Emmett

Trying to fight Felix was like trying to fight Jasper when he wasn't holding back. Both were impossible to beat, though they had very different styles. I was beaten three times before Felix helped me up.

"So can I stay?" I asked hesitantly.

"Of course, you can stay. This was just a test to see what level guard you start out at. I think you'd fit best in our level three guard group. You'll train and guard the palace. When you are off duty I want you to learn about our laws. I think it might be best if you join Jasper's little group and learn with Bella. She's going to be starting from the beginning and so are you. You can help each other." Felix instructed.

"Thank you. I was hoping I'd have some time to spend with her." I admitted.

"We'll put you on second shift guard duty. You'll be able to work with Bella around eight am, after her six am feeding. Let us get you to a room. I assume you'll need clothes and things?" Felix asked.

"For the first time in my life, I have nothing. Can I borrow a car to go do some shopping? I still have the Cullen money to fall back on." I said.

"Make sure to get enough workout and business clothes, you'll be doing both every day." Felix coached. "Why don't you see if my mate, Heidi, would like to come with you? She is the one we usually send out to get things for our new guards and she'll know what you need. You can take my SUV. You'll need the space on your way back. Here are the keys."

Felix took me to my room, which needed sprucing up, and then introduced me to Heidi. She took my arm and guided me to Felix's SUV. Heidi chattered happily as she directed me to the closest mall. I couldn't help my smile as I chatted with Heidi. I thought it likely I'd be able to make real friends here.

We shopped for my room first. It needed a new bed cover and new sheets. Then we shopped for workout and business clothes. The SUV was packed full by the time we headed back to the castle. Heidi made some calls on the way back and there were two uniformed housekeepers waiting for us in the garage to help us carry things up to my room.

Heidi said goodbye after we got things to my room, but left me with an invitation to play video games the next day during my off hours. Felix was a lucky man to have a woman as nice as Heidi as a mate. Perhaps someday I'd find the one meant for me.

I took the time to put everything away and settled into my new home. As I was getting ready to sit down there was a knock at my door.

"Hello," I said. An unfamiliar vampire was on the other side of the door.

"I'm Alton. I'm in charge of the level three guards. I wondered if you'd like a tour of the castle to see where you'll be working, and more importantly where we play.

"Sure, I'd like that," I admitted. "I didn't know what to do with myself after getting things put away.

"You've got everything you need?" Alton asked.

"Yes, Heidi helped me," I admitted.

We talked while we made a detailed tour around the castle. When I thought we were done, Alton guided me to what he called the recreation room. It was fantastic and there were a lot of other guards there for me to meet. I settled in with a group of guards to watch video games. I was going to like it here.

Peter

Demetri surprised us today with a tour of the castle. We talked easily while Bella was fascinated by every sculpture and picture we passed. Hours passed as we walked through the library and the castle grounds. The tour finished in the archives.

"Emmett is going to study the laws with you. He can read aloud for you as you don't have the control not to shred the tombs yet. You can meet him here tomorrow at eight am. Of course, you are all welcome to join in." Demetri instructed. "I thought you'd prefer learning with your friend than me, but you can come to me with any questions you have. While we're here I wanted to learn the details of the treaty you have with the tribe and the details of the treaty Carlisle made."

Jasper got some paper and wrote out the details of both treaties. He handed them to Demetri with a smirk. "How's this?"

"So they value their safety, their training, and their histories. Perhaps we can work with that and make our own treaty with them. I have no desire to harm your friends, but they must stop sharing their vampire tales with non-wolves."

"I agree," Bella said. "That is the Elders, not the wolves. There are three. Billy Black, Harry Clearwater, and Old Quil."

"Who do you recommend I call for a treaty?" Demetri inquired.

"Billy Black is the chief of the tribe. Sam Uley is the alpha of the pack. I can give you both of their numbers," Jasper said.

"That would be appreciated," Demetri said.

"Why don't we have Bella call them first," I said. "They'll be more likely to listen to you if they know she is safe and well and with us."

"You know this?" Demetri asked.

"No, it's just instinct," I admitted.

"Very well call your friends. Let them know that we wish for a treaty. I hope they are happy to hear from you. Sometimes things change when you change from human to vampire. They may not welcome you." Demetri said.

Demetri had to get back to work but I guided our group back to the gardens. We sat around and chatted until it was time for Bella to feed again.

Jasper

Bella was nervous about calling the pack and I felt it. I cradled her in my arms, taking away her nerves and infusing her with calm. She took a few deep breaths and nodded.

I dialed the phone and it rang three times before a sleepy voice answered the phone.

"This is Sam,"

"Sam this is Jasper Whitlock, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking about the time difference."

"Jasper, I was wondering what happened with you all after the house burned down. I take it Bella wasn't really inside?" Sam asked.

"No, thank goodness she wasn't. It's all a long story and I'll tell you all about it but we are in Italy with the Volturi. One of the kings wants to make a treaty with you. It's in your best interests to listen to them, Sam. There are too many to fight and you would not win. His name is Demetri. He's a good man. I admit he's not too thrilled with your elders revealing the secret, for that matter neither am I, but he'll be fair with you."

"Demetri wasn't one of the names you gave us for the kings," Sam said blankly.

"It's a new development, and part of the story. Do you want to hear it now or do you want me to call you back when you are more rested?"

"Now is fine, but first, how is Bella?" Sam asked.

"I'm fine Sam. Truly good," Bella's voice chimed.

"That's a relief at least. Tell me, Jasper, what happened? I heard Charlie didn't take learning the secret well."

"That's an understatement. Here is what happened..."

"You've had quite an adventure, but I expected that. I'll agree that the elders gave you no option but to kill Charlie. We won't consider it a violation of the treaty, and I will give this Demetri a full and fair hearing. Can you and Bella come with them when they come to talk to us?"

"I'm sorry Sam but no. Bella's control isn't up to travel. That's why we're still here. We will be here until she has the control for us to travel somewhere else. She's also learning our rules and law as well as our histories." I explained.

"Don't be strangers. I'm sure Jacob would like to hear from Bella when you have time. I'll fill him in on all that has happened." Sam said.

"How's Emily?" Bella asked.

"She is doing well. It's a little girl. I'm going to be a father," Sam bragged.

"I'm so happy for you Sam, tell Emily I said hi and we'll see you when I can handle being around people again," Bella said.

"Congratulations on your daughter Sam. We will be in contact soon." Jasper said.

When the phone was disconnected Jasper put his arms around Bella and held her close.

"We are free until your six am feeding Bella, what would you like to do?" Jasper asked.

"I think Char and I are going to go have some alone time in our room," Peter interrupted. "We'll see you at eight in the archives."

When Bella and I were alone she started feeling uncertain.

"What is it, my love? What's wrong?" I asked.

"Do you think we could just go to bed and you hold for a while? I know we aren't human but I need..." Bella trailed off.

"You need some normalcy? Some peace and quiet?" I asked.

"Yes, please," Bella agreed.

In an instant, Jasper was standing and had swept her up bridal style in his arms. In the next instant, he was in the bedroom and stretching her out on the bed.

"How about I give you the feelings I felt from you while you were asleep?" I offered.

Bella curled herself tightly in his arms and said, "Please, Jasper. That would be lovely."

A moment later the mussy-headedness of sleep filled her emotions and Bella felt all her muscles relax. This was just what she needed.