Chapter 23

It was a good thing that I didn't need to sleep anymore.

The wolves showed up at the manor late last night. Jasper showed everyone the best technique to killing vampires, and Edward took care in reminding the pack that they were on our side for this fight and shouldn't get any ideas of killing any of us by accident.

"My word is true Cullen. No one from the pack will harm you, your family, or your friends. In fact, to ensure this, I'll have my wolves catch the scent of all of you so that we won't confuse you with your Volturi." Edward was interpreting Sam since none of the wolves seemed to trust us enough to come in their human form.

Carlisle nodded in approval, and the vampires who didn't mind the wolves stood in line to be sniffed.

"I'm not going anywhere near those dogs," Alistair gasped. He was appalled that Carlisle was allowing such an alliance to take place at all.

"Then they won't be able to assure your protection. And quite frankly I wouldn't blame them." I was surprised at Carlisle's second remark. But at the same time I wasn't. Alistair had been very vocal in his distaste for Carlisle's choice in protection.

"He's thinking of running to the Volturi. He thinks they will win and wants to align himself with the victors." Edward picked from his mind.

'Alistair, you are here because you choose to fight against the wrongs that Aro and the Volturi do against our kind. And out of courtesy of your friendship to Carlisle no one has said anything to you till now. But I will tell you this, I will kill you myself if I thought that you were jeopardizing my family in anyway. And that includes the wolves. If you choose to stay, you will respect the wolves and do as they say.'

That was the first time that I had made known to any of our guests what my gift was. Alistair was completely shocked and scared at the same time. He got in line with the rest of us, and those who had initially refused also got in line. They may not have heard our exchange, but they could tell it was something significant to make Alistair do a complete 180.

After the wolves were done, everyone who was coupled up, went off to find a spot of their own to spend some time with their mates. Edward and I allowed Esme and Carlisle to have our meadow. I wanted to stay behind and give my thanks to Sam and Jacob before going up to Edward's room.

It was there that I was now polishing and sharpening my sword. I didn't need it but it always came in handy when I used it.

"Bella? It's time." Alice's head poked through the door and was back out before I could look up at her. I gathered my things and found Edward and our guests, along with our family standing in the foyer of the manor.

"This is it." I said as I followed everyone to the field.

We were all completely silent, even when we arrived at our destination. I looked around our ragtag gathering and saw all of the different vampires that were fighting oppression from the Volturi. It made me sad that I worked for them. There were the Denali's of course, and the Irish coven, a coven from Egypt and a few nomads. The two oldest, the ones that were of the same translucent skin as my father and uncles, were Vladimir and Stefen. I had spent some nights with them, talking about Aro's history. And they told me of the actual accounts of the night Aro overthrew them. I was reminded that I sort of looked like Ava and that Aro would naturally think of me as his daughter.

The wolves met us in the field. And I felt gravely responsible for them. 'No matter what happens today, you'll be protected by my shield. I promise. Just remember that.' I could tell by Sam's eyes that he was confused by my choice of words, but he nodded anyway.

I held onto Edward's hand, tightly, as I saw movement on the far side of the field. Along with everyone else, I tensed up when I saw the procession.

Aro, Caius, and Marcus I saw first, only because I was looking for them directly, but they were proceeded by Jane and Demetri and their respective teams. Corin and Felix were in the middle, where I would have been standing. The wives followed the brothers, wringing their hands together with nerves. The rest of the guard surrounded them, and the witnesses that Aro had gathered were a few steps back.

I had never seen the full procession, but I'd been told about it. Yet I was still in awe of it, now that I saw the precision that it was carried out.

I checked my shields and they were in place of everyone that was on the field, including the wolves. I was disenchanted when Carlisle told me that if Aro had requested anyone of the hands of my family that I would have to remove my shield. It was not something that I was looking forward to because it would leave them open to Jane or Alec's attacks.

Aro stepped out from behind his initial guard and looked at everyone gathered. "Well, brothers. Look at what we have here. I am confused as to why there is such a large gathering here."

"I could say the same thing old friend." Carlisle said. "We've broken no rules and yet you've come with the entire guard and the wives to my home?"

"It was merely a precaution Carlisle. We saw on the news that my Bella was found in Port Angeles. And we were wondering if you were holding her hostage."

"She wanted to be here. And she's staying with us." Carlisle asserted.

"Hmmm, we'll see about that." Aro looked at the band of vampires before settling his eyes on mine. "Bella, we've missed you. I trust everything turned out well." I nodded my head in his direction and looked up at Edward who never relaxed his position.

"Edward." Aro simply held out his hand, waiting for Edward's. I held my breath though it didn't make any difference. This was the moment that Carlisle tried preparing me for. I watched helplessly as Edward made his way towards Aro. I mentally saw my shield unravel from around him with each step. I had hoped that this was unavoidable since with one touch, Aro would know our plan.

Aro held onto Edward's hand as he looked through his mind. Aro only needed a few seconds before—

"Ahh. How amusing. Brothers, it seems that the Cullen's have constructed an army to kill us." He pushed Edward back and I helped him up from the ground.

"No Aro, not all of you, just you." I seethed.

"Bella? This was your plan? Your idea?" He reiterated.

"Yes. Aro. It was all me."

"Splendid. I had wondered how you were going to bring everyone together and you also managed to bring out others who opposed me. You are truly my Princess." He held out his hand and I gladly took it. The look of shock on everyone's faces was floored. The wolves were confused by what was taking place. I could see that on their furry faces. Esme looked hurt and lost, while Jasper, Emmett were confused. Rosalie was spitting hatred in my direction. I couldn't find the heart to care.

"Bella? What have… What's going on?" Esme asked, her words broken by the pain and sobs.

I took my place in front of Felix and Corin, letting Felix hold my sword while Caius helped me with my robe. With my sword still in its sheath I finally answered.

"I'm sorry Esme for the deceit. It was the only way I could truly get my revenge on the ones who hurt me.

"She truly was effective in doing so. She's delivered all of my enemies to me and in one fell swoop, you all will be dealt with."

"Father, I do believe there is something you're missing. I've had the chance to observe many of them and there are a few I believe would make an excellent addition. You know which of the Cullen's would be useful, but many of the ones gathered here have proved themselves, worthy as well."

"Like whom, Bella?"

"Well there's one who can teleport, which is needed to replace Afton. There's also another who is quite similar to Corin, only he is a true chameleon, he can change the bone structure of anyone he wanted. Like I said, quite useful."

The look of betrayal was all over the faces of everyone that I once stood alongside. Aro walked over to Carlisle and grabbed his hand. I remembered to remove my shield from around the vampires, though I was determined to keep it around the wolves. Aro flipped through Eleazar's memories.

"I'm sorry Bella. But there is nothing but contempt and hatred for you from your former comrades. Perhaps if you explain yourself, they may see you in a better light?"

"Certainly." 'Jane and Alec do not, under any circumstances attack them until at least I've finished.' The wretched twins nodded in my place, complete opposites of each other. Jane with a pout and Alec with a smile. Alec's gift allowed him to be patient and he wouldn't mind. Jane on the other hand, is a cynic and loved dealing pain.

"Edward, you especially need to listen to this, because you will need to understand that even if you were to see the error of your ways, and be in the guard, you will not be able to stand at Bella's side on the throne. She's been promised to Demetri, and the two of them will take over the reins of the Volturi."

I left my place from beside Demetri, who placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked up into his eyes and smiled. I heard Edward growling internally at the display of affection between me and Demetri. I couldn't tell if he was growling because he still felt something for me or he was angry at my blatant disloyalty. The moment was finally almost over and I'd be with the one I loved. I walked up beside Aro and looked at the wake of my betrayal.

"Despite what you think of me, I am sorry I had to play you the way I did. You see, I'd spent enough time with the Volturi to grow and think of them as my family, Aro of course as another father figure. One night, while catching me up on vampiric history, he asked me about the day he found me in the woods. The day that Edward made it known to me that my hopeful family left.

I had to relieve the pain I felt, and I was confused with the hurt that I felt then and the love that I still had for everyone of you; despite the pain. And confusion can make you do a number of things, and Aro helped me see past it and I realized that I was angry. With all of you.

It wasn't too hard to come up with this plan, I almost wish I didn't have to involve any of you this way. And I can understand if you don't want to join us, despite what I feel, it really is a generous offer." I cocked my head to the two who were the head and heart of the Cullen's: Carlisle and Edward. "The ball is in your court."

"Then we fight." Edward roared back in my face.

A smile crept up on my face, and I left it there. "I was hoping you would say that."