Ban Together Chapter 24

Edward rung his hand through his hair as he thought about what his family was telling him. He could hear both their spoken words and their thoughts, so he knew they weren’t lying to him. He knew how to catch liars, they always thought about their lie at one point, even if just for a second, to make sure they kept a consistent story; as a vampire, he was more than capable of catching those brief thoughts. He was a vampire and had been listening to and sorting through thoughts for over a century, or nearly a century at least, he knew what he was doing.

The thoughts, the thoughts of his family, sounded so sure of their plan, of his capabilities and of the fact he was right in his need to get to Bella. He had made a mistake, he wasn’t God so of course he made a mistake. But thanks to God, he would be able to make it right. He would be able to go into Voltera, explain he hadn’t meant to leave Bella behind and even offer to help catch Victoria, he was sure it wouldn’t take long since Victoria was said to be in the area according to Alice and she was never wrong. With all of that information on his side, he would get his mate back and he would get his happy ending. He would be able to live with Bella until she was fortunate enough to die of old age.

What he was concerned about, why everything they were telling him didn’t add up, they were insistent they didn’t need to go with him. He would have thought Carlisle, being the Coven leader, would go with him to help clear his name and get his mate back. He would have thought his favorite sister Alice would go with him also. Why would they be so close to Italy and not even pay a visit to Carlisle’s old friends? Carlisle had always kept close with the Denali’s, always saying how it was important to keep friends close and remind them they are still thought of as friends, was that not the same with everyone else?

It felt like a trap to him, his instincts were screaming at him to not trust them. Normally if he felt these emotions, he would warn his family they needed to leave and they would. But it was his family telling him things and making him want to leave, to leave the continent even.

Although, his family has never steered him wrong before. They always listened to him and vice-versa, why should he doubt them with no reason to? He could hear their thoughts after all, no one could have complete control over all their thoughts, it simply wasn’t possible. He continued to listen as Jasper went through possible scenarios, concerned his brother would be attacked instead of listened to. But even Jasper was swayed when Alice had her vision.

Edward was able to see it all as Alice did. He saw him going to the throne room, he saw the initial anger he was met with and saw how he calmed them down. Alice couldn’t see it, but Edward could tell he was listening to everyone’s thoughts in the room and with his knowledge and speaking ability, he was able to explain his situation and after an undetermined amount of time, he was reunited with Bella.

“I believe you.” Edward said with a small smile, he should know better than to doubt his family. His family would never lead him astray.

“I’m still worried it could be a trap.” Jasper said, ever the soldier. While Edward appreciated his concern, Alice’s visions were never wrong. Jasper was always on guard and if a member of his family was walking into to danger, he would try to do everything he could to protect them. Edward was touched his brother felt so strongly about him, he could read Jasper’s thoughts circling around different plans and ideas about how to get Edward’s mate back safely with just their family. “At least I should go with you.” He strongly asserted.

“I don’t want you going in there Jasper, what if they try to make you stay?” Alice said, naturally worried about her mate. Edward smiled, he would have their love soon enough; just as soon as he got his Bella back.

“It’s already risky enough for just Edward going there, I don’t want to risk both of you.” Esme said, her thoughts full of worry that made Edward smile. Esme was such a kind woman, she was always worried about all ‘her children’. It was what always drew Edward to her.

Carlisle placed a hand on his mates shoulder, “Perhaps we should all go, better to stand together than stand alone.” Carlisle wisely said with a steely look. Edward had only briefly left his coven to be on his own and during that time, he missed Carlisle’s steady presence.

Edward felt a swell of bravery well up inside of him, his family was trying to protect him and put themselves at risk for him and his mate. But he had to do it on his own. He had to prove to Bella he was not only sorry about leaving her but he was also committed to her safety. He had to prove he was willing to protect her from anything and everything, even the Volturi. It was his duty to protect his mate and anything less would mean he wasn’t worthy of his mate.

“Actually, I think I need to do this on my own.” Edward said with conviction, he owed it to his Bella to protect her on his own, to prove his love to her. With Alice’s vision on his side, he couldn’t lose. It was the perfect opportunity he would likely never get again. “I need to save Bella on my own, to prove my love for her; especially after what I did to her.”

“Think about this clearly Edward, Alice’s visions aren’t perfect, if someone decides to act due to your actions, not only would Alice not see that but you also wouldn’t have any help.” Jasper cautioned, his worry about Edward clear in his thoughts. “Think clearly Edward, you would be in enemy territory without any help, trying to get back a human, do you truly think you can do it?”

“It’s not as if the Volturi are out to kill everyone, they will at least hear him.” Carlisle said with a worried tone; his thoughts telling Edward he wasn’t sold on the idea of Edward going alone either.

“They will at least hear him out, and that’s all he really needs.” Alice pipped in with more subdued tone anyone was used to hearing coming from the little pixie. It told Edward, without readying her thoughts, she was concerned as well. “You get one chance Edward, you’ll have to be careful to not lose it.” Alice cautioned and Edward knew while Alice hadn’t said anything, he knew her visions could change on a dime. He would have to be careful and watch everyone and what they all said to make sure Alice’s vision is fulfilled.

“I think it’s still too dangerous for any one of us to go, there must be another way Edward.” Esme pleaded and Edward only felt more bravery swell inside him, eager to prove his mother wrong.

“I can do it, I know I can.” Edward said as he stood straighter, bolstered by his need to prove his family wrong and prove his worth to have his mate by his side once more. Bella would never want to stay away from him once he saved her. “Once I see Bella, my path will be clear and I won’t be able to do anything to put her at risk, I’ll do it.” Edward said and immediately started for the door, “I’ll leave now and hopefully get there before they get word of me coming; catching them off guard will be my best bet. I promise, in just a few days’ time, I’ll be back here with Bella and we can go make a new home somewhere.” Edward promised.

Everyone wished him good luck, both mentally and verbally before he could close the door. He could even still hear their will wishes and concerns as he ran away, deciding running would be easiest to remain off the Volturi radar than flying to Italy. He would get his Bella back and once Rosalie and Emmett returned to them, his family would be complete.

“What an idiot.” Jasper said once Edward was well out of ear shot; it barely took him using power to convince to go on his own. He had clearly already been thinking of doing it if all it took was a little nudge to convince him. “He’s as good as dead.”

“I’ll miss his mind reading, it was good added protection.” Esme murmured as she leaned against her mate.

“We were getting too used to it, we were liable to get as cocky as he was.” Carlisle responded, “It’s better not to have him.”

“Too bad you all won’t be able to see his death.” Alice said with a gleeful smile. “I know I’ll enjoy seeing it just as soon as the decision is made.”