Chapter eighteen: Bonding time.

"So why are we up here again, exactly?" Felix asked, tossing a few rocks to the side with his foot.

Currently, we stood above the city. Watching the underground entrance, that was currently filtering out vampires coven by coven. I knew perfectly why we were up here, and it seemed like a reasonable stance if you were to ask me, but Felix had other views. I knew them, for I'd lived with this vampire his entire immortal life. He wanted to be down there, amongst them, causing fear and havoc as always. Sometimes his head could be a little big when it came to his status in this world.

However, although I saw reason as to being up here; I could think of several other places I'd rather be. All of which, were with Renesmee in some different position and situation entirely.

Couldn't really blame me. I had been in a place where nothing had been left to the imagination. If only Felix hadn't of interrupted - which I was still currently plotting ways on getting my revenge. That was helping the hours tick by, I supposed. A countdown to his unavoidable suffering.

The large clock tower read that it was around three o'clock. Meaning I had been stuck up on this roof for almost three hours. Trust me, each and every strike of that blasted clock hand signaling each and every second, minute and hour I had been here pained me to no extent.

Usually, time past rather easily for me. Hours felt like minutes, but recently time just seemed to linger on. Especially when I wasn't at Renesmee's side, and yet when I was with her... It seemed to move far too quickly. I was well aware that our time together was running thin, and I'd be forced to relive that dreaded goodbye all over again. That, I wasn't looking forward too.

Perhaps I should be grateful for the hours dragging on and on? For that way it felt like she would be here longer... In some way, even if I wasn't with her.

"I have a better angle on them," Demetri was explaining; his eyes dead set on the coven's below. "I got a look at the body shape the other day. Therefore, I may be able to find them without their scent or track to follow."

Absent mindedly, I rolled my eyes. He was honestly letting this get to him a little too much. I knew full well I'd be irritated if someone were to avoid my gift, but I wouldn't obsess over it to the extent that he currently was. Each and every sentence that seemed to pass his lips was of these circumvents.

I supposed the reason I wasn't also phased by this was because I felt as though the problem was taken care of. I hadn't set eyes on either of the two girls who had admitted to the crimes, which could only mean they had packed up and left already. Good thing too, for the way Demetri was acting; he wasn't planning on letting this slide anytime soon.

"And what do you plan to do if you find them?" Felix questioned, stupidly. It was obvious what he would do.

"Eliminate them."

And there was the answer I knew would come. Honestly, sometimes Felix never failed to amaze me with his obliviousness sometimes. Here he was questioning what Demetri would do, and yet Felix was meant to be the one person who knew Demetri more than anyone. Hell, I didn't like him all that much; and I knew what he would do!

It showed just how much Felix either A; lacked a brain. B; liked hearing the obvious, or C; didn't listen or take in how others may act to certain things.

However, now that I was able to think about it...

Lilianna and Delilah had been with me while Demetri was on his ghost chase. Jane had said there were two of them, and they had seen their silhouettes. It had come as a surprise to me that she had an accomplice, to be honest. But she had never been one to surround herself in others. It had always just been me, and that was it.

She had sawt out a sister, so it seemed. Which was understandable. Most immortals didn't wish to be alone in the world, so her finding someone to be with her was only expected. But even then, she didn't strike me as the type to belong to a coven of more than two people - herself included in that number. But if she had collected others, building her numbers, it was always possible they had gifts like she had admitted to using.

If not, I had left them both rather hastily. It was entirely possible that they both had gone out to take their irritation out on Demetri, I supposed. It was a tight squeeze, but I supposed it could have been possible. To put my scrambled thoughts to ease, I decided it was best to just ask.

"You said you got a good look at their body shape.." I began, arching an eyebrow from my stance. Leaning against a chimney with me arms crossed, and my ankles crossed alongside that.

"Indeed." Demetri replied, never once removing his attention from below.

"What exactly was this body shape?"

"One was small." Demetri began to explain slowly, speaking through clenched teeth. "Five foot four. Petite, fragile looking. Female. Long hair."

I hadn't really gotten a good look at Delilah's height, for I was too set on stopping her as she ran from me. But everything seemed to add up.

"The other was tall. Six foot, perhaps six one. Medium build, short hair. Obviously male."

Wait, what?

"Male?" I questioned, arching an eyebrow.

Demetri must've caught on to the tone in my voice, for her looked over his shoulder at me and nodded his head briefly. "Mm. I presume they are mates. They were running hand in hand. He seemed to be more so dragging her along."

A male, and a female?

That could have been Delilah, for I doubt Lilianna would be dead set on getting me to go with her if she had a mate, but that would have added another onto the list of Lilianna's coven. A unnamed male. But truthfully, I couldn't see Delilah being the hand holding type. Although, that could have been the 'brother' she had been searching for when I first met her. Brother or not, she didn't have that 'hand-holding' aura about her. I could be wrong, but I usually could point things out about people on a first sight basis.

"Why?" Demetri questioned, turning to face the coven's once more. "Sound familiar?"

"Considering there were countless males at this celebration, Demetri... Not to mention females, yes. It does."

Felix scoffed from his stance just behind Demetri, also looking down at the immortals drifting out the gates and out of the city.

"This is my last chance," Demetri then gritted his teeth, so hard that I heard them grinding against one another. "If they get away, there is no guarantee I will ever face them again."

True. One could only hope, I thought idly; holding back a sly smile. Demetri had already lost his chance. I believed for them to have already be long gone by now.

"They won't get away," Felix pushed in while he shuffled his foot once again. "No one gets away from you."

Trust Felix to try and bring light to his friend, even despite how pointless this may seem. But he was right. No one ever got away from Demetri. That's why he was a Volturi guard. Aro didn't surround himself in people who were second best. It was either the best of the best, or nothing at all. In Aro's eyes, if you weren't the best; you weren't worthy of joining the Volturi.

Take Felix for example. Despite him not having a power, his combat skills and strength were that of two newborns put together. He highly impressed Aro, and therefore gained his place among our coven. If it wasn't for that, I doubt he would have been turned at all. Let alone allowed to live. If he had been that lucky, he would no doubt be a nomad.

"What about them?" Felix caught my attention, taking me from my thoughts. He was pointing down, causing Demetri to cram his neck and pause for a few seconds. After deliberating, he shook his head. "He's too short, and the girl was thinner. Almost skeletal like."

"Skeletal," Felix commented. "Taking the term 'walking corpse' a little too far there."

He was trying to lighten the conversation, obviously. But lord have mercy. I felt as though I wanted to slam my face against this chimney several times, just to get rid of this blasted headache that was his take of 'humourous' comments.

"Why don't we try and think like them?" The hilariousity continued. "If you were pissing off a Volturi guard, where would you go?"

"I wouldn't piss off a Volturi guard for starters." Demetri answered rather bitterly. "Especially one who is high up in the rankings, and is teammates with Jane and Alec."

Oh, we were teammates now, were we?

"That doesn't help much," Felix rubbed the back of his neck. "Alec, you get in on this. What would you do?"

Was he seriously trying to bring me into this? Did my absence from sitting watching the coven's leave not verify that I was not interested in this game of cat and mouse?

Both of their eyes were on me now. Curiously watching, and obviously eager to hear my take on this. Of course they would; when with Jane - I was the voice of reason. I was always the one things turned too when there was a level headed choice to be taken. They were just following usual routine with turning to me for guidance. I mentally sighed, and physically rolled my eyes.

"Well, if I were stupid enough to dare toy with the Volturi in the first place... I'd get out of there." Demetri's eyebrow arched with my answer. "Think about it. You came in at a close call two days ago. You saw their 'body shapes' as you put it, and were close to catching them. It took great skill to divert you, I'll admit. But if I were one of these immortals... I wouldn't risk it again. I'd see that my life was a little more valuable than to continue in these games against you. Especially with how irritated you are getting over this. I'd leave, and never bother the Volturi again based on how close you came."

Silence dawned in, and I could see both of them taking my answer into consideration. I was speaking somewhat of the truth. I wouldn't be foolish enough to try and provoke the Volturi in the first place, but Lilianna and her obvious coven had. I was merely telling Demetri, in some obstacalical way, that they had left. After all, who would be idiotic enough to keep up this game after Demetri had come so close to ending them, and also after getting a last chance from me?

No one. No one sane, that is.

Demetri's lips pursed in debate, while Felix constricted himself with looking between Demetri and myself. With his lips proving the inner fight going on within his head, Demetri finally nodded in agreement.

"I would still feel a little more relaxed once I've witnessed all the guest's departure." He concluded, gaining a rightful nod in agreement from myself. It was only expected Demetri would want to carry through the rest of this. Now he saw it from both angles. If he failed in pinpointing them; there was a high chance we would never hear from them again - and I knew that one would come true due to my warning - and if he did... Well, I'd deal with that if it were to occur. But to Demetri; he believed he'd have his chance at ending it finally. Getting rid of the person who was able to hide from him, and hide others.

The sooner this ended, the better. It was over and done with as far as I was concerned. I'd already put it behind me, and the sooner he did also; the better.

"I wonder how Jane's getting on," Felix decided to voice after a good fifteen minutes of silence. Only reminding me of what I had left behind me. Thanks a lot, Felix. I'd only just managed to get that out of my blasted head!

"I'm sure Jane is coping well." voiced Demetri, his lips curved slightly. "Don't you think, Alec?"

Screw you too, Demetri. I hope this fool taunts you some more.

"She copes well in most situations." I replied blandly, acidly and bitterly.

"But in a situation where she is in the same room as the woman who is stealing her brother from her?" Demetri slid in, causing my teeth to clench tightly together. Why did they view it as stealing?! Reny wasn't stealing anything. It isn't classed as stealing if I was rightfully hers in the first place. I belonged to Renesmee. I'd come to accept that a long, long time ago.

When I didn't answer, Demetri continued.

"It would be an interesting room to be in and witness them both interacting civilly."

I couldn't help but agree, and disagree with Demetri mentally. It would be interesting to sit back and watch, but at the same time; it would be utterly nerve wrecking.

Hopefully they were passing the time better than what we currently seemed to be doing.

—xXx—

She hated this. She despised this. She was actually cringing at the fact she had suggested this. What Alec saw in this girl was beyond her. She was bland, and awkward, and quite frankly infuriating to be around. Renesmee Carlie Cullen was without a doubt the most uninteresting person Jane had ever had the displeasure of being stuck in the same room with. Worst of it all, it had been her idea.

How she wished she could turn back the clock and stop herself from suggesting this.

The look on the girls face almost mirrored Jane's inner thoughts. She wasn't enjoying this either. For the past three and a half hours they had sat in silence. The library was practically always quiet but even when Alec and herself had sat within there, they had always come up with small chatter here and there. Whether it was to discuss a book, or to converse in what they were reading. But this girl? She was mute.

Awkwardly shifting in her seat every now and then also, Jane had noticed. She twisted her hair around her finger, flicked a book page rather loudly, nibbled her lip to the point where Jane was positive she would break skin soon enough, and not to mention the fact this hybrid kept looking up to check on her.

Jane was sitting there motionless. Her hands folded around one another and resting ceaselessly on her lap. Her face gave away nothing, other than the fact she was bored and quite frankly disliking this just as much as the hybrid was.

For what Jane was positive was the millionth time Renesmee looked up, she snapped.

"Can I help you with something?"

"Huh?" Renesmee's eyes darted up, the surprise that Jane had spoken written on her face as clearly as the words in her book.

"You keep looking up. Is there something you wish to say?"

Renesmee shook her head swiftly, her eyes darting back down again.

"N-n-no. I-uhm... Was just..."

"Just..." Jane provoked for her to continue her sentence which had died out.

"No offence Jane, but.. you're uh...you're not the most comfortable to be around."

Jane scoffed, forcing Renesmee to look back down to her book straight away. It wasn't as if she was planning to be, was it? Jane didn't care for her comfort, nor if she particularly liked being in Jane's company. At the end of the day, she was doing this for Alec.

But on that thought, she was reminded of just how much Alec seemed to care about this girl. How he must've secretly hoped they would get along; just to make his life a little easier. He had said that to Renesmee while Jane was waiting. However much she didn't want too, and the fact the mere consideration of it made her stomach twist in disgust, Jane decided she would at least try to get somewhere with this girl. Not for herself, and not for Renesmee; but for Alec.

"What are you reading?" Ugh, small talk was one of the many, many things Jane hated in this world. The fact she was making the bridges to start such a thing... Alec seriously owed her.

"... Hamlet"

Jane's eyebrows narrowed together. She wasn't aware they had that book in the library. Of course, they had countless classic's. William Shakespeare was among them, but only a select few. In this large, oversized book storage room; where a select few tables were located, Jane was positive most of the collections were in Italian. She had read almost the entire library, and never had she once come across that book.

"Have you ever read it?" Renesmee asked, now looking up towards her with wide eyes.

Jane gave a simple shake of her head.

"Oh." Renesmee bowed her head again, once more nibbling at her lip. "It's really good."

"What is it about?"

The look of surprise on Renesmee's face didn't go amiss. Clearly the fact she was instigating a conversation with the girl was somewhat if a confusion, and to be completely honest, it was for Jane also. However, she did have a book Jane had never come across before.

"It's a tragedy," Renesmee flicked the book closed, shuffled her seat around the table to get closer to Jane - which Jane had to clench her teeth, and force herself to suppress the want to move away - and turned the book to let Jane see the cover. "Basically Hamlet's father was killed and his mother married his father's brother,"

Jane nodded her head to show she was following.

"His father's ghost appears and accuses Hamlet's uncle and now stepfather of his murder and urges him to take revenge. So Hamlet dedicates his life to avenging his father. It's honestly a whirlwind of events."

"And this stepfather... Why did he kill his own brother?" Jane raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, because Hamlet's a prince. His father was king, and Claudius wanted to be king."

Ah. Now Jane understood. Power was something some human's craved, and would go through practically every obstacle to obtain. Even cutting down flesh and blood. Personally, despite how infuriating Alec could be sometimes, she had never experienced the want to kill him. Especially for something as feeble as power. Then again, she was part of a coven who held ultimate power over everyone else. But even if she was a mere nomad, she would never betray her brother in order to have what he did.

"You're smiling," Renesmee spoke, cutting Jane's train of thought. Jane blinked a number of times; coming back to the world where Renesmee was sitting a few inches from her.

"Mm, the name Claudius rings a bell."

"You know a Claudius?"

"Knew." Jane corrected, unable to hide the smile completely now. "Past tense, Renesmee."

"What happened to him?"

Oh, what hadn't happened to him? Back when Claudius had been removed from our guard, she had merely believed him to have upped and left. Now, however; Jane was fully aware that he was no longer walking among them. It seemed he had put up a bit of a fight when he was asked to leave, thus resulting in his immediate execution. Aro had given him the choice to leave; but he had refused. Stated that this coven was his home, and he belonged here. Although that might've been true to begin with, Aro had found better.

And when Aro found better, he went on to possess that someone better. It was the way how things always went, and how they would continue to do so.

She doubted there was anyone in this guard who didn't fear that one day; someone better may appear and take their place. Not for Alec and herself, of course. They had a rightful place here, and she truly believed there would never come another immortal that resembled their gifts, nor stand at the same authority as they did.

Their reputation, their names and their stance over all immortals was well known; and it would take a long, long time to reinforce the same influence Jane and Alec had over immortals with someone new.

Besides, Aro wouldn't ever dream of replacing Jane and her brother. He had said so once, long long ago. The twins were like his children, ones he had never had the privilege to bare himself; not to mention the fact Sulpicia and Athenodora practically poured their hearts and souls into training and teaching them the way they should. Coming from a background of poverty, and living in rags to that of royalty and the finest materials wasn't an easy transition. Manners were practically thrown down their throat, as were etiquette lessons and countless other crap Jane couldn't hold the stomach to remember.

"He wasn't what Aro thought he was. So we replaced him."

"With who?" Renesmee tilted her head, to the point where Jane could see the full on curiosity brewing within her face.

"Demetri."

And thank god, Jane thought idly while a smirk played at her full lips. That had been a day of confusion, and yet she had enjoyed it nonetheless. She had to adapt to Claudius not being there, for he was always in her shadow. She was well aware of the little infatuation he had with her, but Jane had Alec and therefore didn't need anyone else. She was glad to see the back of Claud. Honestly, she was. But it did take some time getting used to not having him there, and then this tattered man came into their lives. With a rugged beard, shaggy long hair and in egyptian rags.

He wasn't much to look at... Especially with the hairs on his face. Truthfully, Jane had laughed when he came to the Volturi. She could remember it like it was yesterday.

The day was just like any other. Warm, sunny, peaceful within the castle. Claudius had been gone for three days, and already I was beginning to feel more at ease without him constantly around Alec and myself. Things were slowly beginning to back to how they were when we had joined this coven. Just the two of us, in the throne room with Aro, Marcus and Caius. Spending the day just sitting and listening, perhaps even playing some game, then we would be sent up to Sulpicia and Athenodora to endure some more lessons.

Alec sat opposite me, mimicking my seated position. Legs crossed, his knees pressed against mine. I prefered him like this. Truthfully, Alec suited the rich dark velvet violet colors and dark greys. It made him look prince like. It made him look important, and special. As for myself... The grand dresses were something to get used too. The color of todays one was up for debate. Alec said he liked it, but I still wasn't sure. Dark green only reminded me of my father's eyes.

Along with the dark green, there were embodiments of golden swirls along the torso and strings holding it together. It was something to get used too, but I wasn't complaining. I was being treated like a princess, with my prince brother at my side. Finally being recognised for what I always believed us to be. Royalty.

Alec was drawing with a coal stencil. Basic outlines of the pillars surrounding the throne room, while I watched endlessly. We had decided that for today; we were just going to wait until Sulpicia and Athenodora called for us to practice our inevitable abilities. I was getting there, slowly, but Alec seemed to be taking his time. Slowly, but surely, he too was getting there. From when Athenodora had said last lesson; he had been able to remove only the doves sight completely this time; rather than all over paralysis. It was rather hilarious, so to speak. Watching the white bird flutter around aimlessly; hitting against the walls due to the fact it was unable to see them. She was trying to advance his skills with pinpointing what part of the body he could remove senses from. So not only would he be an all over anesthetic; but he could also decide what he wanted to do, and where he wanted to take things from.

At least blind mans bluff would become more interesting; knowing that our opponents wouldn't be able to cheat.

I envied the way Alec was calm practically all the time. In situations that angered me; he would stand completely unaffected and uninterested. Even now; completely occupied with his sketching, I envied just how comfortable he seemed. I was far from comfortable. I was hungry, and irritable, and quite frankly a little fidgety due to the fact our next lesson was to do with my ability.

Self control, as Athenodora had called it. So that I would be able to control lashing out, even when I was angered to the point where I felt as if I was going to explode.

The throne room doors were thrown open; causing both Alec and my attention to snap to them. Aro had looked up from the table he was reading at, Caius and Marcus at his side. Flanked by two guards was the most outrageous immortal I had ever laid eyes on. His hair was matted, his clothes brown and ripped in places. His beard tickled the base of his chest, and not to mention the fact he looked positively dirty.

Alec and I shared a glance, and within that split second; we were standing by Aro's throne. We never got tired of watching executions being taken place. However, the odd thing was... With executions, they were usually being dragged in. Reluctant to face their crimes, and withstand the punishment. This man was walking freely, with Corin and Santiago at either side of him.

Across the room, Aro put down his book and stood up from his seat. His eyes were studying the male, an interested look crossing over his features. Why on earth would Aro be interested in him? He looked homeless for christ sake. Surely any reasonable vampire would indulge themselves in a better way of living? He didn't have to wear the clothes he was currently sporting. He could easily kill a mortal and take their clothes. Thats what I would do, if I were in his situation. But then again, his clothing didn't matter.

He was going to die anyway, and quite frankly; I was glowing with excitement.

I cast a glance towards Alec, who as always, stood bored looking. No flash of emotion on his face, no sense of joy evident with knowing this man was going to die before him. I myself couldn't hide the inner celebration going on, despite how hard I tried. A sadistic smile had already found its way onto my lips.

Just before he reached Aro's throne, the man dropped down onto his knees and bowed his head. I couldn't help but notice it made his beard look twice as long, for it was now brushing over his clothed in ragged abdomen.

Aro made his way across the room. He didn't go straight to his throne, however. Instead, he walked around the male twice; his head tilting side to side. The man kept his head lowered, obviously out of respect. Was Aro examining him? Why on earth would he do that?

"Mm," Aro voiced. Once the voice was heard, the man looked up; his head still lowered reasonably. Flicking his hand out, Aro waited patiently for the male to respond. He did, and Aro's eyes fell to a close. Yes, yes, yes, yes! Aro was now going to see the crimes, and then Corin and Santiago would hold him down while Aro removed his head!

I wondered if Aro would allow me to go along with them to the furnace to see the body being burnt? I was unsure was it was, but the purple smoke that emitted from the bodies as they burnt always amazed me. It was probably due to the fact I loved that color on Alec, and always reminded me of him.

After a few seconds, Aro's eyes snapped open; and his lips curved into a smile that didn't give me the joy I usually found when witnessing an execution. Instead, it brought me a heaving amount of curiosity, and a little bit of anxiety.

"At long last you have arrived," Aro sounded pleased as he dropped the males hand. Alec and I shared a glanced where I raised a questioning eyebrow towards him. He shrugged his shoulders for the briefest of movements, then returned his eyes back to the scene before him.

"It took some convincing of my creator," the man spoke; and I was able to hear the fluent melody of his voice. So charming sounding, sleek, deep, manly and music like. However, that was only to be expected. All immortals had beautiful voices. It was another factor that helped lure in humans. He was just lacking in the physical side of it all. "But one does not refuse such an offer as you have given me."

An offer? What offer?

"Well you're placement here starts as of immediately. Corin," Aro's attention switched from the man on the floor to the petite female standing above him to his left. "You will take him to his new accommodations where he will become more presentable. Then, bring him back here where we will feast. Send Heidi out to round up a few meals, will you?"

"But of course, Master." Corin bowed her head in complete compliance.

"Rise, my boy." Aro instructed to the male on the floor. He male did as he was told and rose to his feet once again.

I heard, and saw Alec's hand clench at his side from the corner of my eye. He didn't like that, evidently. Alec was Aro's boy. No one else. I longed to reach out and comfort him, but I was too entranced in watching this. Who was this man? What offer had been made?

And then it struck me. This was him. The man we had been waiting on from Egypt. The man who had been better than the previous tracker we had. This was... What was his name again?

"Demetri," Yes, that was it! "I would like to introduce you to Alec and Jane first and foremost."

Aro looked over his shoulder, and indicated for us both to step down and come to his side. Step after step in sync, Alec and I found her places at Aro's side as we always were. Demetri looked over us both with dark red eyes - showing he hadn't fed during his travels. No doubt he was hungry. I knew I was. The chiming bell that was Aro's voice saying we were getting a meal was music to my ears. Three days I had waited, and I was finally getting a chance to eat once more.

"Alec," Aro turned his head to Alec. "Jane," and then to me. "This is Demetri. The tracker we were discussing."

Alec seemed to be sizing the male up. His eyes scoured all over the hairy male. I knew that look. He was determining whether he should give him the time of day, even if in Aro's presence. I envied the lack of fear he had when it came to Aro being at his side. If he wasn't interested in meeting someone, Alec wasn't one to hide it.

Finally, Alec swept out a hand towards him. His chin raised and his eyes fathomless with emptiness. Demetri pushed out his own hand and met Alec's. They gave a brief shake, and Demetri nodded his head in a greeting.

Placing out my own hand, now that Alec was back to merely standing there; eyeing this male up as if he were below him - which he certainly did look like - Demetri's eyes drifted over me, then landed onto my hand. His hand found mine, and he lowered his head. Gently, his fur ridden lips brushed the back of my hand; and I had to hold back the scowl of disgust wanting to break through my stone cold expression.

"It is an honor to meet you," Demetri's eyes were on mine for around three seconds, and then flicked to Alec. "To meet you both. I have heard great things about you already."

Alec's jaw clenched, but he stayed silent. Demetri let my hand fall, while his eyes lingered over me once more. "I look forward to working alongside you both."

"As do I," I replied, a ghost of a smile finding my lips. "Demetri." I voiced his name; closing the sentence.

His lips curved automatically as Aro clasped his hands together; stealing all our attention from one another. "Go freshen up while we prepare for the feast. Then we will introduce you to the rest of the coven, and world will travel of our new coven member around the globe."

Demetri nodded his head, bowing once again as he backed away. Once he had taken five steps back, Demetri stood completely and turned on his heel; following Corin and Santiago out of the throne room. The doors were pushed to a close behind him, and I was left watching the large wooden doors in amusement.

"He will bring great things to this coven, children." Aro spoke. "He will be a great ally in getting this done."

I couldn't help but hope Aro was right. Whatever it was about this hairy male, Demetri; he had charm about him. He had something that made me hope he couldn't be replaced. Not like Claudius.

"I heard his story back in Verona," her voice brought Jane out of her little flash to the past, causing her eyes to flick to her and raise an eyebrow curiously. She had heard who's story?

"Demetri's, that is." Clearly, she had understood Jane's arched eyebrow. "It was sad to hear his daughter died."

"Every mortal dies eventually, Renesmee. It doesn't matter what age they are taken at, the will die sooner or later."

"I suppose. Besides, I think it's the fact she became ill that Demetri got the skill he does today. Trying to find medication for her, and travelling around following a lost cause."

Jane hadn't thought of it like that. But now she was bringing it up, she too believed that now. If it wasn't for his daughter's illness, he wouldn't have gone on his lifelong search to make her better. If it hadn't been for his daughter's death, he probably wouldn't have been turned by Aumn. And thus, he wouldn't have left him to become a part of this coven.

"Indeed," Jane nodded her head in agreement. "Demetri is a fine tracker. Much more effective than what Claudius was."

"What was this Claudius like?"

Jane rolled her eyes, a humorous smile on her lips. "Positively irritating."

"How so?"

"You have that Jacob male following you around, do you not?"

Renesmee nodded her head.

"Like that... Only I didn't get a single break. I was continually having him as a shadow. At one point, I was positive Alec might've killed him if he got any closer."

Renesmee broke a smile, her eyes looking down to the closed book. Her hand pressed over her lips, where Jane heard a muffled giggle.

"Alec did say he was really protective over you." She eventually said, looking back up; with a full on grin on her face. "Like... Really, really protective."

"Oh, he was. Still is, but not to the extent he used to be."

"He's a good brother, isn't he?"

"He is indeed." She glanced down towards her hands on her lap. "He always had been."

She was still grinning at her. Clearly hearing about Alec somehow pleased her. Surprisingly... It didn't bother her. Not like it used too. This girl took interest in Alec, and with that interest in Alec; Jane was always in there somewhere. Jane and Alec had been inseparable; thus she must be in all of the stories she knew already of them both.

Thus making this girl a little interested in her too, right?

Jane tilted her head, her eyes finding the girl once again. She was about to ask if she had ever asked Alec about herself when the sound of growling erupted the silent room.

Jane wasn't stupid. She knew that sound. She had heard it countless times over her existence. Her stomach was sounding, gurgling, to warn that she was becoming hungry.

Renesmee placed her hand over her stomach while her cheeks flared a bright red.

"Sorry... I uh, didn't get breakfast. I didn't want to keep you waiting."

Jane frowned somewhat, but nodded none the less.

"I will retrieve you food if you stay here and do not leave this room."

Once again, surprise became written all over her face. But she nodded frantically at the offer. She wasn't sure whether it was due to the fact Renesmee was really hungry, that she didn't know how to refuse Jane due to being scared of her, or she was just thankful Jane was making some attempt at showing kindness towards her.

Well, it wasn't like she was going to freaking cook it for her.

Returning a nod, Jane stood from her seat and made her way to the door. Pulling it open, Jane stepped out.

"Stay there." She gave a warning glance towards Renesmee, who placed her hand onto her chest. Ah, yes. That stupid 'cross my heart' crap Jane had overheard.

Rolling her eyes in return, Jane closed the door behind her and began down the corridor.

With the silence returning to the surrounding area, Renesmee shuffled uneasily on her seat. The past few days had been long ones. Ones she had enjoyed thoroughly. Three days ago, the night of her birthday, had been the time of her life. She'd been reunited with her friends, she had an extravagant birthday; which she owed all too Aro - must remind to thank him, again, she mentally made a note.

She had one of the most mind blowing nights of passion she'd never experienced before with Alec, and to top it all off.. She got to spend the day in the city, knowing full well he was waiting on her; even though he hadn't shown up. But after a little explanation that he had to spare some time for his sister, Renesmee understood. Besides, her friends were more than welcome in keeping her company.

Overall, everything was a surreal feeling. Something she hadn't had in a long time. God, it was hard to think two years ago she had only met this guard member who utterly terrified her beyond explanation. Now, here she was... His lover. Girlfriend. She couldn't help but feel silly saying 'girlfriend' because they were so, so much more than that. They connected on so many levels it was almost unreal. Being with him again, being by his side, made her realize just how hollow she had been those two years without him.

She had to take the time to speak to her family. She knew that. God knows what this trip was doing to them. It was a well known fact they weren't entirely fond of the Volturi, despite how well it might've seemed they were. They were playing civil, for her benefit. And the pack... She had to spend some time with them too. Although they had spent the day together in the city two days ago, she didn't want Jacob believing she was neglecting him, seeing as her attention was mainly on Ivy, Shannon and Suzannah.

But could you blame her for wanting to spend most of her time with those she hadn't seen in years? Those girls had been her life in Forks, and to this day they still played a valid part in it. But Alec? She couldn't begin to express just how much she missed him. How much she never wanted to be without him again. She didn't think she could do it. Not now, not after finally being in his arms again.

She was his Reny, and he was her Ally - even though he hated that nickname.

Deciding not to pay any more attention to the fact she'd be without him soon again; for the time in Volterra was rapidly coming to an end, Renesmee flipped the book back open to take off where she had stopped to explain it to Jane. It had come as a pleasant surprise to find Alec had still kept the three copies of William Shakespeare she had once bought for him. All kept on the mantelpiece fireplace in his dorm. She was sure he wouldn't mind her taking one just to do some light reading up until he came back, especially after Jane had announced they would be spending the day in the library.

That had come as a complete scare. Finding out she was to spend the day with Jane. But now, she was a little glad it had happened. At least she could say she got somewhat of a conversation out of Jane. Sure she wasn't as comfortable as she was talking to Alec but she couldn't complain. Getting to know Jane, gaining her approval and hopefully friendship would take time. She knew that, and for Alec, she was willing to go through with whatever trouble it may be. However, she knew it would get a whole lot more comfortable to be around her when he returned. She wondered just how much longer he would be away... He had said he had a surprise for her, after all.

She flicked over the page once again, her eyes skimming over the writing.

"Hello, Renesmee."

Her skin tingled at the familiar voice, yet it sounded so foreign. It sent chills down her spine, just by the mere tone. Her head snapped up, and her eyes landed on the figure, standing beside a bookshelf.

Registering this person was easy. They had haunted her dreams for a couple of weeks two years ago. Made her worry on their fate, and what happened to them; and yet here she was. Long blonde hair still as perfect as ever. Chiselled, perfect features all content and goddess looking. Her lips in a fine, straight line.

The only thing that was different was the eyes. They weren't rich light brown. Not like they had once been when she had met her. They were scarlet red.

"Lil?" Renesmee asked, confusion burrowed on her face.

"It's lovely to see you again."

A/N:

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. 1,000 REVIEWS?

You guys are freaking awesome! Never did I expect this little drabble to get so popular. And, as a treat as to how amazing you all are; here is the next chapter! Thank KatasaurRAWR for this guys, she put it out there that I should treat you; otherwise I would have updated regularly. Yes, yes. I'm oblivious like that.

Also, I'd like to thank her for being awesome enough to come up to mine and share a nice drink while discussing future storylines. This girl helps keeping me in the flow of things, and isn't one to hold back on what she thinks. Also, sex scenes? She helps every now and then with them also. Thank you for your kinkiness, Kitty kat. You make Alec all the more hot. unf unf.

Anyway! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. As for a question I received from Claudia, New York time would be at 12:00pm in the afternoon for you!

Any other time queries don't hesitate in asking. See you all on Saturday, guys!

Much love, my lovely Corruptedheartians.

-C.H