He looked older. I kept myself concealed in the trees but watched the scene with a sense of longing. Only 5 years had passed since I'd seen Grandpa Charlie, but to me, it felt like a lifetime. I had grown too much for me to appear to him now, but Mom knew she couldn't pass up the chance to see him when we were in the area. We needed to regroup with the wolves on the reservation but Mom insisted on making sure she stopped at the house first. I heard him ask after me and saw the disappointment in his voice when he realised I wasn't there with Mom.
"I'm here, Grandpa" I whispered, a single tear running down my cheek. Mom froze for a second and I knew she heard me. I didn't see her reaction but I knew she was finding this hard too. As she stepped her foot inside the door and disappeared into the house, I felt a hand on my shoulder and a soft voice in my ear.
"It's time to go, Ness" Dad said. I took one last glance at the house before I turned and headed for the forest. I sprinted with ease, more than ready to join my two wolf boys and vampire family at the reservation.
Emily pulled me in for a warm hug. I giggled as she refused to let go and Leah and Sam joined her. I was so happy to learn Leah and Sam had finally been able to move on when I noticed an engagement ring on Leah's finger. Leah had imprinted on a human. Juan had recently moved to the reservation to finish his final semester of high school. Leah immediately imprinted and on graduation night, he proposed to her. I was so happy to see her so happy and it was clear that the rest of the pack were too. Juan wasn't there however. He had gone on a hiking trip with his friends to make the most of his summer before they moved away for college in the Fall.
"You are just so grown up and so beautiful, Ness!" gushed Emily, holding my hands and smiling with approval. Her enthusiasm snapped me out of my train of thought. Leah hugged me too and I knew she warmed to me more than she did my vampire family. As I was Jacob's mate, she knew I belonged to their tribe.
"And you brought us a surprise, didn't she Sam?" Leah eyed Sam and he smirked.
"He's incredible!" Sam beamed with pride. Nuka had already been a hit with everyone and had only been there 2 hours.
"I can't believe the boys are already phasing in front of him and it doesn't worry him at all. If anything, he's fascinated" Leah commented sounding extremely impressed.
I was bursting with pride for my boy and already missing him. As I turned to head to the lodge to find him, I heard some commotion from the backyard. Jared was shouting, and the Culllens were on edge as two wolf members had phased and sounded ready to attack each other. I panicked and instantly thought of Nuka. However comfortable he was around them, I didn't want him seeing this. As I sprinted round the corner, I saw a sight that made me stop dead in my tracks. Nuka, without fear had approached a phased angry wolf and had his hand out, almost as if to soothe him "he said nothing but maintained eye contact with the wolf, and in that moment, I realised, he was subduing him. Everyone watched in awe as they saw the wolf submit to him, bow his head and lie down inmediately on the grass. Gasps from the other unphased wolves filled the yard. They couldn't quite believe what they'd seen.
"A wolf whisperer" Sam announced. Everyone looked at him, particularly Jacob. Sam nodded once. Nuka turned to face me and smiled when he noticed I'd arrived. I walked swiftly and scooped him up in one motion, holding my precious boy tight. The others stayed outside and gathered round the campfire whilst Embry got the BBQ on. No party had been ruined, we were all still excited to be reunited, however briefly. I left Nuka with Aunt Rose and Mama Esme who were happy to supervise him during the party. Meanwhile, Jake, Sam and Leah ushered me inside to talk about what happened.
"A wolf whisperer has a special talent that not even an Alpha possesses" Sam explained. Billy Black, Jake's father quietly joined us in the room. Sam continued "unlike the Alpha, the wolf whisperer can communicate and hear the thoughts of the wolves without even phasing. He can also subdue them when they're angry and convince them to do his bidding if he so wishes" I looked at Jake and Leah who both looked astounded as well as slightly nervous. I carefully processed the words and found I couldn't stop myself from asking the question.
"So, does that mean the wolf whisperer could be the ultimate Alpha?"
Sam grimaced. "It is possible but highly unlikely. If he joined the pack, he himself would find himself struggling to disobey the will of the Alpha, he just has a stronger resistance than the others. It also means though that he can communicate whilst in human form with the wolves so if up against an enemy, he could sit comfortably between the two" I felt a shiver run down my spine as I knew he was talking about vampires and the Volturi in particular. I couldn't quite believe he had this power. It was almost as if he had a special mind reading relationship with the wolves like Dad had with humans and vampires.
"Is there anything else you noticed?" Jake asked intrigued.
"Well, I listened to Embry's thoughts whilst he was watching Jake subdue Paul. He actually said he felt pulled to be subdued too but as Nuka wasn't touching him, he didn't feel like the connection was as strong. So it seems like touch is the key to enhance the power, unless he can learn to focus and project it"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was almost as if Mom's, Dad's and my own powers were morphed to create Nuka's gift. I couldn't quite believe he held the key to unite himself and the wolves so closely.
"There's something else I noticed" a quiet voice piped up. Jasper had entered the room and the conversation. I was intrigusd to hear what he had to say.
"Nuka is very persuasive. Without realising it, I felt myself being slightly swayed too. I didn't understand what was being said or thought because Nuka said nothing, but I felt I wanted to submit my own will to Nuka. To find peace like he did. I have a feeling that Nuka has mind control powers, Renesmee" I felt bile rise in my throat at that. And suddenly I remember the sinister boy in my dream. I remembered being thirsty, is that how he wanted me to feel? Did he want me to crave blood like him? I panicked and realised how dangerous he could become. Jake sensed my nervousness and squeezed my hand. I didn't want to overreact but I wasn't sure how to manage this.
"The Volturi..." I said quietly. "They'd want to use his gifts against us all if they had they had the chance"
"They wouldn't get the chance!" Jake exclaimed.
"But we can't overestimate them, Jacob" Jasper warned. I knew Jasper was right and we had come here to covene and try and discuss how going to Italy would work. We clearly needed wolves and vampires to fend off the Volturi if needed. We didn't expect the wolves to be present during our meeting with them but needed to hatch a plan to ensure that they would be able to act if needed.
"We just need to remember that Nuka is still an infant. He won't willingly show these gifts to the Volturi and so long as everyone keeps a cool head, he more than likely won't have to" It didn't stop Aro from reading anyone's thoughts though. They had all witnessed what had happened apart from Mom. If he wanted to know all about Nuka, he need only touch a family member's hand. As my anxiety began to build, I suddenly felt it dissipate and start to feel a lot more level headed. I smiled and nodded thanks to Jasper, grateful for his support but it still wouldn't keep the nightmares away.
I was back in the meadow with the sinister boy. The realisation that this sinister boy was my son chilled me to my very core. He was smiling that same sinister smile with blood in the corner of his mouth. And it appeared, next to him, a shadowy figure emerged but stayed concealed beneath the trees. I noticed the eyes and the equally sinister smile. It was Aro, he had his hand placed on my boy's shoulder and Nuka gazed up admiredly at him. He looked back at me and I saw a coldness in his face. He seemed to be obeying another master now. I cried out in anguish and I heard and saw Aro's lips part to let out a mocking laugh.
My eyes flung open and I sat up breathing heavily. Nuka was sleeping soudly in his crib and Jake snoozing quietly next to me. I put my hand to my forehead and wished we were home in Alaska. I missed the blissful life we's briefly made for ourselves and wished we didn't almost have to prepare for war in a few short days. The very thought that I could be doubting my own baby son was so terrifying. If I couldn't trust him, how could I fight for him? I made my way to the balcony overlooking the cabin bedroom we were staying in. As I looked at the moon and pondered my thoughts, I noticed a rustling from the trees. Dad emerged having been hunting most of the night and swiftly joined me on the terrace. Like an owl swooping in to catch its prey off guard.
He looked at me for a moment then began to talk as he realised I wasn't going to initiate the conversation. "Something on your mind, Ness?" I contemplated my answer.
"I guess I just feel overwhelmed that all of this is happening so soon. I'm only just getting to know my boy, and now, i've realised that he's some potential superweapon that could endanger us all if his gifts were manipulated by the wrong hands" Dad sighed.
"I know sweetie. It's all happened so fast. You, Jacob, your finals and Nuka. Now this." even for a vampire, it all seemed to happen too quickly. I wondered just how we were going to get through this meeting with the Volturi. I didn't want my boy to be within 100 miles of those sadistic creatures, but I knew I had no choice. We needed to make a plan.
I gathered everyone that evening and we all tried to decide what the plan was.
"I don't think we should all go to Italy. Aro's spies might decide to watch our families here to try and get an understanding of the area and how we live and work together" remarked Carlisle. His insight was extremely valuable and as much as I wanted us all to go to show a united front, I knew it wouldn't be the best idea. The Volturi would see it as a threat if we all went over and it meant that others may stay here unprotected. Billy Black, Jacob's cousins as well as Grandpa Charlie. As mother and Jake had a human family still, we knew that we still needed to keep an eye on them to make sure they were in no danger.
"I'm happy to stay with Esme" Leah piped up, which pleased Carlisle and Esme. "I don't want to visit those creatures at that place" she wrinkled her nose in disgust. I nodded in thanks and knew that Esme would have no objection to staying. She also disliked confrontation and was happier to protect when those she loved were in immediate danger.
I looked for Aunt Rosalie and reached out my hand to her. "I'd like you to come please Aunt Rose. To be the second in charge of looking after our boy" Rose took my hand and squeezed it firmly. I knew she'd never leave him when we needed her. Mom looked a little hurt, but she knew I wanted her with me just as much. I needed her by my side through all of it, if any discussions were to happen where we needed Nuka out of the room or if anything escalated, I wanted her by my side.
I wanted Jasper and Alice there but not neccesarily in the room. Aro was already tempted to steal Alice away from us, I didn't want them temptation to get the better of him by dangling Alice like a carrot in front of him. Dad smirked at this when he heard my thoughts and looked at Alice. She contemplated where she should be and offered her opinion.
"Actually, I think it might be better if I stay here with Esme and Leah. I can still watch Aro's decisions but if he's sent spies that are unpredictable, I think it's best I stay to watch their decisions" So that was Jasper out of the frame too. He wouldn't leave Alice's side.
"Actually..." Dad started "I think it would be best if Jasper came to Italy to help regulate the mood during the meeting and for Emmett to stay behind here in case of attack. I'd like one male to stay behind with the girls but i'd like Carlisle to come with us as he has the best relationship with Aro" he looked at Carlisle and Carlisle nodded in agreement. Dad had enough speed and strength to take on the Volturi elders, as did Jasper and Jake.
"And what of the rest of the pack?" asked Sam.
"We need you to protect the families. Billy and Charlie will need your protection and that's the first duty of the tribe" said Jake with no hesitation.
Seth stepped forward. "Jake, I know you are strong enough to join forces with your vampire family but I really think it would be good for you to have another wolf by your side" Jake looked unsure.
"I agree with Seth. If I can't be there to support you, I'd like Seth to be second in command and be your wolf brother in this. We don't want to leave you alone in this, Jake" Sam urged. Jake sighed and agreed. I knew he trusted the Cullens more than he ever thought possible but I suppose it made sense to represent both sides of the family and have back up where needed.
I concluded what we agreed. "So Esme, Alice, Emmett and Leah will stay to monitor the situation here. Sam will have the pack ready and actively monitoring Billy, Charlie and anyone else in the town who could potentially be targeted as we never know when nomads will appear and the pack still have a duty to the humans in the area. Carlisle, Edward, Bella, Jasper, Jake and Seth will accompany Nuka and me to Italy." Everyone nodded in agreement with no objections. As the group dispersed, I went to find Nuka who had been sleeping soundly in Jake's old bedroom. Billy had transformed it into a little boy's bedroom. The walls were covered with wolves. The room had such an autumnal feel, with bronze colours, reds, yellows and browns. It felt so cozy and I hated to have to drag him away from here tomorrow night. We were due to see the Volturi on Wednesday morning. I couldn't quite believe it was happening so fast. Nuka slept peacefully in his cot. I felt so much love for him, it took everything in me not to grab him and run. Run as fast as I could to anywhere the Volturi couldn't find us. I'd do anything to exist in the safest bubble where no one could reach us. I knew that wasn't possible though. We just needed to face them and hope they were satisfied that he was no threat to them.
After I left the room, closing the bedroom door, I felt like weeping. Jake found me and hugged me before I had the chance. He kissed me tenderly and I deepened the kiss instantly. I wanted to escape this world and enter our own tonight. I needed it to be just us. We made our way to the bedroom, closed the door and collapsed onto the bed. I wrapped my body around his and felt so content and safe with him. I was happy to shut the world out for one night. In that moment, he was all I needed.