The Phantom Wolf

Chapter 117 (A Tense Discussion)

*Pearl's POV*

The next morning, we all gathered at the large open field which was covered in snow. I'd already decided that the best way for me to protect the others, is if the Volturi have no idea that I'm there.

So I stood next to Bree with my gift active, I was completely invisible and undetectable. I had told her beforehand what my plan was, so she knew that I was next to her, but she had no way of detecting me. Hopefully this will give our side an advantage.

All of the shifters were hidden in the trees, they were planning to emerge when the Volturi arrived. But if it comes down to a fight, they're all going to be looking to me, to give the order. Sam and Jacob have temporarily handed the alpha status within their packs to me, this way, I would be able to hear everyone's thoughts if a battle took place. It also meant that currently, all of the shifters were in a combined pack, and the pack was being led by me.

Dad wanted to discuss with Aro first, but is it starts to go sideways, I'm going to secretly approach the Volturi, and launch an attack within their ranks. It should catch them by surprise and give us the upper hand.

We're ready.

*3rd Person POV*

Staring off into the distance, awaiting the Volturi's arrival, Garret turned to Kate and confidently said, "If we live through this, I'll follow you anywhere, woman."

Giving him a soft disbelieving chuckle, she replied, "Now you tell me."

Just as she finished speaking, a new face appeared by the Cullen's side. Alistair walked up to Bree and stood next to the young vampire. His appearance surprised everyone, as they all thought that he had ran away.

"I thought you left." Bree muttered to the nomad.

"I did." Alistair responded bluntly. After a moment, he continued, "But your mate is very persuasive."

Bree sent him a small smile and Alistair nodded to her. He was nervous, but Pearl was right. It's better to face the problem head on, than run away from it.

As tensions rose, couples clung onto each other slightly tighter. Just before the Volturi clan and their witnesses made their appearance, Garret announced that the red coats were coming.

When the Volturi appeared and made their approach, Aro scanned over the group of vampires before them. He was searching for any sign of Alice being amongst them, but he was disappointed when he couldn't see her.

As the Volturi got closer, the large united pack emerged from the tree line. Their presence caused the Volturi to halt in their advance. The wolves moved to stand amongst the Cullens and their own witnesses. Jacob took his spot next to Bella and Renesmee, while Leah and Seth took their positions next to Bree and Alistair, as well as an unnoticed Pearl.

Standing across from the Olympic Coven and their witnesses, the Volturi removed their hoods in unison.

Carlisle stepped forwards to address them. "Aro... let us discuss things as we used to. In a civilised manner."

"Fair words, Carlisle. But a little out of place, given the battalion you've assembled against us." Aro replied.

"I can promise you, that was never my intent. No laws have been broken." Carlisle responded calmly.

Cauis spoke up, clearly irritated. "We see the child. Do not treat us as fools."

"She is not an Immortal!" Carlisle loudly announced. "These witnesses can attest to that. Or you can look. See the flesh of human blood in her cheeks."

"Artifice!" Cauis dismissed immediately, looking for a fight.

The shifters tensed as they felt their current alpha's irritation grow.

"I will collect every facet of the truth. But from someone more central to the story. Edward, as the child clings to your newborn mate, I assume... you are involved." Aro finished speaking, and held out his hand expectantly towards the mind reader.

Edward approached the Volturi and placed his hand in Aro's. When Aro finished going through his thoughts, focusing solely on the child's existence, he was surprised to find out how Renesmee came to be.

When he asked to meet the small hybrid, Bella approached the Volturi with Renesmee in tow. Jacob walked next to them on their left, while Emmet joined them on their right. Still invisible, Pearl left Bree's side to take up the group's rear, ready to interfere whenever necessary.

When the small group stood in front of the Volturi, Renesmee's heartbeat was made known to the older vampires. The strange sound took many of them off guard, but it caused Aro to squeal with joy, like a child on Christmas morning.

Renesmee used her gift to display her birth to the Volturi king, much like how she had done for the Cullen's many witnesses. Aro was bewildered by what he saw, but he couldn't deny the truth. So he turned around to address his followers.

"Half mortal, half immortal. Conceived and carried by this... newborn, while she was still human." Aro said.

"Impossible!" Cauis spoke up, not believing him.

Aro faced him and spoke in a slightly threatening tone. "Do you think they fooled me, brother?"

With Aro's attention diverted, Bella, Edward, Emmet, Jacob and Renesmee walked back over to their side of the field.

Cauis looked down, not willing to challenge Aro. Now angry, he demanded that the guards bring the informer forward.

Irina was brought to the kings, and she looked scared. She knew how badly she had screwed up, and was fearful for what was to come. Not only for herself, but for her family who were present as well.

Pointing to Renesmee, Cauis asked, "Is that the child you saw?"

Hesitating, Irina answered. "I'm not sure." As Cauis asked for Jane, she continued, "She's changed. This child is bigger."

"Then your allegations were false." Cauis coldly replied.

"The Cullens are innocent. I take full responsibility for my mistake." Turning to face her sisters, Irina whispered, "I'm sorry."

Reading the king's thoughts, Edward yelled out in panic, "Cauis no!"

A torch was lit, and just as the guards were about to grab Irina to destroy her, she completely disappeared from view.

"What?!" Cauis shouted out in anger and shock.

All of the guards started to frantically turn their heads, looking for the blonde vampire, but she was nowhere to be seen. It wasn't until Aro turned to look at the Cullen's side, that he noticed the appearance of a new face.

A few metres in front of Kate and Tanya, Pearl revealed herself and dropped an intact Irina to her sisters' feet. The blondes rushed forwards to embrace their trembling sister. And Pearl turned to glare at the shocked Volturi members.