New Moon on Monday

by CesarAcosta2000

Sequel to Summers in Forks.Damien and Bella face a new set of challenges. Both still try to plan for their life together, but outside forces make them delay their plans with each other. Alternate Universe.

13. Envoy

Envoy

So, here we go again.

To Recap what's been going on.

For those of you just joining our story:

Bella meets another boy, Damien, who happens to work for her father. As it turns out, they start dating, and when Edward Cullen sets his sights on her, she chooses Damien. He is also revealed to be an angel as he gets into more and more dangerous situations into which Bella has been brought into by being around Edward Cullen. Instead of running and hiding from the danger, Bella decides to face all of this head on, and takes her relationship with her boyfriend to the next level. After several intimate sessions, they have a daughter, but since Bella has venom in her, she has a hybrid child; half angel, half vampire. Their daughter, Ren, grows at an accelerated age, and soon she becomes enamored with Alec of the Volturi, who has decided that he wants to be with her, but still wants to make peace overtures to Aro, out of respect. Alice has given him the chance to do so, but at what cost?

Alice:

The diplomatic group we were going to send to Voltera, on Carlisle's behalf, would consist of Alec, Renesmee, Becca, Edward, and a compliment of the former Volturi, loyal to Bella. Becca went along as a precaution, by Bella, to make sure that no one would try to capture and repurpose the group. I suggested it might be taken as a sign of hostility, but Damien insisted that it would be the only way that he and Bella would allow the party to return to Forks. Even as I tried to make my vision possible, those two were fighting it every step of the way. It was frustrating, and outright infuriating when I found out that Bella was not going to give up her army. Jasper wasn't either, and for some reason, he seemed to be getting closer and closer to Victoria's friend, Heidi, as they were both pro-war. The post engagement dinner talk with Bella wasn't quite what I thought it would be. I expected Bella to be upset, but I didn't expect her to be so calm about it. I approached her about it, hoping she would understand the reasoning behind making peace overture.

I took both her hands in mine, "Bella, I don't want us to fight over this."

"We won't. Just understand this, as a member of the opposition, you are no longer allowed on the base."

I was shocked, because she knew I still wanted to talk to Jasper, "You can't do that, Bella. My husband is still supporting your insane plan to fight the Volturi."

She shook her head, "It's not insane. It's what has to be done. Not fighting would be insane, and naive at this point in the game, knowing what we know now. It's ok, though, Alice. I know what has to be done, so don't worry about it."

I squeezed her hands, "Bella, it doesn't have to be this way. I want you to be part of the healing process, too. This has to be something that we're all willing to back up."

"I know, Alice. The thing is, I'm not going to back this up. I wish you luck on all this, but I'm not going to say much if you invite the Volturi here. They may end up coming here as a response to your envoy."

I wanted to see her react, "I want us to still be friends, Bella. I don't want you to think I did this to spite you."

She shrugged, "You probably did. Not sure why, but yea, I guess you have your reasons."

I shook my head, my face solemn, "I only want what's best."

She pulled her hands away from mine, "I'll bet you do. It's ok. Alice, I've got to go. I'm really tired."

I nodded as she walked away, and saw Victoria approach me. I was trying to turn away when she grabbed my shoulder, demanding, "Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

"You can let go of me now."

"Do you know how to fight a war?"

"I'm a lover, not a fighter." I gave her a smirk as I said this.

As I walked away, she called out, "I know you aren't. Although, I did hear some really interesting things, from a telepath friend of mine. This is a rather convenient setup for your scenario, isn't it? You bring in a whole bunch of witnesses, and the Volturi attack anyway, destroying most of our forces, except you, of course. Then, with Jasper gone, you get to look for the one you really want. I gotta say, if it weren't so damnably twisted, I would credit you for being clever. For what, Alice? So you can finally have the man you've always wanted? You do know he doesn't feel that for you, right?"

I whirled on her, "Shut the hell up!"

Her eyes narrowed, "Did I strike a nerve?"

My lip curled up in a sneer, "You don't know what you're even talking about. I think it's best you turned around, and walked away."

She looked smug, and nodded, "You're right. I know everything I need to know right now." As such, she walked away thereafter.

Renesmee:

When we went to Voltera, Alec had me meet his sister, even though she seemed less than enthused. Also, when Aro put his hand out to take mine, I placed my hand on his face instead. I had finally seen everything that he had done to secure his position. He didn't know this, however, as he was looking into mind and only saw the screen I put up for any intruder. He drew back in horror for a moment.

"You are their daughter?"

Alec stepped in front of me, "She's also here on a mission of peace, Aro. Carlisle Cullen wishes to extend a hand in diplomacy. As a sign of good faith, we'd be willing to have you come back with us to survey Forks, Washington with a group of your own trusted officers. However, it is only to be a small party."

Caius looked over, "Little Fool! Do you think you can make demands of us?"

Alec bowed his head, "Of course, not. We are simply offering a temporary stay in our home, as a sign of good faith that we mean no harm."

Caius looked unconvinced, "What's this 'we' you're talking about?"

He took my hand, and brought me up to stand beside him, "This is my mate. Her name is Renesmee Carlie Swan-Summers. She is also the daughter of the one you know as Bella Swan, and Damien Summers."

Caius cackled, "Ah yes, the two would-be generals, as-it-were. Will they be present, as well?"

He shook his head, "I cannot speak for them, but my mate is willing to concede that she will support me for this. It is because I told her how reasonable you are, Aro, that she is willing to support me."

Aro smiled widely, "Right, you are, my boy. Very well, we will oblige your invitation. However, let it be stated that we will only concede should certain conditions be met."

Alec inclined his head, "And those would be?"

Caius spoke now, "Confinement for the rabble rousers. That is, those who demand to wage a war against us to be remanded to our custody, and tried before our tribune. At such time, we will decide the fate of Bella Swan, Damien Summers, and all those who support them. Failure to meet these conditions will result in dissolution of this accord, thereby."

I almost protested, but Alec squeezed my hand gently, "Let us consult with Carlisle on these matters. I will have his decision for you soon."

Uncle Edward stepped up, "Agreed, on the condition you try only Damien Summers and members of his brass, as they had said that their intent was a direct assault, and he is acting without consulting my former mate, Bella."

Becca stepped up next to him, "Sirs, he speaks out of turn, and is not addressing you as a representative of our party, but himself. I would request that his comments be stricken from these proceedings as hearsay."

Aro smiled when he looked to her, "Agreed. Edward, your mate is quite bright. I wish you had introduced us long ago."

Becca looked over at me, and nodded as I squeezed Alec's hand again. He addressed them now, "If you would excuse us to talk about these matters."

I then saw Alec's sister, Jane. She stepped in, her tone subtle as she said, "Wait! I wish to be present during your private conference, to be sure that you discuss matters in accordance with the interests of the Volturi."

Aro beamed at her as she said this, and told her, "Proceed, child. He is after all, your brother. Felix, if you would accompany her."

Jane shook her head, "I do not believe my brother will harm me, or allow harm to come to me. So, I will not need a bodyguard."

Caius added, "All the same, it would be best to have two members of the Volturi present when discussing these diplomatic matters."

Jane looked to me, "Am I to understand that this council doesn't trust me?"

Aro looked to Laurent, and then Caius, as he waved us away, "Very well. You may have your privacy with your brother."

We went to a private room, and I looked to uncle Edward, "What the hell are you thinking?"

"We just give them what they want, and it will be over."

Alec spoke up, "I'm not going to give up Ren's father for this. Jane, you have to make Aro understand that his conditions are a tad unreasonable."

She could only embrace her brother, and shook her head, "I thought you were dead, or worse. I thank you, Renesmee Summers for watching my brother. As for Aro, I doubt he would be satisfied with anything less than having both your parents in shackles if he's going to agree to this."

I looked to her, pleading, "What are we supposed to do, then?"

She smiled, "Have a welcome concert for them. I'm sure all us newcomers would enjoy that. It left us quite debilitated the last time we were forced to depart."

Edward shook his head, "Why would you even tell us that?"

Jane leaned in close to embrace me, "Make sure your parents prepare for an exodus while you're entertaining us. No one will be the wiser."

I pulled back, and asked, "Why would you be willing to do this for me?"

She gave me a sad smile, and told me, "It is because you brought about change for my brother, and I. As I see the events unfold on this end, I only see how small minded this whole group really is. I will be part of the Volturi envoy, as will Felix, Demitri, Aro, Caius, and Santiago. At least, while we hear your song, it will dull the abilities of Demitri, and he will not be able to track your parents or their allies. Be very stealthy about your preparations. I do not wish to see my brother executed, nor myself."

Alec held his sister longer, "I'm sorry for leaving you behind. I never meant to do that, in all my years. I swore I would never do so."

She rested her head on his shoulder, "You became more of a man than you ever were while you were here. All I see here are spoiled children playing with toys they don't understand. It's time to put an end to all that."

I looked to her, "What do you mean?"

She gave me an even gaze, "I know for a fact that Aro will go back on his word. I also know that he is very afraid of your parents. When the time comes, my brother and I will let your parents know when to strike."

Edward spoke up, "This is folly. We only need to give up Damien, and all this will be over."

I shot him a look, "You really are a prick, you know that?"

Jane placed a hand on my shoulder, and whispered, "He's a fool. Don't listen to him. Listen to me, and make preparations for departure. This is your only chance. Your parents have to be at the official meeting, and then they are free to go, but you have to make it look like they escaped, got it?"

I began to understand, "So they don't implicate Carlisle."

She nodded, "For the moment. I doubt that will hold for very long. Also, Aro's hold on Caius is breaking, slowly but surely. You must move quickly."

I placed my hand on her shoulder, "Thank you, sister."

Edward tried to protest again, "They'll figure it out, you know?"

Jane simply looked at him, making him double over in pain. "Do something about him, would you? He will not be able to speak until your envoy leaves. Do make sure he's kept confined to quarters until your departure."

Bella:

Ren had told me what was going to happen. She also told me what Edward had said, making me less inclined to even consider letting him join the fight. If anything, the fact that he'd be willing to sell Damien down the river for a chance at a fake peace just left me uneasy. Alec also told me that his sister had already decided she'd be with my group when it came down to it. At this point, I did trust Alec more than I trusted Edward, funnily enough. It couldn't be helped, though. As long as the Volturi were still out there, we needed people on the inside to remain with us, as they knew the tactics and battle strategies that were used over a period of how many hundreds of years. Alec spoke to me now, telling me what we'd have to do.

Alec told me, "The Volturi Envoy will be arriving in mid-December, at the earliest. From what I can tell, they think we're depending on machines, and such, as well as the base. I'm guessing they also want to check out the base, and totally render it in shambles, to keep us from returning."

I looked at him, "Hmm, how do you figure?"

He had an embarrassed look on his face, "I get the feeling that it's what you would do."

I smirked, "You're making me blush here with all your confidence."

Ren spoke up, "Mom, they're expecting us to have some kind of welcoming party ready. Also, they're going to arrest everyone that supports your army. Jane told us that you should vacate your people as soon as possible."

I put my arm around my daughter, "You aren't coming with us?"

She hugged me then, a tight embrace I hadn't felt since those times when she was sad, or had a bad dream, "I want to go with you, mom. I have to stay here with Alec, though."

Alec was nodding, "We're preparing a welcome concert for the incoming envoy, I think they really liked Ren's singing the last time they were here."

Ren leaned in, whispering, "It also dulls their senses, which will help you and dad make a run for it."

I placed my hand to my chin pensively, as I thought aloud, "I'll have to let Victoria know about this, then. The problem is where we vacate to, though. Alice will probably seeing us making a move months in advance."

I heard Jessica's voice, "Not with me standing by you. I can block out her power, among other things. Leah already has a couple of log cabins set up for us to hide in."

Ren closed her eyes, "You and dad have to be the last ones to leave. After that, there will be a specially selected group of Volturi who will escort you to a transport to take you to Voltera, as per the agreement."

I considered it, "How long of a window do we have between negotiations and the transport of us, prisoners?"

Ren said, "My welcome concert will be two hours, so Jane said she will be one of the guards to supervise your transport."

I looked to Alec, "Won't that put your sister at risk?"

He bowed his head at that, "Thank you for worrying about my sister, but don't worry. She knows how to handle most of our old coven. The other guard will be Felix, I think."

I smirked, "The guy I almost killed last time, huh? How's he doing, anyway?"

Alec shook his head, "He's lucky to still be in one piece."

Victoria came into the situation room, and saw me and Jessica, "Aren't you two supposed to be at graduation?"

I looked at the clock on the wall, "Oh my god. We didn't even realize, either."

She smiled, and dropped a set of keys into my hand, "Lucky for you, I decided to bring you your truck."

As I jumped into the jeep with Jess, Mike and Angela, Victoria put her hand on my shoulder, "Becca told me to remind you to show up at Alice's graduation party, tonight."

I gave her an annoyed look, snapping, "Why the hell should I go there?"

She made a clicking sound with her lips, and whispered to me, "We have to make it seem like we're not making plans anymore."

I drove off, and we made it at least 15 minutes before everyone was supposed to do the procession out to where the parents were. I looked over, seeing my mom, dad, Phil, Sue, Damien, Ren, and Alec watching for me. Marcus was there, in a black suit, and his hair pulled back into a ponytail like Damien's. Adam was there, too, sitting with Bree as they held hands. It was sweet to watch, and I'm glad Charlie and Damien were cool about it. Esme and Carlisle were there, too, for their "kids," sitting with Becca, who had become like their own daughter. Alice glared over at me as she walked past me, and part of me wondered if there was a point to going to her party. Still, I suppose making Alice frown today would have to be enough to make my day. It sounded childish, I know, taking me all the way back to the 4th or 5 grade, but everything she was doing had only made me mad. We hadn't spoken since that last time after we had that dinner. Knowing all I knew now didn't help. It only made me feel more unease, like this was the calm before the storm. It was an odd feeling to have during a graduation, when one was supposed to feel like their life was just starting. Instead, I had feeling of impending doom, or rather, death knocking at our door.

I realized it wasn't fair to think like that as I went up to receive my diploma. My fiancé and daughter watched me as I went across the stage to get it. Once I did, I went back to my seat next to Jessica. Alice looked over at me every so often, whispering over to Edward as he shook his head every time she asked him something. I could tell she was asking if he could read me, or anyone that was supposed to be in my circle. It was weird, because as far as I knew, before this moment, I never knew what it was like to have a clique, per se. Now, I was factionalizing a whole political party. Interesting how things went from one extreme to another.

We all ended up going to Alice's party, Damien bringing Ren and Alec along with him. Bree insisted on having Adam come with her, even though he felt so out of place. I guess he knew what Damien felt like when I took him to the prom with me. For me, that really was a magical moment, going to a school event with the guy I loved while I knew everyone was watching jealously, god, I must sound like a bitch. Now, though, it was just the opposite feeling. Worse yet, I found out something very disturbing at the party. I saw Sam Uley and Jake Black walking up to me as they looked around.

Sam's granite voice grated, "I need to talk to you. You were going to have a major fight, and you were going to leave us out."

I met his eyes evenly, "You're an unstable element. It would only complicate things. Besides, right now, we're trying to have peaceful overtures."

He sniggered, "Like the arrangements you had set up for me?"

Damien walked up to us at that moment, and I had one arm around his waist once he was close enough, "What do you want? Also, what are you doing out of prison?"

He chuckled, "Let's just say I know friends in high places."

"I doubt that, Sam."

Jacob spoke up then, "Where's Nessie?"

I bit out, "Safe from you. She's got a guy, so you don't have to be around much longer. You can go now, since this party is by invitation only. "

Alice approached then, "I invited them. Jacob, Renesmee is outside with a guy, so you might want to hold off on talking to her."

I looked to Alice, "What the hell are you thinking?"

She shot me a glance, "You ruined my vision. I'm just returning my favor."

I looked to Damien, "Let's find Ren. We're leaving."

Alice snapped, "You can't just leave, you know?"

"Why not?"

"Because it would be rude. Don't you think? I mean, I know you've gotten used to being a rude little bitch since Damien entered your life, but I do expect better manners from my guests."

Damien squeezed my shoulder gently, "You don't have to listen to this, babe. We can go whenever you like."

I turned to him, and agreed, "Now would be a good time."

Sam was behind him, though, and tried to push at him. "Where the hell you going?"

Damien let out a breath slowly, "This is neither the time, nor place, Sam. You better turn around, and leave."

Jacob tried to reach for me to pull me away from him. Instead, I caught his arm by the wrist, and crushed it. It made him so angry, he phased right then and there. Before Jacob could attack me, Damien grabbed Sam, still unable to phase. He pulled me to himself and threw Sam at a vicious Jacob, killing him, thereby. Leah came in, and saw Jacob had killed Sam. She didn't quite know how to deal with that, but for the moment, she turned to me and told me to clear everyone out. Most people were already running out of the party, much to Alice's displeasure. Ren came in and saw Jacob in full wolf form, making her scream loud enough to make the surrounding glass shatter. I suppose she remembered him, and that was enough to set her off. Alec held her, trying to soothe her. Still she shook uncontrollably, and he had to take her away. She didn't even want to look at him, so he carried her out. Having seen all this, I went over, and kicked Jacob before he could snap his jaws at anyone.

He howled when I kicked one of his haunches, breaking in bone, and forcing him to stay on the ground. I was going to kick him again, when Damien came over, and held me close, "That's enough, Bella. Let Leah handle this."

Leah had pulled Jacob outside. She had made him phase back to human, and since she had Adam's blood within, she was able to keep him from phasing.

I looked around as some members of the party looked on. The Cullens were clearing everyone out, but Eric Yorkie was giving me a look I never thought I'd see from him: Fear. I tried to approach him, but he backed away. Even Angela and Jess tried to calm him, but he just backed away.

As he ran out, he whimpered, "I don't want any of you touching me."

Only the Cullens remained in the house, and Damien held my shoulder, "He didn't mean that."

I looked at him, and for the first time, I realize what he felt like, being different from everyone, and I said, "Yes, he did."

He took me into his arms, kissing me deeply, "It doesn't matter. He only sees you the way you are now. He doesn't know the real you, like I do."

I felt better, but then I saw Alice, crying as she looked at both of us, "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! JUST LEAVE! WHY DO YOU HAVE TO KEEP REMINDING ME OF WHAT I DON'T HAVE!"

Esme walked over to her, and slapped her, "That's enough, Alice. You will not kick Bella and Damien out of our house. They are family."

Alice walked away from Esme, and tried to push me away from Damien, in a way I never thought possible, she just kept screaming, "Let go of him! Just let go, already! I wish you would just stop holding him in front of me! Just let go!"

Damien looked to me confused, but I inclined my head, deciding this had to be aired out once and for all. I stepped away, even as Damien looked over. He tried to pull away from Alice, but I gave him a look that told him to stay still. He sighed deeply, and stood his ground. Alice just hit his chest, and just grabbed at his arms, and it looked for a moment like she couldn't make up her mind what to do once she had him away from me.

Finally she cried at him, "Do you know how long I've been watching you?"

He was confused, "Alice, we met over a year ago, when Carlisle decided to introduce me to the rest of the family."

She shook her head furiously, "No! I knew you long before then! I knew you since you were a child! I knew you when those other stupid kids tried to kill you! I knew all about you, and I even told you how I felt, but you couldn't just acknowledge that, could you?"

She turned to me, her eyes burning with hatred, "I watched him through all his terrible times, and lonely times! I did! And you're the one he wants!"

I looked at her, knowing how uncomfortable Damien was with all this. Still, my eyes told him to stay put, "Yes, Alice. I'm the one he wants. It wasn't because I tricked my way into his heart, or something dumb like that. We met, we liked each other, end of story, so deal with it."

"Shut up! YOU don't know anything!"

Damien did speak now, "Yes, she does, Alice. I let her into my mind. I let her see everything. I told her about me in my own way. I'm sorry if that hurt you, and I'm sorry that I can't return those feelings. I don't know what to tell you, though."

She reached up to touch his face, almost making him draw away, but I shook my head, telling him that would be a bad move. He grunted, and forced himself to stay still as she reached for him, "Tell me you love me, Damien. I want to hear you say it at least once, Please!"

Now Esme did call to her with a firm voice, "Alice!"

I held my hand out to Esme, and she looked at me uncertainly, "Are you sure about this, dear?"

Damien looked down at Alice, "I'm sorry. I can't. Even if I did, it wouldn't be true, and that wouldn't be fair to you. You must know that."

She cried, "I don't care, anymore! I don't want to go on another day without seeing you, or hearing you, or having you near me! Just say it, already!"

I placed my hand on her shoulder then, "He can't, Alice. Don't you understand that this isn't the world you had planned out? This is my life, with my fiancé. He's going to marry me. That's why he can't say that to you. Believe me, it's worse if he tells you a lie. You'll never believe anyone else who says it, even when they mean it."

She turned to me then, "Then make me like you! Just take me into both your arms, because I'd rather try to share him than live without him. Please!"

Emmett looked over at Damien from the corner of my eye, "Dude. You got like two girls that want you at the same time." Making him shoot Emmett an annoyed look.

I was just as surprised as anyone when Alice just kissed me. Not just a kiss on the cheek, but a feel mouth-to-mouth French kiss. Damien looked away somewhat embarrassed.

I reached up and held her at arm's length, "Alice. That's a tall order. Let us…think about it, ok?"

Damien's voice was deadpan, "Bella, really?"

I shrugged helplessly at him, and said, "Well, she's offering to share."

His mouth dropped, and he walked over to both of us, "Alice, get some sleep. I think I need to talk with my fiancé, tonight. A long, deep talk."

Jess and Mike took that time to leave, as did Angela. Rose took Alice into her arms. Jasper was still at the base, and according from what I heard from Jessica, he was getting close to Heidi. He probably already knew what Alice was going to say. So, part of me is glad that he wasn't there. I don't think he'd want to make enemies with Jasper. The Cullens could only look at us as we walked out of their mansion, and I saw Damien look around, "Where's Ren and Alec?"

I sighed, "I sent her home. We should see about confining Jacob until we can get the authorities here."

He shook his head, as he was saying, "I think there's more to it than that, Bella. I don't think he was here to just seek revenge. I think he was here to take our daughter."

I asked him, "What do you want to do?"

He snarled, "Personally, I want to kill him. That wouldn't be too good, though, because someone would come looking for him. They'll come looking for Sam, too."

I shrugged, "Sam was killed in an animal attack, and that would be that. We need to ask Ren why she freaked when she saw Jacob. That's what we need to know."

He nodded, "I guess. I don't want to shock her too much, though. By the way, what the hell was that, back there?"

I smirked as I looked at him, "I knew you'd bring that up. Maybe, the best way to deal with her is to get her on our side, baby."

He was shaking his head, "No. I mean, no. There's no way, Bella. I'm not going to just fall into this like that. It's too complicated."

I held him then, "She probably sees a lot of what I saw in you. I could see what she sees in you because I feel it, too."

He did one of those double-takes like my dad, "Uh, ugh, aahh. I don't know. This is way too much, right now. This is a lot to process for me, right now."

I kissed him, "This is a girl who loves you almost as much as I do. That's rare."

His voice was a little high, "That's also wrong, Bella. How would you feel when I'm with her, and you're off somewhere?"

I shrugged, "I would know that you're with someone who loves you as much as I do. Besides, she wouldn't just love you. She wants both of us."

He let his arms drop to his sides, "I can't, Bella. I mean, even thinking about it makes my head hurt."

I sighed, "Ok. We'll tell her we'll think about it, though. We can't just tell her outright, 'no.' you know?"

He raised his shoulders, "Why not? That's what we should do, don't you think?"

I gave him a serious look, "Because she's the one who's planning against us. If we take her in, we might be able to end most of it, if not all."

He sighed heavily, "God, I hate it when you're right."

I held him close, "Well, now you know how I feel, baby."

Renesmee:

Alec sat me on the couch in grandpa's house, as he stroked my hair. He looked so worried as I cried. I was trying to calm down, but for some reason I couldn't. I finally did after a while.

"Ren, I wish I knew how to help. I can't if you don't tell me what's going on. I'm here, and I want to listen."

I finally dried my eyes, "I'm sorry. I just couldn't forget about what I thought of when I saw that wolf. I've seen it before."

Alec held me, "When?"

I leaned on him, as I whispered, "I saw it when I was a little girl, like over a year ago."

"What happened?"

"I looked into his eyes, and I saw what he wanted."

"Ren, if you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to."

I reached up to touch his face, "I have to, baby. I saw myself as an adult in his eyes, but I also saw what he wanted to do to me. He wanted to…mate with me, in his wolf form. He wanted to invade me, everywhere. As the wolf, I saw him taking me, and even scratching my back as he took me, not caring how much I was screaming, or calling for him to stop."

Alec was trembling now, and when I pulled back, I saw his eyes also watering. He reached up to touch his eyes, "What's this?"

I kissed him, "You're crying for me, Alec. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that to you."

He touched my face, "It's not that. It's just that I can't imagine the thought of anyone hurting you like that. It would be like someone taking my soul, and killing it again. I don't want you to feel like that while you're with me. If you need me, while he's around."

"You don't have to worry about that. I'm never going near him again, if I can help it. Just say you'll be with me, tonight."

He put his forehead to mine, "Every night, Renesmee, forever."

We slept in my mom's bed that night, and I felt easy as he held me. I only woke up once during the night, but found him sleeping next to me, his eyes blinking as he dreamed. I could only wonder what was on his mind, but I was just happy to have him near. I fell back asleep soonafter.

Bella:

When we got home, we took off each other's clothes, and finally got the time we needed alone. We had gone to the house that we had set aside for ourselves. The bed was still there, and he lay over me as I spread myself out for him. I smiled as I bent my knees to ground myself on the bed. Our hips meeting, and finally I pulled him close to me, wrapping my arms around his neck. I whispered into his ear, and he smiled as he told me to hold on.

Before I knew it, I was straddling him as he lay against the ceiling. I placed my hands on his chest, as I sat up in mounting position. I looked around, finding the whole room upside down as I began to move my hips up into him, as it were. He reached for my breasts, and squeezed them gently. He took each one, squeezing the nipple, and pulling on each gently until he heard me moan. I starting moving my body upward to meet his thrusts, my hair seemed like it was suspended in mid-air when it was actually just hanging. We continued like this until we were both moaning into our climax. I asked him if he wanted to try something else, and he obliged by having me suspended on all fours, on the ceiling. He was suddenly behind me, moving himself into me as he leaned close to my body, reaching around to take my breasts, and when I reached back to touch his face, I also realized that his wings were fully flexed behind me. He was holding me to him as we felt ourselves reach that point of utter pleasure, and I almost felt like my heart was bursting, as well as my whole body just electrified with such a jolt that I didn't even feel when he climaxed as mine was so strong.

We finally settled again on the bed, and I smiled as he kissed me.

"Hope I didn't wear you out too much."

I looked back at him, "Are you kidding? When's the Encore?"

"You're being a tad naughty, don't you think?"

I reached back to touch his face, "I thought you liked it when I'm naughty."

"Oh, I do."

I looked back at him, "Then I want you to do something for me, without question, baby. Think you can do that?"

He sighed, "I know what you're going to ask for."

I kissed him then, "I need you to consider this. It's the only way we can get her on our side. Also, I can't have you second guess me."

"Name it."

"I need you to tell Alice that you can't accept her feelings. I'll handle the rest."

He looked so relieved, "Oh, god. Is that all? Sure, I can do that, babe. For a minute there, I thought…nevermind." He gave me a deep kiss, and when he slept, he seemed so serene.

Damien:

I suppose it couldn't be helped, but I eventually did ask Alice to meet at a neutral location, and I did tell her exactly what I felt. I wish I could say she took it well, but it went down pretty bitterly.

She met me at a café in Seattle, as I waited at an outside patio table. She walked up to me, after parking her car.

Once she sat at the table with me, she looked hopefully at me, "So, did you think about what I said?"

I looked down, my eyes still on hers, "Alice, I can't. I love my fiancée. Hell, I'm going to marry her. You should know how much she means to me."

"I know that. Don't insult my intelligence by telling me the obvious."

I looked at her, "Then, what did you expect from me?"

She looked at me coldly, "I expected you to be more open about this, instead of being so close-minded. It's a new age, you know?"

I sighed heavily, "What exactly do you mean by that?"

She gave me an exasperated huff, "It means a man can be with more than one woman at a time."

I looked around nervously, "You can't understand how conflicted I am by all this, Alice."

"What's there to be conflicted about? I love you, Damien."

I snapped, "There's plenty to be conflicted about. I love Bella, as I always have, and if you can't understand that, then I'm sorry."

She stood up, "Then, I'm sorry too."

I tried to give her a good send off, "Look, if you want, you can think of me as a brother, or a friend. I just think it'll be awhile before I think of being any more than that, and even then, it'll be tentative. I don't want to lie to you, and say one day I'll grow to-"

She was crying again, "Just stop, already. Shut up. You're right. You're doing what you have to do, so I'll do what I have to do. I'm sorry it had to come to this, but you gave me no choice, really."

Alice:

As I looked around at everyone gathered, I heard Aro announce my name. For some reason, I could see that the one called Jane was shaking her head at me. Maybe she knew something I didn't. However, truth be told, I already knew what they were going to do to my family. Also, she didn't know I was here under orders from Bella, herself. She had given me an offer I could not refuse, in exchange for my assistance. As a Hybrid, I was protected from being repurposed, but they didn't know that. I carried out my mission with calm and calculated regard. I knew that Jane was one of ours, but for the sake of the mission, She couldn't know that. In fact, I needed her to think that I had defected to the Volturi, as it was the only way they would believe it.

Aro announced with great glee, "I give you our newest member, Alice Cullen."

Bella:

Alice had already infiltrated the Volturi, as I knew she would. They had wanted her for such a long time that I also knew they would take her in at first chance they got to have her. I told her that when the Volturi would come to Forks, they would be expecting Carlisle to put Damien and I on trial to appease them. It was the only way they would accept the terms for the so-called peace. It was also the only way they would trust Alice to handle the treatment of prisoners. Once she agreed to do this for them, they would be able to confirm that she indeed wanted to fall into their ranks.

The envoy from the Volturi arrived on schedule. All went as planned, even Alice helped keep us abreast of their movements. One of the other problems was that we hadn't told Bree what was going down. She knew that there would be a peaceful arrangement with them, but didn't know about the other conditions. She only knew that a meeting with them meant no fighting. I suppose that for her children, that weren't born yet, that would be a blessing. As the preparations began, Damien and I were placed on trial by a tribunal lead by Carlisle, as in accordance to the accord that Alec and Ren had established with them. We were charged with sedition and treason against Carlisle's coven, and placing the family in grave peril by planning a rebellion while under his care.

We were taken to different locations for transport. Damien was taken to a private airport, by the newest jailer, Alice, in the company of Chelsea, another of the Volturi's most trusted lieutenants, but unbeknownst to them, another agent of ours. Jasper had already told Chelsea to assist with Alice and Damien's escape. It was also going to give Alice the meeting I had promised her.

Alice:

I turned to Chelsea, and ordered her, "Make sure that you go over to those men at the terminal and list this outgoing flight as departed."

Chelsea left to obey, as Damien turned to my voice. He was blindfolded.

I could tell he was trying to loosen his hands so he could take it off but I held his hands still, "Stop that. Don't fight it."

"Are you one of Jasper's people? Chelsea doesn't listen to anyone like that without a code word or something like that."

"Then why didn't you use it?"

"I thought they might take me to where a friend was being kept."

"Who?"

"Her name is Alice Cullen. She's a close friend."

"How close is close?"

"Listen, I really don't have time for this. Just tell me where she is, and I'll go onto the transport, already."

So brave, he sounded, I asked him, "Don't you hate flying?" I suppose there was a sad twinge in my voice as I did.

"How do you know that? Who are you?"

I kissed him deeply, pulling off the blind-fold, "Someone who loves you."

He did a double-take, and suddenly, he was telling me, "Alice, you don't have to do this. Carlisle has been looking for you, and your family has been wanting you to come home."

I broke off the massive shackles that were placed on him, and told him, "You are such a jack-ass. Bella gave me an order before you stupidly called for that little talk we had at the café. She also told me that you were really traditional. I get it."

I took him over to a hanger, where there was a massive tarpaulin hanging over a large vehicle underneath, and pulled it off, "I believe you might want to see this." With that, I revealed his Impala, primed with a new paint job, and ready. I looked at my watch, knowing I had at least 2 hours before rendezvous.

He looked at the car, and walked over as I pulled the keys from my robe. I handed them to him, "Here you go. We've got time."

He got in the car, "Time for what?"

I got in the car with him, "Time for this." I kissed him deeply, shoving my tongue into his mouth.

When we parted, he tried to talk, "Alice, I-"

I shushed him with my hand over his mouth. "Bella said that we'd have time to get to know each other before you had to disappear. Please, it's the only way I can be with you. Even if for a moment, because when I go back, I will be tortured while they try to figure out a way to kill me."

He held me at arms length, "Alice, you know I can't do this. I love my wife. She's the reason why I've come this far. I know you've been watching me, now. Still, you must understand how important all that is to me. For someone like me, who found any connection fleeting, she was the only thing I was sure of. That holds true, even now. I guess if you want to connect, I can do that too, but understand that it has to be some other way. I can't betray her, since she's the one who brought me to life, gave me a life, and a family."

Before I had gone to Voltera, I had talked with Bella, as she gave me two alternatives. Neither of those were very appealing.

"We're going to destroy the Volturi, Alice. You already know that. Your scenario is impossible."

I shouted back at her, "Only because you made it so."

She shook her head, "Because it's a stupid scenario, Alice. You must understand that. You'll have to decide on staying and just dealing with my relationship, all your past dealings notwithstanding. I guess you watched over him, and such, but you must know already that he chose me."

I crossed my arms, "What's the other alternative?"

"You could go and join the Volturi. Stand with them, and be destroyed, like the rest. I really don't want to do that, though, because your Carlisle's daughter. I'm sure everyone would be devastated at losing you, Jasper, too."

I looked away, "He's probably with that other lieutenant of yours."

She reached up, pulling my face to hers, "As a comrade, Alice. It is possible to be close to someone without having to sleep with them, you know?"

I closed my eyes, "It's just not fair."

"It wouldn't be fair to lose you because of this. I know it sucks, but you'll just have to understand his feelings. If he had chosen you, I would have to understand your situation. Either way, one of us loses. There is no way for both of us to win. You could think of him as a brother, as a friend, but never more than that."

"So, what? I stay here, and watch you grab all over each other."

"In time, if you like, I can allow you to be something else to him, but not right now. Just let me think about it. For now, you can still go to the Volturi…I have an idea."

I cried as I fell back into his arms, wrapping my arms around him as held me tightly, "Please, just let me hold you until I can let you go on my own. It's hard enough as it is for me. I've held all this back for so long."

He asked me, "What's wrong?"

"You know what happens once we go back, Damien."

He took my hand, "You're running away with us, Alice. Now, come on, and get in the car, already."

I took his hand, gladly, "I love you so much."

He gave me a hesitant smile, "I love Bella. You know that, and you have to accept what is. It'll take me a while to get there. Be patient, ok?"

I kissed his neck, "I'll wait as long as it takes. I already waited fifty years for you, so I can wait more."

Damien:

We got in the car, Alice's arms wrapped around my neck, and I called to Bella in my head, "Are you ready?"

She seemed to laugh lightly in my head, "Did you have fun?"

"Shaddup. Just tell me where you are so I can pick you up."

"What about Alice, baby?"

"We're going to bring her with, Bella, if that's cool with you."

She sounded so pleased she almost seemed to purr, "I knew you'd see it my way."

"How're you doing on your end?"

"I've got one ally, and one ready for my revenge."

I chuckled as I turned the car on, "Are you going to finish the big guy?"

"You know me so well. Hurry over, baby. I can hear the Impala, already."

Bella:

The Welcome concert began, and Ren came out on stage with an outfit Alice had designed for her. It was a dark blue dress like the one Alice had always envisioned me wearing. Only she had a blue choker with ruffled lace on the edges to go with it, and a pair of short, black leather boots. Ren began her performance with a song she called, "Storms You Left Behind." Apparently, Alice had helped her write it.

Don't look back as you walk away

You'll only see my angry face

as you forsake me

and then you'll be gone

Jane and Felix escorted me to a bank vault truck. She turned to me as she placed the shackles on my wrists, but leaving them loose, and commenting, "Your daughter has such a beautiful voice. I wish I could stay and listen longer." I already knew that was my signal.

Don't pity me,

Don't sympathize

You wanted this

so don't blame me

for the ache that you feel now

I climbed up onto the truck, and as soon as I got the shackles off, I jumped onto Felix's shoulders, holding his head between my thighs, and dropped my hands so they underneath his chin. I pulled as hard as I could until his head was torn off, and once it did, it acted as a weight, almost making me fall back. I grabbed one of the arms on the body, somehow still standing, and used it to grip as I did a quick somersault backward, and landed on my feet. Jane looked impressed, and still, she looked to one of the other Volturi still present, and told him, "Take us to where I tell you."

you did all of this

because you could not tell me

what it was you really wanted

so you tried to find that in someone else

without telling me anything

expecting me to understand you

all you ever meant to me is gone (gone, gone)

We followed the road up to where the blockade ended. There was another surprise there. It was Bree, and she had been waiting for me. I guess she knew I would escape, but she didn't look too happy. I knew then, I should have told her what I was planning.

Who told you i needed you to stand

all you ever did was hold me back

you didn't let me be all i could be

I don't need you to dry my tears

I don't need you to lean on and

I don't need a thing from you

Damien:

I could see the road being blockaded by a group of Volturi members, but it seemed now that they were being drawn to where the song was coming from, and when I looked to Alice I asked her what was going on.

"They like your daughter's singing. She's a songstress, like Riley said. And to them, she acts as a siren. Her voice is like imperative. It's stronger than any of those in the Volturi with mind-altering powers. Unfortunately, it means that Aro is losing more and more control over Caius."

I asked, "Well, if Aro is losing control, that's a good thing, right?"

She shook her head, "No, in this case it's very bad, because Aro was the only one that was restraining Caius from going Vlad the Impaler. He's a monster. Now that he's able to break those chains, who knows how dangerous he'll be."

"What's that mean for the Volturi?"

She grimaced, "Hostile take-over. I also know what it means for Bella if you don't hurry. Go faster!"

whatever you say means nothing to me

it's all empty promises you said to get me into bed

seeing you walk away only proves to me now

that you can't handle me

no you never could

Leah:

I had to put Jacob in a cage of sorts. I had already managed to secure some of the cabins in the area for use by Bella's forces. I was wondering what was taking Damien and Bella so long. They should've been here hours ago. Also, I had to ask Jacob how he was set free. He told me that a member of the Volturi had actually secured their escape, someone named Chelsea. It was on Alice's orders, who was at the time, being a psycho bitch. It made me wonder what we would do to her once we found her.

I turned to Jacob again, "What are you really doing here?"

He was so drugged up he just said the first thing that came to mind, "I want Nessie. She's my woman. Once I have her, no one gonna take her from me."

I shook my head and knocked him out, thinking about what an animal he was.

i thought as long as you were there

i could be happy with the little time

you gave me out of some kind of pity

even though you were never serious

Charlie:

Bella told me to go to Seattle for the moment with Sue, my ex, her husband and Marcus. I guess it made sense, but at the same time, I could only pray that my children were safe, and that included Ren. Marcus was sitting behind my but placed his hand on my shoulder.

He reassured me, "This is part of Bella's plan. She wouldn't have set this in motion if she didn't think it would work. You have to believe that."

I nodded, "I believe it. I just hate not being able to protect her from all this."

He smiled, "It's her turn to protect you, Charlie. It's their turn. Have faith in your children.

you told how much you needed me

and how deeply i wanted to believe that

now i see the truth

Renesmee:

I looked around at everyone gathered at the foot of the stage made in the high school parking lot. Everyone was mesmerized. I looked over and saw Alec, as he was smiling at me. He also gave me a signal that my mom was already making her getaway, so I didn't have to worry about her. What I did find disturbing was how Aro looked at me. His eyes seeming to marvel at me in such a way, that I felt like I was being watched by the werewolf again. I saw something I only read about sometimes. It was lust, or something far more primal. I hated it. I threw myself back into singing, it's the only thing that kept me going.

you held me down while you waited for someone else

never really seeing me,

just seeing what you wanted

expecting me to be there waiting for you

giving me what you called love

and telling me it had to be enough

when all along you planned to leave (to leave, to leave)

Bella:

I jumped off the bank vault truck, and told Jane to go back to the concert, but she shook her head. "I have nowhere to go back to."

I looked at her, "Your brother is back there."

She smiled, "I trust your daughter will protect him, and he will protect her. They will be fine. However, what will we do about her?"

Bree was walking as she demanded, "Why are you leaving? Isn't this supposed to be the peace that we were looking for? Your daughter made it possible. Is there something you haven't told me?"

I told Jane to wait for a black car. I had been prepared for any eventualities. I guess this would be one of them, but I was hoping it wouldn't be Bree since I didn't have time to properly explain the situation.

who the hell are you thinking I'm nothing without you

you can't see how strong i've become without you there

i rose through my pain without you

or needing you to hold me close

or needing you to say tender things to me

your words are just empty to me now

Bree looked at me coldly, "Did you lie about taking a stand and all that? Were those just words?"

I shook my head, as she sped at me. I dodged, telling her, "No hon, but you have to understand that fighting here leaves us at a massive disadvantage. We will return, but when we can plan better. We didn't have enough time with the way things turned out."

She charged again at me, "I thought you said to be ready for any situation, or is that just something to mean that you only use the situation at your convenience."

I threw her off, making her fly into the air, and she came back down kicking. We traded blows our very bodies were our weapons. So we dashed past each other, every strike, every perry, and every near miss as Jane watched.

and if you think you can walk back into my life right now

i will point you to the door and wait for someone

strong enough to understand all this

it will be someone i know who can endure the pain

because i know they'll need me too

I told Bree, "You have to understand that if we stay, we're only endangering Carlisle's position. I couldn't stand to see them use us against him."

She shook her head, "That just makes him a coward if he's willing to turn you over. We should be fighting together to strike back at him, too."

"No, Bree. This is politics. You just have to understand that sometimes you have to do things you don't like. That's what Carlisle had to do. It was for this place to be safe for the moment. Think about your children, and everyone else."

She ran to strike at me again, nearly hitting my face, "So, why don't you stay and prove that you're willing to settle for this peace you were trying to have us strive for?"

i see my destiny in the distance

their heart shines as bright as my own

i know when we finally meet up soon

our hearts will burn bright together

burning everything around us

and together we'll be like a star (a star, a star)

I heard the Impala approaching fast, and saw it come between Bree and I. Once it stopped for a moment, I jumped onto the roof, and Jane got into the back seat.

I looked to her just before the car sped off, telling her, "There's something you have to ask yourself, Bree. Which would you rather have? Peace or Freedom?"

As I got in the car, I heard her scream at my back, "GOD DAMN IT!"

So go on your own path

don't look back at me anymore

i don't need you to pity me or to sympathize

all of your fake gestures and all those times we had

mean nothing to me anymore

it's a fake memory

Bree:

I watched them leave, and screamed for my mentor to take a stand. It made me sad, as I dropped to my knees. Everything she had taught me meant nothing now, just a one more thing I had lost. With this, I felt like I had lost a mother and a sister, it wasn't fair. As I sat there, I felt an arm around me, holding me close as I cried.

It was Adam, kissing me, and soothing me. "It's ok, babe. It's going to be ok. I swear."

i stand on my own without tears, or a whimper

knowing i had to let you go and let my rage fuel me

remembering how much time you made me waste

whenever i waited for you

and that will remind me not fall for another you

you have been burned into my memory forever more

as a reminder of what i don't want

Continued…

Well, folks there it is. The latest chapter of this saga is now running along. I can say that there are a lot of twist and turns. Yeah, I know this chapter was really twisted. For those of you who thought "What?!" Well, I guess it is one of those things going to a new 'low' or a new 'high'. Can't tell which. I will say that this is probably one of my more intense chapters. Do let me know what you think. Also, I do need to know what ya'll think of Bella's command decisions, as well as how the Cullen clan handles things with the Volturi. I also want to know of how the changes within the Volturi are going along. I also want to know what ya'll think of the coupling, heh..