Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. I do own my OCs, this storyline, and a fresh box of tissues because this story is ending.

This chapter is lovingly dedicated to the 28 people who reviewed the very first chapter of A Lesson in Release when I first published it; most of whom are still with me today. It's hard to imagine now that it was originally just going to be a one shot. Thanks as always to readingtime and The Fab 5. You are my beacons.

Thanks to Goldcat, for going back to review any chapter's she'd skipped, and to SweetDulcinea, who made me laugh so hard my sides hurt when she asked me "What's Bella going to eat? Is she going to survive solely on Edward's Sparklespunk?" I'll warn you ahead of time, the answer to that, and a few other questions, will NOT be answered in this chapter. That is what epilogues, and possibly sequels, are for. :)

The Definition of Fate: That which is inevitably predetermined; Destiny

If you, get out in the driving rain, stand in the eye of a hurricane, and never think twice
If you, turn your back on selfishness, and your thoughts are for someone else, 'cause they've changed your life

When your heart, insists that you give it all, when you no longer feel the fall, and you just let go
When the past, is finally dead and gone, Fate leads you somewhere to the one, that has your soul

No part of you questions, no part of you doubts, you're sure that this is what love's all about
Nothing and no one can stand in your way, or keep you from saying what your heart is dying to say

That's how you know its love, that's how you know it's meant to be
When the span of forever just never seems long enough
That's how you know it's love
~Deana Carter, "That's How You Know It's Love"

Jasper's POV

Emmett and Carlisle were waiting for us at the gate. The moment we disembarked, I was hit with a strong wave of love and affection, but especially lust, mostly from Emmett, but also from Carlisle. I growled lowly at them.

"Bella!" Emmett grabbed her and picked her up off her feet into a bear hug. "I knew you would make a gorgeous vamp, but damn! You are absolutely luscious! If you weren't officially my little sis now, I would seriously consider whisking you away and letting you test drive your newfound durability on my…"

"Emmett, now is not the time," Carlisle stated calmly, having taken advantage of Emmett's outburst to get his own urges under control. "Put her down."

Emmett laughed heartily, as only Emmett could in this situation. Carlisle gave Bella a warm hug and put his hand on her cheek. "Let's go get your husband."

As soon as we got into the car, Carlisle began questioning Bella. She was blessedly quiet on her transformation, but explained to him about the nausea she was experiencing around blood. We told Carlisle that she did not seem to have developed any special abilities. He was as perplexed as we were. Alice had said that they wanted Bella for her powers.

"So you haven't fed, at all?" His voice was sharp with concern, and although the question was directed at Bella, his anger was directed at me.

"A little. I tried feeding from a cow, but ended up throwing it back up. Just the smell of it made my stomach upset."

"Well, after we get out of this predicament, we will need to find a way to address that right away. I've tried starving myself, Bella. It isn't fun."

When we got to Volterra, we abandoned the car in an alley and started for the square. We stuck to the shadows, Carlisle and Bella in the lead, since they both knew where we were going. I was a little surprised to see Bella lift up a grate in the floor that no human could lift. Seeing Bella as a vampire was going to take some getting used to. That was, if she looked at me again once this was all over.

Bella took the lead as we followed the underground passageways until we came to an ornate lobby with a very surprised human sitting at the desk.

"Hello. I'm not sure if you remember me or not, I looked a little different the last time I was here. My name is Bella Cullen. If you could please let them know I'm here, I'm certain they're expecting me." Just then, a man emerged from a hidden door down the hall. He smiled smugly at us as he approached. He looked Bella up and down appreciatively, lust reeking from him. Bella just smiled sweetly at him and pretended not to notice.

"Ciao, Isabella."

"Hello Demitri," Bella replied a little coolly, but not enough to dampen his appreciation of her. His emotions led me to believe that he felt very protective over Bella, and was trying to hide how nervous he was.

"Felix said you would be magnificent. He was right. Come now, they are waiting very impatiently for your debut." He extended an arm out to Bella, and she wrapped her hand around his forearm, smiling again. I spared a glance at Carlisle as we trailed behind them. His emotions proved he was as confused as I was.

As we entered the room, I saw three men on thrones. I knew from Carlisle's painting who they were. We also saw Felix and Edward. They were not restrained, but were being guarded by Alec and Jane. Both men turned towards us the moment we entered. Felix felt fearful, and I was quite certain it was not for himself. Edward's fear was overpowered only by his anguish. Both men were shocked at Bella's appearance.

"May I present Mrs. Isabella Cullen and her guests," Demitri announced.

Bella smiled at them reassuringly, and then turned to smile at Demitri as she released his arm and thanked him. Then she faced the men in the front of the room. She stared, first at Marcus, then at Aro, then at Caius, before turning back to Marcus. She was silent, but her expression was pleading. I was shocked at the affection and desire radiating from both Marcus and Aro towards Bella. Was there a man alive who wasn't lusting after Bella?!

"Welcome to my world, brother," Edward muttered quietly, reading my thoughts.

"Bella! How lovely to see you! Exquisite! Well worth the wait!" Aro exclaimed. "Come here, precious. Let's get reacquainted, you and I." I saw Bella grimace slightly, her face becoming resolute as she walked forward and offered him her hand. His eyes glossed over a little as he read her mind. He kissed her hand when he was done, lingering a little longer than necessary. I heard a growl but it was not from the expected source. It was Marcus. Aro looked surprised, his brow furrowing as he released Bella.

"Marcus?" Aro asked. Marcus looked once more to Bella, feeling very protective and loving. The initial lust had died down and now his emotions were more emulating Carlisle's – fatherly. He touched his finger to the top of Aro's hand and then retreated back to his throne.

"Oh. I see! Well, that explains so much." Aro and Marcus both smiled and relaxed a little in their thrones. Aro turned to me. "You must be Jasper. Tell me something, when you were human, were you the boy who used to beat up the other kids and steal their toys?" There were many muffled chuckles from the group at his joke. I narrowed my eyes at him. How dare he compare Bella to a toy? Aro chuckled again. "No need to get defensive. I meant it in jest. After all, I can hardly blame you for coveting Bella."

Carlisle seemed as confused as I was by that statement, but was determined to get this conversation back on track. "Aro, we have come to secure the return of my son and Bella's husband. As you can see, she is a vampire, as promised. You have no grounds to keep him."

"Carlisle, my old friend, no warm greeting after so many years? I'm disappointed," Aro said. It was not entirely a lie.

"Perhaps if you weren't threatening Edward with your twins right now I would be a more gracious guest," Carlisle stated firmly. Aro gave Jane and Alec a glance and they retreated. Edward ran to take Bella into his arms. Felix joined us as well, standing by Emmett.

"I was so afraid I'd be too late," Bella whispered to Edward.

He smiled down at her. "Silly Bella. Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."

I leaned over to Felix. "Where's Heidi?"

"She's being detained in her quarters. She was being, how did they put it? Uncooperative," Felix chuckled.

Aro brought our attention back to the front of the room. "There? That's better, isn't it? Let me assure you I mean you no harm. I just needed to see Bella for myself. I had a feeling she would be extraordinarily powerful, and I was correct."

Everyone was confused. Except Marcus. "Allow me to explain," Marcus interjected. "Bella, dearest, do you understand how my ability works?"

"No," she shook her head. "Not exactly. You…see…relationships."

He smiled affectionately at her. "That's right, my dear. I can see relationships between people, like an imaginary laser light between them. The stronger the relationship, the brighter it glows. You, my dear, have light streaming from you to every almost every man in this room, including Aro and me. Don't take this the wrong way, my dear, but it is like a spider web reaching out to every corner, with you at the center."

Bella's confusion showed on her face. "That's not possible. I barely know you."

"Ah yes, and therein lies your power. You had it when you were human as well. I sensed it then, I just had no idea how powerful it would be."

"Tell me something, precious," Aro said, "Your friend, Adrian. How long did it take him to become so loyal a friend to you?"

"He was always like that," Bella stated simply.

"From the moment you met," Aro stated. It was not a question. "And Emmett. How long did you know him before he created a big brother role for himself in your life?" Bella's eyes widened slightly as we all realized where he was going with this. "Carlisle thought of you as a daughter almost immediately. Felix and Demitri wanted you for themselves the moment they laid eyes on you. Jasper fell in love with you the very first instance he spent any time alone with you. James was only capable of obsession. If he was capable of love, I'm sure he would have loved you too. Jacob, Mike, Tyler, Eric, the list goes on and on, doesn't it? Why, even your high school Biology teacher, Mr. Banner, harbored inappropriate feelings for you. Ask Edward, he'll tell you all about the thoughts he had to endure from him." Aro cringed and his face bunched up as though he had tasted something sour. We all looked over to Edward, who simply shrugged and nodded his head in confirmation. Bella felt as revolted as I was at that revelation. Aro continued, "How has that never seemed strange to you? It is a very powerful gift you have, precious. To be able to bend so many men to your will, and that was as a human, completely subconsciously. Once you know how to harness that power, you could rule the world."

"So she is like Chelsea?" Carlisle asked.

"Oh no!" Marcus exclaimed. "Chelsea creates artificial relationships in the minds of those she is trying to control. The moment she releases her control, the bond disappears. Bella is infinitely more powerful. The people who come under her spell truly care for her and will love her for all eternity. It is unalterable. I have only known one other woman who had that power. You would know her as Helen of Troy."

Bella turned to Edward. "Did you know this? When we were here before, did you hear that in Aro's thoughts?" I knew where she was going with this. If he knew, why didn't he say anything when I was falling in love with her?

Edward looked at Bella. "No, I didn't. Marcus only told Aro that he suspected you would be powerful. He didn't elaborate while we were here." Edward then turned to Marcus, visibly shaken. "My love for her. Is that just her power, too? Is it…real?"

Marcus smiled at him kindly, understanding his fear. "The bond that the two of you share is unlike any other bond she has to the people in this room. It is exponentially stronger, and the pulse flows equally in both directions. Never doubt that the love you share is true." Edward could not contain his joy, smiling thankfully at Marcus before turning to Bella, pushing her hair out of her face and bending down to kiss her lovingly. Marcus turned to me, knowing that I had the same question as Edward. "Your love for her goes beyond that of her powers as well, Jasper. You would have loved her anyway. It may help you to remember that her powers work only on how the men in her life feel about her. They don't affect how she feels about them. While you are not her soulmate, don't let that fact, or these revelations, cast a shadow on the love you shared." I nodded solemnly, feeling somewhat at peace with everything we'd learned.

That peace disappeared a moment later when I felt a growing fury and possessiveness from the only member of the Volturi that had yet to speak. I put myself between him and Edward and Bella. Edward, reading my thoughts, moved so that he was next to me, with Bella behind us.

"Enough!" Caius yelled, causing every vampire in the room to look at him. "She was not changed until after Edward was taken prisoner. We have no reason to believe they ever had any intention of holding to their end of the bargain. Their lives are forfeit. The law states they have two choices left – join us or die."

Felix, Emmett, and Carlisle joined Edward and me to form a protective semi-circle around Bella.

"Caius, be reasonable," Aro chided. "Of course, we would love for Bella to join us if she chose. In actuality, Carlisle, we would love your entire family to join us. I promise we would make your lives very comfortable. You would be revered amongst our kind."

"No!" Caius yelled, rising up from his seat, drawing hisses from the other vampires in the room. Jane and Alec immediately took position at his right hand side. He was projecting massive amounts of possessiveness, obsession, and a hunger for power unlike any I had ever felt before. He wanted Bella, not just because her powers had created a desire for her in him, but because he wanted to use her to help him dominate the world. It quickly became apparent to me that no amount of negotiation was going to work. There was only one way for this to end.

Edward, I thought, I am going to use my abilities to subdue Caius, Jane, and Alec. You take Caius out, I'll take care of the twins. An infinitesimal nod of his head was all the response I needed. There was a Molotov cocktail of emotions I had used to control Maria's newborns when she had sentenced them to die. It was a paralyzing combination of lethargy, despair, grief, despondence and confusion. I pulled it from the very depths of my soul and shot it towards the three vampires with everything I had in me. They started to sway and their eyes glossed over. That was our signal. It was over within seconds. Edward flew to Caius and ripped off his head. I charged Alec and Jane, grabbing Alec first and then Jane, decapitating them both before they could come to their senses and fight back. Carlisle and Demitri had taken mine and Edward's positions protecting Bella. Felix and Emmett, however, did not want to miss the fight and were soon dismembering the bodies belonging to the three heads now dangling by their hair in our hands.

Carlisle turned to Aro and Marcus, who were watching with oddly amused expressions on their faces. "The ball is in your court, my old friends. We do not wish you harm, but we will protect our family at all costs."

Aro turned to Marcus, who nodded without a word, then turned to Felix. "Finish this. You know where to go." Felix bowed, then picked up an arms' full of body parts, turning to me with a smile. I placed the heads on the top of his pile and he headed for a door on the far end of the room, which one of the guard opened for him as he approached. Emmett took the remaining body parts, and Caius' head, and followed him through the door.

Aro watched them leave then turned to speak to Carlisle once more. "Caius' need to conquer has been growing steadily for decades. It wasn't until dear Bella came along that he found the means with which to make his desires come to fruition. We humbly thank you for removing the threat to us all." The thought occurred to me that perhaps this is why Aro brought us here in the first place – to get us to do what he could not. "Now, before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe we were discussing the possibility of your family joining us," Aro said, hopeful. "Bella, there is now an empty throne. We would be honored if you would consider becoming our Queen, our Mistress." I shuddered to think just how many definitions of the word 'mistress' Aro was intending.

Carlisle looked at Bella, confident in her answer, but allowing the decision to be hers. He was not surprised when she shook her head in the negative. "You will understand, Aro, if we respectfully decline."

Aro was genuinely saddened by this. I got the feeling that he missed Carlisle. "The invitation is open if any of you should ever change your mind, of course. You are free to leave whenever you wish, but it would make me most happy if you would visit for a while."

Felix spoke up. "With every respect intended, Lord Aro, Heidi and I wish to join them when they leave."

"Allow us a moment to confer," Marcus stated. The two ancient vampires stood and went through yet another door leading from the room to speak out of earshot. They returned within moments.

"While we bear your family no ill will," Marcus began, "you must understand our concerns over the growing size of your coven, especially if Felix, Heidi, Adrian, and perhaps even Kelly were to join you as well. As the actions of the past few minutes demonstrate, the abilities of your members, especially when combined, are exceptionally powerful."

I didn't even think about it. I just spoke the first words that came into my head. "Then we'll split up." Emmett and Felix were just returning, reeking of the unique scent of vampiric ash and cinder.

"Come again, bro?" Emmett questioned. I looked to each of them, all looking back at me with shock and appall. Each one held a special place in my heart. Felix, my new but no less dear friend, as was Heidi, waiting to be rescued somewhere in the depths of the castle. Emmett and Edward, my brothers through thick and thin. Even when I hated Edward, I loved him just the same. Carlisle, the only father I had ever known. They would be family no matter where I roamed. And finally Bella. My friend, my lover, my redeemer. I knew now why I fell so hard and fast for her, but Marcus was right. My feelings for her would never change, never die. I would love her forever. But she was not mine, and it would be too painful to spend eternity pining for her, seeing her every day and wanting her in my arms. It would be better if I began again. I only hoped I would have some company along the way.

Bella walked to me, a sad smile on her face. Her emotions fluttering between happiness and sorrow, hope and resignation. But mostly, there was love. Not the love that she felt for Edward, of course. But not the same as Emmett or Carlisle, either. I fell somewhere in between. It comforted me that it wasn't just her powers at work. What we had was real. At least part of what I felt for her had been returned. Maybe someday it would be enough. She wrapped her arms around me and let me feel every ounce of love in her soul for me, and I let my guard down and did the same. I kissed her once on her forehead, then took her hands from behind my neck, squeezed them, and then turned to Edward and put her hands into his. He smiled at me and nodded his head in understanding.

I spoke now to the entire room, begging for acceptance of my solution. "I will separate myself from the Cullens. Felix and Heidi are free to join me. I would ask permission now to turn Kelly and have her join us as well if she so chooses. You know from Bella's thoughts that she suspects what we are. She is my niece and I feel a need to protect her." Aro and Marcus both nodded their consent.

Edward spoke up. "Alice, Bella and I have already separated from the rest of the family to attend college. Alice has already turned Adrian. He will undoubtedly remain with us."

Emmett came up behind me and put one hand on my shoulder and the other on Edward's. "Rosalie and I have been away for some time and wish to return home to Carlisle and Esme. Neither of us have any special abilities anyway." Aro and Marcus nodded again, but Emmett continued. "You need to understand up front, however, that it doesn't matter if we are separated. These people are my family. I will not agree to cutting contact with them, and I will promise you this. If any one of us needs protecting from you or anybody else, we will all be there to do it. You fuck with one Cullen, you fuck with all of us." Carlisle winced at Emmett's choice of words, but Aro and Marcus just chuckled.

"We can see that," Aro stated. "We know you have no intentions of using your combined abilities in a quest for power, and we have no problem with you defending the ones you love in a time of need. We are more concerned with the precedent it would set to less honorable of our kind if we allowed you to continue cohabitating together."

Carlisle was full of sorrow and resignation. "We accept your terms, old friend." Just then, the door behind us, the one we had come in from, opened and Heidi was escorted in by Demitri. She smiled when she saw us and ran to me. I took her into my arms in a warm hug and breathed deeply, filling my lungs with wildflowers and serenity. I hadn't realized just how much I had missed her.

"Well, now that that's settled, let's go home," Felix said with a smile.

A/N: Credit to Anlynne for the quote from Aro about Jasper stealing the other kids' toys. I'm sure she didn't intend it in the context I used it, but it seemed humorous and rather appropriate here.

The NCBs are heading for the Bahamas for a well deserved vacation!