CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
Volterra Part I: I'm just going to play with my food a little'
Jane had been sitting on the couch, staring at the hybrid child for the last twenty minutes. She couldn't believe her and Alec had been put on babysitting duty. The Cullen's were here, within their grasp, and the two strongest members of the guard were being forced to watch this pipsqueak. Jane didn't know what use she was to Aro, besides bait to lure the Cullen's here. The child looked feeble and helpless. Jane doubted she had any real power at all. She was a hybrid after all. The human genes made her weak. It also made Jane thirsty. Aro wouldn't mind if she had a taste. After all, the Cullen's had come. What good was the child now?
"Sister, why the long face?" Alec asked, moving between Jane and the child. He recognized that look. Jane was losing control.
"I'm bored," Jane snapped. "Let's have some fun," she said eyeing the girl with wicked excitement.
"No, sister, Aro forbid it. We are not to touch her, remember."
"You worry too much brother; I'm just going to play with my food a little. Aro won't mind." Jane raised her arm to point at the girl. She wondered if the child had ever felt real pain. Jane could make her feel pain. Jane could make the girl hurt until she begged to die and Jane would be only too happy to oblige.
Alec snapped his hand out to catch his sister. "How can you be so certain?" he snarled.
"We are Aro's favourites. He would never lay a finger on us," Jane assured him stiffly. Where was this questioning coming from?
"Unless he gets his way and the Cullen's decide to join him. You know he has always coveted that Alice."
Jane barred her teeth. She despised the Cullen's. She would sooner have them all killed than allow them to infringe on her territory. Her gift gave her power. It made her important. She would not have that power taken away because some psychic joined the ranks.
Evelyn cringed, moving closer to the corner of the room. She didn't know what to do. There was no one around to help her. She felt as if she had been trapped in a cage with a lion: a lion with sharp teeth and razor-like claws that could rip her to shreds.
"Jane, come here," a commanding voice called from the depths of the Volturi tunnels. Jane sighed.
"You're in luck, squirt," Jane said, almost longingly. "Master calls."
"Well I'm not staying here," Alec moaned.
"Go see what the guard is doing then. I'm sure you'll find someone to bully. I'm going to see what Aro wants. Maybe he has lunch."
Jane and Alec whisked from the room, slamming the door behind them. Evelyn didn't dare breathe, afraid the witch twins would return.
Tanya, Garret, and Kate walked quickly through the streets of Volterra, clinging to the shadows as if their lives depended on it, which they kind of did because if they revealed themselves to the humans the Volturi would kill them and that would really ruin Alice's plan. They had been on holiday, passing through some of the more remote parts of Europe, when Kate got Alice's panic call. She sounded desperate and her cousins had been only too happy to offer their services.
Garret seemed rather excited at the prospect. The last twenty years had been awfully slow, though he did have Kate to spend the time with, so he couldn't complain. But he did have that same giddy feeling he got every time he rushed into battle, and couldn't stop himself from muttering, "The redcoats are coming, the redcoats are coming."
Kate rolled her eyes at him, but smiled.
Tanya was just nervous. She didn't think dropping in on the Volturi was the best idea. But the Cullen's were in trouble and they were like her family.
When they reached the arch beneath the clock tower Kate kissed Garret quickly and sped off with Tanya. He was to stay there and draw out as much of the Volturi guard as possible. Garret began singing at the top of his lungs and the mindless humans stopped to gawk. Kate laughed. That was bound to draw some attention. She just hoped Garret would watch his tongue when the guard came for him.
They had to enter from different places. That was one thing Alice had been adamant about. They were a distraction, so they needed to occupy the attention of more than one guard. Tanya and Kate separated at the back entrance.
"Be careful sister," Tanya said.
"You too," Kate mumbled. They both had a bone to pick with the Volturi for killing their sister Irina, but they had to keep themselves in check. Fighting that battle here would not win them any favours. In fact, it might just get them killed.
Kate sped off into a hidden doorway.
Tanya took a ragged breath then jumped into a manhole. It was dark but her senses were alive at once. And she knew immediately that she wasn't alone anymore.
"Hello Tanya, how nice of you to drop in."
"Hello, Caius." Tanya didn't return his distorted smile.
"Master," Demetri began.
Aro looked furious at the interruption. "What is it?" he snarled.
"Some of the Denali coven has been discovered within our walls."
The Cullen's looked at each other. What were the Denali's doing here? How had they known? Was this the vampire force that had arrived to help them?
Aro looked intrigued. Perhaps fate was playing a cruel trick on him. Would it really be that easy to be rid of the Olympic and Denali coven's all in the same day?
"Take them to the main hall. I will be out shortly to greet them," Aro said, his voice like silk. There was a cruel grin on his face as he stood up from his chair. Demetri chuckled to himself, being dismissed.
"Now, where were we?" Aro looked greedily at Alice and Jasper hissed at him. "Oh, yes. Now I remember. Dear Alice, why don't you just make this easier for everyone and join me. Then your family can leave in peace."
They had barely set foot in Volterra when Demetri and Felix had forced them into a car. Alice had been right. Aro was expecting them. The Volturi had used Evelyn to lure them here. Aro was determined to add to his collection. Now that he had the girl with the power to take the vampire curse away, all he really needed was Alice to watch the future for him. If ever the Romanian's or any other coven for that matter, decided to attack him, he would use Evelyn. Making his enemies mortal was so much worse than simply destroying them. Making them human meant Aro would have absolute control. If Aro got Edward and Bella out of the deal than that was just icing on the cake, but Alice was who he was really after.
Alice didn't even need to search the future before she said, "You're lying to me Aro."
Aro grinned. "And your ability is quite extraordinary. I don't think I will be able to let you leave this time." He looked sideways. "Jane?"
The small, sallow-faced vampire appeared, looking eager to please. Alice shivered as a vision of Jasper convulsing on the floor flashed across her face.
Jane nodded. "Yes, master." Her evil red eyes narrowed in excited anticipation. "Pain," she began to say.
Alice jumped in front of Jasper just in time. She caught the full wave of Jane's gift and had to grind her teeth together to keep from screaming. Her legs gave out as her entire body convulsed.
"Enough," Aro hissed at Jane. "Not Alice."
Jane shrugged. She was just getting warmed up.
Alice was on the ground. Jasper clung to her, "Silly girl, why did you do that?" He forced half a smile on his face but he was furious. He wanted to rip Jane's head off for attacking his Alice. Edward gripped Jasper's shoulder to prevent him from doing anything stupid.
Alice rubbed her hand along the side of Jasper's face. "I love you," she whispered. Then she stood up with Jasper's help, looking despaired. She was running out of options. Where were those stupid dogs?
"There is no need for that Aro, let's discuss my joining the guard." Alice looked down at the ground, defeated as her family hissed and growled.
"No Alice," Carlisle and Edward said in unison. They moved to step forward but Alice threw her hand out to stop them as she stepped forward.
"There's no choice anymore," she lied. There was a choice. But it wasn't one she was willing to make. She would not see her family suffer for her unwillingness to join the Volturi.
"Marvelous," Aro whispered. "Edward, Bella, would you be so kind?" he inquired, gesturing beside him. They didn't move from Carlisle's side and it was obvious where their loyalties lied. "Ah, well, that is unfortunate. I was so hoping you would be reasonable."
"I'm here Aro, I'm staying, there is no longer any reason to hold my family, is there?" Alice asked lightly. She still couldn't meet their eyes. She knew they felt betrayed. Edward, just go. I have a plan. Trust me. She ran the thoughts through her head over and over. She knew Edward would see and that he would listen.
Aro grinned. He was ecstatic. Alice was his and he would now send the Cullen's off, only to have Alec incapacitate them and the guard destroy them before they would be able to leave these walls. It had been a good morning. He had acquired the visionary and already had the girl with the vampire cure in his grasps. He was so enthralled with himself that he didn't register that Edward had been listening to everything he was thinking.
"Of course not Alice, your family is free to leave. Felix, show them out."
Felix nodded, opening the door to the hall. He allowed them all to leave one by one, Edward moved first and the rest followed him, knowing Edward would know what was going on, but Jasper refused to move.
"Alice, I will not leave you," he said, as Felix reached for him. Jasper snarled at him, dodging Felix's hand.
Alice moved close, embracing Jasper. She leaned next to his ear and whispered so low that neither Aro nor Felix would hear. It would just look like a goodbye embrace between mates. "I love you Jasper Hale."
Jasper tensed. Was she really saying goodbye?
"They are waiting to ambush you in the main hall. Stall them for two minutes. Your future disappears shortly after that." Alice smiled as she pulled away.
"Goodbye Jasper," she said louder, so Aro would hear it. Jasper swallowed. What did she mean? Why would his future suddenly disappear? Was he about to die? No, Alice would never have sent him off to his death like that. So she couldn't see his future? The only time Alice lost her sight was when those smelly wolves were around.
Alice saw the recognition in Jasper's eyes. He nodded slightly, registering that he understood. They were about to have company; that sneaky Alice. The Denali's had only been a distraction. They were to occupy the guard while the wolves slipped in unnoticed. Only she would manage to infiltrate the Volturi's lair with a pack of shape-shifting, vampire-hating wolves. Jasper backed away from Alice slowly, but refused to say good-bye. He would be coming back for Alice, his soul mate.
Sam phased as soon as his feet hit the ground. The tunnels were reeking with vampire filth and he only recognized a few scents. Edward and Bella had come this way. Sam had brought the strongest and most experienced members of his pack with him, but couldn't help but be worried. This was not an evenly matched fight, especially since it was in Volterra. The wolves were out of their element, but they swore to protect human life and it seemed the Volturi were constantly threatening it. This would be their greatest challenge and also their greatest victory. Though, Sam never in a million years imagined fighting alongside vampires to destroy other vampires. It was not written in the ancient history that made them who they were. But the Quileute never imagined vampires existing who valued human life as much as the wolves.
Sam pushed the thoughts from his head because the frequency he was thinking on was now being shared by the pack as they phased. Jake and Sam struggled for a moment, trying to connect their wave lengths to keep themselves connected so they would know what was going on with the other pack. It was a struggle because it meant Jake had to bow down and become second in command, but finally he could hear Sam's thoughts. Jake didn't like it but forced himself to keep the connection knowing it was necessary and hopefully only temporary. He and Sam were on good terms now, but they were both leaders of their own packs and that is the way it had to stay to keep peace.
"Jake," Renesmee whimpered grabbing on to Jake's russet fur. She was scared. He could sense it. But no matter how much he pleaded and begged she wouldn't stay behind. He had even had Seth and Leah try to lock her in the hotel room but that hadn't worked because she had snapped the door handle, which they would now have to pay for, and accidently broken one of Seth's ribs. It was just a hairline fracture which healed almost instantly, but the point is she wouldn't take no for an answer. So as much as Jake was here with the packs to help the Cullen's, his sole purpose was to protect Renesmee and somehow Sam understood that. He nodded at Jake. If it was Emily I'd do the same thing.
Jake nudged the top of Renesmee's head with his snout. He pushed her around, motioning for her to climb up on his back. They were in the depths of the Volturi's lair and it was only a matter of time before they ran into a vampire.
"I'm so glad you have finally seen it my way Alice," Aro cooed.
"I haven't seen anything your way Aro; I'm just protecting my family."
The dismally lit room faded from view. She saw her family come face to face with the guard. Edward had warned Bella. She threw her shield around the family. Rose and Jasper had restrained Emmett from throwing the first punch. They were at a stand-off with the guard. Edward opened his mouth. He was trying to reason with them. Just a little longer Alice begged. Then Alec's head snapped sideways and the vision disappeared.
The room faded back into view, but this time Alice was face to face with Aro, his red eyes boring into hers. "What did you see, dear Alice?" he asked greedily.
"Nothing," Alice whispered, taking a step back.
Aro had his hand around Alice's throat in a flash, stealing the pictures from her head with his own gift.
"You planned to betray me Alice." Aro had lifted her off the ground now.
"My loyalties were never to you, Aro. They are to my family."
"Well then, I suppose I have no real use for you, after all." Aro grabbed Alice beneath her chin, forcing her head away from her neck. She could hear her immortal body splitting. Just as Aro was about to destroy her, the wolves descended upon them. Alice was never so happy to see those mangy mutts in her entire life. Aro barrelled his way through the pack, slamming the younger, less experienced wolves into the wall with a simple flick of his wrist. He disappeared into the halls with several wolves on his trail.
Alice recognized the black furred leader who stopped beside her.
"Thank you, Sam," Alice whispered.
Sam nodded.
"Have you seen Jasper?" Alice asked hopefully. She had no way of finding them now with her vision; she would have to rely on her senses. Sam looked around, noting they were the only ones left in the room. He nudged Alice with his snout, forcing her to look away so he could phase back. It would be easier to communicate that way. Alice supressed a smile, but obliged: stupid self-conscious mutt.
She heard the transformation.
"Sam?" she asked.
"After we attacked, the guard scattered along with your family. We took down a few of the Volturi scum but their most fierce warriors still remain. The last I saw of Jasper he was fine, but he took off after that vampire witch."
Jane! Jasper was seeking revenge. Alice nodded.
"Thank you, Sam, I owe you big time."
Sam chuckled. "You can buy me a Porsche. If I have to keep bailing you Cullen's out I'm going to need a faster car."
Alice laughed, "Deal." Then she took off in the direction Sam had come from and Sam phased and fled after Aro and his pack.
"Seth, what are you doing here?" Edward looked confused as they ran into Seth and Leah trying to escape the chaos in the main hall. He didn't know what the next part of Alice's plan was but he assumed it didn't involve them being ripped apart by an angry Volturi guard or a confused wolf. "I thought you were in Florida with Jake." Edward said, reading Seth's mind for the response.
Seth barked a laugh. "You think Jake would miss this?"
Edward paused for a moment putting two and two together.
"Seth, you better tell me that Jacob has left my daughter with her grandparents in Forks and that she is not here in Italy. Tell me she is not waiting around in a hotel room here!" Edward was beyond calm. Seth knew he should start backing up now. This was the calm before the storm.
"Okay, she's not waiting in a hotel room. Bye!" Seth said entirely too quickly for Edward's liking. He caught the wolf by the tail as he tried to escape. Leah snapped at him.
"Seth, where is my daughter?"
"Well, she might be here."
"And by here do you mean Italy or in these tunnels?"
Seth gulped. Edward was about to kill him and if he didn't Bella would and if he survived them both then Jake would kill him instead. "Tunnels," Seth whispered and Edward flipped.
"He brought Nessie here?" Edward snarled. Seth recoiled.
"Don't shoot the messenger," he barked.
"Where are they now, Seth?"
"I don't know, everyone kind of scattered and disappeared." For some reason Seth thought of Carlisle. He didn't know if he had pulled it out of one of Jake's conversations in his head or if his gut instinct was telling him that Carlisle was Jake's best option next to Edward and Bella.
Edward grabbed Bella's hand and his eyes narrowed. "We have to find our daughter. Apparently her boyfriend thought this was the perfect place to bring her."
"Edward!" Bella squealed.
"I know. I know. Idiot," He muttered. "Now do you care if I kill him?"