Chapter 14 -The Fight

Though Carlisle had connections, it still took several days to get passports for Seth, Leah and Jacob. Eleven of them total, all headed to the airport. Renesmee reluctantly agreed to stay behind to be protected by Sam's pack on the reservation. Knowing it would be a long flight, Carlisle insisted Seth take something to help him sleep on the plane because so he would be rested before he they arrived. Seth felt so sick and anxious that the stress began to wear on him. Carlisle told him he would be no good to Tara or anyone if he were too weak to fight. Seth agreed and accepted some pills that Carlisle brought with them and he passed out very shortly once their flight took off. Though they had Bella's shield to protect them, the Cullens hoped that traveling with the pack would be an advantage by clouding Demetri's tracking abilities. They didn't want the Volturi to know of their plans before they arrived, even though they didn't have much of a plan at all. They were completely unsure as to how they would be able to find Tara and get everyone out alive. Carlisle knew they would not allow her to leave the lair. He also worried that Aro would have Chelsea use her ability manipulate the ties of relationships on Tara in order to persuade her to turn on them. Chelsea could manipulate her into wanting to stay there, making their rescue entirely futile. He mentioned none of these things to Seth however, knowing he was already in enough pain. Edward and Carlisle knew that Bella's shield would be most useful if they got into a battle. He hoped it would be enough for the wolves to help take them down if it came to that.
The sun began to set as they finally arrived in the city.

Traveling on foot, Carlisle took them deep into the heart of Volterra and led then down a dark alleyway, stopping when they came to a dead end. Jacob, Seth and Leah looked confused.
"Um, did we take a wrong turn?" Jacob finally asked looking around for an exit.
"Nope, this is it," Carlisle grabbed the heavy of a lid of a manhole in the ground and yanked it up. It had to be at least one-hundred pounds of solid iron but Carlisle lifted it as easy as retrieving a quarter off the street.
The three pack members all gave him an odd look.
"What? Did you think we were going to use the front door?" Carlisle said to them.
The three of them exchanged glanced with one another.
"Good point," Seth shrugged his shoulders.
"Normally I would say ladies first but I'd rather go down myself to scope the area," Carlisle offered just before he leaped down the hole.
"Right behind ya," Emmett said, eagerly wanting to help.
They all waited quietly and patiently for the signal to move forward as Edward listened to their thoughts. Once it was clear, he silently motioned with his hand and they all started climbing down.
"Do they even have a front door?" Leah mumbled as she looked down the dark hole.
"Yes... the one for the tourists," Edward replied in an icy tone.
"Oh," Leah said blankly.
.
It didn't sink in right away exactly what he meant by that. Edward knew she was confused but he felt this wasn't a good time to explain things. He was glad she didn't ask and just jumped down, disappearing into the ground.
They walked for nearly a mile through the cold, damp corridor until they began to see some light, finally coming to a giant wrought iron gate that had an enormous chain and lock on it. Edward bent it like it was made of tin and broke it off and the chain fell to the ground with a loud clang.
Leah thought it careless of him to make so much noise. "Are you trying to get us noticed?" she retorted.
Edward turned around and gave her an irritated look. "My bad!" he hissed, clenching his teeth.
Everyone seemed a little too anxious.
Seth stepped between them to break up the tension. "Hey, how close are we?" he asked.
"Not far now," Carlisle replied quietly. "Let's keep the talking to a minimum shall we? He suggested.
"But wait, what's the plan? What are we gonna do when we get in there?" Emmett interrupted. He was ready for a fight.
"Plan A, we try and sneak in and find Tara. Plan B, I'll try to negotiate with Aro once more if I can," Carlisle said.
"What’s Plan C?" Emmett asked.
"That's the one we are trying to avoid," Carlisle replied.
"Not me! I want a piece of these guys," Emmett said eagerly as she punched the palm of his hand with the other fist.
"Easy, we don't want to be a threat. We will defend ourselves if necessary but I don't want to see anyone get hurt so I'm hoping we can do this without conflict."
"Well, I'm not," Emmett replied again.
"Me either," Jasper agreed then he threw a high-five at Emmett.
Jacob, Seth and Leah all smiled at them, hoping for a fight as well. "Yeah it's been awhile since we've been able to take out some vampires," Jacob said with enthusiasm, but then he glanced over at the others. "No offense," he added with a shrug.
"None taken," Jasper replied casually who high-fived him as well.
"Alright now listen..." Carlisle spoke directly to the Pack in a very serious tone. "You three need to do exactly as you are told while we are here. I'll handle the Volturi if we are confronted. I want you to remain silent and let us handle this. This is not your territory. You need to control your phasing."
"But what if they attack us?" Jacob didn't like being told what to do.
"Then we will fight back. But Edward will know if they plan to do so. It's crucial that you wait until he is sure though."
They all nodded.
The group continued on. They entered a large room with stone walls and no windows, anywhere. It was dimly lit by candles that hung on the cobblestone walls. It looked very much like an old dungeon. There was a peculiar smell there. The Pack couldn't quite identify it but the Cullens new exactly what it was.
They passed several cells with iron-barred doors on them. All of them were empty except for one. It was filled with bodies, about twenty of them. All were tourists. The girl they brought for Tara lay on the top of the pile. Leah suddenly realized what Edward had meant now. She gasped in horror as soon as she saw them but when she spotted the crumpled bodies of two small children in front of the mass, she let out a shrill scream. Emmett grabbed her quickly to cover to her mouth. Tears ran down her face as she sobbed into his icy hand. Edward looked her in the eyes and put his fingers to his lips telling her to hush. They didn't have time for emotions or hysterics right now. She nodded agreeing and Emmett let go of her. Seth instantly put his arms around his sister and held her for a moment to calm her. He covered her eyes so she could no longer see the pile of bodies until they passed the cell.
When they came to another bolted door, Emmett grabbed the heavy lock and slowly started to unlatch it trying not to make any noise. Once it was slid far enough that they could open it, he gently pulled. It started to creek and he stopped to look at Carlisle, wondering if he should continue. When he gave him a nod of approval, Emmett pulled it open all the way.
To their surprise however, Jane, Alec and Felix already stood waiting for them on the other side of the door. The Pack growled at the site of them and were about to phase when Carlisle held his hand up to the group, signaling them to hold and they quieted themselves. Jane stood motionless like a statue, unthreatened by their presence."Aro will speak to you now," she said in a flat, icy tone. Her crimson eyes glared at them coldly.
The Cullens very tensely all looked at each other, wondering what to do until Jane suddenly and very calmly spoke.
"Follow me," she ordered them from behind the hood of her black cloak then spun on her heals, twirling the long cape behind her and began to walk away.
Alec and Felix pulled their hoods off so the group could see their callous faces. The two waited for them all to start following Jane. Carlisle motioned for them to move and then they walked behind them. The Pack kept glaring back, watching them as they walked. They were completely untrusting and on guard the entire way.
Edward listened to the group's thoughts. I think we should take them out now Edward! Jacob shouted in his head.
The others all shared the same idea and before they could start any trouble, Edward turned and held up a finger, giving them a stern that signaled for them to wait. They all grumbled.
Jane led them to a large antechamber where Aro, Marcus and Cias all sat in very large thrones that appeared centuries old. Jane turned quickly snapping up her hand, signaling for them to stop in the back of the room. When they stopped, Aro greeted them.
"Carlisle my friend, what a surprise! How nice of you to visit so soon," he cackled.
Carlisle looked around the room counting bodies. Renata, Aro's personal guard stood at his side. Corin, Demetri and Heidi entered the room just after they did and stood to the side, awaiting orders.
There's less than I expected, Carlisle thought.
Edward listened carefully nodding at him.
That's good, he added.
Edward listened to the Volturi also. They weren't expecting them at all. Aro summoned as many as he could once he discovered their presence. Many of them were out on a hunt or partaking in leisure activities since it was nightfall and the wives remained hidden in the tower as they rarely came out. Suddenly another small figure in a long black cloak entered the room with Chelsea. They both stopped just in front of Aro's seat.
Tara! Seth thought.
Edward glanced at him quickly then looked back at her, listening intently.
She stood motionless facing Aro but suddenly something in the room caught her attention. She detected a familiar scent in the room but thought it was just her mind played tricks. When her eyes met Aro's, she detected a chilling grin on his face. Then she noticed something else; the three heartbeats in the room. She knew it couldn't be the heartbeats of any normal humans since they were not accompanied by the usual screams.
Suddenly Marcus spoke. "Amazing Master," he chortled. "The tall one's reverence for her is remarkable. You were right, he will be a problem."
Tara's head snapped around and she saw them - all of them. When her eyes widened, they all spotted the crimson red in them as she stared in near shock. Emotions flooded her mind and heart, softening her inner soul. She turned back to Aro feeling betrayed. "But why? You said if I returned you wouldn't harm them!"
When she took a step forward in Aro's direction and his female body guard leaped forward as to protect him.
"Easy my dear…I didn't force them, Carlisle and his family came here on their own accord. They traveled a long way to see you. Surely you don't want me to send them away."
Tara looked back that them. "Yes I do. Send them home, now. I don't want them here!" she snapped as she stared intently at Edward and finished the last part in her head.
Go back to Forks, where it's safe! She thought, knowing Edward would hear her.
"I'm not leaving," Seth whispered in an angry tone.
Carlisle grabbed Seth's arm, warning him not to speak. He knew it was dangerous enough to have him in there without him making a bigger spectacle of himself.
"Nonsense, they came such a long way to see you my dear, let's not be so hasty," Aro spoke very calmly as though he was amused.
Tara glanced at Seth and then quickly lowered her eyes in shame so he couldn't see them anymore. Then she turned back and stepped towards Aro. Renata closed in blocking him. She knelt down on one knee and held her hand out to him. Aro accepted the invitation and reached out taking her hand in his.
What's she doing? Seth asked mentally, knowing Edward would hear him.
"Speaking to him through her thoughts," Edward whispered as he kept his eyes on the guards.
Well, what's she saying to him? he wondered.
She's telling me not to tell you, Edward confessed.
I don't care tell me anyway! Seth shouted in his head at Edward.
You're not gonna like it, Edward warned.
Edward! Seth became impatient.
Edward sighed at Seth's persistence. "She's begging him for your lives. She doesn't think Aro is going to let you three out of here alive. She promised to anything for him in order to save you."
Several profanities ran through Seth's mind.
"I told you, you wouldn't like it," Edward reminded him.
I'm going to kill him Edward. I'm going to rip his throat out myself!
"Calm down Seth. They'll take it as a threat if you phase. They only reason they haven't killed you is because you're still human," he whispered.
As Tara held Aro's hand he was able to see every event of her entire life. How she escaped, every place she was in hiding, and everything that took place after she arrived in Forks. Aro was most displeased with her relationship with Seth.
Please Aro, I beg you let them go. Send them away. I'll do anything you ask of me, Tara pleaded with him.
Aro signaled to Chelsea who turned her powers back onto Tara and she instantly started to feel a hatred for them as Chelsea manipulated her into betraying her friends. The anger swelled inside of her and she began to snarl. She snapped around to face her visitors, ready to attack.
"Bella," Edward whispered, signaling her to protect Tara.
When Bella put up her shield, Tara relaxed. Aro held up his hand, signaling for Chelsea to stop realizing their powers were no use against Bella's shield.
He stood up and strolled across the room as he spoke to her. "Evolution, mutation, natural selection...we are the future of mankind. Humans are evolving into a higher life form, and we are at the top of the food chain. You should accept this yet what do you do? You reject your destiny. You mingle with the enemy, having relations with lowly animals. Such nonsense! You are a disgrace Tara." He frowned and angrily and slapped her across the face knocking her to the floor.
Seth growled and everyone else tensed up, ready to fight. Edward grabbed Seth before he could do anything.
"Wait!" he said in a low tone.
Seth closed his eyes. His body tensed up and trembled with fury, but he calmed himself and held back.
Carlisle finally spoke. "Aro, please, we come in peace. Will you hear us out?"
Aro signaled for his guard to hold back. "Of course, go ahead my dear friend."
Carlisle took a small step forward. "Please Aro, we've come peacefully to ask for the girl. She wishes to be with us. If she displeases you so let her much, just let us have her then."
"Carlisle, did you really come all this way to beg me to give her back to you?"
"That is correct." He nodded.
Aro took a few steps towards them looking at the group. "I don't see Renesmee. Have you come to offer me a trade?" he asked.
A deep grumble came from Bella's chest as he mentioned her name.
"No we did not bring Renesmee with us. This is no place for her. She belongs with those who love her for who she is and not just her gifts. I will however, offer myself to you as an exchange for the girl," Carlisle said.
Esme gasped just before the others did as soon as he said it.
Carlisle immediately started to talk to Edward in secrecy. If he accepts, you take the family far away, leave Forks and go in hiding. Bella can protect the others from harm and I will do everything in my power to leave here and join you as soon as time allows.
Edward gave him a small nod to let him know he acknowledged him as he continued to listen to Aro reply.
"Ah Carlisle, you are such a noble man indeed. How I would love to have one such as you back in my coven. You truly have many redeeming qualities, however, please take no offence when I say that Tara's gifts greatly surpass yours, therefore I must refuse."
Carlisle continued to negotiate. "But Aro, she doesn't want this life. She wants to be free. Surely you can see that. What good is she to you if she is completely unwilling?"
"Mmm yes…that is going to be a problem. It's been very hard to persuade her you see. Her bonds with this boy are very strong however, I feel if the bindings can be removed then there will be no problem." Aro stepped closer, glancing directly at Seth. "And the way I see it… I have my problem right here."
Edward knew right then Aro had no intentions of letting the Pack leave alive. It was to his benefit to have them come there so he could wipe them out. He figured it would be very easy since there were only the three of them but he was also assuming Carlisle wouldn't put up a fight. He had no desire to kill his friend however he would do whatever it took to get his way. He had no love for the Pack and for all he cared, they were completely expendable.
"I have no qualms with you or your family Carlisle, you are free to go. I cannot however allow these beasts to leave now that they have seen where we abide. I fear they could be threat to us if they were to inform others of their kind where we are. I have no choice but to exterminate them."
His guards started towards the group and everyone took their stance, ready for the impact.
Tara knew what Aro intended to do. "No!" she screamed and she leaped in the air, grabbing Alec who had his sights on Seth.
Aro gave orders to kill him first. Alec grabbed her and threw her across the room but she quickly got up and ran for him again. Jane swiftly drifted in front of her twin and held up a finger. Tara gasped expecting to feel pain but there was nothing. Bella shielded her still. Tara understood the full extent of Bella's powers now and she grinned. Jane became furious and attacked her physically. Alec continued on his warpath while Jane kept her occupied.
Seth growled and with a thunderous sound his body phased into a giant wolf. It triggered a domino effect in Jacob and Leah and they all stood snarling and growling ready to take down Alec.
Aro stepped back, keeping his distance so he couldn't be harmed while Renata and the other four women surrounded him, making a wall between him and the outbreak. Demetri and Felix stepped up as the wolves began to charge. Bella remained steady, holding her shield over everyone. The rest of the Cullens began to leap into the fight one by one.
Edward feared to leave Bella behind. They needed her protection, for they knew the fight would be a loss without her to guard them from Jane, Alec and Chelsea's powers.
"Go! I'm fine!" Bella yelled at him.
Edward was reluctant to leave her side until Esme and Carlisle both came and stood by Bella assuring him they would guard her. Alice and Jasper stuck together as they fought. They were inseparable, watching each other's back. Just then, Aro motioned to Cias. He held a large, ornate metal object. Their eyes all diverted towards it, remembering when Cias had used the object on Irina. It killed her instantaneously leaving nothing but ash remains of her body.
Cias, Marcus and Demetri surrounded the pack. They were ready to attack, awaiting the order from Aro.
"Let it be done," was all he spoke before they closed in on wolves.
Just as they got ready to make their strike, they suddenly stopped and stood completely bewildered looking around the room. The three wolves were gone.
The pack stared back at them confused, wondering why they stopped. What are they waiting for? Jacob thought.
I don't know. What's happening? Seth wondered.
The Volturi gasped as they looked around the room completely stunned. The Cullens were gone as well.
Edward hurry! Do what you have to. I don't know how long I can do this for! Tara screamed in her head. She had everyone cloaked and as the group vanished from the Volturi's sight, they backed down in their state of confusion.
Edward, take them down, now! You won't have another chance like this! Tara shouted in her head.
He knew she was right, even if they could escape they may come back for them in higher numbers. He knew Carlisle wouldn't like it but he saw no other way. "They can't see us…attack them!" Edward shouted.
Seth finally understood what she had done. They can't see us, let's get em! Seth shouted to the other wolves.
Yes! Jacob shouted mentally. He decided he might be able to like her after all but only just a little bit.
The three of them each took a guard. Cias never saw Seth coming as he took him out first. The vampire screamed as his limbs were torn from his body. The others watched in horror as the wolves ripped the three men into shreds within seconds. Body pieces flew everywhere.
Aro's and two of his female guards became fearful and fled escaping into hidden corridor. Seth spotted them trying to run and he took off after them. The others stood their ground however, determined to battle to the death.
At this moment, several things began to happen simultaneously: Jane still had a grip on Tara even though she was unable to see her. She continued to struggle with her trying to break free from her grip and throw her off. Jane gripped Tara's throat and then struck her in the face. As they fell to the ground, Tara lost her concentration. Suddenly the Cullens and the wolves realized they were no longer concealed while Jane had her in her grip. Tara tried desperately to reach up and grab Jane's throat but Jane overpowered her and pinned her down while striking her in the head repeatedly. Felix suddenly headed for Bella, knowing if he took her out they could defeat them easily. Edward and Emmett lunged at him both struggling violently to keep him back. Carlisle and Esme stood in front of Bella, guarding her. Jacob and Leah backed Alec in a corner. The witch twin lunged for Jacob, clawing and snapping his venomous teeth. He came very close to biting Jacob but Leah managed to grab him by the neck and sunk her fangs in and shook him like a rag dog doll. She tore open his throat and threw him across the room. His body fell lifelessly to the ground. Jane shrieked the moment she witnessed her brother being taken out.
Thanks, Jacob said to Leah.
No problem, she replied as they high-pawed.
Rosalie managed to stop Corin before she could flee the room. As the two females struggled they took out a pillar, smashing two of the ornate thrones. Felix held his own against Edward and Emmett. He muscled both of them off and managed to close in on Esme and Carlisle. Bella started backing up as he neared, still holding her shield in the group.
When Felix grabbed Carlisle by the neck and slammed him up against the wall, Esme jumped on giant vampire’s back and reached around to his face digging her fingers in his eyes. He let out a huge growl before reaching around and pulling Esme off with almost no effort and then threw her across the room.
"Esme!" Carlisle shouted as he watched his wife crash into a stone table and fall to the ground.
Alice suddenly leaped at Jane's head and forced her to release her grip on Tara. Jane then reached up to grab Alice's arms to pull them off. Jasper came to Alice's rescue, holding her so she couldn't get away. Jane hissed and snarled as she struggled with them. Before Alice could Jane's neck, something hit her hard. It was Alec. His neck had completely healed. He attacked Alice making Jasper let go of Jane but Jacob and Leah leaped to Tara's side before she get to her again.
On the other side of the room, Felix nearly reached Bella. When lunged for her, she quickly jumped out of the way, dodging his grasp and he ran right into the wall. The stone crack and crumbled where he hit. Felix became even more enraged. He snarled furiously as he spun back around, however when he did, he saw only Jane and Alec who stood across the room looking at him. Everyone else vanished again.
Now that she was free, Tara concealed them once more. Edward, the first to realize it, jumped at Felix and knocked him to the ground. He struggled with the invisible force that pounded him. Jane decided they were too out-numbered and decided to flee but Leah and Jacob spotted her escape attempt and chased her. The rest of them took on the other three vampires left in the room. Alec ran aimlessly, trying to get out but failed. Jasper and Alice both leaped on him.
Edward, Emmett and Carlisle took out Felix while the girls went after Corin. They pulled apart their limbs and ripped off their heads. Bodies were in pieces everywhere.
"We have to burn them quickly," Carlisle said.
Some of the limbs still twitched on the ground. Alice smashed a wood table and broke it into pieces to get it started. The others gathered the body parts.
"I'm going after Jacob and Leah. They need my help to kill Jane!" Bella cried out.
Edward started to follow but noticed Tara looking around the room for Seth.
"He went after Aro," he said to her before running off with Bella
Tara knew exactly where Aro would be hiding and she ran after him. Jacob and Leah followed Jane's scent down a long corridor till they came to an enormous room filled with art. A conglomeration of famous paintings hung on the stone walls. The ancient tables around the room displayed various statues and vases. Directly in the center was a giant antique rug that had been pulled back and a hole in the ground underneath it was exposed. They both looked down the opening knowing they wouldn't fit.
Shoot! She got away! Leah thought.
Just as Jacob began to look up, he saw Heidi falling from the ceiling. Leah, look out!
When the vampire landed on Leah, she growled and thrashed to get her off but just before Jacob could help her, Chelsea also appeared. "This is for Marcus!" she snarled as she swung her claws at him. She struck him in the head, sending him across the room where he smashed into two of the tables, crushing the vases that sat upon them. The ancient pieces of art nearly disintegrated.
Unable to shake Heidi, Leah slammed her body against the wall trying to crush the vampire. It felt like ramming into a solid rock on shoulder and she yelped. Leah tried to get her head around far enough to bite her, rolling and thrashing on the floor trying desperately to break free from the vampire's grip. When Jacob got back up and charged Chelsea, she leaped out of his way he slid into more tables across the room, smashing everything in his path.
Jake! Leah cried to him for help. Heidi had a grip on her head, getting ready to snap her neck.
Jacob leaped back up instantly sprung across the room to help Leah. He land on top of Heidi and bit down on her head, taking it off with just one giant snap. Her body fell limp to the ground. Chelsea snarled and hissed at them for killing her friend but realizing she was outnumbered she made a run for the hole in the ground, disappearing before they could get her.
Let's find the others, they made need more help, Jacob thought.
Leah nodded agreeing, but as they both turned around they stood face-to-face with Jane who blocked their only exit. She knew she could defeat the two wolves now that Bella was no longer there to protect them and before they could make a move she lifted a finger and both wolves howled loudly, collapsing to the ground in agony. Jacob hoped Edward or Seth could hear their mental cries for help and come save them and fortunately Edward did.
"We have to go…this way!" he said to Bella and they ran at lightning speed in their direction, following the bellowing sounds that echoed throughout the halls.

Seth ran through the corridors searching for Aro, trying to track his scent but every room he came to was empty. The place gave him an eerie feeling and he smelled a nauseating odor throughout it. It was the smell of death that lingered through the halls and rooms. He followed Aro's scent to a dimly lit chamber. When Seth entered, he realized the room was a giant a library with rows and rows of books stacked on shelves as high as the vaulted ceilings above. It looked like a maze. As Seth ran in and out of the rows searching, Aro's scent became stronger but his concentration was distracted when he heard the mental screams of Leah and Jacob. He suddenly bolted for the door he came in but found himself face to face with Aro and Renata. When the female guard leaped at Seth he viciously snapped at her. She screamed when his teeth sliced an enormous gash in her arm. Extremely angered by his actions she jumped on him ripping at his fur. Seth let out a yelp and shook her off his back, throwing her across the room. Then he quickly lunged at her before she could get back up and bit her face. He damaged her eyes, completely blinding her. While Seth’s back was still turned, Aro took his chance to attack him but before the vampire reached him he heard a familiar voice cry out.
"Seth!" Tara shouted as she came charging in.
Seth’s turned around fast enough to witness Tara leaping on Aro to stop him just before his razor sharp teeth sunk into Seth’s skin. As she distracted the vampire Seth pounced on him, sinking his fangs into Aro's neck and ripping out his throat. Aro thrashed as he lay on the ground gripping his wound. He finished Aro with one last bite, snapping his neck in two, killing the old vampire with ease.
“NO!” Renata shouted as she watched her master fall to the ground. Her crimson eyes were completely healed. She stood staring at him, snarling angrily for killing Aro.
They both stood ready for her attack but instead of doing so, she fled. Tara and seth both exchanged glanced and without an exchange of words, she simply reached up and touched his face. He wanted very much to be able to hold her but didn't want to phase, just in case they weren't out of danger yet. Tara put her arms around his neck and embraced him. He was happy to feel her arms around him again but within moments he sensed something was wrong, very wrong. A low growl came deep from Tara's chest that made Seth's fur stand strait up on his back. She pulled back away from him and when she did, saw the look in her eyes. She stared at him with a savage fierceness he'd never seen before. The growl got louder and he knew she was going to attack.
NO! Seth let out a mental cry but she could not hear him. He leaped back snapping at her putting a gash in her face and arms as he struggled with him.
She quickly lunged at him again, this time sinking her teeth into his shoulder and he let out a painful howl that echoed through the halls….

In the other room, Jane went for the reddish brown wolf first since he was the largest. He lay on the ground thrashing and yelping and entirely crippled from the pain. The witch smiled victoriously as she looked Jacob in the eyes getting ready rip his heart out with her bare hands.
When she leaned into his face to say something he felt her icy breath on his snout. "As soon as I'm finished killing you and your friend here, I'm heading straight to Forks and I'm going to find that little half-breed child and destroy her for what you've done!"
Jacob growled, trying move and fight through the pain but he didn't even have the strength to lift his head. As she raised her hand to strike, his wailing suddenly ceased. Bella made it just in time and shielded them. The second the pain had stopped, he ripped into Jane's face like a rabid animal. Leah grabbed Jane's lower limbs and pulled her apart, taking her out with a fierce vengeance.
Jacob sighed with relief. Thanks Bella, he thought though only Edward could hear him.
Then he licked Bella face. She complained, wiping the wetness from her cheek but soon after she gave Jacob a big hug. Within seconds though, Jacob sensed something was wrong. He and Leah looked at each other. Chills ran down their spines as they heard Seth's cries for help. Edward heard him too and they moved quickly in his direction.

Seth yelped in agony as the fiery venom spread and his body trembled violently.
Suddenly Tara’s mood changed. Her anger turned to confusion followed by shock once she realized what she'd done. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Chelsea standing in the shadows, grinning at her just before she disappeared into the shadows. Tara let her flee, unable to leave Seth's side. The taste of his blood lingered in her mouth.
"No! No!" She screamed in panic, remembering how he told her the venom was deadly to them.
Seth's body shook and twisted as he returned to his human form and the howls turned into screams.
"Oh God, no! What have you done? I'm burning!" he shrieked in agony.
"Seth!" she shouted as she held him in her arms.
What have I done? I've killed him! He rescued me and I've killed him! This can't be happening! she shouted in her mind.
Seth screamed as his body thrashed. His muscles started contracting, immobilizing him.
Then she quickly recalled the story Edward told her the day before she left, explaining how he saved Bella when a vampire named James bit her and he drew the venom out of her before it spread too far. Don't bite down, just draw the venom out, she thought. Tara examined the bloody bite mark she left in his skin and when she pulled Seth closer towards her he became terrified.
"Tara, don't please. Stop!" he begged.
She didn't have time to explain. She forced herself on him and sucked the blood from his open wound. It was bitter. She didn't like it but she drank harder. Seth screamed for her to stop. He pulled at her hair to get her off, but it was useless. When he lost conciseness, his body fell limp in her arms and she no longer tasted the sweet venom, only bitterness.
She stopped and called out his name. "Seth! Seth!" she shouted, touching his face.
Just then she heard a rushing wind from behind her. All of the others caught up. When Leah and Jacob no longer heard Seth's cries for help they feared for his life. They all gasped when they saw Seth's bloodied body, collapsed in Tara's arms. Her mouth had blood on it too. Only Edward knew the truth at the moment, the others thought the worst.
Leah growled at Tara wanting to snap Tara’s neck for what she’d done to her brother. Jacob stood in complete disbelief at what he was witnessing. Edward quickly ran to Seth and grabbed him before the others could react. Carlisle knelt with him too.
"I-I remembered to do what you said. I tried to get the venom out," Tara cried
Edward sniffed the wound. He couldn't smell any venom. He tasted the blood and it was clean.
NO! Leah shouted at Edward, thinking he was drinking her blood.
He turned to her when she growled nearly attacking him. “I’m not hurting him. I’m making sure the venom is out of his system.” He explained to her. .
"Did I get all?" Tara asked.
"I think so. His blood is clean. I don’t taste venom," he said.
"He'll be okay, but we should get him to a medical facility," Carlisle said.
"But we can't, they'll run tests on him it's too dangerous!" Jacob said.
"We can't worry about that. I may know some doctors still here that can help. There's a small hospital in the next town. Alice…we need a car!" Carlisle ordered.
"I'm on it!" She said and then she and Jasper dashed off leaving the others to finish burning the rest of the bodies so they could get Seth out quickly.

They took him to a small hospital in town where Carlisle got him set up in a room so he could treat him and keep an eye on his condition. Seth lay in the bed unconscious for nearly four hours. When daylight came, they all made sure to stay clear of the sunlight knowing they would not have the convenience of heavy cloud covered skies there.
Edward and Bella headed to the airport before morning so they could take care of flight arrangements. They planned to return at twilight. The others mostly stayed towards the inner parts of the hospital avoiding the rooms that were brightly lit up from the sun that shone through the windows and skylights. Carlisle came in once in awhile to check on Seth but they left Tara alone with him while she patiently waited for him to wake. Jacob became hungry after quite some time and searched for a cafeteria following the smells in the halls. Though Leah wanted food as well, she refused to leave Seth alone with Tara who she still didn't trust even though Edward explained she saved his life. She didn't care however since it was she who bit him in the first place. Leah hoped this would rid them of Tara since biting a human breaks the treaty but Jacob reminded her that technically they were not on their land and even more importantly, Jacob believed it was not her will to harm Seth. He knew she was being controlled and that it wasn't her fault. He made the decision to over-look the incident. Though Leah wasn't pleased with his decision, she had no choice but to accept it.

Tara sat next to Seth’s bed, staring blankly at the wall, her mind deep in thought. Occasionally she'd glance over at him. She felt horrible for what she did and the pain it caused him. When he finally came around, the slits of Seth's his eyes cracked open and he looked up at the ceiling, feeling dazed and groggy. The overhead lights seemed bright at first, almost blinding, but once his eyes adjusted, he finally saw Tara sitting next to him. When Tara noticed Seth heart beat getting faster, her eyes turned and met his. He glared at her crimson eyes that stared right at him. The last thing he remembered was fighting Tara off. He only remembered how she looked just before she sunk her sharp teeth in his neck and he remembered the pain of it. It was like having hot lava poured into his veins, while every muscle in his body spasmed. It was pure agony.
Tara reached for Seth's hand to touch it and he pulled it back fast. "Seth please," she whispered. She saw the fear in his expression.
"You… bit me." Seth reached up and touched his shoulder and moaned when it ached. A bandage covered the area where it still hurt. "Don't touch me!" he said sharply.
Sadness came over her. "Seth… listen to me."
“No, get away!" he growled at her.
Leah heard the commotion and came in. Tara stood up and backed away from him as he ordered her.
Leah gave her a bitter look. "What are you doing?" she demanded to know.
Tara couldn't stand to see his hate-filled eyes on her anymore and she made herself disappear right in front of them as she turned to leave.
Shortly after, Jacob showed up with some food and noticed Tara was gone. He saw the expression on Seth's face and knew something was wrong.
"Hey, what's going on?" he asked.
Nobody spoke. Seth put his hand to his face and tried to wipe the memory of Tara's bloodied face and fierce red eyes from his mind. Jacob could tell he was in pain, but not a just physical pain, it was mental anguish. "Seth…what happened? What's wrong? You ok buddy?"
"My shoulder hurts. I just want to be alone," he said in a shaky voice and he started to tremble.
Jacob turned to Leah. "Give us a minute please Leah," he requested and Leah nodded before stepping out. She closed the door behind her.
Jacob pulled up a chair and sat close to Seth waiting for him to respond. When he didn't say anything, Jacob decided to speak up. "Where’s Tara?" he asked.
"I told her to go away."
"Why would you do that?" he frowned.
"She bit me Jake. I remember it all now, she tried to kill me." He tried to move his arm and growled at the pain. "Why do I hurt so much?"
"It's the venom. Carlisle said it'll pass." He looked at Seth confused. "Seth... she was the reason we came here you know...the reason we all risked our lives so we could get her out safely...for you."
"I know," he grumbled in a low tone.
"Then what the hell are you doing!" he questioned, raising his voice.
"She tried to kill me!"
Jacob shook his head. "Edward said he thinks that vampire Chelsea got to her, she tricked her mind and turned her on you. She didn't know what she was doing. I think she might've gotten to you too. Bella wasn't there to shield her. She turned you guys against each other."
Seth started to become more alert now but the image of Tara still burned in his mind.
"She saved you once she snapped out of it. Edward said she knew how to get the venom out of your system before it spread too far. We thought she was killing you too till he explained it to us. We didn't know what was happening. I thought you were a goner, dude."
Seth remembered the story Edward told them also. It all started getting clearer to him now. As Seth tried to sit up to quickly, he moaned from the sharp pain in his shoulder and neck.
"Now, what are you doing?" Jacob tried to grab him.
"I'm gonna go find her, she can't be far," he said trying to get up.
"You're in no condition. Stay put." Jacob shoved him back on the bed.
Seth groaned. "No!"
He tried to stand but suddenly started to fall to the floor, still too weak. Though the venom was gone, its paralyzing affects still lingered in his muscles that were aching from being tightly knotted up into balls when they contracted. He felt like he'd just been through a rigorous workout and pulled every muscle in his body.
"Carlisle said you would probably feel pretty lousy for a while. I don't think you're going anywhere. Don't worry, she'll come back for you. She loves you."
Seth hoped he was right. He was too harsh. He'd never spoke to her like that or looked at her that way before.
Seth's condition improved by nightfall, however Tara still hadn't returned and it worried him. Carlisle wanted to get out of the city before anyone came looking for them. They needed to disappear from the city, soon but Edward and Bella promised to stay behind and look for Tara. They knew they would be the best team for the job since Bella can see her and Edward can hear her. Seth wanted to stay with them but they refused knowing he would only slow them down in human form and he certainly couldn't wander about as a wolf. Jacob ordered him to leave and reluctantly he complied.

The couple searched for a week nonstop, covering all of Italy. When they were sure she wasn't there, they decided to return to Dartmouth to see if she returned to her hometown. They looked everywhere. Even Alice searched for her future but she couldn't see anything. Tara had truly disappeared and Edward now feared for the worst. He knew there were several Volturi still out there and he feared they may have gotten to her.
Bella longed to see Renesmee. She had been away from her longer than she ever had before and it was getting to be too much for her. Edward decided they would go home for now and try again later to look for her once they'd reunited with their daughter for a while.
As the next week passed, Seth became despondent at home. He only worked and slept and barely ate. When he came home from work he lay in his bed for hours till he finally dosed off. It was a vicious pattern that began to wear on him and Jacob could see it. He sent him home from work and ordered him to bathe himself and eat. Jacob was at a loss. It was as though his friend never came home.
Seth entered his house. With nobody at home, it was very quiet. He sat for a while trying to watch TV but his mind couldn't focus on anything. He remembered Jacob had ordered him to eat something so he searched the fridge for some food and came upon some left-over casserole that Sue made the night before. He didn't bother to heat it. The taste didn't even matter to him. He just scooped some right out of the container it was stored in and took a few mouthfuls. After he finished it with a soda, he felt a little more energized and went to the shower letting the hot water hit his body, removing some of his tension. Once he dried off, he walked down the hall to his room with towel wrapped around his waist. Then he grabbed a pair of jeans off the floor that he'd only worn once and slipped them on. He saw the shirt that Tara had put on the last night she was there. He put it to his nose and inhaled her scent. Then he quickly shoved it in a drawer and grabbed a fresh shirt. As he pulled the garment over his head he caught a glimpse of a dark figure that stood in the corner of his room. It startled him and he leaped back.
Tara’s golden eyes stared at him. She raised her hand out to him. "Please, don't be afraid," she whispered.
Seth's heart pounded. He shook his head and finished putting his arms through the sleeves of his shirt and then stepped towards her. "I'm not...please, don't disappear on me, okay?" he stepped closer, "I never thought I was gonna see you again." His heart beat faster now.
She looked down somberly. "I didn't think you wanted to."
Seth shook his head. "No, I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it when I told you to leave.” He inched closer towards her. “How long have you been standing there?"
Two weeks," she said as her eyes looked back up at him.
His eyebrows rose. "T-two weeks? You've been in my room for two weeks?"
He suddenly realized that explained why they never found her and why Alice couldn't see her.
"Yes. I arrived here before you. I had no other place to go. No other place I wanted to go. I thought maybe I could just be close to you and not let you see me and that would be enough. I've been watching you sleep every night," she confessed. "You don't sleep well."
He shook his head agreeing.
"And last night you called out my name. I wanted to wake you and hold you but I was afraid to touch you." Her lip trembled when she spoke.
He slowly walked over to her and stood right in front of her. She couldn't look him in the eyes. He saw the torment in her face.
"Seth, I just need you to hear me say that I'm sorr…"
He quickly cupped her face in his hands and crushed his lips to hers before she could finish. Tara didn't resist. She felt her body melting against his and she parted her lips tasting his deep, warm kiss on her mouth. He slid one arm around her waist and pulled her body in tight against his, then knotted his fingers in her hair with the other hand, holding her as though he'd never let go. In a passionate embrace, they fell to the bed. There were no words between them because their lips never parted as their bodies told each other what they wanted. He slid the long black cloak off of her body and took her without hesitation.
When their lips finally separated so he could catch his breath, he pulled the sheet over their bodies and held her close, softly caressing her shoulders. Her head rested on his chest, listening to his heart as it thumped against her cheek.
"Seth," she whispered.
"Hmm?" His lips touched her hair.
She felt the heat from his breath as he spoke.
"You never let me finish apologizing."
She pulled back too look him in the eyes. "I'm sorry for leaving the way I did. I never wanted to hurt you that way. I hope you believe me when I say that."
"I do. I know you were just trying to protect my family and the Cullens. I understand."
"I wanted to protect you too. I was afraid the Volturi would kill you…and then…" She sat up in the bed. He sat up too and started to speak but she put her hand over his mouth so she could finish. "...then you came for me. All of you came for me." She put her hand over his heart. "When I saw your face I feared for you. I told Aro to send you away but I wanted you so badly to take me away from there... I wanted to scream it."
"I'm right here. It's all behind us now." He brushed her hair back from her face.
She looked at his shoulder where she bit him and reached her hand over, touching the scar with her finger tips.
"I nearly killed you." Her face expressed her pain.
He took her hand in his. "You saved me. You got the venom out before it killed me. I didn't know that's what you were doing at the time. I was disoriented, I didn't know what was happening to me, but I understand it all now and I'm sorry for telling you to leave. I didn't mean it."
She lowered her eyes. "Do you…do you still love me?" she asked.
"Yes…of course. More than anything."
She grinned with a sigh and then looked up at him shaking her head. "Such a stupid creature."
He laughed.
"There's one more thing you need to know," she said.
"Okay." He waited curiously.
"While I was there, I had to feed… "
Seth remembered her red eyes. It indicated she'd fed on human blood.
"Tara you don't have to explain this to me," he interrupted.
"No I want to, please allow me to finish."
"Okay." He squeezed her arm.
"They brought me a young woman. I didn't want to hurt her. I tried as hard as I could to not even breathe in the room with her so I couldn't smell her blood. When Aro saw that I hadn't fed, he became angry and bit her hoping it would entice me. Then left her with me once again, bleeding and in pain. The girl, she…" Tara paused for a moment as she checked his eyes to see if he looked disgusted with her yet.
He still looked compassionate as always. He waited for her to finish.
"She begged me to kill her, to make the pain stop."
Seth remembered the agonizing pain he felt from the venom as she spoke.
"I gave her the choice to be turned or to die. She chose death…. and so... I took her life." Tara's voice turned to a whisper near the end of her sentence.
"But you didn't take her life... Aro did. Her life was taken the moment he bit her. Her body was going to die either way."
She frowned. "Seth, I don't deserve your forgiveness or your compassion." Seth spoke sternly. "There's nothing to forgive. You didn't kill her."
She looked away unbelieving.
"Tara, if I came across a wounded animal in the woods that was beyond repair, I would put it out of its misery. It's the same thing."
"No it's not, this woman had a soul. Animals don't have souls. She was a human life."
"Then you just helped her soul cross over to meet her maker and be in peace so she wouldn't have to exist in a way she didn't want to."
Tara felt overwhelmed by her emotions. She put her forehead to his chest. He caressed her hair and stroked her back.
"Are you ok?" he asked.
"Do you have any idea how much love I feel for you?" she responded.
"Yeah , I have an idea I think." He smiled.
She kissed his chest and then his neck until her lips were on his mouth again. Then she gently pushed him back on the bed and climbed on top of him.
"I could show you," she grinned.
His eyes lit up as he smiled and then he felt her wrap her body around his and she could tell he was ready for her again. .