Chapter 20 Redemption
With his hunger sated, Jacob contemplated the fact that he could really use a nap. He would never admit it, but keeping up with the undead was hellishly tiring. He longingly imagined he was in his hammock with Tara. Or better yet, a nice big bed. His mind wandered. The fantasy was interrupted by Edward's voice.
"We'll catch up with you and Tara later, why don't you take some time to see a little of the city?" Edward suggested.
Tara looked startled. Jake jumped up from the table like his pants were on fire.
"You read my mind, Bro!" he shouted, throwing down his napkin and eyeing Edward with rare approval.
Edward arched an eyebrow in slight amusement.
"Yes I did, Bro."
Jacob could see the conflicting emotions in Tara's green eyes. She was taking the weight of the whole Cullen family on her shoulders. It's too much. Jacob wanted to shield her from the pain. He looked beseechingly at Bella.
"There's nothing to be done here, really. Take some time for you," Bella cajoled. "We'll meet up later tonight."
"But I can't see what will happen to them," Alice said with a slight whine in her voice. Jasper put his hand on hers.
"Somehow I managed to live this long without your protection," Jacob answered, not unkindly, looking quickly at Tara to see if Alice had tipped the scales. She still looked undecided.
"You can take the hot rod," Jasper said, laughing as he jangled the keys. Alice rolled her eyes but she couldn't help smiling.
"Stop busting on the hybrid," she huffed in mock annoyance.
"That's OK, we'll walk," Jacob answered, grabbing Tara's hand to pull her up. She didn't resist and he took that as a good sign.
"We have rooms at the Hotel de Russie nearby," Bella informed them, grabbing Tara's bag. "I'll take this back for you. Do you still have your passports?"
Tara nodded. Jacob was in haste to leave before she changed her mind.
"Watch your back," Jasper warned.
"I'll watch her back, the view is a lot better," Jacob said, grinning.
Tara blushed. Jasper raised his eyebrows, but tactfully did not comment. Tara ignored them both with dignity. She turned to address Edward.
"I think I'm speaking for a lot of us, I'd like to go home soon, back to Forks, I mean," she said firmly. "I've already had a close encounter of the Volturi kind and I don't mind saying I don't want to hang out with Aro again. The guy creeps me out."
"Amen," Bella intoned in a heartfelt voice. Jacob wholeheartedly agreed.
"I'll confer with Carlisle," Edward answered. "Granted, this isn't the safest place for us. Aro is…," he hesitated, looking quickly at Alice, "…unpredictable."
Bella picked up a napkin from the table and twisted it anxiously.
"I'll keep Tara safe," Jacob promised Bella, who looked exasperated at this comment. Tara smirked and the two sisters shared an eye roll.
"Don't worry, I won't let him do anything reckless," she assured Bella.
Jacob let them have their fun at his expense. He knew Tara was strong, but feminist pride aside, they had nothing to worry about from him. My reckless days are over, too much to live for, he vowed to himself as they strolled away, trying to throw off the shackles of worry for just a little while and desperately trying to be young and in love.
It felt good to be alone with her. They stuck to the shadows, walking hand in hand. She didn't seem to feel like talking, so they just existed together. He noticed her wince as group of teenaged schoolgirls walked by. They were all laughing except for one skinny, pale girl.
"Let's head somewhere a little less crowded," Jacob suggested, understanding how hard it was for her to be among people right now. If Edward can help her with that stuff, we'll be BFF's. Well, maybe just FF's.
Tara looked at him gratefully for the suggestion.
"According to the guidebook I read, San Callisto is not far. They have park grounds there, maybe we can find a quiet spot," she said, looking at the street signs. "Oh look, it's an omen—Via Cinque Luna…Five Moons Road, let's follow that one."
"I told you, I got nothing to do with the moon," Jake chided as Tara giggled. It was so nice to hear that carefree sound from her, Jacob would have let her tease him all day.
They walked for a few minutes, the streets in this area were narrower and the sinking sun cast deeper shadows. Jacob didn't let down his guard, looking behind him every once and a while. He noticed that Tara was doing the same, but she didn't seem agitated. Jacob liked to think that he was the reason for her comfort.
"You know, Jake, I was thinking about what you said on the plane," Tara said, turning them down a street where several buildings were vacant. Weeds sprung out from their crumbling stone walls in surprising green tufts along the rough exteriors. One little shop, a pasticceria by its sign, seemed to be valiantly making an effort at the end of the street. A few chairs were scattered in front and large, wooden casks filled with trailing red flowers were placed at the entrance, but the sign proclaimed, chiuso, closed.
"About the future…" she trailed off.
Jacob thought he knew what she was feeling. They had all reveled in their invincibility, but this fever had rocked them to their core.
She stopped and turned to him, taking his other hand in hers. Jacob's eyes traced her face, lingering on her cheekbones and getting lost in her eyes. He felt that he had known her for a lifetime, as if he could hardly remember a time when she wasn't part of him.
"I just wanted to say, if I have one day or thousands of them left in my life, I want to spend them with you. No matter what, I love you."
Jacob's heart soared at the words and he pulled her close and tilted her head back so he could look down into her eyes. He loved the feeling of her body, so strong and yet so delicate, in his arms.
"I love you too," he said softly, closing his eyes and lowering his lips to hers. His pulse immediately quickened, pounding his blood through his veins, and he knew that he had to end the kiss before it got out of hand. He had no self-control when it came to this woman. It was hard to pull away though. Tara had wrapped her arms around his neck and was holding him locked against her, kissing him like she was dying of thirst and he was her water.
A sound like the crack of old stones distracted them and they pulled apart, looking around.
It was the crack of old stones…against a vampire's head.
Bricks were piled in the street and through a cloud of dust, Jacob saw Emmett sitting on someone, pinning them face-down on the worn stone walkway. The black clad legs beneath Emmet's brawny body flailed, causing him to wince. In a flash, Rosalie emerged from the alley beside Emmett and placed one black, high heeled boot none too gently on the person that was Emmett's chair, cocking her hip and flinging her long, tawny hair over her shoulder like she was posing for a photo shoot.
Jacob didn't know if was his exhaustion or the total state of arousal that had drained most of the blood away from his brain, but somehow he was not surprised to see Emmett and Rosalie tap dancing on what he could only surmise was a Volturi guard. Tara also seemed to regain her equilibrium very quickly.
"That's Emmett and Rose," Jacob explained hurriedly.
"I kinda thought…they fit the description," Tara said with a trace of humor.
Thank goodness she is not the fainting type, Jake thought, admiring her spirit. They moved quickly to assist Emmet and Rose, but they seemed to have the situation thoroughly in hand.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk … letting ourselves get distracted with excessive public displays of affection while the bad guy is sneaking up is just inappropriate and frankly I won't stand for it…" Emmett lectured, grinning widely, "…I'll sit."
With that, he bounced up and down on the back of his victim, eliciting a moan as Rosalie leaned her boot more firmly on the back of the black-clad figure's neck. Jacob couldn't tell who it was; a black hood hid the head from view.
Emmett introduced himself, unable to spare a hand to extend to Tara.
"Hi, I'm Emmett." He ignored the groans of frustration that were coming from the writhing figure underneath him. "This is Rose. We're the less-talented of the Cullens."
Rose gave Tara a friendly smile which turned wintry as she looked at Jacob. They had never seen eye to eye on things, especially where raising Nessie was concerned. Fortunately for Nessie, Rose and I aren't her parents, Jake thought, having gained a better perspective on that topic since meeting Tara.
Emmett went on to elaborate. "Rose's power is super hotness."
Rosalie did not dispute this claim.
"Mine is super strength, obviously." Another broad smile split his face, and he gave few more bounces for good measure. "Although, I admit this one's not putting up much of a fight, so I can't really show you my stuff."
"Those are very impressive superpowers," Tara said politely, not even bothering to suppress her smile. "I'm Tara and I am able to toast bread with only a glance from my piercing green eyes."
Emmett guffawed in appreciation.
Tara continued, "Who do you have there?"
"We really didn't take any time to check," Rose answered, glancing down. "We saw this one lurking and Emmett rammed him into this building and then sat on him."
"Cracking heads first, asking questions later," Emmett announced with pride.
"Nice coincidence that you happened along," Tara mused, smiling.
"No coincidence. I sniffed you guys out," Rose said. "Jake doesn't smell any better than usual." Jacob curled his lip in response, but refrained from rising to her bait.
"I like his smell," Tara defended.
Rose arched a perfect brow, looking between Jacob and Emmett.
"To each her own."
The captive let out another shriek of rage and Rose lifted her boot from their prisoner's neck.
"Don't try anything funny," she warned.
Emmett gracefully dismounted, allowing the black clad figure to quickly rise. Tara instinctively reached her hand out to assist and when she touched the person she pulled back quickly with a gasp. The small figure threw back her hood and Emmett took an involuntary step backwards.
"Oh my gosh, he didn't know," Tara apologized to a very irate and dirty Jane. The front of the girl's black cloak was frosted with brick dust and there was a smudge on her cheek. Other than that she looked unharmed.
Unable to resist, Jake adopted a comforting tone. "Don't worry widdle Emmett; surely you have heard that Jane is reformed. Lucky for you, or you'd be burning in hellfires of agony." Jane grimaced in irritation.
"Correct," Jane said icily, not taking her eyes off of Tara.
Emmett and Rosalie looked at Jane warily. Rose had moved closer to Emmett, a fierce look on her face.
"Down girl," Tara warned Rose gently.
With a visible effort, Jane controlled her temper. "I mean you no harm. I came to tell you that Aro is a liar. You can't believe his words. Come to the castle tonight for the truth."
Jacob snorted, "Tell me something I don't know. What I don't understand is why you think we should trust you."
Jane turned to Jacob. "It is not safe for you. They know about Demetri," she warned reluctantly.
Jacob felt a flash, not of fear, but of exhilaration. The wondering about the consequences of Demetri's death had hung over him and he longed for that fight to come to him.
"Bring…it…on," he said through gritted teeth.
"Hell yeah," Emmett hollered, pounding his chest, although he had no idea what was going on.
Rosalie and Tara simultaneously put restraining hands on their men's chests and then shared a look.
"Don't believe everything that is seen," Jane urged Tara, her pale face drawn. She turned to go, but Tara put a restraining hand on her arm.
"You don't have to go," she said softly. Jacob couldn't believe it. Tara was still trying to save this girl.
"Yes I do," Jane said with regret.
Tara let her go, and she twirled and disappeared swiftly into the shadows of the narrow gap between the buildings, her dark cloak fluttering behind her.
Emmett shrugged, dusting off his pants. "That girl has got the melodramatic exit down to a science. She needs some theme music."
Jacob noticed Tara did not crack a smile. She looked thoughtful. Jacob sensed that she was caught up in the conflict that Jane was feeling.
"Where's Nessie?" he asked Rose, watching her gaze harden and her perfect mouth pucker up for a moment. She appraised him critically, but he didn't flinch.
"She went to see some friends," she replied in an elaborately casual tone. "She said she'd meet us back at the hotel. We are headed there now." Again her eyes flickered over Jacob and he could see her swift brain calculating. "Care to join us? If you are all done what you were doing, that is."
Tara seemed oblivious to Rose's slightly hostile tone. Did Rose think she was defending Nessie against a rival? Jacob wondered.
He looked at Tara, and she gave him a nod of agreement. "I guess the sightseeing is over."
Tara looked hard at Rosalie and Jacob saw her beautiful eyes widen. Tara held out her hand to Rose and Jacob was surprised when Rosalie took it. The two girls walked ahead, fingers laced together, already oblivious to anyone around them. Rose murmured softly to Tara and they leaned together as they walked, heads inclined with Rose's gold hair nearly touching Tara's dark curls.
Emmett looked bemused. Jacob clapped him on the shoulder, glad to be back with his friend.
"Don't worry, my man," Jake said, indicating the two women walking ahead of them. "Tara only uses her superpowers for good."
They were able to make their way to the hotel without incident, other than some tourists trying to take pictures of Tara and Rosalie. Emmett chased them off.
Jacob thought longingly of rest. As they entered the suite, Tara broke off her conversation with Rosalie and walked over to him. Her hands felt cool and soothing on his cheeks, and when she brushed her lips softly against his, Jacob immediately stopped thinking about rest. He saw her eyes darken and the color rise in her cheeks, and he knew she was feeling the same way. Tara regained her composure, stepped back, glancing over her shoulder at Rosalie.
"Jake, I think she still needs me," she said in a low voice, her brow crinkled slightly with worry.
Jake suppressed a quick swell of bitterness and floundered to find his better side. He had a mild degree of success.
"I get it. I probably should rest. If all goes well, this will be our last night in Italy," Jacob answered.
Tara slipped her hand into his and held it as if she didn't want to let him go, and then reluctantly she released it, sliding her hand along his until their fingertips barely touched.
Emmett had flopped down on the couch and flipped on a game, turning the volume off. He put his feet on the coffee table, a pristine marble and glass construct that looked far too refined for his oafish feet.
"Jake, hit the mini bar and watch the game with me," he ordered congenially.
Jacob had a lot easier time resisting this offer than he had evading the lure of Tara's soft lips.
"Some of us need to sleep," he demurred. "I think I'm jet-lagged, or maybe it's the four pounds of pasta I ate at lunch."
Jacob dragged the stones of his feet into a bedroom and stepped into the private shower, letting the hot water relax his muscles. He used the hotel soap, a spicy sandalwood scent, generously and lathered his hair, breathing deep at the respite from the sickening sweet vampire odor that had been clinging to him all day.
Jacob pulled his thoughts from stinky vampires and to the feeling of Tara's soft lips on his, her body under his hands. Hmmm, what good is a soul-deep mental connection with your other half if you don't use it? Jacob thought. He focused his mental energy, Tara…Tara…join me in the shower…in the shower.
He waited a few minutes with the water running over muscles hardened with frustration. No Tara. Sighing in regret, he turned off the water and wrapped a towel around his waist, barely able to stumble out of the steam fogged bathroom towards the wide bed that beckoned him. He was just teetering, preparing to go horizontal, when a pair of firm, silk-clad arms wrapped around him and soft lips tickled his ear.
"Jakey…"
It worked! Pleasurable electric impulses flew across his heat-sensitized damp skin and Jacob swiveled around, letting the towel slip off of his hips, but the pleasure was short-lived. Horrorstruck, Jacob jumped back, clutching the towel back up into a modest position.
"Jesus, Ness, don't sneak up on me," he uttered, retreating from her like she was a venomous snake. He held onto the towel with one hand and ran his fingers through his dark, wet hair, shaking his head.
Nessie leapt lightly to the center of the bed and crossed her slim legs, looking at him expectantly. She was clad in a deep turquoise, long-sleeved, kimono-style shirt over tiny, stretch denim boy shorts and her feet were bare. Elegantly, she uncoiled and leaned back on the bed, resting her head against her hand in a relaxed pose.
Jacob did not feel relaxed. He felt damn uncomfortable and he did not like it one bit.
"Nessie, I don't like this one bit," Jacob said sternly, looking at the closed door. What would Tara think if she walked in?
Nessie sat up, giggling.
"I don't like this either. Did I interrupt something? Is that a stake in your pocket or are you just expecting a vampire?" She burst into full-fledged laughter at his evident embarrassment.
"Watch your mouth, young lady," Jacob ordered, trying to retain his dignity. "I was expecting a vampire and it was not you."
Nessie looked apologetic. "Sorry daddy Jake. Tara went out with Rose. Put some clothes on, we have to talk."
After he had dressed, Jacob sat on the chair and Nessie perched on the deep window seat, looking down at the city below. Her eyes were serious, all traces of joking gone. In the beautiful curves of her adult face, Jacob could see the echo of the girl he loved. His heart felt heavy as her eyes faltered. Nessie has not forgiven me, he thought.
"I need to talk to you about Demetri," Nessie began after a long pause, confirming Jacob's fears. His stomach clenched and he opened his mouth to protest, but he stilled himself. He would let her speak, he owed her that much.
Nessie pulled her legs up tightly, wrapping her arms around her knees and pulling them close against her body.
"Demetri sought me out very soon after I arrived in Europe. I was glad he found me because I hoped he would aid me in my search for Nahuel, but he was not interested in helping me. He wanted me to help him." Nessie took a deep breath.
"Demetri wanted to know about my father and mother and what he called, 'Carlisle's way'. He confessed to me that he had fallen in love with a human. Occasionally the Volturi will take humans as helpers, with the promise of immortal life as their reward. A young girl named Cara had joined them. Demetri fell in love with her, but he was afraid for her soul, and afraid of what he might do to her."
Jacob turned away. He didn't understand why Nessie was doing this; torturing him with the humanity of someone he had killed.
"Nessie, I…," he began, but she cut him off.
"Let me finish. He devoted himself to the vegetarian lifestyle and was amazing. He did it for Cara. I have rarely seen such willpower, but I didn't know the full truth."
Her eyes pleaded with him for forgiveness.
"I had already left Italy to return home. Aro was out of control. He returned to the castle in a ravaging thirst and the guards weren't able to get to him fast enough. He found Cara in the entranceway and drained her in seconds, discarding her and moving on. Demetri discovered her cold body forgotten on the floor hours later. The carnage was so great, no one had even returned to dispose of the remnants."
Understanding dawned on Jacob. He remembered that Demetri had barely fought, he had not protested.
"Jacob, he wanted to die and vampires are hard to kill," Nessie said, her voice faltering. Her brown eyes were soft. "I am so sorry, I just found out." She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close, her chest shaking. Jacob held her tiny form and rocked her back and forth, comforting her.
"I just couldn't bear having that between us," she said brokenly, putting her cheek against his.
Jacob closed his eyes and felt the cool pure wash of redemption. He took a deep breath and pulled back.
"So that's it, right? Am I straight with the Volturi now?"
Again Nessie's gaze faltered. She shook her head.
"No Jake. They want you dead."