Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Differences Between Us Make Us Special

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 17: Somewhere in the Castle.

Somewhere inside a castle in the center of Volterra, a vampire king sat in his office thinking over the events of the past few months. He has hidden himself away from his brothers in fear they would find out the he was hiding something. The only one who knew that there was something wrong was Demetri. The king was not worried about this though. He knew Demetri would never turn against him, for he was his sire, his maker, his father for all purposes.

That was the main reason that he gave Demetri the task of watching the archives of the place. He couldn’t let his secret out. If he did his brothers would not only destroy him but Demetri and everyone involved. It would be such a waste of life. The king knew that it wouldn’t be long before someone came looking. It had been several centuries that he had kept this secret. What would his wife have thought about him hiding their family? He knew it was for the best that his brothers wouldn’t understand. They made the secrecy law, and the law of immortal children. But what he had hid was neither.

He heard a commotion outside his chambers and open the door to find Demetri and Felix in a heated discussion.

“Master has said for us to go with Alec into the city. There are two vampires who have recently entered the city and he wants them brought to the castle.” Felix told Demetri.

“I do not take orders from your master Felix. If my Master wishes me to accompany you then it shall be done.”

Feeling the king’s presence they both turn and bow.

“Please rise. What is all this talk of vampires in the city?”

“Chelsea came across two vampires entering the city on her way home. She asked them to state their business and they told her they were here to see the city and to locate someone. She said if they needed assistance to come to the castle. Then sent them on their way. Once home she came straight to my Masters chambers and told him of the newcomers and he wishes for myself and Demetri to accompany Alec to fetch them sir.” Felix rattle off.

“I see. Well Demetri I feel as if you should accompany them.” the king spoke looking at Demetri.

Demetri caught the message his Master was sending out. Keep an eye on them perhaps they can answer some of our questions. Demitri nodded and left quickly with Felix to find Alec.

(E&B)

Alec, Demetri and Felix made it to the clock tower in no time through the tunnels constructed under the city. Alec was the head of the guard. Demetri his second and Felix a grunt. He had no smarts but was a mass of muscle that could be used. Once they got close to the doorway to the square Demetri could already sense the two vampires that stood in the alleyway adjacent to the hall they were in. He said nothing to his companions and listened to Alec’s order.

“Go find these two and bring them back here. Master Aro wishes to speak with them.”

Demetri and Felix split going in two different directions. Demetri circled around and came back into the alley way that the two vampires stood in. He watched them from a distance and listened into their conversation. It seemed that the small female vampire was a seer. And the large male was a warrior. Probably the protection for the small female. He listened as they spoke in hushed tones not to attract attention to themselves as they stood watching Alec. He heard the female call the male by name. Jasper.  That name sounded familiar to him. He stood thinking about it for a while when he heard Alec call them out of the place they were hiding.

He followed slowly behind staying downwind from the pair. He watched as they entered the clock tower and spoke to Alec. He wasn’t close enough to hear the whole conversation only snippets here and there. He found that the seer was called Alice and that she had a vision of some sort about Alec. He also heard that Jasper was indeed her protector. When he stood tall Demetri got a good look at him. His posture and body language screamed control and dominance. He was a warrior. When he whispered over his shoulder to a shaking Alice, Demetri got a good glimpse of his face.

He knew now why he recognized the name. Jasper, as in Major Jasper Whitlock. God of War. Ares. El Diablo. He was known by many and feared by all. Aro coveted his gift but was afraid of the vampire. It was a respect that Demetri held for this vampire. Anyone who could make the kings of their world shake where they stand deserved nothing less. But why was he here? Why was he protecting the seer? Demetri inched closer to hear more of the conversation. Alec seeming to have read his mind and asked the questions he needed answers to.

The Major saw the seer as a sister. Family. They were here because the seer had saw Alec in a vision as her mate. Demetri did a double take at that tidbit of information. If that is true and Alec finally found his mate his sentence here with the guard was up. He was free. It was a stipulation that was in all their contracts. Unless of course one’s mate was in the guard. All that needed to be done was to have Master Marcus prove the bond with his gift in front of the council. In order for that to happen they would have to enter the castle and if the Major entered the castle there is no guarantee that he will be leaving. Master Aro would be sure of that. Then again the Major could take us on and win. Demetri had seen him in action.

He has taken down entire armies by himself. Gifted and non-gifted it mattered not. Even Alec and Jane’s powers would not work on him. They tried, from a distance of course so as not to be seen by anyone. Master Aro wanted him incapacitated and then brought back to the castle. Well his plan hadn’t worked.

Demetri was so deep in thought that he hadn’t noticed that they had moved further into the tower. Once he became aware of this he too moved closer. He stood in the entry way in an out cove so as not to be seen. He had only been standing there for a few moments when a hand on his shoulder jolted him. He spun to see none other then the feared Major himself staring at him.

“May I ask why it is your eavesdropping on a private conversation?” Jasper Drawled.

“uh…uh…uh…”

“Spit it out boy I haven’t the time for your sputter.” Jasper spoke his onyx eyes lookin deep into Demetri’s ruby ones.

“I was sent to find the two new travelers but I sensed that they were close by so I took off and double backed into the alleyway behind them.”

“So you followed us and listened in on our conversation instead of makin your presence known?”

“I’m sorry sir. I didn’t mean to be rude I didn’t’ wish to interrupt.” Demetri feared for his life. He knew the rumors about Jasper and did not wish to anger him further.

“You have no need to fear me boy. How much have you heard?”

“Just your names and purpose for being here.”

“Good go tell your Masters that we wish an audience with them. All of them. It seems my dear sister here is the true mate to your head of guard.”

“Yes sir.”

Demetri hurried back to the castle with lightning quickness. He did not wish to die. He ran straight for his Masters’ chambers. Knocking swiftly and entering once given the okay.

“Master you are not going to believe who the newcomers are?”

“Demetri spit it out and calm down. Now tell me who are visitors are.”

“It is Major Jasper Whitlock sir and his sister. She is a seer and is the true mate to Alec sir. They wish a council with you and your brothers. They want the bond proven. But I believe him when he says they are mates. You and I both know of his gift.”

“You are right about that Demetri. Did he say anything else?”

“No sir.”

“Fine. Go to my brothers and tell them to meet in the council chambers in one hour. After that go and tell Major Whitlock that we will meet with him then.”

“Yes sir.”

Demetri took off like a bat out of hell. When he reached the feeding chamber he found the other two kings sitting on their thrones’ having just finished a meal.

“Sire’s my Master wishes me to let you know there is to be a meeting in the council chambers in one hour.”

“What is the nature of this meeting?” Master Aro asked.

“It is a bond reading sire.”

“A bond reading for whom?”

“Alec sire. He has found his mate in one of the new visitors.”

“Well then let’s see to it that that is not the truth. We wouldn’t want to lose one of our best guards now would we?” Aro asked.

“We should hope not sir.” Demetri added. Even though he was happy for Alec. He only wished   he too could leave this place.

“Go now Demetri and tell our young Alec to please bring his mate and join us in the council chambers.”

“Yes sir.”

Demetri was again running at top speed to get back to where Jasper waited. Upon entering the tower chamber he noticed that Alec now had the female vampire Alice sitting in his lap with his arms securely wrapped around her. Jasper stood sentry over the couple.

“Major Whitlock sir?”

“Demetri?” Jasper quirked an eyebrow in question.

“They would like your presence in the council chambers in the castle in one hour.”

“Do they know I’m am with them?”

“Only my Master knows you are coming. I said nothing to his brothers.”

“Good I love a good surprise. It’s keeps the old ones on their toes. No?”

Demetri couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was the god of war really making jokes? He shook his head and tried to clear his thoughts. Jasper felt his disbelief and laughed.

“Oh Demetri do lighten up. I know you have heard the stories of me and fear me to a point. I can smell it on you. Like I told you before you have nothin to fear. I have not been that monster in a long time. However that does not mean I have forgotten any of it.”

Demetri nodded but still wasn’t convinced. He would watch his steps and mind his p and q’s around the Major.

(E&B)

Jasper stood in the shadows of the council chamber. They would be able to sense him but not see him. That was the way he liked it. Alec and Alice sat hand in hand on two of the chairs in front of Jasper. He was close enough to jump in if things got heated.

Demetri entered first followed by Marcus, then Felix, Caius, then Renata, and finally Aro. Each king had a guard to protect him. As if that would stop Jasper. He knew of Renata shielding gift and he could work around it. All he had to do was send her enough of the right emotion and she would be rendered useless. The kings took their seats and the guard each standing behind a king.

“Alec my boy I hear you have found a mate?” Aro said in a fatherly tone.

“Yes Master I have. I would like to have Master Marcus prove our bond so we can be on our way.”

“You wish to leave us my boy?” Aro asked again.

“I wish to see the world with my mate by my side. I wish to meet her family that she speaks so highly of.”

“Oh and what family pray-tell are you from my pretty one?” Aro asked Alice.

Both Alec and Jasper growled causing the kings to finally notice there was another in the room.

“Who is there?” Caius asked.

“No one you need to concern yourself with. Now can we get on with this? I would like to get home…” Jasper snarled.

Caius sat back. He had never heard a more menacing sound in all his existence. Unsure of whether or not to push the subject Caius just let it go. For now of course.

“My father is Carlisle Cullen.” Alice answered. Looking for the reaction from the kings.

Of course they knew of Carlisle. He had lived with them for a few decades when he was younger.

“Carlisle Cullen you say?” Aro asked.

“Yes sir. Carlisle is my father, his wife and mate Esmé is my mother. I also have a brother Emmett and a sister Rosalie.”

“A yes I have heard that my good friend has found others who prefer his chosen diet.”

“Yes he sired, Esmé, Emmett, and Rosalie. I myself found them a few years after.”

“So you are not of Carlisle’s venom then?”

“No but I am his child none the less, and bear the Cullen Crest.”

Alice proudly wore her crest on a chocker around her neck for all the world to see. She loved her family and would do anything for them to be happy. Now was not the time to think of this right now she needed to remain focused so that she could keep her happiness.

“I had heard tale that there was another with the Cullen clan. Is that not true?”

Jasper knew where this was heading and deciding that now would be a good time to make himself known. Stepping out of the shadows and standing behind Alice and Alec, he stood his full height and wore a grimace on his face. Demetri stepped back a step as did Felix. Renata the poor thing started to shake. Jasper was feeding off the fear in the room. He had forgotten how refreshing it was to make those around you quake in fear. He smirked slightly at the kings.

“It is true.” was all he said.

A look passed between the kings. They heard the rumors that the Major was staying with the Cullen’s they weren’t sure of why or how this came to be but it worried them. They knew Carlisle did not seek power so they worried not. However now that they know for sure that he is staying there, they worry if they let Alec go if Carlisle will not change his mind and try for a power switch. Jasper feeling the conflicting emotions of the kings laughed out right.

“You old fools honestly think that Carlisle would want your jobs? He enjoys his peaceful existence and no matter how many powerful friends he has he would not wish your lives or jobs on anyone.”

The look of surprise on the king’s faces was enough to cause Jasper to laugh loudly once again. Marcus deciding that enough was enough cleared his throat to garner the attention in the room.

“So, now that happy hour is over…can we please get on with this? I have other things I wish to attend to.”

“Yes please Master Marcus.” Alec brightened up.

Marcus focused his sole attention on the two vampires in front of him. He watched as the faint colorful lines got brighter and brighter. A deep crimson line connected Alec and Alice. The mark of true mates. He also noticed a fainter yellow line between the Major and Alice. A family bond. He now understood why the Major was here. This girl was his family. He also noticed a faint crimson line coming from the major and drifting off into the outside world. That meaning that the Majors mate was still out there, that he had not yet found her or she had not been born. He then noticed a thin yellow line running from the Major to himself. He found this very peculiar as he had never met the Major before today. Only heard the rumors and stories. Marcus’s thoughts were beginning to run away with him as he thought of the secrets he had hidden from his brothers. A clearing of a throat brought him back to the present. He looked to Aro and Caius.

“Brother’s their bond is strong, crimson in color. True mates. Alec your contract with us is now null and void you may leave with your mate when you are ready.”

Jasper could feel the anger course through Aro at the words Marcus said. He did not wish to lose Alec.

Alec stood and thanked Marcus. Shook hands with Demetri and Felix. Giving Renata a hug and kiss on the cheek he left the room to collect his things while Alice and Jasper stayed in the room awaiting his return. A sudden spike in determination caused Jasper’s attention to fly in the direction of Aro. He was up to something.

“Alice my dear, may I be of so bold as to ask if you have any gifts?”

“Now silly Aro you know I do. You have asked me several times before to join your guard and my answer has been the same every time. Seeing as your about to ask me again I will give you the same answer I have every time before. I will not join your guard. I love my family and I will not leave them.”

Jasper sent a wave of pride at Alice and she giggled.

“Thank you Jasper.”

“How can you be so at ease with him young one. Do you not know of the evils he has done?” Caius asked Alice.

“Of course I know everything about Jasper. His past, present and future. He is not the same man he once was, he is loyal, loving and protects those he loves.”

“Thanks Alice you made me sound like the pet dog.” Jasper chuckled.

“You know what I mean Jasper now hush.” she giggled again.

“You let her speak to you that way?” Demetri asked.

“She is my sister, I love her, and wish only the best for her. She may speak to me however she pleases.” Jasper said finishing with a slight growl.

“I’m sorry I meant no disrespect. It’s just that in our race females are to obey orders. To be seen and not heard unless spoken to.” Demetri explained.

“Well I’m not sure what world or century you live in but in the real world where I come from, women are independent, outspoken and pull their own weight in a relationship.” Alice spouted.

Everyone in the room looked shocked. It seems as if the kings and their entourage don’t get out as much as they should or they would notice that times have changed.  Jasper thought to himself. He began to wonder how they would handle Rosalie. That thought put a smile on his face.  Apparently a smile on his face caused fear to ring through the room from everyone but Alice. Jasper’s smile widened once again.

Soon Alec was back and the three left the castle being escorted by Demetri to the gate of the city.

“My Master’s ask that you do not return any time soon.”

“Not a prob, Dem.” Alec said.

“I will miss you Alec. Please keep in touch. If not I fear your sister will cause all of us unneeded pain.”

“I’ll be sure to call.” Alec said hugging Demetri.

“Till we meet again.”

“Till we meet again.”

With that said the two guardsmen bowed to each other and Demetri spun on his heal and disappeared back into the city.

“Well you two shall we go home?” Alice asked.

“Home?” Alec asked.

“Yes Alec home.” giggled Alice.

“Finally” sighed Jasper.