Chapter Text
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Your Guardian Angel
Within Temptation – Forsaken
Within Temptation – Frozen
Breaking Benjamin – Dance With The Devil
Nessie and I had grown incredibly close, spending countless hours together. As the weeks passed, her bond with my brother strengthened, and it was a joy to witness. We had an exciting plan on the horizon: a party in Vegas, with even the Volturi being invited. Naturally, we all intended to attend.
"Jane, can we talk?" Alec's voice interrupted my thoughts, and I turned to see him rushing toward me.
"Of course, Alec. What's on your mind?" I asked, curious about his sudden earnestness.
"I wanted to know how you feel about Nessie," he blurted out, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Arching an eyebrow, I replied, "I like her. She's kind, and she brings out the best in you." He playfully nudged my arm, rolling his eyes. "Come on, Jane. I'm serious." Letting out a sigh, I met his gaze. "Alec, I genuinely like her. Despite being a Cullen, she's a pleasure to be around, and I've had a great time with her." I began. "This is the first time in centuries that I've seen you with one female for this long. Especially in a relationship." It was true. Alec had been with countless women over the years, and all of them kept his bed warm for a night or two before he moved on to someone else. But this was different. There was a light in his eyes I'd never seen, and it suited him.
His face broke into a wide grin. "Good, because I'm going to ask Renesmee to marry me."
My jaw dropped in disbelief at his declaration. Slowly closing, then opening as I searched for words. "Marry her? Are you sure about this, Alec? Marriage is such a large step. Then, there are the Cullen's and, of course, father." I stated to him.
A shadow crossed his face, and he frowned. "I don't know, but I'm going to try. I love Ness, Jane. When you find someone, you love, you'll do anything to be with them, no matter the odds."
For a brief moment, I thought about almond-shaped eyes shimmering with shades of deep brown, broad shoulders, rich russet skin, and a crown of lustrous, black hair. Clearing my throat to dispel the image when Alec gave me an inquisitive look, I sighed and conceded, "Well, I highly doubt I'll ever fall in love. But if Nessie is the one you want to spend eternity with, go ahead." I paused. "You have my blessing."
A warm smile spread as I embraced him, silently hoping he was making the right choice.
….
(In my story, vampires can eat and drink. But they still need blood to survive.)
With excitement coursing through my veins, I eagerly embarked on a journey to Vegas, not bound by any work-related obligations this time. Settling into my seat on the plane, a bottle of Vampquila, a strong tequila that mother had created just for our kind, found its way into my grasp, a mischievous smile on my lips. Unbeknownst to me, my mother had surprised us all by having a stripper pole installed for this unconventional trip.
"Janey, I never knew you had this side to you," Renata exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.
I responded with a playful roll of my eyes. "Ren, you're the one always urging me to let loose. Well, here I am, letting loose." And also, I might as well have a little fun before all hell breaks loose with this engagement. With the music pulsating through my veins, I twirled and danced on the pole until the plane finally touched in Vegas.
Upon arrival, my mother had thoughtfully arranged a luxurious limousine to whisk us away to the extravagant Sky Villa at the Palms Hotel and Casino. As we stepped inside, to my amazement, the Cullen's were already present. Alec tapped my arm lightly before he walked over to join them.
"Wish me luck, Sister Dear."
With a sarcastic two-thumbs up, I taunted him before approaching the seductive allure of Renata and Heidi, who were swaying around the stripper poles. The night unfolded with endless shots of Vampquila and rhythmic dancing at the bar. As time passed, Renata sought out Marcus, while Heidi disappeared in search of a love interest and a meal.
Seizing my sixth bottle of VQ, I twirled around the pole again. The men at the party showered me with attention, but I brushed them off as if they were mere specters. A few audacious ones attempted to approach me, inviting me to their rooms, but I disregarded them. Disengaging from the pole, I strolled towards the outdoor pool, slipping into the water without sparing them another thought. My gaze shifted from the departing couple to the star-studded sky, and a heavy sigh escaped my lips.
"No rest or love for the Wicked," I muttered, a tinge of sadness lingering in my voice. "I suppose when your heart is frozen, love becomes an unattainable fantasy."
As the sun began to rise, its warm rays caressed my skin, casting a soft kaleidoscope of diamond-like reflections around me. A smile played upon my lips as I closed my eyes, reveling in the embrace of the new day.
"Jane?" a familiar voice called out, interrupting my tranquility.
I was abruptly jolted out of my daydream, and my mind was dragged back to reality. "Jane!"
I spun around; my irritation was evident in a low growl. "What is it, Alec? Seriously!" I faced him, noticing that he had his eyes covered.
"Jane, where are your clothes, for heaven's sake?"
I emerged from the water and shrugged, glancing at Alec. "What do you want now?"
"First, put some clothes on; second, we need to talk."
I searched for my dress and spotted it hanging on the stripper pole from the previous night. Climbing up, I retrieved it and twirled back down, laughing as I dressed myself. "Ready!" I grinned as we descended to the ground floor and headed towards the back. Sticking to the shadows of buildings and alleyways, we stumbled upon an opportunity: two men, intoxicated from a night of drinking and gambling. Swiftly sneaking up behind them, we began to feed. Alec finished his meal before me, but the taste of human blood was simultaneously sweet and slightly bitter. I hurriedly drained the remaining man and discarded him into a nearby dumpster. Licking any remaining blood from my lips, I glanced at Alec as he began to walk. Seeing the tension in his shoulders.
"Jane, they agreed," he said.
I turned my head slightly in his direction. "Well, that's unexpected," I remarked before he halted our walk.
"Janey," he began, his voice filled with anticipation, "I have a favor to ask. I want you to take control of the plane and fly us back home. I've planned to propose to Nessie at the halfway point of our journey."
A warm smile spread across my face as I observed his excitement. "Of course, I'll gladly fly the plane for you. It'll make the moment even more special, and besides, we all know Demetri isn't the best pilot," I chuckled.
He handed me his phone as we entered the hotel via the same exit we had used earlier. "I have a particular song called 'Your Guardian Angel' on there. Could you play it right before I ask her to marry me? It will serve as a signal for the proposal."
I nodded in agreement as we approached the front entrance, where our family had gathered, eagerly awaiting our departure.
Once everyone had assembled, we climbed into the limos and set off for the airstrip. It didn't take long before we reached our destination and prepared to leave Vegas.
"Jane, my dear, did you have a good time?"
Amidst the muffled giggles and laughter, I shot a disapproving glance at everyone behind me as I entered the cockpit to prepare for takeoff. Swiftly, I connected Alec's phone to the plane's intercom system. Once everything was set, I signaled to indicate our readiness. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are now departing the runway and will soon be airborne. Please relax and enjoy your flight. Oh, and let's keep it PG from now on!"
I engaged the throttle with the intercom off and gently lifted the plane into the sky. Once we reached a comfortable altitude, I switched to autopilot and settled back into my seat. Observing the atmosphere through the window, I basked in the warm glow of the sun's rays upon my skin.
A sigh escaped my lips as I realized the moment had arrived. Ensuring the phone was connected to the intercom, I played the song Alec had requested.
'Cause you're my, you're my, my
My true love, my whole heart
Please don't throw that away.
'Cause I'm here for you.
Please don't walk away and
Please tell me you'll stay, yeah.'
After some time, a chorus of gasps and a triumphant scream echoed from the back of the plane.
Congratulations, dear brother.
A warm smile spread as I peered into his thoughts, sensing his genuine happiness. Just as I was about to tune out, a flicker of anger flashed across my father's face, instantly catching my attention.
This was not good.
After several more hours soaring through the skies, I announced that we were preparing for landing and took control, disengaging the autopilot. Guiding the plane easily, I executed a smooth touchdown, ensuring minimal turbulence for the passengers. Once the aircraft came to a complete halt, I initiated the shutdown process. I secured the cockpit before making my way to retrieve my belongings. Spotting Alec and Nessie waiting outside, excitement surged through me, and I hurried over to embrace them tightly.
"Congratulations, you two!" I exclaimed, turning my gaze toward Nessie. "I suppose this officially makes us sisters now."
Nessie squeezed me in a tight hug. "You've always been my sister... but yes, officially now."
Glancing back at Alec, I couldn't help but smile. Parting ways with them, I headed in the opposite direction, carrying my belongings to my chambers. Once settled, I made my way to the Volturi's resident doctor for the final stages of my treatment.
I entered the room, took a seat, and glanced around. As I turned my head, I caught sight of my father already present, his presence unexpected. The doctor's question interrupted the silence, causing me to shift my gaze toward him.
"Jane, have you noticed any changes?" the doctor inquired.
I exhaled, frustration lingering in my voice, "No, nothing has changed since the last time you asked, or even before that," I replied wearily, wondering if the vivid dreams I had been having should be counted. Since the first injection, fleeting visions of a boy and a girl resembling Alec and me would appear whenever I closed my eyes to find respite. We seemed to exist as humans in a village, facing rejection from the people around us. And then, there were moments when we were much younger, about three or four years old, with a woman standing before us. Her eyes were a striking blue, and her hair flowed like strands of strawberry blonde. A profound sadness emanated from her gaze as she waved her hand before our eyes, whispering, "If he finds you both, may this magic bind your powers and memories the moment his venom enters your veins." As she spoke, vibrant swirls of blue and purple danced from her fingertips. "And may the time come when you both find your beloveds that your magic rekindles." Shaking off the images, I glanced up at the doctor as he administered the final dose of the serum. Who was that woman? I could remember every face that had crossed my path, and she wasn't one of them. Perhaps she belonged to our human lives? No... maybe just haunting nightmares.
"I have finished, Jane, but I still encourage you to keep visiting me if any changes occur."
Rising from the chair, I turned to face the doctor, raising an eyebrow. I nodded once, acknowledging his request, before turning to depart.
"Jane, please meet me in the Throne Room if you would. I would like to discuss something with you and your brother."
I nodded silently, acknowledging my father's words. "Of course, father," I replied before turning away and ascending the stairs to my chamber. Once there, I swiftly changed into fresh attire and adorned myself with a black cloak. With a sense of unease, I made my way down to the throne room, and my steps faltered when I caught sight of Renata and my mother standing beside my seated father. It was evident that something troubling was unfolding. As I approached Alec, standing by his side, our pinkies intertwined instinctively. I could sense his emotions mirroring my own.
"Good, now we can begin," Father said, his gaze fixed sternly on Alec. "Do you comprehend the magnitude of your actions? You are jeopardizing everything we have achieved thus far."
I tightened my grip around Alec's finger as he stepped forward, and my eyes followed Renata as she drew nearer to Aro. This was unexpected. "Father, I understand the original plan. But I cannot control my feelings for her. I have fallen in love," Alec confessed.
Confusion clouded my thoughts as I glanced back and forth between them. Aro turned to look at me, rising from his seat with Renata trailing behind him. He began to explain the situation as he moved about the room.
"You see, Jane, my dear, Renesmee could be a valuable asset in expanding our family. Just imagine the potential of a child produced through her and my bloodline. Our family would attain unparalleled power and superiority with such a gifted offspring."
His words left me stunned, struggling to suppress a wave of revulsion. Did Aro intend to impregnate Renesmee, and was Alec aware of these plans? With furrowed brows, I stole a sideways glance at my twin, allowing my mask of indifference to slip back into place. "But Father, what about Alec and me? I thought we were sufficient to safeguard this family," I interjected, voicing my concerns.
He smiled, his eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and pride. "Ah, so you are Jane. But this Child, my dear, will be extraordinary, far surpassing Alec and yourself." The words left me bewildered. Could Father really mean what he was saying?
Beside me, I could sense Alec trembling, his emotions tangled in frustration, anger, and genuine concern. "Father, please," he pleaded, his voice laced with desperation. "There has to be another way. I know I've defied the rules, but I love her. What if something terrible happens to her?"
"Then she will sacrifice herself for the greater good of our family, Alec!" Father's voice boomed, a harshness I had never witnessed before. At least not directed toward us. Aro began to growl, our instincts warning of danger. "If you dare stand in my path, what's to prevent me from eliminating you? I have taken lives for far less. I don't need you when I have the other one." He gestured toward me with a slight inclination of his head.
I stared at my father, pain welling up in my eyes. "So, we are nothing more than mere tools to be exploited? I thought you cared for us like a father would care for his children!" My voice wavered, mirroring the storm of emotions within me. It was as if darkness deep within was awakening emotions I had never before experienced—concern, fear, rage toward my father, and an overwhelming need to protect.
The room fell into an uneasy silence, everyone taken aback by the intensity of my voice. "You are my children," Father spoke, his tone filled with chilling resolve. "You were created from my venom. The first of this coven. But if the time comes, if you dare to betray me, I will obliterate you, Jane..."
Suddenly, amidst the simmering emotions, a distant memory resurfaced. It was a recollection from centuries ago when my father had hinted at such a possibility. I was transported back to 1395, deep within the wooded realms of the Kingdom of Aragon.
As I turned my gaze toward my father, uncertainty mingled with a newfound determination in my eyes.
"Come here, Jane," my father beckoned, his voice filled with an eerie calmness. I hesitated, glancing between him and Alec, my brother, as I spoke softly.
"I can't... I just can't," I whispered, my voice trembling. I released Alec's hand, my head shaking as I stepped back. "Without my brother, I am nothing. I can't imagine surviving without him."
Aro's face twisted with anger upon hearing my words. "Jane, come here, Child. Remember who saved you and your brother. You owe your debt to me!"
I stood my ground, silently absorbing his words. Father had once told me that love makes you weak. He urged me to destroy it before it destroyed me.
"Either do as I say, or I can kill Renesmee and make you watch as your twin is tortured and killed," he threatened.
I knew what I had to do. Turning to face Alec, I locked eyes with him and thought quietly, Whatever happens, you must trust me.
With a heavy heart, I began to walk backwards toward my father, never breaking eye contact with Alec. "Alexander... I'm sorry," I started, my voice filled with sorrow and desperation. "But father is right. Without him, where would we be? Dead, that's where. Dead! Humans betrayed us. Father gave us a new life, purpose, and family when he saved us. We're feared by so many, and I can't simply throw it all away for a girl I've only known not even a year. I just can't."
I saw the anguish and pain mirrored back at me in Alec's eyes.
I could sense the impact of my words on Alec as if each one had sliced through him. Yet, to protect Ness and ensure our survival, we had to put on a convincing act. It was crucial for Aro and this coven to think that Alec and I were the same loyal family members as always. Nevertheless, Aro and this coven would understand one day that Alec and I owned no debt. We had already paid the price for his intervention when we eradicated the Romanian Coven, allowing the Volturi to assume control over the Vampire World.
If anything, it was our father who owed us. Throughout the years, I realized that people didn't fear the Volturi; they feared Alec and me.
"But... But... Jane? You, of all people, should understand how I feel. What if she dies? You've never loved someone outside of this family, so you don't know what it's like."
If only he knew. "You're right. I don't know the depths of love or the pain of losing someone at this moment. But she's part vampire; there's a chance she might survive." I would make sure to safeguard both her and Alec before anything happened.
He let out a sigh, his gaze shifting from me to Aro. "I will follow through, Father."
Aro returned to his throne and settled himself down. "Good... Good... It would be a shame if my two favourite children were destroyed." He sighed. "Everything will be taken care of tomorrow. You may leave now."
I approached Alec, reaching out and intertwining our fingers. Together, we left the throne room behind, making our way through the castle until we reached a secluded garden. It wasn't too far from the Throne Room, just enough distance to be discreet if necessary.
"Don't worry, Alec. I assure you everything will be fine. Our father won't threaten us if he believes we're still loyal," I reassured him, releasing his hand as I sat on a nearby bench. I sighed in frustration, running my fingers through my hair repeatedly.
Alec joined me on the bench, his eyes filled with worry. "Jane, how can we possibly protect her? He'll find out before we have a chance, and then what? Will he kill her? Kill us? Send Demetri after us if we decide to run. We can't involve her family right now; it would only lead to them dying," he said, his voice tinged with panic. I could sense his fear.
Leaning back, I closed my eyes and whispered, "My allegiance lies with this coven, not my own heart."
Eyes snapping open, I shifted on the bench until I faced Alec, sadness on my face.
"Do you remember the year 1395? That was when Caius tasked me with hunting down the Child of the Moon, a descendant of the family that had killed his own?" I glanced at him, observing his nod of recollection. "Well, during that mission, I encountered a young boy." He let out a surprised sound. "He was tall, muscular, and had a striking appearance with long black hair and dark eyes. People said he had been found washed ashore somewhere to the west and was brought to the kingdom of Aragon. He didn't speak any familiar languages, but the language he did speak turned out to be te reo, the language of the Māori people. So, it's likely he was a seafarer." I chuckled lightly.
"There was an undeniable connection between us, and a family decided to take him in, naming him Embrencio. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to experience a sense of happiness detached from my responsibilities. But, as expected, father had numerous individuals who would do anything to gain his favour. When they saw me with Embrencio, they wasted no time informing him. On the day that Embrencio and I were meant to meet, I caught a whiff of his blood in the air. Following the scent for half a mile, I discovered my beloved decapitated and father cleaning his bloodstained fingers. Caius was there, too, revelling in the kill. You see, Embrencio was also a Child of the Moon."
Alec's mouth fell open in shock, and I reached over to gently close it as I continued my story.
"Father, in his own 'kind' way, reminded me of my duty to the family. He emphasized that love had the power to destroy everything in its path, including myself. He forgave my moment of weakness and made it clear that allowing love into my heart would only lead to my ruin. The irony was that Embrencio was not the werewolf I had been hunting. This wasn't the first time father had killed someone just to maintain control over us." I briefly recalled when I stumbled upon Aro and my aunt Didyme, quickly shaking my head to banish the memory. "So, when it comes to your own sliver of happiness, don't let our father extinguish that flame. I will go beyond my duties to help you protect Renesmee, but if there comes a time when we can't do it alone, we will reach out to her family. Because ultimately, my duty lies with my elder brother and future sister-in-law. I won't allow our father to take away from you what he has taken from so many of us." I sighed, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders, making me feel lighter. "Well, that explains a lot, sister. Your anger, the sinister use of your gift. I assumed you simply shrugged off any remnants of your humanity over the years. Why didn't you tell me?" Alec questioned, his mouth agape.
"Because someone had to be level-headed between us," I replied with a smile. Alec embraced me, his arms enveloping my shoulders as he whispered, "I don't know what I did to deserve a sister like you, Jane. But thank you." He kissed my cheek gently. "Just promise me one thing: don't let our father take it away when you find your happiness again. No matter how you feel or want to appear in front of everyone, you deserve to be loved. It doesn't make you weak; love only makes you stronger."
Alec and I continued our conversation that evening, with the sun setting and the moon taking its place in the sky. Eventually, he excused himself to attend to Nessie. I moved from the bench to the swing, where I spent the entire night and a good part of the following day brainstorming a plan in case we needed to escape with Renesmee. After a while, I realized it was time to freshen up and change my clothes. I quickly checked on Alec and Ness before going to the music room, where I spent most of the evening and into the night. I was engrossed in the melodies until a loud banging echoed through the castle's front doors.
"People really need to learn proper knocking etiquette," I grumbled.
With my bow, I left the music room and followed the sound toward the entrance. As I reached the door and opened it, my eyes widened in surprise...