A/N: I went back and re-edited the last chapter. A friend pointed out I had some typos and accidentally called Diego Raoul so I fixed it. I also added a couple things but they're nothing that's really important or anything. Just the addition of the Guardians in that story about the Romanians.

I'm glad people seemed to like the appearance of Diego. If you've read the Short Life of Bree Tanner, then you know who he, Raoul, Fred and Bree are. I always thought it vastly unfair that they got dragged into something they wanted no part of, only to die in the end. So I'm rectifying that, probably not with all of them though.

Also, the whole addendum for hybrids. I put the receptionists as an example because all the human receptionists in canon were either eaten or changed. So why not see if they would be willing participants in providing hybrid children for someone who may want them? Like Rose and Em, or Caius and Athena. I can't see anyone like Aro and Sulpicia or Alice and Felix wanting them, so it's not like it'll be an everybody thing.

And of course they all have eternity to try and there are bound to be many women coming through in that time, so voila. I know it might sound silly, but you know darn good and well that when Aro saw the potential hybrids would give them in canon his greedy little mind saw opportunity and he may have started doing stupid stuff like Joham. Of course my Aro is not that way in this fic, so no indiscriminate impregnating of human women. Lol.

And of course using this is not a means for them to infiltrate the humans better, but just to be able to give some that one thing they may desire that they lost the ability to have- like Rose.

last note: Bucharest- where the Romanians are now, is in southern Romania. Transylvania is in central Romania. Since Stefan and Vladimir had to move their stronghold due to their prior defeat it would stand to reason that Aster and his pack would move with them and expand in territory to widen their capabilities. Especially since there are now two large covens in that area- remember Volterra is only a two hour flight from Bucharest. So imagine his pack is extremely large.

one more thing, if you want to see the decor for the citadel you'll have to check out the Pinterest page for this story. There isn't enough room for me to describe it all. Sorry. Look up Ashley Mercer or the board Twisted.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Jasper

Our plans are thwarted for the morning when Caius comes into our suite as we're getting ready to leave. "I am glad I caught you all. I am so sorry, but we have a visitor. One that wants to meet your friend Jake and your children. It is Aster, the head Guardian. He would like to see how it is possible that a Guardian can imprint on a vampire. We tried to tell him that they are part human, but he had to see for himself. I am truly sorry to interrupt your plans for the day Jasper, but to maintain our relationship with them we have to allow him to do so. We cannot have the Guardians thinking we are forming some sort of new army or something. He wants to be sure that this was just an accident and that we will not use your example as a norm to infiltrate the humans better. Please tell me you understand."

Beside me Bella stiffens, the kids look at us curiously and Jake just nods- he and I expected this. Sam had to call Aster to let him know about Jake leaving the tribe and the pack after he graduates. He will of course still be allowed to go home to see his father, but we know that he will move around with us for the rest of his life. Eventually, once she's of age- whatever age that turns out to be- he and Carlie can go off on their own. But for now he's one of us.

"I understand. I don't like it merely because the twins were looking forward to shopping in Rome today, but I'm sure there are some shops we can go to today or perhaps we can switch days and make today the day we all go out and get the greenery and such for the citadel. I will leave that up to you and the others. Discuss it while we're in this meeting. Is he in the Judgement Room?"

"Yes he is, he has a a few of his pack with him too. His pack is large, given how vast his territory is, so he is always able to travel with a few of them if he has to go anywhere."

"How did he even know we're here," Bella asks, but I think I already know. Jake being an alpha I'm sure Aster sensed him. He may not be the leader of a pack, but it is in his blood.

"He said he could sense there was another alpha in his territory. They can always sense each other. Especially Aster. As the leader of the guardian race, he's in tune with all of them. Jake's pack may have come to origin in a different way, but he's still a guardian. I'm sure Samuel, the Quileute pack alpha, can sense Jake a lot more than the rest of his pack. Considering he would probably sense Jake in two ways, as a member and as the rival alpha."

"He did say something like that to me once. I'm not afraid to meet this man who calls himself our leader. He can't do anything to us. It is his law after all, no one is allowed to harm an imprint. To hurt them is to hurt us, to kill them is to kill us. He would never break his own law or allow anyone else to. I'm sure he's just curious."

"I think you're right Jake. Bella, it isn't going to hurt anything and it could help us in the long run. These two packs aren't the only ones in the world and if the supreme alpha spreads the word that it is true that there are hybrids and pack members can imprint with them, we hopefully won't ever have to try and explain ourselves and risk someone think we're lying. It always helps to be on the right side of the law. He will also probably wish to make an addendum to his own law concerning vampires and imprints. He wouldn't want packs killing the parents of a hybrid if they imprint with a pack member. Does that makes sense?"

"I suppose. Doesn't mean I like it. Our children aren't sideshow freaks Jasper and I won't have them treated as such. I don't care who it may be."

"I would expect nothing less." Then I pull her to me and wrap my arm around her waist and press my lips to hers.

We told Carlie and Micah about everything as the months went by and they grew so fast. Micah didn't much care, but Carlie thought it was great. She has her very own Prince Charming. I expect her to rebel eventually though, once they're older and the idea of being tied to someone without getting to experiment finally sinks in. But we'll cross that bridge when it comes. We did not bring up the possibility of her and Jake having children though, because we don't know if they actually can.

"Well let's get this over with," I say as I let my mate loose and take Micah's hand. "The sooner we send them on their way, the sooner we can do whatever the others decide." Thankfully it's only eight in the morning. I expect this meeting to take no longer than thirty minutes to an hour.

As we walk up to the Judgement Room we are greeted by two very large men, almost as large as Jake and you can see the physical evidence of Jake's alpha heritage. He's always going to be taller than every pack member except the pack alpha. Sam is only smaller because he is not the true Quileute alpha. As they watch us walking towards them, Carlie projects a bit of fear and I pick her up and project some calm towards her and Micah to let them know it'll be ok. I won't let anyone hurt my children. I can understand why she's afraid. They're strangers. Large, intimidating looking strangers.

But they merely nod and open the door for us. Being in enemy territory has them all on alert because when we walk in there are eight more large men stationed throughout the room, with three standing directly behind a man sitting at the table. He's certainly what I expected a man of his age to be. After all, he is over three thousand years old himself. The first ever Guardian, which is why he's in control of them all. He came into being because of the Romanians and their carnage.

He was the leader of a group of vampire hunters, but back then they were ill equipped to actually kill vampires. So nature took over. They phased and the rest is history. Now when vampires go into any territory with those who could potentially phase due to their genes, a new pack is born. With Aster came the largest pack ever recorded, over fifty men of his town phased. He's one of only a handful, though, that are still around today.

The main pack is still in Transylvania. But lieutenants have control over smaller packs near Bucharest where the Romanians are now and another one not far from Volterra. It does make me wonder. With their proximity have they seen any activity they haven't been forthcoming with? I may just have to ask him. Their packs are diverse. Consistent of local ancient tribes. The beginning pack consisted of just the Dacian tribe- which were an Indo-European people- in an area called the Proto- Dacia region. Which is of course modern day Romania. Once the Volturi took over around five hundred A.D. the Romanians moved their territory and the Volturi became a bigger threat and another two packs were formed.

The Italian pack consist of a German tribe, called the Ostrogoths, which invaded Italy in 489 A.D. They were Arian Christians. They remained in charge for a while, then of course the Etruscans took over eventually. Looking around at all the men here, they're a mix of Italian and Romanian. It's a fascinating thing to see.

Aster doesn't look like he's much of a leader with his wrinkled skin and graying brown hair, but then appearances can be deceiving. Rumor is that he was in his seventies when the change first occurred. When he realized what he was and why he had turned he vowed to never stop phasing until he was absolutely sure he had found the person most worthy to take over his position. So far he hasn't had any luck, most candidates wished to have families and die with their imprints. He needs to find someone who will remain immortal, sort of. I'm sure whoever he finds will do the same as he did, live for a while and then- when they're finally ready to give over control- find someone to train.

He actually looks like a wizened old grandfather. His weathered face full of the wisdom of the many, many years he's been on this earth. He watches us curiously. Taking in everything with his clear blue eyes. Carlie watches him right back, Micah as well. My twins follow the lead of the other most times. As Carlie is the older, Micah often does what she does. After what seems forever, the old man speaks and the eight members of his pack all take a seat somewhere around the room and commence to ignore us, except for three who remain on the steps to the dais right behind their leader. It's effective in making the tension die a bit.

He gestures for us to come forward and we take a seat opposite him at the table. He finally smiles then. "I am sure you know who I am. And I know who you are. I'm sure you are worried that I will find your children a threat and wish them harm, but I promise you that I merely wish to learn more about them. I couldn't harm them even if I wished to anyway, not with the girl being the imprint of an alpha. Besides, it only took me those few moments of watching you to know that they are of no danger to us or the humans.

"Having dealt with the Volturi for so long, I know they won't take advantage of this knew knowledge of the ability of vampire males to mate with human women and beget children. In fact I'm sure they're writing up a new law or addendum or whatever to address it so no one just goes out and starts breeding with humans just to be able to have children. But it doesn't hurt to make them sweat a little." He chuckles at his joke and continues.

"No, I am simply curious to find out how it is that one of my Guardians has imprinted on your daughter and to see that it is a good match. I'm sure it is, but he is an alpha and as such has a responsibility towards his pack. Leaving them wasn't something I was so ok with, as a pack is only as strong as its members, but I understand he is young and doesn't wish for that responsibility. Plus, his desire to be with his imprint overrides his desire to be part of a pack. Who knows what may happen in years to come. Your children look seven. Yet I got the news of Jacob's imprinting around three months ago. Do you know anything about their growth rate or how it is he imprinted to begin with?"

"Unfortunately no. That's why we're looking for the other hybrids. We have no clue what we're dealing with."

He nods and takes a moment before speaking again. "Perhaps I can be of assistance. Keep in mind that this is only due to the status of your daughter and Jacob. When this fight is over there is a Guardian tribe in Argentina. Caius and I were talking before he came to find you, so I know you are looking for some possible hybrids near there. They will know where those you seek to find may be. As part of their territory they often have to deal with vampires who like the isolation of the jungle. Perhaps if there really are hybrids there those vampires might know.

"I wish there was more to learn here. Perhaps once you know more you may be willing to tell me?" I nod, it would be a common courtesy considering he just helped us in a way. "Good. Now if you'll excuse us, I do believe it is time for us to head home since we have nothing new to learn here. Young Jacob it was a pleasure to meet you and if you ever need anything just ask your alpha or myself. I sense you will be a strong leader one day. Wouldn't that be interesting? A Guardian pack living amongst a vampire coven. Who would have ever thought that might come to pass one day? The mysteries of evolution yes?"

Without waiting for an answer he and his men head to the double doors of the room, but before they can disappear into the citadel I stop them. "One more thing Aster." He turns to look at me and I continue. "Your packs are both in prime position to keep an eye on Stefan and Vladimir and the Volturi, we have new Intel that the Romanian's army is nearby. You haven't seen anything have you?"

He knows I'm asking him if he's been hiding things from us, but he merely smiles. "Not a thing. Most curious isn't it?" Then he walks out the doors, his men following behind. I now have to believe Deigo's story of cloaks. It's the only explanation as to why the packs haven't noticed the army themselves. I'm intrigued by this, but more focused on the relief I feel that our children are safe from the Volturi and the Guardian tribes. Now we just have to defeat the Romanians and then maybe we can have some peace.

Bella

It has been just a few hours since our meeting with Aster and the citidel has been absolutely transformed. The others decided it would be nice to get the decorations completed since it would mean having some fun in the snow. Jake had a blast playing around in wolf form and carrying the twins around on his back when their legs got tired. They may be part vampire but their human halves have human traits and while they can walk longer and farther than most, they still tire eventually.

Now we are sitting around our suite, the family around us, and talking about how fun the day was. There is now greenery all along every hall, down every staircase, across every mantel. There is also urns of greenery or poinsettias on every available table and in every available alcove. There is something on every door and every archway. Also over every window.

There are Christmas trees everywhere. Holly and mistletoe or kissing balls in so many doorways you almost can't get through one without having to kiss someone. The kids had a great time catching anyone who walked through a doorway with a ball. Tummy kisses are always the best when it brings out that loud, delighted belly laugh.

It makes me sad to think about how soon we may not be able to do that. In just the past three days they aged enough to look exactly age seven. I'd say by the New Year they'll look seven and a half to eight, though according to Carlisle their growth rate seems to be slowing a bit. That's a good thing right? But does it mean that they'll stop growing as children? Or will they just grow into adulthood at a slower rate. I just wish this whole mess was over with so we could look for the hybrids and learn more about our children.

Waiting for all this mess to end is going to drive me nuts, so I turn my thoughts back to what we did today. Otherwise I'll begin to get angry and I've done really well controlling myself these past months.

We went into the woods as one big party to get all the greenery decorating the place and as a family we went to a tree farm the Volturi own and got all the Christmas trees. There has to be at least twenty of them, including but not limited to: four in the Judgement Room, one in each suite of rooms, one in the kitchens, one in the reception area, four in the Guard's recreation room and one in each of their rooms as well- not including the ones in other rooms or at the end of hallways. It's ridiculous, but we all had fun and that's all that matters. I smile fondly thinking of my children and their excitement over the tree farm.

You would think with the way Peter, Garrett, Emmett and my mate were all acting that they were my children as well. There were snowball fights, a snowman building contest, and they all helped Micah and Carlie make decorations. We will all head to Rome on a shopping trip for gifts tomorrow. We will also buy Christmas cookie mixes and I plan to buy a special, private gift for Jasper for Christmas Eve.

Having become quite attached to each other, Caius and Athena- as she's asked us to call her- volunteered to keep the kids that night while we have some alone time. Carlie and Micah begged us to say yes, so we did. Jake decided to request a room of his own, stating that as much as he likes being near us- he doesn't want to have to bunk with someone while we do things he really doesn't want to hear. He's had enough of that to last a lifetime.

We don't exactly wait until the family is gone to have our way with each other when the kids are asleep. My human memory is vague as to who told me that I wouldn't care so much about the others knowing Jasper and I were having sex, I think it was Peter, but they were right. I no longer care at all. And with vampire hearing, we truly hear pretty much everything. After their cups of cocoa are gone, we put Carlie and Micah to bed and fall into our own- taking advantage of being alone for the first time in three days.

Four days later we celebrate Christmas in style. A massive gift exchange takes place in the Judgement Room and our children make a lot of people happy with the little gifts they've gotten everyone. Each Guard member thanks them personally and I know that after this day no harm will ever befall them because they've made so many people love them. They certainly got their compassion from their grandfather.

I gasp in delight at the things they made me and the items Jasper got me and I thank them over and over again with kisses, making the twins giggle. Jasper thanks us for what I got him and they made him as well. Once the gift exchange is over a feast is brought out and Carlie and Micah stare at it in wonder. "Daddy, there's no way we can eat all that," Micah whispers, causing laughter to echo throughout the room.

Aro turns to him and smiles. "Not to worry young man. Whatever you don't eat will go to the orphanage in the village. They'll feast well this day too."

If Aro only knew my children better. Once he told them about the orphanage they asked permission to take some of the gifts they received today for the children there. A more humbled group of people I've never seen after that. As we walked through the village, everyone carrying something, the snow began to fall again and the glow from lights inside each home that we passed made this Christmas all the more magical.

The children and caretakers thanked us profusely for our kindness and we left them to enjoy their feast and gifts.

Three days later

Jasper

It's two days before New Year's Eve and I have just put the kids to bed when Rose comes to tell us we're needed in the Judgement Room. When we get there Alice is ranting and Felix is just shaking his head. Diego made his call under our supervision the twenty-third and the day after, he headed back to the army. We lost contact with him and have been waiting for a time when he could call us, or we would see something from Stefan or Vladimir.

We had thought maybe we should follow Diego and just go ahead and take out the army, the only problem with that is that the Romanians have gone through so much trouble to maintain their distance that we wouldn't have undeniable proof they're behind all this unless we catch them with the army- with only Deigo's word it would be he said, they said and that just isn't enough-, so we decided it would be best to wait until they made their final move so we could catch them all. Seeing her agitates state however, it obvious that Alice has had a vision.

"It is so stupid! I can't believe after all they've done to keep themselves separate from everything that Stefan and Vladimir have been stupid enough to agree to help Edward in his revenge. They think because the Volturi don't know anything about them or the rumors that have been circulating that it is safe to do so. They figure that by the time word gets back here to Volterra that Carlisle and his coven have been attacked that they'll be long gone and there won't be any proof they did it.

"They have no clue that the brothers know about Edward and his actions, so they think the Volturi will be too focused on trying to figure out who destroyed Carlisle and his coven that they won't be paying attention to a large force heading for Volterra. They're going to strike here right after they have your coven, Carlisle. So stupid! Don't they realize that an attack that would take out a coven of your size would put the Volturi on alert? That we would be watching for any enemies? So stupid!

"Of course they plan to keep the coven alive, just make it seem you're all dead. They're going to try for an element of surprise. To come in when least expected and rip us apart using the newborns and their superior strength, then they're going to separate the fighters from those they feel are useless while we're in pieces. They figure once we're more manageable and with the threat of death hanging over those we love most that we'll do whatever they ask. They truly are sadistic bastards. I saw how they enjoyed our pain and suffering.

"Once they have the throne they'll dispose of those who are no longer useful and use Chelsea to tie the rest of us to them. They don't know about my gift which means we all did an excellent job of keeping it from our thoughts and Edward, same with Bella's gift. And of course he has no idea the twins are gifted since he didn't hear their thoughts and we kept that from ours too. Edward wants Carlie and Micah by the way, more as an experiment than anything else. Some of the things I saw he wants to do nearly made me sick, the monster!

"It's almost extremely well thought out. Except of course for the fact that they think we won't be watching for anyone to come for the brothers next. The idiots." That is a lot to take in and my head would be spinning if I were human. But now that we know they may be getting ready to move, I start to shift into The Major.

"When will they move on this Alice?"

"Not for another week at least. They want to make sure their plan is fool proof first, then another day or two to watch us and make sure we aren't alerted to their presence. But there's two problems. If we don't find a suitable location to ambush them well outside of town, the town could be in danger, the pack too if they decide to ensure there's no threat to themselves.

"The other thing is where will they feed for two days? More likely three since they still have to fly in and settle somewhere so they can watch for two days. I haven't seen that because it involves the army directly. But I'm sure they'll want to ensure the newborns are at top strength so they'll probably feed them once they reach the states."

I nod and think about what I would do if it were me. "I would say, to refrain from us realizing they're there, they would keep it to Seattle, Portland and Vancouver- dependent on how many they bring. With the size of each city, a few extra deaths for a day or so won't alert us. They would be stupid to feed their newborns all at once so they would probably space it out to maybe three or four at a time, again dependent on how many they bring. Thinking they'll surprise us I would say they would only bring six newborns and the rest would be the gifted vampires."

Felix nods his agreement. "Youre right Jasper. It would be the perfect strategy. They'll want everyone at maximum strength. It also means one thing might go our way since Alice won't see when they move once the Romanians are with the army and also cloaked. It will give Diego a chance to get away and call us and tell us the plan. It will keep us from being totally blind on this."

I nod back. "I agree, it'll probably be the only time Diego can call us. Also, during the fight, we have take out the gifted first. Especially this Mele bitch. We can't chance her taking one of our gifts and handing it off. We should also make sure that we keep in touch with anyone left behind here. If they only move a few of their army, that will leave some behind and we will need to make a coordinated strike against both groups. We can't have anyone getting away. "

"I think you are right Jasper. We will follow your suggestion. Now what about a location? Should we decide that now or later?"

"Later Aro. We need to know how many there are and from which direction they'll come from. It always pays to know as much as you can before making plans, that way they're as foolproof as they can be."

"Ok then. What about who goes? I don't want to take all the Guard and frankly I think Jane and Alec should stay here," at his words they glare, but he's right.

"You're right Aro, with my gift and Bella's, we won't need you Jane, Alec. This way you two could stay here and be in charge and if we need you to attack the remainder of their army, you're gifts would work best. As for who should go, I'd say: Alice, Felix, Demetri- in case any get away and we need him to track them- and a few of your good fighters should go with us. We can use Bella's shield to keep Edward from hearing our thoughts and alerting them to an ambush.

The rest of the Volturi Guard, plus Jane and Alec, should stay behind. Plus the wives of course. If something goes wrong and any of you three fall, they'll need to live to keep control of our world. We also need to talk to the pack. They're going to want to be a part of this. It's their territory after all. They have that right. But as for anything else, we'll have to wait and see. But we should prepare to leave tomorrow morning. Alice, do we beat them home?"

"I don't know Jazz, with the army involved, even if it'll be just a few of them, I can't see. I don't know when they'll leave. But our jet is faster, plus they probably have to get a private one of their own. After all, putting newborns on a commercial flight is too dangerous. Last Intel we had on the Romanians they didn't have their own so they'll have to rent one. That can take a few hours, even days- which would be even better since it will hold them back even longer-, to get one. So we should. Bribing the airport officials like usual will help things move faster too."

"Ok, then let's plan to leave about five am. It'll get us in the air no later than six thirty. Anyone else have anything they want to add?"

"I do Jasper. I've been thinking a lot about this, and Aro- I know you might not like this idea, but I think we need to fight this battle without using any gifts."

Aro does indeed look disgusted at Caius's idea. "What do you mean brother?"

"I simply mean that we do as Jasper suggests and use Bella to shield our thoughts to prevent detection, but once the battle is on- she only use it if it's absolutely necessary." Aro really looks disgusted now, but I think his wife and I both know where Caius is going with this.

"Aro darling, I think what our brother means is that if we take out this, our greatest of enemies, by using gifts and not proving our prowess- others may think that our gifts are the only way in which we can win and will consider us weak. We use Jane and Alec quite often. Perhaps this time we should show our enemies that we still know how to do battle. I hate the thought of you getting even a scratch, but our enemies would fear the way they should if we win with our own strength and not with our gifted followers.

"We may want to end the fear people feel for us in most ways, but not those who would try to overthrow us. They need to know that you, Marcus and Caius are just as strong and capable of fighting as Felix. I believe he's right. I also believe you should leave Renata here. She's so loyal I fear she would jump in to protect you when it wouldn't be necessary. I have every confidence in you and our brothers in a fight. We just need to prove it to our world."

"Is that truly what you mean dear brother," Aro asks as he continues to gaze at his wife.

"Yes Aro, Sulpicia hit the nail right on the head. Plus with Carlisle and his coven on our side it will show any of those loyal to him that they can trust us because he trusts us. We need to win this fight on our own strength."

"I have a suggestion." All eyes turn to Carlisle. "Once this is over with, instead of bandying it about that we helped you. We spread the word that it was you who helped us. Spin it to where you're the heroes here. After all, it is a believable tale since Edward is involved. We can say we learned that Edward had joined them somehow and that they were coming to punish us, thinking you had failed to do so, and we called on you for help. Being the magnanimous leaders you are, you immediately came to our rescue. The point in all this is to show those of our world that we can believe you will rule us wisely, mercifully, and well. Why not make sure it's gotten across strongly?"

"Do you really think it will work? I mean, the Romanians can say at their trial, if we get to have one, that we are lying and they tried to take our thrones. With the jury being twelve leaders of each coven in our world, they could believe them over us."

"Not with so many witnesses to the contrary and not when Carlisle gives his word it's true. Everyone knows my husband doesn't lie. Whereas no one would wish to believe the Romanians because they are much more afraid of their potential rule over yours."

I don't think I've ever seen Esme so outspoken. And she's right. No one would question Carlisle's truth. "Very well. If that's what you wish. We won't ask you to do it that way, it needs to be your choice. Now if we're done here, I think we all have other things we might wish to do than sit around discussing war." The carnal look Aro is giving his wife reminds me that just because they're thousands of years old does not mean they don't still fuck like we do. Besides, Aro isn't much older than me in body and spirit.

Bella

With that Aro stands and we all go our separate ways. Jasper and I take advantage of the alone time and head back to our room. We're on each other and disrobing before we even shut the bedroom door. Vampire sex is amazing. If it weren't for the fact we have others to care for, we probably wouldn't ever leave the bed. Well, except maybe to use other surfaces that is.

When we get into the room I immediately hit my knees and grab the waistband of his underwear. I don't even have them off all the way before I'm licking up his length. He moans long and loud and throws his head back. I love being able to get that reaction from him. I take him in deep, silently thanking the fact that I have no gag reflex now. I suck him from root to tip, licking the precum from the slit on the head. He growls low in his throat and before I know it my bra has been removed and he's ripped my panties from me and has me in the corner up against the wall.

I throw one arm above my head against the wall to give myself some leverage as he spreads my legs so my toes are touching each wall and drives into me hard. He fucks me hard and fast until I'm coming with a growl of my own. He pulls out of me and carries me to the bed where he begins to kiss down my body. He kisses and licks his way down between my breasts and over my belly causing me to quiver, until he's positioned between my thighs and has his mouth on me. Running his tongue up my slit he flicks my clit and I jump at the sensation. It's slightly painful as I've just come.

He licks me long and slow, over and over again, before he thrusts a finger inside me and pumps it in and out a few times before he adds a second and turns them so he's curling them against my g-spot and I'm seeing stars. I come again, keening my release as I try and catch breath I don't need to catch, then he's sliding up my body and is seated within me once again. I run my hands up his back as he thrusts in and out of me, loving the feel of his muscles rippling beneath my hand. I continue my slow feel until I'm running my hands up the sides of his neck and threading my fingers into his hair.

He flips us then, never breaking stride and sits up enough to take a nipple into his mouth as I ride him hard. He's so deep and it doesn't take me but moments to climax for a third time. Him following right behind this time, his come filling me. I collapse onto his chest and he just holds me as our breathing slows. I've learned that it's very easy to fall into human habits, no matter if we need to do them or not. I kiss all along his chest as we lay there, his fingers tracing up and down my spine.

Within moments he's hard again and we start right back where we left off. We love each other the rest of the night, only stopping once the rays of the morning sun come streaming in through the window to hit us and set our skin alight. I don't think I'll ever get used to that. To seeing our skin sparkle. Our children's don't, they just sort of glow. It's not really noticeable. Just a subtle glow. Speaking of my children, it's time we got up and went to collect them.

All too soon we're on our way to Rome and the jet. I'm sitting silently watching them with Caius. Just then I feel Jasper's lips brush my shoulder and I look up into his face. "Penny for your thoughts."

I smile at his words. Fondly remembering the last time he used them, just before Micah and Carlie were born. "What are they always on?"

"The kids," we say in unison, drawing laughs from us both.

"Seriously though, what's on your mind?"

"Just wondering how long it will be until they reach maturity. I wish we knew more. We have to go find those hybrids in South America when this is all over. I don't like not knowing things for certain. It makes me nervous. I'm tempted to ask Alice if she's seen anything, but she's too busy watching for Edward and the Romanians to see if there will be anymore information we can gather from her visions before absolutely having to rely on Diego- I don't want to add another thing."

Diego hasn't had the chance to call us yet, so we have to assume that the army hasn't left Italy yet. As apprehensive as I am over what will happen with my children, I can at least look forward to finally ending this shit with Edward. I can't wait to watch my mate kill him. I may even have to take him off somewhere later and have my way with him because I'm sure it'll be sexy as hell.

I go back to watching Caius. He makes a great grandfather. He's a natural with children. He told us about his family before he was turned. Much like Carlisle he had a wife and several children ranging from late teens to ten. So it's no wonder that descendants as far in the future as Jasper exist. Even further than that since Jasper's sister had children and they had them and so on. Caius's' line has held the distance of time well. Plus if he and Athena eventually decide to try to have hybrid children in the future, he could have many more descendants after that. Caius Volturi's line will go on for a very long time.

I think of all the things our large family have done in the months since the twins were born. They are well loved and taught so many different things. Carlisle teaches them about great playwrites, authors, and doctors. Jasper has taught them about history and wishes to teach them how to ride a horse, he also wants to teach them self-defense so they don't have to always rely on their gifts to help them if they're ever in danger. Peter has taught them how to fish, Charlotte to sew. Kate and Rose to read and write. And the list goes on. They have to be some of the most well read, highly taught children ever. It's also amazing how fast they retain things.

Give them a book on making origami and they'll have it read in an hour and making the most intricate things in two. We used Edward's piano and Jasper taught them how to play, now Micah is playing as often as he can- well he was, but hasn't had the chance since we left for Volterra- and he plays some of the hardest composers out there. He's only playing intermediate stuff, but I'm sure given the time he'll be playing the more advanced stuff. Carlie likes the guitar more though. And to shop. Alice has her trained well in that regard.

As we move ever closer to home and the imminent battle I drift off into all the things I hope to teach them, all the things I hope they get to do and my mind wanders yet again to wondering just how long they'll get to do them. How long do they get to be just children.