No copyright infringement intended! I just like to play with the characters that SM gave us.

Time for the verdict!

Enjoy!

Amanda POV

CHAPTER 23

It didn't take me too long to find my next meal. The homeless seemed abundant in this area and if I kept my feeding quiet, then no one should be the wiser. My victims were always the same; males with dark hair and blue eyes. Any therapist would tell you that I was subconsciously picking my victims based on my ex-husband, but there was nothing subconscious about it. I loathed the man and his new wife, so I took out my frustrations the only way I knew how. If that required me to be picky with how -or who- I ate, then so be it.

While I was searching, I had some time to think, and boy was there ever a lot to think about. First, the possibility that I could get to see my babies again was astounding to me. I never would have thought that I could see them again, let alone have custody of them. It left my heart full of hope just with the possibility, I could only imagine how happy I'd be if this were to come to fruition and I could hold them in my arms again. I would hold onto that hope, but I could think about the details of how to make that happen later.

The feeling that distracted me from that train of thought was something I had never experienced before and it was only thinking of Major Whitlock that made it better. It was a painful tugging sensation right where my heart would be. Which brought a new round of thoughts into my head regarding this whole "mate" thing. I mean, from what Major Whitlock had told me, he was my mate and that meant something akin to soulmates. Which – hello – was beyond astonishing to me! I mean after I smelled him, I practically threw myself at a man I barely know and had my way with him! I mean, yes, I did enjoy it. Very much so. However, I'm not some floozy that just throws herself at the first available man that she sees! It was almost as if I couldn't control what was happening to me and I couldn't have stopped even if I would have wanted to.

And the biting.

Oh, the biting.

It turns me on far more than it should to even think about me biting him or him biting me. Why did I do that? I don't just go around biting random strangers!

Well…I take that back, considering I kinda do…but still! Biting others for sustenance is one thing, but biting for pleasure? It's like all thought and all sanity that I had was just blown away by the wind.

What even was my life right now? How does this shit happen? Did that mean I was meant to be turned into a vampire so I could spend eternity with someone who should have died over a century ago? Is there some deity up there that just fucked up my human timeline and this is how they were trying to fix it? Was I meant to be born in a different century? Was he meant to be born in this day and age?

The questions could honestly go on forever and I wasn't doing myself any favors by being panicky about this. I needed to put on my big girl panties, stop being dramatic about everything, and focus on feeding. Major Whitlock did mention that we would be discussing the whole "mate" thing when we next saw each other, so maybe some of my questions could be answered then. I just needed to chill out and focus on one thing at a time.

Unfortunately, with the extra brain power I was currently experiencing, my brain didn't exactly feel up to focusing on one thing at a time and my thoughts were brought to Victoria and her Army of newborns. What did this new development mean for me now? Would I still go back with Peter and Charlotte? Would they go back at all? Would I go back alone? I know I've been gone a hell of a long time. Have I been missed? Are they sending out search parties for me? Do they even care? As unsure about these questions as I am, I feel the need to discuss some of this with Major Whitlock. I'm sure if anyone would know where to go from here, it would certainly be him.

I also needed to come to terms with the possibility of becoming a part of a real family again. Granted this family would be a tad different, but it would be nice to belong somewhere again. It would be even nicer to have my babies feel at home somewhere. The rest of the family sounds nice from what Major Whitlock has told me about them, granted it isn't all that much, but if he's excited for me to meet them, then I don't have anything to be worried about.

My thoughts cease as I hear a heart beating close to me. I let instinct take over. I focus on it and close in. My victim luckily fits my profile and I don't hesitate before taking him down. The fresh blood running into my mouth helps to calm my thoughts further. As it settles into my stomach, I'm able to think a little more clearly and it helps me relax. After I drain the man, I dispose of him according to how I was taught and head back to where I will be meeting the Major.

As I show up in the clearing, I see he is waiting for me, he seems to have fed already and his eyes are a bright gold color now. I should find it odd that his eyes aren't red, but to me, it just seems like I'm staring into the sun.

"Howdy, ma'am." He says to me, standing and tipping an invisible hat.

"Howdy your own self." I reply. "Did you find somethin' good to eat?" I ask as I walk over.

"I did, actually." He replies. "Took down some deer while I waited for ya."

"Oh? How were they?" I ask curiously.

"Not as good as a mountain lion or a bear, but I make do." He says.

"It's a shame we can't eat the meat anymore. I used to make one hell of a venison steak when I was human." I state.

"Humans still know how to cook deer?" he asks.

"Not as many as back in your human days, I'm sure," I state as we start walking back to the cabin, "but my grandmother taught me well."

"I'm surprised. I would have thought that would've fallen outta fashion." He says.

"Oh, don't get me wrong, it has." I replied. "My grandmother just wanted to give me a thorough cooking education. I can't say I was ever ungrateful. She was an amazing cook."

"You miss your family, don't ya?" He asks.

"More than you can imagine. Although, I do have you to thank for the hope of seeing my sons again, so thank you for that." I reply.

"My pleasure, ma'am." he says.

"Why did you want to help me, anyway? I mean, I understand that we're supposed to be mated now, but forgive me if I don't quite understand what that means or why it happened." I say.

"Well, as to "why" I don't quite understand it myself. It just…is. I know it don't make a lotta sense, but I don't think anyone really gets the "why", nor do we really care in the end because we're the happiest we can be in this existence. And I wanted to help ya because I can feel how sad bein' without 'em makes ya." He begins, " I want to do anythin' in my power to keep ya happy and if bein' with 'em again makes ya happy, then hell, I'm more than willin' to help out in any way I can."

"Thank you for that, truly, but they aren't your responsibility. They're mine. You don't have to do anythin' if you don't want to." I state.

"Before I get into everythin' that's wrong with that statement, let me explain somethin' to ya." He says.

We find the nearest set of boulders and sit down face-to-face before he begins again. "Bein' mated to someone is a big deal as a vampire. A much bigger deal than marriage as a human. Bein' someone's mate means they're the other half of who you are and you're the other half of them. Without each other you have to battle constant loneliness, unless you wanna take a temporary lover, but even then, it wouldn't be forever. You'd leave them or they'd leave you for their other half. Let me ask ya a question, when ya left me to feed, did ya feel a…tuggin' sensation right where your heart would be?"

"Yeah, now that you mention it, I did. How did you know that?" I ask.

"Because I felt it, too." He replies. "It's your body's reaction to leavin' your mate's side. As vampires, we feel more fully, love more deeply, and our hurt can be more painful than anythin' you'd ever experienced as a human. See how that feelin' is gone now?"

I didn't realize it, but he was right. The feeling was gone now that I was back by his side. I nod at him to let him know I understand before he continues. "I never knew what it felt like until now, but I can understand why Peter and Char, Rose and Emmett, and Carlisle and Esme hated bein' away from eachother so much. It is physically painful and even bein' an empath didn't allow me to feel the full extent until you left me to feed."

"So let me get this straight," I begin, "being mated is more binding than marriage, more painful than having your heart ripped out, and I have no control over any of it? Am I getting all of this?"

He chuckles at my baffled expression. "It's more than that. You'll have someone to live this long existence out with, someone who can lift ya up when you're down, calm ya when you're angry, soothe ya when you're upset, celebrate with ya when you're happy, and mourn with ya after a loss. Mates do all of this instinctually and willingly to each other."

"So what does this mean for us? Are we technically "married" in the vampire world now? I mean, we barely know each other. How will I know that in 100 years, you won't wind up mated to someone else?" I ask.

"I know we barely know each other, but the "monster" in me recognizes that ya are the one for me." He states. "No one else will have the effect on me that ya do. The same goes for you. Your internal "monster" has recognized me for who I am and won't want anyone else. It's all instinctual. So in 100 years or 1000 years we will still be together. As for how we move on, it's all up to you. We can go as fast or as slow as ya like. And no, we're not technically "married"," he grins, "just "off the market" as it were."

"I wouldn't leave the speed of our relationship up to me if I were you. I don't exactly have the best track record with men." I state sourly. "Although, I suppose learning more about each other would be a good place to start."

"As you wish, little Lady." he says standing up. "What would you like to know first?"

"Well, I keep calling you either Major or Major Whitlock in my mind. I know addressing you that way is a bit formal, so what would you like me to call you?" I ask as we resume walking to the cabin.

"I've noticed that ya do that. You don't have to be so formal, in fact I prefer it if you weren't. My family calls me Jazz, and ya can use that or just call me Jasper." He replies.

"Sounds good. Is there anything that you want to know about me?" I ask.

"I wanna know everythin' about ya, Darlin'." He replies. "However, for the moment my curiosity can wait. I believe that we have other issues to deal with, don't ya?"

Crap. I had almost forgotten about Alice.

"I suppose you've got a point." I reply. "What are we gonna do?"

"Well, I asked Peter to put in a call to Aro to inform him of the situation. All we can do now is wait on his verdict." He replies.

"I'm sorry, but who is Aro?" I ask.

"Ah, shit Darlin'. I keep forgettin' how much you don't know. Aro is one of the leaders of the vampire world." he says.

"The vampire world has leaders? Like, actual leaders that keep us in check? I had no idea the vampire world was big enough to need leaders." I reply.

"It's a lot bigger than ya might think. The leaders are Aro, Marcus, and Caius Volturi. They live in Volterra, Italy in an actual castle. They're three brothers and Aro is definitely the one ya need to watch out for. He craves power and he craves anyone who'll help him keep it. He may actually be interested in adding ya to his guard, so be prepared for that offer. Marcus is a bit different. He just wants to be left alone to mourn the loss of his mate in peace. Caius is the last brother. He's what you'd consider a hot-head. He lives for battle and destruction. They are surrounded by and in control of their personal guard. Aro hand picks every member according to how badly he wants 'em and how useful they may be. His guard is very gifted, but he has the Witch Twins, so hopefully he'll see no need to ask ya to join."

"Have they ever asked you to join them?" I ask.

"They have. I'm sure Peter and Char have told you about my reputation as the unbeatable God of War, yes?" He asks.

"I know a bit, but not too much." I reply.

"Well, Aro did ask me if I wanted to lead his guard as their Major. I think the thought of me leading his guard was too temptin' for him not to ask. However, I declined. I didn't want that life anymore." He says.

"I can understand that. Bein' brought up in this way of life is…difficult. Not knowin' if or when you'll feed, or if you're the next to burn. I'm lucky I'm gifted, otherwise I never would have lasted this long." I say."But why would Aro want me, specifically and why do you hope he wouldn't ask me to join?"

"The Witch Twins, Jane and Alec, are his not-so-secret weapons. Jane can make you feel excruciatin' pain without even touchin' ya. Alec is the opposite and cuts off every sense you've got and leaves ya blind, deaf, dumb, and incapable of doin' anythin' to resist. What ya can do for him is pretty similar, so I hope he won't find any need to have ya on the guard. Aro doesn't have a Siren, and to be honest, I don't think he's actually ever met one. They don't tend to last very long because they're so dangerous. So, they're usually killed off before they can cause too much damage." He says, "The power you could wield makes ya a great asset to your allies, but it's also devastatin' as hell to your enemies."

"I don't understand what makes me so damn dangerous." I reply. "I haven't done anything to warrant a death sentence."

"Not yet," he replies, "but ya have to think about it this way; ya have the power to mimic other people's voices, which – although creepy – could also be used against someone. Think about it. If ya heard your sons' panicked and scared voices, you'd run straight toward the sound without thinkin' and instead of what ya expected, ya get trapped or killed. It can be used as a diversion for the setup of a trap. Ya also have to think about exactly how ya sing somethin'. If ya sing in a perfect imitation of the Artist's voice, it's deadly. People fall under your spell; however, if you sing in your own voice, it doesn't have quite the same effect. It's just beautiful music. And that doesn't even cover all of the other things ya can do. Imitating every sound that you hear, from a bomb, to a car, to a telephone ringin'; the sheer possibilities are endless for what ya could do."

"I guess it's a good thing I have no desire to be all powerful then, huh?" I ask.

Jasper laughs a bit before saying, "No one would be able to stop ya either. All ya'd need to do is convince 'em it's a good idea."

As we round the next grouping of trees, the cabin comes back into view and we notice Peter and Charlotte are standing on the porch outside waitin' for us. We don't walk two steps into the clearing before Peter is rushing up to us. "So," he says mischievously, "I see that ya didn't waste no time in getting…properly acquainted with each other."

Charlotte comes up behind him and smacks him across the back of the head, "Peter!" she scolds, "No need to embarrass 'em." She looks over to Jasper and I and smiles sweetly before saying, "We're really happy ya finally found your mate, Major. Y'all both deserve some happiness in your lives. Congratulations."

"How did y'all know what…uh…happened?" I asked a bit embarrassed. I was so glad I couldn't blush anymore because I honestly think I would have been as red as my hair.

Charlotte answers, "Easy, sweetheart! Those bites on the side of your neck are matin' marks. Basically like flashin' neon signs that say "MATED" and for some reason, all vamps are programmed to look there upon seein' other vamps. I guess our brains subconsciously catalog the information until we need it."

"Aww, Char, you're so smart." Says Peter while wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Boy," she replies exasperatedly as she turns to look at Peter and pokes him in the chest, "I swear, you're crusin' for a brusin' if you don't behave."

"I hate to cut the fun short, y'all, but where are we on Aro's verdict, Captain?" says Jasper.

"Sorry, Major", Peter replies, standing at attention, "I sent off the video to Aro about ten minutes after y'all left. I haven't heard anythin' since. Maybe ya ought to give 'em a call."

"I think that's a good idea, too, but I have somethin' to add." I said. "Why don't we make this a video call? I'm sure if Aro has the technology to have somethin' emailed to him, then I'm sure he has the capability of a FaceTime call."

They all manage a look of utter bewilderment at my suggestion before Charlotte asks, "Why would you wanna do that?"

"Well, think about this for a second." Looking at Jasper, I say, "Your family still believes that Alice was your mate, correct?"

"Yeah." he replies. "But what does that have to do with anything?"

"And Peter," I state, ignoring Jasper for the moment, "you still have access to that recording of her confession, correct?"

"I do." He replies.

"Ok, hear me out. Jasper, you said that you were awaiting Aro's verdict on Alice. Which means that in order to take any action against her, you need his approval. However, as part of your family, I'm sure that Alice has a fair few people that would be willing to come to her defense if she was threatened in any way. So, how would it look to them if you just showed up with some random she-vamp and said that we had killed Alice? I'm guessing 'not good'."

They all looked at each other questioningly, but I continued. "We need evidence that what we did and why was in an effort to neutralize an obvious and dangerous threat. Anything we do needs to be faultless and by-the-book that way it absolves any of us of falsifying information or holding back the truth. I wouldn't want there to be any discord between you and your family on my part. So, we need to do this right."

"So what exactly are you suggestin', Amanda?" Peter asks.

I turn to Peter and say, "I'm suggesting that you record the phone call. The video call is just to prove to Jasper's family that what we told them Aro said was actually what Aro said. I'm also suggesting that we record the verdict that Alice receives, so we can prove to Aro and to Jasper's family that the sentence has been carried out the way Aro wanted. This way everyone gets the full and true story and no one is left in the dark."

"Well, damn, Darlin'." says Jasper. "I certainly do like the way you think."

"It makes sense, Major" says Peter "I can only imagine the kinda hell that could rain down on us if this goes sideways. We're gonna need the Cullen's help to fight off Victoria and I'd hate it if they were to turn on us or, worst case scenario, not go into battle with us at all."

"Just outta curiosity, sugar" Charlotte begins, looking at me quizzically, "how'd you come up with this?"

"Well, I'm a woman who loves her modern technology," I admit "add that with a minor interest in criminal law and I'm a force to be reckoned with. I can always manage to talk myself out of trouble with a few loopholes and technicalities."

"I like her, Major." Charlotte says. "I hope you're gonna be around a long time, sugar." She says, pointing at me and grinning like the Cheshire cat.

"Alright then," Jasper says "It looks like I've got a call to make. Peter, be ready to record."

As the guys get prepared, I can't help but wonder what Alice thinks about all of this. I don't know what possesses me to walk into the cabin, but I'm shocked to see she's still there, in her chains, waiting for something to happen. I half expected her to have broken free of her bindings, but I should have known that Peter wouldn't give me chains that would break. She still looks at me with loathing, but as I turn to face her fully, her eyes wander over to see the side of my neck where my mating mark is. Her eyes widen in shock and then immediately narrow and I hear growling from behind the tape over her mouth.

Again, I don't know what possesses me, but I remove the tape from her mouth so she can speak.

"I hate you." Alice says to me.

"You don't even know me." I reply.

"You ruined everything. I could have been great. I should have been great. I would have been respected and feared and loved. You ruined that dream for me." Alice states.

"I would apologize, but I have nothing to be sorry for." I reply. "It wasn't my choice to become this. All I wanted that day was to get on a plane and fly back home to my family. I never wanted this. You, however have plenty to be sorry for. Where I come from, the word "family" actually means something. How could you be so heartless to people who took you in? Clothed you? Spent money on you? Loved you? I don't understand how one person could be so selfish."

"You will never understand." She replied.

"Try me." I said. "I won't understand unless you tell me."

She stays quiet for a minute, refusing to look in my direction, but instead choosing to stare a hole into the wood over my left shoulder. "It'll never work, you know." She states.

"What won't work?" I ask.

"Getting your family back." She states. "You're a savage. Dangerous. You eat humans. You'll never be able to see your kids again. You're more likely to kill them than to love them as a real parent should."

"You obviously don't know me at all. I would more likely hurt myself than lay a finger on them. Although, you wouldn't know anything about being a real parent considering you aren't and will never be one." I reply. "And wasn't a part of this master plan of yours to be able to eat humans? So does this make you a hypocrite? I think it does, which makes that reasoning invalid."

She just looks at me acerbically and doesn't reply for which I was grateful. "Do you know what's going on out there right now?" I ask as I point outside. "My mate, his Captain, and Charlotte are calling Aro to determine what to do with you next. I hope you remember everything about your little confession, Alice because Aro heard it all."

"He was my mate first, whore." She spits.

"Actually, he was your lover." I state. "Not your mate. I don't see a mating mark on you, so that means he just used you for his pleasure until I came along. Normally, I would be angry about that sort of thing, but he had to do something – oops, someone – to relieve the pressure and unfortunately masturbation only goes so far. I bet you put out for him whenever and wherever you thought he wanted without a second thought just so you could keep him around until this plan of yours came to fruition. I'm also betting you think most men just think with the brains in their dicks, and that they only want one thing, but you'd be sorely mistaken."When she looks me in the eye, I can see that's exactly what she had thought. I look at her in complete disgust as I realize I'm right. "Who's the whore now?"

"My family is going to see you dead." She replies.

"Oh, really?" I ask. "That would be the same family that you wanted to end after they were of no further use, yes? Or, is that the family that you took advantage of and used in order to get your way? Because, I've got news for you, they'll be seeing that confession, too and I'll be shocked if anyone can love you after that."

She averts her eyes from my gaze and I turn to leave, but I see that Jasper has made himself comfortable leaning up against the doorframe of the cabin. "How long have you been there?" I asked.

"Long enough to hear ya tear Alice apart." Jasper replies. "I'm really glad I witnessed it, too."

"Why is that?" I asked. "I figured you'd be pissed. You did love her at one time, ya know."

"Because ya didn't hold anythin' back. Ya told her exactly how ya felt and exactly what ya thought. She needed to hear it. It's true, I may have loved her at one time, but recently it was just easier to let her have her way. I don't know if I've truly loved her in a long time and it took me a hell of a lot longer to realize that than it should've." He said. "Come on, Darlin'. We've got a call to make."

Jasper sounds guilty. I don't like it. As we walk out of the cabin, I come to the conclusion that he shouldn't be feeling guilty for thinking that what they had was love. He knew no different and he had no reason to suspect that anything she felt was false. I was determined that after this call was made, I would make sure he realized his guilt was unnecessary.

Peter had been busy since I went inside. He had Jasper's phone situated on a boulder and his own phone was in his hands ready to record the conversation. Once Jasper gave the signal, Peter started recording, and Jasper made the call to Aro. He answered the call before the first ring was over.

"Ah, Major Whitlock! It's wonderful to hear from you!" Aro begins.

"I sincerely doubt it Aro. Ya know why we've called. Have ya, Marcus, and Caius had a chance to review the footage we sent over?" Asks Jasper; the authority in his voiced leaving no room for doubt as to what he meant.

"We have, yes." Aro states sadly. "It's such a shame to hear that dear Alice was going to betray us and that she was going to use you and the Captain to do it."

"So what do ya want us to do with her, Aro? She threatened your throne. You know she kept me and my mate apart for her own gains. Breakin' either law results in death. She said it herself while she was bein' interrogated." Jasper states.

"Ah, yes. Your mate, the Siren. It was her lovely voice I heard singing in that video wasn't it?" Asks Aro.

"Yes," Jasper says "it was."

"I would like to hear from her, if you don't mind." States Aro.

Jasper, Peter, and Charlotte look to me before I shrug my shoulders and walk further into the frame so he can see me. "I don't mind at all, sir. It's a genuine pleasure to finally meet you." I say as I lay on the thick Southern charm.

"Well, the pleasure is certainly mine, my dear." Aro states formally.

So we were going to see who could out-do the other in politeness and formalities, huh? I could do this in my non-existent sleep. "I apologize for asking, but since I'm unfamiliar with vampire custom – being so new and all – I was wondering what the proper address would be for you and your brothers? I would hate to start my time as a vampire by being un-courteous to royalty."

"You can just address us by our given names, my dear. It's easier on everyone that way." Aro states. "Might I inquire as to how to address you, dear?"

I can feel the looks I'm getting from the three beside me, but I ignore them for the moment. I need my wits and charm about me when dealing with Aro. Otherwise I'm just asking to be talked into a corner. "Since you were so kind as to allow me to address you so informally, I would have you do the same. It's only polite. My name is Amanda."

"Amanda, it means 'worthy of love'. A fitting name for one so beautiful." Aro says. "I take it you are the Siren, Amanda?"

"I am." I reply.

"Would you mind telling me how you came into this situation so I can better understand how this interrogation happened and why?" He asks.

"That's more than fair, Aro and I will be glad to tell you everything." I reply. Then I tell him my story. All of it. I don't leave out any detail and I back my statements up with facts that he could check if he doubted any of my story. As I speak, I can see he's getting more and more concerned with every fact I give. He doesn't show it, but his milky-red eyes give him away. It takes a good while to finish my story and I conclude with the conversation Alice and I had in the cabin before this call began.

"Well, it seems quite a lot has been going on in the sleepy state of Washington." Aro states.

"Yes, sir." I reply. "Luckily we do have the numbers and the skill to take down Victoria's Army, once we add the Cullen's to our ranks, so that's not a concern at the moment. What does concern me is Alice. I have heard that she has the ability to see the future, is this correct?"

"Yes. It is." Aro replies. "And it's a gift I had very much hoped to eventually gain."

I understood that for what it was…a hope that one day Alice would have been forced into, or willingly gone, to serve Aro in his guard. "I understand that, sir. I really do, but I fear that if we let her live, she will use her skills to destroy myself, my mate, and our family in order to exact her revenge for foiling her original plans." I say.

"I hate to see a gift like that go to waste." Aro replies.

"And I would hate to see this new life cut short, sir. Especially by something as petty as revenge. Can you honestly give me your word that if she were in your care full-time that she wouldn't find some way to exact her revenge on us?" I ask.

Aro considers my words for a moment, but I continue "If she can see the future, as you say, then she can see 3…4…10 moves ahead of us. I'm sorry sir, but I won't take the chance that she could very easily see us into the nearest bonfire before we knew what hit us. I would always assume that she knows more than she's willing to say."

"I can see your point, child." Aro replies, "but I too have the gift of sight. I can see every thought your mind has ever had just with a touch. So I would be able to tell if she were planning something untoward."

"Again, I'm sorry Aro, but I'm not willing to take that chance. She lied to and deceived both Jasper, an empath, as well as his mind-reading brother. She kept her plans and her feelings secret and safe in her mind and no one was the wiser." I reply. "Even if you were to take hold of her 24 hours a day 7 days a week…there would be times that you'd need to take a break; to feed, to rule, or to do various other things. Who would be responsible for listening to her thoughts then?"

"Just to make sure we're both on the same page, you're saying that she's too dangerous to be left alive and that you wouldn't trust the Volturi to watch her every move?" Aro asks.

"It's not that, sir. Truly. I believe she is too dangerous to be left alive because she will always know more than she is willing to share. Even with you. If she is kept alive and you place her under constant guard, how can you be so sure that she won't use her charms in order to get her way? She could ask her guard to do something miniscule and inconsequential at the time, but it's just the first domino to fall in another grand scheme. Are you really willing to take that chance just to know the future?" I ask.

Aro thinks on what I've said and, after conferring with his brothers about my testimony, he comes to a conclusion and a decision. "Amanda," he says "you have given me much to think about and I'm not normally one to listen to the reason of one so young, but your argument today is valid. I wish I could convince you that transferring Alice into our care would be advantageous to everyone, but you raise some valid concerns. The least of which is that she did keep her plans secret, even from Edward. I would like to know how she managed to do that."

"Aro," Jasper chimes in "I believe that I have an answer to that question."

"Please, Major. Enlighten me." Aro retorts.

Jasper slides up next to me in full view of the camera, but doesn't push me out of the way. He just shares the space with me. "Edward once told me that he can't hear every thought in someone's head, just the thoughts a person is havin' at that moment, so if Alice never thought about any of this around Edward, then he would have no reason to question her." Jasper answers.

"That…makes sense, Major." Aro replies. "However, your mate still did raise valid points in her argument." He takes a deep unneeded breath and lets it out slowly. Almost seeming to deflate as we watch. "My decision has been made. Major, please feel free to mete out justice as the law demands. Her life is now forfeit and you can do with her as you please. Just let me know when justice has been served."

"We will let you know as soon as it's done." Jasper says, disconnecting the call.

A/N: This is my longest chapter yet! There was just so much to put into this. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

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