Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Stephenie Meyer created it all.

The road of life twists and turns;

And no two directions are ever the same.

It can only reveal itself as it is traveled;

Each turn in the road reveals a surprise.

Yet our lessons come from the journey;

Not the destination.

(Don Williams, Jr. & Unknown)

I'd finally received approval from the dissertation committee and hence received my Ph.D. To celebrate the fact, the family insisted on going to the Wyoming home for a two week vacation as soon as Bella's classes completed. It was utterly ridiculous, considering how many doctorate degrees were held in the family, but Esme, as always, won.

Jacob had been unable to accompany us due to obligations on the reservation. It was by far the longest separation that he and Nessie had ever experienced. Jacob was a chaotic wreck and called numerous times a day to speak with one of us. Bella grew tired of answering the calls and finally gave Nessie her cell, since he and Charlie were the only ones using the connection anyway. Jasper, being witty, changed the ring tone to the first stanza of the song "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon. I was weary of it within a day.

Early summer found the woods around the house teaming with wildlife and color, and although we were limited to the areas we could visit by the warm sunlight, we spent the first few days together as a family. Alice cheated at cards, and Henry obliterated everyone at chess. We had several "knock down drag out" (as Jasper called them) football games, and spent most of the time during the day haunting the woods around the house.

For Bella, Nessie and me, it was an interesting time. Jacob had been an integral part of our little family from the beginning, and his absence left a gaping hole. I enjoyed having Nessie's uninterrupted attention, knowing that within just a few years she would leave us, but even I strangely missed the mutt.

Nessie cried on and off, and it began to worry me. At first I thought it was because Jacob wasn't with us. Then the men were asked to leave for the day to keep from embarrassing her. She'd finally "had her first monthly" as I was primly told by Alice, and the girls requested the day at the house alone. The men didn't have to be asked twice. I willingly left, leaving Bella to sort out the woes of femininity.

Nessie was uncharacteristically quiet that evening when we returned, and I couldn't resist the paternal instinct to check on her when I noticed she had wandered off by herself. She was sitting out back on a bench that Esme had placed just at the tree line. It looked over a small stream that wound its way through the woods and the sound of the water running over the rocks was almost hypnotic. She barely looked up when I sat down beside her. I heard her sniffle, as her thoughts randomly jumped from one subject to another. I tried not to smile when I knew where she was heading.

"I don't like this part of being partially human. It sucks."

There wasn't really anything I could say. This was probably one of those times it was better to just sit quietly. She leaned into me and I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. She started crying again in a few moments and proceeded to soak the front of my shirt in true Bella fashion.

"It is my understanding that it gets better, Nessie," I said, brushing her hair back from her face.

"I sure hope so. I'm an emotional wreck."

"You just take after your mother. She destroyed several of my best shirts in her day."

We both heard Bella's huff of protest from inside the house. It wasn't much, but Nessie let out a tiny chuckle in response.

"Go take a hot bath, Ness. Your mom can rub your back while you fall asleep. I'll stay downstairs so that you can enjoy the privacy."

She leaned over and kissed my cheek before heading back into the house.

Several hours later, I was playing softly on the piano when Bella approached me and wrapped her arms around my neck.

"She's finally asleep," she whispered, just before beginning to run her fingers through my hair, pulling the strands softly.

I groaned, thoroughly enjoying the calming action.

"I can honestly say that I don't regret losing those memories. I suspect that I was just as miserable. Poor thing. She's draped across the side of your bed sound asleep."

I turned around and wrapped my arms around her waist. "Sit with me for awhile and let me play for you, Bella," I requested of her.

She grinned and twirled her finger, indicating for me to turn around, but she stayed standing where she could run her fingers through my hair. I played for hours.

Just before dawn, we were joined by Alice.

"Edward, I can't remember the last time I was serenaded all night," she said as she slid in next to me on the bench. "I have to admit that I've missed it. I don't suppose I could talk you into it more often, could I?"

I shook my head, making it very clear that I had better things to do with my time than provide mood music for her and Jasper.

Okay, you have several decades of catching up to do before I can really harass you.

Alice placed her fingers on the keys and began one of Mozart's piano duets. We were laughing before it was over, attempting to play it on one instrument. Even for us it was difficult as we had to fight over several of the notes. Alice's good nature was infectious, and before long I had her on the couch tickling her mercilessly as Bella looked on in mock impatience.

Our time went quickly, and a week later we were locking up the house and on the road back to Seattle. The phone rang when we were less than an hour away from the houses. Nessie answered it, squealing, and causing Fang to begin yapping. I rolled my eyes at Bella. She laid her hand on mine.

I was the same way with you. You can't imagine the giggling I did when I would actually get a call from you. Let her have her fun.

My smirk was the only answer. I heard Nessie tell Jacob that we would be home within the hour just before she closed the phone down. Looking into the rear view mirror, Nessie smiling face gave me pause. It was if she had grown up over night on this trip. It wasn't just the fact that she had "become a woman" as Rose kept calling it. She just seemed softer, less angular. It struck me at that moment; she physically looked like Bella did when I'd first met her. The face, well, unfortunately it was all mine.

The caravan pulled into the drive with Esme and Carlisle in lead. Jacob must have been watching out the window because he and Seth both came racing out of the door of their house. Nessie almost ripped the door off the SUV in her haste to get out, and Bella and I followed her at a more leisurely pace, grinning at each other. I'd even missed him, I had to admit.

And then my life changed irrevocably.

Nessie came around the side of the truck, running toward Jacob. He looked at her and came to a standstill, the shock apparent on his face as her scent hit him. I realized in that moment she still carried the smell of her first menstrual cycle. Jacob remained frozen for the moment, confusion over his feelings momentarily clouding his thoughts. I heard him fumble for clarity as he asked himself, "What the hell?" Seeing his look, Nessie stumbled for a moment halfway to him, but then her grin widened as she moved quickly toward him, and we all heard her whisper "finally." Jacob was no longer looking at her as a child.

She leapt into his arms and put her lips to his for the first time. His thoughts shifted instantaneously in response, and he grasped the back of her head, tangling his fingers in her hair as he returned the kiss. Lust poured off of him as he felt her body plastered against him and the mating instinct roused from its slumber. His feelings for Bella, long ago in the tent, paled in comparison. I had been full of rage then, but the feelings I felt now made it all seem tame.

Faintly, I heard someone roar, and as I was thrown to the ground, I realized belatedly that the livid snarl had come from me. Only one thought was going through my head; I was going to kill him! He was lusting over my baby girl, and I was going to tear him to pieces! I fought hard, snapping at my father and brothers as they restrained me. I heard Emmett's unmistakable laughter, along with Bella screaming "get him out of here" through the roaring in my ears.

The whole time I struggled, I heard everyone's thoughts. Emmett was enjoying the moment. Henry and Seth stood between the pile of bodies I was currently under and Jacob and Nessie, crouched ready to catch me. Carlisle was panicking, having seen the deadly intent on my face. Jasper was attempting to regain control of his emotions. He was overwhelmed by the rage he was feeling off me, the thrill of the fight off Emmett, Carlisle's panic, and Henry and Seth's anticipation. The women, I realized, had formed a second defensive line between us.

And while the drama unfolded, my daughter and her mate continued to kiss feverishly totally oblivious to the scene around them. However, when Jacob pulled her even closer, venom raged through my body and I tore against Carlisle and Emmett. I growled as Emmett wrenched my arms behind me forcefully enough to cause pain. Carlisle grabbed my legs as Emmett grappled my torso and I was quickly being carried through the woods towards the lake. I wrestled against them the entire time, attempting to break free.

"Edward, dude, you're going to have to calm down. You knew it was going to happen sooner or later."

"Fuck you!" I swore out, and Emmett bellowed in laughter.

"Carlisle, that has to be a first."

I tried another tack. "Carlisle, I release you from the promise you made me. You don't have to protect him from me."

"Ignore him, Carlisle. If we let him go right now, there will be murder," Jasper's voice carried from beside me and I snarled at his interference and attempts to calm me.

"Jasper, stop with the mood control, you're just making me angrier!" I shouted in irritation.

When we reached the lakeshore, Emmett slammed us to the ground, his body on top of mine, while Jasper sat on my legs.

I panted in frustration. I could still hear Jacob's thoughts. His hands were dangerously close to Nessie's rear end and I could hear in detail exactly what he wanted to do with them. Outraged, I screamed in protest. Jasper yelled Bella's name, and the thoughts of my family suddenly went silent. Mercifully she'd blocked them from me. You would have thought I would have been grateful, but instead it enraged me further. Who would be there to protect her from him?

"Bella!" I bellowed.

"Edward…" Carlisle's calming voice came from beside me, and I forced my eyes open to look at him.

Even I was startled by the face staring back at me through Carlisle's thoughts. I looked almost demonic.

"Edward, he loves her, and you know it. Do you remember how out of control you felt when you realized you loved Bella, when you first desired her…"

My growling interrupted his words, but he waited patiently for me to stop. Emmett and Jasper sat on top of me, enjoying the moment just a little too much.

"…I imagine Jacob's reaction will be a little more controlled the next time."

"Not going to be a next time…I'm going to tear him to pieces," I responded, adamantly.

Carlisle chuckled as he sat down on the ground beside me. "Jasper, call Alice and let her know we are going to be here for a little while."

Emmett and Jasper pinned me for hours as they attempted to rationalize with me. I waited patiently. I was hoping that my forced calmness would fool them. I should have realized that Jasper would be my downfall.

"It isn't going to work, Edward. You can't disguise your true emotions."

Then I felt them tense just a second before I smelled the reason. I grinned in anticipation. I couldn't believe that Jacob was stupid enough to come looking for us. Venom raced to my mouth in expectation. How could he be so gullible? I was pleased, as for once it looked like I was in luck. One good maneuver from me, and I'd be free to tear into him. I began to plot.

His salvation came with the honesty of the thoughts I heard as he made his way to us. He was mortified by the intensity of his sexual reaction. It didn't mean it was going to stop. It just meant that he was disturbed by the sudden onslaught. He was attempting to wrap his mind around the newest gift from his legacy. Mixed in was his concern for me, and what this must also feel like for me. I began sobbing in reaction. How could I hate him, when he was being so decent?

"Are you kidding me, Black? Get out of here," Emmett yelled into the night. "We were just getting him calmed down."

"I have to speak with him, Emmett," his deep baritone voice came from just behind us.

Jacob stepped out of the woods into the small clearing, his eyes instantly finding mine. He came and sat beside Carlisle, just out of reach of my razor sharp teeth.

"Edward, I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting that."

Rumbling issued from my chest. It was instinctual and I couldn't help it.

"Edward, I can't control my thoughts, but I will control my actions."

"You're forgetting I've been in this situation with you before," I threw out.

"I don't have a reason to keep Nessie warm, she'll be just fine," he chuckled, remembering out posturing over Bella, in the tent.

"I assume we need to set the ground rules," he added.

"Just one…go away and come back in about four years," I snarled.

I felt my body shake from my brothers' laughing. Even Carlisle joined in.

"I would assume that kissing and holding hands would be acceptable," Jasper offered, attempting to help. "Anything else and you won't have to worry about Edward; I'll kill you," he finished in a sinister voice.

"I've already spoken with Henry about the way to treat Anna and those are the specific parameters I've set as well. It would seem perfectly acceptable to give Nessie and Jacob those same terms," Emmett said, poking at my shoulder in an attempt to get me to respond.

"Fine," I spit out, hoping against hope that they were going to release me.

I felt Emmett begin to shift, but Jacob stopped him, "Um … Emmett, can you keep him that way just a little longer. I think Seth and I are going to go to La Push for the night, just to give him a little more time to cool down."

What they didn't hear was Jacob thinking he needed the time to adjust to his reemerging sexual drives as well. He disappeared into the tree line, and Emmett and Jasper continued to hold me for the next hour ensuring that he had plenty of time to escape. The minute Emmett released me, I jumped to my feet. My father and brothers stood grinning at me. I brushed the grit off my body in agitation.

"You made me promise, Edward," Carlisle smiled while shrugging his shoulders. He was enjoying my discomfort.

Jasper added his too cents saying, "I think it is a fine agreement, Edward. You'll know if he cheats, but honestly I'd be more worried about Nessie than Jacob. She is your daughter, after all."

"Shut up, Jasper," I growled.

Emmett burst out laughing. "I was told to fuck off, so I think we're getting somewhere."

They stayed close to me as we slowly walked back toward the house. When we made the "quad", Jasper and Emmett broke off toward their homes, seeing that I was fine and able to control my feelings. Carlisle stood in front of me, looking directly into my eyes. He didn't say anything for awhile, just staring at me, taking my measure. Finally, he smiled slightly, shaking his head at me, before he engulfed me in a tight hug.

"That wasn't as bad as I expected, Edward. I believe you even let us tackle you, which means you weren't as mad as you could have been. I love you, son. Now go home and fix this."

I turned and was somewhat relieved to realize that Jacob and Seth had disappeared as promised. However, one unexpected presence remained. Leah sat in one of the lounges by the pool, looking up at the darkening sky. At first I thought it would be rude to intrude. Although she'd finally accepted our hospitality and she'd never been impolite, she still kept her distance from us. I was still shaken, and knew I was going to face the music when I walked into the cottage, so I decided to utilize her as a distraction. When I walked up, she gave me a brief smile.

"Sounds like I missed all the fun," she softly said.

I grunted, but then admitted, "I made an idiot of myself."

"And you're using me to postpone the inevitable?" she asked, nodding over at the cabin.

"Exactly," I admitted, settling back into a chair just down from her.

"Wonder if Sam is going to react the same way?"

I looked over at her in question until I remembered the whole collective consciousness thing. Sam would see everything through Gabriel when the time came. I grinned brightly, enjoying the fact I wouldn't be alone.

"Glad I can make you feel better," she said sarcastically, responding to my apparent appreciation of the irony.

"Yes, thank you for putting things into perspective for me. I'm big enough to admit it helps immeasurably."

"And I'm human enough to still find some degree of satisfaction that Sam will have to live with the phenomenon of Gabriel and me," she grinned in satisfaction up at the sky.

"I bet."

Edward, you might as well come on home. She's waiting up for you.

Daddy, quit avoiding us with Leah, and get in here!

Leah saw my grimace and accurately guessed at its source. "You're being paged, aren't you?"

"Yes," I groaned. "Leah, I'll leave you to your dreams of future payback. For now, it seems I must go face mine."

As I entered the door into the cottage, I felt twin sets of eyes glaring at me. They sat side by side on the couch. Fang looked up from between them, and if dogs could talk I'd bet he would be saying, "I'm going to enjoy this."

I leaned back up against the closed door, my hands behind my back.

"Ness, I'm …."

"DON'T YOU DARE, Daddy! Don't you dare try to get out of this by saying sorry! I haven't seen him in over two weeks, and you ran him off," she shouted, and then burst into tears. Big, fat, break-her-daddy's-heart kind of tears…

So I was to be the bad guy. Jacob ran out of here with his tail between his legs, using me as an excuse to deal with his emotions and feelings, but I was to take the higher road and get held accountable for mine. I rolled my eyes and earned Bella's criticism of my actions in the narrowing of hers.

A vision of Carlisle ran through my mind, and I decided to take a master's lead. I walked over and knelt before my wife and daughter, humbling myself before them.

"Renesmee?" I said gently, attempting to garner her attention.

She took a deep breath that was interrupted by hiccups, and Bella handed her another tissue from the box she had to her side. I saw a mound of used ones to the other. Fang rested his chin on his paws looking directly at me. I could swear the damn dog lifted his lip at me, showing his teeth, in support of his female pack members. Traitor…

Nessie blew her nose loudly and then squared her shoulders back to glare at me. I could only imagine how my biological mother must have felt at moments like this … when I attempted to act older than my age and impart sage wisdom. Staring back at me was the feminine version of myself, indignation, teary eyes, and all.

"I was inappropriate and lost my temper. I apologize, truly. Jacob and I have come to an agreement. I can cope with you holding hands, and if you must, kissing," I huffed out the last part, earning a grin from Bella.

Truly, I wished I could just forget about the second option. They would be entirely too close in proximity to accomplish that feat, in my opinion. Then I thought of another parameter that we hadn't even discussed. Jacob had lost his ability to negotiate when he ran like a scared puppy.

"And you are only allowed to go on double dates, with Anna and Henry," I said, grinning internally, until I realized the error of my thinking.

Henry and Nessie together, doing anything, was never the sanest of plans. I'd just bribe Anna somehow to keep them apart. If that didn't work, I'd beg.

"Or one of your uncles and aunts. I won't suggest dates with your mother and me, because trust me; I can't handle it right now. Is that acceptable to you, Bella?" I asked my mate, praying that I would find support here.

I looked up into her face and breathed a small sigh of relief when I saw the twinkle in her eyes and crook to her lips.

"Your dad will be fine, Nessie. If you and Jacob want to go out with us, it'll be fun. I'll keep him under control," she said as she tapped the side of her temple.

I moaned in defeat, knowing that I was about to experience a whole new definition of Hell…going on dates with the big bad wolf and little red riding hood.

Jacob, Nessie, Anna, and Henry initiated my torture the next weekend. Rose was never prouder than the moment Henry drove his fully restored dark blue Shelby Super Snake out of the garage with Anna in the passenger seat. The car looked every inch the priceless collector's item that it was, and Emmett (being Emmett) had given the car a final flourish by adding a license plate ring that read "Yes, It Is, And No, You Can't."

Henry had only been able to take it out one time previously, and that was the inaugural run that he'd done with his mom by his side. Appropriately, Anna was the second person allowed to ride in it, with Emmett eagerly awaiting his third place ranking. As he maneuvered the car out of the driveway with Anna at his side, the look of ecstatic pleasure on Henry's face brought a bright sheen to the eyes of the females of our family. They were just happy that Anna would finally be able to experience a relationship with him.

Nessie and Jacob followed them in the Ferrari, and she blew me a kiss as I stood outside to watch her go on their first date. Jacob had come to the door to escort her to the car. To his credit, he had asked my permission first before asking Nessie out to the movies. He stood stoically, waiting for me to answer him. When I could finally force the affirmative answer out, he grinned slightly. "You're doing fine, Edward, and I promise I'll never make you regret giving me permission to court Renesmee."

As soon as they were out of the drive, Emmett and I immediately followed, ignoring Bella and Rosalie's protests. We shadowed as best as we could throughout the movie, Jacob's dinner, and the stroll in Pike Place Market. The boys scored major brownie points when they purchase roses for the girls, and Emmett punched me in the shoulder in reaction, proud of Henry's manners. When I heard them make the decision it was about time to return home, Emmett and I raced back to our cabins to relax on our sofas with our fuming wives.

I sat frozen beside Bella as Jacob kissed Nessie goodnight on the front porch, and then walked to his cabin. I relaxed with a sense of satisfaction as she finally entered through the door. Then, after a perfect retelling of the night to her mother, she softly kissed my cheek and said, "Daddy, stay down wind next time. We could smell you."

As Bella slapped her knee in humor, I grumbled under my breath. We could hear Nessie giggling as she closed the door to her room.

"What?" I said to Bella as she shook her head at me.

"Just give it up, Edward. Obviously they tried very hard to not let you ruin the evening, even going so far as to cover their thoughts from you. Jacob and Henry are perfect gentleman with the girls, and I'll throttle you if you follow them again."

Nessie's "Thanks, mom" made me fume … well, at least until we heard Nessie's deep breathing soon afterward and Bella moved to nibble just behind my ear.

A few weeks later, on Father's Day, Nessie and Bella surprised me with a custom made Martin's Bearclaw Spruce guitar. Nessie indicated with a grin that this was something that I could take anywhere to woo Bella. I was well aware of how expensive the gift was, and started to argue, but it only took one glance from Bella (along with the word 'Shakespeare' echoing from her mind to mine) to shut me up. I became more adept at the instrument throughout the summer months sitting by the pool with the family.

Although I was prepared to remain grumpy and resentful about the fact that Nessie and Jake held hands at all times, I couldn't find any fault with his manners. His thoughts were something entirely different, and Bella became proficient at distracting me or forcing me away from the scene whenever she saw the pained look come across my face. We did finally begin to accompany them on outings, and the love that was apparent between them made my acceptance of the gentle affections more tolerable. Henry followed suit with his actions, and we were ecstatic as Anna glowed with contentment.

As summer turned into fall, I realized that Nessie had finally caught Alice's bug, desiring a big production for her birthday. She'd called every one of the friends and family, inviting them to the party at least a month ahead of time. We'd teased her about the early notice, but she'd snorted saying, "I want them to have plenty of time to plan."

The acceptance of the invitations was immediate and overwhelming. Everyone promised to be there. Esme and Carlisle suggested going back to the Forks house for the event, which would give us much more privacy. The acres we owned in Seattle worked fairly well for our family unit, but adding in a crowd of guests (not all of which shared our lifestyle) had the potential for disaster. Charlie, Sue and the wolves' mates would be fine with them, having already been exposed to our motley group before, but it would be better to keep them away from other humans as much as possible.

Emmett and Jasper flew across the world gathering everyone, and in the days before the party we spent hours shuttling our friends from the airport to the house. The only disappointment was that Huilen came by herself; Nahuel was off chasing down a new rumor regarding his sisters. The house burgeoned with happiness as Nessie basked in the glory of everyone's attention. Returning home from the shuttle responsibility, Emmett spent the next day building a perfect play list, and on the morning of the party he had the house vibrating from the music.

Nessie had specifically asked for no presents. Instead, she'd requested that donations be made to the building of a new clinic on La Push. She hadn't let go of her experience with Gabriel easily. In the midst of the dancing though I caught sight of her hands raised in beat to the music as she danced with Henry. Being her parents and her love, Jacob, Bella, and I ignored her request, and I saw our gift glittering at her wrist.

Jacob had cornered me one evening just several weeks prior to discuss Nessie's birthday present. He wanted to give her a bracelet similar to the one he'd given to Bella. Instead of a wolf, Jacob had carved a piece of black onyx into the shape of a raven. It was amazing to think that he could create such a delicate carving with his huge hands. I would have believed it to be difficult for him to hold such a small piece of stone and create the exquisite piece, but that was exactly what he did.

He went on to explain that the Quileute had many tales of Raven. He was an important character in their folklore, utilized to teach the legends of the people, and to instruct young children in the culture. Raven brought light to the people and provided for them. Conversely, he was also known as the trickster, constantly in trouble from playing tricks on his family. Jacob explained that Nessie personified the Raven for him in so many ways. I saw his point as I thought of Nessie at Old Quil's feet, listening and absorbing everything she could about the people that she now thought of as her family. And we all knew just how much trouble she and Henry caused with their quizzical and mischievous natures.

Jacob had been concerned about my reaction to him giving Nessie a piece of 'real' jewelry, but seeing the beautiful, tiny black bird cradled in Jacob's hand I couldn't refuse. I did however insist on buying the bracelet this time, and I had the jeweler attach the Raven securely. With Jacob's permission, Bella and I followed a symbolic precedent by attaching our own charm, a heart shaped sapphire.

Perhaps because we were all having such a good time…perhaps because the music was just so loud…perhaps because I'd been listening to the jumbled thoughts of so many in one location…or just perhaps because life always seemed to throw me a curve ball…whatever the reason, I didn't hear them until they were almost on us.

The Volturi.

They were so close! Why hadn't Alice detected them? I sorted through the thoughts of the approaching vampires, searching for Aro's distinctive mental voice. I found it quickly. Smug and triumphant, he was hiding nothing, basking in anticipation of a moment that was the culmination of a plan years in the making.

And then I saw the reason he was here.

The grief almost crippled me. How could I have been so wrong? Our family was about to be shattered once more. Jasper gasped as I bent forward in pain.

I froze in panic for a second as the family stared at me.

"Volturi. Here. Now." I stuttered out as I ran toward the back door. There was no more time to explain. I grabbed Rose and literally threw her to Garrett.

"Whatever happens, don't let her go," I commanded. Though his mind raced with questions, he complied immediately and locked her to his chest. Rose was furiously demanding an explanation, but there was no time. Jasper was behind me in an instant

Leah started grabbing the humans and children, shepherding them into the house. I felt the fine vibrations as she changed and knew she probably had them backed into a corner, standing guard over them. Charlie protested her action, but quieted at Sue's request. Leah would fight to the death protecting Gabriel and the others.

Sam hit a speed-dial button on his phone and said only two words "Cullens, now!" as we raced across the yard. Carlisle, Emmett, Jacob, Sam, Jasper and I formed the first line of defense as the horror descended upon us. Coming out of the forest line was the entire Volturi guard in ceremonial formation. Behind them, the horde of witnesses stood in a loose grouping at the tree line. It was an eerie moment of Déjà Vu; almost all of our party guests had stood with us in the clearing that day long ago, and were now ranged to our left and right, crouched in preparation for battle. Wolf intermixed with vampire as before.

Emmett growled as Henry stepped beside him. "Dad, it's too late. They already know I'm here."

I heard Alice's gasp from behind me, and she mumbled, "How did they get around my visions?"

Even as she said it, I saw the answer. Three telltale heartbeats echoed from within the ranks of the Volturi guard, too fast and regular to be human. They were concealed beneath robes of grey, but that concealment couldn't hide the dark skin and eyes

Nahuel's sisters. They had been acquired, not destroyed, used as cloaking devices against Alice, one staying near Aro and Caius at all times. I heard Aro's thoughts as he smirked at me from between Felix and Demetri, gloating over his preparation.

As I told you, young Edward...calmly and carefully. Nothing is gained by haste. I always win in the end.

Aro's thoughts gave everything away; his need for an audience had shown itself yet again, even though I was the sole spectator to this private show. I gritted my teeth helplessly as I saw just how thoroughly this trap had been prepared for us.

The eyes of the Volturi were glued on Henry. Alec was the sole exception. He glared at Bella.

Caius forced his gaze away from Henry, seeking out Carlisle standing beside me. In an unprecedented move, he stood as the authority. He held his hands up in supplication. "Peace, Carlisle. We do not come to judge or accuse you. There is a matter of the law that must be resolved, and we require you as witnesses."

Aro jerked his arms from Demetri and Felix's grasp. I heard a chorus of gasps from behind and beside me at the belated realization that Aro had been under restraint.

"I fail to see the problem, Caius," Aro said. His eyes settled on Henry again, and they glared at each other. Henry squared his shoulders in preparation for the coming blow, and Aro grinned as he announced to the gathering, "I'm here to claim my son."

As always, I want to thank my Betas:

CullenFest – she was the very first personal email I received when I began writing this story months ago. Her support early on is the only reason I even continued. Thanks SO much for all the encouragement! Please go over and visit her stories here on FF.

Crmcneill - for his mighty red pen, and help in mapping out strategy. Contrary to how he presents himself on his FF profile, he is an incredibly patient man. Male twilight fans are not a myth – they do exist, and I am so glad I was able to connect with him. You will see his fingerprints all over this and the next few chapters. Thank him, please!