A/N: Another chapter! I want to apologize for not responding to each and every one of you with the reviews you send. I have been focusing on trying to get the story finished, and this chapter was a particular challenge, but I am now quite pleased with it (much more so than several days ago). Still, I want you know how much I appreciate every review, and how much it is motivating me to try to get a chapter out every few days now.

Chapter 25

Bella looked in each of their eyes one by one, trying desperately to process the words that just came out of their mouths. She understood the words of course, but she was trying to wrap her head around all the implications that that came with what Carlisle and Rosalie confirmed.

Both sets of memories were still there, rumbling around in their head, both vying for dominance. They acknowledged that Bella and Jasper's reality was the truth, but how could she know how much of that truth the Cullen's would accept, how much of them would they accept?

Were they to be forever on the outskirts of the family, never really being a part of the dynamic from now on? Would she ever know the closeness of the Cullen clan ever again?

"How did this happen?" They were the only words that fell from Bella's mouth.

Esme leaned on Carlisle's shoulder, wringing her hands. "Delilah tried to rid us of the false memories, but she confided that she had never attempted a reversal on vampires before. She had done a reversal on humans to test that she was able to, but the vampire mind is too complex and with our perfect recall, she could return them, but not fully replace them."

Jasper sat straighter on the loveseat. "How is that she can change memories in the first place then?"

"We don't know." Was the honest reply from Carlisle. "We did not exactly have a lot of time to discuss the topic."

Bella knew he was right. A thought nagged at her. "So which set do you believe?"

Emmett, who had been silent up to this point, looked up suddenly attempting to give her a small smile. "Sis, I believe yours."

Bella returned the kind gesture. Jasper however, was staring at the rest of the family. "And the rest of you?"

Carlisle responded first. "Both sets of memories seem very real, but we know that you were telling us the truth."

Esme nodded at the head of the family's response, indicating she agreed. Rosalie who did not say a word, became very preoccupied with stone floor in front of her. "Rose?"

She raised her head, looking him straight in the eye. "I know that you are telling the truth. But it is going to take some time to warm up to the both of you. I won't beat around the bush. Every other memory is telling me that you are not part of us. It's-"

"Babe!" Emmett interrupted, shaking his head and grabbing her arm. "That's enough!"

She yanked away from him, annoyed, and stood. "No, Emmett. They deserve the truth. I've never been one to mince words and there is no way in hell I am about to start now. They have been through enough, but then again, so haven't we." The blonde beauty pointedly looked at the both of them. "Jasper, Bella, this is going to take getting used to. Trusting you the way that you deserve to be trusted will not be easy. We have had these memories for not even two hours, you cannot just expect us, any of us, to welcome you with open arms right away. All I am asking for is time. They all may not want to admit because they are ashamed at how they treated you. Frankly, so am I. But we all need the same thing. Time to adjust. "

By the end of her short speech, Rosalie looked as if the wind had been taken out of her. It was then that Bella noticed how tired just all of them looked, how out of control they really felt. Jasper stood up, stepping up to Rose. The Cullen's tensed, unsure of how Jasper was going to react to Rose's outburst.

Jasper simply leaned over, giving his sister a brief hug. It was the first physical contact they had in months, and Bella couldn't help but think how surreal all of this was. When the both of them pulled away, the empath replied. "Thank you for being honest. I know that this is not easy on any of us. I appreciate the rest of you trying to make us feel comfortable and welcome, but we know that we will need to earn each other's confidence again."

Jasper and Rose both took their seats again, and Carlisle posed the next question. "I assume that you know what we have been up to during these past few months. I am ashamed to admit it, but we couldn't keep track of you. Alice's visions were spotty at best, and she did not see much of either of you, even though she actively looked for you when I requested it. Where did you go? What happened to the both of you?"

Bella and Jasper exchanged glances. This was something they had discussed over the past few days, going back and forth on what information to give. Most of it was simple really. Where they were, who they were with, what they were doing. However, there was the issue of their current relationship.

Bella nodded to Jasper, indicating for him to start.

"When we left, we did not know exactly where to go. We were not sure exactly what was going on, or how far the changes extended. That first night, we just drove, quite frankly, in a daze. Then we reached out to Peter and Char. I don't know if you noticed, but they were in the ballroom when you arrived."

Emmett and Esme signaled that they saw, but Carlisle and Rosalie had not noticed them, however. Jasper continued. "They fortunately, did not have their memories altered, and remembered us. Peter and Charlotte had just moved back to our house in Wyoming, the one I built prior to meeting up with Alice. We explained to them everything that was going on, and they agreed to help us in getting to the bottom of everything."

Esme sighed in relief. "I am so glad my children were not all alone."

Bella reached over and grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly. "Thank you."

"We threw out a lot of different theories, including that the Volturi were involved. But we had nothing to go on, no proof to confront them. So we decided to focus on trying to prove to you that we were part of your family. We spent months researching, but everything came up a dead end, either our records were erased or yours were. There is nothing, or at least, was nothing that connected us together. We decided in the autumn to finally try to locate random vampires that might remember you. The Denali's were out of the question; their memories had been changed as well."

Bella interrupted. "Did the Volturi mention anything about them to you?"

Carlisle responded. "They were brought here as well under the same pretense. Their memories were changed back earlier today according to Delilah but I have not spoken to their coven yet."

Jasper brought out his phone and sent a quick text, before putting it back in his pocket. They all looked at him expectantly. Jasper stated quietly, so Jane and Alec could not hear, "Texted Peter, to verify for me."

In a louder voice he started his explanation again. "We found one vampire and we were searching for others. We wanted indisputable proof that we could bring to you and the Volturi. But it was only when Charlotte had gone to Italy that we discovered Delilah's existence, and here we are."

"How did you hold up?" Esme inquired, a worried look on her face.

"We managed." Was the response that Jasper gave. "It wasn't easy at first, but over time, Bella and I were able to lean on one another and Peter and Charlotte provided great support as well. We aren't going to lie; there were times that both Bella and I felt great desperation. But, there was also times that we were still able to laugh and feel happiness."

Jasper did not elaborate more into their relationship. When the Volturi advised that they would not change Alice and Edward's memories right away, Bella and Jasper had agreed after much debate to not tell the family. They both felt they owed it to Alice and Edward to tell them first, or at the very least tell them all as a family together. If for whatever reason, the Cullen's now saw their former spouse's before they did, they did not have to worry about the risk of having Edward read the Cullen's minds to find out about Bella and Jasper. They deserved to hear it from Jasper and Bella directly. They could not be sure how Alice's visions would play a part, or if it even would.

Bella was suddenly grateful that her dress now hid her mark, and made a mental note to wear turtlenecks or other garments that hid her mark until they could speak to their former significant others.

Emmett looked ashamed. "We should have known."

Bella glanced at him harshly. "This isn't your fault. The Volturi did this based on orders from someone else supposedly, not you. We don't hold you responsible. It still hurts, but you can't take the blame."

Emmett protested further. "But Bells, we shouldn't have kicked you out. We should have let you into our home."

This time it was Jasper who reached over, clasping his hand on Emmett's shoulder. "Alice and Edward, think they are mates. I know that I would do whatever it took had I been in the same position. By allowing us to stay there would have inevitably been a major fight and I don't think all of us would have come out surviving." Jasper did not elaborate further. "No, as painful as it was for us, it was probably the best thing."

Carlisle took Jasper's finality of comment as an indication to move on from that subject and spoke quietly again. "So the Volturi are advising that they took orders. That is interesting. I wonder from whom?"

"In your years with them, have you ever known them to take orders?"

Carlisle furrowed his brow. "Not often. Once in a while, they would perform a favor, but only if it gave them a great advantage. The Volturi never do anything without a reason or purpose. And even then, the favor has to benefit them. Aro and the others are quite shrewd."

"But it is feasible?"

"Yes, although to what end they would achieve by changing our memories, I haven't the foggiest idea. When I meet with Aro-"

Jasper interrupted. "You are meeting with Aro?"

Carlisle nodded. "Yes. Aro and I have things to discuss. As it stands at this moment, there is a lot of bad blood currently between us with everything that had just transpired. It is in this family's best interest for us to try and resolve these issues and put it behind us or at least come to some kind of understanding. What happened to all of us was a severe breach of trust."

The next couple of hours passed in much the same manner; both parties asked back and forth specific questions about the others and the period while they were separated. There were actually a couple of moments of laughter between the six of them, courtesy of Emmett and his ability to tell a lighthearted story easing the tension between all of them.

They also discussed Bella and Jasper leaving for an assignment the next morning. Carlisle again was not pleased with this development, but understood the reasons that Jasper and Bella agreed. He asked questions regarding the missions, Jasper and Bella giving him the little information that they were made privy to.

Bella had to admit that she was almost relived when Jane and Alec knocked on the door, advising that it was time for the Cullen's to leave. They all stood, with Bella and Jasper giving the all of them hugs with promises to speak to them soon.

With the final clang of the shutting door, Bella quickly fell into Jasper's arms, almost feeling weariness from the events that took place that evening. It was around 2am in the morning, in a few hours, they would both be leaving.

She breathed in Jasper's scent, rubbing her hands along his strong back. Jasper had long ago shed his tuxedo jacket, opting instead for the white shirt that looked almost as crisp as when he first donned it earlier that evening. "Are you okay?" Bella's asked, pressing her lips to his shoulder blade.

He returned her affections, placing a kiss on the top of her head. "I won't lie. Of all the scenario's we discussed, them keeping both sets of memories was not one of them."

She frowned into his chest. "I know."

During the time they were with the Cullen's, Bella wondered throughout the night what would now transpire between Edward and her. It did not comfort her that Edward would probably have feelings still for Alice; it wasn't that she did not want Edward to be happy, but she knew it would not make any conversation she had with Edward any easier, would not really erase the hurt that they would both feel.

"Are you alright?"

"I will be. It's just that nothing is ever going to be the same now, is it?"

"No, Darlin'. It won't."

"I mean, I knew that going into this, that no matter what, especially with you and I involved, that things would be different. But somehow, I guess I thought that maybe things with Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, and Rosalie would somehow be easier to fall into the old routine. But they are always going to have that other set of memories in the back of their mind, always have this image of us that is tainted. And when they find out about you and I… that image is only going to get worse."

Jasper's hands pulled her away from him. "That is not true, Bella. At least, not the last part."

Bella sniffed and rubbed her nose out of habit. "How do you know?"

"Because Carlisle and Esme, Rosalie and Emmett; they are mates. It may take getting used to on their end, but they will understand that there is no denying the pull of their mate. Carlisle and Emmett would rather die than see something happen to Esme and Rose. Just how I feel with you."

Jasper led her over to the bedroom and sat down on the comforter. "Bella, no matter what happens with them, even if they did not accept us after all, which, from the emotions coming off them I do not believe to be the case, I have you. That is all that matters. Darlin', I have never felt as complete as I do when I am in your presence. But-" Jasper added, his strong hands running up and down her arms. "I don't want to spend the rest of time talking about them or what might or might not happen. We only have a few hours left, and I want to make the most of it, just with you."

Jasper's lips brushed Bella's lightly as he slowly lowered her on the mattress. There was no question as to what was coming next. His hands ran up her body to her neck, unclasping the dress, slowly bringing it down over her shoulders. His sweet mouth kissed close to her collarbone, her mark, lingering there for a minute, both of them reveling in the fact that she was his.

"All mine." He whispered almost reverently. The vampire then lowered the silk fabric further, barely an inch, Jasper's fingers caressing the curves of the tops of her breasts, while his mouth met hers once more, urgent in its need. Bella could only comply, her longing and want becoming greater with each touch. She arched her back against him, wanting more, the fabric falling completely off her chest in response, now pooled at her waist.

The eyes that met hers were now fully onyx. Jasper swallowed hard, never taking his gaze off her. She could feel a shift in his emotions, the immense love she bathed herself in still prominent, but the possessive desire from earlier making a powerful return.

"Bella." The words were soft but intense. "I need you so much."

"I need you too, Jasper."

"Are you still willing to keep your promise to me from earlier?"

Her mind quickly recalled the promise of complying with his every wish and desire. Bella's body quickly reacted at the thought of Jasper taking her any way he wished. "Yes. Anything you need my mate."

If it were possible, his eyes darkened further. His hands gripped forcefully at her waist, stripping her of dress and panties once and for all. She now lay before him, her naked body ready and willing for the man who turned out to mean everything to her, to the man she would die for. His eyes raked over her form, his muscular figure towering over hers.

Jasper unbuttoned his shirt first, at a pace much too slow for Bella's liking. He climbed on top of her, kissing her roughly, thoroughly, leaving no room to wonder who was in charge. When Jasper kissed her like that, she could barely think.

Jasper knelt in between her legs, leaning over her. "I love you, my mate. Nothing is ever going to change that."

She reached for his belt, but Jasper moved her petite hands, holding them above her head with one of his. He smirked, shaking his head slightly at her. "Now, Bella, how am I supposed to fully have my way with you, if you keep trying to take charge?"

Bella bit her lip. She loved it when Jasper was playful in bed. "I'm sure we could both of have fun with what I could do with that belt."

"Darlin', I am sure we could, but I have a few other ideas tonight."

"Like what?" Bella did her best to ask coyly.

"Like this." Jasper spent the next hour worshipping Bella's body, tenderly bringing her wave upon wave of pleasure. Every time Bella reached out in an attempt to satisfy Jasper, he shook his head, going back to whatever action he was doing at that moment.

Finally, Bella cried out again, coming down from her last orgasm. "Jasper, please. I need to touch you, I need to feel you."

Jasper lifted her up off the mattress, so they were kneeling face to face on the bed. Jasper simply settled his hands at her waist, his fingers digging into her flesh, pulling her close. "I love you, Bella. I am yours as much as you are mine and I always will be."

She pressed her mouth gently to his. "I know, Jas. I love you."

"Bella-" Jasper paused, his southern accent low and sweet. "Despite all the marks I have on this body, none of them have ever been willingly. You gave me the honor of marking you. I want you to mark me, make you a part of myself, for all eternity. Will you seal our eternal bond?"

Bella was speechless. She never thought that Jasper would want another vampire to mark his body again, the marks a constant reminder of a past he tried desperately to get away from, a past that he would never quite forgive himself for.

"Of course I will." For the third time that evening, tears welled up and her eyes met her mates. She pressed her lips to his chest, closing her eyes, savoring Jasper, taking in his very essence. Venom pooled in her mouth, and she let her instinct kick in, biting down on his skin, puncturing his flesh, tasting the venom that ran through his veins, mixing it with her own. She felt him tense underneath her touch at the pain, but she could feel his satisfaction and approval from his unique ability at the action she preformed, not to mention the arousal from his waist poking into her at the very same moment.

She finally pulled away, licking the fresh wound, sealing it with her venom. She gazed at it for a moment and softly whispered, "Mine."

Jasper lifted up her chin. "Yours." He acknowledged, laying her back on the bed, thrusting into her deeply, completing the intimate act.

They made love until the sun cast its first rays, marking the inevitable coming of their separation. They lay in bed, holding one another tight, desperate to be near each other for even just a minute longer. Her vampire was sated, but nervous about their separation, and despite Jasper's attempts to calm her, it became more worried by the second.

Jasper finally spoke, breaking the silence. "We need to get up Darlin'. Aro and the others will be by very shortly."

"I know." But still, Bella did not move, except for to kiss the blond vampire next to her again.

Jasper deepened to kiss, before finally pulling away to stand up, grabbing a shirt hanging on the back of the chair in the corner. He pulled the deep blue cotton over his head, staring at the woman still lying twisted up in the bed. Jasper face became serious. "I love you. I don't know what is going to happen during the next few days, but promise me that you will text me twice a day, no matter what. Not that I don't think you can take care of yourself, but it will ease my mind knowing you are alright."

She nodded her head in compliance, finally moving out of the bed, catching the shirt that Jasper threw her way. "Of course. You'll do the same, right Jasper?"

He nodded in all seriousness. "Absolutely."

A knock came at the door ten minutes later, beckoning the both of them.

A/N: I hope you liked the ending part as much as I do. Why should Bella be the only one marked? As always, you know what to do, hit the button. Till next time!