Chapter 1

My secretary knocked on the door and after entering she said, "The Cullens are here. Shall I show them in?" I made some sort of affirmative gesture to her as I walked towards the mini bar. I had the strangest mini bar probably in the whole state. I had various types of alcohol, for both human and vampire clients, and I also had a blood bar. Human and animal blood depending on the client's diet.

Luckily, I had their files ready and on my desk, so after setting up the bar I returned to my desk, sat down, and waited. Security was important, so for appearances sake, the Cullens were being checked. A knock came and I said, "Enter." The door opened and the Cullens stepped in one by one. They had changed quite a bit since I last saw them. THey seemed to be more at ease with themselves, especially Jasper.

They were dressed differently as well. With Alice out of the picture for the time being, they no longer looked out of place. Jasper seemed the most comfortable, dressed in worn out dark blue jeans, cowboy boots, and dark green plaid shirt. Yet, he seemed hesitant, not even looking at me as he came into the room. As they all got a glimpse of me, shock registered on all of their faces but one: Emmett. He smiled and said, "It's good to see you again Bells."

I smiled and said, "Same to you Emmett." Rising from my chair, I walked to the bar and asked, "Anyone want anything? I have blood and I have the hard stuff." Carlisle and Esme said no, while Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper nodded and made their requests. Surprisingly, Jasper asked for a Jack and O positive. At my raised eyebrow all he said was, "I'll explain later darlin'." I nodded and made the requested drinks.

Once that was done, I resumed my seat and said, "I know that Aro recommended my firm to you based on our former relationship. What I must make clear to you all is that while I still care for you, you will get no special treatment from me or anyone in this firm. Is that clear?" They all nodded in agreement.

Carlisle asked, "So how did you meet Aro?" Smiling I said, "Well, when a human starts a law firm that had two well known vampire identities attached to it, the Volturi get curious. Not to worry, he knows everything and I am under his protection." Carlisle seemed to get even paler as he asked, "He knows everything?" "Yes Carlisle, he knows everything. Even things you don't."

Esme asked, "How is Charlie doing?" My smile vanished and a long lingering pain flared. Jasper's red eyes met mine as he felt it. Turning away slightly I said, "Charlie...is not well. He's actually one of the reason I asked Aro to arrange this meeting. Carlisle, I need your help." "Of course Bella, anything you need. What is wrong with him?"

Before I could reply, my intercom buzzed. When I flipped it on, my secretary said, "Ms. Hale, the vehicles you requested have arrived and are waiting in the private parking garage for you." "Thank you Mary. Before I leave, could you reschedule any other appointments I have? Also, have Peter come by my house later tonight. Last, call Jacob and have him and his men rum a perimeter around my place and tell him that the Cullens are coming with me. After that, go home for the day."

"Yes ma'am." Flipping the intercom off, I turned back and said, "This is not the place to talk. Too many human employees. Let me change and we can head someplace safe to talk. By the way, do y'all have a place to stay yet?"

Carlisle said, "Actually, we don't. I never actually thought to purchase property here." "Well y'all can stay with me. I have plenty of room believe me." Looking at the others, they seemed to silently discuss it for a few minutes before Carlisle said, "We'd be honored to join you in your home." "Great, give me a few minutes to change and we'll head out."

Heading to my private bathroom, I quickly changed out of my court clothes and into my tight black hip hugger jeans, a green long sleeved shirt, my black leather jacket and my black cowboy boots. Redoing my braid, I stepped out and said, "Follow me."

We walked out of my office and got in the elevator to the private parking for my firm. As we rode down, Jasper asked, "Where did the Whitlock come from darlin'? The only person that I know by that name is.." "Peter? Yeah, he works for me. He was in law school with me and helped me get the firm started. Jasper, has he always been such a cryptic bastard?" Chuckling, he said, "Since the day I met and turned him sugar."

Rosalie asked, "Why do you use Hale Bella?" Hesitant, I said, "Hale is actually my legal name now. I only use Swan as a part of the firm, and to keep a piece of the past with me." Jasper, looking concerned asked, "Why the name change?" "It's all a part of my story." A few minutes later, the elevator stopped and we stepped into the garage. Going around the corner, I spotted the vehicles I had ordered special.

Going to the box on top of one car, I grabbed the pile of keys inside and turned back to the Cullens. Tossing a set to Carlisle, "The Mercedes is yours Doc. Top of the line and newest model out there." Tossing another set to both Rose and Emmett, I said, "The Jeep and BMW convertible are y'alls. Enjoy." Grabbing the last two sets of keys, I tossed one to Jasper, "The black on is your Jasper."

He twirled the keys as he walked to the 2012 Ducati. He smirked and asked, "How did you know darlin'?" Smirking back I said, "A little bird told me. Now the GPS will take you to the first place we need to go, so just follow it. Let's go." Emmett shouted from the Jeep, "Can you keep up Bella?" Smirking I asked, "Can you?"

Hearing a chuckle from Jasper as I revved the engine of my own black and blood red Ducati, I put my helmet on and pulled out of the garage, Jasper and the others close behind. Our first stop: the private hospital run and staffed by the Volturi.

It was time for the truth to come out...