Sorry this one took so long! I promise not to do that again.

As always, I don't own the characters... just what they do.

Leah POV

I was back on the cliff with the hunter, sitting on the rock and looking out over the ocean. We'd been sitting there for hours, playing a long game of twenty questions. I raised an eyebrow at him when he got bold and started poking me in the side...

I growled and opened my eyes, realizing that I was curled up on the forest floor. I looked up and saw Seth standing over me, stark naked, nudging me with his foot. I rolled my eyes, then shut them tight, groaning loudly. Put some clothes on, for crying out loud. I knew he couldn't hear me, but I'd get my point across.

Seth nudged me again, then stepped back when I let out a loud huff. "Lee, we have to go. We're all heading to the meadow to keep an eye out. They think today is the day." He turned and phased, heading off in the direction of the leech house. Let's get a move on. And you can explain that dream later, Lee.

I stood up and stretched. Suddenly I was grateful that Seth came to wake me up. What if it had been Jake? I'd never hear the end of it from him. A distant howl pulled me from my thoughts and I shook my head, taking off through the woods towards the meadow.

I squinted my eyes a little as I stepped out of the trees and into the clearing, looking around as my eyes adjusted and seeing the Cullens right away, all huddled around their little troublemaker, who was being held securely by Jacob. I smiled in my head, not shocked at all, but a little surprised he'd managed to fit patrolling into his time with her.

I was shaken from my thoughts when Seth came up and nudged me. Lee, we need to concentrate. I know you don't like the Cullens but... well do it for Jake.

Yeah yeah, Seth. For Jake. Whatever you say. I rolled my eyes, catching Edward in my field of vision. His body tensed and he looked at the far side of the meadow. I took a step towards the group, listening out for news. Edward looked around the group, finally meeting Jacob's eyes and nodding. I watched Jake's face fall as his gaze traveled to his pet in his arms, then after lightly kissing her temple, he passed her to Edward and ran into the trees. I almost gagged as I watched the exchange, unable to control my thoughts. Good lord, can't she stand on her own?

Just as the thought crossed my mind, Jake emerged from the trees. I knew he'd heard me. Can it, Leah. It's not the time. I could tell he was going to say more, but his eyes snapped back to where the Cullens stood. They were moving quickly, standing in a small group around their leech spawn. Jake immediately took off in their direction. Seth. Leah. Get a move on!

I glanced at Seth before I trudged after him, growling under my breath and stepping into the spot to the left of the group where Jake directed me. I paced back and forth almost impatiently before I heard a snapping noise across the clearing. In one movement, twelve sets of eyes snapped in the direction of the snapping noise.

They had arrived.

Demetri POV

I was grateful for my assigned place at Master Marcus' side. It allowed my mind to wander as we made our way to the familiar clearing where we stood during our first investigation of the hybrid child. I could only hope the meeting would be just that – a meeting. See the child's progress. Acknowledge that she was developing as speculated with the fully grown hybrid, Nahuel. Then leave. Knowing the Masters, it would hardly be easy. But I knew she would be there, and I couldn't see her in danger.

As we stepped into the large clearing, we could see the assembly across the field: eight vampires, as well as the hybrid child, and three wolves. Only three. I shook my head as I took in their small numbers, taking my place in line just behind the Masters, finally letting my eyes fall on the small gray wolf across the clearing from me. Her eyes met mine for a split second before both of our attentions were pulled away by Carlisle and Master Aro walking towards the middle of the meadow.

For the first time in my existence, I couldn't focus. I listened as Master Aro and Carlisle went through the motions of politely greeting each other, my eyes slowly creeping down the line opposite our coven to the gray wolf again. To my surprise, after a moment, her eyes met mine again. Thoughts of the day before, sitting on the cliff with the she wolf, came rushing from the back of my mind.

The next moment, burning pain shot through my body. I struggled to keep my composure, feeling it subside as quickly as it started. My eyes shot across our half circle formation to Jane, immediately seeing an innocent gleam in her eye. She knew where my mind was, and she wasn't allowing it, just as the Masters wouldn't. I snapped my attention back to the center of the field, where Masters Marcus and Caius, as well as Edward, Bella, and their child, were joining Master Aro and Carlisle.

I adjusted my posture, pushing my shoulders back as I watched Master Aro take Edward's hand in both of his own, a slight smile playing on his lips before he released his hand. He then turned his attention to the child as she attempted to hide behind her mother's leg. After some encouraging, she stepped out and carefully reached her hand out to Master Aro, placing it on the back of his. His expression quickly changed from pleased to curious. After a moment, it hit me. The child was showing him before he could invade her thoughts. Master Aro cocked his head to the side as he took in what the child was telling him, then nodded slightly and pulled his hand back.

It was almost over. I held my breath as Master Aro took a step back between his brothers. Rather than reading their thoughts, he motioned for them to move closer, and they rapidly discussed what he had seen. After Master Aro's rapid explanation, he looked to Master Marcus, who casually waved his hand in the air, then retreated to his previous position. Then Master Aro turned to his other brother, mirroring the frown that I'm sure covered Master Caius' face. After a long pause, Master Aro was given a small nod, and Master Caius retreated.

Master Aro turned his attention to Carlisle, rubbing his hands together. "I believe our work here is over, Carlisle. For now. It seems that all is as it was explained to us on our first visit. But make no mistake," he paused and his eyes gleamed as if he knew a secret. "We'll be watching very, very closely."

The Cullens nodded their goodbyes as the Masters slowly backed up towards us. One by one, the guards turned, ready to be led back into the forest. Before I turned to follow, I stole another glance in the she wolf's direction. As my gaze landed on her, a sharp whine reached my ears, and I watched her knees give out. She landed hard on the ground and in my panic, I quickly turned to Jane. Her eyes were glued on Leah, and she had the same smile on her face that I'd seen countless times as she tortured her victims with her gift.

I could only react. My arm flew out to knock Jane out of her trance, and seconds later, I was darting across the field.

Seth POV

The Volturi were leaving. I didn't mind the Cullens, but this "enemy coven" was very different. I hoped they made a hasty exit.

No such luck.

As they turned one by one to leave the meadow, I felt a dull pain creep through my head, followed by a high-pitched whine and a loud thud. I reached out past the burning with my mind, trying to find its source. LEE? Are you out there?

Without hesitation, I turned and ran behind the Cullens to the other side where my sister was standing. She was crumpled on the ground, her body rigid as the pain that flowed through my head faded. As I reached her side, I caught the scent of an unfamiliar vampire drawing closer. Halting next to Lee, I looked up, seeing the blur of a black cloak coming towards us. I immediately leaped over Lee, knocking the guard away before he could get any closer. I spun towards the vampire, ready to strike again – only to find Edward grasping his arms, holding him back.

I took a few steps back, standing beside my sister as I watched Edward hold the guard. The vampire didn't put up a fight as Edward pulled him back, but his eyes stayed glued on Lee as she dragged herself to her feet. She growled quietly and looked up at the guard, then turned and bolted into the trees.

I started to follow, but Edward's movements caught my attention. He easily spun his captive to face him, leaning in closer and shaking his head, speaking in a low, harsh tone. "If you want what is best for her, you'll leave with your family. Let her pack care for her. Now go."

On the word go, he released the guard, who stood where he was for a moment before trudging back across the field, his head hanging low.

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