Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story line, SM owns the characters I'm just having fun with them.

Jasper POV
Calgary, Alberta
3 months after leaving Forks

The past few months have been just about as close to perfect as you can get. My mates and my coven all together under one roof was both comforting and chaotic, but never dull. I didn't realize just how bored I had been the past sixty years until I was surrounded by my mates and our family. I enjoyed leading our group as well; it was like James had said, I was born to lead. My orders were followed without complaint or question, aside from my mates. Peter and Bella felt the need to keep me in check by challenging me on almost everything I said. I think Peter was getting back at me for our years in the army, and Bella was just flat-out not used to being told what to do. Peter gave her way too much leeway and she was a tough one to command.

All in all it was good for me though. Their questions kept me sharp and made me think harder about my decisions. James said our relationship was what he wanted with his mates, but they were still hesitant to question him; they were content to follow. I was pleasantly surprised by the change in my relationship with Peter. He didn't bow down to me easily and, at times, I even found myself following him. Our time apart, as painful as it was, had actually been good for him. He moved out of my shadow and led his own coven for years. He wasn't taking a backseat just because I was back in the picture again. And the only time I heard "Sir" from either of my mates was in the bedroom. Neither of them minded having the Major there.

Pete's recovery took much longer than we thought it would. Garrett called some of his contacts and found out that werewolves (and apparently shapeshifters) were poisonous to vampires, but I had done well by cleaning his wounds and sealing them with my venom. The venom acted as a counter-agent to the poison but it still took almost a month before he was as healed as he was going to get. The scars were heavy and darker than his vampire bites, and even after his pain was gone they were still sensitive to touch. Bella and I enjoyed taking advantage of that aspect regularly since we both thought his scars were sexy as hell.

The differences between our coven and the Cullen household went far beyond diet. Right now, Rose was the only one still following the animal diet, but no one gave her a hard time about it and she didn't criticize anyone else either. She and Emmett were more relaxed and comfortable together than they had been all the years I'd known them. Esme was in absolute heaven with all her "children" together again. She and Bella spent the most time together and their mannerisms were even starting to mirror each other. The two of them, along with Edward, truly looked and acted like a biological family. Ironically, Esme was the only one who was able to discipline Bella. She used her "mom voice" and Bella fell in line just like the rest of us. She definitely filled a large void in my mate's life and I was grateful they had each other.

Peter and Esme had also developed a close relationship. They bonded over their lost children from their human lives and spent hours going through pictures and stories from Bella's life. Esme wanted every detail on how he raised her from infancy. Sometimes I think she felt more jealous than I did on those missing human years. Peter and Esme respected each other as peers and their feelings slowly grew to a close sibling relationship. Peter and I were still in charge, but Esme had just as much of a leadership role as we did on the social side of things.

James and his mates kept to themselves more, but they did come clean about their relationship with the rest of the coven. It wasn't possible to keep it hidden in the close quarters we had, but they still didn't want anyone outside the group finding out and they hadn't decided what they would do if we received a visit from the Volturi. Bella was working on expanding her shield, using James and Edward to test it. Anger seemed to be her best motivator, and they were both good at getting her riled up enough to focus on the task. She was having more success recently, shielding up to three additional vampires along with Pete and I.

Speaking of my mate, I heard Edward call her from the far side of the house. Something about a visitor? I ran to him and asked who was here and he told me it was Alistair, but he wouldn't see anyone but Bella. Who the hell was this guy to make demands like that? Edward caught my thoughts and assured me he was just a very reclusive vampire who was uncomfortable around large groups. Bella pulled him out of his shell somewhat when they moved here because he thought she reminded him of his human daughter. Edward assured me his thoughts of my mate were strictly paternal and they were good for each other. She encouraged him to be more social and he kept her in line, much like Esme. I just wondered what brought him here today.

Bella POV
I was thrilled when Edward told me Alistair was here to see me. I hoped we would still be close, even though I was no longer human. Using my new senses, I ran quickly to his tree and jumped up to the branch above him. I was thrilled that I managed to startle him but he recovered quickly and motioned me down for a hug.

"You look lovely, li'l bit. You've hardly changed at all, apart from your eye color. I told you that you were already perfect before your change." I smiled and pulled him close for another hug. Alistair's visits were quite sporadic, and I missed him a lot when he wasn't here. As I breathed in his scent it suddenly hit me and I drew back in shock.

"You smell like Esme! I mean, not like her, but your smell makes me feel the same way her smell does! Does that make any sense?" I couldn't get my thoughts out in any kind of order. "Will you come meet her? Or can I bring her out to meet you? She's very special to me, she's my new mother."

Poor Alistair was trying to follow me and getting hopelessly lost. "Li'l bit, slow down. I'm not sure I understand. Who is Esme?"

"Well, she used to be a Cullen but she left Carlisle to come live with us. She's my mom, and Edward's, and Jasper, Rose, and Emmett's too. She's the best. I never knew I wanted a mom until I met her, now I can't imagine life without her!" Alistair looked at me for a moment, almost sadly, before looking down and saying,

"So, have you found yourself a father as well?" Oh, my poor Al. Is that what he was worried about? That I had replaced him? I decided to tease him a bit.

"Oh, I wasn't aware I needed to be looking for one. I thought that position was already filled?" He glanced up at me quickly before letting a small smile creep up.

"Do you mean? Are you saying?" Apparently I inherited my speech problems from my father...

"Yes, Al. As far as I know you're the only one even remotely interested in the job. Everyone else is scared of my temper or my mates, and you know I love you, I always have. Who else would put up with you? Anyway, you're the only father who ever wanted me, I found that out the hard way when we were in Forks." I tried to keep my composure but it still cut me too deep.

Alistair pulled me in for a hug and asked me what happened. I told him about the article and how my parents didn't even try to find me. I cried again, even though I thought I had gotten that all out of my system before. He went rigid when I told him what Jasper had said about them needing "closure."

"Why that no good bastard. He doesn't deserve you. If you were mine I would never let anyone take you from me. Where is he? I'm feeling a bit hungry, might need a snack." He was growling at the end and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Well, you're a few months too late. Peter already ate him. Eddie scared him a bit too. And Alistair, I'm already yours. If you want me anyway. I've really enjoyed this time with my mom; I'd love to spend some time with my daddy too." I looked up at him hopefully. I didn't realize how much he meant to me until he was back here with me again. I really hoped he would stick around longer this time.

He just smiled at me and pulled me in for a hug. "Of course, li'l bit. I'd be honored." We sat together comfortably for a while, talking about what all he had missed until we heard Edward yell that Esme was dying to come out and meet him and she wouldn't take no for an answer. I raised my eyebrows at my dad and he reluctantly nodded, so we jumped down to wait for her.

I had never been present when a vampire found its mate before, but it's not something that is easy to forget. I remembered being drawn to Jasper and being unable to keep my hands off him, but I had already known who he was before then. Needless to say, I had absolutely no idea what was going on when Alistair's head snapped up and his eyes got darker until Esme came into view, also with dark eyes and sniffing the wind. I stepped back when they both growled and ran to each other.

Esme jumped into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling his head to hers for a passionate kiss. Alistair had one hand tangled in her hair and the other one roaming all over her body. When they fell to ground I snapped out of my daze and realized that my parents were making out right in front of me. Eww, seriously gross. "I'll, uh, catch you guys later. Um, just come to the house when you... ew... get done. Bye!" I turned and flew back to the house using all my newborn speed. I ran straight to Edward who grabbed me and started begging.

"Please, Bella, can you shield them? I'm dying here! Or shield me, I don't care. I just can't hear that! It's a million times worse than it was with Carlisle. She's acting like you and Peter and Jasper and I'm DYING Bella! HELP ME!" I had to laugh, at least I was mostly out of earshot now. Poor Eddie still had a front row seat. We had worked on my shield and discovered if I shielded him he would only hear Peter and Jasper's thoughts, not everyone else. Apparently this was more acceptable to him than what he was hearing from Esme and Alistair.

I obliged him and pulled him under my shield without too much difficulty and he slumped to the ground in relief. "Thank you, Princess. I owe you big time. God, that was so bad. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at her again." He shook his head and shuddered.

By this time we had drawn quite an audience and between our conversation and the ones brave enough to venture out far enough to listen, the group had pieced together that Esme and Alistair were apparently mates. When Peter walked up and was filled in, he fell over laughing. We all looked at him like he was crazy until he managed to speak.

"Oh, come on! This is hilarious! The reclusive hermit and the ultimate social hostess? Who would put them together? At least she'll pull him out from under his rock, or make him build her a huge cave she can decorate to her heart's delight!" It was pretty funny when you put it that way. They were complete opposites. Honestly, the only thing they had in common besides being vampires, was me.

"Well, at least Bella won't have to worry about her parents working out a custody arrangement. They won't be splitting up anytime soon!" Eddie joked, but the rest of the group was silent.

"What?" Jasper finally asked. "What are you talking about?" I looked at Eddie in confusion and he suddenly looked contrite.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but his thoughts were really loud. He was so proud of himself and of you. You made him happy for the first time in his very long life. Well, Esme is probably making him happier right now, but still. You know what I mean." Everyone turned to look at me, still confused. Eddie finally continued, "Bella asked Alistair to be her father. She made his wish come true!"

"Oh, that was nice, Bella. I'm sure he really appreciates it. He has always been drawn to you. So, Eddie, did he say why he came by this way? It hasn't really been that long since he was here last- he usually waits at least 6 months or more between visits." Peter asked.

Edward stopped and thought for a minute. "It's strange, when he first got here, he seemed almost frantic. He was worried about Bella and the rest of us but when I told him she was fine, he relaxed a bit. He said something about a warning but that was when Bella surprised him and he didn't think about it anymore."

I looked at Jasper when he came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. Peter was standing across from us frowning. "We need to talk to him. Worry and a warnin' isn't somethin' we need to brush aside. I know he's busy with his mate but this might be somethin' that can't wait. Alistair is a very talented tracker and if somethin' caught his attention enough to worry him, we need to know about it. Somebody needs to bring them up to the house."

Edward caught my eye and the two of us, along with Jasper, Rose, and Emmett all yelled out, "Not it!" Peter shook his head while the rest laughed.

"Y'all have spent way too much time in high school. Well, except Bella, who didn't spend enough time. I guess I'm stuck doin' it. James, wanna help? I might need some backup and you're the only decent fighter who didn't back out on me." He shot a look at me and Jasper. Sorry, Pete. Guilt won't work this time. Nothing is making me go back out there. "Jas, can you at least throw some cold water on them emotionally. Give us some kind of help here? And Rose, grab them some clothes. Nobody wants to see that."

Rose was back a few seconds later with clothes for the two of them, and Jasper had me pull them under my shield (after I let Eddie out) because it helped him focus his gift. Pete had to pull us apart when Jasper got sucked into their lust before he could get a handle on it, but at least he didn't project it to everyone like he has done before. "Sorry," Jasper said, looking sheepish, "they've both been repressed for a while. The matin' pull is really strong. I'm not sure what I can counter it with. Anger usually works, but we don't want them comin' here mad. Calm isn't gettin' through at all. I may have to knock them out completely."

"What if you focus their paternal love? Maybe add some concern? If you can get them to realize that Bella isn't with them, they might stop long enough to look for her." Eddie suggested.

"Ok, I'll try that. Pete, James, walk out there slowly and toss the clothes to them. Tell them to head back to the house." Jasper closed his eyes to focus more and after a minute or two he looked back up and said, "They're comin'."

We spread out to greet the new couple, with Jas and I in front. Pete joined us when he walked back and stood at Jasper's other side. We may tease him a lot but we know he likes to be seen as the leader, not only of the coven, but our triad as well. I saw him stand up straighter when we were all in position.

Alistair walked slowly into view, with Esme right behind him. Neither of them would look directly at us, but they both kept glancing in my direction. I looked at Jasper for permission before I made my way over to greet my parents. "Oh, Bella! I'm so sorry dear! We got carried away and I hope we didn't upset you too much." Esme pulled me in for a hug and Alistair put his arms around both of us. It was so comforting that I just stood there for a few minutes until Jasper cleared his throat.

"Um, Bella? Can we move on now? Want to introduce our guest to the rest of the group?"

"Sure," I said, standing between my parents. "Everyone, this is Alistair. He's my dad. Daddy, this is my other mate, Jasper, and that's Rose and Emmett, they're Esme's other kids. You know everyone else." He nodded but didn't look quite as uncomfortable as he normally did in a group this size. Everyone smiled at him and Jasper came over to shake his hand.

"Nice to meet ya. I've heard a lot about ya from my mates and Edward. Glad you're here. Now, can I ask what brought ya by? Edward said something about warnin'?" Jasper was back to business once the introductions were finished.

Dad stiffened beside me and pulled away a bit to face the group. "I'm so sorry. I was distracted when I saw that my li'l bit was ok, then meeting my Esme here. I did need to tell you something. I guess you all know how my gift works? I can track pretty much anything, no matter the distance. Well, a few months ago I noticed Carlisle Cullen leaving the country headed for Italy. I was concerned because I knew you had been with him, Major. I followed him across and he went straight to Volterra. I watched them from a distance, I can't stand to get too close to them. Aro and I have a personal hatred for one another, and he would love nothing more than to tie me to his guard.

"So, I watched the castle and nothing much happened but I managed to follow some guards to the airport. They were complaining about having to get the planes ready. Apparently a large group of them were planning a trip. All the kings, and most of the guard, as well as Carlisle, were all set to travel. I waited for the guards to leave and then I disabled the planes as quickly as I could. I knew it wouldn't stop them but it would give me a head start at least. I came here immediately because I panicked when I realized I couldn't track Peter or the Major. I was afraid something had happened to Bella and it scared me so much I forgot about the other threat. The fact that the Volturi are on their way here."

Nobody was moving, the yard was full of beautiful marble statues. Peter broke first, and ran over to scoop me into his arms. Jasper was right behind him and we all huddled together, breathing each other in for a minute. Edward broke the silence, "Bella, can you take your shield off Alistair now? I need to know where they are." I complied but Alistair was the one to answer.

"They just landed in New York. I can't tell if they are running or driving yet, but I will know as soon as they start to move. They should be here within a few days at most."

Emmett summed up all our thoughts so eloquently. "Well, fuck."