*A/N: Thanks to my lovely beta and awbffe NessiesMomma for beta reading.*

*Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or its characters, SM does. I do however want Edward Cullen to spend eternity in my bedroom ;]*


We all stared on in disbelief. I could tell Sue was in shock. She was shaking beside me and clenching and unclenching her fists. I guess she didn't want her daughter falling in love with a wolf.

Jake held his one hand up innocently. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be stoked?"

No one answered. Instead we all continued to stare at their clenched hands. Leah and Jake. I never would've guessed. Especially since all these years Leah never showed an interest in him. Whenever he was over she would run up to her room and blast the music. It was always a set path, Jake and I. And it was me who veered off the path and decided to marry a vampire.

"I don't see what the big deal is." Jake breathed. "I've known Leah all her life."

Sue began shaking her head. "You never wanted Leah."

My gaze dropped in embarrassment and Edward's arms wrapped around me. I heard Leah walk her way around Jake's guard and I looked up as she stared at me and then her mother.

"It's always about Bella, isn't it?" She sneered. "My father dies and gets forgotten just to protect precious little Bella. My life didn't count because of Bella. Well you know what? I'm done. She had her shot with Jake and he wants me now. You guys were too busy pushing him on Bella you never even gave me a chance."

"That's two of my children. I've lost them both now." Sue erupted into sobs and left the room.

I looked up at my father as he stared at Leah. There was a sorrow in his gaze that I didn't understand. I could tell he was blaming himself for the breaking of his family. If he hadn't fallen for the vampire he wouldn't have had a child with her and there wouldn't be wolves and vampires in Forks. None worth associating with. The world of magic that had taken precedent in my life would've been kept a secret and the lives I touched wouldn't have known the difference.

"Leah," Charlie began. "Your mother and I never wanted you to forget your father. He was my best friend. Everything we did was for your protection."

She scoffed.

"It was, Leah. We're not supposed to know about the existence of… vampires. Sue, your father, Billy and all of La Push knew what the Cullen's were. Jake, your dad tried to get me to stop what I had going with Bella's mom. But I was already in too deep."

Edward relaxed his gaze and took my hand and walked me to the couch. Charlie stood there staring at Jake and Leah, laying his heart out for them.

"When she passed away giving birth to Bella, I thought I was alone. But Sue and Harry were there for me. Billy came around eventually along with the rest of the tribe but it was Sue who fought for Bella. She didn't think a harmless baby should be punished for what her mother was. So when your father passed away, I was there for her.

"She knew accepting Bella and taking her under as her daughter were two different things. But she loved Bella as much as she loved you and Seth and she had to protect all of you. So, we had to make it seem as though we'd been a family all along… to not bring attention to ourselves."

Hearing my father speak about how much him and Sue had given up for me made me have a new found respect for my parents. I knew that Sue must have taken heat for hiding the memory of Harry Clearwater, Seth and Leah's biological father.

The whole tribe must have shunned her for not being honest with her kids. But, she risked it all to protect them. My father had almost lost his best friends in choosing to keep me.

"Shouldn't we have had an opinion in it? And what did that have to do with Bella getting Jake? All those years you pushed them together. I liked him all those years and had to watch as you and Billy and my mother set him up with Bella."

Leah's voice was breaking. Jake wrapped his arm around her in an effort to comfort her but she wasn't standing down. She had years of pent up frustration to take out on Charlie, as well as me, and she wasn't losing her chance.

"Billy knew what Jake was going to become." Charlie stated. "She needed protection."

Edwards hand gripped mine.

"Why would she need protection? She's the strong one in our fucked up family." Leah yelled.

Charlie sat on the arm rest of the chair. His hands buried into his hair. "There are things you don't know. Things you are better off not knowing. Bella is in constant danger because of what she is. We needed someone who could protect her. Who would be around to protect her."

"And that was me." Jake breathed.

I looked up and met his gaze. So much hurt and longing was passed in that one second our eyes held. The lost future. The love. The friendship. My father was right. Jake would always have my back. Even now, when we belonged to other people, I knew that if I needed Jake he would be there.

We had fallen too deep. The path our parents set up for us made us fall in love. But our love was nothing like the love for our partners. It was enough to gut and wretch us both. And looking into Jake's eyes he knew it too.

I put my other hand on top of mine and Edwards joined ones. His eyes searched mine for answers to whatever had been going through Jake's. I put my head on his shoulder and whispered so low that only he could hear.

"I'm yours. Always."

Edward released a breath. I didn't understand why he continued to doubt his hold on me.

"Well Jake can protect me now," Leah chided. "Not that my safety was ever thought of. You brought a half vampire in to be my sister and put me and my brother in danger. How could you be so-"

"Leah that's enough!" I stood from my place on the couch. "You can put me down as much as you like but I'm done listening to you berate my father."

"So, she does have a voice." Leah whispered.

Jake sent a pleading look in her direction. He didn't want us to fight and I knew if it came down to it, Jake would take Leah's side. He wouldn't have a choice and I understood.

"I'm sorry you're life has been SO difficult but you never exactly communicated. Every time things got tough you'd walk out. My father loves you and Seth. He'd do anything for you. But, you don't see that, do you?"

She was silent… for now.

I continued. "You've taken this hate you have for me and pushed yourself out of the family who loves you. Albeit, we were shocked with this new… development but did you ever think that Sue just lost Seth to the pack and she didn't want to lose you too."

"She's not losing me to the pack."

"This all is hard on Sue and Charlie. Their son is a wolf, their daughter is a hybrid and is leaving to live with her vampire fiancé and his family, and their other daughter just got imprinted by a wolf."

Jake's arms enveloped Leah as a few tears streaked down her cheek. He kissed some of the tears away as she began to relax. Watching the embrace a small ache began in my chest but I composed my face before Edward could notice.

Then Leah did the last thing I ever expected she would ever do. "I'm sorry."

"Its okay, Leah." Charlie reassured. "Why don't we go talk to your mother, huh?"

"That sounds like a good idea." She walked passed me with Charlie's arm around her back. I felt a tug on my arm and I turned around to meet her gaze. "I'm really sorry for blaming you for everything, Bella. We probably could've gotten along if I wasn't so jealous of you."

I shrugged. "What sisters get along?"

She laughed and just like that the tension in the room dissipated. "True."

I watched as she walked down the hall and into my parents' bedroom. I ran my fingers through my hair and shook my head. Was my life ever going to be normal and boring?

Edward stood up from the couch and walked over to me. "Want to go home?"

"I thought you'd never ask." I smiled.

Edward put his hand on the small of my back and led me towards the front door, where Jake was still standing. We smiled at each other before Jake spoke.

"Thank you."

I stared at him confused. "For what?"

"That could've gone at lot worse." He chuckled.

I nodded. "Are you happy?"

"Yes."

I stepped over to him and hugged him. "Then I wasn't going to hurt you anymore."

"Now it's your turn. You don't have to worry about me anymore. We're bound but we both have bigger loves in our lives." He released me and nodded towards Edward who stood a few steps back. "Go, be happy."

"I will." I stepped back and took my place beside Edward. I looked up at him. "I am."

Edward smiled my crooked smile and then reached his hand out to shake Jakes. "Goodbye, Jacob."

"Bye, Edward. Bells."

We made our way out the door leaving the stress of the night behind us. I was with Edward. As long as that stayed true, I would have nothing worth stressing about.


"Are you okay?"

I nodded my head in response. Edward and I were curled up on my bed listening to the rain hit the windows. After the craziness at Charlie's we went for a hunt and were now relaxing in each others arms. I never wanted to leave the safety of Edward's arms.

Edward's fingers brushed along my arm. "Alice is downstairs deciding the wedding date."

"Why am I not surprised?" I giggled.

"You're positive you don't want to pick it."

I looked up at him from my spot on his chest. "Put it this way. I'll decide a date in my head and Alice will foresee it. I'd rather spend time with just you."

"Cant argue with that."

"All I care about is that it's you I'm walking towards." I whispered.


The months flew by.

My days were spent planning the wedding with Esme and Alice and my nights were full of Edward. The restraint it took to stop ourselves before we went to far was becoming too much for me. I relied on Edward to stop me when it was getting to be too much—though I often hoped his will would falter.

I found myself actually bouncing with excitement when the night before our wedding approached. I just wanted this all behind me so it could be me and Edward forever.

We were sprawled out on my bed making out when Edward groaned.

Normally I'd continue what I was doing but since he was pulling away from me I could only pout. When I assessed his face he seemed worried and afraid. But not for himself… for me.

"Edward, what's wrong?"

His eyes flashed to mine and they seemed frenzied. "Alice… Alice saw a vision. Come."

Edward stood up quickly—taking hold of my hand. We rushed down the stairs where the entire Cullen family was standing in the living room. I knew vampires didn't need to sit (they didn't tire like humans did) but usually during family discussions they would be sitting down looking towards Alice or Carlisle.

It wasn't like I needed the rest that sitting gave me. I wasn't entirely weak; hunting had helped with my vampire tendencies. I was now able to sleep less as a result. But for once, I wanted us to sit.

"Edward," Alice began. "You saw."

He nodded. "How did they find out?"

"I don't… know. All of a sudden the vision of them coming here popped up."

The rest of the Cullen's stared on, unperplexed, as this half discussion went on. They had the patience that I didn't. Alice seemed upset that someone was going to find out about me and now they had.

"Whose coming?" I asked when my impatience got the best of me.

Edward's eyes stared at mine with desperate need. "The Volturi."

"When are they coming?"

It was Alice who answered. "The Wedding."

"How did they find out about it?"

"That's what I don't understand. My only guess is that Victoria and Riley sent out word of you."

Edward shook his head. "They didn't know we were engaged."

"Edward," Carlisle spoke. "The Volturi could've been watching us. They must've sent out spies first before choosing to come themselves. Aro, Caius and Marcus never leave the safety of Volterra unless they must."

"Should we cancel the wedding? I don't want to put Charlie and Sue in anymore danger than my existence already has."

Alice leaned on Jaspers shoulder. "They won't make an appearance until after the ceremony. They don't want to draw attention to themselves."

"Should we have the pack stay?" Edward asked as he brought me closer to his side. I clung to his shirt. I didn't want to be apart.

Carlisle shook his head. "It's too risky. Alice can't see the outcome if they pack is involved and we need to be alert. They'll be looking to get Bella and we need to know she'll be safe."

"But, if the pack is near we'll be able to get Bella out." Edward argued. "You know how scared Marcus is of werewolves. He'll freeze when he see's the pack approaching and we'll have time to get her out safely. Jacob will make sure of it."

"Son, we don't want to bring further problems onto the pack. If the Volturi know of their existence here they will put an end to them. I don't want that for them and I'm positive Bella doesn't want that fate for her friends either."

I shook my head. The last thing I wanted was to get Jake and his friends mixed up in all of this. He deserved to be happy with Leah. Jake no longer held any responsibility for me.

Jasper stepped forward with his arm still around Alice. "The real question we should be asking is how did the wolves not catch the scent of an unknown vampire watching our family?"

"We can't ask them without alerting them to the threat of the Volturi." Edward answered.

"If they catch the scent of them heading here, especially with them being so close to Bella, they'll become aware."

Alice shook her head. "It'll be too close to the wedding. Sam and the pack know that there will be vampires in town. Esme and I explained it to him. He said that as long as they didn't hunt humans they wouldn't take action."

"Alice! How many people are you inviting to this wedding?" My hands were balled into tiny fists at my sides. I knew we had bigger issues here but I couldn't contain myself.

"Relax, Bella. I only invited your family, the pack, the Denali coven, and us, of course."

I calmed, slightly. Now not only did I have to be nervous of the impending threat of the ruling vampires trying to take me away from my happiness but now add on the meeting of the vampire who showed persistent interest in Edward. Tanya.

"What do you want to do, Carlisle?" Emmett asked his hands already itching for a fight.

"We remain calm. The wedding will go on and we'll deal with everything as it comes. We can do nothing else."

He curled Esme into his side, as did the other couples. I could tell not knowing the outcome of the visit was causing them to stick close to their loved ones. There could not be a fight. I would not lose my family. If it came down to it I would offer myself.

As much as it killed me to walk away from Edward, I couldn't live in a world where he didn't exist. It would tear me up inside, but I had to protect those that I loved.

I heard Edward groan. "Emmett are you serious?"

Confused, I looked up and between the two. Emmett was anxious over something and Edward seemed annoyed at the prospect. He was pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head.

"It is the night before your wedding, dude. You're not supposed to see the bride until the wedding."

"He's right, Edward." Alice prattled. "Time for your bachelor party."

"Bachelor party?" My eyes narrowed at Edward.

"We're just going hunting, love."

I calmed.

"I don't want to be away from Bella right now. Can we forgo the traditions given the circumstances?"

I shook my head. "Oh, no. You're making me go all for the traditions so were not skipping out on this one. Go have fun."

Esme spoke. "We'll protect her, Edward."

He nodded reluctantly. "Okay." He looked towards me. "Only if you're sure, love."

"I'm sure."

He leaned over and pressed his lips to mine. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"I'll be the one in white."

Edward smiled and after a longing glance at me, he made his way out the door with his brothers and father. This left me alone with the girls for the night.

We did each others nails and talked about non-important things. Romantic comedies were watched along with old fashioned black and whites that made me think of Edward. No one talked of the Volturi or the worry they were causing. They all wanted to make this as normal as possible for me.

But that didn't stop my mind from wandering.

I had to protect my family and I would do whatever I could to keep them all in tact. My "human" family would be safely out of the way by the time the Volturi arrived and for that I was grateful. The Volturi could not know that Charlie and Sue knew of the existence of vampires. My "wolf" family would hopefully keep their promise and leave as soon as the wedding was over and not draw attention to themselves. They had to stay in the woods and away from the Cullen home. My "vampire" family could not be torn apart. That is who I had to worry about. They could not fight for me. I would prevent any more damage because of my existence.

That night, I dreamt of black cloaked figures dragging me away from a heartbroken Edward. By the way the Cullen's had been acting earlier this dream had all the promises of coming true.


A/N: I know! Lots of drama! Will these two ever get a break? Think the Cullen's will be strong enough to keep the Volturi's greedy hands off of Bella? Will Jake and the Pack find out about more vampires wanting their precious Bella? Will Bella and Edward ever get LAID? We'll find out next chapter :)