Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I just can't resist spending obsessive amounts of time in her world.

AN: Thank you to everyone who is reading and reviewing, especially Kyles02, berdb and oxymoron8 who keep coming back to read and review and always make me smile.

A few people have been asking for a chapter from Bella's POV and some of you are wondering about the true nature of Fred and Bella's relationship. I thought I'd give it a try, but it has proved very difficult as Bella knows too much and kept trying to give away plot twists. Eventually I got there and I hope it's okay. So here it is, Bella introducing you to Fred...

xxx

9: Your presence still lingers here

BPOV

Fred and I headed up the hill towards the Acropolis at a meandering human pace. We had talked for hours in preparation for our daughter's invasion into our minds. Fred was relaxed, unconcerned as always. I was anxious, over thinking as always. I looked at Fred and he smiled easily at me, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

Fred was such an important part of my afterlife. My rock. My partner. I was really hoping that our relationship would survive this unchanged. Every part of me had been on high alert since we caught our first sight of the Cullens facing Maria's army. I felt that everything that Fred and I had built together was teetering on a precipice. One thing I'd known for sure was that the Cullens could potentially destroy my happiness again, this time by arriving rather than by leaving.

I contemplated how fantastically lucky I was to have Fred. His amazing appearance was only eclipsed by his kind, strong nature. There were three sides to Fred. The facade he projected to most of the world was aloof, stony even. He was able to keep his personality as invisible as he was able to keep every other part of him. He didn't give anyone the benefit of the doubt; if he didn't know you, he didn't give anything away. Once he'd decided, it was difficult to sway him. If you were lucky enough to gain his respect, he was kind, loyal and generous. If you crossed him, you risked exposing his deadly side; the fearsome vampire warrior. I loved every different side of him.

We'd spent the last few hours talking about our individual pasts and our hopefully mutual future. We'd known much of it before today, from stories already told, from snippets of our pasts that we'd already shared and from implications and suggestions we'd made over the seventeen years we'd known each other. But we had never discussed his full history chronologically and completely openly before. As I had listened to Fred's story, at times my heart broke for him and in other moments it swelled. If I had any tears to cry, they would have fallen for him and when he'd finished I loved him even more.

Alfred Stanley Taylor was born on 12th December 1812 in Alexandria, Louisiana. Most of his human life had been relatively sheltered. He worked hard, helping to support his family from a young age and married his childhood sweetheart Katherine in 1830 when they were both 18. Their daughter Louisa arrived almost exactly a year later. He'd been content. As he was telling me about his human family I began to tense, knowing that they couldn't have had the happy ending that they deserved.

Everything changed for Fred after he got involved in a street brawl in 1835. The result of this incident was arrested and his whole family stood to lose everything. As he recounted these events, I could sense that he blamed himself for everything that happened in the chain reaction that fight had started.

A group of volunteer soldiers called the Greys had been passing through Alexandria, on their way from New Orleans to join the Texan Revolution. They had witnessed the fight and were impressed with Fred's combat skills. They drafted him to join them, offering him a way to avoid the charges against him and therefore avoid his punishment, thus protecting his family and sending home a regular wage. He jumped at the chance to redeem himself.

The last few months of Fred's human life had been very violent. He'd fought at the Alamo, and should by all rights have died in the massacre when the Mexican army destroyed the Texan defenders, including most of the New Orleans Greys. As a human he'd had no idea how he'd survived that particular battle, but on reflection once changed, he realised that it was probably an echo of his future gift that saved him. He went on to fight at the battle of San Jancito. This was the battle that ultimately ended the war, leaving the Texans victorious with a relatively small loss of life on their side this time. Unfortunately Fred was one of the unlucky few and his human life ended that day.

It was fairly common practice for vampires to haunt battle fields. It was a good way for them to gorge themselves on blood without raising suspicion. Fred was caught by a vampire he didn't even see coming, so his subconscious had no time to react by using his gift to hide him. As he felt the teeth slice into his neck and the pain of the venom spreading, his gift had fully sprung up, in a too late attempt to protect him. He had vanished; his scent, his taste, his appearance, all gone. The effect had only lasted a few seconds, but had caused the vampire to desist from feeding in surprise. This vampire quickly realised how potentially gifted Fred was, so instead of continuing to drain him, he allowed the venom to spread through Fred's body, changing him.

Fred's experience as a newborn had been violent and bloody. He skimmed over his initial vampire years quickly, resuming his full story after he had started to wander alone. He had managed to hold onto his human memories of his wife and daughter and desperately wanted to return to them. He spent a few more years working on getting his bloodlust under control, before travelling back to Alexandria. His wife had been a widow for a long time by then and had been free to move on, but never had. When he saw her he loved her as much as ever, even though she was human and he was a vampire. But as a fire melted his stone heart, another fire also erupted in his throat. He was devastated to realise he could never be near her because she simply smelt too delicious, only his powerful love for her was able to stop him killing her instantly. He banished himself to the shadows, watching her from a distance as she raised their daughter. Katherine regaled Louisa with stories of her beloved and brave Fred. He did what he was able for them. Protecting them and sending them money whenever he could.

He was grief stricken when his daughter Louisa died giving birth to her third child. Katherine took in their grandchildren, raising them as her own and keeping Fred and Louisa's memories alive for them. She lived until relative old age and as she was fading away Fred finally felt able to approach her. Her scent was so weak that he was able to gather her in his arms and hold her as she took her final breaths. His love for her had not diminished through the years and during both his mortal and immortal life his heart had always belonged to her.

As Fred held Katherine in her final hours, comforting and reassuring her, she'd only opened her eyes once. She saw him, looking the same age as he had when he'd died in battle many years previously, sparkling in the sunlight pouring in through her window. She mistook him for an angel.

"Have you come to take me to heaven Freddy?" she'd asked in a weak voice. Her frailty and her words broke his heart. He explained to her that he had done such awful things that he'd never be welcome in heaven, but he took solace that she'd be reunited with Louisa there and that they'd be able to take care of each other.

"Have you been watching over me all this time, Freddy?" she'd asked wistfully. "Sometimes I could feel you close by. My heart could feel yours, they belong together." He told her he'd tried his best to care for her and protect her, even though he'd not been able to let her see him.

She'd made him a final request, "Please watch over our grandchildren as you've watched over me. Keep them safe for us." He had never been able to deny her anything, and earnestly agreed, sealing his promise with a kiss.

I'd already known Fred had spent most of his immortal life protecting his descendants, although I'd never fully understood his commitment to this cause before. I'd heard many stories over the years, including his punishment of the abusive husband of his great great Granddaughter, his exploits to bail of few of his wayward heirs out of jail, taking measures to deal with suspect landlords or prevent unfair evictions. Whenever any of his descendants had gone to war, he'd followed them. He had been pushed to his limits during the world wars in the early twentieth century, but one thing was for sure, one of the safest places a soldier could be on the battlefield was fighting alongside a descendant of Alfred Taylor, as their battles were never lost. He'd become what Katherine had asked him to be, a guardian angel of the Taylor line.

When I had met Fred, two and a half years after my change, he was finding his situation more and more unmanageable. He had almost a hundred direct descendants and it'd become impossible to fully protect them. He knew what they all looked like, but was only able to keep very distant tabs on them, so was unable to keep them completely safe from harm. He had been devastated when one of his favourites had died in a car accident and he had slipped into a deep depression, remaining completely invisible with absolutely no human or vampire contact for over twenty years. Consequently, he was very lonely and he had begun to doubt that he even existed at all.

The first time I'd seen Fred had been during a crowded street party in a small Italian town. He was a mystery and I was immediately mesmerised by him. He was following a human girl, with his cheek bones and his hair colour, through the market stalls. He was herding her back towards her anxious parents while she was completely oblivious to him, not even realising that she was lost. It was totally surreal. I could tell he was invisible to the humans and even to Demetri who I was with.

At the time Renesmee was sleeping in her own bed in the castle, being watched over by Sally. We were about fifty miles from Volterra and this was the furthest I had ever been from her and it was making me very antsy. I watched this mystery vampire's progress through the crowd, finally distracted from my concerns for my daughter, unable to tear my eyes from him.

Demetri had been chatting comfortably to some humans. The purpose of this excursion was for me to acclimatise myself with interacting with humans without arousing suspicion. This was a key requirement for me to be able to serve in the Elite Guard, which Aro was extremely eager for me to do as soon as I mastered my self control. I had caught Demetri's eye and indicated I needed some distance. He nodded curtly to me, understanding that being around humans without killing them was still very painful at my young age. He trusted me not to act on my impulses and let me excuse myself knowing he would be close by if I needed him. Demetri was my best friend and my brother, he had helped me keep hold of my sanity during my newborn crazy haziness. I know that Ness and I would never have survived in the castle without his support.

I followed the mysterious vampire at a distance, insatiably curious about his inexplicable behaviour. The young girl was swept up by her frantic parents. She frowned at them, not understanding what the fuss was about. The handsome vampire smiled and melted away. I caught up to him in the shadows of a dark alley, stopping directly in front of him as he froze in surprise. He told me later that his first instinct was to rip me to shreds but he was too shocked to stillness to react that way because, in his entire existence, no one had ever been able to sneak up on him before. We looked at each other and saw our own heartbreak and loneliness reflected in the other's eyes and there was an instant connection between us. I reached out my hand to him and he took it without a word. I led him to the moonlit beach and we sat on the shore watching the waves in silence for a long while before he finally asked, "who are you?" his voice melodic and wistful.

There was something about him and the way he spoke. I found myself pouring out my entire story from when I arrived in Volterra, pregnant with my hybrid daughter, through her traumatic birth and my change, my turbulent newborn year, my gift and my training to be one of the Elite Guard. We spoke in hushed whispers as I answered his questions about the Volturi. He told me that ironically, while he was aware of the Volturi, he had always managed to stay under their radar...until now. I smiled and told him nothing had to change. He had the gift of invisibility and my shield would protect his secret. I reluctantly stood to leave, knowing Demetri would be looking for me soon as we had to return to the castle before sunrise. Fred stood up as well and I asked him "where are you going now?"

"Wherever you're going," he'd replied with a smile, "if you let me tag along."

When Demetri and I had returned to the castle with Fred, Demetri said he had never seen Aro so excited by anyone's gift before, even Jane's. Aro told me with a massive smile that the only person in the world he'd ever loved more than me was Sally. Jane had seethed in response to his bold statement and her hatred of me was cemented by Aro's declaration of his fatherly love for me.

Aro had been desperate for Fred to join the Elite Guard immediately, but Fred was very reluctant to abandon his human family obligations. Fred knew that as the numbers of his descendants rose, he was becoming less and less effective at protecting them, but that didn't mean he would ever stop trying. Aro was incredibly frustrated but knew there was nothing he could do to force Fred's hand or Fred would simply disappear, never to be seen again.

After much thought, Aro came up with a plan to assign members of the Eminent Guard to watch over and protect Fred's family, leaving Fred available to serve in the Elite guard. Together Aro and Fred thrashed out their terms. The negotiations went on for weeks and although both Fred and Aro huffed and puffed about the concessions they had to make, it was clear from the twinkle in their eyes that they were enjoying sparring with each other. The outcome was that five members of the Eminent Guard would be charged with monitoring Fred's descendants and assisting them if required. As this was an undesirable assignment, these vampires would rotate in and out of the duty. Whilst on this protection detail they would answer to Fred, who would oversee and coordinate them. So now Fred's descendants fell under the protection of the Volturi and harming one of them was a crime on par with hunting within the walls of Volterra. Fred was once again able to fulfil his promise to Katherine and Aro had Fred's loyalty and his service in the Elite Guard.

Fred and I began to actively serve in the Elite Guard at the same time and from that point on we were almost inseparable. We trained with our gifts together. Fred was very accustomed to only using his gift on himself and Aro had encouraged him to try and extend his field of invisibility. My gift was multifaceted and complex to control, and I had not even been close to mastering its full potential. Together we had been able to improve our control and flexibility. When Fred met Renesmee, she had fallen instantly in love with him, as he had with her. He told me she reminded him of Louisa and it was impossible not to love her.

Nearly every member of the Volturi had assumed that Fred and I were mated, but we both knew that was not the case. We were just two broken hearted, lonely vampires who felt better in each other's company. Over time our relationship had developed and we loved each other very much, but we did not have the unbreakable bond that mates did. The only others who knew the truth about this were the three brothers.

Marcus was able to read relationships. I regularly lowered my shield to Marcus' gift to prove my devotion and loyalty to the Volturi. This was important to reassure both the brothers and the Guard, especially as I had always refused to allow Aro to read me before yesterday. Marcus had read the relationship between me and Fred, and had stated that although it was not a mating bond, it was the strongest bond between two non-mated vampires that he had ever seen.

Aro, Caius, Marcus, Fred and I had discussed it at length, speculating as to the reasons why Fred and I had not developed a mating bond. We were clearly very compatible, enjoyed each other's company and there was no doubt we were attracted to each other. Both our emotional and physical relationships were immensely satisfying.

Aro and Marcus speculated that it was because we both had such strong bonds to others, like our bond with Renesmee and Demetri and our bonds with our surviving human families. They thought this prevented the selfish and exclusive mating bond from developing. Both Fred and I felt that we had already given our hearts away and had them returned broken, mine by desertion and his by death, and that only whole, healthy hearts could mate. Caius was scornful of both those theories, thinking them overly sentimental. He simply believed we hadn't met our true mates yet.

After I had listened to Fred's history, I almost felt embarrassed to share mine. His was a tale was filled with drama, tragedy, true love and dedication whereas mine was boyfriend leaves girlfriend, unprotected sex and unplanned pregnancy. Fred knew almost everything about my life as it was, the only thing I had left out was the eight months that I had known the Cullens. As I told him the rest of my story, he listened intently and sympathetically, never judging me.

Fred had asked me why I had not told Renesmee about the Cullens and I explained it as best I could. Initially I hadn't trusted the Volturi and wanted to protect the Cullens. Even though they didn't feel the same way, I loved them like family. In our first meeting Aro had made it clear that a breach of the secrecy law was punishable by death and I wasn't prepared to be the one to bring that down on them. My newborn years had been so confusing and turbulent. I'd had to balance my bloodlust and erratic emotions with raising my gifted and unprecedented daughter. At the same time I was trying to master my own gift and work out who in the Volturi could be trusted and who was my enemy. Every time I even thought of the Cullens, it felt like a battering ram punched a hole in my chest and the sting of betrayal was making me bitter. As a young girl, Renesmee had had very little control of her gift and my feelings and thoughts associated with the Cullens distressed her, so I very quickly learned not to think of them at all.

When Fred had entered my life, it felt like a balance had finally been found, calmness was restored and I settled into my place within the Volturi, my new found family. Contentment had slowly begun to ebb its way into my life and I found joy in my daughter, happiness with Fred and strong sense of family with Aro, Sally, Caius, Dora, Marcus and Demetri. I found my peace with what had happened at the end of my human life, so I could move on with my immortal one.

I knew that I would always love the Cullens. The love and the accompanying sense of loss and betrayal I had felt for them as my human body died had been frozen during my change. Those feelings had become a part of who I am. My mind would tell me that all they did was leave and that was understandable, but my heart was broken and I was unable to deny the hurt I still felt. I couldn't even think of Edward without it causing me pain, so I tried to avoid my memories of him at all costs.

As Renesmee had got older, she had become curious about her father. I told her about how I'd loved him very much and thought he loved me, but that he had never known about her. I explained that I was concerned that if Aro knew his identity, he may punish him for his indiscretion and that I couldn't live with that. I told her I was prepared to share the full story with her, but if I did she may have to avoid letting Aro read her thoughts in the future, in order to protect her father. Renesmee loved linking minds with Aro, and honestly considered Fred to be her Daddy, so didn't feel she was missing anything. She decided she was happy with her life as it was and told me not to reveal anymore than I already had. That suited me perfectly, so that was how we left it.

Everything I'd told her was true, but I'd put a different spin on it to make it seem like a fairytale rather than the nightmare it was. Now she'd seen the stark, unedited truth directly in my own memories and she hadn't taken it well. I felt as if I'd failed her.

xxx

As we arrived at the Acropolis, we realised that it would not open to the public for another half an hour and groaned simultaneously. We knew Ness had done it on purpose and it was so out of character for her to manipulate us this way. We would be left hanging around waiting for her as we were both sure she would wait until there were others around, to force our conversation to be held in our minds.

Renesmee's gift was complex and powerful. My gift shielded me from every power that originated in any mind, expect for hers. She had always been able to hear and project through my shield as if it wasn't there, although once she had conscious control of her telepathy, she would usually respect my right to privacy. One aspect of her gift was her ability to link minds. When touching someone, she was able to allow them to receive and project the thoughts of anyone else she was touching. To anyone looking on, there would be no sign of communication, but for those linked you could easily hear not only conscious thoughts but the pictures and sentiments behind them. This made it impossible to deceive or obscure what you truly thought.

It was very difficult to justify the need for one of these internal conversations when one of the participants is Fred. He can fully obscure appearance, scent and rustling noises. His gift makes it difficult for anyone to even think about the people it is cloaking. But it didn't prevent someone being able to touch you, you were still there even if no one could sense you. Also voices were difficult for him to hide. Usually this wouldn't prove a problem as vampires could speak too fast and low for humans to hear. But Ness was not a vampire, she was a vampire human hybrid. All her senses were better than a human's but worse than a vampire's, so we would have to speak up. Her choice of the Acropolis was genius really. It was exposed, sound travelled so there was no way we could risk speaking out loud, even in the presence of only human witnesses. There were always tourists around, but only a few so any conversations couldn't be swallowed up by the thrum of a crowd.

As we waited for Ness my anxiety was increasing. I had tried so hard to protect her from the hurt the Cullens had caused me, but instead I feared I had hurt her so much more by not being open and honest. Fred held me in his arms, caressing me reassuringly. I was sure that if he wasn't there I would have imploded from the stress.

"Look on the bright side, at least we will get to see what she is thinking as well," Fred murmured to me.

Renesmee followed the first group of tourists over the crest of the hill. She was glowing in the sunshine. She looked so beautiful and once again I felt grateful that her skin didn't sparkle like ours did, allowing her to bask in the sun rather than lurk in the shadows.

She couldn't see us as we were hidden under Fred's gift, but she knew roughly where we were by hearing the direction of our thoughts. She took an indirect route over to us, keeping out of the line of sight of the humans.

No one's paying me any attention. Her voice rang like a soft bell in my mind, probably in Fred's also. They won't notice if I vanish.

Fred and I shot each other a look, it was a little risky for her to suddenly disappear, potentially bending the secrecy law very close to the castle, but we decided to trust her judgement. She could hear what they were thinking after all. I knew when Fred had enveloped her within his gift, as she was able to focus on us as we appeared to her. She gave us a small nod, so unlike our normal greetings and she looked as nervous as I felt. She reached for us and we linked hands, forming a misshapen small circle. Almost instantly the double echo reverberated in my head, letting me know that my mind was linked with Ness and Fred's.

I'm sorry, Ness began. I know I am being so rude and that you both hate me invading your privacy this way, but I have to know the truth and I need to hear it directly from you two. I feel as though someone has taken all the parts of my life, shaken them and thrown them in the air and I have no idea where they will land. We could hear the despair in her mental tone.

We understand Ness, Fred's thoughts were soothing for both of us. Although make the most of it, because it won't be happening again anytime soon.

What do you need Ness? I asked her. You can ask us anything.

Why didn't you tell me Mum? She asked petulantly. I thought I had a wonderful father who I was protecting from persecution. It turns out all I had was a flaky, manipulative sperm-venom donor. Dead beat Dad in every sense of the term.

I ran over my reasons for withholding things from her in my mind, letting her feel my intentions as I had made each decision to gloss or evade.

How is it possible you don't hate them? I wish I could burn them all from my brain. Renesmee was genuinely mystified and I could feel Fred's incredulity as well, although he was trying to suppress it.

I loved them like family, if I hadn't then it wouldn't have hurt so much when they left. I explained patiently. That depth of love doesn't just evaporate in a few months. I still loved them when I was changed, so I still love them now. I could feel the acceptance of my statement in both their minds.

You don't hate them either Dad? Ness asked. We could both feel the truth of that from Fred's mind.

I hate that your mother was hurt. He thought carefully. But I can't hate them. If they hadn't made such terrible decisions then I wouldn't have ever found Bella. My life was dark and lonely before I met her and now it's full of love and light. I have a family that I can truly be a part of. Their loss was my gain.

So neither of you think they deserve any punishment at all? She was still dubious. We both felt a flash of anger from Fred, contradicting Ness' interpretation of his feelings.

A boyfriend left his girlfriend of six months when his family moved away. They hardly deserve to be burned at the stake for not keeping in touch. As I thought it, I was willing myself to believe it and not quite succeeding.

There's so much more to it than that Mum, and you know it. Both Fred and Ness were frustrated that I always undervalued the importance of how I felt about anything. They told you they loved you. He said he would never leave you. They introduced you to a dangerous world and then left you defenceless. When you begged them for help they refused. They left us to die in Forks.

The reminder of how disastrous Renesmee's birth would have been if it had happened in Washington surrounded by humans caused my usually well contained bitterness and resentment to bubble to the surface. For a moment I wished that Fred was not so unconditionally supportive of me and that he'd showed them his inner vampire warrior. Fred raised his eyebrows at me as he digested that thought.

Just say the word Darlin', he thought, his mind crackling with anticipation. I took a deep breath to collect myself.

I will support any decision you make Ness, except capital punishment. I told her firmly. I couldn't live with being responsible for their deaths and I don't think you could either.

What then? She asked, resigned.

You need to decide that for yourself Ness. I told them that they were not to approach you, but they want to get to know you.

Get to know them? I threw my hands over my ears in a ridiculous attempt to dampen Renesmee's mental shriek. I know enough already. They are all clueless idiots. They would rather have that blond haired vindictive harpy in their family than you. That tells me all I need to know about them.

We could just tell them to leave and not contact us again. This was my best case scenario and both Fred and Ness could feel it, but Ness did not think it was enough. She wanted some form of retribution.

No need to rush any decisions Ness, Fred thought. Aro has given you time to consider. I know you have already talked to Demetri about it but I think Daniel and Nathan would have some good insights as well.

Ness nodded her agreement but we could feel her anxiety was increasing not decreasing.

What else is upsetting you Ness? Fred asked kindly. Ness was unable to form a solid response, but her thoughts were whirling around mine and Fred's relationship, and her new understanding of our not mated status.

We love each other very much, he reassured her.

And you know how much we both love you, I added.

But you don't love each other as much as Aro loves Sally or as Dora loves Caius, Ness qualified.

As we searched for a way to explain, she reviewed our memories of the discussions Fred and I had had on the subject in the past and the theories we had shared with the brothers, but she was not reassured.

Think of my love for Bella as pure rather than possessive. Fred faltered, gathering his thoughts before continuing. You know in the films Dan and Demetri make us watch, when the 'good guy' only has time to save one of the two people he loves. Well what if there was a set of teeth at each of your necks and I could only save one of you? If I was mated to Bella I would have to save her, it would be instinctual and I'd have no choice. But as things stand I do have a choice and without doubt I would choose you Ness. My heart swelled with love for Fred and he smiled at me. And that's just one of the many reasons she loves me so much. She'd make the same choice and that's one of the many reasons that I love her.

But one of you might find a mate one day and leave. We could feel Ness' deep set fear that this would happen. We both felt it was incredibly unlikely and let Ness feel it too. But it could happen, she insisted.

If your mother found her mate, I would be happy for her, Fred's mind was open and honest. I think she would feel the same way, my thoughts confirmed his theory. Above all else she is my best friend and we are family. I would die for either of you without a seconds thought. The mating process has an element of choice, it is not instant and requires an attraction and compatibility. I could never be with someone who would take me away from you Ness. It's impossible. Even if I did find 'my' mate, she would have to love and accept you if she wanted to be with me. You're stuck with me, no matter what.

We could feel the relief radiating from Ness. So you're best friends, she clarified.

It's more than that Ness, I told her. Fred and I are in a committed relationship and we love each other very much. We're family.

Friends with benefits, an errant thought passed through Ness' mind, a quote from a TV show. It triggered a change in direction in Fred's thoughts. He was remembering a recent night he and I had spent together. His memory caught me off guard and made me clench with desire.

Eww...stop it, no one needs to see their parents like that! Ness exclaimed. And suddenly we all knew that everything would be alright. All would be well within our family.

A slow easy smile spread over Fred's face at both our reactions. If you don't like it get out of our heads, he thought, unrepentantly increasing the intensity of his memory. Ness dropped our hands like they were on fire.

"Let's go," Fred mouthed soundlessly and suppressing silent laughter, the three of us headed home.

xxx