Previously ... A rush of thoughts bombarded my mind. The moment was over too fast, real life set in. They're coming….
22. Reunion II
"He's stepping closer to the light." I could hear in the distance.
Aro will be pleased.
"It's time." Demetri's scent was not far off, neither were their footsteps. I was so hoping he would just leave this place for good – quit his brooding. Just another mess we have to clean up.
"We have to be sure. Aro said only if he broke the rules."
"He also said we must prevent there from being any witnesses."
"Like the girl?" a calculating voice queried.
Is he hunting?
I looked down at Bella, her eyes frantic with panic. She knew we were in danger—she was warning me. She'd come here to save me! Alice. Of course, she would have seen this coming. Everything seemed to snap into place in that single second. The thoughts, Bella's warm skin against mine … it all made sense now. I was wrong. I had been mistaken.
Now we were in danger. This is all your fault …
"We're not dead, not yet! But we have to get out of here before the Volturi–"
I didn't let her finish her sentence. The Volturi were already here. Reminding myself to be gentle, I pulled her from the light she deserved to live in and placed her against a wall, lined with shadows. Her heart beat profoundly in her chest as I placed myself in front of her, my arms spreading out to protect her – her vampire shield. The guards would have to go through me before they ever lay a finger on Bella. I'd caused enough damage. Something deep inside me awoke and the monster emerged, angrier than ever. This won't be the end. She's alive …
In the darkness of the alley were Felix and Demetri, their long cloaks whispering across the stone ground.
It has been too long since we have had a good fight. Felix noted dryly.
I tensed for action and the two in the alley only took in the scene with curiosity. And even in those moments of terror for my love, it was the same. She was the same. Her scent swirled around me, her pulse throbbed profusely and her thoughts were still a mystery. And though I wanted to just grab her and run, I knew I couldn't. The light had become my prison again.
Felix and Demetri stepped from the deepest of shadows to show their faces.
"Greetings, gentlemen," I said calmly. In the distance I knew that an older woman's thoughts were worried about my defensive position. I stalled, hoping human interaction would protect Bella. "I don't think I'll be requiring your services today. I would appreciate it very much, however, if you would send my thanks to your masters."
Tsk tsk, Edward. You should know better. Demetri eyed the delicate girl behind my back with interest.
I hope you aren't planning on hunting here … Felix had a ghost of a smirk on his face. "Shall we take this conversation to a more appropriate venue?" … I'm sure Aro wouldn't mind me taking care of you – our little nuisance.
"I don't believe that will be necessary," I replied in a low and deadly voice. "I know your instructions, Felix. I haven't broken any rules."
Yet, Felix added in his head. But I'm sure you'll be able to explain the girl, right? He grinned maliciously.
"Felix merely meant to point out the proximity of the sun," Demetri said, his voice smooth. So impatient, Felix! As wind whipped through the small alley, their cloaks billowed like capes. They were not completely unexposed to the sun. "Let us seek better cover."… Aro will be pleased to see you again, Edward. He was hoping things would not have an unfortunate end. And now they don't have to.
Already, I hated how easily they became accustomed to speaking to me through their minds. I could also tell that they were not as good at protecting their thoughts from me. In Demetri's mind, he was picturing his reward – Bella.
"I'll be right behind you," I said sardonically. Without turning around, I addressed Bella, "Bella, why don't you go back to the square and enjoy the festival?" I knew Alice had to be out there somewhere. She would know to run with Bella – to keep her safe.
Bella? She's alive … We are no fools, Edward. "No, bring the girl," Felix said menacingly. The human is not dead after all … interesting. I'm sure we'll find something to do with her, he licked his lips.
In that second, I knew I had made a mistake. He also had plans for her, but more so as a pawn for the Volturi's plans than for substance—though that wasn't completely out of the question. I refused to let either of them live out their plans. I'd fight—right here, right now.
"I don't think so." The tone of my voice resonated the many years of my life, and my strength.
If you insist, Demetri smirked. We will have our way, even if we have to force you.
Automatically, my body tensed for action. I could take them both down. Their thoughts were not so easily hidden from me.
"No," came a soft whisper from behind me.
"Shh," I tried to make the sound soothing, letting her know I wasn't going to let anything happen to her. Of course, she was always able to see right through my pretenses. She probably already knew how much danger we were in. All I wanted was to give her reassurances, and I was unable.
Have it your way, Felix stared at me, a flicker of longing on his face.
"Felix," Demetri cautioned, seeing Felix's weight change to a threatening stance. If we fight, Aro will have our heads. "Not here." It wasn't a plea, it was a command. Felix narrowed his eyes, but let it go. Demetri turned back to me. "Aro would simply like to speak with you again, if you have decided not to force our hand after all." … and the girl will be excellent leverage. Join us Edward or watch her die.
"Certainly," I allowed. '"But the girl goes free."
"I'm afraid that's not possible. We do have rules to obey," Demetri emphasized. Aro will be intrigued at this turn of events.
"Then I'm afraid that I'll be unable to accept Aro's invitation, Demetri," I said smoothly.
"That's just fine," Felix sneered. I'd like a challenge for once. Don't think I won't kill the girl.
A red haze ran across my vision and for a few short seconds I thought I would pounce, but I had to remember the angel behind me, grabbing at my back with her warm fingers. Her heart had not slowed.
"Aro will be disappointed," Demetri sighed. Two against one, this should be easy. Or maybe I'll just watch Felix have his fun.
"I'm sure he'll survive the letdown," I countered.
Felix and Demetri looked at each other for a second, communicating silently, though I could hear the plan in their minds. They moved apart, yet the same as they came closer to Bella and I, trying to push us down the alley way. Light hit their cloaks, perfectly protecting their skin from the sun. I wasn't so lucky. Again, the light prevented me from keeping Bella safe. The light she deserved to live in—the light I was once again taking away.
They moved closer and attention was now on the spectacle we were creating. I refused to move.
As the danger approached, I heard a single thought. It's not wise to aggravate them, Edward. Back off some. My head snapped toward the shadows of the alley. It was Alice. I could have kissed her.
Felix and Demetri saw my movement and at the same time they heard the light footsteps approaching. For a moment they thought it was help, and then they realized they had no idea who it was, but knew it was another immortal.
"Let's behave ourselves, shall we?" Alice advised. "There are ladies present." She practically skipped to my side. I see Bella got to you in time. Like she didn't already know. We aren't out of danger yet. If you would have just gone back to Forks …
She didn't need to remind me. I already knew leaving was the biggest mistake of my life, and now Bella would have to pay the price unless I found a way out of this situation.
Who…? Demetri froze in midstride toward me, straightening from the crouch he was moving into.
She's on Edwards's side … Felix's thoughts were a hum of anger, but he kept his face unreadable. If this is the psychic Aro had told us about … his smooth expression faltered, his face twisting into an unpleasant one.
The future is still not clear, Edward. "We're not alone," Alice admonished, shooting a look over Demetri's shoulder. The future flickered uselessly in her mind as the many outcomes seemed to all end disastrously. She sifted through them, and only one put Bella in the center of that crowd – in the light.
We both watched as Demetri tore his eyes off of Alice and moved over his shoulder. Not far off was a small family, dressed for the occasion of Saint Marcus day. Though the older woman was whispering in her husband's ear, the conversation was clear – something is going on over there. Maybe we should get help. Her gaze, once intent on the scene shifted away when she noticed Demetri's gaze.
Aro will not be pleased. We are not being inconspicuous. Demetri grumbled in his head, and then his eyes seized mine. Don't think I won't be capable of finding you if you get away.
Felix frowned deeply, silently bursting with unpleasant retorts.
We all watched as the husband walked toward one of the guards in red and point in our direction, his lips moving quickly.
Stupid intruding humans! Demetri shook his head back and forth before pleading, "Please, Edward, let's be reasonable."
"Let's," I concurred. "And we'll leave quietly now, with no one the wiser." In my head, I picture snatching Bella up and running for it. Six guards in red were now all anxiously watching the scene unfold before them. I wanted to scream for them to come down this alley.
The guards can't help us now … Alice grumbled mentally. We have company. If we don't go with her, things will end catastrophically.
Ideas ran through my head, over and over. I looked up at the building, wondering if I could jump with Bella on my back, or maybe I could get past the vampires before things turned for the worse. Alice stopped me in my tracks. None of it will work. Demetri will track you and Felix will have a snack. I bit back a scream of frustration.
Demetri hated being thwarted, but I hated it more. "At least let us discuss this more privately." Let's not cause a scene, Edward. … Aro will have my head for this.
"Can't you boys do anything right?" an agile voice spoke from afar. "Aro was right—Edward is a handful."
I wanted to cuss. "No," I growled.
Felix grinned triumphantly at her voice in the distance. If you would have just come with us peacefully …
All the muscles in my body tensed, angry. I knew we were at a loss, and so did Alice. Though she continued to search for the outcome, there were too many decisions that hadn't been made. There are just too many ways the future could go, but there is still hope.
Jane appeared before us and she looked between the five of us. Well, I wasn't expecting this. What have we here? "Enough," she ordered as she saw the look of determination on my face. I don't have the patience, today. Don't test me, Edward.
My eyes flickered toward Alice who had a frown on her face. Her mind was frantically moving from one scene to the next. As I changed my mind, so did the future, but no matter how many different ideas came across my head, only one would safely remove Bella from this scene.
This could have been painless, Demetri thought towards me.
I didn't look his direction, I only stared into Jane's deep, crimson eyes. Try me, she smirked. Bella gripped the back of my bare skin and I relaxed in defeat, as did Demetri and Felix, but in victory. When they stepped back into the shadows, the guards watched us and seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at the change in our stances.
"Jane," I sighed in defeat.
She's going to take us to the Volturi. It will be up to them at what to do with us. We'll have to be convincing. Alice looked over at Jane, folding her arms, though keeping her stance impassive.
"Follow me," Jane commanded in her child-like tone. It sounded innocent—but it was far from it. Her cloak whipped around as she turned on her heel, and floated into the shadowy alleyway.
Don't worry, Edward, I'll keep an eye on Bella. Felix smirked and then indicated we should go ahead of him. If you try to run, I'll kill her first.
You better not cause trouble. Alice thought as she turned to follow Jane. She's not very patient.
It's okay, Edward. Leave Bella back here with me, Demetri looked behind me at Bella. Immediately, I reached around and brought my arm around her waist. As I did this I noticed that she wasn't exactly the same. She was smaller than before. I could tell she was frightened and as I finally got a good look at her—I could see the first signs of damage I had caused.
I am a monster.
Author's Note: Hey all!! I know I have been absent – but I actually have a good excuse this time. Many of you know that I am writing a book—well, it is almost done!!! This is exciting news for me. I have a few investors and will be self-publishing my book in the very near future. I have started a blog as a countdown until publishing. It would mean a lot if my fans on here would check it out. Timelessseries[dot]blogspot[dot]com
I'll try to update New Moon often once I finish my book – which I am hoping to finish in the next week (roughly).
Once again – thank you to all of my wonderful fans for keeping with this story. I hope I haven't disappointed you. I am very excited about writing the scene with the Volturi. That will be a very long chapter – I have already decided.
Please Review! Thanks for all of the wonderful reviews!
Disclaimer:All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. Lolafalana is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of New Moon. No copyright infringement is intended.