25. THE PROTECTORS

"It seems he's stopped by for a surprise visit," Dad said.

"More like unwanted," Emmett grumbled.

Jazz glared at him a gave him a dose of calm to shut him up. Sometimes for people who didn't understand Emmett's sense of humor would take it seriously, but he never seemed to realize when it was inappropriate.

Before the awkward silence could go on for too long Maddy cam skipping into the room at a normal human pace. She bounded up to me not paying any attention to the rest of the room.

"The clothes fit perfectly," she chirped. She was wearing a white, long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up to where the sleeves of the black leather jacket that she wore over top stopped at her elbows. She had that paired with worn out looking jeans, black chucks, and the white gloves that she had had on before; I wondered if she had purposefully picked out an outfit to match them. "Thank you so much! I love them! And look," she went on, "my eyes changed colors!" Due to my expression she seemed to finally notice the rest of the room and froze. "I'm interrupting something, aren't I?"

I rested my hand on her arm and smiled. "I'm glad that the clothes fit," I told her. "We do have a visitor though. This is Nahuel," I gestured to him.

Nahuel was standing there staring at Maddy with the same look that Marcus had given Tanya before in the living room. I still didn't understand what the look meant, so I just ignored it.

I heard Dad sigh deeply. I looked over at him and I caught him rolling his eyes before slipping out the backdoor.

Mom looked around confused before running after him.

"Well," I said confused, "if you're going to explain why you're here you might as well do it over supper. Now where's Jacob, he must be starving?"

The four of us: myself, Jake, Maddy, and Nahuel, were all sitting at the bar in the kitchen. Jake had appeared shortly after the mention of food and the both of us had gotten something together.

Now Nahuel and Jake were shoving food into their mouths while Maddy and I sat across form them and watched incredulously.

"Is he like you?" Maddy whispered to me so that only I would hear.

I nodded my head.

"How long is he going to stay?"

We should probably ask why he's here first, I thought to her.

She jumped at this and looked at me.

I laid my hand on her shoulder. My power, remember?

"So that's how it works?"

I nodded again.

We both looked back over to the boys who were now shoveling the last bits of their food into their mouths.

"You would think they would be a little more… mannered in front of us," Maddy said.

I chuckled.

"So, Nahuel," I said to get his attention.

He looked up at me then set his fork down with a smile.

"To what do we owe the pleasure?" I asked.

"Oh, yes. I had almost forgotten." He wiped his mouth with a napkin then went on. "This was lovely, by the way. Thank you."

I smiled.

"So, yes. Why am I here… I saw the Amazons as they were passing through on their way home," he began. "You see, my aunt and I have been living in the states trying out living in society again with your lifestyle. It's been going pretty well, and I had talked with them before making the move. Since they knew we were there they decided to stop in on their way back and say hi. While they were there they told us about where they were coming from and everything that had happened. They were kind of vague with the details so I decided to come up and hear it from the source and make sure everyone was okay."

"Yes, Kachiri, Senna, and Zafrina left shortly after we got back from Italy; they didn't want to impose any farther by sticking around."

"Italy?" he asked.

"Yes. We went there to kill the Volturi, and we were quite successful. The only members still living are those who surrendered," I glanced at Maddy.

"So that's who this is?" he asked in an interested tone, referring to Maddy. "You were a member of the Volturi?" he asked her.

She seemed to light up when he turned his attention from me to her.

I looked over at Jake who was smirking.

"Yeah," she answered.

"What was that like?" he asked.

"It wasn't all bad I guess. A few of them were actually pretty nice when they wanted to be. I like it much better here though. It's sort of like being human again."

"Oh, I know what you mean. The Cullens are great people. I think you'll like it here."

Nahuel saying that seemed to make me realize that I had never really spoken with Carlisle about Maddy staying. I was sure that he would be okay with it, but it would be something that I would have to ask the whole family about. A decision like this couldn't be taken lightly.

"Well you two seem to be getting along swimmingly," I said quickly, "so if it's okay with you Maddy I have some things that I need to attend to."

"Sure, I don't mind."

"Great. If you need anything just come and find me."

She didn't really seem to hear me now that Nahuel and her were talking again. I figured she'd be fine so I got up so I could start my search for Carlisle.

Before I could leave the room Jake said quickly, "I'll come with you."

I looked at him a little questioningly. I didn't understand why he seemed so eager to come along with me to perform this uninteresting task, but he seemed like he wasn't going to take no as an answer.

"Okay," I answered. Whatever floats your boat.

I walked out of the kitchen and into the living room with Jake following behind me.

"So, Sparky, do you know where Carlisle is?"

"He's in his office," Jake answered. "And did you just call me Sparky?"

I started towards Carlisle's office.

"Yeah, I did. You seemed so gung ho on coming along, plus you're kind of a dog, so the nickname Sparky seemed appropriate."

"It's not that I wanted to come along, I wanted to leave Maddy and Nahuel alone."

I stopped right outside of the closed door to Carlisle's office and turned to face Jake.

"What are you talking about," I asked him.

"Oh, Ness," he said in an adoring tone as he stroked my cheek. "You can be so ignorant sometimes."

Before I could ask him what he was talking about he opened the door to Carlisle's office and went right in.

I sputtered before following him into the room.

Carlisle was sitting at his desk with Esme standing next to him. Neither of them seemed surprised or annoyed by us barging into the room, they just looked up at us and smiled.

"What can I help you two with?" Carlisle asked.

"I just wanted to talk to you about Maddy. Carlisle, I'd really like for her to stay, and-"

Carlisle held up his hand. "Your father has already come and talked to me about it. As far as the both of us are concerned she can stay. We'll have a family meeting soon to talk about it."

"Oh, um… thank you, Carlisle."

"Anytime."

"I can go and get everyone together now if you'd like… it's starting to get dark and I'd like to be at the meeting too."

"Of course. Now is as good of a time as any."

"Okay, I'll go and gather everyone into the dining room." The dining room was always the room that we went to for a family meeting. No matter what house it was, that was always the meeting room.

"Very well. We'll be down shortly."

I nodded before leaving the room.

"You really like her, huh?" Jake asked.

I looked at him a little confused.

"Maddy I mean. You seem so happy around her."

"It's sort of nice to have her rely on me like she does, and she's so innocent and sweet. I hope that she'll fit in here well."

"I'm sure she'll fit in just fine." He reached up to rub my back. "I'm glad to see you so happy."

I leaned into his side. "Are you going to help me gather everyone up?"

"Of course. I'm pretty sure everyone's downstairs, but if anyone has strayed off I'll go and get them for you."

"Thanks, Jake."

We reached the bottom of the steps and Maddy came running over.

"Can I talk to you for a minute, Ness?"

Jake kissed my cheek before leaving.

"Of course," I answered. "What is it?"

"Well… it's just-" she looked to be sure that no one was around before continuing. "I really like Nahuel and I don't want him to leave."

"It's not that I wanted to come along, I wanted to leave Maddy and Nahuel alone." Jake had been right, I was ignorant.

"Oh, Maddy. I- I don't know what I can do about that. We can talk to the rest of the family about it, I guess. We're getting ready to have a family meeting now. We'll run the idea by them and see what they think okay." I tried to seem hopeful, but I knew that the chances of Nahuel staying were slim to none. Our family was already too large, I couldn't see them agreeing to add another member.

"Okay," Maddy said in a hopeless voice.

I tried to muster an encouraging smile but if I couldn't prove it to myself why would Maddy believe me.

"Come on," I told her. "We're meeting in the dining room."

The both of us walked into the dining room to find that everyone was already waiting for us.

Marcus was standing with the Denali coven while my family was sitting around the table. Nahuel was standing off on his own looking a little unsure about being here. In the back of my mind I wondered where Ren might be, but it wasn't really necessary or even a good idea to have her here for this so I ignored the thought.

Jake walked over to stand with us. I looked over at Maddy and saw that she was looking a little uncomfortable standing in the room with everyone staring at her, and I couldn't blame her.

I put my hand on her back in an effort to make her feel a little more comfortable before I spoke. "I want Maddy to stay," I said to the whole room.

"I propose that Nahuel stay too," Dad said.

Everyone but Carlisle, Esme, Mom, and Marcus gawked at him. Maddy, on the other hand, seemed extremely enthused at the idea, but still gawked at him nonetheless.

"I would very much like to stay," Nahuel agreed quickly.

"What about your aunt?" Carmen asked.

Nahuel seemed to take a moment to think. "We could move. We don't have to live with you if it's too much of a bother, we'll just live in town."

"Like extended family," I said with a smile.

"What if I went to live with Nahuel and his aunt?" Maddy asked. "Then we could still see each other, but I wouldn't be your responsibility." I could tell this last part was directed more at me than anyone else.

"If it's okay with Nahuel than I suppose it's okay with me." I felt my stomach sink with uncertainty. Would it really be the same when she didn't have to rely on me?

"It's okay with me," Nahuel answered.

Of course it is, I thought bitterly.

"As long as I can come over every day," Maddy added quickly. "And we'd go to school together too, right?"

"It will be like the mutt all over again," Rose chimed in. "Isn't this how it started with him too? And if they joined us our family would be a little on the large side, don't you think?"

"Rose, you're input is never welcome," Emmett grumbled at her. He looked over at me and smiled.

Rose glared at him.

Thanks for that, Emmett, I thought to him.You know she's probably going to try to kill you later.

Rose was glaring at him as he glanced over at her then looked away quickly trying to seem nonchalant.

"Rose, before you get yourself all worked up I've already thought about this," Carlisle said.

Rose huffed then Carlisle went on.

"If after some time Huilen, Nahuel, and Maddy would like to join our family then I believe that Emmett and yourself could try living on your own for awhile… as a married couple."

Rose's expression changed immediately. "That sounds like an excellent idea. I'm in."

"I thought you might be," Carlisle mused. He sighed before continuing. "Now onto the more serious problem at hand."

"Actually Carlisle, I think Jacob has gotten that all figured out," Dad said.

I looked at Jake to find him looking at Dad questioningly.

"Really?" Carlisle asked. "What is it that he believes we should do?"

"Yeah, what incredible idea is it that the mutt came up with?" Rose asked.

"Believe it or not Rosalie, Jake is very smart, he just doesn't realize it."

"Wow, Edward. That actually sounded like a compliment."

"Yes, well, although it pains me it is the truth."

"Would you please get back to the ingenious idea that Jake has come up with, please," I grumbled at Dad.

"It's actually really obvious, but we would have probably never considered it," Dad explained. "It's about having to replace the Volturi. Jake thinks that the wolves should take their place."

Carlisle looked at him unsure.

"Think about it Carlisle, it makes sense. The whole reason for their existence is to protect humans from vampires. Why shouldn't they take their place?"

"I don't know that it's fair for us to cast our burden onto them."

"Carlisle, we were there too. This is just as much our fault as it is yours." Jake said.

"I just don't feel right about this."

"Edward's right. This is the reasoning behind our existence, and we out number you by many. As the alpha I agree to take on this responsibility for myself and for my wolves."

"And I believe it would be beneficial if I were in charge since I've been at this for a long time," Marcus said. "It may be difficult to head the group from Denali, but I believe I can make it work."

"You could always stay in our house outside of Forks," I proposed.

"Only if Tanya would be willing to make the move."

I looked at him a little confused.

"So ignorant," Jake whispered in my ear.

"That would be up to everyone," Tanya said.

"I don't mind a move," Kate said; which everyone knew meant that Garrett wouldn't mind either.

"We don't mind either," Carmen said.

"Jacob?" Carlisle asked.

"I'm fine with Marcus leading us. It's best to have someone experienced to be able to go to."

"Then it's decided," Carlisle said with a little excitement. "You'll all move to our home outside of Forks so that Marcus can lead the wolves who are taking over for the Volturi." With that it was settled; the wolves would be the new protectors of our existence. They had always been the protectors after all. In the end, they were the only choice that made sense.

"I'll call Sam tomorrow to explain to him what's going on," Jake said.

"Excellent," Carlisle said. "Now is there anything left for us to do?"

"What about Ren?" I asked.

"We have her scheduled to leave tomorrow," Alice answered. "I think she said she was going upstairs to pack."

"And school?" Jake asked. School had been forgotten ever since Alice had gotten her vision, but now that we were back to our normal lives we would have to start up again.

"We can start back up next week," Dad answered.

"We'll need to get Maddy enrolled," Carlisle said.

"I get to go back to school?" Maddy asked, sounding excited to do anything human again.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Jasper asked. "She hasn't been a vampire for very long."

"I think she'll be okay," I said. "She was around Ren earlier and didn't even flinch. I think all of those months of starving herself has build up her tolerance to an incredible level."

"Maddy, do you feel like your ready for something like this?" Esme asked.

"Absolutely!" she said quickly. "I'm so used to the burning that I hardly notice it. I can do it! Promise!"

"It's settled then," Carlisle said. "You'll start school with the rest of the kids. What grade are you supposed to be in?"

"I was supposed to finish up my last year of middle school this year. That was, of course, until the Volturi came and took me over the summer."

"Well the rest of the kids are all in the high school, but we'll figure it out tomorrow," Carlisle said with a wave of his hand. "We've dealt with enough things today."

I heard Jake sigh in relief from behind me before wrapping his arms around my waist and hunching down to rest his head on my right shoulder.

I reached up and rested my arms on top of his and covered his hands with mine.

"One last thing before you two leave," Mom said to Jake and I. "Edward and I have decided," I noticed that Dad made a throat cutting motion then pointed at Mom, "to let you and Jake have the cottage for yourselves."

Dad stood there silent with an unhappy expression until Mom looked at him. His expression remained the same but with a sigh he said, "We've already moved the stuff around."

"So we have the cottage all to ourselves?" I asked with a little too much excitement.

Emmett was grinning.

Dad sighed again. "Yes."

"Thank you!" I directed at Mom because I knew it had been her idea.

Mom smiled and Dad groaned.

Jake tightened his grip on me. "I'm pretty tired. Do you want to head out?"

I heard Emmett chuckle and ignored him.

"Yeah, I'm tired too," I said to him. "Well I cause Jake and I are going to call it a night."

"I bet you are," Emmett mumbled.

Everyone ignored him.

"Before you two head off to sleep I think it best for us to say our goodbyes now so we can leave for our trip to Forks," Tanya said.

"You're leaving?" I asked them.

"We've imposed long enough," Marcus answered. "It's time for us," I noticed that with this word he places his arm around Tanya, who smiled like I had never seen her smile before, "to go. We need to go get settled in at our new home." He smiled.

I used up the last bit of my energy saying my goodbyes to Carmen and Eleazar, Kate and Garrett, and I suppose Tanya and Marcus. It seemed that it was a rightful conclusion to be drawn that they had ended up finding a mate in each other. Who would have thought?

Now Jake and I were heading to the cottage. Our cottage.

When we reached the door both of us froze. We looked at each other like we weren't sure what to do. I was feeling as if there was something that should be done, but I wasn't really sure what.

Leave it to Jake to be the one who figured out what it was.

He scooped me up in his arms before opening up the door.

"Carry you through the threshold?" he said in a joking, loving tone.

I giggled in spit of myself as he stepped into the cottage. Our cottage, I reminded myself.

This was the most perfect moment. Jacob and I were together, really together. He brightened up my world like my own sun lighting up the rest of our forever, and I wanted him to know that.

As he held me in his arms I looked deep into his eyes and said, "You'll always be my sun, my light." I reached up to put my hand on his cheek. "My endless light."

the end?

there is no end to eternity