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.

...

...

"We should give it a while," Carlisle spoke softly. His tone was calm as he motioned for everyone to keep calm. His eyes caught Jasper's, and with a nod, the younger vampire quickly used his abilities to send an aura of peace throughout the room; it only helped to subdue a few who were not used to the effects of his abilities. "No one has ever defected from the Volturi in the past. Caius' pride was hurt more than anything. If he does not return, Aro and Marcus will search for him and convince him to return. It is within their best interest."

His words were truthful and made the most sense. For some, that was enough. For Serenity, it wasn't. Her eyes began to glow silver and narrowed into slits as she sought Pluto's power. While everyone else conversed amongst themselves, she allowed her mind to flow through time and see all that had occurred.

"Serenity," Nikolai whispered softly when he noticed how still she had become. He brushed his fingers over her brow, sweeping away the bangs that shielded the symbol that glowed fiercely there. He sighed, recognizing what she was doing.

"What's happening?" The shifter questioned him. Nikolai spared the young man an appraising glance. This alpha was young and his concern was obvious; it unsettled him. A low growl rumbled from Nikolai's chest as he pulled Serenity closer to him. He had spent his entire existence as a werewolf protecting her, fighting with her, learning from her, and trying to repay his life debt. Over those many years, he had grown close to the silver haired woman. He was protective, and the insistence of this young alpha had his wolf on edge.

"She is seeking answers," Nikolai finally consented to answer solely for the purpose to remain on good terms with the people here. He moved his hands to her shoulders, turning Serenity so she stood facing him. Her eyes bore into his chest, but they were unseeing. "Serenity," he called to her as he noted her heart race was quickening. Beads of sweat were beginning to dot her skin and her temperature was rising.

His grip on her tightened as her body went limp. She crumbled against him as her breathing turned ragged. The sudden change in her disposition drew the attention of the others around them. Alice and Jasper were the first to react. They were next to her in an instant. Carlisle and Esme followed after them.

"Serenity, speak to me," Nikolai ordered and it was the order of an alpha. It drew her from the haze that she had fallen into after becoming lost in the many streams of time. "You exhausted yourself again." His tone was disappointed but also worried. He allowed Carlisle to hold Serenity while inspecting her.

"I'm fine," she finally sighed as her body ceased the trembling it had started upon her collapse. She raised a hand to shoo away Carlisle's hand which rested on her head. "I'll be fine in a minute. Nikolai is right. I simply over did it." She pushed away from the supporting hands which held her from various angles. "Seriously, I'm fine." She shook them off and moved to the nearest couch.

"What all did you see?" Alice questioned as she took Serenity's hand and sat next to her exhausted friend.

"Carlisle is right," Serenity spoke. "It is too early to be concerned. I couldn't find a definite path created by these turns of events. There is still too much left to chance to risk causing even more harm than good if we overreacted."

Everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and Serenity shared a smile with her close friends. What she said was true, but what she failed to tell them is that every fiber of her being sensed trouble, and her intuition was rarely wrong. Renesmee was proof of that. Speaking of the child, Serenity turned her gaze to watch as the young half breed cuddled to her mother in relief.

"So what do we do?" Questioned Benjamin who looked upon everyone in honest curiosity.

"We wait." Carlisle spoke with finality.

…

3 weeks later

…

"Everyone seems to be adjusting well enough," Bella grinned as she watched her daughter and Seth interact with Benjamin. It had been three weeks sense Alice's vision. Several of the remaining witnesses had decided to leave, but there were still some who decided to stay in case they were needed.

Zafrina and Senna of the Amazonian tribe had stayed behind, while Kachiri left to ensure order within their homeland. Peter and Charolette stayed to continue their visit with Jasper. Eleazar, Carmen, Tanya, Irina, and Kate decided to stay behind as well, in case Caius came looking for Irina. Garrett stayed behind for Kate, who he had become enamored with her more each day. Benjamin and Kebi sent word back to Amun that they would stay, though it was not well received. Nahuel and Huilen agreed to stay as well as they enjoyed the company of the others.

"It would seem like it," Edward chuckled as he looked back towards the living room and at a brooding Jacob. "Some more than others, I would say." His golden eyes sparkled in amusement.

"Edward," Bella sent him a look after elbowing him in the side. Turning around, she walked to her closest friend and claimed the empty seat at his side. "Jacob," Bella smiled as she laid a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently in support.

"Bella," Jacob spoke as he let his gaze continue to lock on the forest outside.

"You doing okay?" Bella questioned him. Since Serenity's appearance, Jacob had been less hostile than before, but it was obvious that he was having a hard time coming to terms with his…situation. Bella wasn't sure what she could say to make him feel better, or if anything would. His situation was truly a difficult one to understand and to handle.

"Yeah," He sighed while crossing his arms and letting his gaze drift back to the lining of the frest that circled the home of the Cullen's. "Peachy."

"He's not too fond of Serenity's companion, Nikolai," Edward chuckled only to receive a heated glare from the shifter. Jacob's eyes flashed and it was obvious that his wolf was prowling at the surface. "He is a more powerful alpha."

"Whatever," Jacob huffed as he stood and moved to leave the room. "I need to get back on patrol."

"Jacob," Bellla called as she stood. "You know you can always come to talk to me, right?" She reached for him. She was worried and it showed. Even after being turned, she was still Bella. The same Bella that Jacob had grown to love once upon a time. He was thankful that she hadn't changed as much as he had originally feared.

"Of course," He smiled and it was sincere.

…

"Dinner!" Esme called from the kitchen, catching the attention of the vampires and shifters present. Everyone hurried inside and found their seats in the dining room. A larger table had been purchased to help accommodate everyone. However, once everyone was settled, it became obvious that someone was missing.

"Serenity," Nikolai stood and moved to exit the house and hunt for her. She had managed to talk him into allowing her to explore on her own. He had known it was a bad idea, but had decided not to argue against her. These past three weeks had left her on edge. He had known she hadn't spoken the whole truth to the others, but he would not reveal that secret. It was not his place.

"We'll come and help," Sam spoke as he and several of the other shifters stood from their seats. Sharing a look with Leah before he left, Seth and the others followed behind the wolf with Jasper and Alice following closely behind.

As soon as they disappeared, Leah stood from her seat and walked outside. She quickly transformed behind the cover of the forest and reached her mind out to Jacob's, informing him of the search for Serenity. She could sense his unease and the instant worry.

'I'm coming.´ His voice echoed through her mind.

Nikolai had instantly shifted into the massive form of his wolf. He shook, allowing for the fur to resettle before he lowered his muzzle to the ground and searched for Serenity's scent. It wasn't too hard to find. She had a soft and sweet scent that belonged only to her. It reminded him of the nights of the full moon, right after a gentle rain. The other's had shifted near him. He tossed them a look before taking off in the direction of her scent.

It took only a few minutes to find her. They came upon her form as she stood in front of a huge old oak tree. Her hand was pressed flat against the bark of the tree, and her gaze was locked in front of her. A gentle breeze blew through the area, lifting her hair and shifting it around her body. Sam through back his head and howled. He knew Jacob would be worried and on the look out for them.

Nikolai shifted back to his human form and approached Serenity gently. Her body was stiff and she had not responded to their loud approach. His suspicions were confirmed when he noticed her eyes. They were wide and bright. Power reflected from those orbs.

"What is she doing?" Sam question as he shifted back and approached from Serenity's other side.

"I'm not quite sure," Nikolai commented honestly. He lifted his hand and allowed his knuckles to brush over her cheek. The day was chilly and her skin lacked its normal warmth. She had been here for some time. "It isn't a vision." He noted that her brow lacked any sigil that he was used to seeing. Her skin, however, was another thing. It was glowing, but not silver. It had a golden glow to it.

"Is she okay?" Jacob questioned as he came through the thick foliage.

"She's fine," Sam assured him.

"What's going on?" Jacob moved quickly to her side and eyed her warily. "Is it another vision?" He tensed at the thought of the Volturi and of Caius. From what he heard from Alice and the others, Caius was known for his temper and he never forgot a grudge. If the man truly wanted revenge, then he would seek it.

Nikolai lifted his hand and touched the tree out of curiosity. His eyes widened when he felt a pulsating power wash over his skin from the contact. It sent chills down his spine and every hair on his body stood on end.

"I swear," Serenity spoke as her gaze shifted to Nikolai. "I can't enjoy a day's peace without everyone freaking out on me, can I?" Her tone was void of emotion as her hand slid down the tree until it fell to her side.

"It's time for dinner and no one knew where you were," Seth spoke for Nikolai who looked at his hand stunned. "They worried."

"I was merely enjoying a conversation," Serenity turned and came face to face with Jacob, who stood within an inch of her being. She tilted her head back to meet his gaze and lifted a brow expectantly. He continued to watch her. His brown eyes taking note of her and checking for any injury or sign of distress. Only when he was confident that she was fine did he move.

"I swear, you all act like my father," Serenity rolled her eyes and moved away from the tree. Her hand which had rested there was fisting open and closed.

"You talk to trees?" Nikolai questioned as his silence passed.

"No," Serenity continued to walk, passing the shifters which were still in their wolf forms. "I was speaking to the earth." She commented as if it was a normal occurrence. "I was trying to find Caius' location."

"Why?" Sam was suddenly in front of her.

"I will discuss this after dinner," Serenity narrowed her eyes. "Now, gentlemen, do you plan to stalk me to the house to ensure that is where I am headed, or can you make it on your own?" She swept her gaze over the group of men and wolves alike. Something in her gaze caused them to shiver. "Good." She responded when no one commented or moved to follow her.

"Something tells me that isn't normal for her," Jacob directed his statement towards Nikolai.

"No, it wasn't," He moved to follow her, but allowed her space as he did so. "We should hurry and get this over with. Whatever she has to say isn't going to be good."

…

Dinner had been unusually quiet. It was almost as if everyone could sense the tension that entered the room as Serenity returned. Alice and Jasper were hovering near her. They had managed to catch up to her as she left from the wolves. Their questions went unanswered as Serenity continued towards the house, explaining that they had no need to worry for now and that things would be discussed after dinner.

"Caius still has not returned to Aro's side and his default was not the first. Jane and Alec have followed him," Serenity spoke as soon as the dishes had been cleared. A deadly silence settled over the entire group. Emotionless eyes of silver watched as Bella clutched tightly to Renesmee. "I cannot pinpoint their location." Serenity's eyes fell to her hands which were clutching her dress tightly. "They are moving and they are moving fast."

"What do we do?" Zafrina questioned. Her dark eyes fell to Serenity.

"Call back your sister. Carlisle, warn those who witnessed the first time. I doubt that Caius will allow their interference to go unpunished. Benjamin, I would contact Amun again if he would listen," Serenity shared a look with the others.

"Nikolai," Serenity spoke. "Call the coven and warn them. I want them to be alert just in case."

"You don't think…" Nikolai was reaching into his breast pocket, retrieving his cell phone.

"You and I have made just as many enemies as we have allies over the years, my friend," Her eyes were deadly serious. The void of emotion in those deep depths sent chills down his spine. He had rarely ever seen her like this, and was shocked at the sudden change.

"Did you see anything?" Alice questioned as she clutched to Jasper. This was the first time that they had seen her in such a state of mind. Even when facing the Volturi the first time she had not become so cold and distant.

"No, and Nikolai," Serenity stood and looked upon him. "Contact Delena first and let me know what you find out." He was dialing before Serenity had a chance to finish. Standing, he moved to find some privacy.

"Where are you going?" Jacob stood as she moved past him.

"I'm going to go change and then pay a visit to Aro and Marcus," Serenity spoke without stopping. She turned the corner to follow the staircase to the bathroom, but the uproar she left behind caused her to pause. "I have no other choice. Those who want to come with me should be prepared to leave in an hour. I will wait no longer than that." She locked eyes with each person before moving up the stairs and shutting the bathroom door behind her.

"Senna, Zafrina, you should contact Kachiri. I will contact the others. Benjamin," Carlisle spoke.

"I will contact Amun but I doubt he will listen," the vampire stood with his mate and the two excused themselves for the call.

Serenity sank to her knees in the shower as she listened to the movement from below. For a moment, she opened her mind and sought Edwards. She felt him immediately. She could sense his sudden pause.

'Anyone of concern for Bella should be brought, too. They will need to be kept safe until this is over.' She could sense him trying to pry for some sort of clue, but she shut him out of her mind. Closing her eyes, she allowed the hot water to wash over her. These next few days would be trying, and the darkness that lurked over this family would not be easily dispersed.

…

"Delena isn't responding," Nikolai spoke through the door. His gaze shifted to the lower level. Edward and Bella had left and returned with several humans who were more than put off at the sudden change in their location. The attire of Zafrina and Senna had not helped. It was obvious to the humans that something about this group was wrong.

"I feared as much," Serenity opened the door. Her hair was still damp and she had it in a high and messy ponytail. She had managed to pull a spare set of clothing from her subspace pocket as well. "What of the others?"

"I alerted them," Nikolai answerd.

"Good," Serenity moved past him and down the stairwell. Her first stop was towards the group of humans. She stood before them and eyed each. "How many of them know?" She questioned Bella and the others.

"Know what?!" a blonde haired woman with features similar to Bella questioned. At her side was a man who held her tightly to his being.

"Mom…" Bella tried to console but Serenity beat her to it. With a quick adjustment, she was in front of the two and her hands were extended, pointer finger touching their brows.

"Sleep," Her command caused the two beings eyes to flutter closed and their bodies to fall forward. Bella rushed to catch her mom while Edward held to the man.

"What is going on?" Charlie, a man Serenity had seen in her vision, demanded as he reached for his gun. "What are you?"

"A friend," Serenity appeared in front of him and touched his brow, causing him to collapse as well.

"Sue is aware," Seth spoke. "She knows everything."

"Are there any others who know or that would be used against you?" Serenity questioned in all seriousness. Her gaze bore into each of the shifters, knowing that they would have loved ones who could be put at risk in the future.

"Our parents don't know about us," one of the younger wolves spoke as he shifted from foot to foot.

"Serenity," Nikolai warned. "You can't move them all without suspicion."

"I know," Serenity stressed. Her head was beginning to hurt as a migraine began to form.

"What did you do to my family?" Bella demanded after ensuring her parents were fine. She appeared before Serenity. Golden eyes glared heatedly in defense of her parents. "Undo it!"

"Of course, then how would you explain everything to them, about how they are in danger and a psychotic vampire will come for them most likely?" Serenity questioned in sweet sarcasm. "I don't have time for pleasantries. I'm trying to keep them alive. Caius is on the move. He is pissed and he is planning a war. In war, you either kill or be killed. Caius isn't planning to die, and he's gathering his own army to ensure it. I wanted to spare you the details, but this is one path that is certain. So either work with me, or stay out of my way…" Serenity spoke darkly as she stood closer to Bella. The two locked gazes.

"Bella," Alice called. "Serenity doesn't mean any harm. She is doing what is best. Trust me."

"If so much as a hair –"

"I wouldn't threaten the only person that can save you and your family," Serenity warned.

"Arguing is getting us nowhere. Serenity," Carlisle slipped between the two. "What do you have planned for them?" He motioned to the bodies.

"I'm going to take them somewhere safe," Serenity spoke as she took a step back from the taller man. "I know of a place that no one can get to unless they have been shown the way."

"Then how do you know of it?" Garrette questioned.

"That isn't important right now. Is there anyone else I need to take with me?" She scanned the crowd. Sam nodded and left quickly, returning with his mother, Emily, and Billy.

"You four will follow me. Nikolai, gather the men. Bella, bring your mother. The rest of you need to wait here," Serenity ordered as she transformed and opened a portal. The dark mass swirled ominously, causing the conscious humans to pause in fear. They followed after Serenity with the promise of safety from their loved ones.

When they came out on the other side, they were greeted with a beautiful sight of a luscious forest and huge temple.

"Welcome to Elysion."

…

...

Eh… Not happy with this but it is an update. You all are lucky because it is freezing cold here and I have no heat. My fingers are numb and very slow to move because the blood flow in them is sluggish. Enjoy and review. I know where the other chapter is going, but you won't see it if I get no feedback.

RxR

Sesshy