Chapter Thirty Eight

Aro

I hadn't expected what happened and I wasn't sure I understood it either, mother and daughter seemed to act in concert. She turned to me then,

"I want my daughter, and I want safe passage for us and my mate out of Volterra. I have no quarrel with you or Emmett. Jasper will change me soon and we will live quietly without any threat to the Volturi."

"I see, you don't want a lot then. What about your daughter? Are you able to control her?"

"She doesn't need controlling Aro. She was merely protecting herself, all of us."

"I would prefer it if you stayed here Bella, at least until after your are transformation."

"No Aro. I want to be with my family in our own home. I'm not a specimen for you to watch nor is my daughter."

Caius came to my side,

"I think Bella is a very strong and resourceful woman who will get her own way in the end and it seems we do not have the power to stop her leaving. Save face brother and let her go in peace. I'm sure The Major will keep an eye on both of them."

Jasper nodded listening to every word.

"I guarantee both of them. They are my responsibility"

I wasn't happy, I wanted them here to study but Caius was right, Bella seemed to have the means of thwarting us and the child was powerful too.

"Very well Bella but don't push my patience. I want to hear of your transformation within six months or the guard will come for all of you"

"Don't threaten me Aro, it isn't necessary and it just makes me edgy."

Marcus spoke for the first time since they arrived,

"I think Bella and The Major will keep our secret Aro, they are after all mates and protect each other. The daughter isn't an immortal child so is not subject to our censure and as long as she keeps the secret I do not see the necessity to keep her here. I think we will see her again at some point."

I looked at him, what had he seen and I missed? I would have to ask him later.

"Very well, you may go but I want something in return."

"Yes?"

Bella sounded cautious.

"I want Carlisle free to carry on his research. He was not involved with Rosalie until she told him about her experiment and he is working for us."

"Our freedom for Carlisle's? Remember he told Rosalie we were looking for her. His actions got my father killed and my daughter dragged here to Italy"

"Its non negotiable."

I think Bella would have argued but The Major stepped in,

"Very well but if he interferes in any way with my family I will hunt him down and he will die"

"Understood Major, I'll make sure he realizes that, if you would allow him to come here you are free to go."

Bella

As we left I felt a huge weight lifted from me, we had been in the lion's den and returned with our lives. Grace walked between Jasper and I, Emmett choosing to remain behind for Carlisle. He could hardly meet my eye, ashamed of Rose's actions. I didn't blame him, he had been innocent but I wanted nothing to do with the Cullen's after this so I was relieved. Peter wasn't happy when he learned of Aro's stipulation but he eventually let Carlisle go with a warning.

"If I ever see your face again Cullen I'll forget the stipulation and rip the fuck out of you before burning the pieces, and that's a fucking promise."

Carlisle walked to his car looking back for Esme but she stood unsure, then looked at Grace.

"Carlisle I can't go with you when you betrayed everything we stand for. You allowed our daughter to experiment on one of our own. You helped her kidnap this child and was ready to hand her over to the Volturi. What about Bella? What about Jasper? Don't they mean anything to you? Do I mean anything to you when you can lie to me so easily?"

"Esme, it was necessary. Rose's work was important but I didn't sanction it. I knew nothing until Bella and Jasper came to me with their story. Grace was the result of an experiment and as such I think I understand how Rose saw her. Come with me, I promise I will never deceive you again. I'm sorry Esme."

"I trusted you, I loved you and you betrayed me. I can't go with you Carlisle, I don't trust anything you say any longer."

She walked over to us.

"I know I was involved in Grace's abduction but it was unknowingly. Would you allow me to travel back home with you?"

Before any of us could answer, Grace took Esme's hand,

"Come on Esme, you can sit with mummy, daddy, and me, on the plane.

Peter shook his head but who could argue with her? We got in our car and drove back to the airport where the pilot had waited patiently for us. I had no idea who was paying him but I was sure it wouldn't be cheap. Peter and Char got aboard first and Esme watched them.

"Was that Rose's doing?"

"Charlotte's face? Yes it was, she was trying to kill her."

Esme looked distraught but again Grace took her hand,

"Come on Esme lets find a good seat."

Jasper held me back as they got aboard

"Bella, you know what you agreed to, with Aro. You don't have to, don't feel pressured. I'll find a way to keep you safe if you wish to remain human."

I smiled at him,

"Did you hear what Marcus said? We're mates. How can I be your mate as a human? That's what Edward wanted, to watch me grow old and die, I couldn't bear the idea then and I hate it even more now. I don't ever want to leave yon or Grace. I love you Jasper. I have for a long time although I didn't realize it."

His smile was dazzling

"Thank you Bella for that. After all that's happened you're still happy with me?"

"Why not? You weren't responsible for what happened."

He took me in his arms and held me tight.

"When we get back we'll find somewhere of our own, a home for you and Grace and then we'll get married. I know it's all happened in the wrong order but I want to put right what I can."

We boarded arm in arm and I felt the happiest I had ever done.

Peter

I didn't like the idea of The Major going off with Bella and Grace, with no protection but he was determined to buy a place for his family. So we persuaded them to buy close to us, well relatively so, we could be there running in twenty minutes if he called. I was surprised when Esme went back to Boston alone but as she pointed out, it was her home, her house, and she could have it rebuilt to her own design. I'd thought she would try to tag along with us or Bella so she went up in my estimation, one decent Cullen out of the bunch, well two if Alice's actions recently were anything to go by. We went along with them when they viewed the property and I had to agree it was ideal. In its own acreage, with three bedrooms, a barn for horses and a good-sized paddock which I was sure he would fill with livestock soon enough. Grace cried when we said goodbye but we promised to join them for Christmas. It was quite a wrench for us waving them goodbye.

"Well darlin' I guess its home for us too"

I held Char close, kissing the scarred side of her face. It had faded a little more but would always be disfiguring and for that reason alone I would be happy to take Carlisle out, Rosalie's partner in crime. The others may believe that he knew nothing until after it was all done but I was skeptical. I would keep an eye on his movements for my own peace of mind.