A/N Working with a beta on my original story has proven so inspirational in writing this story! I'm pretty pleased with the ending of this chapter, especially. This was fun to write.

Please leave comments, criticisms, questions, anything! :)

I stared out the window into the surrounding woods long after Jacob's form had vanished. My fascination with the darkness had less to do with concern for Jacob and more with fear of my mother's ire. Bella Cullen could be truly terrifying when she believed that my life was in danger. Never mind that Marcus had rallied his guard and begun the journey back to Volterra – Momma was sure to unleash a severe verbal flagellation.

It was surprising that Momma allowed fifteen minutes to pass before speaking. In that time, I had let my mind revisit the strange meeting between myself and Marcus, Claire's violent reaction to Quil's pain, and the reminder that Aro did not trust my family to host such a populated convention, even for the simple purpose of a birthday party. I didn't know when the Volturi planned to make their comeback, but I anticipated that the confrontation wouldn't be nearly as peaceful as the last time. The possibility of death was much more imminent.

When Momma joined me at the window, it was with less ire than I had expected. "I don't agree with your methods, Nessie, but your care for Quil and mediation with Marcus were nothing short of astonishing."

I faced her carefully, noting her expressionless features. "You're not mad?" I asked in disbelief.

Momma sighed before flashing me a wry smile. "Is it silly that I'm far more upset that you don't need me to protect you anymore?"

I reached what I hoped was a soothing hand to the base of her neck. Not at all, I answered, expressing as much sincerity as I could muster. I didn't exactly help matters by disappearing without any warning.

"No, you didn't," Momma agreed, frowning. "If I might make a suggestion…you don't need to rely on your own strength, simply because you are strong enough. The rest of us are here to support you. Asking for help doesn't mean admitting incompetence."

I hung my head. That wasn't exactly the reason I had chosen to move forward without my family's approval, but pride was certainly a factor to consider. Being fully grown didn't make me invincible.

Momma stroked my hair as she listened to my thoughts. "I only say this because I love you, not so you'll feel shame," she gently reminded me.

I smiled up at her. Love you too, Momma.

She kissed my forehead. "That ought to be enough discipline to satisfy your father," she teased, eyes glinting mischievously.

I grinned. "Let's hope so."

When Quil's rescue party finally returned, the tension in the room immediately dissipated. Emily rushed to Claire and pulled her into an almost desperate embrace. I understood her need. Claire had become like a daughter to Emily since Quil had imprinted on her and she'd begun spending more time in La Push.

Claire rubbed Emily's back soothingly and let out a sigh of relief. "Edward and Carlisle were able to reset most of Quil's bones," she said quietly, almost reverently. "Quil will be alright."

As if confirming her words, Quil stirred slightly and squinted, eyes focused solely on his imprint. "Claire?" he asked hoarsely.

Claire gasped and dropped down beside Quil. "You're okay," she whispered. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Quil, I'm so glad you're alive!"

In a gesture that likely took all his effort, Quil cupped Claire's face in his hand and smiled. "Of course I'm alive, Claire-bear," he said, his voice weak but nonetheless caring.

At his words, Claire slowly but deliberately leaned down and kissed Quil's forehead. Her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. "I love you, Quil," she said fervently.

Quil's eyes widened in surprise before his mouth spread into the widest smile I had ever seen. "Claire, you have no idea –" He stared deep into her twelve-year-old eyes, young, innocent, and not quite ready for the romantic love he would one day offer, but newly matured and assured of her love for Quil. With a voice slightly unsteady from the emotion, he answered, "I love you, Claire."

Claire giggled through her tears and rested her head on Quil's chest, nuzzling close to him. Quil winced from the pressure but didn't dare push her away. Humming contentedly, he wrapped one arm around her tiny waist and held her as Grandfather continued his medical examination.

I finally tore my eyes away from the beautiful scene and locked gazes with Jacob, whose expression reminded me acutely of Quil's. Once our eyes met, he strode forward and caught me around the waist as my arms wound around his neck. He kissed me gently. "Hey, Ness," he whispered.

My heart fluttered in my chest, and I smiled. "Hey there, Jake."

I loved the rightness that the moment held. There were no fireworks, no desperately passionate declarations of love. We just stood still and reveled in the perfect wholeness that we felt together. A quick glance around the room revealed similar meetings between imprints and mates.

Eventually, Grandfather stood and cleared his throat to catch our attention. "Now that Quil is on his way to recovery, and given what Marcus told us, it would be prudent to discuss our options concerning the upcoming confrontation," he began. "Have the other shape-shifters returned?"

At his words, the front door opened and the tribal leaders and representatives entered, keeping a respectable distance from the Quileute humans. I noticed with fascination that many of them moved with the distinctive grace of their respective animals.

Grandfather acknowledged them with a nod. "Thank you for being here. All of you were present for the…convention outside." His mouth twisted as he tried to keep his words neutral. "The Volturi are most definitely coming, and Marcus's reluctance indicates that they will not give us any warning. They plan to strike when we least expect it and use the testimony of Braden's coven as justification for it."

Grandfather turned to me. "Nessie, did Marcus reveal any additional information when you saw him in the woods?"

I blushed as everyone's attention shifted to me. "Not much," I admitted. "He did say that he'll do everything in his power to warn us, but he's not sure how much power he'll have. Aro sent Felix and Demetri with him to act as babysitters."

The vampires in the room groaned. If Marcus was acting under Volturi supervision, we were almost guaranteed a sneak attack.

"And we've lost the element of surprise," Daddy added to my thoughts. "Now the Guard knows that more shape-shifters exist besides just the Quileute and Arikara tribes."

"Wasn't that the issue anyway, though?" Jacob asked. "Kill the traitors, and then take out the new supernatural threats?"

"That's the idea, but the Volturi would have prepared to eradicate two tribes, not nine," Jasper answered. "They'll be sure to recruit as many covens and nomads as possible, and this time, our name won't be enough to save us. The vampire world will be much more concerned about a rising population of shape-shifters than the existence of one unique family."

I shuddered, and Jacob wrapped a protective arm around my shoulders. "What do you suggest? You're the military genius, right?"

Jasper's eyes lit enthusiastically. "The best advantage we have is playing to our distinct strengths and maximizing cooperation between the different species. Take the Chippewa as an example." Across the room, the two representative tribe members assumed a proud stance. "Their shape-shifting form is a hawk, so the Volturi will prepare to counter aerial attacks. Though their defense may not be as sure as it would be against vampires, at least they will have some expectation."

As if delivering a famous punch line, Jasper lifted one finger in the air and smiled broadly at us. "However, if a Chippewa hawk were to attack in conjunction with, say, a spider from the Arapaho and an elk from the Arikara…"

He trailed off to let all of us grin at the realization. "It would be impossible for them to use three different defenses at once!" Elena exulted, voicing all of our thoughts.

Jasper nodded. "Exactly. Our best defense is unity. Even among just our family and the Quileutes, we've managed to ward off major advances. As a supernatural army…we'll be unstoppable."

There was a pause as everyone reflected. Finally, I spoke. "We'll have to train together. And if not altogether, then we should at least teach different fighting tactics to each of the tribes."

"Not to impose on the Cullens' hospitality," Lemuel interjected, "but it would be helpful to make this house a sort of home base. A huge part of the training will include fighting vampires – I don't see many of our tribe consenting to having the Cullens on-site." He frowned apologetically at Grandmother. "No offense, of course."

"None taken," she answered smoothly. "We would be pleased to host the shape-shifters here for as long as is needed." Rosalie grunted, but one look at Emmett's enthusiastic grin caused her to clamp her mouth shut and force a smile.

"Jacob and I can compile a training schedule and send it out via email," Elena offered. "Since we're the leaders of the tribes here in Westhope, it will be convenient for us to discuss availabilities between both the shape-shifters and the Cullens."

"Don't forget our vampire friends, too," Alice added. "The details are hazy, but I envision most of the party guests standing with us at the confrontation. They will want to know how to best prepare themselves."

Jasper smiled winningly at his mate. "We'll definitely keep everyone informed. In the meantime, though, I need the shape-shifters to bring their tribes up-to-date and spend extra time training as a unit. We will do the same here in Westhope, until Jacob and Elena determine a good time for the first group training session."

Selena stepped forward. "I can't speak for everyone, but after tonight's circumstances, I want my tribe to be extra vigilant," she said decisively. "I'll also be sure to send different members of my tribe to each training session, though I plan to attend all of them." The tribal leaders nodded.

I smiled gratefully from my place beside Jacob. "Thank you all for your willingness and enthusiasm. We truly wouldn't stand a chance without your support."

"It's a pleasure, Renesmee, and our duty," Lemuel answered. In a startlingly serious gesture, he placed his right fist over his heart. "This fight will determine the fate of our race, individuals that wouldn't have even known that others existed if you hadn't made the effort to unite us. We owe it to you, Nessie."

"Team Nessie!" Seth shouted impulsively. My family laughed, but the human Quileutes and the other shape-shifters took up the call, chanting my name with relentless energy. I blushed and ducked my head at their praise.

Jacob placed a finger under my chin and lifted my head up again. "Don't hide from them, Nessie," he whispered. "These people look up to you. They're willing to follow you and defend you. As long as you're confident, so are they."

I gazed into my imprint's eyes and found the fire I needed to lead with passion. I had the overwhelming support of everyone in the room, including even Jasper the great military strategist. Momma flashed me a knowing smile, and I remembered the conversation we had shared earlier in the evening, when she'd urged me to find my strength in anyone and everyone who was willing to help. This moment was obviously the time to put her wisdom into practice.

I faced them with renewed determination and allowed myself a slow smile. "Let's do this."

Tamara POV

The summons from Aro had arrived suddenly, without any warning or pattern that would have alerted us to anything amiss. Braden had been reluctant to send me alone, but I brushed it off as nothing, grateful that my stone heart wouldn't give away the incredible fear I was experiencing now. The Volturi Guard seemed much more imposing now that I was approaching the courtroom on Aro's terms, not my own.

I breathed silently, counting each inhale and exhale to steady myself, and reflected on the last few months. Since Leanna and Ashton had "graduated" from Westhope High, we had settled in the vast countryside of Somerset, England, where the trio originally hailed from. It was the first time besides meeting me that I had seen Braden truly happy; everyone felt more at ease with a place to call home.

As for me, my thirst had ebbed considerably, though my newborn tendencies were still strong. It helped that Braden was gifted in mind control; I would certainly have gotten myself into trouble without his interference. It also helped that his presence was so soothing, his features so exquisite, his love so palpable and delightful—

Yes, focus on Braden. Focus on your love for him. He will protect you. He would never let anything happen to you.

My breath hitched.

When we entered the courtroom, loud voices were echoing violently off the vaulted ceilings. I stared at the confrontation in confusion. Didn't Aro, Caius, and Marcus share the authority? Why did this exchange seem to be two-on-one?

"You had her in the palm of her hand, and instead of capturing her and bringing her to me, you warned her that we might attack?" Caius demanded incredulously.

"This mission was not an offensive," Marcus answered calmly. "Even if it had been, we still have no method of dismantling Bella Cullen's shield. Not to mention the countless vampires and other shape-shifters that would have leapt immediately to her defense."

"Why do you think we sent the Guard with you?" Aro countered.

Marcus smiled wryly. "Only a fool would have attacked with the forces you provided me. Out of all of them, only Felix and Demetri were experienced fighters. Dominic nearly ruined any hope of peaceful compromise—"

"Peaceful compromise!" Aro repeated shrilly.

"—by mauling and then biting one of the Quileute wolves," Marcus finished.

"I don't see how the wellbeing of one wolf is deserving of your concern," Caius snarled.

The three leaders stood with stubborn, unnatural stillness, and I shifted uneasily at the base of the stairs.

My slight movement caught Aro's attention. He forced a smile. "Ah, young Tamara! It is good to see you again. Please, come forward!"

Every one of my instincts screamed that I should run away as quickly as possible to the safety of Braden's arms, but I didn't dare turn my back on the dangerous vampire. Slowly, with what I hoped was deliberation and not trepidation, I approached the three leaders and bowed my head slightly.

"You summoned me, Master Aro?" I said politely, my head still lowered.

"Yes, yes," Aro answered quickly, his voice and expression distressed.

When he turned his back on me and did not elaborate, I ventured, "I do hope that everything is well in Volterra?"

Caius growled. "You will speak when spoken to, newborn!" he spat.

"Peace, brother," Aro interjected, though he kept his back to the courtroom. With a chillingly low voice, he began, "Tell me, Tamara, how long have you been withholding information from me?"

I froze. The situation was much worse than I'd originally thought. I tried unsuccessfully to steady my voice. "I'm sure that I don't know what you mean," I stammered.

Caius glared at me, though Marcus looked sympathetic, even sad. Aro still hid his face from me. "My question was perfectly clear, Tamara."

"I'm not questioning your semantics, sir," I replied, smiling wryly to hide my mounting fear.

"Impudent child," Caius muttered.

"Caius," Marcus warned.

My smile disappeared. Now apparently wasn't the time to be clever. "What I meant, Master Aro, is that I don't understand what I have done to warrant such an accusation."

I waited with bated breath for his answer, but none was readily forthcoming. When Aro finally faced me again, I very nearly lost my composure. His features were expressionless, his eyes steely and cold. "You informed us earlier this year that the Cullens—" he spat the name—"had allied themselves with not one, but two tribes of shape-shifters."

"Yes, sir. That's true." Did he expect me to give away their trade secrets? I didn't know anything beyond their shape-shifting forms.

Aro waved his hand impatiently. "When, exactly, were you planning to enlighten me that seven new shape-shifting tribes have joined their alliance?"

I gasped in utter astonishment. "Seven?" I repeated weakly.

Caius eyed me suspiciously. "You're a rather convincing liar," he accused.

"I'm not lying!" I protested. "My coven only ever encountered the Arikara. We don't have any knowledge about the other tribes—read my thoughts to see!"

Aro shook his head sadly. "I'm very disappointed in you, Tamara." His voice belied any such claim. "You showed such great promise when you took the initiative to warn us about the Cullens. Now, however, it seems that you are unwilling to cooperate with us."

Before I could speak, intense pain that surpassed even the agony of my transformation gripped my body. I fell to the ground with a shriek. "Stop, please!" I begged. My limbs twisted at all uncomfortable angles. "I don't know about the other shape-shifters!"

Still the pain continued, and I writhed on the floor, screaming wordless nonsense, just desperate for it to end. Eventually, Aro spoke. "Jane."

I collapsed with relief.

"I'm surprised, young Tamara," Aro said conversationally. "Most cannot withstand Jane's torture without giving us the information we desire."

"I have no information to give," I insisted plaintively. My arms opened in supplication. "Please, believe me."

Aro smiled sweetly. "I believe that some quality time spent in one of Volterra's dungeons should refresh your memory."

With a snap of his fingers, two members of the Guard gripped my upper arms. "No!" I cried, as they dragged me down the steps. "Aro, please!"

"Aro." Marcus spoke quietly, his voice urgent. "This is a foolish move. The vampire community won't stand for unjust imprisonment, and we will need support in the confrontation with the Cullens."

"If we do not deal with this traitor appropriately, then the vampire community will consider us weak!" Caius argued.

Aro raised both of his hands, palms outward. "Take Tamara to the lowest level," he instructed.

We were suddenly in motion again. "No, please," I begged. When no one answered, I was struck with panic. "Braden." I heaved for breath that I didn't need. "Braden, help me! BRADEN!"

As the courtroom door shut behind us, Aro's voice sounded clear as day. "Such a shame. For how powerful you said your mate is, he's rather powerless at protecting you."