Tenebrous ↠ Volturi Kings {1} ✓

027

"So to finish up," Santiago said, the only thing standing between me and the exit to the jet, "don't do anything I would do, and definitely don't do anything I wouldn't do." There was a pause as I simply stared at him. "In all seriousness, however, let us know if you need anything at all."

"Would you relax? You're as bad as my mates," I said. "But I promise I'll be careful and I'll let you know if I sense anything is afoul."

"Atta girl," He said, stepping aside. "Go on, kid. We'll drop your luggage off to your house. Have a good reunion."

"Thanks," I said with a grin, waving goodbye to him, Jane, and Alec as I descended the stairs off the deck. As Demetri and Felix were on a short mission in Tennessee, Santiago was sent in their place and would remain even once they rejoined my guard. It was raining, as was normal in Forks, and Edward and Emmett were waiting for me by Emmett's Jeep.

"Hey there, Ro-bear!" Emmett said, laughing when I tackled him in a hug. He swung me around and ruffled my hair once I was placed safely back on my feet. "I missed my favorite troublemaker."

I rolled my eyes at him and grinned. "The only troublemaker here is you, Em."

"Rude," Emmett said.

"Hello, Rowan," Edward greeted as I grabbed him in a hug.

"Hey, Ed. How are you?" I asked, glad to be reunited with my brother.

"As well as I can be. Glad you're home. How are you doing?"

"Right as rain," I said, gesturing to the gray skies above.

He chuckled. "Well, I'm happy to hear it. Everyone else is waiting at the house, Bella included. She wanted to come, but I had... reservations."

"Don't worry, mind-creep, we wouldn't take a bite out of your fiancée," Santiago said lazily, materializing by me. Edward stiffened. "Oh, relax. Is your whole family this tense? I just wanted to give you a friendly warning, is all."

Emmett crossed his arms. "Which is?"

"Don't make me have to do my job," Santiago said, crossing his arms as well. He wasn't nearly as tall as Emmett, but his glittering red eyes and muscled build made him appear just as threatening.

"You don't have to worry about that. Where is the rest of your entourage?" Emmett asked, directing the question towards me.

"Jane and Alec are here, but Felix and Demetri are in Tennessee. They should be here by next week. In the meantime I'm stuck with him," I said, jerking my thumb towards Santiago and ignoring his affronted expression. "Santiago, this is Emmett and Edward."

"Pleasure," he drawled, turning to me. "Call us if you need anything, kid."

"I will. Quit worrying," I said, hopping into the backseat of the Jeep, propping my elbows on the center console and not even bothering to buckle in. "So what have I missed?"

"To tell you the truth, not much, unless you enjoy wedding planning," Emmett said. "More importantly, what did you get up to in Volterra? You seem friendly with the guard."

"I didn't expect your guards to be so protective of you," Edward remarked. "I know you said you were befriending them, but I didn't realized the extent of their fondness towards you until I picked up on their thoughts."

"They're not as bad as you think, Ed. You're just prejudiced because they eat people," I quipped. "But really, they've all been great. It's almost strange how... normal they are. I guess I just didn't expect them to be so civilized."

"Carlisle believes their age helps them keep order, along with Chelsea's gift," Edward said. "Did you meet her?"

"Yes, and her mate, Afton. They're both great."