Chapter 30
BPOV
Today was the introductions to the families. I hardly slept last night, and it took quite a bit of makeup to make me look well rested and non-zombie like. We were now arriving at the location of where the introductions would be held. It was my first time out of the building since that fateful night in my driveway. I was trying my best to keep it together, but I knew Vladimir and Demetri would be here. Victoria was also MIA, and we still had no idea why she killed Jessica. I had to tell myself to breath at times. One thing that comforted me was that Liam would not be at the introductions. We had a decoy in place. "Liam" would arrive in a stroller asleep and not be feeling well, but it was actually a life-like doll. It was actually a little creepy, it even moved and mimicked breathing. A nanny, who was actually a trained guard, would be with the Liam doll and make sure no one realized that it wasn't actually Liam.
I felt Edward's hand on mine as we pulled up to the door. I gave him a weak smile as we got out of the town car and went inside. He knew I was on edge, and even though Edward tried to hide it, he was too. He had called in a lot of favors last night. He thought it would be best to inform some of the ally families of the possibility of a threat. He didn't give any details other than the Volturi and associates may try to kidnap and/or harm Liam and myself. He assured me we could rely on our allies. As we went inside I felt a new wave of confidence overtake me. I realized I had to be strong. I had to be strong for Liam, Edward, and myself. All the guests were already here waiting for our arrival. The nanny pushed the Liam doll in the stroller, and I was beside Edward with his arms wrapped around mine. We smiled and acted like no threats surrounded us. I tried not to meet anyone's eyes as we trailed along. We stopped as we reached the rest of the Cullens. Alice had explained how things would go. I was to stay with Edward at the beginning. We would show me off to all the couples and I should only speak when spoken too. At a certain point, the men would break of and the women would stay together. The men would discuss business matters and such. The women would mingle and gossip. We made our rounds and it wasn't until we got to the Quilletes that I felt the nervousness return. I then made contact with him. Jacob. I didn't know what his reaction would be. The last time we spoke he wanted to claim Liam, and I knew none the wiser that he was apart of the mafia world. Now here I was, a mafia wife to another mafia. I was surprised when he smiled at me. He leaned in to man hug Edward and then leaned closer to me.
"Edward filled me. We'll keep you safe." Jacob whispered quickly.
I didn't respond verbally, but instead weakly smiled. I didn't know Jacob was one of the people Edward called, but I was grateful.
Other members of the Quileute then approached us and we began the task of introductions once again. After meeting the entire Quileute family, a question popped into my head.
"Edward who is the head of the Quileute family? Who didn't specifically name anyone when introducing like with the other families." I asked.
Edward's mouth was now smashed into a line. "Jacob."
"Jacob?" I asked.
"Jacob is head of the Quileute family."
"What! How? He isn't the oldest. What? How?" I started to ramble.
"I'm not sure of how exactly it works, but the Quileute's leadership is handled different. Keep in mind they do a lot of things differently." He said in a low voice.
Oh, right. They date their potential wives and once their pregnant they get married.
"Is Jacob married?" I asked.
"No. He hasn't had any prospects either. It's quite strange even for them. He will have to marry eventually though."
I tried to picture Jacob married, but it was hard for me to think of any girl I would approve of for him. We then moved on to meeting another family. Hours passed and Edward said we had meet just about everyone except the Volturi. Maybe they wouldn't show up? Just when I thought luck was on my side, I spotted the devil himself.
Demetri
He was with who I assumed was his father, siblings, and the rest of the Volturi family. Edward tightened his hold on me as we approached them.
"Edward, so good to see you." Said a man with jet black hair.
"Aro." Edward nodded then continued, "Let me introduce to you my beautiful bride, Bella."
Aro smiled. "Beautiful name." he said as he took my hand and kissed it. He honestly gave me the creeps.
"Quite fitting for her actually." Remarked a man who looked the same age as Aro, but had blond hair. "I'm Caius. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"She really is something Edward. Too bad I didn't find her first." Demetri. And the fucker was grinning as the words left his mouth.
Edward squeezed me a little tighter. "I'm a lucky man."
Demetri then picked up my hand and kissed it. "Pleasure to meet you, Bella." He said with an overly seductive tome.
I smiled even though I felt like throwing up. Edward was tense next to me, and I worried what he would do if Demetri continued with his antics.
"Now don't go flirting with another man's wife, my dear nephew. It's a good way to make enemies." The words came from who I assume was Marcus, the oldest. He looked the least intimidating of them all. His words were not in an antagonizing tone either. He was honestly warning Demetri and trying to keep the situation calm. His eyes were gentle and he looked at me like he knew me from somewhere. Or as if he was trying to tell me something?
Carlisle then walked over breaking up the party. "Business meeting." Was all he said.
Now it was time for all the men to leave and discuss "business" matters. I would have to be away from Edward and I hated it. We walked to a different area and then Edward stopped. He was watching the Volturi. All the men started to fill through a door. Demetri paused before walking through and winked at me. I'm pretty sure I heard a growl deep in Edward's chest. All the Volturi men were then through the door along with almost all the other men. Edward turned to me and kissed my forehead.
"I'll be in the same room with Demetri and if he leaves I will follow him regardless of what is going on." Edward said trying to comfort me.
"Okay. What about Vladimir?" I asked.
"My men haven't reported seeing him yet, but still be careful. He plans to be here. Do not be alone for any length of time." He said with a strained voice.
"I promise."
Alice and Rosalie then were on either side of me.
"We'll take care of her." Rosalie stated.
Edward then turned to walk to the meeting. Even though I was surrounded by people who were determined to keep me safe, I had a feeling something bad was going to happen
Author Note: Next chapter will be up tomorrow and most likely in the morning. I didn't want you all to wait too long in between these two chapters
