-1Leftovers

Carlisle POV

With Bella now taken care of, it was time to see what to do about the left over guard members. I hated for lives to be lost but as a leader you know sometimes you have to makes choices that you don't like to make for the greater good.

I had decided that if those few who were left were not willing to stop feeding on humans and didn't want to leave Volterra, I would be forced to lock them up as prisoners who refused to obey the law.

I would feed them but it would be animal blood. If they were willing to give up the lifestyle they had been living and do things in a more humane way I would allow them to live freely but I would keep an eye on them.

I asked the family to meet with myself and those few who were left. I tried very hard not to make any decisions without my family.

Edward searched their minds while Jasper read their emotions as I questioned them about how they wanted to live. Jasper would be able to detect any deceptive emotion they would have as Edward would be able to know if they were lying verbally.

When I had questioned them all, I sent them to their chambers. Renata agreed to change her diet and serve me. Chelsea and Heidi agreed to the same.

I knew it would take awhile but I was sure they could change if they really wante to do so. I let them know they would not use their powers unless instructed to do so under no circumstances. I would not allow them to play the sick and twisted games as Aro did.

Finally, I could relax and unwind for awhile. Edward had assigned himself to see to it that Bella was taken care of and that her needs were met.

I found myself still amazed at his reaction to her. It is my belief as well as Esme's that our first son has found his mate after nearly and century of being alone.

Edward POV

I could hardly believe the way things had turned out. My father had been made ruler fo the vampire world and we no longer had to live in fear but most of all I was surprised to have found my mate.

I was furious when I had gone down to the dungeon and found that beautiful creature locked up and starving. I had never been hit with the urge to kill so badly in my life as I was when I was able to read her mind. If Aro hadn't been dead I would have killed him myself for taking a young woman like Bella to use as a weapon.

Though her eyes were red and she was feral when we found her didn't matter to me. I felt the pull instantly. I knew she was meant for me. I knew it even more after she had been fed and was calmer. I was the only one she would let get near her physically.

I have spent the past few hours with her talking and getting to know her. Fortunately for me, she is allowing me to read her mind still. Either that or she doesn't know how to control her shield. I am not complaining though.

She is still leery of course but I can be patient and wait as long as she needs me to, to become comfortable in her new skin and with her new life.