CHAPTER 16

Music blared throughout the Cullens house as people danced and milled around. I had followed Bella upstairs as Jessica and Angela approached us, Jessica was worried about her speech, like us validating it would change anything. Still, we all agreed it was a good speech before Angela dragged Jessica back onto the dance floor, leaving Bella and me to stand there. In that moment I wished I was closer to my sister so I could confide in her the magical night I shared with Alec but she would only judge and scold me so I remained quiet.

I was hoping tonight would be a supernatural-free night but that hope didn't last long as I saw Jacob and two of his wolf friends, Bella saw them too as she went over to them. I didn't want anything to do with the wolves but I did follow them when Alice came and led them upstairs to the off-limits area. I wasn't going to miss the conversation that was soon to take place and sure enough, the Cullen's and the three wolves were all in one room, standing around as Bella and I sat down next to each other. Alice had a vision of the newborn army that was wreaking havoc on Seattle; they would soon all descend on the Cullens. Of course, Edward wanted to point fingers versus dealing with the problem.

"Riley Bears didn't start this."

"Well, whoever did is staying out of the action."

"They're playing with the blind spots in your vision."

I slumped down, this all was sounding like a death sentence, the person doing this was smart, they knew the Cullen, knew their gifts and how to hide from them. Jacob and the two wolves quickly volunteered themselves and the pack to help, they even agreed to meet and practice fighting with the Cullen's so they could be prepared to fight. I couldn't help but think of Alec, is he and Jane here because of the newborns? He never did tell me why he was all of a sudden in Seattle but I never got the chance to ask as we were busy doing other things.

"You've been with him!"

My head shot up in alarm at Edwards infuriated words, he had an angry look on his face as he took a threatening step toward me. Carlisle was the closest to me, so he stepped between Edward and I to make sure Edward wouldn't lunge at me.

"Edward, calm down. What are you talking about?"

"I read her thoughts. Cecilia spent the night with Alec, she knew Jane and him were in Seattle."

Bella and the rest of the Cullen's gave me worried and horrified looks, it hurt my feelings to see the look of horror on my sister's face but I wasn't going to let them bully me about my love for Alec.

"Yeah, I did. I ran into him in Seattle, but I didn't know why he was there and he didn't tell me and frankly I don't see how it is any of your business knowing. You guys are not my family, and you are not in charge of me, so I will continue to see him and there is nothing you guys can do about it."

When no one spoke up I stomped out of the room, right out of the house and climbed into Bella's truck, slamming the door waiting for Bella, who was saying bye to Edward. Bella didn't say anything to me as we drove home, and in a way, it hurt me. I felt like with her silence, she was taking a side, and it wasn't mine.

I left my window open, hoping Alec would understand and come visit me like Edward does for Bella, but when the clock read 12, I gave up and climbed into bed. I could feel myself start to fall asleep when I heard the sound of movement as something ice-cold touched my face.

"Why are you still awake, Mi Amor?"

I sat up quickly upon hearing Alec's voice.

"I was hoping you would come, so I waited. Can you lay with me?"

Alec kicked off his shoes as he shrugged off his knee-length overcoat before laying on top of the covers. Lifting up I scooted closer to him as he slipped an arm under me, kissing the top of my head.

"The Cullen's know about us spending the night together. Edward told them earlier."

"It was only a matter of time, but it doesn't really matter. You are my mate, and the Cullen's can't do anything about it."

"What does me being your mate mean? I have heard that word a lot but I don't really know what that means."

I looked up at Alec, who was staring at the ceiling, seemingly thinking about how to explain everything.

"When a vampire forms bonds, they are eternal, just like us. A mate bond is the strongest bond a vampire can develop, it is even strong enough to survive the competitiveness for blood. You being my mate means you are my whole world. I will never love anyone the way I love you, nor will I want anyone but you. If something were to happen to you I would end up like Marcus, an empty, lifeless corpse, or I would demand death. I've even heard about vampires dying from just feeling the mate bond break."

I didn't know how to respond to that. It was still overwhelming to think about.

"You shouldn't worry. I will protect you, but right now, it is late and you need to sleep."

"Wait. Before I sleep, I need to know. Are you here for the newborn army in Seattle? Are you going to do anything about it?"

It was Alec's turn to not respond as I sat up to look at him. I was beginning to fear he wouldn't answer me but he pulled me to lay on his chest again before he finally answered.

"Jane is in charge of the decision, and she has chosen to let them do what they were created for. A mate for a mate. There is no rule against it, so we have no grounds to act. I am sorry, Cecilia, but there is nothing I can do but make sure you don't get caught in the middle."

"B-but Bella is my sister. Alec, I can't stand on the sideline and let my sister die!"

Pushing off of Alec, I got out of bed. Pacing a little before I turned back to Alec, who had moved to sit on the edge of my bed.

"Cecilia, please. I can not have you in the middle of this. I need you to understand that I can not get involved in this. Jane has decided the Volturi will not act, and if I go against her. It will show we are not united, and that opens us up to attack. I need to protect you, but I also have a reputation to uphold in the Volturi."

"But she is my sister."

Reaching out, Alec took my hand and pulled me to him so I stood in the middle of his legs.

"She is Edward's mate, and Edward and the Cullen's will protect her. You being my mate makes you a part of the Volturi and the Volturi have decided not to act so YOU can not act."

I huffed in annoyance but nodded my head as I agreed for the sake of not arguing. Alec smiled at me as he ran his hand up the back of my thighs before lifting me up and flipping me so my back was against the bed and Alec was nestled between my legs.

"You keep pouting, and I won't give you what you want."

Alec ground his hardened length against my covered core, causing me to suck in a breath and push against him wanting more.

"Say please."

"Please, Alec. I need you."

I watched as Alec's eyes turned black before he claimed my lips. Alec spent the night claiming me repeatedly until I was too exhausted to keep going; only then did Alec cuddle with me as I slept.