There are always risks that must be taken, no matter the endeavor. Whether that be something as small as venturing out the door every morning, not knowing what the day will bring. Or something grand, like manipulating a room full of way too sensitive individuals into thinking that you have seen all the regrets that they carry in their hearts.
No matter the task, risks must be accepted, and one must always be willing to suffer the consequences of living a life worth living.
That is why, even now as I watch the pale-faces in the room posing dramatically and going over every decision that they have made and every feeling that they had either buried or accepted from their pasts, I cannot bring myself to, as Bella said, regret. It needed to be done.
The main reason involving the one who seems to be taking the current situation the hardest. My sperm-donor and the one who now knows that I know all the insults he hurled my way and all the people he killed, can be seen emoting all the self-loathing he can muster.
As I had hoped.
However, do not assume nor presume that I have some hate for Edward or any of these individuals. It simply comes down to one very simple, yet profound principle/concept/idea.
Power.
Edward, as an individual, is incredibly set in his ways and stubborn enough to die for his beliefs. I cannot have someone like that believing he has a voice in my life.
For one, I need blood. Human blood, to get stronger.
Two, I plan to kill...a lot. Both humans and vampires alike. After all, every throne is built on blood...or venom.
And three, he thinks he knows best and has no problem enforcing his beliefs upon others, which means, he gets in the way.
In truth, I cannot say I put much thought into the actual steps that would need to be taken once this plan was put in place.
Too much of the aftermath can only be left up to human nature and that, no matter what one thinks, cannot be predicted with 100% certainty. These individuals will react in various ways, and it will be up to me to manage them all, just as I did with my subordinates in the past, in order to make certain I can walk away with as many advantages as possible.
After all, that's what it means to be a leader...to me anyway.
So far, the only one that I am certain I can move as I want, is Rosalie. She will follow, if for the only reason being, I am a cute ass baby.
Emmitt will more than likely fall in line with her wishes, since she wears the pants in that relationship.
Alice will trust everyone and more than likely require me to bond with her deeply in order to get her to follow my word completely. With her it will be all about trust.
Jasper should fall in line with her, as long as it not only makes sense, but falls in line with his honor and promotes the safety of his mate. Meaning, it will not be difficult to get him to see the merits in going to war with the Volturi when that time comes.
Esme will seek peace more often than not, though if we are in danger, she will not hesitate.
Carlisle is caring, compassionate, and religious. He will not fall in line with my dietary preferences nor my desires as far as war goes, nor the active way I will go about destabilizing the Volturi and their influence. No matter what, based on what I know of him, he will always walk the path of peace and passivity. Even when the Volturi brought war to his doorstep, he was still pushing for a peaceful resolution. He is naïve, short-sighted, and does not possess the qualities that a war-time leader requires. The problem is, he, like Edward, believes he knows best. Though, the question is, is he controlling? Will he do what I believe Edward will and go against my blood-drinking? Or will he advise me against it, but accept me and my choices? The answers to those questions will determine his place in my life.
As stated, Edward will, most likely, attempt to change my beliefs to his own. He, like Carlisle, is religious. The difference between the two however is that Carlisle sought wisdom and open-mindedness during his immortal life. That made him accepting of others, which is why he could gather all those blood drinkers to stand with him as witnesses to his confrontation with the Vultori. He did not judge them, nor the shifters. His entire personality revolves around accepting others and seeing the good in them. Essentially, a peace-loving hippie. Edward is not a peace-loving hippie. He is controlling when he believes he is right. Dismissive when it goes against what he wants. Hypocritical in his actions. And immature in his ideals. I cannot help but look forward to what actions he will take in response to my actions. More than likely, hands will be thrown and these fists do take names.
Last but not least, Bella.......we will see.
It took a while to get there, but they finally did. Once, I felt myself becoming hungry.
It was at this moment that I realized that I would not be able to indulge in one of the greatest treats that comes with being a baby as I look at the pair on Rosalie. But, it's an acceptable trade for all the bad-assery that will come from the maximum effort that I will put in during my growth period.
For now though, 'I need to feed', I project my voice to the room.
While my first instinct was to relay this to Rose alone, since I did not want to face opposition. I knew that this was the time, when they were still reeling, to set the precedent for what would be my eating habits. It would be a pain if later, when they have regained their equilibrium, they attempt to get me to change my diet. It will be a more lengthy negotiation if I'm dealing with composed individuals.
They all snap out of their introspection, though I can see that their minds are otherwise occupied, as planned.
"Right, we have milk and animal blood ready, we weren't sure what you would need." Carlisle says, quickly going into his leader role.
Too bad.
I'm the captain now.
.
(A/N: Additional chapters are on patreon.com/TheGreatestHunter. Check it out! Yeeess (Yelena's voice).)