Chapter 3
Allie closed her eyes as she basked in the sunlight. The scent of sea water and the breeze swirling around her had a calming effect and she smiled as she glanced down at her sparkling skin. After spending the rest of the night and morning with her mate, she encouraged him to go spend time with Josh while she enjoyed the afternoon on the beach. She noticed one of the Volturi's stealth jets appear above the island and land on the lawn behind the mansion. She frowned in confusion when she saw Marcus and Didyme descend from the jet and darted over to greet them.
"Marcus, Didyme, what are you doing here? I thought you sent Alexander and Lena back here with us because you needed to stay in Volterra. Is everything okay? Zach is playing video games with Josh right now. I can go get him if you need me to. Has something happened? Did the vampire….." Didyme placed a comforting hand on Allie's shoulder and the newborn immediately relaxed under her touch. Her aura washed over Allie, causing her to smile.
"Everything is fine. Marcus and I found something that could be of use and decided to return to the island to show your family. I am sure Alice will alert the others to our arrivals. How are you doing? You had quite the night last night," said Didyme and Allie shrugged.
"I am alright," said Allie, but Marcus and Didyme gave her knowing smiles, which made Allie sigh.
"Okay, so maybe I am a bit tense after last night and embarrassed," admitted Allie.
"Why are you embarrassed? Didyme and I were quite impressed with your skills. We saw the video from the camera on your jacket. You managed to track the vampire down, something that was impossible for our guards to do. You should be proud of your abilities," commended Marcus.
"I am, but I also kind of lost my head there for a bit. A part of me knew I should have waited for Zach, but I just let this woman get to me. She got in my head. I don't like that I let her get into my head." Didyme wrapped a comforting arm around her.
"Allie, you need to give yourself a break. You are a newborn and all of this is new to you. We have encountered many newborns in our existence. Trust me when I say your impulsivity is mild compared to others. You are doing an amazing job keeping your emotions at bay. I know it is harder for you to do than you let on at times," informed Didyme.
"How do you know that?"
"While my ability is to emit my aura and I am certainly not as perceptive as Jasper, I can sense tension in others. It is what helps me regulate how much of my aura I share with people. I am impressed by the amount of control you have. Most newborns couldn't even fathom showing such restraint so early."
"When Carlisle told us how smoothly your transformation progressed, I was skeptical, but you truly are acting like a mature vampire already," assured Marcus.
"I don't feel very mature at the moment. If anything, I feel very tightly wound. It is easier when Zach is by me to remind me to breathe though."
"That isn't a newborn part of you. That is the mate bond. There are still times when it feels unbearable to be without Marcus. We are rarely apart for that reason. Come, it looks like Alice has gathered the rest of the family in the mansion for us. We have something to show you," said Didyme and Allie followed her and Marcus to the living room inside the mansion. Allie hugged her mate as Zach and Josh entered along with Rosalie, Emmett, Leah, Jacob, Seth and Kaya. Renesmee and Nahuel were already waiting on them with Edward, Bella, Jasper, Alice, Carlisle, and Esme. The Denalis were the last to join the group and were curious about the book in Marcus's hand. Alice beamed with happiness as she hugged Didyme and Marcus. Edward glanced down at the leather bounded book.
"So that's it, Aro's journal," said Edward as the rest of the family turned their attention to the book.
"One of many, it seems he felt very highly of himself and enjoyed writing down his thoughts. Personally, I wanted to burn these things once Didyme and I took over, but she insisted on keeping them," replied Marcus and Garrett scoffed.
"Why do you think reading the thoughts of a madman will help us? This vampire is a threat, but I doubt she is anywhere near as insane as Aro was," stated Garrett, but he winced when Didyme looked down.
"Sorry, it is hard to believe he was your brother," apologized Garrett and Didyme waved him off.
"You did not offend me. He most certainly was mad. It is more like the very thought of him saddens me, even to this day, but this isn't about Aro. It is about what he recorded in this journal," explained Didyme as she handed it to Carlisle. She pointed to an entry written toward the end of the book and Carlisle's eyes widened as he read it.
"A chameleon: that is the only way to describe the girl. The power is distinctive and rare. The ability to blend in, to morph and evade with ease is infinitely more valuable to me than most of my dear ones at the moment. We cannot stop until she is found. Every tracker must be deployed, every resource used," read Carlisle.
"This is why the vampire was rambling on about Aro when I encountered her. He hunted her," said Allie and Marcus began to sift through the journal again.
"She was one of the vampires on his radar, one that got away and stayed hidden, like Benjamin," revealed Marcus.
"Even if Aro was speaking about her, how does this help us," asked Zach.
"Allie, you said before that people are creatures of habit and one habit is that everyone needs some sort of home, some location that allows them to put their guard down and you believe hers is somewhere in Italy, correct," questioned Marcus.
"Yes, I still believe that," answered Allie. Marcus pointed to a page and handed it back to Carlisle, who gasped when he read it.
"The chameleon Aro speaks of originated in Genoa," questioned Carlisle.
"Yes and if Allie is right, the city may still mean a great deal to her. She may return," said Marcus. Gavin, Alexander, Lena, Roman, Iris, and Leonardo entered the room and Marcus smiled at his guards.
"Good, you are just in time. Gavin, will you show us the map of activity you created in reference to the vampire," asked Marcus and Gavin quickly uploaded a map on the screen in the living room and zoomed in on Genoa, Italy.
"Based on the parameters I set up after tracking the vampire's activity, it is highly plausible that she is the vampire from Aro's journal. She meets the specs," informed Gavin.
"A chameleon, I suppose that is one way to describe her. Allie, what did you notice about her during your encounter," asked Eleazar and Allie gritted her teeth as she thought about the vampire.
"She is manipulative, but extremely intelligent. She knew that we were tracking her and saw me with Zach. She knew he was my mate and was able to morph into him." Edward shook his head as he read Eleazar's thoughts.
"She isn't that powerful," answered Edward and Eleazar sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness," mumbled Eleazar.
"She seems pretty powerful to me and I haven't even met her, especially if Aro wanted her," said Benjamin, but Eleazar shook his head.
"There are variations to this type of power and one type is called a leech. Leeches not only can take on your physical appearances, but also your powers," said Eleazar and Bella's eyes widened.
"That sounds terrifying. Have you ever seen a vampire that can do that," asked Bella.
"I have only heard of cases of such beings, but Aro eliminated those vampires quite quickly. The threat of their power scared him, so he killed them," explained Eleazar.
"Of course he did, when in doubt, kill, that seemed to be Aro's motto in life," grumbled Kate.
"She looked like Zach, but didn't have his force field. She would have used it if she did," confirmed Allie.
"Even with that being the case, she is still powerful and is up to something. The Russian, American, and North Korean governments are cracking down on their security and we still don't know why she accessed those codes," said Jasper.
"Then we should head to Genoa and find out before she has a chance to do any more damage," suggested Emmett.
"What are the chances she will even be there," questioned Esme and Alice smiled as she sifted through her visions.
"I may not be able to see her, but I can use the process of elimination to sidestep that pesky problem. By deciding to go to Genoa, my visions get blocked. I can see everyone when we are here, which means unlike Asa, she cannot block me completely, just her path. She is in Genoa. It is the only path that I can't see," revealed Alice.
"Then tonight, we will head to Genoa and finish this," said Lena, but Keegan frowned.
"What happens to the vampire when she is captured," asked Keegan.
"She has caused a great threat to our world and risked our exposure. If Gavin wouldn't have intercepted the footage from the United States, humans would have video evidence of the supernatural. We have to eliminate her," responded Alexander and Keegan smirked.
"Have to or want to," challenged Keegan and Alexander eyed him curiously.
"You think we have a choice in the matter," asked Alexander.
"There is always a choice," reminded Zafrina.
"Tell that to the vampire with the nuclear codes," argued Lena. Keegan shook his head in disappointment and Tanya stepped forward.
"Keegan has a point. Our family has seen firsthand that just because someone could possibly be a threat doesn't mean they should be eliminated. There was a time when we thought firestarters could not be anything more than a threat, but our family would not be whole without one," informed Tanya and Keegan smiled as Benjamin clapped him on the back.
"Yes or nearly as fun," added Benjamin. Didyme whispered to her mate for a moment and Marcus nodded in agreement.
"My mate is right and so is Tanya. Before eliminating the vampire, we need to give her a chance to come forward. Our goal is to capture her, make sure the codes are not a threat, and give her the chance to make amends," said Marcus, but Josh threw up his hands in exasperation.
"What kind of amends can be made? She is messing with nuclear warheads. I highly doubt she wants them as housewarming gifts. Besides, I thought the one rule of the Volturi was to not expose your world to humans. If it wasn't for Gavin, she would have done that," argued Josh and Alexander smiled at him.
"He does have a point," agreed Alexander, but Carlisle shook his head.
"Elimination should be the last resort. I do not know if this vampire is capable of redemption, but the least we can do is find out. Marcus, my family and I will help you track down this vampire, but I hope for her sake and ours, killing her will not be necessary," said Carlisle and Esme smiled hopefully at her mate.
"Maybe we can reason with her. We have done it in the past," reminded Esme and Zach hugged her.
"That's one of the reasons I love you, grandma. You always see the bright side. I hope you are right, but I am not going to act like I don't have a huge issue with this woman. Allie and I are in agreement. She needs to be stopped and we want to help. One way or another, she is going to stop threatening our world. How that happens is up to her," said Zach and Renesmee gave a curt nod.
"None of us want to have to kill, but I don't like the idea of anyone having access to nuclear codes. It doesn't just affect the vampire world. My grandpa may be immortal now, but I don't want to test that by seeing what happens to him and Sue when they encounter radioactive bombs. We have to stop her," said Renesmee.
"We may not all be in agreement about what will happen to the woman, but it sounds like none of us are willing to find out what would happen if we don't stop her," admitted Seth.
"Fair enough, we will head to Genoa tonight. Alice, you believe she will be there, correct," questioned Marcus and Alice nodded without hesitation.
"It is the only path I can't see. That is where she is," assured Alice.
"Then Genoa it is. Tonight, we are going to make sure this woman is not a threat, one way or another," announced Marcus.
The moon glowed and pierced through the swirl of clouds as the Volturi's stealth jets zipped through the night sky. It was past midnight and the flight to Genoa had everyone on high alert as they anticipated their encounter with the enigmatic vampire. Rosalie made her way toward the back of the jet where Carlisle and Esme were sitting. Carlisle smiled at his daughter as she sat beside them.
"I am not sure about this. I know they can handle it, but I am not sure I am ready. I know it makes logical sense and Jasper is right, it is practical," admitted Rosalie.
"But having Zach, Allie, and Josh go off on their own when we split into smaller teams still seems counterintuitive. I understand that. I am a parent as well. It is hard to let go," said Carlisle.
"He is too young and I am his mother. He should be with me."
"If your instincts are telling you that they cannot handle going off on their own, then by all means, we can change the plan. However, if you are simply worried because you want to protect him as his mother, maybe you should let him go. Jasper is right. This vampire is cunning and saw us coming last time. The smaller the groups, the stealthier we can be."
"I know, but I don't know if he can handle this level of responsibility. This is a dangerous situation."
"Give him a chance to prove that he can. Besides, you heard what Eleazar said about the vampire's power, she will be no match for him or Allie for that matter. Let him show you he can be on his own."
"That's just it. I don't want him to be on his own. He is still a child, my child."
"You are right and he always will be. Think of it this way. We will be close by along with the rest of the guards just in case something does happen."
"I suppose you are right. This is just hard, all of it. I still remember holding him in my arms when he was a baby and now, he isn't," confessed Rosalie as she gazed at her son. Zach was at the front of the plane talking with Gavin, who was showing him some of the features of the jet.
"He will always be your baby boy, no matter how old he gets. Besides, it isn't like you have to worry about him ever truly leaving the nest," teased Carlisle and Rosalie giggled.
"That is true. I am quite lucky," said Rosalie and Esme patted her hand.
"We all are. I understand your worries. I am worried about all of you even though you are adults and capable of taking care of yourselves. You will never stop worrying, but Zach will be just fine," assured Esme. Rosalie kissed their cheeks and stood back up.
"Thanks for the pep talk," she whispered to them before heading over to her son. Zach chuckled as she hugged him tightly.
"Miss me all the way in the back of the jet, mom," he asked and she shrugged.
"Do I need a reason to hug you?"
"Never, mom," he assured as he hugged her back.
"Good, so I have spoken with your father and your grandparents and Alice and Edward and Bella and also, Jake and Leah…"
"So, everyone you can imagine," he teased.
"Oh I am sure there are more brains to pick on the subject, but they are right. You, Allie, and Josh can take care of each other, so you can split into a team. That doesn't mean you get to go off and try to play the heroes though. Stay close and if you sense too much danger…."
"I know, mom. We won't do anything crazy."
"Good, so no more making headlines or causing natural disasters," she asked and he chuckled.
"No more making headlines," he promised.
"What about causing natural disasters?"
"I can't promise that. It is way too much fun, but I promise to be more careful when I do. You can trust me."
"I know I can. I raised you right." Emmett wrapped his arms around them.
"We raised you right," he corrected and Rosalie smirked.
"You are just as much trouble as he is. Don't go playing the hero either. I need my boys safe and sound," she warned and Emmett kissed his mate.
"We aren't going anywhere," he assured. Edward, Bella, Alice, and Jasper approached them as the jet started to descend.
"It is time. Leonardo, Iris, and Roman are already on the ground and have secured the perimeter. Connell and Tia are already in the city with Alexander and Lena," informed Edward as they looked at the surveillance cameras overhead. Fog crept over the land and encircled the city.
"That is just creepy," mumbled Garrett as he watched the video feed.
"Good thing he is on our side," agreed Kate. Tanya stood up as Carlisle approached her.
"Esme and I will start from the north," informed Carlisle.
"Benjamin and I are going to start from the west. Kate and Garrett will search in the region between yours and ours. We should all meet in the middle of the city," informed Tanya. Gavin maneuvered the jet over the city and gave them the thumbs up.
"I will keep track of everyone from up here. You can go whenever you are ready," said Gavin. Carlisle glanced over at his mate as the door slid open and the wind whipped around them. They were hundreds of yards above the city and Esme pointed toward an open field. He nodded.
"Ladies first," he asked and Esme giggled at him.
"Not this time," she said with a wink and he chuckled before leaping out of the jet. Esme followed and the two sliced through the air and toward the city like missiles. They landed on their feet in a vineyard north of the city and headed for town. Edward and Bella were next, followed by Alice and Jasper. The Denalis broke into their pairs and jumped, followed by Renesmee and Nahuel. Seth glanced over at Zach and gulped.
"Are you sure about this," asked Seth as he looked down at the city beneath them. It looked small from that height and Zach chuckled at his hesitance.
"Trust me, just stay close to me. We can all fan out after we land," assured Zach. Seth nodded and Jacob and Leah did as well. Josh nudged his best friend.
"I am putting my faith in you to not let me meet my doom by jumping out of this plane. Don't make me regret it, Z," warned Josh before jumping. Allie and Zach jumped after him, followed by Jacob, Leah, Rosalie, Emmett, Seth, and Kaya. The wind thrashed around them as they plummeted toward the earth. Zach spun around so that he was floating through the air on his back and focused on Josh, Seth, Leah, and Jacob. His force field engulfed them as they got closer to the ground and he stopped them in midair as he and the others landed on their feet. Emmett chuckled as his son used his force field to slowly lower Josh to the ground, followed by Seth, Leah, and Jacob.
"Good job, baby boy. Now let's go find this chameleon. Be careful and call us if you need us," said Emmett and Zach smiled at his parents.
"I will, don't worry so much."
"Always," replied Rosalie before heading into town with Emmett. Seth, Leah, and Jacob phased into wolf form and followed Kaya toward Genoa as well, but Zach frowned in confusion when his mate did not budge. Josh took off his jacket, but Allie shook her head.
"Don't phase. We aren't heading into town just yet," said Allie and Josh slowly nodded.
"Okay, then where are we headed," asked Josh. Allie was silent as she surveyed the area. They were in a field a mile outside of Genoa and she could hear the guards and rest of the family entering the city.
"Gavin, can you hear me," she asked into the hood of her jacket.
"Loud and clear, is this déjà vu? What's up?"
"Maybe it is. Will you check the maps of Genoa? What type of sewage system is it, how advanced?" Zach smiled as he caught on.
"You think she is underground like before," he stated and she nodded as she looked around.
"Not by air, not by street," she whispered as she continued to survey the area.
"Allie, I may have something. Everything about the city is old school, especially the sewage systems, but the most interesting thing is that Genoa has several tombs, some of the most famous in the world," informed Gavin.
"She wouldn't choose a tomb that gets a lot of attention," said Allie.
"What about a deserted catacomb two miles west of your location? It was closed over a century ago," reported Gavin.
"Sounds like the perfect hiding place," said Zach, but Josh shook his head frantically.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, I am not going into a catacomb. Do you know what a catacomb is? I am not going into an underground cemetery! I don't even want to go in a regular cemetery, let alone…."
"That is fine. You wouldn't fit in wolf form anyways. You can be the lookout," said Allie and Josh guffawed.
"I am not a lookout. I am an alpha. Besides, who died and left you in charge? I am my own man."
"You take orders from Zach all the time," argued Allie and Josh scoffed.
"I do not and if I do listen to him, it is because he actually makes sense and doesn't send me into places where people bury their dead!"
"You don't even have to go in. Stay outside and check around the area," instructed Allie, but Josh crossed his arms defiantly.
"I don't take orders from you. I barely take orders from my dad and he is the alpha of our pack. You are just a newborn. If anything, you should be taking orders from me."
"In what world," argued Allie and Zach groaned.
"Can we please not do this right now," whined Zach and Josh smirked.
"Then tell your mate to cool her jets. I don't take orders from her. I don't take orders from anybody. I am no one's sidekick! Now, with that out of the way, Z, what should we do," asked Josh and Allie rolled her eyes.
"Unbelievable," grumbled Allie. Zach thought for a moment and nodded.
"I think we should check out the catacombs, but you should run surveillance while Allie and I take a quick look. If it comes up empty, we will move on," instructed Zach and Josh nodded.
"Okay, sounds good," agreed Josh before taking off his shirt.
"I just said the same…you know what, whatever. I can't believe my dad has to do this every time he wants to phase," she said mostly to herself as she turned around and closed her eyes.
"He does if he doesn't want to ruin his clothes," said Josh as he put his clothes in a backpack and handed it to Zach. Josh phased into wolf form and Zach put on the backpack.
"Let's check this place out and then head into town," suggested Zach. Allie and Josh followed him toward the shore and noticed a set of cobblestone stairs leading to a barred gate. Zach picked up the broken pieces of a lock and chain and handed them to Allie.
"Mom, dad, we think we found something, but aren't sure. We will check it out and let you know," whispered Zach into his hood.
"I think she is in there. I hear something," whispered Allie.
"Me too, J, stay out here. Give us a couple of minutes and then change back if we don't come out. I will leave the backpack out here. Tell our family to head this way if you don't hear from us. We don't know how deep this thing runs," whispered Zach and Josh nodded. Allie and Zach darted into the catacomb. It was dank from its closeness to the sea and pitch black. They headed down a long, narrow tunnel, but stopped when they saw candlelight around the corner. Zach pulled Allie behind him as they crept down a set of stairs and around the corner. There were piles of money, a computer, and other devices scattered in the small room. Allie picked up the computer.
"This is a blueprint. It is the headquarters for the Ministry of Defense for the Iranian government," whispered Allie.
"Sure is," called a voice behind them and they spun around just in time to be sprayed with a cloud of chemicals from a fire extinguisher. Zach wiped his eyes as the haze of materials dissipated in the air.
"Allie, are you okay," he asked as he turned to his mate, but his eyes widened when he saw two of her standing side by side. He blinked several times as they both answered.
"I am fine," they said in unison and one of them jumped.
"What the hell? Zach, grab her," yelled Allie, but the other shook her head profusely.
"Zach, it is me. She is trying to trick you. Grab her," yelled the other one and Zach gulped as he tried to decipher which one was his mate. They were physically identical in every way.
"Allie, I don't know which one to blast," he confessed and one of them nodded.
"I know she looks like me, but she can't smell like me. You know my scent. That is how I figured out that she wasn't you last night. Focus on my scent," instructed one of them and he sighed in relief when the scent of his mate steered him toward her. She smiled smugly as she turned to the other vampire.
"Nice try," said Allie before backhanding the woman. The vampire staggered back from the force and crashed into the stone wall. She slid down with a thud and laughed bitterly as she morphed into another woman. Allie eyed her carefully. She was surprised to see that her eyes were golden brown instead of red. The long, thick brown curls of her hair framed her high cheek bones, full lips, and complimented the light chestnut brown of her impeccable complexion. She was wearing plain, black clothes and gloves.
"This is actually you," stated Allie more than asked and the vampire smirked.
"If you think I am going to be one of Aro's toys, then you are wrong. You will never get me out of here alive. I rather die than be part of his world. If you are going to kill me, then kill me," taunted the vampire.
"Where are the codes," asked Allie.
"What codes?"
"Don't play dumb, we know you have them," yelled Allie and Zach used his force field to stand the woman up.
"We have been tracking you. We know you accessed nuclear warheads in the United States, Russia, and North Korea and it looks like you were headed to Iran next. We aren't going to let you destroy the world," said Zach and the woman shook her head in disbelief.
"Really, you are here to stop me from blowing up the world? Of course my death would come laced with irony," grumbled the woman.
"What are you talking about," asked Allie.
"It doesn't matter. You are here to do Aro's bidding, so do it. I am not going to let him collect me, so you will have to eliminate me."
"Aro is dead. He has been dead for almost sixteen years," informed Zach.
"Yea right, the new Volturi, sure, I will believe that when I see it," said the woman.
"Well since we are here and you aren't dead yet, that should be an indicator that the new Volturi actually exist. Do you see Aro around," challenged Zach and the woman was silent. Allie looked around the small room.
"It doesn't matter if you believe us or not. We are going to stop your plan either way. You will be eliminated because you are a threat to the entire world, not because of your power. You obviously plan on doing some damage with all this computer equipment," said Allie.
"I am not trying to destroy the world. I am saving it. I didn't access the codes to set the warheads off. I hacked the systems to dismantle the weapons, but I couldn't do it remotely. I tried, but I had to actually be there."
"There were no reports of any weapons being dismantled," said Zach and the woman smiled smugly.
"That is because I didn't tamper with them. I tampered with the codes. I accessed the system so that I could wipe out the codes and shut down the system altogether. I knew I would have to create a security breach in order for the codes to be changed. It is the protocol for the systems. If there is a breach, all codes are changed within minutes with a system update and when they changed them, I just made sure to input a code they could never retrieve. Only I have the code and once I input them, along with a nasty virus, all their commands will be erased. The nuclear warheads are untouchable, not even I could get close to them, but they are virtually useless without the system to control them. I was going to attack all the systems at once with the virus after I finished wiping out the codes from all known nations that use them," she confessed.
"Which is why you were heading to Iran, but why go through all of this? You risked exposure for us and yourself. If you thought Aro was after you, why not just hide?"
"Aro's insanity doesn't matter if the humans blow us all up in the process. I may not keep tabs on the vampire world very much, but I know the human world and it is volatile. They can't be trusted with the technology they have. It is far too advanced for them and their petty skirmishes. Every time they cannot agree on something, they threaten nuclear warfare. I don't know if they can kill us, but I don't want to find out."
"Okay, so let's say we believe you and this was all your way of trying to be a hero. What about the money you stole from the banks," questioned Zach.
"Those banks took the money from the people. I am giving it back."
"Yea right," muttered Allie.
"Does it look like I am living in style? The money wasn't for me. I give it to foster homes, orphanages, and people that can be trusted to use it right." Allie slowly nodded as realization dawned on her.
"You were an orphan, you want to give back to those that helped you," said Allie and the woman glared at her.
"How did you know that?"
"It was in Aro's journal. I read it on the way here. Marcus and Didyme, the new rulers, kept Aro's journals after he died. I know that you lived in fear for years because he vowed to never stop looking for you, but he is dead now. Marcus and Didyme don't care about your power. They just want to stop you from exposing our world or destroying it," said Allie.
"I don't believe you. This is a trap and he will never have me. I rather die than be with that monster," shouted the woman before lunging at Allie. Zach hurled her back into the wall with his force field as Josh ran into the small room.
"Whoa, what did I miss," chuckled Josh and Zach rolled his eyes at his friend.
"What are you doing down here? I told you to wait outside!"
"And I told you I don't take orders from anyone! Besides, I already called our parents. You were taking too long and I got worried, so I came to look for you," admitted Josh.
"What exactly did you plan to do if you came across the vampire? You aren't exactly a formidable opponent when you haven't phased," questioned Allie.
"You worry too much, Al. So who is she? Do we know….." Josh lost track of his thoughts as his eyes locked with the woman's and her breath hitched. Zach's eyes widened and his head darted back and forth between his best friend and the woman.
"Oh boy," said Zach and Allie frowned in confusion.
"Do we know what, Josh," asked Allie, but Josh was silent. The woman made it to her feet and Zach chuckled nervously.
"Uh, nayeli, remember when I told you about imprinting," asked Zach and Allie nodded.
"Yes, you said it was weird, unreliable, unstable, and….oh boy," said Allie as Josh stepped closer to the woman. She hissed at him and Zach pulled him back.
"Easy, J, we aren't all exactly on good terms at the moment," reminded Zach and the woman glared at Josh.
"Who are you? What are you doing to me? It will not work. Aro's tricks will not work," shrieked the woman and Allie rolled her eyes.
"Great, now she is back to this whole Aro thing again," grumbled Allie. Josh put his hands up.
"I am not going to hurt you. No one is going to hurt you, I promise. You can trust me," assured Josh.
"No, you have placed some sort of hex on me. It must be your power. It isn't going to work though!"
"I don't have a power. I can shapeshift, but it works differently from yours. I can only change into a wolf. Any other time, I am just a human with a constant fever."
"A wolf, why would you change into an animal," questioned the woman.
"It is a long story, but we don't have time to talk about it. There are a lot of people coming this way right now and they think you are out to hurt us, so you need to leave," informed Josh, but Allie shook her head.
"Josh, are you crazy? We can't just let her leave! She breaks into government buildings, can expose us, and steals from people. She is the most wanted criminal in the world, we can't just….."
"Allie, please, I know you want to stop her. I did too, but we have to let her go. Please, Al, for me," begged Josh and Allie glanced over at her mate. Zach nodded and she groaned.
"I cannot believe this. Fine, get her out of here. Let her go blow up the world because your wolfy gene says it is okay," grumbled Allie and Josh sighed as he heard the pitter patter of feet drawing near. He grabbed the woman's hand and she gasped at the way her skin felt against his.
"You have to go, now. They are coming for you," said Josh.
"Who are you," she asked.
"There is no time to explain, go," he shouted. She grabbed her computer and darted out of the room. She escaped through the back exit of the catacombs just as Alexander and Lena entered the room.
"Where is she," asked Lena, but the three of them were quiet. Josh stumbled out of the room as the weight of the situation hit him like a ton of bricks. Zach and Allie followed him, but were too stunned to say anything. By the time they reached the entrance gate of the catacombs, the rest of their family and several of the guards arrived. Edward gasped as he read Josh's thoughts, but nodded when he pled with him to not say anything yet. Jasper eyed Josh carefully as he felt his emotions. The more Josh thought about the situation, the angrier it made him, and he began to shake.
"Josh, what is wrong," asked Leah as tears filled his eyes and he shook his head.
"I am fine, mom. I just need to go for a run," he managed to get out. Zach reached out for his friend, but Josh jerked away from him.
"J…."
"You can't help me with this Zach. No one can," Josh muttered bitterly before phasing and running away from the group.
"Josh," called Leah, but Jacob held her back before she could phase and run after him.
"Leah, his eyes, did you see his eyes," asked Jacob.
"What are you talking about? What the hell happened in there," shouted Leah, but Zach and Allie were too shocked to speak. Edward walked over to Jacob and nodded.
"Yes, he did," said Edward and Jacob cursed under his breath. Edward turned to Rosalie, Emmett, Carlisle, and the rest of his family as Alexander and Lena exited the catacombs.
"This situation just got a lot more complicated," whispered Edward and Rosalie groaned, sensing what type of complication her brother meant.
An hour later, the family was back on the island with Alexander, Lena, Marcus, and Didyme. Edward, Zach, and Allie explained what happened in the catacombs and everyone had an array of emotions. While most of the family was shocked and confused, some had stronger feelings than others. Leah was furious. Jacob was resigned. Emmett was amused, but Rosalie was still baffled.
"How can this happen? Isn't there some sort of rhyme or reason to imprinting," asked Rosalie and Jacob smirked as he sat down on the couch in the living room of the mansion.
"None of us know when we will imprint. If we had some sort of manual to this, trust me, we would pass it out to everyone we came into contact with. The truth is that no one knows how or why," explained Jacob as he glanced over at Renesmee.
"We spoke with Gavin on the way here and it seems the woman has gone off the grid completely. We cannot track her and while I know Alexander and Lena are unsure about our decision, Didyme and I have decided to leave the fate of this woman up to you. If she is telling the truth and does not plan on exposing us, then we will let your family deal with this complicated situation," announced Marcus and Rosalie smiled slyly at him.
"In other words, you are going to bow out and let us deal with this mess," said Rosalie and Marcus smiled back at her.
"Bow out gracefully of course," he replied with a bow of his head. Carlisle shook his hand.
"Thank you for being so understanding about all of this and not going after the woman until we have more answers," said Carlisle.
"I feel somewhat responsible, since I am the one that asked for your help in the first place," admitted Marcus. He and Didyme said their goodbyes to the family before leaving with Alexander and Lena. Edward chuckled at their thoughts.
"They have seen many things, but even they are stunned by this. They aren't sure what resolution there may be, but they are hoping for the best for everyone involved," informed Edward as Leah started to pace.
"All I want is my son back. Jake, I can't believe you didn't let me go after him. He needs us right now," said Leah.
"Trust me, Leah. This is not a time when a boy needs his mother. He needs to blow off some steam. He is hurting, but he will come back when he is ready. He is more like me in that way," assured Jacob. Garrett raised his hand.
"I hate to be the pessimistic one in this situation, but can the two of them even be together? He belongs to one of the most powerful families in the supernatural world. She is a wanted criminal that has an amazing power. This has an ultimate good versus ultimate evil vibe and I don't really see how those two mix," said Garrett, but Edward shook his head.
"While Allie is skeptical of her, she does seem to be telling the truth, which means she isn't evil. Her actions are misguided, but it sounds like she wants to keep the world safe in her own way," said Edward.
"By breaking into defense systems," questioned Jasper.
"By keeping those systems at bay," corrected Bella and Leah scoffed.
"I don't care what her plan is. If she really is his imprint, that changes so much. Josh is out there scared and alone and…."
"Actually, Leah, I can see him now," interrupted Alice and Leah ran over to her.
"You can, what is he doing, is he okay, is….."
"Calm down, he is going to be just fine. I may not be able to see his mate…."
"Please do not call her that," groaned Leah and Alice giggled.
"Fine, I may not be able to see this woman, but I have a good feeling about this. Even when my visions are blocked, I can sense things. She isn't dangerous to him," assured Alice and Renesmee nodded in agreement.
"Even if she doesn't understand why, she is going to feel a connection to him now. She won't hurt him. If anything, she will be drawn to him and want answers," explained Renesmee.
"That is how I felt as well," agreed Kaya and Jacob smiled slyly.
"And he will do his best to give them to her. Hopefully, she will listen and not freak out, like my imprint," said Jacob and Renesmee smirked.
"Well since he has never made a move on her mother, I am sure it will be fine," quipped Renesmee and Jacob rolled his eyes. Nahuel cringed.
"Am I the only one that still finds this imprinting thing a bit…what is the word," questioned Nahuel.
"Creepy," tried Garrett.
"Inconvenient," suggested Carmen.
"Warped," recommended Jasper and Nahuel nodded.
"Yes, all of the above and uncomfortable since it happened to my mate," informed Nahuel. Renesmee nudged him and Emmett laughed.
"Hey, at least Josh isn't like his old man. She might be wanted by the greatest powers in the human and vampire world, but at least she isn't fresh out of the womb, am I right," bellowed Emmett and Jacob glared at him. Rosalie tried to hide her smile as Leah groaned.
"Okay enough about imprinting. I want to find my son. Where is he? Is he going after her," asked Leah and Alice smiled sheepishly.
"Not her," she muttered and Edward cleared his throat as he tried not to laugh at Alice's thoughts. Rosalie noticed the way the two of them looked at each other.
"What do you two know," questioned Rosalie and Edward winked at her.
"Just know that Josh will be back soon," assured Edward.
"Damn you and your cryptic messages, where is he going," demanded Leah.
"It isn't my story to tell," said Edward.
"Oh screw that, you will tell me where my son is! Alice, Edward, someone, I don't care who, where is Josh," she shouted and Alice smiled sympathetically at her.
"I know you are going to be upset with us for a while but we really can't tell you. It is a private matter and Josh would want us to keep it that way. You know we would tell you if he was in danger," assured Alice. Leah shook her head and stormed out of the room as Jacob sighed.
"Don't worry about her. She is just upset. I think a part of her didn't want him to imprint. She isn't exactly in love with the notion. I will go talk to her," said Jacob before going after his wife. Zach placed his face in his hands.
"I should have gone with him," mumbled Zach and Allie hugged her mate.
"Josh just needs some time. You heard what they said. He will be back soon and he knows you will be here for him when he needs you," assured Allie. He held his mate and slowly nodded. He wasn't sure how it would all work out, but he hoped that it would.