I've finally made a decision, which I have been wondering for a while what to do. There won't be half-vampire half-human babies in this story, more to focus on the bond of the mate, their true soulmates being the most important. I know, couldn't I have decided this long ago? Well, I was indecisive. Anyway, here between the pov's (Ariella and Bella) are some time-skips to get where we need to.

Thanks to favs and follows! Here's the next chapter! R&R!

Chapter 9

Ariella

I happily embraced Alec and then Jane, not letting their stoic demeanor throw me off. I knew how they acted on official missions. I tried to ignore the scent of burning vampires and the smell of the shapeshifters that were slowly leaving.

"You must come back to the house with us," I told them and shared my warm smile with Felix and Demetri as well.

Their gazes flickered over Bella and then the rest of the Cullen coven, and then back to me again.

"Will it not be a bit…" Felix trailed off.

"The more the merrier," I filled in before any of the others had time to respond.

"I will take Bella home," Edward said and led my cousin a bit away from the group before he lifted her up into his arms.

The rest of us ran back without much words and I hurriedly changed into fresh clothes. The scent of burning vampires still stuck with my nose, and it would take a few more hours before it would be completely gone.

I heard Alice whom was done changing first, move to the living room and ordering Felix to move the furniture around, as if she had always done it. I felt my smile widen. The sound of chatter distracted me, and not even Carlisle's closeness threw me off. It was as if all pieces were falling into place and I could love my family freely. I knew we probably would have different opinions and preferences, as all did, but we would all exist in a better dynamic. A good one at that.

I knew piecing together the life here, and with the Volturi again connected to the underground community was in my near future. But as vampires we had a lot of time unless there was an impending danger right there and then. Bella's change would be prioritized, and I wanted to stick close to her in her first year, and even maybe bring in Hannah, to help against the bloodlust. Edward had already filled a vial with his venom so he would not have to bite her and tempt fate, according to him at least, and by inserting it to her heart, we hoped it would speed up the change.

I tried to let these thoughts go as I felt Alec and Jane come into the room. "Could not wait for me, could you?" I smiled softly at them.

"We missed you," Alec said for the both of them and I hugged them close.

I felt warm and even more complete if that was even possible with them close. I did not mourn my other life; I had gained so much.

"I missed you too. Always."

"Even if you have found your mate?" Jane asked.

"Even with Carlisle. The two of you have been in my life much longer than him, and we have a strong bond. Even if the mated bond is strong, it does not stop me from missing you. Now I just need to gather everyone I love in Volterra for a while and I'll be content." I laughed softly. It was still a way to go.

"They seem ok," Alec muttered.

"They are wonderful, and I'm sure with no time at all you will see the same," I told them. I pulled them after me and down. One twin on each side of me and I stopped at the cheerful mood that had covered the atmosphere in the house.

I knew Jasper was part of the influence, but he was strongly influenced by the rest of us. Easy conversation flowed and laughter bubbled up to the surface. Even Rose had a smile as she watched her mate bicker with Felix. Her eyes fell on us then and her gaze softened now that the twins seemed more approachable. Carlisle was in a deep discussion with Demetri and Jasper, while Alice stood within Jasper's arms, content while he was engaged in conversation.

This was what I wanted, what I always had longed for. Peace. Such peace and happiness. It could last. The Volturi itself proof of that.

Alec and Jane let their arms sneak around me in affection and I held on to them a bit tighter. The subtle movement did not go unnoticed and Rosalie joined us. Her tone was soft as she greeted the twins, her expression inviting. The move was up to the twins.

I saw Carlisle react, the movement subtle as his eyes flickered to me and then back again, his shoulders seemed relaxed, but there was a subtle strain to his smile now that I recognized. I noticed Jasper looking at him with more focus. I shook my head, trying to focus on my own little group as the twins introduced themselves properly, if a bit stoic still. I released the twins and walked over to my mate, letting myself into his arms. I could feel his posture relax as his arms held tightly onto me.

Bella

I was looking around my nearly empty bedroom. I knew it was for the best if I wanted to keep Charlie somewhat part of my life for a little longer even after I had been changed. We would all travel to Volterra as the underground community had a larger base in Europe and the vampire called Hannah would be able to help me my first year as a vampire. I would change and become part of the vampire world. I would be with Edward and the family forever. And I would also have Ariella. Even if parts of my human life would fade away, she would be a piece of the past and the future.

My mother and father thought I was going to study abroad with the help from my cousin. My mother ecstatic that I would get to see more of the world. Charlie I was not hundred percent sure about. After all, I had nearly just moved back, had I not?

To be honest, even the little twinge of regret of leaving them behind could not stop me – my love for Edward stronger – the bond to him as my mate. It would always be him, above all. Just as I knew that Ariella would protect Carlisle first, and the other way around. Just as Alice and Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie would always protect their own mates first. It was all in the magical bond between the soulmates.

Edward and I had grown closer, both mentally and physically. The physical part only missed a tiny last step, that he still refused, wanting to marry me first. I wasn't exactly opposed to the idea, just, we had forever ahead of us. We did not need to marry right away and I would certainly like to wait until after my change some time. He saw my point, and I saw his. My connection to him felt so strong that even when he went for a short hunting trip, I felt the pain with the absence of my true soulmate. The only relief that he would return to me.

The important part was that I had not stopped living, and along the way I seemed to have found a stronger part of myself and a bit more confidence. It went a long way. I would not stop living either, and I think Edward was starting to understand that being a vampire was just a different form of living. I knew he would not accept the definite change at once. He was getting there, that was all that mattered.

I briefly heard Ariella tell my father how excited she was to take me with her and that she would take great care of me. And make sure I had all I needed. Charlie responded, his voice gruff and I could detect the change as I made my way downstairs.

"There you are," Ariella said, greeting me with a wide smile. Her beauty still threw me off a few times. From the old photographs there was a bigger difference than anyone would dare comment aloud, and at the same time, it was also the great love in her life that seemed to make her glow. I briefly wondered if the same would be the case with me when I changed.

Saying goodbye, not knowing if it was truly the last time I saw my father I felt my throat tighten. It was as if air could move freely, but not my voice or I was sure I would crack. The cooler hand on my back gave me strength and soon I was out the door, making sure the tears were not visible. I would not, could not, let him see.

"You'll see him again," Ariella said, her smile warm as usual. Though her eyes held a sadness I now recognized.

"Perhaps."

"I'll make sure of it." She grinned at me then and the shadow moved completely from her.

The sacrifice she had had to accept by becoming immortal would forever shadow her, she had once said. Nevertheless, she had gained so much more than what she had lost. I pondered this as she took us to the airport. When I saw the family waiting for me there, I knew I would be fine. I had all that I needed.

Ariella

I tried to greet all of the guard within the day of our arrival, but understood quickly that it was futile. I let my shield cover the ones I had been closest to that I also had chosen to see first and introduce Carlisle to. I tried to forget my embarrassing outburst when Heidi had tried to use her allure and I had tried to attack her in turn. My darling mate held me back, assuring me that only unmated vampires and humans would be affected. It did not stop me from feeling possessive of my mate. It certainly gave Emmett, Felix and Demetri something to laugh loudly about.

In my absence I had gained a new room, almost a blank canvas. There was a bed, pushed against the far wall, and my clothes and jewelry were the only things that had been put in the large walk-in-closet. The rest of the space empty so Carlisle could add his things as well to the space. Even if the castle was large, and the largest part being under the city itself, it did not feel dark. Lamps representing daylight could easily be turned on behind a thin curtain to soften the glow.

"My love," I said to Carlisle as I wrapped my arms around him. "There is a bed here that's calling to us."

He wore an amused smile, but his eyes had darkened, giving him away. "I thought you wanted to greet more of your friends," he said, his restraint better than mine.

The flames that coursed through my veins were of pure desire for my mate and I let myself press even closer to him. My lips brushing against his. I felt him agreeing with my desire as his own flared strong and his scent seemed to surround me as he pushed me up against the wall. I laughed, delighted at the turn and managed to strip him of his shirt without tearing it. Progress. My cloak and dress fell swiftly to the floor and in the matter of seconds we were naked on the bed. A brief thought made me use my shield to cover the walls and then I could let go.

Bella

The castle was amazing. I had seen so much more now than I had back when we came for Edward. I would be changed today, if my cousin would leave the room with Carlisle. She seemed to have forgotten time and day. They both had. It amused me as it seemed to disturb Edward more than anyone else. Apparently at times the images snuck up on him, when my cousin could not keep all shields up. She had focused so much of the physical into soundproofing that both their minds were a bit more accessible. Not much, as hers apparently still seemed like noise until an image or thought had passed that could be picked up on. However, it left Carlisle more unprotected, and considering how attuned Edward was to his family the slightest grimace made me aware that he had had more insight than he wanted to.

I sat in the large library, Marcus was not far, as he sat by a desk, reading. At times his head would lift and he looked around, then he seemed all distant again. Edward had stuck close to me, for which matter exactly I did not bother ask, as I preferred him close. I did not want to feel the awful pain that came when we were separated.

"They're coming this way," Edward said, out of the blue.

Marcus lifted his eyes then met mine with a glint that passed briefly. "She has better understanding of the days now. It probably took more of Carlisle's will, I assume, to convince her that today is the day."

The half-smile made wonders for the ancient but young-looking vampire, and I sincerely hoped he could find his soulmate again. I hoped that one day that that soul would be reborn. If not, what was the point of the soul. Had Marcus not suffered enough? Would he forever walk alone until someone managed to get close enough to end him or he managed to escape and end his life in an active volcano? I tried not to grimace. I was under the impression that Ariella was right, that the kings needed to go out into the world more. They had enough of a hidden network that they could safely leave for a period a time. Maybe Marcus just needed a vacation. Of sorts.

Ariella floated into the room in her white cloak and Carlisle was close to her side. His affection for my cousin so obvious that it could only be love when he looked at her. It was the same look Edward had for me.

"My dearest cousin!" Ariella said happily and hugged me. "Today is the day!"

"Took you long enough," I said and lifted an eyebrow.

She grinned at me. "Once you're turned, you'll understand."

Marcus came close to my cousin and hugged her with caution, keeping an eye on Carlisle. He seemed fine, even relaxed, and it made the ancient grin towards his old friend. "You have a beautiful connection," he said to the couple.

Laughing, my cousin threw her arms around Marcus again and thanked him before she made sure to stick close to Carlisle's side. Most likely feeling his change. I could barely see it myself, but at once, he relaxed his shoulders and his eyes lightened in color.

"Where are we doing this?" I then decided to ask.

"Our room should be just fine," Edward said, meeting my eyes. He had moved closer to me, keeping silent most of the day. He knew what I had to go through to become like him. All the vampires did, and none of them would want that burning hell on any of their friends.

"We do not know how long the morphine will work in your system, but it will make your start less shocking, or so we hope," Carlisle explained then. "Ariella will see if her physical shield can help you in any way, but as we have no experience there is no guarantee."

It did not take long to get everything prepared and I was laying down on the bed. The morphine being injected into my system. Edward sat with me on the bed and held onto one of my hands. I saw the eager face of Alice and Jasper standing behind her, his face not betraying any emotions. Rosalie and Emmett, again, one more eager than the other. Ariella, Marcus and Aro stood close together, thoughtful, while Carlisle made everything ready. I felt the darkness take then and for a while I knew nothing more.