Chapter 21

We stared at each other for a minute before Marcus stood up and spoke, "Rise and walk with me, young one."

I began to get up as did Bella.

"No, just him." He pointed to me with a chalky white finger. "We should converse alone," he added and Bella dropped back into Peter's side.

Carmen stayed behind the chair where she was and I moved to walk past my family when Peter's hand reached out and snatched mine.

"Don't," he ordered and I gave a questioning look.

Peter stood up and looked between me and Marcus and Carmen, and I suspected he knew something; the question was would he share? His ability to know things had been on the fritz for a while, so I was curious if this was a true knowing or just a worried brother.

Marcus waited out our silent exchange and Bella finally broke it up.

"What's going on?" she asked. Seemed like a good question to me.

"It's a trick, a lie," Peter whispered but of course Marcus was able to hear it anyway.

"I beg your pardon, young man. Are you saying that I am a danger to this vampire and his mate?" Marcus didn't seem put out by the situation, in fact when I took in his emotions, he felt rather resigned and lonely.

"That is exactly what I am saying," Peter spoke more forcefully and stood up. "You are not here to help Jasper. You are here to bring him back with you."

Char and Bella both gasped at the revelation but I knew it was true. I should have always known. The Volturi couldn't be trusted.

Peter was pissed and his southern accent began coming out hot and heavy. "Bella is certainly different an' we know that now that you've pointed it out. But she ain't dyin' and she ain't goin' to Volterra as some bargaining chip to get Jasper there- to work for y'all."

He turned his sights on Carmen, "And you! You're the one that reported that we had a human livin' wit us in the first place, huh?" He narrowed his gaze at her as she met his eyes and then looked back down nodding her head.

"I had my family to think of. I couldn't let the Volturi destroy anyone else for keeping secrets," she whispered. It all made sense now.

Carmen was the secret informant Aro mentioned on his visit. I can't believe Vicky or one of the sisters didn't at least give us a warning, notification, something. But the bigger issue was Marcus. He used me, my desire to know more about our bond and mating. He planned to use Bella, based on what Peter was implying, and Peter is never wrong.

"Git out!" I pointed towards the front of the house, looking Marcus in the eye.

"My business is not yet finished. I shall stay," he responded calmly as though he had a choice.

"Oh, you're finished all right, git out!" I ordered louder.

Marcus took a seat. I gave Peter a knowing look and we both marched quickly towards him and hoisted him up, each taking an arm.

"You are not welcome here. I will not be working for the Volturi, ever! You can take Carmen with you and deliver her back to her family." I could feel Carmen's shock and fear at my words. Manhandling a Volturi king was probably unheard of but it was happening, right now.

Everyone followed us to the door as Marcus struggled in our hold, but years of working together, we could manage the unruliest newborn, an ancient- with no real will to live- was simple. More like moving a struggling human than vampire.

When we got to the front door Peter freed up one of his hands to open the door and kicked the screen door clean off the hinges. Guess we'll be replacing that particularly useless piece of screen and metal. Ignoring Marcus' pleas to unhand him we marched him to the rental car they came in and stopped in front of the driver's door.

"Will you be driving yourself away?" I asked still holding him in place.

"Or will we be shipping you home in boxes?" Peter growled.

"How dare you threaten me, handle me as some common criminal. Unhand me!" Marcus caterwauled.

We dropped him like a hot potato and he barely landed on his feet. Carmen, along with Bella and Char had all followed us out but kept silent. I could feel the satisfaction coming from Char, the shock from Bella and the horror from Carmen but I didn't care about any of that.

"Get out of here. NOW!" I roared and pointed towards the street.

"You cannot treat me this way. You will be sorry!" Marcus kept up as he made to open the car door.

"Carmen you are my witness and we will be back. I never expected this kind of treatment or I would have brought guards." He huffed as he got into his car and Carmen joined him silently.

Aro had been told of Bella several months ago and I realized the Volturi had been holding her for some time. Why hold her at all? I knew Marcus wasn't kidding they would be back. We watched in silence as the car drove out of sight.

"Well." Peter stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels while he paused. We all turned to look at him.

"That could have gone better," Char added.

"Could it? They just tried to use my mate against me," I growled, sweeping Bella into a hug, and apologizing softly in her ear.

"They are going to be back. Maybe we should move?" Peter suggested.

I turned to study him and then looked at the girls.

"No, we'll need to move soon anyway but I will not run from them, if it's a fight they want, we'll give it to them."

In shock and fear, Char asked, "You think we can take on the entire Volturi guard?"

I smiled softly at her. "No." Looking down and meeting Bella's eyes, I added, "But she can."

I watched her eyes dilate in shock and heard the soft gasp escape her lips.

"Me?" Bella questioned just as much with her eyes and emotions.

I cupped her cheek and continued to smile in confidence. Her initial shock was wearing off and I saw her jaw set just a little as she digested what I was suggesting.

"She is virtually untouchable," Peter added as he walked up and placed a hand on her shoulder in silent support.

I dropped my hand and took hold of hers. "Which is why Aro wants her. Not me... Her... You." I met her eyes.

"I'm simply a means to get to you. He couldn't say he was interested in a human and my guess is he feels that men should be the rulers. You would be the silent but dangerous back up, much like Jane."

We continued to discuss Bella's ability as a weapon as we walked back in the home. Aro already knew what she was capable of as a human and figures there will be no limit to her powers when she is fully turned. We figure when he learned that I had contacted Marcus for help on the mating bond they sought to use it to their advantage. Should Marcus be found out and I killed him well, my guess is Marcus would get what he wanted and I would feel obligated to the Volturi for killing one of the leaders.

As we discussed what was to happen next, we decided we needed to call Emmett and Rose and let them know what happened. They didn't go as far this time; they were just over at Charlie's and had planned to return at sometime during Marcus' visit.

Needless to say, they, especially Rose, were not happy about what happened and that we had thrown Marcus out. Rose was terrified that we were bringing down the Volturi on us.

I decided to act now rather than later, when we hung up from Emmett and Rose- who was near hysterical, I grabbed Bella by the waist from the kitchen stool she was sitting on and guided her outside to the table. She followed curiously and sat down when indicated.

"I'm calling Aro," I announced to her and she sat quietly with a small nod of her head. That's all it took for me to hit the send button on the phone that Demetri had left us.

"Major? I trust Marcus made there by now?" Aro answered.

"Yesss," I hissed, angrier than I had intended. "That is yes, he was here."

"Was? Oh dear, was there a problem?" He was acting way too innocent for my liking.

"You could say that. I don't suppose you want to come clean about it. Do you?" Bella watched hearing both sides of the conversation as I paced the yard.

Aro continued to speak as though he didn't know what I was talking about, "I'm sorry. I don't understand. Come clean?"

I cut to the chase. "Tell me Aro, are we going to have a problem here? I will fight you and I will win. However, I do not want control of the vampire race. I have no desire for power and I want my family, especially Bella to be left alone." I ended in a growl.

Bella watched waiting for Aro's reply. After almost a minute of silence I questioned, "Hello?" I knew he was there.

"Yes, I do apologize. I was trying to understand what has happened to make you so angry. I did not leave on poor terms. Or I did not think I had. I was not angry for being held captive in that block by your mate because she was unable to control it as a human. Marcus was coming to discuss the mating bond and yes to try to persuade you to join us. However, young Jasper there has been no indication that anything would become a battle. Can you please tell me what has angered you so?"

Bella and I looked at each other and sent the questioning emotions back and forth, keeping the conversation on our side silent. Aro really hadn't planned to coerce us to Italy? Or was he playing some game?

"What has Marcus done?" Aro questioned specifically when I didn't respond.

I raised an eyebrow asking Bella if I should tell him and she nodded. She stood and walked over to me, placing a gentle hand on my chest. Her eyes and emotions told me she was trusting Aro.

I sighed but answered, "He tried to tell me Bella was dying and that we needed to return to Volterra because she can't be changed but she can't stay human. He was trying to lure me there and use Bella against me." I paused and gently kissed her nose to calm myself down. "I threw him out and he said he would be back with guards." I wrapped my free arm around Bella and held her to me. I would not lose her to anything.

"And you believe I was responsible for this? I assure you; I had no knowledge of that kind of plan. I am deeply disappointed in Marcus. I had shared everything you asked of me, including my involvement in his beloved's death. I do believe he is angry and acting out against everyone. He is of no use to us anymore in this vengeful state of mind. I apologize for his actions and I assure you there will be no repercussions for your actions against him. I want a peaceful existence and I understand that you do also. We are not looking for war. I trust he was not hurt?"

"No," I clipped.

"If you would ever reconsider joining us or would like to visit and learn more about our history or culture you are welcome at any time. I will deal with Marcus and see if Caius had any involvement in this. We will not bother you again. I do have just one question before I go, if I may?"

I was shocked at his response. I had no clue that he was actually in the dark about Marcus' intentions. "Sure?" I asked, keeping my eyes locked on my mates. We needed a vacation.

"What is to happen with your young mate's father and his knowledge of our world. I understand he does not want to become a vampire. Can you guarantee he is not going to share our secret with the world?"

Apparently, Marcus had shared some information.

"He is not a concern. He will keep our secret and we will ensure that. But mostly he is not going to hurt his daughter," I answered authoritatively.

"Yes, very well. I trust you to take care of that situation. And young Bella's change? Is that still to be a year from now?" He genuinely seemed curious but I began to suspect he did know about Marcus' visit.

"We are still working on that. It could be sooner, but it's our decision," I growled. They were staying out of my mate's business from now on.

"Yes, of course. Until we speak again, Jasper." Aro hung up without waiting for more from me.

I sighed and wrapped my arm holding the phone around Bella, hugging her tightly.

"Jasper?" she spoke into my chest. I grunted in acknowledgement not ready to let her go.

"I don't trust him," Bella said to my shirt.

"Neither do I, Darlin'. Neither do I," I whispered as I pulled away and took her inside to tell Peter and Charlotte what we had heard.

We all agreed we didn't trust Aro. With the arrival of Emmett and Rose shortly after that discussion. We quickly retold the story and I could feel Rose's fear.

"He's going to come after us. All of us! You've gotten us all in trouble!"

Rose was nearly hysterical and any amount of calming Emmett attempted was for nothing. I finally calmed her down so we could discuss this. She glared at me but said nothing.

"Should we call Carlisle?" Emmett asked the room, hugging Rosalie so tight her bones were creaking but she said nothing only continued to glare at me. I think he was restraining her as well as holding her together.

We finally debated through calling Carlisle and/or Eleazar. We decided Eleazar first since that would most likely be time sensitive with Marcus hopefully brining Carmen home. Hopefully.

That phone call did not go well. Eleazar was angry that Carmen was not speaking as she was very outgoing and worried that she was pulled back to Volterra by Marcus calling her a witness. He had not heard from her. He knew she was with the Volturi but didn't know why. He claimed he was not aware of her actions in reporting us for "enlightening and harboring a human". I was a bit angry at his choice of words and hung up on him. She was my mate for crying out loud!

Rose and Bella had been in the other room talking with Vicky. Vicky claimed that she knew nothing of Carmen's actions and had believed she was "visiting friends." They hadn't told us she was gone because they didn't think it was any kind of issue or related to our recent Volturi visits.

If I could get gray hair, I think I'd be sprouting it from everywhere including my toes my right about now.

The evening came and went. Bella had a small salad for dinner and we didn't discuss anything else for a couple of hours. We chose to just be close to each other and hold on to our peace for a little bit longer.

Bella finally fell asleep on my lap watching television and I moved her to the bed. She woke up and wrapped herself around me while taking off everything but her panties in the process. I'm not sure how she did it but I wasn't going to complain. I shuffled out of my shirts and pants and snuggled with her. I would miss this when she changed. I would miss a lot of things but I wouldn't keep her human. She was too breakable and her health was suddenly a concern.

At about 4 am her eyes opened and she looked up at me. I wasn't sure what she was thinking but I knew what I had been thinking about.

"Morning," I whispered and kissed her forehead where I could reach.

"Hi," she whispered and snuggled back into my chest.

I hugged her a little not sure if she was awake or not. I couldn't feel her. She shut her emotions off when she woke up and I was still waiting for her to let it go. She didn't do it a lot anymore, usually when she was stressed. I snorted to myself. Stress, why would she be stressed?

"Hmm?" she questioned.

"I can't feel you. I know you're stressed," I spoke into her chocolate locks.

A beat later, I felt her emotions slowly seep into me. Anger, anxiety, fear and love. She was stressed but she loved me.

"Sorry," she added a few minutes later.

"It's fine, Darlin'. Perfectly fine. Are you up? Or want to sleep some more?"

She hugged me tighter than she ever had before, she was getting stronger.

"I'm up," she mumbled.

She finally released me and made her way to the bathroom for her human routine. When she returned, she was in my shirt and a pair of sleep shorts, we had left in there from yesterday apparently.

I sat up and she sat next to me.

"We need to call Carlisle and we need to discuss your change," I announced my agenda.

She nodded. "I think we just need to change me and be done with it. It's getting dangerous for me and I don't think Marcus was completely lying yesterday."

"I don't either. How do you feel?" I looked at her closely.

"Honestly, I feel great. Never better. I know now that I think about it especially since Aro left that I've been changing. I think since you've shared your venom with me."

I couldn't help the little smirk that I gave her knowing all the ways I've shared my venom.

"Perv," she accused laughingly as she slapped my arm.

"Of course," I answered and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

"When do you want to change? What are your thoughts?" I asked hesitantly.

She sighed, "I guess… there is no reason to wait. I have nothing I can think of I want to do as a human that I haven't already done. I am worried about my dad. He can't be around me or I should say I can't be around him."

I took her hand just as a show of support.

We decided to go talk with her dad and then we'd call Carlisle. I knew we were it putting off, not really wanting him in our business but he was the best expert we had on Aro. Esme and Carlisle honestly hadn't been completely forgiven for their attitudes in Forks or since. The gift of the Cullen crest left for Bella in our home while we were away was just one more issue we never dealt with. The box continued to sit on the dresser, actually gathering dust at this point. We explained how we didn't appreciate them coming in our home while we were away. And we were upset that they chose to leave the gift without letting us know.

We also felt like idiots for involving the police thinking it was a human issue not a family one. We hadn't addressed the fact that the only gift was one left for Bella and not for anyone else. I never did figure out what that meant. I understood if they didn't leave anything for me or Charlotte or Peter but Rose and Emmett were still their children and they still had a good relationship with them. It struck me as odd. A minor side issue that we'll never probably deal with.

Currently though, we had to deal with Charlie, changing Bella, moving because of her change, and whatever threat Marcus and probably all the Volturi bring to this equation. Yep, I had to resist the urge to look for gray hair that logically I knew wasn't going to be there; illogically, I felt stressed, tired, and old.

But I wasn't lying when I said I wasn't running from the Volturi. Doesn't mean I didn't want my mate to become sturdier while we waited for retribution. I couldn't help but wonder if Aros' parting words 'until we speak again', were indeed a threat?

AN: Soo… thoughts? Does Aro go after them even though he said he wouldn't? Does Bella make the change? What about her dad?