Chapter 19
Patch, Edward, Vee, Bella, Pepper, Seth, and I were all sitting around my dining table. The clock on the microwave flashed a green 12:00, midnight. I waited for someone to speak, which seemed to be what everyone else is doing. Vee met my eyes and I knew she was as worried as I was.
"So tell me how the Volturi found out about our plans?" I asked, making sure my voice was void the suspicions I was feeling.
Edward met my eyes and for a moment, I felt like my shield was suddenly see through. But then, putting it up in the first place made me look suspicious anyways. Thought it wasn't like we were the only one. Bella suddenly placed her shield around Seth and Edward and there was no way we could see what he saw. "We didn't tell them anything, if that's what you're getting at."
"Isn't it a little shady on your part you leave and then suddenly they have a clue?" Vee snarled.
"It wasn't us," Bella snarled back. "It wasn't anyone of my family."
"Then why the sudden protection?" Vee wasn't letting it go.
She bit her lips as if unsure what to tell us. They refused to show us back at the warehouse, telling us it would be better if we talked about it to plan what we should do next. Now, I had a feeling they wanted to make some sort of deal without the rest of the army there to influence us.
"Just tell us what you saw," I said finally, letting my shield down, hoping they would do the same. Almost immediately, as I gently touched Edward's mind, it wasn't wrapped around Bella's iron shield. I withdrew immediately to let him speak without any invasion. I nodded towards the others and waited for Edward to explain.
"Things haven't started yet," he began, folding his fingers together. "What Alice saw was the simultaneous results of two decisions being made. One was Benjamin's while the other is Amun's. Amun had decided to go back to where Benjamin and Tia are to fix things between them. On the other hand, Benjamin thought it was the right thing to do to stand up and fight with us.
"Alice saw Amun going to Benjamin. Benjamin tells him about his plans and asks Amun to join but Amun immediately disagrees. He tells Benjamin it is suicide to go against the Volturi but Benjamin will not listen," he continues, reaching inside my head to show what Alice had seen. I saw two men with Egyptian characteristics but they looked utterly magnificent in the way only vampires do. They were arguing. One, a young handsome vampire, was arguing with an older vampire, passion in his eyes. The older one looked wise but reserved. I couldn't hear their words but I knew, as Edward narrated, they were arguing about this decision.
"Amun tells Benjamin we cannot be trusted. He tells him about how there are rumors that we were planning on overthrowing the Volturi. He tells Benjamin he doesn't know if what we speak of is true, about a great ally, or if we're just making it up to gain support from the vampire population. There was also no way the Volturi was using a great power against us unless they see it fit."
But Benjamin doesn't speak in the vision. He merely shakes his head and pushes Amun away. He says something else I couldn't understand but Edward doesn't say before walking away from Amun. But I could tell from the look on Amun's face he had said something insulting enough. Amun gets up, fire that wasn't there before was in his eyes. He walks away out of the same door Benjamin had exited just moments before.
The scene dissolves and reformed again. The moment I saw where the vision had next taken us, it felt like someone had punched me in the gut. I was standing exactly where I was in my dream a few nights ago. It was where the Volturi had talked to Susanna. Though I was initially worried about the dream, I later figured it was nothing but just that. I didn't tell the others and eventually I have forgotten about it. Now, the memory comes back to me. I wanted to tell the others but Edward started speaking again.
"Amun will go to the Volturi to tell them we're planning on starting a war against them," he said just as Amun walks in the massive throne room. The three vampires in my dream were sitting in their thrones, watching Amun walk closer and closer to them. The black-haired vampire sat in the middle. The chestnut-haired one sat in the right while the blonde, fair one sat on the left.
"The Volturi would pretend to be surprised at the news and they will promise Amun to stop this nonsense before anyone else gets hurt. Of course, he cannot promise the safety of the Olympic coven. We will be punished as they see fit. They will go back to Washington and finally execute us, in front of the whole vampire world to see."
The vision dissolved and we were once again in my kitchen instead of a huge castle in Volterra, Italy. I swallowed, realizing this was the true beginning of our mission. I knew I wasn't the only one thinking of everything that will ensue from now on.
"You didn't want to show this to us since you think we'll suspect the Egyptian coven as whistleblowers," I spoke to Edward, my statement was not a question.
He nodded. "Amun is just trying to look out for himself and those he created. Benjamin has a special gift and Amun had always seen him as his most prized treasure. When Benjamin refused to leave our side and follow Amun, Amun felt betrayed. His actions in Alice's predictions do not surprise me. I thought you'd think our allies were giving information away from the Volturi."
"I understand," I said simply. It was true. The way we suspected each other as was evident just a few minutes ago, I knew doubt was killing this alliance. It was crucial we stopped being so suspicious of each other. "But before we plan on anything, there's something I have to tell you all first."
I recounted them my dream and my suspicion that Susanna and Marcie Millar are currently imprisoned by the Volturi. I showed them the images I could still remember from that night. When I was done, I explained why I didn't tell them sooner about this. I wasn't sure it was real until the moment I saw the room where the Volturi met Amun.
Realizing something, I added, "It might be possible that Susanna's and Marcie's presence had blocked Alice's visions just like we did when we were there at your house."
After I was finished, I waited for someone to speak as I glanced around the room. They seemed to be, once again, preoccupied with their thoughts. Finally after a few seconds, Edward nodded.
"So at least we know how the Volturi was supplied with the information about Devilcraft and your kind," he announced. "But it doesn't change the fact the Volturi is coming for our families now. We need to make a decision. We need to act now."
"Let the events unfold," Patch said, staring at Edward intently. "Let Benjamin make the decision, let Amun talk to him and later talk to the Volturi."
"Are you insane?" Seth asked in disbelief. "The Volturi will come and destroy us all."
"No, he's right," I agreed with Patch, an idea coming to me. "This is what we've been waiting for, isn't it? If the Volturi gather their own army, which I don't doubt they have been training as well, then we would be ready. We wouldn't be caught unawares. What we need to do is set the conditions we meet the Volturi. We can't let them near the people we love but we can pressure them into breaking one of their laws."
"What do you mean?" Bella asked. "The Volturi will not break their laws, whatever happens."
I nodded. "That's true. But if we bring the fight to them, they will think twice about engaging a war with us. Don't you see? The last thing they need is for the people of Volterra to know they have vampires under their noses. If they talk to us diplomatically about surrendering any attempts for harvesting the Devilcraft, then they need not worry about exposing the whole vampire kind to mankind. If they want to fight, then it'll be their fault if the humans knew about vampires. Either way, it is their decision and therefore, their fault if they make the wrong one."
Patch beamed at me but Bella doesn't seem to be fully convinced. "So how exactly are we going to bring the fight to them?"
"Send our troops little by little to cities around Volterra," I told her. "It needs to be near enough so we can call them the moment we need them but far enough so the vampires will not sense them. We can send them to Tuscany, Certaldo, or as far as Empoli and Florence. We cannot send any vampire because they will immediately sense your presence. Nephils themselves need to be careful not to associate themselves with people there."
"When will we go?" Seth asked, his eyebrows furrowed.
"We will send out the Nephil troops tonight. We need to be careful the first batch of troops are not anyone Susanna or Marcie know since we're not sure if they are prisoners or the Volturi's allies. I'm guessing Benjamin and Amun are talking right now so we have at least 24 hours to send most of our Nephil army to Italy before Amun goes to the Volturi. I have a feeling it will take at least another 24 hours for the Volturi to send their own troops here in American soil. They'll have to take precautions if they do not want to be exposed in such a public area like an airport so I'm hoping that would slow them down a bit."
Pepper shook his head. "No, with the money the Volturi had garnered over the centuries, they probably have dozens of private aircrafts waiting for them. That explains how they could send their own amount of supporters to Forks, Washington."
I agreed, "I thought that much so that might cut our time to 12 hours. All in all we are looking at about 36 to 48 hours for them to face us. We have to send our troops now. We will wait until the Volturi had made a decision where they're going to meet us before leaving for Volterra."
"All right," Vee said, clapping her hands together. "Time to wake up the little darlings."
We went back to the warehouses and explained everything to the Nephilim army, why we suddenly left, what we talked about, and what was the plan we formed. I assigned several of the older Nephils to look over the younger ones. I can already see the nervousness some of them has. Others seem to be a little eager to fight. I was glad most were a bit composed with just a hint of worry in their face. Good. Overconfidence or hesitation can lead to mistakes. Calmness and vigilance in healthy doses will take them a long way.
I didn't allow Lisa to fly, however. I picked her aside to tell her what I had seen. "The Volturi has Susanna and Marcie. I believe they're keeping them in their fortress in Italy. I can't send you there because I know you will try to find them and rescue them. I can't let you do that, not until the day we talk to the Volturi, do you understand?"
"Why can't I look for them? I can take them on!"
"Do that and you'll compromise the mission. Do that, the Volturi will go on hiding, harvest the Devilcraft before we can save Hank's family," I hissed, gripping Lisa's arm tightly. "You'll stay with us."
She looked at me like I had just spat on her but said nothing else. I knew she was going to break for it so I had Pepper guarding her. What I didn't tell her was I still wasn't sure if Marcie and Susanna are now enemies or prisoners. That would just convince Lisa I wasn't doing enough to save them and that might actually cause her to bolt to Volterra. I just couldn't let her do that.
For the next twenty four hours, the warehouse emptied as I sent dozens of teams to Florence and the nearby towns of Tuscany, Empoli, and Certaldo. I asked them to keep Patch, Vee, or me informed and updated about their activities and if they see any suspicious people around them. It would be possible the Volturi's side was scouting for any hints of Nephil.
A few hours later, Edward froze in place once more. I reached for his thoughts and saw that Benjamin and Tia had already arrived in the Cullens' home. Alice was giving us a live broadcast of the vampires' reunion when her vision was interrupted. We were once again in the Volturi's throne room. Amun had just left.
"Well, we must act now, shouldn't we, brothers?" the black-haired vampire spoke, a smile forming his lips. "I'm rather excited to see this…powerful enemy the Cullens is confident of."
"What about the creatures?" the brown-haired vampire asked. Even his voice was raspy and dead.
"Easy, we take them along," the blonde one replied, adopting the same smile as the raven-haired vampire. "We must prepare the…witnesses."
"What are we going to tell them?"
"That the Cullens had already done the most unthinkable deed. We will stop their hunger for power and we will set justice right," raven-head said, his voice raising to an excited whisper.
Alice's vision dissolved again. We were in a clearing I recognized near the Cullens' home. I could see the snow that stayed throughout winter was slowly melting. The clearing, however, was already sprouting out grasses and dandelions. The Volturi stepped on to the clearing, their numbers materializing right in front of us. With an uncomfortable churn to my stomach, I realized how many their numbers are. I wouldn't be surprised if they reached a hundred vampires, all hungry for revenge to an injustice they thought was real.
Alice looked around in the vision and saw her family and her friends standing beside them, their number pitiful compared to the Volturi's army. She met Jasper's eyes and held on to his hand. I saw the others do the same. The wolves were huddled together close, the black wolf in the middle. Bella was staring at Edward's eyes, speaking volumes without needing words. Rosalie opted to be wrapped around Emmett's embrace while Carlisle and Esme merely nodded to each other, taking the other's hand as well. I noticed Renesmee's and Jacob's absence. They had probably fled before the Volturi had gotten there. The forest slowly disintegrated until we were once again in the warehouse.
"You and your army weren't there," Edward accused, glaring at me.
Patch stepped in front of me to protect me, sensing Edward's sudden hostility. "Not because we abandoned you. Didn't you say, Alice's predictions are based on decisions?"
"Yes," his voice was a venomous hiss. "So you have decided to back away."
"No. Because Alice cannot see our future. The Volturi hadn't placed our army in their calculations when they were making a decision. Amun probably did not believe Benjamin's words. He must have thought you were bluffing about a big army helping you out, thinking it might be other vampires. So he didn't mention it," Patch said calmly.
"If what Nora said was right, the Volturi does know about an army," Edward pointed out, waving his hand towards me.
"But they didn't sound like they are threatened by it. All they know is that there's someone like Nora and someone like myself."
"They aren't bothered by your army? Then do you really think you can intimidate them into silence?"
Patch shook his head. "I don't doubt they know about the army but I know they doubt its numbers. The last time Susanna and Marcie were in the Black Hand's inner circle, the numbers were fewer. Because of Pepper's and other Nephil's constant recruitment, our numbers have grown. You've seen their numbers. I think the Volturi are confident there's nothing left keeping them from their victory except your coven. Maybe that's why you were the only ones present in that clearing."
Edward didn't relax, however. His muscles were taught and his fists were clenched.
"Trust us," I told him. Then I looked at Bella. "Didn't you ask us to trust you? Then trust us this time."
Something have clicked inside her mind and she slowly nodded. She pried Edward's hands open before wrapping one of them with her palm. "We trust you."
"What about my family?" Edward asked the following morning as the last batch of Nephil departed for the airport. "What will they do?"
"I guess for now, call them here. We will all go to Volterra together," Patch told him. "I figure from Alice's vision, we have at least until tomorrow morning before the Volturi arrive at your doorstep. We will send for your family and discuss what's going to happen. Then your allies, including the wolves will go to Tuscany tonight. We will follow you to Tuscany a few hours later."
Since we haven't had sleep, we decided to head back home after Edward had called his family to Coldwater. They are going to the airport right now to travel. Edward, Bella, and Seth decided to retreat back to their hotel in Portland. Patch and I were headed towards the farmhouse.
During the drive there, I remembered the Volturi's powers as the Cullens had discussed with us a few months ago. I remembered them saying one of the Volturi possesses the power of being able to read minds through touch. He could read every single one of a person's thoughts by touching his hand. It didn't work on Bella since she was a shield but the vampire always chose Edward to see his thoughts. I guess it was a way to make himself feel better since he has to touch someone to actually hear their thoughts while Edward hears them as if the person is actually speaking to him.
Nonetheless, this bothered me. If we're going to talk to the Volturi diplomatically first, they must not know about the Nephil army at all. They can use that to reason to others that we are preparing for war and no diplomatic talks would ever happen. There were two things I could do: trick the Volturi from seeing the Nephil army when they touch Edward or I could erase the memory from all the vampires and their allies.
"I kind of need your advice," I said once we got back to the empty farmhouse. I went to the light switch and the foray was filled with light. Patch stepped inside our home, looking curious. I sucked in my breath as I leaned against the wall.
"I think it would be best if the Volturi knew nothing about the Nephilim army when we get there," I began, thinking about how to execute my plan better. "If it's true that there are vampires like Edward in that coven, it wouldn't be impossible for them to see we've been training the Nephilim army well. They would say we've been preparing for the war when we're only supposed to be talking to them diplomatically so they'll shot that in the head just to have a reason to fight us."
"Go on," he said, crossing his arms. He leaned against the rail of the stairs, staring at me with those intense eyes.
"I was thinking we could fool the Volturi from seeing the army when we get there. We can infiltrate their heads and make them believe the Cullens, the other vampire covens, and the shape shifters were our only allies."
Patch shook his head patiently. "I don't want you venturing into the minds of creatures we don't know. I can't let you risk yourself just to fool them. What if there's something else with those creatures that could harm you?"
I bit my lip, realizing the possibility. "So we need to hit them closer to home. I was thinking of erasing any memory of the Nephilim army from our allies' minds."
"They wouldn't like that," he said.
"I can't imagine why," I told him sarcastically, pacing now. "But if the Volturi is hell-bent in finding a way to destroy us, any reason for them to be stopped would be as good as any. If this mind-reader from the Volturi touches us, we can just put up a shield and call it a day. But I know they're not going to go after us."
"But it still wouldn't change the fact the Cullens will not like this plan. They'll think the alliance was on the brink of breaking because of trust-issues."
"We'll have to convince them. We won't keep it a secret from them. They will know we'll be doing this," I rubbed my forehead irritably.
"Angel, wouldn't you think the Volturi knows about the army by now? It's likely they have Susanna and Marcie, we've established that," he reasoned, stepping in front of me. "By now, they've found out everything about the army they would want to know. I think that's how they got their nerve to go against us."
"We could tell them we didn't bring the army," I replied. He rolled his eyes in response and I pressed, "They wouldn't have evidence except for the mutual understanding that we would fight them if needed. Susanna's and Marcie's information about the army would be useful but we wouldn't go into this unprepared. This is the only glitch in the plan."
He rubbed his chin as he thought the plan over. He sighed after a few minutes but he didn't look like he was convinced. Finally he said, "We'll talk to them about it."
I called my mom before I left the farmhouse. It was already ten at night and I know she's probably closing their auction office if Hugo didn't tell her to go overtime again. She picked up on the third ring.
"Hey Nora, what's going on?" her voice sound hushed as if she was trying to be discrete about the call. "I'm sorry honey, I'm kind of in the middle of something."
"I'll be quick," I told her. "I was wondering if I can spend the whole week at Vee's."
"What about the house, Nora?"
I twirled the phone cord around my fingers. The familiar guilty churn in my stomach was making it hard for me to speak. "I'll check in on things once in a while. Vee's been dying to find out about Edward and Bella and their wedding plans."
She was silent for a few seconds. Of course, I just wanted her to know I wouldn't be in the house so she won't be worried. I didn't want her calling the house during an hour I'm supposed to be home and not pick up. She'll suspect something is up and leave New York immediately. The time zone in Italy would also be different so she might surprise call me and find out I'm not in the United States anymore to fight off a legion of rebelling vampires. What will we do then?
"I can always have Dorothea over," she suggested.
"Mrs. Parnell needs her more than the house needs her," I told her. I wanted to kick myself for forgetting about Scott's mom. I promised her I was going to drop by now and then but I haven't been by her place since November. I hoped she was really attached to Dorothea.
My mom sighed again. "All right. The deal is going to be the same. I want you to call hourly. If Patch is going to be with you, I want to know. I'll check in Vee's house once in a while too and talk to her parents about it."
I had already contacted Vee before I called my mom. She said she got it covered. She had already brainwashed her parents and her little brother so her part is already taken care of. Of course, the whole plan made my stomach ache with guilt. All of these lying need to stop. But the necessity for them is just a little too much to ignore.
"All right mom. Thank you."
"Behave, Nora Grey."
"I will," I replied, grinning. Not knowing what might happen when we get to Italy, I added in a serious tone, "I love you mom. Just in case I don't say it enough or don't show it enough, I love you."
This seem to catch her off guard. But she replied with warmth in her voice that it was almost painful to lie to her and excruciating to say goodbye to her. "I love you too, sweetheart."
I hung up the phone and closed my eyes. I waited for the anguish to subside before returning to the foyer where Patch was waiting for me. I stopped when I saw the vampires and shape shifters standing there with him. All of the Cullens were there, including Renesmee, so were the Denali coven and the Amazon coven. Standing beside them was the man I recognized from Alice's vision as Benjamin. He was holding a beautiful, exotic woman that I assumed was Tia. Beside Carlisle were two men standing proudly. They had the red eyes everyone carried, except the Denali and the Cullens, but they weren't as bright. Their eyes had a dull milky tone to it. Besides them were a large woman, a handsome man, and a girl that could be the vampire version of me.
When Patch saw me, he stepped beside me. He walked strange as if he was blocking me from the new arrivals. Then I realized he was probably shielding me from them. I understood why. The house was littered with human scent. Besides, I was the only creature standing in this foray that actually has a beating heart and warm blood coursing through my body.
"Nora, Patch, these are our Romanian, Egyptian, and Irish friends," Carlisle waved towards them casually.
"I am Benjamin and this is Tia," Benjamin said, crossing the space between us and shaking my hand firmly. He glanced at Patch and I saw his eyes widen. He instinctively shielded Tia too but she pushed past him and shook Patch's hand.
"It's a pleasure meeting a real creature of the dark," she grinned before following Benjamin back to the vampires' side.
"I am Vladimir and this is Stefan. We are from the Romanian coven," one of the milky-eyed vampires said. A hungry look came over his eyes and I saw his companion steal a glance at my jugular.
"You better step back," Patch warned them quietly, his body tensing. "Hurt her and I will break your necks. Remember, you weren't a part of the agreement so be careful."
Stefan's eyes widened as he hissed, "You can read minds?!"
But before Patch could say something else threatening, Vladimir smiled. "Perhaps we will see a dawn of a new rule, then. Powerful, dark, and skilled; what a perfect combination to overthrow such an evil tyranny!"
Right, the Romanian coven were the ones seeking revenge.
"Do not worry, our powerful friend. We can control our physical hunger. It's our hunger for justice that needs to be satisfied," Stefan said enthusiastically. "We will not harm her."
"I am Siobhan," the large woman stepped in front, smiling widely at me. "This is Liam and Maggie," she added waving to the man and the girl who looked like me.
"Siobhan has the interesting power of will," Edward spoke up. "She can will everything the way she wanted."
Siobhan shook her head but chuckled. "No, there's no such thing as that."
"You helped us the last time," Bella pointed out.
"Well, the Volturi was going to listen to you anyways. There was no reason for them to be at Forks. There was no crime committed."
"But it seems like we are committing a crime right now," Maggie said. I was surprised to hear her voice. I expected my voice coming from her lips, instead of a clear bell-like sound.
"The Volturi wants power they cannot hope to control and will aim at the Cullens and their allies the first chance they get," I rolled my eyes, annoyed at her sudden unwillingness. Again, I thought she would be on board with this as much as I was. "If it's a crime to defend our rights, then we are criminals. But would you rather twiddle your thumbs and wait for them to kill you?"
I expected her to answer me back but she only nodded, her expression blank. She rejoined her coven, staring at me so intently I began to feel uncomfortable. I cleared my throat and gave each of our magical allies a good look.
"I need to talk to you about a plan we've formed and I wouldn't go with it as long as you guys do not agree to it," I said, fighting hard not to sound hesitant. If I want this to happen, I want to sound firm and open. I lowered my shield and immediately, Edward's eyes widened as he read my plan.
His face hardened. I reached out to his mind. "Don't tell them anything yet."
"I don't like this plan."
"You have to trust me. This is the best plan."
"I don't see how it is."
"Hear me out like everyone else."
I drew out of his mind and began speaking again. "During our stay at the Cullens', when we were finding out about the vampire and werewolf worlds, they have mentioned the special powers the Volturi have. They told us that one of the Volturi have the ability to read each thought ever formed with a single touch.
"I believe it would shut out any possibilities of diplomatic talks with the Volturi if they found out we have a well-trained army of immortals and have already deployed them to Italy. I would like to ask you all to let us erase any memory of the army."
"Why?" Sam asked. I was surprised he was the first to say something when Edward clearly wanted to protest. "If we all know the Volturi will not give up on this power you speak of, we know the war is inevitable anyways."
"Think of it this way," Patch spoke up. "The diplomatic talks are a formality rather than anything else. But the Archangels want us to travel down both roads and avoid any loss of magical creatures. The army is, technically, just a backup plan. We can't be the first to draw the gun. We can't be the cause of a war that, if possible, can be stopped by calmly talking about it."
"We want to force them to do that move so if we do kill them, it could be as merciless as possible," I added.
"Kill them?" Siobhan repeated uncomfortable. I saw she wasn't alone. The others shared the discomfort as well.
"I understand they are your government. I understand they have kept your world from falling apart. But every regime on earth fall. Do you really want a government so bent to have power? It would be your decision if you want them to destroy you first or destroy them before they even have the chance," Patch said.
Vladimir smirked, his eyes sparkling that it momentarily erased their dullness. "We've been waiting for this for centuries. The Volturi needs to pay for their transgressions."
"If you want to avoid killing them, I suggest you let us erase your memories of any trace of the Nephilim army," I looked at Siobhan before addressing the others. "It's one way we can avoid any lost life."
"But we haven't been here for long," Maggie challenged. "There's no memory to erase."
"The lesser the memory, the easier it is to erase it," I told her.
"So how are you going to do it? I mean, whenever I think of you, I think of your army. You, your powers, and your abilities are so solidly connected with your army that erasing them might mean erasing you," Jacob pointed out.
"We'll be selective," Patch said. "You will know who we are and why you should trust us. That won't change. But you will forget anything about an army. All you'll know is we're your allies against the Volturi's threat. We have powers that are as strong as yours and we will fight beside you in any way we can."
"Who will do it?" Edward asked, finally speaking up.
"I will handle your family and the Denali coven," he answered. We talked about which family will be assigned to whom. Patch took the Cullens and the Denali. I protested, of course. But he reasoned the Cullens have Bella and he almost broke her shield once. He could do it again and succeed this time. The Denali coven trusted him, too. He doesn't want me to be assigned to them because I might accidentally erase a little too much of Tanya's memory. Of course, I was tempted to but I'm more mature than that. It didn't matter, however. I got the pack, because Seth imprinted on me and that sort of gave me their trust, and the Irish coven. Vee got the Amazonian coven and Pepper was assigned to erase the Egyptian's and the Romanian's memories.
I could see them all deliberating, exchanging looks of discomfort. I knew it's an idea that's not easy to swallow. I knew it was going to question the sincerity of our motives. But they must see that this is something we all need to do in order to defend ourselves in every way possible.
"We should put it in a vote," Carlisle suggested. He addressed the others, "We will base it on the covens rather than the amount of people. One person will represent each coven. Raise your hand if you agree with this plan."
The Denali, the Irish, the Egyptian, and the Amazonian covens all raised their hands. To my surprise, Edward's hand rose up too to represent his family. The Romanians looked a little sullen while the pack looked a bit indifferent.
"We agree that we need to attempt any and every possible way to talk to the Volturi calmly. It's not a very reassuring idea but I can't think of any better," Edward explained when I raised my eyebrows.
"Yes," Tanya agreed, speaking for the first time since she got there. "The best possible scenario is actually talking to them calmly. It's best if our people have the chance to live without having to fight for it."
The others gathered to their assigned person. We have decided it would be best if we do this in separate rooms. Patch stayed in the living's room with the Cullens and the Denali coven. Vee took my room with the Amazonian coven while Pepper took the sullen Romanian coven. The Egyptian coven promised they will help him restrain the Romanian coven if needed before they followed him to the foray, just far enough from Edward's group. I led the pack and the Irish coven to my mom's room. They gathered around the bed and I felt like we were about to partake in a cult ritual.
"This is really interesting. I'm finding more and more about you," Seth commented as he entered the room with the others.
"I wonder if I erase every single memory of me from your head, would you still be imprinted on me," I hissed as I closed door behind me. I chased my discomfort at the thought that these creatures have invaded my home. I had to focus on getting the memories of the army out of their minds.
"All right, who'll go first?" I asked, waving at my mom's four post oak bed.
I heard Jacob inhaled sharply, "I'll do it."
I nodded and waited as he settled down. For the first time since I've known him, he looked innocent and scared, closer to the age he actually was. His discomfort and nervousness chased away that tough exterior he carried all the time.
"Don't worry," I said, tempted to comfort him. "I won't mess up your head."
"I think that's way too late for that," he replied with a small, nervous smile. He closed his eyes before I could say it wasn't necessary. I reached out to his mind and invaded it. I felt him flinch but kept going.
During my training with Patch the last two months, he had taught me how to clear a person's memory. There were a lot of things to consider when erasing a person's memory: its frequency on the person's thoughts, its length in time, its importance relative to the person and his/her other memories, and its influence on the person's personality. He explained that it's a lot easier to erase unimportant memories because they normally don't change anything about the person and it's more likely the memory won't resurface again. Large, important memories that span over long periods of time tend to be a lot harder to erase. They have the greatest chance to resurface again. That's why, as Patch had explained it, his memories were never erased from my mind. He was too important and had been involved with me too long to make the memories easy to erase. That is also why Patch had chosen to erase the Cullens' memories, which was the most involved out of all the clans. It would be a lot cleaner if he did it.
Jacob's mind was complex, I have to admit. As I took a glimpse throughout his memories, there were several things he seem to hold important. I saw him mourn over his mother's death and his father's accident, though at both times, he was too young to understand why they happened. I saw his sisters bully him. I saw the first glimpse of a five-year old Bella making mud pies. Everything seem to happen to a blur until the moment he saw Bella again, this time she was probably seventeen. He held the times they spent together close to his heart. I saw the long hours they spent fixing a couple of old, rusty motorbikes. I saw him watch Bella ride one of those bikes then fly out of it. But most importantly, I saw his heartbreaks. I saw the impossibility he held when he found out he was a werewolf and he can't be with her. I saw her choose Edward over and over again, until their wedding night. I saw the rift he created with his pack when he decided to protect Bella. It was sadness layered over sadness. But it all changed when he saw the brown eyes of a small baby in Rosalie's arms. The pull towards her was earthshattering. Then everything seem to revolve around her as she grew up to be Renesmee.
I searched over the years for the moment he met us. When I finally saw my reflection, it was the night I went to the Devil's Handbag with Vee. I searched around again and saw all those meeting at the Cullens' home. I took out every mention, every explanation about the Nephil army. When I was satisfied, I withdrew from his mind and waited for him to recover.
"Please, it would be best if you didn't mention our purpose here," I told the others before Jacob could wake up, feeling somewhat fatigue. Patch also had warned me about this. I need to make sure I wasn't spending too much energy.
When Jacob had finally opened his eyes, he frowned as he gazed around the room. "Why is everyone crowded around me like this is my deathbed?"
"Come on, Jake," Seth hoisted him up and led towards the door. "You're not that special. You just fainted."
Jacob's expression looked stunned and confused. "Why?"
Seth shrugged, feigning innocence. "Who knows? Weakened state? Maybe your endurance isn't that strong anymore. How about you take a rest outside. It doesn't look like you're interested in the meeting anyways."
The look in Jacob's face was pure panic. But before he could say anything else, Seth had slammed the door on his face. He turned to me, his face was calm but determined.
"I want to go last," he said, unblinkingly.
His resolution took me a bit by surprise and I just nodded. Paul settled down on the bed next. He looked as uncomfortable as Jacob was, maybe even more. I spied Seth smirking and Leah grinning. Even Sam was having a hard time keeping a straight face. Jared, Embry, and Quill were chuckling out loud. The Irish merely smiled at the happy atmosphere.
"Don't take out any of my memories," Paul growled in warning.
I couldn't stop myself from smiling either. Even at this moment, he was still trying to maintain his tough persona. I decided to have some fun. "Don't worry, you won't completely be out of memories. I mean, people with amnesia still have some memories."
The stunned expression on his face was too precious. Before he could say anything else, I reached out his mind and forced him to fall asleep. I searched his thoughts for the memories I needed to erase. Unlike Jacob's memories filled with pain, Paul's memories were happier. His memories revolved around a beautiful olive-skinned girl with almond eyes and long black hair. He focused on things like the way she smiled, the way her eyes twinkled when she looks at him, and the way her forehead crinkles when she's angry at his impulsiveness. These memories were golden. Paul isn't as tough as he wants to think he is. He will never hear the end of this from me.
Once I finished with Paul, Jared, Embry, and Quill went next. I didn't have any trouble erasing their memories since they haven't met the army. All I had to do was search for any mention of the army and erase that. Except for Embry, Jared and Quill had memories similar to Paul's. However, the strangest of them all was Quill's memories of a young girl, no more than six. He paid close attention to every detail of her face and her personality just like Paul and Jared did but unlike them, the way he sees her is purely platonic.
Sam was next once the others have finished. If he was uncomfortable with the whole idea, he didn't show it. He clenched his jaw as I searched his mind. What I found was completely surprising. Leah had been Sam's girlfriend before he met her cousin. He imprinted on her. He blamed himself for Leah's anger and bitterness. He also carried the guilt of hurting his imprinted mate after he had trouble phasing. I was also surprised to find out he is an Alpha of a different pack outside Jacob's. This pack had Jared and nine other young wolves I did not know. I wondered what was keeping Sam and Jared here to fight with us.
Leah's memories weren't very different from Sam's. She was hurt. She was bitter. She was angry. It was all because of Sam's imprinting. This caused her to hate the whole constitution of it, even though she knows the boys can't help it. Her pain was also fueled over the fact that she can't bear children and she partly blames herself for Sam choosing her cousin over her. She felt suffocated being in Sam's pack and when Jacob broke off, she happily chose to belong to his pack. Ever since then, she felt more alive and happier. Of course, until Seth had finally imprinted on someone. I was overwhelmed at her hatred towards me. She, like everyone else, saw this whole love triangle thing with Patch, Seth, and me as the Jacob, Edward, and Bella pain fest part two. She hated me for making things complicated in the pack again. I saw there were times she wanted to attack me on my sleep but the only thing keeping her from doing that is Patch, who she was afraid of, the Cullens, who she somewhat respects, and Jacob, who has her loyalty. It wasn't until the sparring practice we had a few months ago that she finally felt lighter about me. She was impressed at my combat skills and appreciative that I'm constantly trying to diffuse any tension between Patch and Seth.
As Leah stood up and walked out of the room after I finished, I realized our allies are without their own drama. Things were complicated in my life but I was happy it wasn't that complicated. I glanced at Seth slowly drifting off in the corner. It wasn't that complicated until now. I mean, I had Patch and I loved him. The Archangels were constantly on our threat watch but they were harmless unless we're doing something wrong. They won't bother us any longer the moment we take out any possibility of Devilcraft resurfacing. Things took to the worse when Seth imprinted on me. But then, after seeing the memories of his pack brothers and his tribe members, I realized all of the complications weren't their fault. I understood it was all because of this one trait all of them share. It was unfair for me to want for change when it's a part of their DNA as much as my red, frizzy hair is. I swallowed hard as a thought came to me. I had the power to ease some of the complications for Seth. I can agree to Seth's imprinting but I knew that would complicate my relationship with Patch. I'll have to find a way to talk to him about it. But not now. Perhaps after this whole deal with the Volturi.
The Irish coven agreed to go next after Leah. Siobhan's and Liam's memories were easy to erase. As I searched around Siobhan's mind, however, I noticed a small spark in every thought. It gave me positive feelings inside myself, not very different from motivating yourself. I wondered if this was the special power Edward was thinking of. When it was Maggie's turn, I couldn't shake off my nervousness. I didn't know why I was nervous in the first place. But something about her was off. I didn't know what it was but I delved on to her mind anyways.
I searched her mind for the memories when a rather unclear one caught my attention. I looked over it again. What I saw knocked the air out of my lungs. Staring back at me, his black eyes that I knew so well gazing intently down to my very soul, except it wasn't mine but Maggie's. Patch reached out and touched her face, speaking something she couldn't hear because all that matter was the electricity running from the spot where his finger caressed her cheek. He promised her something before kissing her forehead and turning to leave.
I quickly withdrew out of her mind, stumbling back. Seth was beside me but I didn't notice him. All I could see was the red eyes staring at me with curiosity and intrigue, as if interested in what I have to say. My heart hammered in my chest and my lungs constricted.
"Y-y-you're the mortal that Patch fell for," I said hoarsely.
She nodded, her eyes never leaving mine. Her face remained expressionless. "It has been centuries, Nora. It was during my human years. The memories are unclear to me and have fallen from its importance."
"But he said you died," I couldn't swallow properly. I knew even though she didn't see her memories with Patch important, it could be different with Patch.
She nodded again. "I did. He must have seen that. But he never saw Siobhan saving me from eternal darkness for a life of immortality. He was as surprised as you are when he saw me. Our past may still be in my memories but they are not what I long for any longer. If you wish to talk to him about me, be my guest. But I believe we still have to face the Volturi. Do what you must before we waste any more time."
"Hey, just give her a minute, will you?" Seth defended, placing his hand up. He turned to me and scooped me out of the room. We past the others' curious gazes as we thundered down the stairs.
"What's going on?" Patch asked as he saw us but I held on to Seth tighter, hiding my face on the base of his neck.
"Hey Pepper," Seth called. "Maggie still needs her memories erased. Do Nora a favor and do that for her. She's feeling a little off. Erasing werewolves' memories aren't an easy feat."
"Oh-kay," I heard Pepper say.
"Stay where you are, Pepper," Patch commanded firmly. "And let go of Nora."
"Why don't you just piss off?" Seth growled back. "She needs air and maybe some time to think."
"We can't afford that right now. We have a war to take care of," Patch growled back. "Put her down before I make you."
"No," I said, my voice muffled. I still haven't come out of Seth's neck. "I need some air."
With that, Seth turned again. I assumed he was speaking to Pepper. "Thanks for that favor."
When he spoke, he spoke with anger and poison. I didn't need to assume he was talking directly to Patch. "Why don't you just leave her alone?"
He carried me off again and I heard the front door slam. I felt the cool night air rush into my lungs and I exhaled loudly. Despite the freezing temperature, Seth's body heat warmed me throughout. My head began to clear and my breathing began to calm.
"Put me down, Seth," I told him, resurfacing from his chest for the first time. He gently placed me down. The dew on the grass seeped through my socks and the cold air whipped against my skin now that I'm out of his warmth. I shivered and he readily placed his arm around me, though he didn't lift me again.
"Are you okay?" he asked me, searching my face. I refused to look at him because I wasn't ready to speak just yet. When I remained silent, he offered, "I could kill him for you, if you'd like."
I chuckled humorlessly at his lame attempt to lift my spirits up. I took my time again before speaking and he let me. I closed my eyes and leaned against him, letting his warmth comfort and relax me.
When I was finally ready, I whispered, "I can't think about that right now. If I do anything harsh, the alliance with the vampires and the rest of your pack will break. We still have a war to think about."
"You don't have to fight them," he insisted eagerly. "You can protect yourself. Stay here with me."
"I have a duty to do," I shook my head. "I made a promise to the Archangels as much as Patch did."
"And that she will do," a voice in front of us said. I looked up and saw Patch standing a few feet from us. The open door illuminated the light from within the house. I couldn't see the others but I highly doubt they don't know what's going on.
"If you excuse me, that's my girlfriend you have your filthy mutt hands around," he continued coolly, but his fists were clenched tightly.
"I told you to leave her alone," Seth growled, tightening his grip around me.
"I need to talk to her, mutt," Patch ignored what he just said, smirking arrogantly.
"You can talk to her right now."
"Alone." Patch was losing patience. Murder was in his eyes and it was taking all of his self-control not to act it out.
I looked at Seth and nodded. The betray on his face was apparent. He stood up angrily, making sure he bumped into Patch pretty hard, but Patch held his ground. I saw him run towards the forest behind my house before disappearing into the night. A second later, I heard an angry howl tear the night. Now that Seth was gone, the cold returned, seeping through my skin into my very soul.
"So you found out Maggie is my ex," he said plainly, emotionlessly. I flinched as if he had shouted. I didn't answer him. Instead, I continued to gaze to where Seth had disappeared. I knew if I wished him to return, he will, even if it was in his wolf form. I willed myself not to do that. The last thing we need is a fight between Patch and Seth.
"Tell me, Nora, why are you so affected?" he asked after a few seconds. "Didn't I tell you you weren't the first girl in my life? I can't tell you I'm sorry because what I had with Maggie was centuries before you were even born. I didn't know she would turn into a vampire and that she would be a part of this alliance we have with the Cullens. I had done no wrong so why would I ask for forgiveness? What is it exactly you want me to tell you?"
I glared angrily into his eyes, wishing the tears weren't forming. I wish he would just let me be hurt for once, let the surprise and anger linger there without him trying to force it out. "I want to know how knowing the girl you fell for is there, alive and well. I want to know how she changes what we have."
"I like redheads but I don't like red eyes and pale skin on my redheads. I'd rather have them alive, kicking, and with killer legs," he smirked.
"Do you have the capability of being serious?" I snapped.
"I'm serious and will always be serious when it comes to you. Yeah, it was a shock when I saw Maggie. But her presence did not change what I feel for you. I became fallen because of her but I chose to be fallen because of you. Or have you forgotten all of that?"
I became silent once more. It hurts to think about it too much. It hurts worse to feel. I wish he let me feel surprised and give me space. But I know it was unreasonable. I know I need to get past that. I trusted him, right? I trusted what he was saying, right? Maggie doesn't feel anything either. It has been centuries since she thought of Patch that way. I saw it in her memories. Besides, even if I felt betrayed, surprised, and even if I wanted space, what would that accomplish? I need to get past this because in the end, I knew I still couldn't live without him.
Finally, I nodded. "There's still a lot of things that needs to be taken care of. This isn't our priority."
He nodded too and offered his hand. I didn't take it, however. "Go inside. I still need to erase Seth's memories."
He hesitated before nodding again. His eyes were back to steel orbs that gaze intently at me. He turned and closed the door behind him. I waited a few seconds before following Seth to the forest. I wasn't very deep in when I saw a fully-clothed figure sitting on a fallen log. He looked up when he heard me come closer. He didn't look betrayed anymore. Instead, in his eyes was a heartbreaking sadness.
When I was near enough, he spoke. His voice was steady and calm but not friendly. "You ready to go inside?"
"We still need to erase your memories, Seth," I said sadly. Then I added, knowing it was the appropriate thing to say to him for everything I have done and everything I will do in the future, "I'm sorry."
"I'm Jacob, you're Bella, and he's Edward. But it's worse because I won't have anyone after you choose him over me."
The guilt in my stomach turned rancid and I wanted to throw it up. I will forever have this poor creature in love with me while I turn my back on him and spend my ridiculously long life with another man. I couldn't take it.
I uttered, "I'm sorry."
Then I delved into his mind without warning, blindly searching for any memory of the army. But when I got near to one, something pushed me away to protect it. It wasn't different from the time I tried to force answers from his mind. Frustrated, I lunged with full force into one memory before I was violently thrust out. When I looked around, I was on my back, looking at the forests' canopy. I pushed myself up, supported by my elbows. Seth was a few yards away from me, on his stomach. He seemed to be knocked out. Worried, I got up and ran towards him, flipping him over.
"Seth, are you okay?"
He opened his eyes and smiled weakly. "Guess the imprinting things screws up even the things you'd like to forget."
"I'm so sorry," I muttered again. Once again, the idea I had just a few minutes ago as I erased his packs' memories, something I can do for Seth. I didn't want to acknowledge it because it will screw up whatever I have with Patch but I can't go on hurting Seth this way. I have to give him something, a little piece of myself. I realized the idea had always been obvious but was never truly decided on. I thought it would be hard but it wasn't. I knew in my heart it was the best thing. I placed my shield up and stretched it towards him until his mind is covered before explaining to him in mind speak.
He was brushing off dirt from his shirt when I invaded his mind once again. He froze as I told him my idea but before I finished, he started shaking his head. "No, I can't do that, Nora. You love Patch and what you're saying is going to permanently drive a wedge between you two."
"So you're saying you don't want it?" I asked him.
"I-I-I-of course I want it, Nora. You have no idea how much you're making me happy but I can't be selfish. I can't be happy while you're miserable."
"I'm going to be miserable either way. I won't completely be happy with Patch while you suffer. You have to realize this is what I want too. Maybe, maybe if I told Patch it's not going to be the same as other people, he might understand."
He shook his head again. "No. He will never forgive me or you. He'll-"
But before he could continue, I pressed my lips against his. His lips were surprisingly soft and extremely warm. They didn't have the same electricity as whenever I kissed Patch but they comforted my soul, insisting Seth will always be there no matter what happens. It made me want more as my fingers brushed his hair. I closed my eyes and let his tongue roam the inside of my mouth.
I snapped my eyes open when I felt the air buzz with electricity. I pushed him away and stared calmly back at him. He must have sensed it too. After a few seconds, Bella stepped from behind a tree.
"We are ready, Nora," she said, her eyes traveling from Seth then to me then to Seth again. I wonder if she knows what just happened.
I nodded and stood up. "Thanks, Bella."
She stared at us again for a second longer before turning back and disappearing to where she just entered. I turned to Seth who had stood up as well.
"Not a word, do you understand?" I told him firmly, putting a finger up. "Don't even think about what just happened or what my plan is."
"I understand," he grinned. "It'll be our little secret."
I rolled my eyes at how he said "little secret". "I can't do anything about your memories. I guess we'll just have to hope the Volturi's mind reader doesn't touch you."
"Yeah that's likely."
We returned to the house. The others were already gathered out in the garage, waiting for us. I knew Patch's eyes were already on me even before I could see him. When they met mine, a questioning eyebrow went up but I looked away.
"Here, take these," Edward said as soon as I got near. He handed me a manila envelope. Patch was already behind me, blocking Seth from me.
"What's this?" I asked.
"Passports, courtesy of some of our friends," he replied as I opened the envelope and slid out the small booklet.
"You are Joanna Millar and he is Peter Angel," he explained as he nodded towards Patch, pronouncing "Peter's" last name with an "h". "You are a couple of college kids, on your spring break with us."
"Is that some kind of joke?" I asked him, disgusted I had to carry Hank's last name.
"Suck it up, buttercup. That'll have to do," Leah said, examining her own passport. "Ugh, there's gotta be something better than Walters. I mean, Abby Walters?"
"Suck it up, Abby," I smirked. She only scowled and pocketed her passport.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Paul asked, looking around excitedly. "Let's kick some Volturi ass!"
Merry Christmas everyone. :)