Disclaimer: It ain't mine if you recognize it. Lyrics: Getting Away With Murder- Papa Roach

(A/N: Congratulations to casi-sand for being my 300threview! Warning: There's actual, bloody violence in this chapter. What? Violence? Say it isn't so!l)

(IMPORTANT: Pay attention to the dates, POVs, and designations of flashbacks!)

Chapter 19: Power

Senior year at NYU- second semester

January, over 3 years after Bella left Forks

(Bella's POV)

It was one of those nights where I was alone in my apartment. I'd clicked off the lights throughout our home, minus my room, and changed into my gray pajama shorts and white t-shirt. Although finals were months away, studying was crucial, and the workload was horrendous. I sat cross-legged on my bed with all of my books lying open in front of me. Ashley was spending the night at her parents place because they were in town. Kyle was taking his semester abroad in Florence, Italy. He would return in time for graduation, which was months away. I'd added a minor in Business, along with my major in Literature, hoping that would look good on my resume, as well as grant me more opportunities for jobs when I finally went out into the real world.

Struggling with studies, sleeping, friends, work…I'd been busy. Non-stop. And since it was the final semester, teachers saw that as an opportunity to assign us tons of projects to complete before grades went in.

After I'd stopped Jeremy at the end of my junior year, that moment had been the final straw for both of us. The following morning I broke up with him, and we remained friends, which wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Every time things had gotten heated between us, I bailed- our first kiss was the initial example. I still hadn't let go of my past. I'd tried so hard to, but I couldn't. Memories snuck up on me, usually at the worst possible times. Friends from La Push and Forks popping up left and right hadn't helped any.

I'd only gotten so into Jeremy's kisses because for a second I would feel his mouth, and his hands, and I would remember what it was like with him. I couldn't even think of sleeping with Jeremy without envisioning someone else. The guilt would follow me like a hurricane.

I hadn't had any sort of sexual contact with a man since Jacob, and no man had seen me naked either. I could notdo it.

So, here I was, single for about a year now, and… liking it. I'd always jumped into things too fast. Except, I spent the first year and half of college single and fine, so I guess I was proving I didn't need a man again. That weight of attempting to feel for someone else was too heavy. And I was sick of stringing a guy along hoping I'd fall in love with him. Moving into forbidden territory with Jeremy had to be the biggest mistake I'd made since I'd left Washington. Breaking up with him had been the best thing to do. He didn't deserve me because I couldn't love him.

Three years later and I couldn't bring myself to say I wasn't in love with Jacob Black anymore.

I tossed my notebook to the end of my bed and fell back against the pillows, running my hands through my hair and rubbing my face. I didn't even know what he was doing. I'd talked to him, once, over a year ago. I didn't know if he was still in La Push or if he was alive. No, Bella don't think that. Charlie or Autumn…anyone would have told you if something happened.

The Volturi hadn't visited and it was irritating as hell. Had they given up? Did they get bored with me? I hadn't even thought of them in such a long time. Were they still angry with me? Had they already attacked those I loved without coming after me first? They couldn't have because I'd spoken to Charlie, Renee, Alice, and Edward today. No changes had occurred.

I was exhausted. I shoved my books to one side of my bed and glanced at my alarm clock. It was already three in the morning. It was eerily quiet outside; there were no footsteps to be heard down the halls. I was likely the only one awake. I turned off my lamp and closed my eyes, welcoming the darkness.

I woke up minutes later (my clock read 3:13 am) because I'd heard a window sliding open from the living room. I tensed, sweat soaking my skin, and crawled out of bed, reaching for the knife in my drawer. Our apartment building had been prone to break-ins recently and I wasn't about to take any chances getting killed because someone decided they wanted Ashley's flat screen or Kyle's sound system. I eased open my door, turning the knob as quietly as possible, and proceeded to creep down the pitch black hallway, eyes adjusting to the dark. I heard voices; a low thrum, then silence. I couldn't even make out the words, it sounded like nonsense, or beings speaking in whispers human ears wouldn't understand.

I gasped and gripped the knife tighter. Had they finally come for me? I turned around the corner to see someone hunched over the refrigerator, shuffling through our food. I twisted the knife, fingers straining around it, ready to defend myself with the only protection my 5'3", barely 100 pound frame could offer. When I went in to strike the person spoke, slamming the door and facing me. "Whoa!"

I dropped the knife and it clattered on the floor. "Embry, what the hell are you doing here?"

He grinned. "Why didn't I hear you?"

Another voice came from the bar, and a blond, ivory-skinned figure swung around, legs bare. "Because you were too distracted by these…" She lifted her skirt to reveal her shimmering thigh. "And food." She rolled her eyes.

My heart pounded and threatened to break free from my rib cage. "Autumn?" I shrieked.

She smiled and stood to her feet. "Long time no see, Bella." She opened her arms and I launched myself into her embrace, squeezing her. Tears were in my eyes. "God, I missed you so much," I whispered into her shoulder as she stroked my back.

"What about me?" Embry whined. I loosened myself from Autumn's hold and greeted Embry. His arms wrapped around me and enveloped me in the heat I'd almost forgotten about, before I convinced myself to pull away. "You could've called you know, or knocked." I was so happy to see them; my stomach was fluttering.

"With that security guard armed with all those guns?" Embry snorted.

Autumn hopped back onto the bar, legs hanging over the edge. "We'd rather not be caught sneaking into a dorm at 3 in the morning when we aren't students here."

"Plus, it was more fun climbing up the side of the building and entering through your apartment's balcony." Embry winked. "Very Mission Impossible-like."

Autumn nudged his knee with her foot. "Stealth is how we roll." They shared a laugh.

"I'm glad my roomies aren't here. They'd wonder how you magicallyappeared in our apartment, that's on the sixth floor," I said, sarcastically.

Autumn smirked. "You could just say we used a big ladder or a cherry-picker."

Embry laughed. "Or the words largest land animal."

Autumn stared at him, obviously annoyed. "Don't get too egotistical, big boy."

Embry playfully contorted his body into a defensive 'ghetto stance,' arms gesturing frantically when he spoke. "Bitch, I'm the size of a motherfucking house!" He frowned, but I could see the smile shining through.

She chuckled. "Whatever, 'dawg,'" she teased, mimicking his 'gangster' voice. "I'm prettier than you."

There was a long pause as they hysterically stared each other down. Embry rolled his eyes. "You win," he muttered. A satisfied grin broke across Autumn's face.

The three of us burst into a fit of giggles before it was silent again.

My eyes directed towards Embry. "You aren't mad at me."

He arched a brow. Recognition crossed his features when he understood what I was referring to. You aren't mad at me because I supposedly left Jacob, your pack brother (and Alpha), your best friend, for Edward Cullen. He shook his head. "Nope." He inclined his head towards Autumn. "My girl filled me in on everything after her trip." He clenched his teeth and glared at her.

She blinked her lashes. "Sweetie, you know why I went in alone."

"I can't stay mad at you…bitch."

"I love you too."

"What 'trip?'" I said, curious, looking at her.

She sighed and hunched her shoulders. "I guess I better fill her in, eh?"

Embry nodded. "Yes, sugarplum," he snickered.

Autumn reached for my hand, hers smooth (it always had been…it was like she applied lotion to her skin all day and it stayed there), and led me to the couch in the sitting room. She sat gracefully on the end and faced me. I plopped down across from her. Embry lounged in the recliner beside us. Before I even let her get a word out, I began a game of a million questions, wanting to know everything I'd missed since I left over three years ago. "How are Forks, La Push, and Port Angeles?" I listed the places on my fingers.

Autumn and Embry exchanged a look before glancing back at me. "Same as usual. Lots of rain, zero vampires." Autumn smirked.

"So, have the wolves stopped phasing?"

"No," Embry answered. "Autumn's still around, so we still have to, even though she's not a threat…at least to us," he sniggered. What the hell?

"How are…the two of you?" I pointed back and forth between them.

The shared an affectionate smile. "Never been better," Autumn beamed, gazing at him.

I couldn't handle it. It was the way Jeremy had looked at me, although I'm sure I hadn't looked at him like that, so in love like these two. If the pictures I kept stored away in my closet were any proof, I had only stared at one person with complete and utter love, adoration, and commitment.

Autumn tapped my foot. We were mirrors of each other; knees beneath us and sideways on the couch. I jerked my mind from drowning in gloomy thoughts. "How are Sam and Emily?"

"Wonderful," Autumn giggled. "They have two beautiful children, a boy and a girl, fraternal twins."

"Sam spoils the girl like I've never seen," Embry chuckled. "I can't wait until she's older. She's such a daddy's girl."

This wave of depression crashed through me like I'd never experienced. I had a fading, likely unattainable, vision of a black-haired girl, with tan skin and big, round, chocolate eyes, tiny hands wrapped around a finger and body shrouded in a blanket, tucked in Jacob's arms. Our child. I shivered before clearing my throat. "I expected they'd have two boys." I finally looked back up at them. "What about Leah?"

Autumn threw her head back, laughing. "She is having a blast! She's attending Washington State. She visits every weekend."

Embry wiggled his eyebrows. "Rumor has it, according to Julius, she's got a potential boyfriend she's hiding from us."

I chuckled before continuing. "Brady, Colin? Any new pack members?"

"They love it, like Quil when he first changed. There's a few new ones…it makes us feel old."

Autumn rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because your totally aging." She angled back to me, interrupting me before I resumed my interrogation. Our eyes met. "You spoke to Charlie recently, right?"

"I did, today." I leaned against my elbow on the back of the couch. "He mentioned he's planning to ask Sue to move in with him. He wanted my permission. I think he's old enough to decide for himself, but I do appreciate him wanting my intake."

"And…are you okay with it?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" I declared, averting my eyes from her. "My mother is remarried. Charlie deserves to be happy." Even if it's been ages since I experienced true happiness. I had been doing so well, with my new friends as support, and then my best friend decided to drop in and remind me there are others I still care deeply about out there. That seemed to be a common occurrence. First Leah, Seth, and Brooke, Jacob's call, then Rachel and Alice, and finally Embry and Autumn. I shook myself from my thoughts again. "How about Jared, Kim, Julius, Carmen?" I listed names so quickly it sounded like I was rambling.

Embry reclined in the chair. "Jared and Kim are married. One of those, 'you're my soul mate, why the hell not' type things.

"And, uh, you two aren't?" I said tersely.

"Bella, I'm going to be alive forever. Embry, as long as he's with me, will too. There's no need to rush when we're both mythical," Autumn explained. "If we get sick of it, we can off ourselves."

I lurched forward and grabbed her hands, tears in my eyes. "Don't say things like that!"

Embry rolled his eyes. "Bella, you're human." His eyes widened, like it just hit him I smelled like my strawberry and vanilla shampoo, not like a sickly sweet vampire. "We don't want to be around when everyone we love is gone. Not like them," he finished, bitterly, emphasizing his hate towards the 'bloodsuckers.'

Autumn glared at him. She was half-vampire. She swung around, back to me, face softening. "Carmen and Julius skipped going to college and have been around the fucking world. Who knew Julius had so much money?"

I remembered Chimera telling me about the ranch her father owned and her and Julius living on the streets. Had that been where he'd gotten his money from? Had he inherited it somehow?

Autumn stomped her foot. Embry gaped at her, amused. "Um, Autumn, you've got money too." She threw a pillow at him and refocused her attention to me. I was cross legged, sloping forward for more details.

"They definitely aren't getting married. It hadn't even crossed their minds. They're so young, as both of them say all the freaking time. Once they hit 30, then they might settle down," Autumn snorted.

"What about Brooke and Seth? Paul and Rachel?"

Autumn grinned. "Rachel went back to school. I'm glad she did. She's not throwing her future away because she's been imprinted on. I love that girl."

"Of course, that doesn't keep Paul down," Embry added. "He's going to school with Brooke at the community college, where Seth is now enrolled. He talks to 'his girl' ever other day and visits her every other weekend. It's so hilarious…Paul thinks he's so bad ass, and then he goes gaga every time he gets to see her, like an excited puppy."

"She finally gave in to his advances and they're really close now," Autumn concluded. "Seth and Brooke are adorable. They're such an unlikely pair…it's so funny. She stays in an apartment on campus. Leah instructed the guys to make sure Seth didn't somehow venture into her apartment. They can't disobey the Beta. This is Brooke's last year."

My eyes widened. "She went for a master's degree?"

"Hell yes," Embry hollered. "Not to mention she's on the student board. Popular, like she used to be. Seth's making new friends everyday because of her."

"Rebecca…Billy?" My chest tightened. I was getting closer to the one person I desired to know the most about. I craved reassurance he was okay."

"Rebecca's still in Hawaii." Autumn glanced at Embry out of the corner of her eye. They both knew where I was going with this. "She comes up every holiday with the hubby, and every summer, and…you get my point."

"Billy…he's alright," Embry swallowed. "He had a few almost moments; he's not that young anymore. But he's still happy, emotionally, at least. Physically, it's getting worse." I kept forgetting we were all aging. Well, almost all of us.

There was a moment's silence. The tension in the room was detectable. I chewed on my lower lip and nestled my hands between my knees, quivering. "How's…Jacob?" I whispered, fiddling with a thread on my shorts. I met their eyes.

Embry beamed. "He's fucking fantastic." What?

Autumn smacked his leg with her hand and I swore I heard something crack. "Embry…seriously." She gritted her teeth.

"Well it's the truth." His eyes studied hers. "You told me she moved on." He titled his head toward me. "He can get over her too."

"She's not seeing anyone anymore and she's not over him." I blushed and ducked my head before peeking up at him.

Embry cupped his mouth, appearing to be, without a doubt, guilty about his words. "I never said he was over you." He was being honest. "I'm not as observant as she is." He pointed to Autumn.

"No, its okay," I rasped.

"He's going to college, "Autumn said. "He got his own place and he's meeting new people. I mean, it's Jacob. That's inevitable. He's got so many friends it's incredible. He still runs the Pack."

"Damn good at it too," Embry admitted. "He's getting a hell of a lot better at controlling his anger, like the rest of us…not that he ever really had a problem. Paul's working on his own rage issues."

"He's over at Billy's every night to keep him company for a few hours." That sounds like the Jacob I…knew. "He's got himself a nice car too."

Embry sneered "He wasn't the one that paid for it," he muttered, peeved. Autumn slapped him again. "Ouch! Are you trying to break my leg?" He muffled a whimper and clasped his leg.

My eyes welled up. "T-that's great. That's all I need to hear. He's fine."

I didn't know why it was such a big deal with what he was saying. Jacob was doing well. He'd more or less forgotten the pain I caused him. It hurt; my insides melded together, tight. But, he didn't deserve any heartache. I was thankful. Yes, I was bothered by the prospect of him possibly seeing someone else…or imprinting. But, my reasoning was illogical. He had every right to move on. It punctured old wounds knowing if he had imprinted, he'd be over me. I clutched at my chest as the dull ache flared and squeezed my eyes shut. I wouldn't allow myself to break down in front of Autumn and Embry when I'd been doing wonderfully. The subject needed to change fast. I asked the one question that had been plaguing my mind in its deepest corners. "Did the Volturi ever show their faces?" I trembled.

"Never. That's where I was getting. And it's the main reason why we came to see you." Autumn's lips curved upwards into a smile. Why would the thought of the Volturi make her so cheerful? Embry's reaction shocked me as well; he began to bounce up and down on his feet while seated, smiling.

I bristled. "Why are you so glad about them?"

"Because you no longer have to worry about them anymore, Bella, ever again." Autumn was quaking with exhilaration.

"My girlfriend is so fucking badass," Embry quipped before becoming serious. "We owe her our lives."

I was stunned. "What happened?" I whispered, eyes light, hoping for the best shred of news I would receive. My old friends were alive, and the Volturi were off my back, for good. What had changed their minds?

Autumn hesitated. "I paid them a visit."

"You what?" I leapt to my feet, enraged. "How could you…were you out of your fucking mind? They could've killed you!" Angry tears burned my eyes. Embry placed a hand on my shoulder and lead me back to the couch and I sat down again. "Let her explain," Embry said sternly, before he returned to his seat. I sunk into the couch. A light bulb went off in my head. "But, you're here…they didn't kill you." I resumed my earlier position, pulling a pillow into my lap, grasping it. "I don't understand." My eyes blurred as our eyes met

Autumn seized my hands. "Remember what Carlisle said before you left? That he thought I was strong enough, but didn't want to test me?" I nodded, anxious. She grinned and squeezed my hands. It was a smug, satisfied, joyous smile. "I got sick of waiting around for Carlisle to prove his theory. I'm invincible, Bella. He was right."

My heart skipped a beat. "W-What? Really?"

She nodded briskly. "I'm going to show you something…it's one of my powers."

"Just one?"

"Yep," she giggled. She pulled me closer to her. Embry watched, entranced. "This is the only way I know you'll believe me when I say the Volturi no longer pose a threat to you, me, our family and friends, and your new friends."

"I trust you, always. You wouldn't lie to me."

"You're right. But, I want you to see for yourself, what happened. I'm going to push the event into you. It'll play like a movie in your head. It's a flashback of when I visited and you'll be able to be anywhere you want, invisible, obviously, like the wind, as ridiculous as that sounds. This is only the third or so time I've done this, so I hope it works." She gripped my fingers several times, almost nervous. "I want you to relax, Bella. Close your eyes." I obeyed. She continued holding my hands. "You've been the Volterra." I flinched; the memory was distant, but still evident in my mind. "Visualize the Volturi's lair your head." I felt woozy as I began to succumb to her serene voice. I did as she said and imagined their home- dark, terrifying, walls closing in. The entrance way. The throne room itself- large, high ceilings, white. I felt my body jerk forward and it was almost like I landed on my feet right in the alleyway Edward and I had been reunited in after he'd left. The last thing I heard before I was completely immersed in the memory, like I was someone else, living in that moment, actually there, was Autumn and the sounds from outside my apartment dwindling. "Embry, it's working."

Begin Flashback/

Autumn and Embry's apartment

La Push, Washington

(Autumn's POV)

I was beginning to think this wasn't such a good idea.

I selected a sparse amount of belongings and tucked them into my enormous purse and tiny carryon bag. I wasn't planning to take too long. After the 15 or so hour flight to Volterra and the one back, I would be gone, at most, two days. I just hope I could convince them to leave Bella alone before they killed me. Which complicated things; would I make it out alive?

"Don't dwell on it, Autumn," I whispered into the still night of the bedroom I shared with Embry. "It's about time this whole thing came to an end." I haphazardly shoved a pair of jeans into my bag, in a hurry. I double checked the pockets of my dark blue skinny jeans and slipped on my heels. My off shoulder, white peasant shirt draped over my bulging pockets; I had my passport, flight tickets, keys and ID stuffed into them. I'd already rented a car from the airport, pulling an 'Alice,' and vying for a crimson red Lamborghini so I could arrive in style.

The Cullen's had been helpful. Edward pinpointed the exact location of the lair to me and each one of them gave me their support. Carlisle had panicked, but I explained that nearly three years of this nonsense and there was still no sign. I was tired of waiting. I was taking the battle to their doorstep, in heels, dressed to kill. Not that I'd intentionally hurt anybody, but I had to appear tough. Marching up to Aro in heels could do the trick.

I hadn't informed the pack or mentioned a thing to Embry. But, I wasn't about to leave without saying goodbye. Jacob was going to be fucking spiteful when he found out what I hadn't told him.

I roughly shook Embry's bare arm, moving his body, knowing nothing else would wake him. "Embry, wake up," I said, loudly.

His looked around, confused for a second, before his eyes landed on me. He grinned. "Babe, are you leaving me for another romp in the sack?" He joked.

I shoved him, chuckling. "No."

I leaned over the bed as he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Then what the hell are you doing?" His tone wasn't light. He was suspicious…worried too.

"I'm going to go somewhere for a couple of days."

He scrunched his forehead, contemplating. "For what?" I averted my eyes; he picked up on the movement that would've been too fast for a human's vision. He rolled his eyes and slammed his hand on the bed before standing to his feet and facing me. "Baby, please tell me you aren't visiting the Villa, Volley, whatever the hell they are…those vampires in Italy." He crossed his arms, angry.

"Yes," I sighed, defending myself and straightening my shoulders, mirroring his position, arms covering my chest. "And, nothing you can say will change my mind." He started to speak. I stopped him; I knew him too well. "And I'll be going alone."

"Unarmed, by yourself?"

"I won't risk you, or the others." I gritted my teeth. "I love you too much."

"Uh huh," he said, sarcastically. He was upset. "They want you too, Autumn. Are you going to make a trade and hope that works?" Embry and I were always on the same page. We always knew what the other was thinking. There was a tense silence where we stared each other down across the room.

"I have faith in myself, Embry. And I know you believe in me too. I can do this. You have to let me go," I pleaded. "If I'm not back in 50 hours, tops, you can tell everyone what's going on. We'd have to fight them. Once Demetri sets his eyes on me, there's no hiding anymore."

"How about I come with you, and not actually face them?" Embry raised the stakes. Did all werewolves have to be so fucking unrelenting? Or did Jacob Black's stubbornness rub off on everyone because he was Alpha now?

I rolled my eyes. "Do you want to pull a Romeo and Juliet-like move and get us killed?"

His nose scrunched in disgust. "Ewww….that romantic bullshit? Romeo and Juliet were idiots." He smirked. "I was thinking something along the lines of Bonnie and Clyde."

I snorted. "Bonnie and Clyde robbed banks together."

"You get my point though!

"Yeah, I do…Now you're talking…" I retrieved the tickets from my pocket. "I bought two. I knew you wouldn't agree." He jumped up and down, energetic. "But you are to stay outside of the city walls and I'm entering alone. I won't debate any longer, understood?" I said, sternly.

He threw up his hands and beamed. "You got it, baby."

(What follows is what Bella sees)

Somewhere beyond happiness and sadness

I need to calculate

What creates my own madness

And I'm addicted to your punishment

And you're the master

And I am waiting for disaster

Volterra, Italy

(Autumn's POV)

Several hours later I was running through Volterra approaching the entrance the Volturi's kingdom. I wasn't going to wait around for them to find me; I was planning to make my presence known. I didn't fear death; I just wasn't ready to die, not until I solved things and ended this 'game' once and for all. Bella needed to be free.

The doors towered overhead, proudly displaying what the Volturi would want for their castle: a threatening and beautifully crafted appearance. I pushed through, head held high. I was scared, but unlike most people, I had the ability to exude confidence few other were capable of. I didn't even acknowledge the awkward stares I was receiving as the Volturi's 'tools' and their new assistant watched me with uneasy, intrusive eyes. The door to the lair was open. I strolled inside, flexing my hands. They were all there: Aro, Marcus, Caius in their thrones, the Guard, the wives, Jane, Alec, and they were animated, discussing something. It was like they were suiting up for a big event.

Or preparing to attack.

I let in a sharp intake of breath. Had I made it in the nick of time? I'd snuck in unnoticed, but my anxiety gave my presence away to Aro, who was lounged in the center chair, legs drooping over the armrest, lacking an authoritative manner. He was too relaxed. His eyes landed on mine. He refused to look away. An evil grin distorted his face "Well, well, look who decided to drop by." I kept my gaze on him, glaring. The others turned in my direction and almost sniggered at my arrival.

Jane approached me. She had the appearance of a porcelain, possessed baby doll, with eyes a striking blood red. She inspected me. "She does exist," her tiny, girly voice pierced my ears, and my eardrums vibrated painfully. She touched my skin. I recoiled. "Don't touch me." She cackled and faced Aro. I tried to hide my fear, keeping my scowl firmly in place.

Aro tapped the arm of his throne rhythmically and it echoed through the silence of the room. "You amuse me, Autumn." He stood to his feet, stepping down the stairs, cloak billowing behind him. The Guard flocked his sides. Felix, the big, muscular one directly to Aro's left growled at me. My eyes never left Aro's. "You dare show your face when your number one on our most wanted to kill list. Are you on a suicide mission?" The others laughed.

"You caught us just in time," Jane sneered. "Marcus, the others, and I were just on our way out to find precious, fragile Isabella Swan." Alec draped a shawl over her shoulders. I stiffened. I had arrived in time; if I had showed up minutes later this wouldn't have worked, and all hope would have vanished.

I found my voice. "You waited this long?" I concealed my emotions with a calm demeanor.

"We wanted to strike when she least expected it, when she thought we may have been done with her," Marcus responded in a haunting and bone grating voice. I shivered. He examined me and grinned. "She brought someone with her, someone she loves deeply."

Aro was closer now. I clenched my fists to me side, breathing deeply. "He is not to be harmed. I came here to ask for an ultimatum: my life in place of Bella Swan's and those she loves.

"Do you really think we won't go after her and the others after we've killed you?" Marcus snorted. "You're delusional. We want you too."

"No," I said, grinding my teeth. "You want me dead. You want her as one of your own. There's a difference," I snarled.

Aro paced, stroking his chin. "I don't know about that. Bella, you say?" He tilted his head towards me and continued. "She has made us quite…infuriated." His nostrils flared and his eyes were murderous. "Almost as much as you. Do you want to suffer the same fate as your parents? Or has Carlisle convinced you we really aren't merciless? He's fooled you." He was inches from my face. "The circumstances surrounding your birth were vile, repulsive, unimaginable, and against the laws we've created."

"Then why haven't you killed me yet?"

He laughed. "I was getting there. I'm not finished yet." I closedmy mouth, angry tears clouding my vision. I wasn't weak; I could hold my ground. "You don't remember them at all do you?" I shook my head, embittered. Memories of my mother's face and my father's voice were the only thing I could recall. "Ripped from you the day you were born, raised by foster parents. And you knew you were different, didn't you?" I swallowed a sob. "Unless your father used his ability to give you a souvenir you could hold onto, or perhaps it was a fake memory? That power to embed any memory into any individual's mind intrigued us, until he refused to join. He was one of my favorites, did you know that?" I didn't respond, my unwavering gaze on him, combating the emotions that threatened to seep through. This was one of the deceptive qualities of the Volturi. They knew everything that made you tick and hoped you would crumble without a fight.

They were wrong; I wouldn't falter, or show my weakness, although it was tearing at my guts.

He continued. "He was such a promising student, and he would have been in this chair here." He pointed to a throne, in pieces in the corner. "But then I sent him away, on a mission, to pick up a group of humans for us to feed on." Aro circled around me as he spoke. "That was the biggest mistake I made. He got lost in the woods in a place in Ireland that we'd never set foot in. He met your mother there. If my recollections are correct, from acquiring his memories, she'd been walking outside, in human form, to fetch water from her family's well. Such a mindless, every day task." He came to a halt in front of me. "She was beautiful- rich skin, blue eyes. He knew what she was from the first glance but he couldn't stay away, thus betraying us. She was such an unlikely choice for your blonde-haired father. The only female werewolf that I'd heard of."

They didn't know about Leah. I had one thing to use against them.

"When he came back, he seemed different. He disappeared every night to visit her, something I should have been aware of from the start, but paid no attention to. He was delirious one day, and his excitement was you, the product of their 'love,'" he spat. "You are an abomination and you came here, knowing you'd die, just like them. It's so valiant, yet idiotic at the same time. We've wanted to murder you for years, but you've always slipped out of our grasp. You're clever, intelligent. But we don't change our minds that easily." There was such an ache in my heart I wanted to puke.

"Please, master, let me play," Jane salivated, longing to throw me across the room with her ability.

He held up his hand in her direction. "Not yet." He gestured towards Felix and Demetri. Both were bigger than me, possibly stronger. "If this doesn't work, you go ahead. It's doubtful though, I'm sure." His grin was satanic.

I was going to die.

The Volturi were the most powerful thing alive, each one of them. I didn't stand a chance. I'd just sentenced Embry, Bella, the others to death, the exact opposite of what I'd intended. I straightened my back as Demetri and Felix smiled. "If you're not going to reason with me, then I will fight." The words left my mouth without a fore thought. I'd never fought before. I play fought with Emmett, Jasper, Embry, the wolves, never in determination to kill someone, never trying to harm anyone. And that was the only way. The Volturi liked to play mind games, manipulate people into giving in. There was no messing around this time. They'd made it clear when I'd first walked in that they were going to kill me. They normally weren't hostile, not like this. They only acted this way to things like me, or werewolves, their blood enemies (for reasons I still couldn't comprehend), and people who could reveal the secret they'd kept hidden for thousands of years. You did not want to provoke the Volturi, a mistake my parents had made many years ago.

The next few moments following Aro's command, "Kill her," happened in slow motion.

When a vampire fights, things through their eyes occur in slow motion, when in reality, it could be mere fractions of seconds. Our eyes follow every move of our opponent, anticipating attacks and avoiding punches. Adrenaline and anger courses through your veins when you're a wolf. We act on primal instinct, due to the threat and the only word flashing through our minds is 'Kill.' As a hybrid, the two protective instincts combine.

I feel irrational!

So confrontational!

To tell the truth I am

Getting away with murder!

I didn't intend to murder anyone. But, my animal instinct, the anger, hatred from my parents death because of the Volturi, as well as Aro and the others unwillingness to comply with my pleas when it came to Bella, seeking no compromise, and the power I didn't know I had, mixed and surfaced. My inner animal, the one I didn't know existed, was unleashed. I didn't change, I didn't make venom. My strength was all I had.

And that was all I needed.

It isn't possible

To never tell the truth!

But the reality is I'm getting away with murder!

The following events happened over the course of two and a half seconds, and to my carefully calculating eyes, in slow motion.

Demetri charged me from the front.

He reached for my neck, a tactic that would break it off with the flick of a wrist.

I grabbed his hand and threw him into the wall, a resounding crash, like concrete breaking, was heard, as his body curved inward into a bloody mess on the ground, impaled by the marble that had fallen.

Felix came at me from behind. I heard him for a portion of a second, like a brush of wind flying towards me. I jerked my head just as he reached for me and I grabbed his neck. He caught me off guard, swiping my side and escaping my grip, but I succeeded, and kicked him so his body went flying into a wall. I heard him again, and veered around as he jumped into the air in attempt to snap me in two. I grasped his neck, slamming him over my shoulder onto his back as he crashed into the floor, debris everywhere; his bones shattered and a sick, squelching nose filled my ears. I punched him, my hand reaching into his flesh. The blood leaked onto my palms

Neither arose again. They were both dead, by my own hands.

Their bones should've repaired by now.

Aro was on his knees; his neck was in my hands. One twist of my fingers and I'd break it off. He was terrified, and staring at me as every thought of anger, hurt, sadness I'd ever had or witnessed flowed through me; Bella in pain after she left, Jacob crumpling to the ground as Bella drove off, my parents death, both of them finished off by Aro slipping into focus in my mind, my love for Embry, my friends, everyone, my bargain to end this.

The room came back into focus. I gasped and dropped him. He fell to the ground. I slowly backed away, trembling as I glanced at my hands covered in blood. The others stared at me in complete shock. They were absolutely horrified and were backing into the furthest corners of the room. I breathed deeply and surveyed the damage I'd done. The floor was mutilated, the walls demolished in the area I'd thrown Demetri. His skin was cracked from head to toe; he hadn't moved and blood was leaking from his head. Felix was on the floor- almost mangled to nothing- bones damaged in his body, blood flooding all around him, immobile; no sign of life.

The only noise in the room was my breathing.

"Impossible," Aro whispered. The 'King' of the vampires was frightened by me.

"You could have killed us all," Jane said, voice quivering. "In no more than ten seconds."

"I'm not a killer," I snapped, harshly, shaking my head, speaking more to myself than them. I wiped my hands on my clothes, smearing my white shirt with blood. Their blood.

"It's over," Aro stated, firmly, his normally composed resolve breached. I noticed my hands had left bruises his neck. How is that possible? "You're free. Isabella Swan, the Cullen's girl, is free. I give you my word and my ever faithful promise. We will never come near the girl or you again. Just please," he pleaded, his voice an octave too high. If he could cry I'm sure he would. "Please, do not kill us."

"I'm not a murderer," I reiterated, staring at him, jaw clenched.

Aro stood unsteadily to his feet. "You may leave now."

I pivoted on my heels. The other cowered even further into the recesses of the room as I walked to the doors, through the hallway. I gave them one last look; they were staring hesitantly after me, like they were afraid I'd come back and finish them off. I quickly turned around and stumbled on my way out.

I never look back because I don't even want to

And I don't need to

Because I'm getting away with murder

I didn't register the faces of those surrounding me until I reached the gates to the city and met Embry in the car parked beside the road. I had told him to give me one hour inside the city walls and then he could attack. I checked my clock: only 23 minutes had passed.

The color drained from my face. Embry was drumming his fingers on the steering wheel, rocking his head to a beat before he saw me. The second his eyes fell on me he leapt out of the car and ran to my side, grasping my arms and scrutinizing me. "What the fuck happened, Autumn? Baby, are you okay?" He ducked his head. "Are you bleeding?" He surveyed my form, voice wavering, as he noticed the dark red, fresh stains on my shirt and hands.

"No."

He sniffed the blood. "That's bloodsucker blood! Holy fucking shit." He wiped his hand on his pants.

"I'm completely unharmed." An abnormal smile was on my face. "I killed two of them. I had the leader's neck in my hands." I gestured with my hands, indicating a choking hold.

"You what?" He laughed, shocked.

I grabbed his hand. It's strange; because of what I am, the heat of a werewolf or the cold of a vampire doesn't affect me. Each species temperature to my touch is normal like a human's. "I'll explain later because I think I can prove what happened." I remembered Aro's face when I touched him- all of my anger, Bella and her friends, our friends, rippling through my mind; all my memories and emotions. Had he somehow seen them and felt what I was feeling?

"What does this mean?" Embry said as soon as we settled in the car. He was awestruck.

"We're safe, all of us." I leaned in to give him a quick kiss. "And I'm indestructible."

Those words were the greatest piece of news I could give.

Getting away, getting away, getting away,

With murder.

/END FLASHBACK

Back to the present

New York City

(Bella's POV)

I gasped for breath as my mind fully returned to the present and I refocused my eyes on Autumn. I was utterly and completely shocked. "Oh my God," I squeaked (a very UnBella- like sound) and launched myself into her arms, depositing kisses repeatedly across her cheeks and forehead. "Thank you, thank you so much! You saved me! You saved all of us!" It was like the best Christmas ever had come a week too late (it was, after all, only January).

"Hey," Embry chuckled. "Can I get in on the action?" I crawled off the couch and gave him a hug, tucking my head beneath his arm. Autumn snuggled us from the other side. I couldn't stop smiling. I'd never been more thankful for anything in my life. It was the light at the end of the darkest tunnel I'd ever been in, and I'd reached it…well, I was closing in on it. Autumn was a hero. Embry wrapped his arms around me and starting rocking the three of us side to side, singing, "Love, love, love," part of the chorus of the Beatles song 'All You Need Is Love.' Autumn and I shared a laugh.

"What does this mean, besides that we're no longer in danger, ever really, unless they find something stronger than you?" I glanced between the two of them.

"First," Autumn ticked off on her fingers. "Jacob knows everything."

I gaped at her. "You told him it was only me who was in trouble?"

She raised her voice. "That was after I confronted the Volturi. I kept my promise to you."

Embry crossed his arms. "He was pissed."

I froze and stared at Autumn. "Did the two of you fight?" She nodded. "Physically?"

She paused, chewing on her lower lips. "Yes."

"Is he okay?" I inquired, nervous.

She rolled her eyes, laughing. "He's fine, Bella. I allowed him to vent his anger towards me in his wolf form. I didn't put up much of a fight, unless he was actually hurting me. He was more upset than anything. I felt so guilty that I hadn't told him the entire truth, but I knew that what you were doing was keeping us all safe."

"That's Jacob for you." I shivered and stroked my arms.

"'I'm angry, I'll lash out, attack and then break down,'" Embry explained, nodding his head. "Pretty much."

"Jake knows how to control his temper; he wouldn't attack a soul," I said, scratching my head in horror and confusion. "Especially a friend."

"Bella, he wouldn't attack a human, which I am not," Autumn said. "Second, and finally," she said, grimly. "It means you didn't have to leave in the first place."

That was the single most upsetting thing and I felt like I'd know all along that I never had to leave my former life behind. "There's no way any of us could've predicted that you were strong enough to face off with the Volturi, on your own," I said, my lips quivering. "I-I just…" I began to pace. "I hate that I hurt him."

"He knows the truth now, Bella."

I glared at her. "Yeah, but I wasn't the one that told him." Her mouth opened and closed as she tried to say something, but I interrupted her. "I wouldn't have told him anyways, so I'd glad you took things into your own hands and did." She exhaled, and her body visibly relaxed. "He hasn't called me since that summer before my junior year. I never saw him. So, obviously he doesn't want to see me."

Autumn stepped forward. "That's not true, you know that." Her tone was tranquil.

"Ha!" Embry snorted. "I don't think he's thought much about her lately since…"

"Embry Call!" Autumn's eyes darkened. "Quit."

He cowered. "Fine, but she has to know!" What the fuck were they keeping from me! It was driving me insane!

"No she doesn't, Embry," she hissed before turning back to me. "Bella, we need to be going. I only came to tell you what happened with the Volturi."

My heart crumbled, my chest tightened and my entire body slumped. "You've been here for such a short time. Can you stay, please?" I begged, tears falling. I hooked my hands to her arms.

Embry placed a hand on my shoulder and I looked at him, my eyes glistening with tears. "Jacob doesn't know we actually came to see you. He thought we only called."

"We lied," Autumn explained. "Said we were celebrating our anniversary and going away for the weekend."

"So we have to get back before he realizes what we did."

"Bella. I've lied to him so much lately. First about you, then everything about why you left, then the Volturi, and then this…I feel so bad about it."

"He'll smell me all over both of you," I said, grating my teeth together. "I don'tcare. I want you both to stay and meet my friends," I cried. "I miss you so much it fucking hurts every time I think about any of you, like a knife that refuses to budge and be yanked from my chest; it just gets deeper." My voice lowered to an almost inaudible level as I said my next words. "And the knife pierces my heart every time I think about how much I miss Jacob. Please, stay." I attempted to cheer up. "And you brought good news. I can finish college without having to worry about losing my life or each one of you inevitably because I angered the 'vampire gods.'" I was itching to go back to La Push, literally; I could feel my legs twitching with the need to run off, catch the next flight, see Jacob and apologize on my knees until he took me back. But I knew it wouldn't be that easy to earn his trust again. "Just stay for the weekend."

Autumn stared at me, face contorting in contemplation, until she uttered a single, "Okay." I wanted more time with them, but right now that was all I could ask for. And all I would receive.

I wasn't a part of the family anymore, remember?

"I'm beat," Embry yawned. "What time is it?"

"Four in the morning."

"Fucking shit," he grumbled, before glaring at Autumn. "Did we seriously invade her home this late?"

Autumn rolled her eyes. "Yes, we did." She faced me, eyes concerned. "I do apologize for that. We should have come earlier. It was a last minute decision, thus we ended up here so late. Are you okay with it?" I gave her a look that said 'what the fuck are you thinking? Of course I am!'

Embry tittered, reading my expression. "Where do I crash?"

"The couch," I gestured to it. He gaped at me, alarmed. "It's a pull out couch, Embry," I sighed and marched forward to unhook the latch. I pulled the bed out and gathered the covers we kept stored beside the sofa. I swiftly dressed the bed with Autumn's assistance. My roommates and I always kept a spare sheet, blanket, quilt, and several pillows nearby. My friends were notorious for sleeping over several nights a week.

It felt like a huge weight, also known as the enormous burden I'd been carrying, had been lifted. The Volturi were done with me. I paused, staring into space, smiling, and feeling…free, almost.

I shook out of my trance to see Embry had already stripped to his boxers (don't stare, Bella!) and Autumn was reentering the living room, already changed into her night clothes, a pair of plaid, flannel pants, and a thin, white tank top. She was brushing her hair back into a loose ponytail, face already devoid of makeup. They were fast. "Autumn, Embry? Thank you for staying." They grinned and pulled me into a three-way hug. My head was smashed against Embry's chest. "I wasn't done yet," I mouthed into his shoulder. They moved away and stared at me, waiting, obviously exhausted. "If you don't mind," I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt (nervous habit number 560) and blushed. "I was wondering if I could sleep out here with the two of you. I don't want to be alone in my room tonight. It's been so long since I've actually, physically slept with someone, like having an actual presence lying alongside me."

"Yeah, sure," Autumn cooed, crawling onto the couch. I smiled, still embarrassed, like a child wanting to share the bed with 'mommy' and 'daddy' after a nightmare. I lay down next to her. Embry joined us, looping his arms around Autumn, who was lying on her side, facing me. She abruptly turned as his hands came in contact with her waist and pressed a hand firmly against his chest, meeting his eyes. "Baby, I love you, but this is highly inappropriate for Bella. The floor, now." She pointed to the ground, smirking.

I shot up. "No, really, it's fucking freezing tonight, he's fine. I wouldn't make him sleep on the floor." I panicked.

"Bella," Embry laughed, snatching a pillow before plopping on the floor. I crawled over Autumn who was still upright and bent over the edge of the bed so I could see him. He situated his head on his hand. "I can sleep anywhere, the ground, the beach, the front porch...I'm a wolf, remember?"

"Okay." I pouted before chucking an extra pillow at him. Autumn snickered before slipping beneath the covers. I returned to my position opposite her, closer than necessary, craving the presence of my best friend, and the personal heater emitting from below us. I reached up to click off the lamp and fell onto the bed. I listened to Autumn's steady breathing and Embry's rather soft snoring (Now, that's a surprise). A small smile crossed my features as I drifted into a dreamless sleep, the most restful night I'd had in years, feeling like maybe the pieces of my past life were slowly finding their way back to me, so I could be whole again.

Late the following morning

I stretched my limbs as the noise of cars from the lunch crowd outside my window woke me up. The sun's rays streamed through the living room windows, warming my skin. I opened my eyes, hoping that last night had been true, not just a dream my imagination cooked up for me, and Embry and Autumn had been here and they had stayed the night, and Autumn hadrisked her own life to free me from my shackles, thus saving us all for good. I was on the rim of the bed, my pillow halfway down the bed, and curled into a ball. I had the oddestsleeping habits. I peeked up, rolling onto my stomach, smiling brightly when I saw Autumn on her stomach, head turned to the side, hand up by her face. Her body was curved so that part of her upper half almost hung over the side she was facing, where Embry was sleeping peacefully on the floor. His huge frame covered most of the empty space near the kitchen and he was on his back, head turned to Autumn.

It was a symbol that even if they were unconscious their bodies were still drawn to each other, like an impenetrable magnetic force. In fact, if they were sleeping in the same bed, she would fit perfectly on top of him, her hand and head would rest on his chest.

Nostalgia washed over me and I bit my tongue to stifle a sob, whimpering. Jacob was on my mind again. But, that wasn't saying much. He was always on my mind, even if it was for a fleeting second or in the furthest corners, a voice echoing in my ears, a frigid, empty spot on the bed next to me that was in desperate need to be filled. He was there, everywhere. I couldn't escape my feelings for him and I didn't even want to. The love I'd shared with his had been something wonderful and I was no longer going to be permanently depressed over the loss. What had Ashley said? 'Why would you want to forget that?' Her words hit hard, years after she'd said them. I would never forget. I would move on and live my life to the fullest because I didn't have an eternity to be remorseful, not anymore. I had a stable life that included good grades, amazing roommates, a job, great friends, and a best friend who was willing to sacrifice herself to get the Volturi off my back, only to succeed and harm them, scare them. I would be grateful for Autumn's existence in my life for as long as I lived. Which now, the Volturi no longer a threat, I hoped would be at least 50 more years.

I slithered back up the bed, resuming the position I'd had when I'd fallen asleep, wanting to cherish these moments with Autumn and Embry before they returned back to La Push.

It was so strange seeing them sleeping like that. Even though they weren't touching and she was elevated above him…I hadn't been able to see the start of their relationship, or follow it these past years. I'd seen glimpses of it before I'd left for NYU and here they were again. They were made for each other.

And they hadn't imprinted. I couldn't believe I was granting myself a moment to think of this, but I had hope when it came to being with Jacob again. And that hope had been non-existent until now. Maybe one day I would find my way back into his arms for good, maybe I was truly meant to be with him. Fate would decide that for me.

I almost drifted asleep again, comforter around my shoulders, when the front door crept open. I jumped, startled and peered over the couch. Ashley was taking off her shoes, thrusting her keys into her purse. Autumn and Embry hadn't stirred. Her eyes met mine. She squinted, smiling. "Uh, why are you on the pull-out couch?"

"Huh?" Embry's head rose up and he looked around frantically. Ashley's eyes widened. Embry's own eyes settled on her and he leapt back, colliding with the bed, which woke Autumn up. She sleepily glanced over the couch after giving Embry an inquisitive look.

"O-Oh my God," Ashley squealed.

"Hey," Autumn leaned over the back of the couch. "I'm…"

"Autumn. You're even prettier in person and you just woke up. That should be illegal," she joked.

Autumn's eyes lit up. "Bella told you about us."

"You know what she looked like before you met her?" Embry scratched his head, standing up to stare at Ashley.

Ashley ogled him. Yet again, I'm not surprised. She glided over to me, bending to my level to whisper to me. "You weren't kidding...do they all really look like that? First Seth…now him?"

Embry pitched forward, belly-down on the bed. "We can hear you."

I blushed. "This is Embry, Autumn's boyfriend."

Ashley glanced at Autumn, smiling. "Sweetie, you better keep him close. If he as much as walks out of this apartment, the girls will be all grabby-hands."

Autumn laughed. Embry puffed his chest out proudly. "I trust him."

"No kidding." Ashley placed her elbows over the back of the couch. "You're like the most attractive girl, ever. Kyle is going to be so jealous he didn't get to meet you two!" Her eyes darted excitedly back and forth between the two.

I chuckled at their puzzled expressions. "Kyle's my very loud, amazing, flamboyantly gay roommate. He's in Italy for the semester."

"No shit," Embry said in a mocking tone, as he gaped at Ashley, a smile on his lips. "Autumn and I were just there." Autumn socked his shoulder, lightly, so as not to draw attention from Ashley. I giggled, knowing what they were referring to.

"Bella, you're happier. You look better," Ashley addressed me.

My cheeks flamed.. "Oh, thanks," I said, sarcastically. "I wonder what that says about me before." I fiddled with the frayed edge of the pillow underneath my arms.

"Hey, Ashley?" Autumn asked. "Do you mind showing Embry around campus, maybe taking him out to eat?" Her eyes met mine. "Bella and I need to talk about a few things." Her eyes moved back to Ashley and Embry's. "I'm not trying to be rude," she quickly apologized. "He's probably starving anyways."

"Baby, you know I don't need convincing. You say it, I do it," Embry jested, planting a quick kiss on her shoulder and lips before tugging his shirt back on. Modesty. Good job, Embry. It was snowing outside…being shirtless wasn't conspicuous at all. And that statement was full of heavy sarcasm, please take note.

Ashley latched onto his arm. "Can I show him off, while I'm at it?"

"Sure," Autumn snickered. "Just don't claim him as your 'flavor of the week.' He is with me."

"Not a problem. Oh, and Bella, my parents were getting on my nerves, so I came back early, in case you were wondering." I nodded. She winked before leading Embry through the door, waving goodbye, Embry shooting a 'save me, please' look over his shoulder.

As soon as the door shut, Autumn yanked me into a bone crushing hug. I gasped, wrapping my arms around her. "Choking here!"

"Sorry." She released me, laughing nervously. "I felt I owed you an 'Autumn' hug."

I readjusted my seat on the couch, so I was cross legged, hugging a pillow to my chest. Autumn sat upright, her back against a stack of pillows, long legs stretched out on front of her.

"It's funny," I began. "How you trust Embry with Ashley, when she was blatantly eye-fucking him." She arched a brow before I continued. "Ashley's not like that, but, you know what I'm saying…"

She shrugged and our eyes locked. "Because I know how much he loves me." My chest tightened as a sob threatened to escape. All this talk of true love was starting to get to me.

"Plus, you're like the most beautiful girl alive," I lightened the mood, laughing. "He'd be a fool to even consider someone else.

"True." She said it like it didn't bother her that she'd been called beautiful several times in the span of a few minutes.

"You must be used to that by now."

"What?"

"People telling you how gorgeous you are."

She chuckled. "Pretty much."

A comfortable silence passed. She stared out the window and my eyes lowered to the bed. "I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for what you did. You're so strong." I studied her.

She looked at me, eyes crinkling with a hidden smile. "I was so sick of waiting, it's as simple as that. So, I avoided the warnings, the threats, everything, and did what I wanted. The strength? Blame it on my parents."

"They must have really loved you."

Her eyes were downcast. "I wouldn't know," she said, smiling sadly. "I picked up on some of Aro's thoughts, strangely enough, and he said my parents defied them at every cost and protected me…well, her, when she was pregnant with me, until their dying breath."

"How were you saved?"

"They knew Aro, all of them, were hunting them down. They handed me over to a trustful family friend, my human, foster family, begging for them to raise me regardless of what I became and treat me with upmost respect and love. And they did. I moved out when I was 18. I stopped aging around 22, I think? I never saw them after that. 50 or so years of running and finally, finally, I can settle down for good in La Push with Embry." She smiled.

"So…where were you born?"

"Romania."

"Anywhere near Dracula's castle?" I quipped. She shook her head, smiling. A sudden question came to my mind. "Can you have children?" I tucked my chin in my lap.

She looked dazed, eyebrows furrowing in thought. "I don't know yet. I do hope so!" She generated enthusiasm, but underlying her words was the subtle hint of sadness. "The Volturi...I don't have to be scared of them anymore. We don't have to be afraid," she gestured between us, implying the pack, family, and the girls as well. "They're the most feared vampires, mythical creatures, alive. But, Bella…" She leaned forward, clasping my hands with hers. "They're afraid of me now. That makes me the most powerful thing on this planet. I can't even…" She shook her head vigorously. "I can't even process it!"

I squeezed her hands before releasing them. "Neither can I."

She attempted to change the conversation, close to weeping, eyes blurry with tears. "I'm so sorry…sorry that I haven't even visited you, I said I'd be there for you and I wasn't."

I placed my hands on her shoulders, gazing into her eyes. "But you were. You sent me gifts when no one else did, called me every other day, informed me in some way daily through a text message, a phone call, an email, that you still cared about me and you'd stand by me no matter what happened, and you'd be there if I asked. You are my best friend. You've proven it time and time again; you're so considerate, strong, supportive…you took me in after I ran thousands of miles from my wedding, stuck by my side when I had to confront the Cullen's and do the worst possible thing I'd ever been forcedto do. You f-fucking went to the Volturi by yourself, not knowing what the result would be." My hands dropped back to the bed softly.

The corners of her lips curved into a grin. "I'm jealous though."

I shook my head, bringing my hand to my forehead, confused. "Why in the heck would you be jealous?"

"Because of Ashley! You told me what happened with the pictures; she was physically able to comfort you and hold your hand, hold you, when you needed it most. Kyle too…everyone here!"

I burst out laughing and she joined me. "Autumn, Ashley and you are two very different people." I calmed down. "You know everything about my past, I can mention werewolves and vampires around you without freaking anyone out and have them thinking I was on hallucinogens or something!"

She smiled, nodding her head. "Hmmm…you have a point."

Another silence passed. "Embry is a lot less shy now than before," I chuckled.

"It's my fault," she sighed dramatically. "The second we met, I began to ease him out of his bubble."

"You guys really love each other." My eyes fogged with unshed tears as they focused on her shoulder, avoiding her face.

"Bella," she soothed, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "He misses you."

My head rose instantly and our eyes connected. Jacob. "How could you even say that?"

"He does. He can deny it all he wants and pretend like he doesn't think about you, but its total bullshit. I can read people well. He thinks he's a good liar, but he's not. Jacob rarely lies, that's probably the only thing he's lied about…it isactually. He wants to make us believe he doesn't want to see you again, but his face…his pupils' do this weird expanding thing for a millisecond and his jaw twitches almost unnoticeably when we talk about you. No one picks up on it. I do."

I was at a loss for words. All I could do was allow my tears to spill down my face as I stared at her, memories overcoming me again. "I'm still in love with him."

She sighed, chest heaving, before our eyes met again. "I know and I wish…I wish somehow I could bring you two back together." She melded her fingers together. "But, things are so different now that I just…can't, not right now."

"I understand," I said, although, honestly, I didn't. I had to relieve the atmosphere from its increasingly gloomy state. "So, you're Team Bella when it comes to the possibility of him falling for another girl?"

She laughed. "Of course!" I smiled widely and high fived her, ignoring the painful lump in my chest.

What was in the future for me? Or better yet, what new reveals would I have to learn to deal with? What else could tear me to shreds?

(A/N: The Volturi are done, no more worries for Bella…except returning back home to…what, exactly? Pictures of Autumn's Volterra outfit and car (Lamborghinis are the sexiest cars in the world. Don't even try to deny it! ;D), and her parents, are in my photo bucket account/Jacob Black-n-Pack group for this story. Oh, and I'm not sure if vampires actually bleed in the Twilight series, but I really don't care- I gave them blood)