Chapter 26

"Jasper," Eleazar gasped, "I thought you were staying in the States, what are you doing here? How are you doing it, I can't see your power. You're shielded".

"Eleazar, it's good to see you safe. Are the rest of the family all okay?" Jasper asked politely.

"Yes. They are still getting ready, you know what women can be like," he said with fond amusement. His eyes taking in me, under Jasper's arm.

Jasper smiled and nodded, then tried to answer Eleazar's earlier questions, "When Carlisle informed us about the problems that were being experienced we were unable to travel immediately, having a newborn in our group," Jasper started to explain.

"Where did you leave the Newborn?" Eleazar quickly asked

Jasper glanced down at me, as always when he meets my eyes a soft smile graced his face. Looking back at Eleazar he indicated me, "She is here but the unusual circumstances are a long story. I would like to talk to you about that later?"

"As to what we are doing here, I suppose the same as everyone else, supporting our leaders in a time of threat. The shield isn't mine," he smiled at me again.

"She doesn't look like a newborn. Is it her shielding all of you? How did she get control so quickly? That is a powerful shield," Eleazar was in shock.

Fortunately Aro entered the room and silence fell.

Aro and Marcus stood in front of their respective thrones but one throne was conspicuously empty.

"We are victorious but it came at a great cost. Our humblest thanks go to each of you for coming here in our time of need. We will not forget those who have supported us. We have had many losses. They will be dearly missed," he bowed his head and remained silent.

He raised his head and looked at us all, "Some here deserve extra thanks for their efforts. Without them I know the result would have been very different".

"We believe the threat is now gone. You are all free to stay longer until we have chance to ensure areas are safe or leave whenever you are ready," I saw many people relax when they knew they could stay longer.

Peter called out during Aro's pause, "We have a team in North America, they confirm it is safe to return there. They are proceeding into South America but they haven't had time to ensure all pockets of resistance have been removed".

Annoyance then shock passed over Aro's face but he nodded his thanks before continuing, "We have had many losses and we need time to get an understanding of how things got to this state. I would like to speak to everyone individually to see how best to move forward from here. Members of the guard will come for you in turn. If you want to retire to you rooms or make use of the grounds, you are most welcome," I wondered how many the Volturi had lost for Aro to be so shaken.

Aro and Marcus slipped out of the room.

A cloaked figure approached us and quietly asked, "Would you all follow me, Aro requested you join him in his study." Eleazar turned to leave, "You too, please".

Aro's study was a huge open room, oak panelling and bookcases made up the walls. A desk sat over by the window. An open circle of half a dozen soft chairs with a table in the centre sat on the panelled side of the room.

Marcus, Aro and Carlisle were all stood near the window talking when we entered, "We would all have been wiped out had it not been for them. We have lost many members of the guard. The biggest loss is Chelsea, we can't function as we have without her".

"Thank you for joining us," Aro said as we walked over.

Aro named us to Marcus, "Jasper, Bella, Peter, Charlotte and Garrett".

We each nodded as he said our names. Eleazar frowned slightly and glanced towards Carlisle as my name was said.

Aro continued, "Carlisle vouches for your integrity but your actions speak for themselves. Will the five of you continue and help us restore order?"

This is an Aro unlike anything I expected.

He continued, "I don't expect your answer straight away but I would appreciate knowing more about how you came to be here today?" Aro bowed his head, "I would get a better understanding if you would allow me to see your past but I understand if you prefer to tell your stories in words".

Marcus, Carlisle and Eleazar showed shock at Aro as he said this. Aro must have had one of those changes that vampires rarely have. I think the body swap experience and near death can do that!

Jasper nodded to me and stuck his hand out to Aro.

At that moment I was so proud of Jasper, so happy for him. In that simple action I saw how much he had healed and come to accept his past. He is no long embarrassed by his past.

I pulled my shield back.

Aro reached and took Jasper's hand in what appeared to be a simple hand shake but appearances can be deceptive. Aro's eyes widened for a few moments, then he fell to his knees. Jasper made to pull his hand back but Aro ground out, "No, I need to see the rest".

Aro gently pulled his hand from Jasper then stood.

"Thank you. I can see you are a man of honour. I have the utmost respect for the battles you have fought to stand here today. Carlisle spent many years trying to get me to reconsider our diet. You have given me a far deeper understanding of his arguments," Aro nodded to Jasper with respect and thanks.

He looked at me in awe and respect but from the glint in his eye and the way Jasper pulled me back into his side I guess at avarice too, "Please don't take this the wrong way but I'm glad I can't read your memories. If Jasper's short experience of your pain is any gauge I don't think my sanity would survive those six years of memories. I would never believed a human could survive that had I not seen it".

Aro looked over at Peter and Charlotte, "I have seen much of your history from Jasper. He has complete trust and respect for you both. I will not ask to see your memories".

"If you would allow?" Aro looked at Garrett, "If only to sate my curiosity, I have seen little of the Americas Revolutionary War".

Garrett paused for a moment before walking forward. He nodded to me then held his hand out to Aro.

Garrett memories didn't reflect as clearly on Aro's face so I had no hints of his progress.

Aro released Garrett's hand, "Your sense of adventure is commendable. I see you found very like-minded spirits in the Whitlock's".

Aro turned back to address Jasper, "Thanks to the warning you relayed to Carlisle, we were able to get our defences in place in time. Between your warnings to us and the forces you eliminated, we are in your debt," Aro bowed his head in thanks, "I feared a group as powerful as yourselves would try and overthrow us. I can see, without a doubt, I could not have been further from the truth. You fight only to be able to live the quiet lives you choose. I respect that. I hope we can work together to ensure your hard work will not be undone".

I get the impression he isn't used to being beholden to others. I'll put money on that he also saw that if he pushes us too hard we will push back. He is trying almost too hard to stay on our good side!

Aro looked at Eleazar, "Can you confirm the nature of her shield?"

"Bella would you lower your shield as far as you are able?" Eleazar asked.

Jasper squeezed my hand and sent me reassurance.

"No, I still can't get a full picture. Do you think you could cover me in your shield?" I kept telling myself, I can trust him, he is a friend of Carlisle.

I extended the bubble to encase him.

"Amazing, she is still protecting herself with a mental shield. I can see past it sufficiently to see her power now but it protects her from any mental attack. Aro can you try and get a reading from me. I am sure she has me covered with a physical and mental shield," Aro tried to touch his hand but couldn't read him.

"She is a shield. The shield is both physical and mental. It has a limited range but that should increase with time. With her shield extended she still protects herself from all mental powers but she subconsciously allows Jasper's power. I think that is a reflection of the strength of their bond," Eleazar smiled at me, "The colour of her eyes indicate she has no human blood left in her system so she may be newborn in time scale but her body is out of the newborn phase. Her current strength and speed will not diminish further".

I grinned at this as Jasper still got at me for my excessive newborn speed and strength.

I remembered Peter thinking I had a 'I just know stuff' gift and an escape gift, "Eleazar, do Peter or Charlotte have a gift?"

Eleazar gave them an intense glance, "Neither of them have anything that the Volturi would consider a gift. I can make out strong tendencies for intuition in Peter and evasion in Charlotte. You also show those tendencies along with authority".

Peter laughed, "I told you I didn't have a gift. I was right about you though".

"Rubbish you told me I had your gift and Charlotte's, the one you didn't get was the shield," I teased him.

"I got the authority bit," he argued

"Ahh, you mean when you said 'you say Jump and we ask how high'?" I laughed.

He just scowled.

Eleazar turned to Carlisle, "Is this the newborn you were asking about?"

Carlisle nodded.

Eleazar turned back to me, "Is it true, you were changing for six years?"

"Unfortunately, yes. It's not something I would wish even on my worst enemy. The pain was excruciating," that pain, that's something I do not miss!

A shudder ran through the room. Two guesses what they were imagining!

Eleazar nodded to himself, "That explains it. The change enhances any physical or mental strengths of the individual. Carlisle's change was thought to be exceptional, the self-restraint he showed in hiding himself and staying quiet. I believe that trait was enhanced giving him the restraint he needs to be a doctor and work near blood. Every day you lived, the venom enhanced whatever you did that day. I can't contemplate burning for longer than the three days it took me, how ever did you survive?"

Aro stopped his ramble, "Bella's story is more amazing than many will believe. Let her tell you later".

Marcus reached forward and touched Aro's hand, "Thank you Brother. Marcus just showed me the strength of Jasper and Bella's mating bond. He was unable to see it properly until Bella lowered her shield for Eleazar".

Jasper shot me a delighted look then pulled a mask of indifference back on.

"It is exceptional in that both aspects of the bond are powerful," he went on to explain

"Both aspects?" I questioned.

Aro smiled, "It is not well known but vampires retain many human traits. The best way to describe it is the venom enhances all aspects of us as it changes us. Certain innate tendencies can be enhanced. I don't know if you have noticed but some Vampires can exhibit dual personalities. Both the primal aspects and the more cultured human side are enhanced. The primal personality tends to be thought of as the Vampire side. Those are the two aspects that the mating bond can be developed from. Another way to describe the bonds is the 'pull' or the more human taking time to get to know each other and choosing someone you like. It is usual the one aspect of bond be stronger than other. Even if Chelsea had been able to breach your shield, she would have been unable to break the 'pull' side of the bond. The both sides of the bond are so strong then even the choice side of the bond becomes unbreakable as the two bonds merge. The only other couple with a bond of your magnitude was Marcus's bond with his late wife. Such bonds are extremely rare".

I nodded as he spoke, it felt to fit us. We both felt a pull to each other and felt a strong need to stay close to each other. We also spent lots of time talking and learning about each other. We have so much in common but we also seem to compliment and balance each other.

Marcus spoke softly, "Bella, you have many strong bonds. You seem to draw people to you and elicit strong emotion in them. You have strong positive bonds with five people in this room and I can see the makings of positive bonds with the rest. The bond with your mate is the brightest and purest I have ever seen. The bonds with the other three in your group are stronger than most vampires ever experience, an intriguing combination of friendship and family. The previous bonds were choice not pull. I only saw from their side only but the bonds were already fractured. I would never suggest breaking a bond if it wasn't already decaying. Even after Chelsea's intervention repair would have been possible but circumstances intervened".

Marcus didn't elaborate further. I felt a twist on my heart, I wanted to know more but I knew we needed to find out from them.

Aro smiled, "Thank you for your time. Would you all please strongly consider continuing to assist us in this difficult time."

Carlisle and Eleazar left the room with us. Carlisle asked, "Would you come back with us? The others are very excited to see you".

Garrett looked nervous, "All of us?"

"Of course, I'll never hear the end of it otherwise. Emmett will be impossible to live with if he doesn't get to see all of you," Carlisle admitted.

I grabbed Garrett's hand, "Brother's don't get out of family reunions that easily!"

"I lived as a lone nomad for centuries, I meet you and get extended family. Will I ever get any quiet time again?" he laughed.

"Doubt it," I laughed with him.

Carlisle led us through the maze of corridors.

As we walked Eleazar questioned carefully, "Carlisle told me your name was Belinda?"

"Victoria was behind the hostilities. She killed my mother and step-father five years ago in an attempt to get to me when I was human. I faked my death to keep my father and friends safe. My alias, at the time I became a vampire, was Belinda. Victoria was still at large, I didn't want to put them back into danger so I asked Carlisle to use my alias if he told anyone about me. I hope you don't hold the deception against us," I came clean with him, "I will tell you my full history with the others so I don't have to repeat it too many times".

Eleazar nodded his understanding and agreement.

Carlisle held us back a few yards down the corridor before the room, "Marcus confirmed you are Mates, what about Edward and Alice?"

"Carlisle, could you ever leave Esme and not go back for her?" I asked keeping my anger in check.

"No, she is my mate. I always feel the pull, it's becomes painful the longer we are apart," he replied confused.

"Can you be away from her for a day? a week? a month?" I pushed him

"I can manage my shifts at hospital but a week would be too much," he sounded more analytical for that answer.

"Edward and Alice left us both. They chose to leave us. They didn't come back. Doesn't that tell you anything?" I turned and caught up with the others and we entered the room together. A thoughtful Carlisle trailing behind.