Disclaimer: Only the new storyline is mine, the rest is Stephenie Meyers.

Previous chapter:

Edward, you were wronged most horribly; you were denied love by the one person that was meant to love you forever. We can give you a second chance. Seeing your bond was never truly claimed, we have a guard that can help you. She can break your bond with Carlisle without consequences for you. You will be free to find true love again, to go with us to Volterra or out there into the wide world, and to find someone that will love you for who you are, wholeheartedly and unconditionally. We will give you a few hours to think this through. It is a serious decision after all."

Bella - BPOV

I stare at Aro Volturi while fear creeps into my heart. Does he really have a guard member with that kind of power? Could he separate me and Jasper with a simple command if he wanted to? I move closer to my mate who immediately pulls me closer as he feels my emotions. He kisses the top of my head and says: "What's wrong, darlin'?"

"His guard member can separate true mates, Jasper. What if he changes his mind and wants me to join his guard? He could order that guard to take you away from me. I can't lose you."

I close my eyes as Jasper sends me a burst of reassurance and love. It's Aro's voice that makes me look up again. "How intriguing as that idea might be, dear Bella, I would never dream of separating mates that truly love each other. We have experienced the loss of a mate within our coven firsthand. We wouldn't wish it on anybody that doesn't deserve it." His eyes travel briefly to Marcus and the sad look on his face tells me more than I want to know. I don't think I would be able to live without Jasper, not even for one day.

Aro shakes his head and continues. "So, don't worry, dear Bella. The Volturi will never try to ruin your happiness. I'm quite certain Caius would have my head if I even thought about trying. Wouldn't you, dear brother of mine?" Caius growls lowly and says: "You can bet on it."

Jasper - JPOV

The onslaught of different emotions is making it hard for me to determine their origin. I quickly realize that the massive amount of sadness and loss is coming from Marcus. I remember the stories of his mate Didyme and wonder how he can function without her. I would walk straight into a pyre if I ever lost my Bella. Aro sends out a wave of sadness as he talks about the loss of Marcus's mate. I also register a little fear as he states that Caius would kill him for ruining Bella's happiness. What the hell is his deal? His emotions are so difficult to read. He has no shielding ability, but the complexity of his emotions has me puzzled. My attention is pulled back to the matter at hand as Aro clears his throat and signals to Esme to step forward, before saying: "Esme, have you come to a decision?"

"Yes, I have. I would like to accompany you back to Italy. I would be a fool to pass on the chance of meeting the person that will truly love me for eternity. I promise to leave the Whitlock coven alone. I will not contact them in any way, but it would make me very happy if they were to reach out to me again someday. I'm truly sorry for how I treated them."

"Marvelous, I'm quite certain you will love Europe. If it was up to Caius, he would never leave the continent. I can imagine that young Edward needs some more time to make his decision, so I propose we move on to Alice Cullen. She has been found guilty on both charges that were laid against her. Her punishment will not be reevaluated. The only question that remains is who will execute the verdict? Major, do you want to end this yourself?"

His question doesn't surprise me at all. Alice attacked Bella with the clear intent of killing her. Her insanity knows no bounds. The look on Alice's face as she held my Bella, was filled with pure hatred and madness. I had been so close to losing my pumpkin and I'll happily kill the woman that thought she could ruin my happiness. I bow my head and says: "It will truly be my honor, Master Aro."

Bella - BPOV

I watch as Aro permits him to take action. The silence that descends on the front yard is almost tangible. I watch as Esme turns away, not able to look at what's going to happen, while Edward and Carlisle put a hand on her shoulder in support. The resignation is visible in their eyes. Jasper moves to stand before Alice and signals Alec to withdraw his gift. I take a deep unneeded breath as I move to stand next to Peter and Char, who gently squeezes my hand. Her gaze, however, never leaves Alice.

Minutes pass before Alice shows signs of regaining her senses and then her eyes snap open. She stares at Jasper in awe. A broad smile lights her face as she reaches out for him. He stops her with a simple hand gesture and her smile falters as she says: "What's wrong, Jazzy? Aren't you happy to see me? I did it all for us. We were so happy together, Jazzy, I know that we can be that happy again. I've seen it. You don't need her."

Jasper shakes his head and puts both of his hands on either side of her head. I almost gag as I see Alice leaning into his touch. The disgust is written all over Jasper's face as he says: "That's where you're wrong, Alice. I do need her. Bella is all I need to be happy. She is my true mate and I love her more than life itself. You tried to take her away from me, Alice. You were going to do to me what James did to you. Is that how you honor Alexander's sacrifice? You threatened my mate and you will pay the ultimate price. The Volturi have sentenced you to death. I'm not here to reconcile with you, I'm here to end you."

Alice's response gets lost in the horrible sound of tearing metal as Jasper twists her head from her body. He hands her head to Felix and says: "Burn her." Felix casts a glance at Aro, who nods in agreement with Jasper's order. Jasper moves back to my side and pulls me close. We watch in silence as Demetri started a fire and as Felix throws Alice's head into it. Alec picks up Alice's body and throws that into the fire as well. I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding as I watch the purple smoke makes his way into the evening sky. Jasper places a kiss in my hair while inhaling my scent and whispers: "she can't hurt us anymore, darlin'. We can live our life now."

I nod as I watch the fire die out. I turn around to kiss him and say: "That's all I want, Jasper." His smile is enough to ignite a want deep inside me and I find myself wishing for everyone to leave so that I can make love to my mate. A chuckle from Jasper pulls me from my thoughts and I realize that he's reading my emotions because his eyes are pitch-black. I let out a soft purr as I pull him close against me. I huff as he whispers: "Patience, darlin'. You can drag me to our bedroom the moment our guests leave. It wouldn't be polite to leave them standing in our front yard, would it?"

Jasper - JPOV

I chuckle as Bella rolls her eyes at me, before turning back to look at Aro. I can't wait for all of them to leave. My pumpkin is in serious need of some quality time and I'm not the one to deny her anything for long. I sent out a small burst of impatience across the front yard and Aro picks it up immediately. He gives me an understanding nod and turns to Edward.

"Young Edward, it has been a trying day for all of us. I must ask if you have come to a decision. I know the choice isn't an easy one, but no amount of time will help you decide. Your heart and head are probably on a different page, so I must advise you to let your gut decide this matter. Will you travel with us to Italy and let Chelsea set you free or will you give Carlisle a chance to right his wrongs. You know our opinions on this matter. It is, however, not our decision to make. It's yours. What will it be?"

Edward's emotions are a mess. He's continuously switching between love, hate, and doubt. Carlisle is looking at him with fear in his eyes and remorse in his heart. Edward's eyes flick from Carlisle to Bella and back. This goes on for several minutes and then suddenly a wave of determination washes through him. He turns his gaze on Aro and says: "I deserve better. I want the kind of love that Bella and Jasper share. I deserve that kind of love. Carlisle denied me for more than a century and I almost started to believe that it was my fault, that I just wasn't good enough. I can't live like that any longer. He might promise to try but if he couldn't love me before, why would he do it now? He will love me because he needs to, not because he wants to. I can't live like that. I want unconditional love, so I accept your offer. I want Chelsea to set me free."

Carlisle drops on his knees in front of Edward while clutching his dead heart and starts pleading. "Please, Edward, don't do this. I know I was wrong to deny you, but I was raised this way. You know I love you, I've always loved you. You're everything to me."

"And you were everything to me, Carlisle, but I can't do this anymore. You broke me and I want out. I deserve so much better than what you gave me."

Carlisle starts sobbing uncontrollably as Edward takes a step away from him. Aro clears his throat and says: "Very well, Edward. I will contact Chelsea and inform her of your impending arrival. Jane, please escort Esme and Edward back to the cars. I believe it's high time we return to our beloved Volterra."

Jane bows her head slightly before disappearing with Edward and Esme right behind her. Aro moves to Carlisle and helps him up. He looks completely heartbroken, but I doubt he understands fully, just how much he hurt Edward all those years. Aro pats his shoulder and says: "Carlisle, I suggest you join us as well. Some time away from the US will do you good. I know Sulpicia misses you very much. She always found great pleasure in your endless discussions about humanity. It will take your mind off the loss of your true mate, and give you the time to come to terms with your fate. I hope that in time you can understand Edward's choice. Felix, please help Carlisle into the car."

Felix grabs hold of Carlisle and almost carries him to the car. Aro shakes his head slightly and turns back to face us. "Major, justice has been served. I will refrain from expressing my wishes for you to join my guard. I do, however, wish you all the happiness for the future. If you ever need our help, don't hesitate to call. Dear Bella, you are like a breath of fresh air and if you ever want to visit Italy, please come and stay with us for a while. Remember that I would love to read your thoughts someday. Captain and lieutenant Whitlock, it was good to see you again. Take care of each other."

Aro claps his hand and turns to his brothers as Alec and Demetri move to stand with their masters. "Brothers, our mission is complete. Let's return home, shall we?" Marcus nods his head slightly while Caius turns to look at Bella. I register a sudden burst of protectiveness and… love. No, that can't be true. He moves to stand in front of her and I suppress a growl as he hugs her.

His next words surprise the hell out of me. "Dear Bella, I never thought my trip to the US would be this important. I'm grateful for once that Aro dragged me across the Atlantic. He didn't lie when he said that it's hard to gain my affection. There are only a few people that I genuinely care for. You are now one of them, my daughter." Oh boy…

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