Chapter 2

''Tis safer to be that which we destroy
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.'- Lady Macbeth

January 17, 2007

Tanya ran swiftly through the gloam, up and down the steep, shadowy hillsides, and through the dark pine forests heading west toward her home. As she ran, she considered what she had learned, and realized it was next to nothing. She wasn't even sure what sex the vampire was, which was highly frustrating. To not even be able to get within sight of them worried her. Did the Volturi get a new member, sent to punish her family for standing with the Cullen's a few weeks ago? It was bad enough her dear sister was taken away from them.

The Volturi were not known to allow those who stood against them to remain alive. Everyone there knew it was not beyond their duplicitous nature to wait until they could divide and conquer. This thought frankly scared almost more than meeting them face to face in Washington. A sword of Damocles hanging over them all, for the Volturi, and Caius especially, had long memories, and vengeful souls. She picked up her speed, and rushed to make it to the comfortable cabin she shared with her family. She bounded up the darkened steps to the large porch and pulled the heavy oak door open.

Tanya looked around to make sure her family was there, breathing deep to control her panic. While she couldn't see Kate or her newest family member, Garrett, she found Eleazar and Carmen in the sunken living room in front of the immense stone fireplace that was already flickering brightly. Tanya stopped at the top step and spoke as the couple turned their heads, "Eleazar? Have you ever seen a vampire with repulsing abilities?"

Eleazar looked thoughtfully over Carmen's head from where the two of them were cuddled on a wide leather sofa. "How do you mean? Physically push you away? We have known a few to be able to do that."

Tanya grimaced. "I wish. The closer I came, the more I felt like my guts wanted to erupt from my mouth. I haven't felt that bad since I attempted to eat caviar."

Remembering that particular incident, Eleazar grimaced. "That's an incredibly unusual gift. It makes me wonder how it manifested in their human form, but no, can't say as I have. Seems to be useful enough for them though-it kept you away."

Tanya whispered, "Can we be certain that it isn't someone the Volturi sent to check on us, or worse? Don't you find the timing suspect?"

Before Eleazar could answer, she suddenly realized something and even more quietly, added, "Only thing is, whoever it is, they're starving, Eleazar. I could sense how weak they were. I wouldn't want anyone to suffer, but more importantly, they are a danger."

Kate walked in, followed by Garrett. "Who's dangerous?" The two new lovebirds flopped down together at the opposite end of the couch.

"A vampire to the east of us. Although, I couldn't get close enough to meet or even see whoever it was. What I wouldn't do for Edward to be here." The last bit was practically muttered, even as Tanya struggled to hide a grimace at the obvious joy Kate was exuding. Not that she begrudged her sister, but she despised being the odd woman out, and made her miss Irina even more. Mentally shaking herself out of her self pity, she caught back up to the conversation that Eleazar had repeated to her sister and mate.

"Well, why not?" Kate asked.

Tanya shook her blonde hair and looked at her sister. "Why not what?"

"Have Edward come up?"

Before Tanya could even stutter, Eleazar spoke up. "Having Bella here might be a good idea as well. With her ability, she might be the only one to get close enough to this vampire to speak with them. I don't see why she shouldn't be able to walk right up to them."

"And the little one can come to see me!" Carmen nearly sang with a wide smile. We all knew how close Carmen had gotten to Reneesme and no one could fault her excitement.

Tanya even while murmuring agreement, ranted in her head, great another devoted couple in love to have to hang around.

Tanya tried to shake the melancholy surrounding her. She was fortunate to have such a loving family that could put up with her self-absorption. Certainly, they were all still reeling from the loss of Irina, but she had been with her the longest. And while Kate had Garrett to distract her, she had no such distractions, no one to lean on. It just highlighted how truly alone she was. It was slowly driving her mad.

You would think after a millennia and a half, I'd have found my mate. Her family gave her her space, knowing that she was having more trouble dealing with the loss of Irina and her lack of a mate. She felt the weight of the two couples sympathetic stares, showing they knew exactly what she was thinking.

Unable to deal with the polite silence, She pulled out her cell and dialed Edward's number.

She put the phone on speaker, and after explaining, let Eleazar explain what he knew.

"You say felt you felt like throwing up, Tanya?" Edward's voice came through, a note of thoughtfulness that didn't seem to fit the conversation.

"Yes, Why?"

"It's just, I think I know who the vampire is. If it is, its not anyone we need to worry about. Actually, I think it might be someone we might be able to help, so we'll be up in a few days, Tanya. Do you want anyone besides Bella and I?"

"I don't know, if this is who you think it might be, do you think anyone else should come?"

There was a swift moment of silence, before Edward responded. "Let me talk to Carlisle and see. But Bella, Reneesme and I will be there at least."

Tanya heaved a sigh, "probably the werewolf too, right?"

Edward chuckled. "Do you honestly think Reneesme would go without him? We'll see you soon. Call if you have any more information."

"We will."

Tanya clicked her phone closed, and tossed it on a nearby end table.

"So what do we do now?" she looked at her family.

Eleazer smirked. "we wait."