For those of you who were disappointed that there wasn't more Bella/Alec time at the end of the story, I have given you one last chapter.

Epilogue

Bella POV

The cabin and I use that word loosely and only because it's made out of logs, in the Alps is stunning. Alec and I were married a year ago, but it was only now that we could get time away from work to be together. Finally alone. The year had been a busy one. We had rebellions to put down, newborn armies to wrangle and several new covens coming to Volterra to introduce themselves.

Alec had just gotten back from a mission, but now, we were alone. The alps were magnificent but I honestly couldn't take in the beauty of them at the moment because my eyes were on my mate and husband.

We made love the first three days that we were in the cabin, never able to get enough of each other. Ever time was more special, more intimate, and more passion-filled, even if it didn't seem possible. On the fourth day, we finally left the bedroom.

I was unbelievably lucky. My mate had never changed from the caring, sweet, kind, compassionate man who had held me in gentle arms in the gathering room while Jane had punished Edward. Sure, he put on his hard mask with everyone else when there was a trial, and was matter of fact when he went on missions, with me, he was always my perfect, gentle Alec.

"Alec, why don't we go try out the hot tub?"

"I didn't bring a suit?" He asked.

"I don't think there is a dress code here," I said laughing as we raced each other out onto the back porch. His arms wrapped around me as we sank into the hot water.

"This is a dream come true Alec."

"What is my love?" Alec asked.

"We're finally alone. No one's going to knock on our door and ask us to do anything. It's just you and me for a whole week. I'm in heaven."

"I do have plans for us this week," Alec said.

"Oh, what do you plan on us doing?"

"I thought we could see the closest village if we get a cloudy day, but besides that," he kissed me, "I intend to keep you in bed."

"Are you going to tie me to the bed and have your wicked way with me?" I joked.

"If only that trick would work on a vampire," Alec winked.

"I was actually thinking we could do some hiking while we're here. Take advantage of the gorgeous views. Make love on the top of mountains that sort of thing."

"Well I suppose we don't have to be limited to the bedroom specifically." Alec thought. "And we do have the whole week."

"Exactly."

Eventually, we got out of the hot tub and Alec dried me off, gently as if I were the most breakable china doll. I returned the favor. We were kissing by the time we were done and we never even made it inside. Alec made love to me against the side of the house. I had never felt so carefree. We didn't make it in the house that night, holding each other as the sun rose in the morning.

We went hiking the next day. We talked about a bit of everything as we went. Our jobs, our hopes, and dreams. We climbed at a human pace, both so we didn't risk exposure and because we wanted to take our time and enjoy the journey.

When we reached the mountain's summit we played in the snow that never melted there. Making snow forts and pelting each other with snowballs. I got out my camera, a gift from Alec our first Christmas together, and took pictures of the surrounding countryside. We even found the most romantic mountain stream with a small waterfall. I hoped the pictures would turn out well. I wanted mementos of my new life.

Every day with Alec was an adventure and we found ourselves surrounded by friends and a very tight-knit family at home. On the way back Alec expressed a concern, "Has Jane been acting standoffish with you lately?"

"Um, no, she's fine." I tried to delay answering.

"Bella?"

"Alec it's a secret. I promise nothing is wrong with her. She's just busy."

"Bella?"

"I know you can get it out of me but please don't try. I promised your sister her privacy. I swear nothing is wrong at all."

"Is there anyone I need to threaten?"

"And you wonder why she keeps secrets. I promise if there is anyone to threaten I'll help, ok?" I laughed.

"I guess I do sound a bit like an overprotective brother don't I."

"Yes you do, but it's part of who you are and I love all of you. She'll tell you when she's ready, ok?"

"So how did you like guarding the Masters' while Renita was on vacation?" he changed the subject.

"It's fascinating. I had no idea what all was involved with running a coven as big as the Volturi but they handle it well. I don't know how they manage it all. Demetri does so much just being in charge of the guards. Aro, Marcus, and Caius manage all of the real estate, the spy networks, even the investments all along with holding court. Then they all have their own things too. Aro keeps the people happy, Caius keeps an eye out for potential problem children, and Marcus takes care of the Archives. I'm so glad Angela found her place. Helping out in the Archives when Marcus isn't there is really working out well for her."

They fell into a comfortable silence as the cabin came into view again. We knew each other so well now, we both went to the living room and I chose a movie for the night. I laid my head in his lap as we watched the comedy, laughing along with him while he stroked my hair.

We went into the village the next day. We found a little open-air market where the residents sold crafts, home-goods, and various handmade items. We searched and found something for each of our friends. It was fun just walking around enjoying the scenery. I got some good pictures too. Alec didn't like to be in photos, but that just made me sneakier. I loved taking pictures of my husband.

Alec POV

My wife thought she was being sneaky. It was adorable how she would go to take a picture then swing the camera in my direction. I didn't really mind that much.

She was a goddess among men in that little village. Every male eye turned in her direction. It didn't bother me anymore as long as they only looked. She was mine. In all my years I had not seen a woman more beautiful, more captivating, or with such spirit as my wife. As we took our purchases home that night I asked her, "So what do you plan to do with all the pictures this time?"

"I was thinking of making a scrapbook of our honeymoon to surprise you with actually," she said with a laugh. "One of these days I am going to manage to surprise you Alec."

"You surprise me with something new every day my love." and she did. Though we were blissfully happy together she was ruthless to a degree that was shocking on missions. With her friends and family, she was kind and giving, and self-sacrificing. With me, she was shockingly passionate. And when riled she was fierce to fight for what she thought was right whether a physical or verbal battle. Occasionally, I could even still see some of the innocence of the frightened girl with a spine of steel that I first met in the gathering room.

I was smiling at her as we walked through the door and put our bags down and she pounced on me. "Did I surprise you now, husband dear?" She asked laughing as she left kisses all over my face? I turned us so I was on top. "Yes, my Bella, you did," and we didn't talk for the rest of the night.

It seemed our week had flown by but it was already day seven of our honeymoon. We left in the early afternoon.

"I'll miss this place." she confided as we got into the SUV.

"Maybe the Master's will be able to let Angela and Demetri come here with us for Christmas."

"Maybe New Year. I'd like to spend Christmas with all of our family."

The drive was beautiful. You couldn't deny it but I admit I was eager to get back home. I wasn't used to being away. Though I wouldn't have complained with keeping my wife in the cabin's bed for another week or so. Now that we were on the road I was ready to be home.

We talked about little inconsequential things as we drove. Angela's progress, Heidi's and Alice's fashion designs, Demetri and Felix's video games, Jane's need for a holiday, Jasper's plans to rework lower-level guard training, whatever music played on the radio. Pretty much anything that came to mind.

A few times she had me stop so she could take a picture of something she found intensely beautiful. I admit I looked at her more than the scenery. We held hands as we drove, something I would never tire of.

Eventually, we made it home. We had barely sat our bags down when Demetro was knocking at our door. "And it begins," I said to Bella with a smile.

Demetri stood at the door, unsmiling. "You're wanted in the gathering room immediately," he informed us.

He looked so serious that we flitted behind him as he made his own way there. Demetri preceded us inside and went swiftly to Angela. We looked around and they all shouted, "Welcome Home."

All of our family were there. Felix and Heidi, Demetri and Angela, Jasper and Alice, Jane, and the Masters, Aro, Caius, and Marcus. Each came and hugged us and welcomed us home. It was amazing to see them all together. Each one had played a part in our journey together and was now trusted family.

"Scared you two didn't I," Demetri said with a smirk when it was his turn.

"You had me expecting a war brewing or something similar," I admitted while Bella just nodded. When the hugs were all finished Aro said, "Alright everyone. Back to work."

Alec and I took our positions while Angela, Heidi, Jasper, and Demetri filed out, back to their normal duties.

We were where we belonged.