Chapter Seventeen
"It's only Marcus and Caius," Felix informed us as the guard relaxed their stance. While Aro and the rest of his posse seemed to be relieved, Edward and I, as well as the rest of the family, were still tense. Why would they come here? It was no secret that Marcus never wanted me to leave Italy alive. He would rather see me dead. Caius, on the other hand, could care less either way.
"Oh, I wonder what brings them here," Aro mused. Edward's hold on me tightened further, a motion that made me grow more nervous.
A knock came against the door. Demetri walked to the door in one long stride, and opened it. He bowed slightly as he moved aside, allowing our visitors entrance. Along with the two 'brothers', a few hooded members of the guard entered. They, too, were as I remembered them. Marcus had long jet black hair like Aro's. Caius, on the other hand, had short white hair. They appeared to be floating as they walked across the floor. Their skin was just as thin and translucent in appearance as Aro's.
"Aro," Marcus nodded. I recognized him instantly. The vision of these vile creatures would forever be imprinted upon my memory, untouched by even the transformation.
"Marcus, Caius, what brings you here?" he asked as they approached where we were sitting.
"We came to see for ourselves," Caius answered. Carlisle stood from his seat, and greeted our guests.
"Carlisle, how nice to see you," Marcus greeted.
"It's been too long," Caius added.
"It's good to see you both," Carlisle answered politely.
"Let's all sit, get reacquainted," Aro suggested. All nodded in response. Rosalie and Emmett moved to the sofa beside Edward and I while Marcus and Caius took a seat on the now vacated sofa.
"As you will find, Bella is transformed," Carlisle spoke pointing me out.
"Yes, and does she possess any powers?" Marcus asked, getting straight to the point.
"Oh yes. Not only is her mind safe from Jane, Edward, and I, but she also has the talent of producing an unbreakable shield," Aro responded.
"Interesting," Caius spoke in a thoughtful tone.
"I've never heard of such a talent," Marcus added.
"Neither have I," Aro said.
"I must witness this," Marcus said, looking at me with interest. Edward's expression instantly became ghastly. His eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened.
"Could you give us a display, Bella?" Aro asked.I looked over at Edward. His gaze met mine and he nodded.
"Only if I stay by her side," he answered for me.
"Very well, if you wish," Aro shrugged off.
"Could we take it outside?" Esme asked.
"Of course, we wouldn't want to ruin your home," Aro replied. He stood first, and the rest of us followed.
"I believe it would be best if we took this into the forest," Carlisle advised as we stood assembled in front of the house.
"Yes, we wouldn't want to attract any attention," Aro said. With Carlisle and Esme heading the group, we walked through the forest to the first clearing. All the members of the Volturri guard followed behind us, giving me an eerie feeling.
"Ok, Bella, Edward, take your position," Carlisle instructed us. We walked to the middle of the opening and stood facing the rest of the group.
"Emmett, you'll charge at them like before," Carlisle said turning to him.
"If you don't mind, I would like Felix to test this shield," Marcus interrupted.
"I don't see a problem with it," Carlisle replied.
"Very well, Felix, get ready," Aro instructed him. Nodding his consent, he walked forward, facing us, only a hundred or so feet away.
"Bella, are you ready?" Carlisle asked me.
"Yes," I called back. I looked up at Edward, he seemed extremely focused. His left arm was wrapped tightly around my waist.
"Are you ok?" Edward spoke, almost undetectable to me.
"Yes," I replied back in the same tone.
"Nothing will happen to you," he promised.
"I know," I replied confidently as I stood ready. Felix's red glare locked into mine. He was determined. I readied myself. I couldn't allow him to touch Edward. He would not hurt him, not as long as I was there.
"Alright Felix, you will run at them and you will come in contact with a shield. Don't be alarmed if you are knocked to the ground," Carlisle instructed him. He looked at Carlisle indifferently, and nodded his understanding.
"He will only be knocked back, correct?" Aro asked.
"Yes, and that is only because of the force of the contact. The shield itself doesn't throw the attacker back," Carlisle answered.
"Very well, Felix," Aro signaled him. I grew rigid as I watched him begin to run at me. I froze up as he neared. Edward's grip on me tightened. Felix's red gaze locked with mine. All my focus was turned to fear.
"Bella," he spoke calmly. I looked up at him, and in a flash, he pulled me out of the way of Felix's charge, Felix verily missing me. How could I have failed? Felix stood smiling triumphantly, like he had beaten me. Glancing up at Edward, I could see the anger brewing behind his eyes. They were noticeably darker, fiercer.
"And I thought she could block him?" Marcus smirked.
"She can, I've seen it," Aro replied.
"If she did it then she could do it now," Caius added.
"I just froze up," I found my words. I felt as if I had failed. What if he was really attacking me? What if he was going at Edward? I couldn't afford to mess up. It was one thing when Emmett was barreling towards me, and quite another when this vile creature was.
"Froze up?" Aro questioned me, confused.
"Yes, I lost focus. Can we try again?" I asked, not wanting Felix to feel as if he had beaten me.
"Of course," Aro answered. Felix walked back to his original position. Edward's arm remained around my waist.
"Just a moment," I told them. Edward looked down at me questioningly.
"Don't pull me away, I can do it," I told him.
"Bella…" he started.
"Edward, I will be fine. I'm indestructible, or nearly so, remember?" I told him.
"I know. Don't let him get under your skin. Don't meet his gaze. Just think of him as an attacker," Edward advised.
"Alright, I'm ready," I spoke up, ready to give it another try.
"Felix," Aro signaled. Felix's huge form was racing at me. I took Edward's advice, and kept my gaze on him in general, avoiding his eyes. I lifted my hand. He would not touch me, he couldn't. I would not allow him to harm Edward, or me.
Quicker than I could almost register, a huge black form flew from the edge of the forest and at Felix. Before he could reach my invisible shield, he was knocked down, the huge wolf form pummeling him to the ground.
"Jake, no!" I yelled, realizing the situation.
"Jacob," Edward called out to him. All the members of the guard, spare a few, came charging to where Felix and Jacob fit. Jacob was on top, having got the best of Felix through the element of surprise.
"Bella, the pack is coming. Marcus and Caius knew we couldn't take down the new born army on our own. They sent a few guard members to investigate soon after we left. They discovered the pack just recently. Sam and the rest are coming here, they're hoping to come to an agreement," Edward spoke quickly.
"How did we not know?" I asked. Alice's visions and his mind reading should have ticked us off.
"They've been extremely careful with their thoughts. I can't imagine how it escaped Alice though," he voiced. My mind was then brought back to Jake; he was being torn from Felix by Demetri.
"Stop, please!" I begged as I stepped forth. Demetri smiled wickedly as he snapped one of Jacob's arms. Felix now stood up, readying for vengeance.
"Really, this is all a misunderstanding," I pled, as I looked over at Aro. I couldn't bear to see Jacob put through any more.
"Stop, let her speak," Aro commanded. Marcus and Caius appeared angered by his decision.
"Listen, Jacob didn't mean any harm. He thought we were being attacked. He's a friend."
"A friend?" Marcus snorted.
"Yes, he's been very helpful to us," I spoke.
"I saw Carlisle's thoughts. He attacked you at one point," Aro voiced.
"Yes, well, that did happen, but it's all been resolved," Carlisle explained.
"Why haven't we been alerted to their existence?" Caius asked.
"We had a truce between them. They honored our secrecy while we honored theirs," Carlisle responded.
"Such creatures can't exist. They could wipe us out," Marcus voiced angrily.
"There's not that many of them. If we leave them alone they will eventually die out. The genetic quirk has already become scarce," Edward explained quickly.
"But that's not a sure thing. We can't allow them to go on," Caius said.
"We knew it was impossible for you and your coven to take out the army of newborns," Marcus added.
"What do you mean?" Aro asked.
"Caius and I sent a few members of the guard to investigate. It wasn't until recently that we discovered this group of wolves," Marcus explained.
"And you partnered with them?" Aro queried.
"Yes, they were the only chance we had of taking out the army of newborns," Carlisle answered.
"And these creatures know how to eliminate us?" Aro asked.
"Yes," Carlisle spoke lowly. A broad smile crept across Aro's face.
"That's uncalled for," Edward said angrily.
"We can't simply allow these creatures to exist. What if they decided to eliminate us?" Aro shot back calmly.
"I'm telling you as long as we leave them alone they will die out. They only phase after being near vampires for a long period of time. If we stay away they can't transform, they will remain human," Edward replied.
"And what of the ones that have already changed?" Marcus challenged.
"As long as we stay away, after a prolonged amount of time they will stop phasing. If they go long periods without phasing they will no longer possess the power to do so," Carlisle explained.
"They could be valuable weapons," Aro mused. The thick odor of the pack instantly came upon us. Everyone's expression quickly turned disgusted as they neared.
"The pack is coming," Carlisle explained.
"They do not wish to fight. Let them speak, please," Edward voiced for them.
"Will they come in there wolf forms?" Aro asked.
"Most will. Only three of them will come out as humans," Edward answered.
"Very well. We will speak to them," Aro said. A howling sound could be heard in the distance, as well as the beating of paws on the ground.
At the edge of the clearing, Sam, Embry, and Quil emerged, followed by the rest of the pack. All but them remained in form.
"We mean no harm," Sam spoke as the group neared us.
"And I take it you're the leader of this pack?" Aro questioned as Sam stopped before him.
"Yes."
"Very well. It appears one of your members has disobeyed you," Aro said, pointing out a restrained Jacob.
"I believe there was some sort of misunderstanding. Jake doesn't want any trouble."
"He attacked first," Marcus replied coldly.
"And I'm sorry for his actions. I'm sure it was just a mistake," Sam answered, anger present in his tone. Paul growled from the back of the pack.
"Paul," Sam growled back at him.
"I think we should just eliminate them and move on with it," Marcus spoke. I instantly stiffened. Edward's hold on me remained strong. I was growing more nervous by every second that passed. This could mean the end for the pack. It was, once again, all because of me. I had brought trouble on them again.
"We don't want any trouble. We came here to make an agreement. As members of the Quileute tribe, we phase only to protect our people. Our pack members do not go off the reservation to hunt down vampires. They only become our concern when they come to us," Sam explained. I was surprised at how well he had remained calm.
"And how do we know you'll keep your word?" Caius asked.
"That's just a chance we'll both have to take. If you do however want to go into an agreement, I can promise that as long as I'm alive, any member of the pack that leaves for that reason will be eliminated. My purpose is to protect my tribe and my family. That is all of our purposes," Sam spoke.
"And what do you expect out of us?" Aro asked.
"We only ask that you stay off our land, the reservation," Sam answered.
"You and your pack seem to have a great ability. Such a talent would be wasted on the reservation. Would you not be interested in joining us?" Aro asked much to everyone's surprise. It was clear by the facial expressions of all that no one expected this.
"Thanks for your offer. But our responsibilities lie with our family and tribe at home," Sam declined.
"That's too bad. You would have been a good asset," Aro smirked.
"Does it really have to be like that?" Edward asked Aro, clearly reading his thoughts.
"My boy, it is a chance that I'm not comfortable taking," Aro answered.
"What?" I asked, unable to take the suspense any further.
"He will have them eliminated if they don't join him," Edward spoke for all to hear.
"Listen, we do not want a fight. Our only design in coming here was to speak to you," Sam voiced, his muscles were rippling in his anger.
"You have a decision to make. You can become one of us, or you can be destroyed. It's simply not in our best interest to allow you to exist knowing you could potentially wipe us out one day," Aro replied, finality in his tone.
I felt useless and helpless. What could I do to protect them? How could I keep this from happening? I looked up at Edward. He was clearly angry.
"Aro, as a friend I ask you to allow them to go back home and be with their families. They are an honest people," Carlisle pled.
"Carlisle, I wish I could grant this, but it's simply too much," Aro replied.
"We will not go down without a fight," Sam shouted angrily, his whole body shaking.
"Very well, if that's what you want," Aro laughed.
"Carlisle, it appears you have a decision to make. Does your coven remain loyal to us or do you fight with them?" Aro asked. Carlisle looked back at us. We all nodded to his unasked question. We would fight with the pack.
"It seems we have come to a parting of ways," Carlisle voiced.
"It seems we have. It was nice knowing you," Aro replied coldly. He and his brothers were ushered by a few of the hooded guard members to the edge of the forest, behind the front they were building. Sam, Quil, and Embry all phased before our eyes. Demetri snapped Jacob's backbone and threw him aside. He whimpered as he phased back to his human form.
"Alright everyone, I think we should head the group," Carlisle commanded as we started to arrange ourselves quickly. I eyed Jacob, wishing I could run to him, comfort him.
"Bella, if you can use your shield, that would give us an edge," he added as we stood before the hooded figures. I nodded and turned to Edward.
"I love you," I told him.
"I love you too," he replied.
"Don't leave my side," I begged.
"I'll stay close," he assured me.
"Thank you," I said. As a united front, once again, we stood before a group of vampires. Jacob's now limp form had been tossed aside. Hearing his weak heart beat I knew he was still alive, if only verily so. Taking one last glance at him, I knew I would get some sort of vengeance, even if it killed me.
"Are you sure this is what you want to do Carlisle?" Aro asked from across the clearing. A couple of the guard stood by him and his brothers, while the rest, stood before us. In all, there were twelve of them, counting the brothers.
"I do not wish to do this Aro. But I will not stand back and allow them to be destroyed," Carlisle responded.
"Very well, you've chosen your side," Aro called back. The hooded members removed their hoods and stood before us, red eyes narrowed. Demetri and Felix were the only two I recognized. Jane remained behind with Aro, Marcus, and Caius.
"Stop!" a frantic voice called from the woods.
"Alice," Edward replied. Her tiny figure as well as Jasper could be seen coming through the trees. She looked shocked and then relieved to find us there.
"Alice, how nice of you to join us," Aro greeted her laughing. Jasper and she took their stand next to Edward and me.
"So you are choosing their side?" Aro questioned.
"Of course," Alice snorted.
"You could have been a wonderful addition to my guard," Aro sighed.
"I'd rather die," Alice shot back, her eyes narrowing.
"Your wish," he laughed. As if on cue, the guard charged at us. I instantly threw up a hand, envisioning them all crashing into my shield. They could not and would not harm my family. I would not allow it.
It was Felix's smirking form that hit the barrier first. He flew back, hitting the ground taking a few members down with him. A few more hit the shield and were knocked to the ground.
"Ok Bella," Carlisle instructed me to let it down. I did as I was told and in a flash the wolves charged at the vampires were who getting off the ground. Sam's huge from tore into Demetri in an instant, getting retribution for Jacob. Emmett charged forward and caught a small one by the neck. I stood back, frozen to the spot. Not knowing what to do. Edward, I had noticed, was still at my side, ready for whatever came at us. But I couldn't allow him do all the fighting. I had to take my own stand.
I readied myself. I kept my eyes peeled for anything that could come at me. My change in stance didn't go unnoticed by Edward, who looked over at me.
"Bella, just stay back," he instructed.
"No," I told him. I watched as a member charged at Carlisle, big mistake. Just as he was about to come in contact with him, Esme tackled him from the side. Carlisle was instantly over them, pulling Esme off. He then tore into the shocked member, dismembering him.
Alice, I noticed, was seemingly dancing with a large female. Every move the member made, Alice would foresee and dodge. The female was clearing becoming angered, and quickly. She made a grab at Alice, which she dodged, but was repaid by Quil attacking from behind.
It was then Felix came at Edward and I. Just as he was about hit us, I threw up my hand. He hit the shield once again and fell to the ground. In the blink of an eye, Edward was on top of him, pulling his arm from his torso. Felix was about to get free when Leah grabbed him by the neck, tearing into his marble flesh. Edward took this chance and ripped another arm from Felix's body.
I was too entranced by the display to notice all that was going on. In a matter of seconds, I found myself knocked to the ground, a tiny body holding me. I gazed up to lock eyes with the vile Jane. She smirked, having taken me off guard. My anger increased ten fold as she tried once more to unleash her power on me. I wished nothing more to be able to use it against her, just once.
Wrestling one of my arms free of her grasp, I pushed her off of me. I pinned her to the ground and glared back at her. What had made her so evil? What in her life time made her able to unleash such pain by just smiling at her victims?
It was then I felt a hand grab my arm and pull me up gently. I looked to see Edward, concern clearly visible. Before I could turn back around, Jane was standing. She glared at us both. Edward instantly fell to his knees, writhing in pain. Without thought or questioning, I stepped between them, extending my hand to get her to stop.
She instantly fell to the ground, gripping her skull, screaming in agony. Edward stood up beside me, no longer in pain. I was growing increasingly weak from using my shield.
"You can stop now," he spoke calmly. I lowered my hand. He stepped forth and picked up Jane, ripping her head from her body in one quick movement. He then tore her limbs from the trunk of her body and tossed them out into the woods.
I took a glance around me. Emmett was finishing off another member. From the looks of it, he must have attacked Rosalie. Jasper and a member of the pack were taking on another. Carlisle and Esme came to our side.
"Are you ok?" Esme asked as they stopped short of us. Edward had wrapped his arms back around my waste, keeping me standing.
"Yes," I replied. Edward nodded, his jaw clenched. Moments later, Jasper and Alice joined the group. Emmett tossed what remained of his victim into the various areas of the forest and he and Rose came to us.
"What should we do with them?" Emmett asked pointing to the brothers.
"We let the wolves decide," Carlisle replied. The wolves gathered together and walked towards the three of them. Looks of shock and horror crossed their vile faces. The clearing was now covered with the former members of their guard. We only had to strike the match.
(A/N: Sorry I took so long to update. This chapter, to say the least, was action packed..lol. What did you think? Did you like it? Should Sam let Aro, Marcus, and Caius live? If not, who could possibly lead? Please review and let me know what you think. Thanks for everyone that has reviewed, and thanks for your suggestions. Also, as always, thanks to my beta xedwardxloverx!)