Chapter twenty four: Trip.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. SHIT!

Jacob was standing there, his eyes furious with the scene he had just walked in on. I was still standing between Alec's legs with my back to him and my eyes on Jacob. From what I could tell, Alec was still relaxed. Unafraid of anything that might happen. Oh, who was I kidding. Something was bound to happen. Jacob's eyes flicked between me and Alec, studying us both. When he spoke, it was through clenched teeth. "What the hell is going on?!"

"What does it look like, mutt. You came at a bad time. Come back in the morning, we should be finished by then."

Oh, crap. Alec, you're just making this worse! Jacob's eyes grew ten times their usual size. "I wasn't talking to you, leech."

"How rude of me," Alec mused back, humour dripping from his voice. I felt his arms slinking around my waist and pulling me back so I was leaning back into him. His chin rested upon my shoulder, and I felt every single breath he took. "He was talking to you, Reny. Perhaps you should tell him."

"Reny?" Jacob spat back.

"Her new nickname."

"Her nickname is Nessie."

"Not anymore."

"She likes Nessie."

"She likes Reny more,"

"No she doesn't."

"Reny?" Alec purred into my ear. "Tell the dog why you dislike Nessie and why you like Reny better?"

Oh, he was sick. He was toying with Jacob through my feelings for him! He was a heartless prick sometimes. Well, I couldn't really say that. The only person I knew Alec to be heartless to is Jacob, and that was now. I guess I would class him as heartless when we were arguing, but even then he showed signs of having a heart. Now? He was just... cold. His arms were still around me, holding me protectively, toyingally... lovingly. My heart would have melted if it wasn't frozen by the look on Jacob's face. "Yeah, Nessie. Tell me."

Alec gave me a gentle squeeze around my waist. It was unnerving how low his hands were. Resting just under my belly button. Any lower and I would have fainted. I gaped at Jacob, awaiting for my answer with a heavy heart. Maybe he did deserve to know that I really disliked 'Nessie' now...

"You calling me Nessie is... calling me a monster."

Jacob's eyes seemed to shatter in that moment. A cross between betrayal and hurt was spread all over his face like butter on bread. "You know I never meant it like that..."

I opened my mouth to speak, but Alec was the one who spoke for me. "You see fleabag. You've done nothing but insult her during her entire life. You proclaim to care about her when reality is... You still see her as a monster, just like the rest of our kind."

Our kind... Was he classing me like him? I blinked, feeling slightly invisible. Hell, I wish I was.

"I do care about her. She knows that. Don't you?"

I just blinked and stared at her. "Right, Renesmee? You know I love you right?"

Alec let out a sardonic laugh. "Oh, how I pity you, Jacob. Now, will you leave and take a shower? You're stench is beginning to become unbearable."

Jacob ignored him. He was watching me, his eyes large and hurtful. I could see right into his soul. It was being torn apart. Ripped into a million pieces... by me. I couldn't stand it any longer, so I looked away and closed my eyes. I felt a gentle kiss being placed upon my neck, and was extremely guilty at the surge of heat that ran through me at such a time.

A growl broke my closed eyes and caused me to look up. Jacob was shaking uncontrollably. His eyes locked on not me, but Alec. His teeth were bared and ready to attack with clenched fists at his side. I looked up to Alec, he too wasn't looking at me and what made it worse... He was smiling. Oh no. I moved out of his touch, and even when I did he still didn't look at me.

"What did you do to her?" He growled.

"What she wanted me to." Alec replied, still smiling. His eyes were lighting up his face, delighted that he was finally going to get a bit of action. Oh god.

"You changed her!"

"No, mutt. She changed herself. She became who she wanted to be."

"Who you wanted her to be."

Alec let out a scoff. "I wanted her way before that."

His teeth flashed, and it caused my heart to race. Alec admitted... He wanted me! Yeah, it wasn't him saying he loved me and all, but it was a start. Jacob was furious, though. The shaking got beyond control. I was left stunned and happy because of what Alec said, and horrified with what Jacob produced next.

"I'm going to rip you apart!"

It happened so quickly. Jacob's olive skin shredded and was replaced with soaring rusty fur. His teeth expanded into large razor sharp death clamps, and his claws were outstretched as he leapt across the room and towards Alec. Alec didn't budge though. He just continued to smile, up until the last minute when Jacob flue into the counter. When he got up, and shook his head; causing pieces of the drywall that had stuck in his fur to scatter across the room. He was looking about... For Alec. Please say he left... That he ran...

"You missed," A taunting voice called from the other room. I quickly moved out of the kitchen to see if he was alright. Alec was sitting on the chair with his feet up on the coffee table and hands behind his head. Why isn't he stopping this?! He could stop Jacob in a second if he wanted too. Well, there was the defining thing. Wanted too. He didn't. He was having fun! Sick prick!

"Alec, stop it! Someone's going to get hurt!"

Oh, the mere thought of one of them being hurt crushed me. Of Jacob, my childhood best friend, being hurt by the hands of the dude I loved! Or Alec... No, I couldn't bare to even think that. I wouldn't. "Stop it!"

Jacob was in the room, after clearing his headache, probably; and was flinging himself across the room to Alec. He moved at the last second again, ignoring my protests. In a blink, he was at the door; holding it open. "Perhaps we should take this outside."

And like that, Alec was gone. Jacob hurried to follow, snarling and growling as he went. I probably shouldn't have, but I hurried out after them. Kicking my shoes off as I went. There the scene unfolded around me. There was no holding back now. Alec was moving around too fast for me to even keep track of. Jacob was swiping at the air in attempt to grab him. And he did; flinging Alec across the forest and causing him to slam into a tree. The tree cracked, sounding through the whole of the forest and causing splinters to fly out across the area. I prayed to god my folks weren't back from their hunting trip! Alec stood up, clearly surprised at the fact he had taken a blow. Jacob didn't stop there, he pounced towards Alec like a lightning bolt. Alec was quick to respond, however. A quick kick into the chest, and Jacob was sent flying through the air. Alec was at the location of where Jacob would hit the floor; grabbing at his fur and slamming him down into the ground.

I let out a large cry for them to stop, but it was moot. It went unheard and ignored. In a swift move, Jacob had Alec pinned to the floor. His jaw was snapping at Alec's face, which looked so small compared to the large skull of the russet wolf. Alec was barely holding him up with his hands to Jacob's throat; pushing him away. Grabbing the hem of my skirt, I rushed towards them. If they wouldn't listen to me, then maybe if I got in between them they'd stop.

Alec managed to push Jacob from him, sending him across the clearing. He backed up, in order to compose himself; and continued to grin towards the wolf picking himself up from the floor. Jacob shook his head side to side, set his eyes on Alec and locked on for a charge. This wasn't just a fight anymore. Jacob was going in for the kill. As quickly as I could; I jumped in front of Alec, putting my hands out and glaring. Jacob's eyes widened and tried to skid to a stop. Alec's arms wrapped around my waist and tried to push me out of the way, but I fought him. "NO!"

Jacob came to a stop just in front of me, and Alec's hands vanished from around me. I moved closer into the middle, and looked between them both. Alec was pissed off that I had interfered, but I didn't care. I needed to get everything off my chest. Starting with how stupid this fight was!

"Look at yourselves! Fighting for no damn reason! Alec, you're better than this!," I turned my head so I was looking at Alec alone. "Fighting over a girl? You could have put an end to this before it even started! And you!" I turned so I was looking at Jacob again. "Don't you realize if you hurt him... You hurt me? You're my friend, Jacob. But that's all you'll ever be. And as your imprint, I hope you understand that and accept it. I'm sorry Jake... But it's him."

His eyes were large and pain took over the anger in his eyes. A small whimper left his throat, and he was gone. Kicking dirt up off the floor as he rushed off into the tree's, back to La Push. I had stooped so low. Bella had told me that was what she said to him when she had to pick between Edward and him. That it was only ever going to be him. I had stooped so low, but I had too. To get my feelings across, I had to be cruel to be kind. I held back the want to sob. "Reny?"

I turned slowly, to the soft gazing eyes of Alec. His hand outstretched and went to my chin; tipping it up so I was looking him in the eyes fully. "You're so stupid. You could have gotten hurt."

"You could have, too."

Alec's lips pulled into a small smile. "I wasn't in any real danger. I would have stopped it the moment things got dangerous."

"Things got dangerous the moment Jacob walked in, Alec."

He let out a little laugh, then his eyes flicked towards my arm. "You're bleeding."

I arched an eyebrow, and looked down to it. Sure enough, I had a small cut on my arm. It was only small though. Blood was rolling out of it, but not enough to make me want to call an ambulance. "It'll heal in a couple of minutes."

"It'll heal quicker the moment we tend to it. Come,"

I was in Alec's arms in that split second. Being carried along in a bridal style back towards the cottage. He closed the door behind him and locked it. Oh, what a pun. He knew if anyone wanted to get in that was our kind, or if Jacob came back for round two; they wouldn't hold back with busting the door down. He rested me down onto the chair; vanished for a second then came back with a first aid box. Lord knows why Bella still owned one. She wasn't human anymore, so she wasn't clumsy. But then again, I was as a kid. Still was now, and Grandpa was a doctor; so no doubt he made sure we had one handy at all times. He was on his knees as the side of me, cleaning out the wound.

"You're good at this." I muttered, trying not to flinch at the antiseptic spray.

"Years of practice. Though, back in the day... It was water and rags we used."

"Back in the day?" I asked.

"When I was human. Jane was forever falling... My mother had a weak stomach when it came down to blood. Ironic, that her son went on to drinking it, huh?"

I smirked. "Pretty damn ironic."

"Yeah... Anyway, if you were to see Jane's legs, you'd probably see faint traces of scars when she fell over.."

"Why would I look at Jane's legs?"

"You're saying my sister is unattractive?"

My mouth fell open. Was he really asking me that? "Because that would be suggesting that I am unattractive, considering we are twins.."

"No.. I... uh-" He looked up at me, his teeth showing playfully while he bit down onto his tongue. He was playing with me. "That isn't funny." I half laughed, hitting his arm.

Returning his eyes to my arm, he gently placed a plain plaster on it. "There... That should be healed by morning."

"Do I get a treat?"

His eyes looked up to mine, and my stomach twisted with the mere look roaming in his eyes. "What sort of treat?"

I said it before even thinking. "A lollipop?"

His lips curved, and his eyes moved back down while he stood up. Clearly, his mind was in the gutter. But I couldn't blame him. I too thought the exact same thing, hence why my hand went up and covered my mouth. "Not tonight."

Though I wasn't suggesting that, his answer did left me slightly annoyed. Why not? He moved across the room, giving my head a gentle stroke as he did. I watched him with a dazed expression as he moved into the kitchen out of reach. Did he just... reject me in some way? I knew we weren't actually talking about a real lollipop anymore, but still... Why use a metaphor, even if it wasn't intended as that, for a way to reject me. Honestly, what was he playing at? I stood up quickly, stalking towards the kitchen to find him cleaning up the mess. Wow... Clean freak. Weirdly though, the water he had gotten me earlier was untouched and clean. Maybe he poured me a new glass?

Taking it, I sipped at it while pulling myself up so I was sitting on the counter. "So, how is your sister?" I asked.

Alec had his back to me, but his head did turn so he took a parshall glance over his shoulder. "You're asking about my sister?"

"Yes... Alec, has the fight made you deaf?"

"What? I can't hear you..."

I rolled my eyes, failing to hold back a giggle. He chuckled also, and continued to pick up the pieces of the drywall on the floor. "My sister is perfectly fine. Thank you for asking."

"Yeah.. Well, she was supposed to be my gal' pal. Instead I got you. Disappointed."

He stood and turned so he could look at me. He moved across the room to the trash can and placed the pieces inside it. "I don't follow."

"Remember... Jane was meant to be here, but it would of been dangerous... During your first day here... When I said me and Jane could have been buddies? Oh Alec, you do have the mind of a goldfish."

"A goldfish?" His brow arched.

"Oh for god sake!" I threw my hands up in exasperation. He chuckled lowly, walking back towards me. "For a old vampire, you're really lacking on the 'today' knowledge."

"I believe you said that once to me before." He smiled, coming right to me fully. He stood between my legs, and again... We were level. "You should change. Being in that dress all night, I doubt your aunt would be happy with that."

"She'll most probably throw it out later anyway." I shrugged.

"Never the less, Reny. You shouldn't be wearing it still."

"I'll wear what I want, thank you very much."

"Reny."

"What?"

"Go change."

"Why?" I took a sip of my water and regretted it instantly.

"I want you out of that dress."

I choked on the water, spitting it back into the cup and partly into Alec's face. His eyes closed, while the droplets rolled down his cheeks. "Oh god! I'm so sorry!"

My hands moved and began to wipe them away. "I don't know why I did that!" I continued, but Alec was beginning to smile. Yeah... Smile at my idiocy, Alec. Real nice!

"I do. It seems your brain turned into a sexually aware mode." He muttered, moving back from me and picking up a cloth. He began to dab at his face, then wipe it down completely. "A what mode?" I blinked.

"Sexually aware. Meaning your hormones are awake and waiting... Everything that is remotely related to having intercorse sets you on fire."

"It does not." I snapped, crossing my arms.

Alec tilted his head. "Really? Alright... Give me your hand."

"Why?"

"Just do it." Oh god. I had a feeling he was going to be proven right...

I held out my hand, and he took it; placing it onto the side of his face. See... nothing sexual about that. "Alright... Now, in a second I'm going for a shower and I want you to sit in the bathroom with me."

Be in the shower with him, more like. My brain spat before I had a chance to even fliter it. Alec's lips pulled into a large smile as he dropped my hand. "I rest my case. Sexually aware."

I sighed. Fine. I may as well admit defeat. "Will it go away?"

Alec shrugged. "Eventually. When your needs have been taken care of or the sexual thrill of being with me has past."

"Sexual thrill?"

Alec flashed me another smile, and my heart rose to two beats a second. He laughed and nodded. "Besides, I meant what I said Renesmee. I want you to go change out of that dress into your pajamas."

"Why?" I complained.

"Because I want you to sleep with me,"

My eyes widened. Did he just? Alec laughed again, shaking his head. "No, I've missed seeing your dreams. Nothing like that. You're too fragile."

Fragile. Huh. I was beginning to know what Bella meant about the whole dad holding back on her when she was human now. I hated my human side in that instant. I jumped down from the counter and wandered towards him. Alec kept perfectly still with a playful smile as I approached.

"Fine... I'll change. If you help me out of my dress."

His smile fell, and his eyes darkened. My own lips began to curve.

"I know what you're doing, Reny. And it isn't going to work."

"I think it will... Eventually. You can't hold back on me forever, y'know."

His jaw clenched, and I saw his adams apple move south and then north again. He gulped. I was making him nervous. My smile grew. With that, I turned and hurried to my room to change into some pajamas.

—xXx—

I scurried out of my dress, managing to find a place in the small closet for it. Surprisingly, even with the nights events that had came up, I was feeling rather giddy with myself. In the horrible argument that had broken out due to my actions - which I was strangely proud of- I had gotten a hell of amount of feedback. Alec admitted freely that he had wanted me for a long time, and then some about Jacob being a mutt, fleabag, etc. But still, the fact didn't fail to alter my heart rate. He wanted me. It wasn't sure if I could class that as to him loving me, but it was a start; right? I mean... Alec hadn't told me about previous women he 'wanted'. The only one I would remotely considering him wanting would be Grace, and well... She was dead.

But then the startling knowledge hit me the moment I was pulling a white tank top over my grey sweat pants. Alec admitted he wanted me, yes... But then why did he say 'not tonight.' Maybe he was just some... Ploy to piss Jacob off? Maybe he didn't... No, no, no. You can't think that. Alec told me he had thought about our Romeo and Juliet kiss non stop, he said he wanted me to Jacob and more importantly... He kissed me back. Just when I was about to pull away, his hand came up and held me to him. His skilled lips moving with my own. My tongue, own its own account, licked across my bottom lip. I can still taste him.

A strange build within my stomach became apparent to me. Oh, Alec was right. I was sexually aware. I was longing, needy and wanting. So why the hell would he say no?! Unless you don't have the effect on him that he clearly has to you...

"Reny? Are you alright... You've been the best part of around half an hour."

"I'm just... fitting into something."

Something. YES! I loved uncle Emmett a whole lot more. His approach to my new womanhood couldn't have been better timed! With the watchful eye of my father, I had hastily made sure his gift I had taken home with us, along with the laptop; Jacob's presents that was at Grandma and Grandpa.

"Very well, I'm debating on going for a shower. Is that alright?"

"Yeah, yeah. Go.. shower,"

I wasn't paying attention really. I was too busy rolling across my bedroom floor, under my bed reaching for the box. Edward and Bella probably thought I had thrown it out, and I was planning on doing so. When we moved, because quite frankly; I'd heard that the garbage dudes looked through boxes to make sure things were in the right bins. Recycling, and all that jazz were being looked upon seriously. I wouldn't want them to stumble across that and get some freaky idea's about me, or any member of our family. So, under my bed it stayed; and would remain to stay until we moved. Well, that was before Alec came back and made a hasty realization about my hormones. He was seriously in for it...

Going along with uncle Em's advice, I shoved on the only remotely sexy pair of red lacy panties I had; and a bra of course. I debated on whether or not I should put my clothes back on top of them and decided against it. Instead, I put my robe on over the top. Thankfully, it was silk. It didn't go with the colours, since it was a light, light blue. But it covered everything. Putting it on and tying it up, I moved to the bed where, in the same place as I had left them, lay the two framed pictures of Alec and I on the trip to the lake. Again, I grinned towards us. That was such a magical day...

I left one on my bedside table; and too the other into the living room with me. My feet brushed the ends of the robe as I went; then sat myself down onto the sofa; bringing my feet up and getting comfortable. Well, trying too anyway. My nerves were going everywhere. The table was made up with a drink and popcorn. Huh, maybe I was the best part of half an hour. Leaning forward, I put the picture up on stand; and picked a handful of popcorn. Now, all I had to do was wait for him and the show would begin.

-xXx-

Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes later Alec emerged from the narrow corridor leading to the rooms and came into view. He was back to his all black look, but the cloak was hanging up on the door. It was just the black jeans and black shirt. Damn... He really did look amazing in his Viennese wear. His top two buttons weren't done up. Yum. They'll all be undone when we're through with him.

I scolded my thoughts and gave him a welcoming smile. "Nice shower?"

He nodded, moving around the sofa and taking a seat beside me. "Your shower is almost as good as the one I have back home," he scoffed. "Almost, however."

I smiled back, sinking into my seat further and returning my attention to the T.V. Alec's eyes, to what I could see; since I wasn't really paying attention to the T.V. My attention, my heart, my soul, every single fibre of my was watching him with complete lust and want, moved to the table. His lips curved, and he quickly leant forward and picked up the framed photo. Bringing it closer to himself, he was left scanning each and every single pixel of the photograph. "I like this photo,"

"So do I."

"Can I keep this one?"

"Yeah... Mine's in my room... Beside my bed... You can go see it if you like,"

His eyes flicked back to me, while I grinned deviously towards him, my teeth sinking into my bottom lip. His eyes moved from mine, to my lip and then back. Continuously. I could see his brain ticking for a valid response, but none seemed to come yet. Oh, I was getting good at this seductive game. Well, of course I was! I learnt it from the master!

"Not tonight." He said again, causing my teeth to clench. God damnit! "I like this robe," Alec noted down to the fabric covering my skin. "This old thing?" I smirked.

"It's very flattering to your curves." He muttered.

"You can't see my curves, I'm sitting down nimrod."

"Nimrod?" Alec arched an eyebrow. "Well, Reny. You're vocabulary has gotten spiced up with my departure. You can honestly tell you're back with your group of friends."

"Don't say it..." I warned.

"You sound like Ivy," He did. I glared. But he merely laughed.

"When did you get it? It doesn't look old.."

I shrugged. "Aunt Alice gave it to me for my birthday. It's one of the presents I was allowed to open before we went to Denali,"

"Birthday! That reminds me," Alec was up like a shot; moving back to the narrow corridor and into the shadows. When he returned, he held a silver box; with 'Reny' engraved on the lid. I marveled at it when he handed it towards me. A small jewelry box! It's amazing. The perfect place to keep my necklace, or my earrings...

"Open it," Alec insisted, growing inpatient. He was sitting beside me again, leaning in slightly. I gazed up at him then to the box again. Quickly, I clicked the little button on the side and the lid lifted open before me. Resting inside was a silver charm bracelet. It didn't have many charms on it, well... To be honest, it had none. There were three to count. One, of a castle. The other, a.. sharp tooth. Then the last, a delicately designed, small but still beautiful, black heart with a burning red rose. I stared at it, amazed. Confused. Happy..

Then, looking back to Alec; his face became worried. "You don't like it?"

"No... I love it. Thank you, Alec."

His shoulders relaxed. "Good. Put it on?"

"Now?"

He nodded. "Never take it off."

I laughed. "You're kidding right?"

"I never kid."

Oh, how he was good at lying. During his time here, Alec was probably the best bluffer around; like he had once said to me once upon a time. He grew too impatient and took the thing out. Then once it was unclasped, it took my held out wrist; and put it on for me. The metal was cold and cool on my skin. I twisted it about, touched gently at the charms and then looked back to him. "Where did you get these?"

"Well... The castle represents Volterra, obviously. Where I am. The tooth was... Well, sort of my own adage. It holds no resemblance to anything really, I just think the shark tooth is kinda cool.."

"It's a shark tooth?" I blinked, examining it again.

He nodded. "Great white. I got it back in the nineteen fifties. Anyway, and the heart..."

His eyes lingered down to the bracelet. "It's pretty self explanatory."

"To me it isn't..." I whispered.

"Black heart... Red rose. Oh, put two and two together Renesmee."

Again, I blinked. "It's you and I, Reny."

My brows furrowed; confused beyond the least. He chuckled, taking the charm within his middle finger, index finger and thumb. He ran his thumb across it, and then looked back up to me. "I, the black heart, you the red rose. Full of life... Beautiful. Laying across the dead, dark black shadow of what used to be a heart. The colour represents life. You bring the dead, cold, sorrow filled heart to life with your beaming beauty and never ending life. Like you are with me. Without you, Renesmee... I'd still be the... Shadow I was. You reminded me what it's like to be alive again.."

I was blinking back tears. Before I knew it, I had thrown my arms around him and pulled him close. Pushing everything into the hug, I clung to him for dear life. Showing him just how much I missed him, how much I needed him in my life, how much I cared about him. Surprisingly, Alec's arm had wound around me; holding me to him also. Now it was time to tell him how much I had missed him, and hopefully time for him to figure out just how much I actually cared. "I thought I was never going to see you again,"

"I know.."

"I missed you so much,"

"I know,"

"Don't leave me..."

I was crying. Full on crying, letting the tears flow freely. The ones I had been holding back due to his disappearance, the tears I wanted to shed seeing his face behind that mask at the prom, everything was falling out of me with relief and love. Alec's grip tightened around me more. "I'm not going anywhere."

Alec shifted us so that I was sitting on his lap, hugging into him for dear life. My head on his chest and my eyes clenched shut. He rocked me gently from side to side. "Sleep now, Reny. We have tomorrow,"

All plans of my Operation Seduction out the window, I realized how tired I actually was. Dancing the night away with him, the fight, and now the crying really had taken it out of me. I yawned, almost on cue, to his request. "I'll be right here when you wake up."

"Promise?"

"I promise,"

I hugged into him more, letting the drifting feeling take over me. "Reny?" He whispered into my ear. "Yes?"

"Dream of me.."

I smiled, letting a single tear into the parting of my lips. The salt like liquid didn't bother me, because I knew for a fact that was a tear of joy. "I always do."

Silence came after that, and I faded into a world of Aleczander, son of the 'great' Victor Cecil.

-xXx-

Don't leave me.

Oh, how that word was going to haunt me. How I came to hate that single request, because it would come down to me breaking us both apart, how it would shatter me entirely due to my duties. There would come a time, quite soon, when I would have to leave her. When I would have to return to my awaiting family, my awaiting sister who was most probably now back in the clutches of our master. Seething at the very thought of me refusing to return home with her and prolonging my stay; quite simply because I found that I, Alec of the Volturi, dangerous and cunning, hated by many and uncaring and emotionless, was unwilling to leave her. To leave my annoyingly stubborn, my injuriously irritating, my childishly funny half breed. My Reny.

Her head shifted on my chest, which I soothed her hair to stop her from stirring. She kept her promise. She was dreaming of me, making up some wild adventure where she and I ran off into the sunset. How I longed for that to be true. Where I didn't live in a world where I was feared, and I was nothing but a mere loathsome human who had not a care in the world. A mere month or so ago, I would have recoiled to the thought of being a human again; where as now I found myself wishing it to be true. Wanting nothing more than to be with my very own sweet Juliet.

My mind flashed to the mere moments where I almost gave my composure away to my sister. Where it struck me how much I cared for Reny and god how much I missed her. Jane was settling back from a 'meal' and carried the body over her shoulder to the sound. When she surfaced, I remembered how Renesmee had looked when she was sitting on the verge waiting for me to come back. How innocent, and pure she was. That's when it hit me how much I wanted to be back in her sights. To be in her arms, much as I was now. Receiving her blessed dreams as if they were my own. Renesmee's dreams always took over me, and I was always left feeling refreshed afterwards. It was as if I had actually gotten a nights sleep.

"What are you so chirpy about?" Jane snapped, her voice toneless.

"Nothing, my dear."

"You're smiling off into the distance, Alec. Something must take to your fancy."

I shrugged. "I'm just thinking things over, Jane. Remembering the good ole' days."

"Good ole' days?" Jane repeated, horrified. "By what do you mean by that?"

"When we were human."

Her eyes grew with horror and disgust. "By all means, Alec. They were hardly 'the good ole' days.' Has that foul little half-breed tampered with your mind? Made you think that our human years were the best of our existences?"

"No, no. I was merely thinking about mother,"

Jane flinched. "Well don't. She's dead. They are all dead. And I'm glad they are gone. All of them."

"Even Grace?" I asked, a brow arched.

She laughed, tonelessly. "Oh, don't have at it, Alec. You and I both know you miss her enough for the both of us. Well... Missed her, during the start of our immortal lives."

Pursing my lips, again I merely shrugged. "Indeed."

"I never did understand why you loved her, Alec. She was nothing but a nuisance. Stealing me away from you to play stupid bird games in the forest. I know that now,"

"You always enjoyed the bird games."

She snorted. "I might have then, but what good came out of it?"

She had a point. "I suppose you are right."

"Besides, why bring this up when we are returning home at sunrise? You know Aro doesn't like us remembering our old lives. They would be too painful for an adult to endure, never the less children."

Again, she had a point. Aro was always protective of our minds. Any sadness was taken away from us instantly. The more I thought about it, the more I came to realize we were merely brats. Being given everything we wanted in order to forget our lives, forget our origin and forget our old loved ones. "Returning at sunrise? That's an hour away."

Jane nodded. "Indeed it is. I dislike being away from Volterra... alone. Our reputation isn't one where we can be frolking around without some kind of protection."

I laughed. "Oh Jane, you do amuse me. It's seeming that you miss Demetri and Felix more than you cared to miss me,"

She scoffed. "Yes, well... I'll have you know, Demetri and Felix are off to the south of France for a mission. I was told I was to attend also, but alas... You're call came in and Aro said I could drop everything just to subside to your wishes in seeing me."

Rolling my eyes, I nodded. "I understand... But I shan't be returning with you."

Anger filled her eyes. "What?"

"You heard correctly. My mission isn't done yet, Jane."

"But you said-"

"I said I was unsure if I would be returning. It dawned on me now that my mission is far from over. I have the final test for the half-breed," I hated myself for calling her that. I wanted so badly just to call her Reny.

"Final test?"

"She has come to think of me as a friend. My sudden disappearance may have taken a very ill effect on her. In other ways of describing it..."

"She might have gone mad and slaughtered the town?"

With regret, I nodded. Jane's lips pulled into a large grin. "Oh, wonderful! Imagine the horror. Oh, Alec I can see it now. Felix tearing them all limb from limb. I cannot wait!"

She might be reeling at the thought of them being torn apart, but I wasn't. "That is why I must return."

She sighed deeply. "Fine. I'll return home, but Demetri and Felix are to be back within three days. That's when we shall come and meet you. That is when you make your choice on whether she lives or dies, whether they all live or die."

I couldn't help but see the flare of hope in her eyes. Jane really had turned into a piece of work. I could just remember the days when she would smile, skip and sing through the village. Now? Now she was... A shell of her former self. Where was my old sister? Had she died back then too? Or was she like me? Simply suppressing her humanity as a shield for her own protection against the world? "Alright, my sister."

I stood up, wiping down my cloak. Jane moved forward; giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek and a mere hug. "Three days, Alec. Be ready."

I nodded. "I will. Safe travels my sister. It was nice seeing you."

"Lets just hope in the three weeks you have been away she has done something interesting. I'll be seeing you, brother." And with that, Jane vanished.

Three days.

I blinked, peeking down to the still sleeping angel on my chest. Gently, I pressed a small kiss onto her head and inhaled deeply. "Three days isn't enough, but I shall make them the best in your existence. I can promise you that."

Renesmee mumbled in her sleep, much like always, but what she said got me. It made my eyes widen, and my frame to stiffen. In my whole existence, I had never heard those words being said to me. Not since when my mother had last told Jane and I. If it was even possible, my heart came to life in that mere moment. I knew, if I were ever to be with her the way she wanted, the way I wanted; completely and utterly; she would have to say them while she was awake. I needed to hear her say them while she was awake.

Closing my eyes, I pressed my head against hers and inhaled yet again her heavenly scent. "My sweet, sweet Juliet."

-xXx-

It was warm. Far too warm for my liking. What had happened to the gentle coolness that surrounded me during the night? Keeping me at the right temperature throughout my sleep? My eyes fluttered open, noticing that not only was Alec gone, but the front door was wide open. Why would it be warm, if the door was open? My eyebrows raised. Sighing, I cleared my throat. "Alec?"

No answer. My mind began to worry. What if he left you again?

I stood quickly. "Alec?" I called again.

No reply. I rushed to the bathroom, ignoring the open door. He wasn't in the shower. Sigh. My room. He wasn't in my bed. Bigger sigh. He wasn't in Bella and Edward's room either. Good... That would be freaky. The kitchen was uninhabited. So, that only left the open door.

I tied my robe up more, and headed towards the door. Coming closer, the gentle sound of whistling came about my ears. From what I could register, it was the song 'stand by me.' There was obviously one person who was playfully childish enough to do this. Gritting my teeth, I exited the warmth of the home and came to stand within ankle deep snow. It had been snowing? Alec was still in his black shirt and jeans, clearly he had no interest in changing. He was laying on the branch of a low tree, his back barely propped up against the trunk, while his left leg hang happily down. In his hand, he was throwing a snowball up into the air, catching it and then doing it all over again!

"Alec?"

He turned his head in my direction, and then threw the ball one final time. "Catch."

Then it struck me. Right on the chest. "That wasn't a very good catch."

He was being playful. Oh, I did like this kind of Alec. "What are you doing?"

"Come on, Reny. Live life to the full. Play with me,"

"I wanted to play with you last night, but you were too stubborn."

"For once, I was the stubborn one. Strange how things change, isn't it? Now come on."

Gritting my teeth, I grinned. "Fine. I'll play."

Leaning down, I picked up a snowball quickly and threw it his way. It hit. Directly onto his cheek. I have no idea how I did it, but I did. I managed to figure out what way he would try dodging it, and got him. I laughed, while he spat out the melting snow that got into his mouth. "Oh, you're in for it."

Before he had a chance to jump down from the tree, I was rushing barefoot through the snow. Hurrying because I knew he would catch me. It wasn't a matter of if he would; it was when. A snowball hit me on the back while I ran; and I managed to sweep up some from the floor while running. Making it into a circular ball, I threw it behind me; managing to hear a gentle 'thud' and a laugh. I got him, even without looking. A pair of arms slithered around my waist, pulling me up into the air. I was being spun, and by god I was enjoying it. When my feet touched the floor; I quickly spun my self about so I was looking up at the red eyed angel. He was grinning, more than what I had ever seen before. My heart melted.

"Hi," I chirped.

"Hi," He replied, tipping me back until my legs buckled from under me and I was laying back down on the snow. Alec was above me, one of his kneeling legs resting in between my parted ones. "Nice sleep?" He asked.

I nodded. "I dreamt about you,"

"I know. I would have known if you weren't touching me, either."

My eyes must have flickered.

"Not like that, Reny." He half chuckled.

Pouting, I tilted my head to the left; letting the freezing cold snow creas my cheek. "How would you have known?"

"You can't keep your trap shut."

"Charming," I rolled my eyes.

Alec made a 'Mmm' sound, then closed in on us. I slinked my arms around his neck quickly; pulling him closer to me. Then, just as our lips met; I flipped us around so that I was the one above him. His first expression was complete and utter confusion. Unknown as to how I had switched us, or how I had gotten it past him. But I had, and I was now straddling his waist; grinning down to him. He blinked a matter of times before that playful look returned.

"Well, interesting change in events," He muttered.

"You said you wanted to play." I shrugged innocently, batting my eyelashes in his direction. I leant down, kissing the tip of his nose, then his cheek, then down to his jaw. It wasn't like he wasn't unaffected. His breathing had stopped completely. I could feel the electrical surge wanting to devour me with each of my kisses.

"I wasn't intending on this kind of play, Reny."

"You... Don't... Like... it?" I asked between kisses across his neck. He arched his head back, giving me better access. A low chuckle came from his throat. I felt the vibrations travel through my lips.

"I didn't say I wasn't enjoying it," He muttered. I felt a sudden rush of confidence. He liked it. Yaay! "But, perhaps doing this in the snow... outside in public isn't the best thing to do."

"I don't mind," I muttered; gently biting at his granite hard skin. He took in a breath and arched his back into my touch. "But I do. I don't think your father would like it if I-"

Oh, he had to bring dad into this. So, to shut him up I did what I had saw on movies. Women who wanted to keep their men quiet. I kissed his lips, biting at the bottom one and tugging it playfully. I felt his hand move up my leg and onto my back, pulling me down to him all the more. I let a low shiver escape through the whole of me, but it wasn't through being cold; like Alec had obviously thought; since he sat himself up so no part of me touched the floor.

"You need breakfast," He muttered against my lips.

I shook my head.

"Reny,"

I shook my head again, winding my fingers into his hair and tugging at it.

His eyes snapped open while he pulled away; letting me catch my breath of some sort, and he glared at me for a mere moment. But that was only before his eyes flickered down to my chest, to the now wide open robe; revealing my choice in sleepwear last night. His eyes widened, and his mouth parted ever so slightly. Then, when his eyes moved back up to mine; I bit playfully on my own bottom lip. His shimmering red eyes darkened ever so slightly.

"You're making it so hard to resist you, Renesmee. You're going to be the death of me." He said through clenched teeth. I gave a dry, nervous laugh.

"Then... Stop resisting.."

His lips twitched. "No,"

Frowning, I gazed at him with complete confusion. "Why? Is it because you're a-"

I gaped at him. No, no way was he a virgin! Sex god Alec? The one who had basically all the girls in Fork's high at his feet, crawling after him. Back when I would roll my eyes at their needy looks; because I saw nothing but an attractive monster. Yet now, I was now part of their fanclub. Mental images of me standing with the girls holding a 'I heart Alec' sign, with his face on my t shirt flashed in. His laughter brought me back to the present, where I found his eyes closed and him laughing freely while shaking his god awfully beautiful head.

"No, I am not."

He was still chuckling. While I was even more confused. "Then... Why?"

"Because you are."

"Not if you'd give in."

He smirked. "That's exactly why I'm not going to. Not today."

Oh... So it's changed. Not tonight to not today. Hmm..

"Tonight?"

He shook his head. "Not tonight."

DAMNIT! I pouted. "Don't give me that look, Renesmee."

I pushed my bottom lip out even more. He let out a little chuckle, leant up and kissed my lips with a gentle peck.

"I'm not saying no Reny." He said, giving me a gentle grin. "I'm simply saying not yet."

"That is kinda saying no," I mused.

"For now. It will happen. Just... give it time."

It will happen. Sooner hopefully than later. I didn't like this waiting game. I knew what I wanted, and when I wanted it. He was being the stubborn one. With a sigh, I gave in. He pulled my robe shut again, and tied it up. "Just to rid myself of temptation," he muttered while doing so.

I rolled my eyes. "Now, lets get you something to eat and get you dressed. We have a long day ahead of us."

"Long day?"

He nodded. "Nathan saw the forecast for snow last night, while you were asleep; Ivy called. We're going up the mountain's for a ski trip."

"Skiing?!" I blinked. Oh god...

"Dress in warm clothes." He said; lifting me up so he and I were standing.

"Or you could dress me..."

The left part of his lip tweaked upward. "As tempting as that sounds... Not tonight. But soon."

I sighed. "Fine,"

Offering my hand; Alec took it and we headed back to the cottage.

-xXx-

"So, what did I say in my sleep?"

We were on our way to Ivy's now. For the first time, Alec was holding my hand in public. He held no interest at the people we past, looking at us. And, what made it all the more thrilling was the fact he entwined our fingers. It was if, and I know how stupid this is going to sound, our hands were one. Complete and whole. Every now and then, Alec would playfully flick at my thumb, which would then turn into a little thumb war while we walked. His whole actions confirmed what I once thought of this amazing creature, this heartstop ingly beautiful man. He was a hopeless romantic.

"I would prefer that it stays a secret until you say it when your conscious."

Oh, god. "Was it bad?"

He shook his head. I relaxed a little. "So it was good then?"

"I suppose,"

"Did I tell you your hair is cool?" I asked, eyes wide with wonder.

He scoffed. "No, but thank you never the less."

He flicked his head, causing his bangs to swing into place; making him all the more appealing. I noted that Justin Bieber did this a lot, yeah... I was a Justin Bieber fan, back in the day. But now Alec's hair flip was way, way more sexy than what baby faced Biebers could ever be. I gave a gentle squeeze of his hand, which caused him to look in my direction and give a small smile.

"Are you looking forward to this trip?"

I shook my head. "Why not?"

"I can't... ski."

"You can't ice skate either, but that didn't stop you."

I glared. "That's because I had you to cling onto."

He shrugged. "Well, I suppose I could allow you to cling onto me again, but I do believe the 'lads' as Nathan put it will be using snowboards."

I had a mental flick of Alec sweeping down the mountain on a snowboard. Showing them all how it was done. It didn't matter if Alec didn't know how to do it, he was always so graceful with everything he did. It wasn't normal! Okay... A lot of things weren't normal when it came down to Alec. Since... He was a vampire, after all! Alec shifted his hand that held mine around me, so that my hand was still locked with his; only with his arm around me. I rested my head onto his chest gently, letting out a small, satisfied sigh.

"I could get used to this," He muttered.

I scoffed. "I already am,"

"Oh?"

I grinned up at him, shrugging. "Every girl has a dream about their perfect relationship."

"You class this as perfect?"

Pursing my lips, I waited for a few seconds. Did I really class this as perfect? The fact I was head over heals for my family's supposed nemesis. I adored someone who had a twin sister who would happily rip my head from my shoulders if I even thought about stealing him away from her? The fact I blew off my best friend, who I was supposed to fall in love with eventually, just for some bipolar, cocky, arrogant, royal mind seducing prick? "Yes."

His smile reached up and touched his eyes, allowing me to get a glimpse of his glistening white teeth. My breath faltered, and he knew it. He rolled his eyes and tightened his hold around me. As we approached Ivy's house, Josh- yelling from the livingroom window- told us to come on in. When we did, we were overtaken by kids. Shannon and Josh were in the living room, trying to get Jordan dressed for going to daycare. The other two were dressed and running around mad. Mark, Nathan and Chris were in the kitchen with Ivy and Suzannah. Well, it was more or less Mark, Nathan and the girls. The reason as to why the kids were running around mad was due to the fact Chris was down on all fours; screaming that he was a dinosaur and planned on eating them for breakfast. As soon as the twins spotted Alec and I however, their attention was stolen. Stampeding down the narrow hall; one gripped hold of my leg while the other stood emotionlessly watching Alec. Alec was looking at him, head tilted to the side.

Picking the boy up from my leg, I tried to identify him. "Matthew or William?"

"Matt," The four year old said, poking at my furry coat. I glanced to the side to Alec; who was still having a stare down with William. I nudged him, and his eyes went right to mine. "I'm not doing anything," he whispered; holding his hands up in defence.

"Nesmee?" William said, attention now on me. I glanced towards him and gave him the best smile I could give. "Yes sweetie?"

He took another glance to Alec, then to me again. "Your boyfriend?"

My mouth went dry, and my eyes went wide. "Uhh.."

"Yes," Alec answered, crouching down so he was at William's level. Their eyes glared into one another. Well, when I say glared; I mean basically mirrored everything. Was William always like this? "I'm Alec. How do you do?"

He held out his hand. William looked at it, then back into Alec's violet eyes. "Willy. He's my twin," he pointed towards Matt, who grinned sheepishly. But he was too interested in playing with my hair than introducing himself. Yeah, you can clearly see Ivy had gotten a hold of this kid. With her hair magazines and god knows what else. "Twins? I would have never of guessed. I have a twin," Alec said.

I probably should have gone through to see Ivy and the rest, but I was too... amazed with watching Alec interacting with the kids. He was a pro! "Her name is Jane,"

"A girl?" William's nose turned up. Alec flashed a smile, practically screwing his nose up as well. "Yes. Girls are smelly, huh?"

"Ivy stinks!"

Alec chuckled, nodding. "Does she?"

"Yeah... Nesmee is otay. I like her."

"I like her too," Alec chuckled, standing up and putting an arm around my waist. Electric shivers ran through my spine. William looked between the two of us, screwed his nose up and then shrugged. "I like him. Keep him foweva. You keep her foweva," William instructed, pointing us both down. I gave a nervous laugh.

"I fully intend on it, sir." Alec bowed his head, letting a chuckle go. With that, I placed Matty down and they rushed off into the kitchen; probably to get out into the snow.

"Cute," I mused towards Alec.

He rolled his eyes. "Don't get any idea's."

"Wasn't planning on it," I winked and continued into the kitchen.

"Hey!" We were greeted. Instantly, we split into two. Suzannah, Ivy and I sat down at the table and sipped at some warm tea and coffee. "So, did you hear about the photocopie place?" Suzannah said, shifting in her seat.

"Yeah! Scary, right?" Ivy blinked, shivering.

"Wait.. what happened?"

They blinked towards me. "You didn't hear?"

I shook my head. "The owner, Mr. Chez was killed. They found him in the back... torn limb from limb," Nathan answered from the counter. His face screwed up. I glanced to Alec, who shook his head solemnly. He didn't do it. Well, he said he didn't. I believed him.

"That's... so sad," I whispered.

"Yeah, and his wife. His daughter is missing though,"

"Lil?" I asked hoping to god that she was alright. That strange girl at he store, who gave me my frame and my stuff for free just in order to get fired. Maybe she wanted fired because it was her fathers' store. That would've made sense...

"Lil? Who's Lil? Mary is the one missing,"

My brow arched. "She was working there when I went in a few days ago. Do you think she could be dead somewhere? Or missing too?"

"I dunno, maybe..." Nathan said. Chris scooted on past from coming out of the bathroom; then went outside to join the kids. I don't know what hit me first. Surprise or shock. A murder in Forks? That's not happened since... Well, since mom was human. "I hope Lil is okay..."

"Yeah... To Lil's safety. Wherever she is," Mark said quickly; raising his cup of coffee. I raised mine about an inch, and then sipped it. Alec never once took his eyes off me. I know what he was thinking though. I could see it flickering in his eyes. Vampires maybe? Maybe a wolf? I had pissed Jacob off a lot lately...

I shook my head, unable to even think of Jacob doing such a thing. He was still my friend after all.

"So," Ivy leant in, hushing her voice. "You get him in the sack last night?"

I shook my head, blushing. Damnit, Ivy! He can hear! "Don't worry. Tonight you will,"

"Tonight?" I whispered. She nodded, the ball on top of her hat bobbing forward and back with her movements. "We're staying in a cabin up there tonight, coming back tomorrow lunch."

"Oh,"

"Don't worry. My mom's already called everyone's parents. Everyone's agreed. Even yours."

"How did you get a cabin?"

Ivy laughed. "Brittany Hill, that's how. She's really cool. In fact, if you would have been here ten minutes earlier than what you had... You would of just seen her leaving. She, Mercedes and Amber are meeting us up there. They're going to have everything sorted."

"Everything sorted?"

She winked and I must have paled but blushed at the same time because she laughed, nudged me and then joined in with conversation with Nathan, Suzannah and the others.

I took a sip out of my coffee, glancing up towards Alec. His eyes flicked to me, indicating that he heard everything. Gently, he shook his head. I knew what that meant. Not tonight.

-xXx-

"When everyone is sleeping, I'm going to head back to Forks and take a look at this store. Perhaps I should speak with your parents also," Alec whispered into my ear in the back of the car. We had just dropped the twins of with their aunt, and put Jordan into daycare. Josh and Ivy's parents were working late, so daycare for Jordan; interacting with kids was best where as the twins had their six year old cousin to play with. They were staying at their aunts for the night, while we were off in the mountain's getting 'sorted.'

Well, when everyone else is. You're not, Remember. Not tonight...

I nodded, icily due to my thoughts, towards him as we headed up the road. We had the best of five minutes left before we reached the cabin. We'd have lunch, and then we'd start experimenting with the ski's and what not. The snow was still falling. Rather heavily, now. At the start of the journey, it was nothing but a mere drizzle. Alec took my hand, running his thumbs over the top of my knuckles. I let out a gentle breath, and closed my eyes.

Five minutes turned into fifteen, due to Josh driving carefully. Very, very carefully. But soon enough, we came to the cabin. It was fair in size, and the inside was lit promising warmth. We all got out of the car, pretty much in a rush to get inside. When we did, I was merely breathless. The room was large. It was as if it were a cabin restaurant. A bar was at one end, next to a set of stairs that you only saw four steps of until it vanished behind the wall. A great fire burned at the other end, with three four seater sofas all facing it. In the middle lay a wooden coffee table, made from the same material as the wooden walls. It sat on top of a red, cream and green patterned rug. Infact, the rug matched the curtains. Paints hung on the wall, along with a large set of antlers above the fire. The warmth was very welcoming. Behind the bar, Brittany was shuffling about; moving things. Brittany Hill, doing hard labour? Mercedes was helping too, where as Amber was nowhere to be seen.

With the commotion of us entering, Brittany stood up straight grinning. Figures her snow suit would be light pink. Her hair was in two pigtails at either side of her head with a big fluffy pink hat on top of her golden locks. She climbed over the top of the counter rather than walk to the door. "Hey guys! Did you have a safe trip?"

"No, we all crashed and died," Chris mused sarcastically; throwing himself down onto one of the sofas after dumping his bag down.

She rolled her eyes and then smiled. "Well, Helga, that's the groundskeeper for this place, has made us food. I was just looking for the wine cellar. I know it's back there somewhere..."

"Wine cellar?" I scoffed. Brittany laughed.

"You don't think I'd host a party without a little bit of booze. Anyway, Helga wouldn't know. She can't speak English."

"Oh? Where is she from?" Nathan asked, putting his bag next to Chris's by the fire and sitting down.

"Italian, I think... I never understand what she says."

"OH! ALEC'S ITALIAN!" Ivy bellowed. I felt Alec's posture stiffen.

All eyes went to him. "You are?" Nathan asked.

"Yes."

Chris made a 'huh' sound. "Whad'ya know. I wouldn't of guessed,"

Alec smirked. "So, Italian? Any other languages incase I've gotten it wrong?" Brittany questioned.

Alec shrugged. "I speak a few."

"Name some." She challenged.

Alec's shoulders relaxed, realizing it was just some friendly quiz.

"Italian, obviously. English, again... Obviously. French, German, Spanish, Polish, Greek, ancient Greek and... A few others."

Even I was staring at him with amazement now!

"Wow..." Someone muttered.

"My family and I travel a lot," He shrugged.

I tried not to laugh. How true that was...

"Alright, well... Whenever you see Helga; and trust me.. You will, I'll ask her where she is from, she'll start gibbering in some language and you'll be able to tell where?"

Alec nodded.

"Great. C'mon. I'll show you too your rooms, even though we most probably won't be using them. We'll be down here all night,"

"Speak for some," Ivy winked; causing Chris to beam. Ha. I made a funny. Chris... to Beam... Chris Beam. I laughed to myself quietly.

I watched them two follow Brittany up the stairs, casually following behind too. Ivy really did know how to play the seduction game. Maybe I could ask her for some pointers?

A/N:

You guys really are awesome, aren't you? I honestly wasn't expecting to get that many reviews that quickly. Well, all I can say is thanks; I guess. I could be mean and set another challenge, but lets face it... You guys are up for any Challenge; aren't you?

Get those reviews in. I love every single one of them.

-C.H