Hey y'all, I'm back! I am so so so sorry this took so long. I could give y'all a hundred reasons why, but I'm sure you don't wanna hear it so I'll let you get to the story. Come see me at the bottom.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, but the plot.
Last Chapter:
When we pulled away we smiled at each other. "Don't thank me, but if you want to keep kissing me I won't complain," I said with a grin.
"You got it, cowboy," she said then kissed me again. We stayed like that for a few moments, until she pulled away. "Jazz, do you think we could go to Forks? I'd like to visit his grave and say my goodbyes."
I didn't even have to think before I answered. "Of course, Darlin'. How about we spend the night here, head home in the morning, and grab Peter and Char and go?"
"Really, Jazz?" she asked excitedly.
"Yes, we'll be on the road by tomorrow night, but tonight, it's just you and me."
"Sounds perfect. Can we stay up here a bit longer?" she asked, laying her head on my shoulder.
"Absolutely, we'll do anything you want," I said, kissing the top of her head and intertwining our fingers.
It was going to be a long couple of days; the Whitlock clan was going to Forks.
Bella's POV
"77 bottles of beer on the wall, 77 bottles of..."
"Peter, I swear to God if you don't stop, I'm going to rip you to pieces and put you in the trunk," Jasper growled.
Peter smirked while Charlotte and I giggled. "Relax, Major. I'm just trying to have some fun," Peter said.
"It was fun the first eighteen bottles, not so much anymore," I pointed out. I won't admit that, for the first ten, I was singing along.
"You guys are absolutely no fun! I don't know why I agreed to this," Peter complained, crossing his arms in disappointment.
"Nobody made you, Petey. You're the one who jumped up and down yelling about a road trip," I said with a laugh.
"No fair, Bella. You're supposed to be on my side." Peter pouted.
"Oh stop your moping, Peter. We'll be there in thirty minutes, I'm sure you can entertain yourself for that long," Charlotte said, annoyed.
Once Peter shut up, I was left alone with my thoughts, a place I wasn't sure I wanted to be. Jasper had been amazing at keeping me distracted the previous night; we had lain in bed cuddling all night, talking about anything and everything, except my parents. Every time the sad thoughts would enter my head, he would either kiss me or do something to make me laugh. Having a mate who is an empath came in handy.
I tried to think of anything but them, but I failed miserably. I couldn't help but wonder what my sister looked like, or if she was anything like me. My heart ached when I thought about the times we could have shared together, playing at the park, reading her bedtime stories, birthdays… A small part of me was glad that Renee had someone to help heal the pain of my death, but I couldn't let go of the what if's.
My heart clenched and venom pooled in my eyes as my thoughts drifted to my father. I was glad that he had finally found someone that made him happy and could take care of him when I was no longer able to. I hated that I hadn't been there for him when he needed me the most; the only small comfort was that Sue was by his side, and that Jasper had gone to him. The fact he had gone to see my father and told him everything still shocked me to my core, but it meant more to me then I could ever express in words.
My nerves took over as we passed the 'Welcome to Forks' sign. Being back here after so many years made my heart ache with the memories of my human life that had I tried so hard to forget while with Maria bombarded my mind one after the other. Forks hadn't changed much in ten years, but I suppose I didn't really expect it to.
We passed my old home on our way to the cemetery; from the outside it looked the same, but it no longer felt like home. Without Charlie, Forks held very little for me. As we drove up the winding path of the cemetery, my nerves grew. Not once did I consider that I was about to see the grave of my father. During my time with Maria, I often thought about my parents and knew that there was a chance that they were no longer on this Earth, but I always assumed I would be dead before I had the chance to see it.
My thoughts were interrupted when I felt Jasper's hand grasp mine, his gift obviously picking up on my emotions. I tore my gaze from the window to look at him. I could see the concern in his eyes, but what I focused on was the waves of love he was projecting to me.
Jasper parked the car and turned to Peter and Charlotte, who were in the back. "Could y'all give us a minute?" he asked.
"Want us to leave so you can make out, eh Major?" Peter joked, which landed him a smack upside the head from Charlotte.
"Really, Peter? Do you honestly think this is a good time to be joking around?" Charlotte asked, anger clear in her voice.
Peter shrugged his shoulders and tried to look sorry, but failed miserably. "Sorry, just trying to defuse the tension," he said, getting out of the car.
Charlotte leaned over the centre console and hugged me tightly. "Sorry about him, Bella. I'm going to take him for a walk. We'll meet back here in a little bit. Good luck."
I pulled away from the hug, said my thanks, and then she disappeared from the car.
Jasper turned to face me, intertwining our fingers. "Want to tell me what's on your mind?"
"I don't know," I groaned. "I wanted to do this, but now that I'm here I have no idea what I'm supposed to do."
Jasper was silent for a moment, before speaking. "Come on, I've got an idea," he said, patting my leg and getting out of the car. He came to my side and helped me out before he started leading us in to the graveyard.
We were silent as we walked; you would think being a vampire you would no longer be afraid of a cemetery at night, well you would be wrong - it was still terrifying. Eventually Jasper stopped; I looked in front of him to see a tombstone that read 'In Loving Memory of Charles Swan. Beloved father, husband, friend and chief. 1964 – 2016' and right beside it was a small plaque, with my name, year of birth, and the year I went missing.
My heart clenched at the sight, it wasn't as if I didn't believe Jasper when he told me my father was dead, but to see his tombstone told me that he was really gone. I couldn't help the sob that broke from my throat, and if it wasn't for Jasper's arm around me, I would have collapsed to the floor. I turned to face him and cried into his chest, his strong arms wrapped around me tightly, whispering soothing words into my ear, and sending me nothing but love and support; he was my rock.
"What am I supposed to do?" I asked, looking up at him with venom in my eyes.
"What would you say to him if he was in front of you right now?"
"I'd tell him I love him and that I miss him, and that I am so sorry for everything," I said without thinking.
Jasper smiled and nodded. "Then tell him. Just because you can't see him, doesn't mean he can't hear you. Go on, I'll be right behind you," he said, and then kissed me before nudging me in the direction of the grave.
I knelt beside his grave, gently running my fingers over the engraving of his name. I thought for a moment, then closed my eyes and imagined he was there with me, and started spilling my heart out. "Hey, Dad, I'm not really sure what to say, but I want you to know how sorry I am. I never wanted any of this to happen. I can't tell you how sorry I am for putting you through so much. I guess you knowing the truth puts some of this in perspective, but it doesn't change how bad I must have hurt you."
I regretted all the lies, and I regretted everyday that I sat moping over that asshole Edward. So much time was wasted that I could have spent with my father, and now I would never get the chance again.
"I'm sorry you died thinking I would be there to greet you. The last decade hasn't been the easiest to explain, but I can tell you that, after so long, I'm finally happy. Jasper is an amazing man, but you, being the amazing cop you were, probably already know that. It's hard to know you won't be around, but I promise to live a happy life for you, and I hope knowing that I'm okay and loved that you'll be able to rest in peace now. I love you, Daddy, and I miss you so much." I couldn't hold the sobs back any more and let myself cry.
I don't know how long I sat there and sobbed before my angel wrapped his arms around me and brought me into his loving embrace. From just one touch the ache in my chest lessened, and I felt safe and loved. I don't know what I would've done without him, and to be honest, I didn't want to think about it.
After a few minutes I calmed down, and I looked up to see Jasper's bright red eyes staring down at me. I could see his concern, but his love was more prominent.
"You okay, Darlin?" he asked with his lips touching my forehead.
I nodded and snuggled deeper into his chest. "I am now," I responded quietly.
He chuckled, sending vibrations through his chest that I could feel on my face."Do you know how many times over the last decade I've been here and wished to have you in my arms?"
"What are you talking about?" I asked, looking up at him.
He smiled sadly, shaking his head. "After I came to my senses and realized that you were my mate, I use to come to Forks once a month, sometimes more. I would just sit here for hours, talking to you like you were here with me. It helped for a short time, but when it was time to leave I felt so empty. I just wanted you here with me, and now, for the first time, I don't feel empty leaving here."
"You came here every month?" I asked, shocked.
"Of course. I knew your body wasn't here, but I felt closer to you here. Last time I was here was about a week before you showed up."
I felt the venom pool in my eyes and my heart ached. It still amazed me that, even after thinking I was dead for close to ten years, he still loved me as much as he did and how much time he had devoted to me even after my 'death'.
"Jasper, I..."
I was suddenly interrupted by Peter's loud voice echoing through the darkness, "Major!?"
Jasper and I instantly spun around in the direction of Peter's voice. As they approached two other, unknown scents joined them, scents that sent shivers down my spine. I felt Jasper tense beside me, and with lightening speed, Jasper had placed himself in front of me.
It felt like hours before they reached us, and when they did, I was put into a state of pure shock. Standing behind Peter and Charlotte were ghosts from my past, people I thought I would never see again: Emmett and Rosalie.
Obviously they hadn't changed physically, but with my vampire vision I saw the flaws that were not there a decade ago. My eyes stopped roaming when I reached their eyes. Emmett was sporting bright red eyes like ours and Rosalie's were pitch black with purple bruising underneath; it looked as if she hadn't fed in months.
When Jasper made the same realization he relaxed slightly, allowing me to move from behind him and face them. Their eyes immediately followed me and immediately scanned my scars; I could tell no explanation was needed for what had happened to me.
Rosalie's perfect porcelain skin was dirty, her perfect hair was a mess, and she had little make up on. Then she did something that was even more unlike Rosalie. She smiled at me before saying, "You are alive."
Before I could ask her what she was talking about, Jasper beat me to it. "What are you talking about, Rose? What are you doing here? And what the hell has happened to you?"
"We're here to help you. A lot has happened since you left and most of it bad, the family we once were is over. The Cullens are not the people we thought they were, and we need your help. And you need the information we have," Emmett said, hurt and anger clear in his voice, but there was a look of determination on his face.
"What do you mean 'The Cullens'? Up until a year ago you were with them, as far as I knew. What kind of information can you possibly need to give me?"
"Jasper, everything has been a lie. The Cullens are not who they appear to be. Carlisle has been lying to us since day one," Rosalie replied, sounding as defeated as she looked.
"What are you talking about?" Jasper asked, getting frustrated with the lack of answers.
"The vegetarian lifestyle is bullshit. We were nothing but a fucking science experiment to that prick!" Emmett said, anger echoing with every word.
"Science experiment? Are you trying to screw with me?"
"I wish I was. Listen, about two months ago I slipped; I hadn't hunted in over a week, and there was just a ton of blood. I couldn't help it. Alice had a vision and reported it to Carlisle. When we came home our stuff was packed and Carlisle told us we were no longer welcome. He told us that I slipped too many times, that I was a failure to the experiment. For the last decade he had been recording everything, all in an attempt to bring proof to the Volturi that the vegetarian lifestyle should be law. When we screwed up, we were proving to the Volturi that vegetarians weren't perfect."
Emmett's words sent shock through everyone; Jasper looked as if he had been slapped. "You're serious," he said with no question in his tone.
"As serious as a heart attack, but it gets worse," Emmett responded sadly.
"What more could there possibly be?" I asked.
"Well for starters, Alice and Edward knew the whole time; I guess it would be hard to hide it from a psychic and mind reader. But they make everything more interesting. Two years ago, Alice claimed to have a vision of you, Bella. As far as we all knew, you were dead and had been for years. She claimed that you were now one of us and you were set on revenge against the family. We didn't believe her for two seconds, even Edward seemed doubtful, but Carlisle and Esme fell right in to her hand," Rosalie explained with a small, sad smile.
"Carlisle ordered her to keep an eye on you, but she continually said all she could see was your plan to go to the Volturi, that somehow she couldn't see your location. This went on for over a year, Alice and Edward drifted and things got really tense. Three days before Carlisle kicked us out, Edward and Alice got into a nasty fight, and Edward left. It turns out that Alice was claiming that, because she didn't have knowledge of your location, she was going to go to the Volturi and have them get you before you could hurt the family. Edward called the family the day of Emmett's slip up and said he wasn't coming home, ever."
I turned to look at Jasper, his face showing the shock all of us were feeling. "What does this mean?" I asked him, scared of what this could mean for our lives.
"It means we have some psychotic pixie about to lead the Volturi to us, and we'll have to be prepared to fight," Jasper responded. "How did you find us? And how did you know Bella was with me?" Jasper asked, looking at Emmett and Rosalie.
"We came back to Forks after we left the Cullens; we hoped that Bella would come back here if she truly was a vampire now. When we got here, we encountered your scent and followed it here. We knew that you would come back, so we've been waiting. Bella being with you was just a bonus," Emmett replied with a smile.
"Jasper, we want to help you. When the time comes, we will fight with you if needed, but we'll be there to prove to the Volturi that Bella is not the danger. The Cullens are the only danger here. Together we can stop them," Rosalie said.
Jasper looked deep in thought, silence filling the air. "What do you want in return?" he asked.
Rosalie visibly flinched from the coldness in Jasper's voice. "To have my twin back," she responded her, voice cracking with emotion.
Jasper's face softened as she spoke. "I would love to have you back in my life, Rosalie, but I'm not the same man I was when I left. And, if I'm being completely honest, I don't want your presence to affect my mate; you treated her horribly, and I won't allow it to happen again," he said, taking my hand in his.
Rosalie's eyes grew wide at our entwined hands, but I'm sure her shock was from hearing I was Jasper's mate. "Your mate? You mean you and Bella are..."
"Yes, Rosalie. Like I said a lot has changed in the last ten years, she's only been in my life for the last month, and I refuse to lose my mate again over some crap you start."
Rosalie cast her eyes downward and a small frown formed on her face. "Bella, I never got the chance to apologize to you, but if you would allow me, I would like us to be friends. I was a jealous bitch when you were human, and if you'd give me the chance, someday I would like to tell you why. I don't want to start any problems, I just want a family again. It hasn't been the same since the two of you were gone."
Rosalie's heartfelt words surprised the hell out of me. 'Jealous', how in the world could she have ever been jealous of me? But that was beside the point. I believed her, and I knew that we needed them in our lives as well. Jasper turned to me, silently asking me what I thought. I smiled and nodded, letting him know I was okay with it.
"Well okay then. Peter, I think we are going to need a bigger truck to haul all us back to Texas," Jasper said with a smile, causing both Emmett and Rosalie to smile in return.
"You got it, Major," Peter said before taking off.
"I think, while we wait for him, we should discuss diet. The four of us are human drinkers and that won't change, but if either of you wish to stay vegetarian that is your choice. However, I won't allow the preaching bullshit Carlisle spouted off. Understood?" Jasper asked, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Understood," Emmett and Rosalie replied.
"Good. Now, Em, I assume you have decided to drink from humans?" Jasper asked and Emmett nodded. "Rose, what about you? From the looks of it, it has been a while since you fed," he asked, looking concerned.
"I don't want to be a vegetarian, but I can't kill an innocent," Rosalie responded sadly.
I felt for her, knowing exactly how she felt. Even though I had no choice in the matter on what my diet would be, the idea of killing someone who didn't deserve it haunted me. "You don't have to, Rosalie. The four of us don't kill innocents, we kill the scum that don't deserve to walk on this Earth," I explained.
"How do you know who is innocent and who is not?" she asked, interest clear in her voice.
"It involves some stalking and creeping in dark alleys, but Peter's gift comes in handy more often than not; he will usually find us our meal."
"Also, with human blood, you don't need to feed as often, and that draining emotion that is present constantly will disappear and you'll feel normal," Jasper added, looking deep into Rosalie's eyes. He was speaking from experience, and I had a feeling there was more to the story with the whole 'normal' thing.
Rosalie stood silent for a few moments; I could almost see her balancing the two options in her head, but I feared she could stop feeding all together. I had lived through that, and it wasn't pretty; definitely not something I wanted to see anyone go through. "Rosalie, we aren't trying to convince you to become one of us, but if you would like, I could take you on a hunt. If you choose to feed, fine. If not, no big deal and you continue to drink animal blood. Just because Carlisle was a douche doesn't mean that lifestyle isn't for some."
Rosalie smiled slightly. "It's really a shame we didn't get to know each other sooner, but I guess I'm to blame for that. I'd like to take you up on your offer, what you said makes sense."
"Well I am a genius," I said with a smile, causing everyone to let out some form of laugh.
Jasper wrapped his arm around me and kissed the top of my head, but I could feel the smile on his lips. "Well then, genius, I suggest we get the hell outta Forks before the puppies know we are here."
"Puppies?" I asked, confused.
"Werewolves, Bells. La Push has a pack of them and they aren't very friendly to our kind," Emmett responded.
"Werewolves? La Push? So the legends are true," I said, remembering the day on First Beach with Jacob. The image of him was foggy, but I could still remember his very words to me that day. He didn't know it, but that conversation changed my life forever.
"How do you know the legends?" Jasper asked me, his eyebrows drawn together in confusion.
"Jacob Black, our dads were best friends. He's the reason I figured out what you guys were, I just never though the werewolf thing was real."
"Of course, cause vampires are so believable but werewolves are too far out there," Emmett said with a chuckle.
I scowled at Emmett, but turned to Jasper when I heard him holding in a laugh. "What's so funny?" I asked him with a raised eyebrow.
"Bella, your friend was part of the pack. Jacob was a werewolf, considering who he is related to he was probably Alpha," Jasper said.
"Jacob was a werewolf? How is that possible?" I asked, still trying to process how I didn't know that.
"How about I tell you that on the way home? It's a long story," Jasper asked, guiding me out of the cemetery.
I nodded, though my mind was still racing. If vampires and werewolves really existed, did witches and goblins really exist too? What other mythical creatures aren't so mythical after all?
Two Months Earlier – Edward's POV – Volterra, Italy
As I sat here waiting for the brothers to see me, I went over everything in my head. I hadn't thought this through before hoping on a plane and showing up unannounced to the Volturi's lair. All I knew was that I needed to protect her!
Alice had been lying since day fucking one. She lied to me about Bella, she was only a pawn in Alice's game, but the love I had for Bella would always eclipse anything I felt for Alice. I was a fool for hurting Bella the way I did, I broke her heart and made her feel like dirt because I was an over-controlling prick, but she was not the only one hurt by me.
My brother, Jasper; I had done the unthinkable with his wife and, somewhere, fell in love with her. She helped heal the pain I was feeling after leaving Bella, but before we got caught, the lies had already started. Alice told me day after day that she and Jasper were not mates. She said they both were aware,but she maintained she refused to leave him cause he would turn in to the man he use to be, the Major.
I don't know why I listened to Alice's lies for so long, but she had gone too far when she declared Bella a threat to our family. From then on I watched Alice closely, hearing her every thought and seeing every vision. It wasn't until two days ago that I saw the true monster she was. I had followed her to a field she would disappear to once a week, from previous stalking attempts I knew she would sit and focus on her visions. Usually it was nothing but clothes or stock information, but this time I saw more.
It was my Bella, actually no not my Bella, just Bella, but she was no longer human. Her eyes were bright red and full of fear, but a cold demeanor showed on her face. She was covered in scars and dirt. When I saw the monster, Maria, from Jasper's past thoughts, I knew she was in trouble, and Alice had been lying.
I headed home, waiting for her when she entered our room; if she wasn't the monster I thought she was, she would tell me what she had seen so we could help Bella. I waited an hour after she got home, and when she said nothing, I died on the inside. I packed my bags and left the house, Alice trailing behind me,yelling her head off.
I drove to the airport and ended up here. If Bella was with Maria, the Volturi would be tracking the army. Jasper had said multiple times that only the Volturi would be able to take her out, but she made it impossible by changing camps frequently. However, this time I knew where she was going thanks to Alice's vision. I knew Alice's plan was to destroy Bella, though I didn't know why. So I knew I had to get here before Alice; with me gone she could come any day.
"Mr. Cullen?" Gianna, the receptionist's, voice rings in my ears, pulling me from my thoughts.
I looked up to see the dumb human secretary and the witch twins in front of me. Of course the brothers would send them out to greet me. Better do my best not to piss of Blondie.
"The brother's are ready to see you. Jane and Alec will show you the way," Gianna said with a smile, her thoughts telling me she wondered if I would walk out of here. Most vampires who visit the Volturi usually aren't here by choice.
I followed the evil twins through the dark stone hallway that lead to the brother's throne room where all the trials, requests, and feedings took place. All three brothers sat at their thrones as we entered the room.
Aro smiled brightly when he saw me; he had been after me to join the Volturi for decades. "Edward! So good to see you," he said, extending his hand. Most people would think it would be for a friendly handshake, but no, when Aro touched you he could see every thought you have ever had.
His gift would be helpful, understanding why I am here would be easier if he could see it. I raised my hand and put it in his, his gift taking control, causing our eyes to meet, with me unable to look away as he saw every memory in my head.
After a few moments he had seen what I wanted him to, and he released my hand. "Well, well, brothers, it seems that a celebration shall be in order soon," Aro said with a gleeful smile.
"What do you speak of, Aro?" Caius asked, his thoughts telling me I made him uncomfortable. My choice to drink from animals lead him to not trust me.
"It seems Edward here has some information pertaining to a Newborn Army in the South, and a leader we have been after since the 1800s."
Caius smiled a small smile, he enjoyed taking out the camps and nothing was better than capturing an extremely overdue kill.
"I'd be happy to help you, Edward, but it seems sending my forces to destroy this camp and save the girl from our guard and the future seer is worth more than some information on your dear family and the camps," Aro said with a sick smile, and I knew what he was asking; I had thought long and hard about it. After this was done, my family would be torn apart, and I would still be without a mate. Surprisingly, this was an easier decision than I thought it would be.
"I not only offer this information, but I offer my loyalty and service to the guard." Aro beamed with my answer, he never thought I would agree.
"This girl must be very special to you," Marcus said from beside Aro. Marcus was the least cold of the brothers; losing his love, Didyme, had changed him forever.
"Yes, she is. It's my fault she got dragged into this world and I need to fix it."
"Very well then. I'll have Gianna set a room for you, and in a few hours time, you can meet with Caius, Felix and Demetri. They'll be leading the attack on the camp," Aro said, patting my shoulder.
As I walked with Gianna to my room, all I could think about was I was setting things right. I could never make it up to either Bella or Jasper, but I was going to try really hard. I wasn't going to let Alice win.
A/N So what do you think? Are you happy to see Rose and Em back? Are you surprised by Carlisle? And what about Edward? I know y'all probably have a bunch of questions so feel free to ask them in a review and as long as it doesn't give anything big away I will be happy to answer them.
Big thank you to everyone who added this story and/or myself to their alerts and/or favourites, you guys are amazing!
Super big thank you to all those who reviewed last chapter: lunjul, My Universe, Miss-evil-lil-elf, Pagesurfer, babygirl2928259, 01katie, ccgnme, traceybuie, cathy29jes, Holidai (you are right about her scars, it's not that she thinks she's ugly because of them, it's because of what they represent. I plan on touching on that in later chapters.), psychovampirefreak, polly2010, TheDemonOfTwilight, katandjasper, Guest, wendy1969, Lalina92, shadow kissed 4eva, GypsyWitchBaby, deerslayer1100, twimama77, AbbeNormal, yearprincess, Sapphirepa, EsmeAliceBella, Angelvnzl, chanur, win63, NESSAANCALIME6913, NatalieLynn, haleybug-winchester.
Last but certainly not least, huge thank you to my beta TheBonfireoftheVanities, you rock!
That's all for now, remember to review, and I'll see y'all soon.
-NKC-