Chapter 17

We gathered in the living room because there were so many vampires to even attempt to cram into the dining room. Emmett, Rose and Edward still hadn't returned from placing the hostages back in their beds so that it seemed that they weren't feeling good from some bug, and took a nap. Edward was now the last one to return to the house and when he arrived he quickly searched out a spot by me on the armrest of the loveseat. He started rubbing my back and I really wanted this meeting to be over.

Marcus and Carlisle stood in front of the T.V. while Esme choose to seat herself in the Lazy-Boy. Demetri and Renata stood close to each other. In fact, Demetri was holding, no cuddling Renata in a way that Edward was to me, or Carlisle to Esme. Even though I made it a habit to stay as far away from the Volturi, I never once saw that Demetri and Renata were a couple. I wondered if her love for Demetri was the reason she fought on our side, or if she knew of his and Marcus' defection or if she knew and agreed with the reason. I was thinking that it was the former, since she was always in close proximity to Aro, he would have known Marcus' plan. Though then again, Renata was shield like me, so who knows.

I could see from Renesmee's face that she was worried about Taylor. On the field, he phased back into his human form, and there was a deep gash going down his right arm. Carlisle tried to assure her that he would be fine, and that the stitches would probably only need to be in for about a half an hour. Werewolves heal very fast. My thoughts were that she was just anxious to see him again. Esme figured that with everything that needed to be discussed tonight, that it would probably be best if the werewolves went back to the reservation. If there was anything that concerned them, then we'd just fill them in later.

While the wolves were at La Push, the six werewolves that remained from Aro's pack were huddled together in the corner of the room. I took a moment to process their appearance. In wolf form, they were all light grey with red eyes. However, as humans, they were very tall men, maybe even taller than the tribe, and they each had blonde hair blue eyes. The features in their face were boxy and sharp, very distinguished.

"Well my friends, it seems today finds us in a new order." I could hardly believe that Marcus' words were directed towards us. But there he was, in our home no less, addressing us as if we were on a team. Well now that Aro and Caius were dead, and he helped in that matter, I guess we were. "But before we begin, there is much to discuss. First the werewolves, excuse me, shapeshifters, that were acquired by Aro from Norway, was it?" Marcus looked at the bunch expectantly.

The werewolves that flanked the tallest looked up as well. "Yes that is correct. Norway is from where me and my brothers hail from."

"Well that settles it. I release you from whatever bond that Aro had over you. You may all go back to your homes."

"With all due respect, this Aro that you speak of, has made threats against us and our families, yet he still proceeded to killing everyone and everything that we loved. Forgive me, but there is no home to return to."

"I'm sorry, please forgive me. I don't know where my manners are. My name is Carlisle Cullen, and this is my home. And you are?"

"Henrick."

"Well, Henrick, as you saw we are on fairly good terms with the local pack of shapeshifters. Maybe you'd consider staying with them or just stay in the area till you figure out what you want to do? I believe the Alpha, Taylor, will be back within the hour. You may speak with him of your desires."

"Yes we will remain here, but for the time being, my brothers and I would like to hunt." Carlisle nodded his head in agreement, and the Norwegian pack filed out of the house after their leader.

Before speaking again, Marcus waited a few moments to make sure they were out of hearing range. "Alright now that that is settled. Now is the matter of government." Marcus paused to look at the crowd that was before him. "In it's true form, the Volturi acted as the executive level for vampires. Before the Volturi, even the Romanians, were a form of government, though it was chaotic at times. All that is now left of the Volturi is the three of us." Marcus looked at his counterparts who both looked down in mourning for the ones that they helped kill.

"What I believe Marcus is saying," Carlsile started, "is that though the Volturi is no more, there still needs to be a checks and balance."

"I think it is important that there is a governing body for our race. I mean you saw what happened a hundred years ago with that, err Victoria and her newborn army." Marcus stated, however several of those present weren't aware of the altercation. Emmett of all people was the one that wanted to retell the story. He though it was hilarious that even though I was such a powerful vampire now, at one point I was a clumsy, magnet for danger human. I wished I still had the strength of a newborn to teach him a lesson.

"There are a few options, I suppose, to this dilemma. We can hold elections or we can simply choose the replacements for Aro and Caius. I am ancient, and at this moment there really isn't anything I would like to do, so if it pleases everyone, I will remain in Volterra." Everyone listened to the words that were coming out of Marcus' mouth.

"Marcus, with all due respect I'd like to make one change." I was shocked when I realized that it was Nahuel's voice that spoke up. He's normally very quiet and reserved. "I have studied different government forms and terms, and I've always been impressed with the way the United States handled theirs. I say we should do elections, however, only for a certain term."

"Nahuel, that is an excellent idea. We've all heard what happened with the Romanians and now the Volturi. Allowing one group to be the sole source or power will go to their heads." Carlisle agreed. I wasn't liking the way this was going. I knew everyone would think of Carlisle seeing as he was the leader of the infamous Cullen clan. Afterall, Aro was scared of him, and even tried to destroy his family not once but twice. "Maybe the term could be 50 years?" Everyone in the room nodded their head in agreement.

"Then I guess we are with one accord. Do we have any candidates?" All the vampires were silent for this moment. No one wanted to throw their name for nomination, but were eager to agree to something like this.

The silence was deafening to my ears, and out of habit I started fidgeting. Edward pulled me closer to him to try to calm me down, and I instantly felt calm, not because of Edward's touch but because of Jasper's gift. I looked at him graciously and I could see in his eyes that he was thinking the same thing that I was. Carlisle was the likely candidate for this nonsense.

"We'll go." I looked up in the direction that the voice came from. Without even looking, I knew the voice but I couldn't believe it. "We've been bored for quite sometime anyways." It couldn't be true. Emmett and Rosalie were now walking up towards the front of the room and standing next to Marcus.

"No!" I couldn't help screaming. I didn't want to say goodbye to my brother and sister. Even if it was temporary.

"Bella, we're not going to school, and there really isn't anything for us to do." Rosalie walked over to me, and was now hugging me. "I'm bored, there's nothing in the world that I want to see right now. This will be something different. Besides, can you imagine Emmett in a black robe?" I chuckled at the thought. Knowing him, he'd probably walk around with nothing on underneath. Maybe that was the allure of what Rose liked.

"Marcus, but why do they have to go to Volterra? Why can't we stay together in Forks, and all of us govern or whatever it is you need?" I was still screaming, and I think that if I could, tears would be coming down my face. It was hard as it was to get the sentence out the way I needed it to come out.

"And let history repeat itself? Out of the question?" Marcus screamed back. "I think everyone can agree that this was a bloody war and everyone on both sides lost mates that they cared about. The power of the executive order or vampires is too great for one person or coven."

"But we aren't a coven! We are a family and out of everyone here, besides the Denali's, we are the most human like. We never even wanted the power, and I think everyone could agree that with every attempt to kill us, we're the ones that despised the power the most!" Everyone looked around and started mulling over my argument. No one in the room could dispute that out of everyone there, we had more reason to hate the Volturi for what they were. "Marcus, please?" I begged. "Let the Cullen's as a whole be the governing body as you call it."

Marcus was trying to stare me down, and I was staring at him back. I was a pretty stubborn human, and I was a very stubborn vampire. Out the corner of my eye I could see Edward focusing on something, but Emmett's body was blocking my view. Edward's brow slowly relaxed and I could see my favorite crooked smile.

"Marcus?" Alice. She must have been having a vision, that's what Edward was focusing on. He was seeing her vision.

Marcus broke his stare first and cocked his head over to Alice's direction. "What?" He growled, but he was immediately embarrassed by his reaction and straightened his composure. "Forgive me, young Alice. What?"

"I think what Bella is proposing is actually a good idea. In fact I know it is because I've seen it." I couldn't believe it, Alice came through for me again! I turned to look at her in disbelief?

"What? Really?" I asked her in utter surprise.

"Really!" She shrieked and started jumping up and down. The vampires in the room that weren't accustomed to Alice's excitement were taken aback. Those that were, mainly the Cullen's, the Denali's and Zafrina, simply laughed.

"Marcus, I agree with them. Let them govern for a change and enjoy your existence for a change." Demetri spoke up. "Dad, you deserve it. After how many centuries that you devoted to the Volturi. Don't try to recreate it by forcing someone to serve something they hate." He looked at Marcus with pleading eyes.

"Marcus, if this is what my children want to do and what everyone here is in agreement with, we'll do it. Old friend, I agree after everything Aro and Caius put you through, you do deserve it. Maybe even find a new wife?"

"Oh he will, I plan the wedding!" Alice was in a double whammy of excitement, she now has a wedding to plan. "Just stay in Forks, she'll show up eventually." Alice was so sure of it. If I gambled, I would never bet against Alice.

Marcus started thinking everything over. A lot has happened and it wasn't even noon yet. "Okay, I'll stay in Forks. Maybe a new life is what I do need. On one condition, I'm not living in this house am I? No offence but your house is a bit crowded."

"No we'll find a place for you. Demetri, Renata, will you be staying as well?" Carlisle asked. No doubt he was figuring out a cover story for the rest of Forks. I, ,yself was amazed that Marcus would agree to living in Forks. Compared to his previous arrangements, it was very public.

Demetri and Renata looked at each other and the love between them was so apparent that I think even Jasper was nauseous. How did I miss that before? "No, we'll stop in to visit from time to time, but I think we want to travel together before we settle anywhere.

Once living arrangements started being settled, the various covens started to excuse themselves from the meeting. Hoping never to return again for such a battle. They all agreed that they would pass along to any vampire the met up with that there indeed was a new regime in charge. And their name was Cullen.