Chapter Twenty One
Bella
Little did I know how fast the Volturi were moving, especially since Aro found out I was more powerful than he imagined. Felix left a text message on my phone telling me to be careful, Demetri and Jane had been sent to track me down and persuade me to go back with them. That meant any of our friends could be in danger, including Peter and Charlotte if Aro knew I had bonded with Jasper. I tried ringing them but the phone went unanswered so they'd probably gone to hunt. When I told Jazz about Felix warning he asked me to check the time of the message and I realized it had come through some hours ago when we'd been out hunting ourselves.
"Peter's not answering?"
"No but I don't think Aro could move that quickly Jazz"
"Really? I'm not so sure, try his cell phone again while I get Rose and Em back to the house."
I tried Peters then hers but neither were answered and a horrible feeling started to fill me, had Demetri already located me and taken Peter and Charlotte as hostages for my return?
Jasper
I could see the answer to my question before I asked it, neither could be reached and when Rose and Emmett heard what might have happened they were ready to help in any way they could,
"Not to save Peter's ass, he's an idiot, but to make sure Bella doesn't end up back in Volterra."
I nodded my thanks to Emmett as we piled in the car and drove back to the Whitlock place. As soon as we drove up I could see our suspicions had been right. The door was banging in the wind and there were signs of a struggle in the dirt out front, so they'd put up a fight.
"Does this mean we're going to Italy?"
Bella turned to Em nodding,
"I have to. I can't protect them from here and Aro wouldn't think twice about killing both of them if he decides its necessary but you don't have to come Em, it will make you a target for the Volturi and Carlisle wouldn't be able to help if you got in trouble"
"Then I guess we'll be depending on you Sis"
They both had absolute trust in Bella's ability to keep them safe and she turned to me,
"We don't have any choice do we?"
"No, you're right that Aro will kill them if he doesn't think they are luring you back. What about Felix? Why don't you contact him, see of he can tell you anything."
Bella
I crossed my fingers and rang Felix hoping he could answer and wasn't in listening range of the brothers or anyone else who knew I was on the run now.
"Bella, I thought you might be ringing. I take it you know about the Whitlocks?"
"Yes. Are they in Italy yet?"
"No, Aro's keeping them under Jane's supervision close to you. He thinks being able to offer you your friends back quickly might help you decide in his favour but Jane has strict instructions, any sign of a rescue party and she kills them."
"I didn't know Jane could kill with her gift"
"She can't... but I can"
"You're here too?"
"Yes, Aro trusts me implicitly remember."
"So what's his next move?"
"He's waiting for you to contact him but you might be interested in this, Caius isn't happy. He doesn't want a war with The Major and he thinks if the rumours of you and The Major are true then that's what will happen if Aro forces your hand"
"But Caius wouldn't act against Aro would he?"
"Not act as such but he has a lot of influence within the Volturi especially over the guard which are mainly loyal to him above Aro. I've already been given my orders."
"Can you tell me what those orders are?"
"If there is any way of getting you back to Volterra without starting a war I'm to use it. I already told Caius I doubted you would give up if Aro killed your friends and he's busy working behind the scenes to ensure Peter and Charlotte aren't harmed. He fears you coming to Volterra as much as Aro desires it."
"Does Aro really think I would work for him again by threatening me?"
"Remember, to Aro threats are his main weapon, so yes I think he does."
"We're flying to Italy Felix. Will you try to keep our friends safe as long it doesn't threaten your own safety?"
"I'm already on it Bella. Good luck and just remember I'm a friend when justice is meted out."
"I will, thank you Felix."
I told the others of my conversation,
"So why go to Italy if Peter and Char are nearby?"
"Because Emmett, Aro won't be expecting it as my first move. Caius doesn't want a war and he doesn't want The Major and I in Volterra so that's where we're going. You don't have to put yourselves in danger but I do have a task for you if you are determined to help."
"Just say the word Bella."
"I want you to find out where Peter and Charlotte are being held, it's somewhere close by and be ready to move on my order and get them out."
"OK but what about Jane?"
"She has the enemy standing beside her, if it comes to a fight Felix will swap sides so please don't hurt him."
They looked sceptical but I knew my friend in the Volturi guard, Felix was hard and dangerous but he was loyal to what he believed in and he believed in me.
Bella
Jazz and I drove to the airport and found a friend waiting for us, one of those who I'd last seen at Jaspers side in Maria's compound. Jasper had obviously contacted him before we left.
"Garrett this is Bella my mate. We don't have time for polite introductions right now but are you willing to go to Volterra with us? Bella's got a date with the Volturi and I'd like them to see she has dangerous allies in the vampire world."
"Sure Why not, I should be flattered to be called dangerous I suppose. I took the liberty of bringing a couple of our other friends, they may as well be with us as they're in Aro's sights anyway."
He motioned with one hand and the others from Mexico glided up silently.
"Thank you, all of you. Lets go and we'll fill you in on the flight."
"Oh by the way, another friend wanted to help so we've been bumped up to first class."
Jazz smiled,
"So, does that mean I'm forgiven?"
"I doubt it. You know as well as I do that Darius never forgets but I think he understands that you would have done more if you could. Besides you know him, any chance of getting back at the Volturi and he's in like a shot."
I would have to ask Jasper about this Darius. It wasn't a name I was familiar with although it seemed he had a grudge against Aro and I thought I knew most of Aros enemies after all these years.
The flight was comfortable enough and there was plenty of room, it seemed we had first class to ourselves which must have cost a packet! So was Darius rich?" It was decided to play things by ear in Volterra and the guys relaxed back in their seats to wait patiently, reading, watching a film, or listening to music.
Jasper
I felt Bella's curiosity so started on the tale of how I met Darius.
"I first met him when I worked with Maria. He was in a rival army trying to muscle in on her territory and we fought. He was tough, very tough, but I would have killed him if Maria hadn't given strict instructions that he was not to be harmed. Instead we took him back with us and I wish we hadn't. Maria wanted to use him to send his sire a message. She removed one of his legs before I understood what she meant to do, send him back in pieces each burned to ashes. I helped him escape and luckily there was a breakout by a large group of newborns at the same time so his escape was blamed on them. I think Peter organised that although he never admitted to it. Since that time no one has seen Darius but somehow he made it out of Mexico. Where he is now is anyone's guess but he pops up whenever there's trouble ready to help anyone who works against the Volturi."
"Why the Volturi?"
"Because Maria worked for them, in particular Aro, and he maintains it was Aro's idea to send his sire a message that way."
"Was it?"
"I don't know but she always followed instructions when they came from Italy and she had some just as we were leaving. It changed her mind about the fight, that's when she told me that Darius must be captured alive. I thought he had a gift Aro wanted or something but I never found out and he never talks about it. Darius lives to throw a spanner in Aros works and he's pretty good at it on occasion."
"Well, lets see if we can't repay him for his gift of the tickets."