A/N: Ok.. I didn't realize that by swapping chapters no alert would go out to those who read the wrong chapter... so I am fixing that. So... some of you are getting alerted to a chapater you already read because I personally alerted you to it. Others, check it out to make sure you have read it. I hope this will be the last fix on this chapter- Soo sorry for all the mix ups!

Best Laid Plans

There was nothing, just silence and blackness. It was comforting and disarming all at the same time and I didn't know what to think about it. I could not hear, see, smell or touch anything. It was like I was in a sensory deprivation chamber, floating aimlessly. This must be Alec's power and what a powerful one it was. I could see why Aro had him. After a few seconds I knew it was fruitless to fight against it, I could not move. So I sat in the silence and thought.

It was natural for my thoughts to turn towards Bella and I was thankful I could not move. That meant I did not have to cry. But then I was left to wallow in my grief. How could I have left her, all alone and suffering? Too late did I finally realize the awfulness of my choices, and here was my bitter consequence. My leaving did no good; it did not serve its intended purpose. I had completely and utterly failed Bella. I lost the only good thing I had ever experienced in this world. It seemed natural that my only recourse was to beg for death.

I worried about their deliberations. I was unsure if I had reached them with my plea. Only Marcus would truly understand the depths of my pain and despair. But somehow I worried that his centuries of apathy left him unwilling or maybe unable to find sympathy. Maybe he was forever locked into his own grief. His thoughts were calm, but rather empty. Instead his mind felt muddled and hazy as if he was thinking through a thick fog.

However, my biggest concern lay with Aro. It appeared that the final decision would come down to him, regardless of what his brothers thought and that terrified me. I was not accustomed to having my fate lie in another's hands. Maybe that was why I struggled so much with Bella. Since the second I laid eyes on her, she held my life in her hands. Even now, after her death, my life rests with her. As she found peace in death, I hope to find comfort or at least an ease to my pain.

Not knowing how much time has passed I contemplated what to do if they should refuse my request. Without a doubt I knew I was willing to do whatever it took to end my existence. I made that vow to Bella months ago. She died, I died. It was as simple as that. If there was one thing I would follow through on, it would be this. I could not fail her once again.

If they refused me and kept me within the walls of Volterra I would attack. If I just went after a guard member they would be ordered to subdue me, but possibly not kill. I could ascertain that once I began my attack. If that was the case, I would go after to Aro. Chances are he would have the most bodyguards and they would have the strongest powers. They could not let me live if I dared attack one of the rulers. It would undermine their authority and they would need to make an example out of me. I was fine with that as long as it ended in my demise. I was not picky about the how, just that it happened.

I was surprised about the calm that I felt with that decision made. It was simple, ridiculously easy. Maybe I felt that way because it was the right one to make. Since Bella has come into my life I had second guessed my every thought, emotion, decision and action. I have been living so cautiously and with such reservation. The consequences to all that I did were great, they could end with Bella severely injured or even worse, dead. That could not happen by my hand, there would be no way I could live with myself if that happened. But I did not need to worry about that anymore; she was gone, for forever.

In an attempt to move my thoughts from diving deeper into that pool of pain, I thought about the other options I had. If they refused me and allowed me to leave, I needed a plan. I needed to do something that would make them take action. No hesitation, just straight out take me down and out. It was what I wanted, needed. There needed to be an end to the pain, I had to hold onto hope that there was. Nothing could be worse than living in a world she did not exist in, nothing. If they released me, I would have to take my time and plan. I needed to make sure there was no other option but for them to destroy me. I would accept nothing less. There would be no compromising.

What if they granted my request? I did not feel trepidation or remorse, instead I felt relief. There would be an end in sight and I relished that idea. Quickly my mind turned towards what it would be like after. Would I get to see her, if for a briefest moment? I knew she was among the angels and I had no guarantee that I would be allowed where she was. Did I dare hope that would happen? Oh, how I wanted that hope, it would make things easier. However, I did not think the small gestures I had made in the last few months were enough to erase even a portion of my karmic debt. There was too much stacked against me. There was too much blood and death that stained not only my hands, but my very existence.

It was an almost certainty that the judgment I would face will find me lacking and headed straight to hell. But if I was given a chance to speak, I would ask to see her one last time, just to tell her sorry and that I always loved her. One last chance was what I would beg for, not to spend eternity with her. Just a chance to correct the greatest wrong I had ever committed. If I was granted that, I could find my peace. She was my peace, she was my heart, and she was my home. I knew that now, I understood, finally. It was too late to do anything about, but I could die knowing all that she was to me. I could acknowledge it in my heart.

I was growing impatient with them keeping me in this suspended state, it was unnecessary. Although I was unaware of how much time was passing, I was confused by why it was taking any amount of time. It was a simple request with only two possible outcomes: yes or no. But deep down I had a sinking feeling that Aro was going to make this anything but simple. His thoughts were very careful and specific. I intrigued him and a part of him was jealous of my gift. Even though his was more powerful, I had potential that his did not have. He was extremely interested in Alice. I can only hope that once they are finished with me, he will not seek her out.

In that moment I realized how little I had thought about my family. I wanted to feel guilty, but I had long been unable to feel anything other than grief, sadness and pain. I knew without a doubt that Alice would have seen me and my decisions. She may even have know now what they will decide. But I was unable to drag up any real concern. I knew that when word reached them of my demise they will be saddened. I may even say devastated. But they had to understand that I could not function without her. All except Rose, she did not get it and never would. But my parents, Alice, Jasper and especially Emmett have to realize I could never exist now. They all saw how bad I was, how unhinged I was, and they could not expect me to function like that for all eternity. Even they would not be that cruel.

So lost in my musings about my family, I failed to realize right way when light began to penetrate the darkness. It came in vary degrees of intensity until I had full visual capabilities. I saw Alec in front of me. He smiled and once again gradual hearing resumed until I could hear the humming of noises all around me. Alec was busy reciting poems in Latin and then he spoke.

"The masters would like to see you again. Felix and I will take you to them. We expect that you will cooperate completely. Is that understood?" I gave him a curt nod and then all of my senses were returned back to me. Although there were no tense muscles, I still stretched and rolled my back and arms. I just felt the urge to make any movement after being deprived for so long.

As soon as I was ready, I followed Alec out of the room with Felix right behind me. I scanned their thoughts to see if they knew of the final decision but found that they knew nothing. Alec's mind was relatively calm; it was an easy place to be. Felix on the other hand was itching for a fight. He was bored and restless and was more than willing to grant me my request. I stored that away for later use. If the situation arose, I knew that provoking Felix would be easy.

We traversed through dimly lit corridors and hallways. They were lined with sculptures and paintings that at any other time I would love to spend time looking at. Many I would even bet were originals. Trying to keep myself calm, I played Bella's lullaby in my head. The once calming and soothing melodies now seemed to haunt and even mock me. But I still found a sense of peace in the familiar cords. I keep the melody running on a continuous loop as we re-entered the room from earlier.

The three of them were already seated. Their expressions blank. Their minds were filled with translations, songs and random lists. They were blocking me from discovering what their decision is and it left me feeling uneasy.

Aro stood up to greet us as we entered, "Welcome back my dear Edward." Feeling that I would be unable to be cordial, I simply nodded in his direction and fixed him with my glare. He chuckled at my less than enthused greeting.

"I am sorry that it took us a while to come to a decision. My brothers and I have differing ideas of what we would like to see as the outcome." Marcus gave no indication that he disagreed with Aro's assessment. Caius however snorted in disbelief and in the brief second I saw a flash of their discussion. There were only flashes and they were disjointed. The feeling I got from them was that Caius was all for granting my request. My head swiveled to look at Caius directly.

"I can see you disagree with Aro's description. I also see that you wanted to grant my request. So by your reactions, I guess you were out voted." I turned an incredulous looks back at Aro. "Am I incorrect Aro?"

In that moment, I saw that they had no intention of agreeing to destroy me. My eyes narrowed in anger and frustration. Why would they refuse me? There was no valid reason for them to deny me, unless they were fearful of Carlisle's reaction. I was at a loss to determine if that was a correct assessment. Surely my father would be upset and saddened by my death. But, I had no idea if he would hold Aro responsible. Knowing Carlisle's peaceful and forgiving disposition, he would be unable to hold anyone but me responsible. That was how I wanted it to be. This was my choice, my life and I wanted to end it.

Aro was slowly shaking his head. "Edward, would you hear us out, please?" I could hear the arguments that were piling up, but I decided to allow him to speak his mind. I gave him a slight nod for him to continue.

"I am rather intrigued by your gift. It is a useful one to have. To destroy you over a human girl, well, I find that wasteful. Perhaps you would be willing to forgo death and instead join our family? I understand your diet and I would be respectful of it, just as I was when Carlisle was with us. You could be a great asset to our family."

I bristled at Aro classifying Bella as just a human. She was my mate, my friend, my confidant; she was the best thing that had ever happened to me. How hard was that for anyone to understand? They all had mates; did they not believe that she was mine? To me that truth seemed undeniable. Looking over at Marcus, he gave no indication that he was either pleased or put out by the offer of joining them. Caius however was more than willing to comply. He was more upset that I had exposed our world to a human and in his mind that meant death to me, even if the human was no longer living.

I took a few deep and quiet breaths before I spoke, but the anger still leaked through, "I will decline your offer to join this family." I could not help the sneer from coming out.

They had no idea of the concept of family. Family was built on love, trust and respect. All they had here was fear, power and a misplaced sense of belonging. I had experienced the love of parents, both human and vampire. I had lived with the closeness of siblings and all that came with it. I had been transcended by love, so sweet and pure, that I hardly felt worthy of it. No one in this room had ever experienced such a life, and chances were they never would. No, there was no place for me here.

While I had a feeling it would go without saying, I felt the need to warn them. "Your denial of my request will not deter me from what I set out to do. I plan on making this my last day of existence." Even without touching my hand, Aro could sense the meaning in my words. I would do whatever I needed to do to force their hand. Aro saw the other possible ideas that had floated in my mind as I ran here. He should not underestimate the determination I had to follow Bella.

"Again, I would ask that you reconsider any plans that you may have. You could be a valued member of my guard." There was no mistaking the warning in Aro's tone. "Before you make any rash decisions, please know that we must uphold the law. We cannot afford to show leniency."

I hear you loud and clear, I thought to myself. If I forced their hand they would act. "Am I free to go?" My voice was short and emotionless.

With a rather dramatic sigh, Aro nodded his head. "If you wish to reconsider, please do not hesitate to come back. We will welcome you joyously."

I could not help the snort that escaped.

"I do not think I would ever reconsider, I am not used to living my life as a pawn." Aro smirked at my sudden outburst of attitude, but gestured for Felix to show me out. As we walked, Felix was not shy in issuing a warming to me. We will be watching and I have no qualms about punishing any rule breakers.

That was exactly what I was counting on; I gave him a curt nod as I walked past him and into the early morning air. I glanced at the clock tower and realized I had a few hours before sunrise. To say I was disappointed in the Volturi in forcing me to take matters into my own hand was an understatement. Or maybe I did not really give much credence to their need for power. Either way, I was now forced to figure out how best to push them into having no other choice but to destroy me.

Whatever I chose, it needed to be a big enough violation that they would have to destroy me on the spot, and there could be no room for any other possibility. I walked the streets of Volterra and watched as workers scrambled to add more red banners. From the mind of the workers, today was St. Marcus' Day. The irony was not lost on me. The day was to celebrate the city being rid of vampires and in this modern day and age, it translated to a celebration for the town's police force. How little did the humans suspect that the vampire the day was named after was real and lived not too far from where the festivities would take place.

From Aro's thoughts and stories that I heard from Carlisle, the Volturi loved their laws and rules. So much so, that they never hunted in their city limits. Their food was brought in from all over the place. I found the practice disgusting. I continued to roam, not really knowing what I was going to do or where I was going.

I found myself in a small country side outside the city and sat down by a small grove of trees. I was feeling worn out, emotionally. I had nothing much left in me. For the last few days I existed off of highs and lows and the longer I did that, the more depleted I felt. I had no capacity to feel guilt or concern. Happiness and joy were completely foreign to me. All that left me with was tremendous amounts of pain and sadness.

I closed my eyes, wishing that I could sleep. Maybe then, I could escape the torment that I had been living in since I left home. Then I could dream of Bella. We could be happy, together and in love once again. We could finally love each other to our fullest capability. I wouldn't care of she was human or vampire, I just want to love her, to have her know that I loved her and always would.

Not knowing if the day was going to be sunny, I headed back to the city and began making plans. I went back to the first few plans I made. I could throw a car over a wall, or move something as equally as heavy. However, for that to happen, I would want a huge audience, the more witnesses the more likely the guard would act swiftly.

I wandered the city looking for a suitable place and auto, but found nothing that would satisfy me that the guard would act. For the next few hours, in the shadows of the city's buildings I searched for the appropriate action. I could showcase my speed, but it was undetectable to humans, I could utilize my strength and reflexes, but again, it's hard to make it discernable to humans. As the city filled with more and more humans and the hours passed, I became frantic. The intense desire to be with Bella was all consuming. As time passed, all I could picture in my mind was Bella lying cold and lifeless and it was a despondent image. I began to vacillate between anger and sadness. Anger for the Volturi making this more difficult than it really needed to be. The sadness would consume me as I realized how much time has passed since Bella had died. I could not fathom living without her and the longer it happened, the more frantic I became.

In the end, I found a rather easy and simplistic way to flaunt the rules and cause them to act. I decided to hunt. There had not been a human death in Volterra due to vampires in several hundred years. Add in the fact what today stood for; they would have no recourse but to retaliate. It was simple and easy. The monster in me was ecstatic. I had denied him for so long. The idea that I would let him free had him salivating at the prospect. The way I saw it, why shouldn't I let him out?

So I set out in full hunting mode. I moved closer to the main square. If I could manage to make sure a few humans saw as well, then that would seal the deal. As I moved around, I could hear the guard that was assigned to watch me. They were not happy with babysitting me and a few were willing to do a preemptive strike. I would not be disappointed if they made that choice.

Knowing that I could never hunt an innocent, I cast my mind out to find those minds I had hunted so many years ago. I scanned the masses around me, searching for the vile and evil thoughts that human predators think with. I was not surprised that it did not take long to find such a mind. No matter where I went, evil lurked. In the warming morning rays, I heard the thoughts of a man who had violated a girl last night. He accosted her in a dark alley way after luring her from a café down the street. While he left her alive, he did take pleasure in her cries and fright. He left her injured and whimpering.

I diligently listened in to him, waiting for him to show me where he was waiting. I scanned visually and with my mind for him. Minutes later I saw him as he passed the main water fountain. He was headed towards a street that was a couple down from where I was. Quickly I made my way over to him. I knew that there were two Volturi guards close by. I am sure once I struck, they would react quickly.

As I turned down the cobbled lane, I saw him. He was tall and lanky; his hair was long and greasy. His thoughts were smug and still riding high from his victory the night before. I could feel the pull of the monster within. He roared at me, and rattled the cage I shackled him in. He longed to come out and play. To finally give in to the primitive urges that I had tamped down for several decades.

The familiar flow of venom flooded my mouth as I descended upon the unsuspecting human. His sickening thoughts sucked me towards him, like a shining beacon. My muscles tightened in anticipation of the lunge. My attention was hyper-focused on him and the flow of blood that I could hear was pumping through his veins. He was less than thousand feet from me and he finally caught my menacing glare.

I watched as he noisily gulped as the strains of fear filled his mind, he knew he was in the presence of a predator and he was greatly outmatched. Closer still and I could smell the adrenaline and fear. It was thick and permeated the air. Less than a hundred feet and the monster was joyous, he screamed at me to end it, to relish in the kill.

As I made the motions to spring, two faces floated in a haze in my mind. The first was Bella and the second was my father. While there was no condemnation or pity, I felt their sorrow. Neither would find fault, but both would be disappointed. I could almost hear Bella telling me I was better than I was acting. Carlisle would remind me of the years of struggle to be more than just a vicious creature.

At the last second I moved fast, wanting to be away from the vile man. I clamped down on my emotions and desires. I struggled to control who and what I was. If I had any chance at meeting Bella in the afterlife, I could not end my existence by being a killer. I could not meet Bella with blood on my hands, and I could not turn away from everything that my father tried to teach me. I knew there was a small semblance of humanity left in me and by killing once again; I would for sure lose that.

A few short blocks later and I collapsed into a narrow doorway. I was panting with the exertion to stave off the monster in me and the sheer force of the rampant emotions that coursed through me. My head fell into my hands as I was wracked with uncontrollable sobs. I cried for the atrocious act I almost committed, I cried for the fear of what was waiting for me once I died. For the first time, I really let myself feel the loss over Bella. I let the full knowledge that Bella was truly gone settle deep inside me. Never would I see her blush, never would I feel her warmth surround me or feel the beat of her heart as we cuddled. Never would I be able to watch her sleep and hear the pieces of her dreams. It was all lost forever.

I continued to sit there for a while and allowed myself to grieve over the loss of my mate. I could feel the heavy weight in my heart. The pieces of me that still remained shuddered and broke. Awash in an ocean of sadness and loneliness I let myself drown. Over and over her name tumbled from my lips in a silent prayer of forgiveness and love. Once I could pull myself together, I was renewed with a deeper sense of determination.

I would die, but it would be with honor and dignity and it would in no way place a blemish on my father or the memory of Bella. I owed them more than that. With that resolution, the answer was simple and appropriate. There was nothing that Bella loved more than the sight of me in the sun. So that's what I would do. I would walk out in the sun and let the world see what Bella found so beautiful. It was a fitting tribute to the only woman I would ever love. Soon, my love, I would come soon.

As I was deep inside the city walls I would need to have the sun at its highest point, which meant I would have to wait until noon before I acted. By the position of the sun already, I had only a few short hours before then. I made my way closer to the plaza square and found a side alley to wait in. Now that there was a plan in place, I was calm and almost serene. There was nothing that I could do but wait.

So there I sat, getting lost in my memories. I watched as Bella and I spent time in our meadow, the sun highlighting her hair and sweetening her scent. I swayed as I replayed prom and the dances we had as she fit comfortably in my arms. I watched as she played chess with Jasper and was teased by Emmett. Once again I was walking with her, hand in hand, to our classes, whispering our love. Flashes of a million small and special moments; our first kiss, first date, first time she met my family, first time she told me she loved me. It was a blissful mix of everything good and wonderful.

Again I tried to purge myself of all that I did wrong by her. I confessed my deepest regret that I left her and that I failed to fully comprehend her love, that I dismissed her needs and wants and failed to listen to her. I professed my love and admiration for her, I spoke of how grateful that she choose me to love and was so accepting of me and my family.

A few minutes before noon I stood up and removed the shirt I was wearing. I stood at the mouth of the alley way and peered out at the sea of people crowding the square. The sun was bright and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. My skin began to give out a faint shimmer. I stepped just to the edge, knowing that a few short steps would bring me into the light and to my end.

I let the shirt flutter from my hand and it pooled at my feet. I closed my eyes and breathed slowly and deep. I cleared my mind of the noise of the crowd and instead focused on the singular image of Bella. Her hair was flowing freely down her back. Her smile was soft and her eyes were bright and full of love. I kept this before me as the clock above me began to chime towards the noon hour.

Carefully and methodically I inched forward and closer to the light I could feel was shining brightly. I concentrated hard on Bella. Internally I told her that I was coming and to wait for me. Please wait for me, I am coming Bella. So focused on what I was thinking, I could almost hear her call my name. Was it possible she was reaching out to me? Calling me, letting me know she did not leave me behind? Hope swelled inside me and I took another measured step forward.

Once again, I swore I heard her call out to me. I hear you my love. The idea of Bella calling out to me was more that I would ever hope for and hung on the sweet tones of her voice. Over and over I heard my name, it was high and frantic. Was she just as anxious to see me again as I was to see her? I was prepared to beg for her forgiveness when I saw her again, but now it seemed as if she was calling for me instead.

Another shuffle brought me even closer as the clock chimed out the noon hour. I left my hands free by my sides, relaxed and open. I let myself get lost in Bella and the sound of her voice. It was beautiful even if it sounded frantic and hurried. I did not puzzle long over it, I was just happy to hear her voice. I had gone too long without hearing it, I missed it immensely.

I could almost picture her, as she waited for me, arms open and inviting. She looked at peace and my transgressions were forgiven. She would cradle me close as I rushed into her waiting arms. She was safe, she was love and she wanted me.

I heard as she asked me to look at her. I am love; you are all I can see. What a vision she was, so beautiful, perfection. There was not a single thing on her I would change. Her eyes were warm and open, her lips curved into a soft smile. There was the gentle swell of her hips that fit my hand perfectly. There was her scent and her heart beat, always the beacon that drew me towards her.

Part of me knew that I shouldn't hope to see her, but I couldn't quell the feelings. I longed to see her. I had begged and pleaded with God on that plane. I have no way of knowing if I was heard, but I had to hope. No, I had to do more than that, I had to take that leap of faith that I could not do before. My cowardice has led to suffering. Now, in my last minutes, I would hope and pray and have some faith that I would see her again.

The bell tolled again and I was just a stride away from the sun and once again I heard my angel calling for me. I smiled, just for her and as I raised my leg to take that final step, I felt as something crashed into me. Reflexively, my arms wrapped around something that was so soft and warm. I clutched it to me, it was an automatic reaction. I opened my eyes as the final ring chimed out the noon hour.

I could not believe my eyes. "Amazing. Carlisle was right." My leap of faith worked, she was here in my arms! I could not believe it, it was more than I could ever imagine. She felt so right, so perfect and I missed her so very much.

"Edward, you've got to get back into the shadows. You have to move!" Her voice was filled with an unneeded panic and I was unable to grasp why. All I could focus on was that she was once again in my arms. I gazed at her, pouring all my devotion in my gaze. Softly I trailed my hand along her check. Oh, God, how soft it was, I had almost forgotten. I held her tighter, not wanting to ever let her go.

She was tugging on me and it made me wonder if she missed me half as much as I missed her. I did not think it was possible, but gone were the days that I underestimate her. I wouldn't make the same mistake again.

"I can't believe how quick it was. I didn't feel a thing- they're very good." It was a frightening thing to consider, but when the end result was what I was holding in my arms. I didn't care what the cost would be; I would pay it, gladly. Closing my eyes I breathed her in, her essence, her very being. Ever so gently, I pressed my lips to her hair. "Death, that hath sucked the honey of thy breath, hath had no power yet upon thy beauty." No truer words had I ever uttered. She was beautiful, no matter where or what she was.

I took another deep breath, the achingly familiar scent of freesia and strawberries assaulted my senses, it engulfed me in a haze of need and burn. It was all I needed, proof that she was with me, that this was not some cruel joke. "You smell just exactly the same as always. So maybe this is hell. I don't care. I'll take it." I would endure anything to be with her, pay any price. It was worth it; she was worth any price.

"I'm not dead," she replied and I found in confusing. Of course we both were dead, I knew it. "And neither are you! Please, Edward, we have to move. They can't be far away!" She was squirming in my arms and I was saddened. Did she not want to be near me? Was she angry at me still? It would make sense; we had so much to talk about.

But to make sure, I questioned her, "What was that?"

"We're not dead, not yet! But we have to get out of here before the Volturi-"

It was then that several things processed simultaneously in my head. One, Bella was not dead, for whatever reason, she was alive and in my arms. She was with me in Italy, she was ALIVE! Second, we were in trouble. There were guards all around and two were coming up behind me and they saw me with Bella. The very next second I spun us both away from the light and pushed her behind me and looked deep into the alley. My mind was racing, trying to process everything. Bella is alive, Rose had it wrong, she came to save me, the guard is coming, how do I get her out of here alive- over and over the thought spun. Right then I vowed to get Bella out of here alive- at all costs.

I centered myself, I needed to be rational and calm to figure out what to do and I needed to get us out of Volterra. I knew who it was that was coming down the alley, and it was going to make my job difficult.

"Greetings, gentlemen. I don't think I'll be requiring your services today. I would appreciate it very much however, if you would send my thanks to your masters." My voice was calm, but inside I was churning and frantic. They could do whatever they wanted to me, but Bella was off limits. Of course, the two in front of me had other plans.

Looks like we hit the jackpot here. This will be very interesting. "Shall we take this conversation to a more appropriate venue?" Nice try, but I was not going to budge one inch.

"I don't believe that will be necessary. I know your instructions, Felix. I haven't broken any rules." I reminded him my voice hardened. Of course, he knew I was wrong with part of my statement, but his only instructions were to destroy me if I brought attention tour kind in public. I had done no such thing. It was not up to Felix to punish me in regards to Bella knowing. If I could get her out of here before they knew she was here, we may have a chance.

"Felix merely meant to point out the proximity of the sun. Let us seek better cover." Demetri was trying to play peacemaker and I wasn't buying it at all. Master would like to know that his human is alive. It was that thought that led me to suspect that he was set on bringing us in.

"I'll be right behind you." Keeping them in my peripheral I looked at Bella and she stole my breath away. "Bella, why don't you go back to the square and enjoy the festival?" I poured all my love into a single gaze, just in case she could not save me a second time.

"No, bring the girl," leered Felix. He was fixated on Bella and her scent. There was no way he would ever lay a finger on her.

"I don't think so." There was malice in my voice; no way was Bell walking into that place. I could not guarantee that she would come out alive and that was unacceptable. I shift ever so slightly toward Felix, knowing he was the bigger threat.

Almost silently Bella mouthed, "No." Once again she was worried about me when she shouldn't bother.

"Shh." I told her in her ear.

"Felix, not here." Demetri warned and then he turned towards me, "Aro would simply like to speak to you again, if you have decided not to force our hand after all." It didn't matter how he tried to phrase it, I wasn't allowing them to get near Bella.

"Certainly, but the girl goes free." If Aro wanted to talk, he would have to make do with just me.

Demetri let out a low sigh, "I'm afraid that's not possible. We do have rules to obey." What is it about this human that he is defending? Can he really love her?

"Then I'm afraid that I'll be unable to accept Aro's invitation, Demetri." Couldn't he see how simple it was?

"That's just fine." Felix inched closer, and gave me a menacing stare. Come on, make a move, I dare you. I'll rip you to shreds and have your toy for a snack. I needed to keep my cool. It would do neither Bella nor me any good if I let my anger rule me. I had to stay calm, for Bella.

Don't make our job more difficult Felix. "Aro will be disappointed," stated Demetri.

"I'm sure he'll survive the letdown." Ever so slowly, they approached us and began to spread out. They wanted to force us deeper into the alley and I refused to move. I kept myself as close as I could get to Bella. Her heat was bathing my body and it felt sublime. I never realized how much I missed her warmth until this moment. I wanted to revel in it, but I had to concentrate on what was happening in front of me. Seconds later I heard a familiar voice in my head.

I am here Edward, give me a few seconds. I whipped my head towards her and a second later the others did as well. Just then, Alice's voice rang out. "Let's behave ourselves, shall we? There are ladies present."

She glided to my side. I missed you, Edward. Now let's get out of here alive. At the sight of Alice they stopped their approach and eased their stances. By Felix's expression, he was not happy that Alice was there and when I caught wind of his thoughts, I was right. Hmm, too even of a fight. Should have struck while I had the chance.

Alice continued to speak, "We're not alone." She gestured towards the mouth of the alley and the humans that were milling around. Demetri looked in the direction she was gesturing and in his mind I saw the family that was glancing nervously in our direction. From their thoughts, they were worried about Bella, and very concerned about the four of us. They sensed that something was not right.

Demetri obviously did not like the human audience. "Please, Edward, let's be reasonable." I wanted to laugh; I was more than willing to be reasonable it's just that it varies greatly from his idea. I did not finish what I came here to do; there was no reason for them to detain me.

"Let's and we'll leave quietly now, with no one the wiser." It really was the best outcome, but from the flashes Alice was getting, it wasn't the most likely one to occur. I tried to focus on what she was seeing, but it was all flashing by too quickly.

Demetri let go another sigh of frustration, "At least let us discuss this more privately." By now there were several more security guards that were with the family and they were all furtively glancing in our direction.

In my show of annoyance I snapped my teeth; there was no way I was moving from where I stood. "No."

Felix smiled in anticipation of a fight and then everything suddenly didn't matter anymore. Things took a turn for the worse.

"Enough" I inwardly groaned at Jane's untimely entrance. I couldn't help but slump in defeat a bit, this was not good.

"Jane," that was the only acknowledgement she would get from me. Edward, this doesn't help our situation. Alice folded her arms in consternation. You have to play it calm with her here. She is itching to get back at you. I gave her the barest of nods to let her know I heard her.

Calmly and with a touch of boredom, Jane ordered, "Follow me." Not even checking to see if we would follow, she turned and walked away. She knew that we would go, there was no other choice. Felix stepped aside and gestured for us to follow after Jane. Alice went first and I pulled Bella in close to me.

She looked up and I saw the fear in her eyes and the questions. There were a million of them, but this wasn't the time. I shook my head to tell her not now, and I hoped there would be a later to explain it all. No, I would make sure there was a later, there had to be. I had Bella back and I could not lose her now.

Instead, I wanted to questions Alice, to see how this all became one colossal screw up. "Well, Alice, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you here."

You have no idea. "It was my mistake. It was my job to set it right." Of course Rose had her little part in this as well.

"What happened?" I was dying to know how we got here. It just didn't add up and I was sure it was because I was missing vital information.

"It's a long story." I watched as Alice looked briefly at Bella. I could not read the thoughts that went with it, it was a mixture of sadness and joy, but there was an undercurrent of something I could not identify. "In summary, she did jump off a cliff, but she wasn't trying to kill herself. Bella's all about the extreme sports these days."

Immediately she launched into the vision she had and what happened. I watched as Bella jumped and I tried not to wince at the image. Then I saw as the vision stopped. Alice showed me as she went to Bella's house only to have her come in the door and smelling like wet dog. When she got to Jacob being a werewolf, I almost came undone. I had to repeat to myself that she was alive and in my arms.

Unsure if I could form a rational response I simply replied, "Hm." Out of the corner of my eye I caught Bella looking at me and I was sure she saw that I was none too pleased with what Alice was showing me.

Slowly we walked down the alley way which got steadily narrower and slanted downward. I had a feeling I knew what entrance they were using and I was not pleased. As we walked I held Bella close. It was heaven to touch her again even if we were headed for hell. I never thought I would get the chance to be with her again and now I knew I could never leave her again. At the end of the alley there was a dead end and Jane had disappeared. Bella's eyes widened as she watched Alice dropped gracefully into the hole in the street.

I sensed her hesitation and trepidation. "It's all right, Bella, Alice will catch you." I longed for it to be me. But I was not leaving her all alone up here. I trusted Alice to keep her safe. Cautiously she looked over the edge. I was sure it looked dark to her and that would not help ease her fears.

She crouched down and swung her feet into the hole. "Alice?" Her voice sounded so small, I wanted to comfort her, hold her and tell her it was going to be ok.

"I'm right here, Bella." Alice tried her best to reassure her. It will be ok, Edward. She won't get hurt. Gently I took hold of her wrists and lowered her as far as I could and then I let go. My heart plummeted with her. In seconds I watched as Alice caught her and placed her on her feet. I followed a second later and pulled her into my arms.

I wanted to sing with relief as she wrapped her frail arms around me. Just maybe it meant that things would be ok with us. I held onto to that with everything I had. Behind us the grate was pulled back and we continued down the dark and wet corridor. There was no light except what filtered in from the street and as we continued on, that was getting less and less. The ground was uneven and it made Bella stumble a few times. I could hear her heart, it was beating frantically. She was nervous and even a little scared. Her eyes swept the corridor even thought she could see very little.

I couldn't help myself; I had to touch her face. Tentatively I reached across and swiped my thumb across her lips. The feeling was incredible and I wanted more. I pulled her in close and pressed my lips to her hair. I was surprised but the lack of burn in my throat. I would have to ponder that later. Right now I was focused on getting us out of here, all three of us. I needed to be with Bella again; there was no other way for me to exist.

Luckily Alice was busily flipping through her visions; unfortunately there wasn't much to go on. There is too much uncertainty, Edward. I am not real sure what's going to happen. I think we need to play it by ear. It's nice to be with Bella again isn't it?

She had no idea how true that was. My musings were interrupted with Felix's sigh of consternation. He hated the fact that we had to walk at a human's pace. I wanted to growl at him, but with Bella so close, I didn't want to scare her. I ignored him instead and just held Bella as tight as I could. I was unable to stop myself from touching her. I had gone far too long without her touch and I craved it. I pressed my lips to her hair, rubbed my fingers along her arm, I even dared to kiss her forehead. Every cell in my body screamed for me to kiss her lips, but until I knew where we stood, it just didn't seem right.

I tried to rationalize that she came to save me because she still cared; I even wanted to dare hope that she still loved me. I knew it may be asking too much, but after the last few days I knew without a doubt I needed her. I needed to be with her, to love her, to just have her in my life. What form that would take would be up to her, but if I she wanted me to; I would beg and plead for forgiveness for all eternity.

The ground sloped again, and I felt Bella tense up. I rubbed her soothingly to remind her that I was near and I would protect her with my very life. A faint light was brightening the corridor and it was plain to see that we were still deep underground. In my arms Bella began to shake and I thought it was from fear. She's cold Edward, she is wet. Maybe you should just hold her hand. I pulled away and reached for her hand. However Bella had other ideas.

"N-n-no," she stuttered as she threw her arms around me. I couldn't deny her this small comfort. I pulled her close and tried to create some warmth by rubbing her arms briskly. She sank closer to me and it was heaven. I tried to carry Bella along as Felix's impatience was growing by the second. I worried that in a moment of frustration he would snap.

At the end of the corridor was another metal grate and I hurried us inside, once everyone had gone through it was slammed shut. Bella jumped at the noise of the lock being engaged. We found ourselves standing in front of a rather plain, but thick wooden door that was open, ready for us to go through. From Demetri's thoughts, I knew what lay beyond and I had the uncontrollable urge to grab Bella and flee. The fate of our lives would be decided in a room just beyond and for once I had no control of the outcome.

A/N: Feel free to review this chapter or leave me a PM if you would like! Again, sorry for the mix up. All I can say is that I was tired when I posted and was not watching what I was doing!