Crimson Gold

Part 3: Chapter 12: Hunt

3rd Person POV

Ryan's House

"How are things back in New York?" Ryan asked.

"Not very good," Alex replied. "Greene made an appearance last night, brought an army of Walkers to our doorstep. The war's kicking up here. We've locked down the borders, but Greene... she's smart. We can't lower our guard."

Ryan nodded. "Are you sure you don't need me to—"

"Look," Dana cut him off. "We appreciate that you want to come help us, but we need you to stay in Forks."

"We wouldn't want your future wife to get worried, now would we?" Alex added with a smirk.

"Dad!"

Alex chuckled.

Ryan sighed. "Never mind that. What are we going to do about the Volturi?"

"At the moment, nothing," Alex replied. "If Aro even has a rough idea of your abilities, he knows that attacking a whole city of Infected would be suicide, so he won't make a move here. And he's seen that you're dangerous, so he'll be cautious around you."

Ryan nodded. "I doubt he'd go after Alice. If he's seen Edward's and her thoughts, he knows that I'd come after him if he hurt her."

"So that eliminates the chances of him coming after her," Alex noted. "But still, if Aro knows of your abilities, that could be a problem."

Ryan smirked. "Then I guess it's a good thing I didn't tell the vampires everything I can do."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Do they know about your Devastators?"

Ryan shook his head. "They don't know about them or the Biobombs."

Alex nodded. "Good. The less they know, the better."

"And smarter," Dana interjected. "If a fight breaks out, you'll have an ace up your sleeve. Only a Prototype or an Evolved would have a chance of surviving either of those."

Ryan nodded. "That, and I initially wanted something up my sleeve in case the Cullens turned out to be connected to Greene. I'm honestly glad they aren't."

Alex nodded. "How are you and Alice?"

"Seriously? You guys are in the middle of a war, and you're worried about my relationship?" Ryan shook his head in disbelief. "We're doing good. She's a little concerned about the Volturi, but other than that she's fine."

Dana raised an eyebrow. "So, have you two decided how many grandkids Alex is getting?"

"Aunt Dana!" Ryan whined.

Alex chuckled. "You should listen to your aunt. Besides, I don't want your relationship turning into some kind of four book series like your friends'."

Ryan just groaned.

"Anyway," Dana pressed on. "Are you excited for your graduation?"

Ryan nodded. "Yeah. Jessica's making a speech for it, so I'll be rooting for her."

Alex nodded. "We'd attend if we could, but with Greene on the move, leaving would prove fatal."

Ryan nodded. "Gotcha."

"Still, Ryan," Dana assured. "We're proud of you."