A/N: This chapter is a long one. It has a lot of fluff at first. Any guesses what happened to Tanya. Thank you to my husband for helping me with this plot. A big thank you to AlexRozaBelikov for your kind reviews.

Disclaimer: Ms. Meyer, love your story. I'm still mad at you for cockblocking us in Breaking Dawn.

Chapter 8: Tanya's Fate

BPOV

I sat down on the couch. Edward sat next to me on one side, Emmett and Rose on the other. Alice and Jasper settled in the love seat across from us.

My body was alive with electricity just being near him, I tried to ignore it.

"Tomorrow, we will start working and training. We are still waiting for several covens to arrive. The Denali's will be here tomorrow. Alice is going to still take Elizabeth shopping tomorrow. I plan to spend the whole day with you learning about your shield and adapting it into the known abilities of those who are coming." Jasper said very matter of fact.

"Alice, have you seen the out come of this?" I was curious.

"I see a couple of possibilities. I know they are going to try to pick a fight with us. I have seen where it ends peacefully but Tanya is destroyed. I have seen a great battle where we lose some and they lose some. In either scenario it does not end well for Tanya or Irina. I can't be sure of their fates at this moment." Alice said

"Does Tanya know?" I asked Alice

"Yes, you know we do not keep secrets in this house." Her eyes intense.

"We are standing by her Bella, we will do everything in our power to keep everyone safe." Edward said in an almost accusing voice.

"I wouldn't expect anything less, Edward, why do you think I am here, to help all of you including, Tanya." I wondered why he suddenly spoke to me with a bit of anger. That was weird.

I stared at him trying to figure it out. Jasper broke the silence.

"Have you spoken to the rest of the Denali's, Bella?"

"No, Jasper not in some years. Why?" Still shaken by Edward's tone with me. He and Alice seemed to be having a silent conversation.

"Anyway, they have a new coven member. About a year ago, Laurent was almost caught feeding from a human, so he left him half alive and bitten, by the time Laurent went back for him he was in the process of transformation. He didn't know what to do with him so, he brought them to the Denali's. so they could watch over him as he adjusts and struggles through the newborn phase. His name Is Riley and I hope he still has his newborn strength." Jasper looked like he was doing mental math.

We finished our conversation. Elizabeth and I went back to our cozy cottage. Kate and Garrett were not there and I was a little relieved. I needed to speak to my daughter, my best friend.

"So, what did you think of them, Liz?" I sat facing her on the couch. I reminisced about the days when I would sit in the couch with Renee drinking coffee and talking. I felt like I should have a cup in my hand.

"I think they are beyond wonderful, I felt like I was home, I can't explain it." Her face was beautiful as it glowed with happiness.

"Their home has always felt that way to me too." I smiled softly.

"Why, mom why did it take us so long to come home?" Her face was still soft and radiant.

"I owe an apology, Liz I should have never kept them from you, it wasn't fair to you or them. I meant what I said when I wanted to respect your father's wishes. I really did think it was best for everyone. I know now that what I did is no better then what Edward did to me that day in the forest. I made choices for people when it wasn't my place. I just hope that you and the Cullen's will be able to forgive me." My face dropped and my voice sounded slightly broken.

"Mom, you can't take all the blame, I made the choice to stay away too. There is nothing for me to forgive you for." Bless her for trying to make me feel better.

We sat with our thoughts.

"So, how do you feel about being around my dad, now? How do you feel about him?" She broke the silence.

"It is bittersweet actually, I still feel so drawn to him, like the whole of earth's gravity is pulling us together. He touched my hand and it was like the past 60 years never happened. I still feel just as in love with him, as the first time I realized I felt that way towards him. I am dealing with trust now. Finding out everything I believed about us for the past 60 years was based on a lie, has me doubting my judgment. My insecurity in our love made it easy for me to believe him so wholeheartedly. It never made sense for him to love me. I really need some time to sort it all out." She looked empathetic.

"For right now, I am going to suck it up and do what we came here to do. I am going to stay out of his way, he is dealing with a lot right now, and I will not complicate it. I am not even really sure what I want." She pulled me into a hug.

"Love always wins" She whispered in my ear.

"If only it were that easy." I said letting her beautiful scent calm me.

"It is"

Alice came about 8 o' clock the next day. Kate and Garrett came back a few hours ago and are in their room. Elizabeth was online looking at the stores in the area making note of where she wants to go.

"Bella, your place is beautiful." She hugged me tightly.

"Thanks, I can't take the credit though the previous owners left it like this."

I took her hand and gave her the tour. She was actually impressed with the size of my closet.

"Bella, I will not stand for this empty closet nonsense, it will be filled by the end of the day." Her beautiful pixie features were smirking at me.

"Alice, that is not necessary I have everything I need. Please don't go overboard." My eyes begged her.

"Silly Bella, your closet just cannot stay like this, it's sad." She gave me the cutest fake frown.

"Ok" she jumped up and down shrieking, "but I insist on paying for everything." I tried to hand her my credit card.

"Absolutely not"

She walked away from me and I followed her to find Elizabeth.

"Come on Liz, we have so much to do and so little time." She hooked her arm into Elizabeth's.

"Bye mom, love you"

"Bye baby girl, love you too."

I waved goodbye to Alice and Elizabeth.

"Kate, Garrett, I'm going to the Cullen's see you soon."

"Bye, Bella" I heard them both say.

I took my time enjoying the warm September morning. My skin danced and sparkled in the sun. I feed on a couple of deer on the way. I knew I would need plenty of strength to train with Jasper. I was just disposing of my last deer when some thing startled me.

"You, are beautiful in the sun." Edward said standing 20 feet from me downwind, no wonder I did not smell him.

I turned and faced him. "Thank You."

There was an awkward silence.

"I'm training with Jasper today." I said just to end it, I'm sure he already knew. I started heading towards their house.

"Can, I walk with you back to the house?" We were about mile away.

"Ok" we were walking at human pace. It was just nice being in his presence, I wanted to savor it.

"What do you think of Elizabeth?"

"She's beautiful, Bella inside and out just like you are. You have done a wonderful job raising her." He smiled brightly.

I chuckled at his human sentiment.

"Believe me, I didn't need to do much, she was literally born that way. From day one she was bright, sweet and radiant." I was gushing with motherly pride.

"What do you think of being a father?" I had to know.

"I still can't believe it, I never thought is was possible. I' m not sure what I can really do for her now, but I will spend the rest of my existence finding out and helping her when I can. If she will let me. I am thrilled beyond belief." He was beaming.

"All you can really do is love her." My voice was sweet.

"That will never be a problem."

We approached the house and he opened the door for me.

"Thank you for walking with me."

"Your welcome" I smiled sweetly

Jasper appeared.

"Hi, Bella glad you are here, shall we get started" His smile lit up his already handsome face.

"Sure, Jasper lead the way."

I walked away from Edward with a small smile in my cold dead heart. Today, he was Edward my friend, the one who spent endless hours on my bed just talking to me. I realized I miss him. Today it was just Bella and Edward.

Jasper lead me to the back of their property, where I saw the Denali coven. Time to face the music, I have to tell them I lied…..

"Isa, how have you been, child?" Eleazar said as I approached them.

"I'm great, Eleazar how are you? Hello, Carmen." I responded. Standing beside them was a young man I would guess to be about 18 in human years. He was hot. I ogled him, channeling my inner Jessica Stanley. Dirty blond hair, golden eyes with a hint of red. He was about six foot tall, broad masculine shoulders, tight hard body, he could revile the very beautiful Cullen men.

"Isa, I would like you meet Riley, Riley this is Isa." Carmen said proudly.

"Carmen, Eleazar, can I speak to you privately."

"Sure"

I lead them a little way into the forest.

"I have to tell you something, my real name is Bella Swan," they gasped, "Elizabeth is my daughter, my biological daughter. She is also Edward's child. I'm sorry I lied to you……" I proceeded to tell them my story, editing trying to make a long story short.

"….So, when Garrett and Kate showed up on my doorstep asking us to come and help the Cullen's, I couldn't say no. I had to let them know Elizabeth. I assure you I am not here to reclaim Edward, I respect the fact that he is mated with Tanya. I will keep my distance from him. I am here to help your daughter, to help the Cullen's. I hope you can forgive me."

My eyes pleaded with them.

"I understand why you felt you had to hide this from us, Bella. I am glad to know the truth, I forgive you for lying to us to respect Edward's wishes. Please Bella, do not try to take Edward from Tanya, she needs him right now and she loves him." Carmen took me into a hug.

"You have my word, and I will do what I can to help Tanya and Edward." I wasn't lying, I would not go after Edward while he is still committed to her. He may love me, but he is loyal to her.

Eleazer, just nodded his head in agreement, and hugged me too.

We returned to Riley and Jasper, they were testing Riley's strength, I think, I wasn't really sure what they were doing.

They stopped

"Everything ok?" Jasper asked.

"Yes, Jasper, and Riley please call me Bella." I said winking at Carmen and Eleazar.

"Ok" He looked at me confused, then returned to his training with Jasper. OHH, his voice very nice. I wonder what Elizabeth would think of him, they would be gorgeous together.

Jasper brought me out of my thoughts.

"Come on Bella, show me what you got."

With that, I worked with Jasper the rest of the day, Emmett came out and joined in too. He taught me defensive moves and it was fun when he let me throw him around crashing into trees. I didn't see Edward the rest of the day.

I wasn't physically exhausted, but I guess you could call it emotionally exhausted. It had been a grueling couple of days. I never thought in my life I would be here, back with them. I walked back to our cottage and smelled the familiar scents of Alice and Elizabeth, they must be back.

"Alice, Elizabeth," I called as I walked threw the door. I noticed my cottage looked really different. They didn't totally redecorate it, but pretty close.

"In here, Bella" Alice said.

I followed their scent to my room. They were in my closet. It was bursting with stuff.

"Geez, Alice what did you do, buy the store out?"

"Almost" She giggled.

"This is to much Alice, I don't need all of this."

"Shush, yes you do."

"Whatever you say, Alice" We giggled.

We went downstairs to the living room and sat down.

"I'm sorry Bella, I should have seen your pregnancy, I should have been there to help you." Alice said full of remorse.

"I'm sorry to, I should have found you sooner." I said right back to her.

"It would seem that we both love Edward more than our own happiness." I stated with a hint of sarcasm.

She chuckled, "I guess we do."

We continued to talk and tell stories of the time we spent together in Forks. It was good to have my other best friend back.

Over the next few days, Coven after coven seemed to come out of the wood work and arrive at the Cullen's compound. I didn't see or talk much to Edward. I always wondered where he was. I never asked. It was easier to keep my word to Carmen and Eleazar that way. I spent my days preparing for the Volturi and my nights reconnecting with this wonderful family.

We had three days before the Volturi were due to arrive, I realized that Elizabeth hadn't met Riley yet. She spent most of her time with Alice. They kind of combined their abilities to try to get a better outlook on this visit. She would also spend time with Edward and Tanya. I spent my time with Jasper, Emmett and Rose. Carlisle and Esme had to keep up their human cover. Carlisle at the hospital and Esme owned a small interior decorating business. Rose and I have become very close and adore her.

"Elizabeth, could you come outside please?" I called to her.

I was out back watching Jasper and Emmett prepare all the different coven's of vampires for battle. I noticed Riley standing against a tree. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to introduce them. She always appreciates a beautiful male form.

"Sure, I'll be right there."

Seconds later she was at my side.

"What's up, mom?"

"I'd like to introduce you to someone."

I grabbed her hand and lead her to the tree where Riley was. He turned to face us and I heard her gasp.

"Elizabeth, this is Riley, he is new to the Denali coven. Riley this is Elizabeth, my daughter." He looked at me strange, then looked at Elizabeth and I could see the lust and attraction in his eyes.

"I just wanted you to meet, excuse me, I'm going to find Rose." I left them and found Rose sitting on the deck.

She was laughing at me. "Trying to marry off your daughter, Bella, I never took you for a matchmaker."

"I think they might be good together and I just want her to be happy." I smiled brightly at her. Sitting in the chair next to her, we watched them for a little bit. They were talking to softly for us to hear them. Rose laughed when they suddenly took off into the forest.

"Where do you think they're going?" She raised her eyebrows at me. "I hope you talked to her about the birds and the bees." We were full on laughing now. If I could blush I would be.

"Yes, a really, really long time ago. My daughter's sex life is really none of my business. I'd like to keep it that way." I just got the sentence out when Emmett appeared at my side.

"Who's sex life?" he chuckled.

"Liz's I was telling Rose that I would rather not know." I snickered.

"Oh, I don't think I would either." Emmett paused. "Why are you talking about that anyway, who she gettin' it on with?" Emmett said.

"Well, we are not sure, but I just introduced her to Riley and they took off into the forest together." I was giggling, "They looked pretty attracted to each other."

"Good for them, he seems like a nice kid and all, but he better not hurt my niece or I will hurt him." Emmett said in a protective voice.

"Calm down Emmett, Liz is a big girl she can handle herself." Rose said and I nodded at her statement.

"Don't tell Edward, you know how protective he can be, he might go postal." Emmett smirked.

"Postal really Em," Rose and I just laughed at his comment.

In fact, Riley and Elizabeth were gone for hours.

The Volturi were due to arrive two hours and everyone was on edge. I was sitting on the couch, talking with Alice and Rose. We were giggling at Elizabeth and Riley, trying to ease the tension. They have been inseparable, since I introduced them three days ago. They were so cute and she confided in the three of us that she really liked him, and maybe falling for him. This was new, she never paid much attention to males before. A friend here and there but nothing like this. I could see in his face that he was falling for her too. Alice said she saw them possibly being mates. She couldn't be for sure because Riley's newborn brain was hard for her to read, it changed to fast. Jasper conformed that he felt great love radiating from them. I was thrilled for her.

It was time and we all ran to the meeting spot. Everyone took their places and the Cullen's were front and center. Elizabeth and I were in the background among the crowd, Riley was at her side. Carlisle, Edward, and Tanya were in front. Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Rose and Esme were just behind them. We Waited.

Just over the hill, they appeared in the distance, 20 of them. They were dressed in their red cloaks and instantly they were 10 feet in front of us.

Carlisle approached Aro.

"Aro, my friend, we have gathered here in peace, and we welcome you." Carlisle spoke with peace and harmony in his rich voice.

"Carlisle, my old friend, as you know this is not a social visit, please introduce me to your family." the two men turned and faced the Cullen's

"Aro, this is my wife, Esme, my children, Edward, Tanya, Jasper, Alice, Emmett, and Rose." He said as he pointed them out. I was thankful he did not mention me or Elizabeth.

"Quite a coven you have here Carlisle." Marcus came and placed his hand on Aro's shoulder.

"I see, you bond is strong. I have never seen anything like it. Interesting. You also have quite a collection of talented vampires. Edward, Alice could you step forward." They stood next to Carlisle.

"I hear you both are greatly talented and I would like to offer you a place in my coven, if you chose." His voice was stern and cold.

"No, thank you, Aro," Alice said politely.

"NO!" Edward growled.

"Edward" Carlisle scolded.

"Very well then, let's get down to business. Tanya would you step forward." he said formally.

"Irina, you too."

"Irina has accused you of exposure to humans." Aro's voice was terrifying.

"I assure you that is not the case." Carlisle offered his hand. Aro took it.

"I see, but the corpse was discovered." Aro said.

"Human remains of vampire feedings are found all the time." Carlisle argued.

"True, but you were careless, our secret was in danger of exposure, I read it in your thoughts Carlisle." Aro was trying to pick a fight.

"Yes, Aro but were and was are two different things, our secret is save in this community." Carlisle was not backing down.

"True my old friend, but what you may not know is that we have shown leniency towards Tanya in the past, this is not her first indiscretion. We will not tolerate another. I must speak with my brothers." Aro gathered with his coven and we waited.

Minutes passed and Aro returned to the middle ground.

"Tanya, please step forward." She faced Aro.

"We have no tolerance for those who break our rules, we sentence you to death." Aro's voice sent shivers down my back.

Several things happened at once. Tanya turned and ran away as fast as she could go. Edward tried to follow he but was restrained by three members of the guard. Two members guard took off after Tanya. Everyone else crouched into attack positions, in a heated face off.

"LOOOOOOKKKKK!!!" Someone shouted and pointed in the direction Tanya had ran.

Smoke.