Chapter three: Sweet dreams.
There are three things I didn't quite understand. One, being how a day could go from being outstandingly amazing right to the worst day in my life. Two, being why I was being forced out of my own home because we had a seriously unwanted house guest, and three why he was here in the first place, watching over me, or whatever it was he classed it. Alec of the Volturi. Wasting his time in order to look after me. Well, not look after me. The stories I heard of the Volturi is they didn't look after anyone. The protected the species of vampires, but not go around being personal body guards of some sort. There was obviously a catch as to why he was here in the first place. Something my family wasn't telling me. All I was told was I was to spend at least a hour a day with Alec, let him snoop around and be careful what I do. Being reminded he was dangerous and not to piss him off. Though, by the look of him, and I don't mean him being freaking gorgeous, he was easily pissed off. He scoffed, smirked and crossed his arms a lot. But he never smiled. Well, not from what I've seen of him lately. Usually, you'd crack a smile every now and then to be polite. But Alec? It was nothing. Stone cold nothing. I suppose the Volturi weren't much of 'peoples persons.'
I knew one thing for sure though. If mom and dad wouldn't tell my why he was here, I'm sure he wouldn't mind enlightening me. I had a right to know why I had a new stalker, right? After all, he didn't mind telling me how much of a annoyance it would be 'babysitting' as he put it. I doubted Alec would enjoy being here. If he was so used to being stuck in Italy, Volterra — I think that's where mom said they were from— I didn't see why he couldn't just catch the next train out of here. I, clearly, didn't want to be such an annoyance to him. In fact, I didn't want to know him at this point. All the reasons mom and dad have told me have added up to one conclusion; I didn't like him. Apparently, it was mutual. He obviously didn't have much of a tolerance for my coven to start with, so why was he being forced into being here? All these questions would need to be answered before I even remotely considered going along with this. I knew for a fact Jacob wouldn't be happy about this. Especially now that I was to spend most of my days being watched like a hawk by this... I didn't know what to call him. Mass murderer? Monster?
'Angel..'
My mind whispered; causing my eyes to widen with shock. What? Just because he looked... Angelic and godlike, didn't make him that. In all means, he was exactly the opposite. I may be young and naive, but I knew the basic facts of the Volturi. One, they didn't like to be challenged. They were royalty. Everyone feared/respected them in some way. They kept out kind safe and allowed us to live among the human's peacefully. Two; they were very, very dangerous. The largest and most dangerous coven in the world. Aro surrounded himself with the best, so no one could oppose their greatness. Each and every one of the Volturi members were special in some way. Hence why they were in the Volturi. Second best wasn't something Aro stood for and by the look on dad's face when he saw Alec standing there by the window; I figured out very quickly Alec was a high ranked guard. Of course he was. He was Jane's brother. Now, there was the third and most final basic knowledge. Three; Jane. You pissed her off, you were basically dead. She cared for one person only and he was the very boy living within my home. All he had to do was rush off to his large coven — if he didn't kill us all himself. Granted, he'd have to take down mom first; due to her mental block which made him out to be a fish out of water. But I had a feeling would be able to figure out a way — and that would be it. We would be facing the wrath of Jane and all the other little minions Aro had hidden up his sleeve. I figured, even if I didn't get to know the reason why he was here... I'd have to play along with this thing. Not just for my own life, but my families. Just gazing at them now; watching me with concerned eyes. I couldn't let them die all because I was too stubborn to go along with the Volturi's rules. I'd play along, for them.
"We can't let her go through with this," Mom was saying, over and over. She obviously was scared. Me, alone with Alec. Alec of the Volturi. I knew I was a freak of nature and could sometimes be a little dangerous; but I didn't think I was that bad. I was obviously bad enough for the Volturi to be 'watching' me for whatever reasons.
"I say we go back there and kick his ass," Uncle Emmett shrugged. That was his usual response to everything.
"And they've come at such a hard time," Grandma Esmé sighed. I usually spent my weekends at the Reservation with the 'wolf boys'. They all knew of my family; so granted they didn't really say anything about them not growing old. However, everyone else for that matter were getting a little suspicious. I was in the clear, yeah. I grew everyday. Nahuel, another freak of nature, said I could stop growing at any age. Hopefully it wouldn't be soon, but I had already noticed that I wasn't going as drastically as I used to be. But my family... Hell, they had resulted in actually dying bits of their hair grey! Parents across town usually dyed their hair to stop it being gray. Aunt Rose refused though. She would rather die than ruin her hair. What Grandma Esmé meant by 'hard time' was... We were actually planning on moving early. They had promised I would be at least eighteen before we had to pack up and vanish for one hundred years, give or take. But it seemed the whole gray hair dye and aunt Alice's mad skills with makeup — yeah, she made it look like there were wrinkles on Grandpa and dad's face when they went to the hospital— weren't as effective as we thought it would be. I had even told my friends — the first time they saw my mom and grandma — that they used botox a lot. Botox! I had stooped that low. I guess, when you're my age... You'd just do anything to keep your friends and not have to move away.
"Aro said it would be a couple of months. He isn't one to go against his word," Grandpa Carlisle tried to reassure, but everyone was still sceptic.
"But now we have two problems, Carlisle. The human's growing a little bit too close to knowing the truth and a dangerous blood thirsty Volturi member living right next door!" Aunt Rose frowned, crossing her arms over her bust. "It's not like we can send him out to deal with the snooping humans." She kinked a brow, playing with the idea. I saw dad flinch and shake his head.
"No human is going to be harmed. We're going to be going along as usual. At the end of the year we will move to Mobile, Alabama with the Denali's as planned. Rosalie, Emmett... You go to Alaska and tell the Denali's of the situation," Carlisle spoke in the best leading voice he could manage. Emmett went to interject but Grandpa put a hand up to 'shh' him. "You stay up there until we send for you. Perhaps Jasper should go too,"
Jasper frowned. "Forgive me... But shouldn't we all stay together? Alec is a high risk at this point in time,"
"Yes, I understand that Jasper but we have to take care of each other. If we are figured out then what good is Alec being here anyway? He will pursue the Volturi's job himself if need be. I will not allow my family to become ashes,"
Maybe they forgot I was sitting there. The way they spoke actually struck fear right into my very soul. The Volturi liked their rules, but I didn't know they would actually kill whoever was 'figured out.' Hell, I thought you'd just get a warning and the humans would be forced into silence or changed themselves... Not both sides be killed as a punishment. I guess for the humans and my kind curiosity did kill the cat...
"Alice, we will need you to double your aging skills with me, Edward, Bella, Esme and yourself if possible."
Alice bobbed her head at Grandpa's request.
"We will need you here to keep a close eye on Alec and his choices when Renesmee isn't with him,"
Yeah, downer on being one of my kind. Alice couldn't see my future. My story wasn't like the others, whose fortune could be read by the amazing Alice. I was a book in progress.
The debate went on for god knows how long. Eventually though, they came to agreement. After the prom and the drama play — if I got a part, which... Hopefully I would. The longer I got in Forks, the more memories of Ivy, Shannon and Suzannah I had to cherish until my last breath or the end of the world — we would pack up and leave and not set foot in Forks again until everyone who had met us and the memory of our existence was dead and gone.
"Alice, can you see what he is doing now?" Dad asked, his arm around Mom. Aunt Rose, Uncle Emmett and Uncle Jasper had gone upstairs to pack the things they would need. Grandma' was on the phone to Tanya, telling her that they were coming early and everything would be explained then they got there.
Alice eyes flicked back and forth as if she were some computer scanner.
"He's... looking around," she muttered. "going through things. He's hungry... and bored."
'He better stay out of my room,'
I thought icly. Dad gave me a subtle smile then turned his attention back to Alice. She snapped out of it. "He's going to Seattle to eat. He'll be gone for a hour."
"Good!" I jumped up off the sofa. Eyes turned to me. "I'll rush in and get some things I need," 'and things I don't want him to see.' "and get out as quickly as I can. He won't even notice I've been there."
Okay, he might notice I was there. Considering his senses were just like my families. He'd probably smell me out a mile away. But it was worth a shot, right? I mean... I needed my spongebob jamies for crying out loud!
"No, what if he comes back and catches you there! It's too dangerous, Nessie." Mom said; crossing the room and putting her hands on my face. God, I'd wish she'd stop treating me like a child! I could handle myself and I knew what I would have to do and say with Alec anyway. I could, in no way, annoy Alec more than him being here has done already. I just wouldn't piss him off more than what he already was. I'd be polite and friendly. Well... I'd try my best.
"I've seen him come back home, so Renesmee wouldn't be there otherwise I wouldn't have seen it," Alice said rather boldly. At least someone had faith in my choices.
"I'll be fine mom," I quickly said; going into my tiptoes and kissing her cheek. She reluctantly nodded; letting her hands fall from my face. "Be quick,"
And with that, I rushed out of the door and into the night. It was probably around eleven pm. The moon was shining down onto the pitch black trees like a torch. Blackness covered the sky like a blanket; refusing to let anyone see past the moon. Little specs of stars where here and there, but it wasn't at all clear. Clouds choked out the moon now and then, leaving the sky to look a shade mixed of black and gray. I was used to the darkness but knowing there was the potential killer to my family out there kinda scared me. I closed in on the house and noticed a lamp had been left on. Aw, he didn't like to return home to darkness. I rolled my eyes and opened the door. To be sure, I cleared my throat.
"Hello?"
Nothing. Just silence. Thank god! I hurried to my room and packed a bag full of my things. Clothes, shoes, books, makeup, etc. Not that I needed the makeup. Aunt Alice had enough to open her own mall of beauty. I just didn't want Alec poking around my makeup bag and looking at the shades of lipstick I wore. Speaking of poking around... Diary! I flung myself to the other side of my bed, moving along the shelf in search for the satin red diary the size of the bible. There. I picked it up and nodded in pleasure. The lock was still in tact, meaning Alec hadn't gone into my room. Picking the bag up and placing it over my shoulder; I took one last look to my own personal space and backed out the room. Turning out the light and closing the door behind me.
All in all, I was around ten, maybe fifteen minutes. As the door clicked shut, my whole body froze instantly.
"Leaving so soon?"
It was a soft, gentle whisper. Right into my ear. I could feel the presence right behind me causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. I gasped and turned around instantly; only to be surprised at how close he was. A few inches closer and my face would of been on his. My lips would have been on his...
I quickly pushed him away. He backed up with a chuckle, obviously amused by the reaction he had gotten.
"You have got to stop doing that! It's... creepy!" I scolded, trying my damn hardest to calm myself. "Hey... What are you doing here in the first place. You were out hunting,"
"You know, the wind is such a beautiful thing. Sends so many scents and smells right to your nose. Things I have grown to ignore in the many years I have lived. Though, who would want to forget your smell," he put a hand out, gently taking a curl of my hair and fixing it so it wasn't out of place. I was so stunned by his moves... his words I felt as if I could have fainted there and then. Hell, I wished I had, because the thoughts I were having were like a traitors. This guy was the enemy. If it wasn't for him being here; my family wouldn't have to be splitting up!
"Yeah, well... I would prefer it if you did forget it. In fact, why don't you forget me being here completely?"
"Come on now, miss Cullen. We didn't get a proper 'hello' earlier due to your families drastic entrance."
"It wouldn't have been drastic if you hadn't of bothered being here. And what was the sarcasm all about?"
His brow arched. "Sarcasm?"
"Yeah... 'Welcome home.' Do you have to be so... irritating with your one liners?"
Alec gave a scoff, rolling his crimson eyes to the back of his head. "Would you have preferred me to have been rude and not welcomed them home?"
"You being here is rude. You've kicked us out of our home."
Alec frowned at that statement. As if I had actually offended him. Score one to Renesmee. Yes!
"I'll have you know, miss Cullen" — for some strange reason, I actually liked him calling me that! It made me feel... older. Mature. My own person. I wouldn't stop him calling me that anytime soon, that would be sure. — "I didn't ask for your father to give up your home. I have no problem with sleeping outside or finding a motel. You're family were simply being..."
"too kind," I finished his words. He nodded, putting his hands behind his back.
"Exactly." he agreed. "And who would I be to refuse the offer. I hear Esmé is a real humble woman and would be offended if I turned down any friendly gesture."
I rolled my eyes at this. "Yeah, that's her alright."
It was strange how different we were, in general. His coven —I didn't know if he referred to them as his family— obviously weren't as kind as Grandma' was. For a moment, I did wonder what it would be like to be one of them. So... cut off from the world. Surely it drived them insane?
Seconds ticked by and not a word was said. We just looked at one another in complete and utter silence. It was peaceful but still a little unnerving. I cleared my throat nervously, deciding I better be the one to break the ice.
"Why are you here anyway?" I asked, actually surprised it came out as confident as it had. Another point to me, I figured.
"Havent your parents told you?"
I shook my head. Alec frowned and then went emotionless. No emotions showed on his face. He just looked blank. This seriously annoyed me. I mean, who went emotionless at a question like that. It wasn't that hard. It was like asking someone why they moved or their name for god sake. Of course, he had already given his name. Alec cleared his throat suddenly.
"Well, I doubt your parent's would be thrilled on me telling you why I have been given the pleasure of watching over you, but I believe you have a right to know and... I'll be able to annoy your family in some way by giving you this information," he said with a rather smug tone. I had to admit, I kinda liked it. Even though he was kinda insulting my family and wanting to cause trouble, at least I got a answer, right? I figured that emotionless look was just him thinking.
"Back when you were a child and we came—"
"To destroy me, I know the story." I said quickly. He put his hand up to silence me like he did the when I had first met him.
"came to investigate the accusations of an immortal child, Aro decided to leave your fate with a vote."
A vote? My fate was left to a vote. Seriously? Mom and dad didn't tell me this. Well, I was kinda glad I did ask Alec now, I had gotten some vital information. If the vote had gone the wrong way, hell... I'd be dead!
"Caius voted that you and your family should be destroyed. He saw you to be too much of a threat," Alec explained. I blinked. Caius. I'd have to ask which one that was again.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because, many, many years ago we had some problems with immortal children. That's kids who had been turned before a mature age. They were running wild and killing everything and everyone in sight. We had to dispose of the problem and also put a stop to anyone ever creating a problem like that again. So, Aro made a law. Any immortal child created will be destroyed, as will their creator. So, that explains why we came to investigate and see if you being a immortal child was true. See, Irina Denali,"
I knew of her. Tanya didn't like talking about it much; it still hit a nerve. It was obvious everyone loved Irina dearly. "and the sisters 'mother' Sasha created an immortal child after the law was ruled. The child was destroyed, as was she. Thus; why Irina was upset and confused by your existence."
I nodded ever so slightly. Alec carried on.
"The rest voted that you were safe and we left in peace. However, Caius was still septic. I am here to make a full report if you are safe or not. So, I'm basically the inspector."
I was under investigation. Great. That news made me nervous. I could see now why my parents didn't want to tell me. But I would be so darn careful now. "So the choice if I live or die is basically yours to make?"
Alec didn't reply, he simply nodded then looked to my hand and noticed the book. He put his hand out as if to take it. I instantly snapped my hand behind my back. His large eyes shot to mine.
"Private?"
"Very."
"Makes me wish to see it all the more."
Oh, I didn't like him. I despised this boy. He obviously didn't know the meaning of privacy! He wanted to see my diary? Letting him read the things in there would be like letting him read my mind. I had enough of that with dad around, seriously. "No."
"I'll allow you to skip tomorrow's session with me,"
"Tempting, but no." I shook my head. Alec's jaw tightened in that moment, his lips creating a thin hard line as he flashed forward, pinning me to the wall with the closeness of him. I could feel his chest against my own, his lips were mere inches from mine again. I could smell, even taste, his sweet breath. The scent of him overpowered my nostrils. It was a musky, sweet smell. Earthy, if anything. The aroma alone left me intoxicated with the stench. It took me a few seconds to isolate what exactly his odour was but when I did, I instantly craved it. Alec smelt like cinnamon. Sweet, musky, and delicious. Though, everyone knew the trick with cinnamon, it may smell divine but the taste left your mouth dry and burning. This thought however left my mind wandering to whether he tasted like it also. Rage seemed to flick in his eyes. Fire burning within the depth of his irises. I almost melted with fear and desire..
"Let me see the book, Renesmee. The last entry?"
My mind wandered with his words, breathing in his breath as if it were a drug. The last entry... Where I was bitching about the Nathan, mom, dad and Jacob. I could let him read that...
Slowly, I brought my hand out from behind me. Alec's hand trailed along mine, taking it within his hand. "Thank you,"
With that, my personal space was returned. I was left feeling... confused. Alone. Used? Alec only made me feel worse the moment he opened the lock effortlessly, and flipped the pages to the last entry. At least he kept his word. Within a second, Alec turned my emotions right to embarrassment. He began to read aloud my thoughts.
"'Okay, so he looked at me. Nathan Newton looked at me. Smiled at me and talked to me. AND he said he'd see me later. Apparently, that's a big deal. Ivy said that 'c'ya' later and 'see you later' are totally different meanings. Meaning, he actually intends to see me later. Ah, I'm blabbing. Trying to pass the time. Mom and dad have Jacob on babysitting patrol due to some 'unwanted visitors' that they are too tight to tell me about. Whatever that means. It's not like I'm interested anyway. It's just out of curiosity. But, nothing involves me these days. I'm the human one of the family. I'm basically the new Bella. I'm considering calling mom that from now on. And dad. Not to their faces, otherwise they'd probably have a fit. But to my friends and stuff. Basically, behind their back. Edward and Bella. Mom and Dad. It fits, y'know. Mom said she used to call Grandpa' Charlie, Charlie behind his back. I suppose I could follow in her footsteps if I'm basically the new her. Oh, wait...'" Alec flicked the page, giving me a smirk. I blushed, naturally.
"Jacob just yelled on me. Saying it's Ten. He has to head back to the Rez or something. I personally think he's gonna' check up on mom, dad and the rest of them. Make sure these visitors have left. I hope so. But then again, I hope they don't. I have the house to myself! Wait.. What am I doing writing in you now? Now that I'm alone... I can do anything. Run around naked..." Alec paused, his brow raising ever so slightly. Again, I blushed. Only this time, I was sure I had turned ten shades of red. Why the hell did I have to write that? Why. Why. Why. Why!
"...Eat as much chocolate. Rock out to some tunes. Yeah. I'll write in you sometime soon. Until then, bye. Renesmee.'"
He closed the book, returning his eyes to me.. "Calling your mother and father by their names... How rebellious."
Obviously, he was taking the piss. He put out the book; handing it to me. Instantly, I snatched it back and hid it under my arm. "Yeah.. Well, it was intended for me to know and me to know alone."
He nodded, scoffing yet again. "But of course. We wouldn't want our parents to know what we write about now, would we. Especially... Running around nude."
I glared at him. My teeth clenching so tightly it actually began to hurt my jaw. I had to be careful. Didn't want my teeth to fall out. I mentally laughed at this.
"Well," Alec said, returning his hands behind his back. "This has been fun, but I think you should get back. We don't want Edward to think something has happened to you now, would we?"
I blinked. I had to give it to him. Alec could be kinda... funny. I had to fight off the laugh and the glare for his cockyness. "No, we wouldn't."
I stuck my nose into the air, storming on pass and to the door. Alec was in front of me in a gust of wind. Holding the door open for me.
"Would you like me to walk you back, my dear?" He offered.
I contemplated the thought. I had seen in movies.. Guys walking the girl home and to the door. Where they would finish the night off with a divine and beautiful kiss, leaving each other longing for more. But then, reality set back in and I realised who exactly was offering to walk me home. No matter how much of a sex god Alec was, there way no way in hell he would be my knight in shinning armour. He was the knight holding me captive or whatever. I scoffed in his face. Proudly, might I add.
"I'm perfectly capable of walking myself, thank you very much." I snapped in his face, proud of myself.
"I never said you weren't. Have a pleasant night, miss Cullen. Sweet dreams," he bowed his head in regards. As much as I wanted to smile at him, I was too proud in myself and too stubborn to give into his charm. I simply stormed off until I heard him shut the door. There, I let out a breath and rested against a tree.
Had I honestly been mentally seduced by a freaking Volturi member? I may have hated Alec and his cockyness and his charm and his presence within my home... But I had to give it to him. He knew how to get under a girls skin. Especially mine.
—xXx—
I couldn't spend forever debating on whatever Alec was playing in there. It was too risky, due to the fact my family were probably timing me being gone. If I was more then half a hour, then they'd probably send a search party out for me. Yeah, my family were that protective. I guess it was expected, considering who it was most likely to have killed me. It wouldn't be looked at as a coincidence me dying the day a Volturi member decides to pop into town for a visit. As soon as I got in the house, Bella — yeah, I was doing this now. Alec made it look cool — was all over me. Hounding me for questions and stroking my face. Dad looked like he was looking through my mind, but thanks to mom being so close and touching me; I was protected.
Aunt Rose, Uncle Emmett and Uncle Jasper left around twelve. After a lot of hugging and kissing and 'I'll miss you', mainly from aunt Alice and uncle Jazz. But still, I'd miss them all. Hugs were passed around like cake at a kids birthday party. As soon as they left the house and set on into the darkness, disappearing from view; the house seemed empty. Cold. Alone. I went right upstairs to bed, showered and changed. I got Dad's old room, which large opened windows overlooked the forest and in the distance, I could see the light from the cottage. It wasn't clear, but at least I could see it faintly. I decided to move the bed —silently— across the room so I could lay in bed watching the light. Calmed by it. Wondering what he was doing. He didn't sleep, so what did a Volturi member do to pass the time? Read? Watch T.V? Dance? Go for a walk? All of these were possibilities and for some strange reason... I wanted to be there to witness them all. I wondered if Alec ever watched the T.V and if he did; what was his favorite show? If he read books; what was his favorite book and why? If he would go for a walk; I wanted to know where he would go. Would it be some place perfect, peaceful, quiet? Or loud and chaotic? And... did he know how to dance? Slowly, my eyes began to fall heavy as I watched the light; dimming due to my tiresome eyes.
I replayed his voice in my head one last time.
"Sweet dreams."
A/N:
Alright... So, I had the inspiration to carry on writing this chapter and getting it done quickly thanks to the reviews & the emails I received informing me of favorite author alerts, favorite story alerts, etc.
Each and every one mean the world to me. Currently, I've written A LOT of chapters ahead. So, keep reviewing! Thank you to everyone who has been reviewing. I really appreciate the feedback. Next chapter will be updated soon.
-C.H.