Chapter nineteen: Hide and seek.

She wasn't entirely sure what it was about this place, but she liked it. They had been stuck within this house ever since Lilianna had decided it was time to leave. That didn't mean they were finished with whatever plan she had up her sleeve. Oh no, that was far from over. This was just a stop, but Mary did hope she would decide to stay here a little longer.

The house in question was perfect to her. It reminded her a great deal of what her own home had been like before Lilianna had recruited her. The front door opened to a little hallway, where a set of stairs stood directly in front of the entrance to the house. Upstairs there were three bedrooms and a bathroom; not that they used the bedrooms anyway. It was just nice to know there was a space for them to go to if they wished. Down the hallway at the bottom of the stairs there was a door to the left with glass windows. It opened up to the large living room; cream and white. The room was so light... It lifted Mary's spirits every time she found herself in there. And Scott seemed to enjoy it, but that was probably due to the large TV hanging on the wall. Back in the hallway, there was another door directly opposite the door to the living room; under the stairs. Another bathroom, meaning there wouldn't be a cue for the shower when they decided they wanted one. Continuing down that lone hallway was the kitchen was spacious, just like the one her mother had often cooked in. Black and white tiles, and black marble countertops with a clean island in the middle of the kitchen.

That was where Delilah often sat. Directly on that island, looking out the window and into the mountain tops that surrounded the home caught in the middle of nowhere.

Truth be told, Lilianna had seemed reluctant to stay here. Probably because of how modern it was inside. She prefered the older looking homes. Shacks, more or less. But this was like a taste of home for the other three. They had all grown up around things like these. TV's, electricity, cell phones... Just modern things.

But she liked it here. She liked it here a lot. They were secluded from the rest of the world. No one knew they were here, no one knew who they were and probably never would. It was as if it was just them three. No one else mattered. Just Mary, Scott and Delilah.

For the past day, Lilianna hadn't been around. After she had stormed out after telling them they were leaving the castle - which secretly she was thrilled about. She hated that dark castle, full of people who were dangerous and terrifying - they had only seen her when she came back to lead them away, brought them here and stayed with them until they settled.

The family that had lived here... Well, they had already been dealt with. Lilianna had said that was what she was doing when she stormed out. She had secured them this place to live, and got rid of the family. Mary had noticed the lack of photographs on the walls, which she believed Lilianna had taken down. She was thankful for that; she didn't like seeing the faces of the families her 'sister' had killed.

Some things were better left unknown. Especially for someone who still had a conscience and felt guilt.

Although it had been hard to adjust without her around when Lilianna had left, instructing them not to leave until she came back, Mary eventually got there and found she was rather... Enjoying it. Not having to pretend to be something she wasn't, or watch the others be something they weren't. Scott was free to lounge on the sofa all day watching sports, and not be expected to sit upright and be presentable at all times.

Delilah was free to sit on her own and not converse with any of them if she didn't want too. She could sit the way she wanted, sluggish or not. And most recently, she could smoke away at the pack of cigarettes she had found when raiding one of the rooms upstairs. Mary wasn't sure why she wanted to smoke, but wouldn't bother her in asking why. She knew better, besides... Her father used to smoke, so smelling it lingering around the house brought her even more to feeling at home.

And most of all, Mary was able to sit and stare at Scott for however long she wanted; and not feel the need to hide her adventurous eye. She often sat in the main room, legs crossed on the plush chair watching him bite his nails, blink every few seconds, ruffle his hair, shift on the sofa to get comfortable.

He didn't need to do that, for they didn't feel comfort at all really. But she believed he did it to feel human. Just like she stood outside barefoot and curled her toes in the grass to feel human.

Presently, Mary was doing exactly that. Standing at the back of the house, fully aware of Delilah's eyes on her through the window, with her feet scrunching and scrunching around the grass. Just down from her was a tree with a piece of rope hanging from it, and a tire attached to the end.

She knew there had been kids living here at some point.

And it was because of that knowledge she refused to go anywhere near the swing.

She might be a monster, and lived the life she currently was, but that didn't mean she had to act like one. She knew when things were wrong, and when things were right. And as of recently, she was pretty sure what they were doing was wrong. Why else would Lilianna hide them from the Volturi? If they weren't breaking some rules that weren't meant to be broken, why was Scott to have his gift around them at all times. Hiding them even more from the world? Why was she to push people away if they were to come up here?

It all pointed to the fact that whatever they were doing was wrong, and Lilianna knew it; despite how much Mary wanted to believe she didn't. Mary always saw the best in Lilianna. She had too. Mary was the most loyal to her, she believed. Both Scott and Delilah had at least once said they wanted to run away at some point in their life. But Mary? Mary had never once wanted to leave. Whether that was out of fear of leaving Lilianna, or fear of what she might do if she found out Mary wanted to leave; she wasn't sure.

She had never once wanted to leave Lilianna's side. Not once.

"You alright there, china doll?"

Mary's head turned to look up over her shoulder. Scott was grinning down at her, happiness lingering in his bottomless red eyes. He must like it here too, she thought. The quiet could never get old. So peaceful, easy and content. Mary never wanted to leave.

She nodded her head, and screwed up her toes once again.

"Delilah was becoming worried. You've been out here for two hours."

Had she? Delilah never got worried. She kept to herself most of the time now. Mary looked over her shoulder to the window. There, sitting in the kitchen on the island, smoking freely was their other coven mate. Mary cast a glance back to Scott and raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, alright. I was becoming worried."

That sounded a little more believable.

Mary wasn't quite sure what it was, but Delilah had been a lot more distant than usual. She didn't have that flare of sass around her anymore. She didn't use sarcasm as frequently as she did. She didn't challenge Scott as much as she used too. She didn't not baby Mary as much as she used too, nor complain about her being babied. And most of all, she didn't challenge Lilianna, when she was here, on what she was supposed to be like anymore.

Delilah was like a hollow shell now. She just sat, stared, smoked, showered and sat some more. When she did speak, it was usually to ask if everything was alright and if they minded her using the bathroom for an hour. Something happened to her, Mary knew it. But she wasn't sure what it was.

She missed the fearless girl that had once been her sister.

"I lose track of time out here." Mary finally explained, curling and uncurling her toes.

"Yeah," Scott scoffed, scratching the back of his neck. "I've noticed."

Mary gave a polite smile in return, a simple shrug of her shoulders and continued to stare out ahead of her. She could smell water, so she was positive there must've been a stream somewhere close. There had to be. Otherwise her hallucinating had become really realistic lately.

"So what d'you do out here all day?" Scott asked.

She could tell he would rather be inside watching his sports, but whatever had brought him out here to her, she was thankful. At least it proved he thought about her, noticed her enough to realize she was gone, and care enough to worry what she was up too.

It made her feel special.

"You're looking at it." She answered, nodding her head to her toes.

Scott's face moved from concerned to somewhat bewildered. She liked to curl her toes in the grass and mud? Mary never failed to surprise him with some of the wacky stuff she did. Even now, when he was so sure he had her all figured out; she still managed to surprise him.

"Why?" He asked, completely taken back as to why she'd do such a thing.

"It feels good." She shrugged again.

So did a lot of things, but Scott wouldn't have put wiggling your toes in grass as one of them. Then again, Scott couldn't really judge. He had taken a lot of pleasure out of just lounging around, being a lazy kid he had once been when he was human. They each had their own thing, so it seemed. Scott enjoyed sitting, or lying, watching the TV; Delilah liked to sit on the island in the kitchen and smoke; and Mary liked to wiggle her feet in the blades of grass. In their own little way, each of them were strange; if you really thought about it, which he was now doing.

Vampire's didn't need to lounge about, or relax. And yet he did it, because it made him feel more at peace with who he used to be. Vampire's didn't need to smoke, because it did nothing for them, and yet Delilah did because it gave her something else to do.

So whatever reason Mary did this for, Scott couldn't judge. He wouldn't judge. He could never really judge her.

He could be curious, however. Never knock something until you try it, was what his mother used to say.

So, with no other words; Scott kicked off his left shoe and pulled off his sock.

"What're you doing?" Mary asked with a frown on her face.

"Seeing what all the fuss is about," he chuckled sarcastically, since Mary never put up any fuss about anything. It was one of the many things he liked about her. She was just easy going and uncomplicated. Kicking off the other shoe, and repeating the process with the sock; Scott stepped forward from his stance behind her and stood directly beside her. His eyes adjusted and focused on her small, nimble feet and copied her actions. Curling and uncurling his toes each time she did.

The grass blades creased beneath his feet, and crushed in the crevices of his toes. The soft hairs each piece of green held tickled against his marble skin, and sent sensation throughout his nerve endings. Lilianna wasn't kidding when she said senses were heightened. Something so simple as this felt almost... Amazing.

Scott could definitely see why Mary often stood out here and did this often. It wasn't entirely his cup of tea, but each to their own he supposed. He wouldn't lie and say it didn't feel good, however; because it did. It really, really did.

Scott looked over his shoulder, to signal for Delilah to come out and join them, only to be caught short. The figure that was once sitting on the island he could see through the window wasn't there. Delilah had moved, and to where surprised Scott completely.

Walking out the back door, and towards them with her arms crossed, Delilah had one eyebrow raised while her eyes gave nothing away.

"What're you doing?"

"Feet in the grass." Mary replied, not bothering to look at Delilah.

"... Okay then," Delilah rolled her eyes while shaking her head side to side. "We're going out hunting in a few hours. So be ready."

"Did Lilianna say it was alright?" Mary questioned before Scott had the chance too.

"Yes, she did."

And with that, Delilah turned around and began to walk back to the house.

"Hey, Delia?"

Delilah froze on the spot. Scott knew she disliked it when he called her that, but both of them had a nickname from him. Mary was his China doll, and Delilah was his Delia. When she didn't turn, Scott continued with his statement.

"Why don't you join us?" He offered, but Delilah still refused to turn around and look at him.

"Because I have better things to do." She stated blandly.

"Like smoke?" He scoffed, unable to hide the sarcasm in his tone.

Delilah began to walk again, ignoring them both and not bothering to spare him another word.

"You know you can talk to us, right?" He called after her, his body turning to face the girl walking back to the house. "We're always here for you... I'm always here for you."

She didn't reply, closed the back door and returned to her perch on the island. Her back to the window, so that he couldn't see her face. Scott sighed deeply and turned on his heel once more to face where Mary was.

"She'll come around, Scotty." He never failed to get tingles when she called him that. "She did the first time, remember."

That was true. Delilah had been distant, uninterested and quiet during her first few months with them as a family. She rarely spoke two words to them. It was always nods, and shrugs. She had detached herself from them, and she was doing it again.

He just couldn't figure out why, and neither could Mary. The best thing they could do... Was wait. Wait for her to attach herself to them, and then they would be able to find out exactly what had happened that took her from them. Patience was something they both were forced to have in this new life; but at least they had all the time in the world.

She'd open up to them again... Eventually. Until then, Scott and Mary just needed to focus on living in the moment they were currently in. Enjoying the small taste of freedom, and not breaking the rules or tormenting the Volturi. It was just them both, up in the mountains, bare foot in the grass, and content with themselves. Scott reached out and took hold of Mary's hand in his. She grinned up at him instantly, and intertwined their fingers together.

Together, they began to crunch their toes in the grass in sync.

Within the kitchen, Delilah stared endlessly out in front of her. Listening to the laughter now coming from behind her outside. She envied how calm they could be. How carefree they could be sometimes. It was as if they had forgotten all the problems they were now currently facing.

But, she supposed they hadn't been there for it. They hadn't seen the way Alec had looked at her. They hadn't heard the way he threatened their family, and saw the way he had meant it. They hadn't heard Lilianna's warning to him in return, that she would stop at nothing until he was hers again. And most of all... They hadn't felt his hand around their throats.

They hadn't felt the inevitable fear that lingered through her veins every time she remembered, or saw his face - which was everytime she closed her eyes - or heard his name. If Lilianna did indeed manage to collect Alec the way she wanted too, it was going to be a living hell for Delilah. She would be forced to live with the man who ultimately scared her senseless. He didn't need his gift in order to do that. Everytime she remembered the look on his face, or felt the ghost of his hand on her throat, she was rendered paralyzed.

Although she was scared, she was also very, very angry.

Angry at herself for being scared. Angry at the fact she had been stupid enough to get caught. Angry at the fact she hadn't listened to Lilianna and came across them. If she had just done as she was told, none of that would have happened. None of it.

But then again, it was going along with her plan that had brought them here; wasn't it? If she had said something about not wanting to go through with following this Alec Cecil around, or his sister; maybe they wouldn't even be in this country? They could be anywhere else. Anywhere.

Oh, who was she kidding. If Delilah had voiced that she didn't want to follow this endless game of cat and mouse between the Volturi guard member and Lilianna's coven, she would no doubt have killed her. She didn't like to think that she would, but Delilah knew better than to believe in false things.

Lilianna would have replaced her. She wasn't stupid. She knew that Lilianna had once considered it, but went against it due to the fact Delilah had a gift she saw useful; and she was the closest resemblance to this 'Grace' as she could get.

If it hadn't been for those two reason's alone... She wouldn't even be in this kitchen, listening to Scott and Mary laughing.

Risking a glance, Delilah peered over her shoulder; wanting to see what all the commotion was about. They were no longer playing in the grass with their feet. Scott was currently pushing Mary on that tire swing out back.

She sighed, looking back around and adjusting her foot from under her. Sitting crossed legged, rather than sitting on her feet completely, Delilah flicked her finger over her nails and closed her eyes.

Truth was, she didn't just sit here doing nothing. She sat here to test herself. She would close her eyes, imagine him again and try to keep some composed sense around her. She would try to stop the sense of panic that sent chills through her the moment she saw him within her head. But so far, all she was able to do was panic. Nothing worked. The smoking helped calm her down. It gave her something to do, something to preoccupy her mind with.

She wanted to be able to go back to how she had been. Closing her eyes, and everything being fine. To not feel scared if she were to see him in her head again. Because god knows what it was going to be like if he joined this coven.

All of this fear reminded her of the life had left behind. She had said goodbye to that life a long, long time ago. She didn't want to remember it for a reason. She refused too. But there was that one person who always knew how to help her in a situation like this. He was always there for her, he always helped her and knew how to calm her down. In that moment, she realized just how much she missed being human; despite how much she hated it. She missed it for one solid reason. She missed him.

She had put him out of her thoughts completely up until now. Right when she felt she needed him most. It was selfish, given that she had vanished from his life the way she had, and she hadn't given him a second thought until now. She knew that, but she couldn't help it. Thinking about him only brought back the pain of what it was like to be her back then, but it also brought back just how amazing he had made her feel.

He was the only person who stuck by her, despite how cooky she might've seemed. Ryan was alway there for her. And right now, she wanted nothing more than for him to be here with her again; arms around her, soothing her like he once did when she'd go into her dreaded panic attacks. Hell, she just wanted him.

But there was no going back now. All she had left was his memory, and all she could do was remember what he used to tell her in a situation like this. Whatever demons were inside of her, she could face them. She was stronger than them, and she always would be. She had the inner strength to stand up to them; and she could beat them if she put her mind to it. She just had to remember that.

So, with her eyes closed; Alec's face formed, and instantly she felt her hands begin to shake.

You can beat him. You have the strength.

The menacing red eyes glared back into hers, lips parting to reveal his venom coated teeth. 'You're whole family are mine. Starting with Lilianna, then Scott, and then Mary. You'll watch, and once I'm through with them... You're next. You're next... You're next.'

She couldn't do it. She couldn't do it! Her eyes snapped open, and her chest heaved for breath. Ryan was wrong. She couldn't beat him. She couldn't beat this demon. Because this demon wasn't just in her head like the others had been. He was real. He was walking around, talking. He was physically here, and he could actually harm her and those she loved.

There was no beating this one, no matter how hard she tried. Her hand picked up the cigarette packet again. Ryan might not be here to comfort her in the way she craved, but at least these could help.

—xXx—

Demetri was reeling. Physically, and probably mentally too. Not that I really blamed him. This had stood as his last chance in finding these two 'villains' who had avoided him tracking him. I personally saw every reason behind his trouble, and frustration. It wasn't everyday someone was able to outwit a Volturi member.

However, the fact Demetri hadn't been able to find them only made me more certain Lilianna had taken my warning and ran off with her coven. By now, they could be anywhere within the world. Perhaps even at the other side of the globe, where there was no chance of us catching up anytime soon. That thought brought me ease, but I couldn't say the same for Demetri.

I was honestly surprised that he wasn't ripping his hair out. He seemed to be taking it with great stride, and conviction. Of course; even the most civilized of us had our little outbursts; and Demetri's language was a little colorful, but I paid no attention. A little outburst of frustration was probably what was needed to calm him down. Once he got it out of his system, we would no doubt have the normal Demetri back.

"So that's all of them?" Demetri voiced, pacing back and forth; his hands behind his back. I watched with a bemused look on my face, posture still against the chimney. I hadn't moved in the slightest, even after five hours of continuously watching. I hadn't so much as shifted a muscle. "That's all of them?"

"Most," I added, offering a shrug of my shoulders. "There are still a select few in the castle. However, I doubt any of them match your specific description."

Sarcasm wasn't needed, I knew that. But... I was Alec. Sarcasm was what I did.

Demetri shot me a glare from his travelling back and forth. I flashed a cunning smile, and received a mere roll of his eyes in return. Still grumpy. He wasn't over it yet, but he'd get there.

I looked to Felix, knowing full well he would have something to say.

"Alec's got a point y'know." Felix chipped in, just like I knew he would. "The whole getting out of there due to how close they came last time to getting caught really made sense."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I won't stop searching." Demetri snapped back, his face dripping with anger.

"We aren't saying you have to stop searching, Demetri." I sighed in boredom. "Just stop obsessing over it. They will show up eventually. They can't hide forever. They slipped up once, they will most probably do so again."

Demetri slowed in his pacing, and I could see the anticipation growing within Felix's eyes. He had been nodding along with my words, and now he was just watching. Dead intent to see if my 'soothing words' had worked. Of course they did. They always did. When it came down to our work, they often listened to me mostly. Each of them did. Jane, Felix and Demetri. They always took in my words of wisdom, so to speak. They listened, took it from my view and eventually came to the conclusion I was right.

Ever since Demetri had been teamed up with Jane and I; he had listened to me mostly, because that was what Jane did. Then when Felix had joined, he joined the little train that believed Alec was the one with the most sense.

Truthfully, I just didn't care enough to get myself into the state they often did. Especially Jane, who always ended up bursting out in a fit of anger. Surprisingly, however, I hadn't seen Demetri in a state like this before. He was often a lot like me. Calm, composed, and level headed. This was the first time I had actually seen him frustrated due to something. It was odd and new, but again... I didn't care enough to let it affect me.

Demetri eventually came to a stop; his eyes on his feet. Hesitantly, he nodded his head along with what I presumed to be my words. He was agreeing with me, just like I knew he would eventually. It hadn't happened as quickly as I thought it would; but he did. Finally, might I add.

"You're right," he said, casting his eyes my way and then to Felix. "They will slip up. And when they do, I'll catch them."

"That's the spirit!" Felix bellowed, moving forward and slapping Demetri on the back. "Don't let it get to 'ya."

Demetri gave half of a laugh, though I could still see the irritation in his eyes. Partly at himself, partly at the fact these criminal's had gotten away. But, like I had said, Demetri may get the chance again. I highly doubted it, but what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

"What d'ya say we go for a run, hm?" Felix then offered, causing my eyebrows to crease together. "Just the three of us, eh? Boys day out. Up in the mountains."

Boy's day out? He couldn't be serious... Could he?

"Alec, you in?" Felix turned his eyes to me, and I scoffed. That was answer enough for him.

"Alright, just us two then?"

Demetri shook his head, his eyes piercing into that of his best friends. "We best get back to the castle. I still want to look through the remaining guests."

In sync, Felix and I seemed to roll our eyes in the exact same moment. Of course he wouldn't put it behind him straight away. It was rare we ever let any mission go uncomplete. Hell, it wasn't rare. It just never happened. Not once. This was a first, and it would be the last. I could see that promise written all over Demetri's face. He wasn't going to let it go so easily. He would search, even if it took him eternity. Of course he would take on other missions, but that didn't mean he would forget about this one. He was dedicated in finding them, and he would try with every moment until he did.

Good luck with that Demetri, I thought highly amused with myself. At least he would be occupied with something other than conversing in jokes with my sister. I still hadn't forgotten him mocking me with her on the 'no promises' statement.

They were getting close, and quite frankly... I didn't like it. I didn't like it one bit. It was hypocritical of me, of course; considering I had someone other than Jane. I had Renesmee, but that was different. Renesmee was mine, and I was hers. Jane and Demetri? Well... They were just coven members, guard members and team members. That was all, and that was all it had ever been.

The fact she was willingly joking with him made me sick. I was the one she joked with. I was the one she smiled at. I was the one she talked too willingly. Not Demetri. So, why she was suddenly doing so confused me and infuriated me all the same.

Demetri shrugged his shoulder out of Felix's hold and began down the building and into an alley. Felix raised a brow at me, and I shrugged. That was all I could offer. There was no fighting Demetri on this. Not when he was dead set on returning to finish up his initial plan. All we could do was stand at his side and follow after him.

With that in mind, we began after him. Flanking both of his sides in a silent walk back to the castle and towards the underground entrance we had witnessed countless others exit out of.

"You do not have to accompany me on this, Alec." Demetri spoke up as we walked down the steps into the underground tunnel. "You are free to return to the Cullen girls side."

As if I needed his permission on what I could, and couldn't do. If I wanted to go to her side - which I did - I would go despite his permission or not. However, she was with Jane and despite how much that knowledge unsettled me, I knew Renesmee was in safe hands. At least... I hoped she was.

I ignored his words, and continued to stroll beside him. Idly ignoring Natalia as we passed her, and the select few immortal still lingering around the castle corridors. Especially that of Renesmee's family. They seemed to be content waiting outside the throne room; chatting amongst themselves. I saw no need in interacting with them. Renesmee wasn't present, so communication wasn't necessary.

At least, that's what I believed.

"Alec," the sound of Carlisle's voice chimed, causing my strides beside Demetri to cut short; and the two taller immortals to continue on walking without me. "A word please?"

I glanced over my shoulder to the crowd, making a small note at to who was present. Carlisle, his beloved wife, the future seer, the blonde bombshell and her brute of a husband. Well, so long as Renesmee's father wasn't present. I had respect for Carlisle, the coven leader. He was a man of wisdom, and understood both sides of every argument.

Despite how much I disliked his coven - aside from Renesmee, of course - I wouldn't refuse the doctor. He was an old friend of Aro's, after all. With a swift nod of my head, I retreated my steps and came up front to the five yellow eyes. They must've ate well on their hunting trip...

I had to fight the grin wishing to break free over my lips. While they were off feeding their appetites, I was feeding my own; and not in the food department.

"How may I be of service, Carlisle?" I arched an eyebrow, already noticing my bored monotonous tone returning.

Carlisle gave a welcoming, yet professional smile. One that you may bestow on an elder; which currently he was doing. I wasn't sure how much older I was than this male, for he had quite some age on him despite his appearance. I could say the same for myself, given I didn't look at day older seventeen myself; but I knew his age was one that probably rounded up to each of his coven members added together give or take.

At least he still knew who was the elder here, despite the looks.

"I was talking to my family on our return from hunting," he paused to see if I was paying attention. I nodded, arching an eyebrow in question as to why he would think I'd even be remotely interested in this. Hell, why would I be interested in anyone from his coven who wasn't Renesmee? I wouldn't. It was that simple. But that must've dawned on him, and he must've known that. He wouldn't dare speak to me unless it was of importance to myself, and somehow involved Renesmee. If it was of great importance he could, and would, take it to Aro. Thus, with realizing that; my interest spiked. "And I couldn't help but notice just how much Renesmee comes out of her shell when she is in your presence."

Oh, you have no idea just how much she's come out of her shell, old man.

I nodded my head once again, as if this was no surprise to me at all.

"I personally haven't seen her this radiant since you came to Forks two years prior."

"Where are you going with this, Carlisle?" I asked impatiently. I had other things to be doing; like following Demetri and making sure he didn't obsess over something I had already told him to let go of.

"I was going to suggest this to Aro, seeing as I haven't seen you around lately."

"Because I've been working," I defended rather quickly, my eyes narrowing.

"I know, I know. I recall just how busy the life of a Volturi guard is."

Oh, please! All he did all day was stand with Aro and watch. He wasn't sent out on the missions, nor given the tasks to figure plots and such out. How could he recall just how busy it was, when he hadn't been busy at all? Somehow, oddly, I felt my bloodless veins begin to boil.

"However, with that said, I think it would benefit both you and Renesmee if you were to return back with us in a few days, and if not then at least come visit us all?"

Wait, what? He wanted me to return back with them, travel with them and... live with them? I loved Renesmee, don't get me wrong, I really, really did... But seriously? They were leaving in what was it? Three days, and even then I was well aware to the fact she was trying to sweet talk her father into letting her stay a little longer. I had no objections to that for she would be safe here, and I'd be able to do my job. But if I were to go with them?

I knew for a fact I wouldn't be able to go within three days. There was far too much I had to do already. Like sort Demetri out to begin with, and rebuild the bridges that had weakened between Jane and myself.

But visit them? God knows when I would be able to take the time away to do that. Although I may wish to practically every moment up until then, my obligations to the Volturi were far more restricting.

The thought did intrigue me, though. Here was the leader of this coven we had once went to destroy, and had countlessly tried to dismember in the past, offering me a bed - so to speak - so his grandchild and myself may spend some more time together? It was an interesting concept, I'd admit that.

"You wish for me to come to... Where was it again?"

"Alabama," Carlisle answered with a nod. "It's a quiet little town. A lot like Forks, with not much going on."

Not much going on? Pha. Fork's had been a destination of complete and utter mayhem before Renesmee had even been conceived. With the newborns, the marriage between a vampire and a human, the birth of Renesmee, our arrival to destroy them all, and then Renesmee and I coming together as one. But sure, not much went on there.

I pursed my lips, unable to stop my eyes from glancing over the other four behind him; obviously listening but keeping their eyes down.

"And your families take on this?"

"They agree it will do her good."

"Speak for yourself." I heard the blonde muse quietly. Evidently she was still sour at the fact I was currently stealing the one thing she took joy in, other than her large ape of a husband. I couldn't really blame her. Renesmee was something to take joy in, and want to keep for yourself. Lord knows I did.

"When?" I decided to ignore her, despite having heard her clearly and the fact she knew I had heard.

Carlisle's lips pulled into a full grin, as if I had accepted the offer already. "Well, with Renesmee looking at college applications; the summer may be best. When she is no longer in school, and has a few months to prepare herself before going off to college."

Summer? That wasn't that far away, come to think of it. The date was... September 15th? I was sure that was the date. However, I could be wrong. I had at least eight to nine months before then. Although it may seem like a lifetime to a human, months ticked by like days to me. Hell, it seemed like yesterday I was first setting foot into that small cottage and saying hello to Renesmee for the first time. Huh. That was two years ago...

Yeah, time really did fly by.

"I cannot say I accept as of yet, Carlisle," I decided to play it down. I truly didn't see Aro agreeing to this in the first place anyhow. "I do have work to attend too, and Jane isn't so keen on me not being at her side for long periods of time."

He nodded, seemingly understanding where I was going.

"However, I suggest you take this matter up with Aro. If he agrees, and sees no fault in my departure for some time, then I will have no complication in accepting this gracious offer."

Truthfully, it would be a miracle if Aro actually agree. Besides, it might be nice to get out of the castle again, and be around Renesmee's lifestyle once again. I'd already began to forget what it was like to stay in that cottage, and then set on to meet her outside of her school. But she wouldn't be at school anymore. She was going to be off to college. My, my. She was growing up fast.

"I understand. Thank you for your time, Alec. I won't keep you any longer." Carlisle bowed his head to me, while I nodded in return. Letting my eyes dance across the other four, I nodded my head towards them in a somewhat civil goodbye.

Rosalie rolled her eyes, Emmett returned the nod, Alice bowed her head, and Esme smiled like the mother figure she always tried to be with practically everyone. Warm, welcoming and unjudging.

I wonder if she'd still be smiling if she knew exactly what Renesmee and I got up to behind closed doors, and what we would probably be up too if I came to this small town in Alabama. I smiled in return, but not to return hers; but because my thoughts had turned rather sinister.

Turning on my heel, I began down the corridor where Demetri had wandered down; content on finding him and making sure he wasn't lashing out again. As I turned the fourth corner, following the faint trail of their scent; I couldn't help but frown at the scene before me.

Demetri stood with Felix at his side. It wasn't that what had thrown me. It was the fact Jane stood there too, glaring up at them. Distress written all over her face. I wasted no time in picking up the pace to come closer.

Felix's eyes were the first to find mine, and his hand whipped out to tap Demetri's shoulder. His head bobbed towards me walking down the corridor. Jane and Demetri's eyes followed his unsubtle hint. My stomach twisted when I noticed Jane's pupils dilate.

Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong.

"Jane?" I skipped the hello's, and went straight to questioning what was wrong. She was supposed to be with Renesmee. The deal was that she would stay with her until I returned. That was how it was to happen. So, here she was... So where the hell was Reny!

"Alec," she twisted her body to face mine as it came to a stop by the small huddle in the middle of the corridor. "I need to tell you something."

"Where's Renesmee?"

"Now I know I was supposed to stay with her but.." She trailed off, her eyes studying mine.

I could tell she could see the anger beginning to radiate through them. I wasn't what I would class as being temperamental; but I certainly could be in some cases. And in this case, when it came down to the girl I loved, I was beyond temperamental. When it came down to her; I would become livid.

"But what?"

Jane looked down, blinking and turning her eyes away from me.

"BUT WHAT?" I raised my voice, uncaring if others in the castle may hear.

She looked up again, her face solid and stonelike.

Something within me snapped. I didn't need to hear her voice. I already knew.

"She isn't here." She took a breath, her features stern. Clearly she was annoyed and angered by this. Well, times that by one thousand and add some on; then she may be somewhere near where I was. "She needed food, so I left to get her some. I specifically told her to stay where she was until I came back; but when I returned... She wasn't there."

"Then where is she?" I spoke through gritted teeth. "Why haven't you found her? She has to be in this castle somewhere!"

"That's the thing, Alec. I have searched the castle. I've looked everywhere. But she isn't here, and I have no idea where she's gone."

A/N:

Hey guys! Sorry for the delay. I've been severely busy all day and only recently been able to update.

Anyway; here it is. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I'll see you next Saturday for the next one!

Also, I've done the competition and proud to have the winners name. Keep an eye out to see if its yours.

If it's not you, don't fret. There is a chance your names will pop up anyway!

I love you all.

-C.H