Uh, guys! This is the beginning of the end! Chapter 26! I swear! The next chapter is the final smack down! I've already written it, so it will be ready for the update. I am so super excited about this. It was kind of intense to write.

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Please Enjoy!

One Week Later…Tuesday.

JPOV

All patrols were off. I'd already called Frank to let him know that neither I nor the other guys would be in for the next week or so, that something big was going down. I'd had the rez put on curfew once more.

Tomorrow was the big day. Ness and I had gathered the fighters. She'd said one on one.

I was fighting Tristan.

Nessie and Jane.

Shelby and Nyla.

Walker and Malik, if he was with Tristan's pack.

Caden and Caius, if we could swing that.

And Eric (Walker's wolf) and Gavin(the guard that helped Malik escape).

The one on one battles were picked. Everyone was spending time with those they loved just in case all hell broke loose. No doubt Alec would just let his sister die without interfering. And Aro would not like us manipulating his brother out from under him.

I constantly found Ness stuck in her own head. Every time I asked, she said she was going over what she was going to say to Aro, how she was going to spin the web in order to get what we wanted. She'd meditated every day and had made me sit with her to see if she could actually get into her subconscious around my presence. Carlisle had said that it would help her get stronger if she could manage to do it. It had taken her a couple days, but she'd gotten it. I'd even moved around the house, making noise. The last few days, Cricket and Trey and been stomping around as well.

Cricket hadn't had anymore visions. She'd said this was the final obstacle. After this, we should be home-free. I was skeptical. Something always went wrong. But Nessie believed she could pull it off with Aro. All we'd have to worry about, according to her, was the fight.

Over the past week, Seth had been getting better. He constantly talked to Caden and Shelby. Even confided in me. But he was also still off. Every now and then, I'd see his jaw clenched, knuckles white from gripping whatever he was holding too tightly. He'd have to excuse himself in order to go calm down. On those days, the images in his head were strong.

Caden taught Shelby how to shift without the full moon because he knew she was dominant enough to do so. Seth had said that things were much easier once he was able to run with her. He felt more in control of his feelings and dreams. He made love to Shelby every night, even though he'd blushed when he told me that, but he seemed to feel better saying it. Like he was happy to admit that he was taking care of his woman.

So I'd admitted that I was doing the same thing with my wife. True, too. Ness and I had been at each other every chance we got. I was pretty sure we managed to put a few dents in the walls and crack the dining room table. I'd left bruises behind and in return, Ness had given me her teeth marks.

I had debated giving her the gift I'd bought her, but that would make it seem like I didn't think we'd make it to Christmas. I just couldn't do that to her, so I left the gift where it was. And I'd been telling Nessie the truth when I'd told her that I didn't want anything from her for Christmas. Just being with her was enough. But I knew it was important, and I knew she'd figure something out.

Calahan and I had agreed to put pack stuff on hold. Ness and I had met with them a couple times to discuss things about how we lived. Marcia had even apologized to me and Nessie. Calahan knew that one of his males was involved with two of mine, and I'd briefly explained the situation. He'd told Rhett to stay away from Adam and Derek until he had time to think about it, which had crushed Adam and Derek. Staying away from an imprint is very difficult when it wasn't the imprint to ask that you stay away. I'd know. I'd been there. So I'd gotten Calahan to agree in allowing Rhett to talk to them on the phone. It was the best that I could do. Calahan needed time, and I understood that. He was a leader that believed in populating the pack. Three men couldn't reproduce. And he was straight as an arrow. A lot of straight men couldn't grasp the concept of men loving other men. And some couldn't understand the same of females. Calahan was one of those men as he'd proven with Bianca and Angelica.

Right now, Charlie's house was packed with me, Ness, Seth, Shelby, Brayden, Edward, Bella, Leah, Caden, Sue, and Charlie. Charlie was involved enough to know that something big was going down. He didn't like it, but he didn't question it, knowing it was going to happen whether he liked it or not. So we all just spent the day together. Edward and Bella kept coming over to touch me and Ness, as if they were assuring themselves that we were still there.

Brayden was passed around, snoozing in and out in people's arms. Seth did seem better. He smiled easily and refused the beer that Charlie always offered. I nodded to him approvingly.

Eventually, though, they left so that Shelby could see her dad before tomorrow's showdown.

"So," Charlie said. "Something big is going down. When?" he asked as he sat down in his recliner.

"Tomorrow," I answered.

He gave me a look and then scrubbed his eyes. "Stay safe. And keep my granddaughter safe."

"I'll do what I can, but Charlie, we're fighting our own battles tomorrow. We'll be on our own, separated." And then I amended myself. "If everything goes according to plan, that's what will happen."

"That's your plan?" he demanded. "To fight like that?"

"It's either that or a bloodbath. If that happens, the town could be in danger. We're trying to keep it contained. A few lives versus a townful? Come on, Charlie. You're a cop. You know the best choice."

"Hey," Nessie said, coming into the living room from the kitchen. "No business talk. It's family time today."

"Yeah, and tomorrow you get into a fistfight," Charlie said.

Nessie leveled him with a look as she handed us beers. "Grampa, we'll be fine. Now hush it." And then she went back into the kitchen.

I held my hands up. "You heard my wife. No more work talk for me. Find something else."

Huffing, he turned on a football game and drank his beer.

Laughing, I popped my can open. I didn't drink often, not enough to keep it in the house, but I'd found I liked the taste every now and then. This was one of those moments.

We spent most of the day with them. But after we left, Nessie headed out with the girls and I went in search of my pack of guys.

I found them at Seth's place, wrapped around his circular dining room table. They were all laughing or drinking or playing cards. Even Sam was there even though he wouldn't be there tomorrow. He'd decided to stick to human so he'd be staying with Emily.

He came at me with his arm outstretched. I clasped my hand to his forearm and he did the same to me.

"You watch your ass out there tomorrow. I know it'll be hard, but try not to worry about Ness until you've taken care of your guy first. She's trained up. She can handle herself."

"I know. But she's my wife, my imprint. I'll worry no matter what."

"At least you get to fight. Seth just gets to watch."

I nodded. "That's true. At least I can get my frustration out."

Sam clapped me on the shoulder. "Utilize that frustration, but don't lose your focus."

Laughing, I did a little bow. "Yes, master."

He slapped the back of my head. "Smartass."

They all laughed and jeered at us. It was great to see them like this. We hadn't been a bunch of rowdy guys since there had just been a handful of us. Caden had managed to call one of the other packs. They said they'd come to help, but not stay to take land. They wanted to go back home, so not all of their wolves were coming. But it was still better than I expected. They'd shown up over the weekend. My guys were jumpy and ruffled by all the newcomers. It was understandable.

"Jacob's gonna kick some ass tomorrow!" Paul yelled.

All the guys cheered.

Trey, beside Paul with a new laptop, shook his head, and then grabbed his attention once more.

I lifted the beer that Sam had given me. "Don't forget Caden! Who is conveniently hiding in that corner."

They all turned, more cheering, and held their drinks up to him. He rolled his eyes, but smiled and held his drink up.

"And Walker?" Caden said.

"Really, guys?" he said from his spot at the table.

"Yes, really," Caden and I said at the same time.

"And your man, Eric."

Walker acknowledged us with a nod and raise of his glass as well.

Clearing his throat, Seth stood up, his glass in his hand. "Since we're all making toasts. I want to make one to Jacob and Ness. Two of the best people I know. And to all of our fighters. Their bravery will not go unnoticed no matter the outcome. But we hope that they all come home to us tomorrow night."

"Here, here!"

Glasses and cans clinked all around the room.

I lifted my drink to him, knowing that that had to be one of the hardest things for him to say.

Taking a drink, he sat down hard and then stared at his hands.

I promised myself that if I was able, I'd watch out for Shelby as well as Ness.

It was the least I could do for him giving his life for mine.

RPOV

Since the boys were all at Seth and Shelby's place, we girls all met up at mine and Jake's. The difference was, I could hear the rowdiness of the boys from across the lake. Here, it was like they were in mourning. Quietly talking amongst themselves. Wouldn't meet my or Shelby's eyes. Many of the pack members didn't approve of the plan because they couldn't protect their alphas. They felt it was their job to protect us.

As the days had progressed over the past week, the playfulness of the pack had ebbed, and now a looming sense of dread had blanketed us all. I'd often caught myself watching the pack interact with each other, seeing them with their mates. Every one of them I had some sort of memory to play through. Though I wasn't close with all of them, I did love them. They were my family, and not just because I was married to Jacob. Watching them, I'd had the realization of a lifetime.

I wasn't scared of my death.

I was terrified of failing them.

Finally, forcing a smile, I stood up. "Guys, we're not gone yet. Let's enjoy tonight. We'll make it." They just looked at me. "Come on, ladies. You can't always protect us. We get to fight for you, too. This is the best way." The sadness in their eyes melted me. "I love you. All of you. And that's why I'm doing this. You guys have protected me for a very long time. It's my turn to protect you. Let me have this."

With a sigh, Morgan stood up. "She's right." When they all glared at her, she glared back. "This is our alpha female, guys. She's no longer just Jacob's imprint. She's his mate, his equal. It's time we treated her like it. For the past week, when we've seen Jake, have we treated him like this? No. Because we've always supported his decisions and knew he'd fight no matter what. How could we expect any less from his mate? How could we not support her? Or Shelby, for that matter? She's making a sacrifice, could possibly say goodbye to her son, but she's willing to take down a threat to us."

Leah stood up. "If anyone can win this, it's Nessie. That royal bastard actually likes her. And she can win against Jane. I know she can. Caden told me about how she did it before. She can do it again and take that bitch out. Shelby has been training, gaining more and more control. She has the incentive of my brother and her son to bring her back. And Caden? You don't see me moping around. My man is gonna throw down and come home to me. Walker to Christa. Shelby to Seth. And Jacob and Ness are going to walk off that battlefield together. Maybe a little bloody, but they're coming back. Period."

With tears flooding my vision, I looked over at Shelby. She looked proud and confident. Which she should. She'd been training every day with Caden, learning how to use every weapon at her disposal.

I'd also been training with Dad and my uncles. Dad didn't believe that Jane really knew any fighting techniques, that she relied heavily on her power. And she wasn't expecting a fight so she'd have no reason to learn to fight. If everything went according to plan, she'd be blindsided, giving me the upper hand.

Shelby must have felt me staring because she turned to look at me. We'd go into this fight together. We both knew that, even with all the confidence, one or both of us may very well not make it out. But our strength and loyalty went deeper than our fears. We'd do whatever we had to in order to protect the people we loved. And we loved every woman in this room. That was enough for me.

Eventually, the girls all loosened up. Shelby popped open a couple bottles of wine and handed out glasses. We laughed, played games, and watched movies. Talked about guys(not ours), and made plans for the upcoming weekend. Christmas plans and gift ideas.

That's when I remembered Jacob's leather jacket. He said he needed a nice one for public decency.

Digging out my phone, I called my aunt.

"What's up, buttercup?" she answered.

Chuckling, I said, "You still have Jacob's jacket measurements, right?"

"Yes," she said slowly, drawing out the word.

"Good. I need them."

"Oooo, you finally figured out what to get him?"

I nodded even though she couldn't see it. "Yeah. He needs a nice jacket to wear out. I didn't want to replace the one he rides in. It's sentimental to him, so I figured a new one for just when we go out."

"Oh a leather jacket."

"Yup. And I don't want it to be one of those stiff, new leather types of deals. I want the really nice, supple stuff."

"Hmmm," she murmured, papers rustling in the background. "I think I know just the shop. Would you like me to order it? I can do it. I know them out there for Jasper."

Having her do it was tempting. She was great with people and getting what she wanted in the time frame she wanted it. But I really wanted to become that kind of woman.

So, I said, "No, I can do it. Just text me the name and number."

"Will do." Then she got serious. "Love you, sweetcakes."

"I love you, too, Aunt Alice. We'll see you tomorrow? You're not taking off again?"

"We'll be there. Promise."

"Good. Talk to you later."

"Bye, Ness."

I hung up wanting to cry. The emotions were starting to eat at me. Talking to my family, knowing they would have to watch on.

An arm wrapped around my shoulders. It was Shelby.

"We'll be fine. You've survived this before. We'll survive it together."

Leaning into her arm, I hugged her. "It's not really the fight I'm worried about."

"Then what?"

"The Volturi. I'm worried I'll say the wrong thing and ignite the war."

She pulled back. "Nessie, as Morgan said, you're our alpha female. What's in our best interest is in your heart. Speak from there. It sounds stupid, but follow your heart."

"Don't overthink it," Morgan said. "Just let it flow. And know that no matter what they decide, we'll all fight."

"Absolutely," Leah said.

Seeing them support me, support all of us, gave me even more strength. An even stronger conviction that what we were doing was right.

Later that night…

RPOV

Jacob and I laid in bed, stripped to our skin in the sheets. We lay parallel to each other just staring. His hands roamed my body, not sexually-well, not primarily. And I was doing the same to him. Memorizing everything I'd already committed to memory.

Except his tattoo. The one he got when he joined the pack. He was laying on that side, and I wanted to trace it with my fingers.

Pushing a fist into his chest, I forced him to roll over onto his back. He did without hesitation. When the tattoo was visible, I laid my head on my arm so that my eyes were on level with it. A tiny piece of it was missing because that was the arm that had gotten sliced up a while back. Looking at the intricate designs, my fingers traced the same paths as my eyes.

"When this is all over," he said, speaking for the first time in hours, "we should get you a tattoo."

I laughed. "But my body doesn't like change. Don't know if it would heal over the ink or let me keep it."

"They had to use a special type of ink on us because we heal fast, too. We could try it."

"Okay," I said with a smile. "We can pick something out and try."

"Deal."

He brought his hand up making the muscles in that arm bunch, the tattoo moving with it. His forefinger brushed over my cheek. "You ready for this?"

"I have to be. Like I told the girls, I'm more worried about the negotiation part. But they told me to just follow my heart, that it'll tell me what I need to say."

He nodded. "They're pretty smart, our females."

I laughed. "Yeah, they are. What do you think?"

"I think...that whatever you say, it will be epic. One way or another, there will be a fight. That's just how it's going to happen. They're jonesing for one. And we'll be ready. But I agree with the women. You have a way with people that just makes them want to keep you happy. Hopefully that will work on Aro tomorrow."

Giving up my tattoo tracing, I slid my hand across his chest. He raised his arm and I slid into the crook of his body. "I hope you're right."

Jake leaned back to catch my eyes. "Could it be that that famous optimism is slipping?"

I rolled my eyes. "I just don't want to cause a war."

He hugged me to him. "All I can really say is that you should be confident in what you say. And that I'll be with you the whole time just like I was back then."

"Thank you. I love you, Jacob."

"I love you, too, Nessie."

I closed my eyes. "Say my name," I whispered.

"I just did."

I shook my head. "My full name."

The arm that wasn't trapped under my head crossed his body so that he could cup my cheek. "I love you, Renesmee."

"I wish I could meet her."

"Who?"

"The woman I'm named after, my grandma Renee."

His arm tightened around me. "It's for the best, Ness. She wouldn't be able to handle it like Charlie does. At least, that's what your mom says. I never met her either. Sometimes, we have to let people go."

"I know. I just wish things could be different. That mom didn't have to give up her mom. How she did it, I don't know. My mom is everything to me. I don't know what I'd do without her. I don't tell her that enough."

"She knows. Your dad, too. They know, baby." Leaning forward, he kissed my forehead. "We have a big day tomorrow. We should get some sleep."

We'd made love so many times over the past week that it was almost like breathing. But I understood why he didn't want to do it again tonight. He'd said his goodbye last night. If we made love tonight, I wouldn't have the strength to be separated from him in the morning.

Everything was set. All the children and females from the other packs were down at the rez. Our females had refused to even let Jacob think to tell them to stay on the rez. Haleigh's separation from Christa and Walker had been the worst. She'd fought and cried against Sam's chest, screaming for her mommy and daddy. It hadn't been any easier on them. Christa had cried after kissing the girl's forehead and forced herself to turn away. Walker's eyes had been red and puffy. Jacob and Xavier had shared a tight hug. Brayden had been left with Sue and Charlie since they knew more about what was going on. Shelby had let him go with a long kiss to his forehead before pulling away. Cricket and Trey were staying down with Billy much to Cricket's irritation and Trey's relief.

Now, moving through the sheets, I rested my head on Jake's chest. Sleeping was going to be nearly impossible, but I closed my eyes anyway.

TriciaPOV

"Embry, I'm staying here. In our house."

He shook his head. "You're going to stay with Rachel and Rebecca."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Make me."

For a moment, he just glared at me. And then he ducked down, put his shoulder into my stomach and lifted, his arm behind my knees. "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

"Embry Call! Put me down. Right now."

"Tell me you're going over there in the morning."

"You can't make me stay there, Embry. Short of handcuffing me to something-"

"Good idea. And they'll do it, too, if I ask. They understand."

Sighing, I planted my elbow hard in his back and put my chin in my hand. Didn't faze him at all. He liked pain. Dammit.

We'd been having this argument all day. Right now we were in the living room next to the couch. He'd already tried to take my key to the house, but the moment I let him have it easily, he knew that I'd made a copy of the one he'd given me and hadn't taken it.

Gently, he put me back on my feet. Crossing my arms under my breasts, I refused to look at him.

Putting his finger under my chin, he forced my head up but I still didn't look at him. "Why are you so opposed to this?"

"Because I wanna stay here, in our home." I knew I sounded pouty and petulant but I didn't care. It was the truth. "And…"

"And?"

"I...I don't fit in."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

Uncrossing my arms, I tugged at my hair. "Look at me! I'm the Ice Princess compared to them. They see me differently. They have to."

Cupping my face, he smoothed his thumbs over my cheeks. "Tricia, sweetie, they like you. They want to hang out with you."

"Yeah, uh-huh."

He nodded. "It's true. They asked me where you were staying. Rachel offered her place so you wouldn't be alone. So you'll have two women who understand what you're feeling. They like you. I mean, have you seen Christa? She's not exactly dark like the rest of us. Just mingle with them. Rachel said you'll have your own room so that if you don't want to hang out, you can go in there." He moved in closer to me. "I just don't want you here alone. I don't trust those vampires. And there's no telling how this will play out tomorrow. I could end up fighting. Nobody knows. Please, Tricia. For me. Stay with them."

He'd said the magic words. For him. For him, I would do anything.

"Ok. I'll go over there in the morning."

"Thank you," he whispered against my lips before kissing me.

I kissed him back.

The oven beeped, signaling that the lasagna was done.

Letting me go, he went to take it out. "I really want you to get along with them. After all, once this mess is over, we're going ring shopping. You'll be their family through me."

My breath caught. "Are...are you proposing?"

He turned to me with a smile. "Not this instant. I have it all planned out, but it's going to be a surprise when and how. I just want you to have the ring you want. So, on Thursday, after Nessie gets us through this tomorrow, you and I are going ring shopping. We won't stop until you find the perfect ring. Even go to Seattle if we have to."

Running at him, he caught me as I jumped into his arms. Between kisses, I managed to say, "God, I love you so much!"

He spun me around, and I clung to him. Now, more than I had last night, I prayed he'd come home tomorrow. I just couldn't lose him, not now that I'd found him.

"Please come home," I whispered.

His answer was to tighten his hold around me.

The Next Morning...Wednesday.

RPOV

As predicted, I maybe got about thirty minutes of sleep. Jacob managed to grab a couple hours. We moved in silence, but brushed against one another for comfort. Jacob got my chain out of my jewelry box and laid it out on the dresser because once we left the house, he'd phase and I'd ride on his back all the way to the site. His ring would stay with me.

As I was about to walk into the closet, Jacob gripped my arm, turned me, and backed me up into the wall.

"Jacob, what are you-"

He leaned down, pressing his lips to mine and shoving his bare thigh between mine.

"I know we just sort of agreed that the other night was our...but I need to have you once more before we go," he said, voice shredded with emotion. He swallowed hard. "Please." It was a hoarse whisper.

"Yes."

That was all he needed.

Swooping in to claim my lips again, he also gripped my thighs and lifted me up, my back still against the wall. Without any hesitation or foreplay, he thrusted up inside me. We both grunted but still didn't break the kiss. It was too sweet.

But his hands did move up, fingers digging into my ass and pulled me down the same time he thrusted up. It was hard and deep, ragged just like his voice.

Though it was rough, it wasn't the kind that was dominating. More like he was raw inside, we both were, and just wanted give each other one last blow of emotion before we had to lock down our feelings and go to battle.

He thrusted up inside me, and I tried to move my hips with him. He sped up, slamming my lower back against the wall with each forward motion of his hips. The sound of skin slapping skin echoed in the room. My body was quickly tightening up, readying for him, because somehow I knew that his release was going to be hard and fierce inside me.

Those fingers sank deeper into my flesh, bruising. Lips leaving mine, he put his mouth on the side of my throat and bit down hard enough to draw blood, growling against my skin. An explosive breath punched out of me and I gasped through the pain where my pleasure came to wash it away. When he let go, I felt the liquid trickle down between my breasts.

My body was twitchy, skin crawling in goosebumps from the energy he was putting off. I was getting close, his body rubbing mine in all the right places.

Wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I put us chest to breasts and my mouth right at his throat. "Jacob," I managed to get out as his thrusts hardened, deepened. I whimpered from the sudden stretching, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

The pleasure was building in my stomach. Jacob was hammering into me, his lower abdomen stroking against my sweet spot on every thrust. Tingles shot through me.

"Together," he said.

"Together."

A moment later, his next thrust was his last and hardest. I screamed as he emptied into me, erection jerking wildly. And then my own orgasm hit. I screamed again just before I sank my teeth into his neck, tasting blood. At least I wasn't venomous.

He roared as I milked him dry. My back was against the wall once more, and with me secured, he planted his fists into the wall beside my head as we both spasmed around each other.

When we were both calm and sated, he carried me to the bathroom where he cleaned us both up even though he shook like a tree in a tornado.

"I'm sorry," he said as he wiped up the mess he'd left behind between my thighs as it dripped down my legs.

"Don't be. I was needing it, too. And no, you didn't hurt me."

"Good."

We were back to shielding our emotions. Which was fine. We were both raw and worried for the other.

After cleaning up the blood on my torso and neck, I dressed for agility. Sneakers, sweats, and a long-sleeve tee. My hair was done in a braid that I'd wrapped into a bun at the nape of my neck. No need to give my enemy a handle to use against me.

Jacob forced me to eat a bowl of oatmeal just to have something on my stomach. I wanted to throw it up as soon as I finished, but I forced it to stay down. He ate a few bowls of Lucky Charms, which made me laugh sadly. Lucky Charms on a day like this? Nicely ironic, which was why he did it.

Outside, the pack was meeting up in the woods and the clearing. Walker and Calahan were escorting their packs up. Christa was with her man. Senna, Zafrina, Tia, and Benjamin were standing with my family who had joined Jacob's pack. Seth and Shelby were at the front of the pack. Seth was phased out. Carlisle had tried to get him to stay home but he'd refused. Shelby was standing next to him in human form. Her hair was also braided. Because it was so short, she was able to French braid it tightly to her head and nape. In normal circumstances, I'd have said it was cute, but the look in her eyes stopped me. She was ready to kill.

Jacob handed me his ring, which I slid onto the chain. Instead of putting it around my neck, I wrapped it around my right wrist and slid the ring on my middle finger.

Since he wasn't going to be in human form until he had to fight Tristan, Jacob took me into his arms and kissed me hard and deep.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

And then he jumped off the porch and phased. Shaking out his coat, he stood there waiting for me. Stepping off the top step, I swung one leg over his body and hopped on his back. The day was supposed to be a very cold one, but Jacob's heat seeped through my clothes, warming me. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Shelby hop up onto Seth's back.

"We're ready, Jacob," Dad said as he and Mom came to stand on either side of us.

Jacob hunkered down, ready to run. Gripping his fur, I flattened myself to him as much as I possibly could, keeping my face shielded in the dense fur between his ears.

Letting out a bark, he took off into the woods. The spot we were heading for was in the mountains, and the closer we got, the more the temperature dropped. Snow started getting into my eyes. Turning my head, and burrowing into his fur, I could see through the trees others moving in the same direction far off. Caden had said the other pack he'd called was going to stay up in site area to avoid high tensions. Matthew was a widower and had two small sons back on his land. He wanted to go home to them.

It took about an hour to get there, which was why we'd camped up here last time. But we'd all wanted to spend some quality time with family and had opted for waking up uber early.

As we moved, I tried really hard to keep my mind off of everything. Thinking about facing Aro again made my stomach roll, the oatmeal threatening to come back up. I honestly couldn't believe this was happening again. Another showdown.

Jacob burst through the trees and into a massive clearing that I hadn't seen in years. We all tried to avoid this area. It had represented the fear of being slaughtered.

As the other groups poured into the clearing, I had a nasty thought. Years ago, we'd come here because of me, of what I was. Now, we were here again, this time by my request. Looking around at all of them preparing to face down the Volturi, getting in various groups and positions, I wondered if I had brought them to their slaughter.

Oh, god, I thought. What have I done?

Beneath me, Jacob whined.

"Go back into the woods, Jake. Please."

He did as I asked and turned back around. The moment we were shielded by trees and shrubs, I slid off his back and stumbled over to a thick growth of plants.

And decided that I really shouldn't have eaten breakfast as I chucked it all up. My stomach heaved.

Ice cold hands wrapped around me. One arm banded gently around my waist. The other hand on my forehead.

"It's ok, sweetie," Mom whispered in my ear.

Once I was done, I swallowed hard and sat back against my mother's chest. Dad came around to wipe my mouth with a handkerchief he'd probably gotten from Carlisle. Jacob stood over us, keeping an eye on me and on the clearing.

"Did I just sentence these people to die?" I whispered.

Jacob whined again, but Dad shook his head. "No. Aro won't risk his own life and Alice said he didn't bring all the guard. He'll be surrounded and know that he won't make it out alive. You can do this, sweetheart. I know you can. You're just like your mother. I vastly underestimated her through all the danger we went through. She could do this, and you're her daughter. I believe in you."

"We all do," Mom said. "Feel better?"

I nodded with her hand still on my forehead. "Empty, but yeah. I'm good." Pulling away from her, I faced them both. "Thank you for always being there for me. I don't tell you how much I appreciate you enough, how much I love you, and that I could never survive without you." I hugged them both at the same time. "You're the greatest parents a girl could ask for."

They hugged me in return.

"And we love you," Mom said. "Very much. You're the greatest miracle I could have ever asked for."

Dad just held onto both of us.

Jacob whined and then growled, grabbing our attention.

Dad pulled away. "They're almost here. We need to get out there."

My stomach flopped again, but I forced myself to my feet. Dad was right. I was my mother's daughter. She'd been brave enough to face the Volturi for me, fully prepared to let me go if it came to a fight, prepared to watch Jacob run away with me. It was my turn to be brave for her, for my entire family.

Straightening up, I went to stand beside Jake. Mom and Dad stood to either side and behind us, following us out. Some of the wolves were missing, having melted into the wood to surround the area. Other than that, the group was huge this time around, and I couldn't help but feel hopeful once more, that optimism taking root again.

Jacob walked us to the front of the group.

Where we waited.

JPOV

Making love to Nessie this morning was probably the worst and best decision I made. I'd gotten to be with her one last time.

Her fingers dug into my fur as we walked all the way up to the front of the group, to the middle of the massive clearing. They made room for us as we passed. The Cullens and other vampires stood behind us. Scanning the woods, I couldn't see the wolves that I knew were there. We'd scoped out the area, picking the spots in order to surround them. Alice had assured us that Aro wasn't bringing his entire guard. For some reason, he wasn't thinking in terms of a fight. He truly wasn't thinking of destroying us, or trying to.

Beside me, Edward frowned.

"What is it, Edward?" Bella asked, noticing, too.

"Carmen and Eleazar. They weren't taken with Kate and Tanya and Garrett."

Bella looked out over the snow. "They're here?"

He nodded. "Nervous about all the wolves."

"Where?" Carlisle asked.

"The trees behind us, the direction we came in."

Carlisle disappeared a moment later. It took a couple minutes for him to return, but he did with the two others following. They looked scared and wary.

"We apologize for not returning your calls, Carlisle," Eleazar said. "We had to put safety first."

"You saw what happened," Edward said.

Eleazar shared a look with his mate before nodding. "They took Kate, Tanya, and Garrett. They fought back admirably, but Jane was there. They had no chance."

"Explains all the blood," Caden said. "Not all of that could have been Tristan's without him dying."

Nessie reached out to Carmen. "Don't worry. I'll get them back. And hopefully, get the Volturi off our backs for good."

"How?"

She shook her head. "I'm not exactly sure, but speaking with Aro, I'll come up with something."

Something caught my attention across the field. Edward, too.

"They're coming."

Nessie put her face in the fur at my neck. "I love you so much. No matter what happens today, I'm glad I got the time with you that I have. If we survive this, I'll tell you every damn day."

Whining, I pulled back enough to rub my muzzle against her cheek and back into her hair.

"Nessie," Edward said, pulling our attention.

Looking around, we found the black line of the Guard, just like last time, flashing through the trees. Aro was at the front of the group with Caius and Marcus beside him. The wolves around me snapped and snarled. I growled at them.

Calm down, guys, I told them. Remember, it's not a fight. Not yet. Stay calm. Stay in neutral until I say otherwise.

Affirmatives came from every direction. Edward had a hand clamped on Caden's shoulder. He was straining, lips pulled back from his teeth as he watched Caius approach. As the line of black spread out, I could see the Denalis. They weren't being held as if they were prisoners, but they were guarded heavily, especially Garrett. And then Tristan came into view with Nyla and the other few wolves he had. I was pleased to see that they were heavily guarded as well. To nobody's surprise, Malik was with them as was his accomplice, Gavin. Looks like our fighters were all in play.

Tristan's eyes met mine. I growled as his lips peeled back from his teeth.

Jane completely ignored the wolves even as they all kept giving her glances.

Beside me, Nessie took in a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and lifted her chin as she stepped out from my side.

Aro's eyes studied our huge group. No doubt he was looking for Alice and Bella. Once he found them, those red eyes settled on my wife.

He smiled. "Ah, young Renesmee." Though he was yards away, I could hear him as if he were standing mere feet. I knew Ness had been honing her vampire senses so she could hear him as well.

"Hello, Aro," she said in a normal tone. No trace of the fear or nervousness. No hint that she'd thrown up in the bushes either. She was confident once more.

Aro motioned to our group. "Another battalion against us, I see."

"Not meant for violence. Many of these wolves have been wronged by the one you have in custody. They want justice as well. Truly, Aro, I have asked you here to help you."

"If that is true, then please, meet me in the middle."

Nessie looked at me, and I nodded. Together, we started for the middle of the field. Alice, Edward, and Seth followed as planned. Aro came out to meet us, his guard just behind him. Felix and Demetri, if I remembered their names correctly, followed.

Thankfully, Jane and Alec stayed put, close to Caius.

If we had any luck in the world, the three of them would die by the end of the day.

RPOV

Swallowing hard, I stopped and waited for Aro to meet us. Felix and Demetri were ridiculously huge. But I took comfort in being sandwiched between two huge wolves.

Stay strong, I thought to myself. He doesn't scare you. You're a tough woman. You're a Cullen and a Black. Pull it together. Make Jacob proud to call you his wife.

"Shall we begin, child?" He looked just as I remembered him. Fancy black clothes and cape. Royal Volturi crest hanging around his neck. Deep red eyes that were the color of the human blood he spilled everyday.

I gritted my teeth at the "child" part, but smiled anyway. "Of course."

He held his hand out to me expectantly.

I looked from his face to that hand and back to his face. "I have plenty to share with you. But first, I have conditions."

Aro's smile was tight as he lowered his hand. "Conditions?"

"Yes." My eyes found the Denalis. "Our family. They did nothing wrong. No reason for them to be prisoners."

"Ah, yes." Looking over his shoulder, he nodded. "Let the females free."

"No," Kate yelled as the guards forced her away from her mate. "Garrett!"

I frowned. "Garrett, too." When he turned back to me, I raised my eyebrows. "He's Kate's mate and stays in their home. That makes him Denali."

Aro didn't like it. His tongue slicked over his venomous teeth. "That vampire…"

"Is family. Listen, Aro, you and I both know you want a reason to come after my family. But I am not going to tiptoe around you the way others might. You don't scare me. Here's why. I know you want the names of those traitors. And you won't get them by touching me. Not willingly."

He stepped forward threateningly. I didn't back up.

Jacob stepped closer to me.

Aro's guard, Renata, stepped up behind her master.

Aro held his hand up to halt her approach. She wasn't happy about that.

"Child-"

"I have a name." No backing down. I had a damn spine. He might be "royalty" but he needed a lesson in respect.

His lips twitched as he bowed at the neck. "Apologies, Renesmee. As I was going to say, we can always force your hand. And I do not need to touch you to know who has betrayed me. I can see it from them."

"Oh, really? Haven't you noticed that a certain member of you guard is missing? Abigail." Jane managed to pale out even more. "Couldn't she, oh I don't know, erase memories? And before I dig into that little tidbit," I added as he lost his smile, "we have witnesses. If word spreads that Aro houses his own traitors as welcome guests, your belief in 'justice' will no longer be trusted. And word would get out before you could silence all of our witnesses."

He was quiet for a moment. I'd subtly reminded him that he and his guard were surrounded by at least four hundred werewolves by calling them witnesses. At Abigail's name, Caius became guarded. I could practically feel Jacob's pride warm my back.

Aro tilted his head toward Garrett's guards and nodded sharply.

I waited until the three of them were safely with my family and the wolves.

"Your condition has been met, so," he held out his hand.

"Uh, uh, uh, not so fast. I said 'conditions', plural. You've met one. I have two more."

"Two more conditions?" Caius said. "Do you think this is a game?"

I didn't look at him when I said, "I am not speaking with you."

It probably wasn't often a vampire could shock a high member of the Volturi into silence. It took more than was pretty to hide the smile.

Aro gave Caius a look. Caius clenched his jaw. Oooo, a tick. I'd made him twitchy.

Almost smiled again.

"Sweet Renesmee, do continue," Aro said in false sickly sweetness.

I glanced back at Jacob. He nodded, eyes still on Aro and Caius.

"Not so brave without his approval?" Caius sneered.

Now I looked at him. "He's my mate. My husband. I don't make any important decisions without him. It's called a partnership. You should look it up."

He stepped forward with a glare. Aro waved him down. "Your second condition, what is it?"

"She has mated a werewolf!" Caius spat in Aro's ear. "For that alone, she should be put to death."

I noticed he was keep distance of Aro's hands. That was the only thing I noticed through the closing up of my throat at the proposal of my death. Jacob growled and snarled at Caius. He'd been calm with Aro, no doubt trying to show through action that our issues weren't with him…unless he made it so.

Aro's glare was so forceful that Caius stepped back, shutting his mouth.

"Brother, you are quickly wearing thin my patience."

Aro looked to me with raised eyebrows to continue.

What had he asked me? Oh, right. My second condition. I thought up everything as I talked, just going with the flow.

"These members of your group have gone against your back to sully your word. That is not in question. However, these traitors have attacked us, caused harm to me, my mate, and our people. Even caused the death of one of our own. Our condition is that we want give them our own justice." I held up my hand. "Before you argue, we are fully prepared to dish that justice here in one on one fights while you watch to make sure they are dealt with. If we lose, you may take care of them yourself. Both sides of witnesses can leave here knowing that justice has been served." He spent so long thinking about it that I said, "You can even draw boundary lines so you can see the action."

Instead of answering, he asked, "What is your third condition?"

I shook my head. "No. You answer the second one first."

The quick flick of his eyes over his shoulder as he kept thinking about it led me to believe that he already knew about Caius. Or at least suspected.

Leaning forward a bit, I whispered, "All your questions will be answered when you take my hand. But you have to accept our conditions. Or at least give us good terms that we can agree to."

"You wish me to agree to that condition without knowing which of my people will be listed?"

"I do because I believe you already know or have guessed."

"Brother," Caius beseeched. "We should convene to discuss these terms as one leadership. There are possible holes to consider."

Raising my eyebrows, I met Aro's gaze. My expression told him that I knew exactly why Caius wanted to "discuss" the terms. He wanted to try to talk himself out of the hole.

"Silence, brother," Aro commanded. "Ms. Cullen called us here to speak with me. " He looked back to me. "I accept the second condition."

"What?!" Caius demanded, outraged.

I couldn't contain my smirk. So far, everything was working out.

"Excellent. The third, and final, condition will be the one that you will have the most problems with. The one where we won't get along." I let that sink in before saying, "We want you to stay away from us. All members of the Volturi coven are to stay away from Forks. And all those that you saw stand with us then, and those that you see now."

Now, Aro stood to his full height, looking down his nose at me. That tongue went to work under those lips again.

"That is madness," Caius spat.

This time, Aro didn't silence him.

"Ms. Cullen-"

"Mrs. Black," I corrected.

His jaw clenched. He was getting agitated that I kept correcting him. Mr. High and Mighty wasn't so awesome anymore.

Nostrils flared, he corrected himself, "Mrs. Black, you understand that I cannot accept the third condition. You and your family are no exception to our laws."

My smug smirk turned a little evil. I was more than ready to combat that answer. "Need I remind you that we know you planted evidence in covens to suggest they broke the law so that you could kill all but the one with the gift to add to your collection. All of these wolves will go home when you do. We're not trying to build an empire to strike against you. In all actuality, we don't care about you and yours. My husband and I want to live in peace in our own little slice of land, which is here. As for the Cullen side of my family, it hasn't expanded as you can see."

He pulled away from me, walking slowly back and forth. I recognized it as pacing. He was no doubt hoping I didn't.

I continued my argument. "However, if that doesn't convince you, think about this. Remember the last time you came here, and my Aunt Alice, your favorite, showed you your own death if you chose to battle with my family anyway even after knowing I wasn't a threat? We didn't have half as many wolves as we do now. You really want to fight us? Go for it. The outcome will be the same. You will die."

"What will stop us from creating our own army to come back to decimate you?"

I raised my eyebrows. "With no provocation? Why, Aro, are you a hypocrite, breaking your own law? The last time I checked, vampires have just one rule: never reveal our secret. We haven't done that, and no plans to."

"The humans of the reservation-" Caius started.

I shook my head.

"Vampires are a part of their history, their legends. The Quileutes do not reveal their legends to outsiders. That argument is a moot point."

Those red eyes were sharp with knowledge, remembering. "What do you want?"

"I told you. Peace. We want to be left alone. None of our vampires hunt humans, and neither do the wolves. We're vegetarians. That's your only law. We live in peace. The only disturbances we've ever had here are the times that you've visited. Stay away from us, we'll stay away from you. You have my word on that. I am a representative of the vampires and the wolves here. Don't send others. If you want to check on us, watch the news or pick up a phone. Make a decision to let Aunt Alice know and we'll be there. But don't disturb us again unless we actually break the law. We can put the past where it belongs today. Everything has worked out. We're not angry with you for being cautious and wanting to make sure that we're complying with your rule. But you know, as well as I do, that we are no threat to the human community. If anything, we've done what we could to protect them. I am not a threat. None of us are. And it's as simple as that."

I stepped away from him, firmly letting him know that I was done negotiating. That was one condition I wouldn't back down from. This was my chance to make my family safe.

Aro continued to pace, probably looking for a loophole. Knowing him, he'd find one. But at least he and the rest would be away from us for a few years. Long enough for our kids to grow. It could also go the other way. He may decide to never come back here. When it came to my family, every time he'd been thwarted. And he knew what the threat of battle would cost him. While he thought, I looked at Aunt Alice. She gave me a smirk and nod.

"Aro, brother, you cannot think to even consider this preposterous idea," Caius said, keeping tight with Aro.

Aro stopped cold and glared at Caius. "Have you considered that we might be wrong about the Cullens and their pets? That antagonizing them will cost us more than we are willing to give?"

Jacob growled at the "pets" part, but I stepped sideways into his body, hopefully calming him.

Caius gave Aro a disgusted look. "What are you saying? Are you mad?"

"Perhaps, but look at the peace they have. Wolves and vampires living peacefully, even cohabitating. We declared them enemy, but are they really? Things have been much more placid near home after our truce with the wolves. Perhaps we can lead without being tyrants."

"A truce that was broken," another voice spoke up.

Jacob and I turned to find that Caden had moved up to stand just behind us. My eyes went wide and I shook my head, but he'd already caught Aro's attention.

"What are you saying, wolf?"

"One of your people broke the truce you have supposedly upheld with the wolves overseas. I know this firsthand."

"How?"

"Brother, please," Caius begged. He looked vaguely panicked as if he recognized Caden.

"Quiet," Aro snapped. "I want all the truth. This wolf has offered me no ill-will. I shall hear him." He turned back to Caden. "Tell me."

Caden stepped up beside me. "My family was slaughtered only a couple years ago by a vampire wearing the same clothing as you are now."

"Did you see this vampire's face?"

"I did."

They stared at each other for a long moment.

Aro actually swallowed hard. "I should like to see what you did."

"No," I interjected before Caden could reach out. "You agree to the condition, or you see nothing, and your seat of power gets questioned by all. Your choice. And need I remind you that if you threaten war upon us, you are surrounded in this clearing. Close to four hundred wolves are watching every move you make."

"You dare threaten us?" Aro said, rage washing over his face. "Your assurance of no violence is false, then."

I shook my head, keeping eye contact. "No. You fail to see my point, Aro. My condition for you to leave us alone is merely to keep my family safe, to keep all of our families safe. If you threaten war upon us for besting you at this game, you won't make it out of here alive. Well you know it. Whether you die here, now, or later, you will still die. Sure, some of us will go down, but not before we take your head. All of this is I am doing to keep the people I love safe. You have no reverence or respect for human life, that's true. But we're not human. You should respect the safety of your own kind no matter who we choose ally ourselves with. This is all perfectly simple, Aro. You're the one trying to make it difficult. You give us our enemies to punish, we do so here in the clearing, and then you go home back to Italy, and leave us alone. No more stupid, frail reasons to come back. You're here, seeing me now, checking on me. Good. You have nothing else to use to come back. We have no wants or reasons to go to Italy and bother you. You get to keep your power, uncontested and unquestioned. The witnesses will leave, saying that you were fair to us and that justice has been served to those who deserved it. Everyone goes home happy."

Those eyes took in our surroundings. I couldn't tell which way he was about to swing, so I decided to let my heart talk.

Letting my strong facade drop, I moved closer to him. "Aro, please." He looked down at me. "My family, sure we've made mistakes. But we've also done what you've asked of us. My father changed my mother as he promised, which was the only reason you let them go in Italy. And they raised me to keep quiet, to hunt the animals discreetly and hide the bodies. These wolves are no threat. The Quileute wolves exist to protect humans. The Children of the Moon have, as far as I know, abided by the truce. There is no need for us to fight when all I'm trying to do is help you and protect what's important to me, just like you are. Because that is what I'm trying to do. What will happen if these traitors actually plan against you, try to get rid of you to take your power? Even Caius, an equal in the leadership, fears you a little. Have you noticed he's avoided your touch?" Finally, I held my hand out to him. "Let me show what they've done to us." I let the tears fall. "Please, Aro."

He studied me for a long moment. And then looked back to Marcus, who nodded. Licking his lips, he took my hand eagerly and cautiously at the same time.

"No!" Caius yelled. Jane stepped forward, too. Demetri blocked both of them.

It was too late anyway. Aro was already dug in like a tick. I didn't demand his acquiescence for the last condition, because he needed the proof first. Hopefully, my pleading had softened him a little.

I could feel him flip through my memories like they were a book. When he got to Jane, he paused, staying on her face, studying it. Every little nuance was placed into my memories, everything Aunt Alice had said about Caius. He saw Tristan and the wolves. Poor Abigail, her admission of torture and erasing Caius's memories. He saw everything.

When he finally released my hand, I stepped back into Jacob. "You see? They plotted behind your back, smirked your word on the truce. Please, Aro. Let us deal with them. It will clean the slate."

Snarling, he turned to Caius. "You betrayed me!"

Now Caius looked scared. "Brother, they're our enemies! They would have broken the treaty eventually."

"Then you should have let them!" His eyes went to Jane. "And you. How could you? I gave you this life! I gave your brother this life. You and your pets deserve what Renesmee is asking for." He turned back to me.

We were all waiting with bated breath as he sized me up, took in the surroundings. All the wolves waiting calmly, patiently, no hint of violence. They were being passive so that he would know civility was the goal with all of us, except toward those who had wronged us.

"I agree to all of your terms. You get your justice, and we shall leave you be."

Woo-hoo! She did it! Who doubted her anyway? I didn't! Please review. Let me know what you think! And the fight is on its way! Love you! xoxoxoxoxo