Chapter 17:

Bella POV:

They appeared to come out of nowhere. The guards in front, of course, then behind them, cloaks billowing around shady forms. Felix and Demetri, just as intimidating as I remembered them. I felt a shudder go through me and Jacob tightened his arms around me. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, "I WILL protect you, Bella. Trust me." But who will protect you, Jake? I couldn't make myself say the words.

Jane and Alec, of course, were together beside Aro and Cauis. Renata, Aro's personal shield, was on the other side of Aro. It was here. The moment I had been dreading for so long was here. I wished I had the cockiness of the wolves right now instead of being completely terrified.

Carlisle, Emmett, and Edward stood in front of us, with Jasper, Alice, Rosalie and Esme making a tight semi-circle around Jake and I. Seth had run for the woods right before they arrived. The wolves would wait there for a signal from Jacob.

The Volturi all stopped in unison. It was almost like there was a line drawn on the ground and they all knew exactly when and where to stop. The guards parted, and Aro floated forward, Caius staying just behind him. I had remembered Caius' papery skin, how it was almost translucent. As soon as I could see Aro's red eyes, I felt like I was living in my nightmare. I reached up and put my hands on Jacob's arms, as if to shield him from Aro.

Carlisle was the first to speak. "Aro, Caius, my old friends. It is good to see you again so soon. Welcome to our lands."

"Carlisle. I see you have been expecting us. Edward, it is good to see you here. I was disappointed when you did not accompany Carlisle to Italy. You and your quite lovely, should I say, mate? Or is what Carlisle tells me true?"

Edward stepped forward. "It is true. See for yourself," he said as he extended his hand. Alice was standing very close to Jacob and I. Alice very quietly said, "Aro can read minds as Edward can, but he must have contact." I felt Jacob move slightly, as if he nodded. "He will see everything."

Aro held Edward's hand, for a minute or so then a smile crept onto his lips. "I see. How unfortunate for you. I can't recall ever feeling such pain, Edward. I am sorry you were interrupted, as it were." He moved his head so that his eyes were staring straight into mine. I felt as if they were shooting directly through me. It was a very violating feeling.

"So, Bella, you have chosen another mate. Interesting. When we first met in my home, you were quite taken with young Edward here. You offered your life for his. It was forseen that you would choose our way. Was that all a lie?" Aro asked as his eyes bore into me. I glanced at Jane who looked as if she could barely stand another second of waiting to hear me scream in agony.

"No, it wasn't a lie. I did love Edward, I still care for him very much, and at the time I wanted to become one of y . . . a vampire. Alice's vision was right, at that time. But, I had come to realize all that I would be giving up as a human. And, I wasn't ready to do that. And, then I . . . um . . . well, then there was Jacob," my voice trailed away. I couldn't go on.

"I see," Aro said. "And this is Jacob, who is so tightly wound around you?"

"Yes," Jacob answered as he squeezed me even tighter. I was having trouble breathing, but I didn't dare move.

Emmett and Jasper had closed ranks and were standing as close as possible. I could feel Emmett beside me doing everything he could to stay still.

"Carlisle, would you mind kindly asking your children to part, as it were, to allow me to talk to Jacob," Aro requested. "I find it very interesting that she would choose to leave poor Edward here to be with his greatest enemy."

Carlisle turned and said quietly to Emmett and Jasper, "Step away, but not too far." They took a tiny step or two to the side.

"Jacob, you are very young. Is this right?" Aro asked.

"I'm 18," Jake answered strongly. His cockiness was in check, but he wasn't going to show any fear.

"Oh, 18. A baby!" he cackled. "I see. And are there more of you? You are not the only one, I am sure."

"There are."

"Not very talkative, hmm? I am very interested in you, young one." Aro looked at Jacob as if he were a prize to be won. I was shaking now. Not the dream, not the dream! Aro moved his arm as if to reach out to touch Jacob.

"No, Aro!" Edward shouted. He had come to stand behind Aro, and obviously read something that he didn't like. "They are not like that. They are different. They are not full werewolves, Children of the Moon. They are shape-shifters. Theirs is genetic, passed along though generations. They are humans who take a wolf form. A very powerful wolf form. They are here to protect their tribe and the humans here from vampires. They allow us to stay here as we don't feed on humans."

"I see. Still an interesting thought, though, don't you think?" he said as he looked at Edward. Edward said nothing, so he turned back to look at me.

Caius finally spoke up. "Aro, quit playing with her pet. We came here for a reason. Get on with it!"

Aro looked back at me. "Bella, you have given your word, and I see it was worth nothing. I still see a great gift in you. You would make a brilliant vampire. I had hoped that you and Edward would come to see that you would be a great addition to the Volturi one day. As would our beautiful, Alice here. I believe you should take a moment to reconsider."

Again his eyes bore through me. Edward moved to my side. I put my arm down to my side, and he reached over and took my hand. "I . . . can't. I'm sorry."

"Alas, I guess it is not to be," Aro said.

"No, it is not," Jacob said. I jumped when he spoke.

Aro looked at him. I could see that he was still contemplating whatever it was that Edward had seen. Aro stepped backwards slowly until he was in line with the other Volturi.

Carlisle moved his head slightly and the rest of the Cullens closed rank around us again.

Carlisle spoke up, "Aro, surely you can see that Bella has chosen to stay human. We are at peace with her decision. We know that our secret is safe with her. As she is with Jacob now, she must keep his secret, too. I know that you are disappointed, but sometimes we must accept disappointment."

"I am sorry." I finally found my voice. "I never meant to do this intentionally. I . . . just didn't think it through, and when I did, I just couldn't do it. I'm sorry. I would never tell anyone about you. I have known the Cullens for quite some time. I have kept the secret from everyone, even my family."

Edward said, "You saw this, Aro. You know she is telling the truth."

Caius spoke again, "Aro, this is boring me. We have better things to do than stand around this field and spar with children and their pet dogs."

Aro ignored him. "Yes, Edward, the truth. But still that little matter of giving me her word . . . what to do, what to do?" Aro muttered. I saw him glance at Jane who smiled her creepy smile and looked like a child who just got her wish. I knew what that wish was.

Edward tensed and squeezed my hand. Oh God, here it comes! I closed my eyes and willed myself to stay strong, no matter what. Stay strong, Bella, stay strong, just stay strong . . . I kept saying it over and over.

"Bella?" I heard Edward whisper. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

I opened my eyes to look at him. "I'm fine, Edward. Just scared, why?" I whispered back. He looked over at Jane. I followed his gaze and could see that she was furious! "Was Jane . . ."

"Yes, Bella. You didn't feel anything?"

"No," I answered. Could it be that I could shield myself? I could use that power without becoming a vampire? Jacob!

"Jake? Are you OK?" I asked anxiously. I couldn't turn to look at him as his hold was still as fierce.

"I'm fine, Bella," he said gruffly. He was having a hard time keeping his temper. He was shaking, and the heat he was giving off was making me sweat profusely. I noticed that Edward had left my side. Edward!

I frantically looked around. Emmett had made a move toward Jane, and Felix cut him off. They went at each other, snarling with Carlisle commanding Emmett to stop. All of this happened in a manner of a few seconds, but I felt as if everything was moving in slow motion. Jacob took one hand from around me, and held it up. Just for a couple of seconds, then he put it back around me. Aro looked at him with a puzzled look.

All of the wolf pack came bounding out of the woods at the same time, from each direction, growling and snarling as they ran to our spot. They stopped as they got to us, and made a semi-circle around us. Caius' expression was one of anger, mixed with shear terror! I found out later from Carlisle that he hated werewolves. But these animals were on all four legs, not two like the werewolves he knew . . . I'm sure he didn't know what to expect from these fierce, giant creatures!

Paul was the first to reach Emmett and Felix. He was on Felix, his huge teeth barred, biting into his throat. I closed my eyes. Oh God, not again. I can't watch as people I love get hurt. I gripped Jacob's arms and looked again for Edward. He had gone forward and was engaged in a battle with Demetri, as he, too, apparently had tried to get to Jane. Seth ran to help Edward and was snarling and biting as he headed for Jane. Suddenly, Seth was laying on the ground, whimpering and writhing. I looked up and saw Jane staring at him with that demented smile of hers. Demetri had Edward in a hold, then Edward flipped him and I heard a "crunch" of bone breaking. Jasper and Embry at the same time went for Alec and Jane.

All of a sudden, Aro roared, "STOP! NOW!" Renata, who was as close as she could get to Aro to shield him, flinched slightly at the loudness of Aro's roar.

Demetri stopped and backed away from Edward. Seth lay still, and Edward turned to go to him. Jasper stopped and had to pull Embry from Alec. Emmett and Paul were still fighting with Felix. The other wolves were snarling, I knew just itching to get into the fight. Carlisle and Rosalie ran over and grabbed Emmett as Sam barked sharply at Paul, who reluctantly gave up and backed off. Felix lay there like a broken doll. I didn't believe he was dead. I had seen too many other vampires get up and walk away from worse.

"ENOUGH!" Aro once again roared. He looked at Carlisle. "I see you have some sort of pact with these, animals," he said with disgust. "I can see that they will protect you, although I find it hard to comprehend. We will go. I am finding it distasteful to stay." He looked straight at me. "We will be watching you." He turned with all of the fury I am sure he was feeling, and the others fell in line behind him. Demetri went over to Felix, and heaved him over his shoulder, then went to join the others.

I watched in amazement as they walked away into the trees. I was still standing there, with Jacob's arms around me. He had wrapped his body around me and never flinched, once. He protected me with all he had, just like everything he does. He finally loosened his grip enough so I could turn and wrap my arms around him. I could feel the tears running down my face. I'm sure he could feel them on his bare chest.

He put his head down on mine and whispered, "It's over, Bella."

Bella POV:

I lifted my head and smiled at Jacob. He leaned down and kissed me soundly then finally let me step outside of his hold. I looked around to see everyone I cared about, all standing around talking. Seth was up and walking off the pain he had endured. I went to him and looked him in the eyes. "Seth, are you alright? Thank you for going to help Edward." He nodded his head up and down a few times, rubbed his head against me, then took off for the woods.

The other wolves had phased into human form, put some clothes on and were standing around talking to Paul. Poor wolves. Paul and Seth were the only ones that actually saw any action. Paul had a few scrapes and bruises to show for it, so he was happy. Emmett was there, too, excitedly talking about the fight. I'm sure he was a little disappointed though that he didn't get to kick more ass. Emmett and Paul were two of a kind. Seth jogged out of the woods, and joined the little group. The pack gave him a hero's welcome, with good natured hair tousling, and elbowing.

I looked over at Edward. He was standing close, talking to Alice and Jasper. I looked up at Jacob. "I want to say good-bye. Please?" I asked.

He nodded.

I walked over to Edward. Alice and Jasper moved away to give me a chance to talk to Edward. He looked at me and smiled. "That was amazing, Bella! I can't believe you held off Jane like that."

"Well, you know, I work out," I said stupidly. Then I rolled my eyes. Did I really just say that?

Edward laughed, then he turned serious and said, "Aro was amazed,too, Bella. He really covets you and your power. I hope that he forgets, but he seldom does."

"Are you saying that he will come back for me?" I asked anxiously.

"No, I'm not saying that . . . but I wouldn't rule it out entirely. I'm sure he was embarrassed by what happened here today. He doesn't like to lose. But we will watch and we will know. I think he saw today that you are well protected here, Bella. Jacob never wavered. Not once," Edward said. "I must commend him for that."

I smiled. "It was pretty cool seeing Jane so furious! Did I shield Jacob too? He didn't flinch at all."

"You must have. She was focused on you, but he should have felt it too, and he didn't that I could see," he answered.

"Hmmm. Thank you, Edward, for what you did today. Going after Jane . . ." He put his hand up to stop me.

"Bella, please don't thank me. You know I would do anything for you," he said softly.

We were quiet. Both of us not wanting to say it. Good-bye.

"Bella. I just . . . be happy. Live life to the fullest. Don't waste a single day." He leaned over and kissed me on the forehead. "I will always love you, Bella."

"I will always love you, too. I'm so sorr . . ."

He put his finger on my lips. "No more apologies, Bella." He smiled.

I smiled back.

Jacob came up behind me and put his hand on my back. He cleared his throat and said, "What was he thinking? What did he want to do with me that you told him not to?"

Edward looked at Jacob and said, "He has always been curious about breeding between werewolves and vampires. His theory is that they would be very powerful creatures."

"He wanted me . . . for breeding?" Jacob asked in disbelief and disgust.

Edward chuckled. "Yes, he was contemplating it. He saw that you were young and strong, and felt that there might be some way for him to 'use' you to get what he wanted. I don't know how it would work. A female vampire could not carry a baby. It would all have to be done in a lab, I suppose."

Jacob looked shocked. He looked over to Edward and said, "Thank you for convincing him it wouldn't work. Huh." Jacob stopped and shook his head. Edward smiled at me.

After a minute, Jacob finally cleared his throat and said to Edward, "Look, I appreciate what you did today for Bella . . . and me. I can't say I'm not still pissed at you, but Sam and I just talked and we decided to lift the ban. You are free to come here. BUT, I cannot allow you to be alone with Bella. I'm sorry. I just can't take the risk. She is everything to me, and I am asking you to respect that. I think you can understand that."

He nodded. "I can," he said as he looked into my eyes. He looked up at Jacob and said, "And I will. Thank you very much, Jacob. I don't deserve your consideration, but I do appreciate it. I will be leaving today. I have made plans to go back east and study medicine . . . again. But I would like to visit my family from time-to-time, and I thank you for the opportunity to do that." He held his hand out to Jacob. He stepped up and took it and gave it a good shake.

"Good-bye, Bella. Jacob," Edward said, then he turned and walked away. I watched him walk over to Carlisle and say something. Carlisle nodded, then Edward blurred as took off into the woods.

I wiped the tears away that were falling down my cheeks. Edward would be alright. I could feel it.

I turned to Jacob. "Take me home, Jake. Please?"

He grinned. "Absolutely!"

Jacob POV:

I took Bella home . . . to La Push. I drove to the beach, parked the truck and turned to Bella. "How about a walk on the beach?" She smiled and nodded.

I really needed to relax and clear my head and I felt that Bella probably needed to do the same. I knew how much she loved to walk on the beach, so this seemed like a good idea.

As we walked hand in hand, Bella asked, "Do you remember walking down this beach with me on that cold, wet day? The day you first told me about the wolves and the 'cold ones?' "

I turned my head and looked down at her. "Yeah, I remember. You had goose bumps."

"I did. I had no idea then, Jake. No idea." I let go of her hand and put my arm around her shoulders as we kept walking.

After awhile, she stopped, turned and looked out at the water, then sat down in the sand. I plopped down next to her. It was very late in the afternoon. There were still a few people on the beach, trying to milk the last few minutes from the sun before it was gone for the day.

"Jacob, I can't tell you how terrified I was today. When I felt Aro's eyes . . . it's like they were boring right through me. I kept trying to wake up – it was so like my nightmare." She put her head down, and I saw her shudder. Then she turned her head and looked at me. "But, with you standing behind me with your arms around me, I just knew that I would be fine. I could feel you protecting me and keeping me safe. I knew that you would give everything you have to make sure they wouldn't hurt me. But I was so afraid for you! That's what my nightmare was about, Jake. I couldn't bear losing you. When Jane . . ." she stopped for a second, then went on, "when Jane tried to torture me, I felt Edward tense and I knew that something was coming, so I told myself 'Stay strong, Bella. Just stay strong.' I kept saying it over and over. Then I opened my eyes when Edward asked me if I was OK. I didn't understand for a second why he was asking me. Then when I looked at Jane and I saw her fury, I realized that she had tried to hurt me. Jake, it was amazing! Not only did she not hurt me, but you didn't feel it either. I had no idea that I could do that. I mean, as a vampire, Edward thought I could develop that power, but . . ." She stopped, looked straight at me and with a surprised expression on face said slowly, "For once, I protected you."

I laughed at that. "OK, Bella. Don't go all 'super-hero' on me now. You got lucky, I'll admit, but . . ."

"But nothing, Jake. I protected your ass today!" she exclaimed as she shoved me. "Come on, admit it, wolf boy. Me, a tiny, little, puny, klutzy GIRL, saved your hairy ass!"

I was laughing hard now, and so was she. I turned and took her in my arms and pushed her back into the sand and said, "OK, so now I guess you want a reward?" I leaned in very, very slowly. She was watching my lips as they got closer. I stopped right at her lips then said, "I'll wash the dishes tonight, and YOU can dry." Then I dropped her and sat up.

"Jake, you are SO MEAN!" she yelled at me as she smacked me.

I got up and took off running. She got up and followed me. We ran down the beach until I turned and noticed that Bella wasn't behind me anymore. I wasn't even running fast. "Bella?"

"Shut up, Jake! You know that I tripped and fell, as usual. Come here and help me," she shouted.

I laughed as I jogged back to her. I squatted down to help her up, when she surprised me by pushing me backward into the sand to climb on top of me. "Look, Jacob Black. You will NEVER do that to me again, do you HEAR me?" She put her face down to mine, hesitated, then crushed her lips to mine in a long, very thorough kiss. She sat up and said, "Take that!" then pushed herself off of me and started walking as I lay there laughing. I am so going to love being married to this woman.