Vladimir waited for Pricilla's arrival, while the rest of the coven went hunting. Safety was a concern for them, considering they faced more danger than most vampire covens. He knew the Volturi could come along at any moment and take Pricilla's life in secret, and no one would believe that it was them who took her life. It wasn't something he wanted for her, he knew she wanted to be like normal vampires with friends and such. However, Vladimir and Stefan knew they needed to control who she was friends with, so she didn't socialize with anyone who could inform the Volturi of her existence.
He stopped for a minute, smelling her scent coming to the tower. For a moment he thought he smelled one of the witch twins, but he dismissed it as something else. She would scream if they attacked her, so he assumed it was just his imagination.
Just as he made this assumption, the dark stone door opened. Pricilla walked in, wearing rather modern clothes. Her skin and hair was wet.
"Pricilla, where've you been?" He asked promptly as she put down a tiny bag she referred to as a purse.
"I told you, I went to Gisbert's house for Easter," Pricilla answered. "And on my way home, I went swimming…. You know, for fun."
"Don't be snappy," Vladimir spoke strongly. "Gudlaug says you broke some rules while you were gone? What where they?"
"Beatrix has these sisters, they were gathered together because one of them died," Pricilla explained.
"Irina," Vladimir said already knowing. "That is what I figured when I talked to them."
Pricilla was silent for a moment. Vladimir took advantage of this and continued speaking.
"I do trust them. If there were some of the other covens like them, present, I would question it a bit, but in the end I would trust them too," Vladimir said thinking of the Greeks and the Cullen's. He knew the Greeks were animal drinkers, through his traitorous brother Dragomir. He had one of the most powerful positions of the Romanian guard and he knew he was the reason they were untouchable. If he hadn't left it all for that Lima, than they could still be in power. He knew the Cullen's wouldn't harm her, but the Volturi watched them too much.
"Now for the broken rule," He stated, breaking away from his thoughts.
"I used my gift on the leader Tanya." Pricilla answered as Vladimir looked over, noticing something was different in her eyes. "In exchange for a hunting lesson."
"You should of asked first," Vladimir said shocked. "She should of taken note that that is not our way! Do you have no pride in the immortality I have given you?"
"What makes it so shameful?" Pricilla asked. "Who am I hurting by drinking animal blood? I told you I see them, you never listen though."
"They are just humans." Vladimir reminded her. "Why do you wish to dishonor the gift I given you?"
"You never asked if I wanted it," Pricilla pointed out. "Sometimes when I go to Barsov, I see my old friends and they are all grandmother's now. One time when I talked to them, they referred to me as a polite young lady, and my best friend asked me what a young person like me would want to do with a bunch of old girl friends like us…..I could have been one of them."
"You wouldn't of been, a soldier was in your room with a gun… Remember?" Vladimir hissed at her insulted. "Go to your room, we will discuss this when the rest get home."
"But …" Pricilla started not knowing what to say.
"Now," He ordered. She obeyed in an instant.
"Is she back?" Stefan asked as he came in with Isoldora and Gudlaug.
"Yes, and has taken some influence from the Denali coven," Vladimir explained. "She started to drink animal blood."
"Yes, and has been influenced by the Denali coven," Vladimir explained. "She started to drink animal blood."
"She has been acting strange," Stefan commented. "We should find out what is going on…..why does she choose to go against instinct."
"I see no problem with it." Isoldora butted in. "She is not forcing it on us, and not hurting anyone."
"Plus the Volturi can't possibly believe an Amber eyed will be a member of our coven" Gudlaug pointed out and Vladimir nodded. Gudlaug had convinced him and the women smiled as he agreed. "If she is so fond of humans, perhaps we should let her finish what she always wanted to?"
"School?" Stefan huffed. "Yes, during her newborn year she would always whine about that, not going to school and seeing her friends."
"You were a headmistress in your humans years weren't you?" Isoldora asked her.
"It would have to be like the school I ran," Gudlaug thought to herself. "An all girls one that is strict, not like the ones humans have today, where discipline is just sitting in a room. Think about it my dear Vladimir? It's not like she's going to make friends with these humans."
Vladimir nodded in agreement, just as Pricilla came down the stairs with her hair in a bun. She was wearing a very strange garment made of an unusually colored fabric.
"What's that?" Stefan asked, shocked.
"A dress," Pricilla answered as if it was obvious.
"What color is that?" Vladimir questioned.
"Pink," She twirled the dress. "See I have shoes that match."
"Why are you wearing it?" Stefan asked again.
"So I look pretty."
"Why are you so dressed up?" This time Isoldora spoke up.
"I am going to the movies," She said excitedly.
"The what?" Isoldora started as she and Gudlaug looked at each other.
"The movies. It's these pictures that move to tell a story. I used to go to them when I was a human. I would love to see them now." Pricilla explained.
"And what made you want to see this?" Vladimir asked.
"I feel like it," She answered. "They are in Cluj Napoca, so don't worry, I'll be safe and be back by midnight."
"Pricilla." Vladimir stopped her. "When we were in North America, we met a girl who I think would be a good friend for you."
"Who?" Pricilla asked curiously. It was very rare that they let her talk outsiders.
"Maggie, of the Irish coven," Stefan answered. "Siobhan tried contacting us to use your gift on her, and we are going to offer in exchange for friendship."
"I can't wait to meet her," Pricilla smiled happily. "Thank you so much." With that she left, on her way to meet Alec who had promised to take her to the movies.
~X~
"This trip is just full of surprises," Eleazar stated towards Carmen as she nodded, as it really seemed to be nothing but that. It surprised her that it was only a couple weeks after they returned from the Volturi conformation she opened the mail box to find a letter from a woman named Monique, telling them about Irina's life, as well as other letters Irina had requested that Monique give to them. She was the one who went through and handed a letter to Tanya, Kate, Eleazar. After she received her letters, she discovered another one with a name she had never heard of before.
Beatrix.
After Tanya was told of the letter, she exploded.
"Damn you, Irina, we want nothing to do with her! She is not our sister; why does this have to be your last request?"
That was when Kate explained to them that Sasha created another, who they considered their sister until she betrayed them in the events that lead to their mother's death. They explained how later, after they became vegetarians, she tried to get back in their good graces by claiming she created a son for herself out of loneliness. She said she needed help raising him in the Vampire World. They refused her, and told her that it wouldn't work. She became angry and left with her newborn. She was never heard from again.
A couple weeks later, their cousins called, and they had to inform them they wouldn't be making it for Easter. Then they surprised them with a new member. All of the Denali's, aside from Carmen, got suspicious of Felix's concern, until Eleazar made a confession about hidden facts in the death of his own creator. They knew he went on a mission for Aro, but they were surprised by what that mission entailed. Now, they are all insisting Eleazar in somehow or someway tell Felix the truth.
They didn't expect Monique to be there, but they weren't surprised. They figured she probably wanted to make sure the request was followed through. They were surprised by the relation towards Eleazar's old life though, he was a little shocked to find out Horus, his creator's good friend was dead, but he kept his shock to himself. Eleazar knew Horus, and didn't really admire the man for what he did to his creations, by taking all their memories of their human life. When he left the Volturi, he only created Bastain, and Aldric, who both appeared to have mates now. He wondered if they really did have a that bad of a human life for him to take their memoires. Monique and Louis seemed to remember their human lives those, Louis even became good friends with Garrett both being former revolutionaries for their countries. They all felt a bit bad for Monique when she told the story about her fallen mate those, being killed by a mysteries vampire for protecting a human he kept his eye on as a future member at an asylum in Mississippi and not knowing where this vampire was. She did the right thing choosing to honor him by changing Carrie another girl he had his eye on. It was interesting that she knew Alice from her human life, they never heard Alice say anything about her story or her human life but they promise to mention Carrie when the Cullen's visit in June. The other girl Genève, was a little judgmental of their lifestyle, but over all they had a feeling the French coven will be good friends of theirs.
Eleazar recognized Kondrat before; from when he was traveling with Harof. Harof was a man Eleazar hated for many centuries and to be with one of his creations was hard for him on this trip. Eleazar met Harof the second time when the Volturi were trying to put an end to the vampire wars in the southern United States and central America. The Volturi guard were overwhelmed with the number of vampires; it was truly out of control until several covens from Austria, New Zealand and the Pacific, along with several Asian and Mid-Eastern nomads came to the shores of Central America ready to take action and arrest the creators of these armies to bring to the guard for justice. The main spokesman for these covens was a man named Chiyoko the leader of the Japanese coven. After his mate, Haruki, explained how the creators of the wild newborns bring shame to all immortals by using their venom for selfish purposes and not as a gift, then creating to destroy…they dishonored vampires everywhere. Afterwards, Chiyoko asked if covens and nomads can adopt any surrendering newborns. Eleazar disagreed with it, but Aro sent him word to let them in order to find vampires with talent. He saw Harof again; he was with the other leaders when Eleazar told them Aro's orders. He saw Harof with Didyme's ring and hoped he got killed somehow in the cross fire of the wars.
Eleazar studied his new coven a great deal. He notice the other two were under his complete demand, but Kondrat tended to remain distant. It wasn't long until he noticed that Kondrat disappeared, and Harof explained to the Volturi their member ran away to save his human daughter from a badly arrange marriage. They decided they were going after him, because they were unsure if he had enough control. Even those they promised the Volturi they would help.
Eleazar ended up very glad he gave the helping covens and nomads permission, because that was how he met Carmen. She was the daughter of Spanish settlers coming to the colony in Panama, where her father hoped to make a prosperous life. They assumed she was taken by Indians; Carmen was presented to the Volturi after she surrendered three months later to a Filipino nomadic couple who hoped to leave with her. He told them he had to keep her, to study and make sure she was in control. The couple came back for her after the mess was cleaned up, but by that time they where mates. They went back to Volturi and stayed on his father's floor for a year, and being tired of Marcus's misery, along with his sisters blame not to mention keeping his secret from Felix they left.
Even after he dismissed all loyalty to the Volturi, he still hated Harof for killing Didyme, when he found out they adopted a solder from the Seattle Army, he was upset for not helping the Cullen's. He could of found Harof with other vampires rescuing newborns….that would have been his chance to kill him. Than meeting Harof here changed his opinion, it changed everything. After Harof told his story he felt guilty for hating the stranger that seemed so kind when they first met. One who brought his trustworthiness as a heighten power. He put it together and realized Aro had framed him. He now knew the reason why Aro didn't put up much of a fight after he left. It was because Eleazar was the only Volturi member who knew his true alibi was a lie. Now that the 'alibi' was living with the Cullens…Eleazar found himself determined to spread the word.
Now, this was the surprise that had topped them all.
"Hello, I am here and I would like to join your coven," Alistair started quickly, and rather loudly as he looked towards the new faces he hadn't met, while also glancing nervously toward them. He made it very obvious he was out of his comfort zone.
"Can we know who you are first?" Gisbert asked as his face registered his astonishment.
"Oh, I'm Alistair," He said quickly.
"Can you give a little more information?" Kate asked, hoping he wouldn't reveal what he did in emergency crises. "Are you gifted or anything?"
"Alistair is very gifted," Ilona smiled looking towards them. "But before we can continue, I would like you to meet my father and creator, Kondrat, his mate Beatrix, and her creation, Gisbert. Over here we have…"
"Oh," Alistair smiled, "I can introduce you."
"That is a very good idea," Carmen said as he pulled Ilona towards Kate, "This is Tanya," He went to Tanya as he spoke. "And this is Kate," He continued his introductions as he made it through the crowd getting all their names wrong and showing no signs of embarrassment.
"Well, why don't we go inside," Beatrix suggested as everyone nodded, Carmen couldn't help but notice Alistair and Ilona holding hands as they came into the house.
"I didn't expect you to come back so soon," Ilona started a little embarrassed. "Or else I would of dressed a little better." She was wearing an oversized sweater and jeans. "I think I am going to go make myself better, and bring down the gifts we got for the family." Ilona said looking towards Alistair
"Alistair, cukier, keep everyone entertained while I am upstairs will you?" She asked coming up to him, they all wondered how he got the nickname sugar.
"What?" He asked.
"You know, the man keeps everyone entertained till the woman comes down dressed," She stated as if was obvious. "Now, please, until I am all dolled up."
He nodded without saying a word.
"You know, Beatrix, I got to admit, even though your step-daughter was a little insulting, I couldn't help but like her," Carmen started as her spouse chuckled to himself.
"That's her gift, everyone likes her," Beatrix explained as they all looked towards Eleazar.
"Its called Aura of Congeniality. No matter what, anyone will only have good feelings towards her and even the strong minded are drawn to her presence." Eleazar explained as they all looked towards Alistair wondering. "Which may explain a few things?"
"Like what?" Alistair asked as the rest nodded a little too use to her gift.
"Did Ilona show you around the house?" Beatrix finally asked changing the subject.
"Well, she started but we didn't get past her bedroom." He said rather casually, making it even more clear he wasn't used to having conversions with other vampires.
"You do know she is my biological daughter right?" Kondrat asked.
"Yes, she told me her story." Alistair nodded.
"And you also know, that was a popular place before he came." Gisbert pointed out to Kondrat, which made Eleazar wonder if only those whose feelings towards her are real can criticize her. It was like that with Didyme, those who loved her had real feelings towards her, felt real emotions around her.
"Is there anything you would like to ask us?" Kate asked wondering if he cared about what happened.
"Or like to explain?" Tanya asked wondering if they knew.
"I'm back, we got gifts for everyone," Ilona smiled dressed in a fancy short red dress that showed a little cleavage, along with a great big white bag.
"Now, first I got one for Beatrix," she said handing her a wooden bracelet with a few chips from it. "And Dad, I got you these," She said handing him a sketchbook with a few missing pages. "And Gisbert, I got you this?" She than handed him an obviously stolen camera. "And I got these for Jane, in case she was with you?" Ilona asked as Gisbert looked at the earrings.
"She doesn't have pierced ears." Gisbert pointed out.
"Than do you think she'll let me borrow it, and eventually let me keep it?" Ilona asked as everyone else except the Denali and Alistair rolled their eyes.
"She picked it out especially for her," Alistair said holding the open bag.
"You know her?" Kate asked looking at Ilona.
"Yes, met her on a train," Ilona smiled as if they were girlfriends or something. "And I thought she was the sweetest thing, she didn't tell us she was one of the Volturi though."
"She seemed nice on the phone," Alistair backed her up.
"You talked to her?" Kate asked shocked.
"Correction, I did," Ilona said. "You see, when I met him, I refused to leave that disgusting attic, and he kept telling me to leave, but then I thought I couldn't leave him alone because he'd get lonely."
"Eventually, I left because she kept whining that she was bored." Alistair butted in.
"And I followed him around. Then one day, he told me 'Ilona, you can't be with me anymore, the Volturi are after me, you see, as a matter of fact Jane herself is planning to track me down." Ilona smiled.
"And of course she asked me why," Alistair smiled, they couldn't help but wonder if he was saying that as an excuse to get rid of her, considering he used to despise company.
"And he told me how this vampire knocked up a human, and the Volturi mistook it for an immortal child, and killed his friend, and a bunch of other people because of it." Ilona shrugged, a little too casual. She seemed to think the story was either unbelievable or not that big of a deal, the point was she thought he was in danger and still didn't leave his side, which was truly saying something. "So, I wrote to Gisbert and arrange to talk to her, and we got it all straightened out."
"So Alistair, tell me about yourself." Kondrat started, eager to change the subject.
"Well, I was born in London, in the 1640s to strict Anglican parents, and they sent me to this school where I befriended the pastor's son, Carlisle Cullen. Well one night, when we were around twenty-three we got really drunk." Alistair started as Kondrat cut him off while the Denali's beamed mentioning their beloved friend's name.
"You know all I really wanted was to know what can I get you for Christmas, not your life history." Kondrat explained.
"But please continue, " Kate said as the rest of her coven zeroed in on him, anxious to hear a rather interesting story noticing the story grabbed the attention of the rest of her coven.
"Well, something we have in common, both drunk the night we were turned." Gisbert sighed as Alistair nodded, looking towards Kondrat.
"Well, we were walking down the street and Carlisle claimed he wasn't drunk, so he lead me because I was too drunk to believe him. Anyway, I sensed something coming from under us, I always swore something was under those streets. Carlisle and I went to check it out, in a nearby alley. We than saw these two beautiful people with red eyes taking the life from a beggar. So we got the heck away, he pulled me saying he wasn't drunk all over again. He than went on saying he was not drunk like me, but now that I think of it he was, because half-way home he threaten to kill someone. And when you meet this guy, you would know it's a fact that he wasn't himself, the man smiled taking out his sword and asked if he was serious. Luckily his father came out, and made us go inside. The next morning, he came down and started yelling at me."
"Are you sure, you didn't have a hangover?" Gisbert asked as the man looked up as if he came to a new revelation.
"Yes, now that you mention it, I think it was…." He said to himself than looked back over to his new coven. "Anyway, he came up with this idea that we should go after them with pitchforks and such. We really didn't think it through, I just let him be the brains of it all." Alistair said quickly. "Besides, he wanted to show everyone what real vampires look like, and I didn't argue with him. Anyway, moving on, we went to church that morning, even though Carlisle had a headache, his father forced us to go and had a sermon on drinking too much. Afterwards, Carlisle sort of blabbed to everyone, and made me follow him around to say it was true."
"Wouldn't these vampires try to stop you?" Eleazar asked.
"Well, no, we didn't think that part through either." Alistair started. "He kept saying that he knew what he is doing, and I believed him."
"So next thing you know, its pitchforks and torches, leading half of London to where we saw them, where we waited for them to rise. The first one had to be thirsty, and I think it was an ancient, he called out in Latin towards the others that came out later, and ran through the streets. You see I have the gift on sensing life, and being pulled towards things, which makes me a pretty good tracker. Carlisle claims it was our age, but now I think it was something more. Our blood must of been too much for him, so he turned towards the mob killed two, then made off with the third…. Carlisle started yelling, calling him a demon so naturally he attacked him. I could tell Carlisle was still alive, but the thing was draining him. I tried to pull him off by attacking it…then I looked down and saw a woman gazing at him. With grace, she came up from the sewer and bit my ankle and pushed him off of Carlisle. He started to run again as the mob chased after them. I was in a lot of pain, I looked over and saw Carlisle he was in pain too, he forced me to get up and we both sort of stumbled to the basement.
"We felt the fires. I didn't understand what was going on, all I kept thinking about was Millicent, this girl I was engaged too…" He was silent for a moment. "She was looking for me, and three days later she was in the spot calling my name, I could hear her voice…and smell her blood which was the only thing on my mind. Shortly after I finished her, Carlisle came out saw me with her lifeless body. That was when we knew, he was so disgusted he ran, not being able to stand the sight of me and I was so ashamed I hid in an attack. Not wanting to face what happen. A year later Carlisle came back, his eyes where amber and he seemed very hopeful.
"Animal blood." Gisbert answered straightly as everyone nodded. Even the red-eyes understood drinking animal blood.
"Yes, he told me about that, and said he said he was going to France and try to study medicine and make good use out of immortality, and said I should come along and do the same thing. Well I told him that was a stupid idea, he will never make it and no thank you. A couple decades later he came back and succeeded as a doctor, told me about living with the Volturi, which I later learned to fear and wanted me to come to the New World. I told him no, because there was nothing but vampires fighting over territories. But after one hundred years I got lonely, and decided to seek him out. Being a tracker, I found out where he was….I think he was living in Prince Edward Island at that time, and of course he invited me in. That was when he went nuts, told me he was lonely, and if he had to go another century with living in this quiet he would go nuts and insisted I live with him. I felt a little bad for my friend, so I agreed.
That lasted about a month. I abandoned him because I didn't like animal blood."
"Tell him about the next time," Ilona said excitedly.
"That was about thirty some years ago, I found out he had a whole coven of seven members, well now it's nine." Alistair explained as the red-eyed vampires squinted.
"Vegetarian covens tend to be large," Gisbert explained. "The Greeks have at least twenty, including three Moon Children, and their friends tend to be plentiful."
"How many vegetarian covens do you know?" Tanya asked curiously.
"When I was staying with the Greeks, they introduced me to the Arab sisters, along with this African nomadic woman, Malakia, she's this midwife that roams around from village to village. She's the only vampire that can't be killed. She treats this African tribe that turns into these ruthless lions when our kind hunt on their lands. There is this Chinese man, who is a teacher and goes around takes a teaching job than after so many years he moves. His name is Chongde, a monk in his human life." Gisbert let out a laugh. "He's the one who came to the conclusion there are no vegetarian covens in North America because they are all busy with their newborn armies. Then there is that Indian coven who live in the Taj Ma Hall, who agree with him and informed the rest of the vegetarian vampires throughout the world, its kind of like a vampire subculture drink animal blood and convince others . But they consider the Volturi their extended family." Gisbert explain as the phone ring. "And the hot one that makes you burn is calling." He smiled looking directly at Kate.
"Katie, he'll only get to you if you let him." Garrett whispered quickly to her.
"Gisbert," Jane said quickly. "So good to hear your voice again," she smiled. "I called and called but no one answered." All eyes red and amber went to Ilona and Alistair.
"We were busy," she informed him confidently.
"What are you so excited about?" He asked ignoring them.
"You are going to be so proud of me." She smiled with excitedly. "Guess what I did?"
"What?" Gisbert asked smiling.
"I went through my first conflict without using my powers and," She smiled excitedly. "It ended peacefully. I think you were right, things do run smoothly without my power."
"Ask her about it?" Tanya said with a little curiosity as to where the conversation was going.
"What happened?" Gisbert asked.
"Well, I was mailing a letter to Felix, in America, and the Hale's wanted to find away to break in the library and look up someone. I was going to show them how to use the computer, even though I don't know all of it. On our way there we passed two vampires who were complaining about the smell, thinking it was the other one. They saw us walking two vampires and three werewolves, they thought they were holding Beyza and I hostage and jumped away, hissing at them. Beyza stood right next to me and calmly explained that we weren't hostages and they were with us. Then, Sukh, one of them threaten to turn us into the Volturi."
"Was the other Alfred," Gisbert asked.
"Yes," Jane answered.
"That's my stepfather's coven, good thing you didn't attack them. Now continue." He smiled at the fact she was proud of herself.
"He pointed me out, and said they are already dead. Then they noticed Ander put his arm around Beyza. Alfred hissed at her, calling her the doggie's toy. He let out a big growl, something strange that I have never heard before. It was more dangerous, very much instinctive. I think a fight would of broken out if Nikki haven't said anything. Is that natural for their kind?"
"Natural and illegal." Tanya said having a hard time believing it was a Volturi member. "We must warn the Cullens not to become friendly with these vegetarians."
"I kept saying, you don't want to attack them, but that insult had hit Anders instincts, and threatening them had Beyza ready to attack. She stood by my side, and I was tempted to give them the eyes but I stood my ground and told them the Volturi had made an exception. Then this strange smell came through the air, something much more repulsive than them." Jane explained as Fred nodded on her side of the line as he was getting ready to leave with his coven.
"It must have been Fred, he has that gift." Gisbert explained. "He can also go by without his floral scent."
"That explains it; I've seen him before." Jane pointed out.
"When?" Gisbert asked, Jane closed her eyes and went on ignoring that question.
"We wanted to leave, than they explained to him what they were. They seem very protective of him, anyway I kept saying please leave them alone, they mean no harm. He recognized me too, and looked towards his brothers saying, 'Lets go to our leader.' And the conflict was over." Jane sounding even more proud of herself. "When I get back, I think I am going to tell Aro my powers should be a last resort."
"Anyways, Harof, and his mate Millie came out behind Fred with Hecate and Matthias. Hecate kept thanking Fred as he explained a few things, then we brought him over to introduce him to the werewolves. He had a lot of questions for them. Nikki and Aysun answered most of them as them as Beyza and Alexander took them aside to show her something. Than she went to Harof, and asked for something, she said 'can Fred teach my werewolves how to use the Google machine,' Fred cringed at that. Harof agreed only if Matthias went with him. Hecate than looked towards me and said, 'I need to call and have a chat with your father."
"Your father?" Gisbert said.
"It think she meant Aro," Jane explained. "I listened to it, it was kind of interesting. She goes: 'Aro, guess what we are getting a phone so I can call you anytime I want and give an opinion.' He said he always enjoyed those. Then she said something that caught my attention she says, 'I think your daughter is very lovely. The Egyptians are coming, I heard she met them before and knowing your upbringing, you made sure she left a good impression, like she did on my daughter's friend Maggie. I hope you are good friends with her coven too.' He then asked why she called. She said, Sulpicia is going to write him a letter, and we are all going to help her write it. He responded with a simple: 'It's not necessary.' Of course, she says 'Fine, then we are all coming to Volterra where we will sit in a room and discuss what can be done to make you a better person and you will remain in the room with us.' He of course said a letter will be fine."
"Than what happened?" Gisbert asked, chuckling.
"She did point out one thing about the creation of Alec and I. She goes 'Aro, you were aware when you created the twins, your wife had a child who died without knowing the gender." He asked what that had to do with the twins and she said, "I hope somehow you and your wife mend things." He hung up after that," She paused, letting it soak in, before following up with: "So when are you coming back?"""
"Tell her soon," Ilona said finally looking up from Alistair.
"Soon," Gisbert answered for her.
"Good, " Jane smiled. "Hope to see you again. Bye for now."
"So you convinced Jane not to use her power," Kate started surprised once he hung up.
"Yeah, I kind of told her no one likes her because of it, so she said she's going to try and find an alternative when she's upset." Gisbert explained.
"Her brother seemed nice," Ilona sighed. "Didn't you think so, dear?"
"When did we meet him?" Alistair asked concerned.
"The night we came home," Ilona answered.
"That was him?" Alistair asked. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because, you never asked." Ilona answered. "Gisbert should of known, he was at the train station with us."
"How did you know it was him?" Gisbert asked.
"That was him at the train station, didn't recognize him with his sunglasses," Ilona explained. "But I thought he looked familiar. Anyway, I met him once sometime in the 1870's. I was on a train visiting my girlfriends in Portugal, and I ran into the Volturi on the train, they were in their uniforms so I asked if I could join them for company."
"You mean you knew they were the Volturi and you decide to make a social call." Alistair was confused by this.
"Well first it was Demetri, he told me who they where and I thought great, other vampires. He was a gentleman and invited me to their train car, where I met Alec, and Felix. We played a couple board games. Alec was too busy reading the paper to even notice me which I thought was weird, and Felix was flirting with me, and I thought he was attractive. Since we both have needs we made an excuse and well….I have Alistair now."
"Really," Tanya asked.
"Yes, but not as much as he is," Ilona said placing her long fingernails in Alistair's dark hair.
"That was him," Gisbert started a little upset. "Why didn't he say anything while I was on the phone with her?"
"Because, the Volturi want to kill his mate, and her coven wants to kill him," Tanya explained.
"Perhaps you should get Jane to join this coven, she won't be in the Volturi and I never thought I would be saying this, but we need to find Alec and save him before the Romanians find him or worse….Demetri."
"Why would Demetri be worse?" Kate asked.
"Moving on, Gisbert, " Tanya ignored Kate
"He's actually quite nice," Ilona said. "I met with him on a different mission with some Chelsea and her husband but that was when I was hunting. " She stopped and smiled. "Like I said, I have Alistair now.
"I am going to pack and get ready." Gisbert explained, interrupting the story. Ilona did not particularly like this, as she began to protest.
"But first he needs to stay and listen to the rest of my story," Ilona pointed out, and Alistair continued without waiting for a response.
"One day, I sensed someone whom I hadn't met before, and not really one to enjoy meeting new people, I left. She kept following me, everywhere I went I seemed to sense her." Alistair said looking towards Ilona.
"Followed him for two weeks, didn't really understand why I kept following him, but I did." She said putting her arms around him.
"Then one day, I stopped and finally met her," Alistair sighed. "She came rushing down a chimney and claimed to be stuck, so I pulled her out. One of the first things I thought was how attractive she was. Once I got past that I asked her 'Why are you following me' and she said 'Because you look like you need company.'"
"I told him my name," Illona picked up the story, "He smiled, saying: 'Good, now you can go away.' I of course didn't instead asked for his name, and he told me it's Alistair, now you can go, but I stayed." Ilona smiled at the memory.
"She smiled saying, 'Well, you look lonely but can we go somewhere else? This attic is gross." Alistair explained trying not to laugh. "So I told her she can leave and she said no, because I would get lonely. I explained that I like being lonely. She told me no one likes being lonely, and basically wouldn't leave for another two weeks. It was sort of strange, for some reason I enjoyed her company."
"She told me all about this coven, along with her old one." Alistair said. "It was strange, I just listened to her talk. Then the Irish came looking for me...to tell me some news, but by that time I already knew."
"They were shocked to see me with him," Ilona let out a laugh. "They asked me what I was doing with him, and I told them he is taking me home. Maggie knew that was a lie, until Alistair agreed."
"Even though it was the first time I heard I was doing that," Alistair explained. " I was a little insulted, to see their reaction, even more when I agreed. I was insulted that they thought I wouldn't keep her safe."
"And he said even those I could care less about her, I have no problem taking her home." Ilona went on. "And I got really excited that he was taking me home."
"We were somewhere in Belgium when I think it happened, this nomad started making advances to her. She said no, but he wouldn't relent... I attacked him after that, and he left her alone." Alistair explained. "That's when I knew, I loved her." He paused. "So can I join your coven?"
"Yes, of course you can." Kondrat answered.
"Beatrix, shouldn't he be asking you," Tanya asked confused as Gisbert went back upstairs.
"He handles Ilona's matters, I handle Gisbert's." Beatrix explained.
"Isn't it strange your children are so….social with the Volturi?" Tanya asked in a rather criticizing voice.
"She is obviously comfortable going to them, she's done so before." Kate whispered to Tanya which caught Beatrix attention.
"So what did Irina false witness for?" Beatrix finally asked.
"Well, the Volturi know they didn't create an immortal child." Alistair said looking directly at the Denali coven.
"No, Alistair, Irina didn't turn our mother in for creating an immortal child, it was me." Beatrix said looking towards her former sisters. "What was it?"
"Oh, I wasn't talking about that I was talking about Carlisle. They were their standing up for him when they thought he created an immortal child." Alistair explained as Beatrix's mouth dropped giving Tanya and Kate an astonished look.
"You know how we said Irina gave false testimony, well that was it." Kate explained. "This family was accused of creating an immortal child, so we had to do the right thing and stand up for them…but Irina was killed when they found out the truth."
"Is this the whole human getting knocked up a vampire thing?" Ilona asked as the rest nodded.
"But when I did the right thing….you abandon me." Beatrix hissed as Gisbert rushed down to sit right on the sofa with Garrett, Eleazar and Carmen. All interested to see the outcome. Garrett and Kondrat glanced at each other, if their mates attacked they would restrain them.
"Well, that was different. We've been friends with these people for a long time." Tanya explained as Carmen bent over to Garrett whispering:
"Now it's going to get interesting,"
He smiled nodding back with agreement. Then looked over, "Should you mention you didn't even know about her until now?"
Carmen shook her head now would be the wrong time.
"Because that's what got our mother killed," Tanya pointed out.
"What was I suppose to do when I saw her comforting her vampire baby?" Beatrix asked. "When she was covering up him killing a whole village in broad daylight? What would of you done when you saw someone went to a human baby with all possibilities and bit them in the neck, made them burn and froze them at that state!"
"What did she say when you discovered him?" Tanya said calming down, she never thought of what she would of done.
"She argued with me at first, trying to bring justice for her deed…but there was none to it." Beatrix explained. "I lost all respect for her, and I couldn't live like that. She looked towards me sadly saying 'Do as you must, but keep your sisters safe they aren't part of this, don't let Tanya know, she will take my place.'"
"We were worried, you two disappeared for a month, we didn't know what happened." Kate explained.
"You couldn't say anything to us, so we wouldn't know," Tanya said sadly, realizing the truth. "What did she do when you left? Tell us, what did she say when she knew what was going to happen to her? I've been thinking of this for centuries but what was the look on her face when she saw you leading the Volturi for her arrest."
"I didn't," Beatrix explained. "She didn't tell me her new location, I wouldn't let her. I still wanted to give her a chance. When I got there, I was surprised; someone else was returning….Caius, who was away from the city so he could teach his newborn, Demetri, control. Caius was instrumental on letting Demetri use his gift for the first time. I was their prisoner until they found her and then he tracked down you."
"We were confused," Kate explained. "We didn't know what was going on. Here you are with a bunch of Volturi and our mother being dragged like some dog while holding a baby. She told them, 'You have what you want, now let her go,' but they didn't."
"They made me testify." Beatrix said with a sour taste in her mouth. "They made me stand in front of you and say Sasha broke the law, and that she deserved the ultimate punishment. I had to look at you when they made me say that."
"Than they dropped you down like a puppy with us as Aro touched each one us to see if any of we knew, then made us watched as they sat fire to our mother and the baby."
"You were in shock and morning, you make poor choices then," Eleazar pointed out, they all nodded knowing Eleazar understood the situation. He made a very poor choice when he was in that situation. "Now, in my old coven, I didn't get along with my sisters after my creator died so I did something and our relationship has been great ever since."
"What?" Ilona asked not knowing a thing about Eleazar's past.
"I left," Eleazar answered.
"They wanted to kill you the last time you saw them," Tanya pointed out.
"Then part of it's the same," Eleazar shrugged sitting down.
"Alright, that's just total dysfunction." Tanya said looking at him, than glanced towards her sister. "After we collected her ashes and the rest of them left, I kicked you and shouted for you to get out, you gave us a pitiful look but remained there."
"I shocked you, tasered you away, leaving you weary. We gathered our mother's ashes, and left. Then you came back, Irina threw some out you and told you we never wanted to see you again. We left you right there." Kate said with a deep pain in her stomach.
"I wandered for centuries, feeling lonely," Beatrix said. "I was a nomad, and I missed you deeply. I sunk into a pit, and eventually I heard you went to North America, so I knew you moved on. I knew it was time for me as well, so I vowed the next human I came across would be my companion. I came across Gisbert, but when he woke up as a newborn it was too much for me to handle. I needed help, so I contacted you again."
"We thought you took his life, to be with us so we denied you." Tanya said reaching into her bag. "Beatrix I wasn't going to give this to you, but here." she gave her Irina's letter.
"To my dear long forgotten sister, Beatrix,
You are also most likely wondering how I told Kate, and Tanya where to find you, and I am sure by now you have become acquainted with Carmen and Eleazar who are reading the same letters very shocked to hear about you." Beatrix stopped for a minute and looked up.
"Don't worry, I didn't tell Alistair about them so that makes up for it," Ilona butted in as Beatrix continued reading:
If you are reading this, I am sorry for the ill treatment we have given you over the centuries. Sometimes those you love will betray you….I learned that the very, very hard way. I found out Laurent did not keep his word to me which lead to his death, and now I find myself on the same hurtful path that you at one time had to take.
But this will be my last confession. Months ago my sisters went to a wedding ceremony. I had no desire to be happy in the presence of these people, not wanting to feel bitter and alone. I thought I would find someone who lived in bitterness. When you told us about your creation, I thought it was just a way to get back in our good graces. We assumed decades ago he was another wonder you let free, that was foolish of us to think that. So I seek you out, knowing I could be with someone who was more miserable than me. Thinking we could travel and be miserable together, but misery was the last thing I would have seen when I saw your house. When I finally found you, I hid, surprised to see you with your mate. You wouldn't notice a human walking past you with the way you gazed at each other. I followed you and I saw him, Gisbert, our nephew with another girl. I should of approached you but you were so happy I couldn't do it, so I write that you may be happy in your life and let the sisters rejoin because they will need friends after I do what I am about to do.
I have found another immortal child with people close to us, I am going to follow your footsteps, but unlike you I will have no chance of being happy without Laurent. I am going to ask them to end me, and with justice they will agree.
Please continue on with your good life, and let your sisters be a part of it,
Irina.
"See, she wanted you to make up with each other," Eleazar pointed out as Beatrix nodded. "And she forgave her why can't you two."
"Why did you create Gisbert?" Kate asked taking a deep breath. "Just answer that for us. Did you really need help?"
"Yes," Beatrix answered. "I never handled a newborn, and I needed help so I reached out for his aunts. It was about him….but I needed to learn how to handle this on my own, that's what a creator does, take care of their creations." Beatrix said as Kondrat put his arm around his wmate while the rest looked towards Eleazar who nodded solemnly and looked back to them.
"When was this?" Alistair asked speaking for the first time.
"1895," Kate answered as Carmen gave her a shocked look.
"We were living with you at that time," She pointed out astonished.
"Alistair, Garrett, welcome to coven life," Eleazar smiled finding it amusing.
"Well, are you coming to the wedding?" Garrett asked as the red-eyed vampires gave them odd looks, clearly they did not understand the concept of vampire marriages. Gisbert knew Mathias made all the Greek couples including Philomela and Hector have a wedding ceremony, but he didn't know who did the Volturi's.
"We'll be there," Beatrix said looking towards Kondrat as the phone rang.
"I'll get it," He said before leaving.
"Oh, I forgot to mention, Alistair wants to take me to meet all his friends," Ilona smiled at that.
"Yes, I have a feeling the entire Cullen family will love her company." Alistair explained looking at Beatrix.
"And he can't wait to tell them about me." She smiled excitedly.
"They will be at the wedding," Kate explained to her.
"Then I think you two should wait until the entire coven is together." Beatrix smiled looking over to Gisbert.
"Jane," Gisbert smiled realizing for some strange reason she already was part of this coven, he changed her in ways, it would be impossible for her to serve in the Volturi guard she changed him in ways that made him accept his family. He realized than it was clear, they were a match.
"Yes, please get her before she is lost to the Volturi." Beatrix explained.
"Again," Kate corrected.
"Yes," Tanya agreed. "But I must request that you give us a ride to Romania to get a few things cleared up."
"My nomadic brothers can give you a lift," Kondrat said coming in with the phone.
"What?" Kate asked as Kondrat went on the phone muttering in Polish.
"My old coven, it is this group of nomads, largest group of vampires traveling together," Kondrat explained. "Anyway, their newest member Fred, some American vampire he found escaping a newborn army convince them all to get these things they can use to call us anytime they want."
"Isn't that lovely," Beatrix said with a fake smile.
"Was that the one they met before?" Garrett asked. "The one that left you that ring for safe keeping."
"They are coming to get it," Eleazar said. "So Fred can give Did-" He paused rephrasing his words. "Harof's gift from Aro to give to Pricilla. He already said he will show you."
"Than we'll wait," Kate nodded towards Tanya.
"Eleazar on the other hand can spread the word," she whispered towards him. "I am sure from the information she is going to receive from me that that will not be a problem," Eleazar insured them.
"He already says it will be no problem," Kondrat pointed out. "I am glad you made up.
"Then we are off than," Tanya smiled towards Kate, knowing this would be a good thing.
"Eleazar on the other hand can spread the word," she whispered towards him. "I am sure from the information Chelsea is going to receive it won't be a problem," Eleazar insured them.
"He already says it will be no problem," Kondrat pointed out. "I am glad you made up.
"Then we are off than," Tanya smiled towards Kate, knowing this would be a good thing.
"I'm off," Gisbert said firmly.
"Wait, before you go let us tell you some things." Beatrix stopped him.
"Like what?" Gisbert said wanting to go.
"Remember, she is not only your mate but your best friend," Kondrat informed him, he noticed Garrett and Kate smile towards each other with agreement.
"Be honest with her, tell he how you feel, even if you I have to say it ten times a day." Beatrix said very proud of her son.
"Alright, well I have to get those parts," Gisbert explained as everyone followed him to the barn.
"Keep your word, make sure you help with the four wheelers." Kondrat said noticing the young man's rush. Garrett then came in, and thought of something to say.
"Show her the best side of you," Eleazar never thought he would be giving advice to someone trying to romance Jane of the Volturi.
"And use common sense," Kate butted in.
"And most of all keep faith in it." Carmen gave her final word until Ilona came in followed by Alistair
"We have some advice.…." It was clear by the short time they spent together; she would be the talker of the two.
"Treat her like a lady," Ilona said. "That's what we like, Alistair do you have anything to say to him."
"Oh, don't get embarrassed if she ends up calling you endearments in public," Alistair said, Gisbert was wondering if it was because Ilona had problems pronouncing his name. Gisbert smiled towards his new coven got on his motorcycle and left. Tanya watched him disappear, she couldn't help but wonder if the vampire world was truly changing.