Demetri
There was much to do to secure my position. I had to turn my previous duties over to Felix. He had served as my backup before and was familiar with his new duties. Still, it will take some time for Felix to secure his position. We had several missions coming up and I was glad I had been training the other trackers in our number. I would still have to go out sometimes. I thought that would be a good thing. I wouldn't stagnate.
In addition to my duties as one of the kings of our world, I had much to teach Bella. She needed to learn the rules of the new world she'd joined, to defend herself, how to feed properly, and so many other things. Jasper and her coven would help with some of it, but I wanted to teach her the majority of it myself.
The Cullens were coming tonight. I smiled at the thought of them walking in only to see me sitting on the center throne. The thought of them facing justice made my smile widen.
For now, work called me. I joined Felix in the guard's offices.
Bella
The world was a brand new place. I was disappointed when Peter and Char showed up in our room insisting we get out of bed. I wanted to stay in bed with my mate. After another feeding, where I made as much mess as the first and another shower, I dressed in a wine-colored sundress and matching sandals that Char had bought for me.
While Jasper and I were indisposed, Char and Peter had gone out to buy me a brand-new wardrobe for my newborn year. I hugged them both tightly when I realized what they'd done.
Then they'd informed me that the Cullens were coming tonight. I hoped I'd finally see some justice. They'd treated me horribly. I couldn't forgive them, not even Alice. I would have settled for never seeing them again, but perhaps this was better. After all, they are not above the law, or they shouldn't be.
We were on our way to the throne room when Felix stepped into our path. I felt nervous for a moment but then Felix's serious expression changed into a cocky smile. Relief filled me as Felix said, "I've heard so much about your fighting abilities Major. Would you care to spar with me?"
Jasper smiled and agreed easily. We were escorted into a large chamber. I expected it to be empty but it was full of guards. I heard Peter say, "Damn," behind us.
I was feeling a little nervous, looking at all of the people in the chamber. Jasper didn't seem affected though. He just took off his shirt and asked Felix, "Rules?"
There was murmuring around the room and Felix's cocky smile slipped for a second but came back, "No killing, no limb removal. This is only playing."
"Very well," Jasper said and Peter put his hands on my waist as Jasper stepped into the center of the room with Felix.
They circled one another looking like two sleek predators looking for an opening. After a few seconds, Felix moved. The skirmish in the middle of the floor moved so quickly that I could barely see the movement. They broke apart when Jasper punched Felix on the chin, cracking his marble skin.
They went back to circling each other. Eventually, they came together in the center of the room with the sound of boulders breaking. I turned into Peter's arms unable to watch.
"It's ok little darlin'," Peter whispered to me.
The fight went on for another five minutes as I stood curled in Peter's arms. Finally, there was silence then thunderous applause. I turned around to see Felix on the ground and Jasper standing tall, a crack in his cheek. I ran to him, checking his cheek, checking him all over. Felix got up and stuck out his hand. Jasper kept me in one arm and shook Felix's hand with the other.
"Back to work," Demetri called from behind me. I jumped at the surprising command. The guards started sparring with each other.
Demetri approached us in the center of the room and said, "That was a good show. How would you feel about instructing us part-time while you're here? They would benefit from learning an unfamiliar style."
"I think that could be beneficial. I need to instruct Bella on how to fight too. Perhaps you and Felix could assist me with that?" Jasper asked.
"That was part of my plan. I want Bella trained in self-defense and on the laws, but both can wait till she's had a few days to settle. I wanted to brief Bella and you on what will happen when the Cullens arrive. I didn't want her to be surprised by the proceedings."
"Very well, where would you like us to go?" Jasper asked.
"There is nothing going on in the throne room right now so that is probably the best place to go," Demetri said.
Jasper
The guard was assembled in the throne room. The Cullens had arrived and were waiting in the waiting area. I stood by Bella in our assigned places. I kept her hand tightly in mine both to comfort and restrain her.
The double doors opened and Felix walked in first, followed by Alice, Esme, Carlisle, Edward, Emmett, and Rose.
All but Alice showed shock and disbelief on their faces. Alice looked resigned.
"Welcome Cullens," Caius said with a cruel smile on his face.
"As you can see," Marcus added, "There have been some changes in staffing here. Aro is with us no more and Demetri has taken his place."
"Now, I'm afraid your plea to get Bella back has changed into a hearing of your wrongdoings and they are numerous," Demetri said with a smile. "Guards," he commanded.
As one the guards moved to surround the Cullens in a semi-circle, leaving them able to see the thrones and the dais but not much else.
"As you can see," Caius said, "Fighting would be futile. Now for the first issue. Did you, Carlisle, make a treaty with shapeshifters and not inform us of it."
The Cullens remained silent. "Jane," Demetri ordered.
Carlisle began screaming and fell to the ground. I looked at Bella, worried about her state of mind. She was after all a newborn. She was smiling widely watching Carlisle scream and thrash on the ground.
Jane's fiery torment ended and Carlisle sat up slowly, then stood. "Yes, I made a treaty years ago with three shapeshifters. They reside in La Push Washington." Carlisle said.
Jasper spoke up. "There are sixteen of them now."
"Very well, we will discuss this issue more later, Jasper. Edward, did you reveal what we are to young Bella?" Marcus asked.
"I only confirmed what she already knew from the dogs. They told her what we were." Edward said. "I love Bella."
"No, Edward, you lusted for her blood. You have no tie to Isabella. No tie of friendship, love or even longing exists. She was your singer nothing else. Do not even try to use the justification of love for your actions." Marcus said.
"Now you confirmed to her what you were, did you also inform her of your differences?" Demetri asked.
"No," Edward said, raising his chin as if he could get away with the lie.
"He lies," Bella said.
"Stay calm Bella," Demetri coached and I squeezed her hand. She squeezed back and took a few deep breaths.
"Fine, I showed her what I was, my strength, my skin, my speed," Edward groused.
"Emmett," Marcus said, "Why are you with this family? I can see your ties to them are nearly completely severed. Why do you continue?"
"I came to protect Bella. I didn't know that she'd have a battalion at her back. Also, I can't leave my mate."
"You have no mate, Emmett, who told you otherwise?" Marcus asked.
"Rose and Carlisle both told me that Rose was my mate. I never questioned it. If I don't have to stay with her, please, break my bindings with this family, all of them."
"Chelsea, your services are needed." Caius barked.
Chelsea approached Emmett and broke the ties to the Cullen family. Rose screamed. "Bella you've ruined everything. You were supposed to die. I did everything I could to see you dead. You weren't supposed to be changed."
Peter was in front of Bella when Rose lunged for her. Peter caught Rose midair and restrained her with an arm around her neck. "What do I do with her?" Peter asked Demetri.
"End her," Demetri ordered.
Peter removed her head and dropped his lighter on her body. The incense-like smell of burning vampire was strong for a time in the chamber.
"Would you have space for me here?" Emmett asked. "I need to learn to be a vampire. I was fooled my entire vampire life, unable to even identify that Rose was not my mate."
"Felix?" Demetri asked.
"Sure, we'll see what you've got, but I want you to spend a lot of your free time in the archives learning our laws. I won't have one of mine breaking the law by accident."
Emmett walked away from the Cullen coven without a look back and approached Bella. "Can I have a hug, little sis?"
I released her hand and she flew into Emmett's arms. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you better," he said.
"I'm safe and well. I'll tell you all about it later," Bella promised.
Emmett stood Bella back on her feet and shook Jasper's hand, then Peter's, then Char's. Then he went to stand by Felix. There was only a few inches of height difference between the two. They looked intimidating standing together.
"Now then, back to the Cullen coven. Which of you knew that Jasper and Bella were mates?"
I took Bella's hand and waited for the answer. This was a question that Bella had asked we find out for her. I admit I was curious as well.
The Cullens remained silent. "Carlisle, shall I have Jane loosen your tongue?" Caius asked.
"We all knew except for Esme," Carlisle said. "She just found out when Bella confronted us."
"Well we could continue to go through your crimes, but I don't see the point. Shall we end them all for coming between mates?" Marcus asked.
"We can help you," Edward begged. "With Aro gone, you need a mind reader and Alice's gift is valuable to you as well."
"It would be..." Demetri started.
"We will serve," Alice said.
"As I was saying," Demetri said, "It would be if we could trust you. Guards?"
When all were in pieces but Esme she begged, "Please, don't make me live without my mate."
"Felix," Demetri instructed. Esme was soon headless and the fire was dropped on the pile of bodies.
I started to leave the room as most of the guards made their exodus, but Bella stopped me. "I'm sorry Jasper, but I need to see this. I need to see them burn."
Bella, Emmett, Peter, Char, and I stood vigil as the room cleared and the bodies burned. The scent of incense was thick in the air. Bella had gotten her justice.
When the bodies were burned housekeeping came to straighten the chamber and that's when Bella finally moved. She threw herself in my arms. "I was so afraid they were going to be pardoned. Carlisle always seemed to talk himself out of everything." She admitted.
I held her as she got herself under control then we went to the feeding room so Bella could feed.
