Disclaimer: All characters created by Stephenie Meyer from the Twilight series.

Edward posture stiffened next to Bella a moment before Alice burst into the room. Bella looked startled between the two as she examined their tense looks.

"The Volturi are coming in a half hour," she stated.

"Why? They know I've been changed," Bella replied, straightening up.

"I don't know, they're blocking me some how," Alice said with a grimace, the idea leaving a bad taste in her mouth. "A family meeting has been called." She turned and headed down the stairs. Edward looked grim as he stood and took Bella's hand firmly in his. Together, they entered the living room as Rosalie joined them, a few oil smudges on her fingers. It was the only time she allowed herself to get dirty.

"I changed the oil in your car, Bella," Rosalie said sounding unconcerned.

"Thanks, Rosalie." A year after Bella's change, Rosalie had slowly started to accept that Bella had willingly given up her humanity to join them.

"We have all convened to discuss Alice's latest vision," Carlisle announced, drawing in everyone's attention. "The Volturi will be here soon, but we don't know why because they are blocking their purpose for the visit."

"Carlisle, maybe it's a social call," Esme didn't sound convinced of her own words, but she looked sadly hopeful.

"I doubt it, when is that ever the reason?" Emmett answered for Carlisle who just nodded his head in agreement.

"And Aros wouldn't be coming if it was for social reasons," Edward added grimly.

"Until they have had their say, we will remain hospitable," Carlisle said giving Edward a pointed look. "Alice, can you see who all is coming?"

She shook her head sadly, "I can't tell for sure. I think I see Dmitri and Alec, but its difficult to tell. The images I'm getting are too blurry to tell. I only know that Aros is coming because the only clear vision I have is of him talking to Carlisle, but he wouldn't come without the guard."

"Why would Aros be coming here?" Esme asked quietly.

"Maybe the old bat is bored of Italy," Emmett suggested with a shrug.

"Emmett!" Esme scolded. Emmett had the courtesy to appear sheepish, but his comment had helped lighten the mood in the room enough for Jasper to regain control and calm everyone down. Suddenly, Edward growled as everyone started to catch the faint scent of the other vampires.

Alice's frown grew deeper. "They weren't supposed to get here for another fifteen minutes," she whispered. Jasper gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Let's meet them outside. Aros knows of Alice's power and would find it rude if we did not greet him upon arrival," Carlisle said, standing up. Slowly, everyone rose to head out onto the porch. Esme stopped and turned to Edward.

"Everything will be fine, just stay calm," Esme said but pleaded with Edward in her thoughts.

"Please don't do anything brave or stupid, Edward," Rosalie said as she passed him, heading out the door. Esme pursed her lips but didn't bother commenting as she followed her out.

"They're right, Edward," Bella told Edward gently. "I can take care of myself, I'm a big girl now."

"You've confused that with naivety." Bella rolled her eyes, but took his hand as she led him out. Edward followed with a sigh, joining the family as the Volturi broke from the woods.