Chapter sixteen: Apologize & Promise.

I was in trouble.

I wasn't sure why, but I knew I was in trouble. Alec was pissed off. His eyes were blazing with all sorts of emotion; yet I couldn't pinpoint any of them other than anger. His face was impassive. It was just the eyes. They eyes told me everything. I took a breath, and shakily nodded my head.

"Sure. Though you've got some explaining to do too."

His jaw unclenched itself. Clearly he didn't understand what I meant by that. Of course I'd want answers as to why he wasn't around when he said he would be.

"Where were you?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. If I could somehow postpone my inevitable punishment for whatever has pissed him off, then I'd do everything I could to make that happen.

"I don't see how that is any of your concern," He used against me, his voice just as harsh as the first time we'd spoken in five months. I had to stop myself from flinching. "since, all you really need to know is that I was looking out for you and your family. My location does not have to be consistently here."

"So then who was watching me today?"

"I was... For a few hours. Then Demetri stepped in."

Wait... What? Demetri had been the one lingering around the campus? The eyes I was positive I could feel watching me all day hadn't been of the one who had promised to look over me? That bothered me. It... It downright pissed me off! He had said he would be the one to look after me, not Demetri. Although Demetri was a good guy, and was good at his job - since he was a Volturi member, after all. The Volturi didn't allow anyone who couldn't do their job in - and I'd be safe with him... I didn't want it to be Demetri to watch over me. I don't know what it was, but I felt safer under the watchful eye of Alec.

Be it because we had a history, and I knew that he'd never let anything happen to me; or because I merely wanted to soak up whatever time I had left with Alec again. I didn't know when I would next see him again after all this. I didn't know if I would ever see him again. That possibility was high up in coming true. After this, we might never hear from the Volturi ever again. I might never hear from Alec ever again...

I had stressed all day, worrying that he was just watching and listening; and he wasn't even there!

"I had business to attend to involving Delilah." Alec sighed. "She came forward with new information that I needed to deal with immediately."

He was telling me? Even after he said that it wasn't any of my concern? I prefered it like this, come to think of it. He wasn't hiding anything from me, he was telling me everything. Was it because of what happened in Volterra? Secrets didn't end up well. Our past was the perfect example of that. If Alec wanted me to trust him, he shouldn't keep secrets from me; and in return... I couldn't keep any from him. That was the least that we owed one another. We both had done wrong to one another in Volterra, and it had come at the greatest price imaginable.

This was a way of... Breaking that routine. He was telling me this because he didn't want a repeat of what happened, or he was merely telling me in respect to our... Friendship.

"What information?"

"Lilianna," the way he said her name was so cold. It was almost impossible to believe that they once held a past with one another. Alec showed no signs of emotion, nor fondness when he spoke her name. It was just bitter, cold and intense hatred, "almost decided to move in on your family sooner than we hoped. Delilah is currently trying to postpone this attack while we wait for Aro's arrival."

My breath caught in my throat. Perhaps... Perhaps I really shouldn't know everything. "Are they okay?"

"They're fine." Alec answered simply.

There was a brief pause while he watched me closely. His eyebrows creased together in a deep frown. There was something going on inside that head of his, but I couldn't tell what. I was too busy hoping that my family were okay. Perhaps this was a bad idea after all? Leaving them while I go off and try to attend this College induction. My priorities shouldn't lie with my desire to live a human life. They should lie with my family and their safety. I couldn't help but feel... Selfish.

"Are you okay?" Alec pressed, the frown still present.

"I'm... I'm fine. It's just a shock, I guess." I mused, shuffling from my stance in the middle of the room to sit down on the bed. Alec didn't so much as move a muscle. "To know that... Something could happen, and yet I'm here living a lie."

"You deserve to live a life, Renesmee."

Wait, what? Didn't he start this conversation with the intention to yell at me? Sure, he still had the look of anger in his eyes; but it wasn't burning as brightly as it had been.

"But what life would that be if my family weren't in it?" I replied, turning my eyes to look up at him.

"It won't come to that." Said Alec, sharply. "She, nor any member of her coven, will get the chance to come close to your family."

I wanted to believe him, but we didn't have any full blown proof that their informant was telling the truth. I wanted to see the best in people; I really did. But it was so easy for people to lie to one another. How was it possible that this Delilah was able to double cross the girl who brought her into this world? Didn't she hold any ties to Lilianna at all? And if she didn't, why would she trust the Volturi so easily? Every immortal in the world had their own views and opinions of Alec's coven; and most were never nice nor trusting.

I didn't answer him, since I couldn't think of anything to answer him with. Several seconds ticked by until Alec spoke again; and this time it was his turn to ask the questions.

"Why did you lie to me, Renesmee?"

I looked up to face him again. "What?"

"I may have only just stepped in as your guard, but in that small moment I was able to hear things. Why would you lie to me about your friends sexual orientation?"

"... Gary?"

He nodded his head. "By all means, he could be attracted to whatever he wants for all I care. He is none of my concern. What is, is why would you lie to me about it?"

He... Oh no.

"Alec, I-"

"Please do not tell me you lied because there was some connection going on between yourself and him, even when you and I were a thing." He went on, slowly beginning to move to pace the floor. "You are no longer mine, Renesmee. So what or who you do, isn't any of my business. I'm just curious as to why you would lie to me about it."

What, or who I do? Was he serious? He couldn't be serious. He was basically downright calling me a tramp! Did he honestly believe I would go out and give myself to the first man I'd come into contact with after him? Did he really think that low of me?

"I didn't lie." I snapped. "Gary is gay."

"Then why on Earth are you in a relationship with him?"

"To get Charlie off his back!" I slammed my hands down onto the mattress. "He just... Pounced it on me and told everyone we were together before asking me! He's still getting over Nick, Alec. The last thing he needs if a girl prying around him!"

Alec's frown deepened while his feet came to a steady halt. He turned, and let his hard like ice, dark red eyes find mine. "Then that should be his problem. He shouldn't bring you into this without your consent first of all."

Says the boy who once pushed me against a locker to get Nathan jealous! How was that any different as to what I was doing now? The only difference being; this time Alec wasn't involved. He was not the one I was hugging up to, or holding hands with. That's when it struck me. Was that why he was so pissed off? Alec was... Jealous?

"Why does it bother you so much?" I tested the water. Alec did nothing but try to glare me down. I wouldn't give in, though. If this was what he was feeling; he needed to tell me! That would give me at least a little bit of what was going on inside of him. A remote chance that there was still a part of him that felt for me!

"It doesn't." Alec said. "It was just the possibility that you lied to me that did irritate me."

"Does it really matter if I'm in a relationship with him anyway?"

Alec frowned in my direction. "Of course it does. What will happen if he decides to tell his friends the truth? Then they will know that you lied to them."

"They'll get over it!" I quickly crossed my arms like a stubborn child. In this moment, I might've looked childish. But what right did he have to worry about me anymore? He didn't. I had basically handed myself to him; and he had been the one to reject me. Sure, I deserved it; but that alone didn't mean it didn't hurt. It hurt like hell. I had grown up with people who would never think of hurting me; who flinched at the mere thought of rejecting me what I wanted, where as Alec... Alec didn't sugar coat anything. He told me how it was, how it was going to be, and seemingly didn't care about what it would do to me; because he knew the truth was better than false hope. Was that what I was currently trying to get? False hope out of him that there could still be a part of him that cared for me? "It shouldn't bother you anyway. I'm not yours to worry about any more. You shouldn't care."

"You are so naive, Renesmee!" Alec snapped. His eyes were blazing more anger than what they ever had. I had managed to make him snap, and quite frankly... I sorta liked it. Be it the false hope talking or not, but the fact he was willing to argue this with me, give me a reaction, kind of fuelled my belief that maybe, even just a little bit, there was a part of him that did care.

"Oh, I'm naive?!" I spat back.

"Yes! You are!" He took two steps towards me - which caused me to lean back a little. I might've been getting the reaction I wanted from him, but that didn't mean it wasn't scary. "You think I don't worry? I worry non stop about you! Are you forgetting the situation that we are currently under, Renesmee?! There is someone out there that wants to kill you, to kill both of us; and I am merely to sit back and watch you live a life with the threat that she could end it before I got a chance to say goodbye?!"

Alec was truly raging now. The daggers that he was sending my way caused my skin to crawl.

I probably should have just shut up. I really needed to just shut the hell up. But of course, I couldn't.

"It's always goodbye with you! What if I don't want you to say goodbye?!"

A bitter, scorned laugh left his dead lips. "Are you forgetting you are the one who said goodbye to me? Don't think for a minute I am allowing you to play the damsel in distress, Renesmee. I'm not buying it."

"Then what the hell are you doing here?" I stood up from the bed and walked towards him. Alec didn't so much as move. He just continued to glare at me. "Get out then! Leave. I can look after myself. Say your god-damn goodbye now, and fuck off."

"Language!" He sneered, teeth full on show.

"No, I don't care for pleasantries any more."

"Evidently." He rolled his eyes. "A mouth like a gutter, thought train of a adolescent girl, and manipulating people who could be friends. I doubt pleasantries were ever in your vocabulary."

The words came out before I could stop them. "I hate you."

Alec's face changed with those words. I'd never told him I hated him before. I'd never once said that to him, and the fact that I had; I could see the hurt running across his face. It only lasted for a second. As soon as it showed face, it vanished again - returning to his emotionless, perfect self.

"Good." He said back, voice sounding non-phased in the slightest. "You are acting like a child."

"A child huh?" I laughed, unable to stop myself from poking his chest. "This! This is why no one likes you, Alec. You are impossible!"

"Says the little princess who throws a tantrum the moment she doesn't get what she wants, or things don't go her way. I think you'll find you are the impossible one."

Did he... Really just call me 'princess'? He used it as an insult this time, and not in a love-filled term that I had heard before. He really was bringing out all the knives now, wasn't he? The last time we had both raised all weaponry to one another, it hadn't ended well. Alec had gone for a week, and I had been left moping for him. Was it going to be any different this time? I don't think it would be, truthfully. I wasn't so easily broken. Yet, I seemed to be so dead set on breaking him.

"Don't call me that!" I hit his chest yet again. "Don't you ever call me that!"

"Why? Does it hit a nerve, princess? To know that I see you for everything you are; that you are turning out to be; and you don't like it?" He pursed his lips, as if he were pouting in a sarcastic reference to me. "Would you prefer it if I bowed down to your every need and whim like everyone else?"

"I hate you!" I shoved his chest this time. Again, he didn't move. "I hate you!"

"You hate me huh?" His tone was soaked with venom. Finally, he must've gotten tired of me hitting his chest. His hands seized my wrists and held them tightly. "You really do hate me?"

"Yes, I do!" Lie.

"If you think that statement is going to hurt me Renesmee, think again. I've grown severely tired of being hurt that I no longer feel anything."

"Because of me?" I scoffed, trying to pull my hands from his grip.

"If the shoe fits."

He really was blaming me. Well, great. I should shut up now, but...

"Sure, blame me!" I hissed. "I'm the reason you no longer care. I'm the reason everyone hates you. I'm the reason your sister is growing more closer to Demetri than what she is with you."

He blinked in disbelief. I wasn't stupid. I had seen how close she had become to Demetri. When she had talked in our home, instead of looking at Alec for his opinion first; she would look to Demetri. I was pretty sure I had even seen her smile in Demetri's way. A sinister looking smile, sure; but a smile none the less.

"Doesn't sound too right, does it? Stop blaming me for your mistakes. All of this is on you. If Lilianna kills my family, kills your family; its your fault."

"Me?" Alec's grip tightened on my wrist. I might've yelped, if the adrenaline wasn't fuelling my words or my body. "Lilianna is still alive currently because of you. If you had just told me what she had done, I'd have been able to deal with it sooner! I'd have been able to kill her then and there!"

"She threatened to kill you! I didn't have a choice!"

"My life ended the moment you came into it." Alec's venom coated lips spared. "I didn't have a choice then either, but you don't see me complaining over it."

I was frozen. I was hollow. I was numb.

The fantasy I had been living in where there was a possibility that he still cared for me no longer stood. This was reality. I had broken him, and this was his turn.

I couldn't breathe. Had I actually heard that right? Had those words actually come from his lips?

He couldn't have said that. He just couldn't. I knew Alec was cruel, but he had never once been... That cruel.

I decided I couldn't ask him about it. He let go of my hands finally, and let me stumble back from him while I tried to get to grips with my thoughts. He stood there, emotionless, watching me. Did he have no remorse in what he just said to me? Evidently not! I fought back the tears in my eyes. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of watching me cry, even if that was what I wanted to do more than anything.

I inhaled through my nose, and let it out slowly. Alec continued to stand motionless.

I tackled the reason as to why he'd come here in the first place. If I managed to fix that, then he'd leave. Then I could cry.

"I didn't lie to you about Gary." I retaliated with a tilt of my head. "But you're still looking at me angrily."

Alec turned his eyes away from me. "Fine. Before I take my leave, we should go over some of the possibilities that may happen."

Was he seriously trying to change the subject? After something like that? If I had ruined his life so much; why was he still putting everything he had into trying to protect me? Yes, I suppose it was because he had said he would; but that couldn't just be it. He must've at least had some other reason for doing all this... Even arguing with me; he must've felt something. Something that spurred him on to say those hurtful things to me. If he didn't care, he wouldn't have been interested in arguing with me.

"Alec?"

"If Delilah isn't able to postpone Lilianna's choice, then there is a high possibility that we may need to take you back to your family an-"

"Alec?"

"And go ahead with eliminating them ourselves. It may be dangero-" While he went on with his rant, I stood myself up and stormed towards him. My hands found his face and forced him to look at me. His eyes were wide and telling. Opening up to me and questioningly gazing down at me; waiting for me to speak. If he didn't give me the answer, his eyes would. They were complying with me. I had his full attention again. The question I wanted to ask him... If he was still cared, if he had been jealous when he heard about me and Gary for whatever reason, wouldn't come out. The words were caught in my throat as I gazed up at him; stunned at the fact I could see everything within those dark crimson eyes. He was jealous. It did bother him that I was playing another man's girlfriend. I had to be truthful to myself, really. It didn't feel right. Acting as though I loved someone other than Alec, when he would most likely be the only man I would ever truly love.

"I'm sorry."

—xXx—

It was times like these that Delilah wished she was free. That she didn't have a coven to go back too. That all of these problems weren't real, and she was free to live her life as a vampire. Seeing things no human had ever seen. Experiencing things that no one else ever had. Like what she was doing currently.

Sitting on top of the tallest building in all of Mobile, Alabama. Staggering above everyone below her, high up in the clouds and watching the sun set in the distance. Scott was next to her, but she didn't mind. He was quiet, and easy to ignore. He seemed to be enjoying this as much as she was, deep down. Delilah knew he would enjoy it more if it was Mary sitting next to him, and not her.

She couldn't really blame him, however. Their bond was growing as each minute ticked by on a clock. Delilah knew that it wouldn't be long until they were inseparable, and wouldn't be able to bare being apart. Mary was turning into Scott's reason for living, and vise versa. She would be lying if she said she wasn't envious of that. Having someone- and having someone to - care about you that much must be nice.

"D'you know what this building is?" Scott broke the silence. Delilah merely shook her head as the wind let out a gust, blowing across her face and through her hair. She inhaled deeply, saving the feeling, the smell and the taste of freedom.

"It's the RSA battle house tower." He told her, shrugging his shoulders. "My mom wanted to bring me here once."

"Why?"

"I liked skyscrapers as a kid."

Delilah couldn't help but smile. The thought of a young Scott running around, gawking at all the tall buildings he wanted, amused her. Come to think of it, Delilah had been living with Scott for almost two years now; and she only knew the basics about him. It didn't make her care about him any less; but she didn't know him quite as well as someone would expect. She took this as the chance... He was trying to let her in, in hopes that she would do the same.

Delilah hadn't opened up to anyone. The only person she had ever opened up to was Ryan. He was the only one she could trust back when she was human. He was the only one who understood her, and actually cared. But now... Now she had a family. A messed up family, sure. But a family none the less. Looking at Scott, Delilah could see that he really did care about her just as much as she cared for him. As much as she cared for them all. Would it really hurt? Opening up to someone other than Ryan? If they were to come out of this alive, they would be together for all of eternity. Delilah doubted that they would split up now. Not after everything they had gone through.

"Didn't you live in Seattle?" Delilah asked.

"Yeah."

"The Seattle tower was pretty big." She shrugged.

"I saw that everyday. It was things like these... Ones I didn't see that I craved to see one day. Especially the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Tallest building in all of the world." Scott's voice was lusted over. He was telling her his dream...

"I always wanted to go to Japan as a kid."

Scott turned his head to look at her. She didn't look at him, in fear that she might see amusement. But that wasn't how Scott was looking at her. He was surprised, he was in awe. She was finally opening up to him; letting him see past the facade of this hard, cold shell. She wasn't as tough as she showed herself to be after all. She was a tough girl, he'd give her that; but she was still a girl. She had feelings. She had dreams. Just like the rest of them.

"We'll go there one day." Scott promised. That was when Delilah finally looked at him. Her eyes were wide, and Scott was positive he heard all traces of breath leave her body. Disbelief shimmered in her eyes, as did the remains of hope. "Tokyo's got some pretty cool building to see."

"The SkyTree, yeah." Delilah nodded. "That would be one building I'd come see with you."

Scott flashed her a large smile. "Then it's settled. We're deffo' going now."

Boy, did Delilah just want to take off there and then. Hold him to his promise and go see it now; before anything got tough. She couldn't, however. She wouldn't leave the others behind. Not when they needed her. It was because she was helping the Volturi that they would all live in the first place. If she were to take off now, they would all die.

That was something Delilah refused to let happen.

"I look forward to it." Delilah smiled, turning her head away to look across the buildings once again. "A nice family holiday."

"I like the sound of that." Scott chuckled. "I'll bet Mary'll love it too."

Mary. Sweet, sweet Mary. She wouldn't be the only one. Her dream to see Japan, and all it had to offer was something she shared with Ryan. He would love it just as much as Delilah would. They're family was going to open up to new experiences, and be free from all restrictions. Mary was going to see everything. She was going to live the life she deserved. Delilah would make sure of it.

"Scott?" Delilah whispered, turning to look at him. He was gazing off into the distance, a smile on his face as he thought about the many things he could show Mary. He truly did love her...

"Yeah?"

"When you're with Mary... What does it feel like?"

He turned his head to look at her, and arched an eyebrow.

"Like nothing else in the world matters besides her." He confessed. "I love you guys, don't get me wrong. But with Mary... I feel... I feel invincible. She understands me better than anyone I've ever known. She makes me better... As a person... As a vampire, and I like it. I like what I am when I am with her."

All the things he was saying... Every little last inch... Made Delilah realize that she too felt that way. Even in her human life, she had felt that way without thinking much of it. In the presence of Ryan, he made her like herself. No, love herself, for he saw all the good in her and tried his damned hardest to make her see it too.

And slowly, she was beginning to. It was taking a while, and boy did it take a while for her to finally realize what she envied about Mary and Scott, she had it right there. She had someone to care for in that way, and he was always there for her. Grinning, cracking jokes or eating god damn human food. Ryan was everything that Mary was to Scott.

She turned her head away and inhaled deeply once again. Although she knew she had her family, Delilah finally felt as though she wasn't alone anymore. She had what other normal vampires had all along. Families. Lives. Mates.

For the first time in a long while, Delilah smiled. She really, truly smiled.

And Scott would swear that it was the most beautiful he had ever seen Delilah be in his existence.

—xXx—

He hoped that she was safe. He hoped that they both were. Although he was well aware they could both handle themselves, Demetri was still uneasy about them being off on their own. Especially with the fact he had no idea if he would be able to track them when it was needed. This invisible barrier crap still got to him, and despite the knowledge that their little spy was going to talk this barrier onto their side; there was still a part of him that wanted to rip him into pieces.

This Scotty boy... This person who was able to hide himself, and others easily, from him was something he had never seen before. Isabella was the only person he had ever met that was able to block out people - even him, due to her ability to hide behind her shield - but the fact that this boy was designed specifically to hide from him, and any other tracker, pissed Demetri off to no extent.

Jane was needed at a time like this. Felix must've let his mind slip at some point when he was watching over the Cullen's; resulting in Edward being able to see exactly what was going on. A state of panic was obviously on its way, since both Edward and Carlisle were out here. Edward was pacing back and forth, while Carlisle seemed to be the only one with any sense of professionalism.

"What exactly are we going to do about this?" Carlisle sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"We wait for Aro." Demetri rolled his eyes. It was times like these that Demetri wished Felix didn't have a brainwave. They didn't need the hassle they were currently getting. It had come as a shock to them also, hearing Lilianna's plan, but they were reassured this girl was going to postpone it; even for a short while.

Demetri had met Delilah. He knew that she was someone of her word, just by looking at her. The way she stood beside - or more so behind - Alec, and the way she held herself proved that she meant business. She had her own reasons for helping them, and those reasons were enough to ensure that she give one hundred and ten percent. If there was a problem with her postponing it, they would have heard something by now.

"That alone isn't enough to ease our fears, Demetri." Edward snapped towards him. "While she is off trying to convince Lilianna to hold back the attack, my daughter is under the protection of just one guard? What if Lilianna decides to go after her? What good would Alec be then, when we're not sure if he is able to use his own gift on her?"

"Alec is quite able to handle things, Edward. As is Jane. They state we are to wait for Aro, and thus we will."

"What if there isn't any time?" Edward finally snapped. "What if she has already taken action and both Alec and Jane are dea-"

Demetri was in Edward's face before he could finish that statement. His eyes cast of pure rage and anger, while his lips were pulled back; protruding his teeth in a snarl. Who the hell did he think he was to even consider voicing such a thing? It was treason, more or less. Alec and Jane were more than capable of handling themselves. Out of the whole Volturi, Demetri had no doubt in his mind that they two would come out of this unscaved and victorious. But that wasn't what had made his snap. The point of what caused Demetri to act out against his usual nature was that Edward, already knowing that Jane and Alec were two of the most highest ranking Volturi members out there and more than capable of handling their own, was actually about to voice that Jane may already be dead.

If Alec were here, Edward would most likely already be dead. No one spoke ill of Jane and lived. Not if Alec had anything to do with it, and since Alec was not here to defend her in a way Demetri knew he would - Demetri would do it.

"If you say another word, I will not hesitate in removing your head." Demetri threatened.

"This isn't a time to fight," Carlisle stepped in. Felix had moved to flank Demetri, reading himself to take Demetri's side in his choice. No matter what, Felix always had Demetri's back. He would follow Demetri to the ends of the Earth. Everyone present knew that, including Demetri. "We are not the enemy here."

It took a few seconds, but eventually Carlisle's words kicked in and caused Edward to back off. With his retreat, Demetri did the same.

"We need to know what is currently happening." Carlisle continued. "Who is watching over Renesmee?"

"Alec is." Jane answered, stepping out of the darkness. "He was the one to send Demetri back."

"Jane," Demetri somewhat relaxed visibly. "I expected you to be here when I returned."

"I needed to eat." Jane brushed him off with a look. She took a stance in between both Demetri and Felix; her eyes set on Edward and Carlisle.

"I've spoken with Alec, and it is I that must go meet with Delilah when the time comes." She explained. "He is now under full responsibility on watching over Renesmee, and is taking this on with the professionalism the Volturi strives to give. Nothing is going to get to her while she is under his watchful eye, and he will only part when he needs to feed." Which, judging by his eyes will be soon, Demetri thought idly.

Edward nodded, catching Demetri's train of thought.

"I understand you are not at ease with this, but it will work." Jane continued. "However, if you insist to continuously worry over our arrangement with Delilah... Edward, why don't you come with me to meet Delilah. You can see exactly what is going on in her head, and if she is telling the truth on helping us."

As much as Demetri disliked it, that made sense. Taking the mind reader with them, so he could see if Delilah was set on helping them - so that they could indeed have absolute trust in her - was a good idea. Even if Demetri didn't like the fact she would be out again - without him.

"That would be a great peace of mind, Jane." Carlisle nodded swiftly, before anyone could protest. "Thank you."

Jane bowed her head, though it wasn't really out of respect. She was clearly just doing this to shut them up. "I must press that I will only be taking Edward with me, as it is a high possibility that we may be being watched. In order to do this, I suggest Edward wear one of our cloaks. That way, whomever could be watching us, is unable to tell of his identity."

Edward nodded.

"Will I be able to see my daughter?" Edward asked.

Jane shook her head slowly. "We're not going anywhere near the Campus. Drawing attention to there would bring more danger than what is needed. I thought you wanted her to be safe?"

Edward understood. They could see it in his eyes. It was only a few more days, and then Renesmee would be safe with them again. They couldn't let Lilianna know they were on to them, and had to go about their everyday lives. If Lilianna wasn't doing any of this, Renesmee would be where she was now anyway.

"Now please return to your home. Speaking out in the open like this isn't something we should do often. We will speak to you again when it is needed, or when it is time to meet with our insider."

Both Carlisle and Edward nodded, and the three figures in black watched as they walked back to the house - obviously going to ease the minds of the others. Good thing too, since each of them could hear the commotion going on in there.

"Is it such a good idea to move with just a Cullen, Jane?" Felix asked. "They aren't as strong as one of us."

"I know." Jane answered. "But easing their minds is just a step in the right direction."

Demetri hoped Jane knew what she was doing. It was no brain teaser to figure out that the Cullen's didn't entirely like them, and it was obvious Edward wasn't all to thrilled about Jane. This could go wrong, and Demetri hoped that she could handle it.

"Lets go." Jane turned and moved back into the shadows. With no hesitance, both of the taller males followed after her; just like they always did. Felix would follow Demetri to the ends of the Earth, but it was no lie when Demetri would state he would follow Jane to the death.

He just prayed that wasn't what was going to await for them.

—xXx—

His hand gingerly brushed over my cheek; while his thumb moved to rest onto my lip.

I repaid him by placing a gentle kiss onto his thumb, which caused his eyes to flick close.

I wasn't sure what he was feeling, nor what was going on inside of him, but I hoped it was good. I wanted him to feel the same way I was. The feeling of being content, of finally being back in the arms of the person I should always be with.

"I suppose that is one way of shutting me up." Alec mused with a small chuckle. Hearing that chuckle... Made my heart flutter. Instead of answering him, I was lost in smiles. He hadn't pushed me away like I thought he would have. It was a bold move, I knew that. "I wasn't expecting that, per say. An apology wasn't what I thought I deserved."

"You didn't deserve that." I answered with my own smile. "A slap to the face, maybe."

"Mm," Alec tilted his head, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip yet again. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Renesmee... I apologize for that little outburst." He whispered. "It was wrong of me to take my irritation out on you."

"You're just hungry," I commented on his eyes. They were more close to onyx black than anything else now. "Men get cranky when they're hungry."

He gave a weak chuckle in response and nodded his head.

Steadily, Alec let his hand from my face fall.

Alec was going to give me whiplash with all this, but I could see where he was coming from. We had been lost in the moment. I had made a bold move, and it had worked in my favour. Apologizing to him had taken everything to do, for I didnt' believe I was the only one in the wrong. But, apparently... He knew that too.

"You were jealous..." I whispered. "Weren't you?"

Alec held my eyes in his, and slowly he nodded his head. "Yes."

My stomach flipped and a smile broke out onto my face; despite how much I probably should have contained it.

"Don't look so pleased with yourself," Alec scoffed. His hand moved to take a strand of my hair and brush it behind my ear. "I still stand with what I said."

"I know. Just... Friends, right?"

Alec nodded his head gently. "Just friends."

The way his voice sounded; it was severely sour; but I chose to ignore it.

"I am not telling you what to do, Renesmee; but I don't believe it's wise to carry on this façade with your friend. People will only get hurt. And as for that Finn; I don't trust him."

I couldn't help but frown. "But... What's wrong with Finn?"

"Just trust me, Reny."

I couldn't contain the flinch that came with that nickname. He must've saw it, for he sighed deeply.

Gingerly, Alec leant forward and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"Get some rest. Behave yourself tomorrow, I'll be watching."

His lips vanished from my head, and I was brought back to the emptiness of my room.

A/N:

Ahhh, I wanted to put a kiss in here so badly; but I just couldn't. Not yet. I've got it all planned out, and when it does happen; I think I may cry.

I managed to write this in a day. A freakin' day & I'm already half way through the next chapter!

Want an update again? Get those reviews in. 50+ reviews should give me motivation enough to get it done tomorrow, but the rest is up to you guys.

Leave your thoughts in a review and make me happy?

Take it easy, I love you all.

-C.H