Previous chapter: Demetri – DPOV

Edward nods in acknowledgment of Aro's words as Carlisle steps forward and hands Edward a cell phone. Edward smiles softly as he slips the cell phone into his pocket, and both men share a quiet moment before Edward rushes out of the room with Santiago on his heels. Well, that's one pest gone. Now we just need to get the Cullens out of here as well. I'm in desperate need of some alone time with my wife.

Demetri - DPOV

Aro waits until the big, wooden doors close behind Santiago before he claps his hands and says, "Carlisle, my dear friend, I'm so glad we found a way to solve this non-violently, even though some of us would have preferred other methods."

Isabella stifles a giggle as Caius snorts and rolls his eyes at Aro while Marcus raises his hands soothingly before saying, "There are many different solutions to one problem. Only time will tell us if this was the right way to solve this one. For now, let's assume it is."

Aro smiles softly at his brother as he says, "That's very true, Marcus. I'm certain everyone will see the benefits of this arrangement after a while. Now, Carlisle. I would have loved for you to stay with us for a while, but I suspect that won't be so. Am I right when I say you're eager to get home?"

We all look at Carlisle as he nods in agreement and says, "You know me so well, Aro. The family and I will leave for the US on the first available flight. As much as we would love to stay, we have a life to get back to."

Aro smiles widely at his friend as he rises from his throne and says, "Ah yes, no rest for the good doctor and his loving family. I truly hope you will visit us more often, Carlisle. Now that Isabella is living here, you finally have a valid reason to come to Volterra more often."

Carlisle smiles softly as he opens his mouth to react to Aro's suggestion, but he stops as Alice lets out a high-pitched squeal, "Oh my god, we're coming over for a few weeks in the summer. It will be so much fun!"

Isabella chuckles as I fail to stifle a groan, and I snicker as she leans in and whispers in my ear, "What's wrong, Demi? Are the in-laws making your life miserable already?"

Isabella squeaks as I pull her close and kiss her before whispering, "A bit, cara mia. I don't know how much longer I can keep my instincts under control. I want nothing more than to whisk you and hide you away. You're mine."

Isabella smiles brightly as she stands on her tiptoes to kiss me before saying, "As you are mine, Demi. I love you so much. Just let me say goodbye to the Cullens real quick."

I don't even have time to react as Aro quickly says, "Isabella will escort you and your family to the square, Carlisle. It will give you the chance to say goodbye in a more private setting. Have a safe flight, my friend."

I clench my fists as Carlisle bows his head to the kings in respect before turning toward Isabella with a questioning look in his eyes. Isabella smiles as she nods at his unspoken question, and I sigh inaudibly as she guides the Cullens toward the hallway. I quickly signal Alec, Jane, Heidi, and Felix to follow, and we quickly follow the Cullens down the hallway together. Isabella smiles as she notices, and I chuckle as she blows me a kiss before continuing her way. Emmett, though, is not amused by our presence as he turns around the face us and says, "Why are you following us? We're not going to kidnap her if that's what you're afraid of. She would kick our asses if we tried, and I'm quite fond of my ass, to be honest."

Isabella giggles as she moves to my side and says, "You can bet on it, brother bear. No one will take me away from my mate and my new family. Volterra is where I belong."

Emmett quickly puts up his hands in surrender while saying, "Point taken, sis. I don't want to get on your bad side, even when you tend to forgive people very quickly. I just got you back, and I would love for us to keep in touch. I missed you so much."

Isabella smiles brightly as she hugs her brother tightly and says, "I missed you too, Emmett, and I would love for us to keep in touch. And just so you know. I'm perfectly capable of holding a grudge if needed."

Carlisle chuckles as he interrupts their banter and says, "No, you're not, Isabella. As Emmett said: you forgive people very quickly, even when they don't deserve it."

I quickly interrupt her answer with a kiss, and I snicker as she sticks out her tongue at me when I say, "Emmett and Carlisle are right. You're way too forgiving, amore mio."

Isabella huffs as she crosses her arms, and I can see the mischief in her eyes as she says, "I'll keep that in mind for the next time I'm mad at you. I'll have you begging for my forgiveness."

I quickly pull her close as I hear the guys snicker. It's a good thing I can see the playfulness in her eyes as Isabella raises one brow while waiting for my response. I smile as I kiss her temple and say, "I meant it positively, tesoro. Your loving nature and your compassion are two of the things I love about you. I wouldn't want it any other way. Ti amo tanto, Isa."

I roll my eyes as I hear Emmett fake coughing 'whipped', which has Felix and Alec laughing out loud. Alice giggles as she looks at the three of them expectantly, and I wonder why until I see Isabella looking at Rosalie, Heidi, and Jane before nodding. The girls quickly slap the guys on the back of their heads. I snicker as a collective 'ouch' sounds from all three of them. Isabella's eyes shine brightly as I cup her cheek and say, "I'm whipped, all right. But that's another thing I wouldn't want any other way."

Now the girls let out an 'aww'. And I chuckle as Rosalie and Heidi start pestering Emmett and Felix about why they aren't that romantic anymore. The look on Felix's face makes me laugh even harder as we continue our way to the exit where Isabella hugs her family goodbye while I shake hands with Carlisle and Esme. Alice and Rosalie give me a quick wave before Jasper and Emmett pull me aside, and Isabella chuckles as they say, "Take care of our little sister, Demetri. She deserves all the happiness in the world."

I smile at their poor attempt to scare me and nod as I say, "I will. Isabella is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I will do whatever it takes to make her happy. You can count on it."

Isabella - IPOV

I chuckle as Jasper and Emmett put on their big brother act for Demetri. I can't wait for them to visit this summer and to show them around. Alice giggles as she pulls me close for a hug, and I smile as I see the love and joy in her eyes as she pulls back and says, "Summer can't come fast enough. Can I call you in the meantime?"

I smile as I hug her again before saying, "I would like that very much, Alice."

Alice beams as she stands next to Jasper, and I smile as Esme opens her arms to give me another hug. Carlisle smiles softly as he waits patiently for Esme to pull back before pulling me close for a hug as well. I smile widely as I hide my face in his chest and whisper, "I love you, Dad."

Carlisle smiles happily as he pulls back before saying, "Isabella, my dearest daughter, you will always be a part of our family. Never forget that. We will always be there for you and Demetri. You both may be a Volturi by name. But you're also a Cullen. Don't hesitate to call if you ever need anything. We love you, Isabella, forever."

Demetri moves to my side as I smile at Carlisle and say, "I love all of you too. Have a safe flight. I'll talk to you soon."

I smile as Demetri pulls me closer while we stand and watch the Cullens get in their cars and drive away. The rest of the guard is already gone, and I sigh happily as Demetri kisses my temple before saying, "Are you okay, tesoro?"

I hum as I turn to face him realizing I've never been happier than I am right now. Demetri is all I need, and I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. The Cullens will always be my family, but I can live without them. However, surviving in a world where Demetri doesn't exist would be sheer impossible. I smile brightly as I stand on my tiptoes to kiss him before saying, "I'm more than okay, Demi. I'm the happiest woman on this planet because of you. I love you so much."

I squeak in surprise as Demetri sweeps me off my feet with a low growl. I giggle as he carries me to our room at vampire speed and throws me on our bed. A shiver runs down my back as he lets out another soft growl, and I purr in anticipation as he stalks closer and says, " No one's ever loved anyone as much as I love you. You are everything to me. Ti amo tanto, Isa."

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