AN: Recently someone reached out and asked if I planned on going back and editing previous chapters. While that is an intriguing thought, I find myself torn between leaving them the way they are for authenticity, and going back once this story is finished and editing the whole thing in one go.

What is y'all's opinion on that? Edit or no edit?

As always, I don't own Twilight.

It was kind of surreal to be sitting across from Emmett and Rosalie.

One, because she couldn't actually remember a time where she had sat across from Rosalie at all, much less when Emmett looked so down-trodden.

Two, because as soon as Jasper realized who they were he had swooped her into his lap with no intention of letting her go and was not so subtly staring the two down.

"We appreciate you making the time to hear us out, Major." Rosalie said, her Rochester accent making a soft appearance.

That was another thing that made this so surreal, Bella wasn't sure she had ever heard Rosalie talk so much or Emmett talk so little.

"I'll admit, it's more outta curiosity than anything else." Jasper's slow drawl was comforting and Bella felt herself relax just a little at the sound of it. Emmett was staring at her, a barely concealed look of disbelief on his face. Rosalie still had that perfected detached air about her, as if she didn't notice her husband's expression.

"You have our appreciation nonetheless."

Jasper inclined his head in acknowledgement and Rosalie took that as a sign to continue.

"Our maker's name is Carslisle Cullen. If what he has told us is the truth, he's almost 400 years old." She paused, as if uncertain, but was quick to continue on. "He doesn't follow the more conventional diet, so you may have heard of him for that reason alone."

To Rosalie's credit, her eyes never strayed to Bella sitting in Jasper's lap as she talked. Bella could feel Jasper's hand tighten ever so slightly on her hip before he responded.

"Oh I know of 'im. But what I am curious about is what your complaint is."

What a sly way with words her mate had. He managed to confirm nothing yet still ask for more all in the same breath. She gave into the sudden urge she had to turn her face into his neck, giving him a soft peck on the cold skin there. She heard the beginning rumbling of a purr deep in his chest before he tamped in down. She smiled in satisfaction before turning back to their guests.

Rosalie's face was cold, her eyes shadowed as if what she was about to say pained her to even think about.

"He's becoming increasingly reckless. His behavior, and the behavior he lets others in our coven get away with, is beginning to threaten our kind with exposure." Her eyes darted to Bella and back so quickly that if Bella hadn't been looking for it she would have missed it. "While I'm certain now that you know of some of it, I am doubtful that you know the whole."

Emmett leaned forward and grabbed Rosalie's hand then, and she glanced at him briefly before giving him a nod as if it was permission to speak.

"We would like to extend a formal apology to your mate for not being able to get her free from their games earlier." Emmett's voice was so soft and sorrowful that it was honestly striking. He kept his gaze on Jasper's the entire time. "While it is a relief to find her finally safe and away from their clutches we know all too well that we had nothing to do with that coming to be. As such, we will accept any punishment you deem fit for having failed her."

Bella's grip on Jasper's thigh was becoming so intense during Emmett's confession that when his words faded she had to let go and flex her fingers to try and get some feeling back. She could feel Jasper's eyes on her but she couldn't bear to look away from the mixture of sadness and resolve on Emmett's face.

"As it is my mate y'all failed, she will decide if your apology is welcome, as well as any punishment she feels fit."

Emmett nodded and dropped his gaze to his lap, a dejected slope to his shoulders. Not once did he meet her questioning gaze.

"We will respect any and all decisions she makes, for we know it will be nothing less than what we deserve." Rosalie's voice cut crisp across the tension. Bella looked towards her and was shocked to see Rosalie's eyes on her for what felt like the first time since they arrived. "Bella, we could never apologize enough for what happened to you. But I hope after you hear our story you at least understand."

Bella straightened up in Jasper's lap, raising her head higher and with all her courage met Rosalie's eyes with a challenging expression.

"I would very much like to hear that story then."

She saw a flicker of approval in Rosalie's eyes, and felt Jasper's response behind her.

"As would I."

AN: Hey everyone! I know that this chapter may feel a little short (at least it did to me), but I plan of having the next chapter be all backstory from Rosalie so this felt like the best cut-off point. As always, I hope y'all enjoyed.