"Demetri had grabbed Alice, keeping her from protecting me. Edward did his best to keep Felix away from me. However, it was obvious to me that Felix was going to win. No matter how I believed Edward felt towards me, I couldn't stand to see him killed over me. So I did the only thing I could. I begged Aro to kill me and let them go. Aro was, floored really. He couldn't get over the fact that a human would offer their life to protect a vampire. He agreed, stopping Felix in the process of pulling Edward's head from his shoulders, and gliding over to me himself."
A visible shudder went through Bella's body at reliving these memories. "Just before Aro would have bitten me, Alice begged him to stop. She promised that I would be one of you, even if she had to turn me herself. She went so far as to show Aro her vision of me as a vampire." Bella paused to look each of her beloved family members in the eye then, still carefully not deciding anything beyond this speech. "The only reason Aro allowed me to walk out of there was Alice's promise." She heard a collective intake of breath as each of her family began to put the pieces together. Then she felt a cold hand wrap gently around her face.
Bella looked up into a pale face framed with golden curls. A face etched with sorrow and determination. So Jasper had figured out what she had then. Jasper searched her eyes "Are you sure Bella?" "It's the only way Jasper. We all know the Volturi won't wait for Edward and I to figure out where we stand." Without another word Jasper swung Bella into his arms and opened his mind to Edward. 'I need you to trust me Edward. Bella has refused the change and she knows Alice will be executed for it. She means to sacrifice herself instead. I have a plan to save her if you will just trust me – but force my hand and I will end her now to protect Alice.' Jasper watched as Edward tensed and then gave him a nod too slight for Bella to see.
"Jasper, what are you doing?" Carlisle stood and moved in front of Jasper, wondering if he was going to have to protect his human daughter from his son. By now everyone had realized that Bella's decision to hold off on her change put Alice's life at risk. "Please Jasper, put her down and let us all discuss this. Surely we can find a solution to protect both girls."
It was Bella who answered him. "Carlisle, Jasper is only doing what I want. I was serious when I said I could not accept eternity believing myself nothing more than a pet to Edward. I won't accept it. And we all know that means either I die or Alice and I die. But I…I can't do this myself. Jasper will be protecting Alice, his mate. He can do this and not suffer needless guilt. Please, Carlisle, let us leave."
When Carlisle began to argue, it was Edward who spoke up. Alice had finally had a vision, which he of course was privy to. He could see Jasper's intentions, both in his thoughts and Alice's visions. If any of them attempted to stop Jasper here, he would snap Bella's neck before they could stop him. But if they let them leave….Jasper truly had a plan to give Bella the time she asked for, if Bella would agree to it. It was Edwards only hope. "Carlisle let them leave."
Carlisle spun to look at Edward in utter shock "You can't be serious Edward!" Esme attempted to run to Bella only to find herself wrapped in Edward's embrace. "If any of us attempts to stop Jasper from leaving with Bella, she will be dead before we reach her. We have to let them go." Edward spoke forcefully, making sure his family stayed back. Esme collapsed in on him, the thought of losing a child too much for her. Running his hand through his mother's hair, Edward looked Bella straight in the eyes. She had tears running down her determined face. She truly was a precious gem. Even now, after all he had done and said that hurt her, she was putting the safety of his sister ahead of her own needs. "Bella, I know I have hurt you deeply. I know there isn't much I can say right now that you will believe. I'm going to say it anyway. I love you. What I have done and said that hurt you was a misguided attempt to protect you, protect your soul. For that I am sorry. I love you Bella, truly". Edward put every bit of his heart into those words. The only way to save Bella now was if she agreed to Jasper's plan. He looked at Jasper "Hurt her and I will kill you Jasper. That is a promise." 'I will do all I can to spare her brother. Not for you, not for Alice, but because she is the sister I adore. I won't harm her unless there is no other option left.' Edward looked Jasper deep in the eyes then stepped back to allow him to leave with Bella.
Jasper then said to his family "Rosalie, take Bella's truck into Port Angeles and ditch it. Alice, I'm sorry Love, but you shouldn't have kept this from us. Stay here, I'll come back for you. Esme, Carlisle, Emmett…I truly am sorry but you must understand I will protect my mate. Even against a human I call sister." The loud roar Emmett let out at that shook the whole house. The only thing that kept Emmett from attacking Jasper in that moment was the grip Carlisle and Rosalie had on him. They had been preventing him from attacking since Edwards warning against such a move. With a whispered "I love you all" from Bella, Jasper left the house and climbed into his pickup truck, Bella still cradled in his arms as he drove away.
