Disclaimer. All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun.

Overwhelming Darkness

A/N: This story is written as collaboration by both Xo Bella Italiana oX and DeathQueen26. We hope that you enjoy the story and look forward to reading your reviews. If you have any questions or comments, post them in my reviews and I will answer them in my next Author's Note! Enjoy!

Reminder: If you go to my Wattpad page – where I have also posted most of my stories, including this one – you will see that I have posted PICTURES of a scene from each chapter inside the story with the chapter! So, take a look and tell me what you think! There are even Jasper Romance pics! The user name (penname) is the same as this one as I have on here, so it won't be hard to find. Or you can click on the link on my profile! - Bella'Xo

Previously…

(Jasper's POV)

The sound of a loud gasp coming from the tree line caught everyone's attention, as well as several deep, loud growls.

My senses were immediately on alert, and I pushed Bella behind me and dropped down into a crouch, nearly every male, along with one or two females mimicking my position.

The smell of the northern woods from the Olympic Peninsula mixed with the strongly sweet smell of wet dog wafted through my nose and into my lungs, bringing out a low, loud growl of my own.

"Sam?" Bella questioned softly.

But he was not alone, that much was for sure. The sound of eight different heart beats, as well as sets of disbelieving, angry emotions, echoed around him, sending my instincts into a frenzy.

Protect.

Chapter 31
(Bella's POV: Compound Training Arena - Texas)

"What are you doing here, Sam?" I could feel Iz rattling her cage, because she had ordered Sam to never to return to this place without her instruction, and here he shows up with most of his pack, threatening her mate, family, and army.

A low growl built in Sam's chest as he stepped out of the shelter of the trees, his eyes remained glued to Charlie, Jake and Sue as he transformed into his human form before our eyes. I could feel the vibrations from Jasper, as well as the rest of the mated males as they took in his naked form around their mates before he bent down and slipped the pair of jean shorts, that had been tied to his ankle, over his hips.

Glaring, he pointed at the vampire shifters as he spoke in a tone that put of a no nonsense vibe, coupled with the disbelief that he was no doubt feeling.

"What are Jake, Charlie and Sue doing here, alive? How is this even possible?"

Before I could answer, a female voice spoke up as Leah stepped out from the tree line, leaving the rest of her pack in their wolf forms behind the brush.

"Mom?" She was shocked as she took in the sight of her deceased mother with a sheen of tears in her eyes.

A light brown wolf stepped up to her side and whimpered. I knew it was her younger brother, Seth. He was such a gentle, joyful wolf, a mirrored opposite of his big sister. His large eyes held a vulnerability to them, not understanding what he was seeing and how.

"Is that really you?" Leah pressed, unsure and hesitant to believe what was happening in front of her.

"Oh, Leah, Seth," Sue choked out, her eyes filled with venom as she reach for Charlie, his arms wrapping soothingly around her torso, comforting her the only way that a mate can. "I'm so sorry."

I could practically smell the tension in the air as Jasper rose to stand by my side, but still slightly in front of me as he used his body as a shield, his body still shaking slightly with clenched fists. Regardless of our truce, the wolves were still our natural enemies and our every instinct was doing its best to remind us of this fact.

I saw Jake let out a growl as he narrowed his eyes at Sam.

I didn't know why, but for some reason, I felt protective of him just as I would Jasper, but not nearly as strongly. If it came down to Jasper and Jake and they were both in trouble, I would go for Jasper every time. Maybe it was because of our past, but I knew that Jake would always hold a special place in my heart. We'd grown up together and became my eternal sunshine.

It was then I noticed Faia and Sai arriving on the scene moving cautiously back a few paces as the scene of children and mother's reunion unfolded before us. They glanced at me for orders, waiting for a signal to instigate an attack, but I shook my head slightly and as discreetly as possible while I turned my eyes back towards Sam.

"Sam, if you and your beta, as well as Leah and Seth, will please come inside so that we -" I didn't get another word out as Jasper, having sensed something in someone's emotions, was suddenly crouched down in front of me just as Sam and Leah transformed back into their wolf forms, snarling in an aggressive manner.

From that point forward, everything happened so fast. Sam went to lung at a member of his pack, while another two wolves - one, who I recognized as Jake, while the other being one I hadn't met before - clashed together in a mess of teeth and claws accompanied by growls and snarls as they began rolling around.

Jake was quick to get the upper hand, however, I didn't know if it was because he was that experienced while the other wolf was that young to this life, or if it was because the vampire venom pumping through Jake's veins really made him that much stronger and faster compared to the others of his previous pack.

As this happened, I noticed a wolf with black streaks mixed in with their coat as they crouched in front of Jasper and I. The others on both sides, including vampires, began growling at each other as Jake stood over the unknown wolf, effectively pinning them down.

I narrowed my eyes as I cocked my head to the side. I could feel my inner goddess stirring to life inside of me. Iz wanted out, pushing me to go for them, but I just kept her under lock and key, keeping a hold of myself as Jasper was effectively barricading his inner demon, her Major.

I sent a mental request out to my son, summoning Nick to come to me, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing at my side, eyeing the Quileute wolf pack warily as Sam and Jake had a stand off, each of them silently staring at the other while the unknown wolf beneath Jake quieted at his Alpha's obvious command. I immediately placed an invisible barrier around my son in case any of the wolves saw him and got the bright idea to attack him, knowing that they had never seen a vampire so young before.

"What are they saying, Nick?" I asked him in a tone that projected a dominance no one present would be obtuse enough to defy. Nick knew that I would always be his mother on the inside, but at the moment, I was the Warlord of the South and had an entire army to look after and protect, including he and his sister.

"Jacob is telling Sam just what had happened to him, what he remembered from waking in Maria's camp with her, Sebastian, and Christopher." He visibly winced as he read his mind. It was times like these that I hated that someone who was physically his age had to witness and experience the things that he did. "It seems as though he had first woke as his old self as a wolf, but then were bitten to be turned into a vampire. Sue and Charlie were both only human. I assume that Edward and Alice had to go through the change again, as well since vampirism isn't something you are born with, unlike the wolf gene." Nick looked up at me, a troubled emotion swirling in his crimson eyes. "It seems that this gift is a lot more complicated and dangerous than we'd first thought, mother. But why do you suppose that the vampire venom did not attack and kill Jake like they had before?"

I frowned, running my fingers through his hair. "I don't know, but you're right, son. We're beginning to have more questions than answers when it comes to this gift." I pulled him closer, remembering what Peter had told us not so long ago. "I will want to speak to you again in a little while, but for now, go back inside where it's safe and I shall be along in a few." I said as I gave him a gentle push towards the house.

"Yes, mum," Nick nodded, flitting back into the safety of our home.

I kept my eyes and shield on him until I knew he was safely inside before I finally dropped it and turned back to see that Sam had returned back into his human form. His eyes were on the spot where Nick had vanished and his dark eyes turned to me and frowned. I didn't react, only raised a brow in a challenge. He knew just how well I could fight him and his whole pack off on my own if need be, but since I still held some respect for my old friends and their role as protectors, no to mention they had watched over me during my change, I held my position and commanded the rest of my army who was present to do the same.

Jake and Sue didn't move as Sam looked between the two of them, to Charlie, and then back to me. I cocked my head curiously to the side as I wondered what he was thinking.

"Why are you here, Sam?" I asked him in an exasperated tone.

He scoffed, "I would think it was quite obvious."

I rolled my eyes, "I would have called you to discuss this over a video feed if you'd have allowed me some time to recover from not only the battle we'd just faced, but the reappearance of my father, Jake and Sue."

Sam growled as his eyes went to the three in question, and I placed my shield over his mind so that he would only to hear the voices of the wolves whose mind he was connected to.

"I was worried," Sam finally admitted, his whole body a rigid mess. "All we saw was that our burial grounds were desecrated, the bodies of two beloved friends and family stolen, as well as the body of your father. After consulting with the elders, we could only come to so many conclusions, one of which led us here." He gestured to the camp around us. "But we never expected to find..." Sam trailed off, completely baffled by the events of today. His body seemed to give up as he sat down onto the ground and buried his head into his hands.

At this point, Jasper relented, rising from his protective stance and returning to my side, pulling me into his arms as he nuzzled my neck with a purr.

Knowing it was truly over, I nodded to all those who were under my command and they backed off, effectively calming the Quileute wolves to the point where they sat down in submission, taking the silent cue from their Alpha that they were in no danger here.

Sue and Jake finally shifted back into their human forms, effectively releasing the young wolf Jake had pinned down. He hopped to his feet and scampered back into rank with the rest of his pack brothers, silently awaiting their Alpha's next order.

Wrapping my arms around my mate, I ran my hands up and down his spine and watched as Seth hesitantly trotted forward, ignoring Leah's growls of warning as he whimpered and layed down on his stomach, scootching forward as he crawled on his belly, beckoning his mother to come to him.

"Go, Sue," I urged her, and with Charlie's reassurance and gentle push forward, Sue made her way over to her son and sat on the ground. Taking this as a sign, he hopped up and made it over the rest of the way in two large steps, collapsing down onto his stomach, putting his large head in Sue's lap.

Venom welled up in Sue's eyes as she immediately started to stroke his head as she embraced him with her other. It was a bitter-sweet reunion and I watched it carefully unfold, feeling the need to protect my father's new mate, as well as the innocent young boy who missed the mother he thought he'd never see again.

I heard a purr-like growl coming from Seth as Leah's ears laid down flat against her head. She whimpered as her eyes darted around to the others, and I motioned for everyone to back up a few feet. Leah was still leery of the vampires and I couldn't blame her. We were responsible for the death of not only her mother, but her father and pack mate. Then, to top it off, we were responsible for her and her brother's transformation, as well as Sam's, which had effectively taken her fiance from her and placed him in the arms of her sister-like cousin, Emily. Yeah, I'd say she's definitely earned her right to despise all vampire kind.

Jasper must have felt my guilt-ridden emotions, because he tightened his hold on me and sent me calm and self-remission.

It took several minutes, but Leah had finally gotten close enough for Sue to reach out and stroke Leah's head. The second she made contact with her daughter's fur, Leah was all over her, nuzzling her with her face as she cried, the sounds coming from her heartbreaking to listen to.

"My beautiful babies," Sue cooed as she kissed each of their noses and necks as she embraced them. "I missed you both more than words can say."

Feeling intrusive into their private family moment, I turned and grabbed onto Jasper's hand, pulling him over to Sam as we began a private discussion of our own. He had more questions for Jake, Jasper and I about how and why this had happened, finally loosening up out of his overwhelmed state that had brought him to his knees in the dirt. We answered to the best of our knowledge, however I noticed that his gaze kept disappearing over to the door where Nick had entered the house several minutes prior. I knew we would be having a conversation about him and the other children later in a more private setting until his unease finally dissipated.

"What do you mean, you're not coming back with us?" Leah's voice was heard over the hoards of conversation going on in the large group around us later on that evening.

My attention immediately zoned in on the small group consisting of Leah, Sue, Seth and Charlie.

Sam, Jasper and I approached and watched as Charlie placed a comforting hand on both of his mate's shoulders, attempting to soothe her with his touch.

She took in a deep breathe as she spoke, "I won't be going back with you. My place is here, now, with Charlie and those who will help me adjust into this new life I've been unwillingly thrown into."

"But we can do that, mom! It's not like you'd have to hide what you are from us, or risk putting Seth and I in danger." Leah protested.

"It's just not that easy," Sue sighed, "I drink human blood and with the laws -"

"Sue," Sam frowned, effectively cutting her off, and I raised a brow at him curiously. "If you feed from animals, then -"

"She'll end up starving herself very slowly." I finished for him.

All eyes were suddenly on me with varied emotions reflected within them. I, however, was focused on the alpha with the knowledge that he was the voice of the pack, as well as the mind.

"Did you believe that I'd lied to you about all this?" I waved my arms around me, recalling the conversation we had discussed only moments ago. "I was telling you the truth, Sam. I would never lie to you about something with this severity."

He shook his head, "I don't understand, they're vampires. The Cullen's were able to live off of animals for decades."

"Sue and Jake are not ordinary vampires," I reminded him. "They are part wolf."

"But how does that affect their diet?"

"To answer that question, Sam, you need to understand something," Jasper spoke up from my right, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into his side. "Animal blood is only an effective, positive alternative for those who are strong-willed and don't have certain extra abilities weighing down on them. It is nothing like drinking human blood, which fully satisfies and keeps the vampire strong and in control. The best comparison I can come up with that you could relate to would be akin to a human eating tofu. It will fill you up and keep you going, but it doesn't give you what a steak or chicken would; you're never fully satisfied or at your strongest."

"Okay, that I understand, but I know Sue and Jake, they have what it takes to be on and stick to that diet," Sam argued.

"Mentally and emotionally, sure, they are perfect candidates," Jasper agreed. "But physically, I can't agree with you. You have to remember that they are also shifters, not to mention newborns, ruled by their instincts. You remember what it was like trying to get control of your emotions in order to keep yourself from shifting at inopportune moments."

I knew that Jasper hit a nerve when he said this, and I didn't need to look in order to see his mind flashing back to Emily, his imprint, and what had happened to her when he couldn't stop himself from phasing too close to her, marring her for the rest of her life.

"I think I get where you're going with this," Sam murmured softly, unable to look any of us in the eye.

I nodded sympathetically and placed a comforting hand on Sam's upper arm. "They need to be at their best at all times, able to control their phasing. They won't be if they are weakened all the time on animal blood."

He sniffed, shrugging me off. "So, what now? Are they supposed to drink human blood for the rest of their lives?"

Sue stood and made her way over to us with Charlie at her side.

"Sam, there are more ways to feed from human blood then taking innocent lives like you are thinking." She looked over at me, and I nodded, giving her my permission to reveal those alternatives. "Many of the vampires, here, feed from criminals, or the scum of the earth. Those who the human law has unnecessarily, or were forced to release. Not to mention, there is also the donated human blood bags."

Sam whirled on me, eyes blazing and fists clenched. "You allow humans to know about you!?" His eyes were wide and I immediately knew what he was thinking.

"Only a few," I said with a shrug and a smirk. "You see, there was a human who I'd ended up saving one night that works for a local blood bank in Houston. She'd seen what I was and how I fed and wanted to help the cause." I explained. "Of course, knowing that I had my own laws to abide by, I'd given her a choice. Either she can live her human life or she can be turned and join my army. She wanted to stay as a human, but there was a catch. Naturally, she could not tell anyone or suffer the consequences, but should anyone figure out what she was doing or learned that she knew about what we were, she would have to be changed on the spot." I shrugged. "She's been an asset since and has kept a low profile. There are others who I've saved and worked out what I am. This happened when I was young and careless, and I've learned from my mistakes, and I've given them the same option. The majority do their part to help, as almost all of them wished to return to their families. However, there has been the odd one or two who've decided to join my army and have become quite useful."

Leah growled as her eyes went from Jake to Charlie, then to her mother.

"Leah wants to know if they could come back with us to Forks for a time." Sam spoke for her. "She believes that Billy needs to see that his best friend and son are alive."

I pursed my lips, my eyes darting over to the three in question. "There are some things we need to do first before any trips are discussed." I told him narrowing my eyes. "But when the time is appropriate, we'd have meet you at the edge of town. You'd have to bring Billy to us, because I won't allow Charlie, Sue or Jake into town, for obvious reasons, you understand. They're supposed to be dead, after all." I reminded them.

Leah began growling loudly at me, causing Jasper to tense and growl back. I echoed them, shooting a glare at the both of them, stopping the fight before it could begin.

My gaze landed on Leah and I studied her as she paced, her eyes now narrowed on her alpha. Following her line of sight, I could see what he was thinking, and it didn't seem as though Leah liked the idea very much.

Seth, on the other hand, was lit up with excitement and was pouncing around like a puppy, a wolfish smile on his face.

Raising a brow at him, I turned my eyes back to Sam. His eyes were locked on me, thus, I couldn't help but throw a shield around his mind and mine as I listened to what he was deliberating about.

"...if I do this, I'll have lost two betas." Sam cut his eyes towards Leah and spoke aloud. "Are you sure you want to do this, Leah?"

"Yes," Leah growled again as she responded in her mind. "I would rather stand under Jacob then be the ex-girlfriend you can't seem to get rid of." Her wolf eyes narrowed at him. "And if I go, Seth goes with me. You know we have no other family in Forks. Our mother is here, our father is dead, we have nothing holding us there."

Sam's eyes narrowed as he glared at her before they closed. "And what about Emily? She's your family too, is she not?"

She huffed, "You and Emily both betrayed me. I understand that it wasn't of your choosing, but family doesn't keep the secrets you did until I, myself, phased. I just can't get past that and I can't live with seeing the two of you in your mind every day, knowing that it should have been us. If I'm meant to move on, then I need some space." Leah snarled and licked her teeth before trotting over to Sue, nudging her hand with her large head as she eyed Sam. "Maybe with time, things can be different with us, but for now, this is where I need to be."

Sam sighed, placing his head in his hands as he nodded, "Fine."

Seth barked happily as he bounded over to Jake, playfully nipping at him.

"What's going on?" Charlie asked as he watched his mate's children with a small smile on his face.

"Well, it seems that Leah and Seth are joining our ranks." I announced, unable to hide the smirk at seeing Sam's eyes grow wide in astonishment. "Oh, yes. I heard the majority of the discussion between you and Leah. And to answer your question, yes, if she and Seth wish to stay, they may. I only have one condition. They must cut all loyalty ties to your pack in Forks." Sam narrowed his eyes. "I don't need a babysitter, Sam. There is no other motive behind my requirement."

Sam eyes remained narrowed as he looked around us, frowning. "That wasn't my intent." His eyes finally made their way a full 180 degrees before landing back on me. "If anything, it was to give Seth a choice."

Seth barked anxiously, which could only mean that he wanted to stay, because he trotted over here as though he weren't afraid of any of us.

I raised a brow causing Sam to sigh and shrug. I was able to read in his thoughts, which told me that Seth never seemed to be afraid of vampires, even when he'd first phased. I just nodded because that could be rather dangerous.

With a sigh, I looked over at Jacob, not wanting to speak for him.

"What do you say, Jake?" I asked him, knowing that Sam was correct. He was, after all, the true Alpha of the Quileute Tribe, even if he didn't want the position when it was first offered to him.

Jake peered over at Leah, then at Seth. I could tell he didn't know what to say, but it seemed as though Sue had already made up her own mind as she bent down and opened her arms.

Seth happily trotted over to his mother and nuzzled her as Leah approached and licked her mother's hand. I didn't need to shield Jake's mind in order to know what he's thinking as he continued to gaze on at Sue with her children.

Cutting my eyes to Jasper, I watched as he gave me a small smile and a nod that gave me his silent permission. So, I sucked in a breath and made my way over to Jake and took his hand in mine.

"No matter what you decide, I will stand by you, Jake." I whispered, rising up on the balls of my feet to kiss his cheek. "We're best friends, after all, and our past together only strengthens our bond."

I saw venom well up in his eyes as he looked down at me. "Thanks, Bells." He whispered, kissing the top of my head, and then turning his eyes over towards Sam's direction. "I'll take Leah and Seth," he agreed with a confident nod.

Sam nodded as his eyes flickered down towards me. "Take care of them."

I smiled and I gave him a solid nod, "I will." I looked around behind me and smiled. "They are my family, after all. I would do anything for them."

"I know," Sam whispered with sadness coating his tone, but then he turned and hurried off in a cloud of dust with the other wolves following several strides behind him.

"So, Boss?" Peter said, clearing his throat. "Don't ya need to speak with Nick?"

I sighed, nodding, because I didn't really want to broach this, but knew that it was necessary.

Straightening my back, I headed towards the house. I knew that Jasper and the others would take care of Leah and Seth, getting them situated while I speak with Nick. As soon as he was positive that he could successfully accomplish it, we would be heading over to Volterra. I only prayed that whatever happens, it will go as smoothly as I hoped it would. After all, if what Peter said was true, we had to go about this in a slightly different manner, because I didn't want Nick to catch the attention of the Romanians. If that happened, I would do whatever it took to keep him safe and out of their control.

'No one takes what is ours and lives,' Iz snarled as she paced inside of her cage. 'Nick, Mika and their mates are our children, and no one will take them from us.'

"Agreed," I told her, mentally, as I followed his scent into the game room. "We will protect our children with our life."

(Jasper's POV: Still in the Training Arena)

I looked over at Rosalie and Emmett. "Why don't you take Leah an' Seth to get some extra changes of clothes." I suggested, knowing that Bella would've had them do the same if she had stayed. "I need to speak with Sue, Jake, and Charlie."

"Of course, Jasper." Rosalie nodded as she cut her eyes towards the female shifter and her brother. "Follow us." She waved them onward, doing her best to hide the outward signs of disgust she felt towards the wolves. However, her emotions weren't something she could hide from me as wave of mischievousness began to build up inside her.

"And Rosalie?" I called, causing her to pause with a look over her shoulder. "Behave."

Her emotions plummeted to disappointment, but she only nodded and continued on her way. I sighed, only imagining what she would have done if I hadn't stopped her; probably have gotten them each something two sizes too small or something that reeked of vampire.

Emmett smirked at me as he took off after his mate with Seth trotting happily behind him. Emmett was just thrilled to be around Bella again and it seemed that Rosalie was joyous because of the kids she was able to help take care of.

Shaking my head, I turned my eyes towards Sue, Jake and Charlie. They were standing by Peter and Charlotte, making idle conversation. Faia and Sai were also off to the side, but with one look and a sideways nod, they both nodded once in acknowledgment as they turned, heading off to the feeding 'barn'.

Once they were out of hearing range, I turned my eyes to my three new charges. "We will be taking a trip overseas very soon on a very important mission." I cut my eyes to Bella's father. "We're gonna be needin' ya ta come with us, Charlie."

A mixture of alarm, curiosity and dread began flowing between them at this news, but Jake was the only one to outwardly react.

"Why?" He asked with a frown marring his face.

Peter cleared his throat. "We're gonna be heading to Volterra in Italy. It's where the Kings of the Vampires reside along with their wives and guard." All three of their eyes grew wide as he spoke. "The reason we need Charlie to come with us is because we have to find a spy who's been working as a double-agent."

Charlie cocked his head in confusion. "How could I possibly help find this person?"

"Well, as it turns out, you have brought a gift into your new life, Chief." Peter revealed to him. "You're basically like a human lie detector, something they won't see coming."

"How is it I didn't know I have this gift?" Charlie wondered.

"Any gift is more than just waking up from the change and automatically knowing how to use it at it's full potential." I explained. "You're only a newborn and they need to be developed and strengthened over time. Most extra abilities don't even reveal themselves until nearly the first year. However, we only have a short time for you to at least learn how to use it, since Peter, here, knows you have it."

"But why are we going to Volterra? Is it just to find out who this spy is, or is there another reason?" Sue spoke up with a frown, her emotions were going crazy with worry for her mate. I knew it would only be a matter of time until she couldn't hold it together on her own anymore and she would phase. It was one of the main reasons why we were training them so hard now, molding them so that their control would become stronger. Until then, we would have to keep them out of the public and bring her food to her.

"Um..." Peter was filled with worry and apprehension as his eyes flickered towards me and the main house, where Bella was speaking with Nick. "I think we should let Bella explain that." His eyes stayed on me for an extra second before switching over towards the three we were addressing. "I should warn you now, though, that the Isabella y'all knew when she was human was killed when Jake was, leavin' behind the vampire version y'all have met now."

Jake frowned and nodded in understanding along with Sue and Charlie. I could only guess that Jacob had told them what happened to my mate and their child. While I was jealous of the wolf-like vampire, I knew that Bella loved me now and wouldn't turn her back on our bond. It was too strong. Marcus had even said as much when he was here last.

(Bella's POV: Game Room, Main House – Around 8:00 AM)

Ashton and Mika were both lounging in the game room as I entered with Nick and his mate.

Noticing my presence, Nick looked over at his sister, who nodded, taking a hold of her mate's hand and leading him out of the room. I could hear them walking, and as soon as they were an appropriate distance away, I turned my eyes back to my son, who had Samantha curled up at his side with worry etched on her young face.

I gave them both a small smile as I made my way over and sat down.

Nick was in front of me in the blink of an eye along with Samantha. She was holding onto his arm with a vice-like grip. The look on Nick's face made me wonder if he knew what I was about to disclose to him.

"Mom?" He asked as he frowned, pulling his mate tighter to him. "What's the matter?"

I took in a deep breath and reached forward to take his free hand in mine. "It seems as though there is a spy residing in Volterra amongst the Volturi." I noticed how Samantha's eyes widen in fear as I said this. "We're going to have to find the spy before we allow you bring Didyme back. For a time, at least, we need them to believe that I'm the one with the gift, not you."

"I had been thinking about that, myself." Nick winced as he pressed a kiss to Samantha's temple before looking back up at me. "If they know I'm the one who has the gift, they'll try to come after me, won't they?"

"Yes," I answered him truthfully, because I had never lied to him and I wasn't about to start now. "The double-agent is working with the Romanians and they will do whatever it takes to get the crown back from the Volturi. I've spoken at length with Peter about this and he knows that if they find out that you can do this, they'll come after you. They've wanted me to join their ranks for a long time, but haven't had the courage to come after me, themselves. There's no telling what they'd do if they found out I had the gift, so we need to keep our purpose in Volterra hush hush. When it's done and the double-agent is dealt with, people will have their theories and speculations, but nothing they can prove, but would never guess that it was you. And the Romanians won't come after me over speculation or theories."

"Nick." Samantha finally spoke for the first time. "Please? I don't want to lose you." Her voice was soft, but I could hear the plea in her tone.

Nick sighed as he pulled her closer and wrapped his other arm around her, kissing the top of her head. "Alright," he said as he looked at me. "But you do know I can protect myself, Mother."

"I know that, sweetheart," I told him as I pulled them both to me and wrapped my arms around him. "But I promised you that you wouldn't have to fight ever again when I took you in, and I won't break that promise now when something can be done to prevent it." I kissed the tops of both their heads and cheeks closest to me.

My ears perked at the sound of approaching guests, so I pulled back and leaned against the back of the sofa with my legs crossed. "I can hear some of the others coming. I guess it's time to fill in your grandfather on what's going on."

Nick's eyes widened. "I have a grandfather!?"

"Yes," I chuckled at his enthusiasm. "You have a grandfather, my father." I brushed a stray hair out of his face. "Along with a Father, Grandmother, some Aunts, and Uncles."

"We're so lucky, Sammy." Nick leaned in and whispered as he nuzzled his face into her neck while the door behind me opened. "We have a large, loving family."

I heard a gasp, only to turn and see Sue blinking back venom as if she was going to cry. I smirked as Mika rushed over with Ashton following in after her.

Jasper made inside with Jake trailing behind him. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him, having to wake into this life to find that the woman he loved was now mated to another. But I could only hope and pray that he would find his mate someday soon. I didn't want him to live a life of loneliness. He deserved far better than to watch me live a happy life with my new mate while he was alone.

Charlie's eyes were wide as he stared at Nick, Samantha, Mika and Ashton. I couldn't help but wonder just what my father was thinking, but I kept my shield to myself. I'd always hated the thought of people intruding into my private thoughts without my permission.

Nick looked at me with questioning eyes, and I nodded, understanding what he was wanting to know.

His eyes moved to Charlie and then to Sue.

"Bells?" Charlie whispered as his eyes moved between Mika, Nick, Samantha and Ashton. He had only briefly seen Nick, so this was the first time he got to really look at him, as well as the other three children, frozen forever at their age.

I smiled as I looked adoringly at my kids. "These are my children." I ran my hand through my son's hair as I spoke, "Nick is my first adopted child. I rescued him from his creator's army. Let's just say that he wasn't a good person. This is his new mate, Samantha."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." Nick bowed as Samantha waved shyly. I could practically picture the light blush that would powder her cheeks were she still human.

"It's good to meet you, as well," Charlie smiled.

I gestured to my daughter and her mate. "This is Mika and her mate, Ashton." I smiled at them as they both waved their greetings, unsure of what else to do. "Mika was turned by Maria, but I was able to save her during my first encounter with her creator. Ashton and his twin brother, Greg, as well as Samantha, here, and her sister, Callie, were also created by Maria, but they were created during your time with her, so they are still relatively new to this life, just like you are."

"We were hidden in a barn." Ashton spoke up upon seeing Jacob frown. "My brother is able to control plants and stuff while I'm able to control the water. Callie is a tracker, but I don't know if Samantha has a gift. Maria didn't want us anywhere near the other vampires, because of our skills."

"It makes sense that she would have wanted to isolate them," Jasper mused out loud before looking up at Charlie, Sue and Jake. "I'm sure you remember what it was like at her camp amongst the newborns. They would have really had a hard time in the general population. Samantha probably wouldn't have made it without a gift to protect her."

"Maria must have changed them,knowing they would be gifted," Peter added. "Or she wouldn't have risked changing them at such a young age. It would have been too easy for her to get caught in this day and age."

"Where are Callie and Greg?" Sue asked looking at Ashton with remorse in her eyes. I could practically smell the stench of guilt.

"They like to stay with Rosalie and Emmett." Ashton said pulling Mika closer to him. "While Boss saved us, they consider Rosalie and Emmett their parents. I kinda think of them as my parents, too, while the Boss is like a super strict Aunt." He chuckled, causing me to smile.

"I also have Natalie and Kirk help out with their education, so they still get the appropriate amount of schooling in." I added.

"How old are you kids?" Charlie asked, his eyes narrowed as he cut them to me.

Knowing where this conversation would be heading, I cleared my throat nodded my head towards the door, then back to Nick. He understood as he nodded and lead his mate out of the room. Mika and Ashton went with them, leaving me alone with Jasper, Sue, Jake, Charlie, Peter and Charlotte. I could tell that Leah and Seth would be arriving shortly, as well, because I hear their foot steps and smell their scents as they approached. It was easy to tell them apart from the vampires that run around the compound. Although their heart beats are another give away.

I sat down with the others following my lead. Jasper was at my side with his arm curled around me as I sat down on the loveseat looking at Sue, Charlie and Jake who sat on the couch in front of us. Peter was lounging in a chair with Charlotte in his lap.

I was about to open my mouth to speak when Rosalie and Emmett entered the room. They paused for a moment, their eyes locked on me. I didn't think they'd be joining us, but nodded anyway, inviting them to sit in.

"Leah and Seth should be here shortly." I told everyone, seeing Sue relax beside Charlie. "Before they get here, I would like to tell you that what that I say here is not to leave this room." My eyes narrowed as I looked around the room, meeting the gaze of each person present.

"What's going on, Bells?" Jake asked and frowned as he looked around the room.

I took in a deep breath. "Why don't we -"

I didn't get to finish the sentence as Leah and Seth walked in, only to freeze at the sight they were greeted with.

"Please, take a seat, Leah. Seth." I gestured. "There are some things we need to discuss."

"Like what?" Leah growled at me with narrowed eyes, her arms crossing over her chest.

Seth grabbed her arm. "Leah, will you chill?" He sighed, looking at Jake for help.

Jake's eyes hardened as he stared up at Leah. "That's enough, Leah."

"As I was saying," I started again as I watched Leah huff as she and Seth took their seat. "I'm sure you've all been informed that we will be going to Volterra and about the double-agent that we need to uncover there. However, what you don't know is the other reason. One of the Kings, Marcus, is related to us and in a deep depression." Charlie's eyes widened. "His mate was killed many years ago and we have the chance to help him. He's a good man and ruler who doesn't deserve the pain he is constantly in." I made eye contact with each person present as I spoke. "Now, I know that Sebastian had the gift to bring someone back from their ashes, but Nick is able to take a gift from a vampire to keep as his own."

Charlie's eyes widened before they narrowed at me. "Are you telling me that young boy, out there, has that gift that Sebastian had?"

"Yes," I answered truthfully and without hesitation.

"I don't think you should make him to use it." Sue said with fear in her eyes. "We could all tell that Sebastian was different after each time he'd use it."

Nick cleared his throat. "No one is making me do anything. My mother always lets me make my own decisions and makes sure that I am always fully informed. She's told me about the outcome from using this gift." His eyes darted to me, then back to the others. "I have also spoken to my mate about this. While I appreciate your worry, I have faith that my mother, father and mate will be able to help me after I bring the King's mate back. He's too kind to have to go through life without his mate. The outcome will be worth it."

"I don't get it? What outcome?" Seth asked with a frown.

"He will lose part of himself." Samantha answered in a light whisper. "That's why Sebastian was so twisted after a while. He kept losing the part that made him who he was. His values and morals were taken from him by Maria. She was the one who changed him, not the gift, even if it made him vulnerable to her greed. You see, in order to bring someone back, a price must be paid."

"Are you sure you want to do this, kid?" Charlie asked with a troubled grimace on his face.

Nick nodded as he turned to smile at Samantha. "It would be an honor." He turned his eyes back to the room. "I know how it feels to have a mate, and even though I haven't had her in my life for long, I would do anything to keep her. And if I can help someone else the same way, then I will. I have so many people who love me and give me the strength and courage I need to know I can handle this gift."

"How are you going to do it?" Leah asked as her arms were crossed. "I mean, won't the lee-" she quickly corrected herself, "vampires notice that kid isn't the same?"

"That is why Nick will be kept hidden in the castle," I explained. "No one will know how Didyme was really brought back. We are to let the others believe what they want, which will most likely be that I am the one who somehow did it. Rosalie and Emmett will be with Nick and Samantha while Jasper and I deal with the Kings and their Guard. But before we even attempt to bring Didyme back - and this is vital - we must find out who the Double-agent is in the Volturi ranks. Only when the person is found out, exposed, and taken care of, can we bring Marcus' mate back."

"And that's why you want me to go," Charlie whispered as his hand tightened on Sue's. "Because I can tell if I'm being lied to."

I nodded, glad that he understood. "Yes," I smirked as I tilted my head. "Jasper and Peter will help you develop your gift. The sooner we can find the spy, the sooner we can do what we came to do and come back home." I looked over at Leah, "Then, of course, we promised to take a trip up north."

She only nodded, but I noticed the twitch in her lips as she hid her smile.

Clearing my throat, I turned to my mate and my Captain. "Aside from what we've already discussed, what else needs to be done before we can leave?"

"We'll need to make sure that the newborns going can handle the smell of humans." Jasper announced beside me with stern eyes. "We don't want any accidents or risks of exposure, especially on our way to Volterra."

"How are we going to get there?" Rosalie asked, cutting her eyes over to me. "Not to mention, who are you going to leave in charge while you and Jasper off the compound?"

"Don't worry, Rosalie." I spoke strongly, but with a small smile. "I'll have everything taken care of. I just need to make a few phone calls."

Rosalie nodded with a sigh, "Alright."

"Well, if that's all, why don't we start taking groups out to feed?" Peter suggested as he jumped to his feet. "I know I'm thirsty!"

I chuckled, shaking my head as Jasper and I rose to our feet. "Those present who are able and thirsty can go with Peter." I looked to Sue and Jake. "Of course, there are also blood bags if you need them. We can't have you in the city until your phasing is under control. Also, Dad, if you need to hunt, take someone with you. I'm sure Emmett will be happy to teach you how to hunt game." I winked at my big bear of a brother who had an excited look on his face at the thought of getting to hunt like he used to, if only for the fun of it since he was on the human diet as a food source. "Now, if you all excuse me, I have some things I need to take care of."

I stood and then hurried out of the room. I could feel Jasper's curiosity follow me as I left, but I needed to call Marcus to arrange a plane, and then call Raoul in, along with Angela. I'd decided that they would be the perfect pair to put in charge of the compound while I was away. While Raoul was my second in command over the compound, yet Faia and Sai were my seconds in battle.

As soon as I entered my study, I headed over to the phone on my desk and dialed the number for Italy. I was so thankful for the perfect recall I had as a vampire. I knew that if I didn't have it, I definitely wouldn't have been able to remember that number.

A/N: So, the plan is in place and the wolves came and went with two members left behind. Any thoughts on the chapter and what happened? Will Jake find a mate? How will Nick fair after he brings Didyme back? Who is the Double-Agent? Review!

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