Chapter twenty three: America bound.

One full day, and Lilianna was still with them. She hadn't gone off like she usually did. She didn't come up with something she needed to do. She was happy with being in the same house as them, and merely living with them again.

It was beginning to feel like old times, only better. She was in a much better mood as of lately. Smiling a lot more, laughing a lot more. Generally being the Lilianna Mary had always hoped she would be. She wasn't acting like their leader, which in this coven she was, but she was acting like their sister. What she wanted to be in the first place.

If things were going to be like this from now on, Mary might actually be able to enjoy it. She might be able to get over the growing feelings she had for Scott and learn to ignore them, because this family would be too much to lose in correspondence to that. If this was how it was going to be, Mary would never leave. She would never think about leaving, not like Scott and Delilah once had.

Although things were getting better with Lilianna, especially since she didn't mind seeing Mary cuddled up on the sofa with Scott anymore. In fact, it was becoming a more usual thing to happen. That would be her first place to go, if she wasn't there already and he would always be waiting; with open arms. But things with Delilah... They had gotten worse. She was more distant than before. Beforehand, she would come into the living room and talk. Maybe even go outside when Mary was there to say a few things. But now... It was nothing. She just sat on the counter all day and all night. Ever since Lilianna had come back, Delilah was more distant than she had ever been in the past.

And Mary didn't know why.

The morning walk they had done the previous day had been one of Mary's few favorite days of this life. With Scott walking with her hand in his and Lilianna's in his other, the conversation flowing freely. Places they wanted to visit, places they could visit eventually. Things they wanted to do, and see. Things they liked, and didn't like. Lilianna was interested in it all. It was like she was finally taking the time to know them.

Mary had also learnt a few more things from Scott. He liked Paris, and had always wanted to go there. He loved Halloween, even though he was rarely ever a part of it. He once liked to drink lemonade - which Lilianna replied with 'that must be why you're so bitter.' Of course, she was joking. There was not a single bitter thing about Scott. She was sweet, and kind, and gentle and true... Mary really cared about him. A lot. - and to sit and watch sports while eating 'cheetos.'

Although he was never able to play any of the games himself, it didn't stop him from being interested in them. He was a real boy, despite having severe bad asthma in his human years. At least now... Now he could play, if he wanted too.

Mary had almost asked him if he wanted too, when the subject turned to her and she had to talk about herself to them. It was just the usual same thing. Her favorite color was blue, she had always wanted to go to Russia to see the Romanov's palace. She adored history, and once wanted to become a history teacher. She was just the usual typical teenage girl, who was slowly beginning to grow up. It was a slow thing, very very slow, but she was getting there.

That morning was exactly like the previous one. Lilianna suggested they go for a walk again, Delilah declined, and it was just the three of them. Walking, talking, laughing. The exact same as before.

That was until... Lilianna's pace slowed, like she was listening for something. Or she felt something. Mary wasn't entirely sure. Everyday she learnt new things about being a vampire, learnt them on her own. But there were still things she had to pick up. Like focusing your hearing, or scent of smell and things like that. She would get there, the same as with growing up.

"Get back to the house with Delilah now," Lilianna practically ordered. There was no questioning her when she was like this. Even if they wanted too, they couldn't have for she was already gone after the order was given. The sound in her voice was that of strain and seriousness. Scott instantly jumped to the fact that something may be wrong, picked Mary up and took off back to the house. Throwing his guard up and protecting both their scents.

Lilianna could handle herself, Scott knew that. But he still felt worried for her, especially after the bond building over the past day and night. The other two were under his protection. He could sense it with the way she spoke; so the moment he came into the house it was straight into the kitchen to check Delilah.

She was sitting on the counter, legs crossed and eyes wide open. Staring off into an oblivion like she always did. It wasn't until Scott prodded her shoulder that she reacted and blinked, her attention moving to him and finally registering their presence. Mary was let down onto the floor, where she moved to climb up and sit beside Delilah.

"What's going on? I thought you were out walking?" She asked.

"We were. But something's wrong. Lils told us to come back."

"Why?"

"Didn't give any explanation, thus why somethings gotta be wrong."

Delilah was frowning, her lips pursed into a thin hard line. At least one thing stayed the same when it came to her. Her curiosity for things, and her rebellious ways of never backing down in finding out. She did as she pleased, and what Scott presumed she would have done - even though he would rather her not doing so.

She got up off the counter and made her way to the back door.

"Where are you going?!" Scott bellowed, his bright red eyes following her every move.

"Someone's gotta help her."

"She told us to come back here to you." Scott informed, urgency within his voice. Mary wasn't sure why he was even bothering. They both knew how this was going to end. "You shouldn't go."

"I shouldn't do many things, but I do." She store Scott down. "Keep Mary safe. I'll be back soon... If she comes back before me, tell her I went out for a walk."

And just like that, Delilah was gone from their view. The glass back door swinging open and shut as if a ghost had just rushed out. Mary sat in Delilah's usual spot, her eyes on the outside world on the other side of the window. Scott's eyes were there too. Both of them thinking the same thing. Please don't die.

Honestly, Delilah knew she shouldn't have left the house. She wouldn't have previously; but as of now... Delilah didn't really trust Lilianna as much as she should. After witnessing her and Renesmee, hearing what was said and what was done, Delilah knew Lilianna wasn't one to be taken lightly. Whatever she was doing wasn't some light hearted convincing to get Alec to join them - who still terrified her. She was playing a real dirty, dirty game.

Delilah had decided that it was best not to go into this thing blind anymore. Delilah had a right to know what was going on. So she set out in look for their coven leader, and their sister.

She knew that Scott and Mary would be fine without her there. They were probably cuddling up on the sofa right then. Their alone time was probably the only time they were able to relax and not hide anything from one another. It was the only time they were actually free in showing signs of feeling something more than a sibling bond.

Ever since Delilah had seen Lilianna and Alec, and saw Lilianna and Renesmee; she was positive she had an act for being places she shouldn't be. Being places she wasn't welcome, and where her presence wasn't accepted. It had become a habit of hers lately. One she didn't like, of course; because it no doubt got her into trouble. Thankfully Lilianna was oblivious to the fact she had saw Renesmee and Lily.

But she decided it was time to just accept the fact she was good at being places she wasn't supposed to be. It was like a second gift, be it may. One that she shouldn't be ashamed of. But one that she should welcome with open arms, because it could come in handy. Seeing things that she shouldn't, hearing things that she shouldn't, knowing things that she shouldn't... Knowing things that the others didn't know. It somewhat put her on the same step at Lilianna, without Lilianna knowing. She liked having the upper step. She liked having that leverage, and the knowledge.

She just didn't know what she could do with it.

It didn't take long until she had found a crosspath to Lilianna's scent, and she followed it. It was vague and faint, but the further she got away from Scott; the easier it would be to track her. She couldn't use him all the time.

Delilah kept a firm distance; making sure to keep well hidden as she followed the invisible trail her nose and senses were picking up on.

"I wish to trust you, but I don't."

Lilianna was talking, and Delilah could hear her. It was distant, but she could hear. Keeping low and slowing her pace, Delilah followed her voice. Who was it that she didn't trust? There were many people she didn't trust. Once, Lilianna had stated that she trusted nobody but her coven. So, the list was endless. But there was a feeling in the pit of her stomach that made her dread finding out; because she had her predictions already.

Finding a tree in the shape of a twisted fork, Delilah set up on climbing it; keeping her body well hidden. Her dark clothing clung to her with the rain hammering down on her body, but also helped as a camouflage technique. Hiding among the many branches and leaves, far away enough to not be found; but able to observe.

And just like she had feared, from this point she was able to see it all.

Down below and few meters ahead was Alec. Dressed in his uniform, and wearing the pendant she was sure she had seen Renesmee wearing. It had worked then? Lilianna had managed to convince the hybrid enough to leave him.

The look on his face was worse than what she had ever seen before. It was blank. At least before, she was able to see the rage and irritation. Where as now... It was like he was emotionless. Stone cold blank.

"I'm only here for one thing, Aleczander."

"And what's that?"

She could see the sarcasm on his face. Clearly he was thinking the obvious, and hinting towards it. It was obvious as to what she wanted.

"Not you, if that is what you're thinking; which you are because of that eyeroll."

Delilah watched as he scoffed.

She wasn't here for him? Then what was she here for?

She listened as her inner thoughts were answered.

"I'm here because of our deal. I understand that Renesmee has left?"

So she had left him. Even though Alec totally scared the crap out of her, she couldn't help but feel sorry for him. She had seen the way he looked at her before. She had seen the way he smiled when her name was spoken. But now... It was nothing. Just the same hard old blank stare. Only now, he seemed to be getting angrier.

"Of course you would understand that. I presume you are the reason behind that?"

Was that why she was here? To admit what she had done, and hope that he will come with her? It seemed like a stupid plan; but sometimes Lilianna did stupid things and hoped for the best.

"Not necessarily. You see I know why she left, and what pushed her to do so... But it was not me."

Delilah couldn't help but frown. She was lying to him? But she thought Lilianna would never lie to those she loved. She had said so once before.

"Then what was it?" Alec practically snapped, causing Delilah to flinch.

Hold your breath Delilah, she told herself mentally while fixing her eyes on him.

He wouldn't hurt her. As far as he was concerned, she was gone. He didn't know where she was, he didn't care who she was. Delilah was free, and he wouldn't hurt her. He couldn't hurt her, because she was hidden. She was out of reach, too far for him to pick up on; but close enough to hear and see everything.

"Delilah."

Her body froze on the spot. She looked around, as if to see if Lilianna had caught her. But there was no sign of her. From her point, Delilah could see the blurred outline of Lilianna shooting around Alec and keeping hidden. Lilianna was also oblivious as to her being there. So, that brought up the question as to why she had said her name? Delilah feared she already knew the answer.

"Go on."

"You scared her, Alec. Threatening our family like that. She wanted you to feel the pain she did when all we wanted was for you to join us. I was too preoccupied in arranging our departure to realize what she was doing... I didn't know what she was capable of... But whatever she has done, I've punished her for it."

Lilianna was sure all her nightmares were coming true in that moment.

"You should have let me punish her," he hissed back, turning around to try and find her.

"I know you are angry, and what she has done is wrong... But she is still my sister. I won't let harm come to her."

"Harm? If I ever come across her, Lilianna... I will destroy her. Mark my words. She is a dead girl walking."

"Can you not see she did this for us? She wishes for you to be with me, like it was supposed to be."

Delilah felt as though her heart was exploding. The fear that was soaring through her body was unreal. Alec wanted to kill her, all because of Lilianna. She thought Lilianna loved her. She thought that Lilianna cared about her. Why would she do this to her? They were supposed to be family. She was supposed to look out for her and keep her safe, not put her in a situation where she became endangered.

"Us? There will never be an us Lilianna! I will never wish to be with you. Can't you see that I only wanted her? That I will only ever want her? And even then, I had no intention of ever joining her coven. I will never leave the Volturi. Not for you, and certainly not to be a part of a coven where the girl who ruined my life resides."

"You don't mean that."

Delilah managed to see Lilianna's form shoot around Alec, while he spun on his heels also.

"Oh, but I do. I will never join you, Lilianna. I will keep to my word on not informing Aro, for you have not done anything. But if I ever see her... I will end her life, and anyone who steps in my way to stop it. You have been warned."

"If that is how it is going to be... Then so be it." Was what followed after several seconds of the silence. "But have this warning in response. If I cannot have you," Lilianna appeared behind Alec, her lips so close to his ear. How could she stand to be that close to him? He was a monster! He was dangerous! He was terrifying! "No one will."

And just like that, Lilianna vanished from her sight. Alec spun around again, and was now facing her way. She hid herself closer to the trunk of the tree, her eyes wide and petrified onto him.

This man was after her. He wouldn't come looking for her, but if he ever crossed her on some coincidence, she would die. Although the confusion and the pain at the fact Lilianna had done this to her, and although she wanted to leave immediately for who would want to be around someone who betrayed them; Delilah knew she couldn't leave.

As soon as Lilianna had told him it was her, Lilianna had just ensured that Delilah would never; ever leave. For she couldn't. She needed Scott to hide her, protect her. She needed them all. She would never be able to leave, for now one of the most feared Volturi guard members had a want for her head. There was nothing she could do about it now.

Besides suffer in the silence.

Delilah, still holding her breath, took off in that moment. Rushing herself through the trees and away from the paralyzer. She was behind Lilianna now, she knew that; but she had to get back to Scott. She had to rush to him and hide by his side. She needed her big brother in that instant.

As soon as the house came into view from the trees clearing, Delilah was straight through the back door and into the living room. As she had predicted, Scott and Mary were there. Only, they were in their usual cuddle position with lying down and Scott's arms around her. Instead, they were sitting and Mary had her head on his shoulder.

Delilah didn't care, because the moment she made it through the living room door and he looked up to her, Delilah rushed to them. Leaping across the furniture and landing in the middle. Her arms devoured Scott as she hid her head into his chest. She thought she had been scared, no terrified before. That had been nothing compared to how she was feeling now. Before she had felt as though she could deal with it herself. That she could somehow mask it all and play calm.

Now, she didn't even have that strength.

"Delia?" Scott questioned, surprise in his tone. Mary was looking to Scott with worry in her face. He was looking back at her with the same expression. "What's wrong?"

As much as Delilah wanted to tell them, to let them know just what Lilianna had done to her, she couldn't. Not when they believed that Lilianna was getting better. Not when they believed they were finally becoming a family. Mary looked up to Lilianna too much, she couldn't be the one to crush the hopes of Mary.

So pulling a stiff upper lip, Delilah pulled herself from his chest and looked at them both.

"I'm sorry for the past couple of days. I was just missing... Someone I cared a lot about. But I care about you two more now."

Scott blinked a couple of times as he took in the information. Mary was giving a sad smile, and if it were possible, Delilah was sure the smaller immortal would be crying. Our of sadness or joy, Delilah wasn't sure.

Probably joy, for it finally seemed that Delilah was back. Opening up to them again.

"Don't leave us again, alright?" Scott warned. "The other you's great an' all, but we love this Delia a whole lot better."

"I'm never leaving you guys again,"

In more ways than one, she thought. She knew it would eventually seem like she was the third wheel, but she needed them both now. She needed to hide herself; and if she were to spend the rest of eternity hiding from her own shadow and more importantly the Volturi - then she wouldn't do it with anybody else.

The front door opened, and it was then Delilah realized she had managed to beat her home.

Mary shuffled along, letting Delilah take a seat in the middle. Her hand took hold of Delilah's, while Scott took the other. Lilianna walked through the door, and instantly each of them could see the foul mood she was in.

Fun family time was over. She was back to working.

"We're leaving," Lilianna snapped, stopping just on the threshold of the door. "Lets go."

Scott frowned, his head tilting to the side. Mary was looking at her confused, while Delilah didn't so much as look at her. She couldn't. Not yet, anyhow. Not after what she had just done to her.

"Where are we going?" Scott was the one to ask. The ring leader, as always.

"America,"

Each of their heads popped up again; the very place sounding like music to their ears. They were going home. Although they had grown attached to this secluded little place, nothing would beat homeland.

"We're going to start making a few more friends." Lilianna stared down at all three of them, a menacing look in the very pit of her fiery eyes. "If he thinks I am letting him go so easily, he has another thing coming."

In sync, each of them looked down. Delilah gave both hands a tight squeeze and held her eyes closed. Aleczander was hers, and if she couldn't have him... Then no one would.

This was the true beginning. This wasn't just a game in getting Alec to join them anymore.

This was a war, and there was going to be bloodshed.

Delilah, Mary and Scott... Just prayed it wasn't either of theirs.

A/N:

Sorry about the delay guys! I've been having severe internet problems, and it left me without any connection whatsoever.

I'll see you all with the first chapter of Kismet in a few weeks! Just to let you know, Kismet will have Renesmee's point of view again. I can't help but miss her sas either, despite that she isn't all that sassy until she is reuinted with Alec once again.

Kismet is where the final battle will begin for Alec. Lets see who wins, huh?

I love you all!

-C.H