Chapter 18

I cleared my throat as the tension in the air thickened. I tried to find my voice only to be assaulted by the Nephilim's angry glares. I knew a warm welcome would be an impossibility but I was hoping for a better reception, no matter how miniscule. I inhaled sharply, forcing myself to speak.

"This is Bella and Edward Cullen, they are vampires from Washington State. This is Seth Clearwater, a member of a shape-shifting wolf pack. They are our allies and they will help us stop the Volturi from harvesting Devilcraft."

The unspoken, angry insults they had in their minds just a few seconds before were finally voiced out. All kinds of hateful words were thrown at me, questioning my loyalty and my intelligence. I let them get it out of their system and after what seemed like forever, they finally began to quiet down. I took that chance to speak again.

"They, out of all the magical creatures walking around this world, know how the Volturi works and operates. Yes we have numbers but we have to know the opponent inside and out to create a solid strategy against them. We may have the brute strength but that could easily be matched by a little intelligence. This is our lives and we cannot afford a mistake, do you understand?"

"Why should we trust them?!" someone from the back screamed and the riot broke out again.

"SILENCE!" I screamed both in mind speak and with my voice.

"Because we have a common enemy. The Volturi will use the Devilcraft against my family and friends first and foremost," Edward said calmly, completely ignoring to the hateful stares. "They are power hunger and they will not stop until they are the most powerful group of creatures walking here on earth. You have to understand, we are at your kind's mercy."

"We want the same thing," I added, nodding at Edward. "We want to stop the Volturi from obtaining Devilcraft because we know both our kinds will be their direct targets."

"There's still no reassurance that they won't betray our secrets to the Volturi."

"But why would you be afraid?" I asked them, looking at each face. "The Archangels won't kill any of us and the Volturi will not have time finding your female descendants. Even if the Cullens would betray us to the Volturi, there is nothing to be afraid of. We are formidable opponents to these undead. Let's bring them the pain before they bring it to us."

"You have betrayed the trust of your people, Nora," Lisa stated as loud and as clear as she could. "You have invited these…creatures in our home without consulting any of your constituents first. If it was Hank, he wouldn't have let this happen."

"Nora knew nothing about this," Patch glared at her. "And if you want to keep serving Hank, you're welcome to join him with the fishes."

Her eyes widened in shock and her mouth formed an "O" in indignation. I wasn't sure if she was shock because Patch was speaking to her or because of what he said about Hank. "How dare you?!"

"Stop questioning Nora's authority. She's the one who helped you when you placed your trust on the wrong person, didn't she? When will you see she wants nothing but the best for you?"

"Anyways," I intervened pointedly. As much as my heart fluttered with Patch's defense, we were wasting precious time. "The Cullens and Seth will help us train. They will teach you techniques and specific things to watch out for the Volturi. They have faced the Volturi before so they will know the strengths and weaknesses of our enemies. Having a clear, ready mind is what we need to have to win this battle."

"What about their food?" someone from behind spoke up again. "Their diet will not keep our kind a secret."

"That is something we want to avoid as well. Do not worry, we are vegetarians. We only hunt animals and drink their blood." It was Bella's turn to speak out. "If we do anything to reveal our world, then we truly are giving the Volturi a reason to destroy us. If we're not careful, we'll lose the delicate support of our allies. Like we've said, our life depends on this as much as yours, if not even more."

"Fine," the same voice from the back suddenly spoke out. "We'll train and fight with the vampires and the shape shifters. After this we cut off anything to do with them."

Though I don't think it was his (the speaker was a male as far as I could tell) right to set up any conditions, I couldn't disagree. I knew it would be best for the three kinds not to associate with each other any longer than necessary. The murmur of agreement that followed told me I wasn't the only one who thought so.

"Very well," I said, glancing towards Edward who nodded. "We will talk to the Volturi with the Cullens and the shape shifters. We will aim for peace. But if it is war the Volturi wants, we will fight with vampires and werewolves for the right to live."

The crowd gathered before us erupted in cheers. I saw Vee smile at the back. I glanced at Lisa who gave no facial expression. When her eyes met mine, her unspoken reminder of my promise to her was nothing but clear. I nodded, telling her I understood and I did not forget.

Everyone returned to their training. Some even welcomed Edward and Bella, asking the both of them questions about the Volturi and what are the best ways to fight them. Soon, they were crowded by other Nephils, hanging on to their every word. Some looked a little hesitant to approach them but later on, they were engaged as well. I had a feeling their sudden change of mind had something to do with the vampire charm Edward told me about earlier. Or it was probably because they were new, shiny, easy on the eyes, and interesting all together.

Seth also had his small crowd, asking him what a shape shifter exactly is. But he ignored the questions. He met my gaze and started walking towards me.

"Feel comfortable enough?" I asked him, nodding towards his crowd, who I noticed was mostly girls. "Looks like you're garnering some fans, there. At this rate, you wouldn't even need me to imprint on."

He shrugged. "That will never change."

He looked around, watching the others engaged in combat. "They are as suspicious as you are."

"They've been betrayed when they needed help the most," I told him, meeting his warm black eyes. "They've had their freedom taken away from them two weeks every year for centuries. Now, it's the treasure they prize the most. When you had everything taken from you, anything that gives you hope, you will guard it with your life."

"I can see that," he matched the intensity of my gaze, his black eyes hardening, though nothing near when Patch does it.

At the thought of Patch, I looked at where he was and saw him staring at us. His face was expressionless but his eyes were the steel orbs I just thought of. I looked away, feeling slightly guilty, knowing he was once again thinking of the fact Seth imprinted on me.

I jerked my head towards the crowd waiting excitedly for him. "Well don't let me keep you. You have other responsibilities."

"I can tell when I'm unwanted, you don't have to make excuses," he shrugged as he turned and walked towards the girls. His gait was confident, almost cocky. I rolled my eyes.

"I would just love to rip him in pieces," Patch's voice was cold behind me. I turned and saw him standing close to me.

"Wouldn't really help our alliance with the Cullens," I replied, meeting his eyes.

"What can I say, I'm a jealous one, Angel."

"Not helping. Come on, we have responsibilities to fulfill."

The remaining hours were spent training the Nephilim army. I was utterly surprised at how well the army had been trained. They engaged in hand-to-hand combat skillfully, they were prepped in anything and everything about guns, and they were clearly trained to survive in any kind of environment. I wasn't sure how training with guns and survival skills in the wild would help them survive a vampire attack but I guess Pepper really did prepare them for everything since he knew nothing about the vampires. Now of course, with Edward, Bella, and Seth around, they focused on hand-to-hand combat. At first, our allies overpowered them easily, until they saw new and creative ways in defeating them. By the end of the night, I was nothing but pleased. As much as I am weary of this possible war, I know we wouldn't be heading to it unprepared.

By ten-twenty, I was heading to the car with Patch, Vee, Pepper, Edward, Bella, and Seth. Carefully not showing any signs of who my companions in the car will be, I kept my distance from Seth and Patch. I fidgeted with my watch, pretending to be nervous about my curfew.

"Hey, you guys don't mind if I ride shotgun with Nora, do you?" Vee looked at Patch then at Seth.

"That's fine. Edward and Bella have space in their car," Seth grinned while Patch merely shrugged.

"Goodie," she clapped her hands together in feign excitement.

Thankfully, I was parked the nearest from the warehouses. I quickly got in to escape the tension and awkwardness building stronger. Vee barely got inside the car when I placed the car in reverse and drove away.

"Okay, where's the fire?" she asked as she grappled with the seatbelt, having trouble putting it in place because of my speed.

I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I released it. I looked back at the road but it was empty enough. "Thanks for that."

I heard Vee scoff. "You needed that. Oh magical men and their hormones raging on like wildfire. I thought the tension will blow up like a bomb with those two. You really can't put them together like that in one place or you go BOOM!"

"Not helping Vee. I honestly don't need their distractions right now."

Then she giggled. "Oh come on, isn't this every girl's dream, to be fought over by two hot mystical guys coming from a long line of their own issues?"

"No. And with what we're about to face right now, I wish they would just lay it out on the table and measure."

This earned me a loud cackle of laughter. "Oh I have to admit, you wouldn't be the only one who would love to see that!"

I rolled my eyes at whatever image Vee conjured with my words but remained silent. I took the left to her road before slowing down to a stop in front of her house. I watched Vee smile at me and realized her transformation. The last time I had dropped her off her house was the day we visited Scott's grave. She was a different person back then and I thought she would never smile again.

She seemed to have read my thoughts without using mind-speak. "I know this is bad and all but I feel a lot better now than I ever did weeks after Scott died. I guess for now, what I need the most is a distraction from all of that and what better distraction would I get than a bunch of vampires trying to kill us and harness Devilcraft for their own evil deeds?"

"You've done such a great job with them," I grinned at her. "I never thought they would be as strong as they are now."

She only shrugged. "Pepper did most of the work but I must admit, ordering people around is a little fun. Of course, they seemed to welcome one of their own more than a fallen archenemy."

"Well, whatever you've done with them worked. I'd like to thank you."

She shrugged again. "Keep an eye on the younger ones. They tend to be a little unruly. They never saw the era of the fallen angels so they think they own the place. Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow, Nora."

I drove back home just in time my mom's given deadline. She opened the door for me but later went to bed, making me promise to talk more about my friends from Washington. Great, I wonder what that conversation will be like. Once I got to my bedroom, I found him standing by the window. His back was on me but we were both aware of each other's presence even before I entered inside.

"I thought that went well," I told Patch, crossing over to my closet to get my pajamas. "Don't you? I'm really pleased at how Pepper and Vee trained them. I really should thank the both of them tomorrow. I'm going to change in my PJs. Don't look."

I forced him to face the window, carefully keeping my eyes on his back. I peeled of my sweatshirt and shirt. I threw them at the wash bin.

I heard him smirk as he faced me. "Yes, because that's something I haven't seen before. Besides, you can't stop me from looking at one of the things that fascinate me in this world."

He closed the space between us. I began to protest when his fingers intertwined with mine while his other hand gently caressed the curve of my neck. He lowered his head and rested his lips there. The warmth of his breath sent involuntary shivers around my body. Biting my lip, I slithered my hands under his shirt, letting my hands run over his chest and stomach before I pried the shirt away. He met my eyes with a grin as he lowered me down the bed, his weight as light as a feather on me. A sigh escaped my lips as he fanned my hair beneath my head with a slight wave of his hand. His lips met mine. Soft at first but more passionate as we hungrily pulled each other closer. I ran my fingers through his hair, basking on the mint scent that seem to perpetually surround him.

"Wait," he whispered between kisses. "I. have. to. tell. you. something."

Of course, the way he whispered only made me want more. He had to gently push me away just to speak. A grin was still stamped on his face but it was obvious whatever he was trying to say was important.

I freed myself from his embrace and got up, finding my PJs thrown carelessly on the floor. I went back in front of my closet, not really caring Patch was watching me undress and redress with great interest. "Well it better be a really good reason for disrupting what we're doing."

"Basso came by the warehouse to speak to me. He didn't show himself to the others, of course. But it seems like the Archangels have made their decision."

I stopped buttoning my top as I listened to him. "What did they say?"

"The only way they could give immunity is if we succeed. They're our allies now so they share the same responsibility for this mission's success. So, the Cullens are safe as long as the Volturi do not get their hands on the Devilcraft but once they do, we're basically on the same boat. We'll have to talk to them. We'll have to let them decide if they are still willing to fight with us."

I had a feeling Seth was staying no matter what the Cullens' decision will be because he did imprint on me. But I wondered if he'll have the pack's support. I know they can't harm me because of Seth but will they go as far to protect me? They protected Renesmee even after Bella had to be turned into one of the vampires just to survive. I knew there was a division among the pack members because of it too. However, in the end, they all protected Renesmee. However, a part of me believes it's because all of them fell in love with Renesmee just like the rest of the world. I had no powers of endearment over the pack. Would Seth be enough of a reason to rally behind him in this mission?

And what about the Cullens? If the pack supported Seth's decision to protect me, will the Cullens come along too? Jacob was part of their family because of Renesmee but he is also Bella's best friend. Would Seth's pull influence Jacob and the rest of the pack? Will Jacob's pull influence the rest of the Cullens and their vampire allies?

"So we'll talk to them," I said after a few minutes. "We'll let them decide if they are still in this. I know they're banking on the immunity a lot and I can't say it's not one of the things they considered before they allied themselves with us."

Then, taking me by surprise, Patch suddenly chuckled humorlessly. He threw his head back and was laughing a little loudly, I was afraid my mother was going to hear him.

"Shhh! Will you pipe down, crazy! My mom might hear you!" I reprimanded. "What are you laughing about?"

When his eyes met mine, there was no humor in them. They were cool, hard, black orbs. A look that could scare a lot of people. "Well, this will test Edward's claim."

Confused, I asked, "What claim?"

"That his family doesn't want power being abused. If that's the case, his family would still want to stop the Volturi. This wouldn't discourage them from helping our cause. But if it is not the case, then it'll be clear they are just covering their asses."

A twisted smile covered his face. A dark triumph twinkling in his eyes. I swallowed the fear, realizing there was a bit madness in it. But he cleared his throat and the darkness was gone. He blinked and seemed to see me for the first time. He smiled warmly before wrapping his arms around me.

"We'll get through this," he whispered in my ear. "We'll get through this no matter what happens. Even if the Cullens aren't there to help us, I promise you I won't stop until this threat is over. Didn't I tell you there's nothing keeping me from you? Not even hell. This little snag will not stop what we have."

I nodded, not even needing the assurance. "I know."

The knock on the door gave me a start. I hurriedly let go of him, turning towards it. "Nora, are you all right?"

"Yeah, mom. I just…I think I had too much to eat," I called out. I turned towards Patch again only he wasn't there. A light breeze from the open window gently ruffled my curtains. I settled down my bed and fatigue overcame me.

I was in a wide hallway I did not recognize. The high ceiling was supported by a line of tall beige columns. Beige, like the walls and the floor. High windows between the columns let in a stream of sunlight. At the end of the hallways was a pair of tall, black double doors.

I wanted to walk towards the door but found myself gliding towards it. I reached out my hand to open the huge double doors when I was near enough but they swung with a loud creak without assistance. The room I entered in was the epitome of grandeur and luxury. The pristine marble floor reflected the light from the windows above a circular ceiling. Few steps were slightly elevated to lead to a platform with three golden chairs at the top, very similar to the thrones of the kings of old.

Three men stood in the middle of the room, just in front of the thrones. They wore jet black suits, pants, and polo shirts. Around their necks hung gold chains with ruby pendants as red as their eyes.

They saw me come in, all of their eyes blood red. One of the men had black hair that fell between his shoulders. A dark grin formed in his face as he saw me glide nearer and nearer to them. Another had dark brown hair and a perpetually bored look on his face. The last man had blonde hair and an evil, ruthless glint in his eyes.

"Ah, our beloved guest," the black-haired vampire, for I knew they were vampires the moment I laid eyes on them, said.

"If I'm a guest, then why am I tied up?" I asked, the thoughts not my own as well as the voice that spoke them out loud. However, the voice was not completely unfamiliar. It was Susanna's voice. For some reason, I was dreaming of her. I was dreaming inside her head.

"Ah precautions," the black-haired vampire replied, waving his hand in a welcoming gesture. "We don't know if you're going to keep your end of the deal."

"We already told you what we know about her, about her fallen angel boyfriend, and about the Devilcraft! What more do you want from us?!" I screamed out desperately.

"Ah, but your daughter had promised more, so much more," this time, it was the blonde haired vampire who spoke.

"What does my daughter know? She knows nothing of the Black Hand's society! She was never inducted in!"

"That's not what she told us. She said she became a member the moment you had sent her to spy on her step-sister," the blonde haired vampire hissed with satisfaction.

Seeing no other alternative with my/her line of defense, I/she tried a new tactic. "You don't want a war. You don't want to fight this Patch. He's the only one who walked out of hell without drinking Devilcraft! He has friends in high places."

The black-haired vampire was in front of me in a blink of an eye. A deadly smile had crept in his face and the glimmer in his eyes was frightening. "The higher they are, the harder they fall."

I woke up to innocent chirping outside my window. My blanket had been wrapped around my body like a python so tightly I felt like I was going to suffocate in its grip. I willed myself to pry it off my body until I could swing my legs to the side. My heart was still hammering from what I've seen in my unconsciousness. I knew whatever that dream meant was not a coincidence. I knew it had something to do with the war on the horizon.

The only time I was in someone else's dreams was when Patch showed me a memory from Hank's past. He wanted me to see who Hank really was, though of course, I didn't understand it at first. Was it possible Susanna's trying to communicate with me? I didn't know who the three vampires were but I could bet everything I own they are the Volturi. So they had captured Susanna and Marcie after all. They're the ones who told the Volturi about Patch, the Black Hand's Society, and Devilcraft.

I felt sick to my stomach. I knew Susanna and Marcie would betray us. It wouldn't be the first time. But the accusation felt a little off. Didn't Susanna say she was "tied up"? So she's their prisoner. Anger and frustration mixed inside me. She could still have closed her mouth, or at least fight them off. She's stronger than they are, she must have known that.

And where was my step-sister? It seemed like she was more informative than her mother was for the Volturi. Could she actually sell us out to them? But for what reason? Revenge? I didn't do anything to her, she did. As far as I'm concerned, she got her revenge the moment she burned all those fallen angel feathers the night of the Cheshvan battle.

Another more disturbing thought crawled its way into my head. What if she wanted revenge because the council had cast her and her mother out of the Black Hand's secret society? I know she had always wanted the crown to be passed down to her. She believes she's the real heir and I am just her father's bastard child with another woman. Was this her way of getting to me?

Of course, I had nothing to do with Susanna's and Marcie's expulsion from the group. And I never wanted to be Hank's heir. I despised the man in every way I could think of. I didn't want to lead his army. I didn't want to have to deal with Devilcraft. All I wanted was to be with Patch. But Hank forced me when he kidnapped my mother that night. He forced me when he made me swear to lead his army against the fallen angels. Now, the enemy is different but the threat is still very real.

But what if she really wasn't planning on anything? What if, like her mother, she was forced to inform them about us? What if she was a prisoner too? It would make sense if she spilled her guts out. Unlike her mother and unlike myself, she's mortal. Someone like her should have never been created. Her parents were both Nephilim but surprisingly, she had their mental powers but not their physical strength. She was never expected to live longer than a few years. It would make sense if the Volturi threatened her life. It would also explain why her mother was more than willing to be compliant to them. The threat in Marcie's life would be enough for her to spill like tap water.

I closed my eyes as a headache threatened in the base of my neck. I couldn't think about this dream right now. I'm not even sure if it's real so maybe I'm worrying myself for no reason. I got up, deciding I'll trouble myself later, when I have someone to talk to. Right now, Marcie and Susanna would have to be the last in my list of priorities.

Our training continued for a couple of months, passing January and February. Of course, Edward, Bella, and Seth had to devise a way to show their departure so my mom wouldn't become suspicious. We stood by the airport for a couple of hours, pretending to be crying and making promises of internet interaction that we really don't need. Bella promised to send the wedding invitations soon while Edward asked me to take care of myself. Seth was the only one who was smiling widely and I was afraid he was going to give our little act away. But he was smart enough to say he's not really good at goodbyes and it just makes him weird so he'd rather not say much. I had a feeling he was laughing his head off afterwards.

After a few days after our visitors' supposed departure (they just stayed with the new recruits of the army in the warehouses), my mom was getting ready to go back to New York. It was quite obvious she fell in love with the city and was ecstatic when I told her I was seriously considering NYU. I wasn't sure how sincere my words were. A part of me wants to go there, at the very least. But a part of me knew I could never really have that normal college life everyone will expect me to have.

During her absence, I woke up early to train with Patch. We continued the rigorous physical and mental exercises already established for me by Dante and then continued by Patch and Vee. I wanted to make sure I had every ability and capability to lead an army of half human half angel beings. I spent my nights in the warehouses with our visitors and the Nephilim army. I monitored their activities and helped our visitors train them. It was a wonder how they were getting so well together. It was something I never expected and it gave me hope that maybe we'll be united for a common cause long enough to finally finish this mission.

A change between Seth and Patch had also taken place. I knew it was Seth's doing mostly because I know the imprinting made Seth seek out what will make me happy. He knows a peace between himself and Patch would please me. So one day, I noticed him talking to Patch. It was awkward at first as they danced around the conversation, not really wanting to reveal much about themselves.

As the training went on, the Nephilim's strength grew. I was a little nervous the Cullens might see this as a bad sign or at least as a threat to their safety but they encouraged it. However, because of all the progress we were achieving, Patch and I forgot to tell the Cullens about the Archangels' decision not to give them immunity. It was only on the last day of February that Patch, Vee, and I were able to speak to them privately about it.

"The Archangels decided the only way they will leave you alone is if we succeed in this mission," Patch told them, looking at Edward. "If we fail, your kind, along with your family and friends will also end. The Archangels believe by agreeing to ally with us, you are agreeing to be involved in this fight as much as we are. Like us, you and everyone that had agreed to do this will lose everything if we fail."

I could see their expressions turning hard as marble. Edward's and Bella's eyes were almost as black as Patch's, meaning they would need to hunt again soon. They've been hunting around the forest near my house to sustain themselves. Patch wasn't pleased at their proximity to me when they hunt but Seth insisted he'll be around the perimeter to guard me. Patch was also always inside the house with me whenever the Cullens hunted.

It took several minutes for them to speak but when they did, it wasn't Edward. Bella met Patch's eyes. "We understand."

"Can you be a little vaguer than that?" Vee asked in disgust, sensing the Cullens' hesitation and being angered by it.

I nodded at the vague answer, looking pointedly at Vee. "We understand, too, if you wish to opt out. We won't take it against you."

"But you will think we are only covering our asses," Edward smiled humorlessly as he looked at Patch. He must have read his mind because those were the exact words he told me that night.

He shrugged. "Well, my opinion shouldn't influence your decision-making Edward."

"But us opting out will break whatever friendship we had," Edward retorted.

"It was never in the plan to be friends," Patch reminded him with a smirk.

I glanced at Seth who was quiet throughout the conversation. I waited for him to speak but Vee spoke instead. "Look, the deal was you guys will help us, right? What happened to that whole we'll do it because it's the right thing to do? Was all of that crap just an act?"

"Vee," I warned her.

"No," she said, standing up. "I'm sick and tired of trusting people only to have them pull the floor from beneath us. If you're not going to help, cut out the righteous-noble crap."

"This is our family we're talking about," Bella snapped.

"Well this is my family too!" Vee retorted just as quickly. "Do you honestly think we're going to be off the hook on this one?! Patch and Pepper will be sent to hell, Nora will be left here without anyone she'll care for, and I will have to pick up whatever pieces that will be left of her!"

"While my family, friends, and I will be dead!" Bella was standing up too, but with a lot more grace than Vee did.

"Yeah well your family and friends had centuries to live! Don't tell me the thought of dying is sweeter than immortality had not crossed their minds even before. And please, whatever you felt when Edward left you will never be as painful as when Patch is taken away from Nora! At least in death, whatever afterlife we have, you and all the people you care for will be together! Do you honestly believe the Archangels will give them even that?!"

"You don't need my family! You have strength and numbers!"

"And so what, you're going to have a free ride on us?!"

"Enough!" I screamed, standing up myself and slamming my palms on the table. "This is not helping any of us!"

I looked at Edward and Bella, who was panting heavily despite the fact she didn't need oxygen. "Whatever your decision will be, we will respect it."

As I said them, I glared at Patch and Vee. It wasn't going to help if they let the anger inside them push them out of their calm. If we still want the Cullens and the vampires to help us, we need to make them feel like there is always a way out for them.

"Hey, I'll be here no matter what my family decides," Seth finally spoke up, standing next to me to give me a reassuring smile. "Imprinting is a pain."

"Seth, you know Jacob won't allow you to go into this alone," Edward told him.

"Like I said, I don't have a choice but he has. He has to take care of Renesmee now."

"But he can't leave behind a pack member." Edward sighed forcibly before looking at the three of us. He clenched his jaw, making a decision. "We'll still stand by you. There's no other choice now. Death will meet us if you fail, either by the Volturi's hands or the Archangels'. I guess I've always known the only way we'll survive this is if we help you succeed. Nothing changes. The alliance isn't broken and you can still count on the vampires and the shape shifters to participate in whatever encounter you will have with the Volturi."

His eyes lingered on Patch. Bella and Seth headed outside. Edward lingered for a second, "We didn't plan on becoming friends but like it or not, we are."

He followed his companions out in the cold night.

After that tense night, everything seemed to return to normal. The Bella, Edward, and Seth were back working with the younger Nephils. Some of them reacted like rebellious teenagers, bad mouthing them. Some were a little indifferent. While most of them worshipped the floor they walked on. However, Bella, Edward, and Seth all treated them with the same patience and fairness.

The first week of March came by. The temperature outside was still cold but it would warm considerably in certain hours. As I drove from my house to the warehouses after school, I noticed the small flower buds on sidewalks and on trees already threatening to burst.

Our visitors had decided to leave for a week in the late February but returned immediately. Of course, the Archangels' decision to give immunity to the Cullens only if we succeed in this mission was probably discussed within their family and their allies. For a week, I wondered if the others would feel like they were cheated out of something and the alliance would finally break but when Bella, Edward, and Seth showed up in my front door, I knew they somehow convinced the others to stay and fight.

"We have a little problem," Edward admitted once we got to the warehouses again. Patch and I looked at him wearily.

"What is it?" I asked.

"The Romanian Coven had heard about this mission," Bella told us, meeting both our eyes carefully.

"The Romanian Coven?" I repeated, not sure who she was talking about. "I thought it's only going to be the Denali, the Irish, the Amazonian, and the Egyptian?"

She nodded. "I know. But Vladimir and Stefan visited the Irish Coven just shortly after we visited them. They pried the answers out of the Irish and…the two clans showed up on our doorstep last week."

"Do you remember when we told you about some vampires wanting to start a revolt against the Volturi? Do you also remember when we told you they want us to be their leaders?" Edward asked, the gravity in his voice was intense. "Well, the Romanian Coven had been getting anyone who would listen to them about it. They haven't been successful since the nomads they talked to didn't want to anger the Volturi. The Volturi haven't touched them because they really don't see them as a threat as long as we don't participate in their revolution. But since things are different now, they see an opportunity."

"Do they even know who you're fighting with?" Patch asked.

He shook his head. "No, but honestly they don't care. As long as we give them an opportunity to see the Volturi fall, they wouldn't care if we made the pact with the devil himself."

This brought a menacing smile from Patch. "Well you kind of did."

We readied ourselves for another bout of training. I was beginning to wonder if we should send for the others by now since the army had mastered our visitors' techniques to the point they could predict their next move. I know the others would be a great new challenge for the others. But as I looked around the wide space, I realized I have been working them a little too hard. I stared at each soldier's face, though talking happily with each other, I could see the fatigue taking over. I remembered most of them are still relatively young. I bit my lip to make a quick decision before stepping in front of them.

"Attention!" I called out and immediately the whole place went silent. "You have been working hard for the past few months since we have learned a new threat looms our way. Your progress have been nothing but excellent. Now, you have trained with one of the fastest vampires there is. You have proven yourselves strong against a formidable enemy who has the ability to protect her thoughts almost as easy as breathing. You have fought, in training, a shape shifter whose strength is as formidable as yours but who has the animalistic instinct none of us have but all of us wish we had.

"All of your hard work had paid off. I can proudly say we are not going into this battle unprepared. We will be unrelenting. We will take down anyone who wants to abuse power they should never even think about! We will win this fight! We will win this war!"

The explosion of cheers echoed throughout the warehouses, making it louder than it really was. I met Patch's eyes and saw him beaming. I couldn't help but to return his smile. I turned back to my army and continued speaking.

"So, as a small reward, I want to present you little show: a race between Patch and Edward. Then later, we will test Seth's strength with Vee. Finally, we will see a fight between Pepper and Bella. All of this will be for your entertainment."

I glanced back at my companions and saw their expressions have changed. Patch and Seth both looked a bit amused, Pepper looked like I was wafting poop in front of his face, and Edward and Bella had a polite grin on their faces, while Vee actually looked excited.

"That's unfair," Pepper protested. "You're not doing anything."

"Are you kidding? I'm going to do the hardest job of all," I told him innocently. "I'm setting up the bets. First up, Edward and Patch."

The two of them exchanged a glance before Patch shrugged. Edward stepped forward but Patch approached me. "You trying to look for a reason to show me off, Angel?"

"You haven't really been doing anything near exerting for you. I thought it would be a nice change of pace. Besides, I've always wondered who would be faster, you or Edward," I answered with a smile.

"Vampires have inhuman speed," he reminded me.

I shrugged. "Yeah, but you're not human either."

He sighed dramatically, feigning defeat. "Oh your schemes. You don't have to go great lengths just so brag about me."

With that he met Edward a few feet away. The crowd of Nephil had already parted to create a rather wide track for the both of them. The track winded around the warehouse, taking them from almost all the side of the warehouse. The both of them stood completely still, waiting for the start of the race. I stepped between them while the others were already beginning to holler and hoot.

"All right," I spoke out. "Place your bets behind each racer."

I waited as all of the Nephilim present there threw paper bills behind Patch and Edward. I noticed they weren't small bills either. I saw some Benjamins thrown carelessly on the floor. I sized up the pile of money and realized they were almost identical. Once the interested Nephils had made their bets, I positioned myself between the racers again.

"Whoever touches the wall on the other side first, wins. All right racers, on your mark, get set, GO!"

Patch and Edward zoomed on the track with incredible speed. I had a feeling if I wasn't a Nephil, I wouldn't see the race at all. Edward looked like he was pulling back to give an advantage to Patch but when he realized Patch didn't need it, Edward turned up his speed. They were almost at the end of the track when it happened.

Edward froze suddenly, just a few yards away from the finish line. Not knowing he didn't have any competitors left, Patch touched the wall gently. When Edward didn't stop in front of him like he expected, he turned around and saw Edward standing as stiff as a board, a blank expression on his face.

I glanced at Bella who was already pushing her way through the Nephil crowd. When she reached him, he seem to snap back to reality. He blinked for a few seconds before finally settling his eyes on Patch. His eyes were still a bit glazed and his face slowly turned troubled.

"What is it?" Bella asked him, worried.

"I saw Alice's visions. It's the Volturi. They're ready to fight."