Author's Note: Esme left you on that cliff, not me. Please review. :)

(Jasper)

As soon as Esme recognized the object in Bella's hand, her emotions went from erratic to deadly determined. I was scared when she reached out toward Bella. I hoped I wasn't wrong to trust that the woman I had known to be so gentle in the past. I sent her a burst of caution, begging her with my eyes not to hurt this fragile girl that was already becoming important to me.

I saw her eyes flicker to mine for half a second, but she barely noted me. I was relieved when Esme gently took the lighter, caressing Bella lovingly in thanks as she took the gift from her. As soon as her hand was withdrawn, I pulled Bella away from the unstable vampire.

This was going to end badly. Even with an open flame, a vampire couldn't simply kill themselves. There would be a fight, and I was afraid for the first time in years. I shoved Bella toward Charlotte, almost too hard. I cursed myself for the loss of control as soon as it happened. I needed to get it together.

I barked out an order to the woman to hold onto her, knowing if there was a fight I would need Peter to help me keep everyone back from our position. Charlotte would be best as a last line of defense. Ideally, no one would get that far. I was probably over-reacting, but this situation was spinning out of control. I kept my distance from the girls, signaling Peter to fan out a bit as well.

I felt Bella sending me calm and I cracked a smile. She couldn't be more perfect if she tried. My head cleared a bit as the fear I was so unaccustomed to dropped away and I took courage from her. I evaluated the situation with my gift, sending out some of the calm I was borrowing from Bella.

Rose and Alice were standing farthest from everyone, both seemed too shocked to get involved. I dismissed them for now, however I'd have to watch Alice. She was unpredictable at times. Rose might as well be a statue though. Emmett was standing closer to Edward and Carlisle. He was staring at Esme, already mourning. Unlike those idiots, he could see this was going to end with someone's ashes. I was confident he would be on our side when the chips are down.

"She gave you a lighter?" Edward said, shock pouring from him. "Why would Bella have a lighter?"

"Way to miss the point." Bella mumbled. I mentally agreed with her.

As Esme lit the chair on fire, running to the trees for fallen logs to add to the flames, Carlisle and Edward finally caught on. The fire spread fast, soon blazing up into a huge bonfire, scorching the lawn and shooting up sparks into the sky.

"Esme? What are you doing?" Carlisle asked, stepping forward a little, still holding onto Edward.

"Finishing what I started on that cliff." Esme said, anger reflecting like the flames in her eyes. She turned away from him. "Goodbye Carlisle."

"Make it quick." Esme whispered in prayer, and that was all the warning I got before the woman who played at an unwilling mother figure for the last sixty years leapt at Edward, going for his throat. She managed to rip him from Carlisle's grasp, only the experienced fighters among us expecting her move.

It didn't take long before Carlisle bellowed out in rage and turned on his wife, attacking her from behind. I only considered for a second if I should intervene, but seeing two against one, especially against a female, didn't sit well with me. I grabbed Carlisle from behind, pulling him off Esme and restraining him.

"Let me go!" He snarled.

"No, this is between your wife and your son! You had your chance to make a choice and you refused!" I told the man, locking his arms behind him. "Captain! Emmett!" I yelled, getting their attention. "Make sure Alice and Rose don't decide to step in either."

"Yes sir." Peter said, moving in on Alice while Emmett grabbed his snarling wife.

Peter made sure to knock his charge down and sit on her, mussing her designer clothes in the process, grinning as he did so. Emmett was more gentle about it, receiving several slaps and much abuse from his wife's sharp tongue for being "rough" with her, although he was being very gentle as far as I could see.

I turned my attention back to Edward and Esme. They were rolling around, both landing a few bites, but neither making much progress. Neither of them had any fighting ability due to Carlisle's repressive upbringing. The coven leader taught his creations nothing useful about the vampire world, insisting on trying to maintain a human life, refusing to accept that they were not human any longer.

Carlisle was screaming for them to stop constantly, but no one paid attention to him. Everyone was focused on the fight. Esme managed to pull off Edward's arm again, it was weakened from only recently being attached and he screamed in agony, gaining ferocity for a short time, tearing into her and driving her off him, inflicting some nasty bites and ripping her hand off in the process.

They didn't use words, only snarls as they battled, circling each other in crouches. Edward finally realized this wasn't a game but a fight for his life. Terror emanated from him in waves, desperation to survive made him fight harder. Esme was determined however, and both vampires inflicted damage. They bit chunks from each other, spitting them on the lawn.

Edward leapt at Esme, trying to push her into the flames but she dropped to the ground, dragging him down with her and taking out his leg at the knee. He fell on top of her, his teeth finding her neck. I held my breath, knowing this could very well be a fatal bite.

Esme's gurgled laugh startled everyone however as she jerked her knee up, throwing Edward off balance. He couldn't compensate with only half his leg supporting him and he rolled, leaving his own neck exposed. I found myself cheering Esme on, hoping she'd see the advantage and take it while she had the chance.

Instead, she continued to roll the pair of them, straight into the blaze. The impact scattered the neat pile of burning embers a bit, but the flammable venom leaking from their bodies ignited with a whoosh, hiding them both for a moment.

"No!" Carlisle screamed, renewing his efforts to break free. I pumped him full of lethargy with my gift, causing him to slump against me as he sobbed. He was still fighting against me, but he wasn't going anywhere. Peter and Emmett held tight on their charges as well, preventing anyone from doing something stupid.

Edward's scream rose up from the flames as the scent of burning flesh filled the air, but it was already too late. The wounds they had all over their bodies would allow the flames purchase, enough that there would be no saving them. Esme would have a faster death because of the fresh venom leaking from her neck.

Without injury, it could take hours to burn up in a fire, making escape possible if you were lucky. A painful experience that would take a while to heal from, assuming nothing was consumed completely. Ears, toes, and fingers were all vulnerable, much like with frostbite. Not common, most of our kind knew better than to play with fire.

Carlisle's whimpers lowered in volume thanks to my gift, now only soft whispers as he sobbed his grief. After a minute, Edward's cries ended as well. Esme never made a sound as she burned. Both their emotional signatures faded away, and I was sure they were gone.

"They aren't suffering anymore." I said aloud. "It's over."

Carlisle screamed again, agony radiated from him.

"Over? Over!" He demanded. "How dare you! They were my life! My Edward! She betrayed me, she left me and took my sweet son with her!" He raged, fighting my grip.

"Calm yourself." I told him with a shake. He snarled back at me.

"If you hadn't come here, this would never have happened." Carlisle accused.

He was acting more like a vampire than I had ever seen him do so in the entire time I had known him.

"I did not make your wife resent your son." I said calmly. "I'm sorry for your loss."

I picked the man up by his restrained arms, ignoring his protests. Setting him down with Rose and Alice, Peter and Emmett retreating back as Rosalie fell into his arms. I met Peter's eyes as I backed away, making sure I wouldn't be attacked when I turned around.

I gathered the pieces still on the lawn as Carlisle sobbed into Rose's shoulder, making sure everything was burned. I was worried Bella would be scared, having just seen sweet motherly Esme and her ex-boyfriend kill each other. I reached out for her emotions and was shocked. Bella was mostly calm, but there was pride as well.

I met her eyes briefly, feeling so insignificant compared to her. I wanted to go to her, but before I could move she pulled free of Charlotte's hold and took a step toward me. I know I must have looked like a nightmare. The fire was behind me, silhouetting me like a demon from the fires of hell. My shirt was ripped from struggling with Carlisle and my eyes were most likely pitch black from stress. She took another step forward and squared her shoulders, almost daring me to go to her.

My instincts were running high with the smell of vampire ash in the air. I couldn't refuse the challenge. I moved toward her slowly, stalking like she was my prey. Bella didn't even flinch, her eyes dilating as I got closer. Her emotions were fluctuating rapidly between so many things I couldn't keep up, but never did I feel fear or disgust. Pride... anticipation... appreciation... and lust?

My nostrils flared and I stepped closer to her, pulling her into my body gently. I felt her heart beating against my chest as I stared into her eyes, searching for answers. The girl confused me like no one ever had, I wanted to understand. How could she not fear me when she witnessed our kind fighting like she had? And she knew from my past I had done and could do so much worse. There was no judgement in her beautiful chocolate gaze. I stroked her delicate face with my free hand, unsure.

Her eyes darted to my lips and then back to my dark eyes. My confusion increased and I froze. I felt her emotions settle from their rapid cycling onto determination. She licked her lips, her breath teasing my senses as she moved her face closer to mine slowly. I felt her hands move up to grasp my shoulders, not seeming to care that my shirt was in tatters.

I closed my eyes, leaning my forehead against hers. I was overwhelmed, my instincts conflicting with my brain and causing me to lock up. I felt her right hand move higher, her small fingers threading into the hair at the nape of my neck, tugging in a wonderful way, causing me to rumble out a small growl.

When her lips touched mine, it broke me out of my inaction. My eyes opened and I pulled her tighter against me, lifting her off her feet slightly, my hands supporting her easily and holding her head to mine. I kissed her back, her soft lips on mine waking me up and making me feel like we were the only two people on the planet.

Her lips were tentative at first, I could feel her nerves melting away as she relaxed into me, her body fitting into mine as she pressed against me. I moaned at the feeling of her warmth soaking into my skin even through our clothing. This was even better than when she was riding behind me on my bike. I kissed her back more forcefully, licking at her plump bottom lip. She gasped as I returned the kiss and I took advantage, deepening it. I felt her shock, but also her desire.

She tasted better than blood, I enjoyed her flavor greedily, stroking her tongue with mine. Every movement of our mouths together shot me through with desire and emotions I couldn't even label. We were in perfect sync, our lips molding together. I didn't want it to ever end, she was amazing.

Reluctantly, I did end the kiss, sensing she was running out of air. I kissed her softly once more as she gulped in air around my lips before pulling back. Unwilling to let her go, I kept her in my arms, pressed to me so I was able to look into her flushed face. The shock of what had just happened started to register. Bella had just kissed me, and it was the best kiss of my life. The horror of what had just happened in front of us was almost forgotten as I rode the euphoria of the moment.

"My timing sucks." Bella whispered.

I looked at her confused, not sure what to say to that. I was still basking in the bubble of emotions we were encased in, not willing to focus on anything yet.

"Oh, I don't know. It seemed perfect to me darlin'." I said back, kissing her softly, not able to resist now that I'd had a taste.

"Major." Peter interrupted. "Sorry to break this up, but I think we'd better get moving."

I was highly annoyed, but my second in command was right. We'd long overstayed our welcome here. Esme's breakdown, while coming for a long time, really made a mess of things. I was a bit peeved that I wasn't able to deal with Edward myself, but I allowed that Esme had a legitimate grievance with the boy.

I pulled Bella into my side firmly and faced the Cullens. Peter and Charlotte flitted over, standing with us.

"Wait." Bella spoke up. "What about Emmett. I haven't had my talk with him yet." She frowned.

"Young woman, I think you and your new friends have done enough." Carlisle said, regaining his dignity. "I want you all to leave, immediately!"

Emmett was standing slightly apart from the rest, looking between the two groups. He glanced at Carlisle's stern visage, then at his wife's hateful stare before looking into Bella's eyes longingly.

"But Carlisle," He started.

"No Emmett. She's brought nothing but destruction to our family. Edward loved her and now he's dead. The little tart has now moved on to his brother. Obviously I was wrong about her. She's only interested in our wealth and immortality. She'll do anything to get it." He sneered. "Leave, my family doesn't need to hear what you have to say."

"I told you she was trash from the start Carlisle." Rosalie smugly added. "Edward is... was... too good to see her for what she is." She said with false sadness.

Alice didn't say a word, just staring at Bella. She was feeling betrayed and hurt. She clung to Carlisle's arm like a lifeline.

I wanted to tear his head off for what he just said, but I restrained myself with difficulty. Carlisle had just lost nearly half his coven. I tried to be understanding, but if he said much more I'd be making room in that pyre for a few more Cullens.

Emmett continued to stare at Bella, considering. Each word out of his families mouths seemed to hit him like a lash. He didn't agree with them, he still cared about his sister deeply, despite the afternoon's events. He took a step toward us, tentative.

Rosalie snarled at him, slapping him in the face hard.

"How dare you!" She screamed. "You moron, she's just going to lie to you. She's going to trick you like she did to Edward and now Jazz as well!"

Emmett stumbled back, a small crack healing on his face as his eyes dropped to the ground. I projected his emotions to Bella, so she would know what he was going through. He was ashamed and a little afraid, but mostly he felt worthless, unworthy. I felt Bella's anger hit me before she spoke.

"Fuck you Rosalie!" She screamed. "This is what I wanted to talk to you about Em. Are you alright?" She touched her own face in sympathy.

"I'm fine." Emmett looked away, hiding the crack until it was gone.

"Are you still here?" Rose rounded on Bella.

"Enough Rose. Let them talk and we'll leave." I said as I sent her some fear, causing her to retreat behind Carlisle.

"I wish I was already turned right now." Bella seethed. "I'd hit her back just as hard so she'd know what it felt like. Emmett you are not a moron. You may be playful, but you are smart underneath your humor and if she can't see that, then she's the stupid one, not you. Who else could have pulled off the mission I gave you earlier so flawlessly?" She said, raising her eyebrow at him.

"I was pretty amazing, wasn't I." He smiled back at her, a small grin on his face.

"Mission?" Carlisle interrupted, glaring. "Son, what is she talking about?"

"You don't really think it was an accident that the entire family besides yourself and Alice was gone when we got here, do you Carlisle?" Bella asked, smirking. "Emmett was quite ingenious."

"He was just being a clumsy oaf." Rosalie snorted. "He tried to strap Edward's piano on my corvette to get it tuned in town, then accidentally reversed it into Esme's roses."

"Really?" Peter started laughing appreciatively. "Good going man!"

"Are you done?" Carlisle spat.

"Almost." I stepped forward. "Emmett, Carlisle failed to teach his children much about what it means to be a vampire. I myself was fooled for a long time, believing in a mate bond that wasn't there."

"A real mate bond is different than a human marriage." Peter took over. "When you're separated, it's uncomfortable or even painful. You can locate each other by instinct, no matter the distance or obstacles between you. It's a pull, a connection between you." He squeezed Char tightly to him. "Look inside yourself, man."

"Enough!" Carlisle roared. "Ignore them, son. More lies, they are just trying to confuse you."

Emmett did look confused, torn between the only family he's known since his change and the words that he had just heard. While he liked Peter and Char, they were acquaintances to him in comparison. He trusted me and loved his little sister however.

"Let's go." I said softly, pulling Bella along with me. Emmett would need to figure this out on his own time. We had given him the pieces, it was up to him to put them together. She resisted for a moment before coming along with me. Peter and Charlotte flanked us as we turned.

"Wait!" Emmett yelled.

We had only made it a few steps when he stopped us.

(Bella)

I hated the thought of leaving Emmett behind with the remains of the Cullens, but Jasper tugged on my arm insisting. I accepted that I had done what I came to do. Emmett was a grown man, he would need to figure out the rest himself. I just hoped he listened, I hoped I had said the right things to get through to him.

I hadn't even processed the rest of the day's events yet, so much had gone on. Right now, my heart was heavy as we turned to leave my brother bear behind.

"Wait!" He called out to us. I turned around, hope making my eyes feel as big as saucers.

Emmett walked toward Carlisle, his face solemn. Seeing him make the move to join his family made me want to cry. I had failed, he didn't believe me at all. Carlisle must have convinced him I was some twisted little thing, responsible for ruining their lives. Kissing Jasper in front of them must have sealed the deal. I couldn't regret it, it was the best kiss I'd ever experienced, but I was kicking myself for doing it while two vampires burned only feet away.

"Carlisle." Emmett said, his voice unusually serious. "I owe you my life. Without you, I'd be dead right now."

"Son, you don't owe me anything. I was just glad I was able to change you in time." The older vampire smiled at him proudly.

"I'm glad you think that way, because I'm leaving." Emmett took off his leather cuff, dropping it at Carlisle's feet. "I'll have divorce papers sent here as soon as possible. Don't worry Rosalie, you can have everything. You never let me own anything to begin with." Emmett stormed off, chucking his wallet into the fire as he passed.

When he was even with us, he stopped. He didn't look at us, still looking forward.

"Jasper, can I have a ride into town? I need to get out of here."

Jasper just nodded and Emmett continued around the house. Rosalie made to follow him, looking furious but Carlisle stopped her.

"Let him go." He said to her, glaring at us.

We continued to the car where Emmett sat in the back row, looking out the window. He didn't move when we got in, not acknowledging us. Jasper changed to a clean shirt before getting in. I sat up front with Jasper and Peter and Char took the middle seats. We pulled out of the driveway, making our way toward the city.

The atmosphere was so tense I was afraid to speak. Instead, I tried to sort out what had happened today. As much as I wanted to see Edward suffer, knowing he was dead was a shock. That Esme was the cause was unbelievable.

I wondered if the remaining three Cullens would cause problems for us. If I had to guess, I would say yes. Alice had to feel something seeing me with her ex-husband. She was manipulative and sneaky, she was probably plotting right now. Carlisle would be right along with her, and Rose was never on my side. Jasper took my hand, squeezing it softly.

"Are you going to be alright?" He asked as he drove.

"Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking." I answered quietly, not wanting to disturb the silence too much.

"You better call home while we have a break. When we get in the city we'll be busy again. You promised your friend and we don't need them to get nervous and show up to investigate." Jasper told me.

He was right, I had told Jake I'd call. I just didn't know what to tell him. I sighed and nodded. I took a few deep breaths, trying to summon up a cheerful attitude before hitting send on my phone.

"Hello?" Jake answered.

"Hey Jake, just checking in."

"Bells! Finally!" He said. "I was getting worried, your flight landed ages ago."

"Yeah, I wanted to wait until after we visited the Cullens." I told him.

"How'd it go?" He asked, concerned. Jake saw how upset I got just telling him about them in the clearing.

"I'm okay." I told him, keeping my voice even.

"I don't believe you." He growled. "What happened? Did that asshole do anything?" I didn't have to ask who he meant.

"Umm... it's a long story." I sighed. "Edward's dead Jake."

"What? When did that happen?" He didn't sound unhappy with the news.

"Today." The word came out short and flat. "Esme too. Look Jake, I really don't want to go into it right now, okay?" My voice strained a bit and I took another deep breath.

"Sure Bells, sorry. Everyone else alright?" He asked. I was almost touched that he was concerned.

"Yeah, everyone that matters is with me now." I answered, looking over my shoulder to reassure myself that Emmett was listening. He met my eyes and gave me a shy smile.

"So when are you coming back?"

"We haven't gotten back to the city yet." I answered. "We only just left the Cullen place."

"So you flying tonight?" Jake pressed.

"Jasper's plan was to get a hotel for the night." I met Jasper's eyes and he nodded. "I do need to sleep you know, not all of us can go days without rest." I mocked him lightly.

Jake mumbled something I didn't quite catch before telling me to be safe. I promised to call when I had more solid plans and hung up. Peter started laughing and I turned around, raising my eyebrows.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Your wolf friend." He said.

I was confused. He didn't say anything funny, not that I heard anyhow. I realized whatever Jake mumbled must have been audible to Peter.

"What did he say!" I demanded, annoyed.

"Oh nothing much." More laughing. I glared. "Just that you'd better still be a virgin when you get back."

My jaw dropped and I felt a blush rise on my cheeks.

"That," I said, "is none of his or your business." I turned around, crossing my arms over my chest. I spent the next hour staring out the window, ignoring Peter. I could still almost feel his amusement, like I was borrowing Jasper's gift, as he whispered to Charlotte behind me. I refused to even look at Jasper, not feeling brave enough to meet his eyes.