flightless bird

Chapter 72

The Cullen's, Jacob, Leah, my mom and Carlos stood around the piano watching Colette and Masen play in unison together. A gasp and vase dropping caught everyone's attention. I looked and saw Alice standing a few feet away, a look of fear on her face. Jasper closed his book and immediately ran to Alice's side. "What is it Alice?" he asked.

"It's the Volturi. They're coming for us. Aro, Caius, Marcus, the Guard and Irina" said Alice as she looked at all of us. Colette climbed off the chair and ran to Jacob who picked her up as she hugged him. "Why?" said Carlisle as he stepped forward. "What did Irina see in the woods?" Edward said as he turned to me.

"We were just walking and the kids were building snowmen" I said. "Of course" Edward muttered and I turned to him. "Irina thinks Masen and Colette are immortal children" said Edward. "Immortal what?!" I said in confusion.

"The immortal children were very beautiful. So enchanting. To be near them was to love them" Carlisle explained as I flicked the page in the book Carlisle had given me. "But their development was frozen at the age they were turned. They couldn't be taught or restrained. A single tantrum could destroy an entire village. Humans heard about the devastation, stories spread. The Volturi were forced to intervene. Since the children couldn't protect our secret, they had to be destroyed. Their creators grew very attached and fought to protect them. Long established covens were torn apart. Countless humans slaughtered. Traditions, friends, even families...lost" Carlisle explained.

"So the Denali's mother made an immortal child?" I questioned. "Yes. And she paid the price" Carlisle replied solemnly. "Well Colette and Masen are nothing like those children! They were born not bitten they grow every single day!" I snapped. "So can't you just explain that to the Volturi?" Jacob asked from his seat.

"Aro has enough proof in Irina's thoughts" Edward said and I felt the anger rise in my chest. "So we fight" Jacob said. "Their offensive weapons are too powerful. No one can stand against Jane" Jasper said and we all turned to him and Alice. "Alec's even worse" Alice said. "We'll convince them then. I'm not going to have my entire family slaughtered over false accusations" I argued.

"They're coming to kill us not to talk" Emmett replied. "No you're right. They won't listen to us. Carlisle, you have friends all around the world" Edward said. "I won't ask them to fight" Carlisle said shaking his head slightly. "Not fight, witness. If enough people knew the truth, maybe we could convince the Volturi to listen" Edward said.

"We can ask this of our friends" Esme said as she placed her hand on Carlisle's arm and he nodded in agreement. "When we see the Volturi, Masen and Colette will be bigger then the age Irina saw them. That should be proof enough for the Volturi right?" I said as I stood up from the table. "We can hope so. But creating immortal children is one of the biggest crimes one can commit in the Volturi's eyes" said Carlisle and I sighed.

"We should head home. It's nearly Masen and Colette's bedtime" said Edward and I nodded before we left the room. We walked into the living room where I saw Masen and Colette fast asleep on the sofa, Rosalie sitting beside them reading a magazine. "Thanks for watching them Rose" I said quietly as Edward and I walked over to them.

"Anytime. One story and they were fast asleep" said Rosalie as she stood up. I smiled before gently picking up Colette as Edward grabbed Masen. We left the Cullen's house and headed home through the woods. "Edward, is this really happening? Could we really lose our family?" I said as I looked at him. "We'll get through this Serena" he said and I sighed.

We arrived home and I walked into the house before walking down the hallway to Colette's room. I laid her on her bed and quickly changed her into her pyjamas before tucking her in. I turned on her star night light before I left her room and closed her door leaving it a little ajar. I ran a hand through my hair as I walked down the hallway to the bedroom where I saw Edward waiting on the bed.

"So where's our first stop going to be for witnesses?" I asked. "We should head to Alaska to see the Denali's tomorrow. I'll prepare the jet in Seattle" said Edward and I nodded as he walked out of the room on the phone. I walked into the closet and grabbed a Louis Vuitton duffle bag before beginning to pack some clothes for Edward and I.

I zipped the bag up before grabbing the other duffle bag and walked down the hallway. I entered Masen's room and quietly opened his drawers before grabbing out an outfit for tomorrow and for the trip. I grabbed a few of his favourite toys and placed them in as well before laying his clothes for tomorrow on the end of his bed

I walked out of his room and gently closed his door before walking to Colette's room. I grabbed out her outfits and some of her favourite dolls before zipping up the bag. I walked back into the bedroom where Edward hung up the phone. "The plane is all sorted. We'll fly out at 10" said Edward as he turned to me.

"Everything's all packed" I replied as I placed the bag on the end of the bed. "You should contact Jacob and Leah to let them know the plan" Edward replied and I nodded. "I hope they're willing to listen" I said as I walked over to Edward. He wrapped his arms around my waist as I wrapped mine around his neck. "They will. Like Carlisle said, they're family" Edward replied.