This chapter is rated 'M' for violence, death, and dark themes.
Previously: Bella wins Vladimir over. She falls to Maria and sends Riley away. He makes it to Kansas before he breaks down.
Riley's P.O.V. (3607 words):
"Be all my sins rememb'red." ~Hamlet; Act 3, Scene 1
.:!*!:.
I slowly came back to myself. I began to feel the wind in my hair again, feel the crisp night against my face. I lifted my head and opened my eyes. I was alone.
I inhaled, taking in the scents around me. Jean and Rich had both been here very recently. The Whitlock's scents were fainter.
My throat burned. I had no idea how long I had been kneeling here like this. I needed to hunt, badly.
Standing was harder than I ever remembered it being. I blinked and felt something on my face. I reached up and felt something dried down my cheeks. Before I could think on it any longer, I heard a noise come from a short distance away. Numb, I headed in the direction the sounds were coming from. I walked quickly to the top of the hill. I looked down, and what I saw the base of the hill brought everything back.
My leader was gone. Boss Swan was a shadow. Isabella Swan was now truly dead. Her last order to me had been to take all those she cared about and leave her alone in Hell.
I was a second without a first. I was a beta without an alpha. I was the moon without the sun. I was nothing without her.
The emptiness enveloped me like a breathing entity. What direction had I without my northern star?
"Major, Riley still hasn't moved." Jean's voice brought me back to the happenings at the base of the hill.
"What are your orders, Major?" Peter asked, sending a flame of jealousy through me. The Captain still had purpose, I thought bitterly to myself. I felt my eyes harden. I briefly found myself amazed that I had not yet been noticed. Perhaps I might have made a decent scout after all. Memories of the boss caused me to flinch, and I concentrated all of my attention to the conversation below in order to stay above the dark waters of nothingness threatening to consume me once more.
"I need to speak to Riley before we do anythin'. I must know why he did what he did." Ares answered, not even looking at his Captain. Did he even know how much Peter depended on him? Did he even understand what it was to be a true second to a warrior of the South? I doubted he had even a sliver of understanding. He had, after all, ordered Peter and Charlotte away once as well. At least the Captain'd had a mate to fill some part of him back up. I was nothing without her.
The emptiness and lack of meaning nearly overtook me again, but I took in a raged breath. That finally got the attention of those before me.
"Riley." Ares whispered, his voice carrying on the wind like a siren's call. "Come forward. I wish to speak with you."
I felt it then. It was a weak echo compared to the boss's pull on me, but it was there. Confusion shot through me. Why did I feel compelled to follow the God of War's commands? It was not out of fear. I held little fear when it came to this man, which I found strange, seeing as I had decapitated him last time we'd interacted, and he was most likely going to retaliate. Regardless, I felt the weak connection. I knew then that Ares must be the boss's mate. There was no other explanation. At this point, I would take any tie to my leader that I could get. I moved forward with a new-found strength. I reached him and stood in silence.
"There are only two reasons that you are still alive." Ares said slowly. "One, you are Swan's second, and I could never destroy one so close to her. Two, I've come to respect you as a comrade. I have only one question. Why?"
"It was the only way to be sure you came with me. It was her last order to me, sir. I couldn't..." My voice broke, and I fell to my knees. It was taking over again, my worthlessness. My breathing picked up raggedly. "I had to be sure you came. It was what she wanted. I would've done anything. I-"
"Riley!" Ares exclaimed in what sounded like shock. He lowered himself to his knees as well. He placed his hands on my shoulders, and I found myself slowly regaining my composure with the help of whatever the hell he was sending me. "I am not angry. You did nothin' wrong. You followed your commander. I simply needed to know your reasonin'."
"I'm cold." I found myself whispering just before I actually shivered. "It's been nearly three years since I've felt cold."
"It will all be okay, Riley." Ares replied softly. "I know-."
"You know nothing!" I screamed, finding myself on my feet, towering over him, before I knew it. Anger took me in it's arms, and I was powerless to it. "You would not last for the blink of an eye as a second to a southern Warrior. You know nothing! You may be able to feel my emotions, but do not let your gift fool you. You could not understand this lack of purpose if your life was dependent upon it! I have nothing to compare this helplessness to but the death of a mate. Lucky you that Swan still walks this earth! I have no such luck. She has cast me off, thrown me off a precipice too high above the clouds for vision! I am connected to her very soul. There is no other connection. You are held by her existence. Oh, what things I would give to be held so loosely!"
"You aren't makin' any sense, Riley. You need to calm down." Ares tried to console, but I was too far gone, too lost in the void.
"No! You listen to me, Whitlock!" I demanded, a power filling me out of no where. "I may have been rejected, but that doesn't change the fact that I am Boss Swan's right-flank, her second, her brother, and if you try to tell me it will be okay or that you know how it feels one more time, I swear to God I will remove your head to satisfy my own need for violence next time!"
"Next time?" Ares repeated, a dark smile growing on his face as he slowly got to his feet. I saw Peter looking between us carefully out of the corner of my eye. Ares took a step closer to me, bringing us within inches of touching. "There will not be a next time. You got lucky the first time."
"Do not test me." I warned as the power filling me evolved. I'd never felt anything like it, but I knew I would need it if I was going to be able to get the Major to follow my orders. I had a plan to save the boss, but I needed to become the leader of our mismatched group if it was going to succeed. "Fight me, and we will settle this once and for all."
"Even knowin' all that you know, you challenge me?" Ares asked, actually looking shocked.
"A Southern spar." I restated. "First to remove the head of his opponent wins his dominance."
Ares said nothing, instead opting to back up and enter a crouch. The power hit an all time high as Ares rushed me. My brain was working overtime, trying to remember things about the vampire in front of me.
The Major is left-handed.
I shifted to be on his right side as he twisted and swung at me over and over again. He reached out with a hand to grab my arm.
Physical contact seems to make his gift stronger.
I ducked out of his reach before beginning to circle him again. He charged almost instantly. I stayed on his right side in order to keep a slight advantage as we crashed together. He started to gain the upper-hand quickly, and so I did the only thing I could think of. I kicked out at him, knowing he'd take the opportunity. Ares grabbed hold of my leg and severed it at the knee while I took the opening he'd created for me, leaned forward, and tore off his head. I fell to the ground, my breathing unnecessarily hard. The power that had given me the strength to fight the God of War dissipated as quickly as it had built. I let my head fall back and closed my eyes. I could almost feel the disappointment, worry, and slight pride I knew Boss Swan would be feeling if she were here.
I don't know how long I sat there, but I was startled back into reality when I felt my leg being reattached. I opened my eyes to see Jean watching me carefully with a bit of awe. I noticed that Peter was, once again, putting the Major back together. His head was almost connected completely again.
"Riley, what are we going to do?" Jean asked, sounding afraid and uncertain.
"We're going to save the boss and set the South on fire." I answered, getting to my feet as soon as my leg was working again and offered a hand to Jean. She took it, and I helped her to her feet.
"You win." I suddenly heard from my right. I looked over to see the Major watching me without expression. "What am I to do?"
"Take me to see the Cullens." I ordered. Ares raised his eyebrows. "I think it's time we get one step ahead of Maria and those Romanian bastards. We're going to get the future on our side."
.:!*!:.
It took over ten hours to get to the Cullen's estate since we'd stopped for a hunt along the way. I didn't even pause when we reached the property line. They had to know we were coming by now anyway. My guess was confirmed when we approached and saw them all standing out on the porch waiting for us.
"Jasper, what brings you back here so soon?" The blond leader asked, glancing at me nervously where I stood, obviously asserting my dominance by being in front of the others. "Peter and Charlotte too. Good to see you as well. It's been a while."
"Dr. Cullen, I assume?" I said, bring his attention fully to me. He nodded slowly, still appearing cautious. "I am Riley Biers. I have some news you may like to hear. You might want to be seated for this, so would you mind if we come inside?"
"Bella's second-in-command?" The doctor questioned, appearing shocked.
"Yes. I am Boss Swan's southern second. Please show her the respect she has earned and refrain from using her first name, let alone a nickname." I reprimanded, keeping my voice civil. "I am on a bit of a time-line, so if we could...?"
"Oh, of course." Carlisle replied, turning to lead us into their house. Once he had lead us into the dinning room, he gestured for us to take the seats at the end of the table. I took the one at the head, Ares and Jean were next to me, Peter and Rich next to them. Charlotte sat on Peter's lap. Carlisle took the seat at the other end of the table. His mate and Edward sat on his sides. I took notice that the future seer did not sit. She stood near the doorway watching me with anxious eyes.
"I'm going to cut to the chase. War is coming." I said, looking Carlisle in the eyes. "Maria has taken the boss and made her into her second-in-command. Maria has also allied herself with the Romanians, and they plan on overthrowing the Volturi. This cannot happen."
"I'm afraid I'm not following you." Carlisle said, suddenly looking very interested. "If Miss Swan is under Maria's command, and Maria is planning to help the Romanians in this revolution, what are you doing here?"
"Maria broke her will, so Boss Swan ordered the lot of us away before it was too late and we were stuck in hell with her." I summarized. I stood slowly and leaded forward on the table. "The girl you knew in Forks was murdered the moment she was abandoned in the woods and introduced to the South. The woman I knew died when she was forced to experience things that the best of those in this world have fallen to. The woman I knew would have wanted the Volturi to remain in power, so I'm going to do my damnedest to be sure that happens."
"I'm in." Carlisle announced suddenly, causing everyone to look at him in shock. I, however, had been counting on this. The boss had told me that he'd spent time with the Volturi and seemed as if he'd become friends with the Kings. I figured that if that were true, he'd want to help them. If the doctor helped them, so would the future seer. "I need to call Aro."
"Don't bother. I need him to see everything, so I'll have to go there. I'd rather it be sooner than later, and you'll be needed to help in person eventually anyway." I explained, moving from my side of the table to approach the doctor. I offered my hand. "Allies?"
"Allies." Carlisle agreed, taking my hand in a solid shake.
.:!*!:.
I had let Ares deal with his old coven for the whole of the trip, keeping to myself in the back of the private jet that Dr. Cullen had insisted we procure. My thoughts had taken a darker turn, and I didn't even bother hiding them from the mind reader. I just made sure to make it obvious what I would do to him if he opened his mouth and made my thoughts his show and tell.
This was my final stand. I knew I would never live to see the end of this war. I shivered at the prospect of my eminent death at first, but I soon came to the conclusion that it didn't matter. It was only how I went down that should be of concern. It was with that new resolve that I exited the jet and followed the doctor into the Volturi's fortress. I could sense the guard members watching us from around the castle. I payed their invisible eyes little mind. We were not here for them.
Once we'd entered the receptionist's room, Carlisle set up our meeting and gave our names. Ares had her pass along his title when Carlisle tried to use his first name. I hadn't bothered to hide my smirk.
"Looking to make an impression before we enter the room?" I teased, and I felt annoyance and humor hit me, which just made my smile grow.
"I guess you could say that." Ares replied, his face expressionless. I chuckled once just as the doors opened.
"My name is Felix, if you would follow me." He said, motioning for us to trail him. I was shocked he was willing to turn his back on us. When I saw that he had brought the Witch Twins, Jane and Alec, as backup, I was no longer surprised. The two of them took up the rear. We were lead through hallway after hallways until we finally came upon a corridor that obviously lead to the throne room.
The large, ornate doors opened to reveal the three Kings up on a slightly raised platform on the other side of the room. The raven-haired Aro was getting to his feet. He spoke once the doors had been shut behind us. He had a huge, enthusiastic smile on his face.
"It is not often that vampires of Southern upbringing walk willingly into this room." Aro announced, watching us carefully. "I was very shocked to find that my old friend, Carlisle, was accompanying them with his own coven. Who is going to be the one that fills me in?"
"I am, sir." I replied, taking just enough steps to bring me to the front of the group.
"Then step forward, stranger." He allowed, reaching his hand toward me. I did not hesitate. My hand was in his in the next moment. After a short pause, he actually stumbled back, a look of unhidden horror on his face. "Deo..."
"Brother?" Cauis questioned from next to him. Aro gave no reply for a good five minutes as he composed himself.
"This is Boss Swan's second-in-command. His name is Riley, and he comes to warn us of an alliance between Maria and the Romanians. They are planning a revolution, and by the current state of things, they have a fighting chance of victory." Aro eventually whispered. "We have no time to waste. A section of Riley's memories are unclear. When did you all leave Mexico?"
"Two weeks and three days ago, King Aro." Ares supplied, and my eyes widened. Had I really been kneeling on the Kansas sod for two weeks before I'd snapped out of it?
"Thank you, Major." Aro replied, regaining my attention. There was a moment of silence. "Heidi, please lead our guests to the unoccupied wing and let them pick out rooms. I must deliberate with my brothers. Cullens, Whitlocks, Riley, make yourselves at home."
.:!*!:.
An hour later, Ares and I were called back to the throne room alone. The second we came through the doors I knew something was off. Ares was watching the Kings with an intensity I had not seen him wear around anyone but Maria or Boss Swan (although I was sure it was for different reasons). I'd thought I was ready for anything. Aro turned and greeted us, appearing nervous.
"Major, Riley." He took an unnecessary, deep breath. "I felt the two of you needed to hear this from me personally. We have begun contacting our allies, and the battle is almost surely a victory, but I am afraid the law claims Boss Swan. Her life is forfeit."
"No!" I screamed, and I saw Ares tense next to me, and the dark emotions that he accidentally projected only fueled my own turmoil. "She has only done everything she has to survive! She was only ever loyal and respectful to your coven's Crest!"
"I know this, Riley. My brothers and I see no way around it. She is leading and training the army, she is helping Vladimir draw up the plans, and she has even been caught giving Maria orders when they think they are alone. We called an informant of ours that is stationed in the South, and all other covens have already been annihilated under Swan's orders. Maria was not even aware she'd done it until it was finished. It is law that we take out no less than the one with the highest dominance." He sighed, and he looked at me knowingly before continuing. "If she had an official mate, he would be the one to burn in her stead, but as it were-"
"She is mine." The statement echoed ominously off the walls. I rotated my head to gaze at Ares in shock. "Read my mind as confirmation if you must, but Boss Swan's life is not yours to take. It is mine, and it always has been. My life is substitute."
"I do not need you to prove it, son." Aro said softly, and I twisted my head forward again only to find he was still watching me. "Surely you know what this means."
I froze as realization sunk in, and then a sick relief filled my very being. I had won the southern spar against Ares. I had asserted my dominance over him, and now my life was substitute for his. My leader would not have to go through her existence without a mate after all this was over. A memory came into my mind unbidden.
"You've become family to me, boss. I'd go to the ends of the earth for you." I told her, still touching her hand with mine.
"I don't want to ask that of you." She whispered, lifting her gaze to lock with my own.
"Which only makes me more willing to give it all." I said, my devotion to her overtaking me. I intertwined our fingers and offered her the rest of me. "My life is yours, if you should need it."
"Riley," She choked out, gripping my hand with all her feeble, human might. "I don't want it. I want you to keep it."
"If the need ever arises, mine goes first." I vowed. I watched as she shed tears in front of me for the first time. I gathered her into my arms. "You can do this, boss. I have no doubt."
"Mi mayor confianza, mi esperanza, mi hermano..." Her whispered words wound around me. She'd already had my devotion, loyalty, respect, and love, but she had all of me now. I knew I would be nothing without her. "I do not deserve you, Ri."
"Yes, you do." I replied, and for the first time in almost five years, I felt peace. I was Boss Swan's second, and in this place where there was nothing, she was my everything.
Standing up straighter, I looked Aro in the eyes, and I nodded. As venom gathered in my eyes, a small smile grew on my lips. "I know exactly what this means."
"What say you, Riley Biers?" Aro questioned.
"My life is substitute." I swore with all my strength. Aro approached me with a sad and regretful look in his eyes. I simply continued to smile. Aro placed his hands on either side of my neck. I closed my eyes, and even knowing I'd never open them again, there was peace.
I barely felt the violent tug or the scorching flames. I was too distracted by the wholeness that engulfed me in my last moments. I had done my duty as a southern warrior's second. Boss Isabella Swan's life would soon be her own again. My purpose was fulfilled.
A.N.: Okay... it gets better from here. I promise! What do you guys think? *Puts on bullet-proof vest and hides in a bunker*
Playlist news: Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas was named the song for this chapter. Check out the rest on my profile.
OSDU news: It's been 60 days since I posted the first chapter of this story. Look how far we've come! Isn't this exciting! At this rate, the story will be finished before May, no problems.
Next update: March 4th