Disclaimer: I am not Stephanie Meyer. I do not own Twilight.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

"How are we doing on time, Carlisle?" Sam asked, scanning the trees in front of us.

"In five minutes, it will be exactly twelve o'clock," Carlisle answered.

I shifted on the balls of my feet. I could feel the presence of the Volturi coming closer. It was almost like a black cloud, quickly creeping across the sky. Jake took hold of my hand and brought it to his lips. I looked over at him, smiling softly.

"I love you. Try to be safe, okay?" Jake murmured against my skin.

"I love you, too. And don't worry about me. You just focus on keeping yourself safe," I insisted.

Jake grinned, leaning down to give me a quick kiss.

"You know I can't help but worry about you, honey."

"Well, try today, okay? I don't want to have to save your furry butt from vampire annihilation," I smirked.

Jake laughed lightly before moving away from me to phase. As soon as he was changed, he moved back to my side, pressing against me. I threaded my fingers through his fur to reassure us both.

"I can see them. They'll be coming through the trees in less than a minute," Carlisle informed us.

I focused my attention on the line of trees in front of us. Everyone was positioned to best suit their power and abilities, but I was hoping that Sethirkopshef and I could bring peace to our two families.

"Bella, you stay back, okay? I don't care what happens, you do not break rank," Sam growled in warning before phasing.

I didn't reply as a wave of black stepped out of the forest. Growls instantly rose among the wolves and the vampires became stone statues. Without hesitating, I threw up my shield around our entire family. I hoped it wouldn't come to that, but I wanted to be safe.

"Ah, Carlisle, old friend. How are you this lovely day?" A black haired vampire asked.

"Aro, it's good to see you, as always. Might I ask what the occasion is?" Carlisle inquired.

"Has Alice lost her abilities? I figured she would have informed you of our little trip," Aro grinned.

I shivered when I noticed the grin didn't reach his eyes. Jake pressed more firmly against me in comfort.

"Unfortunately, the wolves you see amongst us block her visions. We are very much in the dark when it comes to your purpose," Carlisle admitted.

Aro's eyes swept across my wolves and I fought the urge to attack him.

You need to be calm, Bella. I see you have uncovered your warrior. You will need her very soon, Sethirkopshef encouraged.

Where are you? I asked, scanning the group before us.

Surrounded by the Guard. You won't see me, young one. Worry not, I will assist you when the time comes. We will not lose anyone on this day if all goes according to plan, Sethirkopshef promised.

I hope you're right, I sighed.

"We have come for the wolves' Omega. We have our own Peace Bringer within the Volturi, but you must understand why we would not want her powers to fall into the wrong hands," Aro told Carlisle.

"Yes, I agree. Bella is very powerful and her powers should be protected," Carlisle agreed.

"Ah, yes. Young Isabella. Tell me, Carlisle, why does Marcus not sense a bond between her and your son, Edward? I had assumed they were mates," Aro frowned at me.

What is he talking about? I asked Sethirkopshef.

His brother on his right can sense relationships. Aro should be holding brother of his brother's hands. It's a sign of joined power and allows Aro to read their thoughts, Sethirkopshef answered.

I glanced down at Aro's hands and, sure enough, Aro was holding the hands of the two vampires on either side of him.

The other brother is Caius. He had no power, but he is very vicious. He is hoping to eradicate your wolves. He fears them, Sethirkopshef explained.

"Bella has bonded with the wolves. She is mated with one of their own," Carlisle corrected him.

"Interesting. Yes, I see that now. The one beside her who is baring his teeth at us," Aro smirked.

"Yes. That is Jacob Black," Carlisle nodded.

"Interesting," Aro repeated.

There was a silence while both parties waited for the other to make a move.

"Aro, I am hoping we can resolve this conflict peacefully. I do not wish to lose any member of my family and I know you feel the same," Carlisle pleaded.

"Of course, Carlisle. All we require is for the Quileute's to hand over their Omega and we will leave. No harm done," Aro consented easily.

My wolves all bristled, ferocious growls echoing off the trees.

It is time, Bella. You need to intercede. Worry not, Omega. Our combined powers will keep the peace, Sethirkopshef assured me.

I waited until my wolves were calmed down before interrupting Carlisle's next statement.

"I'm sure you are aware of the bond that forms between a Hetep warrior and their people, Aro, seeing as how you are bonded with Sethirkopshef. You also know, then, that my wolves will not simply hand me over. If you try to take me, it will result in a battle between our two families.

"As a Hetep warrior, I cannot allow such a thing to transpire. This meeting will end peacefully, with both sides completely intact," I said.

Aro regarded me for a few moments in silence. I figured he was listening to the thoughts of his brothers as well.

"I am afraid, Omega, that we cannot simply allow you to remain here. Your powers could be used in an attempt to overthrow our empire," Aro frowned.

I rolled my eyes at how conceited he was, but pushed forward.

"There will be no battle, Aro. You will not remove me from my wolves," I reiterated.

"My dear, we will not give you the choice. Alec," Aro called, grinning evilly.

I watched as one of the vampires came forward at Aro's call. He stood slightly behind the three brothers and stared at us.

I vaguely remembered Carlisle telling us about this particular vampire. His power was to incapacitate his enemies with a fine mist. The mist cut off all sensory systems. The victim would feel nothing that was happening to them.

I saw the mist approach my shield and grinned in smug satisfaction when the mist hit the wall. My shield was firmly in place. My family was safe.

"I think you may want to reconsider your previous statement, Aro. Bella is a much strong Hetep warrior than Sethirkopshef's sister ever was," Vladimir smirked.

"Silence, Vladimir. It would not take much to rid the world of the last of the Romans," Aro glared, his cool façade slipping.

"Come now, Aro. Let's find a way to settle this without coming to blows," Carlisle soothed.

In the blink of an eye, Aro's poker face was back and he was completely unruffled.

Things are looking good, Bella. Our powers may not be needed, Sethirkopshef said.

"The only way to settle this, Carlisle, is for the wolves to hand over their Omega. If you fail to do so, we will exterminate everyone in this field. I do not wish to kill you, Carlisle, but the wolves must not be allowed to keep young Bella," Aro sighed.

Spoke too soon, I grumbled.

Very well. Our powers will be needed. Bring your warrior out, Bella. Let her take control. She will know what to do, Sethirkopshef encouraged.

I closed my eyes and allowed the pulse of my soul to expand until I felt it throughout my entire being. When I opened my eyes again, everything I saw changed. I could easily see the threads that held each family together. I reached down to touch the thick one that connected Jake and myself. It was the strongest on the field.

We must connect the two families, Bella. Focus all your energy on my soul. We will bond together, thus, bringing the two families together, Sethirkopshef instructed.

I did as he said, seeking out his soul's energy amongst the rest of the Volturi. Once I found him, I began working on the bonding that was necessary for Hetep warriors' survival. I could feel Sethirkopshef doing the same to my own soul.

Suddenly, there was an electric charge that jolted through my body. It was similar to what had occurred when I bonded with Sam, but much stronger. As soon as the bolt was gone, I could see the bonds connecting the two families together.

"NO! Sethirkopshef! What have you done?" Aro screamed in a rage.

Sethirkopshef moved through the sea of black to stand beside the three brothers. I smiled at him and he returned the gesture.

"I bonded with their Omega. I warned you, Aro. My people are peaceful beings. As soon as you threatened war, I had to step in. By bonding with Bella, I have joined our two families. Thus, Bella is a part of this coven, vicariously through me. There is no need to take her away from her wolves," Sethirkopshef explained.

Aro growled angrily, his eyes flashing as he looked at his Hetep warrior.

"It seems as though our own Peace Bringer has found a loop-hole. Very well. We will not collect Bella today. However, if there is ever a slip-up, we will be here and we will remove her," Aro threatened.

"I'm sure we will be able to work something out before such a thing happens, if it ever does," Carlisle assured him.

"I am glad our families are both still complete, Carlisle. You should come visit us in Volterra more often. I have missed your company," Aro offered.

"I will contemplate a trip once things have died down here. Until then, old friend," Carlisle bowed his head.

Aro bowed his own head before spinning around with his brothers and disappearing into the Volturi's black mass. Sethirkopshef caught my eye and winked before following behind them.

Once the last of them had disappeared behind the tree line, a wave of calmness swept over the entire group. I grinned as I caught Jasper's eye. He laughed lightly at me before sweeping Alice up into his arms.

"It's over. It's really over," Esme murmured.

Suddenly, everyone was embracing. I laughed as Jake phased back, pulled me into his arms, and spun me around.

"I love you. I love you. I love you," Jake said between kisses.

"I love you, too," I grinned.

He set me down on my feet, but kept his arm wrapped around my waist as we watched our pack.

"Well done, Bella. I don't think Aro realized what you were doing until it was already done," Carlisle congratulated, walking towards us.

"Thanks, Carlisle, but it was really Sethirkopshef's idea," I shrugged.

"It's unfortunate he couldn't stick around for a while. I would've liked to have picked his brain," Carlisle sighed.

"I'm sure he'd be more than happy to speak with you when you go visit the Volturi next," I assured him.

"True," Carlisle agreed, smiling at the thought.

"Bella! You did it! You saved everybody! I knew you would!" Alice squealed, pulling me into a hug.

"Jeeze, pixie. Shut up, would you? You're giving me a migraine," Leah grumbled.

Alice simply stuck her tongue out at her. Leah growled back, which caused Alice to snap in Leah's direction. I rolled my eyes at them, but was unable to hide my smile completely.

"I think it's time for us to head back to La Push. I'm sure our imprints and family members will be eager to know the outcome," Sam reminded us.

"Oh. I just have one thing to do before we go," I told him.

I turned to face the majority of the field and gave a shrill whistle to gain their attention.

"I just wanted to thank all of you for coming out here today to protect me and my family. I want you to know, I consider all of you here today as part of my family. I hope you will stay for a day or so, so I can thank each of you personally and say goodbye. Unfortunately, my pack and I must return to La Push to inform the Elders and our families of what has happened. Thank you all, again. I cannot tell you what it means to have so many people here to help us," I said, tearing up slightly.

There was a murmured response from mostly everyone. I smiled as I climbed up on Jake's back, waving as he took off into the woods with the rest of the pack behind him.

When we got back to Sam's, it was as if the entire reservation was there. I glanced up at Jake, but he was frowning at the row of cars in front of the house.

"What's going on?" Seth asked, looking at the house.

"It looks like Emily had everyone come over to wait for news," Sam grinned.

"Charlie's here," I murmured, spotting the cruiser.

"Let's go tell him the good news," Jake suggested, smiling at me.

I took a deep breath before leading the pack into the house. As soon as I cleared the threshold, the entire house got quiet. The tiny cottage was busting at the seams with everyone's family members stuffed inside.

When the door closed behind the last of the pack, Emily came around from the kitchen. As soon as she saw Sam, she started crying. She ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and peppering his face in kisses. Sam quickly got to work calming her down.

Emily's outburst seemed to cause a chain reaction and the entire pack was suddenly surrounded by their families. Jake and I moved to the corner where Billy was sitting with Charlie. Charlie stood up and pulled me into his arms.

"I'm glad you're safe, Bells. Billy and I have been worried sick," Charlie admitted gruffly.

"I'm sorry, Dad. Everything turned out okay, though. The Volturi won't be coming back for a good while," I assured him.

"Good," Charlie nodded, patting my shoulder.

I smiled as I watched Billy give a similar talk to Jake. He glanced over at me and returned my smile when Billy patted his back. He reached out a hand for me, which I took. I moved to his side, breathing a sigh of relief that the stress and worry was over.

"Attention everyone! We will be holding a bonfire tonight at First Beach to celebrate the success of the pack!" Sam called from the door.

A cheer went up throughout the room. I laughed as Jake raised a fist in the air.

"Quil, Embry, Seth. Come with me to get the wood," Jake requested.

He leaned down to give me a swift kiss.

"We'll be back soon. Hold down the fort here," Jake grinned.

"Aye, aye, captain," I saluted.

I turned to find Sam talking with Billy and Charlie, Emily glued to his side. She smiled when I came to stand beside them.

"Thank you, Bella," Emily whispered, hugging me.

"Anytime, Em," I chuckled.

"Bella, I've was talking to Billy and the other Elders. We've come to the decision to take down the bolder with the Cullens. The treaty is still in affect, but I don't see any reason why we have to ban them from our lands after today," Sam told me.

I squealed, throwing myself at him.

"Thank you, Sam! I know they'll be thrilled," I grinned.

"Yes, well. It's obvious we can trust them after all their help with this Volturi business," Sam shrugged.

"Can I tell them? Tomorrow when I go over?" I pleaded.

Sam shared a look with Billy, both of them smiling slightly.

"Sure," Sam agreed, looking back at me.

I threw myself at him again, thanking him repetitively.

"Okay, okay. Hands off my man," Emily insisted.

I pulled away laughing.

"Bella, you slut, get your ass over here!" Leah yelled from the other side of the room.

Charlie's face turned a deep shade of red as he focused on the blank wall over my shoulder. I choked back a laugh and patted his arm.

"She's teasing, Dad. Calm down," I assured him before hurrying across the room to Leah.

"Did I hear you're going over to the leech lair tomorrow?" Leah asked.

"Yes. Why? You want to come with? I'm sure Alice would love to play dress up," I teased.

"No, thank you. I will be going with you, though. No telling what'll happen if you're left to your own devices," Leah smirked.

"Shut up," I laughed, shoving her.

She waved me off.

"Yeah, well, I'll see you tonight. Don't be late!" Leah called, leaving.

I looked around and noticed that most of the people had gone home. Only Sam, Emily, Billy, and Charlie had remained. Sam motioned for Billy and Charlie to take a seat and watch TV. Emily made her way into the kitchen to start cooking for tonight. I followed behind her to wait until Jake came back.

The bonfire was in full swing. Everyone was laughing and enjoying being together. No patrols needed to be run, no threats hung over our heads.

I was leaning against Jake's chest while he joked with Embry. Quil was helping Claire roast marshmallows. Jared, Kim, Sam, and Emily were dancing to the radio. The Elders were with Charlie, no doubt sharing gossip, their wives close by. Collin, Brady, Leah, Seth, and Paul were playing a mini game of football.

Embry suddenly jumped up and ran to tackle Leah to the ground. Jake laughed as Leah leapt up and chased after him. I smiled, snuggling closer into his warmth.

"You cold?" Jake asked.

"No," I murmured.

He reached around and moved my hair away from my neck. I sighed softly, my head against his shoulder, as he began nibbling on my neck. His hands trailed up and down the exposed skin on my arm.

"Have I told you how proud I am of you?" Jake asked softly.

I shook my head, unable to form a coherent word. My breathing was irregular as his hand moved from my arm to my stomach.

"I am. You were amazing today. If not for you, our families might be planning funerals right now instead of celebrating," Jake claimed, biting down on my ear.

"I… um, wasn't going to, uh, let that happen," I stammered.

"I know," Jake admitted, kissing my shoulder.

"Bella! Stop macking on Jake and get your ass over here!" Leah shouted.

I jumped, my face turning bright red. Jake chuckled in my ear. Before I knew what was happening, he stood up, lifting me into his arms. He took off running towards the water.

"JACOB BLACK! DO NOT THROW ME IN THAT WATER!" I screamed, thrashing.

He, of course, ignored me and continued running. I screeched when he suddenly dived under the water, me cradled against his chest. He came up laughing as I gasped, pushing wet hair out of my face.

"Thought you might need some cooling off, Bells," Jake grinned.

"You… you… you…" I sputtered.

"Easy, there, honey. Wouldn't want to bruise my tender ego," Jake teased.

"ARG!" I shrieked, kicking at him.

Unfortunately, that landed me back in the water. Staying under, I used my feet to kick his legs out from under him and propel myself backwards. I came up in time to see Jake's body slam into the water. Turning quickly, I began swimming to shore.

Just as I was about to hit land, two arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back. I screamed as Jake fell into the water, dragging me with him. He flipped me around under the water and pressed his lips to mine. I was smiling when he pushed us off the ocean floor and broke the surface. I laughed as he picked me up and swung me around.

"You are an evil little girl," Jake mock growled.

"Oh, I'm evil! What about you? You're the one who did it first!" I pointed out, still laughing.

"Yes, but I'm the younger of the two of us. You're supposed to set an example for me and help me mend my broken ways," Jake informed me.

I snorted before leaning back and splashing water in his face. I used his moment of shock to slip free and run to shore. I had barely made it to the fire before Jake tackled me into the sand.

"Jake! I'm getting sand in my hair," I whined, pushing against him.

"Too bad. You should of thought of that before you splashed me," Jake tisked.

"You totally deserved it!" I accused.

"I did no such thing," Jake denied.

"You got me all wet!" I shouted.

"Mmm. I like the sound of that," Jake purred seductively.

"You pervert," I glared, a grin ruining the effect.

"Your pervert, Bells. Your pervert," Jake corrected.

I huffed and wiggled out from under him. He laughed, helping me to my feet.

"Bells? I think you might want to go back to Billy's and wash up. Your hair is looking a little blond," Charlie smiled.

"Ugh! Gross. This is going to take forever to get out," I complained, picking at a lock of sandy hair.

"Don't worry, honey. I'll help comb it all out after your shower," Jake promised.

I sighed softly, shaking my head at it all.

"Come on, Bells. Shower time!" Jake cheered, pulling me towards his house.

I smiled as I hurried along the worn out path towards a hot shower and a warm snuggle session with my hot boyfriend.

Alright, guys. I know it's kinda shorter than the rest of the chapters, but that's because it's over! A lot of you really want an epilogue, so I will be writing one. I'm not sure how long it's going to be or how I'm going to write it, but it'll wrap everything together and give you all glimpses of the lives of the characters after the story. In any case, look for it soon!

A bunch of you have said you are going to follow me into my Jasper/Bella story and a few of you have made comments hoping I still do Jake/Bella pairings, sooooooo, I have good news! I will be writing a Jasper/Bella story AND another Jake/Bella story! I won't give details here. If you want to know more, look to my profile. I'll be posting info. there when I put up the epilogue.

I just want to say, you guys have been totally awesome and I've thoroughly loved writing this story for you all! I hope you all continue to find enjoyment out of my works!

See you all soon!