Shock, fear, excitement, curiosity, acceptance and love! Those were the emotions that clouded the small island home as the family discussed the new development. Alice and Bella refrained from joining in the conversation. They sat quietly next to each other on their mate's laps.

Bella's only concern was her friend. She was waiting for Alice to think and tell them what she wanted to do. She refused to influence her decision. Alice appreciated her quietness more than all that was said. Esme and Rosalie were concerned for Alice and the baby she carried. They already loved the baby and wanted to see the pregnancy through. Carlisle, Edward and Jasper were frightened of the unknown. When all learnt what Edward had heard from Keure's mind the men wanted to discuss saving Alice's life while it was still early days. Emmett too stayed out of the discussion. He noticed when Bella stretched her hand to hold Alice's.

"Bella?" Emmett brought everyone's attention to the human members of their family.

"We've heard what everyone had to say. I think we should leave Alice alone to think about this. Whatever you decide Alice, I'm here for you." She spoke the last part to her teary-eyed friend.

Alice felt a fierce protectiveness and love for the baby already. She wanted Jasper to have this one gift. She wanted to survive it, so she can share in it with him. She wanted Bella to be an aunt, as it may have happened if they were not mated to vampires. Her feelings confused her because she still couldn't see herself a mother.

Jasper misunderstood her tears. He asked Carlisle to help rid Alice of the baby quietly, prompting a protective growl from Rosalie and a loud reaction from Esme. Alice and Bella looked around the room in confusion.

"I cannot lose you Alice. Let Carlisle help us before it is too late. You heard what is to come." He begged her to understand

"No! no Jasper – I can't- you can't. No" Alice spoke between sobs.

Jasper had not known her true feelings as she was still wrapped in a bubble of love and comfort. It was then he tested her emotions and learned the truth.

"Dad," Bella called to Carlisle, thawing him. "Can you help Alice with the pregnancy? I mean there are machines that can help if it gets too dangerous. Do you think she can be changed before - "

She didn't finish. All understood.

"I will do my best, if this is what Alice wants." Carlisle agreed. He was torn between refusing all the females in his family; going against Esme and helping Jasper keep his mate.

Alice nodded, indicating that was what she wanted. Jasper hung his head.

Edward sent him his love, devotion and support. He wanted his brother to know that he was not alone. They would face this trial together. It was also a promise to watch over his new sister. Jasper acknowledged him in their quiet way.

Rosalie left the island as soon as she was confident Alice's choice would be respected. Instead of taking the boat she threw herself into the ocean and swam in any direction the waters dictated. Edward had sent Emmett after her immediately, knowing that she needed him. She shook from raw pain, anger, frustration and envy. Her body convulsed in tearless sobs as she let herself feel it all. Emmett held her through it all while they sank to the floor of the ocean just outside Jasper and Edward's gift range. He stayed with her there for hours, until she felt ready to face the family again.

"You know babe, you'll be first and only aunt to the little one. I know you'll help Carlisle to keep Alice and the baby alive until she can be changed. I have faith in you." Emmett comforted.

They sat on a lonely rock out-cropping near Mexico; where they found themselves when they left the ocean bed. Rosalie gave a genuine smile. Emmett always knew how to make her feel better.

"Those four can never leave the family now," She joked after a long silence.

"We'll follow them wherever they go" Emmett agreed in chuckles. Rosalie and Esme were never going to stay away from Alice now; Carlisle too.

"Let's go-"

Rosalie stopped short in shock and fear as she turned around to look at their surroundings. Emmett was on alert when his attention was drawn to his mate. He moved quickly to stand in front of Rosalie, hiding her from view.

"Dear McCarty's, we meet again." The cloaked vampire rolled back his hood showing his face.

"Dimitri" Emmett responded curtly

"I was sent to look for dear Carlisle. Aro has extended him an invite to Volterra. It has been too long since they enjoyed his company." Dimitri ignored Emmett's harshness. He responded with a smile.

"We don't know where he is. Last we parted he was on way to visit the Irish coven."

"Yes he is friends with Siobhan, is he not? What of your friends- the two nomads and the Denali sisters. Where is dear Eleazar?"

Dimitri seemed deep in thought. He had extended his gift to its fullest radius, hoping to catch Emmett in a lie.

"We parted ways with them."

Emmett refused to give specific details. He thought he had a chance to win a fight against the Volturi guard but doubted that he was alone. The guard never traveled alone. This made him worry for his family and their human members. There was a possibility that they were already found out.

Faint noises could be heard a distance away. A vampire was screaming in pain much like Edward had when Jane unleashed her gift on him. Emmett and Rosalie showed no outward reaction, no fear nor concern at the noise. Dimitri nodded to himself in satisfaction.

"I am needed. Keep well dear ones. If you should meet Carlisle Cullen in your travels please deliver Aro's Invite."

He left them standing there without waiting for their response. It was strange to him. The two looked worse for wear compared to the last time he saw them. They were also in a dangerous territory, even for vampires. He wondered what had happened to them and the others.

Aro had only extended an invite to Carlisle. Therefore he felt no need to force Rosalie and Emmett to comply. If he knew his master well, Aro would want all he could learn of the ones they found with Carlisle Cullen before he sent his guard to find any he took interest in. Carlisle was not a threat to anyone in Volterra. That was why Aro would seek him out.

Rosalie touched her hand to the middle of Emmett's back to calm his steady growls. They were both frightened for the safety of their family. As soon as the noises in the distance quieted, they returned to the deep waters and swam back to find their family. Rosalie followed Emmett's lead as he swam in circles to see if anyone had followed them above ground or in the waters. When he felt it safe, he led her to the Cullen holiday home.