Chapter eighteen:
Lions and Tigers and bears, oh my.
If I was able to look; I'd probably see that Alec was more stunned than myself. But, it was time I took responsibility in my own choices. Besides, it was best if I got the whole first kiss thing out of the way. And Alec was right, in a weird, kinda off-putting way. Who else better than him to share it with? I mean, I trusted him, we were friends and it's not like it would mean anything. I wasn't in some fantasy that I ended up marrying the dude I shared my first kiss with. I was in the real world, where I have come to realize, isn't as pretty as this magical fantasy world I have in my head, where the grass is green and the skies are blue, and I don't glow in the sun and my parents don't sparkle and they actually age. Where vampires didn't exist and we were all large, tree hugging, flower loving, sunbathing, large happy family.
I suppose you could see where my fantasy world and my reality were two completely different things. It was time to face the real world, to let this first kiss thing be over and done with; and like I said; who better to do it with?
I can think of someone, my subconscious bellowed. He's tanned, tall and he doesn't go around, numbing the ass of people, then dazzling you with those beady, red eyes of his.
Jacob? Pha. No. Not in a million years. Why not? it hissed.
Because... I want Alec to kiss me.
Ah, yes. The sweet sound of my own body, mind and soul accepting. Of course, my subconscious gasped in pure and utter disbelief, but I was too happy with myself to even consider taking its preferred characteristics into mind. Nope, I wanted to kiss the dangerous, charming, admittedly sexy, coy, emotionless, prick that had only ever brought complete and utter thrills to my life the moment he stepped foot into it! Oh yeah, I think it was time. By me admitting this to myself, I also ended up admitting something else too.
I... Kinda, maybe just a little bit, liked Alec...
I waited for my head to start screaming like my mother and father probably would if they found out. Yeah, they would seriously go insane. Not because their little Renesmee is growing up, I was way past that a long time ago, but because of who I chose to be attracted too. Oh, but could you blame me? Just look at him. Standing above me, from what I could see through peaking, squinted eyes. He wasn't looking at me though. But I was of him. His tall, posture correct, intense burning eyes, hard fixed jaw. Alec, by all means even in account of what he is capable of, was an angel. I had to zone my ears slightly, in order to try and figure out what was going on around me.
The other students were reeling by this sudden, quick spur of the moment choice. I was rather proud of myself, to be honest. Taking Alec, the class, and I'll bet Mr. Herd. Considering my attempts to terminate this scene all together. Yup, I'd say I earned myself a few brownie points. Or Alec points...
I grin to myself mentally, finally; my subconscious is now on the same page as me. And it agrees now, that Alec is by far the best looking guy I doubted I would ever have the luck in kissing. Yup, I'd say that was my choice set in stone now.
Alec was speaking now, his voice bringing me out of my mental hug of glee with my subconscious.
"... Actually, I'd prefer it if I was not involved in this play. By all means, grade me on my work, etc. But I do not wish to take part in the play."
"But Alec, my dear;" Miss. Wood clearly wanted him to do otherwise. I figured she's only just realised how great his voice sounded. Thus, imagining what it would sound like saying lines from William Shakespeare.
Trust me, Miss. Wood. It is a whole lot better than what it is in your imagination. Seriously, better.
"Think of what it would look like on your College application," —I had to hold back a snort. College? Alec? Don't make me laugh. — "If you were to be involved in a playwright. Especially a William Shakespeare classic?"
From what I could see, there was a ghost of a smile on Alec's lips. I tried to look towards Miss. Wood, to see what her reaction to the little quirk of his lips were, but alas, she went right back into talking.
"Think about it, my dear."
"I have, a great deal, ma'am," Oh, he was using flattery. "But, with all due respect, acting really isn't my thing."
Oh, what a cheap lie you play, Alec. You have aced acting like a human, you have aced playing the best friend role to me, and you have ultimately aced becoming friends with Nathan and his friends. You are practically living an acting job! Miss. Wood continued her debate, which Alec seemed to be thrilled about. Maybe he was having second thoughts on the kiss, being taken back that I actually agreed to go along with it. I bet he was waiting for the bell to ring...
Oh well, I was too busy mentally hugging myself at the fact I had gotten a commotion started, made everyone surprised that quiet, little old Cullen was taking a stance and making a mature choice. If only I could replay their faces.
Eventually, I was stolen from my mind when Miss. Wood gave in, agreeing to grade Alec but not add him to the call back list if he were in anyway obligable to be Romeo, which; he would be. By god would he be.
"Well, why don't you take it from Romeo's death. From the line of 'Eyes look your last.' ; Renesmee, are you okay with that?"
Hmm, I guess that maybe Alec would get graded at how he said those lines and at how still he could be. Which, was no problem for him at all. Alec was an ace at looking dead, like a statue, or just totally emotionless. I peaked my head up and gave a polite smile. "Perfectly alright,"
Alec gave me a little glance; and I held his gaze for a moment. Just a moment, to leave his lips pressed into a hard line. Oh, did I make him nervous? EXTRA BROWNIE POINTS!
I let my eyes fall closed yet again, listening for his cue. And it came, like heaven falling from the sky. His hand took hold of mine. I could tell by the way it was held he was sitting down, his back against the little prop bed. Eyes, look your last. Arms, take your last embrace, and lips, O you, the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss. A dateless bargain to engrossing death. Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide. Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on. The dashing rocks thy sea-sick weary bark. Here's to my love." Alec said effortlessly, it more or less coming out like a breath. From what I could tell, the movement stated that he had pretended to drink something. Or maybe Miss. Wood provided him with a cup or something. I tried to hold back the need to shrug.
"O true apothecary, Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss" A cold, gentle touch on the back of my hand causes, with no fault of my own, a shiver to travel up through my body. Electricity is raging through me like wild fire at the mere touch of his lips on my hand. But all good things come to an end, seeing as the moment his lips were there, the next they were gone. "I die." He whispered, and his hand fell limp, being torn from mine.
It was complete and utter silence. Everyone seemed to be engrossed, waiting for the next move.
Miss. Wood skipped ahead, her hoarse voice sounded choked up. Was she... crying? Aww!
"The lady stirs."
On cue, I batter my eyes and sit up; gazing around at the many students looking at me. Nathan was glumb, but just as entranced as the rest of them. Well, who knew they could have been so... entertained at a project.
"O comfortable friar! where is my lord? I do remember well where I should be, and there I am." I looked around again, projecting the look of a longing passion burning inside. Somehow, I succeeded. "Where is my Romeo?" I breathed out.
Mr. Herd makes a movement noise, casting everyone to look his way. I held back a giggle.
"I hear some noise. Lady, come from that nest of death, contagion, and unnatural sleep: A greater power than we can contradict hath thwarted our intents. Come, come away. Thy husband in thy bosom there lies dead;" — I graze eyes with Alec's emotionless body, and he did infact look dead. Severely dead. I quickly climbed out of the 'death nest' as it is written and rushed to his side; clasping at Alec's hand, running a hand over his cheek. I saw no movement in his lips. Damn, Alec was good. In his hand was in fact a prop cup. And on his belt, a wooden shaped dagger. Well, at least I could play it right.— "and Paris too. Come, I'll dispose of thee among a sisterhood of holy nuns: Stay not to question, for the watch is coming; Come, go, good Juliet," Miss. Wood read, rather dully, but at least she tried.
Mr. Herd made the noise again.
"I dare no longer stay."
"Go, get thee hence, for I will not away." I snapped, still holding at Alec.
Again, silence entered the room. I moved to Alec's other hand, taking the plastic thing.
"What's here? a cup, closed in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end:"
I held the thing to my lips, tipping my head back and looking for any liquid. Of course, there wasn't any.
"O churl! drunk all, and left no friendly drop to help me after?" I pushed the cup away, taking his hand yet again and holding his palm against my cheek and closed my eyes, giving the best morning face, but still looking if I were thinking I could manage. I felt, which almost made me smile, Alec's thumb move in a gentle crease. He was basically saying I was doing a good job! I snapped open my eyes, bringing his hand to my lips and gently kissing his clasped hand. "I will kiss thy lips; Haply some poison yet doth hang on them,
To make die with a restorative."
Okay, this was it. All eyes closed in on me, with deep, and utter intense. I even felt Mr. Herd and Miss. Wood's eyes piercing my way. Oh, well... I couldn't get cold feet now. Gently, I closed in on him. I placed a hand onto his cheek and mimicked his work on my cheek. Stroking my thumb across his granite smooth skin. Alec's lips twitched into a small smile, which no one saw. Resting my head against his; I inhaled a sweet breath that Alec let out— on purpose, no doubt!— and brushed my nose against his. Then, I let my own eyes close. Slowly, I closed the space between us. My lips pressed to Alec's, molding into the shape of his. His cool breath intoxicated me much more than it should, the mere taste of him caused a rapid burning throughout my body, some places I didn't even know could burn. For a small moment, I wanted to see if I could push the limits. Steering open his mouth with my own, but I knew that would never be acceptable. So, with a heavy heart, I pulled away rather light headed.
All eyes were large, almost drunk by that kiss as I was! Some of the girls were even crying!
"Thy lips are warm." I whispered, trying not to smile. No, his lips were cold, so cold it left me wanting more...
"Lead, boy: which way?" Mr. Herd called, since Miss. Wood was blowing her nose into a handkerchief.
"Yea, noise? then I'll be brief. O happy dagger!" I quickly grabbed the dagger from his belt, held it up into the light; my eyes wide and intense on it. Imagining it to be glistening in the darkness.
"This is thy sheath; there rust,"
And I brought it plummeting down towards me. Gabbing it into my stomach and holding it there.
"and let me die!"
I closed my eyes, and gently fell upon Alec's lap, resting the way I pretty much did on the couch. My head resting on his lap, and my body laying out. I let out one last breath, and after a few second a roar of applause crippled in. I sat up quickly, lips brightly into a smile. I did it. I did good in Drama and English, I kissed Alec and now, I was mature!
Alec sat up, giving a little bob of his head and returning to his stance. He offered his hand, which I took all too willingly. I stood, gave a smile; got a beaming grin from Miss. Wood and Mr. Herd and took my seat at the back of the class; against the mirrors. Alec followed, keeping his eyes forward. I crept my hand over to his, gently taking it. He flinched, which caused me to jump, but allowed me to take his hand none the less.
'That was so much fun!' I whispered using my gift.
His lips tweaked skyward.
'Why didn't you want to do the play too? You're an amazing actor,'
He let out a low scoff.
'Will you tell me latter?'
He nodded, and I smiled to myself. Turning my gaze to the stage, I watched as the next pair took their places.
The bell rang, indicating the end of class, letting us move on. Miss. Wood's eyes were still puffy from our scene. Alec didn't say a word though, he just smiled briefly, nodded his head at people telling him how great we did. That was all he did, but stayed close to my side. We watched others do their scenes, but none of which seemed to affect Miss. Wood the way ours did.
We wandered out of class since I was trying to avoid the obvious annoyance Nathan probably was showing. When we were out of the classroom, Alec's whole demeanor changed. He was tense, hard and emotionless. He even flinched when I took his hand. Obviously, this caused a frown to appear on my face.
"You okay?"
He nodded. "I'm perfectly fine, thank you."
"Are you sure? You don't seem fine. You keep flinching when I try to take your hand."
Again, he nodded. He didn't answer me with the conversation on how he was feeling, but changed the subject completely. "Was option A to go along with the scene, or not too?"
I blushed, typically. "Erm, to go along with it. I have too much to lose here,"
"That you do, Reny." He gave a gentle squeeze of the hand I had taken. Though he flinched when I took it, he didn't push it away; which was good I suppose.
"Come, one last lesson before we can retire and you can share the news with your family."
"What news?" I inquired, dumbfounded.
His lips gave a gentle ghost of a smile. "By the effect you had on Miss. Wood, Reny. You've gotten Juliet in the bag,"
"What?" My eyes instantly winded. Me? Juliet? No, no. I couldn't! "I can't play Juliet,"
"On the contrary, you can. Very well might I add. Probably better than the original Juliet hand picked by William Shakespeare himself,"
"That's flattering an' all, but Alec. I mean it... I can't."
Alec's eyes narrowed while he held open the door. "And why not?"
"Because..." again, my cheeks flushed a flush pink colour. "You're the only one I feel comfortable doing it with,"
Something sparked within his eyes. I don't know what it was, don't know why it happened and don't understand why it had the effect it had on me. My heart began to beat faster, and my legs felt like jelly. Yup, time to face it. If I hadn't of been sure that I liked Alec before the whole kissing scene, I did now. I, without a doubt, had a crush on my potential killer... and I couldn't have been more happier.
Alec let out a little breath, his eyes returning hard and composed. I hated it when he did this. Hid his true self from me, when it was too late. I had already seen the amazing, fun-loving, teenage self he never got a chance to be. Deep down, Alec was longing to be just like any other teenager. I was sure of it. "You did amazing, Reny."
That was all he said. We continued through the school; finding our class and taking a seat. I hated Geography, but it made it all the more amusing when Alec was pointing out little flaws in the way the teacher said town names, etc. I liked him like this. Playful, carefree, funny... But his demeanor didn't change at all. It still stayed hard and very wary.
—xXx—
Alec and I walked back in silence, though he kissed my cheek; which was a step up from the knuckles. But what got me even more; was the fact he did it outside my house. Uncaring as to who might be home or watching us for that matter. In my ear, he whispered. "See you in a few hours. Remember our hunting agreement."
How could I forget?! We were going to see each other in our most natural state! I was going to see how dangerous Alec could really be. Yes, I'll admit; seeing someone there someone else's life from them should be traumatic, and I should be repulsed by the very thought of it; but lets be honest here. Alec promised it would be someone who would thank him for death, he promised that if it got too much for me, he would stop and get me out of the situation. It was an experience I wouldn't, no couldn't, give up. Seeing a Volturi member in their most primal state. Where all sense of normality that lies within us, if we could even class ourselves as normal, left us. Letting us be what we really were, or what he really was. A predator.
The thought sent tingles up my spine, and reluctantly, I went inside. Bella was sitting on the couch, watching the T.V. Well, more or less. She was continuously flicking through the channels. "Hi, mom." I whispered, about to walk past. She looked up, her eyes light. "Oh, Renesmee. Can I talk to you for a moment?"
Oh, well...
"Sure," I mused, stopping in my tracks. She turned fully to me, so both her legs were crossed on the couch, her glassy eyes piercing in my direction. I felt slightly uneasy, but I let it slide. "What's up?"
She gave a little smile to my tone, and rested her chin on her hands that were now resting on the back of the sofa. "Your father and I were worried where you were last night. Was everything okay?"
I cleared my throat. "Uhm."
"Did you stay at Ivy's?" She added.
There was no point in lying. I didn't like lying, I only did it when necessary, and even then... I hated myself afterwards. Plus, Edward usually found out about it a few hours later when my thoughts weren't guarded.
"No, I stayed with Alec..."
Her eyes hardened. Clearly, she was worried. I carried on. "Me, Ivy and the girls have fallen out. They.. think I was spending a little too much time with Alec. I don't blame them, y'know. I can't really tell them if I don't Alec could kill us all, but he was kind enough about it. He took me to the lake up on the 101,"
Her features seemed to soften. "Too tired to return home?" She giggled.
I nodded, giving a little laugh of my own and shrugging. "Yeah, sorry. Tonight though, he's taking me to Port Angeles."
"Oh? What for?"
Well, the lying thing had to break free now. I sighed mentally. "He read a book like... a million years ago and said I'd enjoy it. So, he wants to take me to get it. Let me read the back before buying it, y'know."
"Are you staying at the cottage again tonight?" Mom asked, cutting to the chase.
I shrugged. "Can I?"
Bella seemed to be a little hesitant but nodded none the less. "As long as nothing happened."
"Mom, Alec isn't into the whole... romance stuff. He doesn't believe in love. It was hard enough to try and become his friend. I doubt anything will ever happen between us," Not that I would say to her that I actually hoped something would.
She gave a gentle laugh, nodding. "He does seem a little... older than what he looks."
Clearly, she was making a joke. Which I did laugh too. "You have no idea."
Her interest seemed to pick up slightly more at that moment. "Has he told you how old he is?"
I blushed, nodding. "Yeah..."
"Well then, come on. Spill the beans. Y'know, when I first met Alec and his sister, I got a sense they were old. Despite their appearance."
I again, laughed. "He said he wasn't that sure of how old he was specifically, but he said he was born around the eight hundred A.C mark,"
Her mouth fell open. "That old!"
I laughed, nodding. "Older than Grandpa, I think."
"Oh god, yes." She laughed in return, giving a friendly smile.
I returned it happily and adjusted my bag on my shoulder. "So, I need to get ready,"
Bella nodded, her features light and relaxed. At least now, her mind was put to rest. "I'm glad that him being here isn't scary for you, Nessie."
I blushed. Damnit, I needed stop doing that! "He's... different. Changeling, y'know. He's cool to be around."
Bella nodded again. She was forever doing that, I guessed that's all she could do. After all, I doubted she knew as much as I did revolving Alec. "Well, at least you've got a friend that looks your age and you don't need to hide your secret,"
"Our secret," I corrected with a smirk. She giggled, and watched me wander on up the stairs. The little chat with Bella was somewhat calming, since I can't remember the last time I actually sat down and had a nice old' chat with the mother. But never the less, I couldn't think about her all that much. I had to get ready.
When I was upstairs, Grandpa' was in his office. I popped my head in just to see if Edward was there too. The plan was to go unnoticed, but that never worked when you were in a house full of vampires. He looked up, his compassionate eyes locking on to me. "Oh, hello Renesmee. Do you need something?"
He put his paperwork aside instantly. That's what I loved about Grandpa' Carlisle. He always put family first, no matter what. The best at what he does, but also the best with his family. Edward clearly wanted to follow in his footsteps. "No, I was just uh... Wondering where my dad is?"
"Oh, he and Alice needed to head out for a few hours. Not to worry though, they'll be back soon."
"Where's Grandma?" I added, head cocking to the side.
"She's in our room, ironing some clothes," he chuckled.
I didn't understand why she was ironing, considering they would just be thrown out later on in the week to be made room for new, non-creased or worn ones. I smiled thankfully and Grandpa. "Well, I need to get ready."
"Off anywhere nice?"
I half smiled. "Me and Alec are going to Port Angeles for a while,"
"How lovely," He grinned, obviously reeling in the fact there was no intimidating feelings as to why Alec was here in the first place. Also, maybe, because Aro and Carlisle were really close friends. "Anywhere special?"
I shrugged. "The book store. Then we're heading back to the cottage and I may be staying there tonight,"
His brow creased. "Did you ask your mother?"
He must have been zoned out completely. Since... I could hear mom flicking through the channels again, hear her breathing, etc. Shouldn't he have heard me asking? I suppose, when Grandpa' worked... he really zoned into working. I nodded, my cheeks being taken over by heat. "Yeah, she said it was fine. As long as something doesn't 'happen.'" I smirked.
To my surprise, he let out a little laugh. "Your mother never ceases to amaze me. First, getting Edward out of his shell, Second, giving birth to you" — I tried my best not to flinch. I hated myself for a long, long time when I found out I was close to killing my mother. — "and third; her sense of humour hasn't taken any side rails."
"That's must be where I get it from," I half joked.
He nodded. "Oh yes. Edward didn't have a 'funny-bone' in him at all until he met your mother,"
I rolled my eyes at his 'funny-bone' statement. Clearly, he wanted to say the technical term, but suppressed it. Didn't think I was up to date with the body parts?
"Right, well... I hope you have a wonderful time. Tell Alec I said hello," he bowed his head.
"Will do," I flashed my teeth. "Do you want me to shut the door?"
He nodded. "Please,"
I did as I was told, and wandered on down the hall to my —well not really mine, since I was hardly in it— room. There, I changed into warmer clothes. A pair of baggy, grey sweatpants and a large jumper that belonged to Uncle Emmett over my tank top. I decided just to put my hair up. I looked about to see if I would need anything else... Nope. I was set. I went down the stairs, shoved on my sneakers that were at the door; since the last time I wore them, it was with a jog with the pack. Covered in mud, etc. They were clean now, though. I just liked to keep them by the door in case I was to be rushed out to run.
Mom looked up, grinning at me. She waved me a goodbye and I set on outside; letting the wind move about my face. I inhaled deeply, letting the fresh scent of the woodland around me captivate me whole. I walked, strolled more like it, towards the cottage. I wanted to take in the air more, but as soon as the house came into sight, my mind instantly began to do a competition. What would I want to take in more? Alec's breathtaking scent, or some fresh air that surrounded me every time I stepped outside the door?
My feet gave the answer, rushing me inside. When I entered, Alec was just walking down the narrow hallway leading to the bathrooms and bedrooms. My mouth almost hit the floor. His chest was bare, shimmering with specials of water running down his smooth, hairless— thanks god! Chest hair was such a turn off— toned, shaped and muscular chest. Yes, I'd seen Alec's bare chest before. Dream wise and reality wise. But the dreams were nothing compared to reality. My mind didn't do him justice. When I had last saw Alec's chest with my own eyes, it was for a brief moment; since he was putting his shirt on. This time, I was in full range of it. Not only that, on his waist; was just a mere towel. Clinging from his heavenly hips. I saw, what looked to be a small line of hair on his lower abdomen. I remember Ivy telling me something about this. A snail trail, I think she called it. Or was it 'a happy line.' I can't remember fully, but I know she went on about it leading you to the best part of the body. There.
I had to shake my head to stop myself staring. In his hand, was another towel. He was rubbing his hair with it. Oh, he looked so at home. "Hi," I whispered.
"Hello, beautiful."
Wait, what? Did I just hear that right?! My cheeks flush, and I look down on myself. Sweatpants and one of Uncle Emmett's jumpers? He had to be kidding. "Very funny," I rolled my eyes.
He scoffed, going to the fridge. It amazed me, how comfortable he was with me seeing him... like this! Oh, the ache within my stomach was back. My mind instantly began to imagine immense heat, only causing the ache to grow more and more. "Orange juice?" He offered.
"Yeah... please," I mused, walking closer and taking a seat on a bar stool. Alec took out a glass, placing it onto the island and then pouring the liquid inside. He slid it over to me, then returned the bottle into the fridge.
"So, are you ready for a long night?"
I nodded again, teeth on show while I took a sip of the juice. Letting it down, I gazed at him; into his eyes, not wanting to look at any other part of him, for the heat, the images, the ache were still growing. Oh, how much I liked him.
"And, I asked Bella if I could stay here again tonight."
"Is that wise?" He asked, arching an eyebrow.
I smirked. "Alec, in a few weeks, days to you, I'm sixteen. Then, I can do whatever I want."
"Not whatever you want, Reny." He smirked, giving a final shake of his hair; that lay in thin strands now, all clung together rather than in its usual silky, sleek way. I flushed and nodded, returning to my drink.
"So, what are we hunting tonight?" Alec then asked, tossing the towel he used for his hair to the washing basket. Perfect aim, and it vanished into it. I was in complete awe.
"Well, it's usually Elk."
"That's no fun. Come on, Reny. Give me a show. Take down a lion," He grinned. "A tiger... A bear."
"Oh my," I mused, happy with my idiotic childish ramble from the wizard of Oz. C'mon. Who doesn't love that movie?! Alec let out a low chuckle, but carried on as if it never effected him. Hard ass.
"Or better yet... all three,"
I flushed even redder than before. "I've never taken down something that big before..."
"Really?" He asked, a brow arching.
I looked down, which probably answered his question. "Well, there is always a first for something."
"Today is just full of 'first' time things, isn't it," I scoffed.
Alec flashed me a boyish, charming smile. My breath hitched in that second. "That it is,"
—xXx—
"Have you ate anything?" Alec asked, strolling through the trees beside me. He was dressed again, sadly. I could have stared at him like that all day. Thankfully though, that burning ache in my stomach had died the moment he put clothes on. But it was still here, I could feel it ever so slightly tugging at my guts to get my attention.
"Nope," I mused, looking up to him while walking.
His lips twitched into a smile. "Good. I want to see how animalistic you can be," He scoffed.
I was the one who arched an eyebrow. Yup, I stole his usual trademark look. "How what I can be?"
"Animalistic. Don't take offence, Reny... But you don't seem like the dangerous type,"
I frowned. Wait... Crap. "Is this a trick to see me be dangerous? So then you can kill me?"
I couldn't help but clench my teeth and come to a halt. His eyes snapped to mine, burning. "You think that low of me?" He replied, almost as sharply as my own tone. "Renesmee, I have seen the way you act around humans, you a perfectly safe around them. I want to see what you are like in hunting mode," he merely shrugged. "You can think of it as the final test, if you like?"
I frowned. "Final test?"
He nodded. "Before I return to Italy,"
My eyes widened. "But... I... I don't want you to leave yet,"
His eyes softened, a look appearing on his face that I had never seen before. It was... different. A cross between joy and... fear? I tried to keep the thought of him leaving out of my head, for I knew I'd probably start crying. He was my only friend!
"There will come a time I have to return to the Volturi, Reny. You know that,"
"Yes," I nodded, compliantly, "But not yet! You've only been here almost a week. Maybe coming into two. You can't leave yet, I... I won't let you."
"You won't let me?" I cocked his head to the side, a playful look taking over his joy/fearful one. "And how do you intend to stop me?"
"By... Refusing for you to do this last test," I said quickly, crossing my arms and sitting down. His eyes flared. "Reny," He cooed, his voice sounding like pure velvet. I could have melted. "Perhaps you should get up before I carry you to Port Angeles,"
"No," I said quickly, sticking my nose up in the air.
"Reny," His tone was sharper, but still playful and enjoying.
I shook my head. "Not until you promise to stay until Prom,"
He let out a breath. "I'm not attending your dance,"
"Then I'm not moving,"
He let out a little growl. "You are annoyingly stubborn," he complained.
"You've said many a time," I replied, still not moving.
Alec was quiet for a few moments. A long few moments, actually. I had to peek up at him, only to find his eyes on me. For a moment, I believed I saw the look of... longing in his eyes. It was shielded instantly, though. "Fine. Lets make a compromise. I'll stay until your play,"
"Will you watch it?" I inquired, slightly interested in what he had to offer. He nodded.
"I said I would, didn't I?"
"Yes, but I didn't believe you."
"Oh, really?" He teased, "And why is that?"
"Rule number one-oh-one of the Cullen handbook. Never trust a Volturi," I scoffed, teasingly at my own expense. He let out a joyful laugh that was music to my ears. God, I loved his laugh. It was so infectious, I found myself laughing too it also. "Alright, you have my word, I will watch your play."
He offered his hand out, which I took reluctantly. "You know, no one has ever challenged me like you do," He stated when I was on my feet. His eyes were burning into mine. "That's because I'm not afraid of you, Aleczander." I whispered back, just as darkly as he did.
"Oh, I know. Are you going to stop being a challenge?" He asked, eyes not giving anything away.
"I wouldn't count on it," I replied matter-of-factly.
"Good, I like being challenged by you." He winked.
"You're flirting with me, Alec." I whispered, eyes growing wide.
"I know,"
"Are you trying to play a seducing game?" I asked, heart beginning to race faster than usual. God, why did it always do this?!
"I may be, why? Are you willing to play with me?"
I hadn't seen this flirtatious, dashing, charming side of Alec since he first arrived in Forks. God, I've missed his seductive side! At the time, it bugged the hell out of me. Now... I wanted to play along. See who could mentally seduce one another more. With my mind reeling, and my nerves being eaten, I took all the bravery I had and lent onto my tiptoes, closer to him. "Game on,"
And with that, I took off sprinting. I doubt I will ever forget the look on his face at my words. Total bewilderment, darkness, hungry and... lust. Yup, I was playing him at his own game. And I was determined to win.
Alec was quick to follow, rushing after me with great intent. I picked up the pace, weaving in and out of trees. I knew his intent. He wanted to catch me and probably get me back for the state I left him in. Yup, payback was sweet. I managed to get him back for the many times he mentally screwed my head up. As I pushed on further, passing my limit of running; Alec was still on my heal, his lips curved. Then, I came to a halt. By now, we were far up in the mountains. All aside, running did help; especially since we were in some competition on winning something I didn't really understand. Alec came to a stop beside me, frowning. "Something wrong?"
"Shh," I put up a finger, my ears pushing out to listen even more. There were noises, four miles north. Gentle steps being taken, swigs being snapped under the weight. I inhaled deeply, and was instantly overwhelmed with the smell that Edward usually returned home with. "Mountain lion. They aren't due to pass for another week," I whispered.
"Perhaps this one is just moving ahead,"
My eyes sparkled with what it would taste like. Edward said it was as close to a human diet as we could get. Since... they were meat eaters. Weird, I know. But... Oh, I could only wonder.
"Let go, Renesmee." Alec whispered lowly into my ear. My eyes closed, continuing to listen. It was still moving. "Let the hunt take over,"
He was hoaxing me, and it was working. It was working far too dangerously. I could feel the tightening of my limbs, wanting to pounce forward and claim what could be mine. There was only so much I could take. "Let yourself feel the act of being a hunter,"
Alec was right. I always stayed in mind when I was hunting. I had never let myself fully go, in order to preserve my humanity. Thus why I only ever hunted on a friday, but that had been messed up thanks to Alec distracting me from my planned schedule. Again, a whole new different ache longed within me. It wasn't for Alec, but for this animal. I wanted to feel the flow of blood rushing through my own veins. I wanted to taste what it would be like for something close to a human— near enough, anyway— piercing through me. I wanted... to rip its throat out. It was as if Alec was teaching me how to hunt the way we were meant too. To let ourselves go within the hunt, and feel what it was like to be a true predator. I wanted it, no... needed it.
In an instant, my eyes snapped open. I closed of my thoughts and sprung into action. No longer was I sweet, calm and stubborn. I was a hunger filled animal, with the intent to kill.
I whisked on forward, ignoring the fact that Alec was now fully aware at how quick my reflexes could be. To be fair, I wasn't really thinking things through like I should have been. Taking on a mountain lion? I was fifteen, and had only half the strength as vampires did! Even for dad, it could be a struggle! But, at that moment in time, I didn't care. I wanted the taste so badly, it was hurting me. Closing in on the delectable animal, grazing away at its previous elk kill; I took no hesitance in waiting. I pounced, landing directly onto the animal's back, causing it to become startled and whisk about frantically. It's claws swiped up, trying to claw me off it's back; but it was far too late for that. I had a death grip around its throat; and quickly; I had flipped it over so I was above it; and as quickly as I could manage, I ripped into its throat. Crushing its windpipe in one swift move. Devouring it whole, and taking what was mine. The liquid was warm, soothing an ache that rested in my muscles. All too soon, the animal had ran dry. Evidently, I no longer longed to feel the impulsive rush of fluid running down my throat. I looked up, as if coming out of a daydream. Alec was there, waiting me with eyes burning darkly under the now dimming sky.
"That was incredible," He said, sounding slightly breathless. My own breath hitched in response.
"What? That?" I looked down to the dead remains of my kill beside me. Instinctively, I moved to the side further from it. Alec nodded, looking like a small boy seeing a new toy he wanted. I held an inward laugh.
"You did that so gracefully," he noted, lips formed into a devious little smile. "I only had to take its sense of touch away, other than that... You could have taken that down all by yourself,"
I frowned. "You numbed it?!"
"Would you have preferred it to have removed your delightful skin, Reny?"
Oh, right. "I guess not."
"Then, yes. I did." He smirked.
I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest rather aggressively. Alec's look softened, and slowly he closed in on me; raising a hand and running his thumb over my lips. I was left stunned, obviously, but it became clear he was simply removing the excess blood that had trickled down my chin. He brought it back to my lips. "Open,"
I did as I was told, in a complete and utter trance. He set it thumb inside my mouth, letting my tongue react to the sudden burst of his skin and the blood. My lips closed around his thumb instantly, gently flicking my tongue over the tip of his nail; seeking out any remainder of blood. I heard his breath come to a stop and his eyes darken almost immediately. Oh, I really did like this look on Alec.
I bit down on his hard skin, watching his lips tweak up into a beaming smile. He pulled it from my mouth and brought it to his own lips; running his own tongue across the top; and putting the whole thing into his mouth. "Ow, you have quite some teeth on you."
I flashed them in his direction, and flushed many colours of red. He chuckled in response and then cleared his throat. "Alright, I believe it is my turn to eat."
All sense of humor was now gone. Alec was right, now... It was his turn to eat. Someone was going to be very, very unlucky to be out tonight. I let out a shaky breath, trying to calm my heart that had sped up over the past half hour!
"This is where the fun begins, my dear." He whispered, his eyes never swaying from mine. Alec set off, quickly into the trees and I followed, all too willingly. I had seen the fun side of Alec, the flirty side, the friendship side, the pissed off side and even the hurt, remembrance and caring side of him too. Now, it was time I saw dark, dangerous and the true killer side that rested deep within him. Time to see what Alec of the Volturi really was like when he was hungry.
A/N:
Hey guys! So so sorry about this! My internet got fried due to the damn thunder and lightening, but as a result; you'll be getting an extra chapter.
Sorry again, but now it's back... Updates will be regular again.
-C.H.