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Alice grabbed his arm as soon as he stepped down from the ring, her grip strong enough for Nate to feel it through the sleeve.
"Let's go," she said quietly, in a tone that allowed no argument.
She pulled him out of the gym without looking back, weaving past a few onlookers who still stared at them in astonishment. As they stepped into the cool evening air, the sun already sinking, they quickly made their way to the car, getting in and shutting the doors with a dull thud.
Alice barely waited for Nate to start the engine before turning toward him, her golden eyes bright with alertness.
"I smelled another vampire," she said firmly.
Nate, as he started driving, kept his eyes on the road for a moment before replying.
"I saw him," he said calmly, though a knot of tension was forming in his stomach. "On the rooftop next door while I was fighting Sergei."
Alice frowned, crossing her arms as she leaned back against the seat.
"I was going to find out who it was," she muttered, a trace of frustration in her voice, "but Sergei forced me to stop when they noticed I was about to leave."
"Can you describe him?" Alice asked quickly, turning her head toward him.
Nate kept one hand steady on the wheel as they pulled out of the parking lot.
"I didn't get a good look. I was focused on the fight," he replied, squinting as he tried to recall. "But he was wearing black, and he was blond. That stood out because his hair clashed with everything else."
Alice lowered her gaze, clicking her tongue before letting out a sigh, her shoulders tensing with frustration.
"It could be anyone," she muttered through clenched teeth.
Nate glanced at her, his jaw tight.
"Do you think it's the same vampire who broke into my house, or the one that's been lurking around at night?"
Alice looked at him, a flash of anger in her eyes, though it wasn't directed at him, but at the situation.
"No," she answered firmly, before turning her head to look out the window, watching the passing streetlights. "It's not either of those two. This one's new."
She ran a hand through her short hair, closing her eyes for a moment before reopening them.
"But he smells very similar to the one that's been lurking around. The scent isn't identical, but almost…"
Nate kept his hands on the wheel as they drove, the traffic lights guiding their pace. After a few moments of silence, he spoke.
"What do you think about all of this?"
Alice continued staring out the window, the reflections of lights passing through her golden eyes, before she sighed and turned toward him.
"As for the people in the journal… It's obvious your father was trying to find a specific talent," she said firmly. "It's too suspicious that he focused on people who might develop abilities, and the fact that he warned them they'd have to leave their lives behind… it makes me think he planned to turn them."
Nate remained silent, chewing over her words while his fingers drummed lightly on the steering wheel. The engine purred beneath them as they turned onto a quieter street.
"To be honest," he finally said in a low voice, "ever since I learned about the knife… I've had my suspicions about a few things." He paused before turning his head to look at her. "I just hope I'm wrong. But I need you to be honest with me."
He cleared his throat before saying it.
"Do you think the Volturi are connected to this?"
Alice tensed, her gaze locking onto his, the reflection of a streetlamp illuminating the conflict in her golden eyes. A moment passed before she spoke.
"The truth is… I've had my own theories," she admitted quietly. "The way your parents died… it fits the Volturi's textbook procedures."
Nate's eyes narrowed.
"But what we've discovered in the journal makes me think your father was working for someone," Alice continued. "Maybe the Volturi were using him to find talents. It's well known that Aro always extends invitations to gifted individuals for his guard. Maybe now… instead of waiting for a newborn vampire to show a gift… he's started creating his own."
The car fell into silence, the only sound the ticking of the indicator as they turned onto a wider avenue.
Nate stared at her, the streetlights casting shadows across his sharp cheekbones.
"But I thought humans weren't supposed to know about vampires," he said gravely. "Why would they ask my father to scout for talents?"
Alice took a deep breath, glancing away for a moment.
"The Volturi sometimes use humans for certain things," she explained, a hint of discomfort in her voice. "Offering them the bite in return. But… It's hard for me to believe they'd use a human as a talent scout. I can't understand what would've led him to that situation."
Nate tightened his grip on the wheel before shaking his head.
"I don't think that's it," he said firmly. "Honestly… after talking with Claire and Sergei, I've seen new sides of my father, but I'm certain he wouldn't have left my mother and me just for the bite. He loved us too much."
He sighed, looking out at the road ahead.
"There must be another explanation."
Alice watched him silently before reaching out and placing her hand gently over his, a warm gesture of support.
"We still have time," she said calmly, "we can talk to more people from the journal, see if they know anything."
Nate shook his head, dropping his gaze for a moment.
"I doubt we'll get anything more from the journal… at least not until I figure out the last entry."
He looked up, his expression hardening.
"Now we need to focus on those vampires who've been watching us."
Alice frowned slightly, pulling her hand back as she looked out the window, tension in her posture.
"I don't understand why they haven't approached," she said, her voice low but tinged with irritation. "If they intended to attack, they would've done it by now. They should know I can't fight properly while protecting you."
Nate reflected in silence, letting the engine's hum fill the air between them as the city slid past outside the windows.
"Maybe," he finally said, his voice serious, "they're waiting for us to make a move."
They both fell silent, the night's lights casting dancing shadows across the windshield, while thoughts began to take shape in Nate's mind.
Nate kept his eyes on the road as the car moved forward, the dashboard lights softly illuminating his face. He exhaled slowly before breaking the silence.
"Do you think these watchers are with the Volturi?"
Alice turned her gaze from the window to him, her golden eyes glowing under the soft light.
"At least they aren't part of any guard I know," she replied honestly, though her brow remained slightly furrowed. "But… I'm not ruling it out yet."
Nate gripped the wheel before letting out a tired sigh.
"Can't you see them in the future?" he asked, a mix of curiosity and concern in his tone.
Alice shook her head, her lips pressed tightly together.
"No," she said, frustration lacing her voice. "My visions go dark about a week and a few days into the future. After that… I can't see anything." She looked out the windshield, the glow of a headlight reflecting in her eyes. "But before that, it's like they haven't decided to approach yet. As if… just watching is enough for them."
Nate stayed silent, processing her words as the engine purred beneath them. After a few seconds, he spoke.
"The safest option would be to contact Carlisle," he said firmly. "To send someone to support us."
Alice tilted her head slightly, waiting for him to continue.
"But with Jasper and Emmett out hunting Victoria," Nate continued, "it would be risky for them to have fewer people in Forks in case something happens."
Alice nodded slowly, her fingers playing with the edge of her sweater.
"Maybe," Nate murmured, "the vampires will decide to approach. I don't think they intend to hurt us. And if it turns out to be the Volturi, we'll follow the plan we discussed with Carlisle. We'll have to admit we're a couple and that… you plan to turn me."
Alice fell silent, processing his words, before speaking softly:
"If it's the Volturi, Nate, we'd only be buying time," she said gently but with firm eyes. "If it's them, those two vampires are scouts. They'll report back to Aro… and Aro will want to read our minds." She paused, looking down. "And he'll see through the lie."
Nate gently turned the car down a quieter alley, turned off the engine, and turned to her, taking her hand warmly.
"If it's them," he said calmly, looking into her eyes, "then… I'll take the bite."
Alice looked at him, surprised, her lips parting before she whispered:
"And what about your grandmother? Your human friends?"
Nate looked at her calmly, his clear eyes full of quiet resolve.
"Since I decided I wanted to be with you," he said softly, "I had already accepted that it would have to happen eventually." His lips curved into a sad smile. "I just… hoped I could delay it for a few years. I didn't want to leave my grandmother alone so soon."
Alice's gaze softened as she leaned in and kissed him slowly, her hand resting on his cheek.
"I'm sorry," she murmured against his lips. "Being a vampire is the only thing I've ever known… sometimes I forget how hard it must be for a human to leave all that behind."
Nate smiled softly, resting his forehead against hers.
"We're getting ahead of ourselves," he said with a hint of humor. "You said it yourself—they haven't decided to approach yet. Maybe they're just passing vampires… worried about seeing you with a human you haven't eaten."
Alice let out a soft laugh, though her concern didn't completely fade.
"Maybe."
Nate leaned back in his seat, looking at the streetlights.
"I think it's time we go back to my parents' house," he said calmly. "We can fix it up while I sort out the last journal entry. If the vampires decide to approach, we'll talk to them. Whether they're Volturi or just nomads, we'll handle it."
He turned to her again, taking her hand once more.
"For now, focus on trying to see them in a vision."
Alice looked at him, squeezing his hand softly, before nodding with determination as the engine roared back to life, carrying them back to the Winter home, to a house that still held the ghosts of the past, where the future—uncertain and sharp—waited for them with every breath they took.