Edward yelled in a fit of rage and he was being held back by Emmett at Alice's door. Emmett's sheer strength kept Edward in place as he glared angrily at his sister and his girlfriend. Bella mentally cursed, not because she was scared of Edward though she was, but more like he ruined a crucial moment. She's been having doubts about Edward for a while now and Bella wondered if it was because…of Edward's manipulation and also his gender.

"Don't you know how to knock?!" Alice glared at Edward.

She hated that Edward interrupted this tender moment but she kept her thoughts hidden. Last thing she needed was to add fuel to his rage.

Edward glared at the two of them and scoffed bitterly.

"You're sneaking around and trying to take Bella away from me Alice. Here I thought you wanted me and her together." Edward asked, feigning hurt emotions.

Alice rolled her eyes. This act might have worked with Carlisle and Esme, but not her. She knew Edward was doing this to manipulate Bella further. It was getting to a point Alice was getting concerned for Bella. Alice however knew at the current moment she would be badly injured by Edward and that would hurt Bella even more.

"Quit being a paranoid asshole, it was just an innocent moment!"

Alice knew deep down that wasn't true. She felt the desire between them and they would have shared a kiss if Edward couldn't read Alice's mind from downstairs.

"Besides I honestly want you to be happy, but you're robbing Bella of hers to get it. I didn't know at the time when you and her would be together this would happen. Your choices and decisions show a dark and sad future for Bella. If you 'love her' you would release her and let her decide how she wants to feel and live. You both want different things." Alice informed Edward.

Edward looked to Bella and softened his gaze, putting on his charm for her. Bella just glared a bit at Edward since it's his fault he's pushing her away from him. Maybe they could have had a nice relationship if he wouldn't be so controlling and belittling. Bella might be human but she still deserved to be treated with respect, love, and dignity.

"I'm bringing you home, now. Carlisle wants a talk with all of us minus you." Edward told her.

"If it's about me, I feel I have a right to stay." Bella affirmed.

Edward rolled her eyes.

"You really want to be in a room with argumentative vampires and have your blood be a distraction and hindrance?" Edward scolded.

Bella frowned slightly but she asked,

"But it's clear you all are going to talk about me and what I want. Should I at least be here to work out what I want? I thought you cared for what I wanted?" Bella asked.

Edward said nothing and stared Bella down. Alice saw this and took Bella's hand in hers.

"Do you care what she wants or just what you want? It's becoming apparent you want Bella a lot more than she needs or wants you." Alice stated.

Edward looked to Emmett and told him,

"Let me go. I will be fine and not hurt them."

Emmett looked at Alice and she nodded. Edward for once was telling the truth and she did not see Edward lunging at her or Bella.

"He's fine…for now. But in our meeting, you need to be vigilant with him." Alice expressed.

Emmett reluctantly let Edward go and he tried to soften his face for Bella. Edward was becoming more and more of a problem. He wanted Bella as his but she was straying in the worst way.

"I love you Bella, but this meeting is going to be…intense for you. I much rather you be home when we all talk. You understand it is in your best interest not to be in a room of quarreling vampires." Edward addressed.

Bella glanced a worried look to Alice and she reassured,

"I will be okay Bella and so will you."

Edward forced out a smile and asked softly,

"Let's get you home."

Bella groaned and shot Alice apologetic look; mouthing "sorry" before leaving with Edward. Alice was pissed at Edward since he clearly loved Bella for her blood only. She was all wrong since the woman Edward wanted was a damsel; and Bella didn't want to be that way. It broke Alice's heart and she hoped Bella was getting close to understanding how deep their bond truly was.

Edward forcibly grabbed Bella's wrist and she tried to get of his grip.

"I'm already leaving with you, don't need to grab me." Bella told him.

"Funny things can happen." Edward chuckled.

Bella glared at him as Edward continued to drag her down the stairs. He was far from the man he was when they first met and she was seeing the cracks in his gentleman façade. If she was lured by him, perhaps this wasn't love at all. Her thoughts and heart were with Alice since Bella worried what will happen to her when she leaves.

They were almost at the door when Julian and Cynthia blocked Edward's way. Edward growled at them while Cynthia hissed back in anger.

"You have already done enough, let us pass. I'm taking Bella home so Alice doesn't corrupt her further." Edward sneered.

"Funny since I too was thinking of corruption…but not from my sister." Cynthia expressed coldly.

Cynthia looked to Julian and he nodded as he got Edward to let go of Bella and pinned him to the wall. Edward squirmed to break free but he couldn't, causing Bella to be amazed. Julian wasn't as buff looking as Emmett but he was able to hold Edward back with such sheer strength. Edward's fangs were bared but he couldn't break free nor lunge for Julian's throat. A flash of concern came across Cynthia's face but she knew Julian was strong enough to hold him while she brought Bella home.

"I will bring you home in your truck Bella." Cynthia told her.

Bella smiled and sighed in relief. She liked Cynthia and frankly she didn't want to deal with Edward's guilt trip or worse. She didn't even look in his direction as she walked out the door with Cynthia. Cynthia had already gathered Bella's gifts in her truck and they sped off for Bella's home. She looked at Bella wearing the leather jacket and gave a small smile.

"Leather...it's a good look for you. Strong, confident…maybe even sexy."

Bella smiled and blushed

"Alice got it for me. I really like it, it makes me feel comfortable. Knowing Edward he will want me to get rid of it though." Bella said tossing her head back against the seat

"Well what do you want Bella? Never mind Edward, what do you want?" Bella thought and smiled

"I want to make my own decisions and enjoy things I like without Edward telling me it's not ladylike or I shouldn't be so masculine at times. I don't want his psychoanalysis on how I should be his perfect mate and that means being weak and helpless." Bella said, annoyed.

Cynthia nodded and looked over to Bella. Her heart was priming for another release, another break or two in her chain. Perhaps what she had planned to do with Alice would have broken them on their own but Edward stopped them. Bella noticed Cynthia's observant gaze and asked,

"Am I getting close…to have more chains broken?"

"Very much so, but you need to explore yourself just a bit more and really get to the core of who you are. The uncertainty of who you are and want to be is still lingering; but I have a feeling before the new year comes; you'll be freer. You won't be a pawn in your or his life, but a queen that can go wherever she likes." Cynthia spoke softly.

Bella smiled at that since it's really what she wanted. More likely…she wanted to explore what she and Alice had. Her feelings for Alice were overflowing and Bella wanted to not hide her feelings toward her. Same sex or not, her love for Alice felt more right then she ever did with Edward. Everything drew her to Alice and not in the ways Edward had drawn her to him. The sexy pixie locks, the warm golden eyes, soft alluring lips, the playful smile, and her strong embraces; everything in a petite yet angelic package Bella thought dreamily. Cynthia saw a glimmer in Bella's eyes as she parked in front of Bella's house and wondered something.

"Maybe…" Cynthia mulled as she carefully placed three fingers on the side of Bella's neck and applied a bit of pressure to them.

She locked eyes with Bella and felt a strong pulse coursing throughout Bella. This intrigued Cynthia and Bella asked,

"Can you…"

Bella trailed off as she felt Cynthia trailing her fingers down her neck and to her chest. Cynthia looked somewhat shocked but managed to smile.

"Your fight is growing stronger Bella. Even with Edward intruding on you, your heart is beating with passion and wants more chains off it. Yes I just might be able to remove a bit more."

Bella's heart raced with excited and she begged,

"Please get more off me."

Cynthia smiled as she cupped Bella's chest and pressed down hard. Bella gasped a bit as she felt Cynthia press down on her multiple times. She removes everything but her index finger off Bella's chest and starts making x motions in that spot. Bella felt a warm sensation and let a moan slip.

T-That's it my sweet Bella.

Bella was taken aback by the voice she had heard…it wasn't Edward but Alice's. That made Bella hang her head back in delight as Cynthia cut off pretty thick chains of dread and questioning. Cynthia looked at Bella and seemed a bit curious about what had happened. Bella turned red instantly when she realized she had moaned in front of Cynthia.

"I-It's not what it looked like…it's just…"

Cynthia chuckled softly.

"I maybe should have warned you my powers can feel orgasmic at times. I know it was more towards your lust for freedom and…"

"Alice…I heard her…while you were using your powers."

Cynthia didn't seem shocked and smiled softly at Bella.

"That's wonderful Bella. Soon Edward's hold will cease and you'll embrace people you want a part of your life; my sister included."

I do want Alice in my life and I want a life with her forever. Bella thought.

Not when I'm here. He could hear Edward growl.

I can and will leave you. You don't deserve me. Bella affirmed in her mind.

That's my Bella, the real strong and confident Bella. She heard Alice assure.

"Yes since I want a life back. I want to hang out with friends as well as a loved one, maybe bond a bit with my dad, even getting to know you and Julian more. I feel with Edward my life is on house arrest."

"Abusive relationships can be like that, but you're taking such strides." Cynthia told her.

Bella got out of the truck and gathered her presents from the trunk. She noticed a gift from Edward that looked to be a Cd from the size. Better not take it and say I lost it Bella thought as she left the present in the trunk. Once she collected her gifts, she noticed Julian's car pulling up behind them. Cynthia got out of the truck and her face got a bit angry until she noticed her sister in the passenger side door. Bella noticed that too and Alice got out to help Bella with her gifts. Bella placed them down gently so she could give Alice a hug.

"Please tell me you're okay." Bella asked with a concerned tone.

Alice stroked Bella's back and felt her heart racing for her. She smiled slightly despite the worries she had about what had occurred.

"Yes, very. Emmett got on Edward's case once Julian released him. He decided to drive here to pick up Cynthia since she and him are needed for a talk with Carlisle in the others. I wanted to check on you and see if you're okay."

Bella smiled and nodded.

"A lot better actually. Your sister and I had a nice chat and my mind is clearing."

Alice smiled since she felt Bella was opening her to herself and feeling how they feel for each other.

"That's great! Soon you'll be the person you want to be and I can't wait to see that person in front of me."

Bella smiled as she and Alice got the presents up to Bella's room. They looked lovingly at each other but they knew after tonight, they needed to wait longer for them to act on their blossoming feelings.

"Call me when the meeting ends…I want to know if you're safe. I know how vicious Edward can be now." Bella asked.

Alice smiled and hugged Bella tightly.

"I will call you Bella. You never have to worry about me."

Bella ran her fingers in Alice's hair and bit her lip softly. Alice, while a vampire, was still dainty, petite, and precious. She didn't want to imagine what Edward could do to her.

"I'm always going to worry about you. You…you're important to me and I don't want you to get hurt because of me." Bella spoke softly against Alice's ear.

Alice pulled away and saw Bella's fear on her face. She tenderly kissed her cheek and stroked where she had kissed her.

"I'm never going to put myself in harm's way or ever break your heart Bella. That is something I can and will promise you."

Alice opened the window and gracefully jumped to the nearby tree to climb out of her room. Bella watched Alice get into Julian's truck with Cynthia and watched them pull away. She stroked where Alice kissed her and her body quivered in delight. Explore myself Bella thought and she laid on her back, musing at those thoughts and thoughts of her and Alice.

-Meanwhile-

When the trio returned to the Cullens, they met up in the living room to discuss what was going on with Bella, Alice, and Edward. Edward glared at Alice and Alice returned the glare with an icy one of her own. Everything just felt tense and not even Julian or Emmett can lighten the mood. No one wanted to speak since things got very bad, awkward, and complicated. Edward and Alice were at odds, mates and false mates were brought up, and Cynthia and Julian were rogues despite their animal diets.

Carlisle knew he needed to get to the bottom of the animosity between Alice and Edward, and assess Cynthia and Julian being in the same state. After James, he wasn't taking any chances; more so since his family seemed to be hanging on by loose threads. Carlisle looked to Cynthia and Julian with soft if concerned eyes and asked,

"What brought you two to Forks...or maybe I should say Washington since I was told by Alice you both live in Port Angeles." Carlisle asked. Cynthia sighed and looked softly at Alice.

"Well, I am here to rekindle a bond with my sister. I haven't seen her in decades and we have a lot to catch up on." Cynthia said

Rosalie hissed and Cynthia glared at her.

"I am her sister Rosalie; you can't dispute that since we look so much alike. Don't even bring up that we no longer have blood in our veins, since we still are sisters. Besides, she doesn't have Carlisle's venom in her either so don't start she's yours because of venom ties." Cynthia told her.

Rose scoffed at her.

"I understand you were looking for her, but you can't just have Alice forget that I've been her sister in the time you and she were apart. She's as much my sister as she is yours now." Rosalie argued.

"That I am not; but respect that I missed her and want to reconnect with her." Cynthia expressed calmly.

Carlisle looked at Julian and noticed his eyes weren't as golden as Cynthia's. He was curious if he had until recently been a nomad feasting on human blood.

"And I assume the man with you is your mate right and he's recently reformed?" Carlisle asked, eyeing Julian.

Julian nodded which slightly annoyed Cynthia but only because she wanted to be the one to speak for herself if Julian was her mate.

"Cynthia and I go back as far as she was turned by the same creator. Yes, I feasted on humans, but only the vile ones never the good ones even though their blood would be sweeter. When we learned Alice was alive, I wanted to be around Cynthia for support; which included adopting her diet." Julian explained.

They didn't seem to be dangerous in terms of their blood preferences, but their arrival was causing problems for their coven. Edward glared at Julian and expressed,

"You both can't be here. You're ruining things for all of us here. You're impeding on what we all want."

"More like your wants and quite frankly, your wants are tearing this coven apart." Cynthia asked.

Edward growled at her and sneered,

"This doesn't concern you!"

"Cynthia is my sister and you're being aggressive with everyone, me included. She's going to stick up for me because we're sisters. Your actions are going to hurt Bella." Alice almost shouted back

"And if we didn't show up tonight, Bella's arm would have been broken because of you. Consider yourself lucky you didn't kill her." Julian added coldly.

Jasper could sense most of the family was on edge and he sighed. He needed to be a mediator so Alice wouldn't get hurt. Even though they weren't mates, Jasper cared a lot for Alice and he will still protect her.

Rosalie leered over Julian and Cynthia since the pair was causing a stir in her life. Cynthia might have been Alice's sister in their human lives; but Rosalie had been the one to welcome Alice in the Cullens. They got so close in the decades together and now Cynthia planned to rob her of a sister. Alice saw Rosalie's anger fuming at Cynthia and she sighed.

"Rosalie please don't be so hostile. Edward I get you shouldn't be angry at Cynthia. She's been nothing but kind to me and to Bella and she would never hurt me. Be civil towards her."

"It's hard when she feels she has this claim to you Alice. I am your sister too. I spent many decades with you and you are throwing that away for her. Who knows what she's like?" Rose said a bit offended.

Cynthia sighed since she knew this was going to occur when coming back in Alice's life. However, Alice needed her now and Cynthia hoped she would be a family with her; coven included.

"And I am thankful for what you've done, but this may be the time she needs to break off from this coven and return with Julian and I. It's clear that her spirit needs to go to those that match hers." Cynthia calmly expressed.

"No, she will remain with us!" Rosalie hissed.

"Hold on, don't go deciding for Alice ladies, it's her choice. I understand you are both her sisters, but she is not a child" Esme said calmly.

"And I am not forcing her. I wouldn't want that. However, this family is becoming toxic to both her and Bella, an innocent human. As someone who has helped many humans, I can say Edward is hurting her a lot more than James ever did." Cynthia stated.

"You're suffocating Bella. Even when she is not with me she is trying to find ways to get away from you. Mates don't act that way Edward so take that as your hint." Alice added.

Edward looked to Carlisle with a pleading look to intervene in this. He knew Carlisle and him had a long history together and that he would take his side. Carlisle looked to Alice with a concerned look and said,

"Bella is his mate Alice and she is Edward's. They have this connection that can't be ignored."

"That's because Edward is manipulating Bella's heart and entrapping her. You know how dangerous we can be Carlisle and Edward is using all of his charms and predatory nature to lure her. You know that's not how mates work." Alice appealed.

"It's called marking Alice…Bella is mine to claim not yours." Edward argued.

Alice rolled her eyes.

"You're treating Bella like she's only yours. She's not just your girlfriend but she's a friend, daughter, and other things to other people. You're smothering her to the point where she resents and hates you. If Bella was your mate, she would not have these extreme feelings of dread and anger for you." Alice mentions.

Esme was starting to piece things together and it kind of amazed her that Alice felt this closeness and affection for Bella. This was even more for Jasper and that told Esme something. She did wonder just who Bella's heart belonged to but she did know that Bella was human with other connections. If Edward was making Bella's life only about him, that was dangerous and unhealthy.

" I have to agree with Alice on that, Edward. If Bella is your mate, fine , but she needs room to breathe and do things she wants to. You can't expect her to have her whole life based around you, even if you are mates" Esme said

Edward was somewhat quiet and Carlisle took notice. He observed Edward carefully and he asked,

"Bella is your mate right? There's this strong pull to her right?"

Alice scoffed but said nothing. Alice knew Bella was her mate but Bella's heart got chained by Edward because of his ego and thirst. She looked at Rosalie but she said nothing. Jasper was thinking how to break the news to him without Edward lunging towards him. Emmett was a little lost since he thought Alice and Bella were just very close friends with minor affections. However, he too was lost on why Alice and Edward were at odds over Bella.

" I think his silence is a clear answer Carlisle. Bella doesn't know what she wants because Edward manipulates her to love him." Julian remarked

Emmett glanced at Julian and asked,

"So... what does Bella want?"

"Well, that is what I will help Bella with figuring out and coming to terms with, but I know for a fact it is not Edward. A mate wouldn't do what he did." Cynthia expressed calmly yet coldly.

"You're a therapist aren't you?" Carlisle asked.

Cynthia nodded and this enraged Edward.

"You're biased! You can't help Bella because you're close to Alice and want to feed into their unnatural desires!" Edward spat.

Cynthia raised an eyebrow calmly and shook her head.

"I use my powers to navigate Bella's heart without any biases to anyone. It is clear chains are binding her to you, but they are making Bella weaker and unsure of herself. You want that so she always needs you. Well she's made progress on releasing herself from her chains and she's discovering herself again and what will make her happy. It just so happens my process and Bella's journey are more in favor of my sister then to you. She will be free to decide for herself soon enough."

Carlisle looked at Cynthia and realized something. He had heard of a power from his time at the Volturi that could be dangerous to vampire kind if the person wasn't empathetic or reasonable. They had feared that power could be used to make vampires rebel against the Volturi and have vampires not live-in secret. However, Cynthia seemed responsible and has probably met with the Volturi at some point. She used her powers to help people and Carlisle can respect Cynthia for helping humans with their emotional struggles.

"You're a liberator...breaking chains off people from the connections they have. I can see how that will be perfect for therapy and you're using it in a meaningful and helpful way. But I don't understand why your focus is Bella since she seems well adjusted and loves Edward."

Cynthia offered a kind smile since Carlisle did seem like a reasonable person

"It's because Edward chained Bella's heart and convinced every part of Bella herself that they are mates. She is trying to fight her chains but she cannot do it on her own, that's where I come in. Bella approached me for my help and it's clear without breaking my doctor/patient privilege that Bella had to unpack a lot and saw her heart was in such a horrible state." Cynthia explained.

This took Carlisle aback. In all of his years living as a vampire, he thought he understood humans. Yet he couldn't see that Bella was in such a state and mistook it for Bella just being an awkward teenage girl. He looked to Jasper since he would be the vampire to ask about emotions and feelings. Jasper nodded.

"Yes Carlisle and there's even more of a reason why Edward is changing Bella and a reason he tried keeping us all away for some time. Edward feared he would have competition if he didn't have a strong hold on Bella before introducing us to her. Unfortunately for him, Bella's mate isn't him no matter how much he's manipulated Bella. Cynthia's help is awakening Bella to want her true mate." Jasper expressed to him

"Jasper what do you mean?" Esme asked. This was concerning to her but she tried to keep a cool head

Esme and Carlisle looked at Alice. They were passed trying to avoid the issue and Alice was honest with herself...but she needed to be honest with the Cullens. Alice looked to Jasper with a soft smile.

" Bella is my mate and Edward knows it, that's one of the reasons he did what he did to Bella" Alice said calmly.

The family was quiet as they were trying to wrap their heads around this. For the longest time, they had thought Alice and Jasper were mates and hence why they were welcomed in the coven. Emmett was actually chuckling at the news. Rosalie knew about Bella and Alice but wanted this to just blow over without Cynthia meddling. However, she had and now the family was at odds, specifically Edward and Alice. She cared for Alice and if anything, she rather have Edward leave and Alice remain so things can maybe be more civil and light hearted like they were before Bella. Emmett found the admission kind of hot and he chuckled warmly at the news.

"Bella's really a lesbian….and so is Alice...Now it makes sense why you always want to go shopping with her. You want to get close and personal with her body, nice." Emmett chuckled.

Rose did not find this amusing at all and Edward was close to lunging at Emmett and beating the crap out of him for saying that.

"Emmett this is not funny! Our family is falling apart because Edward and Alice want the same human! Once more, these two want our sister to leave us! Why must our lives be impacted by one simple human." Rose said in a very aggravated tone.

"This coven was already put at risk of breaking thanks to Edward. His actions on going against vampire mating are truly revolting and are causing discord." Jasper expressed.

Carlisle sighed and he looked at Edward with disapproving eyes. If all this was true, Edward was on dangerous ground. He needed to respect if Alice was Bella's mate…even though the fact Alice was mating with a woman did concern him slightly. Carlisle hoped Edward was Bella's mate since it kept with traditions on how he saw a couple to be; between a man and a woman.

"Carlisle, I've been with you longer than everyone else here. You know I wouldn't dare go against you or be so selfish. I truly love Bella with all my heart and the fact I'm being made into a bad guy upsets me. Besides, who's to say this isn't just the outsider pair's goal to break up our family...something you spent centuries carving out for yourself. You long for everyone to have their match, their mate, a sacred pair that you know is and should always be between a man and a woman." Edward told him in a gentle tone.

Alice couldn't believe what she was hearing and to her horror, Carlisle was buying Edward's crap. Carlisle sighed and looked at Alice.

"Alice...be honest with us all...what is the future you see for Bella?" he asked

Alice sighed and told him,

"Bella and I together as mates; with her being a vampire as well."

Edward read Alice's mind and he was distressed since that is exactly what he read in Alice's mind. He gritted his teeth and leered at Alice for stealing Bella away from him.

"Liar." Edward hissed and denied.

"I'm not lying Edward! Bella is my mate! She and I have a burning desire for one another, a desire that courses through us. All you feel is lust and thirst for her blood. That's not being a mate, that's you wanting to be a predator and have a submissive human hostage to sate your deep bloodlust."

Edward chuckled since she neglected to tell the full vision.

"And what coven are you and Bella in, if she is a vampire?" he asked.

Rosalie's eyes flashed a pained look to Alice. Of course, Edward was doing this but she didn't want this meeting to devolve more than it had already had. Still, she needed to be forthcoming.

"Bella will be a vampire since she wants me to turn her. We will be in a coven with me…with Cynthia and Julian." Alice answered, feeling bad slightly since Carlisle had been good to her all these years.

Julian had a soft smile on his face, glancing at Cynthia who also shared a smile. That was something she hoped for but since Alice saw that they were a coven, it made Cynthia even more protective of her sister.

Edward knew she wasn't lying as he read her thoughts and visions. He saw Bella and Alice in the vision in an act of love before Alice turns her, making him very pissed. Blinded by anger and rage, he lunged for Alice at quick speed. Julian got in the way and knocked him against the wall. To hell he was hurting Alice.

" You are not hurting Cynthia's sister asshole!" Julian yelled.

"Why, because you want her and Bella in a sick harem fantasy you pervert! I know your type!" Edward hissed.

Julian growled and slammed him against the wall.

"You don't know me Edward and you know I see Alice like a sister and Bella will be like one to me too. She's breaking free from you and I love that."

"Julian wants us to be a family, while you just want Bella as you possession until you get her so submissive that you can feed and have sex from her. With your sick mind, it will last until Bella's old age and her death." Cynthia sneered coldly.

The blood aspect shook everyone since they had the vegetarian diet for a reason. Rose scoffed since there was no way 'Golden Boy' Edward would dare go against Carlisle, Bella's blood calling him or not.

"Edward would not go against Carlisle's code." Rose coldly told Alice

"Are you 100% positive about that sis?" Alice asked in a challenging tone.

Jasper looked to Rosalie and defended,

"Edward knows what he wants and that is Bella…however he's making Bella like that so he can have her to himself."

"I knew we should have killed Bella or let the truck do it for us." Rosalie muttered.

Alice felt her rage building but she needed to be calm, despite Rose essentially saying her mate should be dead.

"Let's just all calm down here since I don't want us to devolve into fighting." Carlisle firmly stated in a stern voice.

"Edward was the aggressive one first" Alice said glaring at Edward.

"Julian was near him so he wouldn't try going near Alice. Thankfully, he and I were right. Edward has a nasty temper and is denying what's meant to be." Cynthia stated factually.

"To think all this happened because your 'sister' is back in your life Alice. It wasn't until her arrival that you developed these feelings for Bella. Maybe she's manipulating you both." Rose states.

Alice was furious since Rosalie knew how important mates were and she thought they understood why Bella was so important. This had nothing to do with Cynthia…more so since she had these feelings long before Cynthia came back into her life.

" Hey don't attack Cynthia because life isn't going how you want it Rose. She is my sister just like you, you don't have to like it but you are going to have to find a way to deal with it. I have enough crap from Edward I don't need shit from you either Rose, more so since you know Bella and I are mates. I thought you supported us!"

Carlisle was unsure how to deal with this. To him, both Edward and Alice had a claim to Bella. He was also unsure how Edward would even be able to do such manipulation since that was a vampiric power and Edward had his mind reading as one. He looked to both Alice and Edward with concern. He hoped in heart of hearts this would end amicably with one of them being Bella's mate. Though he had to admit, it would be more fitting for Edward to be with Bella since their contrast made their love that much more interesting and poetic.

"Carlisle, let me make a suggestion." Esme offered politely.

She didn't want fights, but she also need to figure out how to help family go forward

"Alright, what is your suggestion Esme?" he asked.

"What Edward did was wrong, so I suggest he and Bella need time apart. Cynthia will need to help Bella free her heart since she should make a decision not out of force or 'chained emotion' as some think there are. Once Bella is of a sound mind and heart, we can proceed from there better." Esme suggested'

Carlisle sighed and shook his head.

"Thing is Esme...I do think Edward does have a stake in Bella's heart. Edward has never had this attraction to anyone so we need to consider that he is a mate for Bella." Carlisle suggested.

"Maybe he does, but that doesn't mean what he did is right either. Entrapping a human even if he said she is his mate is not right. You know that." Esme reasoned

Carlisle looked to Edward. He saw Edward as a son and he didn't want Edward to be unhappy. He strongly believed Bella belonged to Edward and Bella just needed more time to perhaps fall in love with Edward again. She's a bit confused because Alice was never subtle and always showed extreme emotions.

"Edward knows what he feels and he feels its love. He feels possessive because a mate should have that need to protect his mate. Now Edward might be extreme, but it can take time for mates to settle together. Bella being can be a factor in that."

Not true, she wants me so badly and I want her too. Alice thought loudly so Edward can hear her. Edward gritted his teeth and he was still pissed Julian hadn't let go. Jasper channeled his ability to sedate Edward so Julian could let go of him. His eyes never lingered off Edward since he was the danger to everyone in this room.

"I feel bad for this coven if they have to deal with Edward and his possessive and abusive attitudes. I'm just thankful he's not like some vampires I had scuffles with in which he wants to fight Alice for Bella." Julian expressed.

Edward chuckled at that notion...although if it had to come to it….

"Yes, this is a decent coven, shame they have a bit of a black sheep in the family," Cynthia responded.

She looked at Alice with a bit of pity in her eyes. She wanted her sister happy, and she would make sure to give that to was trying his hardest to keep everyone calm but he didn't know how much he could maintain it. Emmett looked to Julian and said,

"Sorry this isn't the night we wanted. Thought we could have entertained Bella with a wrestling match."

"Bella has enough on her plate Julain she doesn't need this right now" Cynthia explains

"It would have been good fun, Cyn. Besides Emmett is pretty chill, just a shame I have to keep holding back his awful brother. The temper coming out should be red flags to this coven." Julian expressed. Edward sneered at Alice

"You corrupted Bella; she wouldn't be so torn if you weren't trying to make moves on her" Edward said.

"Bella wanted to dance with me. Bella wanted to go swimming and wore a bikini for me. Bella wanted to leave her date with you and was disgusted with you being a touchy perv. Bella was leaning into me tonight! Maybe it's Bella wanting to leave you!"

Edward glared. So Bella was fighting her hold after all he thought bitterly. How since Edward was a perfect gentleman, a perfect hunter, a perfect actor, a perfect man and yet Bella was straying.

"She is my mate, that you are trying to steal! I saw her first, she is mine!" Edward growled.

"Mates don't work like that Edward! It's a deep connection type thing. I've seen Bella and it's clear she is uncomfortable with you. Meanwhile, unconditional love is in her eyes for Alice. Back off before you're going to get hurt." Julian hissed.

"No one asked you, you're not a part of this" Edward spat back at Julian

"He is because he is connected to Cynthia and she's connected to Alice, hence he is Edward. Now maybe you should give Bella some distance to see if that distance longs for you." Jasper told him.

Edward glared

"You barely said anything, now you want to say something so stupid. Mates should always be together, maybe that's why you and Alice failed" Edward sneered

Jasper wasn't angered, he in fact felt bad for Edward.

"More like you're failing yourself. You want something so badly that you want to take it from someone else. I think you're confusing love with your desire for her blood." Jasper calmly told him.

"Jasper is correct. You're losing yourself and your 'prize' but Bella was never yours to take." Cynthia agreed calmly yet cold tone in her voice

"Carlisle won't you say something, you said you wanted me happy" Edward pleaded, with the best way he could fake.

Carlisle sighed.

"Bella has one more year in Forks before she needs to decide on her future. I do believe there might be something in her. She feels at odds with herself and maybe she's unsure of herself and her vampire affairs complicates that more. Both Edward and Alice bring something out of her, that I see...I am not going to make the decision for her however...even if a part of me is a bit baffled that same sex mates can occur."

Edward glared since this pissed him off more. He hated that they were not agreeing with him. Bella was his and he made sure of it.

"You are against same sex couples like me Carlisle, how can you even think Bella will be happy. Alice sees her becoming a vampire, but I think Bella should live a naturally life, not be an eternal sex doll" Edward scoffed glaring at Alice.

"In some ways I do agree….if Bella can have a long and happy life she should...but the Volturi in time will find out about Bella. When that happens, she must be turned so I suggest we continue to lie low and blend in so we don't attract Volturi attention. Now if it's you or Alice that has to turn Bella when the Volturi comes to see us, that is up to Bella's heart….I do hope though it is you Edward since you've been alone for so long." Carlisle expresses from his heart.

Edward smirked since the answer satisfied him a bit he looked at Alice and saw in her mind. He saw Bella and Alice were intimate and having sex, a future that seemed rather clear which angered him. His Bella, acting like a filthy whore, begging for Alice, moaning her name, and being so consumed in sinful lust for Alice…That broke him as he lunged at Alice and pinned her with his hands on her neck against the wall with force. His eyes were dark with anger but Alice wasn't so scared.

" Get this through your head, Bella is mine, I saw her first, it was my name she moaned in her sleep first" Edward snarled.

"We want each other and you repulse her. She's fighting back and knows what she wants, which annoys you. Face it, Bella and I have a future together; more than just best friends but mates and lovers."

Edward was really pissed hearing this. Alice turned Bella against him and she was trying to make her a lesbian. He raised his hand in attempt to hit her, but his hand was grabbed and he saw it was Julian

"Get off me asshole!" Edward his trying to use his other hand

Emmett got Edward off her and Julian held him back as well.

Cynthia sighed at how this went down.

"Look I'm not going to tell you how to run this coven Carlisle; but Edward here is really toxic. If you care for the sanctity of mates...you should see when Bella's heart is free...her mate is not his." Cynthia told him.

"Oh shut up you cold hearted cynic, until few months ago you didn't even exist, what the hell you sticking your nose into our family for" Edward spat in Cynthia's direction

"That's enough...Now it's clear Cynthia and Julian won't expose our kind since their diet matches ours. However, until Bella makes her choice, our coven must stay away from the pair. It's clear to me a source of the friction and animosity is with Julian, Cynthia, Rose, and Edward. Edward and Rosalie are family and always will be; you two on the other hand can co-exist here for now but away from us." Carlisle decided.

He didn't want his family hurt or torn away since Julian's strength matched Emmett's and who knew what Cynthia can do with her abilities. Alice was distraught and angered by Carlisle's words.

" You are joking! You are letting the fact that Edward abused his powers for his selfish reasons just slide. He's hurting Bella and leaving emotional scars and that's okay with you? You want him to be happy so bad you want to let shit slide really?" Alice asked, very annoyed.

"It will be dealt with, but it is clear that Cynthia and Julian do pose a problem to our coven. While Cynthia can help Bella as a therapist...I do see them breaking apart our family. I'm sorry Alice. You and Edward will need to work this out." Carlisle expressed.

Alice was saddened by this and pissed off. She glared at Edward then Carlisle.

"You don't want me with Bella, do you?" she asked.

Carlisle sighed.

"I'm saying…maybe you're confusing mate bonds with a pure and deep friendship. We won't know what Bella wants until she figures out who she is and wants. Perhaps you both should keep away from her." Carlisle added.

"That will kill Bella and leave her catatonic!" Alice hissed.

Carlisle shook his head.

"This is to keep peace Alice. I want no conflict between you and Edward. We need to give Bella space, all of us." Charlsie told them.

"You'll get space Carlisle, I'm leaving! I know what I want and you denying me that shows just how much of a hypocrite you are. You wouldn't be doing this if I was a male and wanted Bella." Alice argued.

He said nothing, none of the family said anything. Jasper nodded calmly to Alice in support of her decision and that was enough for her.

"Alice…" Carlisle started to speak but Alice shook her head in anger.

"No, I am leaving. Cynthia, Julian; I can stay with you right?" she asked.

Cynthia nodded and said,

"Of course you can, Alice. You always have an open home with me."

With that Alice went into her room to pack a lot of her items. She didn't know how long she would be gone from the Cullens, but at this moment she couldn't remain here. Esme walked up to see Alice was nearly done packing and she sighed. She didn't want this to happen, but understood why Alice needed to leave.

"Just so you know, it won't bother me if Bella and you are mates in the end. Something about her being unsure of her love for Edward is a slight concern since mates should never have that feeling." Esme expressed.

Alice looked to Esme. She knew she was trying to help and it did soften a bit that at least Esme had rooted for them even if only a bit.

"That's because they are not mates Esme, like you said mates should not doubt the other's bond with each other. If Bella is questioning hers clearly, it's all bullshit. Edward put his chains on Bella but Cynthia said Bella is still fighting them. That gives me hope we can have our love and a long future" Alice said softly checking her belongings

Esme nodded.

"You know Emmett will support the outcome and Jasper cares for you...It's Rosalie, Edward, and Carlisle that need to be open and accepting when time comes." Allice scoffed

"Edward highly unlike, since he wants to claim Bella. He doesn't love her, he just wants something so he can feel good about himself." Alice said

Esme hugged Alice.

"You're always welcome to return when you're ready Alice."

" Thanks, I need to be on my own for now, and I don't want to live with Edward either since he is spying on my thoughts too much," Alice said, annoyed.

Esme pulled away and looked over Alice with a soft smile.

"I hope you and Bella find happiness once Bella acknowledges her feelings for you." Esme rooted.

Alice smiled and with that she left with her things. She put everything she could take with her and followed Cynthia and Julian out in her Porsche. Alice got out her cell and called Bella to not worry her.

"Everything okay?" Bella asked.

"Long story short, I am living with Cynthia and Julian for the time being. I was told to keep my distance from you but so was Edward but I'm not going to do that…unless you want me to…"

"No, don't leave me. It would kill me not to see you Alice."

Bella's longing for her confirmed that she was hers and Edward's hold was breaking.

"Well I can't see you at school since Edward and I are still going…but I can see you on weekends and some evenings if I can keep my thoughts off you." Alice told her.

"It will be hard for you though, won't it? I know how much I mean to you and it will be hard for us to be apart, won't it?"

There was a subtle but flirty tone in Bella's words that made Alice's throat burn with passion. Cynthia's impromptu chain cutting must have made Bella more…aware and confident with saying such things in that way. Alice was proud Bella was blossoming and she saw a clear future of them being a couple.

"It will be yes, but it won't be for long my sweet, adorable Bella."

"I hope not Alice. Drive safely and text me when you're at the apartment."

Alice hung up and sighed dreamily. She caught glimpses of their passions and that made Alice truly warm. This birthday was one Bella might look back on and see it as the stepping stone in their forever together. So close but so far but Edward won't get his way. In the end, true love will conquer all.