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Disclaimer: I don't own any of S.M Things

Alena POV

"You are."

I held back a shriek and flinched as cool hands touched my bare shoulders, I could feel everything was silent in the room. Looking up, I saw Demetri hovering slightly over me with an anxious look. I waved him off and turned my attention back to the horrible woman on the phone. Once again, I took the phone up to my room and paced around for a second before I held it back to my ear.

"No."

"How dare you take so long to answer me young lady."

I cringed, that voice was so harsh.

"Mom, I don't belong to you. I have another family. They adopted me, they love me. How did you get this number anyway?"

"A nice man at the station told me when I asked for you. As for this family, I am still your biological parent and you're not eighteen yet, so you will come back with me."
I felt the tear start to well up in my eyes.

"Why?" I hissed.

The voice turned softer, "I want you home. You cannot just leave young lady, you're coming back."

My held down a bubbling feeling in my stomach, "No, mom, you can't. I have a family! I have a life here! I'm not going with you!"

"Listen here missy, I am your guardian! As you are not yet of legal age you have to come with us, don't make me bring law enforcement with me. I can twist quite a tragic story… that family kidnapped you and didn't let us see you."

The whole world seemed to close in on me and I found it harder to breathe. No, they couldn't do this to me! I had a family who loved me, I had a life, and I had Demetri! They were going to take that away from me!

"Mother, I'll turn eighteen in two weeks. I can easily hide out from you for that long."

"See if you do. I'll press charges against your so-called-family."

"NO!"

"So you don't like it. Well, listen here. We'll come and get you tomorrow. You're still under my control. I know where you live. The nice police man told me. So you better be there or so help me, I will find you and make sure that you're arm breaks."
I growled unhelpfully into the phone, "Please, don't do this." I begged into the phone.

"I'll be there tomorrow." She laughed on the phone and then the line went dead.

I cracked a little, enough for me to let out an aggravated shriek through the house.

Stomping down the stairs, I slammed the phone down and then turned to the silent house.

"What?" I growled, anger seething through my words.

Esme flinched at my voice and she looked as if she was going to cry. Then I felt like I was going to as well. My parents were coming to take me away and there wasn't much I could do about it. If I ran, they'd make up some elaborate story about the Cullens and that could lead to an investigation, and worse! People could find out about the Cullen's secret. I didn't want to go back, but I had to.

"Alena, what are you going to do?" Bella's voice cut into the air.

I frowned and pressed my back against the wall and slid down so that I saw sitting down, legs sticking out and back compressed against the wall. I turned red as a single tear slid from my eye down my chin. At that instant, Demetri was beside me cloaking me in his embrace.

"What am I going to do?" I wailed, my voice cracking at the last word.

"We can leave; escape, at least for two weeks, until you turn eighteen." Esme pleaded gently.

I shook my head and wrapped my arms around my legs.

"No, if we disappear, she'll still look. She said she'll were going to press charges against you for kidnapping if I tried anything funny. I don't think there's anything I can do. Even so, we can't leave. I'm not risking the lives of the people here."

The comforting arms around me tightened.

"So what are you going to do?" Emmett asked, serious for once.

I sighed, "I think I have to go back, or at least see them. Work something out… she's coming tomorrow."
Esme smiled a guilty smile, "Yeah, we heard."

I pressed my lips together in a hard line, "This isn't fair."

I looked around to my friends, the Volturi looked somewhat passive, but Aro, Caius, Felix, Jane and Alec had sad looks seeping through.

The rest of the day past glumly, it seemed that the mood I was in had rubbed off onto my family and had rubbed off onto everyone. Demetri stuck by my side and constantly caught me in comforting hugs. No one really bothered to practice, and the only time they went outside was to hunt.

The hardest time of the day was the night. As I slipped into the comforting covers of my bed, I was afraid to close my eyes. Scared that the next moment I opened them, tomorrow would come. I shifted myself that the figure on top of the bed with me was more comfortable.

"You're scared." The smooth voice stated, not questioned.

"Terrified…" I agreed.

Demetri's cold arm slung itself over my torso and pulled me closer to him. I shivered but then relaxed into his cool embrace. Alas, I couldn't keep up my battle with the dark night anymore. My lids fluttered rapidly in an attempt to keep them open, but one of those times, it didn't open and I fell into a quiet sleep.

---------------

Once again, and not surprisingly, morning was not welcome.

"Demetri?" I muttered as I felt around the empty bed.

"I'm here." His soft, beautifully accented voice called out.

I lifted my head sleepily from the soft down pillow and looked around. There, he was sitting in the chair at the desk. The chair was turned so it was facing the bed. He had a book in his hands, but his eyes were studying me.

"Whatcha' reading…?" I asked.

He shrugged and closed the book, turning it over in his hands, "I picked it off your table this morning. It's called Mother's Day."

I smiled, "That's a good book. It's about a girl who has to go live with her mother--" my voice trailed off and I felt my chest constrict.

In an instant, the book landed with a thump on the chair and he was sitting on the bed cradling me in his arms as the tears pulled out of my eyes and ran off me. I shook with silent sobs and sat up so that I more comfy in his arms and he hugged me tight and kissed my forehead repeatedly.

"Shh, it's okay. It's all going to work out."

I stopped crying and stood up, wiping my eyes and stretching. I could make it through today. Maybe…

I made my way over to the bathroom across my room and stood in a cold shower. It made me feel awake and energized. However, unlike a hot shower, a cold one didn't make me feel relaxed and calm. I hopped out of the shower and dried myself off. Wrapping the towel around me, I stepped out the bathroom, pausing at how quiet it was downstairs. Shrugging, I went back to my room, Demetri was still in there. Like the polite gentleman he was, his eyes were adverted as I walked into the room. I smiled softly to myself as I dressed in a pair of dark jeans, red silk top and pulled a stylish brown leather jacket on. I ran the towel through my hair and then quickly blow dried it. Running my brush through my hair, I looked constantly out the window, trying to see if a car was coming. Finally, I was done. I hurried over to Demetri and pulled his chin towards mine, stealing a light kiss.

"Thanks." I whispered.

He smiled back and stood up, giving me a cuddle in the process, "For what?"

I shrugged and rubbed his arms, "For everything."

He hung his head and only his eyes looked up at me, my breath was caught in my throat for a second. The man in front of me was impossibly beautiful.

"I love you." He said with a smile turning the corner of his lips.

I nodded and wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him as close as I could.
"I love you."
He wrapped his strong arms around my waist and whispered into my ear, "It's going to be fine."
I nodded and headed towards the door. Turning the doorknob, I took a breath and gently went down stairs. As usual, people were scattered around the place. The Volturi wasn't there though; they were hunting with Edward, Carlisle and Bella. The Irish were lounged around in the living room and the European Nomads were in the backyard practicing their attacks with the Denali. I looked for the American Nomads. Emmett and Jasper weren't there like the Americans Nomads. Alice and Rosalie were immersed in deep conversation with the Egyptian Coven. Everyone seemed busy. I walked slowly to the kitchen and yanked out a packet of cereal out of the pantry and set it on the table. Fifteen seconds later, I was at the table eating cereal, continuously clanking my spoon on the bowl. Esme was across from me, shooting concerned looks now and then. As soon as I finished, I cleaned up and put the dish in the dishwasher and sat back down at the table. Esme looked up from the gardening magazine she was reading and gave me a small smile. I groaned and ran a hand through my hair.

"Esme, this isn't fair!"

She gave a sad smile, closed the magazine and set it on the cherry wood table.

"I know sweet heart. But they are you're biological family, if they want you back, they're allowed to have you back."

I sighed.

The door bell rang.

Everybody's heads snapped up and the door was knocked upon again. Alice was beside me in an instant, her hand on my shoulder.

"It's her."

I squeezed my eyes shut and stood up. I tried to go as slowly as I could to the door, but every step took me annoyingly closer. My hand shook slightly as I went for the knob. I looked back at everyone's concerned expression, I felt terrible. Turning back to the only thing that separated me from my mother and me, I yanked it open.

"Alena! Darling! It's been so long! Oh my, you've grown up beautifully!"

I bit my tongue for a minute then replied, "Hi."
The woman at the other end of the door rolled her eyes and shook her head. Her almond eyes were light with excitement and her hazel hair was blowing in the breeze. I had to admit, my mother was a beautiful woman. But under that striking exterior, a dangerous abusive side lay.

"Is that anyway to treat your mother? Come over here and give me a hug."
I frowned but let myself come towards her and put my arms awkwardly around her. I bit back a wince and gasped as she grabbed my arm, a little too tightly, nails digging into my skin and pulled my arms around her tighter.

"Now that's a hug."

Her fingers still dug into my arm and they clawed down my arm for half a second. I pulled back and jumped back a step. Looking at my arm I drew in a sharp breath as angry red welt popped up. All my fear started to override my system as I remembered the mistreatment I'd suffered under her. A particular memory of my childhood at seven drew out into my mind.

Flashback

"Mommy," I ran frantically into the kitchen of our cottage, "Mummy!"

I heard a sigh and followed it to see my mother in front of the stove boiling a pot of water.

"What now, child…?"

I was a little annoyed so I strode up to her and tugged her skirt.

"Mommy…!" I whined, louder than the last.

She groaned and turned to me, putting her whole attention on me, "What!?"

I tugged her skirt again and then pointed to the door.
"Mommy! Daddy went! He took all these bags!" I drew a big circle in the air with my hands, "There were lots! And then, a yellow car took him away! He said he had to go. Where does he have to go Mommy?"

Her eyes widened and she ran towards the front door, her high heels clicking on the floor. She swung open the door as wide as it could and ran out the front door. Sure enough, in the distance, a yellow shape was driving away on the road. She ran out to the driveway of our house and yelled out. I cringed under the harshness in her voice. I stood at the door, taking a step back into the safety of my house. My mother turned back and stalked into the house. Her jaw was trembling and hands clamped into tight fist. I stood a meter or so away from the door, against a side table.

"Mommy, what's wrong? Why did he leave?" I asked timidly.

She closed the door quietly and turned around quietly. Her eyes were filled with anger.

"You!" She hissed.

I cringed back, I'd never heard Mommy used that tone of voice before. It scared me, it sounded so dangerous.

"Mommy?" I whispered. Fear and doubt cloaking my words.

Her eyes narrowed into slits and her figure loomed over me.

"This. Is. All. Your. Fault." She jeered.

I recoiled back, "Mommy, you're scaring me!!" I whimpered.

She came closer and drew her hands back. A loud resounding slap was heard through the house!

I shriek in shock and pain.

"Mommy! You're hurting me!" I cried. The tears poured down my cheeks and I slid down onto the floor.

She grabbed my wrists tightly, more tears poured out as the pain coursed through my body as she lay blowing hits on me.

"This is your fault!" She cried out, over and over again.

I yelled out in pain as the crushing blows hit my body over and over again.

Finally, the pain ended.

Next thing I knew, I was in the bath, cold water only. My mother had an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry sweetheart. I just lost it. But I need you to know why you're father isn't coming back."
I looked up from my bruises patched across my stomach, arms and chest and then to her brown eyes.

She sighed and splashed some more water on my hair before answering.

"He left because he couldn't handle you. He wasn't ready for a kid, even after seven years…"
I looked up at her, "So it is my fault Daddy left. He's not coming back."

She nodded and then kissed the top of my head.

I thought she'd never hurt me again. I thought her self control had just slipped. But it turned out that late at night, after she drank some foul smelling liquid, she'd come into my room and then beat me again. When I went to school, the teachers questioned where I'd gotten my bruises and occasional cuts from. Though I answered that I'd fallen each time, and they accepted that answer, it was seen through their eyes that they never believed me. Each night she'd beat me, and before she'd leave the room, in her drunken state, I'd ask, my voice cracked and broken.

"Why are you doing this Mommy?"

And every night, after a pause, she'd answer.

"Because it was your fault…"
End Flashback

Her sickeningly fake smile was still plastered upon her face.

"Now dear, aren't you going to introduce me to your family?"

I frowned and stepped back. Esme stepped forward.
"Hello, I'm Esme; you must be Alena's mother." Esme put her hand forward and waited until my mother shook her hand. Demetri came beside me and held my hand reassuringly.

"I'm Sophie."

Esme nodded and smiled warmly.

"How long will you be staying?"

Sophie shrugged, "Not too long. In fact, I plan on taking Alena back with me tonight."
"What!" I burst out. The grip on my hand tightened a little.

She gave me a piercing look.

"Don't take that tone missy! You are coming."

Rosalie stepped forward, "No! Alena is staying with us!" She cried out.

Sophie turned a sharp look at Rosalie, but a shocked looked seeped through. I couldn't blame her, my family was … unnaturally beautiful.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Rosalie. Her sister." Rose growled.

Sophie raised an eyebrow, "I don't remember having you…" Her voice spoke in a light teasing tone.

Rose's eyes narrowed, "I would ashamed to have you as a mother. Alena is part of our family. Not yours anymore."
Sophie's light expression turned to one of resentment, she turned to Esme.

"You obviously didn't teach your daughters how to act like ladies. Also, I am Alena's guardian."
Esme frowned, "Not legally. My husband and I adopted her."
Sophia shrugged, "I'll say you kidnapped her. She is biologically my daughter."

Esme looked hurt, "We don't mean any harm, and we only offer hospitality."

Sophia nodded, "Yes, I realized that. But I want to take Alena home with me. She belongs with me. Her family."
Rosalie opened her mouth, but Esme stopped her with a hand.

"We understand that, but we are also her family too."

Sophia pursed her lips. After a few seconds, her eyes lit up, "Ah, I know. We'll let Alena decide."
Esme looked hard at me and then nodded.

"Wait!" Alice's frantic voice cut in.

Sophia rolled her brown eyes for a second then raised an eyebrow, "What now?"

Alice came and took my hand, eyes pleading.

"I really need to talk to you." She said frantically to me.

I looked back to Demetri who had a concerned look on his face. Alice led me to the kitchen and I pulled Demetri along.

"What's wrong Alice?"
"Don't choose us." She said, regret more than imminent in her voice.

My eyes opened wide. I thought that if I actually had a choice, they'd want me to choose them!

"What?" I gasped, Demetri's voice echoing mine at the same time.

Alice slammed her eyes shut, "I know! That sounds really horrible! But if you do choose us, they're going to find out! The police will come here; someone in the Volturi will slip. You have to choose her! I want you to choose us, I really do! But I know you care about the safety of us."

I shut my eyes, wishing profusely that this was all a terrible nightmare. But the actually nightmare was: that the scene in front of me didn't go away!

Alice gave me a pitiful stare and turned her head away, hanging it in sadness.

I let go of Demetri's hand and held her face with one hand until she looked up.

"If I go…?" I whispered.

She sighed, "We'll be safe for a while, and the Romanians won't find you, not if we can help it."

I covered my arms over her and after a split second, she hugged me back.

"I'm so sorry." She sobbed tearlessly.

I held her head in my hands, "No, it's okay. I only care about the family's safety okay?" I felt her nodded on my shoulder. She pulled back and ran tired hands over her face.

"I'll go and tell them off your decision." She said dejectedly.

I turned around to see Demetri; he also was donning a sad smile on his face. I rushed over and gathered him up in my arms. He caught me as I clasp my arms around him and lifted me up slightly.

"I love you Alena."
I drew my lips up to his and seized a short but tender kiss from his stone cold lips.

"I love you. Stay here okay?"

He sighed and opened his mouth, "But—" I pressed a finger to his lips.

"No buts. Your coven needs you. They're dying without a tracker. As soon as I turn eighteen, come find me. Okay?"

He smiled softly, "Alright my love."
He enveloped me in a hug again I rested my head on his chest. Hand in hand, we walked out to the hallway where my mother stood waiting.
"Well?"

I rolled my eyes and took my place next to her, "Let's just go."

She smiled in annoying satisfaction, "I'll get someone to come back for your things."

I squeezed my eyes shut for a few seconds. I couldn't believe this was really happening. After opening my eyes, I found my mother was holding the door open. Before I took as step towards her, I hurried towards Esme who welcomed my hug with open arms.

"As soon as you turn eighteen…" She whispered into my ears.

I nodded, feeling the water work up into my eyes. My vision was getting a little blurry.

I walked over to my mother and as I walked out of the door, she slammed it shut.

"Why do you want me back?" I hissed at her, trying to sound threatening… like a vampire.

She grinned as she pulled the door open on the silver Hyundai Genesis.

"Nice car." I completed, seething with resentment for my mother taking me away from my family.

"Thank you."

I climbed in gingerly and waited in cold silence as she drove out of the driveway, past the trees and back into the highway. After twenty minutes or so, she ended up at a motel.

"You're staying here?"

She rolled her eyes as she stood next to me, in front of the car, "Give me a break. I just got here yesterday. Anyway, it's not like we're living here."

I frowned, "Where then, dear mother?"

A hard slap hit my arm and I instinctively flinched away, however, a grip held my arm tightly.

"Ow! Let go!" I drew a sharp breath.

Her eyebrow was arched, "Don't you dare use that tone on me young lady. I am your mother."

I huffed but followed her, unwillingly, to the motel room. We went up the stairs and I waited as she unlocked the door.

"Is this it?" I asked as I looked into the room. It was almost empty. Two single beds were located on one side of the wall. A chair and table sat opposite the beds. On the table were some Chinese Takeaway and a can of Pepsi. I looked past the first room and saw the bathroom.

"This is… comfy."

My mother gave a huff of annoyance, "After all I've done for you."

I rolled my eyes and stalked into the room. Placing my phone on the table, I then threw myself on the bed and just waited there.

"I'm going out to get some stuff. If I come home and find this room empty, I'll go straight to the police and make up some sob story."
I propped myself up on my shoulders, "Why? Why go to all this trouble? You let me go for a few years. Why not forever? Tell me the real reason."

My mother sat on the chair and leant her elbows on her knees and her head on her hands.

"Alright, I'll tell you."
I raised an eyebrow expectantly.

"Well, one of your aunts is about to die. And she left me quite a large sum of money in her will. Six thousand dollars to be precise… but in order for me to get that, she wanted to see the family. She knows your father walked out on us, but she wants to see you."

My mouth dropped open, "For money. This is all for money?"
She winked and shrugged, "There's a lot of things I could do with six thousand dollars."

With that, she took her bag and walked out the door.

I propped myself higher up to see my phone. Shit! My phone! It wasn't on the table! She…took…my…phone.

I groaned and flopped back down on the bed. Tears poured down my cheeks. I couldn't believe she took me away from my family.

I cried and cried my body shaking madly until I fell into a deep sleep.

--

THUMP-THUMP

--

My eyes shot open.

The day had far gone and nightfall was upon us. I looked over to the other bed and saw my mother's arms move as she rubbed her eyes.

The loud thumping on the door sounded again and my mother groaned. I watched silently as she got up and rubbed her eyes.

"I'm coming." She muttered.

THUMP-THUMP

"I'M COMING!" She yelled.

I sat up on the bed.

She opened the door a crack; I could see the shock on her face.

"Who are you?"

"Demetri. Demetri Volturi."
I BOLTED upright.

WHAT?!

"I know you from somewhere." My mother wondered out loud.

"Yes, you do. From this morning…" His voice said gently. It gave me shivers.

"Are you a friend of Alena's?" Mother asked gruffly.

He nodded, "Yes."

Mother cursed in his face and closed the door locking it.

"Your friend," She hissed, "You aren't allowed to see him anymore."

My mouth dropped opened, but not before she strode over and grabbed my arm tightly, "Do you understand?"

Suddenly, a crushing noise was heard. We both looked to the door. The door knob turned. And then another crushing sound was heard. The knob broke.

Then, the door swung open slowly to reveal a tall man still standing there. His dark grey cloak was blowing in the wind and his blood red eyes glistening in the moonlight. He looked absolutely terrifying. Every single bit a vampire.

"What?" My mother stated, a little dazed.

The red eyes narrowed, "Let her go."
Sophie looked at my arm and dropped it like it was hot fire.

"Alena, get up and go to the car."
I got up and moved to his side.

"I'm not leaving you." I whispered gently.

A smile cracked on his lips and he smirked at me.

"What do you want?" The terrified voice shrieked into the air.

His gaze narrowed again.

"For you to leave. You will never, ever come back for Alena again. Do you hear me?"

He stalked over to her and stroked her face gently, I would have loved to be under that touch, but it seemed that he terrified my mother so.

He crouched down in front of her and his hand gripped the chair that she was cowering next to and crushed a corner of it so it looked like something terrible had dismantled it. How ironic that it was exactly what happened.

"What are you?" She whimpered.

He stroked her face again, "Part of your worst nightmares. Now listen, and listen hard. You will leave. Don't ever come back, not for Alena, not anywhere near her. We will never hear from you ever again. Do you hear me?"

She nodded in complete fright.

"If I know that you are within ten miles of her, I will hunt you down. This chair is nothing. I will rip you apart, piece by piece. Remember, I am your worst nightmare."

She was shaking. She was frightening. She was terrified.

He got back up and next to me.

"Demetri." I breathed.

He pulled me close with one arm and kissed my lips, his own lips leaving a lingering flavor on mine.

"I will never, ever loose you again. I don't care how long, I am never loosing you." His accented voice had a gruff tint to it as he gave me his promise.

He took me hand and we ran down the stairs and to the car. Oh! My Audi! I ran to the passenger door and opened it, hurry into it. It was my escape.

Demetri got in and revved the car up. Skillfully drifting it on the sandy road, we were back on the tar road, speeding back to my home.

"She's not going to buy it. She's going to come back." I wailed, mostly to myself.

He looked at me, a smile on his face.

"I guess we have to ask Alice. But right now, this is what I want. I want you with me. If you are even minutes, seconds away from me, I want you; I need you right next to me."
I smiled gently as his pressed his lips together. I shook my head.

"Demetri Volturi, I love you."
He grinned, "Alena Grayson, or Alena Cullen. I love you. Never again will I ever let you, let me go. You are my life."

The next lines, he said slowly, very slowly, making sure I heard every word.

"Every minute, every millisecond that you are not with me, I am not alive… if that is what I am. You are the soul of my existence."

I could have died right then and there.

"Then I'm glad that we have forever."

He grinned ruefully at me, making my insides turn bubbly and uncontrollable.

"Yes, that sounds perfect. Forever."