A/N: Sorry this is slightly short, I promise a lengthier chapter next!

(Present)

Edward's POV

The darkness of the hall engulfed us all upon our entrance. Somewhere in the distance water dripped from the ceiling. The whole of the underground was itself damp. All was quiet, the only sound, the beating of the werewolves' hearts. Our feet made no sound as they plodded along the damp stone floor carefully. It was so silent that one could easily be led to believe that we were the only ones down here. Of course, we weren't alone. The thoughts of the guards spoke louder then breath and words. They were waiting on orders to attack.

Sam plodded along beside me. He resented sharing the lead with a vampire but he bore it in silence. It wasn't his rightful position anyway. That position belonged to Jacob, who suddenly appeared at my side, and to my surprise Sam fell back behind us. They are just watching. Acting like we don't know they are there. Its not like we can't smell them! Are they just going to let us go on through?

Obviously Jacob had no idea what the minds of these guards were comprised of, Killing and blood. But it was not smart to speak now. I just shook my head grimly in response to his questions. I turned my head to look into his eyes hoping to convey what a dire situation this was. Jacob's eyes closed for a moment, but other then that he betrayed no fear.

The guards knew all along that we were coming, and we were in loads of trouble. It was to late to run now. The second we turned our backs they would attack. They were cowards in this way. They would not take on our group face to face. They would wait till our backs were turned.

Edward, What a pleasure it is that you have returned Aro's thoughts broke through my mind before he appeared. Caius and Marcus were at his side, and the guard drifted in beside them. I took notice immediately of the absence of Heidi, Felix, Jane, and Alec. Something unsettling stirred within me at the finding. But before I could inquire Jacob growled beside me and appeared ready to lunge at them. But Jacob was not alone, the entire underground tunnel erupted in snarls and growls. Stupid dogs! Had they no sense?

Aro stepped forward unfazed, "be quiet you overeager canine." As always Aro seemed to be able to make even an insult sound pleasant. "You will have your chance to attack, if that is what you choose to do after I show you our guests. You all are write on time. They only just arrived a few minutes ago. "Heidi, Felix, Jane, and Alex will you please bring in our guests." He sounded a bit troubled now as he looked at me apologetically. He gave me a preview of what was coming and I could not believe it. Bella! Esme! Mentally he quickly explained Bella's capture in Forks by Jane and Alec, and then Esme's capture in Barrow by Heidi and Felix, before she could alert me that Bella had run off. This had all been planned! I could not grasp how we had all missed that major detail. Before I could take him, the four abductors appeared with their hostages. Bella seemed dazed but in good condition. Our eyes met for a brief moment and hers filled with tears of apology and pain. Silently, I vowed that she would make it out alive.

"Aro, release both of them immediately." I must have jumped twice my height into the air. I had not heard Carlisle rush beside me. I had been to consumed by the appearance of Bella that I had missed Carlisle's rush to the front. I grabbed him before he could do more then change his position. He was shaking with anger at this point, and I was inclined, for a moment, to believe that he would suddenly phase into a werewolf. "Easy" the other words died on my tongue when a sudden rush of pain washed through my body bringing me instantly to my knees. Jane. All around me the others mirrored me.

"Jane, that is quiet enough. We don't treat our guests this way." Aro admonished, and instantly the pain ended. My eyes opened in time to see Aro wrap his arm around Bella's shoulder. Immediately I got to my feet and moved towards Aro. The guard closed in on me, but backed off when Aro waved them off. "Edward, you still haven't changed her?" He said disappointedly. "Well, there is no need to worry. I shall personally take care of that."

Bella's entire body tensed as she looked at me, "please, no." She begged with such pain that I wanted to take her in my arms at that moment.

"Turning her is my job, and my job alone." I said with restrained coldness.

Caius stepped out from among the group. "You promised us that this would be done in August." He reminded me through a diabolical sneer.

"It is August, we have an entire two weeks until our deadline is up." I protested fiercely. I sank into a crouch ready to lunge for her if I needed to. Even if it would result in my death. Death would be worth saving Bella. "If you touch Bella, all hell will break lose. I promise you that." The threat was followed by a snarl. This was more then a threat however, this would happen.

Aro took my words into consideration. Would you settle for a deal? My lips pressed into a firm line and I stared at him, before I nodded. You will leave here today with Bella intact as a human. The others will be spared death. I will extend your time to change her, with or without Caius's and Marcus's blessing, to a month. However, you and your family must return. To join the guard. Now before you protest, listen to me! His thoughts were becoming increasingly troubled with each word spoken. I must confess. This entire thing had been planned to every last detail. From Bella's original kidnaping by the young wolves, to the short lived war, the death of the girl's father, all of this led up to this moment which had also been planned.

I replayed Aro's thoughtin disbelief and anger. "Why?" I demanded, every muscle in my body was tensed now. I am truly sorry we had to sacrifice someone so close to Bella but there was no other way. We are in grave danger. Not solely our family, but every single vampire. There is another family vying for this high position. They believe that exposing our secret is the proper thing to do. They want to use what we are to take to rule the earth. They want to destroy all human governments, and reduce the human population to cattle. Only selecting the best to become what we are. They are far worse then we are. We feed off of the human race, but at least we do not steal their rights.

Again I replayed Aro's thoughts. Could this be true? All of it? Was their really a group of vampires that the Volturi could not stop? "How many are there?" I asked. The shakiness of my voice startled me, and immediately my mind was flooded by questions.

"100 or so, ask Carlisle. He will tell you everything." He vocalized his answer now, he sounded truly stressed. "The D'Amico coven. The entire clan of vampires fell silent at the name. Caius and Marcus's seemed immensely annoyed.

"I cannot speak for my family, however, you have my assistance. If and only if this is true." I said quietly. The volturi were not the most diabolical vampires around. I knew this, and I would not let the real dementeded vampires of our planet take over. I couldn't.

A/N: I know I said I would end this in 2-3 chapters. I still plan on doing so. Except I will create a sequel. This whole idea came to me last night :) As always I appreciate your reviews, and I look forward to hearing your feed back.