Chapter Forty Three

Bella

It was hours before the smoke dispersed and with it the memory of the old Volturi, our small band had voted on their choices for the new rulers of our world which seemed a little odd to me as the rest of our world would have no say but then as Garrett pointed out to me, most didn't care and a lot hardly knew they existed except as misty figures who watched over them. Charlie had been speechless but as it was pointed out to him, as a law man he was the ideal choice. Emmett and Rose would continue with the store for a couple of years and when they sold it the profits would be shared with Charlie. Felix had also be voted in and that did surprise me because although I suggested him I always thought he had been a figure of fear in the Volturi but as a familiar face with a great working knowledge of the Volturi and its workings he would be invaluable. Darius too was approached but he refused,

"Not my style Major but thanks for the offer. Maybe I'll do a little tweaking from the sidelines and I'm always here for information if necessary."

The most difficult fight had been over Carlisle's nomination, not because he was a bad choice, he was very popular as an intelligent and compassionate coven leader, they didn't even care very much about his "vegetarian diet", it was Edward who proved the stumbling block. He was universally despised as a greedy, spoilt and thoroughly disliked overgrown child and everyone was worried about his influence on Carlisle. Jazz swung it in the end by suggesting a new law, that no one could be elevated to the Volturi ruling council without the agreement of all the sitting members and we all knew that both Charlie and Felix would die before agreeing to Edwards election.

Jasper

Once the others had gone with only our family left we contacted Carlisle again to give him the news, he understood why the new law had been enacted but agreed it was probably necessary. He gave his consent for a peace treaty with the guardians which Felix also agreed with by phone which left Charlie as the spokesman for the ruling council here. We waited for Cheveyo to appear which he did a few hours later still alone and we could only hope he would keep his word about Peter.

"So, there is a new start for the Volturi?"

"Yes, we have a new ruling council."

"Do we have our treaty?"

"Yes it has been agreed and Charlie here has the full backing of the new council to sign such a treaty. In return don't forget we want our friend returned and an undertaking that the Quileutes will not act against any of us."

"Your friend is easy but the Quileutes agreement will be more difficult."

"Both, or no treaty."

"You would turn your back on your friend for that?"

"Both or nothing."

He could see I was serious and eventually nodded his agreement,

"Very well."

"Are you in a position to sign such a treaty or do you need further permission?"

He smiled,

"I have the power Major Whitlock, just as your friend Charlie does."

Bella

I passed over the treaty we had drawn up while we waited and handed it to him to read. He studied it for a few minutes reading thoroughly then held out his hand for a pen. He scribbled his name at the bottom and dated it then did the same to the duplicate copy both of which he handed to Charlie who did the same.

"So, it is over. Let us hope this treaty keeps us all safe."

"And our friend?"

"He will be returned to you"

As he walked away it did cross my mind that he might have lied about Peter but a few seconds after he disappeared into the trees a familiar figure, shirtless, walked out and Charlotte cried his name running across the yard to wrap him in her arms. The rest of us went back inside to wait, wondering if he would come back or take Charlotte off with him.

Jaspers phone went again and we tensed, had something gone wrong?

"Darius? Its getting to be a habit, people will think you like me."

"No chance Major, but I do admire the way you rid us of Aro and his friends. I was ringing to see if Charlie would like the Volturi jet for his move to Italy?"

"Wont Felix arrange that?"

"I think he's busy rounding up any unwanted rats in Volterra so I'm offering my services."

"Free of charge?"

"Lets just say as a reward for getting the job done shall we? Besides I might need your services one day, who knows."

It was arranged that Carlisle and Charlie would meet up and travel together giving them time to get to know each other better and Felix would be waiting in Volterra for them.

The door opened and Peter walked in, Charlotte still hugging him in relief. He walked over to Jazz and we waited to see how things would play out.

"I suppose you think I should be thanking you for saving me."

"No."

"Good, because I'm not. It was your fault in the first place and I'm really pissed off at losing that shirt, it was my favourite. If you're going to play silly fuckers don't do it when I'm dressed in my Sunday best."

"Fine. I'll make sure to warn you to put on something old."

"Yeah you do that. And while we're on the subject you keep that crazy woman away from me. She must be nuts wanting your ugly mug in her bed but I guess there's no accounting for taste. Just so you know my mate here wouldn't be interested in you even if you were as good-looking as me and for your information you ain't!"

Jazz just nodded then looked at me,

"You know something Bella. Next time he needs us to haul his ass out of the mire I think we'll leave him."

"Major, you couldn't manage without me."

Jazz sighed,

"I guess you're right Peter. How about we go home now?"

"Best fucking idea you've had in years."

Bella

We went home and helped Charlie organise his move to Italy and although I was sad to see him go I could see what an asset he would be there. We promised to visit him in a few months time although I thought he'd be busy for quite a while learning the ropes along with Carlisle and Esme. Garrett stayed on a few weeks to help with the new horses Jazz and Peter bought then one day he was just gone without a word.

"I wanted to thank him for all he did for Charlie."

"I wouldn't worry about him Bella. You'll see his worn out face again no doubt, he just drifts in and then drifts out again."

"I'll miss him Peter. It was almost as if he were one of the family."

"He is, the prodigal son who always comes home eventually."

Jazz wrapped his arms around me,

"Should I be concerned that you are missing Garrett?"

I turned into him and looked into his beautiful golden eyes,

"No. I love you and that's all that matters."