A Soul Darkened
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 12:
We remained out on the porch long enough to watch the sun rise slowly over the desert landscape. I had to admit, it made the desert look beautiful.
My attention was brought back to Jasper when he reached for the pack of smokes on the table between us. He held it up looking at me. "Do you mind?"
I smiled. "Not at all. It's only fair. I've been sucking down all of your vodka."
He smirked. "One cigarette does not a bottle of Grey Goose make Bella." He shook one out of the soft pack and lit it, taking a deep drag.
I shrugged. "Well shit. Ya got me there." I smirked and put my feet up in the chair, wrapping my arms around my knees. I tilted my head to the side and laid it on my knees, looking in his direction. "I guess I'd better go ahead and call the rest of my group out here so that we can brief them on the Maria situation."
He took a deep drag on his cigarette and nodded. "Yeah, that would probably be best since we don't know exactly when she'll attack. I still need to speak to Pete. See if he has any updates for me."
I met his eyes. "What can I tell them about you going back to Italy Jas?"
He leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees, hands hanging loosely in front of him, head down. Then he looked over at me. "I really don't have much of a choice but to go, but I feel better about it all knowing that you're on my side. At least it gives me hope that I'll walk back out of the place after walking in."
He gazed out over the horizon and the newly risen sun caught his hair and made it almost glow. He was beautiful.
I shook myself mentally. Thoughts like that would only get me into more trouble and I was in enough as it was. "You'll always have my support Jas. At the risk of sounding like a cheesy 70's song...Just call me and I'll be there." I belted out the last part to the tune of said song, and Jasper promptly grabbed the rest of the Grey Goose and moved it out of my reach.
Right about then, Peter stuck his head out of the front door and glanced around. Jasper looked at him when he didn't leave immediately and asked "Did you need something Pete?"
Peter stepped out onto the porch and smirked. "Nah, I was just looking for a dead cat, 'cause it sounded like someone was just killin' one out here a minute ago."
Jasper just smirked and pointed at me.
Pete looked down at me in horror. "Thank god you have this gig with the Volturi Bella 'cause vampirism didn't do anything for your vocal skills."
I reached for the cigs, lit one and promptly shot him the finger.
"I like you Pete, but I'm appalled at your inability to recognize natural talent when you hear it. I have a very sexy singing voice." I looked over at both Jasper and Pete who both had their brows reaching their hairline, disbelief written clearly on their faces.
I scowled at them. "Oh fuck you guys." I glanced over and they both now had their arms crossed over their chests, still silent and watching me. "Oh alright! Maybe my voice doesn't lend itself to that type of music, but I can sing other stuff well."
To my and Jaspers surprise Pete began to nod. "I can see that."
I shot Jasper a smug look of triumph until Pete continued his thoughts.
"Yeah, I can definitely see you belting out scream-o death metal." He was nodding to himself as he wandered back into the house, muttering how I could totally rock the leather and chains too.
The door shut and Jasper dropped back into his chair laughing his ass off. I sat back down and glanced over at him. He was still chuckling. "Asshole."
He simply grinned at me.
After cleaning up our little vodka pow wow, I went back inside to make my phone call to Demetri. I figured they should go ahead and come out here now so that we could all coordinate what we would be doing when the attack came.
Well, first step was to let the rest of my group know that there was to be an attack in the first place and that I had so graciously volunteered our services. I took a big breath and hit Demetri's contact on my phone. He answered immediately, sounding concerned.
"Isabella?"
I smiled when I heard his voice, heart clenching a bit. "Hi Demi."
"How are you Cara? Is everything alright? I wasn't expecting to hear from you until tomorrow."
"I'm fine Demi. Everything's fine."
I heard him sigh. In relief? It sounded like it. God, I hate myself right now. Giving myself a mental shake, I get back into the reason for my call.
"Demi, I called to let you know that you can come out here now. I spoke to Jasper and he understands the situation. He's agreed to going back to Italy peacefully."
"Why do we need to go out there then Bella? Just have him accompany you to the airport. I'll call you later with the departure time."
I took a breath. "Well Demi, they need our help with a situation and I told them we would be glad to."
"What situation Bella?" His voice was all business now.
"They are anticipating an attack from another coven. I'm assuming it's the coven that you warned me about. The leader's name is Maria."
He was silent for a beat. "You committed our group to a fight without consulting us first Bella? A fight that is not within the scope of our mission, might I add."
Well shit. Now he sounds pissed off. Think Bella.
"Well technically it is because if we don't protect Jasper Whitlock, then we can't very well deliver him to Italy now can we?"
I smiled because I had him and we both knew it. He sighed.
"Jesus, how do you talk me into shit like this Bella? Fine, we'll be there within two hours. We're going to feed first."
"Thank you Demi. With our numbers and experience, this should be a piece of cake. Then we'll be on our way back to Italy." I softened my voice. "I miss you Demi."
He was silent for moments and I heard him sigh. "I miss you too Cara. More than I probably should."
I felt my heart drop at his defeated tone. "I love you Demi and I'm sorry I've been such an idiot. I can't wait to talk to you face to face. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
He was silent again and then "We'll talk Cara, okay? When we have time and privacy, we'll talk."
"Okay Demi. That's all I can ask. I'll see you in a bit."
"Goodbye Cara." He hung up.
I sighed and went to find Jasper to let him know that they were on their way. I found him in what looked to be a small study, reading. He looked up when I entered.
"How'd the call go?"
I sighed and took a seat next to him on the couch. "As well as can be expected." I smiled wanly and glanced at him. "They're on their way and should be here in about ninety minutes or so. They're gonna feed before coming out here."
He nodded. "Wise to do so. Did you brief them on the attack we're expecting?"
"Yeah I did. Demetri wasn't as enthused as I was about it, but he agreed to help, eventually."
He eyed me knowingly. "Eventually?"
"The important thing is that he agreed and they are on their way." I gave him a level look.
He held up both hands in surrender. "Okay."
"Hey Jasper, do you have rooms for everyone? It's nice to be able to just get some alone time. I wouldn't ask, but since we don't know how long we're gonna be here...." I trailed off when he held up a hand.
He closed his book, placing it on the side table. "Yeah, we do, and I understand the need. We have three open rooms. That leaves one of your group without, unfortunately."
I shook my head. "No it's okay. Demi and I can share."
He glanced at me sharply and then nodded. "Alright. I'll make sure the bath's are stocked."
I started to get up. "Do you want some help?"
He motioned me back down with his hand. "No, that's okay. I got it. It's not a big deal. Just making sure there are plenty of towels."
He left the room and I sighed and slumped back on the couch. I hated that I had hurt Jasper in all of my mindless bullshit. I rubbed my fingers over my forehead and sighed. Maybe it would all be okay someday, but right now the situation seemed pretty impossible.
I decide to take a walk outside. Maybe that will help me clear my head.
Just off the back porch, I find Peters wife Charlotte. I really hadn't talked to her or Peter much for that matter. She looks up as I approach and smiles.
"Hi Bella. We really haven't been properly introduced." She holds out her hand to me. "I'm Charlotte, but the guys just call me Char."
I smile while shaking her hand. "It's nice to officially make your acquaintance."
"So are you headed somewhere Bella, or just bored and wandering?" "Bored and wandering is an apt description." I smiled.
"Well I was just thinking it would be good to run a perimeter and make sure we don't have any unwelcome visitors. Care to join me?"
"Absolutely." We took off for the outskirts of the property. There weren't many trees to speak of but there were small dips and rises in the landscape that we took advantage of. Those along with our senses were our guides. We came across some foreign scents that were at least four days old, but nothing newer, so we made our way back to the house.
As we approached, I noticed an SUV making it's way up the long drive. My group was here it seemed. Char and I walked to the front of the house and were joined by Jasper and Pete.
I made my way to the vehicle as it rolled to a stop and waited for Demetri . He got out and I went to him, stopping just short of embracing him. I looked into his eyes and he pulled me into his arms, kissing me passionately. I felt like I was home. How could I have ever questioned this?
He broke the kiss, resting his forehead against mine and whispering "Bella, god I've missed you Cara." He ran the backs of his fingers down the side of my face as he looked into my eyes. I felt as though I was choking on emotion, like tears would have been flowing were I still human. It wasn't solely from guilt. I had missed him too, but it wasn't the kind that comes with time or physical distance. No, I had missed him since I had built an emotional wall between us. Regret, thy name is Bella.
I leaned up to kiss him this time and he pulled me close and held me through it. We broke the kiss and I ran my fingers through the silky hair at the nape of his neck as I held his gaze.
"Demi, I love you so much and I've been so stupid." He reached up and put one finger against my lips.
"Shhh, Cara. As long as you love me and you're back in my arms, those words need not be spoken. Let's just move on from here."
I nodded and laid my head against his chest, taking in his familiar scent while he laid his head against mine and ran his fingers through my hair.
I began to register an awkward silence around us so I pulled away from him and took his hand. Turning back to everyone, they were all just standing in the two separate groups.
Okay then. Time for some introductions.
I led Demetri and my fellow Volturi members over to the Whitlock's.
"Everyone, I'd like you all to meet the Whitlock coven." I gestured to each one in turn. "Jasper, Peter and his wife Charlotte.
Whitlock's, please meet Demetri, Felix, Alec and Jane of the Volturi."
They all greeted each other and Jasper stepped in. "Please come in and we can speak about this up coming attack."
Demetri and I followed behind everyone else, still holding hands. It felt good to be close to him again, and I leaned into him as we walked. He looked down at me and smiled a genuine smile that actually reached his eyes.
We all took seats in the living room and Jasper got right to it. I could actually see some of the former soldier in him as he briefed us all on the situation. When he finished Demetri spoke up.
"We will help you in this conflict. The Mexican coven has been a thorn in the Volturi's side for quite some time, but has always managed to stay just this side of the law and therefore we had no valid reason to become involved. Now we do, and will help take care of the issue."
Jasper inclined his head to Demetri.
"We thank you. Now we need to coordinate how to confront them. We haven't had any of her scouts around in about four days now, so it's reasonable to believe that they aren't aware of your presence here. There is always the chance that they were watching you arrive from a distance too far for us to perceive, but if that is the case, then they are aware of someone's arrival, but not your identities. Either way, it works in our favor. If She knew the Volturi was here, she would abandon her attack without question. Her usual method of operation is surveillance followed by direct attack when she's relatively sure of victory; meaning superior numbers. We know from extracted information that she now has approximately twenty five newborns."
Jane spoke up. "How do you know that your extracted information is accurate?"
Jasper smirked. "I am an empath. I can feel when someone is employing deceit. I can also do something very similar to your power with the exception of it being an emotional pain rather than physical. It's not something that many want to experience twice. They tend to talk quite liberally when I'm through with them."
She nodded. If there was anyone that could understand what he meant, it was Jane.
Jasper gestured toward Peter. "My brother Peter has a gift. We describe it as being a gift of pre-perception, I guess would be the apt term. He gets certain pieces of information, and it's always been one hundred percent accurate when he does, so we've learned not to question it. Based on such information that he just received this morning, she is due to attack tomorrow evening. I believe, now that your group is here, the best strategy for us is to simply lay in wait for her. Our coven will face her here from the house. Your group could circle around and close in from all sides. In this way, we can be sure to pick up any she may have posted at outlying areas too."
He turned to Alec. "I'm sure you can disable the entire group if you wish it. Would that be your plan? Or do we confront without gifts?" He glanced around at the various members of my group, with Demetri speaking.
"What do you think Alec?"
Alec smiled and shrugged. "I'm fully prepared to shut them all down, but with all of us circling them, it's a bit difficult for me to pick and choose at that point."
Felix covered his face with one hand and groaned. "I fucking hate being numbed out by you Alec. I'd rather kick all their asses by myself than to stand there like a fence post until you release me."
Alec and Jane smirked at him and it was chillingly similar.
Poor Felix shivered.
Jasper sighed. "Okay then, that's obviously a flaw in our plan. If Alec is to use his gift we'll have to abandon closing the circle too tightly. We can still do it, but not move in too closely behind them. Alec will stay here with us at the front, and only come out once everyone is in place. Then he can do his thing and we all proceed to destroy them."
I looked at Felix. He was pouting and I can't say I was happy with the plan either. I decided to speak up.
"Why can't we just circle them and proceed to hand them their asses? It's not like it would be difficult for those of us assembled here. And it's simple. We circle, gather any stragglers, close the circle and kick ass."
I looked around at all of them. Pete and Char were smirking. Felix was looking like Christmas came early. Alec and Jane both shrugged at the same time. Jasper was nodding and Demetri had one brow raised at me with a smirk to go with it.
I grinned at them all. "If things go pear shaped, Alec can always gas everybody, he and I move all the good guys out of his cloud, then we shred and burn, no harm, no foul. At least with my plan there's the potential for a little fun."
I looked for support and found Felix' grateful visage. "Hell yes Bella." I laughed and high five'ed him.
Jasper chuckled, shaking his head slowly. "Alright then. Sounds like we have our plan. Is everyone agreed?" He surveyed the room and everyone nodded.
Demetri and I stayed in the living room while Jasper showed everyone else to their rooms and around the rest of the house. We all agreed that it was best to stay inside. We didn't want to be spotted if we could help it.
I turned toward Demi and smiled at him. He cupped my face and brushed some hair back from my face, eyes locked with mine. His eyes were so expressive. I could read him best by looking at his eyes, and right now the love I saw there was taking my breath away.
"Demetri, if there's one thing that I have finally realized, it's that you're my life. The distance that I put between us was the most foolish thing I've ever done."
He opened his mouth to speak but I held up a hand.
"No please. Let me say what I need to say."
He smiled and gestured toward me with a small bow of his head.
"I realized that I was not only screwed up emotionally, but I was punishing you for the past mistakes of others in my life; my parents, Edward, anyone who's ever hurt or disappointed me, and it wasn't rational or fair to you. All you have ever done is love and support me and I repaid that love with doubt and suspicion. Yes, I loved you too, but not nearly enough Demi. I didn't give myself to you because I had locked away most of the parts of me that could feel those depths of emotions."
I looked back into his eyes. "You deserve a love that's full and complete and healthy Demi, and I long to be the one that gives you that kind of love. I want to try. Will you help me?"
He pulled me to him and held me close, softly kissing my cheeks, my chin, and finally brushing like silk over my mouth. He touched his forehead to mine and whispered "Cara, I would do anything for you. I cannot express the joy I feel in my heart at your words." I felt the backs of his fingers brush down the side of my face and I closed my eyes. I had missed that particular gesture that was so very Demetri.
I felt his lips capture mine and I pressed back, tasting, caressing.
He pulled back, his hands cupping my face tenderly. "I need you Cara. Will you let me make love to you?"
I smiled softly. "I thought you'd never ask."
* * *
I took his hand and led him to my temporary room, closing and locking the door. We slowly began undressing each other.
He placed feather light kisses down my neck, spending time sucking on his mark almost reverently before making his way to my chest. His hands brushed my breasts lightly before adding pressure, thumbs circling my nipples. He leaned down and captured one between his lips, sucking lightly, circling with his tongue, then pulling it in deeply. My head fell back as I moaned softly, my hands moving to his head, fingers burying themselves into his silky soft hair.
He reached down and placed an arm under my knees while his other moved to brace my shoulders as he picked me up, laying me gently in the center of the bed.
He moved over me languidly, running his nose and lips up from my belly button slowly to the valley between my breasts, breathing deeply as he went.
He rubbed his cheek against my right breast before lightly nipping the bud in the center, licking and sucking to sooth it. I watched him for a beat with lust hooded eyes, the ache in my center almost unbearable.
"Demetri" I whispered. He looked up with fire in his eyes, lush lips moist.
"I love you Demi." I caressed his face with my fingers, brushing over those luscious lips last.
He moved over me like a predator, lean muscles rolling and flexing under his flawless skin.
My legs found their way around his waist, welcoming him in. He settled within my embrace, running his nose slowly up my neck ending with a kiss beneath my ear. He stayed nestled between my neck and shoulder, his arms sliding under my shoulders, his hands cupping the back of my head.
I felt him everywhere, skin to skin as he slowly slid into me and heard his gasp as he was finally fully seated.
I felt tears that would never fall sting my eyes at the sheer closeness and love that I felt from his every movement as he rocked into me, holding me against him as if he cherished me.
I felt his muscles flex beneath my fingers as he moved slowly, powerfully.
I gasped at the sensation of feeling him on me, around me, within me. It was hard to tell where I ended and he began.
I closed my eyes and kissed his neck, taking in his scent, loving him more than I ever had before. The feel of his lovemaking tearing me down and rebuilding me slow thrust by slow thrust.
My breathing hitched as I felt the tension build deep inside, my legs clutching him to me firmly. I could feel his breath blowing softly against my neck, interspersed with kisses from his silky lips and whispered words as he loved me.
My hands traveled to his hair and I turned my head to capture those lips, blushing with the blood of his recent meal.
He broke the kiss and whispered "Do you feel me Bella? Do you feel how much I love you?" I looked into his eyes and was surprised to find them sparkling with unshed tears. "Yes Demi, I do."
The tension built slowly, taking me by surprise when it burst out from my center and spread throughout my body in a rush of warmth.
I gasped, closing my eyes, head tilted back, letting the feeling consume me.
I felt the muscles in his back tense once more with a powerful thrust before he gasped out my name, his essence filling me.
I clung to him, kissing his neck until his lips found mine, kissing between sweet whispered words.
He moved to my side and pulled me to him. We would stay that way for the rest of the night, wrapped in each other... feeling.... loving.
We remained out on the porch long enough to watch the sun rise slowly over the desert landscape. I had to admit, it made the desert look beautiful.
My attention was brought back to Jasper when he reached for the pack of smokes on the table between us. He held it up looking at me. "Do you mind?"
I smiled. "Not at all. It's only fair. I've been sucking down all of your vodka."
He smirked. "One cigarette does not a bottle of Grey Goose make Bella." He shook one out of the soft pack and lit it, taking a deep drag.
I shrugged. "Well shit. Ya got me there." I smirked and put my feet up in the chair, wrapping my arms around my knees. I tilted my head to the side and laid it on my knees, looking in his direction. "I guess I'd better go ahead and call the rest of my group out here so that we can brief them on the Maria situation."
He took a deep drag on his cigarette and nodded. "Yeah, that would probably be best since we don't know exactly when she'll attack. I still need to speak to Pete. See if he has any updates for me."
I met his eyes. "What can I tell them about you going back to Italy Jas?"
He leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees, hands hanging loosely in front of him, head down. Then he looked over at me. "I really don't have much of a choice but to go, but I feel better about it all knowing that you're on my side. At least it gives me hope that I'll walk back out of the place after walking in."
He gazed out over the horizon and the newly risen sun caught his hair and made it almost glow. He was beautiful.
I shook myself mentally. Thoughts like that would only get me into more trouble and I was in enough as it was. "You'll always have my support Jas. At the risk of sounding like a cheesy 70's song...Just call me and I'll be there." I belted out the last part to the tune of said song, and Jasper promptly grabbed the rest of the Grey Goose and moved it out of my reach.
Right about then, Peter stuck his head out of the front door and glanced around. Jasper looked at him when he didn't leave immediately and asked "Did you need something Pete?"
Peter stepped out onto the porch and smirked. "Nah, I was just looking for a dead cat, 'cause it sounded like someone was just killin' one out here a minute ago."
Jasper just smirked and pointed at me.
Pete looked down at me in horror. "Thank god you have this gig with the Volturi Bella 'cause vampirism didn't do anything for your vocal skills."
I reached for the cigs, lit one and promptly shot him the finger.
"I like you Pete, but I'm appalled at your inability to recognize natural talent when you hear it. I have a very sexy singing voice." I looked over at both Jasper and Pete who both had their brows reaching their hairline, disbelief written clearly on their faces.
I scowled at them. "Oh fuck you guys." I glanced over and they both now had their arms crossed over their chests, still silent and watching me. "Oh alright! Maybe my voice doesn't lend itself to that type of music, but I can sing other stuff well."
To my and Jaspers surprise Pete began to nod. "I can see that."
I shot Jasper a smug look of triumph until Pete continued his thoughts.
"Yeah, I can definitely see you belting out scream-o death metal." He was nodding to himself as he wandered back into the house, muttering how I could totally rock the leather and chains too.
The door shut and Jasper dropped back into his chair laughing his ass off. I sat back down and glanced over at him. He was still chuckling. "Asshole."
He simply grinned at me.
After cleaning up our little vodka pow wow, I went back inside to make my phone call to Demetri. I figured they should go ahead and come out here now so that we could all coordinate what we would be doing when the attack came.
Well, first step was to let the rest of my group know that there was to be an attack in the first place and that I had so graciously volunteered our services. I took a big breath and hit Demetri's contact on my phone. He answered immediately, sounding concerned.
"Isabella?"
I smiled when I heard his voice, heart clenching a bit. "Hi Demi."
"How are you Cara? Is everything alright? I wasn't expecting to hear from you until tomorrow."
"I'm fine Demi. Everything's fine."
I heard him sigh. In relief? It sounded like it. God, I hate myself right now. Giving myself a mental shake, I get back into the reason for my call.
"Demi, I called to let you know that you can come out here now. I spoke to Jasper and he understands the situation. He's agreed to going back to Italy peacefully."
"Why do we need to go out there then Bella? Just have him accompany you to the airport. I'll call you later with the departure time."
I took a breath. "Well Demi, they need our help with a situation and I told them we would be glad to."
"What situation Bella?" His voice was all business now.
"They are anticipating an attack from another coven. I'm assuming it's the coven that you warned me about. The leader's name is Maria."
He was silent for a beat. "You committed our group to a fight without consulting us first Bella? A fight that is not within the scope of our mission, might I add."
Well shit. Now he sounds pissed off. Think Bella.
"Well technically it is because if we don't protect Jasper Whitlock, then we can't very well deliver him to Italy now can we?"
I smiled because I had him and we both knew it. He sighed.
"Jesus, how do you talk me into shit like this Bella? Fine, we'll be there within two hours. We're going to feed first."
"Thank you Demi. With our numbers and experience, this should be a piece of cake. Then we'll be on our way back to Italy." I softened my voice. "I miss you Demi."
He was silent for moments and I heard him sigh. "I miss you too Cara. More than I probably should."
I felt my heart drop at his defeated tone. "I love you Demi and I'm sorry I've been such an idiot. I can't wait to talk to you face to face. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
He was silent again and then "We'll talk Cara, okay? When we have time and privacy, we'll talk."
"Okay Demi. That's all I can ask. I'll see you in a bit."
"Goodbye Cara." He hung up.
I sighed and went to find Jasper to let him know that they were on their way. I found him in what looked to be a small study, reading. He looked up when I entered.
"How'd the call go?"
I sighed and took a seat next to him on the couch. "As well as can be expected." I smiled wanly and glanced at him. "They're on their way and should be here in about ninety minutes or so. They're gonna feed before coming out here."
He nodded. "Wise to do so. Did you brief them on the attack we're expecting?"
"Yeah I did. Demetri wasn't as enthused as I was about it, but he agreed to help, eventually."
He eyed me knowingly. "Eventually?"
"The important thing is that he agreed and they are on their way." I gave him a level look.
He held up both hands in surrender. "Okay."
"Hey Jasper, do you have rooms for everyone? It's nice to be able to just get some alone time. I wouldn't ask, but since we don't know how long we're gonna be here...." I trailed off when he held up a hand.
He closed his book, placing it on the side table. "Yeah, we do, and I understand the need. We have three open rooms. That leaves one of your group without, unfortunately."
I shook my head. "No it's okay. Demi and I can share."
He glanced at me sharply and then nodded. "Alright. I'll make sure the bath's are stocked."
I started to get up. "Do you want some help?"
He motioned me back down with his hand. "No, that's okay. I got it. It's not a big deal. Just making sure there are plenty of towels."
He left the room and I sighed and slumped back on the couch. I hated that I had hurt Jasper in all of my mindless bullshit. I rubbed my fingers over my forehead and sighed. Maybe it would all be okay someday, but right now the situation seemed pretty impossible.
I decide to take a walk outside. Maybe that will help me clear my head.
Just off the back porch, I find Peters wife Charlotte. I really hadn't talked to her or Peter much for that matter. She looks up as I approach and smiles.
"Hi Bella. We really haven't been properly introduced." She holds out her hand to me. "I'm Charlotte, but the guys just call me Char."
I smile while shaking her hand. "It's nice to officially make your acquaintance."
"So are you headed somewhere Bella, or just bored and wandering?" "Bored and wandering is an apt description." I smiled.
"Well I was just thinking it would be good to run a perimeter and make sure we don't have any unwelcome visitors. Care to join me?"
"Absolutely." We took off for the outskirts of the property. There weren't many trees to speak of but there were small dips and rises in the landscape that we took advantage of. Those along with our senses were our guides. We came across some foreign scents that were at least four days old, but nothing newer, so we made our way back to the house.
As we approached, I noticed an SUV making it's way up the long drive. My group was here it seemed. Char and I walked to the front of the house and were joined by Jasper and Pete.
I made my way to the vehicle as it rolled to a stop and waited for Demetri . He got out and I went to him, stopping just short of embracing him. I looked into his eyes and he pulled me into his arms, kissing me passionately. I felt like I was home. How could I have ever questioned this?
He broke the kiss, resting his forehead against mine and whispering "Bella, god I've missed you Cara." He ran the backs of his fingers down the side of my face as he looked into my eyes. I felt as though I was choking on emotion, like tears would have been flowing were I still human. It wasn't solely from guilt. I had missed him too, but it wasn't the kind that comes with time or physical distance. No, I had missed him since I had built an emotional wall between us. Regret, thy name is Bella.
I leaned up to kiss him this time and he pulled me close and held me through it. We broke the kiss and I ran my fingers through the silky hair at the nape of his neck as I held his gaze.
"Demi, I love you so much and I've been so stupid." He reached up and put one finger against my lips.
"Shhh, Cara. As long as you love me and you're back in my arms, those words need not be spoken. Let's just move on from here."
I nodded and laid my head against his chest, taking in his familiar scent while he laid his head against mine and ran his fingers through my hair.
I began to register an awkward silence around us so I pulled away from him and took his hand. Turning back to everyone, they were all just standing in the two separate groups.
Okay then. Time for some introductions.
I led Demetri and my fellow Volturi members over to the Whitlock's.
"Everyone, I'd like you all to meet the Whitlock coven." I gestured to each one in turn. "Jasper, Peter and his wife Charlotte.
Whitlock's, please meet Demetri, Felix, Alec and Jane of the Volturi."
They all greeted each other and Jasper stepped in. "Please come in and we can speak about this up coming attack."
Demetri and I followed behind everyone else, still holding hands. It felt good to be close to him again, and I leaned into him as we walked. He looked down at me and smiled a genuine smile that actually reached his eyes.
We all took seats in the living room and Jasper got right to it. I could actually see some of the former soldier in him as he briefed us all on the situation. When he finished Demetri spoke up.
"We will help you in this conflict. The Mexican coven has been a thorn in the Volturi's side for quite some time, but has always managed to stay just this side of the law and therefore we had no valid reason to become involved. Now we do, and will help take care of the issue."
Jasper inclined his head to Demetri.
"We thank you. Now we need to coordinate how to confront them. We haven't had any of her scouts around in about four days now, so it's reasonable to believe that they aren't aware of your presence here. There is always the chance that they were watching you arrive from a distance too far for us to perceive, but if that is the case, then they are aware of someone's arrival, but not your identities. Either way, it works in our favor. If She knew the Volturi was here, she would abandon her attack without question. Her usual method of operation is surveillance followed by direct attack when she's relatively sure of victory; meaning superior numbers. We know from extracted information that she now has approximately twenty five newborns."
Jane spoke up. "How do you know that your extracted information is accurate?"
Jasper smirked. "I am an empath. I can feel when someone is employing deceit. I can also do something very similar to your power with the exception of it being an emotional pain rather than physical. It's not something that many want to experience twice. They tend to talk quite liberally when I'm through with them."
She nodded. If there was anyone that could understand what he meant, it was Jane.
Jasper gestured toward Peter. "My brother Peter has a gift. We describe it as being a gift of pre-perception, I guess would be the apt term. He gets certain pieces of information, and it's always been one hundred percent accurate when he does, so we've learned not to question it. Based on such information that he just received this morning, she is due to attack tomorrow evening. I believe, now that your group is here, the best strategy for us is to simply lay in wait for her. Our coven will face her here from the house. Your group could circle around and close in from all sides. In this way, we can be sure to pick up any she may have posted at outlying areas too."
He turned to Alec. "I'm sure you can disable the entire group if you wish it. Would that be your plan? Or do we confront without gifts?" He glanced around at the various members of my group, with Demetri speaking.
"What do you think Alec?"
Alec smiled and shrugged. "I'm fully prepared to shut them all down, but with all of us circling them, it's a bit difficult for me to pick and choose at that point."
Felix covered his face with one hand and groaned. "I fucking hate being numbed out by you Alec. I'd rather kick all their asses by myself than to stand there like a fence post until you release me."
Alec and Jane smirked at him and it was chillingly similar.
Poor Felix shivered.
Jasper sighed. "Okay then, that's obviously a flaw in our plan. If Alec is to use his gift we'll have to abandon closing the circle too tightly. We can still do it, but not move in too closely behind them. Alec will stay here with us at the front, and only come out once everyone is in place. Then he can do his thing and we all proceed to destroy them."
I looked at Felix. He was pouting and I can't say I was happy with the plan either. I decided to speak up.
"Why can't we just circle them and proceed to hand them their asses? It's not like it would be difficult for those of us assembled here. And it's simple. We circle, gather any stragglers, close the circle and kick ass."
I looked around at all of them. Pete and Char were smirking. Felix was looking like Christmas came early. Alec and Jane both shrugged at the same time. Jasper was nodding and Demetri had one brow raised at me with a smirk to go with it.
I grinned at them all. "If things go pear shaped, Alec can always gas everybody, he and I move all the good guys out of his cloud, then we shred and burn, no harm, no foul. At least with my plan there's the potential for a little fun."
I looked for support and found Felix' grateful visage. "Hell yes Bella." I laughed and high five'ed him.
Jasper chuckled, shaking his head slowly. "Alright then. Sounds like we have our plan. Is everyone agreed?" He surveyed the room and everyone nodded.
Demetri and I stayed in the living room while Jasper showed everyone else to their rooms and around the rest of the house. We all agreed that it was best to stay inside. We didn't want to be spotted if we could help it.
I turned toward Demi and smiled at him. He cupped my face and brushed some hair back from my face, eyes locked with mine. His eyes were so expressive. I could read him best by looking at his eyes, and right now the love I saw there was taking my breath away.
"Demetri, if there's one thing that I have finally realized, it's that you're my life. The distance that I put between us was the most foolish thing I've ever done."
He opened his mouth to speak but I held up a hand.
"No please. Let me say what I need to say."
He smiled and gestured toward me with a small bow of his head.
"I realized that I was not only screwed up emotionally, but I was punishing you for the past mistakes of others in my life; my parents, Edward, anyone who's ever hurt or disappointed me, and it wasn't rational or fair to you. All you have ever done is love and support me and I repaid that love with doubt and suspicion. Yes, I loved you too, but not nearly enough Demi. I didn't give myself to you because I had locked away most of the parts of me that could feel those depths of emotions."
I looked back into his eyes. "You deserve a love that's full and complete and healthy Demi, and I long to be the one that gives you that kind of love. I want to try. Will you help me?"
He pulled me to him and held me close, softly kissing my cheeks, my chin, and finally brushing like silk over my mouth. He touched his forehead to mine and whispered "Cara, I would do anything for you. I cannot express the joy I feel in my heart at your words." I felt the backs of his fingers brush down the side of my face and I closed my eyes. I had missed that particular gesture that was so very Demetri.
I felt his lips capture mine and I pressed back, tasting, caressing.
He pulled back, his hands cupping my face tenderly. "I need you Cara. Will you let me make love to you?"
I smiled softly. "I thought you'd never ask."
* * *
I took his hand and led him to my temporary room, closing and locking the door. We slowly began undressing each other.
He placed feather light kisses down my neck, spending time sucking on his mark almost reverently before making his way to my chest. His hands brushed my breasts lightly before adding pressure, thumbs circling my nipples. He leaned down and captured one between his lips, sucking lightly, circling with his tongue, then pulling it in deeply. My head fell back as I moaned softly, my hands moving to his head, fingers burying themselves into his silky soft hair.
He reached down and placed an arm under my knees while his other moved to brace my shoulders as he picked me up, laying me gently in the center of the bed.
He moved over me languidly, running his nose and lips up from my belly button slowly to the valley between my breasts, breathing deeply as he went.
He rubbed his cheek against my right breast before lightly nipping the bud in the center, licking and sucking to sooth it. I watched him for a beat with lust hooded eyes, the ache in my center almost unbearable.
"Demetri" I whispered. He looked up with fire in his eyes, lush lips moist.
"I love you Demi." I caressed his face with my fingers, brushing over those luscious lips last.
He moved over me like a predator, lean muscles rolling and flexing under his flawless skin.
My legs found their way around his waist, welcoming him in. He settled within my embrace, running his nose slowly up my neck ending with a kiss beneath my ear. He stayed nestled between my neck and shoulder, his arms sliding under my shoulders, his hands cupping the back of my head.
I felt him everywhere, skin to skin as he slowly slid into me and heard his gasp as he was finally fully seated.
I felt tears that would never fall sting my eyes at the sheer closeness and love that I felt from his every movement as he rocked into me, holding me against him as if he cherished me.
I felt his muscles flex beneath my fingers as he moved slowly, powerfully.
I gasped at the sensation of feeling him on me, around me, within me. It was hard to tell where I ended and he began.
I closed my eyes and kissed his neck, taking in his scent, loving him more than I ever had before. The feel of his lovemaking tearing me down and rebuilding me slow thrust by slow thrust.
My breathing hitched as I felt the tension build deep inside, my legs clutching him to me firmly. I could feel his breath blowing softly against my neck, interspersed with kisses from his silky lips and whispered words as he loved me.
My hands traveled to his hair and I turned my head to capture those lips, blushing with the blood of his recent meal.
He broke the kiss and whispered "Do you feel me Bella? Do you feel how much I love you?" I looked into his eyes and was surprised to find them sparkling with unshed tears. "Yes Demi, I do."
The tension built slowly, taking me by surprise when it burst out from my center and spread throughout my body in a rush of warmth.
I gasped, closing my eyes, head tilted back, letting the feeling consume me.
I felt the muscles in his back tense once more with a powerful thrust before he gasped out my name, his essence filling me.
I clung to him, kissing his neck until his lips found mine, kissing between sweet whispered words.
He moved to my side and pulled me to him. We would stay that way for the rest of the night, wrapped in each other... feeling.... loving.
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.