A Lending Hand

Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer

WARNING: This story contains disciplinary spanking. Please don't read if this is not your thing.

A/N: Hello everybody! As always, I've taken my sweet time writing a story. Wasn't so sure for a while if I was going to finish this one. Well, I have and now my mind is running away with me. I've got two stories in mind and I'm not sure which one I want to start with.

First story: I said I'd never write this, but I've gotten into my head that it's time I write what happened with the Cullens immediately after the events in Volterra (New Moon). There are many good ones out there that go over this event, but I have an idea that no one has hit upon.

Second story: This one would take place after this story specifically. There's tension between Rose and Bella, and it boils over causing a fight to break out. Bella is sorry, but Rose is just pissed.

I'm leaning more towards the first story. Anyway, hope you enjoy! Apologies for any errors, but I just wanted to get this posted.

Chapter 1: I Don't Want To

Carlisle's POV:

I leaned against a tree, stomping down my feelings of anxiety as I watched Eleazar staring down at the ground with a frown on his face. My family and I were in Denali taking a much needed vacation after the events of the past month. We had arrived a couple nights ago, and today I had finally decided to inform Eleazar of the events that had brought us here. He had known something had happened, but he'd thankfully let me make the decision of when to tell him. I had asked him to join me for a hunt this morning, and now a couple hours later I had finally finished my tale.

I resisted the urge to fidget, not wanting to let my oldest friend know what I was feeling. He had remained silent the entire time I had spoken, and I was grateful for that as it had made telling my story easier; but at the same time it also unnerved me as I didn't know what he was thinking. His hands were on his hips now as he silently paced around for a bit. I wondered what he was thinking. After a few more seconds of pacing, he stopped and finally looked at me.

Without really thinking, I found myself straightening.

"You apologized to them?" he questioned, and I nodded my head.

"Yes," I replied, "Esme got us all together to talk as things had become strained, and I apologized for being so harsh with them. I realized I had gone too far, especially with Rosalie and Alice. I allowed my fear to get the best of me, and hiding behind the front of coven leader I punished them." I shifted from one foot to another, uncrossing and then crossing my arms. A look of disappointment marred the Spaniard's face, and I suddenly felt rather ashamed of myself. I found myself looking away as I couldn't stomach his look of disappointment.

I heard the older man's sigh before he called my name causing me to lift my head. His expression still showed disappointment, and I bit my bottom lip. This had been the reason I had put off telling him. Eleazar had long since become more than just a friend, he had become my older brother, an older brother who less than a handful of times had taken to treating me like an errant child when he felt it was necessary. For having no children, this man knew very well how to deliver an effective scolding. I supposed it had to do with him having been the eldest of 9 brothers and sisters in his human life. He had experience with something else as well, something he'd only threatened me with but had yet to feel the need to follow through with. I hoped to keep it that way.

"I can see why your family felt the need for a vacation," Eleazar commented evenly. "I can also see why things have seemed somewhat tense between you and your children." I just nodded, holding back a grimace at how observant he'd been. Things were better between the children and I, but as Eleazar had noted, there was still some tenseness. There was still a bit of wariness on their part and guilt on my part. We were still shying away from reach other. Earning their forgiveness and trust would take time; and truth be told, it would take some time for them to earn my complete trust back as well.

"Although we have both apologized to each other," I responded sadly, "It will take some time for them to truly forgive me and be able to trust me as they did before. I messed up, Eleazar," I confessed in a near whisper.

"I would be in complete agreement with that, hermanito," he remarked, and I couldn't help the small smile that graced my features at his referral to me as hermanito (little brother). I heckled him often about how I was older than him, but in truth he was 10 years older than me physically, which made him the older brother. It was nice to have someone who I could be totally free with. A man who was not my responsibility. A man who, although I told him it was unnecessary, looked after me instead of the other way around. There were times, however, such as now that I longed for him as just a friend rather than an older brother.

"It does appear as though you let that temper of yours get the better of you," Eleazar then stated, and I resisted the urge to glare or look embarrassed. I knew I used to have issues with my temper, but that was years ago. I had learned to control it before I'd even turned Edward. Eleazar, of course, knew me before then, though, and he had witnessed my temper first hand. He had witnessed the trouble it had landed me in with Caius. I hoped he'd forgotten the younger, more foolish me, but it seemed he hadn't. Damn vampire memory.

"I had my temper under control," I refuted, "I didn't punish them out of anger."

"No?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Then please explain what led to your serious lapse in judgment."

I openly frowned at him, not liking how he was treating me like a disobedient child. I had owned up to my mistake, and I had discussed it with my family. Apologies had been made, and now all that was needed was time for things to go back to the way they were…at least I hoped things could go back to the way they were.

"I told you I was afraid," I explained somewhat tersely. "They endangered their lives and that of our family. They could have exposed us, and you know what would have happened had the Volturi got wind of this. They would destroy my family, Eleazar and I wouldn't be able to stop it. Those children were foolish and idiotic!" I snapped, fear and anger coursing through me. Fear at what could have been, and anger at the reminder of their disobedience, and at the fact that Eleazar was trying to scold me.

"And there goes your temper," he simply stated, giving me a pointed look that only served to further incense me. I gritted my teeth to keep from saying anything I would regret while at the same time trying to calm myself down. How easily this man was able to push my buttons. How easily I was able to lose the tight control I always had on my emotions. Eleazar kept his golden eyes trained on me, and I knew he was reading me as well as I was reading him. He felt justified in his accusation. He felt I was beginning to act childish right now, so I glared while letting a growl rumble in my chest.

Eleazar responded with raised eyes and upturned hands. "Calm, my brother, calm," he ordered softly. "I do not mean to offend you, rather I only mean to point out certain things you seem to not want to notice."

"Like what?" I asked.

"You lost control with your niños, Carlisle, and you seem to fluctuate between agreeing and disagreeing with me," he informed me. "You made a big mistake, sì?"

"Yes," I replied quietly, my stomach churning uneasily.

"You were too harsh with your children?" he then asked, and my stomach churned even more as I nodded my head, letting out a very quiet, "Yes."

"What they did scared you," he stated factually. "It scared you so much that you let your anger overshadow it," he continued, and I opened my mouth to disagree, but he held a hand up to keep me from interrupting me. "I agree that they went too far. They did endanger your family, but while their actions were very wrong, so were yours. It is not fair, Carlisle, but as head of your family you are held to a higher standard." Eleazar paused, looking me over before continuing to speak.

"You let your fear control you. You then let your anger overshadow that fear because fear is a weakness, am I correct?" he asked, and I winced internally at his spot on assessment. I didn't answer him, though, so he repeated with a mild touch of irritation, "Am I correct?"

"Yes, you are correct," I spoke stiffly.

"It did not stop there, though," the man continued relentlessly, and I mentally groaned. "You knew you should not allow your anger to get the better of you so you allowed yourself to react as coven leader. Now, you are the coven leader, Carlisle, and there will be times it is necessary for you to act as such; but I personally do not agree that this was one of those moments."

"When I do or do not act like coven leader is not for you to decide," I retorted smoothly, and he nodded his head.

"You are correct," he conceded full heartedly, "you do know your family better than I, and I would never presume to tell you how to behave with your family. However," he added seriously, his voice deepening, "when I do feel the need to step in is when you mistreat your family." I internally flinched at those words.

"You donned on the hat of coven leader in order to justify your anger," he continued speaking, taking a few steps closer to me. "Your fear was understandable, but you dealt with it in a poor manner. You covered it with anger, and then took on the persona of coven leader to deal with your anger. You closed yourself off, which allowed you the ability to deliver the harsh punishments to your children without hesitation."

My mind raced as I tried to come up with some sort of response. I wanted to argue and refute his claims, but his words struck a chord. They rang true, and I knew there was no response other than to give my reluctant nod of agreement.

I licked my suddenly dry lips before quietly admitting, "You're right, that is exactly what I did." Eleazar stepped right up to me now, placing a hand on my shoulder as he then said, "And this is why you still feel guilt."

"I'm not…," I began to argue before letting out a sigh. He was once more correct. I ran a hand through my hair, turning away from Eleazar as I suddenly felt uncomfortable. He nailed it on the head. He knew exactly what I had done and why without me actually saying it out loud. Esme may have suspected, but she trusted me enough to not question me. I will admit I was rather surprised by how little she had said in regards to my punishments for the children. She had never stood in my way or protested, and I wondered why. The only time she had grown angry with me was when I had shied away from speaking with the children. Even after I openly admitted and apologized to being overly harsh she said nothing, only recommending that we come here so that I could speak with… My train of thought paused, realization hitting me like a ton of bricks. Esme had insisted we come here as a much needed vacation and so that I would speak with Eleazar. Did she foresee this conversation? Did she understand how Eleazar would react? Was she using him to express her own feelings?

"Did Esme tell you why we were coming?" I suddenly asked, and El's eyes rose in confusion at the change of topic before shaking his head.

"No," he answered honestly, "she only said that you all wanted to visit and take a break from being 'human' for a little while." He gave me a questioning look as I nodded, no doubt wondering why I had asked him this.

"I wondered why Esme had never argued with me regarding my punishment of the children, even when I had admitted to going too far," I informed him, and the older man's eyes turned understanding.

"I see," he murmured, giving me a confused look. "You don't know why?"

"No, do you?" I asked, surprised that he would understand my mate's actions better than I.

"You gave the order as coven leader, and she will not go against her coven leader," he explained simply, his look suddenly sympathetic as he noted the stunned look on my face.

"She…I should have…Oh," I finally mumbled, pinching the bridge of my nose at my ignorance. There was even more guilt now as I realized that I had effectively tied Esme's hands the past month. I had stripped her of her power and she'd said nothing to me. I remembered back to the day I'd whipped my children and how I had banned her from getting involved. I hadn't considered the fact that my order to her would be taken as law, and that she wouldn't feel she could go against me. I needed to talk to her.

I turned to the direction of the Denali house, suddenly feeling the need to see Esme right now. I needed to reassure myself that she hadn't felt slighted, hurt, or angry with me for how things had transpired. I needed her to understand I hadn't expected her absolute obedience and compliance with me. I took a step before my arm was firmly grasped.

"Where are you going?" Eleazar asked, and I quickly responded, "To see my wife," before attempting to leave. I expected Eleazar to let me go, so I was surprised when I felt his grip tighten. I turned, giving him a disgruntled yet pointed look, but when he just stared back and didn't release his hold I roughly yanked my arm out of his grasp. I didn't leave though, wanting to know why he felt the need to stop me from leaving.

"We are not through talking, Carlisle," he stated, crossing his arms and gracing me once more with a disappointed expression.

"Eleazar," I explained, "I need to go speak with Esme and explain"—

"Carlisle, stop," Eleazar ordered calmly, and I closed my mouth suddenly realizing I was not going to like the direction this conversation was about to take.

"You just admitted what you did wrong, and you are ready to run?" he asked me, and I instantly felt embarrassed by what he must be thinking.

"I was not running from you, Eleazar," I stated, "I just started thinking about Esme and how she hadn't ever called me on my behavior. After what you've told me, I want to speak with her so that I can apologize. I need her to understand I never meant to order her not to interfere."

Eleazar gave a nod of understanding before asking, "Is that true, though? Did you really not intend to order her?"

I opened my mouth to respond before pausing to think things through more carefully. Truth was, I hadn't wanted Esme to get involved at all. I had been afraid she would try to stop me, and not wanting that to happen I had ordered her to let me handle it; and then I hadn't allowed myself to question the fact that she simply stood by and allowed me to discipline our children without protest. She had been nothing but comforting and understanding. Had she been faking it? Had she really wanted to lay into me? But that didn't make sense. I knew my wife well enough to know if she was lying. If she was truly upset with what I had done she wouldn't have been able to hide it.

"I-I may have meant to order her…I mean I did intend to order her," I confessed, my mind a whirl of thoughts. I was feeling confused and even more guilty. I had thought we were all past this event. I thought I could put the past month behind me, but it seems I had not dealt with anything.

"It seems like you have been trying to deny a lot of your feelings," the Spaniard observed, looking me up and down. I said nothing, having no idea how to respond to his assertion. He was right, but I didn't want to agree with him either. I didn't want to admit to having screwed up even more than I originally had thought. I didn't want this man whom I looked to as a brother to look down on me. I didn't want him to continue to stare at me with such disappointment.

I looked down at the floor, rubbing my right hand on the back of my neck. I felt so frustrated suddenly and a bit lost. I was off kilter. I turned away from Eleazar and walked a few steps. I needed some distance, yet it seemed my brother was not going to give me that for he closed the space between us in less than a second.

"Carlisle, look at me," he ordered, and I let out a sigh before setting my gaze upon him. His face was stern, yet I noticed there was indecision in his eyes. That perplexed me, but before I could wonder anymore, the look was gone and replaced with determination.

"Do you remember the discussion we had back when you took a punishment too far with Emmett?" he questioned, and before I could even respond, he then asked, "Do you remember the discussion we had two years ago when you moved up here to get away from Forks?"

Butterflies suddenly fluttered all over my stomach as I gave a single nod. I clearly remembered both conversations, and not just because of vampire memory. I remembered both with startling clarity as both conversations had taken place after both times I had been disciplined by my wife. Both times I had confessed to the elder man how I had messed up, and both times I had endured quite thorough tongue lashings. In addition, I had also been told to consider myself lucky that Esme had handled my punishment before being warned that if I ever harmed my family directly or indirectly again that he would be the one to take me in hand and the results would be far from pleasant.

"You remember what I promised you?" Eleazar pressed, and I unconsciously found myself shaking my head.

"Eleazar," I faintly began to speak, but he waved a hand, halting my words as he firmly said, "Carlisle, do you remember?"

A lump formed in my throat, keeping me from speaking as I gave a very reluctant nod.

"Good," he replied putting both hands on my shoulders, "then you understand what is going to happen and why."

I swallowed the lump, panic surging through me as I shook my head before saying, "Eleazar, no, you don't have to"—

"I warned you, hermanito," he interjected sternly, while at the same time giving my shoulders a gentle squeeze.

"El," I nearly pleaded, "it's not necessary, I remember your warnings quite clearly but I don't think this is one of those times. I don't think I"—

"You don't think you harmed your family?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, finally letting go of my shoulders. "Please explain."

My mind raced rapidly, going over everything that had happened and trying to come up with some sort of response and/or defense on my behalf, but I could come up with nothing. My stomach sank as I realized I had caused my family harm, and that Eleazar had warned me of what would happen if I did this again. I suppose I never actually thought he would follow through on his threat as he'd threatened me several times in the past.

Eleazar continued to stare at me with a raised eyebrow, and when I failed to give him an explanation, he just nodded his head, understanding crossing his expression as he gave me a clap on the shoulder.

"You still don't have to do this," I had to say, "I mean I'd really prefer if you didn't." I felt very childish at my protests, but I somehow found myself unable to keep my mouth closed. This was Eleazar, and somehow I felt it was okay that I protested.

"I'm sure you do," he spoke with a slight smile on his face, "but I am not your wife, Carlisle. I am your older brother, so this will not be an open discussion. This will not be a debate. You messed up and now you will pay the price."

I frowned deeply before thoughtlessly snapping, "You can't force me, Eleazar, you are not my father, and I will fight you."

I had expected Eleazar to become angry or for him to back off, but he simply crossed his arms and calmly responded, "You are correct, Carlisle, I am not your father and I would hope that you'd be thankful for that." I grimaced at his words, a sudden rush of shame flooding through me. He was right. I was very glad he wasn't my father…but that hadn't been the point I was trying to make. I was aiming to let him know he hadn't the right to punish me, but he had to have known that.

"As for fighting me," he continued just as calmly, "If you feel that strongly, then I will not force this punishment on you. I have no desire to force you to submit to me. I am not an abusive man. I love you, mi hermano querido."

My eyes widened at his words, caught off guard. I hadn't expected him to give up so easily, and somehow I now felt very guilty for my heated words. Truthfully, I had no intention of fighting him, not just because I knew he was a better fighter, but also because I had no desire to hurt him either physically or emotionally. I loved him too.

"I apologize," I hurried to say in open honesty, "I would never fight you. I love you as well."

Eleazar smiled at me and said, "I know." Shame and embarrassment continued to course through me as I considered how childish I was acting. I stood there awkwardly now, not quite sure what to say or do at this point. My brother seemed to understand me, as always for he then said, "I leave the choice to you, Carlisle, but know this, if you decide to accept punishment, then there is no going back."

I groaned internally, now knowing that my fate was in my hands. Somehow I think it would have been easier to have been forced. At least he wasn't having me ask for it as Esme would have. Then again, I wouldn't have asked for it at this time no matter what guilt I felt at my actions. Interestingly enough, that thought caused me to feel even more guilt and embarrassment. The choice was obvious. I knew what I'd done. I knew I'd royally screwed up. I'd gone overboard with my children's punishments, most especially with Rosalie and Alice. I knew I deserved to be punished, but I didn't want it. My mind quickly flashed to my childhood, but instead of standing in front of my father I was standing in front of my best friend James's father, Arthur. He was reprimanding me for my temper causing me to get into a fight. I had really hurt the other boy and Arthur had not been pleased with me. Needless to say once Arthur was through with me I had felt very sorry for what I'd done, and I was nursing a very sore bottom.

I knew I'd made my decision, so now all that was left for me to let Eleazar know. I couldn't find it in me to say the words though, so like a boy instead of simply telling him of my decision outright, I did it indirectly when I stated in a small voice, "I really don't want to be punished, El."

His sympathetic smile was proud and understanding as he walked towards me and threw an arm around my shoulder.

"Good," he remarked, "It wouldn't be effective if you wanted it."

I huffed, giving him a mild glare when he chuckled softly. This conversation was rather surreal as I found myself on the receiving end of words I so often told my troublesome brood.

"So here is what is going to happen," he began to speak, his tone more serious, "We are going to return home, pack some items and then head out for a little brotherly bonding. I will allow you some time to speak with Esme, and I will leave it up to you whether to tell her what is going to happen or not. Understood?"

I resisted the urge to let out a groan as I responded, "I understand." He smiled in response, looking far too happy for my liking before we both took off for home. When we arrived I headed off immediately to speak with Esme while Eleazar headed off in the direction of Carmen. The Denali sisters were gone along with all my daughters on some excursion or another. I was thankful Esme and Carmen weren't with them, but also curious. With some embarrassment, I realized they both must have known what sort of conversation we were having, and were waiting for us to see in what way they could help. I was just glad my sons were out as well right now because I had no desire for them and their endless curiosity. Not to mention I didn't need Edward reading Eleazar's mind. He didn't know how to block my son yet as he'd never felt the need to try.

I walked into the room Esme and I were sharing, and felt instant relief when my wife greeted me with a warm hug. I returned it wholeheartedly, soaking in her comfort.

"What's wrong, Carlisle?" she questioned concernedly, pulling away enough so that she could look me in the eyes. "Did your talk with Eleazar not turn out well?"

"Depends on what you consider well," I remarked drily, and her brow furrowed in confusion.

I sighed wearily before deciding to just be blunt. It wasn't as though she was unaware of the brotherly relationship Eleazar and I had; and it wasn't as though she didn't know the threats he had issued me either. There was very little I kept from my wife, and that was one of them. Having already been spanked twice by this woman I found myself more embarrassed by the fact that I had earned myself a hiding by my brother rather than that fact that the punishment would be a spanking.

"Eleazar has decided to make good on the promise he gave me two years ago," I informed her grimly, and her eyebrows immediately rose in surprise and worry.

"He's going to spank you?" she gasped, pulling my hands into hers.

I gave a dismal nod and bowed my head. She responded by holding the back of my neck in one hand and caressing my hair in the other. She offered her comfort for several minutes before she asked, "Do you need me to speak with him? I could set him straight."

I abruptly pulled away, giving her a look of surprise. Her jaw was set and she looked rather determined, and I entertained the idea of agreeing briefly before banishing the thought from my head. I'd fully earned my punishment, and it would be cowardly to send my wife to argue on my behalf.

"No, of course not, Esme," I responded, giving her an appreciative smile nonetheless. "As difficult as I find this, I did earn it."

"Oh darling," she spoke sadly, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Are you sure about this? Despite Eleazar's promise, you don't have to accept his punishment whether you feel it justified or not", she informed me, pausing momentarily before then adding, "and if you do feel it is justified I could help you out as I have before."

Groaning internally, I shook my head emphatically. "It is justified, and I have the feeling it would be best if Eleazar dealt with this." My talk with him had filled me with an over abundance of guilt, and I somehow knew that my dear brother would be harder on me than my wife; also, I found myself realizing that the thought of being spanked by Eleazar was much less humiliating than being spanked by Esme. Although…

"Eleazar will handle this," I stated, "however, I know I have terribly wronged you, so if afterwards you feel I am deserving of more punishment, I would submit." This idea was horrifying, but more than deserved unfortunately. I had once more betrayed the trust of my loving wife. I had used my authority to tie her hands so that I could do what I wanted.

"Wronged me?" Esme questioned, looking completely perplexed. "What would make you say such a thing? You have done no such"—

I cut her off with a finger to her lips, and a knowing look on my face. "You're lying, my love," I simply stated. I couldn't understand how I hadn't noticed this before, but then I realized this was the first time I admitted doing this. Esme would never have mentioned it to me, and that bothered me immensely. I was suddenly very grateful to Eleazar for bringing this issue to light.

She pursed her lips for a few seconds staring me straight in the eyes. I knew she was looking to see if I could handle what was about to be said. I stared straight back, my own eyes letting her know that I wanted—no, I needed nothing but the truth. Nodding her head, she looked down momentarily while letting out a sigh. She released her hold on me and walked a few paces away from me. I waited with fake patience.

"We've known each other for many years, Carlisle," she began to say, "and because of that I feel I know you better than I know myself. I understood completely what was going through your mind the night you ordered me to not interfere. I knew the abject fear you were feeling, and I knew the fury and hurt that was burning in your heart." I listened without interruption, somehow not surprised by her words. As she knew me so well, I knew her just as well; however, I unfortunately could be pigheaded and purposefully blind to those feelings.

"Despite my understanding," she continued, some heat entering her tone, "I openly admit to being hurt and furious myself." She looked me full in the eyes as she then said, "The children betrayed your trust; well, you betrayed my trust." I felt a sharp pain in my chest at her admission, having expected her to say this yet still not prepared to hear it. "You did not trust me at all to help you, or to even know what to do in such a situation. So many times you've insisted that you trusted me completely in dealing with our children, but you displayed none of that. You completely shut me out. Not only that, you ordered me not to interfere." There was full on anger and hurt in her words and face now.

I opened my mouth to respond, but ended up closing it after a moment when all I could think to say was profuse apologies and promises to never do it again. Esme knew I was sorry. She knew I would promise to never treat her in such a way again; however, with much sadness I was realizing that this was a promise I wasn't sure I could keep, and judging by the expression adorning Esme's face she knew this as well. A painful lump formed in my throat as I attempted to process this revelation. I couldn't promise my own wife, the love of my life that I wouldn't hurt her in this way again, and I wasn't sure how to deal with that.

My eyes stayed trained on hers, and I saw both understanding and resignation. This wasn't right. She shouldn't have to resign herself to my shortcoming—to my failure.

I swallowed heavily, finally finding my voice. "I wish I could promise you that I wouldn't ever treat you like this again, love," I admitted sorrowfully, "but I can't. I can't promise that I will always consult with you regarding a punishment, or that I won't override what you want. I can't promise you this as I have so many times before because I think we've both come to realize that this is a promise I am unable to manage."

Esme nodded her head in agreement.

"I will promise you, though," I continued to speak, "that I will try my damndest to treat you with the respect and trust you are more than deserving of. I trust you with my life, and I trust you with the children's lives, but…" I trailed off, biting my lower lip as I pondered whether I should continue with this train of thought, and if so, how to phrase it.

"But," my wife prodded with an encouraging look.

"You have led a sheltered life," I began delicately, deciding to quicken my explanation at her incredulous look. "I do not refer to your human life. I would never presume to minimize the pain you suffered then. What I mean is that since I turned you, I have sheltered you from the horrors of our world as much as I have sheltered any of the children."

Esme's incredulous look vanished to be replaced with a contemplative frown. She was clearly intrigued by what I was saying.

"I know I have explained to you many of my experiences prior to coming to the States, and I have explained to you about the Volturi, but to be honest, no amount of explanation is sufficient. You have not had my experiences. You have not seen how cruel and horrifying our world can be. Yes, you've been exposed some to the dangers of the Volturi because of what Edward, Alice, and Bella went through, but…" I once more trailed off, letting out a harsh sigh as I rubbed the back of my neck. No longer looking at Esme I continued speaking before she could say anything.

"These are excuses I know, and they do not entirely excuse my behavior, but I need you to at least somewhat understand my reasoning." I finally fell silent and looked by towards my wife. Her brow was furrowed as she no doubt processed what I had said.

"You're right that your explanation doesn't excuse your actions," she suddenly declared, "but you're also right that I have truly not experienced much of the dark side of the world we live in. You have protected our family more than I have realized, and I can't help but love you more for that." She sported a soft smile as she closed the gap between us. "I'm still hurt," she added honestly, "and I'm not happy with your inability to promise that you will not treat me like this again, but I understand. I truly understand your reasoning, but don't expect me to be happy about it. I will not stop calling you out and getting angry and frustrated when you dismiss and ignore my thoughts. Despite whatever arguments or problems we may get into, though," she stated, "my love for you will never change. You and the children are my life, and we are stuck with each other through all the good and all the bad."

Warmth spread through me at her words, a soft smile adorning my face as I pulled her in for a loving kiss. Pulling her into a tight embrace then, I whispered a fervent thank you into her hair before we broke apart. "You are my rock," I declared strongly. "You keep me grounded, and I am more than happy for you to fight me…although it may not seem like it at the time," I finished with some humor. She let out a snort before gazing at me with serious eyes.

"You're determined to go through with Eleazar's punishment?" she questioned, and my stomach twisted at the reminder before I gave her a firm nod. "I am." She gave her own nod before I then explained how Eleazar had decided he and I go on a little trip for a couple days where he would then take care of the punishment.

She was quiet for several moments, and I could see that she was thinking something over. "Very well," she murmured before straightening. "While you pack I am going to speak to Eleazar."

"Esme," I sighed, "Please do not try and stop this."

"I'm not," she replied. "I just plan to issue a warning that he will have to deal with me should he harm you in any way." Her face was serious and her eyes determined. I was touched by her sudden protectiveness, and decided there was no use in trying to stop her; so I just gave an understanding nod, suddenly sporting an amused smile at the thought of my sweet wife threatening Eleazar. The man could handle my temper, but I knew he wouldn't be able to handle my wife's as easily.

A/N: