Chapter 42

Carlisle and Edward walked only about a mile from the family's house before they found Aro standing like an elegant statue in a small clearing. His long, dark coat barely skimmed the snow that clung to the landscape beneath his boots. His arms were draped down in front of his body where his fingers were locked loosely together.

"You saw me coming, I presume," he spoke upon first seeing the two of them approach his location.

Carlisle nodded, "Alice said you'd be in town. Did you get a chance to see Luciana?"

Aro held back the emotions that pulled at him from the mention of his daughter's name. He didn't directly answer the question. "A few of the wolves have been destroyed I've been told."

Edward studied Aro's mind, and the Volturi leader acknowledged this by glancing in his direction with a subtle smile to let him know he knew what he was doing.

"Two of them," Carlisle told him, "Jared and Embry. They were attacked and killed by a vampire about a month ago."

He nodded once, "Luciana holds me responsible."

"Why would she?"

"Every since our little encounter at our home in Italy," Aro started, "You know, the one where you came to us..."

Edward shifted his eyes to Carlisle for a moment, who never altered his position.

"After that day, Luciana holds me responsible for every little thing out of place," he finished.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Carlisle told him, "So considering we're on the subject, you have no idea who's done this?"

He smirked, "No. I have no care in my heart for werewolves, except my obligation to be cordial with Seth Clearwater. The act itself doesn't bother me one bit, it's just the bridge it burns between my daughter and I that leaves me with a fragment of a care in my heart." He looked toward Edward again, then back to Carlisle, "And before you ask, I don't plan on carrying out any plan of justice for whoever did this to your tribal friends."

"I wasn't planning on asking for justice. I know this isn't a problem of yours."

"I was also made aware that there's another little blessing in the family," Aro said with a smile.

Carlisle's face remained stern and he quickly nodded, "That's right."

"But how? If it's not an eclipse..."

"The wish was altered," he explained, "Masen, Leah and Billy-"

Aro outstretched his hand, "This is far easier for me, old friend."

Carlisle held back a sigh and gave Aro his hand. He waited for his reaction.

"Well, there may be a number of Cullen children in the future," he said with a laugh, "Caleb Cullen... And I've also gathered information regarding young Masen's illness."

"You see it's not contagious or threatening toward vampires," Carlisle told him, "It was an overuse of his gift."

"So you presume."

"With lots of time and research to back it up, yes."

Aro let go of his hand, "That was my the main reason why I've come so far, and I'm glad to see that I, in theory, have nothing to fear. I'm a little offended though, I must say, that you didn't let me know of the birth of your youngest son. He has the healing powers, as well?"

"You'll have to forgive me," Carlisle told him, "Masen nearly died the night Caleb was born, and a lot has happened since then."

"You lied to your beautiful bride, I see." Aro smiled at the thought.

"He was trying to protect her," Edward intervened.

"Thank you, Edward," Aro told him without looking in his direction. One of his hands rose as if to stop him from talking.

"That's neither here nor there," Carlisle said, "Whether right or wrong, yes. I did. I thought, at the time, it was in her best interest."

He changed the subject, "Edward, you can see that my words are as true as my thoughts, yes?"

"Yes," he said dryly.

"I'd like you to speak with my daughter. Warm her up to the idea of rebuilding the trust in our relationship. She still believes it was my doing to harm her... friends."

Edward was about to talk before Carlisle cut him off, "We'll do that."

"Thank you, Carlisle," Aro said, "I do admire your compassion."

He nodded.

"Well, I shall be on my way. My original stance regarding our friendship still stands, though I suspect the letter I sent you is up in flames by now. I do not wish to continue these meetings."

"We'll respect your wishes," Carlisle said, "No hard feelings."

He smirked, "A wedding gift is on the way for William and Madison. Please give them my regards, as well."

"We will."

"And extend the congratulations to Esme on the birth of your third child."

Carlisle's eyes squinted slightly and he nodded. "Alright."

Aro knew Carlisle was too controlled to bring his true feelings to the surface. Through the touch of his hand he saw many conversations between he and Esme regarding his perspective on the Volturi. There was still an obvious, lingering anger that was buried in the depths of him. Aro knew him well enough to know he would not retaliate unless their family struck again first. He knew the safety of his family and the Cullen coven was far higher on the list of priorities that his pride, or desire for revenge.

"Take care Carlisle," Aro said, feeling as though he had won somewhat of a moral victory over them. He shifted his eyes, "Take care Edward."

They both nodded before Aro was gone, disappearing from sight in the blink of an eye.

Carlisle and Edward stared at each other and didn't say much before making the short trip back home.