Chapter 4

The next days blurred by as everyone explored Isola Marcime and Porto Rotondo. There was much to do on the islands and Zach was more than happy to venture into the outskirts of the seaside village to maneuver the winding roads of Italy on one of the motorcycles Marcus and Didyme insisted he borrow. He revved his engine as the finish line came into view, the dock where the yacht taking him back to the island was parked. He leaned into the last curve of the road, thinking he was home free as he glanced behind him. Suddenly, a red motorcycle sped past him and he growled in frustration as he managed to come in second yet again. He jerked off his helmet and began to pout as his mother's tinkling laugh echoed around him. Emmett, Seth, and Josh pulled up the rear on their motorcycles and laughed at Zach's dismay.

"I told you baby boy. Your mom has skills," boasted Emmett. He pulled his mate into his arms and kissed her passionately while Seth, Zach, and Josh pretended to gag.

"Very funny you three, don't be mad just because you lost," teased Rosalie and Zach frowned at his dad.

"Why aren't you upset," asked Zach and Emmett shrugged.

"Once you get your butt whooped enough, you start to recognize the master at work. Your mom loves her cars, but she knows a thing or two about motorcycles. As long as I can win in video games and wrestling, I am happy," explained Emmett.

"Oh I let you win at wrestling," cooed Rosalie as she wrapped her arms around her mate and he waggled his eyebrows suggestively at her as she laughed.

"Okay you two, kids still present," warned Seth and Emmett rolled his eyes.

"If it was up to you two, I would never get time alone with my mate," accused Emmett and Zach shrugged.

"So, she's our mom," said Zach as he wrapped an arm proudly around his mother. Emmett rolled his eyes.

"Well I am the guy that is about to kick all of your butts in some video games. Come on, let's head back to the villa," suggested Emmett, but Rosalie shook her head.

"I promised Alice, Leah, and Bella I would go shopping with them. You boys are on your own," announced Rosalie and Zach began to pout.

"Aw come on mom, you have to give me a chance to redeem myself," he whined and she kissed his cheek.

"I promised to spend time with them," she said, but it was Seth's turn to put on a pout.

"Yea, sure, we get it. Go spend time with them and not us," pouted Seth and Rosalie scoffed.

"I have spent the entire day with you. We went to the vintage car rally, explored the countryside, and raced motorcycles. You two are just spoiled," she accused.

"So," said Zach and Seth in unison and Josh laughed.

"You two are such mama's boys," teased Josh. Alice nodded in agreement as she parked a yacht by the dock and hopped off with Bella, Jacob, and Leah.

"They sure are. I mean really I have been more than patient. It is girl time. Now you boys go find something to do. Jasper and Edward just headed over to the amphitheater if you want to join them in a tour, but us girls are going shopping," declared Alice and Seth arched an eyebrow at her.

"When aren't you shopping," asked Seth.

"What is your point? Oh and speaking of which, here, take these back to the island with you so we can make room for more bags," said Alice as she handed several shopping bags to the boys. Josh, Zach, Seth, and Emmett glanced at each other before shaking their heads.

"You have a serious shopping problem little pixie," said Emmett as he grabbed yet another bag from her.

"This is one of the best shopping locations in the world, Emmett. I must act accordingly. All of those are from Piazza San Marco, but now we must head to Piazza Quadro. Versace, Givenchy, Prada, Jimmy Choo, I am in shoe heaven," exclaimed Alice.

"Aunt Alice, I just bought you some shoes for Christmas," said Zach.

"Yet again, what is your point," she questioned as she tilted her head in confusion and Jacob chuckled.

"Spoken like a true shopaholic. Come on guys, let's head back and let the ladies shop," advised Jacob.

"Actually dad, can Z and I go hang out in the square for a bit," asked Josh and Jacob shrugged.

"I don't see why not. Just make sure to check in with one of us in a couple of hours," said Jacob as he ruffled his son's hair. Zach looked at his parents for permission and grinned from ear to ear when they nodded as well. Josh and Zach hopped onto their motorcycles and headed toward town while Seth, Jacob, and Emmett hopped on their boat and sped away. Alice clapped happily.

"This is going to be so much fun! I have wanted to do this since we arrived. Come on ladies, time to shop. Oh and Esme, Carmen, Tanya, Kate, and Zafrina are going to meet us in the square," announced Alice as she hooked arms with Bella and Rosalie. Leah giggled at Alice's excitement but decided to play along as she hooked her arm with Rosalie's as well.

"Sunbathing on the shores of the Mediterranean, snorkeling in coves, dining on Italian cuisine and shopping in world-renown Piazza Quadro, I could get used to this," confessed Leah and Bella winked at her.

"It does grow on you," admitted Bella and they all giggled as they headed toward the square.

Edward, Jasper, Carlisle, and Eleazar joined Marcus and Didyme in a tour of the Mario Ceroli Granite Amphitheater. It was one of the many sights to admire in Porto Rotondo with its granite molded impeccably into a semi-circle with such exact measurements that it was considered a marvel in architecture.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the beauty of Sardinia. The island is full of archaeological sites and ruins of ancient cities. It is no wonder this place is a hotspot for tourism," said Marcus as they exited the amphitheater.

"I believe my mate is taking full advantage, especially of the shopping as we speak," said Jasper with a chuckle, but his laughter ceased when he was bombarded with anxious emotions. Edward tensed as Nilas and his mate, Tyra, approached them, but Marcus and Didyme smiled warmly at them.

"Nilas, Tyra, have you formally met the Cullens," asked Didyme. Nilas shook his head and forced a smile.

"No, but your reputation speaks for itself. Marcus, Didyme, we have completed our sweep of Isola Marcime and performed surveillance on the humans of the mainland. No human is aware of the happenings in the area. We have completed our tasks, so if it is alright with you, we would prefer to take our leave," said Nilas and Didyme's eyes widened.

"I thought you were staying on the island until after the celebration," said Didyme and Tyra's anxiety heightened.

"We need some time alone if that is alright," said Tyra. Edward detected the way she and Nilas continually repeated the same thought over and over again as if trying to block him out, but said nothing. Jasper tensed at the emotions rolling off of them, but suddenly all that was left was happiness as Didyme engulfed them both in hugs.

"We understand. You are mates and need time to yourselves. Go have fun. If you decide to come back for the celebration of course you will be welcomed. If not, then we will see you after the new year," explained Didyme. Tyra and Nilas bowed their heads before hurrying away and Edward smiled as he read Marcus's thoughts.

"You are onto them as well," questioned Edward and Marcus grinned slyly.

"You do not exist for as long as I have without picking up on the behavior of others. It is unfortunate, especially since he is Alexander's brother, but I am not certain if they will choose to stay with us much longer," confessed Marcus.

"Alexander and Nilas are brothers," asked Eleazar.

"Yes, Nilas is Alexander's younger brother and Alexander vowed to watch out for him. The two of them were turned by Demitri. He believed he could teach them to be trackers like him. Alexander was a natural. Nilas, however, struggled, but was determined to make a name for himself in the guard. He was loyal to a fault when it came to Aro and I must admit I was hesitant to make him part of the new guard, but I knew that Alexander would keep him honest," explained Marcus.

"So what has changed," asked Carlisle and Didyme smiled sadly.

"We believe it is a combination of events. There are some vampires in the guard that have been resistant to the changes. It is not a coincidence that those guards were also a part of the original Volturi," explained Didyme.

"Which means they hold a grudge against us as well," stated Edward.

"No, well, maybe Nilas, but it has more to do with the amount of changes. We know that they are loyal to us, but our change in diet is an area of difficulty for some," said Didyme.

"I can understand that. It took me longer than I would like to admit to become accustomed to animal blood. I noticed in his eyes that Nilas has fed from a human recently," informed Jasper.

"Yes and he feels terrible about it. You see, we would never force any of our guards to choose our diet, but it is encouraged. Most transitioned without a hitch because they enjoy the freedom that comes with the diet. We all feel like we are more in control of our thirst when we only drink from animals. It allows us to be more in touch with our humanity of sorts and also allows us not to fall victim to distractions such as bloodlust during battle," explained Marcus.

"Before, it was only one of Carlisle's theories, but it is more apparent now since so many vampires have transitioned. Vampires that only drink animal blood are capable of keeping their primal side at bay easier than vampires that drink from humans," asserted Edward.

"We believe that to be the case and for the most part, Nilas has handled the changes well. However, I do believe the newest additions to our coven have created a problem for him," confessed Didyme and Carlisle nodded in understanding.

"It is not easy for our kind to adapt or change. Aro and Caius would have scoffed at the idea of our diet and been insulted to even consider having half vampire, half humans or shapeshifters in the guard. I am sorry. If I would have known asking for them to be allowed in Italy would cause so many issues…." Didyme waved him off.

"Think nothing of it. Most of the guards are happy to have so many changes. It truly is welcomed after the reign of Aro. His reign was long and he controlled every aspect of the Volturi. That is not how we operate," said Didyme.

"Yes, I can tell by the thoughts of the other guards that they are truly happy with their existence and….." Edward groaned when his phone rang and he saw that it was Alice.

"Do you plan on meddling now," asked Edward and she scoffed.

"No, I am having too much fun shopping. I just wanted to let you know that the guards are still not an issue. They have decided to leave before any more tension arises. They have not determined whether they will stay with the guard, but that is not our concern. We are on vacation. Enjoy it, Edward," urged Alice before hanging up on him and he chuckled.

"Well, if Alice isn't worried, I suppose we shouldn't be even though I could tell they did not want me to be able to read their minds," said Edward and Jasper clapped him on the back.

"If my little darlin' says all is well, then all is well," assured Jasper and everyone nodded in agreement, knowing that Alice would always alert them to any issues.

Zach gave a dimpled grin and wink to a group of giggling human girls that passed by him and Josh. The boys just finished doing some shopping and the girls waved at them. Josh waved back as he sighed happily.

"Have I told you how much I love Italy? Beautiful women, great scenery, and this pizza is delicious," said Josh before taking the last bite of his large slice of pizza.

"This place is pretty great. You know, you should let my Aunt Alice shop for you. That way you wouldn't have to keep dragging me along on these school clothes shopping trips."

"Hey, I like getting my own stuff and besides, how many kids in Forks or La Push can say they have jeans right out of a shop from Italy?"

"Oh I get it, so this is to impress the girls at school."

"Haven't you learned by now that I am all about impressing the ladies?"

"Speaking of ladies, hey, isn't that Senna," asked Zach as he pointed toward a vampire exiting a boutique and Josh happily nodded.

"There is Kachiri too. Senna, Kachiri, over here," called Josh and Zach nudged him.

"Smooth J," muttered Zach.

"What, it isn't like one of them is your mate."

"Yea, but they could be our dates for the party," whispered Zach. He put on his best smile as the women approached them.

"We figured we would see you around here soon enough. How are you? I am surprised your mothers are not watching you like a hawk," teased Senna.

"We have earned their trust. You ladies must be here for the party," said Zach and Kachiri winked at him.

"Of course, it isn't like we could bear to miss the party of the century. Huilen wasn't interested, but we have never passed up the chance to celebrate and we aren't about to start now. Besides, it gives us a chance to spend time with Zafrina. We already met up with her and Keegan before they went for a hunt," explained Kachiri and Josh smirked.

"Is that what they are calling it these days," teased Josh.

"Good, so we aren't the only ones that have noticed they cannot keep their hands off of each other," agreed Senna and Zach guffawed.

"Just ask Garrett, the poor guy knows more than us about that," laughed Zach.

"Well hopefully that means that the firestarter is staying in line. We were a bit concerned about him," admitted Kachiri.

"With Keegan, trust us you don't have to worry about him. He worships the ground Zafrina walks on," assured Josh.

"Definitely, he is a good guy. He knows how to treat a woman," added Zach and Kachiri smiled flirtatiously as she looked him up and down.

"And what about you two, do you know how to treat a lady as well," asked Kachiri. Zach gave a bow and kissed the top of her hand, causing her to giggle.

"Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way," assured Zach. Josh pulled Senna's hand up to his lips and winked at her again before giving it a kiss.

"We were raised to be perfect gentlemen," added Josh.

"Well then we will just have to find that out firsthand. There will be plenty of celebrating to do at the party and I am sure I could save you a dance or two, Josh," said Senna.

"That goes double for you, Zach," said Kachiri and the boys smiled from ear to ear as the women sauntered away. Once Senna and Kachiri turned the corner and were out of sight, Josh and Zach did their secret handshake. Josh sighed happily.

"I love Italy," he laughed.

"Me too and it looks like I already have a dance partner for New Year's Eve," said Zach.

"What about Annike and Inger?"

"The more the merrier," exclaimed Zach.

"Good to see you are over your ex."

"Shut up, she is not my ex. We never dated. Seriously J, get over it." Josh laughed as he ruffled Zach's hair.

"You get over it. You are the one with the ex in Italy."

"Right because your actual ex is in Forks. How is Nina by the way?" Zach dodged Josh's playful punches and the boys continued their walk through the square.

Sofi smiled appreciatively at Caleb as he handed her a white lily that he bought from a merchant. She kissed his cheek and snuggled into his side as she smelled the flower.

"Thank you. You spoil me." He kissed her forehead and sighed happily as their fingers intertwined.

"I am the one that is spoiled. Look at everything I have because of you. I live in Italy. I am part of the guard and I have the most beautiful woman to love forever. I say I am pretty spoiled and very lucky." She cupped his cheek and gazed into his eyes.

"Oh Caleb, I love how romantic you are and I love you very much."

"I love you too," he whispered before tenderly kissing her. They continued their walk through the piazza and her eyes lit up.

"Look, they have your favorite gelato. Come on, let's get some," she encouraged as she happily walked over to the gelato stand. Caleb gulped and quickly pulled out the ring box that felt like it was weighing him down from all of his nervousness. He took in a shaky breath and regained his composure before placing it back in his jacket pocket, vowing to ask the most important question of his life before the end of the night.

Nilas shook with fury as he watched Caleb and Sofi from a distance. Caleb jogged over to the gelato stand with Sofi and kissed her cheek as she giggled. Tyra rubbed her mate's back soothingly to try to console him.

"Nilas, let's go before we miss our plane."

"It just isn't natural. None of this is natural and now he is going to marry her? A mutt and these half-breeds in the guard are bad enough, but to have to watch them act as if they will wed and be recognized as mates in our world is just ridiculous. It is an abomination."

"Nilas, this doesn't even concern us….."

"Oh but it does. Marcus and Didyme have allowed some ridiculous notions, but this has gone far enough. Come on," said Nilas as he stormed in the direction of Caleb and Sofi. Tyra was hesitant, but followed her mate nonetheless.

Sofi could sense Caleb's nervousness and noticed that his gelato was untouched as they walked along the bay. She nudged him playfully and he chuckled at the amount of exuberance radiating off her.

"What is wrong? You love gelato."

"Yea, I do, but I love you so much more and my stomach is in knots right now, so I better do this before I lose the nerve." Before she could question him, he dropped down to one knee. She gasped when he pulled a black ring box out of his jacket pocket.

"Sofi, before you, I was a mess. Nothing in my life made sense to me and I felt so lost and confused. You changed that and all I want is to make you happy for eternity. Sofi, will….."

"Well isn't this cute," sneered Nilas and Caleb's shoulders slumped in frustration as he made his way to his feet.

"Really Nilas, right now," asked Caleb and Nilas smirked.

"Oh I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?"

"Yes, you are," said Sofi as Nilas started to circle them.

"Good, it is the least you are due after all you have done."

"What are you talking about," asked Caleb.

"You know, before you and the rest of the half breeds came along, being a part of the Volturi meant something. We stood for honor and had a code to uphold. These days I guess they will just let anyone in. It is bad enough that we can't even find full vampires, but to consort with wolves, oh I think that is the worst of all." Caleb began to tremble with rage as he took off his leather jacket and Sofi stepped in between her mate and Nilas.

"Stay calm Caleb. He wants you to lose control so he can get you kicked out of the guard. Nilas, get out of here before I call your brother," warned Sofi and Nilas laughed.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you are such a coward. After all, only half of you even counts in our world. The other half is simply prey, but I expected more from you Caleb. Come on, are you telling me the big bad wolf that tried to take on the Cullens is going to stand down now," taunted Nilas. Tyra noticed the low growl that rumbled in Caleb's chest as he tossed his jacket aside and she stepped closer to her mate.

"Nilas, maybe we should just go," she urged, but he shook his head.

"What's wrong, Caleb? Is the pup finally losing his temper? You know you want to take a swing at me. Go on, do it."

"No, only if you leave me no other choice," growled Caleb and Nilas shrugged as he moved toward Sofi.

"Oh that's right. You are used to being in charge of a pack that does all of this for you. Fine, maybe your mate will do your bidding." Nilas lunged at Sofi and that was all Caleb could endure. He immediately phased and tackled Nilas in midair. Nilas kicked the wolf off of him and laughed as he flipped to his feet. The two of them circled each other.

"Finally, now we are getting somewhere," shouted Nilas. Sofi lunged at Nilas, but Tyra intercepted her. The women hissed at each other, determined to protect their mates, and Nilas was surprised when Sofi punched Tyra. Tyra swiped at Sofi, but she was too quick and leapt out of the way before kicking Tyra in the stomach. Nilas's eyes widened and Sofi smirked at him.

"Pretty good for a half breed, right," taunted Sofi and Nilas growled at her before turning his attention to Caleb. He spun around just in time to be pounced on by Caleb and the two of them rolled around in a scuffle, neither able to get the upper hand until Nilas managed to throw Caleb into the water. Nilas laughed as he watched Caleb phase back into human form so he could swim to shore.

"Is that the best you got," taunted Nilas. Sofi helped her mate out of the water and both were shocked when Nilas was suddenly airborne. He crashed into the water with a loud splash and Sofi sighed in relief when Zach and Josh's laughs echoed around them. Josh handed Caleb one of his new pairs of jeans and Caleb's jacket.

"Put these on. Oh and since you aren't wearing underwear, you can keep the jeans. Don't say I never gave you anything," said Josh. Zach snickered at his friend's comment, but then let out a warning growl at Nilas as the guard hoisted himself out of the water and stalked forward.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," warned Zach as he sent a small force field at Nilas, knocking him back a couple of steps.

"This doesn't concern you, Cullen," spat Nilas.

"Actually it does and it is Zach McCarty Cullen, thank you very much."

"This is between me and Caleb. At least show some honor and fight, you mutt," yelled Nilas. Caleb stepped forward, but Zach stood in between Nilas and Caleb with a bright smile.

"Sorry boys, but this fight is over. Isn't that right Alexander," asked Zach and Nilas gasped as his big brother grabbed him by the back of his neck.

"I told you about paying attention to your surroundings," said Alexander.

"And I told you that you are my big brother. You are supposed to have my back."

"Not this time," informed Alexander before pushing Nilas over to Lena. Tyra did not hesitate to put her hands up in surrender and join her mate's side. Alexander walked over to Caleb, Sofi, Zach, and Josh.

"Are you alright," he asked and Zach waved him off.

"Easy as elk, I had it covered," assured Zach.

"Yes, she said that you would," agreed Alexander and before they could question who he was speaking of, Alice, Rosalie, and Leah ran over to them.

"What did they do now," groaned Leah as they jogged over to their sons and Josh huffed.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence mom. We didn't do anything but make sure Nilas didn't hurt Caleb and Sofi. Plus, I gave up a brand new pair of jeans. I think I deserve some credit for that," informed Josh and Alice nodded.

"He really does and I am sorry it had to get this far. Nilas and Tyra's paths changed course the moment they saw Caleb and Sofi. I would have let Caleb walk around naked if I were though, Josh. Those jeans are designer," added Alice. Rosalie eyed her son carefully.

"So you didn't start trouble, you stopped it," questioned Rosalie and he smiled victoriously.

"Yep," replied Zach, which made Rosalie and Leah sigh in relief. Alexander glanced over his shoulder as Marcus and Didyme appeared with Carlisle, Esme, Edward, Bella, Jasper, Eleazar, and Carmen.

"Where is the rest of the family," asked Alexander as Carlisle approached.

"Much to Garrett's chagrin, Alice thought it would be best if only some of us were present to try to diffuse the situation. It is the same reason Roman and Iris have not been alerted. It would just cause more tension," explained Carlisle as he scanned Caleb over for injuries. Alexander looked down as Marcus and Didyme approached him.

"I should have alerted you when the situation first was brought to my attention," conceded Alexander.

"Yes, you should have, but you were thinking as a brother, not a guard. It is understandable," said Didyme. Alexander watched as Lena pulled Nilas and Tyra away and headed toward Isola Marcime.

"What happens to Nilas now," asked Alexander.

"We do what is right. He will meet in front of the council to give his side of the story and so will Caleb," informed Marcus.

"I didn't do anything wrong," argued Caleb and Sofi vehemently nodded.

"We were trying to have a nice night out on our own and he ambushed us," defended Sofi. Didyme smiled kindly at them.

"Fear not, you are not on trial, neither is Nilas. All of this has been building for a while. I am disappointed it had to happen during such a joyous occasion, but all will be resolved before the party tomorrow night," assured Didyme.

"So what, we meet to talk and that's it? What happens if Nilas doesn't want to talk," questioned Caleb and Alice scoffed.

"Don't worry so much Caleb. Don't I always take care of you? This will be a good thing and trust me, Nilas needs this as well. Before you ask, no Alexander, he isn't sure if he wants to stay with the guard or not, but it will be fine. By the time the party is up and started, all of this will seem like a distant memory. I can't wait," exclaimed Alice and Alexander sighed in frustration as he stormed off. She frowned in confusion.

"What did I say," asked Alice and Edward rolled his eyes.

"Did you ever think that maybe Alexander has more important things to be concerned with than a party? His brother just tried to attack another guard. He technically has committed treason and Alexander, being the leader of the guard and also his brother, now has to watch him go before the entire Volturi and plead his case," explained Edward.

"I still don't see what the big deal is. It isn't like this is punishable by dismemberment or something," said Alice with a shrug and Eleazar smirked.

"It used to be," he reminded. Marcus chuckled.

"There are a lot of things that used to be, but we aren't Aro or Caius. Come now Eleazar, after all we have been through, all of the battles you have seen, this should barely be a blimp on your radar," said Marcus.

"Exactly," exclaimed Alice, but Sofi shook her head.

"It doesn't change that he attacked my mate," said Sofi.

"All parties will speak civilly about it and come to a resolution. There has been far too much unnecessary death because of tempers and irrational behavior. It is time to speak for the sake of peace. Do not worry, Sofi. We will make sure nothing happens to your mate and that Nilas understands his behavior is inappropriate. He is in the hands of Alexander and Lena now," informed Didyme.

"I do not envy Alexander at the moment. What Nilas did was wrong, but that is still his brother," said Esme and Marcus nodded.

"Yes and now his brother must decide if his place in the guard will be upheld or if it is time for Nilas and Tyra to find their own way. Either way, it will be decided tomorrow before the festivities begin. That should give Nilas enough time to cool down and maybe even listen to reason from his brother. There is nothing else for us to do about it tonight my friends. No one was seriously harmed. The area has been swept by Lena and she assured us that no human eyes witnessed the altercation. All will be resolved tomorrow. For now, let us enjoy the rest of our night," suggested Marcus.