Chapter 2
The city of Reims bustled with music and bright lights the next night as tourists and residents celebrated the annual wine and food tasting festival. Gavin landed the stealth jet he piloted for the Cullens and Denalis on the northern outskirts of the city while Alexander landed a jet south of the city. Roman and Iris handed everyone leather jackets to which Zach frowned in confusion.
"I am already wearing one," said Zach and Edward chuckled.
"Not like this, these are specially made for missions like this," informed Edward and Roman nodded as he zipped his up.
"The hood is wired and ready so that you can communicate with all of us. There is a small camera on the zipper and as long as you are wearing this jacket, we will be able to keep track of you," explained Roman. Jasper pointed to the screen at the front of the jet as Gavin uploaded a map of the city.
"The festival tonight is perfect coverage for a bank robbery. We think she will strike during the parade. It will start at the cathedral in the town square, make its way throughout the city, pass the bank, and end back at the cathedral. It starts in fifteen minutes," informed Jasper.
"How long will it last," asked Garrett.
"An hour," replied Jasper.
"Which means for an hour, there will be too many people in the city for any type of law enforcement to get in quickly if alerted about a bank robbery," added Benjamin.
"We also have to worry about exposure during the event. There will be people everywhere," said Keegan.
"But that is a setback for the vampire as well, as far as we know, she still understands the rules of our world. I do not believe she is bold enough to break them now and blatantly expose her powers to humans," informed Iris. Roman put on the hood of his jacket.
"Alexander, can you hear us," called Roman into the hood.
"Loud and clear, have Gavin connect us on the screen," instructed Alexander and Gavin immediately got to work. A video feed of Alexander appeared on the screen as he addressed everyone in the jet.
"We have jets positioned east and west of the city and guards ready to descend. Since all of us do not have the same power as Allie, the goal is to stop any vampire that we come across. We must be discrete in this operation. While it is night, it is also a very busy time for humans and they will be all throughout the city. Everyone should break up into groups. Try to blend in as much as possible and head toward the bank. If you see her, press the button on the right sleeve of your jacket. It will alert everyone to head your way. Watch each other's backs and stay safe. Do not underestimate this vampire. She is extremely dangerous. See you soon," stated Alexander before cutting the feed and Tanya walked over to Carlisle.
"How should we split up the teams," she asked and Roman approached them.
"If it is alright, I would like to be with Nahuel and Kaya. Iris will stay here to protect Leonardo. Gavin will run surveillance on us and the humans from inside the jet and be able to get into any systems online that we need," explained Roman and Carlisle smiled at him.
"Of course, you, Nahuel, Renesmee, Kaya, and Seth will be together. I will let the others decide how they want to team up," informed Carlisle and Rosalie glanced over at Edward and Alice. Edward nodded in agreement with her thoughts.
"Zach, Allie, and Josh should stay with Rosalie, Emmett, Jacob, and Leah. I will be with Bella, Alice, Jasper, Carlisle, and Esme," announced Edward. Tanya slipped her hand into Benjamin's as she looked around at her family.
"Kate and Garrett are with us. Zafrina, Keegan, Carmen, and Eleazar, make sure you stay close. I don't want any of us to be too far away from each other if we come across this woman," instructed Tanya.
"Keep your phones close just in case there is interference with the communication feed in the jackets. Let's head out and remember, no one can be exposed. That means no phasing, no super speed unless you know there are no human eyes around to detect you, and no avalanches," said Jasper as he grinned at his nephew and Zach rolled his eyes.
"Very funny, Uncle Jasper, we get it. No supernatural stuff in front of the humans," agreed Zach. Rosalie glanced at Leah.
"I don't like that you, Jake, and Josh will not be able to phase. That makes you vulnerable," warned Rosalie and Leah winked at her.
"We will stay close, but it isn't like any of us are going to be able to use our abilities around the crowd anyways," assured Leah.
"Let's try to apprehend this woman as quickly and quietly as possible. Everyone be smart and stay safe," instructed Carlisle as Gavin opened the jet door. Eleazar eyed Leonardo curiously as the guard and Iris exited the jet. Edward chuckled at Eleazar's silent question.
"Yes, his power is quite impressive. It is almost like a selective force field, much different from Zach's," informed Edward as Leonardo sat on the ground beside the jet. He crossed his legs underneath him and rubbed his hands together as Iris ran a hand through his hair. Leonardo smiled up at her and Roman rolled his eyes at their interaction.
"Don't worry. I will make sure no one comes close to you. Focus all your energy on making sure this vampire doesn't leave the city," said Iris.
"I will. The jets above are making sure she doesn't leave by air and I will make sure she can't escape down a street. You know how to snap me out of it if you need me. Be careful," he said before tenderly kissing her.
"What am I missing," asked Nahuel and Renesmee giggled at her mate.
"I think most of us are confused. Care to let us in on the secret, daddy," asked Renesmee and Edward winked at his daughter.
"Just watch," whispered Edward. Leonardo placed his hands palms down on the ground and slid his fingers into the dirt. His eyes closed as fog seeped from his hands and slithered along the ground. It billowed up and around the city, creating a ring of fog and mist around Reims. Eleazar's eyes widened and Roman chuckled.
"I was pretty amazed the first time I saw it too. The fog acts as a barrier, but what really is impressive is how selective he can be," said Roman.
"Right now, he is only focused on vampires, so any human that walks toward the fog will be able to pass through it. Any vampire that tries, will not be able to escape it, he will act as a shield and contain the threat to the city," added Iris.
"It must take great focus," said Eleazar as Leonardo remained stoic.
"That is why I will stay behind to protect him from anyone that tries to come near him," said Iris.
"I knew the Volturi were holding out on us. That is a fascinating ability," said Garrett and Roman smiled slyly.
"When your job is to protect the vampire world, you can never have too many resources. It is almost time. We should head toward the city. Nahuel, Kaya, stay by me," instructed Roman.
"Don't worry so much, Roman. You don't have to protect us. We can handle ourselves. Besides, the Volturi aren't the only vampires with talents," assured Nahuel. Renesmee touched Roman's neck and showed him pictures of their previous battles. Roman blinked several times and bowed his head to her.
"Of course, Renesmee, your power is quite impressive," complimented Roman. Bella hugged her daughter.
"Before you complain, yes I know you can take care of yourself, but stay close. I want your father to be able to hear you, no matter where we are in the city," said Bella and Renesmee hugged her parents.
"Okay, mom, we will stay within a couple of blocks of you," agreed Renesmee. Rosalie kissed Seth's cheek.
"You are more vulnerable in human form, so don't do anything crazy, Seth. Do you understand me," asked Rosalie and he hugged her.
"I know, Rose. We will be fine," he assured. Carlisle and Tanya led the group toward the city. The music grew louder as they made it into the square. The smell of wine, breads, and cheeses swirled in the air and people filled the streets. The group dispersed into their smaller teams and Zach slipped his hand into Allie's as they walked down a narrow road along the parade path. She surveyed the area and Zach could sense her anxiousness.
"What is it," he asked and she shook her head as she looked around.
"Something doesn't seem right. Even if she likes to work within crowds, it would be easy to spot her. She would have to carry out bags to hold the money."
"The bank is at the end of the street. We are almost there," assured Zach.
"No, this is too easy. I am missing something," she said as she let out a growl of frustration.
"Allie, calm down," whispered Zach and Josh nudged her.
"We are going to get her, Al," assured Josh, but Allie ignored them. She put on the hood of her jacket.
"Gavin, can you hear me," she asked.
"What's up, Allie?"
"Are there any aircrafts in the vicinity?"
"No, we already secured the airspace. No one is leaving by air and Leonardo has blocked the escape routes out of the city," answered Gavin.
"Not by air, not by street….underground, she could go underground…Gavin, I need information on…."
"Sewer systems and tunnels, on it, just give me a second," said Gavin. Rosalie turned to Allie.
"What are you thinking," asked Rosalie and Allie scanned over the area once more.
"The streets are too narrow and this city isn't as open as Rome or the other places she robbed. What if she isn't going through the crowd," questioned Allie. Suddenly, a beeping followed by the high-pitched ringing of an alarm could be heard in the distance. It was too low for the humans to detect, but the vampires and wolves heard it with ease.
"The bank is under siege. Everyone head that way," ordered Alexander, but Allie did not move as the others ran at a human pace down the street. Zach stopped and waited for his mate.
"Allie, come on," he urged, but she ignored him.
"Come on, Gavin, we are running out of time," she growled.
"Caves, there are wine caves, cellars, Reims is known for them. One wraps around the bank and heads west. You are two blocks from an entrance. There will be humans inside."
"It is the perfect escape route, she is heading that way," shouted Allie as she ran at human speed down a narrow street heading west.
"Allie," called Zach as he and Josh ran after her. She could see the entrance for a winery and slowed her pace as a swarm of humans marched her way. The parade was underway and she managed to make her way across the street just as the crowd consumed it.
"Allie, wait," called Zach as she stepped toward the entrance. The sea of bodies marching along the parade route separated them, him and Josh on one side, her on the other.
"We are going to lose her if I don't go now. I will be careful," she assured before disappearing into the building and it took everything within Zach not to leap over the crowd of people to go after her. Josh grabbed his arm, sensing his urge to use his powers.
"Don't, Z, there are too many people. Come on, let's head through the crowd. Maybe we can catch up with her," he suggested and Zach gritted his teeth in anger, but followed his friend into the crowd of people dancing throughout the street.
The building connected to a series of tunnels leading down to the caves. The once natural formations were turned into wine cellars and filled with bottles of wine and champagne. The only illumination in the caves was candlelight and Allie closed her eyes to let her other senses take over. There were only a few tourists underground and she could hear the pitter patter of feet racing her way. She looked around to make sure no humans were around before darting toward the sound, but cursed under her breath when she lost it down another tunnel, which led to a door. She quickly ran toward it and was surprised to see that it led back up to the streets. Her eyes were trained on the crowd of humans as she made her way out of the caves and back into the square.
"There you are," called Zach behind her and she smiled at her mate when she saw him in a darkened street beside the main route of the parade. She jogged over to him at a human pace.
"I could have sworn I had her. She was down there. I just know it."
"Maybe next time," he said and she smirked.
"There isn't going to be a next time. She isn't getting out of this city."
"Right, well, I am going to find the others. Stay here. I will be right back," said Zach and she leaned in to kiss him, but he backed away and headed in the opposite direction of the square. She frowned in confusion as she eyed him.
"Where is Josh," she questioned and he slowed to a stop. He smiled as he turned around to face her.
"Probably just got caught up in the crowd, I will be right back." He turned back around and she noticed the way he walked, the way his hips swished more than usual.
"Hey Zach," she called and he sighed as he spun around with a chuckle.
"Yea," he asked. She slowly walked closer to him as she tried to take in his scent, but the smell was unfamiliar to her.
"One more question, what is my name?" Zach's smile slowly faded and he sighed as he shook his head.
"You just had to be perceptive," he whispered before starting to circle her and Allie smirked.
"You almost had me you know? It wasn't even the scent at first. You don't act like my mate. He never leaves without kissing me."
"Well, you aren't exactly my type. How did you know I would be in the caves?"
"How did you know to turn into my mate if you don't even know who I am?"
"I saw you coming from literally a mile away. I knew the Volturi would come for me eventually. Aro would have it no other way. I saw you from the roof of the bank, you and your group. You weren't exactly stealthy. I didn't expect to see you in the caves though."
"I figured you couldn't get out of the city through the crowd this time, not with all of us here. You would choose another route." The vampire smirked and morphed again, this time into a replica of Allie. She smiled at Allie as they continued to circle each other.
"You are smart. I will give you that, but there is no way I am going to let you take me to Aro."
"Aro is dead. Marcus and Didyme are the rulers now."
"Sure they are, at least that's what he wants everyone to believe, but I highly doubt the greatest evil of our kind is truly gone," growled the vampire before hurling a punch toward Allie. She dodged it and pounced with ease, sending the vampire crashing onto the cobblestone ground. Allie was about to strike, but the vampire morphed back into Zach before her eyes.
"Wait, don't," gasped the vampire and Allie hesitated. The vampire kicked her in the midsection, sending Allie backward in a heap. She recovered quickly and flipped to her feet as the vampire ripped a manhole cover off and hurled it in Allie's direction. She was about to catch it, but Zach's force field stopped it in midair. The vampire winked at Allie before jumping into the sewer and Zach wrapped his arms around his mate to stop her from pursuing her.
"Allie, stop! Let her go, we will catch her later," said Zach and Allie squirmed out of his hold on her. She eyed him cautiously and noticed the rest of the family and Denalis making their way through the crowd. Zach took a step toward her, but she stepped back.
"What is wrong with you," he asked and the hurt and rejection on his face let her know it was really him. She sighed in relief and hugged him as she took in his scent.
"It is really you," she said and he nodded as he kissed her forehead.
"Yea, it is. What just happened," he asked as the rest of his family joined them in the darkened road and Allie gritted her teeth.
"She's gone and now she knows we are tracking her," grumbled Allie. The rest of the family glanced at each other knowing that the encounter with the vampire left Allie shaken.
Hours later, Allie gulped as she followed Zach into their bedroom in the villa on Isola Marcime. He tossed his leather jacket on the sofa and started to undress.
"I need a shower before I go talk with Marcus about this," he grumbled and took off his boots.
"Want company," she asked as she slipped her hand into his, but he pulled away from her.
"No, I need to focus right now," he mumbled and headed toward the bathroom as he peeled off his shirt.
"Wait, are you mad at me," she asked and he huffed.
"Wow, you just now caught that? I thought your analytical side would have kicked in earlier." He opened the door to the bathroom, but she stepped in front of him.
"Hey, talk to me. What did I do?"
"Really," he asked in disbelief as he crossed his arms.
"Yea, really, I don't understand why I am being attacked? I got my ass handed to me tonight. The least you can do is comfort me!"
"You wouldn't have gotten your ass handed to you if you wouldn't have run off! Allie, what is wrong with you? It is like you are obsessed with this vampire!"
"I am trying to stop a threat! This vampire is dangerous, Zach."
"Exactly, it is dangerous, but that didn't stop you from chasing after it like you are indestructible or something."
"I thought I had it covered."
"Yea, you were arrogant enough to think that your power was enough to go in blind, but guess what, Allie? You aren't invincible! I am worried about you," he confessed and she scoffed.
"I was trying to do the right thing!"
"Right, just like you were trying to do the right thing when you tracked down Callista and got into a fight with her. You are letting your abilities cloud your judgment."
"That isn't true! My abilities…."
"I can see it in your eyes! You are so obsessed with taking this thing on that you are willing to put yourself at risk. Just because you are a newborn doesn't mean you can't get hurt. Maybe this was a mistake. I know our family wants to help the Volturi, but I think we have done enough. We should leave and let them handle it from here."
"No way, Zach, they need our help to stop her and…."
"This isn't how I imagined spending our vacation in Italy! I figured we would hunt, enjoy the sights, and start planning our wedding, not go around trying to hunt down vampires on Most Wanted lists."
"We have our entire lives to do all of that," she argued and he shook his head sadly.
"Have you even thought about our wedding," he asked as he gazed into her eyes and she growled in frustration.
"Why are you in such a rush for that? We are mates. A ceremony isn't going to change that."
"That ceremony is important to me and it should be important to you. Maybe this is my fault though. I let us get too comfortable with the progression of our relationship," he muttered and she flinched at the words.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means that I am still an old fashioned guy, Allie. I believe in marriage and vowing our lives to each other. I believe you should do that before getting too physical, but I figured since we were mates and engaged it would be okay. Now, you are acting as if you don't even want to be my wife."
"How can you even say that? So now you regret making love to me," she asked as she stepped back from him and he shook his head.
"No, I will never regret that, but I do want to make love to my wife too."
"So making love to your mate is not enough for you? Making love to the woman that became a vampire for you isn't enough? I am all in, Zach. I always have been, so don't you dare question that now because I want to save the world from someone that can destroy it!"
"You are all in," he asked and she nodded.
"Of course I am."
"Then set a date," he challenged. Before she could respond, Josh entered the room and smiled apologetically.
"Sorry to interrupt, but you guys need to see this. Everyone is at the mansion," informed Josh and Zach nodded as he put his shirt back on. Allie reached out to him.
"Zach…."
"You are getting what you want. Our plans are postponed, we have to go save the world," he grumbled before exiting the room and Josh smiled sympathetically at her as she followed him out of the villa.
Alexander shook his head in disbelief as he watched the television in the living room of the mansion with the rest of the family. Zach could sense the tension as he entered the room and saw his Aunt Alice whispering with his Uncle Jasper. Rosalie walked over to her son and hugged him.
"Hey, you okay," she asked and he shrugged.
"Not really, but Josh said something has happened," said Zach as Allie and Josh joined them in the living room. Alexander pointed to the television.
"There have been two more security breaches at bases holding nuclear warheads, one in Russia and one in North Korea. The media doesn't know the full extent, but Gavin does. She accessed their nuclear codes," informed Alexander.
"But when, she couldn't have had time to get from Reims to Russia and North Korea already," asked Kate and Alice groaned as she rubbed her temples.
"I wish I could see her. I hate this," whined Alice and Jasper hugged his mate to comfort her. Edward surveyed the thoughts of his family members and slowly nodded.
"This isn't the ideal situation with Alice being blind, but we have to act now before it is too late. We don't know what she is going to do with the information she has access to. All we can go by is her movements. This vampire has accessed nuclear warhead codes from the United States, Russia, and North Korea. We have to stop her," said Edward and Zach begrudgingly nodded.
"If we are going to do it, we should do it soon, but not tonight. Josh needs sleep and I am sure we could all use some time to regroup. I'll do whatever you need me to do, I just want this over with," mumbled Zach before leaving the room and Allie sighed.
"I will go talk to him," she said, but Josh shook his head.
"Give him a little space to clear his head," suggested Josh and she slowly nodded.
"Yea, I think I need that too. Excuse me," she said before darting outside. She climbed onto a boulder at the edge of the beach and stared out at the moonlit water as Rosalie made her way over to her.
"What is going on with you and Zach? I have never seen him so disappointed to do a mission like this."
"I love your son, but I don't understand him right now. How dare he question my love for him! He thinks I am letting the power go to my head, but I am not….am I," she questioned.
"Allie, even before you met Zach, you wanted to be a doctor, which means you wanted to help people. You have always wanted to make a difference, so I don't blame you for wanting to help now."
"Why do I feel like there is a 'but' somewhere in there?" Rosalie giggled.
"But, you are also a newborn that is being challenged and you want to beat the person challenging you. I don't blame you for letting the power go to your head a bit. You went from being a vulnerable human to someone that can beat Lena and Kate."
"Right, I can, so why should I be ashamed of that?"
"You shouldn't. In fact, you should embrace it. Come on, let's get out some of that aggression. Take me on," challenged Rosalie and Allie's eyes widened.
"No way, I won't fight you, Rose."
"Why not, you think you can beat me that easily?"
"No, it is just that I think of you as a second mother to me now and I don't want to hurt you," confessed Allie. Rosalie gave a coy smile as she started circling her.
"That is sweet, but you won't hurt me. Come on, let's go, you and me," taunted Rosalie and Allie made it to her feet.
"Are you sure about this," asked Allie and Rosalie smirked.
"What's the matter, scared of little ole' me?"
"Actually, yes," admitted Allie and Rosalie laughed.
"Then maybe you aren't as arrogant as Zach thinks you are." Rosalie waited for Allie to lunge forward and sidestepped her. She grabbed Allie's hair as she did and used it to pull the newborn down before placing her knee in her back. Allie winced and Rosalie let go before standing up. She held her hand out to Allie and Allie sighed as she grasped it.
"Ouch, that actually hurt," pouted Allie and Rosalie nodded.
"Sorry, but I had to prove a point. You can still feel pain, Allie, and just because you are a newborn doesn't mean you can't be defeated. I get it. You beat Lena, Kate, and Jasper and those are great feats, but when it comes to life or death situations, all it takes is one mistake, one miscalculation, and you are dead. I am happy you think of me like a mother now because I think of you like a daughter. Don't let that power blind you. We can live forever, but that doesn't mean we can't be killed. What you did tonight was careless and Zach is upset because you could have gotten killed."
"You are right. I got cocky. I am sorry," she admitted as she hugged Rosalie.
"It is understandable. Just don't let it happen again. We are a family. You don't stray from family because you have a hunch, especially in such a dangerous situation. Do it again and I won't hold back next time," warned Rosalie and Allie's eyes widened.
"That was you holding back?" Rosalie's tinkling laughter echoed around them.
"In the words of my mate, you are a badass newborn, but I have my ways around some of that." Allie analyzed Rosalie's stance.
"That's not fair. You made sure not to use a specific fighting style and used that against me," accused Allie.
"I have no clue what you are talking about."
"Yes you do because you do it on purpose. You never show your hand when you are fighting someone."
"When I fight, I fight to win. I don't care about how it looks or about a certain technique. I fight to survive. I fight to come back to my family, to Em and Zach and Seth. I do whatever I need to do in the moment because when it is life or death, there are no rules."
"I will keep that in mind. You know Rose, you have always been difficult for me to analyze. You have your mannerisms, but you are selective about the information you volunteer and how much you let people know about you."
"There was a time when I would flaunter my assets around, but this existence has changed me. I think it is best to leave some things left unsaid unless it is necessary to say them. Now, enough about me, your time is better spent making up with your mate. Go find him," urged Rosalie and Allie kissed her cheek.
"Thanks, Rose, for everything." Rosalie smiled as she watched Allie disappear into the villa she shared with Zach. Emmett wrapped his mate in his arms.
"You are an amazing mother," he informed and she giggled as he kissed her forehead.
Zach's eyes were fixed on the fireplace in the bedroom of the villa when Allie entered. She wasted no time closing the distance between her and her mate and he was surprised when she pulled him into her arms. She captured his lips in a tender kiss and his defenses faltered as he kissed her back. She pulled away with a small smile and leaned her forehead against his.
"You are wrong if you think I want the power or to find this woman more than I want you. It has always been you, Zach, and it always will be. You are the only reason I have all of this and the only reason I want it. I would do anything for you and if you want to go home right now, we will. Never think that I love anything or anyone more than I love you," she explained and a dimpled grin crept onto his lips.
"I am sorry I got so upset. I just kind of lost it when you went after her and I couldn't get to you. It reminded me of a really scary time."
"What time?"
"The time you died in my arms," he confessed and she frowned in confusion.
"What are you talking about? I never…."
"Remember when I told you that Asa showed me our future? Well, she also showed me a path in the present that wasn't real, but could have been if I wasn't careful. On that path, you were killed and it felt real to me, Allie. It is hard to explain how excruciating it was, but for several minutes, I thought you were dead. I felt your heart stop and I wanted to die. I can never lose you again," he confessed and she hugged him tightly.
"I am sorry about tonight. I was stupid for going after her like that. It was just nice for once to feel powerful, to feel worthy of you."
"What," he asked with confusion etched on his face.
"You don't know what it is like to know you are with the most amazing being in the world."
"I don't think I am the most amazing being in the world. Have you met every being in the…."
"You know what I mean, Cullen. You know our future and I know how many times you have saved people. It was nice to think that I could be the one doing the saving this time to prove that I deserve you, that I deserve our eternity together."
"Nayeli, you are everything to me and we deserve to be happy together. I love you."
"I love you too and I promise to never go off on my own like that again. I do want to stop this woman though. It is personal to me now, Zach. She used my love for you to beat me. She morphed into you to mess with my head and it definitely did."
"It is personal for me too. She attacked my mate and we are going to stop her, but we are going to do it together, nayeli."
"Together," she agreed and kissed him passionately. They pulled apart and he smiled as he glanced over at the bed.
"You know, nayeli, I may have been a bit hasty when I said we were moving too fast in our relationship."
"I was hoping you would see it that way," she giggled as she pulled him toward the bed and his dimpled grin was on full display.