Volturi's Precious Guard
Volturi's Precious Guard
Hey, everyone! Sorry it took so long to post. I was in Minnesota for figure skating Nationals (I took forth) But before I give you another chapter I want to clear something up, SO PLEASE READ. 2-cute-4-words asked a very good question. She also read Wicked Lovely (Melissa Marr, Very good, creative, entertaining, with an underlying love story, I recommend reading) and notice that glamour is a talent in the book, but THAT IS NOT WHERE I GOT MY GLAMOUR. When I was a little kid, like most little kids, I imagined that if I had a super power I would be able to 'glimmer' which was the ability to change your appearance, (really, who cares about super strength or flying if you can become the prettiest girl in the world?) After reading Wicked Lovely, I like how glamour looked on paper better them glimmer, but I think I'm going to change it back to glimmer now. Then 2-cute-4-words asked another good question. How did I come up with it? Well, in this story I describe the way Bella changes from one appearance to another as a sickening wave like way, (kinda like her body shimmers), but originally I always imagined, while using glimmer, a glitter like curtain falling over the person (if you've ever watched Charmed, imagine orbing.) As I grew older, it wasn't as much as a curtain as it was a glittery, shimmery, veil. And wala! Glimmer.
Pictures in profile: Cullen's House, Bella's Hunting Outfit.
Monsterpetals – Edward doesn't know that it's Bella, but he is strangely attracted to her. And can kinda sense her presence. Yes, she's using her powers to hide her appearance. She never ever lets her true appearance show. Not so much out of fear of hurting the Cullen's, more of because she believe Edward does not love her, and so she's making it as easy for him a possible. I'm glad you like it.
Chapter Three: My Hero
E POV (Before the Hunt)
I stayed in my room as the family argued, not caring one way or the other. Alice, Emmett, and Esme thought we should search out the girl. Jasper and Rosalie were on the defense, believing she was dangerous, too close to the Volturi. Jasper for practical reason: strategic defense of the family. Rosalie simply because she hates change. They had been arguing since we had left Aro's parlor, politely declining to meet Elisa Claire Rodmilla DeGhent in his presence.
"Carlisle," Alice pleaded, "Imagine her situation. She's around vile, hungry, human-killing vampires all the time! I know I would never have been able to retain this life-style without you guys to support me. She needs help." Jasper was shaking his head lightly. Rosalie huffed.
"She could be a danger to us! Aro is increasingly unnerved by the size and strength of our family. Couldn't you see Aro was already afraid of her alone. Even if she is not sent by him, her addition to our family would only trouble them more!" Rosalie spoke, frustrated. Carlisle raised a single eyebrow.
"Are you suggesting we should not help others because the Volturi don't like that were civil?" He asked.
"I believe that Rose means that we should merely proceed with caution. Keep our distance, only help if she asks for it." Jasper sent calming waves to the hot headed Rosalie and increasing aggravated Esme and Alice.
"Thank you, General." Rosalie muttered.
"Please, Carlisle." Esme plead quickly, pain distorting her voice. I knew if she could, she would be in tears. "I saw her face when she walked into Aro's parlor. She's in torment, Carlisle. She needs help."
With Esme words, Carlisle decision was made. Alice squealed with delight. "Thank you, thank you, thankyou! I love you dad!"
"Hold on, Alice. Edward, come down here, you need to hear this to." I growled deeply. Like I didn't already know everything he was going to say. Nor did I care. I ran into the room faster then anyone could see, sitting in the chair in the opening of the half circle.
"We will not ask her to join our coven, nor will we deny her if she asks. It is her decision, but she cannot decide if she does not know we exist. I ask one of you to go in my place. Aro wants to see Esme and me in an hour."
Alice bounced up and down on Jasper's lap. I growled at him softly to keep his thoughts in line. Alice ignored him.
"I'll go! I'll go!"
"Alice, as friendly as you are, I fear your ambition might frighten her." He said politely. Emmett laughed.
"What he means, is you come on to strong." He shouted bluntly, never one to hide behind courteous words.
"What I mean," Carlisle amended. "Is that your power may frighten her, Alice."
"I'll go." Rosalie suggested, studying her nails. I did not have to see into her mind to know she meant to be less then inviting.
"Edward, dear," Esme spoke. "Why don't you go?" The way she looked at me, with eyes that would brim with tears if they could, made it impossible to deny her. Not that I ever could deny her anything. I nodded lifelessly.
"Yeah, right, like his power won't scare her." Alice pouted, sinking back into Jasper's chest. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead, muttering things about distractions, too low for anyone to hear. Alice did not respond to him. "His demeanor will probably scare her more." She mutter just loud enough for us to hear.
'Be nice,' was Esme's finally thought as I left the room. She would be hungry after three months without a chance to hunt. Half heartily, I would look for her. Half heartily I would hunt. Half heartily, because only the half, no the eighth, of my heart that loved my family lived.
B POV
"My family would like to meet you, if you don't mind." He said gruffly, after a minute of staring at me with sharp eyes. Did just the thought of me really drive so much hate into him?
"Well, are you coming?" He asked without turning, as he walked out of the forest.
Should I, or shouldn't I? As Edward walked, human pace, farther and farther away, that was the constant thought running through my mind. Should I, or shouldn't I? The answer is obvious, I shouldn't, but I wanted to. If I just said no, if I just walked away, everything would go back to the way it was. No chance of things changing. No chance of me getting hurt.
But if I did go, I could see Alice, Esme, Emmett, Carlisle, everyone again, without them knowing who I was. It would hurt, when I couldn't see them again, but it would hurt even more if I had to go through the next million years without ever saying goodbye. Then again, if I saw them, I would have to live a lie.
And if they ever found out, they would be angry, mad, betrayed, sad. They'd hate me. I'd scar them in a way that would never heal. But, I just needed to go.
NO! Just walk away. Take a step back, toward your truck, and leave. You already hurt Edward. Just go. But I couldn't. So, with a deep breath, I followed Edward to his car. Oh, how very stupid I was, to put my needs above doing what's right. For many years I had been goading the Volturi. However, my game was much more dangerous now. Before, I had been taunting death, pleading for a quick end that would harm no one, but now, now I was taunting my destiny. One foul move, one little mistake, and everything would change, everyone could get hurt. What I knew was right, and what I wanted were battling each other, fight valiantly, even though what was right had already lost.
"You never told me your name." I asked as I followed him at human pace.
"Edward." He said, cold and distant. It did not detour my steps. "Edward," I spoke. I liked being able to speak his name out loud again. It tasted good on my tongue. "Edward."
Just one greeting, one hug, a few words, a one goodbye, I promised myself. That's all I'm asking for. It was too much to ask, but just seeing Edward's hair tussled by the wind drove my longing for him to irresistible heights. I knew, as I followed him through the national park to his sliver Volvo, that like the perfect predator, he had seduced me, capture me, entangled me, and I had no hope of escape. Not even God could stop me from my path now. Edward always had been the absolute perfect predator. I had always been his prey, nothing more, no matter what I had become. A predator mind set was something one was or was not born with.
The wind played with Edward's hair again, taunting me to reach out and play with it too. Then, suddenly, the wind shifted to tease me in a whole new way. I had forgotten that my thrust with Edward had scared away my meal, and the scent of a lone human was absolutely enticing. The fog of blood lust clouded my thoughts. I tried to resist, but the physically pain was crippling. Give in! My body, the creature crawling at my throat, ordered me. I fought against it with all my strength, grabbing patches of grass and roots to endure. When had I fallen to the forest floor? When had I begun to scream? Nothing was clear, only desire and an inner battle against that desire. Suddenly, the battle I had moments ago about what I wanted and what was right seemed trivial. Not a real battle at all. I struggled to stay lucid, in control. Holding on to my conscious mind was my most important objective. If I could remain focused, I could fight this, but nothing was clear. Nothing except for a soothing voice. No, not a voice. A hum. Who was humming to me? Edward. Edward had been with me. We had been walking to his car, to see this family. Think of Edward. I told myself. Think of Esme, Carlisle, Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, Jaspar. Think of Edward. I reached out, searching for him, half expecting it to be my imagination, but to my surprise, this time, he was real. He hovered over me concerned, humming and talking, bronze hair falling in his distant eyes. Eyes that tried to care, but really didn't want to. Just focus on him. I repeated, like a lover's mantra. Focus. He spoke again, but I could not hear. Was it my own screaming that deafened me? The burning in my throat controlled nearly all my senses. Over all else, I smell human blood. Over all else, I heard the steady beat of a heart. Over all else, I envisioned my prey, only half seeing, smelling Edward.
And then he was leaving, pacing back steadily, toward the woods. No! Don't leave! Please don't leave me. Not now. Not when I need you the most. Don't leave me again. Please Edward. Just like the last time, he was leaving me in the woods alone. I couldn't bare the thought of him leaving me, but could I really blame him? Who would want to come between vampire so weakened by hungry she was nearly a newborn, and her prey. It was dangerous. I should be glad he took his chance to flee. I squeezed my eyes shut, using the pain from abandonment to keep me focused.
Something soft was pressed gently to my lips, tempting blood still warm, even though there was no heart beat. Not as alluring as the human, but delicious all the same. I sniffed lightly, barely an inhale of breath. Mufloni. Mountain Goat. The body held motionless, inanimate. In a motion so fast it could have been missed in a blink, I sunk my teeth into the flesh, rejoicing in the warm liquid the spilled into my mouth and down my throat. Unconsciously, my hands slowly clenched into fists and released repeatedly. I was too afraid to allow them too far from my body, too weak to hold up my own meal. Who was pressing this to my mouth? How had it gotten here? Without releasing the Mountain goat from my mouth, I opened my eyes to stare back at Edward. His eyes were brimming with concern, relief, and something else.
I wondered, as my eyes closed, how he could resist the blood spilling from an animal so close to him, but soon I was lost in blood lust, with no other thought then the feel of the blood running down my throat, satisfying the monster inside.
When the blood ran dry, I pushed the limp, lifeless body away and sat up. Edward was crouched not a foot away, his eyes never leaving mine. A trickle of blood dripped from my mouth, and hesitantly, he reach out to wipe it away. I felt increasingly insecure around him, already knowing his revolution of blood lust.
He wiped the tear of blood from my mouth with his thumb, bring it to his lips and tasting it. The sensation of his rough skin against so sensitive of an area sent shock waves through my spine.
"Mmmm, freesia." He muttered with his eyes still closed, slight anguish marring his moan.
Shit.
"I think the goat made a bed of them. It reeks of fressia." I said. Smell freesia on the goat. Please smell freesia on the goat.
After a moment of studying the goat he responded, dissatisfied, "Yes. You're right. I must have been in to big a hurry to notice before."
I wiped my mouth with my sleeve to hide my relief, grimacing when I remember how blood disgustingly trickled from my mouth moments ago.
"You must think I'm revolting." I said, not daring to meet his eyes, repulsive creature that I was.
"On the contrary," He spoke just above a whisper, in a soft, endearing voice. "I admire you're control. You're willingness to take physical pain rather then hurt others." I looked up at him, startled.
"Why did you do it? I insulted you, upset you, yet you still helped me."
Regret filled his face, distorting every feature. He shifted in his crouch, staring past me rather then at me. "Like I said, I admired your strength of will. I couldn't not help. It's against every moral I stand by." He looked back at me. I was unnerved by the intensity of his eyes.
"And please, I must apologize. Do no think for a moment that my foul mood is your doing." Oh, if only you knew, I thought ironically. "Please, let's continue. My family is waiting."
He stood flawlessly, with the grace of a lynx that I could not hope to emulate even with my vampire balance and polish. He extended a hand, but, scared that I would like the feeling of my hand in his too much, I did not accept it.
Brushing off my clothes, we continued to his car.
E POV
"My family would like to meet you, if you don't mind." He said gruffly, after a minute of staring at me with sharp eyes. Did just the thought of me really drive so much hate into him?
"Well, are you coming?" He asked without turning, as he walked out of the forest.
I didn't wait for her as she battled caution and desire. Part of me did not want her to follow. She was so alluring in her own way. I was too intrigued by her, so skittish and afraid. I sensed her taking a half step back, ready to bolt, and then she stopped. Only for a moment, before following me.
The wind blew her scent toward me, with its strange falseness and emptiness, taunting me. What lay beneath? What was her real smell? Why did she hide such minuet details?
I scolded myself. I was too interested in this girl. I didn't want to be. I hurt everyone I am interest in. Being so engrossed in her was betraying Bella. Bella, who did nothing more than love me. But there was something about this girl, I could not deny, that I was attracted to. However, I also hated her. Hated her for being attracting, kind, mysterious. Hated her for bring up Bella, even unknowingly.
The wind blew again, and I didn't realize she had stopped following me until earth shattering screams rippled through the air. I turned swiftly, anger flaring up at her stupidly to be so loud. Concern replaced fury when I saw her, bent over clutching her stomach. She fell to the ground in pain, wreathing against the dirt. She grabbed for anything and everything in a desperate attempt to control the pain. It was then I smelled the human, miles away, and realized that she had not hunted in a very, very long time, yet she still fought against the monster. I admired her greatly for her strength of will. Kneeling beside her, I tried to sooth her until the wind changed or the human left our range of smell. I permitted myself to place one hand on her shoulder, keeping myself as distant as possible. I was less afraid of her hostile nature at the moment, and more afraid of how my body reacted to her. Unconsciously, I realized I was humming a lullaby. She turned her head to me and stared with hazy, lust filled eyes, not really seeing me. I was taken aback by how vulnerable she looked, innocent eyes pleading for me to help. Crippled in pain, fighting with all her might against instinct, I could not believe how much she reminded me of Bella. Muttering relaxing nothings to her, I hoped that the wind would shift to relieve her from the burning. However, I could smell the human getting closer. I was not sure how much longer she could fight.
"Elise Clair, please, listen to me." I pleaded. "Hold on just a little longer. I'm going to get you something." I said standing and backing slowly way. It was almost too much, to hear her plead with me not to leave. I almost couldn't do it, feeling as if I was repeating the worst mistake of my life. "Just keep fighting for a little bit longer."
As soon as I hit the brush, I darted off into the forest. It was just our fortune that animals had sensed predators and fled. Half controlled by instinct, I ran for miles before coming upon a mountain goat. I knew the need was urgent, but I did not rush. Stalking my prey, I looked for the biggest, sweetest-blooded. It was not long before I zeroed in on my choice, taking it down easily by snapping its neck. I carried it back to her swiftly. She lay were I had left her, face distorted in anguish, her arms wrapped around her stomach. She seemed worried that if she left herself go, she would lose control. Gently, I crouch beside her again, lifting her into a sitting position, and pressing the animal to her lips. She inhaled shortly, and then, in the blink of an eye, sunk her teeth into its neck. Her hands remained at her lap, clenching and unclenching with each bob of her Adam's apple.
Her eyes fluttered open, though she did not stop drinking. It was absolutely the most innocently alluring thing I ever saw. The way she look up at me with doe eyes behind her eye lashes, still weak and fragile. Relief flooded my veins, knowing she would be okay, but also, desire, no matter how I tried to keep my distance, shockingly filled me as well.
Her eyes drifted closed again as she enjoyed the taste of the blood spilling into her mouth, soft moans emitted from deep in her throat, husky and raw. As tempting as the blood in front of me was, it was nothing compared to the temptation of her full, delicate lips.
When the blood ran dry, she pushed the lifeless carcass away and sat up with shaky hands. I was worried for her, so much so that I couldn't look away. Though, no matter how much I tried to tell myself different, I knew that wasn't the true reason I couldn't look away. Blood ran down from her mouth. I had to fight the urge to lick it way. Instead, I lifted my hand to her face to cup her cheek, and wiped it way. The feeling of her smooth skin against my hand sent shock waves down my spine. I brought my finger back to mouth and licked the blood away. Blood is always sensational. Even a drop as it meets your tongue, the thrill dominates. Warm and sweet, with the very essence of your kill.
And Freesia. I felt as if I had been smack into reality. Was this some cruel punishment for being attracted to another girl? To be haunted by her presence?
"I think the goat made a bed of them. It reeks of fressia." Elisa Claire whispered, unnerved. I hadn't realized that I spoke aloud. I glanced at the goat, wondering why I had not smelled it before. Clearly, now, I could tell the smell was coming from its fur.
"Yes." I muttered, distractedly. "You're right. I must have been in to big a hurry to notice before."
She wiped her mouth with her sleeve, embarrassed by the blood.
"You must think I'm revolting." She said, staring at the ground.
"On the contrary," I spoke softly, hoping she would believe me. "I admire you're control. You're willingness to take physical pain rather then hurt others." So much like Bella. She looked me in the eyes, measuring them.
"Why did you do it?" She asked brokenly. "I insulted you, upset you, yet you still helped me."
Regret flooded me. How could I make her feel bad? Make her believe that my distain was for her. I shifted uneasily. I was only angry at myself. She must understand that. "Like I said, I admired your strength of will. I couldn't not help. It's against every moral I stand by." I forced myself to look at her as she spoke. "And please, I must apologize. Do no think for a moment that my foul mood is your doing. Please, let's continue. My family is waiting."
I stood swiftly, afraid to be so near to her for too long. I gave her a hand, but she refused it, needing to prove she was strong. She stood, brushed off her clothes, raised her chin high, and together we walk to my car.
B POV
My assumption was confirmed about Edward being sent by Carlisle when we reached the house Aro had lent them. He and Esme were standing hand in hand at the door, waiting for us. Excitement and love surged in me. I had to fight not to run to them and hug them.
Edward looked at Carlisle questioningly. Only the slightest nod gave away their silent conversation.
"What?" I asked nervously. He seemed slightly shocked and slightly amused that I was observant enough to notice.
"It's nothing. I just under the impression that Carlisle and Esme would not be here." He said nodding to the couple on the porch.
"Is that bad?" I could not imagine Carlisle's and Esme's presence being a bad thing, ever. Only comforting.
"No. Actually, it's a very good thing. They will keep Rosalie in line. However, before we go in, I think I should warn you that Rosalie is not very welcoming to guests." Never has been, I remember vaguely of her opinions of me as a human. "And Jasper acts out of caution. Please, ignore them." I was surprised to hear of his calm and distant brother as being rude to me. I nodded none the less. He got out of the car first, opening the door for me like a true gentlemen. His parents greeted me with tender smiles.
"Hello, Miss DeGhent. Welcome to our temporary home." Carlisle spoke with the air of a leader.
"That name is merely an alias. Please, call me Kit." Kit would be the name of the next major model. I smile to myself, already see the cover of Allure, InStyle, and Vogue. Small, bouncy brunette this time, with short hair.
"Oh! I love that haircut." Alice pushed past Carlisle and Esme. Act surprised. I reminded myself. And block her power while you're at it! I took a half step back, partly hidden behind Edward. He chuckled and stepped aside, whispering, so only I could hear, "She's harmless."
Carlisle eyes scowled Alice until she stopped bouncing around.
"As I was saying, my name is Carlisle, and this is my wife Esme. You've already met Edward. And this," He said, glaring at Alice. "Is Alice. She can see the outcome of decisions."
"Clairvoyant." I muttered. "Sweet."
"Ha! I told you see wouldn't be afraid of me!" She rejoiced. I laughed whole heartily. It was hard to imagine anyone being afraid of sweet, tiny, little Alice. I could help but feel so light around these loving people.
"This is Emmett," Carlisle continued, nodding to Emmett who stood in the doorway. Behind him, like normal, Rosalie stood, disgruntled arms across her chest. Some things never change. I chastised myself again for expecting them to. Jasper stood at her side, brooding face focused on mine, as if he could see right through me. I had to look away. The last empathic vampire I met, I could not block. Carlisle introduced them both. I nodded respectfully to the family.
"Thank you for inviting me over." I spoke directly to Carlisle.
"Of course, of course." He said, opening his arms in a gesture for us to go into the Victorian. Edward's hand hovered a centimeter from the small of my back, just touching my skin through the draping back of my shirt. He led me into the elegant decorated living room. The house was so similar to there old home. The only thing that gave it away to be property of the Volturi was the red, black, and brown of the walls and furniture, rather then the light hues that Esme preferred. I wanted to say what a nice home it was, but I wasn't fooling anyone, and I was sure they shared my opinion.
"If you don't mind," Carlisle was saying, "I am curious as to how you came upon this lifestyle." He sat on the love seat with Esme, while the others quickly took similar seats. I was the only one standing, besides Jasper, who stood with his hands on the back of Alice's chair, calculating eyes ready to attack.
"I heard about your family and friends in Denali long ago and realized if this is what I had to be, I might as well live it this way."
"Was this before you came to the Volturi?" Esme questioned.
"Yes, three or four centuries ago." I said, proud that I manage to tell only the truth so far. Lies would just make everything messier.
"It must be hard," She continued. "With no one to help you."
"It's only strength of will." I responded.
"You make something very hard, sound very easy." Carlisle chuckled. "If you ever need help, young Kit, come to either us or the Denali clan. It is an open invitation."
"Thank you." I nodded. "However, I do not believe that will be nessa-" I was cut of by the shrill ring of my cell phone. Hate is a strong word, but I really, really don't like you."Excuse me." I apologized, pulling the small phone from my pocket, not even glancing at the Caller I.D. Costume ring tones were very handy.
"Aro." I said, sweetening my voice with false sugar.
"Dear girl, how are you?" I was well aware that everyone in the room could hear my conversation clearly.
"As well as ever. A reason, for your call?" I ask hastily, not enjoying him infringing upon my time with the Cullen's.
"Just calling to make sure your hunt trip went as planned. No miss adventures." I growled. Putting a hand over the speaker, I swore under my breath. Aro had sent the human into my hunting grounds. It wouldn't have been the first time Aro had tried to change my dietary habit through trickery. I took a calming breath, and removed my hand.
"No, no misadventures, though I was interrupted." I spoke, glancing around the room at each vampire.
"Not by me, I hope."
"No." You wish. "By the Cullen's. In fact, I with them right now." The instance it left my mouth, I regretted saying it. I could practically feel Aro smirk at the other end of the phone.
"You are? I wonder, have you told th-"
"Another reason, dear Aro, for your call?" I cut him off.
"No, no, just loving concer-"
"Then I believe our conversation has ended." I snapped the phone shut before he could reply. Loving concern my ass. I stared at the small phone in my hand for a minute. What was I doing here? How stupid could I be? Aro's call had brought me back to reality. The closer I got to them, the more likely they were to find out who I was. This needs to end. Now.
"Are you alright?" Edward had moved to my side, hovering above my right shoulder with concern.
"Fine." I couldn't stop the creak in my voice even if I had wanted to. "I need to leave. It was nice meeting you all. We should see each other again." I lied. I had no intention of ever running into them again. "Goodbye, Carlisle." I nodded to him. "Esme. Emmett. Alice. Rosalie. Jasper." I nodded to them all. I turned toward Edward, suddenly realizing that we were much too close. "Edward." I had got my goodbye. Now I had to find the strength of will to leave. One foot in front of the other. I didn't want to leave. Though it was my intention not to look back, I couldn't help by glance over my shoulder as I walked out the door. One last look. They stood in all their beauty, watching me exit. My eyes looked with, of all people, my best friend. I realized that Alice, who had been quite and still since we set foot into the house, was frowning at me, eyes narrowed under scrunched eyebrows. With one last fleeting glance, I could have sworn her eyes were hostile.
--
Da Da DAAAA. Why does Alice hate Bella? What does she know??
The ring tone is Hate (I really really don't like you) by Plain White T's. If you don't know them, check 'em out. They have a lot of good songs. Hate is love song, but I figured if Bella just used the one verse, it would be pretty funny.
D new update soon. (I mean it this time.) because I can't stop writing.