Is... S-s-sloth."

Well, that settled it then. Damien was now going to be called Sloth, Delilah thought idly as she listened to a faint noise from outside. It looked like the others were home. They were going to see how he reacted themselves, and best of all... She had a front row seat.


A/N:

So, after working my ass off; I've managed to get this done and I'm halfway finished the next chapter also.

Review's really do help to get the muse running, and never fail to put a smile on my face. For 15 reviews on this chapter; I will post the next one straight away.

No waiting until Saturday for the newest chapter. So, good luck; although I know you guys don't need it.

Why don't you drop a review on what you think so far; huh? What you'd like to happen, or what you think is going to happen? I like to read everyone's theories!

I love you all.

-C.H