A/N - Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and all it's characters.

So it's been forever, I can only say sorry. As always your reviews continue to blow me away, thank you so much.

I'm not going to waffle on up here, I'm sure you want the chapter, so here it is.

This is dedicated to all the lovely people in my group and their never ending patience with me, I'm sorry I'm a day late.

And of course Miss Kitty, who co writes, champions me and listens to me freaking out. She is amazing and the main reason you are getting this chapter.


Chapter 28

By the time we arrived home I was in a complete panic; nothing Edward did or say made any difference. I had almost convinced myself that I would arrive home to Jake and Detective Richards waiting to arrest me; hundreds of news crews present and broadcasting the whole thing live.

Edward had the audacity to laugh at me when I rambled away about being on the evening news and my friends and mother finding out I was a murderer via the TV.

I rushed out of the car eager and anxious to see my boys. The whole family were gathered in the living room and I waved a brief "hi" at them before scooping Mason into my arms. Edward grabbed Logan and told his family that we were going to spend some time with the boys before we did anything else.

I was grateful that we could put off reality for just a little while longer. I needed to see my children, I had missed them and I needed that time to reconnect as a family, before I faced whatever it was that life was about to throw at us.

Mason and Logan were full of smiles for their father and me; they seemed to have grown in the ten short days we had been away. We played and laughed and reveled in them for a couple of hours, until it was time for them to be fed and we made our way back downstairs.

As it turned out my fears were unfounded; all the family knew at this stage was that Aro's body had been found and that police were treating his death as foul play.

While Edward went to talk business with Jasper, Emmett and Carlisle in the basement, I filled Rose, Esme and Alice in about the honeymoon giving them all the exciting details, well, the appropriate ones of course.

When the Cullen men came back upstairs they explained that the best course of action was to wait for the police to make the first move. Until we knew what their next steps would be, it would be wisest to lay low and figure out an action plan.

I spent the next few days with my boys; catching up on lost time with them and enjoying married life and being a full time mom.

Several times over the next week I walked in on Edward having hushed conversations with the men in the family, but as soon as they noticed me they would change the subject.

Eventually I had just about enough, I knew Edward was trying to protect me, but I needed to know what was going on.

It was during dinner one evening that I finally broke my silence and confronted the family head on. Emmett was busy telling everyone about the house he and Rose had found in Seattle when I rudely interrupted him.

"So what's happening with Aro's investigation?"

There was a moment or two of awkward silence, as glances were exchanged before Jasper spoke.

"Bella, there isn't much to share at the moment..."

I shook my head, "I don't believe you. I'm supposed to be a part of this family. It was me that shot Aro, and I'm fed up with walking into a room just to have the conversation stop. I deserve to know what's happening."

Again there were shared looks and I lost my temper.

"Just tell me!"

"We won't let anything happen to you Little B," Emmett told me earnestly.

"I know that Emmett, but I still want to know what's going on."

"It's nothing to worry about Bella," Jasper tried to soothe me.

"Bullshit!" I yelled, and they seemed to realize that I wasn't going to let it go. "You all know something and I deserve to know the truth."

Again there was a moment of silence before Carlisle spoke.

"Feel free to jump into this conversation at anytime son, seeing as we're all following your orders."

Rolling his eyes, Edward finally looked at me.

"Look Princess, they are sure that we had something to do with Aro's death, they are assuming that it was me that killed him and they are trying to gather evidence to frame me for his murder."

"But you didn't do it!" I cried.

"I know, but if they can place me in the city on the date of Aro's murder then they have probable cause to bring me in for questioning given the history between our families."

"But surely they can't just assume because you were in the same city that you killed him!"

"They will try anything, and that's ok, I'll keep you out of this Princess, they can come after me, but I won't have you involved!"

I sat there absorbing everything Edward was telling me. That the police were so desperate to take down Edward and his family that they would stoop to such low standards necessary just to gather the evidence needed to place Edward at the scene of the crime.

"Princess, really there is no need to worry! Don't you see, by us knowing their game plan, we can stay a few steps ahead of them, never allowing them to gain what little control they think they have. They won't get me for this, especially as I didn't actually do anything this time," he stated smugly, like the over confident cocky bastard he was. Although when I thought about it he was right, he knew what he was doing and there was no point me worrying unnecessarily.

"Fine, you boys keep your secrets, we'll keep ours," I said, looking pointedly at Alice and Rose as I pushed away from the dinner table leaving Edward with a confused look on his face. Over the last few days I had enlisted the girls help in order to give Edward a sexy surprise for his birthday.

I went upstairs and sunk down on my bed, I knew Edward thought he had everything handled, but I also knew how determined the organized crime division was to get him for something. They would stop at nothing to put him away, and I didn't want to lose my husband.

I must have fallen asleep before Edward came to bed so I didn't get a chance to talk to him but it actually worked in my favor as the following morning I jumped out of bed, waking up for once before him and the boys. I showered quickly and dressed before heading back over to the bed to wake Edward.

"Where are you going?" He asked groggily reaching with half closed eyes in my direction.

"Places to go, people to see," I quipped, leaning over to kiss him quickly."Happy Birthday," I whispered in his ear.

"No," he groaned, "you're supposed to stay in bed and make it a really happy birthday Princess."

"No can do I'm afraid," I laughed. "I'm going out for the day with Rose and Alice, I'll be back for your party."

"What the fuck!" He sat up. "You're not spending the day with me? Are you still mad at me for last night? Because I swear I'll tell you everything from now on if you want, but please don't avoid me, you can..."

"Edward!" I interrupted him before he went off on a ramble. "I'm not mad, I have to get your present so we're going to Seattle for the day."

"Oh," he nodded looking relieved. "What if I said I don't want a present? I just want you to get back in bed?" He raised his eyebrows hopefully.

"Sorry, I can't keep Rose waiting, you know whats she like!" I smiled.

"Fucking cockblocking bitch," he mumbled just as Emmett arrived outside the door to sing happy birthday, which woke both the boys"

"Have a great day!" I laughed opening the door and letting Emmett through before going downstairs to meet the girls.

Alice, Rose and I had a lovely time being pampered at the spa in Seattle, then it was off to Agent Provocateur to buy what was the most revealing bit of lingerie I had ever owned. It was going under a very tight, very sophisticated black dress that Rose had found for me and I knew Edward would be unable to contain himself once he saw it.

Once home, I showered in Roses room despite Edward's protests and emerged only once I heard the guests arriving. I had arranged for the boys to sleep in Esme's room for the night and my plan was to drive Edward mad for a little while before we could be alone.

Edward had made us all swear that there would be no big hoopla for his birthday this year, especially after last year's fiasco. The only way Esme would agree was if she could hold a small celebration with just a few close family and friends. Of course Edward knew he couldn't say no to his mother, so that was how we ended up with about twenty or so guests in the Cullen house celebrating Edwards 19th birthday.

When I arrived upstairs the house had been decorated beautifully, because lets face it, Esme could never host a simple party. I had been very excited to learn that Embry would be making an appearance as well, seeing as I hadn't seen him since the incident in Seattle. He was still not back to full health but he was making good progress from what I had heard.

I caught sight of Edward talking to someone whose name I'd forgotten but recognized from our wedding, and I let him be, I wanted him to notice me so I decided to sought out Embry.

I was chatting with him about the twins when I felt eyes on me. I turned and sure enough Edward had spotted me and was stalking towards me like a man on a mission.

He grabbed me from behind, swinging me around and kissing me passionately.

"Nice to see you too E," Embry chuckled as Edward pulled me tighter against him seemingly not caring that we were in a packed room, as his hands began to wander.

Eventually Edward broke away and just stared at me.

"Princess, what..., are you..., holy fuck! You look incredible!"

I smiled, glad I had elicited the response I wanted from him.

"Wait until you see what I'm wearing underneath," I told him and his eyes went wide as his eyes scanned my body as if he might see my lingerie through sheer will.

Embry cleared his throat and Edward and I were brought back to our senses.

"Good to see you Embry," Edward said patting him on the back and recovering before me.

"Good to finally be back," he smiled. "Another few days and the doc says I'll be good as new."

"I'll be a lot happier once you're back watching the Princess and the boys," Edward told him and I turned to stare at Edward, this was news to me.

"I thought with Aro gone, I wouldn't need protection."

Infuriatingly they both laughed at me, before Edward explained.

"Princess, you and the little dudes are still Cullen's, Aro wasn't the only threat to us, you'll always be guarded and I thought you'd prefer Embry."

"Oh." I was stunned, but it made sense and he was right I would prefer Embry. Knowing what he'd done to try and protect us before, I knew my boys and I would always be safe with him.

I nodded and he looked really quite pleased. Although I felt like I had only really got to know him that day in Seattle, he had been an almost constant presence in my life since I met Edward, so having him around again would be nice.

We chatted with Embry for a while before Edward and I left to talk to some of the other guests.

I went up with Esme to help settle Mason and Logan for the night before returning to the party. Drink was flowing, the food was amazing as always and everyone was enjoying themselves.

The boys were doing shots of god knows what seeing who could out drink the other later on in the evening. Who ever won tonight sure wouldn't be feeling like a winner tomorrow.

Of course, Edward couldn't keep his hands off me and honestly I was losing my mind. If I didn't get him upstairs soon I might combust.

"Princess, do you know have any idea what I am going to do to you once I have you alone tonight?" He whispered standing behind me and kissing up my neck.

I turned, smiling what I hoped was a sultry smile, and leant in close to whisper, "do you have any idea what I'm going to do to you tonight Edward."

I wanted to be in control tonight but with Edward in such close proximity my brain was feeling foggy and I knew it wouldn't take much for Edward to turn the tables. Luckily we were interrupted by the music being turned off and Emmett yelling "Speech!"

Edward composed himself and turned to face the crowd.

"Thanks for coming, I appreciate it, but what I'd really appreciate is getting upstairs to my fuck hot wife who has been teasing me relentlessly all night." He turned and grinned at me while I blushed bright red, he really was something else. "So have a great night, I know I'm gonna." And with that he took my hand and all but pulled me up the stairs while Emmett and Jasper wolf whistled.

"Edward!" I turned on him as soon as we got to our room.

"What?" He asked looking innocent.

I threw my hands in the air instead of answering him. While I was mortified he'd basically just told everybody what we were about to do, I couldn't help but be glad that we were finally alone. The last few hours had been nothing but teasing and foreplay and I was just as ready as Edward obviously was to get some relief.

Edward didn't waste any time, his hands and lips were on me and I lost myself in him for a moment before remembering what my plan was. I pulled away from him and he frowned.

"Sit." I directed leading him over to the sofa and pushing him down.

His eyebrows rose in surprise and they almost shot off his his forehead as I reached behind me to unzip my dress. Pulling it down slowly and peeling the dress off to reveal my racy underwear.

"Fuck!" Edward whistled, eyes wide as I stood before him.

"You like?" I asked turning slowly in front of him and smiling to myself as I heard his breath catch while I had my back to him.

I walked the few short steps towards him and not breaking eye contact I knelt before him and reached for his jeans.

"Holy fuck Princess!" He gasped as I unzipped him, he was hard and ready and I freed him from his boxers before licking him from base to tip.

I swirled my tongue around the tip before taking him fully into my mouth still watching him.

I bobbed up and down, loving the look on his face. He was panting, his fists clenched at his side as he got lost in the pleasure.

I took him further and further finding myself enjoying the act more than ever.

I was so caught up in what I was doing that I yelped when Edward suddenly pulled me off him, lifting me up and almost throwing me onto our bed. He stripped out of his clothes in record time and climbed up the bed between my legs. His mouth was on mine before I'd come to my senses and he pulled my panties down my thighs before reaching behind me to unclasp my bra.

"I love you so fucking much Princess." He told me before thrusting into me. He set a punishing rhythm taking me hard and fast, his hands seemed to be everywhere at once and I wrapped my legs around his back, enabling him to push deeper, harder and he reached up to grab the headboard changing the angle and enabling him to thrust more powerfully.

"Edward!" I cried out as I felt my orgasm approach, clinging to him desperate for him not to stop.

I fell apart around him, crying out as he continued to pound away, and just when I thought I couldn't take the sensitivity anymore he came with a roar, spilling inside me and collapsing on top of me.

We lay that way panting and breathless for several minutes before Edward pushed himself up and lay at my side.

"Happy Birthday Edward." I smiled at him as he pulled me onto his chest and that was how we woke up in the morning

-The P and the E-

The next couple of weeks were blissfully drama free. Embry was back at work, although it was rare that I went anywhere without Edward. It was on a weekend to Seattle that reality came back to haunt me.

Edward had gone to talk with Alec about work and I was out shopping with the twins when I heard an annoyingly familiar voice.

"Bella," I turned and was horrified to come face to face with Jake.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him, it couldn't be a coincidence.

"Are you ok?" Embry asked, beside me in a second.

I went to answer him but Jake beat me to it. He pulled out his badge and flashed it at Embry.

"Miss Swan is wanted for questioning in a police investigation."

"What the hell!" I yelled as Embry looked stunned.

"I need you to accompany me to the station Bella, now will you come willingly or do I have to arrest you?" Jake raised an eyebrow at me and I glared at him, we had attracted a crowd of onlookers and I didn't know if I was more angry or embarrassed.

"Can you take the boys and call Edward?" I asked Embry and he nodded, grabbing hold of their stroller and pulling out his phone.

"What precinct are you taking her to?" Embry scowled at Jake, who reeled of the address of a police station and gestured for me to walk towards the exit.

I was so stunned I didn't even say goodbye to my boys.

"I'm sorry Bells, but we need to talk to you," Jake said as he put me in the back of a police cruiser and got in the front.

"Go fuck yourself Jake. I can't believe you're doing this."

"Wow, you've changed, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"

"No, but I kiss Edward with it all the time," I smirked at him and he looked more than a little pissed off and I smiled knowing I'd got to him.

We arrived at a small police station, somewhere in Seattle, I didn't know the city well enough to even hazard a guess at where we were.

Jake led me straight through to a small interrogation room and I took a seat.

We sat in silence for about ten minutes before Detective Richards swept into the room followed by Leah, which was just wonderful.

"Miss Swan," He nodded. "Do you know what we tell our new recruits about Edward Cullen?" He asked as he sat down opposite me.

I shook my head, how was I supposed to know and he looked at Leah.

"That one day he will be the most dangerous man on the west coast." she informed me.

I didn't respond, I knew they were looking for some kind of reaction from me.

"From what we hear," Detective Richards continued "he could shoot you before you even had time to think about drawing a weapon, and then we show them this." He took a photo out of a file and I kept my face neutral because I didn't know what he was going to show me.

I almost let out a sigh of relief, when he handed me a snapshot of Edward, the twins and I.

"And nearly all of them are shocked, because look," he pointed at Edward, "this is a picture of an eighteen year old boy, carefree, happy, in love, with a beautiful family." I nodded.

"How can this be cold, hard, ruthless Edward Cullen? A man who will effectively run all organized crime on the west Coast in the future?"

I narrowed my eyes, because I had seen this photo before, in the album that Aro had sent me. If the police had a copy too, it had to have come from someone working with the Volturis, and that meant there was a dirty cop in Detective Richards department. It was entirely possible that Detective Richards himself was working with them, after all the Cullen's seemed awful close with the commissioner, despite their supposed opposing views on legal matters.

"And then recently I received some interesting information," he continued, and I looked up at him shaking my head and concentrating on what he was saying. "It helped us to realize that we had been going at it all wrong. We've been trying for years to pin something on him, but Edward Cullen is almost infallible. He is intelligent and quick, and I doubt we'd ever catch him doing anything criminal; the Cullen's are far too powerful to let something like that happen."

"But…," he looked at me. "Thanks to my informant we now know that when it comes to you, he's hot headed and impulsive, it's the one area of his life where he's not ruled by his head and doesn't always think clearly. You can see it in this photo, he adores you, and we believe he will act rashly to always keep you safe. You are his one weakness, his Achilles heel. And that, Ms Swan, is how we will bring down Edward Cullen," he nodded at me and I gasped.

"So let me tell you what I think happened with Aro Volturi. Mr Volturi's death was always going to be big news, and I have no doubt that, given time, Edward would have found a way to kill him and not been caught, but something made him act that night without concern for the consequences. The killing was sloppy, not Edward's usual style at all. In fact, Mr Volturi had four bullets in him instead of one, making me think Edward had to act quickly, and I think the reason for that, was you. I think Aro was coming after you and Edward was forced into taking action to save you."

"No! You're wrong," I cried.

"Am I? Well how about you tell me what really happened and maybe we can come to some sort of arrangement that doesn't see you sent to jail along with your boyfriend," he said smugly.

"I have no idea what happened," I said trying to sound as bored and uninterested as I could, they clearly had no proof of anything if they needed me to tell them what happened.

"Let's stop beating around the bush. I know that Edward is involved in the death of Aro Volturi and you can either help me bring him to justice or you can rot in jail while Edward does the same, because mark my words Ms Swan, I will get him for this." He leveled me with an intense stare, as it became clear that I wasn't going to give them anything.

"It would be an awful shame to see those boys grow up without either of their parents," Leah added snidely, and I wanted to slap the evil grin right off her face.

"Bella, please, just tell us what happened," Jacob begged me and I narrowed my eyes at him.

We stared at each other for long moments before the door buzzed and Jake went to answer it.

"Enough!" Alec stormed through the door, with Edward hot on his heels, they were followed in by another man in a suit.

"Cullen," Jake spat

"Princess. Are you ok? Did this fucker hurt you?"

"Mr Cullen, both of you," Detective Richards greeted them, "perhaps when I'm finished with Miss Swan, I could have a word with the both of you."

"You're finished here now," Alec told him. "Should you wish to speak to her, or us further then I suggest you contact our lawyer, unless we are all under arrest?" Alec asked calmly.

Jake sighed as the man in the suit handed Detective Richards some documents.

Edward put his arm around me and glared at Jake. "One day Black, I will k….,"

"Edward!" Alec said sharply.

"Seems I was right," Detective Richards winked at me. "You're all free to leave, I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon."

We didn't wait, I hurried out of the station with Edward and we jumped in his car and sped towards the hotel.

Once we were back in our room I told Edward rather hysterically what had been said at the station, and about the picture that I had been shown. Edward swore a lot, in between placating me and making phone calls.

The following day the rest of the Cullen's arrived in Seattle and I was surprised when Edward told me that he had to stay on in Seattle while I returned to Forks with his family.

"But why?" I asked not wanting to be away from him.

"It's just for a few days Princess, I'll be home as soon as I can, but I need to work, and I'm going to be gone at all hours and you and the boys will be safer in Forks," he reassured me.

"Working on what?"

"Well for one thing we need to find out how they got hold of the photos Sam and Tanya took. If there's a crooked cop in the department we need to know who, and we also need to know what else they have on us. We also have a meeting set up with Liam; he's controlling a lot more of the Volturis territory now Aro's dead. It'll be a week at the most, I promise." I let him kiss me and knew I had to trust him.

Edward spent the rest of the day loving me, and while I didn't want to acknowledge it, at times when Edward kissed me slowly and loved me gently, I could almost feel his anxiety and I knew that things weren't quite as under control as he wanted me to believe and it was with a heavy heart that I packed up mine and the boys things to head home with Carlisle and Esme. Edward and I hadn't been separated often and I just hoped he came home with good news.

I tried not to miss Edward too much once I returned to Forks, I had the boys to occupy me and Rose tried to keep me busy. But after a few days I was going stir crazy and so I took Mason and Logan out for the morning. Embry tried to insist on coming but Esme convinced him that an hour or so with the boys at the park was unlikely to cause any trouble so he let me go alone, I put the boys in their stroller and just wandered for a while before stopping to get a milkshake from the diner.

A few old faces stopped and chatted, cooing over my boys and making pleasantries. It was a nice way to spend the morning so I thought nothing of the police car that parked alongside me as I was putting the boys back into their car seats.

"Miss Swan?" I turned automatically and found the two officers out of their car and walking towards me.

I frowned knowing this could not be good.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"You're under arrest for interfering with a police investigation," one of them told me and I stared at him aghast as he began reading me my rights and took out his handcuffs.

"You can't! I have my boys," I said hurriedly, beginning to panic.

"Officer Gilmore will personally oversee that your children are taken to the station and cared for until arrangements can be made for a family member to collect them." He told me. "Now if you'll come with me."

With no other option I reluctantly handed my keys over to Officer Gilmore. If my children were going to be escorted anywhere without me I wanted them safe in their own car seats.

Arriving at the station, I was booked in and taken to the small room that served as Forks Police departments interrogation room. I was then left alone, probably as some sort of scare tactic to make me nervous.

I had nothing to do but hope that Edward got here as fast as he could, and that the twins were being looked after.

"Bella?" I turned to the door as it swung open, I'd been in the room for a little over four hours and apart from the guy who bought me a nasty cup of coffee when I got here, this was the first time anyone had spoken to me.

I gave him a blank stare as he sat down at the table opposite me. He was the last person I wanted to see.

"Bella, talk to me."

"Where are my kids?" I asked him.

"They're safe," he nodded. As if that was the answer I was looking for. I narrowed my eyes at him and he met my stare evenly.

"I promise they're safe," he repeated and reached out his hand to take mine.

I swiped my hand back off the table. "Don't touch me," I hissed. "Where are my fucking kids?"

He sighed and sat back in his chair. "What can you tell me about the whereabouts of Edward Cullen?"

I shrugged.

"Have you ever heard him mention the Volturi family?"

"Who?"

"Don't play dumb Bella."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I sighed.

"I can help you, if you're stuck in this situation, I have people that can protect you."

"Fuck you. Why am I here?"

"I just wanted to ask you some questions, no big deal, think of it as a friendly chat."

"You sent your officers to arrest me and take my kids god knows where, because you want a friendly fucking chat?" I stood up. "I'm leaving. I have nothing to say to you, so tell me where my kids are and next time you want a chat pick up the damn phone."

"Sit down Bella," he shouted angrily, before resigning his temper in and softening his voice. "I'm trying to help you here. How many times are we going to go through this? What will it take Bella? Are you prepared to lose your kids?"

"Is that a threat Detective?" I arched my eyebrow at him.

"No, please sit down, I know you're not involved in any of this, but Edward is knee deep in shit. You need to get away from him; if you knew the half of what's in the file sitting on my desk, you'd be running for the hills. I'm trying to look out for you."

I said nothing, but sat back down.

"Bella please. Just give me something here. Anything, it doesn't even have to be something big, just a name you've heard or a location?."

I didn't answer, he knew I wouldn't.

"No one's seen him for days. Including you," he said smugly. "Are you're expecting him to waltz in and rescue you like last time?" He laughed nastily. "Not going to happen this time Bella, I made sure that fucker was gone before I brought you in."

We sat in silence for several minutes until there was a commotion outside the door.

I jumped as someone pounded on the door. "Police, open up," a muffled voice shouted. I laughed loudly.

"You were saying Jacob?" I looked up and smiled victoriously.

"What happened to you Bella?" Jacob whispered, pushing back in his chair knocking it to the ground as he stood up and stormed to the door throwing it open.

"What's up Princess," Edward said nonchalantly as he pushed forcefully into the room and grinned at me. "How many more times am I gonna have to bust your sweet ass out of jail?" he laughed.

"Edward," I cried jumping up into his arms and kissing him passionately, his hands went straight for my ass as he held me up, moaning as I pressed my hips against him. He turned, still kissing me and walked out of the small interrogation room.

"The boys," I gasped as I pulled back for breath.

"My mom and dad have them. He didn't tell you that?" I shook my head no.

Edward put me down and pulled me under his arm. He smiled softly and kissed my forehead, before his face hardened, his eyes cold as he turned to Jacob, who had followed us out.

"Do not fuck with me."

"You don't scare me Cullen," Jacob spat.

"No?" Edward chuckled darkly, letting me go and stalking towards Jacob, who swallowed noisily and backed up a few steps. "You're a fucking pussy Black. You waited until I was out of town to pick her up, because you knew damn well you wouldn't get her back here if I'd been around. You want to come after me, fine, you do that, but leave Bella out of it." Edward glared down at him, standing a good few inches taller than Jacob. Edward looked every bit the dangerous man he was capable of being as him and Jacob stared each other down. Jacob finally looked away and Edward smirked.

"You ready to go Princess?" he asked cheerfully, his mood instantly changing as he held out his hand for me.

"You'll fuck up one day Cullen, and I'll be waiting," Jacob shouted as we headed out of the station.

"Ooh scary," Edward pretended to shiver. "Fuck, I missed you Princess." He pulled me to him once we were outside and kissed me again.

"Take me home," I whispered.

"Bells," Jacob called after me as we reached the car. He was standing in the doorway of the station looking at me pleadingly. "I know you're in a difficult position here, but you've got to trust me. If you ever need anything, call me, I'll be there. Don't let him drag you down with him."

"Jacob," I warned.

"Alright, I'm sorry. Look why don't you come stay with me and Leah for a bit, bring the kids, clear your head."

"Are you out of your tiny fucking mind?" Edward scowled at him.

"I was talking to Bella, not you," Jacob approached me slowly.

Edward shrugged and leaned against the hood of the car looking at Jacob passively. "Go for it."

"Give me a sec." I winked at him and he nodded, smacking my ass as I walked towards Jake.

Jacob smiled at me, his old friendly smile that I used to see all the time before he found out about Edward and everything changed, then he glanced over my shoulder and smirked at Edward. I laughed as Edward gave him the finger.

"Listen Bells," he said, quieter now, so that Edward couldn't hear. "I can protect you, I promise."

"I don't need protecting, Jesus Jake, its Edward. I love him, you know that. Just leave us alone."

"Damn it Bella. Edward is not who you think he is, he's into some serious shit, he's no good for you or your kids, you need to leave."

"I'll never leave him," I told him honestly.

Jakes eyes widened. "Let me help you Bells. Go get your kids and leave, as soon as you can. I've already said too much, but I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you. I'm your best friend, trust me please."

"Trust you! You just had me arrested."

"It was the only way I could talk to you, warn you, without Cullen being around. Listen to what I'm saying." Jake grabbed me by the top of my arms and shook me a little. "Leave him now, before it's too late. If you get caught up in the shitstorm that's about to go down, I don't know if I'll be able to keep you out of it. Not if you won't help yourself. Please Bella, take the kids and go." His eyes were desperate for me to agree, but he knew I never would.

"Take your fucking hands off my wife," Edward said quietly, his tone deadly. I hadn't even seen him approach us but he was right beside me.

Jacob gasped and let go of me, Edward promptly put his arm around my shoulder and lead me back to the car.

"You married that son of a bitch?" Jacob shouted angrily.

"That's handsome Son of a Bitch to you," Edward called, opening the passenger door and helping me inside, he kissed me sweetly.

"You ok?" he said cupping my face in his hands.

"Yeah, I could do without all of this," I waved in the general direction of Jake and the station.

"Ah come on, you know you love it Princess. I think you do it on purpose, so I'll come get you. It's like your idea of romance or some shit," He laughed standing back up and pushing my door closed. Jake was still hovering as Edward jumped into his seat.

"Is this motherfucker for real?" Edward asked me as Jake started tapping on his window. I laughed and nodded as Edward pressed the button to lower his window.

"How can I help you detective?" Edward asked straight faced.

"Save your bullshit Cullen," Jacob was getting desperate. "Bella, he's our prime suspect in a murder investigation."

"He didn't do it," I told him emphatically.

"Why are you protecting him? We know it was him, we just can't prove it."

I shook my head. "It wasn't him."

"I can't believe you Bella. Charlie would be spinning in his grave if he could see you now."

Edward threw his car door open, Jacob only just managed to jump out of the way as Edward leapt out of the car.

"You're on thin fucking ice, Black. Watch your mouth."

"Worried she might finally realize the truth about you Cullen," Jacob said as he got in Edwards face.

"Back the fuck off," Edward warned.

"Or what?" Jacob challenged. Edward just shrugged his shoulders. "Come on Cullen," Jacob pushed him in the chest.

Edward laughed loud and long. "You think I'm going to put my hands on you right outside the fucking precinct so one of your little deputies can come out and arrest my ass for assaulting an officer. You think I'm fucking stupid," he arched his eyebrow. "Now, run along back to work. I need to get my wife home," he smiled and got back in the car. "Catch you later Jakey."

"Bella think about what I said. Please," Jake poked his head in the still open window.

Edward pressed the button and the window went up, almost catching Jakes head in it.

"Fuck you Cullen," Jacob screamed as Edward started the car and pulled away laughing.

We didn't say much on the ten minute drive home. Edward seemed lost in his thoughts and I left him to it. I was busy thinking over what Jacob had said. Something was happening, something big that Jake felt the need to warn me about. If anyone found out he'd given me information his job would be on the line. But he'd done it anyway, which meant it was serious.

-The P and E -

I worried for the next few days, every time the phone rang I jumped, I knew the police were coming for Edward, it was just a matter of time. Edward was more concerned than I

had ever seen him and while he tried to hide it from me when we spent time with the boys I knew him better than that. He was working all hours and I knew he often snuck out of bed once he thought I was asleep.

It had been a week since my arrest when the police showed up at the Cullen's door. Of course Jake was there, looking far too pleased with himself as he asked Edward to come in for questioning. I fully expected Edward to refuse but after some sort of silent communication with Jasper Edward agreed.

"I'm coming too," I told them, not giving Edward or Jake a chance to argue as I grabbed my coat and took Edwards hand. As he hadn't been arrested and was going to the station voluntarily we drove in Edwards car.

I once again found myself in the small interrogation room as Jake swept in looking full of himself.

"We've had some new evidence come to light," Jake said, glaring at Edward. "Uh, Bella, maybe you should step out of the room for this."

"What, I'm not going anywhere. Get to the point Jacob," I snapped

"Fine. It seems we've got some CCTV footage taken the night Mr Volturi was found murdered."

I felt Edward stiffen beside me.

"What?" I gasped.

"It clearly places Edward in Seattle on the day Mr. Volturi was murdered."

"Show the tape," Edward demanded.

"Now? I thought…"

"Play the damn tape Jake," I told him and he put the DVD in the player and pressed play.

A grainy image appeared on the screen. It wasn't very clear but you could see it was Edward, recognizable mostly by his messy hair, he was laughing as he entered an elevator and he was talking to someone.

I turned towards Edward who was watching the monitor intently his hand on my thigh twitching.

I watched the screen as Edward leaned down and kissed whoever he was with, walking her into the elevator without breaking the kiss. He pressed her against into the wall blindly reaching for the top floor button as he ground himself into her, I watched them make out and as the elevator halted Edward turned to get out and let her down gently, his hand traveling up and under her skirt and I gasped and put my hand in front of my mouth as I saw a tiny pair of panties and a lot of ass on the screen.

The woman stepped backwards out of the elevator, I hadn't even got a chance to see her face. Edward hesitated, just for a few seconds and then he licked his lips, smirked and followed her out.

Jacob turned the tape off and turned to us, "This is dated the 12th of June, the day we found Mr Volturi."

"But…." I was cut off by Edward gripping my thigh painfully.

"Who is the woman on the tape?"

"I don't know," Edward shrugged and I gaped at him.

Jake scowled at Edward. "Nice Cullen. We need to speak to her, she might have information pertinent to our inquiry. She's the only person who can give you an alibi for that night."

Edward narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?"

"Do you have a name, a contact number, anything?"

"No. She's just some whore I picked up in Seattle."

"Edward!" I gasped at him shocked. "What …."

"Don't say a word Princess," he said to me firmly and I nodded confused.

"What the fuck!" Jake shouted "Bells, what is the matter with you?"

"I… uh," I stuttered.

"Are you going to tell me who that is on the tape?" he asked Edward again.

"How can I tell you if I don't know?" He looked at Jake blankly and Jacob nostrils flared.

"Edward Cullen, I am arresting you on suspicion of the murder of Aro Volturi."

"Jake! No!" I cried.

"I'm sorry Bells." He pulled Edward up and pulled his arms behind his back and handcuffed him.

"Don't let him fool you Princess," Edward said. "This is not about me. It never was." He stared me straight in the eye and I frowned not understanding what he was trying to tell me. I hated when Edward was cryptic. "I'm sorry you had to find out this way."

"But …"

"I know what you're thinking and I'm begging you. Don't."

"Quiet Cullen," Jake said as two uniformed officers came into the room to take Edward away.

"I love you Princess, so fucking much."

I slumped into a chair and watched as they jostled Edward out of the room.

"Bella?" Jake asked. "You ok?"

"Freaking peachy Jake." I gave him a fake smile. "You show me that tape, arrest Edward and now you have the audacity to ask me if I'm ok!"

"Bella, you know who he is, you've always known, I know that. You might have tried to convince me that he was innocent, that he wasn't involved with his family's business, but you knew. And I get that. You love him, you want to defend him. But how after seeing that tape can you still sit here and think he's Mr. Fucking Wonderful. He just admitted he cheated on you Bella! Surely you know you're worth more than that!"

It suddenly hit me what Edward was telling me as they took him away. He was right, this wasn't about him, this was about me.

"Why would you let him humiliate you like that?" Jake asked and I finally saw through the outrage he was faking and realized what Jake was doing. He wanted me so mad that I said something stupid or admitted something I shouldn't. Detective Richards had all but told me they would use me to get to Edward, but I was stunned that Jake would be involved.

"If Edward cheated on me then that is between us. He is my husband and I love him," I said calmly and his eyes widened as he realized I was on to him.

"Bells…"

"Don't you Bells me Jacob Black. I will never forgive you for this," I glared at him.

Detective Richards stormed into the room, and Jake sunk into his chair defeated.

"Mrs. Cullen, your husband is a very intelligent man."

"I know," I told him. "Maybe you should offer him a job," I smirked at him as I stood up. "Are you charging Edward?" I arched my eyebrow at him.

"No," he sighed and shook his head, "but we will get the proof we need eventually; it's up to you if you help or hinder us. I would urge you to consider your children and the implications this could have on you and them if you are found to be guilty of a crime."

"I'll wait out front until he's released." I got up and left the room.

I went outside and called Esme to check on the twins and she assured me they had been angels and that they were both tucked up in bed for the night.

I sat around for a couple of hours before they finally released Edward.

"You ok Princess?" He asked as he strolled into the room.

"Yeah," I sighed and Edward put his arm around me and we walked out of the station toward the car.

"Did you call my mom, are the boys alright?"

"Yeah, she said they're fast asleep and that they can stay the night in her room."

"In that case," he smirked, as he pushed me against the side of his car and pressed his body into mine, leaning down to kiss me. "I say we head home and find that sexy little dress of yours." He raised his eyebrows at me.

"Edward!" I said looking to see if anyone was around.

"Come on Princess, did you see that tape? It was hot as fuck. You think if I ask nicely, they'll let me have a copy."

I shook my head at him and laughed as he kissed me again.

"You have a one track mind!" I gasped as I broke away.

"Only when it comes to my wife Princess," he smiled. "And everybody, including that fucker Black, knows that."

"How did you know what Jake was up to?" I asked him on the way home, his mind worked so much quicker than mine, he'd seen Jakes plan coming ages before I did.

"You really think Jakes interested in finding me an alibi? That was purely for your benefit. I knew as soon as he said it that he was trying to get you to admit being in that hotel with me."

"But he already knows it was me."

"What he knows isn't worth shit if he can't prove it. You can't see your face at all in that video. Your ass, yes, your face, no. Ass shots don't stand up in court." He smirked and I rolled my eyes at him.

"But why does it matter? Why didn't you just tell him that it was me on that film, and that it wasn't the night that Aro was murdered."

Edward looked at me like I was a complete idiot and I began to feel like one, but it seemed simple to me, however I realized this was why he had repeatedly stopped me from saying anything at the station.

"How do you know it wasn't the night Aro was murdered?" Edward raised an eyebrow.

"Because….oh." God I really was an idiot.

"Exactly," Edward nodded, "It was a trick Princess, they know full well that Aro wasn't killed on the 12th, forensics are better than that. They wanted to trip you up into giving them something that would give away that we know more than we should about the murder."

"Ok, I understand that, but why not say that it was me in the elevator?"

"You know what would have happened if you admitted to being with me on the night they are saying Aro was murdered?"

I shook my head.

"They'd have charged you with all sorts of bullshit, anything from failing to report a crime to accessory to murder. Cops are a crooked bunch of fuckers, they'd have thrown the book at you for anything and everything they could think of to try and make a deal with you. They are convinced I did it, but they can't prove it, so they'll try anything."

"What are we gonna do Edward, they're not gonna stop. I've spent more time in the police station in the last two weeks than I have in my entire life, and my dad was a cop!"

"We'll talk to the lawyers tomorrow Princess, I'll sue that fucker Richards for harassment. As for Black, well…. one of these days, you're going to have to accept that I need to kill him."

"Only if you take Leah out too," I said amused, but Edward's eyes lit up like I'd just given him the best news ever.

"I'm joking Edward," I sighed, although if I was honest I was getting to the point that I might just agree with him, obviously I didn't want Jake dead, but if he was going to continue to meddle in our lives, then he needed to go.


A/N - So there you have it. Finally!

I hope you enjoyed.

There are only a few more chapters so I would understand if you wanted to wait until it is complete to read the rest, it may take a while, but to everyone that asked, this story will be finished. Thanks for reading. x