A/N: Hello, lovely readers! I'm finally back to writing after a long hiatus. Writing is like breathing for me, and it feels hollow and unnatural when I'm not creating. I owe all of you a big sorry for leaving my stories dangling so long.
Thanks to the lovely Aleea for prereading. Guess what? Aleea is back, too! Her words are always worth waiting for. Thanks to the awesome SassySue (chayasara) and Wendy (wmr1601) for wielding the sparkly reds.
Chapter 38
~Italian Lessons~
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. ~ Sun Tzu
Isabella paces from one end of the living room to the other, arms crossed. "No," she says for the twelfth time. "There must be another way."
I smooth the snug black shirt down and slip my feet into black boots, bending to tie them. "There isn't." I'm up and across the room, gripping her by the shoulders. "This is bigger than us, and we need to know exactly who and what we're dealing with."
Isabella glares at me, jaw set mulishly. "But . . . but if—shit." Her arms fall to her sides, her voice low and anguished. "I don't want you to go."
I smile at my beautiful mate. "Do you think I want to do this? Memories of what happened in Hunter's lab still haunt me. But there are entire species at risk. Countries, world power."
Her fist shoots out, catching me in the gut, her newborn strength causing a jolt of pain. "Damn it, Edward!" She grabs the front of my shirt and tugs me close, pressing her lips to my neck. "What if I go? They'll be less threatened by a female."
"A female who can't read minds and needs to feed often."
"You're doing this no matter what I say." Her tone is flat.
"Yes."
"Fuck, I miss crying."
I hold her tight, planting a kiss in her hair. "That's my girl, focusing on the smaller downsides of being a vampire."
Isabella lifts her head, burgundy eyes filled with wry amusement. "You really have no idea how much I miss a good bawl. Is there nothing you miss about being human?"
I think seriously for a moment then shake my head. "Not since I found you."
She finally relents, my beautiful Isabella. Relief washes through me, creating a light sensation, because though it would pain me, my intention has been to do this with or without her support.
Rose is matter-of-fact about me going into the trenches. My sister is a realist first, cold and calculating about most everything and everyone—with the exception of Emmett.
Rose provides me with a belt that has a high-tech tracking device in the buckle. "This is all we're going to get away with, Edward, though it won't pick up a GPS signal in certain places, such as the underground lab at the compound." She hugs me hard and pats my cheek—affectionate for her. "If you're going to fool them, you need to get in touch with your broken time. Make it real or you'll tip your hand too quickly."
"Got it." My jaw clenches as the memory of being shot in the face with Hunter's atomizer begins to surface, panic welling in its wake. I shove the thoughts away, the ripples of apprehension fading slower than I'd like.
We don't spend a long time saying goodbye. Isabella grabs my face and kisses me fiercely, issuing a demand that I return to her soon. I turn away quickly and slip into the trees, knowing a speedy goodbye is the only way to leave her behind.
The night is chilly and clear. An array of stars sparkle like diamond chips against a sky of the deepest blue. I travel swiftly through the forest, acutely aware that I'm on my own. With the exception of the tracker in my belt buckle—not a sure thing as Rose reminded me numerous times—I have no cell phone and no identifying information just in case something goes wrong.
The village at the foot of the mountain slumbers peacefully, most occupants unaware of the existence of vampires, none aware of the potential disaster ahead. In contrast, Hunter's compound buzzes with activity. My perch on an upper limb of a tree just outside the wall offers a clear view of men loading chests packed with dry ice into a large truck. They work quickly and efficiently, rarely speaking to each other unless it's to bark an instruction.
There seems to be an urgency driving the workers that goes beyond mere competence, resulting in heavier than normal respiration and elevated heart rates. The men don't seem to know the reason behind the rush job, but all of them fear the man sitting behind the desk in Hunter's study, his own heartbeats smooth and steady.
Irina offered me a crash course on Japanese, and while I can't understand everything being said, I'm getting the gist of the scant conversation. Their thoughts are another story. My mind reading ability is spotty at best; add in the unfamiliarity of the language, and I've developed the vampire equivalent of a headache.
I have no trouble sneaking past the workers. I'm fast, and they are too preoccupied with completing the tasks assigned by their leader, a man without an ounce of mercy. He's so sure of himself, there aren't any guards posted inside the compound.
I slip into an alcove next to Hunter's office and covertly spy on Kato by watching him in a mirror on the opposite side of the hall. He's younger than I expected, handsome. Straight black hair hits just at the collar, and his face is angular and unlined. He hums along to the classical music playing in the office while he works on a laptop.
His cell phone vibrates and he answers in English. "Yes."
Kato listens for a few moments, I can make out a male voice, speaking a rush of Japanese. I watch his handsome face harden, and a heated anger sparks in his dark eyes.
"Call me when you have something useful." Kato hangs up, hesitates a few seconds, then throws a paperweight at the wall. "Tawagoto!"
I decide to confront him while he's off balance. In a flash, I'm in the office and the door is closed and locked.
Kato glances up, all signs of his anger gone. "Edward Masen. I see rumors of your untimely demise are greatly exaggerated." He gestures to the chairs in front of the desk. "Please, have a seat. Let's talk."
It's disquieting that he knows who I am. I stroll toward him casually. "You're not planning to shoot me in the face with anything, are you?"
Kato seems amused. "Not personally, no." He glances at the ceiling, where sprinkler heads jut out. "We have a special sprinkler system, depending on which alarm is activated."
A frisson of fear climbs my spine as memories of writhing in pain flash through my mind, and I have to fight to retain my composure.
"It is my hope we can have a friendly discussion without any fanfare though." Kato relaxes back in his chair and closes the laptop. "What do you say, Mr. Masen?" He gestures at the chairs again.
In his mind, I see he isn't bluffing about the sprinklers and is being genuine about the conversation, so I sit across from him and try to look as relaxed as he does. "That sounds wise."
Kato temples his long fingers. "It seems we have lost track of Senator Hunter, who was brokering a deal for us. Do you have any knowledge of his whereabouts?"
"I do." I can't keep the angry edge from my voice.
"I take it that rumors of the senator's untimely demise have not been exaggerated."
"You presume correct."
"I see." Classical music plays loudly in his mind, partially obscuring his thoughts, leaving me to wonder if it's on purpose. "And the Italians?"
I nearly snort with laughter. "Are you referring to the Volturi?"
"Yes, them. Are they still in play?" Tension squares his shoulders; this is important to him—more important than Hunter.
"Yes and no. They are holding some of my family members hostage, but they have nothing to offer you. Hunter didn't either, I'm afraid."
"But you do." Kato leans forward, almost eager.
"No."
He raises his eyebrows. "You don't have access or aren't willing to come to the table?"
I see no reason to play games. He knows I'm a vampire; I know he wants to control the world. "I can't even begin to explain why it would be a terrible idea to build such an army. Yes, I have indirect access to the means, but measures have been put in place to assure it never comes to pass."
Kato appears thoughtful. "So this...Volturi...they are no longer of use to me—in fact, they never were?"
"That's correct. Their leader, Aro, is insane. His plan all along was to double-cross you. He would also like to rule the world. He will also fail."
Kato nods and smiles. "Mr. Masen, I'm very relieved to hear the Volturi will not gain this power. You are right—it's not ideal for anyone to have this kind of influence. I can accept the loss as long as it remains hidden, but we will keep trying. It's in our nature." Killing him will not serve us. It will only cut the ties to our information. But will he see it this way?
"There's no need to take this any further then. By the level of activity, I'm guessing you're clearing out of the compound and won't be returning?"
Kato stands, holding his hand out. "Yes, we are leaving. Our business is concluded, Mr. Masen. I wish for the safe return of your family."
I shake his hand and thank him. He bears no ill will that I can discern, and I leave the office without incident.
The moment I leave, Kato makes a call, his voice dripping with controlled rage. "Itariahito ni ressun o oshieru!" Teach the Italians a lesson.
~*RK*~
Isabella meets me in the woods behind our rental, unwilling to wait in the villa. She throws herself at me, nearly knocking me over, and I catch her mid-air. Her arms snake around my neck, and her strong, shapely legs clamp around my waist. She kisses me, her sweet lips devouring mine.
Eventually, our kisses slow and she steps back, looking up at me intensely.
I smirk. "Wow, what a welcome home."
"I can't stand being apart from you. Let's never do this again."
"I'm all for that, sweet one."
We go inside and get comfortable on the couch before contacting Rose for a powwow. I set up a laptop on the coffee table so we can both see. Demetri perches on the arm of the couch, hoping to see Irina again.
Rose is tense when we first connect but breathes a sigh of relief when she sees me.
"Edward, what happened? You're back so fast!"
"Kato has been informed that Hunter is dead, and the Volturi don't have any of the formulas. I also let him know it was Aro's plan to hoodwink him all along."
Rose's forehead wrinkles. "And he just accepted this? Why would he?"
"He told me they won't stop trying. I read in his mind that he didn't want to kill me and cut off his only possible source to the information. We just have to make sure none of it ever falls into the wrong hands."
Isabella glances my way. "Does he know about the wolves? Hannah?"
In the past, I could tell by her heartbeat and respirations that she was stressed. Now, I'm faced with stoic, vampire Isabella. It's disconcerting.
"No, I don't think so. I think he was relying heavily on Hunter and Aro—two of the most selfish creatures to ever walk the earth. Kato made a call as soon as I left and told whoever was on the other end to teach the Italians a lesson. Maybe they will do us a favor and wipe each other out. My big concern right now is getting Alice and Carlisle back."
Aro has passed insane and gone to whatever lies beyond. I don't see him negotiating; his idea of bargaining is us giving him what he wants. We will have to find a way to take advantage of the situation and catch him off guard.
Rose looks grim. "I don't like this, Edward. There are too many variables at play." She hops up and starts pacing. "I think I already know the answer to this but…you want me to stay here, don't you? While the rest of you get to play hero?"
"Yes, Rose. We can't take any chances right now. I wish you wouldn't downplay your part in this! You are the guardian of a formula that could change the world."
Isabella leans forward. "Edward's right! If it wasn't for you, we might both be dead by now."
The knowledge Rose possesses could literally be world changing. At this point, I'm not sure how safe she is in Alaska. The Volturi are well aware of the location of the Denali Coven. But there is one place nobody knows about.
"Rose, I don't think you're safe there long term. Aro knows our covens are close. The only safe place is wherever the Quileute took Hannah. Get in touch with Jasper, but don't tell any of us the information."
Rose stops pacing and shoves her face close to the screen, her expression intense."And not let Emmett know where I am? No way!"
"Knowing where you are would only put him in danger. Think about it."
"Son of a bitch…" Rose's face goes through a host of emotions from anger through resignation. "Damn it all to hell!"
That's Rose's version of giving in.
We are a somber few in the early morning. Isabella and I are heading back to Italy, and Demetri is going to visit the Denali Coven. Demetri is excited to get to know Irina, but the real reason we're sending him is so he doesn't have any firsthand knowledge of where Rose, Jasper, Hannah, and the Quileute are. He also has plausible deniability if the Volturi discover Isabella and me in Italy.
"Where are you two headed, Edward?" Demetri asks, simply curious.
"It's best if you don't know any of our whereabouts. I'll be in touch though."
Demetri nods, his body language saying he's eager to start his new adventure in Alaska. "Good luck, you two! I wish you much success." He fist bumps me and smiles at Isabella.
A moment later, he zips into the woods, relief pouring off him. Deep down, he's a bit of a coward. Then again, this isn't his fight.
We clean up the villa and leave the key under the mat as instructed.
Isabella stands outside, staring into the early morning sky. I join her, dragging in a deep breath of the dewy morning air and enjoying the sounds of the world awakening to a new day. I take her hand, and we stand silent, watching the midnight blue sky gradually lighten as the sun peeks over the horizon.
I glance over at her, admiring her profile. It was always perfect in my eyes, but the change smoothed her creamy skin and eliminated the small bump on the bridge of her nose. I realize I'll miss that little blip in her perfection, the minor flaws in her skin. We are made into the perfect image of ourselves when we are frozen in time, but I'm starting to think perfection is overrated.
Isabella continues to watch the sky. "You're staring, Edward."
"Sorry."
"Don't be. What are you thinking?"
I raise our hands to my lips and kiss the back of hers. "Just admiring you. And feeling a sense of hope for the first time in a while. I feel we are on the right path, that we will triumph."
A faint smile touches Isabella's lips. "I didn't know there was ever any doubt." She glances at me, something unreadable, almost calculating, in her eyes. "I've never considered losing. There's way too much at stake."
"I like the way you think."
"Shall we?"
We take off into the woods, heading for the airport and the private chartered plane that will jettison us back to Italy, into the viper's nest.
~*RK*~
We choose an inn far enough away from the Volturi castle that they won't notice us, but we book a room on an upper floor with windows at a strategic trajectory that offers a view of their comings and goings.
I send a text to Emmett, alerting him we are in position. We don't share our exact locations, once again in an attempt to maintain a cell-type structure in case any of us are caught.
Vampires are able to remain statue-still and surveil twenty-four hours a day. The first day passes with nothing of interest. On day two, Isabella receives a call from an unknown number.
"Should I answer?" she asks.
I nod.
"Hello?"
"It's Jasper. Are you in a safe place to talk?"
"Yes. Do you have news?" Isabella's fingers tighten on the phone and minuscule cracks spider over the case.
"Mama?" Hannah's angelic voice comes over the line.
"Hannah Banana! It's so good to hear your voice, baby!" Isabella moves to the bed, sinking down on the mattress.
I continue my vigil at the window while listening to their conversation.
"Are you okay, mama? And Edwood?"
"We're fine. How are you? What have you been up to?"
Hannah giggles, then her voice drops to a dramatic whisper. "Well, Nana's not supposed to tell anyone where we are. Unco Jake innaduced me to his far-away family. They are so nice. There are other kids and a lady that does magic!"
"Wow, that sounds awesome! Are you being good and following all the rules?"
"Oh, yes! Nana is a good girl." She hesitates as someone whispers to her in the background. "Time to go. Is Edwood there?"
"Sure, baby. I love you so much!"
"Love you!"
Isabella brings the phone to me.
"Hello, princess!"
"Edwood!" Hannah squeals with delight. "I'm at Unco Jake's family, and there's kids and a lady that does magic!"
I pretend I didn't overhear her conversation with Isabella. "Well, that sounds wonderful! Are you having a good time there?"
"Yes, but…" Hannah hesitates and Isabella looks concerned.
"But what, princess? You can tell me."
"It's fun here. Everybody so nice, but Nana misses mama and Edwood."
"We miss you too. We'll all be together soon."
"Edwood promise?"
"I promise."
"Yay! Okay for Nana to have fun then!"
"It's definitely okay to have fun. Love you, princess."
"Love you this much, Edwood. Nana is holding arms so wide!"
My heart breaks a little, and I'm overwhelmed with love for this sweet girl. I glance over at Isabella, and I know this is one of the times she wishes she could cry.
Jasper gets back on the phone. "So, how's it going? Any word on Alice and Carlisle?"
"We are in a holding pattern. No news yet. Jas, are you okay being around Hannah?"
"Not a problem. Hannah has charmed everyone, including me. There's a shaman here, and she did something to help me…I'm not sure how to explain it, but it worked."
"A shaman? Interesting..."
"You have no idea! This Quileute tribe is completely different. For one, they don't completely hate vampires, and get this—they can phase into different forms, not just a wolf."
"Wow…I had no idea that was even possible."
"Neither did our tribe, but most of them are open to learning. It's a bit crowded with everyone here, but they've been great about everything."
"Demetri went to Alaska to hang out with the Denali Clan. Has Rose arrived yet?"
"Um, yeah, Bitchzilla is in residence. I might pay the shaman to put a spell on her snarky mouth and shitty attitude."
I smirk. Rose will be Rose. I promise to let Jasper know the moment there is any news of Alice and Carlisle.
Isabella and I return to our statue-like post at the window. I'm not aware of the Volturi's schedule, but it seems there are fewer people in the piazza and almost no activity at the castle.
On day three, a small motorcade pulls up in front of the castle. It's an overcast day with a light drizzle, the perfect day for vampires to be outside.
The cars all have darkened windows and diplomatic plates. Two members of the Volturi guard come out to greet the guests. Several Japanese men exit all but the first car. One seems to be in charge, and he speaks with the Volturi guards for a moment before nodding to someone in the lead car.
Kato exits the car along with two vampires. Isabella and I look at each other, surprised. Kato is still human. He buttons his suit jacket and follows the Volturi inside, flanked by his two vampire escorts. Two of the Japanese men pull large cases from the trunk of one of the cars and follow.
"What the fuck is going on?" I mutter. "That's Kato with the two vampires."
"Looks like Kato brought some protection. Or is he here to give a demonstration?"
There are too many minds between us and them for my still-recovering gift to sift through the tangle of thoughts. I pull out my phone to text Emmett.
Me: An entourage of Japanese just arrived at the castle, two of them vampires!
Em: Oh, shit…wonder what that means.
Me: They had some large cases with them. Maybe some kind of demo?
Em: What now?
Me: Maybe you can get into position to watch the rear of the castle. We've got the front covered.
Em: Sounds like a plan.
We wait for several hours, but there is no activity. Darkness falls, casting shadows over the piazza, which is now deserted. The drizzle turns to a steady rainfall, puddling in the streets.
A few hours later, a sudden flurry of activity happens in front of the castle. Several members of the Volturi guard exit the front door, clearly in a panic. They scatter like cockroaches, streaking off in different directions, and they're out of sight almost as quickly.
My phone vibrates.
Em: WTF is happening? A bunch of Volturi just came out the back, running for their lives!
Me: Maybe they are. Some came out the front too. Stay in place! We need to see what else happens.
Em: Roger that!
"Edward, what about Alice and Carlisle?" Isabella looks alarmed.
"We have to trust they are safe. We can't go rushing in there right now, not until we have some idea what's happening."
"What do you think is going on?"
"Kato wouldn't come here himself unless he had a solid plan. He's very shrewd. Even if he sprayed the weapon inside, Alice and Carlisle have taken the cure—we all have. Whatever is happening in there just might work in our favor."
"Sure hope so. This is so nerve-wracking!"
Kato emerges a few hours later, flanked by one vampire. There are fewer human men behind him, and they all appear shell-shocked except Kato, his expression a mix of frustration and satisfaction. Two men lug the large cases out and return them to the trunk of one of the cars. A few minutes later, the motorcade drives away slowly, unhurried.
We wait a few hours, but there is no activity at the front or back of the castle. I instruct Emmett and Esme to remain where they are; then I try to talk Isabella into staying put.
She laughs. "I'm stronger than you right now! Read my lips—there is no way I'm staying here."
Then she strides out of the room, leaving me to follow her lead.
The rain has stopped, and the night is quiet. Isabella and I stride at a slightly faster than human pace through the cobbled streets. The closer we get to the castle, the fewer minds I hear. Most people are slumbering. There are no vampiric minds I can discern.
EdwardEdwardEdwardEdward…there you are! It's about damn time! Get us out of this hellhole!
Alice.
I touch Isabella's shoulder to get her attention and mouth, "I hear Alice."
Isabella nods imperceptibly. I don't know what we're going to find inside, but it's wise if we approach with caution.
We don't have to worry about the decision to knock; the large iron fortified door is ajar. No discernible sounds come from inside, no minds apart from Alice and a snippet from Carlisle, anxious to be reunited with Esme.
The grand entrance with the concierge desk is empty. The halls are empty. The elevator that will take us to the subterranean level is closed. I pry open the doors. Cool, damp air whooses out from the elevator shaft. The car is several floors down.
That's a great idea, Edward! It'll work.
Alice must see my plan. Good to know it will be successful.
"Isabella, I'm going down to find Alice and Carlisle."
"Wrong. We are going." Her intense gaze is challenging, daring me to contradict her.
"Okay. Do you mind if I go first?"
She smiles. "By all means, be the guinea pig."
I jump off the edge and grasp the elevator cables, sliding down until I reach the top of the car. Before I have a chance to call out to Isabella, she lands beside me. Part of me keeps forgetting she is invincible now. I no longer need to protect her from the world.
We lift the hatch out of the way and drop down into the elevator, prying the doors open. We step out onto the same level as the last time we were here, when Aro condemned Carlisle to death, and Isabella snapped Hunter's neck.
"Where are you?" I ask quietly. I don't use their names just in case there's anyone here.
Throne room. Is it over? Is it safe to come out?
"Throne room," I tell Isabella.
We follow the marble hallway to the double doors, and I hesitate before swinging them open, half expecting some kind of vampire surprise party.
Isabella gasps. What we find behind the double doors is carnage.
~*RK*~
A/N: The next chapter is halfway finished, and I'm hoping to have it out within a few weeks. I'm also working on A Measure of Grace. Since I have a raging case of plotbunnyitis, I have also started a new fic. My intention is to wait until it's complete to start posting, but I haven't decided yet. My main goal is to finish my current stories. To those of you who are still reading, thank you! I'm honored.
Reviewers will get teased! Hope all of you are doing well through this crazy, crazy time.
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