It wasn't that Valeria was jealous of Bella, except she was jealous of Bella. The newborn seemed to have super self-control that could almost rival Carlisle's. It made Valeria feel like something was wrong with her — like she wasn't a good enough newborn as she'd struggled so much that she had to be kept miles away from civilization.

But at the same time, Valeria was happy for Bella's control, as it meant she didn't harm Charlie or any other humans that came around. Because since Jacob was always at the Cullen house, Leah was always at the Cullen house, and that now meant Mike was always at the Cullen house. Valeria seemed to be the only one ecstatic about him finally being in the know, as he was her best friend and now they could truly share everything.

Other than Mike's unexpected involvement, things were calming down for the Cullens and the packs. Packs as in plural. Jacob continued to lead his own pack with Leah and Seth, and Quil and Embry ended up joining them. Any new shifters would be trained by both Jacob and Sam. However, when Jacob inevitably had to leave with the Cullens wwhen the time came, Sam would take them back with open arms, making sure the Clearwaters knew there were no hard feelings over them leaving the pack. If anything, he was proud that they had the guts to stand up for their own beliefs.

"Can I see your fangs?" Mike asked Valeria, who rolled her eyes. They were sitting in the Cullen's living room along with Leah and Sam while Renesmee was showing off her new skills at playing the piano.

"They don't have fangs, babe," Leah said with a sigh. But Mike didn't believe her. He reached over Leah and grabbed Valeria's face, who just laughed and let him pull her mouth open to look at her teeth. Then she pulled herself back and chomped playfully at his hand.

Bella looked from her daughter to the human, still struggling to process the fact that Mike Newton of all people knew. That he was in their home and making vampire jokes. But Edward informed her that ever since meeting and falling for Leah, a lot of Mike's hostility toward the Cullen family had faded along with his jealousy over not ending up with Bella himself, which was a relief — now if someone could just imprint on Jessica.

Forgetting about her human friends, Bella focused back on the progress her daughter was making, her able to play perfectly after Edward only showing her a few times how to do it. Even though Renesmee was growing at a concerningly fast rate, the family was still happy and safe, which was all she could ask for.

Evidently, as Irina Denali was led into the throne room of the Volturi, that was asking too much.

The Volturi weren't fond of the Denali clan just as they despised the Cullens. So, Aro hardly paid any mind to the blonde woman as she entered behind Santiago.

"What a pleasant surprise," he said while remaining seated, flipping through an ancient book.

Caius, however, shut his own books swiftly, growing annoyed. He hated the golden-eyed vampires with a burning passion. "What do you want?" When Irina didn't move, clearly terrified and nervous, he just raised an impatient eyebrow. "Hmm?"

Gathering her courage, Irina stepped forward. "I have to report a crime. The Cullens... they've done something terrible."

Now that piqued Aro's interest, who closed his book and rushed to Irina's side, an eager look in his beady eyes. "Allow me, my dear," he said while reaching for her hand. Irina flinched when she touched him, knowing he'd see everything — not just the child but what they'd all been hiding from the Volturi since she was turned. Valeria's power. But it all flashed through Aro's mind, learning that the Cullens had been hiding an Immortal Child along with an all-powerful replicator. "Oh my."

"What have they done, brother?" Caius questioned, anxious as ever to pin something against the Cullens. He just wanted a fight.

Aro pulled away from Irina while his eyes sought out one guard in particular. "Raphael," he said, regaining his composure. "It appears we will be paying your sister a visit soon. Is that not wonderful?"

Raphael smirked darkly, glad the time had finally come to collect his sister. "It's magnificent, Master."

☽︎

The vision hit Alice so suddenly that the vase in her hands hit the ground, shattering. Valeria found herself flinching and looking at the pile of glass in confusion as Jasper raced to his mate's side, checking on her. Only a horrible vision would've caused her to drop it.

"The Volturi," she muttered, putting them all on edge. "They're coming for us. Aro, Caius, Marcus, the Guard. And Irina."

"Volturi?" Mike questioned, not getting any answers.

Bella glanced at her daughter nervously, feeling as if the evil vampires would jump out in seconds and attack them. "Honey, come here." In an instant, Nessie moved to stand in front of her mother, who held her close.

"Why?" Carlisle questioned, and Alice didn't have an answer for him.

"What did Irina see in the woods?" Edward asked. Just the day before, Irina came across Bella, Nessie, and Jacob in the woods, apparently to reconcile. But seeing Jacob made her run off, they all assumed.

"We were just walking," Bella told him, shrugging.

"Ness was catching snowflakes," Jacob added.

Edward frowned, seeing how it appeared in Jacob's mind. "Of course. Irina thinks Renesmee's an Immortal Child."

"What's an Immortal Child?" Valeria asked, still unfamiliar with a lot of vampire history.

"Leah, why don't you and Mike go see your brother outside," Carlisle said, not wanting the human to learn about the Volturi. The more he knew of vampires put him in more danger. Sensing the danger and wanting to keep her imprint out of it, Leah led Mike out of the house by his hand, who was asking a million questions that got ignored. And as soon as they were gone from the room, Carlisle led the others to his office and pulled out a few ancient books.

"The lmmortal Children were very beautiful — so enchanting. To be near them was to love them. But their development was frozen at the age they were turned. They couldn't be taught or restrained. A single tantrum could destroy an entire village. Humans heard about the devastation. They were exactly what you feared Renesmee might turn out to be," Carlisle explained, looking at Sam. "Stories spread. The Volturi were forced to intervene. Since the Children couldn't protect our secret, they had to be destroyed."

"Their creators grew very attached and fought to protect them. Long-established covens were torn apart, including the one led by Irina's mother. Countless humans slaughtered. Traditions, friends, even families. Lost."

"So the Denalis' mother made an lmmortal Child?" Bella realized.

"Yes. And she paid the price," he said with a grim expression.

"But Nessa isn't like them," Valeria said with a frown. If only Irina had stayed and let Bella explain.

"Exactly," Bella argued. "She was born, not bitten. She grows every single day."

"So can't you just explain that to the Volturi?" Jacob asked while Sam nodded.

Edward shook his head. "Aro has enough proof in Irina's thoughts."

"So we fight," he said simply.

"Their offensive weapons are too powerful," Jasper said, not thinking it wise. "No one can stand against Jane."

"Alec's even worse," Alice whispered.

"And with their amplifier..." Edward trailed off, realizing what this meant. Valeria's brother was coming with the Volturi, and there was no telling how things would end for her.

"Well, then we convince them," Bella said, trying to find a way to save her daughter.

"They're coming to kill us, not to talk," Emmett claimed, shaking his head. And though he was strong, he wasn't sure it was a fight they'd win.

"No, you're right," Edward then said. "They won't listen to us. But maybe others can convince them. Carlisle, you have friends all around the world."

He shook his head instantly. "I won't ask them to fight."

"Not fight. Witness. If enough people knew the truth, maybe we could convince the Volturi to listen," he explained.

Esme turned to her mate, a considerate expression on her face. "We can ask this of our friends."

"And you've got the packs, too," Sam spoke up, holding Valeria close. Anything that was a threat to her and Renesmee was a threat to them as well. "We aren't scared of a few ticks."

Valeria scoffed playfully and elbowed him gently. "Careful with the names, or there will be no kisses from this tick for weeks."

☽︎

The next day, nearly everyone was packing up to find all the friends of the coven and ask for their help. Carlisle and Esme were headed to Europe, and they'd be bringing Valeria with them, who was quite excited to travel. Edward, Bella, and Jacob were taking Nessie to Denali. And Emmett and Rosalie were going to various places around the United States.

"At least we get to go to London again," Esme said, trying to look on the bright side of everything. "We haven't been there in a long time. And Valeria will get to go to Egypt again. Amun quite liked her."

"Well, and I can finally tell that son of his that I stole his power," Valeria said with a sheepish smile, grabbing her suitcase from the stairs. "We didn't even speak to each other last time. We don't even know his name."

Jacob then grabbed his overnight bag and moved to get Nessie's as well. "All right. Let's get this show on the road..." He trailed off when he saw Sam walking up the driveway. "Val."

Smelling her mate, Valeria was the first out of the house, going to see what he wanted. At first, she thought he was coming to tell her goodbye, but based on the grim expression on his face, something else had brought him there.

"What is it?" Valeria asked, moving to his side.

In response, Sam handed a folded-up piece of paper to Carlisle before wrapping his arms around Valeria protectively. "Alice asked me to give you that. She and Jasper crossed our lands to the ocean last night."

Carlisle frowned as he read over the short note that explained very little. "Carlisle?" Esme questioned.

"They've left us."

"Why?" Rosalie asked, growing concerned. Did they think it was because there was no hope?

"She didn't say."

"Can I see that?" Bella then asked, taking the note. 'Gather as many witnesses as you can before the snow sticks to the ground. That's when they'll come.' Then Bella turned the page over, seeing that Alice must've left hastily as she ripped it from a copy of The Merchant of Venice instead of on an actual piece of paper.

Sam had already read the note, not that it brought him any comfort. Not after what Alice had told him the night before.

"Something's going to happen to Val," Alice said, looking up at the Alpha with a concerned look.

"What? What do you mean?" he asked, beginning to worry.

"I can't be sure. Her future's always been hazy since getting involved with you," she admitted. "But right now, I can only see two outcomes — the visions keep alternating between the two paths."

"What paths?" he questioned, not liking the anguished look in Alice's eyes.

"The Volturi, they know what she's capable of now, and Aro won't forget about it."

"What paths, Alice?" Sam asked again, knowing she was beating around the bush.

"They'll either take her against her will, or..."

"Or what? What did you see?"

"Her death."

☽︎

Trying to convince countless vampires that the miracle that was Renesmee existed was difficult to say the least, especially when they didn't have her with them. But Valeria, because of her humanity trait, was a very trusting and warm person to other vampires, which was certainly an advantage. But not even she could get Amun to leave the safety of his home and stand against the Volturi for one of his oldest friends.

"Amun, please!" Carlisle pleaded, chasing after him as Esme and Valeria stayed a few steps behind.

"I cannot help you, Carlisle," he denied.

"I wouldn't ask if it weren't urgent."

"You must go—"

Suddenly, water from the pool in the courtyard began moving through the air until it completely blocked off the entrance. Valeria spun on her heel and spotted the very vampire she'd bumped into three years ago, accidentally copying his gift. He was effortlessly holding the water up with a smile on his face as his mate stood by his side.

"I'd like to hear about it. I never get to meet any of Amun's friends," the boy said, an excited glimmer in his eyes. "He likes to keep me hidden."

"I can't imagine why," Carlisle joked, feeling the same about Valeria.

Then the boy released the water, letting it flow back into the pool. Everyone but Valeria stepped back to avoid being splashed. She just giggled as her jeans were soaked. Then she caught his eye and flicked her wrist, sending a small splash his way, making his eyes light up with curiosity.

"Carlisle," he then introduced, moving to shake hands.

"Benjamin," he told them with a smile. Then his scarlet eyes flicked back to Valeria. "Have we met?"

"Not officially," she said, grinning. "I met Amun after I was first turned while on my way to meet a friend of Carlisle's. I think we only bumped into each other and went our separate ways, but I'm Valeria."

"And your gift is like mine?" he asked, tilting his head.

"No," Amun spoke up. "Her gift is not like yours. Her gift is yours."

☽︎

It was agreed upon that Valeria would travel back to Forks with the Egyptian coven. Benjamin was absolutely fascinated by her ability to replicate abilities and was more than willing to teach her how to better control the power. He also found it intriguing that fire was the easiest for her to master when it'd been the most difficult for him.

Once reaching Forks, Benjamin was excited to meet Renesmee, who touched his cheek and showed him just as she was showing everyone. Knowing that he was convinced, Valeria leaned back against Sam comfortingly. He hadn't let her go since she left for Europe and was just glad she came back unscathed. He hadn't mentioned Alice's vision to her, not wanting her to live in fear.

Valeria watched with interest as Benjamin covered Nessie's smaller hand with his own, doing something with his power. When he pulled away, he revealed some dirt that he was moving with the wind, forming a small whirlwind in her palm.

"Benjamin can influence the elements just as Val can," Edward was explaining to Bella.

"And here I get super self-control," Bella muttered, thinking it was rather lame.

"Trust me, Bella," Valeria spoke up, a sad expression on her face. "That really is a gift. More than you'll ever understand."

The conjured whirlwind floated upward, mesmerizing Renesmee who thought it was beautiful. But the dirt dispersed when all of them heard a commotion. Nature and wildlife were disturbed as two vampires came toward them all with impressive speed.

Valeria spotted the two women as they stopped a few feet back, wild looks in their red eyes. And yet they were still some of the most beautiful people she'd ever seen. It seemed that Edward recognized them, so she didn't feel threatened by them.

"Who are they?" Bella asked.

"Senna and Zafrina from the Amazon," he explained.

No one had been sent there to do any scouting, which told them that their plea was being heard all over the world if two vampires that were removed from civilization would make the trip to Forks to aid them.

Finally, after a week, everyone was back at the house. Rosalie and Emmett had sent a number of nomads, and Carlisle and Esme brought the last of the witnesses in their car. His name was Alistair, and he was basically a recluse. He stayed up in the attic most of the time, avoiding all of them. Given that Valeria was a people person, she was a little upset that he didn't want to even attempt to be friends. They had nineteen witnesses to help them, and that was more than they ever hoped for.

And with nineteen vampires, some of them were destined to be gifted. Sam, Valeria, Edward, and Bella were all outside with Zafrina and Senna, the first of whom was displaying her own power over the mind, able to make them see anything she wanted to.

Currently, Valeria was convinced she was standing in the Amazon rainforest with Sam at her side. The Alpha looked around with wide eyes, taking in all the different sights and sounds that told his brain he was far from Forks.

"If you weren't holding my hand right now, I could swear this was real," Edward told his wife, in just as much awe as the other two.

Bella clearly wasn't impressed though as she shrugged. "I don't see anything."

Eleazar then pushed through the imaginary foliage and joined them, his family and Garrett not far behind him. "Edward, you didn't tell me your wife is a shield."

As the mirage faded, returning them all to the backyard of the Cullen home, Bella looked at Edward, raising her eyebrow. "What's a shield?"

He studied her like he was seeing her in a completely different way. "The ones I've met are so different."

"It's a defensive talent," Eleazar explained.

"It's why I couldn't read your mind," Edward added. "even before. It's why Aro couldn't."

"You have a very powerful gift," Eleazar informed her. "It might be wise for Valeria to replicate it given what's to come."

"I don't know," Valeria said, shaking her head and taking a step back. She didn't like having a lot of abilities. "Even if she's a shield, I don't want—"

Suddenly, Kate came up behind Bella and snatched her hand, all of them hearing the sizzling of her electric ability. Bella didn't even flinch, which was shocking given how painful Kate's power was. "Oh, yeah, she's a shield, all right. That shoulda put her on her ass."

"Or your voltage has been exaggerated," Garrett spoke up with a smirk, earning a sultry look from Kate.

"Maybe it only works on the weak," she said, holding her hand out teasingly, wiggling her fingers.

Ever so curious, Garrett stepped forward, wanting to see what it felt like for himself. Carlisle, who'd joined them, shook his head. "Garrett, I wouldn't," he said with a small smile.

But he didn't listen as he poked her palm. In an instant, he was on his knees, crying out as the painful shocks overpowered him. He took in deep, needless breaths while looking up at Kate, completely infatuated. "You are an amazing woman."

Sam wrapped his arms around Valeria and rested his chin on her shoulder. "You can't do that to me, right?"

She giggled and turned in his arms while shaking her head. "The only way I'm shocking you is if I rub my sock-covered feet on the carpet."

"I think I can put up with that," he said, pecking her lips.

"Gross," Kate said, rolling her eyes playfully. "I know you're a dog person, Val, but really?"

Before Valeria could retaliate with a joke about already having Garrett on his knees for her, they all heard the commotion of more vampires coming. Only the sound was mixed with several wolves chasing them, meaning they weren't peaceful vampires.

Sam instantly shifted and ran ahead of the others to catch up with Jacob, who had been in the middle of training three new shifters — the packs had been growing exponentially with so many vampires in the area.

Valeria chased after her mate, breaking into a small clearing just in time to see the three smaller wolves barrel into Jacob and Sam, knocking them into a dogpile as the two vampires that'd been jumping around the trees laughed at them.

She narrowed her eyes and did as Benjamin taught her. She focused on the feeling of the wind on her skin, the dirt beneath her feet. Then she held out her hand and reached out to the roots of the trees. Before the two vampires knew it, branches were wrapped tightly around their ankles, holding them upside down. Of course, it wasn't an indestructible tree, so they easily freed themselves and dropped down on a tall boulder, still quite amused.

Sam huffed and moved to stand in front of Valeria protectively as the others joined them as well.

"Vladimir, Stefan, you're a long way from home," Carlisle said, clearly knowing the two men.

"What are they doing here?" Kate asked Eleazar, clearly not fans of them.

"We heard the Volturi were moving against you," the one with blonde hair, Vladimir, said. "But that you would not stand alone."

"We didn't do what we were accused of," Carlisle told them quickly.

Vladimir rolled his eyes dramatically. "We do not care what you did, Carlisle."

"We have been waiting a millennium for the Italian scum to be challenged," Stefan said, a scowl on his face.

"It's not our plan to fight the Volturi," Carlisle informed them.

"Shame," Vladimir said in a casual tone. "Aro's witnesses will be so disappointed."

"They enjoy a good fight," Stefan agreed.

"Aro's witnesses?" Eleazar questioned, looking at Carlisle worriedly.

A low growl left Sam's throat, and Edward finally saw Alice's warning flash through his mind. The guards were coming for Renesmee and Valeria, and that changed everything.

"Aww," Vladimir cooed, seeing the furious look in Sam's eyes. "Still hoping they'll listen?"