Warnings: Like a dud, I didn't copy the original chapter that was posted here, so I don't have the proper warnings. But there are two chapters and an epilogue left which will be written by me. Hopefully I do it justice *crosses-fingers*

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, it belongs to Stephanie Meyer. Not me.

Chapter 37: Generous Prosecutor, Grateful Victim

Edward's POV:

The lights were dimmed and melancholy, and twilight had fallen an hour ago. Jacob was laying asleep in their bed, and Edward was soothed by the sound of his Mate's gentle breathes and the twin thumping of hearts coming from both Jacob and his unborn daughter.

Taking a quick, unneeded breath, Edward walked slowly down the steps, giving his visitor ample time to adjust, to relax, to prepare. Of course, there was no sufficient preparation, and Edward paused a moment as a generous offering of stolen time. then he strolled into the parlour, not glancing at his guest, and sat carefully on the sofa adjacent to his guest. Placing a hand on the armrest, the other gripping slightly at his knee, he looked up and smiled politely.

"Victoria," he greeted, cordially, tipping his head, eyes straying for a moment to her blood red eyes, which blinked lazily, colour sloshing, sloshing, settling. Here dress, elegant and tasteful, a deep blood red, complemented her hair and eyes perfectly. White, open-toed heels held her feet tightly, and a matching pearl necklace clutched her throat, earrings clipping her lobes. She seemed fit for a beginning, or an end.

Victoria smiled reflexively, a quick mechanical pull of the lips, carefully measured to a precise degree of propriety and cruelty. Hurt, actually deep pain. Edward almost feel it, to the extent where his hands itched to strangle and his teeth throbbed with tantalizing temptation to tear at his own neck, if only they would.

"Edward," she replied, her neck tilting slightly back, then inclining forward. A peace offering, for now. Edward mimicked the gesture.

Silence reigned for a few pensive moments, and then, "I was wondering when you'd contact me," Edward began, cracking the quiet that had befallen the room. "I expected it much sooner, to be honest," he admitted, drumming his fingers on the armrest.

Victoria smiled. Fingering the edge of the couch absently, she said, "You know, planning takes a lot of time. So does grief. Of course, neither of those have been fulfilled, neither have been satisfied. Hence, here I am, in your living room. A lovely gentleman gave me directions this way, a police man. Maybe you know him," she comment, almost passingly. "Anyways, he escorted me, you know men these days, and I was walking anyhow, and that just wasn't quite right for a lady, is it? He's in the car, if you're wondering, unharmed, of course. I've already eaten today," she added with a smirk.

Edward returned the smirk, both his hands on his knees now, leaning forward. "Clever, really," he said, "for a last minute idea, but that won't work." Victoria's smile wilted slightly before reasserting itself.

"You've removed him from the vehicle?" She sounded slightly impressed, but mostly bored.

"Of course. Well not me personally, but Emmett. I read your mind, simple enough, you know. Anyhow, why don't you tell me what's on your mind. Or would you prefer if I sifted through it?"

"Do I have a choice?"

Edward's smile widened. "Of course you don't, but courtesy requires that I ask. And maybe you like to hear yourself talk?"

"We all do," Victoria smiled cheerfully. "Alright then," she said, "it's simple enough. I want a deal, a guarantee. If I promise not to harm you love, will you promise my protection?"

Edward chuckled and settled back into his chair easily. "Oh Victoria," he said, "you know the answers to the questions you ask, you know what you really seek, what you really want to ask me. why waste your breath?"

"I figured this deal would be easier than getting the Volturi involved," Victoria said lazily, glancing at her nails before turning her attention back to Edward.

"Oh, threats now, there's the catch. Intimidation isn't the best in your position, is it? Doesn't suit you very well, considering you're in a house of Vampires and Werewolves."

"And you think it suits you, with your lover in such a state?" Victoria was grinning now, recklessly, wide, teeth extended and sharp.

Edward looked her over coldly, eyes covering her every detail. Then he leaned forward slightly, dangerously, and said in a low voice, "Now why do you think you'd ever have the slightest opportunity to do that? Your neck would be snapped in my hand as you thought it, ripped off as you spasm and burned as he slept."

Victoria pressed back into the couch with a purr, her smile peaceful. She laughed happily suddenly. "Oh, I'm counting on it," she murmured lowly. "Tell me something, Edward. When did you last hear the sound of his heartbeat?"

Edward smirked at her, "Oh, Victoria, intimidation never works when, one, you're trying to pull a fast one on a mind-reading Vampire, and two, that Vampire has a sister who Sees the future. Nice effort though, really, good attempt. Anyhow, Jacob is perfectly safe. If you listen intently, you can even hear the gentle thrum of his blood, a sweet ballad to the backdrop of the capture of your friend, huh?" Edward grinned.

Victoria's eyes narrowed slightly before widening. "I see," she said. "is he alive?"

"Do you care?"

"Not particularly," she responded, looking at the ceiling, eyes fixed on the chandelier.

"Then, no. He isn't, or won't be. I'm sure they're tearing off his head right now, actually. The added bonus is that you're next, but you have about another, hmm, ten minutes. Let's make the most of them, shall we?" Edward clasped his hands together and sighed. "I know you called the Volturi already. Told them what happened with Jacob, how he's pregnant. Perfect timing really, Carlisle has been planning on inviting them over, get the awkwardness out of the way. Actually, he called them about a month ago. They're coming when, tomorrow? I'm sure they'd approve of your death, seeing as they're very interested in a new breed of beings. Once they know you've threatened that, well, I can tell you now they'll be giving me an award." Edward paused, took in Victoria's harsh breathing, her shifty eyes.

"You think they'd stand for that?" she asked wearily.

Edward thought about it, and then scrunched up his nose. "Oh, yes, you're right. they wouldn't hear of it. The award would, of course, go to the Werewolves, since it'll be your blood on their muzzles. They're willing to negotiate the way you'll die too, you might want to talk it over with them when they arrive."

"And when are they arriving," Victoria asked, unconcerned.

"Now," Edward announced, checking his watch. The sound of paws pounding on gravel sounded loudly, before the smack of feet rang out and sounds of excited laughter trailed through the wind. "Right on schedule," Edward commented, rising and going to the door.

"Will it be quick?" victoria asked as she stood, straightening out her dress, smoothing her hands down the silky fabric, dispelling it of wrinkles.

"Do you want it to be?" Edward asked. She looked at him then, vulnerable and timid, before her eyes hardened and she lifted her chin, resolutely balancing the world she'd had with James on the very tip of her nose. She nodded almost imperceptibly and closed her eyes.

Then, Edward opened the door, and the wind swept in, bringing with it, a firm resolution.

…TBC…

The next two chapters will be my creation and I am super nervous about it. But I will do my utmost best, hopefully I don't disappoint.