Chapter 129

Darius

When Felix rang and told me about the election for the council chair I acted surprised although I knew it was coming, did they really think I wouldn't be keeping a weather eye on things since a change in leadership? Especially a change that not everyone would necessarily be happy with.

"I hate to point this out, but I'm not even on the fucking council."

"Yes, I managed to work that out for myself but you were put forward by almost everyone who voted and anyone who didn't put you forward probably needs their heads examined. Come on Darius you'd be perfect for the job. None of the others has the faintest idea how to defend us when the shit hits the fan, which it will in time."

"What about you? Why didn't they vote for you?"

"I'm too closely associated with the old regime, a lot of people don't trust me enough but you? Well everyone knows what you said about the wedding fiasco. They know you aren't afraid to speak your mind or confront anyone."

"And you think that makes me a sure fit for those assholes?"

"I think it means you won't take any shit from any of them and that's a good thing because believe me they like to think they are perfect and never ever wrong."

Well it was certainly tempting, it would be a challenge if as Felix said they believed they were omnipotent and if trouble did materialize, which I was by no means ruling out, I wasn't prepared to put the safety of our leadership in the hands of pacifists. I liked Carlisle and Eleazar, I even admired their strength of will, but they were about as good in a fight as chocolate fucking soldiers. Did I really have a choice?

"OK but I'll have a few stipulations of my own, do you think they are ready for that?"

"Shit no. But it'll be fun to see their faces. Personally I look forward to working with a real man for a change. Charlie was OK, he had his head screwed on right until Chloe came along, not that I blame her entirely, it was for him to stick up for his daughter and I was shocked he didn't."

I arranged with Felix to fly over in a few days, I had a few things to sort out here first and equipment to pack. There was no way I was going anywhere without my eyes and ears, but first I had a call of my own to make, well a couple actually. Firstly I got on to Peter and told him what had happened.

"Better you than me buddy. They're a bunch of assholes and if you think for one minute they're gonna listen to you think again. Carlisle is up Eleazar's ass and vice versa not to mention Esme and Carmen. What happened to Charlie anyway? I thought he was sitting on the throne."

"He's gone off, tail between his legs, couldn't stand Bella cutting him off."

"Talking of which what are you going to tell her?"

"The truth, but it means I won't be able to help anymore. Can you manage?"

"Sure, we broke the back of it anyway and she's giving him the runaround. He's been on the phone to Charlotte trying to find out what's up, poor fucker doesn't know a thing."

"But he's gonna be bowled over when you're through."

"I hope so Darius. Anyway best of luck."

My next call was slightly more of a tense one as Bella answered the phone thinking there was a problem with the renovations.

"No, it's all going great. I just got off the phone with Peter. Where's The Major?"

"Just gassing up the car, we're going to look at a place in Utah."

"Utah?"

"Yes, it's really nice actually but I'll find something wrong with it. He's been so patient, but I can see it's wearing a little thin. How much longer do you think before it's ready?"

"A couple more weeks max I think. It's mainly the interior now so they'll work as quickly as they can."

"Great. Oh, what did you ring for by the way?"

I explained quickly and waited for the explosion, but her reply was very matter of fact.

"So they've left? Well, I'm sure they'll be back and in the meantime they can have another honeymoon."

"Look, I don't want to upset you and if it bothers you me going to Volterra and taking your dad's place..."

"It doesn't. I think you are the best person for the job but do you think Felix is right to fear trouble down the road?"

"I think he's wise to be prepared for possible trouble. With our kind, you just never know. It's better to have plans in place and never need them than to be scrambling about like blind men when the enemy come breaking down the doors."

"Then I'm even more certain they need you in Volterra. I'll tell Jasper when he gets back but good luck Darius."

"Let's just hope I don't need it. Look after yourself Bella and The Major."

"I will."

It didn't actually take long to pack what I needed to take with me, there were powerful computers in the Volturi archives and Edward would be only too happy to allow me to link into them...if he knew what was good for him. That was one person I thought got off far too lightly. Anyway, Felix sent the jet for me and I made sure everything was stowed away just the way I liked it before allowing the pilot to take off and then I sat with him and I know it scared the crap outta him because he sweated all the way to Pisa International. There I supervised the unloading of the hold and with Felix's help stowed it all in the trunk of the car before driving up to Volterra. On the way, he filled me in on things. The guard were glad I was coming, but the rest of the council were reserving judgement.

"They think you're gonna lecture them on the way they behaved about Bella."

"Then they are weaker than I thought, sitting like naughty children waiting for the master to come in cane in hand."

"Just remember Carlisle first. He still thinks Charlie was right and Bella's overreacting."

The first thing I did on arriving in Volterra was to go down to the archives and set up my equipment much to the amusement of Felix who had helped me with the boxes and the discomfort of Edward who stood watching from a corner. I wondered if I turned and said "BOO" if he would jump out of his skin? I was tempted, but I managed to control my urge to scare him shitless.

"Don't touch any of this. It won't interfere with anything you are doing. If you have a problem come looking for the stoop-shouldered spotty nerd, he'll know what to do."

He didn't answer me, just nodded so I smiled and left him to it followed by a smirking Felix. I got the feeling Edward wasn't any more popular here than he had been before. What Athenadora saw in him I had no idea but then love was surely blind in some cases!

Once settled into my quarters Felix took me along to the smaller chamber they used for most of the council meetings, having decided the audience chamber was too big and stark. Everyone was there waiting nervously for my arrival and when they saw me they all stood up to shake hands, it was like a fucking sales convention! I took my seat at the head of the table and smiled around at everyone.

"Right, I know you all know me and I sure as hell recognise all you so let's cut the crap. Charlie had his own way of doing things I'm sure, but he's not here any longer...I am so now we do it my way. The first half of any meeting which are held?"

I looked at Carlisle who answered immediately as if afraid I might chide him for taking too long,

"Once a week."

"Right well the first half of the meeting we'll discuss general business if there is any. The second half we will be discussing our reaction to a threat from outside sources, like say the Guardians or the Fraternidad although I understand they are much happier now Aro and the others are gone. Can't say I blame them either, we've got to be more trustworthy at the very least. My apologies to Athenadora for that slight on her late husband."

She scowled at me but then I didn't need my companions to like me, just work with me.