Training for the new wolves improved over time, especially after Dean beat each of their wolves with his bare hands, claiming the vamps capable of similar if they didn't practice harder.
The sweeps were also going well. Eliminating vampires across every border state and an equal distance into Canada from Washington, gradually giving the new wolves first-hand experience.
Dean was playing with Chipper and the dogs in his wolf form when he heard Seth talking to the guys.
(Hey, I wanted to ask you guys something, there's this girl...)
Embry quickly joked, (Ah, our little man's growing up.)
(Soon we'll have to tell him about the birds and the bees,) Quil quipped along with him.
Paul snorted, (Are you sure you guys are qualified?) getting a laugh from Jared and Sam.
(What's that supposed to mean!) exclaimed Quil defensively while an embarrassed Embry went real quiet.
(Anyway,) said Seth, saving the two from further embarrassment. (I was hoping you guys would give me advice on how to win her over.)
They started telling him things he could do or try, but the key takeaway was. (Confidence is key, girls like confident guys,) said Sam, with the others agreeing.
(Wrong,) said Dean, unable to help himself.
(Dean? What do you mean wrong?) asked Seth, confused.
(I always hated when people said that shit. Girls don't care how confident you are; if anything, it's about how you present yourself. Looks notwithstanding and whatever other unknown factors at play, girls like optimistic, goal-oriented guys. It has nothing to do with confidence; a pessimist can be just as confident, but no girl wants to listen to a guy moan and groan about how awful life is, no matter how right he is.) Dean explained.
(Interesting perspective,) commented Jared.
(He brings up a good point,) Paul agreed.
After further conversation, Sam invited them back to his place, where they ate a wonderful meal with Emily, Kim, and Leah.
"Good as always Emily, thanks," Jared burped.
"You're welcome, happy to provide," said Emily merrily.
"Always so hard working, I don't know how you do it. We're lucky to have you," said Sam affectionately.
Emily blushed, "It's been easier since the new cooks started helping."
"Speaking of, why don't I ever see Rachel around now that she's one of us?" asked Seth innocently.
Paul and Leah paused mid-bite.
"It's complicated," said Leah after a minute.
"Complicated how?" asked Seth.
"Did you forget what happened to Jake? Billy's still giving me glares every time we cross paths," said Dean.
"Oh, right," said Seth, picking at his food. He was ashamed to admit he had forgotten about Jake, after all, they never really did anything together. The guy was just sort of there sometimes when they did pack things with everyone.
.
Walking home with Leah, he asks, "What's wrong?" noticing her unusual demeanor.
Leah sighed, "Was thinking about Rachel. I thought we were getting back to some form of normalcy with one another, then this happens, and I was wondering if I should reach out this time."
"Feeling bad about it?" He asks, draping an arm around her and giving her shoulder a comforting rub.
"Yeah," she sighed.
"Well, don't, we did nothing wrong, and if they can't see that, fuck 'em," said Dean.
"Let's not go that far. Wouldn't want Paul to become another Jake," Leah joked.
Seeing her playful smirk, Dena grins, "That'd never happen."
...
Over in Egypt, Amun got off the phone looking extremely disturbed.
"What is it?" asked Kebi, though she heard most of it.
"My contacts have confirmed that the entirety of the Volturi Coven is leaving their castle and flying out to Seattle, Washington," said Amun.
"All of them?" asked Kebi.
"Indeed," confirmed Amun offhandedly, ruminating over this new information.
Kebi watched quietly by his side, frowning when Benjamin walked in.
"Amun, I was thinking of taking Tia out; she's been coupled up long enough," said Benjamin.
"Fine, be safe," said Amun, waving him away. His casual display caught both Kebi and Benjamin off guard. This went against his usual overprotectiveness of Benjamin and his constant desire to keep him in sight at all times.
"Um, okay, thanks," said Benjamin, turning to leave. He didn't want to question his luck, but he couldn't help it and stopped.
"Is everything okay?" he asked Amun.
Once more brought out of his inner musings, Amun looked up, "Hm, yes, of course, why wouldn't it be?"
Benjamin knew something was up; he'd never been so indifferent before when it concerned him.
Tia entered frantically, "Two unknown vampires are heading this way."
Amun shot to his feet as the voice echoed from below, "Amun! We need to talk!" and then the two were at the office door, walking in, putting everyone on edge.
Benjamin takes a stance in front of Tia protectively, ready to call upon his power, glancing towards Amun for his cue.
Amun shook his head towards Benjamin, getting him to back off. Glaring at the two intruders, "Stefan, Vladimir, what do you two bastards want?"
"Come now, we're all friends now, or have you decided to join that filth seeking to limit and control us?" asked Stefan, walking over to a shelf and playing with an expensive object.
Amun's eyes narrowed, not bothering to respond to something so ridiculous, "Why are you here?"
"I'm sure you've heard by now how the Volturi are leaving their castle," said Stefan, turning to face him.
Amun didn't deny nor confirm.
Vladimir grinned, "We thought of going there and trashing the place, but then we discovered an interesting bit of information: the Cullens are dead."
"What! Are you sure?" asked Amun, alarmed at the news.
"We are," said Stefan.
"This... this changes everything," said Amun, sitting down and running his hand through his hair.
The two Romanians grinned. "We agree," said Stefan.
"I don't understand," said Benjamin, looking to Amun.
"The Cullens have many friends. Friends who will want revenge," Amun said reflectively.
"But it doesn't sound like the Volturi did it," said Benjamin, confused.
"No, unfortunately not, but that doesn't mean we can't use this to our advantage. None knows this information save us," said Stefan.
"Are you certain?" questioned Amun, for they had to be if they wished to kill the Volturi.
"We are," said Vladimir, seriously.
"With the Cullens dead, we can rally a force that might not be lesser than the Volturi themselves, the key factor being the unknowns the Volturi are going against," said Stefan.
"Everyone knows the Cullens frequent Washington, this is a perfect time to use those freaks for something useful," said Vladimir.
"What of the Denali, they are near there, do they not know?" asked Amun.
"Dead as well. We can spin it as the Volturi wishing to wipe out anyone who tries to be different," said Stefan.
"What say you?" asked Vladimir impatiently.
"I doubt a better chance will ever arrive than this. While the Volturi are fighting this new foe, we can swoop in and finish them off," persuaded Stefan.
"And what of this new foe? Can they stand up to the Volturi long enough to give us the edge?" asked Amun thoughtfully.
"The area surrounding Washington has become a dead zone for vampires; whatever is killing them is actively hunting us, and the Volturi in their infinite wisdom think a show of force is in order, to show the rest of us our place. They've grown complacent and think themselves invincible no matter the foe, but I have a feeling they have no idea what they're getting themselves into," grinned Stefan.
"And you do?" questioned Amun with a raised eyebrow.
"We have our sources," Vladimir smirked.
"You'll need to share these sources if you wish for my help," Amun threatened.
"You'll need to help if you ever wish to get rid of the Volturi!" Vladimir hissed.
"Time is of the essence. We've secured transport, but if we wish to gather enough and make it in time to face them, we need to act fast," said Stefan calmly. Confident Amun wouldn't/couldn't refuse such an opportunity if he were anything like them.
Silence took over as Amun mulled it over, before saying the words that likely put the widest grins on the two Romanians they have ever experienced in a very long time, "We're in."
The only issue Stefan foresaw was with the Irish. He'd have to choose his words carefully to get past Maggie's gift.