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A/N: This story is rated M for "My how the time has flown! Only three chapters remain." As usual, if you're not over 18, please don't read. Thanks!

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Chapter 22: Here With Me

True to his word, Aro and his entourage arrived in Chicago the following day. The Volturi leader called Bella to let her know that his group had arrived at the smaller business airport north of the city, rather than O'Hare.

"You know how I dislike disembarking amongst the cattle," he murmured to Bella over the phone, eliciting an indulgent smile in Edward's beloved.

"Yes, Aro. And it is so much easier to keep everyone focused when there are fewer distractions pressing against them." Bella gave Edward a sly wink before disentangling herself and sitting further back on the bed. Edward could tell from the tone of her voice that while the Volturi would never willingly endanger their secret when in public, accidents did still occur, even among their well-trained ranks. Edward was thankful for Aro's diligence, especially knowing how it would smooth the relations between the Volturi and his father.

Another moment later, Bella took the phone from her ear and turned to Edward as its light went dim, signaling that the call was over. "They've already landed and are en route." She grimaced slightly as she ran her hand down Edward's chest. He put his hand over hers and wrapped the other arm around her, pulling her back down against him and into the bed they were resting in.

"How much time do we have?" he whispered, letting the desire he felt for her color his tone. Bella leaned her body into his, reveling in the feeling of their bare flesh against one another's before she sighed and pushed away.

"Not enough time for what I was hoping to do next," she admitted wryly. She stood and pulled on her jeans which caused Edward to groan in disappointment. Her eyes flickered up to his over her shoulder and she smiled wickedly. "Don't worry, my love, we have all the time in the world now, remember?"

In less than a second Edward was behind her, pinning her against his chest, his mouth by her ear. "And what if I want all of it, Isabella?" He held her body flush against his, letting her feel just how much he wanted her, now and for always.

"It's yours," she breathed out huskily, then twined in his arms to face him. Her eyes sought his out and he could see the sincerity in their burgundy depths. "Everything I have is yours, Edward."

He leaned in and took her lips hungrily, marveling that no amount of time together was able to decrease his need for her. The opposite seemed true: the more he had her, the more he kissed her, touched her, made her cry out for him; the more he seemed to need. It was endless and he felt the enormity of it keenly. But it was a pleasurable thing; to feel so intensely again. He wouldn't deny it for the world.

His hands roamed down her back, slipping under the waistband of her jeans to cup her body and even though his eyes were closed he could feel the electricity between them arching out all around them in reds and oranges and bright white lights. Then suddenly Bella's lips were gone. Edward's eyes blinked open in confusion only to find Bella had flitted over to the chair next to his desk and was pulling on her boots.

"If we start that again," she smirked, "we'll never get downstairs and I for one don't relish the idea of putting on a peep show for the Volturi guard." She walked over to his closet and tossed a pair of khakis to him. Edward caught them with a laugh.

"No. That's certainly not something I want either." His mouth tilted up into a crooked smile as he shrugged into a crisp, white shirt and ran a hand through his hair. Bella walked over to him once he was fully dressed, smoothed the fabric of his shirt over his shoulders and leaned in for one last, chaste kiss. As their lips drifted apart, Edward inhaled deeply, pulling Bella's soft sweet scent into him, to keep with him until he could be alone with her again. He opened the door and held his hand out for her to go first into the hall. They were just outside Rosalie's room when Bella turned to Edward, her eyes narrowed in thought.

"Do you know where your sister and Emmett are by any chance?" They could both tell by the silence from the room behind them that the couple wasn't in there. Edward knew that Bella would need to find Emmett before the Volturi arrived, but he certainly didn't want to get an eyeful of him with Rosalie. He had seen enough naked Emmett to last him a lifetime and more. Bella cocked an eyebrow at him expectantly.

"When Rosalie wants to be alone, she heads out to the loft above the garage," he conceded reluctantly. Bella grabbed Edward's hand and they flew down the stairs and out behind the house to the large building that housed the Cullens' cars.

When they entered it Edward could barely believe his eyes. Rose's beloved garage looked like a storm had blown through it. The counter that normally displayed her neatly arranged tools and car schematics was wiped clean and a puddle of papers and metal was visible on the far side. The oak beam that formed the base of the spiral staircase up to the loft was seriously cracked and bent, and there was a fine layer of sawdust over the cars. For a moment Edward was worried there that Emmett and Rosalie had a fought and concern for his sister bloomed in his chest. Then a giggle floated down the stairs and he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to block out the thoughts of the couple above them.

He turned to Bella with a tight smile. "Emmett's upstairs but he's….engaged at the moment. I'd really rather go back to the main house, if you don't mind." Bella's face was confused for a millisecond and then devolved into good-natured exasperation. Walking purposefully to the stairs, Bella called up.

"Emmett! Aro's going to be here in twenty minutes and I expect you to be on the porch, by my side to meet him." She returned to Edward who was already leading the way back.

"And Emmett," she called back, "don't be late or I'll drag you there naked."

Edward winced at the thoughts Bella's last statement produced in the minds above. As soon as she was by his side again, he gratefully took her by the hand to return to the main house and await Aro's arrival.

Twenty minutes later, the Cullens, Bella and Emmett were out on the wrap-around porch as the line of limousines drove swiftly up the drive.

"Are those Bentleys?" Rose whispered in a voice filled with awe and longing.

"Custom made," Bella replied with pride. "If you'd like, I'm sure I can arrange for you to get a look at them later on," she added quietly. Edward squeezed Bella's hand in thanks.

"Careful," he murmured to her as the cars came to a stop on the circular drive. "If you start talking to Rose about Bentleys, you'll give Emmett competition for her affections." Rose hissed and a responding chuckle rumbled low in Emmett's chest. Edward marveled briefly at how effortlessly the giant had fallen into his relationship with Rose and how well he understood her. She could be so mercurial and but she seemed to have found her center when she found Emmett.

The doors opened and Edward's attention focused on the vampires before him. Aro emerged and approached the porch with his arms open wide in greeting.

"Carlisle, it's a pleasure to see you again, old friend," Aro exclaimed. "Despite the circumstances."

Edward's father inclined his head and held his hand out to welcome the Volturi leader. "You honor us with your visit, Aro," Carlisle replied graciously. "And you honored us by sending Bella to protect us. I want to thank you again for your kindness and concern." Aro smiled benevolently at Carlisle before turning to Bella with a mixture of joy and relief on his face.

"Bella, my darling," he reached out for her and she walked forward placing her hands in his and bowing her head slightly. Aro's eyes closed briefly as he took in all the thoughts Bella freely gave him. When the exchange completed, he squeezed her hands affectionately but Edward could hear his thoughts were troubled.

"I'm glad you have finally found what you have sought, my child." But at what a price. His eyes met Edward's and Edward steeled himself for Aro's censure. Will you be worth the sacrifices you demand from her?

Edward stepped forward next to Bella and held his hand out to Aro in a gesture of friendship. Bella watched them apprehensively, clearly concerned at the unspoken communication that was about to take place. Eagerness colored Aro's thoughts as he grasped Edward's hand and the flow of thoughts ebbed back and forth between the two. When it finished, Aro looked at Edward curiously.

You love her so deeply, it's clear and yet… Edward quirked a brow at the implication that his love was somehow limited. And yet you ask her to deny that which she is; that which we all are. Aro's thoughts held no accusation, only honest curiosity and the first kindling of hope that Edward and Bella might not be fated to heartbreak after all.

"It's true. She is the only thing that makes this existence meaningful for me," Edward replied aloud. "I'm humbled by her willingness to compromise on my behalf." His eyes flickered to Carlisle's face. "And on my family's behalf."

"Hmmm," was Aro's cryptic reply before turning back to Bella. "And this must be your protector?" Bella's smile widened and she turned to Emmett to motion him forward.

"This is Emmett, Aro." Emmett came forward and briefly glanced at Bella for reassurance as he offered his hand to Aro as she had earlier told him to do. When the exchange finished, Emmett opened his eyes with an easy smile and stepped back to stand next to Rose.

"How felicitous it was that you came to Chicago," Aro said as he stepped back. "Your protector would make an excellent addition to our guard, should that be his choice." Bella smiled at Emmett with delight, clearly impressed with the aplomb he showed in meeting the Volturi leader.

When Edward's gaze shifted from Emmett to Aro, he saw that Aro had already turned back to Carlisle. "And this is your mate, Carlisle?" He bowed slightly to Esme who smiled warmly in return.

"Allow me to introduce my wife, Esme" Carlisle said with distinct pride. "And next to Emmett is our daughter, Rosalie." Rose also smiled warmly but made no attempt to move toward the Volturi leader.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity, whatever the cause, for you to come to our home, Aro," Carlisle continued once the introductions were complete. "For you to see how we live. I know how concerned you were that this life would not be possible when we discussed it so many years ago, but I hope you will see that, while it may not be for everyone, it is a peaceful way to exist." Carlisle held his hand out as he finished. Aro grasped it, pleased by Carlisle's implicit offer. When his eyes opened again, Aro seemed to relax ever so slightly, clearly reassured by what he had seen.

"You have a charming family," Aro began, "it is a pleasure to finally meet them. And I am pleased that your feeding theories have worked out for you. But unfortunately, my old friend, they are not the reason I have come."

Carlisle nodded then gestured to the door and invited Aro and the guard inside to discuss the situation at hand. Aro inclined his head and followed Carlisle into the house and to the large parlor on the first floor. When everyone had reassembled inside, Carlisle spoke again.

"What is to be done with this rogue, Aro? And how can we assist you?"

"She is the walking dead," Aro replied gravely. "To leave the order as she has done. To abandon her responsibilities and seek vengeance on another of our guard, on my most precious child," he paused as his gaze came to rest on Bella, whose face was stiff with loathing for the creature being discussed. "To do these things was to place the mark of death upon her head. She has done so to herself, and I have no doubt that she knows this."

"How will you proceed then?" Carlisle knew, as they all did now, that the only person who had any hope of delivering Jane's death sentence was Bella. And yet she was all that stood between them and Jane's wrath. Should she leave to seek Jane out, they would be vulnerable. They had no way of knowing that Jane wouldn't be waiting for just that opportunity to attack them again.

"I have already dispatched a messenger to find her," Aro replied as he walked slowly about the room. "Demetri will find her and bring her to me. She will be offered a single chance to explain herself to me."

"When will this meeting take place," Bella asked in a worried voice, clearly concerned for Aro's safety.

"Soon." Aro walked over and placed his hand on her shoulder to soothe her. "Demetri will escort her to our house in the city, ensuring she remains with him at all times. He has already let me know he's located her scent. You and your protector will need to adjourn there with me shortly."

Emmett visibly relaxed when Aro acknowledged that he would be there with Bella. Edward could tell that the only thing that would have kept him from Bella's side was her direct command. And while he knew she was immune to Jane's power, Edward was still reassured that Emmett would be there with her. A new sense of appreciation washed over him for the large vampire.

"And after that?" Carlisle prodded. Edward could hear his father's concern over what would become of the tangled relationships between the vampires he considered his children and the ones Aro clearly saw as belonging to his guard.

"After Jane has been dealt with we will reconvene here if that is agreeable to you, Carlisle. Then we can discuss what comes next." Aro's thoughts focused on the ornate tapestry that adorned the wall behind Carlisle, clearly not interested in sharing those thoughts with Edward.

Aro turned to Bella, whose face was blank yet somehow foreboding. He held his hand out to her, "Shall we, my dear? Demetri will have her back to the townhouse soon."

Bella nodded, then stood. "May I have a moment before we leave?" Aro's eyes flickered to Edward and he inclined his head before excusing himself and heading to the cars waiting outside. Carlisle and Esme walked over to Bella and Emmett. They quietly thanked them for everything they had done and were about to do to protect their family, then left them with their mates. Emmett and Rosalie drifted off to the side of the room, to say their farewells in private and to leave Edward and Bella to do the same.

"Are you sure that you're up for this?" Concern colored Edward's voice but Bella smiled as she ran her hand up and down his arm comfortingly.

"This is what I do," she stated simply. "When Aro needs me, I help. It's who I am. You don't need to worry about me; I'm good at my job." Her face darkened and Edward could tell her thoughts were turned toward Jane even though her mind was still silent to him.

"And you won't ever need to worry about that bitch again." Edward could hear the chill of death in Bella's voice as she said, "I'm going to end her."

~*~

Jane knew her quest to avenge herself on Bella was over the moment she caught Demetri's scent. Part of her, the part that still recalled the impetuous child she had been so many centuries ago, wanted to run, wanted scream, wanted to rage against the base unfairness of it all. But after all her years with the guard Jane had learned that there was no way to run when the Volturi came calling. So when Demetri appeared, a light smile upon his angelic face, no words were necessary. Jane nodded and followed him into the city.

Aro's townhome was right on Lake Shore Drive in the heart of the Gold Coast. It's proximity to the brisk traffic on the multi-laned street cut back on the number of pedestrians passing by. Jane and Demetri were able to slip in unnoticed despite their inhuman speed. Once inside, they slowed as they were flanked by two of Aro's personal guards. No one spoke. No one, save Demetri, even looked at her and Jane knew that her chances of leaving Aro's home as anything other than ash were almost non-existent.

They ascended the stairs and entered the parlor that was set up as Aro's private salon. The room was large and long and uncluttered. One wall was dominated with an enormous fireplace, the kind normally found in old medieval castles. It was incongruous for the structure, but the room was decorated with tapestries and furniture that made it seem to fit. To her left, Jane saw windows that stretched from floor to ceiling, mirroring the fireplace in size. The windows were adorned with heavy velvet curtains that had been pulled aside allowing an exceptional view of the lake as dusk settled and the stars began to appear in the night sky.

Opposite the windows, on the far end of the room was a throne; not the one from Volterra but ornate nonetheless. And there he was: the one vampire in the entire world Jane longed to call father instead of master. He watched her enter and she noted the impassive expression on his face. She could discern neither joy at seeing her again nor outright condemnation there, but she still hoped it would show forgiveness before the interview ended.

When she was a few feet away Jane knelt, bowing her head low, knowing better than to speak before being given leave to do so. The guards stepped aside to leave her alone before Aro, and it seemed like an eternity before he spoke.

"Jane, you know why you are here." At his voice Jane's face lifted and she noted no change in Aro's countenance. She began to worry that there was no hope for her after all. Slowly she swallowed the fear and venom that were pooling in her throat.

"Leaving the guard without giving notice or reason. Attacking the mate of one of the elite. Threatening one of my oldest friends and allies. These are not actions I can ignore. What do you have to say in your defense?" Jane searched his voice for a hint of compassion, an ounce of remorse for seeing her in this position before him, but she could find none. Was he so ready to be rid of her then, she wondered.

"My lord," she replied thickly, "I have ever sought to serve you. The effrontery and deceit practiced by the Cullens could not go unanswered and I…"

"You were not sent to deal with any such issue," Aro quickly cut her off. "Your duty is to follow orders, Jane, not to make up missions on your own." A chill silence followed. Jane considered stretching the truth; telling Aro how she wished to save him from having to voice such a command against his friend. But she knew that lies were no good in her defense. Even if they worked he would but need to touch her to know the truth of her heart. Then it occurred to her that if he could only see the love she bore for him he might understand. Desperately she stood, holding her hands out before her in supplication.

"Aro, please," she begged but before she could take a single step toward him, the beefy guards were again at her side, pushing her back down to her knees roughly, growling at what they had perceived as an imminent attack. Jane hissed at them, wanting to burn them but knowing if she wasn't able to control herself her end would come quickly. Rage and shame boiled inside her, but she kneeled as directed and began again.

"Aro, please," she held her hand forward, palm up, fingers stretched in a futile attempt to bridge the distance between them. "Please, won't you touch me? Won't you see for yourself what my motives are? How much I long to serve you? How much I love you?"

A thin smile graced his face but he did not budge. "What good would that do, Jane? It would not change what you did." It would not save her. He had left that last part unsaid but every vampire in the room knew Aro's meaning and Jane's ultimate fate. Her shoulders slumped as the knowledge of her impending doom crashed down on her finally. She had not been brought here to explain herself, to beg for forgiveness. She had been brought here for reckoning and retribution. She nodded her head slowly then stood. One of the guards raised his hand to push her back down but as she hissed at him, Aro waved him away, allowing her at least the dignity to die on her feet.

"It may change nothing, but I wish that you knew how much I have loved you, Aro." Jane closed her eyes briefly, willing herself to get the words out before it was too late. "From the moment I awoke until the moment I left Volterra I have served you devoutly. In all those years, I have never asked for anything but your love in return, the love of a father for his child. Have I not always been your true and obedient servant? Have I not always bent my will to yours? Have I not given you everything you asked of me, even when it was my own beloved mate?" The last came out with a shriek of pain and Aro lips pursed in warning. Jane knew she was skirting the line of what she would be allowed to say and how she would be allowed to say it, but damn it if she was about to die anyway, she would have her say.

"I offered you everything and you took it. But what was I given in return? You take. And you take. And you take! But you never, ever, give!" Her voice was cracking under the weight of her unsheddable tears. "I only ever wanted your love," she whispered.

Aro nodded his head slowly, but Jane knew her words had not reached him. She was just another rogue to be dealt with. She was nothing to him. Perhaps it had always been that way and she had deluded herself all these years that he might have felt more.

"If you have nothing more you wish to say, then?" At first Jane could not understand what he might be alluding to. Hadn't she said more than enough? Certainly enough to put the seal upon her death sentence. What more could she possibly say? Then it came to her: Alec. Aro was giving her the chance for her death to mean something, to keep Alec safe.

"My brother… It would be easier if I knew…Is he still among the guard?" Jane was unsure how to ask for Aro's leniency after her tirade but Aro seemed to be waiting for her question.

"Alec was saddened when you left, Jane. As we all were. It is not a happy thing to lose a part of one's family." Aro's face was inscrutable to Jane again. Her mind raced back and forth, wanting to believe that Aro was gifting her with the knowledge that her brother would be spared, afraid that Aro was cruelly toying with her. Would he really forgive Alec's complicity? Alec certainly had value to Aro still, especially if Aro would no longer have Jane at his disposal. She looked up at the Volturi leader and noted that his face was weary.

"He will be kept among us. He mourns for you of course, but he will come to see that your choices were your own to make and that you chose this."

"Please, Aro," Jane whined, unable at the end to accept her fate. "I'm so sorry for what I said. Of course you are a most generous lord. It was the Cullens…I couldn't let their lies go unpunished…"Aro shook his head slowly, clearly Jane's salvation wouldn't be found by placing the blame on the golden eye abominations. She changed tactics.

"Do you think that Bella will remain faithful now that she is among them? Will she stay loyal to you when her eyes are amber too? I have always been true to you, Aro." She wanted to go on but Aro was no longer listening to her. In a last ditch effort she reached for the leader, her voice hysterical. "For the love of all you hold dear, Aro, just touch my hand! See how it was never you I despised but that cunning bitch Bella."

"Enough," Aro's voice echoed through the room powerfully. "I give you license to speak your mind, however addled, because you are about to die, but you are very much mistaken if you think that leniency goes so far as to let you besmirch my daughter." He turned his back on Jane and walked inexorably toward the door. Before he exited, he glanced behind her and Jane turned to see Bella glowering at her, an enormous vampire hovering behind her protectively.

They were on her without a word. Strong hands held her in place as Bella stalked forward, death in her eyes. Jane had always thought herself the stronger of the two when their individual talents were taken out of the equation, the more vicious when it came down to base personalities. The Bella before her, however, was powerful with the force of rage and righteous retribution. Jane knew that torturing Edward had erased any mercy Bella might have had in dealing with her. It was clear from her expression that Bella wanted Jane to suffer and that she relished being able to inflict the pain herself.

"Arm," she barked and without hesitation, the burly vampire that Jane assumed must be Bella's protector shifted his hold so that Jane's right arm was free. Before she could lash out at either of her foes, Jane's arm was ripped off, agony blooming in the spot that once held it on. Bella dangled it briefly before Jane's face before tossing it into the fire that had been lit in the fireplace and Jane was struck by the surreal nature of what was occurring. Smoke began to curl, soft purple grey, up the chimney. She could see her flesh being consumed before her, the scent of it sickly sweet in her nose.

Methodically Bella set about stripping Jane of her remaining limbs with her hands and teeth, leaving Jane helpless with pain and humiliation. With the last bits of will she had, Jane sent fiery torture out toward her attackers but it was useless; Bella's shield protected them flawlessly. Her head was still attached to her torso as her limbs twitched helplessly in the fireplace. There was no greater insult one vampire could deal another than forcing them to die with the scent of their own flesh burning fresh in their noses.

When there was nothing left to pile on the pyre, the hulking vampire shifted his hold on Jane's body as Bella came for her head. Bella's hands drifted over her cheeks, sisterly in their softness before they hardened into the grip that ripped her consciousness away. The flames enveloped the last bits of Jane, erasing her existence until she was naught but ash.

"It's over now."