A/N: Just a reminder: you guys can leave any questions for any character in a review and ill post the answers in the next chapter! I've already started answering some and its so fun! Haha. Thanks for reading!

Ready to Go- Panic! At the Disco

Previously…

"The Volturi are on their way?" Zafrina asked in shock.

A tense silence filled the room.

"They should be here sometime in the night." I said, knowing we should get everyone informed quickly on how tonight would play out.

The snapping sound of several pairs of fangs descending filled the room.

"The goal of this confrontation is no bloodshed." I continued. "But if they come in determined to spread their twisted sense of justice and wipe us out because they feel threatened, then it is our duty to destroy every last one that does not stand down."

"Do we know how many are coming?" Tanya asked, a worried expression on her face.

I had tried to stay the hell away from them because of my violent past. I know for certain that they know my name and it would not bode well for me to ever encounter them; but I see now that it's inevitable. I'm not going to run away and hide, leaving my mate here to face danger.

"They will probably bring the most strong of their guard and plenty of witnesses. I can't imagine them bringing their whole guard because they wouldn't want it to look like they are scared and need many on their side." Eleazar chimed in, a look of concentration on his face.

"The ones we need to be especially cautious of are Alec and Jane." Carlisle spoke up.

"The witch twins." Vladimir and Stefan intoned together, fiery looks on their pale faces.

"Jane can cause an illusion of immense pain to paralyze any number of vampires at once. Alec has the power to blind all of a vampire's senses, making them completely vulnerable." The passive vampire continued, earning gasps and hisses from almost every vampire in the room.

"I'm going to go call Jake." Bella murmured to me before pressing a chaste kiss to my cheek and darting into the other room.

I saw Benjamin and Edward's eyes watching her walk away and snarled warningly at both of them before returning my attention to the rest of the group.

If I saw Alice tomorrow she would find no mercy for her here.

The home phone rang and I saw Carlisle answer it, and a look of unconcealed shock overcame his face. Then I watched as he followed after Bella, the phone still in his hand.

BPOV

We stood in the middle of an empty field, awaiting our enemy.

Everyone was in their own private groups, some talking quietly amongst themselves, while others stood in silent waiting.

I saw Esme and Carlisle standing with Siobhan, Maggie, and Eleazar.

Watching the saddened look Esme carried made me realize how much she had lost recently. Alice was a very dear daughter to her, even if the pixie was a bitch. And Edward was, let's face it, their favorite son. And he had let them down in ways he probably didn't even know.

Rosalie and Emmett were nowhere to be seen, but I would probably venture a guess that they are off in the forest on their own.

Edward was standing in the middle of everyone, yet his face looked distant; as if he was mentally scanning the forest around us for the Volturi.

I saw Jasper and Jacob talking, and assumed Jasper was briefing him on what was about to happen.

The other wolves stood behind their Alpha, looking intimidating and even bigger than when I had last seen them.

Garrett was standing next to Tanya and they were engaged in a serious conversation.

I turned and saw Vladimir and Stefan talking to Benjamin before all three of them made their way over to where I was standing.

"We just wanted to say that in all our years we have never seen a stronger group willing to face the Volturi. Ever since they took the throne from us no one has dared to try and steal power; but today we actually have a chance of revenge." Stefan said, his eyes alight with excitement and something more feral.

"Well we aren't aiming to overthrow them or cause any bloodshed." I replied. "Only to show them that we won't lay down and let them walk all over us."

"We drink the blood of other creatures and somehow you still manage to be a pacifist." Benjamin commented sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes and told him where he could shove it.

He just laughed before glancing over my shoulder and walking away.

"That one wants you, but is scared to death of your mate. He wouldn't stand a chance anyways." Vladimir commented offhandedly before walking away with his brother.

"He's right you know." Jasper said as he wrapped his arms around me from behind and set his chin on my head. "I would rip him to pieces and start a bonfire with his ashes before letting him take you."

"Take me?" I teased. "I'm not your property Jasper Whitlock."

"I beg to differ. You belong to me-" He replied seriously. "-Just as I belong to you."

I smiled at his words and turned my head to kiss him.

"I love you." I said quietly, turning around to face him.

"Love you too darlin'." He replied, pressing me tight against his chest.

We stood in silence, enjoying the precious time we had before the inevitable arrival of the Volturi.

What if it got to the point where we had to fight? Would we stand a chance?

I thought of the wolves and everything they were giving up to make a stand with us. I know they are doing it for their families in La Push, but I am still grateful and owe Jake more than I can ever repay him.

I caught Jake's eyes across the field and mouthed two words to him.

Thank you.

Not just for fighting with me, but for being my friend in one of the hardest times in my life, for not letting the fact that our species are natural enemies stand between us, and for the constant support and love he gave me.

The copper wolf inclined his head before a wolfish grin overcame his face and he rolled his big eyes.

I could practically hear him telling me to stop being such a girl and to get my head in the game.

Then Edward's head turned sharply to the left and he started murmuring thoughts he heard out loud.

It was kind of creepy if you ask me.

We smelt them before we saw them.

I was overwhelmed with how many individual vampire scents I could sense in the air.

Then they emerged from the trees.

I recognized the three taller vampires in the front from my visit to Volterra; Aro, Caius and Marcus.

Behind them were a dozen guards and about fifteen other vampires behind them.

"They brought their wives." I heard Eleazar say, alarm clear in his voice.

They had wives? Someone actually agreed to marry them?

"Friends, I am going to be frank with you. We are not here under the best of circumstances, but I would like to give you the benefit of the doubt." Aro said before turning to Carlisle. "Carlisle It's been awhile."

"Likewise." Carlisle replied politely. "I hope that this doesn't have to end in bloodshed."

"Are yet you brought these dogs here for exactly that." The pale vampire observed his glowing red eyes on Jacob and his pack.

A few wolves growled at Aro's word choice, but most remained as stoic as their Alpha.

Aro then turned his eyes to the man by my side.

I moved slightly closer to him.

"Jasper, your reputation precedes you. I wish I could say it was a pleasure…" Aro greeted in a composed voice, his calm red eyes appraising the scars that covered my mates' body.

I tensed and the felt Rosalie's warning hand on my shoulder.

"Aro." Jasper said, his voice cold and unyielding.

"I know you didn't expect a warm welcome from us, and am surprised that you decided to stay and face your fate." Aro continued, realizing that Jasper wasn't going to continue speaking.

"Everyone has to face their past at some point."

Aro watched him quietly, a pensive look on his face.

"Aro you can't possibly be thinking of sparing him!" Caius demanded, turning angrily to the other ancient vampire. "He is one of those responsible for all the massacres and wars in the West! The standard consequence of this is death!"

An enraged hiss of outrage left my throat and I immediately stepped forward by my mate protectively.

How dare they contemplate ending his life so nonchalantly in front of me!

Jasper grabbed my hand to stop me and pulled me back behind him, warning me to stay back.

Ignoring my outburst, the three Volturi continued talking between them.

Finally, Aro turned back with a sigh. "I'm afraid my brother is right. You have broken numerous of our laws and must serve the punishment; your life is forfeit."

A strangled snarl left my throat and my gaze whipped to Jasper's unwavering face as I moved forward and placed my hand on his shoulder.

"No!" My voice rang out across the field. "You can't! Jasper was not the only one who did what you are accusing him of and you can't just punish him for everything because it's convenient!"

Marcus stared at Jasper and I intently, and I remembered that his power was to see relationships. In a desperate moment I wished he would say something to stop what was happening. But he didn't.

"You should learn to control your mouth newborn." Caius spat. "It seems all you've done is cause trouble for our kind."

I felt a rumble roll through Jasper as he suppressed his natural instinct to attack the offending vampire.

"Caius, we are not here to cause fighting, only carry out the law." Aro reprimanded lightly. "But Bella, you really do not have a say in this matter so I suggest you quiet down."

He's my mate! Of course I have a say in things! I'm not just going to step aside and let them destroy Jasper!

I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I allowed this to happen.

"Bella you have to stay out of this." Jasper murmured to me urgently, his eyes pleading with me to give up.

"I'm not going to lose you." I whispered back to the blonde before turning to face the Volturi. "What if I can offer you something better?"

Aro returned his attention to me; raising his hand to silence any argument Caius was ready to voice.

"I'm intrigued."

"What if we killed Maria instead?" I said determinedly, stepping forward.

The ancient vampire looked surprised at my request. "Maria? My dear child, that vampire is gifted in the art of stealth and is nearly impossible to find. Even our most talented tracker was unable to find her. Besides, the last thing we need is her inciting another war."

"Well yeah, with a huge number of vampires looking for her she will definitely find out and run. But if it was just one vampire…" I trailed off meaningfully.

Jasper's head snapped down to look at me, but I kept my gaze on the Volturi.

"You mean to capture Maria yourself?" Aro asked incredulously. "The vampire who was behind the death of hundreds of thousands of vampires?"

"No, of course not." I scoffed. "I mean to rip her fucking head off."

Gasps sounded from behind me, but I ignored them.

I felt Jasper reach down and grab my hand in his. I looked up and met his golden eyes.

"If you go after her, I'm going with you." He announced resolutely, his eyes steely with resolve.

"Now wait just a minute." Aro interrupted quickly. "What makes you think we are just going to let you go without any assurance that your promise will be fulfilled?"

"What do you want?" Jasper asked, anger clear in his voice.

"Bella dear, I think your talents would be better suited with us in Volterra."

A murderous roar filled the air around us.

I squeezed my mate's hand to soothe him and recalled the phone call I received prior to this confrontation.

Peter was right. I couldn't throw my life away and agree to join the Volturi's ranks. I would be miserable, and Jasper would feel guilty that I had taken the burden on for him.

"I have to decline your offer." I said lightly, noticing the way Aro's eyes tightened at my rejection of his suggestion.

"Are you sure? This is the last time the offer will be open."

"I'm positive."

"Well then I'm afraid we have no other choice." Aro said with a sigh as he turned to his top guards. "Jane."

The light blonde vampire stepped forward, a twisted expression on her face.

I immediately stretched my power protective shield around everyone on our side, making sure not to leave one vampire uncovered.

Then I stood gleefully, watching an outraged look overcome the sinister vampire's face after she realized her power was useless.

I saw the unsurprised faces of the Volturi and knew at once that Alice had helped them. She had told them all about my power and this was just a test to see if she had told the truth.

And she had passed.

With just one simple hand gesture Aro sent his whole guard rushing forward towards us.

I but my lip anxiously and concentrated on expanding the physical protective shield. It was completely transparent, just like the first one.

The vampires on our side moved into crouches, ready to defend themselves if my unpredictable shield failed.

Fangs snapped into place as the guards were mere yards away from us.

Then they stopped in their tracks, unable to move an inch closer.

I heard the whispers of congratulations from my friends behind me but continued to devote my full concentration to the shields. Having both up at once, protecting so many people was difficult to control.

But I was able to get a little satisfaction from the shell-shocked expression on the Volturi's face.

I felt Jasper pushing love and appreciation towards me and I accepted it gratefully.

I had done it! I had managed to control both shields at the same time!

The game had now changed. We had a lot more control than the ancient vampires had known.

"Well this I was not expecting." Aro said after ordering his guard to stand down. "Looks like you have even greater power than I was made aware of."

Suddenly I was meeting the eyes of the vampire who had caused my mate and I more pain than I could ever describe. The vampire who I had vowed would never leave my presence unscathed again.

Alice.

A/N: The answers to last chapters questions are below! Thanks!

Mrs.H.K.S: Bella, if Emmett and Carlisle were the last men on earth (and single) who would you choose to be with?

- First let me say that you're lucky Jasper isn't here Holly. But I would have to choose Carlisle…I have a weakness for blondes…

AbbeNormal : Carlisle, why have you let a little boy of 17 take control of your coven?

- You mean Edward? He is a part of our family, and always will be. And this family doesn't have a leader; we are all equal parts of a whole.

SAVAGEGRACEx: Edward, why are you such an asshole and do you know of Alice's plans?

- Everything I did was in Bella's best interests, and I think that the word you used is harsh and unnecessary. Yes, I made a mistake but doesn't everyone? As far as Alice goes I have not spoken to her since she disappeared and would like to keep it that way. She isn't the same person I've known all these years.

chambook0: Carlisle, when r u planning on kicking alice's crazy ass out?

- Alice has made many terrible decisions and she must suffer the consequences of her actions. I always hope that she will see the error of her ways, but at this point I'm doubtful she will ever change. Edward has seemed contrite for their thoughtless actions, but my daughter has not; and until Alice is apologetic she is not welcome back in this house.

madnessdownunder2 : Alice, Didn't you see how much this would hurt? Did you think at all about Jasper in this?

- What happened between Edward and I was a year ago, I don't understand why everyone is making such a big deal about it. And of course I thought about Jasper; that's why I tried to keep him from finding out! But Edward decided to go and tell everyone even though I warned him they would never understand.

TwilightAkatsukiAngels: Edward, Why did you do that to Bella?

- What Alice and I did was completely and utterly inappropriate, and is something that I will forever regret. Not just because it was wrong, but because it caused me to lose the woman I loved; Bella.

Cullen Cousin : Jasper and Bella, Are you both going to be able to ever forgive Edward and Alice for their indiscretions? Do you think you will ever return to the family?

- (Bella) Everyone is supposed to forgive, but that doesn't mean you have to forget. I had to do what was best for me in that hard time, and that was to move on. I was just lucky Jasper was there to pick up the broken pieces their betrayal left me in.

- (Jasper) I'll be straight and just say that I am not nearly as forgiving as Bella. I know Alice and I's relationship was not one of love. It was about her need for control, and my yearning for what our relationship used to be. What I can't understand is why Edward cheated. He really did love Bella, but in the end I guess it wasn't enough. As for forgiveness, neither of them have done anything to prove they deserve it.

Cullen Cousin: Edward and Alice, Did you two honestly think that you would never have been found out? Everyone knows that in this coven, you can't keep secrets.

- (Alice) We have the strongest powers out of all the Cullens. If Edward would have stuck to the plan and not confessed what happened to Bella then no one would know. I would still be with Jasper and Edward would be on his honeymoon with Bella now. Everything would have gone as it should have.

Mrs.H.K.S: Emmett, will you marry me?

Just let me know when and where baby. ;) Shit, don't tell Rose I said that.