Chapter Fifty Five
Dante
I cursed as he cut me off, this hadn't gone the way I expected, somehow he had found a way to block Veronique's gift, and now I was in the unenviable position of having to tell Stefan of my failure. I heard the truth in his threat and knew I needed to get as far from here as quickly as possible but that might not be as easy as it seemed, I was sure they would have other tasks for me which would keep me in the danger zone. I called Veronique back then rang Stefan,
"Good news I hope Dante."
"I'm afraid not. Somehow they have shielded the girl from our gift and he has refused but that doesn't mean he'll tell the Volturi or fight for them, he said to tell you he's not a mercenary for hire. I think he's given up on fighting since leaving Maria."
"Really? You dare to think you understand the workings of his mind? Such arrogance will get you killed Dante. I want you to find a way to get his help, I don't care if you have to kill the entire household, you find a way of getting his cooperation."
"But how? They're warned now. I can't get anywhere near them and the girl will be well guarded."
"Then find another lever Dante. Get me The Major and do it quickly."
I threw the phone across the room in frustration, now what was I supposed to do? Who else could I threaten to get The Major to do what the Romanians wanted? Whatever I was going to do needed doing quickly, before he decided to make good on his threat because I didn't doubt for one minute that he meant it. The only good friends he had were the Whitlocks and I wasn't going up against that crazy bastard and his mate for anyone. There was Darius of course but I didn't knows enough about him, the only other person was Garrett the nomad but how the hell would I find him? Of course it might be that I wouldn't have to, The Major might have called him in to help with protecting his precious mate and her father. Of course the father would have been a good choice but he was too well guarded now and presumably whoever was shielding Bella Swan could protect the others, besides there were just too many at the house to chance anything.
Jasper
Leaving Bella with Charlie, Tanya, Rose, and Emmett for protection, from Edward as much as anything, I went to talk with Carlisle and Eleazer. They knew Dante better than I did and the Romanians.
"Are they as well fortified as the Volturi?"
"They learned a hard lesson at the hands of the Volturi so I would expect they have increased their security and especially if they think they have a chance to take out the brothers. What do you think Carlisle?"
"I had very little to do with Stefan and Vladimir myself. I know of them but the Volturi were very dismissive of their powers after defeating them so easily so I can't help much."
"We don't know where they are do we? They may well have moved from Romania towards Italy, may even have a new stronghold."
"I don't think so Jasper. Their own fortress is very easily defended and they are still close enough to run things from there. Stefan may have suggested moving but Vladimir wouldn't agree, he's the cautious one."
"Well then we have to take the fight to them before they start any attack on the Volturi."
"It wont be easy Jasper, I saw their old fortress once, it's on an outcrop of rock on the side of a mountain in the Carpathians. Only reachable by a single steep track that's easily defended. There are sheer walls on two sides and an almost vertical cliff on the other, you can't make a frontal assault and hope to win but there is no other way in."
"There has to be. Would the Volturi know of a way in? A weakness perhaps?"
"They might but I don't think they'd want to start anything without proof of the Romanians intentions and we have none. It would be your word against Stefan and Vladimir and I'm not sure Aro would take the risk. Their strength is in their gifted guards and they wont risk them on one man's word, not even yours Jasper."
Carlisle
I wondered if there were any way I could speak to Aro and make him understand the Romanian threat was a real one. I was about to suggest it when there was a knock on the door and the two girls put their heads round,
"Sorry to interrupt you but we need to hunt and Carmen said to clear it with you first."
Eleazer looked at Jasper who shook his head slowly,
"It's too dangerous at the moment girls."
"But we have to go, especially with humans in the house."
Of course they were right, the temptation would only get stronger and stronger as the thirst built.
"OK, But you don't go alone. Ask Emmett and Edward to come in here."
The two boys appeared looking uneasy,
"The girls need to hunt, we'd like you to go with them. I don't trust Dante not to make a try for them if they go alone."
"What about us?"
"Edward I really doubt he'll try anything with the four of you, take Josie too she can protect you if you're that worried."
Edward glared at Jasper his fists clenched by his sides but Jasper just raised an eyebrow and smiled,
"Come on then Edward, if you feel that way then let's get it out in the open."
Edward glared but he didn't move from his place beside Emmett.
"I'd like to take Rose too. She can keep an eye on the girls as well as me and its an extra pair of eyes Jazz."
Jasper
Emmett was probably right about taking Rose too, after all it still left us with Alice and Stuart and Tanya plus myself, Esme and Carmen, Carlisle and Eleazer to look after Charlie and Bella.
"OK but don't stray too far. I want you all back in eight hours and no further than two hours from home."
Emmett nodded but Edward sneered,
"You really think we can't cope without your warrior skills don't you Jasper, what an ego!"
"Personally Edward I don't give a shit what happens to you but I do care about the others so either agree or stay here."
"Very well but I think you're taking this Dante far too seriously. He's failed and no doubt he's headed home with his tail between his legs, terrified by the threats of the great Major Whitlock. Come on Emmett, let's get out of here before he decides we need reins on."
Emmett rolled his eyes but followed Edward out and I knew there would be trouble between Edward and myself before this was over. Carlisle and Eleazer exchanged a glance and I thought they realized the same thing.
"While they are gone I want at least four of us with Bella and Charlie at all times."
"Esme and I will look after them with Carmen and Tanya. That leaves you and Eleazer to work things out and Alice and Stuart as stand ins if any of us are needed."
"I want Alice watching the future, we need to know what if anything Dante does."
"I'll speak to her, you and Eleazer see what you can come up with. What about the others? Peter and your other friends who are on their way?"
"I don't want them any closer until I know more about this Dante. I don't like an enemy I don't know anything about especially when he's threatening my mate."