A New Beginning

Sesshy's Mistress

Summary: The Volturi have left and all seems well, but Cosmos can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but this plot idea.

…

...

As Serenity and Nikolai made their way towards the Cullen's house, Jacob and the other shifters held back to discuss a few things in private. It would be needed. There was no way that the others could break so much news at once, especially certain aspects that they knew would have Jacob upset. Nervous glances were exchanged between Sam's pack before everyone finally settled their stares on Jacob.

It was obvious that he was still upset. They could see the muscles flex under the dark skin of his arms and chest. His wolf was probably pacing back and forth within himself, waiting for the next opportunity to be freed and to fight. It wasn't unnatural for that to happen, especially when another alpha trespassed upon another wolf's territory. It called to a deeper, more animalistic part of them.

"Jacob," Sam began as he took a small step forward.

"Enough with the pleasantries, Sam," Jacob all but snarled. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. His body was shaking and it felt like he would shift back at any moment. Jacob knew that if he did not control his anger, he would not be able to control his wolf. "Just say what you have to say. I want to get this done with and get to the Cullen's."

Sam nodded, but the look of concern did not leave his face. A new emotion joined it, one of guilt, and that was enough to shock Jacob and pull him from his anger, if only momentarily. "Jacob," Sam spoke in a reserved sigh. It was one of a man who had decided to give up. But on what, Jacob didn't know, and he wasn't sure if he really wanted to know.

"Several days ago, we were doing our patrol." Sam waved a hand towards a select few of his group. "We wanted to make sure no others had decided to stick around or make a circle back through the area." Sam spoke slowly as he tried to figure out a way to break the news to Jacob. "During our patrol, we felt something coming."

Jacob stiffened automatically. His mind raced a hundred miles an hour.

"It wasn't a threat," Paul stated stiffly. That did little to ease the uneasiness that had settled in Jacob's stomach, especially as the guilt in Sam's gaze grew stronger.

"It didn't take long before the person was on us," Sam swallowed down the nervousness that had kept building and growing. "It was Serenity." He finally admitted. Now he had to tell him the bad part. "She was running towards the ocean."

"Why?" Jacob shifted his body closer to Sam. He stood straighter with his hands fisting at his side.

"We weren't sure at first so we followed her. It took us a while to catch up to her, even in our wolf forms, but by the time we did it was too late. She jumped off of the cliffs and into a portal of some sorts," Sam finally admitted and watched as confusion gave way to anger. "She disappeared into it and before we could follow, the portal disappeared as well. I decided not to tell you until we found out more."

"You decided not to tell me?" Jacob growled through grit teeth. "How did you expect that to work out? Huh?" Jacob took a threatening step forward, but Seth and Leah appeared in front of him. They were not on the offensive. They took a defensive stance, but not to protect Sam, but Jacob. They knew if he lost control that the situation could spiral out of control. The last thing that they, or anyone, needed at that moment was for the two alphas to try and kill each other.

"We didn't know how to tell you," Quil took a step forward in hopes that Jacob would listen to him. "We wanted to find out what happened, to see if the Cullen's knew what had caused her to leave."

"Did they?" Jacob demanded of his best friend.

"No," Sam drew Jacob's attention back to himself. "They were just as shocked as we were. Even the pixie girl had not known. Serenity's departure was blocked from her."

"And you still didn't come and tell me what had happened?!" Jacob demanded in anger. How could they keep this from him. They knew what she was to him. The thought of her leaving tore at him and made him sick on his stomach.

"Bella and the others tried to call her but couldn't reach her, so we all went in search of her path," Embry spoke quietly. "We tried to figure out why she had decided to disappear, so we followed her steps until we found her phone. She'd dropped it in her haste to leave."

That wasn't exactly comforting to hear. Jacob lifted a hand to run through his hair, massaging his scalp and trying to work the stress out of his form, but it was for naught. His wolf was angry and hurt. It wanted answers. Jacob wanted them too.

"We checked her calls," Sam picked back up on the story. "She'd been speaking with someone right before she disappeared, so we called them. That's when we first heard of Nikolai. Serenity had been speaking to him before she ran off. Nikolai explained to us who he was and that Serenity had called to update him on her status. He told us she probably had a vision. It's a habit of hers to suddenly disappear if something is wrong. That is what happened to him and his pack when she recovered from the visions of Renesmee."

Jacob closed his eyes as he allowed Sam's words to filter through his mind. It was hard to listen and understand through the haze of anger and sadness. His wolf was placated only slightly, but there was still the issue of being left in the dark. "That's why you had me working all of those extra jobs," Jacob's eyes snapped open and they looked more wolf than man. "You wanted to keep me away from the Cullen's house so I wouldn't find out."

"We didn't want to upset you –"

"Fine job you did of that," Jacob spun on his heel. Looking at them made him sick on his stomach. To think that his friends, his own pack members, new and old, had kept this from him was disturbing to say the least. "What would you do if I had done the same to you? If I had kept it quiet that Emily had suddenly up and left with no reason? What would you have done, Sam?"

Sam had nothing to say to that. He bit his tongue as he watched Jacob struggle internally with himself. Honestly, Sam would be the same. Sam knew that he had done right by not telling Jacob at the time; it would be hard for Jacob to accept that though. It would be hard for anyone to learn and accept it.

"Figures," Jacob scoffed as he turned and stormed in the direction of the Cullen's residence. Slowly, Leah and Seth followed, giving their alpha plenty of space. He needed time to himself to calm down, that was for sure, but they did not want him to be completely alone. Sam and the others waited several minutes before making their own way towards the Cullens. Each of them was upset with how hard Jacob was taking the news, and Sam idly wondered how this would affect the upcoming interaction.

…

"You can't allow this to go unpunished!" Caius growled to Aro when they were alone. "She has interfered one too many times." His eyes were practically growing in his anger. "First the incident with that … that abomination, and now with Joham! How much longer will you allow her to walk all over us and undermine our authority?!"

"Calm yourself, Caius," Aro tried to reason with his brother, but the other was far beyond reason. His anger and hatred were too powerful to truly be controlled. Honestly, Aro had sensed this from the beginning, knew it would eventually take over Caius. It had begun the moment Caius had been attacked by that wolf. "We cannot act without suspicions falling upon us by our actions."

"We are the authority!" Caius screamed so loud that Aro was sure the others would have heard him. "We make the decisions! Our word is law, not hers!" He slammed his fist into the nearest object, cracking the marble table and causing it to crumble to the floor.

"We would do well not to make any unnecessary enemies," Marcus spoke up from his position at the opposite side of the wall. "She is very powerful."

"She is but one woman," Caius snapped. His teeth were clenched so hard that his fangs pierced his lower lip, causing blood to swell and drip down his chin. His wild eyes and bloody chin gave him an almost animalistic look, and it startled the other two. Never had they seen their brother so worked up. Aro and Marcus exchanged worried glances.

"Marcus is right," Aro finally consented. "She is powerful and it would do well for us not to place ourselves as targets to her anger." It was not that Aro was happy with the interference, but he knew when he was beat. Even if she hadn't appeared in the field that day, they would have not been able to act against the Cullens. Too many witnesses had heard the testimony, seen the truth, and they would have testified against the Volturi had anything happened to the child. The beautiful warrior had only helped to reaffirm the victory for the Cullens.

"You say that only because you want to recruit her," Caius suddenly appeared in front of Aro. "Have you no dignity? Are you a coward who will bend to the will of a woman such as her? She is the enemy and she will bring the downfall to our kingdom, to our people!"

"I stand firm in my decision, Caius," Aro stated calmly while ignoring the fuming vampire before him. "And you would do well to control your anger. Marcus and I are in agreement. She and the Cullens, especially the child, are to be left alone, at least for now." Aro gave Caius one more firm look before turning his back to his brother and moving to exit the room.

"No," Caius growled.

"What?" Aro turned around in shock.

"If you won't handle this situation, then I will," With that said, Caius stormed out of the room, leaving a shocked Aro and Marcus. He slammed the door behind him so hard that the hard that the walls shook from the force.

"Marcus-" Aro turned to question his brother.

"He speaks the truth, Aro," Marcus spoke lowly. "His anger is out of control."

…

"OW!" Serenity cried as Alice's small hand slammed into the back of her head. "What was that for?!" She demanded as she rubbed the sore spot. Beside her, Nikolai chuckled and jokingly checked for damage.

"No harm done, Moonbeam," he placed a restraining hand on Serenity's shoulder, preventing her from retaliating against the agitated looking red head. "Your head is too hard for any being to crack."

"Excuse me?!" Serenity turned on him, glaring at him. "You are such a traitor!" Serenity slapped her fist against his chest, ignoring how pain shot through her hand. He, like many other supernatural beings, had bodies of steel. It made it hard for her to hurt him, or any other, without using her abilities.

"Don't you ever do that again," Alice suddenly interrupted Serenity's angry tirade by wrapping her arms around Serenity from behind her. "You had us all worried." She squeezed Serenity tightly as all her worry and stress from the past few days finally melted away. After a few seconds, she reluctantly released the girl, but not without paying her with one more slap to the back of the head.

"I'm glad to see that you are safe," Jasper spoke from behind his wife. "You did have us worried." His gaze hardened and Serenity suddenly felt like the most horrible person for up and leaving everyone behind. She hadn't done it on purpose, and she couldn't help it. She could only hope that they would understand why she had to do it.

Her eyes scanned the group of vampires, noticing that Nahuel was nowhere to be found. She wanted to speak with him in private before reciting her story. It would not be fair or right to allow him to learn of what happened with everyone else. Those girls were his family, and even though they were not close, it was still his right to know.

"Where is Nahuel?" Serenity questioned in all seriousness. Maybe it was her tone, but Alice suddenly relaxed, all of her anger melted away completely as realization struck her.

"He's upstairs," She said and watched as Serenity quickly excused herself and made her way in his direction. Nikolai moved to follow, but Alice held him back. Her golden eyes met his and she slowly shook her head. "Give them a moment." She released him after he gave her a nod of consent.

"Is something wrong?" Edward questioned his sister. It was still odd not to be able to hear another person's voice. It was somewhat unsettling, especially considering Serenity could control when he could hear her.

"Something happened, and that's why she left when she did," Alice spoke softly. "I recognize that look in her eyes."

…

Serenity knocked softly on the door to the room where Nikolai and his aunt were staying. She was grateful that the two had decided to extend their visit. It meant she did not have to disappear on everyone again. As she entered the room, she found Nikolai sitting in a lounge chair, browsing through several books. His aunt was curled up on the bed. Her eyes were closed but she was not asleep.

"Nahuel," Serenity addressed him. "Do you mind if you and I spoke in private?" Huilen rose from her position on the bed and sent a worried look towards her charge. "It will only take a moment, I promise."

"Of course," Nahuel stood before addressing his aunt. "I'll be right back." Huilen opened her mouth to argue, but slowly closed it. Her eyes flickered between the two before she finally consented. She watched as Nahuel approached the blonde woman. With his consent, the blonde created a shield around them, preventing anything that was said to be overheard.

"Is something wrong?" Nahuel's strong voice vibrated through the air; it was filled with concern. "Everyone was worried when you disappeared."

"I'm aware," Serenity spoke softly. "I am sorry for upsetting them but I had no choice." She locked gazes with Nahuel. "Joham is dead." She was not surprised to find a flash of relief cross his features. As soon as that appeared, worry replaced it.

"What of the others? My sisters?" He did not know them, but they were blood. They were not at fault for who they were and who their father had trained them to be. They had been misled.

"I received a vision," Serenity quickly spoke. "I saw the Volturi. They were attacking Joham." She saw Nahuel tense. "Your sisters are fine." She reassured him. "I got there in time to stop Caius from taking his rage out on them."

"Where are they now?" Nahuel questioned instantly. "Did you bring them with you?"

"No, I'm sorry," Serenity shook her head. "Nahuel, your father –that man- brought them into life and trained them to be just like him. He killed without reason and that is all that they have known. I could not bring them here; it would have also brought back the Volturi. Neither you or the others need that kind of attention again, not any time soon." She placed a calming hand on his shoulder.

"Where are they?" Nahuel questioned.

"I have sheltered them in an area where the Volturi cannot go," Serenity assured as she used her free hand to summon Neptune's mirror. She brought her other hand to cross over the glass and, in an instant, a reflection of the sisters appeared on the mirror. She turned it so that Nahuel could see that they were safe. "Only those who know or have been to the realm can access it. Your sisters are the only ones with vampire blood that have ever stepped foot on that holy ground."

"Thank you," Nahuel's shoulder's fell as he finally relaxed. He looked like he had found some peace in knowing that his sisters were safe and no longer under the control of his father. "Can I see them?" Hope filled his eyes. Maybe he could help them heal so that they did not have to hide.

"I'm sorry but you can't," Serenity spoke gently. "They're feeding on animal blood, but their emotions, the scars that they possess, will take time to heal. They are not ready for any more surprises right now. Given time, I'm sure that you can visit them, but for now, I don't think it's a good idea. I'm sorry."

"I understand," Nahuel looked dejected, but there was a resolve shining through his stormy eyes. He wanted what was best for them. Serenity could sense that in him. Regardless of what Joham had done, and what Joham was, Nahuel was not evil. He had a pure heart and a brightly shining light. Serenity prayed that he would never lose that beautiful shine. He, like Renesmee, were important to the world.

"I will drop the shield now. If you want, you can share this your aunt, but I thought you deserved to know first, before anyone else," Serenity gave him a smile of encouragement as the shield surrounding the two of them gave way.

"Thank you," Nahuel reached out and hugged her close to his body. He shook slightly as emotions tore through him. So much had happened in such a relatively short amount of time. It was a complete shock to his system. Serenity returned the hug and, as the two were parting, a scream echoed from below them.

Startled, Serenity and the two vampires rushed downstairs to find Alice on the ground. She was clutching her head as a vision overcame her. The others, including the shifters who had just arrived, surrounded her. Serenity had to elbow her way through to get to her. As soon as she was by Alice's side, Serenity fell to her knees and placed her hands over Alice's.

She was instantly engulfed in the images that played through Alice's mind like that of a movie. The voices of Aro, Marcus, and Caius rang through the air. They were fighting. They were angry, especially Caius. Another surge of pain flooded through Alice, causing her to scream, and Serenity was thrown back from her.

Spots swirled before Serenity's vision and her head felt like it would split in two. "Are you okay?" A voice sounded from close by. Looking up, Serenity cold vaguely make out the shapes of Nikolai and one of the shifters, the one named Jacob. Instinctively Serenity reached out, and her hand was clasped in Jacob's as he helped her to stand. She stumbled as she rose, nearly colliding against his bare chest, but warm hands steadied her from her shoulders.

"What's happening?" Nikolai questioned softly.

"Alice is having a vision," Serenity groaned as she tried to massage away the pain that pounded at her skull. "A very strong one."

"Why her?" Nikolai questioned as he threw his gaze to the still screaming vampire. He had not spent much time with the Cullen's individually since he had arrived, but he knew enough to know that Alice had visions, but never were they painful or this controlling. The only one of whom he had seen experience such a vision was Serenity. Thus, the reason he had asked her.

"I don't know; it doesn't make sense," Serenity's head finally stopped hurting and her vision cleared.

"What do you mean?" This time it was Jacob who questioned her.

"Sometimes I receive strong visions. They can be very painful, or I can be very…aware of what is occurring in my vision. Though Alice receives visions of her own, hers do not normally cause her any distress. It's hard to explain." Serenity winced as Alice screamed once more before finally collapsing.

"Serenity," Jasper called as he scooped up his unconscious wife and pushed through the crowd of worried family and friends. Serenity met him halfway. Her hands were already glowing before she even laid a hand on her friend. Pure energy swept through Alice's body, healing any injury caused by the vision. There weren't many; it was mostly emotional trauma and pure exhaustion. "Is she okay?"

"She should be fine," Serenity spoke gently. Her gaze was worried. "Lay her on the couch. She'll wake soon." Jasper swept into the living room and did as instructed. He stayed next to his wife's side, brushing his fingers through her hair in worry.

"Did you see it?" Serenity questioned Edward. Her eyes were silver and glowed as she regarded the telepathic vampire.

"I couldn't read her," Edward stated in shock. He had never been blocked from his sibling's minds. Many times he had jested about being able to ignore their thoughts, but being blocked, especially in such a scary situation, had shaken his resolve. "Were you able to see anything?"

"Only bits and pieces," Serenity admitted in defeat. "It had something to do with the Volturi." At that, everyone in the room stiffened. Nobody expected there to be any mention of the Volturi anytime soon. Worry instantly flooded the room, causing Serenity's emphatic abilities to pick up on it all. "Aro, Marcus, and Caius were …arguing I think." Her uncertainty didn't help the situation.

"What about?" Sam questioned.

"Serenity," Alice's shaky voice spoke from the living room. "They were arguing about Serenity." Alice found herself surrounded by Nikolai and Jacob, both of whom were tense from her exclamation. "Caius," She licked her lips as she caught Serenity's gaze. "He walked away from the others."

"What do you mean, Alice?" Carlisle questioned as he moved to sit next to his daughter. "No one walks away from the Volturi."

"Caius did," Alice shivered as she recalled the pure anger and hatred that Caius held for Serenity. "He wants you dead." Alice stated as she looked towards Serenity. "He abandoned Aro and Marcus, denied their decision to leave you be. He has defaulted."

…

...

Well, that was intense, was it not? Sorry it took so long but this year has been crazy as hell. I'm still trying to finish two degrees, my boyfriend and I broke up (BF of 4 years), and then we got back together, and so much more has occurred. It is insane! Right now I finally have a break to do updates. This is the third story update that I have done. I hope to get three or four more done before Saturday. I know exactly what is going to happen in the next chapter and let's just say it will be even more intense.

For those of you irritated that Jacob hasn't proclaimed his 'little secret' or that Serenity hasn't caught on, cool your jets. This isn't going to be rushed. This is going to happen at a slow pace, one that makes sense. Serenity is emotionally scarred. It is obvious to tell and given the bond that is formed with imprints, Jacob can sense it but might not understand it. That complicates things. We all know how Serenity is in recognizing when people are in love with her. Poor Seiya :( I don't think she would have realized how Diamond felt if he hadn't went to such extremes…

Anywho, until next time.

REVIEW! I want to know what ya'll think of Caius defaulting from the Volturi and what you think he plans to do next…dun dun dun…

Sesshy's Mistress