Chapter twelve: Small steps.

Air. I needed air. For the first time in my existence, I found the severe need to breathe. Which was hilarious! Our species didn't need oxygen. Our hearts didn't beat, so there was no need for oxygen to be pushed around our body. We were dead, lifeless walking corpses. Just like she was. No, scratch that! She was just meant to be a corpse! No longer living! A pile of ash! Unmoving, unthinking, dead and gone. She was meant to perish in our town, just like everyone else had. Just like those brutes who had tormented us our entire life. Just like those monsters that had tied Jane and I to the stake. Just like our father! Our Mother, for christ sake! Just like... Grace, and little Annabeth. Was it possible that her family survived? If she was here, did that mean they all could be? Was it possible the whole town had survived and not subcome to the firey fate that town had come to an end with?

My head hurt, which only made it all the more hilariously irritating for me! I couldn't breathe, my head was aching, and I felt as if my heart was in my throat. So I did the only thing I could do. I stumbled out of the swirling dance floor, almost bumped into several people at my rash escape of the ballroom, causing questioning glances to be sent my way, but I couldn't answer. I needed to get out of that room. I needed to get away. So with no other thought to anyone else but myself, I ran; and I didn't care where my feet took me.

—xXx—

Something wasn't right. From the moment Alec had came over and left, giving no real explanation, especially to the girl he was supposed to love, she knew there was something terribly wrong. Now having grown bored of this human talk, no matter how hard they tried to keep her attention, Jane was reflecting. Taking in what her brother had said. He had someone to dance with... Alec never accepted to dance with anyone, unless being made. Unless there was a reason behind it. Aro was too lost within taking pride in how well this celebration was going, he had no time for handing out orders. Plus, Jane hadn't seen her brother approach Aro all day. Which only meant there had to be another reason. Some superior motive that would overcome his detest of dancing with people he didn't wish to. Which provided the answer she was stuck on. Something wasn't right, but what?

Searching the crowd desperately for any sign, and more so annoyance that she had been kept out of the loop he was obviously creating, of her brother she came up short. Alec wasn't there. Casting a side glance to the half-breed she had been amusing with her company, she took a little relief in the fact she seemed none the wiser. Talking happily with Poison Ivy - something Jane had decided to call her out of boredom. Who called their child after a freaking plant, anyway? - and unknown to the fact her 'date' so to speak had gone AWOL. She returned her eyes to the floor, and spotted a few people looking at the door with disapproving eyes. Clearly Alec must have caused that. He was the only one missing from this room. Well, the only one she noticed missing.

She caught the eyes of Demetri, who was setting his dance partner down; and moving back from the crowd. Her jerked his head towards the door, giving her a silent message which she was quick to receive, and Felix was there behind him. They both began to walk to the door; clearly knowing something what she didn't. Jane stood from her seat and walked off. Those human's weren't good enough to get an explanation off of her. They were lucky she had even graced them with her presence. She moved swiftly after the two taller immortals, cast a glance behind towards Aro, who wasn't paying attention - for he was lost in conversation with Marcus and Sulpicia - and idly thanked whatever God she was forced to believe in during her humans years for being on her side for this moment in time. As soon as she was out in the corridor, and the doors were shut behind her; Jane was beside the boys in an instant.

"What's going on?" She hissed, keeping her strides in time with theirs.

"You'd think wearing a dress would slow you down, Jane." Demetri muttered, not even bothering to look down at her. When she didn't reply, he continued.

"Alec ran off."

"Well, points for pointing out the obvious." Jane bitterly sniped, her jaw clenching tightly.

"That's all we know, Jane. I caught onto a scent, and we were investigating it. The next thing we know Alec is standing in the center of the dance floor, staring off practically into space. He looked almost winded and confused. Just before we got a chance to get close enough and ask what was bothering him, he backed out of the floor and took off running. Hitting a few people, might I add." Demetri explained.

"What scent?"

"The one in Verona." Felix piped up, turning his head to look down a stray corridor. "We believe there are more culprits, and they've come for revenge."

"Revenge on us? Who would be stupid enough to break into the Volturi's castle?" Jane half laughed, though there was no humor in her voice.

"This one, evidently. Never the less, they got in and we have no idea who they are."

"But that does not explain why Alec ran off." Jane decided. If he had known about this, and they were in fact looking, he would have found the culprit and killed them. He always did his job. This was what his life was!

"Something must have spooked him." Felix said, though it sounded more of a question rather than a statement.

"My brother does not get spooked. Are you forgetting who walked into a town of immortal children as a distraction to lure them out? Alec is not afraid of anything. He never has been."

And that was the truth to Jane. It had always been something that she had admired about her brother in their human years. He was always calm, and unafraid of what might have come. If he was ever scared, he never showed it. In this life, he is what she tries to be like. Who she had decided to be like. Unafraid, uncaring, and unaffected by anything. Alec does not get scared, god damn it!

"I'll search the upper levels." Felix decided, and took off up a set of spiral stone stairs. How had it come to this? If anything, she had believed it would have been her that walked out of that damn ball. She didn't care for the Cullen's, nor their preppy little half-breed Alec was now infatuated with. And yet it was him who had ran out? Leaving the girl he 'loved' behind, without a second thought? It just... Didn't seem like him. Taking a breath of her anger and confusion, Jane eventually looked up to Demetri, only to find he was looking down at her. His eyebrow was raised in a questioning look, and his lips were in a thin line.

"You do realize she will realize he is gone." He spoke softly.

Her jaw only clenched more. "I know."

"She won't take to it lightly."

Jane nodded. "I know."

"If we cannot find him... In the next hour. I think we may have to tell her."

"And Aro?" Jane frowned, her impatience already growing thin.

"It isn't wise to tell him just yet. Aro demanded all immortals present at this. I am not too sure how he would react if one of his own, especially Alec as he considers him as a son, had ran off."

For once, Demetri spoke sense. He spoke so much sense that Jane agreed with him. Aro wouldn't react kindly to know Alec had ran off. It wouldn't work in his favor. For the first time in her whole existence Jane was faced with something she never thought would happen. She had to keep information from Aro. She had too, all due to the fact to another first. For the first time in her existence, living and not, Alec needed her. Why, she didn't know. But she would find out when she found him. She would find him. She had to try.

And try she did. For an hour straight they searched every room, corner, dead end, and basement cell within the castle. Over the years, Jane had always gotten good at predicting Alec's moves. On where he would go, where he would be. Hell, their first couple of weeks in the Volturi they had played hide and seek, just because they could. She had always been good at finding her brother, but she couldn't. Even Demetri, who was a skilled tracker, couldn't find him. Which only brought on the concern that the criminal they thought they had killed was with him. Hiding him from them. For this first time since Jane could remember... She was scared.

"Where is he!" She hissed lowly to Demetri as they stood in the Volturi gardens. She stormed up to him, to the point where she was glaring up into his own crimson eyes. Demetri let out a solemn sigh, long and deep. "He could be anywhere, and you are being useless!"

Demetri's eyes snapped open, and glared right down to her. "Useless?"

"You heard me. What good is a tracker if he cannot even track one of his own."

"You do not believe I am not trying, do you?! I am giving myself a headache with how hard I am trying, Jane. He is out there, somewhere, possibly in danger, and I cannot do anything about it. You pointing out my flaws and how useful I am not at this moment is not helping!"

Demetri had risen his voice to her. What was it Alec once said? There was always a first for everything. It seemed like tonight was full of those possibilities. She was scared, which was the first in a long time. Alec had ran off, which was a first without a doubt. They had kept her out of a plan, again a first. And now... Demetri was yelling at her. Seemingly unafraid of what might follow. In fact, by the look on his face behind that mask, he was expecting it. But he didn't seem to care.

The way his eyes were glaring down at her seemed odd. She was reminded of the time people looked down at her like that all the time. When her own father looked down at her like that. She was used to the look of disgust off other immortals. It came with her title. But with Demetri looking at her like that, it oddly stung. Someone she had considered family, not that she'd admit it, to look at her like that hurt. He seemed to realize something was wrong, and his eyes softened.

His hand moved forward and rested onto her cheek. Demetri was being bold. No one dared touched her and lived to tell the story. But she was too stunned at the mere fact of how he had spoken to her, and now that he was caressing her face to do anything. She just stared at him with wide crimson eyes.

"We will find him, Jane." His voice seemed to be soft and promising. Was he trying to... Comfort her? He was. "We'll find him." He repeated a little more confidently, his head lowering to meet her eyes more. If only she could believe that. Several seconds ticked by of silence. Of just looking at one another. Then he spoke up.

"We've searched for the entire hour," Demetri spoke in the tone she was used to hearing. Professional and working. His hand fell from her cheek in that moment. "I think it's time we tell your brothers girlfriend our problem."

Jane took a breath, her eyes closing under her mask. He was right. She would notice, she would bring it up and Aro without a doubt would hear her. Before they knew it, there would be a full scale search for Alec, and once he was found; the things that would follow wouldn't be in Janes control. Abandonment never went down well. Only one was known to live, and that was because Eleazar already had a coven behind him to protect him. Alec had no one. They were his coven, and soon they would be forced to hunt him down as if he were the criminal.

"Perhaps she may have some insight on where he might be. Places he likes to go to think..."

And then it clicked. Jane knew where he was. Her eyes snapped open and stared directly onto him.

"You get the hybrid. I may need her help in convincing him back. Follow my trail."

Demetri parted his lips to respond, but Jane was already gone.

—xXx—

I still couldn't breathe. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't breathe. I couldn't find oxygen, I couldn't find any sense of relief. God damn it, I just couldn't find any sense! How was this even possible! I had seen her there! She had been screaming for them to let me go. She had been fighting against her fathers arms to get to met when they were binding my body to the wood. She had fought. She had always been a fighter, but how was it possible for her to even fight death? And even then, she should have died anyhow! It was over a thousand years ago. If there was even the remote possibility she had survived that massacre, she would have died of old age. But then there were those red eyes. That was obviously the only answer. Someone had turned her, saved her from death by bringing her into this world as one of me. Who, I didn't care. It was how that confused me. Aro had killed everyone the moment our lives had been in danger. Jesus, my head ached!

I stared into the orange light of the fire in front of me. Embers flaking up into the air, and then turning into ash and falling like snow. I needed the fire. I needed to be reminded of the flames. I needed to remember. But god, it was hard. It was so damn hard. Memories always got harder for vampire's to see. And it seemed much more of a challenge for me, because I didn't want to remember. I never had. Not until now.

The flames were the only thing staying in one place. Everything else was a blur. Everything else was spinning. Foggy. Smoked out...

"Are you ready for bed, Aleczander?"

"Can't I just stay up five more minutes, mother?" I looked to her with wide blue eyed and a pleading look on my face. Beside me, Jane was already passed out. Her hair thrown out around her head as if a makeship halo. At bedtime, she was always happy to say goodbye to the day and welcome a new. Why, I never understood. Every promised the same as the last. Another day of witch hunting for the council, another day of being bored out of our minds in hunting training or 'school' as they called it. Another day of watching Jane run off with her only friend. The only promise of something interesting happening to me was seeing Lilianna, and even then that was becoming less frequent. I hadn't seen her a lot in the last day. She hadn't been at school, and I hadn't seen her; nor Grace either at the market. Evidently Jane was sleeping the day away in hope of seeing her friend again, but I didn't hold any promises to that. They weren't around, and they hadn't made any attempt in coming to us, so there was no point in hoping.

"And do what? Deprive yourself of more sleep little boy?" She laughed, moving towards me and pressing a kiss to my head. "Sleep, darling. Your father will be home soon."

I sighed, giving into defeat and sat back from the window, or more so hole within our normal wooden shack of a house. I could look at the figures across the ocean again tomorrow. Fluffing my head into the goose feathered pillow, I let out a yawn. "Goodnight mother."

"Goodnight my boy. I love you."

I smiled happily, and let my eyes close. After she had turned out the oil lamp, and the room was plunged into darkness, I was convinced I would drift off anytime soon. It was only nine, I presumed. But it was coming into the cold season, when the white death would fall from the sky, making everything cold. So naturally the skies were darker. Mothers rules, once the sky was dark; we were to sleep. The warm season would be here soon, when the days would be longer and I could daze off into the distance on what could be over there.

I must have fallen asleep at some point, but the dim light from outside woke me. A gentle orange haze flickered outside causing me to stir. I sat up from my bed, thankful Jane hadn't awoken, and peered out the window. Below, I could see people holding pitchforks, logs of flames. They were scattered, but I could see them. Where was it they were going? Who was it they were looking for now?

A loud smash downstairs caused me to jump, my hand dashing out and grabbing Jane's arms as I looked to our door. The grip on my arm caused Jane to awaken, and groggily she sat up stretching out her limbs. Her hand moved to rub her own blue eyes while yawning. "Alec? What's wrong?"

"NO!" I heard my mother scream, the smashing continued. Jane seemed to be fully alert now. Her hand found mine, and she grabbed it tightly. There was loud banging moving closer. Moving up.

In that moment, I knew what was happening.

The door flew open, and there stood the council leader for the witch trials. Two others moved past him and came directly for us. Jane instantly began to panic. Kicking and scratching to get away as they grabbed at us. Slinking their arms around her waist and carrying her out.

"Alec! Let me go! Alec!" She screamed, kicking against the man handling her. My hands were held behind my back as I was dragged from the bed. "Jane!"

We were practically thrown down the stairs, still fighting. I had to get out of their hold. I had to get to Jane. I couldn't let this happen. We hadn't done anything wrong! Jane was crying for god sake! Did these monsters have no mercy!

"Ow! Let go. You're hurting me! Alec! Help me!" Jane was screaming so loudly, I could hear the pain in her voice. Not to mention my own yells were beginning to hurt my throat. My arms were killing me at the sheer amount of how tightly this male was holding me.

"Mother!" I decided she would be my best asset. I looked around the empty room of the house and couldn't see her. But I could hear her. The moment we were outside in the night air, the cold struck me. As did the sight of my mother. She was standing outside with our father. His arms were around her from behind. Holding her back as she lashed to get forward. Disbelief struck me in that instant. Our father was helping them. He was letting them take us to meet our death, even though we were begging. Even though our mother was begging.

"Aleczander! Jane! Victor, what are you doing! Let them go!" She was screaming, the streams of tears running down her face; much as they were with Jane. She was still trying to get to me. Our mother was trying to get to us. But we were begging dragged through the town streets, with people around us chanting 'Burn the witch' over and over. I could hardly hear Jane's screams, her cries for me. I could hardly hear our mother begging for us to be spared over the chanting. Their voices were muffled in with the chants, and it was hard to pinpoint where they were.

"Jane!" I called out, desperately looking for her.

"Alec! Help me! Alec!"

"I'm coming Jane! I'm trying!"

I was stunned into a silence as the scene before me came closer. The town square was dark, only alight by the fire lit torches surrounding the podium with one large wooden beam. I had seen this so many times before, and yet when it was for me, for Jane, it was a whole new view. It was foreign, and scary. I was literally numb.

We were dragged up onto the stone; his feet being dragged up the gravel and cutting our flesh. They didn't care. If they had any sense of a heart they wouldn't be doing this to Jane. I didn't care for me. But for Jane?! Jane was as innocent as you could get! The brute handling me, who I now recognised as Mareks father - a boy who I had punched in the face once - threw me against the beam, causing my head to slam against the wood. I was instantly held against it. Why weren't they tying it already?! It dawned on me why in that moment. Jane was being placed on the other side. Right behind me. The large roped were secured around our waist and feet. I couldn't move. I could hear Jane sobbing behind me, and I looked around for any sign of help. I looked for anyone.

Father was still holding our Mother as she lashed, screaming for us. Screaming over and over that she loved us and she was sorry. Our father just stared at us with dead eyes. He had no emotion. No remorse for what was happening. He must have been the one to sign the warrant for our death. He was the only who did that, after all. Our own father had signed for his own flesh and bloods to be put to death. These people, though following closely, weren't as much as a monster as he was.

My eyes moved from them, and found the Lovell family. Their mother was cradling Grace, their father holding Lilianna. Annabeth wasn't there, so I presumed she was still in her bed. Unknown as to what was about to happen. The look on Lilianna's face. The sheer desperation in trying to figure out a way for us to be free'd. It was so apparent, that I was thankful to have met her. The look of sadness and dissbelief on Grace's as she cried pained me. She was having to watch her friend, and her brother be put to death. She really did care for us, if not me, Jane. And I was thankful to have ever fallen in love with her. If only I had ever gotten the chance to tell her.

Jane's hand had managed to have creeped backward in the roped, and grabbed hold of mine. So tightly, I could imagine her fingers turning white. Oh, god. I was going to miss Jane. If there was a God, and a Heaven like they say there was, I hoped I found her up there.

But there was no God. He wouldn't be doing this if there was. We wouldn't be dying for some stupid cause. Something that we didn't even know existed! There was no proof of witchcraft! They were just doing this because they were scared of us. Scared because there was two of us born on the same day, minutes apart. And it was because of their fear of the unknown, of the unnatural, they were going to kill us. I would never get to see what those figures really are. I'll never get to travel to a different land and see what life there has to offer. I'll never get to run away with Lily like I had promised. God, I hoped she understood how sorry I was. I'll never get to hug my mother again. But what pained me the most... I'd never get to see Jane again. Hug her like I always did when she was upset. I squeezed onto her hand, and craned my neck to get closer to her.

"Aleczander and Jane Cecil. The village council have found you guilty of witchcraft and have hereby sentenced you to death. No longer shall your dark souls plague our village. We cast you out demons!" The village leader held up a kindling of fire. His eyes narrowed right at us. Another cheer escaped the village as Jane's cries grew louder on hearing our fate. "May the lord have mercy on your damned soul."

He lowered the fire to the hay and sticks below our feet. I began to feel the warmth almost instantly. This was it. I was never going to live another day again. I was never going to see my sister grow up, marry and have children of her own. I was never going to see her. Cramming up all the strength I could muster, I squeezed onto her hand yet again; tighter than before. She returned the gesture. I could feel the trembles of fear coming through her. She was literally shaking. So I did my best to calm her.

"I'll see you soon, Jane!" I called. "Okay? I promise, I will see you soon!"

"Alec! I'm scared!" She screached as the flames grew larger; closing in on us.

"I know! But be brave, Jane. Be brave!"

"Like you?!"

Oh, how much I wanted to tell her how terrified I really was. But Jane needed the strength, so telling her was out of the question. "Like me!"

"I'll.. I'll try!"

"Good girl" I coughed at the smoke filling up my lungs, burning my throat and chest. "Jane?!"

"Ye-es?!"

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you! I'm sorry I wasn't a better brother!"

"I know! You tried!" She went into a coughing fit. "You were the best brother I could have asked for!"

I had to blink back the tears. Whether they were from the smoke and heat getting to my eyes, or the fact I was moments away from my death, I didn't know.

"I love you, Jane!" I screamed over the chanting crowd.

"I-I-I love you too, Alec!" She stuttered out through her tears and sobs.

"Goodbye, Alec! I'll see you soon!"

"I'll see you soon.." I whispered, unable to stop the coughs as the flames began to close in; moving to my feet and most probably Janes.

Outside the flickers, I could make out my mother still crying in hysterics on her knees. Grace and Lily were clinging onto one another as they watched. It don't think they were able to see us due to the height of the flames. But for the shortest of moments, I was sure I managed to have eye contact with Lily before darkness took over and I went numb. Janes hand falling limply in my own.

"We have them!" A masculine voice called, but I couldn't open my eyes. All I could feel was emptiness. Was this our savior claiming us for the heavens? I hoped so. I'd have enough of this life. "You're safe now." A whisper entered my ear, and then nothing.

There was a possibility. A window that she had gotten away when I was consumed in the darkness. The voice hadn't taken long to come, which turned out to be Aro having come to our rescue, but in that short moment when I couldn't hear anything, see anything or feel anything, she could have gotten away, right? That could only answer it. That had to be the only answer, right? All I could do was question myself. There was no way I could get answers. The only way I could get them would be facing her. And I should face her. I should suck up all these confusing feelings of... Happiness? Hope? Because if she survived, then maybe my mother did also. Maybe Grace did...

But then there was that hurt. The anger and the betrayal. Why hadn't she come to me sooner, rather than waiting one thousand plus years? Why hadn't she come to find me the moment she was turned? I was supposed to be her best friend. I was supposed to have known her better than anyone else. I was supposed to have been the one she came too. So why in death did she not come find me? For years after our change I had felt alone. Cold. A ghost of myself. Everything was new, and different to me back then. A sense of familiarity would have been welcomed greatly. Especially by someone I had considered a friend.

"Alec?"

I didn't need to be listening to know who it was. If I was honest, I was expecting her.

"Alec," she repeated my name a little louder, as I hadn't even so much have moved a muscle to her previous words. "What's wrong, brother?"

I continued to stare into the fire, my jaw clenched tightly.

"How did you find me?"

"You said once that you liked open space to think... You can't get anymore open than here."

She was right. You really couldn't. The mountain that overlooked Volterra, miles and miles from the city, and yet it still had a perfect view of the city. Of my city. My home. I had only mentioned this to her around a century and a half after we had been turned and I was going through that 'what is the point' phase. I'd come here, contemplate things for a long period of time, then return to everything being exactly the same. Only now, things weren't going to be the same. Now that I had a ghost of our past holding me up to a promise I had made when I was a stupid child. Ghost's weren't real. Ghost's shouldn't pop up when you least want them too. Especially now. I didn't need her. I didn't want her. I had Reny...

"I needed time to think."

"About?" Jane persisted, stepping a little closer towards me.

I gave a deep exhale of air, finally finding my breath, and raised my hands to the back of my head. Fiddling with the ties, I pulled the mask shielding my face. How much trouble this damned ball had created. Tonight was supposed to be special. It was the night I was supposed to be reunited with Renesmee, officially. Where our families would see us together, and realize this feud that has been going on between our two covens was pointless. I understood, of course, that we didn't necessarily like one another. If anything my coven considered Renesmee's a constant nuisance, but did that really matter? Surely we should put that behind us, in order for each others happiness. Renesmee and my happiness? Wasn't that the greater picture? But now all that was ruined. She has chosen today, of all days, to reappear. To announce that I was to live up to my promise a long time ago and run away with her. Back when Renesmee hadn't even been in existence. Hell, back when her father hadn't been existence. None of them, in fact. Although, Carlisle may have been around. I wasn't too sure, nor did I care.

When I didn't answer, Jane spoke up again.

"Is this about you and the hybrid, Alec?"

Of course she would think this was about that. I hadn't given her any other reasons. Before Renesmee had came here, I had said to her I was over it. Her next words only concluded it.

"You ran out on that scent because I don't approve of the Cullen girl? Because, if so... Alec, I don't believe I will ever approve of it. I won't approve of you with any girl. You are my brother. You have been my brother always. By my side, and no one elses. Of course I don't want someone else there with you, because... You are mine."

I stared down at the mask, my jaw clenching tighter. If I got any tighter, I may be in risk of breaking my own jaw. Jane continued.

"But even with that, I only wish you to be happy brother. I haven't seen you laugh... And I mean really laugh, since our human years. But you do, with her."

I knew in that instant, I couldn't bring up Lilianna. Because it had been her that had made me laugh all those years ago. Qualities that Renesmee held were the exact replica that Lily possessed all those years ago. Although I was completely, and utterly humanly head over heals for Grace - Lily's older sister - I was blinded by what had stood me in the face. There has always been a part of me that knew that. There was always that small part of me that I was kidding myself when I believed what I wanted. Grace had been everything to me. The shrine of light I would cling to, that I would hope to possess one day. But Lilianna? She was... Everything and more. She had been my friend, my confidant, my reassuring pain in the ass, my continence, my small escape from reality.

I would be lying, severely so, if I said I didn't love her.

Deep down, I knew I did. That I had, but I clung to the one girl I could never have - her sister. I wanted what I couldn't have, I craved what wasn't mine. And yet the one thing that had always been mine, that had always been there, didn't seem to mind it in the slightest. She stood by me, despite my obvious ignorance of her feelings. It really was true what people said about me. I was a dick.

"I'm sorry for running out on you, Jane." I whispered, finally.

My mind was set. If anyone was to deal with this Lilianna problem, it would be me. It was me she had come to, it was me she had wanted to run away with, it was me who lead her on all this time. I may have once loved her - secretly - but that was different now. Past lives, be they alive or the living dead, did not compare to what I shared with Renesmee. She was my life.

"Forgive me." I mused; turning on my heel to face her. Jane's eyes stared into mine, flickering with the light of the flames. Gentle, her head nodded; taking a few steps closer. Turning my eyes away, for I was sure she was searching for something; Jane's arms pushed themselves under my own, and wrapped themselves around my torso. Her head nuzzled into my chest, and stayed there.

I was stunned, to say the least. Jane was... Hugging me. Truly, hugging me. I had once tucked her under my arm when we had first gone to Fork's as a coven, dedicated in destroying the Cullen clan and it's beautiful abomination. But this... This was something I hadn't experienced in a long, long time. Jane's head securely tucked into my chest cavity, almost as though she was listening for a heartbeat. Ironic, for I was sure that's what had been breaking a mere hour or so ago. Unable to do anything else, I pressed my arms around Jane; still clinging to the mask. Tucking her head further into my chest, while my chin rested atop of her head. I should cherish this moment, for I wasn't idiotic enough to think that it would come around again. And if it did, it wouldn't be for a long, long, long time.

"I'll always be your brother, Jane. Be I in love with someone or not. We're bound to one another for all eternity." I whispered after a long period of time. Jane let out a deep sigh, her grip around me tightening even more so. "Family comes first."

"We should head back." Jane finally broke the hold she had on me. Pulling herself away and brushing down her dress.

My eyes flicked open, and it was then I realized I had them closed in the first place. As they adjusted, I forced them to focus on the face of my sister. Giving a solemn nod in return, I pressed a hand to her cheek and brushed my thumb over her cheekbone. She repaid me with a small - barely seeable - smile. Her hand rose to her face, took my hand and pulled it away. She kept hold of the hand however, and began to pull me along. Leaving the fire I had set, with the preposterous idea that I would burn the mask in hope it would make me forget what had happened tonight, behind us. I now knew I couldn't run from this problem, despite how much I wanted too. I had promised to this girl I would run away with her, not from her. And it must have seemed like I had done exactly that. We were all in this mess due to me, and thus I had the be the one who fixed it. Not Aro, nor Demetri and Felix... Not even Jane. Me. And I planned on doing so, but first... I had to figure out exactly how to do such a thing.

Putting those thoughts behind me, I walked with Jane. There was no need for running, we were in no rush. This small time away from the castle was enough for me to clear my head, breathe, and process how I was going to deal with Lilianna.

On the plus side, Jane stated in some small way she was willing to accept my relations with Renesmee. It was a small step, but a small one was better than nothing; wasn't it?

—xXx—

The walk home was shorter than what I would have liked, but the moment we were in the corridors of the castle; I knew Jane and I's small time together was officially over. I had to face this problem head on, and that started with finding her again.

By the time we made our way to the throne room, or more so now the celebration room, it seemed as though most of the guests had disbanded and had either returned to their rooms for the night or had gone out 'hunting.' Standing at the throne room doors was Renesmee. Hair curled, mask in her hand, and talking happily to Ivy. Flanking them was Demetri and Felix, who seemed to be trying to play the part of 'casual.' Leaning against the walls, seemingly looking off into space.

I felt myself let a sigh. Those moron's really didn't know how stupid they looked, did they? Especially with Renesmee so close by - and her obvious human friend, casting glances their way every now and then. Nevertheless, as Jane and I approached; she let go of my hand. Demetri seemed to react instantly, and pushed himself off the wall to make his way over. Renesmee hadn't noticed my appearance as we walked down the corridor towards them. Nor did she seem to notice Demetri walking past her towards us. Jane and I stopped in our tracks, and allowed Demetri to come to us.

"Why didn't you bring her to us?" Jane frowned, while I glanced between the two. She had asked for Demetri to bring Renesmee? Honestly, I was thankful she hadn't. Seeing Renesmee in the state I had been might've only made things worse. Even now, when I had once believed my head to be clear - it was still very much spinning in a confused spiral.

"The moment I received her, both your trails had gone."

Jane frowned, her jaw clenching in irritation. "Evidently, you both have a stalker."

I said nothing. Nor did Jane, unsurprisingly.

"Well, the main thing is you are back now." Demetri decided, a brief nod of his head given. "Both of you. And we can deal with this problem together."

"We already have." Jane answered monotonously. I cast a glance towards Jane, who was frowning in confusion up towards the taller immortal. "All is settled."

That's what she believed. Good. I wanted Jane to have no part in what was to come. This was my doing, and I was going to correct it. Keeping her from the knowledge was the best option, for she would without a doubt wish to 'help.'

"Aro did not notice our departure, did he?" Jane asked, not taking any interest in my eyes on her.

Demetri shook his head. "No. He's currently talking to some other hybrid."

Ah, I knew very well who that was. Well, let Aro have his fun. It kept him out of Renesmee's way. And more so, out of mine.

"However, I do suggest you go to Renesmee's side as soon as possible. He might not have noticed as of yet, but the longer you are not at her side, the more chance that he will." Demetri suggested, gaining a agreeing nod from Jane. Since when did these two see eye to eye? These two could fight like cat and dog, for Christ sake. Jane never listened to Demetri on suggestions, unless it was to do with business. Other than that, she barely even looked at him, let alone listened to him!

Tonight really was turning into a whirlwind of confusion.

"I shall see you tomorrow, brother." Jane sounded, her posture stretching up. I leant my face down, accepting her gesture. Receiving a gentle kiss to my cheek, I nodded and took off. Walking past them both and directly towards Renesmee. I spared a glance over my shoulder, only to see Demetri and Jane walking off down the corridor together. Felix had began after him, as 'casually' as he could - looking around, hands in his pockets, attempting to look as though he was lost in thought - which wasn't casual at all. Shaking my head, I returned my attention to Renesmee.

Slipping next to her, her eyes found mine and she instantly latched on. Her arm winding around mine, and her head moving to press against it. "Hey you."

"Hey yourself," I replied to the hybrid, giving a polite nod towards her friend.

"Where'd you run off too?" Ivy asked, folding her arms across her chest.

"Oh, just some lost, drunken guest trouble. It's all sorted now," I lied fluently.

Both girls smiled, nodding their heads. I stood there for approximately ten, fifteen minutes listening to the girls talk; while my eyes went across the faces as they exited the room. One by one, trying to find her. But if what Demetri had said was true? That our trails had vanished? Was it possible she had the ability to hide herself, and others at will? Did that mean there was more than one of her? Honestly, I didn't care. I just had to deal with her. Make her see that I had been a foolish boy all those years ago, and that promise had been made when we were practically prisoners. We were both free now, and with that freedom I had chosen to stay with my true family, the Volturi. I had chosen to be with Renesmee. And I had chosen not to spare her a second thought for my entire existence. I might have once loved her, but not anymore. The woman on my arm, smiling to her friends, was the one I loved.

Renesmee gave a yawn, her posture leaning into mine for support as she pulled her shoes off one by one. Idly, I took them from her hands and held them in my own. "Getting tired, Reny?"

She gave a sheepish smile, and nodded her head.

Ivy's conversation died down, and she finally bid them a good night. "Getting pretty tired myself. Remember, Reny! Shopping tomorrow!"

"I will," she waved off her friend as she; and seemingly Chris following her like a lost puppy. He nodded his head, flicking two fingers to both Renesmee and I as he followed his girlfriend.

"Shopping tomorrow?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow at her.

She shrugged her shoulders, a shy smile dancing on her lips. "She talked me into it..."

I rolled my eyes, letting my head lean back against the frame of the door.

"Today was perfect." Renesmee whispered, causing my eyes to look down at her. There she was, head against my arm, peering up at me with those eyes.

Why was it every time I looked at her, I found myself wondering how I had gotten so lucky? After all the wrong I had done in my life, what made it possible that I could even begin to deserve this girl? Renesmee deserved the best. And although I was trying my damned hardest, I didn't believe I would ever come close to being good enough. She didn't seem to think that way, obviously. The look in her eyes said it all. I might not believe I would be good enough, but she did. Her hand walked up my arm, to where her fingers brushed over my neck.

'Want to go to your room? My family went hunting...'

My body reacted instantly, just like I knew it would. Just like it always did when it came to this little vixen. Without permission, I found myself grinning down at her. I had spent years trying to push out the longing want and need I had for this woman, and in that small moment with her eyes on mine and her fingers drawing soft circles on the nape of my neck, it shattered.

Without any other hesitation, I had her swooped up in my arms bridal style, her shoes still dangling from my hand along with my discarded mask. She laughed loudly, especially as I began up the staircase. In that moment I didn't care about the Lilianna problem. I didn't care about the hidden agenda Aro may have had due to putting a bed in my room. All I cared about was making this girl mine again.

Because she was mine. And no one else was going to stand in the way of that.

A/N:

Hello again! Terribly sorry for the extremly long wait. I've had really bad computer problems, and as a result was left without anything to work on for this story.

Updates will probably be slow until my own laptop is working once again. Never fear, it is being repaired as we speak.

Once I have my laptop back, I will try my damned hardest to get back into the swings of regular updates.

With that all said, what do you guys want to happen next?!

A little Alec/Renesmee lemon?

Do leave a review. They will help my muse in keeping regular updates. Perpahs even convincing family members to let me use their laptops/computers to try and get this next chapter written.

Criticism is always welcome. As are idea's and thoughts as to what you want to happen.

Hopefully, the wait for the next chapter won't be too long. Fingers crossed.

-C.H