A/N: Happy Mother's Day to any of my mommy readers out there. I'm spending it just hanging out with my tot and husband. Hope you all have a great day.

There will be another time jump after this chapter. I'm going by each son being around 20 when the next generation is born. I know that that wouldn't always work but it's how it's going for my story. After all, Charlie was around that age when he and Renee had Bella. Carlisle was turned in 1663, so 100 years later it would have been 1763. Samuel would have been 103 if he had still been alive and as prime were notorious to not really live passed their 60's back then, you can see why I say his great great great grandson. It also would have been just before the revolution. Just thought you'd like to know. Lol.

also I removed the paragraph from chapter 6 ablut a vision Alice has about Garrett finding his mate. It doesn't fit where I'm going and so I needed to remove it. So there is nothing about Garrett's mate in the story until the next time I add it. So just forget that part of you read the original chapter 6.

Chapter Ten

Bella

As I travel down the driveway I've only driven once so far, my thoughts move forward towards the bonfire this evening. I'm looking forward to hearing about the pack and what they have to tell me. Although I'm also looking forward to looking at the items Carlisle has in those boxes. When Jasper left this morning to go hunting he told me he'd get back in time for the bonfire and to have fun with Carlisle. He also said as I'm family now I can just walk right in, so that's what I do.

No sooner am I past the threshold than Esme is in front of me.

"Good morning Bella. Are you hungry? Anything to drink?" Her enthusiasm to take care of me makes me miss my mom and I have to fight back the tears that threaten.

"Thanks Esme but I'm fine. Maybe later?"

"Certainly dear. Carlisle is in the dining room, come on." She leads me back to the same room Carlisle had his boxes in Tuesday and I move to stand next to him. He's already pulled out several of the smaller items and is in the process of unwrapping an amethyst vase that looks incredible.

"Hello Bella. I'm glad you came. I was just pulling out some of this stuff so you could see it better. A lot of it is things I've collected through my travels, like this piece here," he says indicating the vase in his hands. "Then there are the few items I bought in that estate sale. How about I tell you what I found out about my family that day."

"I think I'd like that." As he pulls out another article from the box he is currently emptying he tells me about what he found.

"As you know I went back about a century after my 'death' because I learned there would be an estate sale under the family name of Cullen. My great great great grandson and his father and grandfather all had decided they wanted to travel to the colonies and so they hired a solicitor to sell all the items they couldn't take with them and they used that money for a new home and ship fare.

"By this point Samuel and my grandson had already passed as, naturally, had Anne. I merely wanted to see if there had been any items from our time together but when I found out why it was all being sold I decided to buy everything so they could have the money. I paid a lot more than what was being asked for but it was worth it, to help my family follow their dreams. I couldn't help raise any of them, I never even saw them, but it felt good to do something for them.

"So some of the items I purchased were merely things that had been added after I was gone, nothing I would remember. I did find a few items that I recognized though. My father being a clergyman wasn't frivolous so there wasn't anything of his but two of my his books. His bible," he says pointing towards an embossed gold and black book.

"And then this one," he said while picking up a nondescript black leather bound book. "This one was one of his most prized possessions. There are only four of them in the world now- five if you count this one, but no one knows I have it. It's a book on how to find, hunt; punish and even execute witches and warlocks. It was written in 1460 in the medieval courts of the Dukes of Burgubdy. According to my father these courts were one of the most powerful, interesting and strangest of the European courts of that time.

"It is called the 'Invectives Against the Sect of Waldensians'. The University of Alberta found one not too long ago but, unlike this copy, it was missing some of the more valuable pages. I can't remember how many times I saw my father reading this book. If only he had known the true nature of witches. Maybe then he wouldn't have worried about hunting them down and killing them. Then there was the cross he carved by hand- that is in my study and if we can I'll show it to you today or we can leave it until later.

"I also found my wedding band and Anne's," with that he picks up two rings from the table. They are both made of gold, his has the words 'be constant' engraved inside the band and looks only slightly worse for wear- while Anne's has a small ruby heart and looks as if it has never been removed from the finger it sat upon. It makes me wonder if Anne ever remarried. Or if she loved Carlisle enough to stay a single mother for the rest of her days. Both of them are extremely simple, what one might expect of a clergyman's son and his wife.

"I didn't find out much about Anne or Samuel. The solicitor didn't know anything about the family, just that Bradford- my great great great grandson- wanted the items sold so he could travel to the colonies. So I still don't know about their lives. I never met Bradford either. He let the solicitor handle everything.

"Anyway. I also found a couple an Anne's books. There's a book about life after becoming a Christian by John Bunyon and a cook book written by the Chef Robert May. They're rather old and weren't well kept though so unfortunately reading them is out of the question as they'd fall apart." I look at the table where he points. Moving to them I gently lift the cover of one, noting it's a first edition. It's probably worth a lot of money. It's amazing that he still has them.

"Then, as I said, there are a lot of things from my travels. Feel free to look around and in the boxes I haven't emptied yet. Any questions just ask. Then maybe I can look at your stitches and see if they can come out today? Usually ones in your hand don't need to stay in any more than five to ten days." I nod and he goes back to removing items from the boxes.

I start with what is on the table already first. There were beautiful pieces of jewelry, vases and goblets and urns. He even had a silver and guided bronze antique chess set he said was from Italy in the 20th century. There were also more books, so many books. All first editions. From the Bronte sisters to Edgar Allen Poe. Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. He had artifacts from the revolution and each war after and I wondered how many where gifts from Garret.

There were so many things here and it really put in perspective how old Carlisle truly is. When we finish in the dining room he leads me to his study. Here there are pictures and portraits of all sorts of people, friends he made along the way and has kept in touch with. Family pictures and he points out Edward to me. He's handsome. Not as handsome as Jazz though. He has the same golden eyes, bronze hair and a smile of laughter on his face- as if someone behind the camera had told him a joke or something. He certainly doesn't look like he might kill me. Turning from his picture I look at the portraits.

There are several, but there is one in the middle though that draws my eye. In it are four men. The one in the background is clearly Carlisle. The other three look like royalty in the way they carry themselves. The two black haired men look young, nineteen and perhaps mid-twenties. While the white haired one looks to be in his forties. It is hard to tell what with the ethereal beauty I've noticed comes with all vampires.

"That is the three brothers. The Volturi. Aro, Caius and Marcus. Though they aren't truly related. They formed the Volturi between 1200 to 1100 B.C. and strove to take over the rule of our world. They defeated the Romanians after fighting them for a century and have ruled ever since. Although it would seem they aren't what they once were, what with the addendum to the law about telling humans, but I'll believe that when I see it. Some consider them ruthless, but I feel to govern a race like our you have to be. We are violent by our very natures. It takes a great deal of perseverance to be like me. To respect human life and to not take it indiscriminately like most of our kind."

"So why do they call themselves brothers if they aren't related?"

"Because they are a brotherhood. Technically Aro and Marcus are brother in laws. Marcus is married and mated to Aro's sister Didyme. But they aren't blood related."

"I guess that makes sense. How old are they?"

"Millenia. No one knows for sure. Each was born around 1300 to 1350 B.C. Caius was in his forties when he was changed, Aro around his mid-twenties and Marcus at nineteen. I don't know about the wives. I didn't interact with them very often. I was more interested in the archives and found myself down there often, with Marcus- that is when he wasn't with his wife. He loves her fiercely."

Wow. I can't believe it. To have lived that long? How does one do it. I look around the rest of the room and take in the many tapestries he has hanging from the walls. I also see the cross he told me about. It's simple, yet beautiful all the same. I only hope I can live so long as to see the wonders he has.

He has seen revolutions, he has seen this world's advances, he has seen many famous people come and go. When I think of the many things Carlisle has probably been a part of it boggles my mind. I'm about to ask him about one particular tapestry, a lovely silk Persian made from a myriad of colors, when Jasper walks in freshly showered and looking scrumptious in a pair of jeans and a long sleeve white Henley shirt.

This of course makes me realize how late it is. It's past lunch time and I never ate. Which is emphasized by my stomach rumbling loudly. This of course draws the eyes of both men to me and I simply smile.

"Sorry, I was so fascinated by everything I didn't even consider eating."

"That's alright darlin'. I figured you'd have a good time, come on. Esme is actually making you up something now. We still have a few hours until we have to leave and I need a break from Peter and his constant bitching about our diet. It's all in good fun but it becomes annoying at times." Laughing I take his outstretched hand and let him lead me into the kitchen where I take a seat at the island while Esme puts the finishing touches on a delightful looking sandwich.

Smiling she sets it in front of me with a glass of milk and I dig in. We're all silent for a while before Esme breaks the silence.

"So what did you think of all Carlisle's things? Quite the collection he has huh? That's not even half of it though. A lot of it was sold to antiquities dealers or museums a while back, some of it he keeps in a storage unit that keeps it safe and well ventilated. Then there's the currency he keeps in several banks around the globe. We don't brag, but we're all quite well to do."

"How do you all do it? Live so long? Doesn't it get tedious after a while?"

"Not really no. Time flies a lot quicker than you think it does. Fifty years can seem like one when you're immortal." I nod. I guess it makes sense. After all what is time when you don't really have to worry about it?

After that Carlisle looks at my hand and determines my stitches should stay in at least another few days. I'm disappointed but I'm used to it. I am accident prone after all.

Jasper

Alice walks in just after Carlisle checks Bella's stitches, I could feel her disappointment that they weren't ready to come out but I'd prefer her hand to be healed completely then jump the gun, and Bella asks a question I hadn't even thought about.

"Alice, what story did you give the townspeople as to why you're living here now?" Alice just came back from her waitressing shift and the brown contacts she uses have already started to dissolve giving Bella a glimpse of what vampire venom can do, though she doesn't know it yet.

"Oh that was easy, I'm a long lost cousin of Esme's, they didn't know about me and I wanted to get to know them before I told them who I was. I've been here two more weeks then you have been and so they bought it. They think I just now introduced myself and that the Cullens naturally wanted to get to know me more and moved me in. They really do have a romantic nature don't they?"

Bella nods. She's already seen how quickly the people of Forks are willing to accept people and their stories. With Alice's presence it means it's time for us to go.

"Are you coming too Alice?"

"I wouldn't miss it Bella." The way Alice says this makes me think there's more to things than she's letting on. My suspicions are confirmed when she grabs me as we're on our way to the cars.

"I can't see the pack Jasper. I've never been able to see the Guardians. I don't know why. So if something goes wrong tonight, like with the volatile pack members, I won't be able to warn you ahead of time so be prepared."

"Thanks for letting me know Alice. It's a good thing Peter isn't going, he'd quickly make things worse with his sarcastic remarks and his goading."

"That's why I sent him on a little errand."

"Oh?"

"Yep. He's gone to Port Angeles with Charlotte to get Bella something pretty for your date Sunday. Charlotte was more than happy to oblige and of course Peter had no choice."

"Why you sly thing you. I think I'm going to learn to like you a lot Alice."

"Don't make me blush Jasper." And then she skips off laughing as she goes. Smart ass. We can't blush.

We make it to the Res in one piece and pull up to Billy Black's place. The bonfires for the pack are usually held in the back in his meadow like backyard. When we round the corner of the house the pack and elders are all already there. The pack imprints setting up the food on tables on one side of the fire that's already going. As we walk up Sam rises and comes to greet us. Holding out his hand he takes Bella's in his.

"Hello Bella. Nice to see you again."

"You as well Sam."

"Are you ready to hear our story?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." He takes her arm in his and reluctantly I relinquish my hold on her to the pack alpha. While he's not the true alpha, he's taken on the role and Jake has stepped to the side. He's just a kid and doesn't want that responsibility. Sam is suited to be alpha. He's strong and wise. He runs the pack the way he sees fit without interference from the elders- he swiftly made sure they understood he would have the ultimate say so on everything as it was the pack that would be doing the protecting, they had the right to add input but if Sam didn't agree with it it wouldn't be taken.

He helps her sit on a log where his imprint Emily is seated. I forgot to warn Bella about Emily's scars but she takes them in her stride and doesn't make the girl uncomfortable at all. She merely asks what happened and when Sam tells her the truth she simply nods and doesn't say another word about it. I feel for her emotions and I feel that she's not upset, which is a good thing. Judging Sam for the accident wouldn't have endeared her to Emily at all. I move to take a seat next to her but am beaten by the young pup Seth. In no time he has her laughing and I have to content myself to sitting in the dirt at her feet. Not that I mind.

Soon everyone has taken a seat and hotdogs are being roasted over the fire and I watch Bella as she takes in the amount of food consumption the pack goes through in one sitting. She's astonished of course. She leans forward so her hair brushes against my upturned face and stage whispers, "do they always eat this much? How do they fit all that in their stomachs?" Sam answers before I can.

"We have a high metabolism. Our bodies run hotter than a human's normal 98.6. So we have to eat a lot and sleep a lot. And I'll tell you now, we don't eat just human food. Sometimes we'll take down deer or things like that in wolf form."

"So you hunt like wolves? That's kind of cool."

"So you don't have issue with that?"

"Why should I? The only difference between you and me is I would cook my meat."

"True. So now we've all eaten, how about you start the story Billy?"

Bella turns to Billy, Jake's father, as he begins to recite their history. She's leaned forward her chin against my head, her hair curtained around my face. I can feel her excitement as Billy tells us about Taha Aki and Utlapa. How Taha Aki shared the wolf's body. I felt her sadness about the loss of the two girls and her anger at the cold man murdering them and the cold woman's destruction of the village in her revenge. I can feel her pride at the third wife's sacrifice and her sadness again at Taha Aki's reaction to losing the woman he loved.

Then Billy and Carlisle told everyone about the original treaty and meeting between Carlisle and Ephraim Black. As the story moves to the current pack- their individual stories, their abilities, everything that Sam can tell her about the pack and how they work- and the new treaty I get a feeling of anger.

I turn and see it's coming from Paul. He's glaring at us. His body shaking and I feel Emily shift beside me as she leans into Sam. She's noticed it too. Sam stops talking and the group falls silent. Sam stands and moves around the fire to stand between Paul and us, he leans and whispers to Paul who gets up, spits in our direction and runs off into the forest.

The group breaths a collective sigh of relief, even though Leah is looking at us just as angrily. Her body isn't shaking. Then Bella does the one thing I never even considered.

"Leah isn't it? Look Leah. I can see you're mad about something, why don't you tell us what it is? I've not done anything to you, nor have the Cullens. So why are you so angry?" Emily gasps beside me. Sam looks ready to jump across the fire to protect us but Leah just sneers and tells Bella just what she thinks.

"Because I don't like you. How can you stand to be with that cold dead thing? You know it's their fault we've phased? I'm the only female to ever become a wolf. I don't know if I'll ever find an imprint, if I'll ever have kids. Your leeches are the reason I don't have a period anymore. That I may be alone for the rest of my life, so yeah I'm angry. I have every right to be so!" Bella's quiet for a minute just staring at Leah. There's no pity in her expression, no anger, she's merely assessing.

"You said you don't have a period?"

"Yeah? What of it?"

"Sam. How many of your pack have imprints?"

"Just myself, Quil and Jared."

"So that leaves," she pauses, calculating the number in her head. "Six male wolves with no imprints. And none of them imprinted on Leah?"

"No."

"Did anyone think maybe she isn't having her period because she isn't ovulating?"

"Way to state the obvious leech lover." Paul had returned. He wasn't shaking anymore but he was clearly still angry.

"That's right I am a leech lover. I love him because he's my other half, perhaps when you find yours you won't be so angry." Before a single person can say another word Paul phases. Where there once was an angry sixteen year old boy, there was now a massive gray wolf. He snarled menacingly at Bella and I moved to stand when she lays her hand on my shoulder and shakes her head.

"No Jazz. If I'm to be a part of this world I have to learn to survive in it." She then stands and moves closer to the snarling wolf.

"Look Paul. I don't know why you're so angry. What did you lose in becoming a shifter? You still have your friends. You are stronger, faster, and can see and hear better than any normal human. You heal quickly. What is there to hate? Sure, your life is pretty much mapped out as long as you continue to phase and you probably won't have a choice in your mate but then again, neither did I. Neither did Sam. Do we seem unhappy? As for who caused you to phase if my understanding of that part of Billy's story is correct you have no one here to blame.

"Your ancestor was the cause. Had he not shared the wolf's body you would never have the shifter genes to begin with, so it would seem it's a matter of birth and genetics and not really outside forces. Sure vampires caused you to phase but you can't blame the Cullens for that nomad that passed through here. What if the Cullens hadn't returned? What if a nomad had decided to make camp here and use the forests and parks as its hunting ground for a while? You'd still have phased wouldn't you?

"So no. You can't blame the Cullens. As for Leah, I know I've not learned everything but the way Sam and Emily looked at you when you told me about your lot in this life I could see the guilt so clearly something happened there. Perhaps Sam was yours when Emily came around and he imprinted? In that case blame Peter and Charlotte because it was their visit that caused Sam to phase. Blame your genetics that tell you that you're not a match with Sam's genetics.

"And as I was about to say before Paul go angry and shifted, thanks by the way because now I don't have to ask to see what one of you look like as wolves, did anyone think that maybe her not ovulating is to protect her and the pack?" As Paul calms enough to phase back, completely uncaring of his nakedness next to my mate- which makes me wish to kill him- Sam turned to Bella confusion all over his face.

"What do you mean Bella?"

"What do you know about true wolf packs Sam?"

"A lot. I researched them to see how alike our pack might be to theirs. Why?"

"So you know only the alpha male and female mate in order to ensure the survival of the pack. To ensure only the strongest wolves are born."

"Of course but what does that have to do with Leah?"

"You guys said it yourselves, you imprint with the person most likely to be compatible with your genes and provide you with strong children. Ones that would carrying the shifter gene on. Look at dogs. Inbreeding causes some pups to be deformed, things like that. Now look at the fact that you're all part of a pack. That would mean you ALL have the same genes. Leah is related genetically to you in some way. Same as she is with the rest of the pack. So if she were to be in 'heat' and the other members of the pack were focused more on that then their true jobs, wouldn't that be an issue? Not only would it cause the pack to be divided but there would be the probability of inbreeding. The genetics wouldn't be strong in any offspring produced by Leah and a fellow pack member.

"So nature took care of it. By stopping her ovulation. I bet anything if she meets her true mate she'll start ovulating again because she'll be claimed and unavailable to the rest of the pack." Not a single person around this fire is any less stunned than the other. Here we had thought about this issue for weeks, months really since Leah phased and not a single person has even thought about the genetic side of things. Then in comes Bella, my Bella, and she slaps us in the face with the answer!

"Well I'll be damned. I never even considered that. Damn Leah I'm sorry! As alpha I should have considered all options. Guess it took an outsider to the situation to see things with a fresh perspective." Leah is simply sitting there stunned. I can feel the hope in her emotions. I hope for her sake Bella is right too.

"But why did I phase at all, especially when I'm the first female ever?"

"What does your family tree look like, Bella asks and that's when Sue steps.

"Dear God. Why didn't we see this! Leah, you and Seth have wolf genes from the Aterea, Uley and Black lines! You two are the only ones with three lines, everyone else has one or two. That's why! You were three times as likely to phase because of our family tree!"turning to Bella I smile.

"Damn darlin' anyone else's life you want to change in an immense way? I mean there's Carlisle's as he now has blood family in his life, mine as you're my mate and have made my life better already by just being here, now Leah's. You've given her hope for the first time in months." Just then Paul steps forward.

"And mine. The fact you stood in my face when I easily could have hurt you and put things in perspective for me like they hadn't been before. Thank you for that... Bella."

"Well I'll be damned." And the whole group laughed.