So I'm trying to get new chapters out a little quicker so I actually stay on top of myself. I don't want to miss the ball again and not write for years. I hope this chapter draws even more readers and I hope those who are already a fan love this new addition. Make sure to review/favorite, anything that shows me you're reading.

Alice POV

The next few days were intense, Lucia Day was tomorrow, which inevitably meant it was getting closer to Christmas. I already knew the trip Jacob and Renesmee were making to Italy would change a lot. I knew I could count on Amber's power to stop them from sharing the information verbally, but Aro's gift...that's something we couldn't combat. I knew we got lucky the last time with the Volturi- and only due to my expedition finding Nahuel. This time, I had no backup plan, no scapegoat to the questions I knew Aro would begin presenting.

"Mommy?" Amber's sweet voice pulled me out of my thoughts. We had been spending every free minute with her practicing her gift, the many facets and complex nature of it made it a challenge. I almost wondered if we haven't even seen the full effects of what she could do. Amber, Renesmee and I had the house to ourselves while everyone else was out hunting.

"Are you okay Auntie Alice?" Renesmee wondered placing her small hand on my knee.

"I'm fine, I'm just distracted," I answered truthfully. We were all sitting in the living room, magazines outspread, looking for new outfits for Nessie. Since she grew so quickly, new outfits had to be acquired rapidly which of course I had no problem with. She accelerated ages quickly, gaining almost three years of human life in only one actual year. I glanced at Amber still completely unsure of her growth pattern, her speech had developed rapidly, she was getting better at walking, but her features hadn't accelerated like Renesmee. They were maturing, more defined, but no obvious growth spurt yet. That was the scariest part, at least with Nessie we knew exactly what was coming we had a model, but with Amber-she was the only one. Suddenly I felt myself holding a magazine staring at some dresses.

"Can I get these?" Amber pleaded quietly, looking at me through her dark lashes. I paid the page more attention, and saw cute ice cream prints on some of them - plaid - and of course tutus and flowers.

"Of course" I nodded, smiling slightly. I accessed her small frame still unsure what size she would need. She was getting leaner, with more matured features but not really any taller. Renesemee flipped through a few pages as well, smiling at the edges of her mouth. She turned to me with a little more intensity in her eyes,

"What do you think Aro is going to ask me?"

"I'm sure he will want to see how you're progressing, make sure that it's truly identical to Nahuel,"I answered calmly.

"And what about Amber?" she wondered with a little more hesitancy.

"I'm not sure what will happen with Aro, if he uses his gift on you then we don't have a choice, he will see everything," I answered quietly, biting my lip with fear.

"What if mommy came? Then she could shield me and he wouldn't be able to see any of our memories," she suggested with a small light in her eye. I liked the idea but I knew that would make Aro extremely suspicious, this was meant to be a friendly visit, not a battle. I shook my head and gave her a sad look,

"If she came they would know something is wrong, they might think we were trying to start a fight. And then they would have the upper hand, on their turf, the entire guard there. It's just best not to risk it," I explained still thinking over how the meeting would go down.

"But won't he lose it when he sees my memories," she wondered impatiently.

"I hope not," I muttered softly. "With you, he thought you were an immortal child because he never saw Bella's entire memory until the day in the clearing. But with Amber he will see the memory of me being pregnant with her, of her being here with us. He's not going to just forget it, I know they will come here shortly after, but he shouldn't try to attack you guys…I hope," I answered truthfully and it scared me. The Volturi were so unpredictable, and their reservation for our family just made it worse. They liked to follow the rules, but when something falls outside the known rules, they tended to sway the solutions in their favor. I couldn't help but be wary of their rulings; my run in with them without Jasper as we were trying to save Edward still made me shiver. It seemed even worse this time, knowing they were after something so precious and innocent, not one of us; her. I couldn't pull my gaze from Amber at that moment and worry was forming in my chest. I silently wished Jasper was here to help calm me down, my nerves were out of hand and I didn't want to scare the girls. Suddenly I saw a blank look on Amber's face, one that had crossed my own features many times before. I held her hand tightly, hoping this vision didn't bring any physical pain, I hated watching her suffer. Luckily she opened her eyes, a slightly dazed expression on her face. She shook her head slightly, her curls bouncing back and forth.

"I don't think they'll attack," she said quietly. "I'm not positive of course, but I only see a few violent outcomes. The rest are peaceful," she smiled, squeezing the hand I had placed in hers. "Aro is too curious about me," she explained, "he wants to see me for himself, see my powers, he's too greedy for his own good." She frowned at the end, her perfect face hardened and disapproving. Nessie sighed next to her, and I could almost see the stress vanish from her face.

"So we don't have to worry," until they come here, I finished the thought without speaking it aloud. I tried to feign some hope and positivity in my voice. We had purposefully not shared the extent of Amber's physical manipulation with Renesmee or Jacob. We didn't want Aro to see that part, for our upper hand if it came to a fight, and to peak his curiosity at the unknown. I felt a twinge of happiness at our plan, trusting Amber was right. We still had the Volturi's new member to worry about, I still wasn't sure what the extent of her gift was and I hoped for Jacob and Renesmee's sake it wasn't dangerous. I wanted to ask Amber if she had seen the new member or her gift but I also didn't want to let on that I was apprehensive. I was always the optimist, the positive energy, even in times of stress it was usually easy for me to maintain hope. I wanted to feel that now, that absolute assurance of life going forward as normal, but I couldn't. Before I only had to worry about losing Jasper, but he was a warrior, a soldier, and I knew he could defend himself if necessary. Now I had to worry about this magnificent wonder sitting in front of me. My daughter, the word was still unfamiliar as only months ago I would never had even thought this plausible. Amber started clapping happily, and I smiled at her with slight confusion.

"Daddy's coming!" she beamed, standing quickly, practically a blur of excitement. I was surprised at myself that I hadn't heard the unique footfalls and familiar scent getting stronger. They were all coming back, I could sense them getting closer now. Immediately as Jasper came through the door, his brilliant golden hair falling in loose curls around his face, my heart swelled with love. Catching him slightly off guard Amber leapt from her gleeful stance next to me into his arms, still beaming with happiness.

"How was my little girl's day?" he asked, his southern drawl surfacing as his tucked his finger under Amber's chin to look at him.

"It was fun! Ness and I found a bunch of clothes to order, and I had a few visions about her and Jacob's visit to see the Volturi," she was speaking incredibly fast, her bright bell-like voice humming with delight. I couldn't help but feel joy, watching her was infectious. Jasper's face fell slightly at the mention of her visions,

"What did you see?" his hand was gently brushing her cheek.

"I think it will be okay. I didn't see too many bad outcomes," she assured him, reciprocating her hand on his cheek. I recognized what she was doing as she showed Jasper the visions of Jacob and Renesmee going to Volterra. His eyes re-focused and he looked at her with love and concern.

"It seems likely to go alright. I just hope when the Volturi come here it will go just as smoothly," he mused. I finally registered that the rest of the family was watching their interaction intently.

"So the visit is going to go well," Bella asked wearily glancing at all of us rapidly.

"It appears that way," Edward said softly, having seen the visions as Amber showed them to Jasper. "Renesmee won't be hurt, Jacob will make sure of that."

"We still have to consider making preparations for her again," Bella sounded slightly more frantic. "This fight against the Volturi is going to be more hostile, and who knows if we will even have back-up like before. I want Nessie to be safe," her eyes were worried and her breath shaky.

"This is different," Jasper edged, "during the visit they will be able to see Renesmee's thoughts they will already know Amber isn't an immortal child. We don't need witnesses like before, if anything we need fighters. It's all contingent on how Aro wants to deal with this situation. It's not in their rule books anywhere."

"Well if it turns into a fight we need to make sure Renesmee can get out," Bella stressed, glancing at Edward for support.

"We will make arrangements for her to leave with Jacob if need be," he brushed Bella's arm softly attempting to console her.

"Bella why don't you take Renesmee upstairs to bed," I suggested with a small edge of haste, hoping she understood my silent request.

"You do have a big day tomorrow Nessie," Bella reasoned warmly, grabbing her hand and tugging her up the stairs.

"Yeah, a day of celebrating," Nessie whined. "It's not like I have to study at school, we're just having a party and a play."

"Do you want to miss out on the festivities?" Bella raised an eyebrow at her, a slight threat of discipline in her voice.

"No," Nessie huffed, and reluctantly followed Bella up the stairs.

"I think the dorms are having a party tomorrow too, a big dinner celebration," Emmett raised his eyebrows jokingly.

"Yeah right Emmett, a big buffet of human food," Rosalie guffawed, rolling her eyes at him.

"We need to focus on preparing. We have one week until Renesmee's break starts, and then who knows how quickly the Volturi will decide to come," Carlisle spoked finally, an air of authority in his voice. "You know how much I hate conflict, but I don't want to lose any of you."

"We will have an upper hand with Amber's gift, but we will need everyone. Bella, to help shield us from Jane and Alec, Emmett's strength, we need everyone to be prepared to fight," Jasper had a military tone in his voice.

"We've seen many ways this could go. Too many different variables at this point," I stressed, looking around at my family. Jasper shifted slightly, with Amber in his arms, a look of confusion and worry crossing his face.

"What has you so scared baby?" he stared at Amber intently.

"Just one of the things I've seen…" she trailed off, her sweet voice timid and shaky. He grabbed her hand and placed it to his face.

"Show me," he said seriously. His eyes went blank, I watched Edward to see a reaction. His eyes looked hurt, but I didn't see anything too volatile. "I would never let that happen." My eyes went back to Jasper who was firmly holding Amber to his chest.

"But it would save you all, they wouldn't even think of hurting any of you," Amber whispered again, her eyes low.

"What is she talking about?" Emmett asked, hating being left out of silent conversations.

"The vision..," Jasper stumbled a little, "she saw them taking her, for their guard. They were kidnapping her and without us to protect her Alec was able to subdue her and she couldn't use her gift, she couldn't escape. They never came back to try to hurt us, but... they never let her go," he was having a hard time getting out the words I could see the agony in his eyes. I was shocked and hurt that Amber wanted so badly to protect us she thought this was option. I saw Carlisle step forward, his presence always grounded us, more than just the leader of our coven - our father.

"Since learning of the gifts this family possesses, Aro has never not tried to get his hands on one of us. First it was Edward, then Alice, I'm sure now he wants Renesmee and Bella, and soon he we will want Amber. Our family is the only thing comparable to the powers in his guard and that scares him. He wants power, and he wants our entire species to be afraid of his power. Our family has never let his actions intimidate us, and I personally would never let him take one of my children or grandchildren," his gaze shifted towards Amber with a smile. It was an odd sight from anyone on the outside. Carlisle and Esme were clearly not old enough to have children let alone grandchildren, but in the context of our little family these words gave me hope. I had always trusted our family to protect one another, I knew they would protect Amber, just as Jasper and I had found a way to protect Renesmee.

"Carlisle has never let us down Alice, and neither have you," Edward crookedly smiled. "If anyone can help our family it's you Alice. I've noticed your thoughts haven't been the most pleasant lately, not the optimistic fortune teller I'm used to. You seem to have forgotten how powerful you are."

"I haven't forgotten, I just feel a lot less powerful these days. Aro will seemingly stop at nothing to get what he wants-you all know that," my sad tambour turned into a slight hiss.

"Alice," Jasper started slowly, "I would trade my life any day to make sure you are safe, the same goes for our daughter."

"You won't have to lay down your life, no one has to get hurt," Esme said hastily.

"She's right bro, we can take the Volturi," Emmett clapped his hands together excitedly.

"Maybe with an army," Jasper mused, "but let's not get carried away, we won't do anything until they want to start a fight. Alice will them coming, and if they try to block her vision-then Amber will." His Southern accent was coming in strong as he started getting more inspired, I could see his eyes glistening with pride and belief in both Amber and I.

"Can we at least set all this aside until after tomorrow?" I looked up as Bella started quietly coming down the stairs. "Charlie is coming to visit for a while to see Renesmee for Lucia day. I told him no to Christmas because of all this, so we need to at least act somewhat normal around him."

"Won't your father notice an addition to our family?" Rosalie asked raising her eyebrow with a slight annoyance.

"Sure, but you know he'll ask less questions than Aro. He doesn't care what we are, just that he gets to be part of my life," Bella reminded her adamantly. Rosalie shrugged and put her arm around Emmett.

"We can do our best to keep this under wraps when your father is here Bella," Carlisle nodded. "Of course when it comes to Renesmee getting closer to her trip to Volturi, we can't risk it."

"He'll be leaving by then I hope, we will just send them immediately after he leaves. I think he misses me more than anything," Bella admitted shyly. I couldn't help but smile a little at that as well, having family that loved and accepted Bella was touching to see.

"I think it's about time we spend some time getting ready for tomorrow," I smiled. Jasper laughed, and I could tell he was relieved that I was focusing on something positive. I danced up to him gracefully and laced arms with Jasper. I heard Carlisle sigh contently behind me as we were in our room only a moment later. I started instantly pawing through the closet, grabbing the new dress I had tried on only recently. I looked through Amber's clothes, looking for a cute dress she hadn't worn yet. I noticed myself grabbing a white lace dress. I looked around and saw Amber giggling. "This is the one you wanted baby?" I sat the dress down on a chair. She clapped happily and I could feel Jasper letting his love and admiration wash over both of us.

"Now for you Jazz," I mused happily, looking through my husband's side of the closet, "a white button down and slacks? White has to be included somehow." I pulled out the clothes and draped them across a chair. "Hopefully Edward and Bella are working on a crown for Renesmee's party tomorrow. I know she's excited to dress up with all the kids." I saw Amber's eyes glisten a bit at the word crown, I could tell she was intrigued by this craft project.

"You want to go help them? Maybe they'll make one for you," I smiled, teasingly.

"Yes!" she barely had the word out before I felt myself grabbing her hand and walking with her down the hallway. I could hear them below us in the kitchen working. Amber tugged on my hand and leapt into my arms. I was suddenly down the stairs and in the kitchen without even thinking about it.

"You're getting good at that," I noted, kissing Amber's forehead as I set her down next to Edward.

"If you guys haven't started on Renesmee's crown and outfit yet I think Amber would like to help you make it," I gestured to her cheery face.

"We figured the fashion master in the house would be making it," Edward laughed teasingly.

"Oh come on, I think we can try our hand at crafting. Is there anything you aren't at least decent it?" Bella chimed in, smacking him playfully on the shoulder.

"Fine," he said snickered, picking up Amber and placing her on his lap. "I'm sure my niece has some fashion genes."

"Are you gonna help too mommy?" Amber wondered melodically.

"You have fun with your Aunt and Uncle, I'm going to talk to your daddy for a bit," I kissed the top of her hair and danced back up the stairs.

"Amber was able to help them?" Jasper asked curiously as I got back in the room.

"More like entertaining herself than helping," I giggled.

"I've missed this," Jasper mused.

"Missed what love?" I looked puzzled as I went to join Jasper on our bed.

"Your laugh, you optimism, maybe you can hide it from everyone else but I know the feelings I usually get from you, and you haven't been yourself lately," he stroked my cheek gently.

"I'll admit I've felt not myself lately either," I bit my lip, sighing. "Ever since I had Amber, there's been something off. It's just strange, even when we found out Bella was pregnant I never really thought of Renesmee as my niece until I saw her, never understood the drive to want to protect her before we even knew what she would become. Never remembering my human life, having a child never crossed my mind, it was like my maternal instinct was an mystery to me. But after I found out I was pregnant, everything changed. And I love her and I want to protect her more than anything Jasper, but sometimes I get scared," I trailed off, I hadn't had a lot of one-on-one time to talk to him lately.

"Scared of us getting hurt? Of the Volturi? You heard everyone during our family meeting Alice, they all are willing to fight with us, they believe in Amber and her power, they won't let anything happen to us," Jasper titled my chin up to look at him, meeting my eyes with his golden irises.

"Of course that worries me but mostly I'm scared of…," I could barely say it I didn't want him to misunderstand. "I'm scared of her power, I'm scared of myself as a parent. I'm scared if she ever gets older and wants to use her power for more sinister intentions. If the Volturi could ever sway her…" Jasper didn't let me finish, his lips were crushing against mine.

"Stop Alice," he whispered, once he pulled away. "We will raise her well, she won't use her powers to hurt humans or kill other vampires with the Volturi. No matter how powerful or how special she's still our daughter. She'll never feel unloved or feel the need to explore that side. The only reason I was ever so violet is because I didn't know any other way of life. You gave me that sense of belonging, the drive to be resilient and not be a killer. You changed me darling, and I know you will provide the same security for our daughter." I could feel him sharing all of his emotions as he spoke and my eyes started shaking with waterless tears. I couldn't believe, after all these years, Jasper still found new ways to amaze me.

"I love you Jazz," I pulled his face even closer and met his lips with adoration and desire. I grabbed his hair and my tongue grazed over his lips. I bit lightly on his bottom lip and he pushed me backwards onto the bed.

"How long do you think arts and crafts will take?" he asked huskily.

"Edward can hear our thoughts, I think he'll keep her occupied long enough," I chuckled and brought my mouth back up to Jasper's. He started to unzip the back of my dress, tugging the long sleeves down my arms. He kissed my neck and collar bone as each new inch of skin was exposed. In one quick motion the dress was over my head, my bare chest and tights brushing up against him. I started to unbutton his shirt and swiftly pulled it off his arms and onto the floor. These were times when Jasper wasn't safe with his gift, he always let me feel every bit of lust and love and sensation, and it only intensified my craving for him. Jasper and I were always guided by our emotions during love-making, and in this case -intense conversation and deeply conflicting feelings led to something passionate, animalistic and before long I was screaming his name in pleasure.

"You're feeling a little better," Jasper joked, trailing his fingers along my bare stomach.

"You always know how to cheer me up," I stuck my tongue out at him and kissed his shoulder.

"Come on we better go see what they've managed to create down there, plus Charlie will be here sometime later today," Jasper reminded me.

"I've always been his favorite, I think this should work out smoothly," I hoped quietly. I stood up peacefully and went to put on the dress I had already laid out.

Bella POV

I noticed the sunlight peeking up from the clouds, and glistening off the snow on the ground. It was a tiny sunrise, and the forecast called for overcast and more snow in only an hour or so. I knew I would have to be a little careful dropping Renesmee off but by the time I picked up Charlie from the airport I shouldn't have to worry. I stared serenely at Edward and Amber, who were working together on magnificent costumes. It still was amazing to see a tiny Alice - my best friend – I would have never imagined something like this could happen to vampires. The Cullens were special though, always defying limits, and it made me grateful every day to be a part of their family. Alice and Jasper started ascending downstairs, followed closely by Renesmee, who was rubbing her eyes, still waking up.

"Good morning Ness," Edward smiled, pulling our daughter into his arms as she stumbled sleepily over to him. "There should be some cereal for breakfast for you." Amber wrinkled her nose at the word.

"Does that actual taste good Nessie?" she asked gagging a little.

"It does to me!" Renesmee laughed and kissed her cousin on the top of her head. She noticed the beautiful white shall and dress, plus the metallic crown adorned with lights sitting on the table. "Are these mine?" She immediately beamed, noticed the intricate details in the metal framework.

"All yours baby. The three of us spent the night working on it for you," I nodded to Amber and Edward.

"I got one too!" Amber cooed excitedly, pulling her small crown from her lap.

"It looks amazing baby. Glad to see design was inherited," Alice grinned proudly, her face getting brighter.

"Thanks again for helping her out," Jasper looked at us coyly and twisted his mouth up on one side into a half-smile.

"Eat your breakfast and start getting ready for school," I looked at Renesmee with a stern look. "We leave in an hour."

"When is grandpa coming?" Renesmee wondered excitedly. She loved seeing her grandpa, and in the midst of all the supernatural he still loved us.

"I'm going to pick him up a little late today, probably right before you get out of school. Dad will pick you up," I explained to her. She nodded in understanding went to the kitchen to eat her breakfast.

"Are you guys going to be okay with Charlie here?" I looked skeptically at Alice. She nodded, the question didn't seem to phase her.

"We just have to be honest-as honest as you were with him I mean," she corrected herself remembering Charlie's need-to-know policy. "Amber is here and we can't just hide away while he is away. We will try to keep a low profile as long as possible but no promises," she answered honestly.

"Is he staying here?" Jasper asked a little bit of worry evident.

"No, I convinced him to bring Sue and Seth and get a hotel, like a little family getaway" I chuckled lightly on the last part. Obviously, him not staying here was more for our benefit, and in some ways his safety.

"I'm glad Sue and Seth are still coming even after we changed their vacation dates," Edward noted. I spent the rest of the morning helping Renesmee get ready for school, making sure her outfit and hair looked perfect. The clouds were already starting to emerge as I walked out the door, we waved goodbye to everyone and I got in the car with Renesmee. She was undeniably happy, ready to show off her new outfit. I was glad that she got to have all these amazing adolescent human experiences, and it made me feel a little sad for Amber that wouldn't get the same chances. I was really glad everyone would be here soon, I knew Alice was excited to see Seth especially-somehow she managed to get along with everyone-even werewolves. Besides me, she was the only one relatively close to anyone outside of our family.

"Mommy you will protect us won't you?" Renesmee suddenly asked from the back seat.

"What do you mean?" I asked, a little hesitant and unsure of her question.

"You will shield us from the Volturi, make sure no one gets hurt?" again there was a hint of sadness and worry in her voice.

"You have nothing to worry about," I tried to reassure her.

"But I am worried Mom, Amber told me a secret, a vision she had," she seemed a little hesitant and I could tell she didn't want to tell me this secret.

"What vision?" I had a little more edge to my tone than I intended.

"The new member of the Volturi. Her power is like yours in a way. She can shield a single person…," she faltered to continue.

"Renesmee, tell me," I was getting anxious and a little confused.

"She can shield a person from using their powers," she stumbled out. She was right, this was not good news at all.

So there you have it, Chapter 21. In the next one I can promise we will start to see some action, I've been eager to write Jacob and Renesmee's encounter with the Volturi ever since I started this story. Hoped you like the little lime in there-part of me wanted to draw that out-but the other part didn't want to change this story to M. As always please let me know what you think of this story and in return I will promise not to abandon it for years ever again.