***Thanks to all the well wishes on my speedy recovery. That was very nice of you.

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JPOV

We had been home for a few hours, and as expected, Bella wouldn't let Cullen out of her arms. I had to fight her for some time with him, and even then she sat in my lap, while Cullen sat in hers. I didn't care, as long as I had them both as close as possible. I knew how close we came to losing it all, and I would never let that happen again.

I continued to monitor Cullen's emotions and he didn't appear traumatized at all. Maria had done a good job of making him think that he was with her because I had wanted it that way. In the two days he was with her, she took excellent care of him, and to my relief only fed him animal blood. I was so afraid that if she let him taste human blood, he would never be able to go back to our diet. He had only ever known how to survive off of animal blood, and like Bella, they both seem satiated by it. I didn't want that to change.

"I'm thirsty," Cullen said. "Can I have milk?"

"You can have anything you want," Bella smiled.

"A puppy?" he asked.

I shook my head, because I suddenly realized that I would now be taking our new puppy out for a walk every morning before I left for work.

"How about we work on the milk first," I said, as I slid out from underneath them and hopped off the bed. "I'll go get it."

"Thanks, Professor," Cullen smiled.

I kissed his nose. "Mommy needs a kiss, too," he reminded me.

Bella giggled, "He's right."

I leaned in and gently kissed her lips. I had to keep my lust in check since Cullen was in the room, but I fully intended to show her just how proud of her I was when he fell asleep. She bit her bottom lip, and I knew she understood my silent communication.

I went to the kitchen as Carlisle was coming through the front door.

"Carlisle," Esme said. "What are you doing home already?"

Rose and Emmett joined us to see what Carlisle had to tell us about Edward and Claudia. I could tell by his ominous emotions that things weren't good.

"Why aren't you with Edward?" Esme asked.

"He won't let me in the room with him and Claudia," he said.

"Why?" Emmett asked. "You can help her."

"I trust that Jasper filled you all in on Claudia's current condition?" he said.

"We know about the baby," Esme said. "And, that's all the more reason for you to be with him."

"And, I'll go back," he sighed. "But right now he doesn't want me, so I thought I'd come home and see Cullen."

"Good luck with that," Rose hissed. "Bella won't let him go." I felt her frustration.

"Rosalie," Carlisle said.

She looked at me, and I felt her remorse. "I'm sorry, Jasper. That was insensitive."

"No," I said. "I know you miss him, too, Rose. Just give Bella some time, and things will go back to normal soon."

She nodded. "Where's Alice?"

"She is researching for me. Aro has opened up all the archives for us, and I was hoping that you and Emmett could go and assist her." Carlisle said.

"What are you looking for?" I asked. "There hasn't ever been another case like this before."

"No," Carlisle agreed. "But, there was another crossbreed that was successfully turned, and I wanted to see how long her change took, and the circumstances surrounding it."

"Is Claudia not responding?" I asked.

"She seems to be feeling no effects at all to the venom. She doesn't appear to be in pain, but that could be because she is already half vampire and Edward's venom can't hurt her." I felt his doubt.

"What is it?" I asked.

He smiled. "Can't you ever turn that off?"

"I wish," I smiled.

"I'm starting to think that Claudia survived that impact to protect Mason. Her body served as a shell to cushion his. I can't be sure until I examine her, but Edward may have been able to turn her, so that Mason could continue to thrive."

"And once that's done?" I asked in horror.

"I can't be positive, Jasper," he said. "But, Claudia may be hanging on to get her son into this world."

"No," Esme said. "Edward needs her. You have to fix this."

"I'm trying. Look, let's not panic. Rosalie and Emmett, please go to the castle and help with the research. I'll be there shortly."

"I want to see Edward," Esme said.

"You can come, but I'm not sure he'll let you in either," Carlisle said.

"I don't care," Esme said, and I felt a mother's determination. "I'll stand outside the door."

Carlisle kissed her head. "We'll leave in a few minutes." He looked at me, and I knew what he needed.

"Come on," I said to him. "Cullen would love to see you."

We walked into the bedroom, and Cullen flew out of Bella's lap and into Carlisle's arms. I felt the immediate separation anxiety from Bella. I sent her a relaxing vibe, and assured her with my eyes that it would be okay.

"Grandpop!" Cullen said. "I missed you."

"I missed you as well," Carlisle smiled. "I haven't had anyone to challenge me with questions these past few days."

"Did you know that Alec really can make a mist?" He asked, and I felt how excited he was to have that confirmed.

"Did you doubt me?" Carlisle asked.

"No, but I met him and I had to ask him," he said.

"There's nothing wrong with that. I have to go see Uncle Edward now, but when I get back, we'll talk all about the Volturi and their powers, and maybe you can meet some of them before we leave Italy."

"Carlisle?" Bella said, and I felt her anxiety increase.

"Mommy isn't going to let me go anywhere today. She won't let me out of her arms," Cullen said. I knew he was happy to be home, but he didn't understand Bella's emotions.

"There are worse things, Cullen," he placed him back in Bella's lap. "We can talk about meeting the Volturi later, but after everything that has happened, I think we'll all agree that it's inevitable."

"I'm just not there yet, Carlisle," Bella said. "I know they helped us, but Cullen…"

"Darlin', Carlisle's right. They're not going to wait forever to meet Cullen, or you, for that matter. We don't have to talk about it tonight, but we will have to address it before we leave Italy."

"I'm going to get back to Edward," Carlisle said.

"How is Claudia?" Bella asked.

Carlisle shook his head at her, and I knew by Bella's sadness that she got it.

"Send Edward my love, and tell him I'll come to him as soon as I can," she said, and I felt her heart breaking for him.

Cullen finished his milk and curled up in Bella's lap with his blanket. I slipped back behind Bella and pulled her to my chest. I knew Cullen was settling in for the evening, and Bella and I wouldn't be moving from this position. I would give her tonight, but I couldn't let her make a habit of constantly clinging to him. It wasn't healthy for either of them. I had been observing Cullen since we got home, and while he seemed fine about being away from us the past few days, the only thing that I could tell that was troubling him, was the way Bella was responding to him. He was confused.

Bella stroked Cullen's curls out of his eyes and he quickly feel asleep. I pulled the comforter up over his tiny body and leaned back against the headboard, pulling Bella's back deeper into my chest.

"I love you," I whispered into her hair.

"I love you, too. I can't imagine my life without either one of you," she sighed, and I could feel how sad she was.

"We're not going anywhere," I reminded her.

"I know, but what about Edward?" she asked. "Doesn't he deserve a family, too?"

"Of course he does," I said, and if I could admit that out loud, then it must be true. No matter what we went through when Bella was pregnant, it was over and we had long forgiven him. He had redeemed himself, and now he deserved happiness.

"How could we get Cullen back on the same day that he could lose Mason?" she said. "It's not fair. Isn't there anything that anyone can do?"

"They're trying, Bella," I said. "If there is a way to save them, Carlisle will find it. He has the backing of the Volturi, and as cold as this may seem, Aro is too close to getting what he wants. He won't let anything happen to Edward's son."

"You've come to terms with that future, haven't you?" she asked.

"I don't know, Bella," I said, and I honestly meant it. "Too much has been thrown at us these past few days and it isn't over, not until it's right for Edward, but I have been thinking about Aro's seer's vision."

"You want to join them?" she said.

"Not anytime soon, but we have an eternity. And if it's Cullen's destiny to serve on the Guard, then I have to be here to make it right for him. There's so much to sort through, and I'm hoping that eventually Alice will work through your shield, and she'll be able to help us figure it all out. I would never make such a life altering decision without you, though."

She turned to look in my eyes. "Jasper, you have always been there for me and given me everything I've ever wanted. You saved me from my human self in Alaska, you turned me so that I could have you for eternity," she smiled.

"I did that for me, too," I reminded her.

"Let me finish," she said. "You put up with my strange feelings for Edward during my pregnancy and kept him alive for me, even though that was a lot to ask of any man, vampire or not."

"I'm glad you were able to convince me not to kill him," I said. "I wouldn't have been able to live with myself."

"I know," she said. "But what I'm trying to say, is that you are always there for me even when I make stupid, impulsive mistakes."

I interrupted her, "You do make a lot of those," I laughed.

She punched my arm.

"Ouch, vampire girl, that hurt."

"What I'm trying to say is; if you think that our destiny is to serve here in the future, I will always be right by your side. I trust you."

I pulled her lips to mine and passionately kissed her. She was all I would ever need. She was my life and I would never let her go. She deepened the kiss, and I got lost in her desire. I slipped my hands under her shirt and ran my hands over her breasts. She let out a small moan of pleasure, then suddenly pulled away from me.

"Cullen," I smiled. "I forgot."

"Me, too," she laughed. "Good thing he's a sound sleeper or that lust would have jolted him awake."

"Yes, I'm trying to figure out a way for him to block us out," I said. "Cause when he gets older, well, that's just gross."

"I agree," she kissed me softly. "Is it okay if he sleeps here tonight?"

"I didn't expect anything else, darlin'."

"I love you," she whispered.

"As much as I love you?" I asked.

"More," she smiled.

I twisted her hair around my fingers and sent her a few relaxing vibes. I knew after the last few days we just had, she needed it.

"Hmm…thanks…" she said, and I could feel how calm and content she was.

"Anytime," I pulled her closer to me.

EPOV

Claudia continued to breathe evenly and steadily. There was still no sign that the venom was working its way through her system. Mason's heartbeat and vitals were as strong as when I first hooked him up to the monitors.

"Go away!" I yelled, before she could knock.

"Edward," she said. "It's Alice."

"I know who it is," I snapped.

"Let me in," she pleaded. "I brought some comfortable clothes for Claudia. I want to put them on her."

"Thank you," I said. "But just leave them outside the door."

"I want to help," she said.

"Have you had a vision? Did you see her like us? Did you see my son?" I asked.

She didn't say anything, and I didn't even have to read her mind to know that she hadn't.

"I'll be back later," she said. "I'm sorry."

I knew Alice didn't deserve that, but I couldn't focus. Claudia and Mason were my main concern now. I just wished that Claudia could give me some sign as to what was going on.

"Claudia, I know you're strong, but you can scream out in pain if you have to. Anything would be better than this. You're so still and lifeless. That's not you. You're a fighter, a screamer, trust me, I know. You never take anything lying down or standing still. Please scream at me."

I put my hand in hers. "Squeeze my hand if you can hear me."

She didn't respond.

I heard Esme approach the door. I groaned. Why didn't they understand?

"Esme, please," I said.

"No, Edward, you listen to me," she said in that 'don't fuck with me, I'm your mother' voice. "I understand you're hurting. This is horrible, but you are not helping them by not letting anyone near them."

"I can take care of them." I said. "She just needs time."

"And who will take care of you?" she asked.

"There's nothing wrong with me," I said.

"You're heart is breaking and you're scared for your family. I've been there, Edward."

"No, Esme," I said. "You can't understand."

"Yes, Edward. I was there when Bella was pregnant with Cullen. I watched as you and Jasper tore each other apart. I feared every day that he would kill you. Take you from me. I worried that if Cullen was yours that Jasper would never recover from that. I feared that he would lose control and go back to hunting humans. My family was coming apart at the seams, but we found a way. Do you know why?"

I didn't say anything, but I read her thoughts.

I know you can hear me. We found a way because we had each other. Just like we do today. You have to let us in. Carlisle's heart is breaking. He needs to help you.

I got off the bed, and put my hand against the door. I was internally sobbing and if my eyes could produce tears, they would be flowing down my face.

"Edward, please," she whispered.

I slowly opened the door. "Mom," I sobbed, as I fell into her arms.

She wrapped her strong arms around me. "Shh, I know, baby."

"I can't lose them," I said. "I need them."

I felt Carlisle put his arms around us. "You won't lose them, but I need to see what we're dealing with."

I pulled out of their embrace. "I'm sorry, Carlisle."

"I understand, Edward, but let me help her now," he pleaded.

I moved away from the door and let them in. He walked over to the monitors and began reading the vitals. I read from his thoughts that everything was good with Mason.

"You do realize that he is growing at a pretty fast rate. When Claudia came to me, we didn't think she was more than six weeks pregnant, but that's not the case."

"How far along is she?" I asked.

"At least three months," he said.

"Bella carried Cullen for a little less than six months," I remembered.

"And Mason is more vampire than Cullen was. I'll need to do an ultrasound, but I'm guessing he'll be here before we know it."

"And Claudia?"

He began to examine her body. It didn't take him long to come to a realization. The same one I had come to.

"She's completely healed," I said.

"Yes, and it's only been a few hours. Even Esme and Emmett took the full three days when they were injured and I turned them, and you still suffered from influenza during your change. That's remarkable."

"She's a crossbreed," Marcus said, as he stood in the doorway. "She's stronger than a mere human."

"What do you want?" I growled.

"I came to check on her. I wanted you to know how sorry I was that she got hurt," he said.

"Don't act like you care," I said.

"Edward," Carlisle said. "Can you offer me any information, Marcus?"

"Her system wouldn't reject the venom because it already courses through half of her body. It has always kept her strong, so when Edward bit her, it healed her. You should keep this in mind for Cullen."

"What do you mean?" Carlisle said.

"Well, I know he isn't supposed to get hurt, but even crossbreeds have accidents, and we have used venom to help Claudia when she was growing up. Once she fell out of a tree, like sixteen stories from the ground, and shattered her arm in five places. She was such a rambunctious little girl. Her body healed it to a certain extent, but once we injected venom into her arm, she recovered in minutes. That's what happened today. Edward's venom fixed what was broken."

"So, you're saying what she is experiencing is normal?" Carlisle asked.

"The part about the healing, but not her lying there like that," he said. That's not normal at all. He shook his head.

"How do you know?" I asked.

"Because when the first crossbreed asked to become a vampire, to be with her mate, we requested that we oversee the change," Marcus said. "Because she was already half vampire, it only took a day. She didn't writhe in pain like the rest of us did, but she was visibly uncomfortable, and she yelled that it burned from time to time. She didn't lie still like that." He pointed at Claudia.

"Yes, well," Carlisle said. "Thank you for the information, Marcus."

"He told us nothing. He doesn't care about Claudia." I hissed. I wasn't going to let him come here and feel sorry now, not after the way he treated her for her entire life.

"Edward," Esme said. Don't provoke him.

"Marcus, you have to excuse my son. He's understandably distraught."

"Carlisle," Marcus said. "The only reason Jasper and Edward get away with speaking to us the way they do is because of who they will become in the future. You lived with us for a few decades. You know that if anyone else tried to disrespect us the way they have, they would no longer exist, in any world."

"He means no disrespect," Carlisle said.

"Don't speak for me," I said. "Marcus, you should go. Claudia wouldn't want you here."

"Very well, but I will stop back later. This is my home and my daughter."

Leave it alone, Edward. Carlisle silently pleaded with me.

Marcus left the room in record speed. Carlisle shook his head at me. "I know you're upset, but deliberately provoking Marcus isn't going to help Claudia."

I sat on the bed next to Claudia and took her hand in mine. I was patient. I could wait this out, and eventually she had to wake up. If no one else believed that, I would. I was strong enough for all three of us.

APOV

"Alice, angel, you can't just barge in there," Felix said.

"Watch me!" I said, as I barreled through the doors of Aro's private chambers.

He was sitting in a chair in the corner with an amused look on his face.

"Aro," Felix said. "I'm sorry for the intrusion."

"Alice isn't," he said. "What's troubling you, little one?"

"You already know," I said. "What's wrong with me?"

"Where should I start?" he asked.

"I'm in no mood for these games. Something is wrong with my power. I couldn't see Cullen as clearly as I should have when he was away from Bella, and now I can't even see the outcome for Claudia."

"Hmm," he said. "That's interesting."

"Am I losing my gift?" I asked.

"I don't have to answer you at all," Aro said. "But, as a courtesy to Carlisle and Felix, I will."

"Do you see me in that future with Jasper and Edward?" I asked.

"Yes, I do," he said. "You are very valuable to us in the future. Your power will evolve and strengthen over time."

"But how?" I asked. "It doesn't seem to be doing anyone any good right now."

"Although it may not seem like it, your gift is growing now. Do you see how Jasper has become a stronger empath over time? That's what is happening to you. Your mind is preparing for what is to come. It's resting. That's why you can't get around Bella yet, but you will."

"But, why can't I see Claudia?" I asked.

"You can only see what you're meant to see. When Claudia went to that cottage to meet Maria, her path became convoluted. Only time will tell what will become of her. I do know Edward's son will survive. That I'm certain of. By all of you coming to Italy in these past few days, sealed your destinies. I always saw it, but never fully understood how it would come to be. Now, it's the only thing my seer can see."

"Can I meet the seer?" I said.

"Not now," Aro said. "He's a bit resentful that you will replace him. He's not taking it as well as Marcus and Caius, I'm afraid."

"I'll replace your all-seeing psychic?" I asked.

"You'll be ten times more powerful than he. Why do you think I agreed to let you come along with Edward in Jasper's place?" Aro said. "I wanted to observe you myself."

"So, what do I do in the meantime?" I asked.

"You know what they say about patience," Aro said, and Felix snickered.

"Oh, Felix," Aro smiled. "Are you implying that I have no patience?"

"Neither does Alice," Felix said, and I glared at him.

"Look," Aro said. "I've dismissed Felix from the Guard. You do realize that you will be coming back to train Cullen, right?"

"No," Felix said. "I didn't realize that."

"Yes, and Demetri will be responsible for Mason, but this will all be explained later. My point is that the two of you are free to leave for now. I will need you from time to time, and you will be expected to return, but for now, go and enjoy your life together."

"Thank you, Aro," Felix said. "But, you understand that Alice and I can't leave until things are resolved for Edward."

"That's fine," he said. "But, Alice please try to refrain from bursting into my private chambers from now on."

"I'm sorry," I said. "Thank you for letting me know that my power is going to be fine."

"Alice," he smiled. "It will be more than fine."

Felix took my hand and pulled me out of the room. He picked me up and spun me around.

"What's that for?" I said, as I wrapped my legs around his waist and kissed him.

"You're going to be quite the bad ass in the future," he smiled. "I hope you'll still want me."

"I don't need to see a vision to know that I'll always want you," I smiled, as I kissed him again. "And you'll get to train Cullen. That's cool."

"Yeah," he said. "He'll follow right in my footsteps."

He pushed me around his body, so that I was now on his back. "Where are we going?"

"Our room," he said. "I got big plans for us tonight."

I laughed. "I'll bet you do."

"You need to show your appreciation for me getting your nephew back," he said.

"Oh," I said. "You did that all by yourself, huh?"

"Well, for purposes of this fantasy, I did." He took off with vampire speed down the hall and right to our bedroom.

***Please don't forget to support me in my December Write-A-Thon to help Hannah. The link to the charity is on my profile page. If you can't donate at this time, please help me get the word out in your a/n and blogs. Thanks!