I didn't want to fight, but really with four vampires, I didn't stand a chance. I decided to hold my ground and see what they wanted. I had the higher ground. In the sense of trouble, I would run.
I stood in a half-crouch, ready to defend myself or flee. When the scents became more distinct. I cocked my head to the side. Peter and Charlotte? I had met them several decades ago in passing. They were guarded, but not unkind to me. They had helped me in explaining hunting territories and how they worked. I had been a little sad when I came time for us to part. Who are they traveling with? I wondered.
I watched as the four figures entered the small clearing. I recognize Peter and Charlotte instantly. Peter had frightened me when I first met him. Covered in scars of vampire bites, he was still gorgeous though. He had silver blond hair and strong broad shoulders. Charlotte fit next to him quite nicely with her pale blond hair and petite figure. I learned later by meeting other vampires, they had been a part of the southern wars. I did not judge them nor would I ever ask them about it. We all had things in our past we regret.
The other two figures that joined them in the clearing was another couple. I knew they were mated by how the male was standing protectively in front of the female. If I had thought Peter was scary this new male had nothing on him. There wasn't a clear patch of skin on him. All I saw were bite scars. My instincts were telling me he was dangerous. How could he survive all those fights? The woman he was protecting was beautiful as we all were. She was tiny and had short, spiky black hair. She was looking over her mate's shoulder studying me with her golden eyes.
Golden eyes? I was shocked. I noticed suddenly I was completely distracted by her mate's scars to notice he too had golden eyes. Why are their eyes gold? I looked more closely trying to see if they were wearing contacts, but I saw none.
"Hello, Bella. It's nice to see you well." Peter stepped forward slightly in greeting.
"Hello, Peter. I must admit I was quite surprised when I caught your scent." I replied, my tone friendly, but guarded. My eyes flashed toward his companions in a silent question.
"These are our friends. Jasper and Alice. We apologize if we are in your hunting territory. Alice and Jasper needed a forest to hunt in." I cocked my head to the side, curious and decided to ask when the girl named Alice spoke before I could.
"We hunt animals. We will not be hunting in the city." She spoke in a reassuring tone.
I was speechless for a second. My mind reeling to understand what she just said. We can hunt animals?
"Forgive me, I'm confused. You hunt animals?" I stated the surprise in my tone.
Alice nodded eagerly. "If you are interested we can tell you more-."
Jasper interrupted giving Alice an apologetic glance. "We would be more than happy to tell you about our lifestyle, but our family needs us to return home at once. Please forgive our rudeness, ma'am."
Peter glanced at Jasper before meeting eyes with Charlotte. She seemed to agree when Peter's unspoken thoughts because she turned to me and spoke, "Bella, I would suggest traveling south for a while. The Volturi are going to be traveling in this direction soon and I fear you will not be safe here."
I stared at her in shock. "The Volturi coming to the Americas? Why?"
Alice hesitated and Jasper gave her a look that seemed to be in warning. What are they hiding? Have they broken the law? I notice her eyes seem to glaze over and the others seem to wait and watch for her to come back.
When her eyes goes back to normal, she turns and looks at me in surprise. "The Volturi believe my family has planned to overthrow them. We were in our home, living our peaceful lifestyle when I had a vision of them coming to kill us. I promise you, Bella, no law has been broken or even thought to be broken. My family does not hurt humans. We chose to live with them in peace. Our leader, Carlisle, has no desire to lead the vampire race."
My mind was reeling. How is this possible? Is she being honest? Why is Peter and Charlotte with them I by staying with them could mean their death?
"Why are you with them, Peter?" Why is he risking Charlotte's life? I really wondered.
"I have trusted Jasper with my life in the past and I owe him much. His family is kind. Carlisle is an extraordinary man. They do not deserve to die this way." I hear in his tone the respect he felt for this Carlisle.
"Bella, I'm going to be selfish and ask you to come to meet my family. Carlisle will not ask you to fight. He doesn't want there to be a fight at all. We are hoping we will get enough friends to stand with us so the Volturi will stop and listen."
I stared into her eyes through her plea. I could sense she was genuine in her words. It's an insane idea. To risk exposing myself and my gift to the Volturi. I had stayed off their radar my whole existence. I looked at Charlotte and Peter and they frowned waiting on my answer.
Finally, I turned back to Alice. I saw the desperation in her eyes and decided. "If your family will be comfortable with my presence, I would like to join you and learn more." I stated, carefully.
Alice's answering smile made me feel better about my decision. Jasper studied me with curious, guarded eyes.
After they hunted, I found myself traveling in a group of five toward Forks, Washington. Watching them hunt had been both interesting and disgusting. Animal blood did not smell appetizing in the least. I had so many questions, but decided to wait until I met the leader Carlisle to ask them.
I learned more about this coven during our journey, regardless. Alice Cullen was an interesting vampire and was eager to answer some of my unasked questions. For one, they did not view themselves as a coven, but as a family. Carlisle and his mate Esme, pose as the parent figures when they live with humans as a group with their five "adopted" children. A coven of seven! How do they not continuously try to attack each other? But if that wasn't the crazy part…
Carlisle Cullen was a doctor. A human doctor.
I was speechless for several minutes when Alice told me this. How does he stay in control? How old was he? I wanted to know more, but she assured me, "Carlisle's past is much better told by him. I'm so excited for you to meet everyone!" She started bouncing as she ran. She reminded me of a little girl at Christmas. Jasper kept glancing at her curiously. I found myself really liking Alice, she was nice.
I became worried as we got closer to our destination. Jasper kept glancing at me every now and then he turned to ask, "Are you alright, Bella?"
I nodded and then glanced at Charlotte and Peter before asking, "I do not wish to upset anyone by staying with your cov- family and going hunting during my stay." I stated nervously.
Understanding filled Jasper's eyes, but Peter answered before he could. "We will go hunting in one of the neighboring cities, do not fret, Bella."
I nodded slightly relieved, but not completely. The Cullens believe human life is something precious. Even if I only hunt the corrupt souls, I do not believe some will be truly happy… Maybe I can try hunting animals. I mused.
Alice came and placed a comforting hand on mine for a moment. I looked over and smiled at her. I wasn't alone for the first time in decades. What was it going to cost me? I wondered
Jasper sighed in relief and murmured, "We are home."
I brought my attention back to look into the direction we were running in. The house in the distance was magnificent. It was three-stories tall, rectangular, and painted a soft, faded white. It had a deep porch that wrapped around the first story. It made me yearn for the days of my youth. Reminding me of the timeless and graceful feel of houses in the earlier days.
"It's a beautiful home." I say aloud as we run closer."Oh, Esme will love your compliments." Alice stated.
I came to hear several vampires in the house and around the back. I push my shield out to sense there are 15 vampires inside. I was slightly wary at this, but I've come to trust Alice so I continued to follow them up the steps.
Thanks so much for the review traceybuie!
All reviews welcome.
Thanks for reading.
With love, Ash
