A/N: First off, I'm sorry this one's so long. Seems I don't do short chapters.

Good news, wonderful news, this story has surpassed ten thousand views! That's just awesome! I'm thrilled. Thank you. Thank you. For all your wonderful reviews and favs and alerts. It means so much to me.

Only two more chapters after this one. I'm kinda sad to see it end. But also ready. Next one's a big one, we'll find out what the Volturi have in mind for those who've been naughty.

Enjoy xoxo

– Bella's POV –

The following morning, when we returned to the training field, everyone was already sparring. There seemed to be a new energy about them. The enemy now had help and with Maria's history, they were all thoroughly motivated.

Well, all but two.

As I set Edward's head down on the tree stump, I heard the sound of Carlisle approaching. How did I know it was Carlisle? We go through this spiel every morning. Like clockwork.

"If you do not return Edward this minute, Isabella, I will have no choice but to go to the Volturi!" He threatened.

Hmm. That's new. He doesn't usually threaten us with the Volturi.

Too much of a coward for that.

Everyone around us froze. I saw the fear on their faces. Well, all but the Whitlock Coven, Esme, and Axel. They knew what was coming.

"Go ahead," I said, easily.

"W-What?"

Ah. That caught him off guard. Did he think he could make threats and we would just cower in fear? Ha!

I smiled. "I will not now, nor will I ever return Edward to you, Carlisle. So if you wish to call the Volturi, you go right ahead. I'm sure they'll be more than happy to assist. And when we go to Italy and meet with the brothers, Marcus can read your true bonds and finally put all this nonsense behind us."

He smirked at me then. "If you step foot in Volterra, they'll never let you leave!"

"Well, I guess that's a little more incentive for you to make that call." I smiled sweetly at him. "Of course, Edward will be there with me, and, as I recall, you were always fearful Aro would find out about him and lure him into the guard." I shrugged. "Oh well, at least Eleazar will be happy. With me and Edward gone, he'll have you all to himself. Maybe without Edward's influence, you'll finally be able to admit you're mated to Eleazar and get on with your lives."

He let out a strangled sound and lunged for me, screaming. "I AM NOT MATED TO ELEAZAR!" His hands wrapped around my throat and he began to squeeze as if to strangle me.

Does he know we don't breathe?

"I AM NOT A HOMOSEXUAL! He screamed.

Placing my hand on his wrist, I squeezed until I felt his bones beginning to crumble and his grip loosened enough for me to remove his hand from around my throat.

"For fuck sake, man!" I hissed, tossing him across the field. "You're a vampire. Try attacking like one, instead of a pathetic, weak human! Lest you've forgotten, doctor we do not breathe! What's the point in choking me?"

Grabbing a vampire around the throat is a show of dominance. It's a way to remove a head. It's a threat; clearly stating 'I have your throat; your life is in my hands'. It might've worked for Carlisle if did it correctly! We don't grab another vampire by the throat to choke them! Or shake the shit outta them. What would be the point? We're vampires! We don't breathe!

The four nomads, Garrett, and Kate looked disgusted as they all turned their backs on Carlisle.

Of course, that wasn't the end of it. Eleazar, who'd been inside the house, came flying out as Carlisle whimpered and bemoaned about his wrist and how I'd attacked him.

I was rolling my eyes and turning away from the two fools when Eleazar let out a roar and, once again, I was charged at.

Why can't these fuckers just leave me alone?

The price of popularity, my darling.

I'm not so sure it's my outstanding popularity that has these fuckers constantly attacking me.

All I want is to live in peace with my mate, is that so much to ask?

Speaking of my mate, he'd witnessed the whole ordeal and before I could move to defend myself, again, The Major was on Eleazar, snarling and growling like a vicious, sexy beast.

Peter and Charlotte moved in behind me, taking their position on my flanks as Charlie and Alice joined us. Alice slipped in beside me, linking her arm with mine, a grin on her face.

Seems The Major was done using his words to get these fuckers to stand down. Eleazar let out a cry as his hand was removed and tossed at Carlisle. It slapped his forehead and then dropped into his lap. Carlisle made a girly squeal and flung Eleazar's hand away from him, quickly scuttling back as if afraid!

Sadly, when he tossed the hand, it became disorientated and scampered away! Like Thing from the Addams Family.

"If you ever attack my mate again, Eleazar, you'll lose more than yer hand!" Jasper snarled. "She did not attack Carlisle! He attacked her. Get him under control, or I will." He tossed Eleazar at Carlisle who, again, gave a girlish shriek and darted away, which caused Eleazar to fall on his ass.

Seriously? This is pathetic. What the hell is wrong with this man?

"At this point, Eleazar," Randal stated, looking at Carlisle as he ran away from his mate, "I'd give up on him and find someone worthy of your time. He hasn't accepted the bond, has he? If it were me, I'd go to Aro and ask to have the bond broken completely. Allow yourself to find a new mate. Someone who'll care for you!"

"Consider someone who won't make you look like a fool," Mary suggested.

"Or, at the very least," Randal added, "someone who'll respect you and not cause your long-time friends to turn their backs on you in disgust."

As Jasper turned to me, pulling me into his arms to check for any injuries Carlisle or Eleazar may have caused, I asked, "Can a mating bond be broken?"

I never knew that.

"It can," Jasper said softly. "If the bond is not reciprocated and finalized." He brushed his fingers through my hair, gently cupping my face between his hands as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine.

"I can't imagine how painful that must be," I sighed when he pressed soft kisses to my nose and forehead. "Kinda makes you feel sorry for Eleazar."

But Jasper shook his head. "Don't go feelin' sorry for him, Darlin'. Eleazar's done this to himself. Carlisle ain't the first reluctant mate. There are ways to ease someone into matin', not force them, but make the transition easier on them. Especially when yer dealin' with someone from an era where homosexuality was against the law or someone who's rigidly set in their belief system like Carlisle."

"Problem is, both Eleazar and Carlisle are submissive men," Ali said softly. "But Eleazar isn't as submissive as Carlisle. He should've been the one to take the lead. For whatever reason, he didn't. He's done nothing to control Carlisle or help him accept his life and their bond. Instead, he sat back and watched as Carlisle did whatever he felt was necessary to live his ideal perfect life, even if that meant using and manipulating all of us!"

"Sadly," Char added, wrapping her arm around Ali's waist to offer the small girl comfort, "when two naturally submissive vampires mate, their bond rarely ends in a happily ever after."

"And as you said, Suga Bean, Eleazar should've killed Edward long before now," Pete added. "It don't matter that Eleazar is submissive. He's obviously the more rational of the two. He's the stronger one. Outside the bedroom, he'd hafta take the lead! He's accepted their bond. That alone should've had him rippin' Edward apart the moment he woke to this life! Instead, Eleazar sat back on his ass and let Edward manipulate and bewitch Carlisle for the last one hundred and seventy-three years. That boy has done a lot of damage in that time. And at this point, I ain't sure it's reversible!"

"Looks to me like Carlisle's never going to accept Eleazar as his mate," Mary nodded in agreement.

"It's a damn shame, too. Eleazar's a good man," Randal sighed.

"The only way out could be Chelsea," Jasper stated. "And that's only if Aro allows her to use her gift to break their bond. He may refuse as punishment for Eleazar's slipshod behavior towards his struggling mate."

Hmm. I'm having a worrying thought . . .

Me, too.

"So, Chelsea's gift is to manipulate bonds," I looked up at my mate, "could she break us apart?" I worried. "Or Pete and Char? Or my Charlie and Alice?"

From the corner of my eye, I saw Irina smirk. "Yes," she answered, almost gleefully.

Tanya sighed and nodded. "She's right, Bella. If Aro wants you, nothing will stand in his way."

"Aren't you two supposed to be training?" Char hissed, shooing them away. "Don't you dare listen to them, Bella!"

Jasper wrapped his arms around me and leaned down so that his lips were at my ear. "Aro wouldn't dare take my mate from me, Isabella. He knows the kind of destruction I'm capable of. I took Eleazar's hand as punishment for Carlisle's attack on you; what do you think I'd do if someone fucked with our bond?"

His voice was deep, husky, with a touch of possession in his tone. His words made me shiver.

Is it bad that I found him incredibly sexy right now?

– Peter's POV –

On the day of the battle, there was an anxious energy in the air. Us Whitlocks just wanted this shit over so we could finally go home. The nomads were unaffected. Most of them were eager to leave, too. They didn't like being in one place for too long. They were all disgusted by what they'd witnessed so far. They'd known Carlisle for decades, centuries, and to see the famed doctor—a man who prided himself on his compassion, who had only ever spoken of wanting peace and harmony—was upsetting . . . to say the least.

Randy and Charles were eager to spread the word about Eleazar's failings as a man and a mate, as well as Carlisle's bigoted mindset. His skewed view of love is disgustin'. In this day and age, when more and more vampires are findin' their mates in members of the same sex, we as a species—even a vampire as old as Carlisle—have to accept the world has changed. Long gone are the days when you could be persecuted for whom you love. Love is love.

For crying out loud, Axel is twice Carlisle's age and doesn't have a problem with same-sex couples! The Volturi—ancient fuckers that they are—embrace couples of the same sex and welcome them into their ranks!

Love is love.

Mary and Makenna questioned if it was right to spread rumors, but ultimately, I knew they'd tell Maggie in Ireland, Renata in Italy, and Luca in Malta and then word would spread further. Within six months every nomad Carlisle has ever met will turn their backs on him. Eleazar too will be shunned for the way he's acted or, in this case, hasn't acted!

Mating is sacred. The way those two have acted, or not acted, toward such an intense and rare bond will send shockwaves through our world. It just isn't done. Denying your bond! Eleazar's inability to control the situation. It's not just disgusting and deplorable, it's disrespectful!

Look at Bella; she was hurt, and broken, she hates the Cullen family for what they did to her, but she was unable to deny her matin' bond with Jasper. The pull, the desire, the strength of their bond—despite their differences, their pasts, and not knowing each other—still brought them together! Denyin' that bond, that pull, wasn't an option.

I don't know how Eleazar and Carlisle have done it for so many years! How can they stand denyin' such an intense, all-consumin' bond?

The pre-battle jitters we coming from the Cullen and Denali Covens. They'd never seen war before. Well, Eleazar has but then, I'm sure he's worried about Carlisle. Why? I've got no idea. The man-child is refusing to leave the house and come to the battlefield! He still insists this isn't happening!

I'm just thankful we can leave here soon. I'm so done with this tiny town, and these fucked up humanesque vampires! I want to go home and make love to my mate in our own bed! A few days of peace and then we're off to Africa! She's already made the arrangements. I think she's as excited about our trip as I am!

But first, there were two bitches that needed to die.

"It's time," I called, steppin' forward to face our group. "Makenna, Charles, take the west. There's a group of four stragglers. They're veerin' off in search of fresh blood. Hurry or they'll kill a family of campers."

Without a word, the two left and I turned to Randy and Mary. "Go east. You'll come upon a pair, two females. They've just discovered their matin' bond. Don't intrude on them. But the four males waitin' to rape them," Mary growled and I smirked, "make it hurt, Suga."

With a snarl, she took off with Randy following behind an excited grin plastered on his face.

The plan was to pick off as many of the newborns as possible before they reached the baseball field. If it worked, by the time they got to the battleground, there'd only be a few left.

"Kate, Garrett," I turned to them, "two miles north of here you'll find four males stalkin' a lone female. I don't need to tell ya what they're about to do. Take 'em down, but spare the female and bring her back here." They took off and I turned to my little sister. "Suga Bean, when this is over, you need to call Fred and get him to meet us, the female is his mate."

Her face lit up. "Oh, excellent! He'll be thrilled!"

"The rest of us, head out." The Major commanded. He was in his element today. "Remember, Victoria is mine," he snarled.

"And Maria is mine," Bella hissed, her red eyes shining in the sunlight.

She was all vampire today. The Major wouldn't let her go into battle as a hybrid, not that I can blame him. Even in her hybrid form, she smelt delectable.

We figured her scent would send the newborns into a frenzy! This afternoon, she'd gone out to lay down a trail for them to follow. A few drops of her blood scattered here and there, leadin' them to the battlefield. As soon as the newborns smelt Bella, they'd follow and forget all about the townsfolk.

Once on the battlefield, we all took our positions behind The Major and his mate. Then it was just a matter of waitin'.

"Makenna and Charles are on their way back," I told The Major. "They killed the newborns and two others."

He nodded. "The others?"

"Mary's taking care of the would-be-rapists." I chuckled. "Randy's watching the two female newborns mate."

Char rolled her eyes. "Typical man. Leave the woman to do all the work."

"What do we do with the two females?" Tanya asked.

"Unless they join the fight and attack . . ." The Major began.

"Leave them be," Bella finished, her narrowed eyes on the surrounding forest.

"They don't need to be a part of this," The Major nodded in agreement.

It was kinda freaky how they did that. Finished each other's sentences. Their bond was strengthenin' every day.

For a moment, it was quiet. And then I heard the sound of footfalls coming in fast.

After that, it was simple. The newborns were untrained, undisciplined, and impatient. They were so intent on gettin' to Bella and her blood that they didn't see anythin' but her. Somehow, even in her vampire form, her scent was heightened. I had to wonder if she was purposefully doin' that to distract them.

The Major leaned forward, pressed a kiss to his mate's lips, whispered somethin' in her ear, and then gave the word. We charged as a group, intent on the destruction of our enemy.

The Major really was in his element. Heads were flyin' around him. Limbs were torn off. I suppose he was gettin' it outta his system. This could, after all, be our last battle for years, decades, hell centuries if we're lucky. A man like The Major doesn't just stop fightin'! Well, not without a damn good reason.

I'd say the lovely Miss. Swan is a damn good reason!

Damn, that girl could fight. She was perfect for The Major. She moved through her enemies, swinging Edward's head like a fuckin' wrecking ball. Who knew Edward's head would make such a formidable weapon?

Across the field, Esme and Rosalie were buildin' a massive bonfire. Every time a head was torn from its body, it was thrown toward them and Irina or Carmen would go fetch it and kill the vampire. Headless bodies were strewn across the field.

Axel was havin' a great time beheading his enemies while keepin' an eye on his new mate. Hell, he looked as excited as The Major!

Jasper had his sight set on Victoria who was lingerin' at the edge of the baseball field. She couldn't seem to decide if she wanted to stay and watch or run.

Ah. I see now. She couldn't run. As The Major closed in on her, she attempted to turn and run but was met with a solid, invisible wall.

Eleazar was, yet again, wrong. Bella's shield is far more formidable than any of us knew! She could easily create a solid wall, like a forcefield, trappin' her enemies, barricadin' them, or incapacitatin' them!

Right now, Victoria and her newborn army were trapped within the baseball field. As soon as they entered, their deaths were inevitable. It took Victoria a minute to realize her mistake. No matter where she ran, she couldn't escape Bella. Not this time.

Victoria gave a loud, frustrated shriek. Her wide, bright red, wild eyes were locked on Bella. "I WANT HER DEAD!"

"I know," The Major smirked. "You just gotta go through me first."

Victoria smirked and snarled. "CULLEN!"

"Actually, doll, it's Whitlock," The Major sauntered forward, cool and calm as can be, "I ain't ever gonna be a Cullen again!"

Victoria was too far gone for banter. After decades without her mate, her need for revenge was the only thing keepin' her goin'. Her mind had long since descended into madness. Essentially, she was nothing more than a rabid animal.

As she charged at him, Char and I inched closer to Bella. We weren't worried about her safety. Nobody gets past The Major and today weren't gonna be any different. This time, he was fightin' fer his mate! But, despite all our trainin', Bella was a newly mated female and her mate was under attack. Instincts are a funny thing.

She let out a low, deadly snarl as I approached her. "Easy Suga Bean. He'll be fine."

The Major didn't take his eyes off Red as she came at him, again and again. Her attacks were sloppy and uncontrolled. There was no strategy. She just struck out. She was no longer capable of evaluating the situation and attacking with precision and purpose. This is what happens when you procrastinate. Had she attacked immediately after her mate's attack, as most do, she might've had a chance to take out her enemies. But she waited. And by doin' that, she became unstable, her mind unable to cope with losin' her mate.

She let out a frustrated scream as The Major dodged another attack. At this point, I'm pretty sure he was just playing with her. He could've taken her head a dozen times by now!

By the end of the fight, Bella was shakin' and growlin'. I had her in my arms just hopin' The Major ended it quick! Bella wasn't gonna hold on much longer. When he finally tossed Vicky's head in the fire and her body fell limp into the snow, Bella was ready to tear my arms off to get to her mate. The moment it was safe, I released her and she lunged into her mate's arms, sniffin' and growling as she checked him over fer injuries.

Ah, young love.

"Takes me back," I sighed, throwin' an arm around the missus.

She giggled and cuddled into me. "Remember our first battle?"

"Like it was yesterday," I sighed. "Especially what happened afterward." I grinned. Post-battle sex is almost as good as makeup sex.

Unfortunately, before we could begin celebrating our victory, the bitch from hell slithered outta the shadows like the vile monster she is. Her dark red eyes appraised the battlefield, lingerin' fer a moment on Victoria's decapitated body. Bitch didn't look impressed with what she saw! She looked positively furious. Especially when her eyes shifted to Bella in The Major's arms.

"Why aren't you dead?" She spat, eyes narrowing.

Bella ignored Maria and looked up at Jasper. "Your Sire, I assume?"

He gave a curt nod, hooked a finger under Bella's chin, and lifted her head. "Are you sure about this, mate?"

"Answer me!" Maria snarled, not used to being ignored.

Bella pressed her little hand to his cheek. "You've been under her thumb long enough. It's time to end this."

He kissed her, a passion-filled kiss full of promise for the future, and then backed away. "Do your worst, Darlin'."

Maria was staring between the two, a look of shock on her face. "Her? I did not come for her! I came for you, mi amor!"

With that, Bella struck. Grabbing Edward's severed head, she whacked Maria. Edward made an oomph gargled sound and Maria went flying into the surrounding trees, only to land against Bella's invisible wall with an echoing crunch.

"You'll address him as Major Whitlock from now on, bitch!" Bella snarled. "And he's not yours!"

Maria shot to her feet. "I made him! He. Is. Mine!"

"Well," Bella smirked, "you know that old saying, finders keepers! He's mine now!" With that, she swung Edward's head, hitting Maria again and sending her flying across the other side of the baseball field. When she hit Bella's shield, I'm pretty sure I heard bones cracking. This time, she was slower to get to her feet.

While Maria was distracted, Jasper, Char and I took out her four henchmen. That was easy. Were these fuckers not trained? They went down like a sack of spuds!

By the time her men were dust, Maria had rightened herself and limped back onto the field.

"So, this is the famed Maria?" Bella asked, watching the woman before her. She did look pitiful. Two solid hits and she was put on her ass! "I'm not impressed."

Maria smirked. "We're just getting started, niñita," she hissed, charging towards Bella, who took off towards Maria.

Either Maria's out of practice, or she just sucks at combat. Bella leaped through the air, spinning over Maria's head. with a frustrated cry, Maria went after Bella again, only for Bella to swing Edward's head like she was weirding a mace, whacking Maria again and again. Hit after hit. Bella spun and twisted, kicking Maria in the center of her chest, tossing her across the field, where she, again, collided with Bella's shield.

"You know," Bella huffed, "you're not very good at this."

Maria snarled and pulled herself back up. "I'm better than you."

"Not so far," Bella taunted, with a bright smile. "You haven't hit me once. It feels like you're not even trying."

Uh oh.

At Bella's words, my mind began to tingle with that knowing sense. There was somethin' to what she'd just said.

Maria snarled and lunged again for Bella. Seemed Maria was pissed. She looked like she was trying this time. She came at Bella, hitting but Bella easily dodged her attacks. She swung Edward's head, whacking Maria, and throwing her across the field. Maria jumped back up and attacked again, but this time, when Bella hit her with Edward's head she spun through the air and landed in the snow, groaning in pain. Each time she was hit, she was slower to get up. Like with The Major and Vicky, I'm pretty sure Bella was only playing with Maria.

"I've heard stories about you, Maria," Bella said, tossing Edward's head in the air and catching it. "Jasper told me all about his past. Char and Pete, too. I figured if you were going to come back for The Major you'd bring an army, at least! But this? Those four were as weak and pathetic as you!"

Maria huffed. "You just can't get good help these days."

Ah. I see what's happening here. "What happened to your army?" I asked. "Your territory?"

"Gone," she spat. "It's all gone. When The Major betrayed me and ran like a COWARD! I was left alone. The others saw it as a weakness and came for us. I've been trying to rebuild, but there's nobody like my Major."

Bella hissed and whacked Maria again. "He." Whack. "Is." Whack. "Mine!" Whack.

Maria shook her head, smiling. "The Major will always belong to me, niñita. I made him wh—" she was cut off as Bella hit her again, tossing her across the field.

I shook my head. I can't believe what I was about to do. For Maria of all people!

Bella was about to whack Maria again when I shot forward and grabbed hold of her wrist, stopping her. She snarled at me and went to whack me with Edward's head so I pulled her back, pressin' her against my chest as The Major jogged over to us.

"Pete?"

"Maria wants to die," I told him. "Look at her, Major. She's pathetic! This is not the Maria we used to know. She's barely fightin' back!"

"She ain't the best fighter," Char admitted, joining us, "but she's better than this. This is just pathetic!"

The Major's eyes flicked to Maria and then back to me.

"She came here hoping Victoria would kill your mate and you'd have nowhere left to go but back to her. If Victoria failed, she would attack your mate . . . knowing if she even came close to hurtin' Bella, you'd attack and put Maria outta her misery!"

"She wants to die?" Bella hissed.

"Yeah, Suga Bean." I nodded, turning her so she could go back to her mate, who happily brought her into his arms. "She's got nothing left. She's failed. Without The Major, she can't rebuild her army. She's a joke in Mexico. She's lost all her territory. Her army. The money's gone. All her allies have deserted her. She's completely alone."

"The Major hasn't been in the south for a century and a half! Is this loss recent?" Bella asked.

"It happened over time. Little by little I lost everything," Maria murmured. "By the early 2000's it was all gone. When I received a call about The Major's mating, I figured it was an opportunity to rebuild. If he lost his mate, he would revert to The God of War and I would have him back. With him, at my side, we would be strong again! We could rebuild. Take out our enemies. Regain our territory!"

"Who told you about my mate?" The Major snarled.

Maria looked up at him, hope filled her eyes. "A female named Irina Denali."

There were several gasps across the field.

"Irina?" Tanya whispered. "Why?"

"Oh, you stupid girl!" Carmen hissed.

"Are you a total idiot, Irina? You plotted to kill The Major's mate!" Kate growled. "Fuck. If he doesn't kill you, I will!"

"Kate!" Carmen gasped.

"Don't chastise me, Carmen! I'm not part of your Coven and she plotted to kill a fellow vampire's mate! That is a death sentence! One I will happily provide if The Major doesn't!"

Irina's eyes widened in shock and horror. She attempted to run, but from nowhere, Felix of the Volturi suddenly appeared with a sinister grin on his face. He grabbed Irina by the throat. "Hello, Blondie. Been a bad girl, have you?"

"Where on earth did you come from?" Eleazar hissed, shocked.

Fuck me! That was the freakiest thing I've ever seen! I mean, I know some of us were expecting the Volturi to arrive today, but we sure as hell didn't expect them to appear out of thin air!

"I-I have no idea what they're talking about!" Irina lied, struggling in Felix's grip.

"Don't worry, my dear. We heard it all." Came Aro's voice, and then suddenly the three Kings and their guards appeared in the baseball field. "Sorry about our arrival. Lily has been practicing with her shield. Seems she can render us all invisible! Isn't it fantastic?"

Yeah. Fantastic. Or, you know, terrifying!

Lily, the small blonde in Demetri's arms, looked exhausted. She leaned into him, resting her head on his chest.

"She's still young, brother," Marcus stated, "best not to push her too soon."

"Ah, yes. Yes. You're quite right, brother." Aro agreed, nodding. "I agree. Take your time, dear. When we leave here, take your mate to hunt, Demetri. But not within Washington. No need to upset the shifters."

"Thank you, Master." Demetri bowed his head.

"Now, Irina Denali," Aro turned his eyes on the struggling blonde in Felix's grasp, "explain yourself."

She growled and shook her head. "I owe you nothing!"

"If you insist, child. We'll do it the easy way." He sighed and darted forward, his long cloak billowing in the breeze as he moved. He grabbed hold of her head and Irina let out a startled cry. "Ah, yes, I see. You have been bad," he murmured. "Oh, dear and you've involved others. Such a shame. I had high hopes for him! And Eleazar, what have you been doing, my old friend? Such a shame. Such a shame indeed!"

When he released Irina, he moved to the center of the baseball field and then continued forward, passing Maria, until he came to stand before Jasper and Bella.

"Hello, my dears. I was so happy to receive your call! It seems you were right to call me."

"You called the Volturi?" Eleazar asked, flabbergasted. "B-But I warned you, Bella! I told you what would happen . . . the stories . . ."

"You mean you filled her head with lies!" Caius growled.

"This poor girl has believed we were the monsters of nightmares her entire immortal life because of you and your mate, Eleazar!" Marcus hissed.

"May I try reading you, my dear?" Aro asked, offering his hand to Bella.

She looked up at Jasper who pressed a kiss to her forehead. "It okay, Darlin'."

With his encouragement, Bella placed her hand in Aro's and he closed his eyes. As soon as he did, as she'd been practicing for the last several days, she dropped her shield and shared her life with him.

All it took was a few minutes, but it was obvious what was happening. Aro was reading her, seeing everything that had happened from her perspective since the moment the Cullens entered her life. We figured it was the only way for him to have the full picture! The truth! Others would lie or try to omit details. But Bella wasn't like that. She was the only one involved with no ulterior motive. All she wanted was peace and freedom to be with her mate.

When Aro opened his eyes, they were black and angry. He turned his head towards the guard. "Find Carlisle and bring him to me. Now!"

A/N: I think this one's my favourite chapter. :) I love how Bella used Edward's head in battle.

So! Vicky is dead. Her army has been dealt with. Maria got her ass handed to her by Bella. Plus she's lost everything and there's no hope of Jasper joining her in the south. And, the Volturi have arrived! I kinda like how they just popped up. Invisibility seems like such a cool gift, I might have to use that in another story.

Any thoughts on how you'd like to see Carlisle, Eleazar, Irina, Maria, and Edward punished?