Chapter twenty one: Playing with the big boys.

My body ached with awareness. Having her right there, on my chest; sleeping soundly and filling my head with her realistic dreams. Currently, she was lost in a field of her friends. Watching the wedding of her true best friend Ivy. Trust Renesmee's dreams to be filled with unselfish things as to what she wanted in life, or wished to possess. It was all about her friends, and wishing them a happy life.

In the silence, I could hear the cars speeding by. I didn't hear them until now; and even then it was hard to focus on them with the beating heart of Renesmee steadily echoing against my chest. If I stated still enough, and quiet enough; I could almost imagine that it was my own heart beating in time with hers.

Stupid, right? My heart hadn't ushered a single beat for a long, long time. So long; I actually forgot what it was like to have a heartbeat. I had forgotten what it was like to have a heart, actually.

The only time I had vaguely was reminded I did indeed have one, was when I was in the presence of this girl. Be it when she was making it swell with love and pride, or ache with hurt and pain. Either way, she reminded me of it; and what it was like to once again be human. Feel human.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

I glanced to the clock, which read 5:38AM and then to the window. I had lay practically motionless for almost four hours; when Renesmee had finally fallen into a deep slumber and her dreams began to play up. Focusing my eyes at the window; I had to hold back to groan of irritation.

Felix.

Carefully, I lifted Renesmee's head from my body and gently rested her back down onto the bed. Taking a spare sheet; I wrapped it around my waist and made my way to the window. With a mere flick of my wrist; I pushed it up. Felix moved in and sat on the window ledge, casting a glance as me and then to Renesmee. Once he looked back, and sniffed the air; he was unable to hide the smirk coming to his lips.

"Just doing your job, huh?" He mocked. It took all I had not to push him out of the window. I really, really wanted too.

"What're you doing here?" I ignored him, and gripped the sheet around my waist tighter.

"You gotta call it quits with this College stuff, Alec." Felix explained and leant his back against the window frame. "Time's up, kid."

Did I have to remind him that I was older than him?! Who the hell did he think he was calling kid?!

"Call it quits?" I questioned, reeling back any other comments I wanted to throw in.

Felix gave one bob of his head. "We need you back at the Cullen's. Both of you."

I cast a glance over my shoulder to Renesmee's sleeping posture. She moved, and was now curled up into a little ball under the sheets. "Why the both of us? She still has one more day left here."

I turned to look at him again, and caught him smiling in Renesmee's direction also. His eyes met mine, and he sucked in a breath.

"Aro's finally arrived. It's time to get this all over with."

He was here? So soon? Jane had only informed me that he was on his way yesterday! I was positive that it would have given us enough time to get this whole college experience over and done with. Renesmee didn't deserve to be pulled out of it now. Not when tomorrow was her last day!

"Is there any way I can bring her home on Saturday?"

Felix shook his head. "Tomorrow at the latest, if not now."

Well obviously I wasn't going to bring her now! She was sleeping, for Christ sake. I inhaled slowly, and nodded my head gently to his words. I couldn't keep Aro waiting. Not after all that he had gone through to get here. He no doubt put off a few important things to come for this; the least I could do was comply with his wishes after everything.

All of this was my fault, after all. This mess was mine, and mine alone.

"I'll bring tomorrow. Tell Aro I'm eager to see him again."

Felix's features stiffened. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. Alec, he isn't happy."

"I know." I clenched my teeth together. I didn't need him telling me what I already knew, what I had always expected. "I'm aware as to what may await me."

Felix's eyes darted towards Renesmee for a split second before he turned to me again. "Does she?"

"No." I shook my head. "I'd prefer if she wasn't present for that."

Felix reluctantly nodded his head. "I'll be sure to have someone have her out of the room if something were to happen. I'll take her myself, if I have too."

For once... I was somewhat thankful for Felix. He understood, in a way. He knew I wouldn't want her to see me be disciplined. Although I presumed I wouldn't get it as harshly as anyone else was; I did expect some kind of punishment for my part in this.

"Tell Jane I will see her soon."

Felix got the message loud and clear. I didn't wish for her to be present for that either. If there was one thing I refused to let my sister live through, it would be having to stand back and watch as Aro - her master, someone who she was severely loyal to - punish her brother - the other part of her, who most likely was the only person she would ever care for, other than Aro.

"Goodnight, Felix."

Felix dropped down from the window, and I leant up to push the window to a close. It clicked to a lock. Pressing my head against the cold glass, I let out a sigh; causing the window to fog/steam over. Aro was here; meaning this really was coming to the end. In a blink of an eye; things would go back to how they had once been. Renesmee here, with her family and her friends; living her life as she rightfully should. And me, working with the Volturi; doing my duty as a guard member, and returning to my life as the emotionless shell I had once been.

Although I felt glad to see the back of this... To see the end of all this chaos, I couldn't help but wish for it to... Never end, I guess. I wished that I could just stay here; in this room, with Renesmee until the world came to an end. That I could somehow attend this College with her, and forget all this Lilianna problems currently arising.

It was selfish of me, but it was what I wanted. It was what I wanted more than anything.

I hope you're happy with what you're doing Lilianna, I thought with an outward sigh. Why she couldn't have just... Disappeared when I had given her the chance, I didn't understand. It didn't have to end like this; it could have ended on a lot lighter note - but she chose this. I gave her a choice, and she chose this path.

I couldn't be held responsible for what was going to come. She brought it on herself.

"Alec?"

I looked over my shoulder to find Renesmee sitting up on the bed, lazily rubbing at her eyes.

"I'm here."

"Why're you at the window?"

I made my way back over to her, dropped the sheet and climbed back in beside her. She complied with wrapping her naked body around mine; and her head nuzzling itself back into my chest.

"It was nothing. I'll tell you in the morning. Just get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us."

Renesmee's fingers began to draw little patterns into my chest yet again, and I found myself relaxing into her touch. "You know... You didn't have to try and save me from Finn. He's harmless."

"Compared to you, yes. He is." I answered while letting my eyes fall to a close. "But you wouldn't forgive yourself if you were to have done something."

The silence that followed after that clarified that she knew I was right. Renesmee was indeed too soft hearted to harm a fly, never mind a human. I would much rather her hate me for doing something, than allow her to hate herself. Besides, I took great pleasure in the fact he had hurt himself trying to act like the macho man he believed he was with punching me.

"What're we going to do..." Renesmee sighed in her failing attempt to stay awake.

I knew exactly what she meant by that. This... Cycle we continuously found ourselves in wasn't healthy. Trying to be friends, arguing, coming close to breaking that deal we had made one another a long time ago with promising to be friends forever, and now... Finding ourselves in the same mess we had basically said we wouldn't allow to happen. That I said I wouldn't allow to happen, and I had been the one who started it.

"For now... All you can do is sleep."

It might've been the sleep talking, or it might've been the fact she was lost in this little moment; like I had been; but the words that passed her lips in a final statement left me breathless.

"You're still my best friend, even after all this time."

I opened my eyes, and held my breath and began to count the hours as they ticked by. Staring endlessly up at the ceiling. The sooner morning came, the better; but I couldn't help but hope for it to stay away.

—xXx—

The morning had been a long, and pretty eventful one. Renesmee was awoken by the sound of her door being hammered against; and the chanting voice of Lana screaming for her to 'get the hell up.' I hadn't been able to remain within the bed with her; due to how vivid her dreams has become. There was only so much of Ivy's wedding I could watch; and even more so when she somehow managed to incorporate me into attending as her date.

The back story behind that dream was one only she could think up. We had our differences, but we still managed to make it work. No matter what was thrown our way; we always tried to make it work in our favor. As much as I wanted that to be true; I couldn't let myself hurt her anymore than what I already had. She understood that. She seemed as though she accepted it. It was just a matter of trying to let myself accept it.

Last night had been a release. Yes, an amazing and prolonged release for us both; but I couldn't let it happen again. I had been weak and gave into my hearts longing of wanting to have her again; despite the fact my head was screaming at me to stop. I may be a Volturi guard member, and I may be a vampire - but I still had my weaknesses. And sadly, Renesmee was that weakness.

It was dangerous for both of us to be together for many, many reasons.

If those reasons would just disappear; then things might've been different. No, things would have been different. But this wasn't the usual love story that girls read about. There wouldn't be a happy ending for me. I had never been intended to have that grand 'happily ever after' crap I'd read. If Renesmee and I were indeed what the immortal world were comparing us to, the modern day immortal version of Romeo and Juliet, then all that lay ahead for us was pain and tragedy.

I wouldn't let us end like that. I wouldn't put Renesmee through that suffering, she had already suffered far too greatly at the costs of me.

When she had awoken; I was sitting, fully dressed, by the window; looking out as she got up and dressed herself quickly.

"What time is it?" She asked while pulling a top on over her head.

"Ten past eleven." I answered nonchalantly.

"Do they know you're here?" She was hopping into a pair of shorts she'd taken from her dresser.

It was then that I turned my head to look at her, and cocked an eyebrow amusingly at her.

"No. If you like, I could exit through the window and come around the front?"

Renesmee shook her head and pulled her hair up into a quick and manageable ponytail.

"No, no. It's fine. I'm not ashamed of it." You should be. "What we did was normal."

Sure. Normal was the word for it.

I scoffed and returned to look out of the window.

"You said we had a long day ahead of us... Because of Finn?" She continued with this game of twenty questions as she pulled on her shoes.

"I couldn't care less for him." I answered truthfully. Honestly, I hoped that I had shattered his hand and he'd never be able to use it again. I'd tell her that too; if she were to ask me. It wasn't out of jealousy, or possessiveness over her either; it was merely because I literally despised the boy. "We have to head back to your family today."

Renesmee stopped dead in her tracks. Her mouth was agape when I turned to look at her again. Her eyes were wide, and she seemed to be frozen on the spot. "Why?"

"Aro's arrived sooner than expected." I stood myself up from the window ledge. "I apologize for having to cut your College experience short, Renesmee. Truly, I am. I want nothing more for you to continue with your everyday human life; but things are going to get a whole lot more complicated and messier from here on out. It isn't just a routine bodyguard watch anymore. Aro is here for business, and I, as a Volturi guard, will be expected to comply."

She took a few seconds to take this information in, and slowly she nodded her head.

"And you're not just going to leave me here alone?"

I shook my head in response. "Not when Lilianna is out there."

She sucked in a breath and let her posture relax. "Alright then. I'll just... Say goodbye to the guys and get packed."

"Not necessary. I've already packed your belongings." I pointed my hand towards the end of her bed; where she seemed to have not noticed completely. The only remaining clothes I had left out were the ones that didn't smell of her. Which, the shorts she was currently wearing; didn't. I was positive I had seen Lana wear them on the day I had first met her. The top she was wearing was obviously hers from last night. The chain that shaped around her shoulder and left her other bare was one I'd never forget being on her figure. It clung in all the right places.

"Oh. Well, thanks I guess." She awkwardly scratched at the back of her neck. "Well then, I guess I just have to say goodbye then."

"I'll take your things to the main reception and call your father. He should be here to pick you up soon."

Renesmee nodded as I picked up her bag and moved to the door. Pulling it open for her, she gingerly skipped out in front of me. I was just about to follow her out when she stopped and turned to me.

"Alec..."

Arching an eyebrow, I tilted my head. "Yes?"

"Thank you... For last night." She was blushing. My chest swelled with adoration in that small moment her cheeks came to life. I always did love it when she blushed... "I needed it."

I smiled in return, and bowed my head. "Anytime."

Although I meant it as a joke, her eyes widened and her blush deepened. She saw it the exact same way as I did. Although it may be wrong in some aspects; basically using one another to let off steam; but it had worked. I no longer felt the bottled up energy or negative vibes and sexual tension between us. Perhaps now things would be easier; and being around her wouldn't be so hard?

Now we could finally make amends and become the friends we'd tried so hard to become.

I broke into a grin; and she returned that large, cheshire cat smile.

"That isn't funny!" She laughed and playfully smacked my arm as I exited out of the room to pass her; dragging her suitcase behind her in the process. "I could have messed you up and said 'right, anytime. I'll hold you to that.'"

"Yes, because that would mess me up." I scoffed. "It's completely natural for a man to become messed up the moment a beautiful woman announces she wishes to sleep with you again. How terrifying."

"Watch your tongue, or I'll bite it off." Renesmee laughed while walking closely behind me.

"Wouldn't be the first time." I slid in as I lifted her case from the final step and placed it back onto the floor. She shoved my back again, and continued to grin up at me with her dazzling smile.

"I'll see you at the reception then?" The cautiously shuffled her foot.

"Take your time." I raised my hand to rest it under her chin, allowing my thumb to brush over her bottom lip tenderly. "There's no rush."

There was every rush in the world. Aro was a patient man, but even then his patience had it's limits. We couldn't leave him waiting for too long; otherwise he may end up sending someone - most likely Jane - to speed up the process. Jane had made it abundantly clear that although she was thankful for what Renesmee had done, and she understood why she had done it; she still didn't like Renesmee.

And that in itself was understandable too. After all, when Renesmee had left Volterra; I had been shattered. But I was on the right track now. I was on the mend, as was she. After last night; I couldn't help but believe perhaps we were going about this the right way; and that we now could make it as friends.

I was funny what a night of letting go of raw frustration could do; huh?

The reception area wasn't as filled as it had been when we first arrived at the College on the Monday morning; but it wasn't completely empty either. I explained to the receptionist - who commented at least several times on how unusually beautiful my lavender eyes were - that Renesmee and myself had other obligations we had to attend and that it was a family matter. She complied with marking Renesmee off the list - then she made a quick call to her father and allowing me to talk; which I merely stated that 'we' would need to be picked up within an hour. - and went on to thank me for letting her know.

I really couldn't care less for the story she went on about other students just leaving; and causing such a fuss due to the problems them failing to sign out would cause. I knew it all, I understood why the precautions and the need to sign out where there. Did I look dense that I didn't understand what would happen in the event of a fire, and if Renesmee hadn't of signed out? Some other human firefighter would risk their life to go look for her when she wasn't even there. Clearly I must've; for she went on about it anyway.

She smiled at me and finally let me take my leave after her rambling had come to an end; and I eagerly sat outside. Renesmee's suitcase rested beside me, while I gazed on out at the scenery.

It was raining lightly. The air was humid and uncomfortably warm, while the skies were a gloomy shade of gray. The thunderstorm was on it's way; I could sense it. It had been a little uncomfortably warm as of recently; so that had to be the reason behind it. The electrical buildup within the skies were getting ready to tear apart and strike down onto the human world.

Jane loved thunderstorms.

Even as a human, she enjoyed them. Well, that was a lie. She only ever enjoyed them when I was with her; for then she had an excuse to climb into bed with me and use me as 'protection.' Perhaps that was why she enjoyed the storms, then? Because it gave her an excuse to come closer to me; even if it meant she would be scolded for it by our father.

He had never really liked how close Jane and I had been; and deemed it as impractical for there would come a day where we would be separated and off living our own lives.

'You can't expect to run to Aleczander for every little thing Jane when you are married. You will have a husband for that' he would say, or something else along the lines of 'Aleczander; why do you condemn her behaviour towards yourself? Be a man and stop this.'

Back then, I would merely laugh in his face. As if he could believe I would turn my sister away in a time of need; especially when she made it clear that I was the only person who could resolve that. When my sister needed me, I would always be there for her. I still would.

That had been one of things that amazed us with Aro. A few weeks after our transformation; there had been a thunderstorm and Jane had resulted back into her usual human way. Before, she would have just clung onto me and listened. Where as this time she crawled up to me, held on tightly and shivered in fear of what was going to come. She awaited for our father to come bursting into through the door and scold her for it.

It wasn't him who came, though. It had been Aro; coming to check on us. Jane still cowered in fear; and I held onto her as tightly as I could; sneering at the man and readying myself to attack if he dared try hurt my precious little sister. I would have, and still would, protect her to the death.

Aro sat himself down onto the floor beside us, and let his hand outstretched and brush itself through Jane's hair.

"There there, children." He said in the most calmest, and tender of voices. "There is nothing to fear."

I kept myself ready to pounce, and cautiously watched as he soothed his hand over Jane's head over and over.

"You are doing a good job, Alec." I glared at him and pulled Jane closer to me. Aro took the hint and removed his hand from her head. He folded his hands together and let them rest on his lap. "Holding her like that will help ease the pain, and most likely dull out the loud banging from the storm."

I didn't know that; but I was doing it for that reason anyway!

"Aren't you going to tell us to stop?" Jane peeked her head around while I tried desperately hard to tuck her back down.

"To stop what, my dear?" Aro blinked. "Stop comforting one another? Why on Earth would I do that. You both need one another presently. I wouldn't stand in the way of that, my child."

"Your... Child?" Jane blinked and sat herself up, pulling herself out from my grip. "As in... Father?"

Aro's lips curved into a cherishing smile as he bowed his head. I felt as though I could rip that damn ponytail he had his hair in off. He wasn't our father. Our father was dead, and good riddance. We didn't need another father. Jane didn't need another father. All she needed was me!

"If that is what you wish Jane, dear." He opened his arms for her to come into them, and I felt my limbs clench with the desire to pounce. I looked at her in disbelief. She wasn't really buying this crap, was she?! We didn't know this man! All we knew was that he had taken us from our village; destroyed everyone and everything in it; and now we were monsters.

He did this to us, and yet here was Jane actually crawling into him and wrapping her arms around him in an embrace. I couldn't believe my eyes, and they were freaking good at seeing things now! What the hell was Jane doing?!

He ran his snow white hand over the back of her head, while she nuzzled herself in closer to his neck and shoulder.

"Nothing is ever going to harm you ever again, my child. Not while I am around."

His milky red eyes found mine, and he released a arm from around Jane to welcome me in. As if. I wasn't some hormonal, emotional teenage girls in need of fatherly love. I was a grown man who could deal with his problems on his own.

"You will never be degraded, nor will you ever feel worthless here. You are now where you belong, and where you will always belong."

Where I belonged...

The look in his eyes, the sincerity that was there, screamed at me that he was telling the truth. We belonged here; because he wanted us here. He didn't look at us the way our father had. There was no disappointment, there was no hatred, and there was no anger. There was just... Pride.

Whatever took over me, I had moved from the wall and was now in the joint embrace of Aro and Jane. He smelt like... Mint herbs and springtime.

"My children. My darling little children..."

That was the moment I knew that I didn't know what it was like to have a father until then. Victor Cecil wasn't my father. Aro was.

And he had remained as my father figure from that moment to now. There was never a man I had respected, cherished and cared for more in my entire life. Besides Jane, Aro had been the only other person I would lay my life down for. That was... Until two years ago, when someone else managed to sneak their way into that category.

"Alec, hellloooo." I blinked out of my little daze and turned my head to a flock of people.

Renesmee was the one who had spoken; since it had been her hand waving in front of my face. Beside her was Gary and a boy I didn't know the name of, Lana and the boy I had instructed to keep an eye on her last night, and the rest of Renesmee's small group of friends.

"Did you call m-"

I suppose she was just about to ask if I had called her father; but she was cut off by the Silver Volvo driving up and parking in front. The driver side door opened, and a mess of copper hair emerged from beneath.

Edward began to grin wildly as he walked around the car and met Renesmee half way; engulfing her into a hug.

I was surprised she hadn't knocked him over, due to the running start she took at him.

I glanced towards her group of friends, and listened idly to Gary explain that was her 'brother.' Renesmee must've been glad she hadn't asked if I called her father; since Edward was currently posing as her elder brother.

Strange, and quite frankly disturbing to my tastes; but it worked.

"I've missed you." Edward combed a hand through her hair as he stepped back to look at her. "Are you alright?"

"Yup."

"Have you had fun?"

"So much fun." I couldn't help but sense a hint of sarcasm there; alongside the fact she was hinting at something else; but it had gone unnoticed by Edward. So, he stayed out of her head? Why couldn't he do the same for me, huh?

"Er, Roo?" Gary coughed, trying to catch her attention. She turned to look at them, and he cocked an eyebrow. "You don't think you're gettin' away without a hug now; do you?"

"Alec, why don't we put her things into the trunk." Edward pulled away from his daughter and moved around to the back of the car. I nodded swiftly and stood from my seat; taking ahold of the suitcase and manuvering my way towards the car at Edward's side.

He was giving Renesmee the space to say goodbye to her friends; and it was only natural I'd allow her to do the same thing; even though she had time to do that back at the house. Never the less, Renesmee could take her time.

"She plans in taking her time too," Edward scoffed as he pulled the car trunks door open. I quickly lifted it and settled it into the back, while casting him a glance.

"Still sticking your nose into other peoples minds, I see." I stated acidly. Alongside Renesmee's bag; I quickly opened it up and pulled out my Volturi cloak. Before I had a chance to remove it from the trunk completely, Edward took it from my hands.

"You can put it on in the car." Edward brushed off; and practically tossed it over the back and into the back seats. If there is one wrinkle on that cloak Cullen; I will have your head.

Edward chuckled idly, and closed the trunk with a loud slam.

"Just get in the car."

Edward walked his way back to the drivers side and settled back in. I copied his actions, and made my way to sit myself in the back - however a hand resting on my arm pulled me to a stop.

I turned to look at whomever had been stupid enough to lay a hand on me, but the anger washed away the moment I saw who it was. The little figure of Lana, beaming up at me through wide eyes and a friendly smile, settled all the irritation that had built up due to Edward away.

"I just wanted to say g'bye, since I'm not sure I'll get to see you again. You're from Italy, so I figured there's a high chance you're just going back there to study..."

"That's most likely," I agreed. I was returning to Italy yes, but not to study. However; she didn't need to know that.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye then. It's been great knowing you... Finally getting to see the face, and meeting the guy Renesmee used to go on about all the time."

I let out a chuckle and rolled my eyes. "It has been a wonderful experience knowing you, Lana. I hope we meet again sometime in the future."

I took hold of her hand, and pressed a gentle kiss onto her knuckles.

"You never know. If I ever come to Italy; I could look you up. Maybe go for Coffee, or something? Course, I'd need to bring Aiden with me if we're still together since... We're kinda together now."

Her eyes wandered to look over her shoulder to the boy leaning against the wall; grinning at her. The one I had basically demanded to keep an eye on her. Well, at least she had taken my words and moved on from Finn.

"I'll look forward to that day." I bowed my head. Lana grinned, blushed and stepped back from me. With a saluted wave; she made her way merrily back to Aiden's side. It was sweet of her to bid me a farewell; after all I hadn't really expected one from any of them. I hadn't invested myself into them as much as I had with Renesmee's prior friends; merely because I doubt anyone of them could have... Well, matched to those humans. They had each been interesting in their own way; from the beauty queens, to the jocks, to the little mouthy ones. Although Renesmee's current friends were great - and it was clear she cared about them - I don't think they'd ever take the place of Ivy, Suzannah and Shannon.

"Call us as soon as you get home okay?!" Gary called as Renesmee began to walk away from the group. I leant down to open the car door for her.

"I will. Have fun gu-"

"Renesmee, hang on a second!"

My teeth slammed shut and my hands clenched. How dare he come here. How dare he try to talk to her. Renesmee had turned around and watched as Finn jogged his way up towards her.

She looked back over her shoulder to me, and smiled sympathetically.

"One second?"

"I'll wait in the car." I practically almost hissed.

"No, no. Wait, Alec. I wanted to talk to you too."

There was nothing in this world I wanted to hear from this boys lips. But, the look Renesmee was giving me somehow convinced me I should give it a try and stay by her side. So that if what I did. I moved myself to stand at her side, and try with every fiber in my being to talk myself out of ripping his throat out from his body.

I did get a great deal out of pleasure seeing his hand bandaged however.

"I wanted to apologize... For last night. You were right, I was drunk and I didn't know what I was doing." Finn scratched the back of his neck with his good hand. "I'm deserved whatever happened last night; even though it's all fussy."

I looked at Renesmee through the corner of my eye, and saw that she was doing the exact same thing but towards me.

"So, I'm sorry; and I hope there ain't any hard feelings. I don't want to have messed up whatever it was we coulda' had."

You aren't getting anything with her, I mentally hissed.

"It's fine, Finn." Renesmee smiled sweetly up towards him. "I forgive you. You had a bit too much to drink, and you made a mistake. But from now on, I think it's best if we just... Stick to being friends."

It was wrong of me, really really wrong of me; but I smiled. Renesmee, my Renesmee, had just rejected him. It would have felt a lot better if he seemed at all phased by it; but he didn't. In fact, he smiled back and nodded his head.

"Hell, I'll take that. Friends is better than' nothin." Finn smiled and opened his arms for her. Like the trustworthy and forgiving person Renesmee was; she stepped into his arms and gave him a meaningful hug. It lasted all of five seconds before she pulled back and continued to smile up at him.

Then his sights turned to me. "What about you?"

I arched an eyebrow.

"Whatever you did to cause this," he motioned to his bandaged hand, "I deserved it. You did the right thing. I get out of hand when I've been drinkin'. So, what do you say? Forgive an' forget?" He offered out his good hand.

Again, I looked out the corner of my eye to Renesmee. She was looking up at me with wide; pleading eyes. How the hell could I say no when she was looking at me like that?!

I let out a deep, irritated sigh and placed my hand into his. Finn broke out into a even larger smile and shook my hand roughly.

"I guess I'll see you guys around then." Finn let go of my hand, finally. "Enjoy that family reunion thing, Ren."

He walked backwards to join the group of friends while I opened the car door for her. Renesmee slipped in and I closed it behind her. As I made my way around the other side Renesmee rolled down the window and began waving to her friends. As soon as I slipped in also, Edward started the car and took off.

"Seatbelt." Oddly, Edward and I said in sync to Renesmee. In the mirror, I could see Edward grinning to himself. I was glad he found it amusing, but I certainly didn't.

Renesmee giggled a little bit, in that annoyingly cute way she did, and pulled it around herself.

"So what did you do to make him break his hand, Alec?" Edward asked in an attempt at small talk; as I hastily began to pull on my cloak over my clothes. If we were going to see Aro again; I needed to be presentable.

"I did nothing." I muttered, and cast a glance to Renesmee. She was looking out the window; but I could see that she was grinning. Her smile had always been infectious; and I found myself smiling idly to myself as I settled back into the seat. "Nothing at all."

—xXx—

He didn't like this. He didn't like how frequent this was becoming. Lilianna was going to suspect something; if she didn't already suspect it. The way she looked at them made his skin crawl; it was as if she knew what they were doing; and she was waiting for one of them to come out of it.

Currently, Lilianna was outside; supervising a few of the other newborns. She was rounding them up, and Scott was beginning to feel anxious. He could see the same look on Delilah's face; and despite how hard Ryan and Damien were trying to hide it, they must've been feeling the same.

"Alright, into the living room. Now!"

Lilianna re-entered the house. Delilah sent Scott a meaningful look; while he returned it with a nod. They had to play this cool. As though they didn't suspect a thing. They had to act as though they had no idea as to what Lilianna was going to say. It was easy for Shay and Mary; who were sitting there - oblivious to it all. To them, this could just be a simple round up and count of numbers. Delilah and Scott hoped that was what it was. That this was no cause for concern.

Head after head made their way into the living area; settling themselves all over the room. Some sat on the floor, others cowered in the corner. Belle and Veronica - the newest adage to the family, and the girl who had been brought in with Damien - stood in one corner. Veronica had Belle in front of her; with her hands on either one of the smaller, younger girls shoulders. She looked truly terrified, but soothed by the fact Veronica was holding her.

Delilah couldn't help but feel pity for her. Veronica wasn't holding her like that in an act of love, or kindness. She was doing it so that of Lilianna were to come for her; she had Belle to protect herself with. Swiftly, Delilah did a headcount.

Twenty seven.

It would have been twenty nine; if it wasn't for the two that Lilianna had disposed of yesterday.

Delilah wasn't really sure what the true numbers were - since there were a few down in the basement she was keeping. Lilianna entered the room and stood before them all; fragile looking, angelic looking, but deadly with her vicious red eyes and blood red lips.

Her eyes cast across each of them; and again - they landed themselves onto Scott. Out of nature, his arm around Mary tucked her closer to him. If this was it, if she was going to make an example out of them all in front of everyone, he wanted to have one last hold of Mary before he met the end.

At his side, Delilah did the same. She took hold of Ryan's hand discreetly. Ryan had the look of determination on his face. If Lilianna was going to try anything; he wasn't going down without a fight. He wasn't going to let her touch any one of them.

"Is everything alright, Lilianna?" Mary's soft, fragile voice whispered. She had gotten brave recently. Before, she wouldn't have spoken to Lilianna without being spoken too first.

"Something is wrong." She said before them all. "There's a change in here, with some of you and change happening out there. With the enemy."

Delilah felt her dead heart rise up to her throat. Ryan squeezed her hand tightly.

"I do not like this divide happening between all of you. With what is going to come; I cannot allow this to go on. You have to depend on one another. You have to depend on me."

Scott looked to Delilah out of the corner of his eye.

"This world, these people, they are cruel. They are wicked and they wish to tear us apart. It is I alone that you have to trust in this whole city; this whole world." Lilianna began to pace back and forth. "I am your only friend; and therefor you have to trust me when I say you must be one with one another."

She stopped walking again to look at them all. The whole room was in a dead silence; looking up to her in awe and fear.

"I, who keep you, teach you, feed you, dress you... Who looks upon you without fear; how can I protect you if you do not follow my rules? Wandering off and bringing attention to our whereabouts. Do you want the Volturi to find us?! They are already here!"

There was a small whimper of fear among those on the floor.

"Remember what I taught you. They view us as deformed, and ugly vile creatures who live by our own rules-" That's because we do, Delilah thought. We follow your rules, which are your own. What we are doing is wrong and dangerous. "- they view our actions as crimes as to which they will show little pity for. But we are not criminals. We are vampire's, and we are doing what vampire's do. We take what is ours."

Alec isn't yours, Scott was the one to think this.

"Do you not comprehend that I am your one defender? Out there they will revile you as a monster, they will hate, and scorn and kill you all. Why invite their calumny and consternation; when you could stay in here... Listening to me, and doing as I say?"

There was a small pause as she looked across them all.

"Be faithful to me, grateful to me... Do as I say, obey and you will live."

Her beady red eyes slanted across each of their faces; and in the dead of the silence, she picked out Delilah. "What news is there of the Volturi?"

Was this a trick? Did she already know? Was she expecting her to tell the truth?

Delilah parted her lips, and took in a deep, deep breath. "I... I lost sights of them. I think they moved up to Chickasaw, to that other family close to the Cullen's. If they moved up there, perhaps they are slowly beginning to believe it is the Cullen's; and they're checking to see if the Denali's have anything to do with it too?"

Lilianna pursed her lips and let out a long, soprano like 'hmm.'

"I want you and Scott to go out there immediately." She looked over them once again. "Take Damien and Ryan with you again. Once you found them, send them back to me."

Well, that couldn't have worked more in their favor! Delilah frantically nodded her head. "Yes, of course Lilianna."

"Now."

Delilah was on her feet in that instant and at the door. Ryan was right behind her, and Damien right behind him. Scott was more reluctant in leaving. He hesitated with Mary on his side; and consisted in a glare off with Lilianna. Slowly, he rose up from the sofa and stepped over a few bodies.

The four of them took off out the door and didn't send a second glance back. Scott did; but the others left without a final look back.

"This is getting dangerous, Delilah!" Scott hissed as he caught up to Delilah's side. "I think she knows!"

"If she knew, I'd be dead already." Delilah restored back. "But I'm not. We're safe."

"For now!" Scott leaped himself over a fallen tree. "But how long is that going to last? Maybe if we tell her; if she explain things to her... She might understand?!"

"You do that; and we're all dead!" Ryan interjected; moving to run between Scott and Delilah. Merely to separate them.

"I'm beginning to think that no matter what we do, we're dead!"

"Alec promised-" Delilah went to say; but Scott interrupted her.

"Can we really trust him? After everything he's done? What if she's right? What if the Volturi really are the bad ones?"

"They're not. I'll prove it to you." Delilah glared at him. "Just trust me, Scott. Please."

Scott, against his doubts nodded his head. Delilah nodded back, and sped herself up. This was it. They were going to meet the Volturi and the Cullen's. This was where everything was going to begin; and it was going to be the defining moment.

Building after building vanished from under them; until they were back into the trees; and up ahead a large wall surrounding an estate. The taste of death was vivid in the air, the smell of pain, and the presence of evil lingered all around. Ryan was the first to leap over the wall, and Delilah to follow him. Damien came in after her, followed by Scott.

They were in the estate of the Cullen's. Cautiously, they walked through the trees surrounding the family home; and eventually the grass at their feet moved into gravel. With careful and steady crunches of the stones under their weight, they approached the house slowly.

They stopped dead in their tracks the moment the front door opened, and someone stepped out.

"Delilah." This man was fair haired, and older looking than any vampire they had ever seen. His eyes were a golden topaz; and he had a friendly look on his face. "Welcome... You're earlier than what we expected."

"Where's Alec?" Delilah voiced out, demandingly. "And Jane? Where are the twins?"

She didn't trust the Cullen's still. Be it because of how much Lilianna had slated them in things she wasn't sure if they were true or not; but she still was cautious. She would always be cautious.

"I'm here."

Alec stepped out from the house and around Carlisle. Delilah, oddly relaxed, and tensed at the same time. Jane emerged next and was at his side.

"Are the rest of you here too?"

"Couldn't you tell?" Jane grinned. "We're everywhere."

Surrounding them, the trees moved. Shadows moved out from the darkness; and into the open. Rows upon rows of hooded black figures came into sight; and caused Delilah to freeze automatically.

Three taller men emerged from the house and stood behind Alec and Jane. One in particular stepped forward to stand between the two twins.

"So this is our little sparrow," he said. "It is a pleasure to finally meet members of the coven who had caused mine a great deal of nuisance."

Alec was ignoring all of them however. His eyes were only on Delilah.

"Delilah, may I introduce my master... Aro."

Oh shit, Delilah thought. The big guys are here.