Fated [Volturi x male]

Chapter 2: Mates

As the gathered vampires fell silent, a tension settled over the room. William remained vigilant, the energy between the Cullens and their allies almost palpable. He scanned the faces around him, noting their nervous but resolute expressions. He was here to protect them—Carlisle, Renesmee, and even these strangers drawn by the promise of rebellion against the Volturi. And he was ready for the inevitable reunion that loomed ahead, one that stirred memories he'd fought to bury.

Carlisle's quiet voice broke through his thoughts. "Thank you for standing with us, William. I know that after everything... this isn't easy for you."

William nodded, jaw set. "I'm here, Carlisle. Just tell me what needs to be done."

The corners of Carlisle's mouth lifted in a small, sad smile. "The Volturi are coming to intimidate us, to try and make us surrender to their judgment without question. They'll bring a show of force, but we're hoping to avoid any confrontation. Your presence, William... it's the reason I called you."

William tensed, unsure if he'd understood correctly. "My presence?"

"Yes." Carlisle's tone was cautious but steady. "They know of your history with Marcus. The Volturi respect mate bonds, even more so when they involve one of their leaders. If they see you with us, we hope they'll hesitate, if only for Marcus's sake."

The thought took a moment to settle, and William felt a tightness in his chest, equal parts longing and dread. His connection to Marcus had been his undoing, the reason he'd spent centuries in hiding, running from the pain and vulnerability that came with the mate bond. Yet here he was, about to stand directly in the Volturi's line of sight for the first time since that fateful night. He'd always been driven by the need to avoid Marcus, to shield himself from that pull—yet now, he'd be using it as a shield for others.

"I'm not sure he'll be pleased to see me, Carlisle," William said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not after the way things ended."

Carlisle met his gaze, sympathy shining through his clear eyes. "Perhaps... but mate bonds are rare and binding, William. You know better than anyone that they don't fade over time."

William looked away, suppressing the pang of yearning that surfaced at the thought. He knew Carlisle was right. No matter how long he'd tried to bury it, the mate bond with Marcus would always be a part of him. Still, he wasn't sure he could face the man he'd run from for so long, even if it meant saving the Cullens.

Just then, a quiet voice spoke up from behind them. Alice, her face pale and tense with the strain of her visions, approached them, her steps soft and swift. "They're close," she whispered, a note of fear barely concealed in her tone. "The Volturi will be here soon."

Carlisle's eyes held a hint of sadness as he turned back to William. "I understand if this is too much, William. If you want to leave, no one here will think any less of you."

William met Carlisle's gaze, sensing the sincerity there. Carlisle knew what this reunion could mean for him, the pain it could dig up. But something about Renesmee's innocent gaze, Carlisle's trust, and the loyalty of these strangers filled him with a conviction he hadn't felt in centuries.

"No," William said, his voice strong. "I'm done running."

A spark of gratitude flickered in Carlisle's expression as he placed a hand on William's shoulder. "Thank you."

As the final preparations were made, William took his place among the Cullens, feeling the weight of what was about to happen settle over him. He let the shadows drift around him, a protective shroud that heightened his senses, ready to defend or attack if the Volturi struck first. He could almost feel Marcus's presence in his mind, that familiar pull becoming stronger with each passing second, as if the bond were already responding to Marcus's proximity.