Chapter Ninety Six

Peter.

We moved into the new house, a big fucker, and Charlotte and I got the annexe all to ourselves along with Kat. It made us feel more of a family, that Kat was ours rather than just an appendage of the Cullens. Although I have to admit that we were treated exactly as if we were a part of the family. Another reason having our own space was nice was Felix Volturi. I really tried to get on with him but he made me nervous. I wasn't afraid of him physically although I wasn't sure I could take him down, it was what he represented that gave me the creeps. The thought that the Volturi were watching over our shoulders all the time was fucking unnerving.

The strange thing was that Kat liked him, the big ugly brute had managed to make friends with her without really trying. Of course the fact he could paint was a help. In fact not only could he paint, he was extremely fucking good at it. I spoke to Carlisle about it and he told me that some of the works in art galleries attributed to big names were in fact Felix work.

"He got into painting in the twelfth century as a hobby, apart from reading and fighting there wasn't much for him to do and he found he had a gift for it. He's actually a very good forger. Not that the Volturi needs that skill too much but it amuses Aro to have original paintings in Volterra while Felix copies hang on museum walls."

"You seem to know a lot about Felix."

"I know a lot about the Volturi, after all I lived with them long enough. I appreciate you don't trust them and there have been times when Aro has been less than…...transparent about things or even a little avaricious but believe me Peter, the brothers want whats best for our kind. They understand our only safety lies in remaining undiscovered by the humans and that is why they act so swiftly and decisively against anyone who breaks their laws. They really aren't the enemy."

Kat came looking for me then, she'd had English lessons with Rose and Charlotte and now wanted help to make an easel for painting.

"Felix told me its the best way to paint and I saw some wood in the shed in the garden, do you think Carlisle would mind if we used some?"

"I shouldn't think so but do you know how to make an easel?"

She looked at me and grinned,

"No but you do Peter. Charlotte told me that men know everything about making things if it involves using power tools and making a lot of noise."

"Did she now? Well OK lets see what we can do."

Charlotte

I watched Peter and Kat disappear down the garden hand in hand. He was a different man since meeting Kat, it was as if she had changed him, made him more gentle and less abrasive, not that I loved him any more than I had before but he seemed happier. And all it had taken was the love of a little girl, he would have made a wonderful father, well he was making a wonderful father.

"Charlotte, could I speak to you?"

I turned to see Felix standing rather awkwardly at the door.

"Of course, come in Felix, is there something wrong?"

He came in making the small kitchen seem miniscule and I gestured for him to take a stool at the counter. I was making fresh bread rolls for Kat's dinner.

"Peter and Kat are out aren't they?"

"Yes, they went down to the shed to look out some wood to make an easel why?"

"I wanted to talk to you alone. It's about Kat."

"Oh? Has she done something wrong? If so I'm sure we can work it out. She hasn't done anything the Volturi need telling about has she?"

I could hear the nerves in my own voice as I spoke, we couldn't lose Kat, not now.

"Oh no, nothing like that. I wanted some advice and I didn't know who else to speak to."

"I see, well if I can help I will, what's the problem?

"Its difficult to find a way to explain it really, without upsetting anyone. I….I think…...It's…."

I couldn't help laughing inwardly to find Felix so tongue tied but at the same time I was concerned, what could be upsetting him this much?

"I suppose I should just tell you straight out, I am very fond of Kat, not in any strange way but she draws me to her. When I'm with her I feel a sense of peace and when we are apart I find myself thinking about the next time I will see her. I want her to be happy, to enjoy life and a big part of me thinks that I could help her to do that. I want to show her the glories of Rome, the fascinating history of Greece, travel to Japan and show her their wonderful artistry. Does that sound strange to you? That someone like me could think that way?"

I was lost for words and I suspected that Felix didn't have the faintest idea what he was talking about. I really didn't know what to say to him and he nodded,

"I thought so but it concerns and confuses me, these aren't thoughts I've ever had before, I am a simple man Charlotte, used to taking orders and my life is uncomplicated. I travel, I paint, I uphold the laws of the Volturi and I don't think about other people. I have no close friends, no one I spend time with. I've always been a loner yet suddenly my own company is no longer enough."

I sat down next to him and without thinking took one huge hand in mine,

"Felix can I ask you a couple of questions?"

"Of course."

"When you are in Kat's company do you feel a sense of relief as well as peace. As if suddenly everything is right and makes sense?"

He thought about this,

"I guess you could put it like that yes."

"And when you are alone how does it feel exactly?"

"Like….as if there's something I should be doing, somewhere I should be. A restlessness which I can't shake off. Then I see her and its gone. It doesn't matter if we are talking about painting styles, playing a game or I'm just listening to her read. There's a feeling of being settled. Why? Does all this make sense to you because I'm finding it incredibly unnerving Charlotte."

"I'm sure you do and Felix, if I were you I'd keep all this to yourself for now. Luckily Edward's still away so he won't be able to read your mind."

"Why? You know what it's all about don't you?"

I nodded my head smiling a little at his naivety,

"Felix this is going to sound weird I know but what you are feeling is a pull towards your mate. Kat when she's grown up will be your mate. This is a one in a million chance, a vampire being close enough geographically to feel the pull to a human. If you had stayed in Italy you would never have known unless Kat was changed into a vampire herself. The pull only usually works between two vampires. Kat will know nothing about it while she remains human although she will find herself happy when you are around. As she's too young right now what you are feeling are all the higher impulses, the need to be with her, to make her happy, help her to learn and stretch herself, to show her all the wonders this world has to offer."

"Mating pull?"

He looked horrified,

"No Charlotte, I assure you I have none of those kind of thoughts."

I laughed at his growing discomfort,

"I know that, it's why I said higher impulses. The animal instincts won't take over until she's fully mature. Until then you will be her friend, her teacher, and her protector and that's fine. She's a very lucky girl but we do have one problem."

He looked at me and nodded,

"Peter?"

"Peter."

I replied, telling him wasn't going to be easy but it would have to be done in order for Felix to spend the time he needed to with Kat.