Lunar Ascension
Chapter 19: Luciano
Disclaimer: All things in the Twilight universe belong to Stephenie Meyer and her publishers. The song and lyrics belong to the band and their representatives. Any other copyrighted material included in this story belongs to their rightful owners. Cheers ma dears! Rated M
The things we laid do not amount to much
Made up of thought-balloons and cotton swabs
When present tense gets strangled in the woes
Made of our future foe scenarios
Future Foe Scenarios by Silversun Pickups
I woke up feeling a little groggy. My head was thick and my body felt oddly lethargic; it told me all I needed to know about the time.
It was still early. Stupid O'clock, I was sure.
After staying up so late, my body had still sung out its alarm and I felt as though I had sand being thrown in my eyes. For a moment, I was envious of Travis and his ability to just sleep hard and long, but I would never have begrudged him that. He looked peaceful in his sleep. It was actually laughable that I'd avoided looking at him that first night.
I moved without disturbing him and wandered into the shower, stripping before I stood under the hot water and let it beat against my skin. My hands traveled over my belly in wonder at what was growing inside of me. Unfortunately, though, my mind didn't linger on this small miracle. Instead it drifted over the day's tasks. While surrounded with the hot water, I finally let myself think about what I was about to do.
It wasn't that I was worried about seeing Zach; I still loved him in some odd, platonic kind of way. He meant something to me. He was someone that had changed my life and had impossibly made it better, but it was nowhere near how I felt about Travis. It made it easier to see what Sam had gone through, and how he felt about me now. There was love, but it was closer to sibling love, someone that you still felt connected to without the passion and lust.
There was no way I could ever explain it to him in those terms. I knew for a fact how I would have reacted if I'd heard that after it had all happened. It was like a demotion, going from the sole focus of someone's life to being an interloper. It wasn't flattering and it wasn't easy to swallow.
When I finally got out of the shower and wrapped one of the fluffy towels around myself, I tried to not think about what Zach wanted to talk to me about. I was hoping that he and his girlfriend were happy, that he was going to let me down easy and explain he'd fallen in love with someone else. It would sure make my life easier. That was the best case scenario, and I just didn't want to think about any other reasons, so I didn't.
I went to hunt and gather food the moment I was dressed. My belly was screaming at me for sustenance, and I needed the distraction from the sudden surge of dread that filled my consciousness. As far as mornings went, this one was shaping up to be a huge pain in the ass.
"Morning, sunshine," Jasper called out from the living room, the moment my bare feet touched the solid ground. He was probably the Cullen I spoke to least, but it wasn't intentional. He pretty much kept to himself.
"Hey, Jasper, what are you doing lurking in the shadows?" I asked, leaning against the wall that divided the two rooms.
"Lurking?" he asked, amused. "I can see how it would seem that way, but I'm waitin' on Alice. We're heading up into the mountains so she can try and feel out what's goin' on. She was feelin' a little dread-like herself this mornin'."
"You thinking it's just residual tension?"
"Honey, I don't know what to think. The emotions in this house are like ridin' a seesaw at times."
"Up and down?"
He smiled and inclined his head. "Not that there's anythin' wrong with that, but it can be quite disorientating. Last night was the first time everyone was on the same wavelength since the mess in the forest."
"I'm ready," Alice said, dancing into the room, looking even smaller in the ballet flats she was wearing. "Morning, Leah," she sang to me, then at my belly she said: "Morning, baby."
"Hey, Alice," I grinned, patting my stomach. "You two be careful up there. I have to run down to La Push to get Zach, but I have my phone if you need me, or if you find anything."
"Will do," she sighed, inclining her head toward the door. Jasper immediately got up and was at her side, his hand in hers as he leaned into her like she was his very own magnet. "Esme went shopping last night if you're hungry. She's already turned into a mother hen, you'll probably find something in the fridge that she whipped up last night."
"Thanks, guys. I'll see you later."
"Yes, you will," Alice sighed, rubbing her brow. "My future has gone all fuzzy."
Before I could say anything more, the two of them were gone, the door's click echoing through the house as they pulled it closed behind them.
Alice hadn't been kidding about Esme shopping and cooking. By the looks of the refrigerator that looked well within the zone of busting at its seams, there were dishes for every meal as well as loose ingredients. I wasn't sure where she'd found all of this. Forks was a small town; the grocery store was not open twenty-four hours like they were in Seattle.
I dug around for a while and actually found some fruit-filled crepes, with sugar sprinkled over the small rolls and there was also hand whipped cream in a bowl next to it. As I loaded up my hands, I pushed the refrigerator closed, only to scream and let the dishes topple from my arms. Thankfully, Esme was quick and stopped them hitting the ground.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I was just going to make my presence known when you closed the door."
"I should have sensed you," I almost panted in my panic. "Jasper caught me off guard this morning, too."
"You're acclimating with us, sweetheart. Jacob went through the same thing. You'll still feel the others and react to them though. Carlisle thinks that our diet gives us a less . . . pungent smell to shifters, but the others have a more . . ."
"It's okay, Esme. I understand. It makes sense, I guess."
"How are you feeling this morning?" she asked in her gentle manner, putting the plates she caught mid drop on the counter in front of her and pulling open the refrigerator again. "Orange juice?"
"Yes, please, and I'm feeling good," I grinned. "How did you do all of this?"
"Rose and I went to Port Angeles. They have a grocery store that's open all night. We discovered it when Renesmee started eating human food, oh and we also bought the dogs some bones. That was a request from Emmett. I hid them so Travis could decide whether or not he allows them to have them."
"Busy night for you guys then?" I chortled.
"It's well past due. We've been so preoccupied we haven't been taking care of you properly."
"Don't be silly, Esme. You don't eat. We're capable enough to shop for ourselves."
The look she gave me told me that she was more than happy to accommodate us. I imagined that between her and Bella they could feed an army on the fly. While I drank my orange juice she flitted around me in small bursts of speed, until she had a tray put together with a copy of the Seattle Times sat neatly on the edge. I wasn't even going to ask where she'd got that from.
"Thanks, Esme. You really didn't need to do that, I could have . . ." She silenced me with a smile and handed me the tray.
Travis and I sat in a companionable silence as we ate. He devoured a huge stack of food while I picked at it nervously. I would have loved to attribute my lack of appetite to having to be alone with Zach, but it had nothing to do with that. There was something more, something that seemed to be lingering on the edge of my consciousness. Something wasn't quite right.
"Why aren't you eating? I thought your metabolism was through the roof? Come to think of it, why are you so quiet?" Travis asked, pushing the tray to the end of the bed before he kissed me with enough strength to push me on my back while he hovered over me.
"Just thinking." I smiled up at him, my hands wrapping around his forearms as they supported his weight.
"That's dangerous."
"It definitely has the potential to be."
"Are you worried about picking Zach up? I can do it if you are," he said with an edge of protectiveness to his tone. I had no idea why, but when he got all masculine on me, it made my belly tangle with flutters of excitement.
"It's not a big deal. It's a fifteen minute car ride."
"Then what's with the lip biting?"
He knew me so well. He'd picked up on habits I hadn't even noticed. Until he'd said it, I hadn't even noticed my lip between my teeth.
"Alice and Jasper went out this morning to see if they could find anything. I can't get rid of the feeling of dread. Something doesn't feel quite right."
"Is that normal?" he asked, rolling to the side and propping his head up with his hand.
"Normal for what?"
"Wolves? Pregnancy? Shifters living amongst vampires? Take your pick."
"Not the vampires, well, not the Cullen's anyway. They have the ability to sneak up on me now. Esme says I've acclimated to them. Pregnancy, I don't have a clue. I've never done this before, and wolves . . . I only felt this once and it didn't turn out well."
"Then stay here, or take one of the Cullens with you."
"I'm not going to freak out every time I feel off. Especially not with everything going on. There's too much tension. It seems like everyone has a feeling of some kind. Even Jasper said that this morning."
"I don't like it."
I smiled and stoked his cheek with my palm, memorizing the feel of his stubble against my skin.
"It's fine," I smiled, eyeing the clock on the night stand. "But I have to go, and you need to shower."
"I still don't like it."
I laughed and leaned in to kiss him, humming as his lips pressed against mine. I understood that he wasn't comfortable. I couldn't say I was the picture of ease either, but at the same time I felt as though I had to do this. With my dread there was a nagging at the edge of my consciousness. I felt as though something was calling me. I wasn't sure how to explain it, or what it meant, but I was inclined to follow it.
I was beginning to think that some of my traits as a wolf were coming through to my human side to protect me. Either way, I'd soon find out what the hell was going on.
"I love you," I whispered.
"And I love you," he responded.
We moved together, him rolling from the bed and padding toward the bathroom, and me sitting up and grabbing my keys from the jeans I'd been wearing the night before. After blowing him a kiss, I took off, making my way to the Jeep.
I hated to admit it, but the feeling didn't ease with the miles I put between myself and the Cullens. If anything, it was stronger. Each passing mile made the dread fill my head a little more. I was only a mile out from the treaty line when it became so unbearable I had to pull over to puke.
I was stood with both hands pressed against the side of the Jeep, my head bowed and my legs pushed far enough away to avoid getting any crap on my jeans. I'd thought that I was through yacking but of course another wave rolled over me just as I saw the feet step steadily from the tree line, the cloak billowing around the them as they came to a stop.
"Son of a bitch," I grumbled and let my hands dart over the door to find the handle. It wasn't going to help but at least with my foot on the gas I would feel as though I were doing something.
'Please, do not panic. I am not here to harm you in any way.' A voice said directly into my mind, making the nausea roll over me like a full body cramp.
"Bullshit. You're already hurting me with your Jedi mind tricks, asshole."
"I apologize," he said aloud, and I couldn't help the breath of relief that spilled from me. I found I was actually able to stand upright. "I have been sent with a message."
I glanced at him and shuddered as his red eyes held me in their gaze. He was tall and dark haired with regal features that placed him well before this century. The cloak he wore was a tell-tale sign of who he was associated with.
"You're Volturi. Why the hell would you have a message for me?"
"I cannot disclose that information, but you were chosen to deliver the message to the one they call Carlisle."
"You people ever heard of a phone?" I snapped. I wasn't sure why I felt so at ease, but I imagined it was something to do with his little talent.
"There are too many ears listening. I'm afraid I will have to give you the message silently. I will hold back and make it easier on you to stop the sickness."
"Is that necessary?"
He inclined his head. With a sigh I swept my hand through the air in a gesture to go ahead.
'I must start by telling you to turn around and go back to your home. Your visitor was abducted close to the southern border of the Olympic National Forest. We have a group of gifted vampires that are able to counter your psychic and empath, they believe him to be your mate and wish to use him to lure you to them. You must not be caught alone away from the guardians. They will start a war that cannot be won. The message you must give to Carlisle is from Marcus. Tell him: La rivolta comincia in sei ore. La vostra parola è il vostro onore.Il tempo è ora. Do you understand?'
"Zach."
"No. You must remember this message."
"My mate's brother is being held hostage by blood-thirsty fiends and you want me to remember a fucking message?" I screamed, my hands clawing at my side as the wolf roared inside of me.
"They will not harm him, she-wolf. You have my word and my honor on that. Once you deliver the message the rest will be explained to you. You know not what is happening. I understand your reaction but you must . . ."
'Go, now. Someone is approaching and I cannot guarantee your safety if I am outnumbered.'
I didn't hesitate. I don't know how I knew to believe him, but I threw open the door and turned the keys. The tail end of the Jeep spun around behind me and fishtailed as I took off, my foot floored on the gas. The Jeep groaned and screamed under the pressure, but I ignored the sound. My desperation was eating at me, I needed to check on Travis and I needed to know what the message meant.
There was only one person that would understand this message that was now seared into my brain. There was only one person that could answer the questions I had about Zach, and that was Carlisle.
The Jeep screamed around the corners as I took them at almost impossible speeds. The back end swung out, sending me drifting around the winding roads. The moment I hit the drive, the dirt flew up behind me in a cloud. I saw Edward and Bella the moment I hit the clearing and I knew Edward could hear something in my thoughts, and raced ahead of me, leaping up the porch and into the house as I slid to a stop, the front bumper inches from the steps.
"Leah?" Bella called from behind me. She had Nessie in her arms, but I barely registered her as I fell out of the car.
"Come. Inside," I panted, hoping she understood that I couldn't articulate much more than that.
She nodded once, and held Nessie impossibly close to her as she pushed past the Jeep and followed me up the stairs and into the chaos in the living room. Carlisle looked haunted, Edward looked concerned, everyone else simply looked perplexed.
It took a second to hear where Travis was. His footsteps fell heavy on the stairs as he stumbled down them as quickly as he could. The only people missing were Alice and Jasper and I didn't have time to wait.
"They're here," I cried hysterically, holding my hand out for Travis, who bypassed it in favor of wrapping his arms around my vibrating body. "And they have Zach. They've been hiding behind a gift that makes Alice and Jasper's gifts useless. They were lying in wait in the forest. I was approached by one of them."
"Edward?" Carlisle asked.
"Luciano, Marcus' private guard. What was the message, Leah?"
All heads turned to me as I tried to wrap my lips around the words in my head. I looked to Edward, begging for his help, I needed this as accurate as possible.
"La rivolta comincia in sei ore. La vostra parola è il vostro onore. Il tempo è ora," Edward said, as fluently as the vampire that had spoken them right into my head.
The moment the words were out in the open, Carlisle sat down on the couch, hard. If he hadn't been as pale as he was, I could imagine the blood draining out of his face. Whatever this was, it was big.
"Carlisle?" Edward asked, obviously seeing something in his mind.
"What does it mean?" I asked, annoyed at the silence. Just because most of them spoke twenty languages, didn't mean I could.
"The uprising begins in six hours. Your word is your honor. The time is now," Bella said quietly.
"What uprising? What is this about?"
Carlisle shifted uncomfortably, but seemed to regain access to his faculties. He looked around the room. All eyes were on him.
"When I first met the Volturi all those years ago, we were friends. I was probably closest to Marcus. He'd just lost his mate, and was devastated, but he took me under his wing. While I was there, he discovered that Aro had been the one to kill his beloved Didyme. He was enraged, but he knew that Aro had too many that were loyal to him to win a fight. When I left, he pulled me aside and asked if I would stand by him when the time came. I agreed, I was appalled that Aro would kill his biological sister to keep Marcus with him.
"Marcus told me he would send word with his most trusted servant when the time came. That he would wait for centuries, should he have to, in order to rid the world of the atrocity that was Aro. I believed that he'd made peace with his brother, that he'd forgiven him, but this message . . . After the challenge in the clearing - it must have been three months later - Luciano approached me. He said that should the time come it would resemble the last meeting we'd had, and that we should trust them."
"What the fuck does that mean?" I asked, not caring about the politics of vampires that were as old as dirt. All I cared about was getting Zach back and killing the bastards that had taken him.
"Aro will approach us with the Volturi at his back, but Marcus and the others will turn against him. It will be Aro and his most loyal followers. The rest will be behind Marcus and Caius."
"So if we meet head to head again . . ."
"Aro will be once again in the center as ringmaster, but the others will be siding with us," Carlisle finished for me.
"What's that got to do with Zach? Why did they pick me as messenger? Why now?"
"All I can deduce is that Aro has gone too far in bringing a human in as leverage. It's given Marcus the opportunity to question his ethics and sanity, enough to turn the others against him. They believe themselves to be just rulers, and Aro's greed has given them the opportunity they needed. As for why they picked you. I believe that they understand your hatred. They know that the human is not your mate but you have a tie to him. You're the only one that would have listened."
"So you think Aro believes that Zach is Travis, but the others know the truth?" Edward asked.
"Marcus is smarter than Aro. How do you think he's hidden this plot all these years while touching Aro to give him feedback?"
"Marcus has more talents than Aro knows about," Elezear said, joining the group from the sliding door by the river. "He has a shield that he's able to manipulate around certain thoughts. It's not powerful, but it's enough to keep the secrets he holds close to his heart."
"Where the hell have you been?" Edward asked, turning to face him. "You've been gone for weeks."
"We've been rounding up some of those that stood with us the last time. Most are more than willing to make the journey here. Some are very willing to see young Renesmee and her progress. Most will arrive within the hour. They are coming from the north."
"We can't afford to leave anyone behind," Rose said quietly.
"That's not even a possibility," Alice said from the door, her hair disheveled from her run. "They're coming here. Aro decided it."
My heart sank in my chest as my arms tightened around Travis. He was going to be in the middle of this, and there was nothing I could do to protect him.
A/N: Aro is still a crazy old coot! No surprise there. Poor Leah is even more worried now they've decided to come. She feels useless knowing that she can't fight or protect her imprint with her wolf. All of them are in danger of what's coming and there will definitely be some strategy coming into play!
Thank you all for reading, as well as adding to your favorite, alerts and reviewing. You guys are amazing and I have no way to thank you for sticking with me like you have. I am trying to keep up with RR's, but as always FFn is being difficult and only allows me to do some and not others. I'm sorry if you were in the non reply group! Just know that I have read them and I love you for it. I know that leaves you without teases, and I apologize for that!
Thank you also to Sabi'sSookie, and Hev99, for being such amazing friends. You two seriously keep my head screwed on straight when I go a little loopy and i love you more than you could possibly know. PinkIndeed... Thank you for being an amazing pre-reader and for making me laugh with your misadventures. You're awesome!
MWAH!
In time of war, when truth is so precious, it must be attended by a bodyguard of lies.
WINSTON CHURCHILL