Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns all Twilight Saga and characters.
Leah
It only took two days for my world to turn upside down. I didn't need to call Jacob or Renesmee, Jacob cut his plans short the moment he saw what happened when I phased last night. Andrew, Steven and Mica all volunteered to come with him and Embry. The Cullens and the Denali arrived the morning after with our new guests. Isa and a little hybrid female she hadn't named yet. She called her 'demonita' which meant little female demon, that bitch! I noticed that no one got close to the little girl. Even her uncle was afraid of her. I didn't understand why. She looked perfectly innocent to me. Like any 6 year old little girl. I was about to ask Eddie what the hell was the problem but he answered before I got the chance to ask. So annoying.
"Can't you hear her heart, smell it on her? Isa is human. It's the child's gift. Keep your distance. We don't know how it will react to shape shifters." Edward told me. I held on to Harry a little tighter. I didn't know how I felt about it though. A gift that could turn monsters to human? What the hell were we all waiting for? Oh yea, the vampire royalty was coming to slaughter us and we wouldn't stand a chance as humans. Nahuel was talking to her in some foreign language and she kept shaking her head. The kid really needed a name.
"Her uncle decided to call her Pire, after his mother but she doesn't like it. She wants to be named after her mother Kara. Nahuel hates it. He never liked that name to begin with."
"I kinda like Kara." Nahuel gave me the evil eye from the corner and Kara smiled at me shyly. She was cute, like all the hybrids. She had tan skin but it was lighter than Nahuel's. She had wavy light brown hair and her eyes had a bit of a native look but the rest of her features looked more anglo.
"How did you find them?" Jacob asked him as he sat down next to me. Nessie was there with him, holding tightly to his hand.
"It wasn't hard. They left quite a trail of blood which is why the Volturi took notice." Edward shook his head.
"What happened Edward?" I asked him.
"Kara slept with many nomads and eventually got pregnant. She was starting to turn human towards the end of her pregnancy but her father thought it was to accommodate the baby, like when Renesmee's scent changes when her body is preparing for her cycle. Kara didn't survive the birth and when Isa took the baby to clean her, she slowly started turning human. That's when they realized that it was the child's gift. When you touch her skin you turn human within hours. Isa begged Joham to turn her into a vampire but he told her he had no need for a full blood female. That she was more useful to him as a human. He assigned her to take care of the child and left them. Isa tried to slaughter all those people to get her father's attention. To bring the Volturi to him and now she has brought them down on all of us. Foolish girl." He said in a hiss.
"So what now? We wait for them to come here and we pay for her mistake?" Ness asked. I had the same sentiment. I didn't mind at all feeding Isa to the sharks.
"The Volturi are not unreasonable. I will stand to witness and Isa's own memories will testify against her." Duilio told us.
"You're being naïve, Duilio. The child murdered in plain sight and allowed herself to be exposed. Even if she was tricked into doing so by that wretched woman I doubt that the Volturi will be forgiving. They will make an example of her." Tanya said gravely. I could tell that she felt sorry for little Kara.
"Marcus is a reasonable man. He will hear all sides before he makes a decision. No one will be slaughtered unless the vote is unanimous." Duilio told us.
"Since when?" Eliazar asked.
"Since Marcus assumed his rightful place." Duli told us. Edward sighed deeply before he got up and left the room.
"You sure as hell put a lot of faith on a man that left you for dead the first 5 months of your life. Forgive me if I don't feel so reassured!" Resnesmee got up and left the same way her father did. Duilio pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. Bella, being the idiot mother she is, went over to him and put her arm around his shoulder before she kissed the top of his head.
"It'll be ok." She told him, Duilio looked at her and, for a moment, I almost forgot he wasn't her real son because he looked at her with the same love and awe that my own son held when he looked at me. I kinda felt sorry for him at that moment. It must not be easy to see both of your families face each other in battle. He loved us but he also loved Marcus, that part was clear.
The following day was the day of the battle and it was something that none of us were looking forward to. They came just like Alice said. There was small clearing near the house, close to the lake where Jake proposed. Renesmee was holding on tightly to his hand. We decided to go in our human form to seem less threatening.
Technically our family wasn't in trial only Isa and Kara. If the shit came down then Edward would give us the signal to phase. The only wolves left behind were Seth and Steven. Seth because he would die before letting anything happen to our kids and Steven in case Seth needed backup since he was the least experienced. They were all on their way back to LaPush with the imprints and out kids. The only child with us was Kara. She was wearing long gloves, a long sleeve shirt and long pants. Every piece of skin was covered other than her head so her uncle was able to carry her. Nahuel had an angry gave expression since he was back. He was upset about the death of his sister Kara and he knew there was a good chance that both his now human sister and his niece would die today. My heart had been in a constant ache since my son left. The feeling of being watched had also intensified, which cause me to be on edge.
We all stood among the trees looking out into the trees that lined the other side of the opened strip of land. We didn't have to wait long. The three brothers stepped forward first, with Duilio at their side. He had left earlier to go greet them. Behind them was their usual entourage, the evil twins and Demetri leading the way for the others. My heart started beating faster and my wolf was literally clawing at me to come out. I felt too exposed in this body, too defenseless.
"Carlisle old friend! Duilio has explained that you accidentally collected our offenders. Your family has once again been quite helpful to us. Give us the woman and the child and all will be forgotten."
"The child was coerced. She did not know better. As for the woman, it seems that becoming human has clouded her judgment. She understands her mistake now and will not commit another crime."
"The Volturi do not give second chances, Carlisle. She is no different than a newborn and its maker. In such cases both must die. It is our law." Caius told him with a hiss.
"We all know that these children are nothing like newborns. They are predators from the moment they are born but they know nothing of the world, either the mortal world or the immortal one. They are completely at the mercy of those who care for them in that sense."
"He's right Aro. The child can be taught and protected just like another hybrid. It is Isa who should pay for her blatant disregard of our law!" Duilio told them.
"I understand your concern for the child. But regardless, she is a danger. Her gift alone poses a threat." Marcus told him.
"How? How can turning vampires into humans be a threat." Nahuel hissed.
"Like your sister, these expatriates of sorts have no loyalty to us or our law. Every vampire she turns human is a risk because he or she will no longer have a secret to protect." Aro said.
"So every vampire that has a gift that poses a threat should be executed. Since when has that been a law?" Tanya came forward. Nahuel held tightly to her hand as if holding her back.
"She is a hybrid. She is not as strong as we are and you cannot protect her forever. One of our kind has merely to lay one finger on her skin for one second and they would be changed within hours." Aro explained cheerfully. I really heated that creepy bastard.
"Not if you outlaw going after this child." Edward told him. Marcus narrowed his eyes at him and looked at Duilio as if he realized that idea did not come from Edward but from Duilio.
"Why would we do such a thing? When we can so easily get rid of the threat now?" Aro asked him.
"You do it as a sign of faith and good will. You give us the benefit of the doubt that we can keep her safe and deal with any vampire that comes for her and in return we will give you a sign of good faith. Something that we don't have to give you but that we will willingly do so in exchange for her life." Edward was talking directly to Marcus. I could see Duilio looked just as confused as we all were.
"And what is that?" Aro asked. I could tell he was losing his patience. Edward ignored him. He was still looking at Marcus even though he was going to answer Aro's question.
"A memory that I saw in Felix's mind before he died. His peace offering to me in case you attacked us for taking Duilio in when Aro had ordered his death. We want the child's life for the identity of Didyme's murderer and the traitor among your ranks. "
"He lies. He knows nothing." Aro said quickly. Marcus looked at Duilio. Duilio saw aura's so he was a natural lie detector. Duilio looked at Edward and then at Aro. His eyes narrowed suspiciously when he looked at Aro.
"He's not lying but Aro is hiding something. Do you know your sister's killer, uncle?"
"Why should we give you the child for a murderer? Especially if our brother knows who has took his sister's life?" Caius said.
"Because I would want to know what my own brother is capable of. There is a simple reason why Aro would know the identity of his sister's murderer. Isn't that right Aro?" I have never seen such a look of rage on anyone in my life. Marcus was absolutely outraged. Aro's face was also contorted in rage, he looked at Marcus about to say something when Duilio's voice cut the silence.
"He tells the truth." He said in a whisper, the shock was clear in his voice. Then he exploded in anger. "Edward tells the truth!" He said in a growl.
"You killed her?!"
"You were going to leave us."
"Volterra is not a prison. I had every right to leave. I gave you everything you desired and you destroyed it! You destroyed us all!" It all happened very quickly after that. Marcus beheaded Aro, some of the guard tried to go after Marcus but Duilio got in their way. Duilio was about to be tackled but Edward stepped in to protect his son. That's when all hell broke loose. Caius grabbed Marcus but not before giving the ok to attack us. Marcus overpowered him by the time we phased. I saw the black coated leeches come for us and while Jane and Alec stayed back. I could see Jane desperately trying to use her gift. I saw Renesmee go after Jane and a large leech went after Bella. Bella digged him easily and dismembered him with Brady but the distraction cost us her shield. Nessie dropped to the ground screaming for only a moment. Her brother quickly went to her aid. I realized why Nessie hadn't tazered the little witch. She wanted Jane to use her gift so that she could project it back. Clever.
At the same time a leech pounced to tackle me. I was bracing myself for his attack when a gigantic bald eagle grabbed the leach midair and crushed its head with its talons. It was fast but not fast enough for me to miss his eyes and the look of pure concern they held. I never knew something like that could happen. The whole process took merely seconds and by the time the dead leach was dropped to the ground I had phased back to human form breathless. Embry stepped in front of me to cover me and Emmett threw his jacket my way. I put it on immediately. Everyone stopped for a second but only that. It was enough time for Nessie to use her gift to project Jane's power onto them. Every leech on their side was on the ground screaming except for Marcus, Caius and Duilio. The kid wasn't that stupid!
"Enough!" I heard Duilio growl. Nessie pulled back. "Remember who you serve, damn it! You are Volturi! If you joined this guard to serve one man then disrobe at this very moment. You do not serve this traitor! You serve our law and no one is exempt to that. Not even Aro." He told his guard who were all looking at him angrily. Jane was about to disrobe but her brother held her hand and shook his head. She hissed and looked away from Duilio. Marcus suddenly had a torch like device in his hand and he lit it on fire.
"Think what you are doing brother. There have always been three." Caius told him.
"Did you know?"
"Or course not!"
"He tells the truth father." Marcus looked at his son for a moment and then he looked at Caius.
"There have always been three and so there will be." And with that he burned the beheaded body of his brother. I was shaking, the giant bald eagle was hidden in the branches behind me, watching. I could feel his desperate need to protect me. I wondered how it was able to stay back so restrained.
Marcus approached Edward who was still on their side of the field next to Duilio and Nessie. Bella stepped forward but Duilio looked at her and shook his head.
"Well played young one. You could have kept this information. Used it against us in an attempt to dethrone us but you did not. Something like this could have destroyed us."
"I know." Edward said. He looked at Duilio.
"Your son is a good and honorable man. He claims that you are needed. That there have and will be many transgressors in our world. He trusts you to uphold our law. I trust him and, therefore, I am also putting my trust in you. All I ask is that you return the favor."
"You can assure me that the girl will be kept under control and that she will not turn more vampires into humans?"
"Yes."
"Then your request is granted, that is, if my family agrees." He looked at Caius and Duilio who then both looked at each other. Duilio nodded and Caius responded, "It shall be done. And any who purposely goes after this child to be turned human will be put to death." He said.
"And the woman? What will happen to her?" Carlisle asked pleading. Duilio stepped forward and walked over to Isa. Edward took his daughter and whispered something into her ear. Nessie dug her face into her father's shoulder and Edward put his head down. I knew something bad was coming.
"What will happen to her is what will happen to any vampire turned human? Death." He grabbed her arm harshly and threw her to the middle of the field. "What say you?" He asked the other two.
"Death." Marcus said. Caius smiled sadistically. "Kill her!" and with that we saw Duilio sink his teeth to her and kill her. His back was to us. When he was done he didn't look at us. He looked straight at Edward who had been on their side of the field looking away and shielding his daughter from the horrific scene. Edward nodded and he walked over to our side with Nessie. He stopped in front of his son and he placed his hand on his shoulder before he walked next to his wife and daughter. Duilio walked over to his father and stood next to him, finally facing us. His face was a mask but his eyes revealed it all. His eyes always betrayed him, even when he was a kid. For a second he looked at me and to the bald eagle hidden in the trees. His eyes narrowed and then he looked at Edward who nodded at him. Duilio looked at each of us individually and stopped at Nessie and Bella. Bella nodded at him first and Nessie touched the bracelet that she still wore. She smiled at him and he smiled back. Wordlessly they all retreated, Marcus and Duilio left last. It was over.
We all went back to the house sobered by what happened.
"How could he just kill her like that?" Nahuel claimed.
"He had to. Mercy is weakness to the Volturi and weakness will get him killed. We all knew she had to die. They would have never let her get away with what she did."
"So is anyone gonna ask how a giant bird was able to crush that guard?" Emmett asked us as he put his arm around Rosalie.
"Obviously he's not a real bird. He's probably a shifter. He was protecting Leah, that's for sure." Embry said. I didn't like the way he was staring at me all concerned like that.
"Did you get a read from him?" Jake asked Edward. I couldn't believe that they hadn't noticed what happened. Of course Edward knew.
'Please Eddie, don't tell them yet.' I begged him. As much as his concern irritated me, I didn't want Embry to find out this way, in front of everyone.
"Not really. He could tell Leah was a female. I think that's why he felt the need to protect her."
"Is he still here? Maybe we can talk to him."
"No." Edward lied. "He's gone." Edward was right. He left a few seconds after Marcus and Duilio left.
"Did you recognize him Leah? You've mentioned before that you felt like you were being watched."
"Yea but that may just be my spidey senses kicking into gear. He could be watching any of us not just me." I said because I couldn't take being put on display for much longer.
"Is he a threat?" Jake asked Edward immediately.
"No. Not at all."
"Then we worry about it another day. We should all head back." Carlisle said. I watched them as they all happily paired up and left. Nobody noticed that I stayed behind except for Embry. He, Jake and Ness stayed behind to talk.
"There's more isn't there? Who was that bird Leah?" Nessie came forward and took my hand. I looked straight at her because it was easier to tell her forgiving face than the hard suspicions faces of my two pack brothers.
"I think he's my imprint."
"What?!" Embry's voice was clearly hurt. I looked at him and he was shaking.
"You imprinted on some damn shape shifting bird we know nothing about?!"
"Embry man, calm down." Jake quickly got between him and us.
"No man! I'm not gonna calm down. We don't know anything about this guy and he's been stalking us for God knows how long. This is bullshit!" And with that he exploded into a wolf and ran off.
"Why is my life always such a fucking mess?"
"Hey, this one imprinted on a half leech that happened to be his best friend's daughter. I say a flying shape shifter is a step up." Nessie told me smiling. We all headed inside the house. I wanted to go after Embry but Jake said to give him time so I did.
"He's never coming back is he?" Bella was asking Edward as we walked in. Edward took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head before he turned to us.
"He asked me to tell you that, if he's still invited, he will see you again for the wedding." He told Nessie.
"Of course he is!" She said smiling and hugged her father.
Nahuel was sitting with Tanya. Kara was on his lap and he was rubbing Kara's back. Kara had finished drinking a sippie cup of blood. He took it from her to set it aside, then he took her little gloved hand and kissed it.
"Are you ok?" He asked her full of concern.
"I'm afraid uncle Nahuel."
"Your safe now kid. No one's gonna mess with you, I promise you that." Kate told her as she sat on the arm of the sofa. Kara smiled at her new aunt and nodded. They all looked cute together. I was glad the Denali finally had a little one to run after. I felt a pain in my chest and I knew that my bird was close by. I could feel him.
"We should call Seth and get the kids back."
"Already done. Seth said he'll spend a few days so that Harry can visit with Sue."
"Why don't we all go back to the rez? We had to cut our trip short before and now we all have plenty to celebrate. Aro is dead, my girl is a badass who put the entire guard on their knees… I mean did you see Jane's face?" Everyone started laughing and talking about their victory. I stepped out needing time for myself. I felt his presence as soon as I stepped out of the house. I ran in my human form back to the clearing.
"I'm tired of this game bird man. I know you are there. Show yourself." The giant bird flew down to meet me. I looked into his eyes and I felt the heavy bond that tied us. Nothing else mattered anymore, just him. Yea, I definitely imprinted.
"Phase." I asked him gently. He looked at me. He was uncertain.
"Don't you know how? Let the bird go. Be human with me." I saw his giant body tremor until there was a naked man standing before me.
"Who are you?"
"Not sure." He answered in Quileute. His pronunciation was perfect. Better than old Quill's so I was shocked.
"You're speak the language of my tribe. You don't speak English?"
"Not well. Languages changed much from the language spoken in my time. I learn from listening but it is difficult to understand, speech is more difficult."
"What is your name?"
"You may call me Picha Ka'l."
"Do you understand what has happened between us?"
"Of course I do." He said frustrated.
"I know you've been following me for a long time. Why didn't you just show yourself before?" I said trying to hide the pain that his anger caused me.
"I felt I was needed so I came, when I realized who you were I was confused. Though I cannot remember her much, I knew had a mate once. I didn't know it could happen again. I knew I must keep you safe, alive. That is my duty as your protector."
"So you didn't think it was a good idea to meet me? Why?"
"I do not remember much of my past. I remember the wolves. I never heard of a female of your kind but you were my imprint so I decided to watch you. I did not like what I saw." He said his words with such anger that I had to take a step back. I was not expecting this. What the hell didn't he like about me?
"Why? What have I ever done to you to deserve your hatred?" i said the words more to myself but he answered my question anyway.
"I don't hate you, child. I cannot. I came here because I felt someone needed me. Then I saw you and knew you were mine to protect. Though, I do not remember much of my past, I remember my enemies very clearly. You, my imprint, allowed yourself to be soiled by one of them. By a cold one."
"What the hell do you mean by soiled myself?" I almost choked on my own words.
"You are in league with cold ones. Your son..." His face contorted with disgust. "He calls to me like a beacon and it is clear as day. I know that you have bedded a cold one. That abomination is all the proof I need." He told me in a voice full of disgust. We heard a roar behind us and we both turned to see Embry in wolf form. Picha didn't flinch. He turned back to me.
"My instinct is to protect you and that is what I did today. That is what I always shall do, nothing more. But I promise you and your brothers that you will always be safe." Then he left. Embry came running towards me in human form and grabbed me as I collapsed into his arms, sobbing. It was strange that the pain of rejection was so familiar but this was unlike anything I ever felt with Sam. How much more of this crap was I supposed to take.
"Just finish it. I can't take anymore. Just kill me, please."
"Don't you dare talk like that." I felt him kiss my head and when he did, I felt his tears on my skin. Why couldn't I have imprinted on this man? This man who loved me and my son as we are? Embry picked me up in his arms and within minutes I was in my bed. Embry got into the bed with me and he held me. That night I cried myself to sleep in the arms of a man wasn't mine but wished he was about the cold hearted man that was mine and wished he wasn't. Why did these things always happen to me?
A/N: Don't hate me! I promise things get better for Leah. Just bare with me.