In a weird way, Caterina was grateful that Jane and Alec were there. They were familiar, something she still wasn't quite used to. Seth was her only real sense of familiarity in Forks, no one else would compare, not that it bothered her. She was long gone from whatever family she may have had in her human life, seeing as she couldn't remember them anyway. In a demented way, the Volturi had been the closest thing to family she had in her immortal life. To the Cullens, she was still an outsider, only familial by association. Cat was needed in the Volturi, had a real place, real connections. Even if she was only used as a weapon, she was useful, and it gave her the approval her still-sixteen year old brain craved. Without Seth or the Volturi, she was nothing. Seth was her new place, a safe haven in those deep brown eyes.

This is the justification she used when Jane, Alec, herself entered the tombs of the Volturi castle. Demetri was so obviously deprived of her attention, and it showed in his desperate crimson eyes. She hadn't paid him much mind in her time on the guard, and somehow she wished she had.

"Here, tell him, Caterina," Jane urged.

"This was so unnecessary Demetri, if you wanted me all you had to do was ask," she purred. God, it made her sick.

"R-really?" It truly surprised him, she wanted him. Why wasn't it enough, though?

"Let the dog go. Let him go and we can forget about him." If this was how it had to be, so be it.

He gasped as Seth groaned from the corner, shackles encompassing his wrists. "Do you really mean that?"

Cat's pale hand met his olive toned face, gently stroking his jaw as she nodded, "Just let him go back to the mongrels." Demetri hurried to the boy in the corner, unshackling him. It was too easy, though, of course it was.

Jane was quick to hit Demetri with her gift, giving Caterina ample time to grab Seth and hurry to the large oak door. However, Felix stood there, a snarl on his face. Alec's vapor caught up to him and Cat turned to thank them both. The twins urged her out of the door and she complied. Emmett met her on the stone staircase, grabbing Seth in his large arms.

Cat never expected Demetri and Felix to escape the twins. Jane quickly followed ushering apologies.

"Whose side are you on Jane?!"

"I was on yours, Demetri, but you're so stupid! I did everything for you and you go back to her!" Now he was confused. "I love you, you idiot!" Afton and Santiago were there now, ready to defend their fellow guard members.

"This doesn't concern you two!" Cat yelled, and both were quick to surround her. In her weakened, human state she wasn't faster than them and they grabbed her in a chokehold.

"Aro will be glad to see you again," Afton said, a cocky smirk gracing his face. She rolled her eyes. "You're weaker now."

"That's the only way you would be able to overpower me." She spit in his face and he growled.

"Let her go," Demetri ordered, "This is my fault."

Heidi found the group and ordered them to the main room, Aro wanted to see them.

"Well, well. Caterina. What a pleasant surprise!"

"I wish it were under different circumstances, Aro." She avoided his eyes, hers were sure to give her away.

He tutted, "Demetri, boy, certainly you could have used different tactics."

The vampire in question shrunk on himself, embarrassed. "I was irrational, I realise that now."

Aro nodded, not yet convinced. He gestured to Cat's hand, which she gave him hesitantly. "This is simply unprecedented. I thought the hybrids were abnormal!"

"As you can see, Rosalie has been keeping a close eye on my...condition. We've monitored it as well as we can. I would just like to take Seth home."

"Ah, the shifter. I truly apologize for the damage Demetri has done, and he will be reprimanded, I assure you. We look forward to another visit. Soon." It was written in stone, now. Aro wanted updates about her condition. For now, she could go home. Home to Seth.

His broken arm had not healed properly, Carlisle would have to rebreak it and set the bone. A few of his ribs had been shattered, as well, and he was starved. She felt horrible, it was her fault.

"It was Demetri's, you know that," Edward assured her.

She sighed, "He did the damage, but I can't help feeling that if I had been honest from the beginning, it would never have happened."

He promised her that there was nothing she could have done. Demetri was going to get him one way or another, he was sure.

When Seth finally woke up, he was back in Forks, in Cat's bed. She was asleep beside him and, for a second, he was grateful she was human. Otherwise, he'd never see her like this, peaceful.

"I can feel you staring, stop it," Caterina grumbled and he gave a laugh, which hurt.

It hurt him to even breathe, but if he was still alive to see Cat, he was thankful. She explained what happened in Volterra, that Aro knew and wanted regular updates. Seth drank the glass of water on the nightstand, swallowing the painkillers Carlisle had given him.

"I'm sorry for not being honest. From here on out, no more secrets," Cat promised. Seth forgave her, he had to. He hadn't even really been mad, he knew she led a secluded lifestyle.

"You do know you'll have to get used to being open, right?"

"I'm gathering that."