Chapter twenty: Hybrid hunt.

Panic. Complete and utter panic ran through me in that instant. I hadn't felt this much dread wash over me since the night I had desperately tried to save Jane from the clutches of the flames. And even then, it had been futile. That couldn't be the case here. It just couldn't! I would not lose Renesmee like I had almost lost my sister. I refused it!

I wasn't quite sure what the hell to think. Had something happened? Had someone spooked her off? Had she been taken?

That last one... That was the one that utterly gritted against me to no ends. Because I knew for a fact; that was a high possibility. I could still hear that high pitched scream of desperation.

'If I can't have you, then no one can!'

If that was the case; how was it that I had once found myself leaning towards this girl? Of course, I had always preferred her sister - but that was due to the fact of me choosing to be blind to her obvious affection towards me - but I had once considered the possibility of Lilianna and myself ending up together. When I was human, of course.

It was a totally different story now. I didn't want her. I didn't need her. And I certainly had no intentions of running off into the sunset with her. If I couldn't do that with Renesmee, there was no chance in hell I was going to do it with her. When it came down to it; Renesmee would always win. Hands down, no thought needed.

But, it couldn't be her. I had told her to leave, and she had. Well, I at least believed she had. Even with that threat in the air, she had completely vanished. I hadn't seen her, or her purple haired friend/sister or whatever it was they were. Demetri hadn't came across their scent in days, and oddly everything seemed a little more settled.

Could it really be her?

I was on the verge of pulling my hair out when Jane's voice brought my sanity back.

Trust her to find her sense of stability when it came down to my outburst of rage. It seemed like the tables had turned, and she was now the voice of reason while I was the one irratical with anger. Not at her, not at the fact Renesmee had ran off, but at myself for letting this happen.

I should never have left her with Jane. I should have been the stubborn dick I was known to be, and stayed by her side with no chance of being wavered.

"Demetri and Felix are going out again," Jane's hand found my shoulder. Her touch brought me somewhat down my sense of panic and rage. "You and I will research the castle. She may have gone out with her parents."

Edward and Isabella had gone out? Well, that explained their absence with Carlisle at the throne room doors. Without hesitation, I nodded my head.

"Don't fret, Alec," Said Demetri, his voice sounding stern and promising. If only it was done as easily as it was said. The love of his life wasn't missing, if Demetri even had a lover. I supposed I could class Heidi as his lover; seeing as they were continuously running back and forth from one another. "She can't have gotten that far. We'll find her."

I tried to take some comfort in his words, but it wasn't much. If at all, really.

With no other words, Felix and Demetri departed; Felix offering a stern nod of determination as he set on after Demetri down the corridor.

"Now, favorite places in this castle. Does she have any?"

I tried to rattle through my brain and memory. There were so many places she could be. The music room, the library - although I presumed that was where Jane had taken her in the first place. Being there meant silence, and the minimum of talking. It just seemed like a Jane place to take an unwanted person for company - the courtyard, the throne room or my room.

Not crossing out her own room, either. But she seemed to lean more to mine when it came to this visit. After all, she had practically spent most of her nights in there cuddling up to me as she dreamt.

"The courtyard, maybe?" I brought my hand up and rubbed at my forehead, as if to rid myself of a headache.

"I've checked there, but I will check again. Anywhere else?"

"The music room,"

She frowned. Judging by that reaction, she wasn't expecting that. The frown lasted a second before she nodded once more. "I'll see to that if she isn't in the courtyard."

"My room, her room, the upper levels..."

"You check them. I'll come find you if I come across her. If you find her, you come find me."

I knew why. Evidently Jane wasn't pleased with her little disappearing act either, and I supposed Jane just wanted to scare Renesmee; but let her see just how irritated she was at the fact she had run off when Jane was supposed to be watching her. I had seen the look of dread that had been on Jane's face. The fact she had lost one of the few things I held dear in this world. Honestly, I'd be surprised if she hadn't of been angry.

But I could deal with that later. I nodded in agreement, and with nothing else left to be said Jane vanished before my eyes. Wasting no more time, I set on up the stairs in a quick pace. Looking out for her scent, for her loud heartbeat; anything that would give me a clue as to where she was.

I had to keep Demetri's words in mind. She couldn't have gotten far. We would find her. After all, no one could really hide from the Volturi; or at least not until recently.

—xXx—

Both Demetri and Felix knew the city like the back of their hands. They had walked these alleys countless times, probably more than what they had with the castle corridors; seeing as both of them had favorite parts of their home to be in. Those were places they shared, of course. Neither of them really stayed apart for long amounts of time. In a sense, Demetri and Felix really were like brothers. They more or less enjoyed one anothers company, even in specs of silence they were content with just sitting with one another.

Out of the whole Volturi, Demetri was the one Felix was most comfortable being himself around. It was vise versa also; but Demetri was usually himself all the time anyhow. Calm, collected and easy going. It was only recently that his temper seemed to shine through, and Felix had been the one who was there for him.

And surprisingly, Jane had been there too.

That had been the oddest thing ever, seeing as Jane never took interest in what bothered Demetri. Hell, she just didn't take an interest in him whatsoever. Honestly, there had never been something to take an interest in before. He did his own thing, and did as he was told. He had never come across something able to hide itself from him - besides Isabella, but even then he knew about her. This one he had no inkling of a clue as to who it was. He hadn't been in the situation where he had needed someone to be there for him while he dealt with things.

But the moment he had, not only Felix - who he always knew would be there - but Jane had been there for him. Tried calming him. And the eternal smart ass that was Alec, giving him words of reassurance - despite them probably being sarcasm. Although the 'team' probably didn't see eye to eye; they were exactly that. A team. They stuck together when it counted most. When they were needed most. And in this moment, Alec needed him in return.

Renesmee needed him.

Though Demetri didn't know the girl all too much, their small moments together in that home within Verona had been a pleasant one. She was kind enough to spare Demetri a conversation, she listened happily to his stories and she was undyingly interested in everything he had to say. It may be a little early, but Demetri could see a friendship lying there somewhere. If he dug deep enough, he may be able to gain a friend out of all of this. A first for everything, as he had heard Alec saying. A friend that wasn't in the Volturi, but from the outside world. Who wouldn't look at him like a guard member of the most powerful coven within their world, but would look at him as... Demetri. Who would look at him like... The way Jane did when he first joined the coven; before his status had kicked in. When he had been nothing but a mere street rat, looking for a cure that didn't exist for his deceased daughter.

Felix ended up splitting from Demetri. Deciding it would be best if they widened the search of the city, leaving Demetri to look to the left; and Felix to the right. They would meet up again at the ends; where their paths would cross.

Felix honestly didn't know what to make of this. First of all, there had been a regular outbreak of crime. Just like any other mission, really. And it had turned into a chase, which he was all down for. It was rare there was ever any 'folk up for a little game of cat and mouse. The chase was always the best part, in his view! But then everything went to shit, and this thing started to get on practically everyone's nerves. Especially Demetri. Demetri had been practically ripping his hair out when Jane had left them in that alley. Games were one thing, but the moment they crossed the line and started to affect the people he cared about... It was not okay.

Now, not only did they have that to deal with, but the little Cullen princess had decided to have a game of hide and seek. Felix had onced classed himself as someone who enjoyed games. But, now he was reconsidering that statement.

But what irritated Felix - which was rare. He wasn't someone who took things seriously unless they were severely needed to be taken seriously. He liked to look at things on a brighter side, so irritation didn't come naturally to him - was the fact Renesmee would run off under the instruction not to go anywhere. Even more so... That instruction came from Jane, for christ sakes. Not even he would go against Jane's word. He had once, back when they had observed the newborns, and that hadn't ended greatly on his part.

As if on cue, he flinched at the mental memory of the seeping pain soaring through his body. Jane could be one scary chick sometimes. Settling his feet firmly onto a rooftop, Felix brushed off any particles that might've clung to his cloak on his climb up the wall. Overhead, the skies were a rich orange red. Out of the times of day; this was probably one of the most beautiful. When the sun was bidding their land a goodbye and sending it into darkness. He had always enjoyed it at sundown. There was just something about that time of day that reminded him of the day he had been found by Demetri. When his life truly had begun. Truthfully, Felix wasn't all too sure how Demetri had found him. All he had been doing was trying to win the hand of a girl his father had thought was the perfect match for him; and in order to secure that girls hand, he had to become a warrior. Which, was rather easy for him. In his time there had been legends about these... Demonic creatures in Romania, often seen on the route to the city of Volterra; the old home of saint Marcus, the man who rid its down of these demon's known as 'vampyres.' Or more commonly now known as Vampires. His quest, in order to gain the hand of the maiden, was merely to slay one of these creatures that had been banished from Volterra. It seemed simple enough, the hard part was just finding these Demons, especially if he wasn't so sure they existed.

But he found them alright. And boy, were they harder to slay than what he had expected. The road just continued to get more and more tough as each blow practically shattered his bones. They didn't want to feed on his flesh. They wanted him to suffer and die. But just before the darkness took over, Felix had saw the silhouette of a tall male; causing these demons to rush off.

He would never forget the words they spoke. 'Volturi.'

And from that moment, that had been his saving name. The Volturi had selected him, saved him and made him who he was today. Felix didn't return to his home, nor see his father again. He wasn't sure what happened to the girl who was waiting for him to return. In his eyes, that life meant nothing to him. His true calling had always been there, with the Volturi, at his long lost brothers side. The man who saved him. The man who he owed his immortal life too.

Felix's hands came to a stop at his sides, while his rich red eyes surveyed across the city. If she wasn't hiding somewhere in the castle, then where the hell was she? She wouldn't be hiding for this long, if it was just a little game. Something must be wrong.

Felix was beyond frustrated. He was beyond pissed. This might've been fun to begin with, but now it was far past that. Felix was losing his own temper. Soon, he would be on the same boat as Demetri and Jane. And knowing that, Felix was well aware that it wouldn't be long before Alec lost his temper... And that wouldn't be something whoever was doing this would want.

The wrath of Jane was bad enough, but what Alec's...

The mere thought of it made his marble skin crawl.

Felix's head snapped to the side, finding that Demetri had come to a stop at his side. Their paths had crossed, and the city was now completely searched. Demetri was also empty handed. No Renesmee in toe, meaning Alec and Jane must have some luck... Or things would go seriously wrong.

This wasn't just a little problem the guard were to deal with anymore. The way things were going, it was beginning to be the start of a war.

"This is getting troubling," Felix voiced. "Alec isn't going to like this."

"Nor is Jane."

Felix dreaded to imagine it. Never had he seen both twins angry. Well, truth be told, Felix hadn't seen Alec angry. He had heard stories, and those stories were enough to keep in his check in not pissing Alec off too much. There was a line, and although that line was pretty hard to find when it came to Alec, it was there. Whoever crossed it wouldn't last long, or last at all for that matter.

But both Alec and Jane, side by side, fueled by their anger and rage? They would be worse than a nuclear bomb going off. Felix knew it, and Demetri knew it.

Deciding to let the evident worry that the twins were probably going to turn feral very soon go, Felix tried to lighten the subject.

"You're getting awfully close to Jane, lately." Felix mused.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw Demetri roll his own and begin across the rooftops. Heading for the outskirts of the city.

"Care to explain, brother?" Felix added as he moved to keep up with him.

"There is nothing to explain." Demetri brushed off. "I am merely moving into unknown territory."

"You and I both know that is not the case," Felix laughed in response.

Although this was unknown territory for probably everyone besides Aro and Alec, Felix knew it was a lot more than that. Demetri wasn't just out to get to know Jane, nor become close to her like her brother, but he was after something else. Something else entirely.

"Nothing can get past you, can it Felix?" In a sly remark, Demetri cast him a smile.

"Not when it involves you, no." Felix shrugged his shoulder. It was true. Demetri was the main one he kept his attention on mostly. He was his brother, after all. "And especially when I see you planning stupid things."

"You think this is stupid?"

"I think what you have going on with Jane is stupid. You know she isn't one to mess with, Demetri. Nor is her brother, if he were to catch on."

"I think he has his own problems to deal with, Felix." A chuckle. He found this funny?! This was far from funny! "I am merely testing something out again."

Again? Oh, no... Not this again!

"It may work this time," Demetri continued; but Felix already knew where this was going. "I've had an interest in Jane ever since I saw first met her. The look of pure innocence, yet the spirit of a vicious lioness. It's interesting to say the least. My attempts had failed in the past because of her bond with Alec."

"And now that he has Renesmee, you think you stand a chance?"

"Indeed."

Felix was the one who laughed this time. Rightfully so. Who in their right mind would try to come between Alec and Jane? No matter what situation they were in; their bond was the most strongest of any Felix had ever seen. If Demetri really thought this was going to work, he was more insane than what he originally thought!

"Seriously Demetri," Felix said, coming to terms with his laughter. "Your desire, or fetish, or whatever it is," Felix didn't miss the glare Demetri sent his way. He continued anyway. "to get what you can't have needs to stop. You're going to get burned one of these days, especially by Jane."

"Maybe," Demetri nodded in agreement. "But if it does work, then what?"

"You grow bored after a few weeks, months, maybe even years. Leave her, and she kills you. Then what? I'll be without my wingman."

Demetri rolled his eyes once again. The weight of his feet causing branches to crunch under him. They were now out of the city, moving into the surrounding woodland.

"And if I do not grow bored?" Demetri quipped. "Then I have one of the most powerful beings as my mate."

"Mate? Demetri, you can't be serious!" Felix's eyes widened by a large fraction. "You do not believe Jane is capible of having a mate, do you?!"

"It was possible for Alec. Why not her also?"

"You said the same with Heidi. Believing her to be your mate once upon a time. Now she is merely a booty call."

He knew that Demetri didn't really like it when he used human terms of this day and age. But it was true none the less. Heidi was beyond infatuated with Demetri, and was all too willing to accept him back when he came strolling in. It never bothered him before, but now... It really, really did. Perhaps it was because the path Demetri was currently following would either end in his destruction, or inevitable pain.

"I beg of you brother," Felix stressed the word brother, causing the other immortal to look at him with an arched eyebrow. "Think about what you are doing. I do not wish to see you get hurt, nor Jane."

Demetri's jaw clenched, but Felix could see the clocks turning within his head. Perhaps Felix had gotten through to him? He would hope so. The bond that they shared was a strong one, and Felix liked to believe that Demetri always took what he said to heart.

Demetri's lips parted to respond when his head snapped to the right. His eyes narrowed, and he took off. Felix was quick, as always, to follow. Demetri had caught something, Felix knew that look. It could've been one of two things. A; the pests they had come close to killing before. Or B; Renesmee. Truthfully, Felix wished for either of them. But despite the fact Demetri was doing what he did best, this conversation was far from over. He would not stand back and watch his friend destroy himself, nor get the better of Jane. No matter what, it would end badly for him. Be it from Jane herself, or her brother when he found out. Because he would. Anything to do with Jane, Alec always found out.

—xXx—

Despite how much Mary loved that house, she loved the outdoors more. That much was evident, due to the hours on end she spent with her toes in the grass. But this was one of the rare times she was actually able to let loose and just be a vampire. Her nature would take over, and she would live in the moment. Of course, she'd feel a little guilty afterwards; but it was the way things went nowadays. People had to die in order for her to live. It was her nature now.

Scott was walking alongside her, his hands pushed into his jeans pockets; while Delilah was walking on ahead. From behind, Mary could see she was walking with her arms wrapped around herself. In somewhat of a defensive stance.

Although it had only been a mere few hours since Scott and Mary had basically played the day away, and she had told Scott to give her space, she was still worried. She didn't like it just as much as Scott did. She never had liked it when Delilah detached herself from them, but there was nothing they could do about that. At least, not yet.

Delilah would come around again. She had too.

Neither of them understood however. Neither understood just how hard it was for her. Coming from where she had, being who she was, being expected to be something she wasn't. Confidence wasn't something that came naturally from Delilah; despite how much of a front she had put on. The demon's that hid inside of her had always stopped her from being someone who people noticed. Hell, the purple hair hadn't even been her idea. It had been a foolish attempt at trying to impress Ryan - who hadn't been able to see it, due to her disappearance that very night.

She had only done it because he said purple would suit her. Granted, it did; but he never got to judge for himself. Inwardly, she let out a sigh. She shouldn't be taking it out on the others. Ignoring their attempts at being how they used too; but she just... Couldn't. She wouldn't allow them to know the girl she had once been, the girl who she had put behind her. Anxiety ridden Delilah was dead, and right now she was fighting to come back. She was having an inner battle with herself to get rid of her again, but it was turning out to be a real tough one.

She hated herself. She hated Alec for bringing this back. If she could, she would confront him. Yell at him for doing this to her. Scaring her. She had gone years at Lilianna's side being fearless and yet all it took was his hand on her throat, his eyes in hers and that unmissable threat towards them all to shake her back to her human years. She couldn't, of course. Confront him, that is. If that chance were ever to arise, she knew she wouldn't have the metaphorical balls to do it; and that was another reason why she hated herself.

"So is Lilianna coming back tonight?" Scott asked, turning his head to look at Mary.

"She said she was, if all goes well." Delilah was the one to answer, seeing as it was her who had spoken with Lilianna last.

"Why's she been gone?" Scott picked up his pace, taking it as a sign she was willing to open up again. Mary followed his lead; and in a few steps they were at Delilah's side. Shoulder to shoulder, eyes on her in the middle.

"She said she had a plan. Something that may push..." she took a small breath, hoping to hide the quiver she knew that was to come. "Alec to join us."

Oh, how she dreaded that day. She dreaded him coming to be at their side, to live with them. To live with her. It utterly terrified her. She knew without a doubt she would never be able to relax again. To forever be on edge, just as she had once been in her human years.

"What kinda plan?" Mary was the one to speak this time. Her voice was just too innocent. Too pure and caring. Delilah shrugged her shoulders, finding that was the only suitable action to go with her words.

"She didn't explain. She just told me to get you fed, and then return home. Which is what we are doing, so pick up the pace."

She heard both Mary and Scott sigh in sync, their paces increasing so that they were the ones walking ahead of her back to their home high up within the mountains. It was better this way; keeping them at a distance. She just wasn't ready for them to know... Hell, she didn't think she would ever be ready for them to know just what went on inside her head; or what was wrong with her at the present moment in time.

No matter how accepting they may be, Delilah refused to accept it herself. She was not her human self anymore. She was not an anxious person, whose self-conscious mind kept her from being who she wanted to be. She would fix this herself, even if it took forever. She had that time to dance with now.

Come to think of it, she had more time than what she was willing to have. Endless waiting, endless toying with anything just to pass more time; only to gain more right after it. It was exhausting, and quite frankly boring. Lilianna seemed to be spending it well. Running off to be with what she believed to be hers, plotting some tactical way to lure him closer to being with her and her 'family.'

Just what did Lilianna hope to achieve if she got him? That they all just run off into the sunset and live their eternal life happily? Things wouldn't be that simple. Life had never been that simple, and in Delilah's recent experiences; it only got more complicated as a vampire. Lilianna was hoping to steal one of the Volturi guard members. Not just any normal Volturi guard member, but a high ranked Volturi member. One that the Volturi took pride in having on their side. She had heard all this in that ballroom where Scott had twirled her around.

It wouldn't go down without any problems. Delilah was aware of that now, and she was sure both Mary and Scott knew it too; but the only problem with that now... Was they were too deep within it now to pull out. There was no chance in turning back, no matter how much Delilah wanted too.

But what really got to Delilah was hearing Scott and Mary up ahead. Making plans to continue their games in the grass and play on that tire. While she was to sit in the kitchen and continue to face her fear and panic.

In that instant her feet came to a stop. She didn't want to go back just yet. She didn't want to be surrounded by four walls with only her confrontation with her anxiety. Although it was still playing up, outside she had other things there to distract her. Looking up, Delilah was able to see birds flying overhead. Free, unchained and unknown to what was going on below.

How she envied them. Freedom to do as they pleased. There were immortals out there that were free from any responsibility. Nomads as they had called themselves. Although it was said belonging to a coven was the safest and most tactical way of going in the world, there were those who refused to be tied down to a coven; and would only secure themselves down when they found the right one to join.

She loved Mary and Scott. She truly did. They were her coven members. And despite how insane, controlling and a big pain in the ass Lilianna could be at times, she was part of that coven too. Delilah did belong there; but she wished it was more like... Well, the few nomads that stuck together. Refusing to call themselves a coven, but basically being one.

Delilah, in a way, just longed to be free. Like the birds. That's all she had ever truly wanted. To be free of herself, of her fears and inner thoughts. The only time she had ever felt that was when... No, you can't think about him, she warned herself. You've thought about him too much already.

"Delilah?" Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Scott's voice. She came out of her inner argument and stared at him. Both he and Mary stood still a few yards ahead, watching her with curious yet worried eyes. "You coming?"

Delilah parted her lips, but nothing came out.

Scott's eyes softened, and in that moment Delilah was sure she had a moment with Scott. A unspoken moment where he understood everything, even without her voicing it. "C'mon Mary."

He took her hand and began to lead her off, despite Mary looking over her shoulder and questioning 'what about Delilah?'

He was giving her space. He was giving her the time she needed alone without her asking.

She stood as motionless as she could, mentally thanking Scott for everything, as she watched them walk off back towards their home. Hand in hand, just like they should be.

With the newfound freedom, Delilah was caught short on what she should do. She knew she couldn't be too long away from her coven siblings. Lilianna was supposed to return, though she wasn't sure when. At the most Delilah had a few hours to spare. Looking to her feet, Delilah did the only thing she could think of. She kicked off her shoes, and let her toes wiggle in the grass at her feet. They were right. It did feel good. Odd, but good. A smile planted itself onto her face, while her eyes looked up to the birds flying overhead.

Taking a large inhale, and pretending she was alone in the world; setting all this coven stuff out, setting all this Lilianna and Alec stuff out she took off running. Sprinting through the trees and letting her feet take her wherever she wanted to be. With the wind on her side, and the grass under her toes, she danced in and out of the trees as quickly as she could.

Above her, birds were with her; or at least that was what she wanted to believe. She raced to keep up with them, following them. Being one with them.

This was as free as she could get. In that instant, Delilah found her little pleasure. It wasn't smoking, or sitting on the island in the kitchen. Mary had her grass in the toes, Scott had his TV... and Delilah had her birds.

Her feet came to a stop as the trees came to an end and Delilah was met with the end of the mountain top. In front of her was the overlook of Volterra. Grand in size, large walls around it's treasure. The sky was a orange red with the sun setting over the horizon.

Delilah looked up, watching as the flock of birds flew on without her. A large gust of wind blew past her, causing her sleek black hair to fly out and brush through each strand. In a silent whisper, she bid the birds a goodbye. But she vowed she would fly with them again.

She would be free one day. Even if it killed her.

Delilah's large smile turned into a soft and gentle one, just merely enjoying the view she was now faced with. Volterra really was a beautiful place, despite the scary coven that lived there. It was safe, guarded and protected from the rest of the world. If things had of been different, she might've even wanted to visit this place as a human; even if it meant going into the death tour she had heard so much about.

From her side, Delilah heard the muffled sound of voices. Her head turned, and her eyebrows knitted together. All of her instincts told her to leave it alone, and go back to the house. But she wasn't Lilianna's Delilah. She wasn't in a coven in that moment. She was in her own little world where she was a nomad, one that would grab the bull by the horns and investigate. Even though investigating got her into trouble before.

With no other thought, Delilah followed the sound; soon picking up a heartbeat. Just one, but there were two voices. Keeping to the trees and using her surroundings as a backdrop, Delilah crouched down and peered through a shrub.

Her eyes widened instantly and she was brought back to reality.

There stood Renesmee and Lilianna.

And boy, Lilianna didn't look happy.

—xXx—

She wasn't anywhere. I had searched every inch of this castle, twice over, looking. I had even ran into her friends and asked them. None of them had seen her. Not to mention I got a few comments on the 'contacts.' Mainly from Ivy, stating that we didn't have to wear them anymore since the party was over.

Well, whatever kept her thought entertained.

I came across few other guests still lingering around, and none of them had seen her either. I honestly didn't see any other solution as to what I could do. The only thing left I could try was one that would no doubt end badly. I had to come face with her father and ask him. Let him see everything that had gone on, and the trouble that was brewing; even if it had nothing to do with Renesmee's disappearance. I had no choice. The whereabouts of Reny was more important than my own business and problems.

I climbed the stairs for what felt like the millionth time, set on facing the worst possible solution when I came face to face with someone I wasn't particularly fond of seeing. The face before me was young, and stress free. His eyes a vibrant brown, cheeks a light pink and lips pulled into a friendly smile.

"Nahuel," I sighed in a greeting, stepping out of the way to let him pass. My tone must've given him some inkling that I wanted to talk.

"You alright there?"

"I'm fine. If you please, I have to things to attend too."

I began up the stairs again, jaw clenched tightly. I had to do this. No matter how much I disliked Edward, or the coven, I had to do this for Reny. It was all for her.

"Yeah, sure." Nahuel mused as I passed him, his eyes narrowed. I could still feel them on my back as I continued upward. "Hey, wait."

My feet came to a stop. In what world did I not give him the impression that I really didn't want to talk? He wasn't Renesmee! He wasn't the hybrid I was looking for. I was just about to voice these thoughts when he continued on with his words.

"Your sisters looking for you."

No. She was looking for Renesmee.

I decided I'd humor him. Besides, it was only civil. "Thank you. I'll seek her out immediately."

He flashed me an unreeling smile. One that made me feel almost disgusted in myself. It wasn't so much because it was unsettling to look at. But because it was exactly the opposite. I was well aware that Nahuel was obviously a friend of Renesmee. He had been since her birth.

It disgusted me because he was everything I wasn't. Good, selfless, somewhat normal. He was the same as Renesmee. He was what Renesmee deserved, he was all that was good for her; and yet she settled for someone like me. Someone who had ghosts of the past lingering around, threatening everything. Who had an unstable sister who projects fear into the very heart of her. Who belonged to a coven that had once tried to destroy her and her family... Twice.

I found myself questioning why I had managed to steal her heart. I didn't deserve her. I didn't deserve half of what she was; but this boy did. And the look in his eye... I saw that he knew it too. I had once thought the look I had seen in his eye when he conversed with Renesmee in my presence was my own jealous thoughts. But now I could see exactly what he was doing. He was looking to me the way I always pictured Jacob to look at me.

In somewhat of a sarcastic manner, my lips curved. It wasn't a friendly smile, nor was it particularly civil. He didn't back down one bit, which was surprising; yet refreshing none the less.

"I can save 'ya the trouble of lookin' buddy." He chipped in, keeping his eyes locked on mine. "She's upstairs with your other two friends."

My eyes widened as I took in his words. Other two friends? That could only mean... Felix and Demetri. They had returned? They must've found her; otherwise they wouldn't have returned. Oh, they better not have returned if they hadn't found her! If they had; I would rip them both to pieces, put them together and redo the whole process over and over.

Without even considering giving this boy a goodbye I took off up the stairs in a quick haste. I was positive my feet didn't touch the floor as I kept up my speed, rushing as quickly as I could. Eventually, once I hit a certain floor, Jane's fresh scent lingered to my nose.

I used that as a guide and hastily made my way after it. Turning a corner, I found Jane, Demetri and Felix standing outside my room door. No Renesmee, though. My pace slowed by a fraction as I walked down towards them.

Their eyes turned to my own, and I couldn't help but fear the worst.

They hadn't found her. She was gone, and I had no idea where she was. They didn't either. I would be forced to admit to her family, thus sending the whole coven into a frenzy in search for her. Not to mention that Aro would see it as a failure on our part. We would no doubt be punished. Then Aro would see Lilianna's confession and my deal to her. I didn't care so much for Aro finding out about Lilianna. Nor did I care for him finding out what I had offered her in return for her disappearance. All I cared about was getting Renesmee back.

There was no point in existing in a world where she didn't. I had done that before, and it wasn't someplace I wanted to return too. Especially after meeting her. I refused to even consider it. I refused to even consider letting myself be in a world where Renesmee wasn't safe and well.

In that moment, I understood why Edward had done what he had.

When he had believed Isabella to be dead, and he had come here seeking death. I would do the same now. If I had to live in a world where Renesmee no longer breathed, I would make it my goal to join her. I would leave my sister behind. I would leave everything behind to be with her.

She was my world.

"Renesmee?" I asked, getting straight to the point but not asking the initial question.

Jane's eyes saddened a little, and I knew she see that she understood what I was asking. She could see right through me, and what I could see in return was she finally understood. That my feelings for Renesmee were fierce and true.

"Demetri and Felix found her." Jane disclosed, stepping away from my room door. "She went for a walk, despite me telling her not too. Used the line 'I got lost.' I don't believe her," Jane sighed, shaking her head slightly. "but I cannot get the truth out of her. So perhaps you can, brother. She's inside there."

She... got lost? How was that possible? I understood that Renesmee was indeed half human, and her senses weren't as sharp as ours could be, but I wouldn't have said she would be easily lost! The fact she would use that excuse made my stomach twist. Something wasn't right, and I was going to do exactly what Jane said. I would find out the truth, and I didn't care what came of it.

With no words to be given, I pushed my room door open and stepped inside. There, lying on the bed, curled up in a ball, was Renesmee.

Closing the door behind myself, I made my way over to her. Perching myself on the edge and letting my hand brush over hers. She sucked in a breath, but didn't so much as respond. She just lay there limply. Her eyes open, but glazed over and staring ahead of her.

"Reny?" I pressed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Where did you go?"

Nothing.

"You had me worried sick. I thought something happened to you. D'you realize what that would do to me? If I ever lost you?"

Nothing.

"Renesmee," she seemed to flinch at my use of her full name. At least it was something. "Speak to me. Please?"

Her head turned, forcing her eyes to find mine and locking. I wasn't entirely sure what I was swimming in, but my instincts told me it wasn't something good.

"You... Said you had a surprise for me," she spoke, her voice sounding a little crackly. It was then I noticed just how puffy the skin around her eyes looked. She had been crying. I hated it when she cried. "Where was it?"

"A mountain top. Why?"

She sucked in another breath, and shook her head slowly. "I don't feel up to mountain tops tonight."

"Will you tell me what happened, then?"

"I told Jane." She bit her lip, sitting herself up. "The fact I was sitting with Jane got to me, so the moment she left I ran. I got lost, and then Demetri and Felix found me."

I studied her face. It was blank, yet closed. I wasn't quite sure what to believe. She had to be lying, right? But why would she lie to me? Renesmee would never lie to me. She had never done it in the past...

"Are you sure?"

Renesmee nodded her head, drawing a cross over her heart slowly. I tilted my head watching her carefully still. Her lips moved into a sad smile. I still couldn't determine what she had going on inside of her head, nor specify if she was lying to me or not. Her hand moved out and she produced her pinky.

Pinky promise.

Looking between the extended finger and her eyes, I gingerly took ahold of it with mine. She squeezed tightly against it, then shuffled herself closer to me. Her head resting onto my shoulder and her arms winding themselves around my waist.

"I love you Alec," she whispered against my chest. Despite how much I always loved hearing her say that, I couldn't help but feel a little worried. Especially with her tone. Something was different. "You know that right?"

"Renesmee, what's going on?"

"You know I love you, right?"

"Of course." I nodded, frowning down at the head of hair.

"And you love me?"

".. With every fibre of my being."

"And if it came down to that love, would you do anything for me?"

I was beyond confused now.

"Reny-"

"Would you?"

"I'd go to the moon and back for you, Renesmee. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, but I don't understand what this has to do wi-"

My words were cut off by her lips on mine. The kiss was desperate, hunger fueled and passionate. Renesmee kissed me like she was never going to kiss me again. Her hands clung to the fabric of my cloak as if it were her lifeline. Although I didn't really want to object to this moment, I knew I had too. So taking the advantage when her lips came off mine and moved to my throat, I spoke up.

"Renesmee, why were you asking such things.." I had to hold back a groan. Jesus the things her lips could do to me.

"I," A kiss to my adams apple. "Love," a kiss to my jawline. "You." A kiss to my collarbone.

If she was trying to avoid a conversation, she really was going the right way about it. However, I couldn't let it slide. She was trying to divert the conversation with using my lust for her against her. She was definitely hiding something.

"Reny, stop it and talk to me."

"No, no." She shook her head, bringing her lips back up to mine. The hunger of our previous encounter was back. My body reacted as if on standby. The heat inside my eternal cold body erupted, and I wanted nothing more than to have her. She tore her lips from mine, but pressed her head against my own. Her eyes firmly closed. "Just let me make love to you."

A shiver ran down my spine, and in that instant; nothing else mattered.

A/N:

Hello guys! So, surprise! You got this a little earlier than the set time, but who's complaining?

Lets thank my personal life forcing me to be busy at the time of the update, thus you guys getting it earlier. *claps hands*

Anyway! Happy late Birthday to you, Claudia. I hope you had a splendid day.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Leave a review on what you thought.

Think there's something off about Renesmee? Oooh, we'll find out soon; huh?

I'll see you all next week.

-C.H