Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight, but not Merged Souls

Authors Note: While re-posting this story I have learned an invaluable lesson. Listen to your readers. Thanks P.

Chapter 19

APOV

Something wasn't right! I was seeing Heidi as if through her eyes. Yet no one thought she was gifted. Demitri couldn't find her or Felix and both were people he was very familiar with. But why take Heidi? Was it opportunity or accident? I kept getting flashes of someone else standing in shadows and he was watching us...no he was watching me!

I couldn't keep this from Edward much longer. He was getting suspicious of me, keeping him out by citing all the winners and their statistics from both the summer and winter Olympics since 1896. He was already inching towards me, and Jazz was picking up on my nervousness. Well in for a penny in for a pound, I cleared my throat, "Carlisle, we're not alone in this and someone is watching us. Actually he's watching me like he wants to see what I see, but it doesn't feel right, it's weird. I'm not seeing like I normally would! This is real time coverage, it's not a vision."

Carlisle sat up straighter and bristled: "Can you see him Alice?" Huh! He didn't question about what I was seeing or how, he only sounded a little surprised. "Like I said, he's in shadow. I can barely make him out, he's tall and lean like Edward but has your colouring and he has crooked smile like he knows I'm aware of him and isn't the least bit concerned. That's all I get, who is he Carlisle?"

Carlisle stood up and walked to the back window. "I thought Aro had done away with him centuries ago, actually history believes he and his brother were murdered in 1483 by their Uncle Richard. If I'm right the man you're seeing goes by the name of Richard Shrewsbury. But he was formerly known as Prince Richard the 1st Duke of York and his Uncle was King Richard the III."

Yep that was one hell a revelation and not what I was expecting. "But I thought both princes skeletons had been discovered buried in a box under some stairs in the tower of London?"

"That has been widely accepted, but it was never proven beyond a doubt. In fact both brothers were rescued from the Tower by the same vampire that attacked me, almost two hundred years later. Carlisle turned to face the family and chuckled: "It's funny and totally irrelevant, but in fact every British monarch since Richard's time has occupied a thrown not rightly theirs."

He smiled slightly and even looked wistful, and then he turned to me."Alice, we have to find him, where is he?"

"Carlisle, I don't know, he's in shadow...wait... Carlisle, this is scaring me! He just asked me to say hello to you and to say he'll be seeing us soon, in the mean time he is sending us help. Now he's gone, he just walked out...like in a movie he just walked out of frame."

Edward looked at me perplexed: "Alice, I saw the man in your mind, he didn't speak, at least I didn't hear him, or see his lips move, it was like I was looking at a snap shot. Carlisle, what's going on, he's obviously gifted, but why is he sending us help."

Carlisle sighed, the look on his face was cautious but he had the hint of a smile forming. "When I stayed with the Volturi it was from the early to mid 18th century. But about a decade before I came to be with them, they put down a rebellion within their ranks. The leaders of the rebellion disappeared, and only their most faithful servant had survived the purge by the Volturi. He was ancient and quite mad. But he wouldn't tell Caius where the traitors had gone or how they had escaped, he died guarding their secret. In fact he was executed on the day I arrived. And as I looked on a witness to his execution I saw recognition in his eyes, he tipped his head to me and smiled. I knew him on sight, he was my creator. Aro knew that he was my sire but he said nothing about it, he was actually quite entertained by the whole thing. But as to why Richard is coming here, I wouldn't hazard a guess, except that he and his brother may see the chance to launch another rebellion now that Marcus has left the Volturi."

Carlisle became quiet and sat down next to Esme, then whispered: "Well my dear it would appear royalty is coming to visit. I wonder what they eat."

I just realized something "Carlisle, I think Esme and I need to go grocery shopping."

"Why?"

"Well Carlisle, when I said he had your colouring, I should have said he has a blonde's colouring...he has blue eyes. He must be a hybrid."

EPOV

Bella was sitting on my lap and she gave me a mental tap, 'So what's the big deal it's not like he is really the King of England or anything. If he is a hybrid then he would be the offspring of a vampire and Elizabeth Woodville who was a commoner before she married Edward the IV. If that's the case then he can't be her son, she had four more children after he was born. Don't look at me like that, Carlisle has been teaching the triplets English history and I sometimes sit in... He really gets involved and it's kind of mesmerizing.'

'I don't think his human parentage means much to his followers. A charismatic leader can come from any background but I bet the connection with British royalty gets a lot of attention. But I don't think he's a hybrid, his colouring was far to pale. I think that's why he surrounded himself with shadows to confuse us or at least Alice...I think he's playing with us.'

'So you think he's wearing contacts, but what do you mean he's playing with us.'

'I don't know but we need to bring this up to the family.'

Emmett was looking at us both like a thunder cloud. "You two haven't heard a word I've said have you? You weren't having sex, so I assume it was one of your silent conversations, get with the program guys."

"Sorry everyone, but Alice I think this guy was wearing contacts, he was in shadow but you could still see he was very pale like us. I believe he has a game plan of his own and he's going to try and use us. So we have to find out if he's going to be of any use to us first."

I turned to Carlisle, "Bella pointed out that he can't be a hybrid and still be the son of Edward the IV and his Queen. She would have died or been changed in child birth yet she lived to have four more children after Richard and she didn't die until 1492 almost 10 years after the two Princes were supposedly murdered."

"Fair enough, Edward, but I saw what I saw. They could be contacts and the shadows did disguise his colouring but why pretend, we'll find out as soon as he arrives."

"Except Alice, he said he'd see us soon not that we'd see him. But he did say that he was sending help. Now the question is can we trust him?"

We all turned towards the front door a car was pulling up out front. One tap on the door and Marcus entered with a very dispirited Demitri and Jane in tow. He looked like he had aged a century and Demitri had never looked worse, he was downcast and frowning, Jane was alert and as she looked around at the family she caught our mood and jumped to conclusions, "You know something, what is it ...Alice what have you seen...where is she?"

Marcus put a hand on her shoulder and guided her and Demitri to the couch to sit. "Alright Carlisle, let's hear it."

Carlisle explained what Alice and I had shared as well as Bella's insight. Marcus never took his eyes off of Alice and he looked neither surprised nor angry or happy. Something was up. He sat for a few minutes as if collecting his thoughts. Then he rose and drifted to the back window looking out at the mist rising above the river. "Are the shifters nearby Edward?" I shook my head no.

"Good, so Richard has made himself known once again, the imp. He and his brother have over the years caused me considerable unease, time and money. When Caius killed Tacitus, my one contact to them was gone. The princes trusted no one but each other and Tacitus. I helped them to escape and have made sure that funds have always been available to them. But they have resisted any other contact with me. I'm sure that they don't trust me because I refused to leave with them, I had to stay. I would have gotten them killed. So Alice, I assume Richard tapped into your visions? He would be the one that was seeing Heidi's captors through her eyes, that's his gift, but he has to have access to a seer in order to do it, so he must be nearby."

"He told Alice that he would be seeing us soon and that he was sending us help, any ideas what he might mean?"

Marcus turned to look at me and smile at Bella. "Yes he means exactly what he says, but it doesn't mean you'll be seeing him. Though once he sees the bevy of beautiful ladies you have here, he will be hard pressed to resist. He's a bit of a rake that boy, his brother Edward is far more civilized. As to the help, I have no idea who they have recruited over the years, but I suspect that his brother Edward will be coming, along with Aldrich and Reagan both accomplished assassins, not to worry you will not be in jeopardy. But Esme, hide the sliver, Reagan was an accomplished thief in her day." Then he chuckled and sat down. "Bella, where are the children I have ice cream in the car that needs to be put away either in the freezer or their stomachs. And tell me is my son with Beth, and what of the other two young ladies?"

With that the triplets and their friends came barreling down the stairs. Well Anthony came down the banister with Ruby right behind him, they waved and ran for the car. Masen came over and gave Jane and Demitri a big hug. "Don't worry we'll find her, my Dad and Mom can find anything. They just have to think really hard and hold hands with me and Aunt Alice. We haven't really done it before but I'm pretty sure it will work."

Marcus looked at me and Bella we both shrugged our shoulders, I didn't have clue what he was talking about. "Masen, son how do you know this?"

"Oh sorry Dad, I almost forgot, Richard told Anthony what to do while he was talking to Aunt Alice. But we're not supposed to try it until our help gets here. So can I have some ice cream, Mom, if the others haven't eaten it all?

Marcus smiled at him and ruffled his hair. "Masen, Jane got a carton of Chunky Monkey just for you, it's in with the spare tire, go get it and enjoy."

Masen still looked at his Mom. "Can I?" She was rather slacked jawed and sitting tight to my side, with my arm around her shoulder. She just nodded and mouthed 'okay' and he was off like he was shot out of a canon.

"Edward, Bella, your children are delightful! I wish that I had had the chance to see my son grow up. Well I don't know how long we'll have to wait, but perhaps one of you can get Eleazar on Skype, then those that are still in Seattle and Tacoma can participate in this discussion, we should probably bring them up to speed."

Marcus settled back holding Jane's hand and patting Demitri on the shoulder. "So how's your father Bella? Charlie is truly amazing I've never met a human like Chief Swan, he is so attached to each and every one of you, yet he has no desire to join you in this life, but he would give up his life to protect yours. Yes, he is an amazing man, I can see where you get your ...what do they call it...chutzpah."

Simon came into the room with Beth, Anthony was dragging poor Ruby by her hand and Masen was walking with Charlotte, they all took places on the floor close to Bella and I. Simon spoke to his father about moving to New Hampshire with us to study at Dartmouth, Marcus was sorry to have him so far away but approved as long as he promised to visit often. "You were lost to me for so many years, but going away to College is a rite of passage for humans, so we will adhere to tradition. I will miss you son." Then he looked at Beth and back at Simon. "I understand though, she is a lovely child with great promise. She undoubtedly is much like her mother, so you will be in for a challenge son." Bella looked slightly offended.

Beth blinked and looked at Simon and then Marcus. "Sir, if you don't mind I don't like being talked about like I'm not in the room. And appreciate that you understand that Simon is my future and I'm his."

Marcus bowed his head, "I must apologize, my dear Beth, you are absolutely right...but you are so like your mother."

Alice sat up straight and immediately I could see her vision, it was of three people they would be arriving here shortly. Jasper had Skype up and working and Carlisle had brought the others up to speed. A black Lexus pulled into the drive, Carlisle, Emmett, Jazz and I went out to the porch to greet our guests. The passengers and driver emerged, looking around the property before turning to us. Someone had been watching too much Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They were all dressed in black from head to foot, black boots, with full length black leather coats and of all things black fedoras, very postwar revival.

The female was a stunning redhead her hair had deep copper highlights and was sleek like Ruby's hair. She was very tall almost six feet, very lean and wearing green contact lenses. The two men couldn't have been more different, the smaller one had the body type of a preadolescent boy, he was completely bald and wore glasses I guess for affect, his contacts were grey a strange choice but still striking. The second man was as tall as Emmett but built more like a martial arts fighter long and lean, he had platinum blond hair and blue contacts.

Marcus stepped forward and nodded first at the tall man, "Aldrich," then he turned to the female and acknowledged her, "Reagan." And finally he looked at the small man with a deep frown. "Yuri, I can't say it's a pleasure to see you, so perhaps you can tell me what rock you crawled out from under and why? Aldrich, does Richard know this is Anton's brother, and until recently was working for the Romanians?" Marcus was agitated and didn't wait for any answers before he spun back on Yuri. "Tell me Yuri, how is Stefan, last I heard he was a little upset with you about some missing gem stones?"

The one named Yuri smiled at Marcus but there was no warmth there. "We all have to choose sides sometimes. And sometimes they are chosen for us. The Romanians are supporting Richard and his brother, so I'm supporting them as well."

Marcus laughed. "Only because Caius would kill you on sight, so this is the lesser of two evils. Oh excuse me Carlisle let me introduce you and your family. This young lady would be Reagan, master thief, cutpurse and cutthroat." She smile and gave a slight bow and chuckled. "Our tall friend there is Aldrich a disgraced knight of the realm, gambler and extraordinary marksman." He also bowed slightly and smirked. And the squirt is Yuri, shapeshifter traitor, spy and purveyor of information, usually to the highest bidder or to save his own worthless neck."

Marcus was on the verge of ripping Yuri's head off so I stepped in while Jasper was pushed out a little calm. "Perhaps we should take this inside. While it seems you know these people well, Marcus, they are our guests and I'm sure Carlisle would prefer that you didn't insult them. At least until we get to know them better." Everyone laughed and the tension was noticeably reduced by my joke or Jazz, it was anyone's guess.

JPOV

Edward and I walked ahead of everyone into the house and he said one word to me. "Buffy." I just about choked trying not to laugh. Yep, they all looked like they had raided Angel and Spike's wardrobe. When they came into the great room Alice looked like a Puffer fish, if she had needed to breathe she would have been purple now. I could see her estimating sizes and figuring out styles. Edward was looking at me and shaking his head, if he expected me to stop Alice, he was nuts. So I decided to let the chips fall where they may before Alice started in on their wardrobe choices, and addressed myself to Aldrich with a very neutral question. "So you're a knight?"

Aldrich turned to me with a wry smile. "Correction, I was a knight."

Reagan was laughing outright while she was talking to Alice and looking at me. "Do you mind me asking what you did to lose your knighthood?"

His face became very drawn and he looked right through me as if he could see into the past, then he snapped out of it and focused on me. "Not at all, I tried to kill the king, well actually the usurper Richard the III. I failed miserably."

I was at al loss for words and the first thing that came to my mind. "Yeah, I guess that'd do it." Damn I sounded like Emmett, so I tried again. "But shouldn't you have lost your head or something as well?" Okay that wasn't any better maybe I should just keep my mouth shut.

Fortunately the Aldrich guy laughed then shook his head looking down at his hands. "Oh it was scheduled, but Tacitus thought it would be a waste of my talents so he changed me in the Tower, just before he rescued the two Princes. That was interesting to say the least. I kept thinking Richard and Edward were snacks. Then Tacitus left me with Reagan and took the boys in a different direction. I could have cried that day, they looked so tasty." Then he started to laugh and through his laughter said: "That was a long time ago and Edward and Richard have both forgiven me for snapping at them."

I had a flash back to Bella's birthday incident but when I looked at Bella she was smiling at me. "Yeah, I've been there, done that myself." Bella chuckled and Edward smiled shaking his head.

Aldrich was watching our wives out of the corner of his eye, while taking in everyone else in the room, "Your mate seems to be in a heated discussion with Reagan. Should I chance to ask what about?"

"My wife has never met a couturier she didn't like and she feels everyone should be dressed in the height of fashion." I grinned at him and he moaned like he was in pain.

"Oh god, this is going to cost a lot of money isn't it?"

"Yeah it will, if Alice gets her way."

"She will since Reagan loathes dressing like a Buffy reject."

I had to chuckle, "Yeah you really have the Angel and Spike vibe going. So why do it?"

"Cause it's funny, and you'd be surprised how many people see only the clothes and not how different we really are."

We were both laughing and started to swap war stories, our actual war stories. Yuri and Marcus were in a heated discussion until Marcus stood up and said, "Enough!"

Just then the house phone rang. Edward got up to answer it.

BPOV

What an odd assortment of characters, when the phone rang I jumped a little, Masen giggled when he saw me jump and touched my hand smiling at me. Edward came back into the room with perplexed look on his face, "That was Charlie. Apparently Richard Shrewsbury is sitting with him in his kitchen watching him drink a Vitamin R right now. He would love to have the pleasure of my company, along with my lovely wife, our children and my beautiful sister Alice, but no one else. He says he is going to teach us a parlour trick. He sends greetings to you Marcus and asks that you be patient."

Marcus smiled at us. "Edward, I give you fair warning Richard and his brother will seem almost otherworldly, I think it's from the trauma they suffered early in life, but both are absolutely brilliant. His parlour trick will probably be about helping you find Heidi by using your connection."

"But why is he at Charlie's, and not here?"

"It's a good faith move on his part. Charlie's house is neutral ground. He isn't one of us but he's connected by blood, in a way Richard's proving by sitting with Charlie, he is trustworthy. He won't dare harm Charlie even if his blood is calling to him. You see Richard and his brother have a tendency to abstain or fast, and they have learned to go for considerable periods of time without feeding. They call it their penance for the lives they've taken to sustain themselves over the years."

I walked up to Marcus and looked him in the eye. "Well according to Charlie he has golden eyes like us and his brother is with him." I turned at the intake of breath in the room, Reagan and Aldrich had removed their contacts, both of them had golden eyes.

Reagan spoke up, "King Edward, has followed your life and research, Carlisle, with great interest. He and Richard both became vegetarians, shortly after you left Volterra. And though you never met each other, he was profoundly affected by your desire to help humanity.

Aldrich rose and approached Carlisle smiling. "The change in diet it is not required of their followers but many of us have chosen to. It makes it easier to connect with the world at large and interact with humans. I will say this it's an acquired taste but compared to some things I was forced to eat as a human in order to survive, it's really quite palatable."

Demitri raised his head for the first time and smirked. "Heidi said almost the exact same thing the other day, and you know come to think of it, you're right. But I do miss the occasional AB Negative every now and then. The whole room burst out laughing and Demitri straightened up, "Well don't keep the Prince waiting. I understand that royalty can get very pissy about promptness. And we have Heidi to rescue, Felix and Anton to kill and the Volturi to overthrow." Then he looked at Emmett and gave him a wicked smile. "And I think you and I should drive them."

Emmett chuckled. "Ah Demitri, in this house Edward always drives, unless he's making out with Bella, or it's my car. And I don't think we were invited so I'll sit this one out old man."

Demitri shrugged his shoulders. "Point taken, I'm just not used to sitting on the sidelines."

CharPOV

Just when I thought life couldn't get any more bizarre, I have these two weird brothers land on my front step. It was a typical rainy day and I had just finished a night shift, Carol had left for work and I was enjoying a cup of coffee, reading the newspaper. Then there was a knock at the front door. I hadn't heard a car pull up and who the hell walks in the rain. So I got up to answer the door, when I opened it I knew I was looking at two vampires. I've been hanging out with them enough lately to be sure of that fact, but I didn't know these two. I gauged the distance to my gun, realized it wouldn't do me any good, so I shrugged my shoulders and waited for them to make the first move.

They could almost be twins, except one looked a few years older than the other one and both looked to be in their early twenties. Why are vampires always young? Well, except for Marcus, all the ones I have met have been young what is with that, I would have to ask Carlisle if there was an age limit to join the club. Both of these young men had the same coloured eyes as the Cullen's so I guessed I was not on their breakfast menu.

The younger one spoke up. "Hello Chief Swan, my name is Richard Shrewsbury and this is my brother Edward."

I stood back and let them in out of the rain, but blocked the hallway from them going any further. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you two boys before."

"No Chief, we've never met but you may have heard of our father King Edward the IV." Both young men chuckled.

Yeah that's vampire humour for you. I think you have to be one to get it most of the time, so I deadpanned it. "Nope, not much of a history buff that would be my daughter or her husband's family. Actually I wouldn't be surprised if Carlisle knew him."

The other one, Edward laughed, "While it's clear you don't know who we are, you definitely seem to know what we are."

I waved them into the living room. "Come on and sit down boys. I'm sure you're not lost, so I assume there's a reason you dropped by here and not at the Cullen's?"

They sat down on the couch and the Richard guy spoke. "You're not terribly impressed with us are you?"

I leaned forward out of my chair. "Not really I've had my fair share of crazy lately, so not much impresses me these days. So I'll ask again why did you come here and not the Cullen's."

Eddie looked a little pissed but Dick he looked like he could laugh any minute. "Yes, well we would like to meet with your daughter, her husband, their children and Alice." I arched an eyebrow at them both and Dick hurried to clarify. "It's most important that we meet with them, someone's life depends on it. We came here because we understand your house is in neutral territory."

I thought about that for a bit and figured if their goal was to get near my grandkids. Then kids aren't the ones that would be in danger. "Okay, let me give them a call."

When Edward answered, he didn't seem very surprised and said they'd be here shortly. "Well gentlemen it would seem that they were expecting to hear from you. I guess Alice..."

The other brother finally spoke up. "Actually No Chief Swan, Alice didn't see anything. My brother Richard told your grandson Anthony."

God, I hope this is a need to know, because I really don't want to know. There was a light tap at the door and Edward came in with Alice, I looked around them but didn't see Bella or the kids.

"Edward, where are..."

Edward made minimal eye contact with me and said. "Charlie, you've had a long night why don't you go to bed, we'll be quiet and I'll let you know if there is anything you need to be aware of."

I grabbed Edward's upper arm. "Listen Edward, he already told me he's been talking to one of the boys. Should I worry or is this a vampire thing." Edward looked at my visitors I could tell he was pissed but I didn't know about what.

He looked at me and gave me a genuine Edward Cullen smile. "It's a vampire thing Charlie, but nothing to be worried about and I will fill you in later. You better get to bed before Bella sees that you've been drinking beer for breakfast. You know she'll tell Carol."

Alice hadn't said a word or taken her eyes of the brothers but she didn't look worried just confused. "Alice honey, I'll be saying goodnight and you tell Jasper that I found a new fishing spot we need to try out soon. Then we can try his North and South pop quiz again, I've been studying."

When Alice smiles she glows, she danced over to my side and gently kissed me on the cheek, "I'll tell him Charlie, sleep well."

I had to chuckle I felt like the kid being sent to bed by his elders and I guess in fact I was. "Well good night everyone." As I climbed the stairs you could've heard a pin drop I don't think any of them were even breathing.

EPOV

Charlie clomped upstairs and closed his bedroom door, before too long he was snoring.

Alice and I had run to Charlie's, leaving Bella to bring the kids in the Volvo. I wanted to check out the visitors without putting my wife or children in jeopardy. We stood eyeing each other, Alice was drawing blanks, no visions it was almost like they had no future.

The older one looked at me and cocked an eyebrow. "If I might from one Edward to another we do have a future, it's just that we learned how to hide it around seers and mind readers. You're wondering about our gifts, well to be completely honest we have none, unless we are in close proximity to someone that does, then we tap in and share the gift. We can even manipulate it a little. For example when Richard accessed Alice and your son he was sitting in the shade on the roof of your house."

Richard and Alice were in a stare down until finally they both started to laugh at each other Alice looked at me. "It's kind of like that old children's game Red Rover Edward. I couldn't break through no matter how hard or where I pushed, and bet you can't either."

In fact if I hadn't been standing in the room with them I wouldn't have known they were there, I couldn't hear any of their thoughts.

Richard stopped laughing and became a bit haughty. "Edward, you were to come with Bella and the children, where are they? Oh well Alice and you are both blocking me now, well done. How did you learn to do it so quickly?"

Alice laughed and put her hand on my arm. "Oh we've been doing that since the late 50's otherwise we'd irritate the hell out of each other, if we didn't."

I was not impressed by his highness and his attitude so I was abrupt when I threw my answer right back at him. "Bella and our children will be here shortly. As a police officer's daughter my wife obeys all the rules of the road including the speed limits. We came ahead to make sure it was safe for them. I have waited too long, and have been too blessed to risk their well being on the word of a stranger."

Alice and I walked into the living room and took seats just as Bella pulled into the drive. Masen was the first one through the door he came straight to me ignoring the others. Anthony and Beth came in together and looked around, he was holding tightly to Beth's hand and walked over to stand between Alice and I. Bella came in and stood in the doorway. She looked at me and arched her eyebrow. "Well, I don't need to be an empath to feel the tension in this room. Can we turn it down a few notches gentlemen? Edward, I'm assuming that the bulk of the angst is coming from you which must mean you can't get inside their heads."

She then turned to the brothers and I introduced my family to them. I hated her proximity to them, especially when Richard kissed her hand and lingered a little too long for my tastes. She smiled at both of them and then walked to my side kissing me chastely on the lips and mentally tapped me, 'Down tiger, I'm not into blondes Edward.'

Richard remained standing and cleared his throat focusing on Bella. "We don't have time to waste, so I suggest we skip the small talk and posturing between the two Edwards and get down to business." Bella gave him the stink eye and wrapped her arm around my waist. He gave her a wry smile and turned his focus to me. "Your friend Heidi is being held across the state line in a deserted logging camp. The Volturi have waited for an opportunity to force Marcus out in the open, and hope to bag a few Cullens at the same time. We are here to help you get your friend back and to set the downfall of the Volturi into motion from within."

"You're talking about revolution."

"No just a disposition of the current leadership. My brother and I were weaned on court intrigue, civil wars, plotting and assassination. It's time for Aro and Caius to go away one way or another."

I sat up straight and grit my teeth. "Then what happens? You assume the leadership yourselves or put Marcus in power as a puppet?"

Bella clenched my hand as did Masen and I felt like I was suddenly encased in plastic, but my senses and ability to move were not affected. Richard and Edward looked at each other and smiled then turned back to us. Edward spoke. "On the contrary my friend I'm just tired of always looking over my shoulder for one of Aro's goons, many of us are and all we want is to be left in peace. The Cullens give us the best chance for that."

Alice looked perplexed so he continued. "You offer us the best alternative. Of all the vampires in the world your family is the most compassionate. You have the ability to see a problem from multiple sides because of your gifts, your combined experiences, and your adaptability. You have successfully and peacefully lived in the human world for generations showing our kind that there is another way to live. He turned and pointed at me. "Even in your rebellious years, as a traditional, you still lived by a strict moral code. We believe that as a race we need to be guided more than we need to be policed. And the Cullen family needs to be protected, you six are the heart of the family, and are more important to our race than any of the rest of us. In this coming showdown you cannot be risked and will you be protected at all costs."

I opened my mouth to protest when Alice gasped. "Edward, all those dreams the triplets have had, I can see them now! It's true what they're saying and no, they aren't manipulating me... I can even see the wolves and they'll stand with us. But how can I see them, the kids and the wolves have always been blind spots?"

Richard looked at Bella. "I'm sorry for not asking your permission Bella, but I've been borrowing energy from you to ramp up Alice's visions, to clear the picture as it were."

I was not happy that he tapped into my wife's energy it just seemed to personal but his apology was sincere. "Do you see anything else Alice?"

Alice was very sad suddenly. "People die Edward, people we know and we can't prevent it, if we try one of the babies will die."

Bella groaned and looked at me so I ask. "Who Alice who dies?"

"Aro, Caius, Jane, Demitri, Tanya and Leah are all lost. Then she adds silently, 'and Charlie, Edward.'

I couldn't let Bella know, without the children also knowing, but I can't hide it either. I did the mental tap. 'Bella, we lose Charlie as well.' She looked like I had hit her. She grabbed Masen out of my lap and hugged him tightly.

Anthony looked at the brothers and yelled: "We will NOT, not my grandpa Charlie, Beth, Masen NOW!"

The triplets reached out for our hands, we were joined down the line. The power surge was phenomenal. Alice moved to join hands with Bella, the air around us stilled and I could see and hear whatever I wanted from whenever, past present or future. I saw younger versions of the brothers dressed in filthy black velvet doublets, sitting on the floor of a grimy stone room lit by one candle and eating moldy bread.

A kaleidoscope of sights and sounds flashed through my brain. Then I saw Carlisle pacing his study, Esme sat close by looking at the phone, Emmett sat by Rose and the other hybrids in the great room not saying a word, Marcus, Demitri and Jane were on the deck. Demitri kept saying he was going to kill Felix then Aro.

And with that thought I found myself in the Volturi audience chamber, Caius was livid. He knew that the British Brothers were on the loose and he wanted Felix to kill Heidi and go after them instead. Aro was losing patience and yelled. 'NO, we will not deviate from the plan...' then it just faded away and we were back in Charlie's living room.

The brothers were sitting staring at us when Edward said. "Richard, I don't think they need to learn your parlour trick they have already surpassed what we can teach them."

I glared at them both "What the hell was that?"

"That my dear Edward, was one hell of a ride, and I don't think I'll being hitchhiking with you again while you're joined, I thought my head would explode."

Bella sat down with the kids and was cuddling with them. "Saw what? What did you see Edward?"

Richard piped up. "Bella, my dear Edward was privy to the past, present and future wherever his mind fancied. He had no control and random thoughts would whip him away from what he was seeing, that is one thing that your combined powers can do, and practice will make perfect."

Beth was in tears and Masen stomped over to Richard and put his hands on his hips. "What about my Grandpa Charlie?"

I had to chuckle inwardly when Richard leaned away from my very angry son. "Sorry about that but you needed a catalyst. I tend to be an impatient teacher and took a short cut to get you to make the circuit, apparently being upset works very well."

Masen aimed and kicked him in the shin before I could stop him...okay I didn't try to stop him. But I did do a little mental fist pump, that was my mini me, yeah!

Richard toppled back into his chair and Edward was laughing his head off, he bent down to look at Masen. "Thank you young man, I've wanted to do that for centuries but mother and Tacitus frowned on brawling. Your grandfather will be fine Masen, but the others will pass out of this world. I'm sorry."

BPOV

I believed I had said it before that it's not a good idea to mess with the newborn. I would have loved to rip their heads off right now. They're sick fucks, using my father as a motivator, scaring me and my children and giving my husband a head trip without warning. Like I said not a good idea, the only thing that was holding me back were my children. So when Masen popped the blonde bastard in the shin, I wanted to give him a high five, instead I just pulled him back to me and kissed the top of his head.

Edward knew I was seething and kept mentally tapping me so finally I just turned and yelled: "WHAT!"

He chuckled and loosened my grip on Masen then looked at the brothers. "In case you're not aware my wife is a newborn, and though she has phenomenal control, the only things saving you from being ripped to shreds right now are the three children in the room.

Then he turned back to me wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed me on the cheek "Bella, take pity on them, they were horribly abused as children." Damn him, he immediately got me to feel sorry for them, I remembered what Carlisle had told me about their history.

I sat down on the floor with my children, resigned that I had to hold my ire in check. So I huffed out a breath and said: "Obviously you came here with a plan so let's hear it."

When they finished there wasn't a whole lot of substance to their plan. What it boiled down to was we eavesdrop on the Volturi, check to make sure the Romanians are behaving and the brothers would lead their followers against the Volturi. We had to stay put and protect our family and become the rallying point for a new world order amongst vampires.

I looked around the room and shook my head. "No offense guys, I know I'm the newbie and all, but your plan sounds a little thin. Can I suggest that we take this party back to the Cullen house? I'm sure Esme is going to have to replace the carpet in Carlisle's study from his pacing, and we just so happen to have a brilliant military strategist in the person of my brother-in-law Jasper. I think you may have missed the point about the Cullen's, you'll find that there is far more to our family than just our diet."

Edward hugged me tightly as we left. When we went outside, I noticed for the first time the dark blue Prius parked beside the cruiser. I looked at Edward, he wrinkled his nose and looked at Alice. Anthony piped up looking at the brothers and said. "Would you like help jump starting your car?" We all burst out laughing, well all but the brothers. Edward leaned into my ear and whispered, "His Uncle Emmett would be so proud."

When we arrived at the house, Anthony, Beth and Masen were right out of the car calling for Grandma Esme, wanting Chunky Monkey. Simon greeted us at the door and had Beth in his arms. Charlotte and Ruby were being dragged into the kitchen by my sons.

The brothers came in and eyed Simon closely, they didn't say anything and only nodded when they were introduced. As we made the rounds the only other person they silently acknowledge was Charlotte. Richard flirted with Ruby and Rose, but neither woman was impressed but he wasn't in the least insulted. Reagan came in from hunting and made a beeline for Edward, watching them together was like watching Alice and Jasper, quiet but intense. Aldrich and Yuri came walking in, both looking pissed off. Aldrich leaned against the door and called out: "Who owns the pack of filthy mutts we ran across in the woods?"

Before anyone answered, Jasper and Emmett tumbled through the door, laughing their asses off. "I take it they met the Quileute shape shifters?"

Emmett couldn't answer he was laughing so hard, Jasper was practically choking. Yuri gave them both disparaging looks but answered: "Yes, and I have never in my life met such an ill mannered group."

"Let me guess Paul, Leah and Seth."

Emmett nodded and spluttered: "But you should have seen these two when they shifted to human form, standing their naked." He tried to catch his breath before he continued. "Their eyes just about popped out of their heads. You know how Leah doesn't like to be ogled, even though she is a fine looking woman? Well she tore both of our friends here a new one. I still don't think they understood half of what she said."

Jasper spoke up and said: "That's because she was yelling at them in Quileute, you ass."

Emmett had sobered up somewhat and said: "Oh yeah."

Finally all the men including Simon adjourned to Carlisle study.

Alice and I filled the ladies in on what had happened and what the grand plan was. Jane was incensed that they would plot the downfall of the Volturi until Rose took her aside and talked to her. What she said I don't know but she was calmer when she rejoined the group.

Esme and Alice bathed the children, and when the men came back downstairs they were all smiling except for Emmett, Jasper and Edward of course. I moved to gather the kids and herd them off to bed, Edward helped me and after making the rounds to say goodnight, we successfully got them into bed and asleep. We left their rooms and I turned to go back downstairs, when Edward took hold of my arm and pulled me close pushing me against the wall. "Oh no Mrs. Cullen, I've had enough of that bunch for today, you and I are going for a run. Esme and Carlisle will watch our little demons."

He kissed me deeply and passionately in the hallway. Then Edward opened the door to our room and we jumped out the window, of course it was raining. I turned towards the woods and he once again pulled me back, threw me on his back and ran. We arrived at Charlie's and in no time he found the key and opened the door.

"What are you doing? We can't just borrow my Dad's house like this, besides Carol..."

He put his finger to my lips and pulled me into the house. "Carol and Charlie eloped tonight he let me know what they were planning before we sent him to bed earlier today."

"But I thought the wedding would be in a few months."

"Yeah, well Charlie remembered Alice in planner mode and likened her to a Nazi. He wanted nothing to do with it and Carol agreed so they're eloping. I'm to let Alice know later, oops that's my phone, yep she already knows. Apparently she already knew, she going to let them have their way this time because of the current crisis interfering. But we will be hosting a lavish reception when they get back and I'm to tell you that you're helping. She blames your influence for their decision, sorry love."

I was seeing red but he had that cute pout of his working for him and my brain went into reverse. "Well since we have this empty house with no children to watch and a whole night ahead of us. What would you like to do Mr. Cullen?"

He was on me before I finished my sentence, our clothes were in shreds and we were still in the hallway. Edward lifted me up as I reached to put my arms around his neck and clasped my legs around his waist. Suddenly he was inside me buried to the hilt. We both sighed and bumped foreheads.

This was the perfect Edward, the one that wasn't distracted by voices, children, plots or plans. It was only about us and how we could show each other the depth of our love and commitment. Edward was a well endowed man and it always amazed me that he fit inside me, but once he started moving I knew that I was made for Edward Cullen. My body was his match exactly, just what he needed. Making love for us was an tender an mind blowing experience every time, he was an inventive and passionate lover and I would do anything for and with this man.

He established a punishing rhythm against the wall, it was staggering. I was just about to come, when he slowed and in a deep throaty voice said. "Bella, look at us, look where we're joined. This is phenomenal. You make me feel so alive! This is how we made our children this is our miracle, our connection. I will never tire of this ever. You renew me each and every time we make love."

He picked up the pace and when I looked up his eyes were green, I could feel his heart beat, and I could feel my heart beat! I gasped, and stared at him, willing him to see my question, his eyes never left mine. He smiled at me and whispered: "I know it's my gift to you, a moment where we're both human. I just don't know how long I can maintain it." Tears came to my eyes and his. He laid me down on a bed, I had no idea when we had gone upstairs but my beautiful husband was making love to me human to human. I don't know if we would ever be able to do this again, but it was beyond perfect for this moment. And if it never happened again I would have this one time. Then ever day after I would have my perfect vampire lover, husband and mate.

All night we made love not once did we let go, we were always touching lips, tongues, hands always caressing. As the night came to an end Edward and I were laying in each other's arms watching the sky lighten outside my old window, when I caught sight of the sun glinting off of something attached to the window sill.

I got up and walked to the window. I bent over the object and I called Edward to my side. Imbedded in the sill there was a little engraved brass plaque and it read: 'Edward Cullen's preferred entrance to Bella Swan's bedroom.' I smiled at Edward and he chuckled. "But why would he do that, Edward? He'll sell this place one day and this will be meaningless."

"No, he's left you the house in his will. Technically it goes to the NorthWest Trust, but he told me it was yours, he knew that someday you would have to be dead to this human world, that's why it goes to the trust. He planned it this way, even if he and Carol have children of their own this will always be your house. And before you ask, Carol knows and agrees."

"Oh Edward, he really loves me doesn't he."

"Even when times were at their worst, Bella, you should never have doubted that, he has always loved you more than anything."

EPOV

My wife was the most beautiful living creature I have ever seen, her love for me was fathomless, everyday she gave me her heart and soul. I am a man that has been blessed beyond belief. I could feel that I was about to make another payment for my happiness, but make no mistake I will always protect my family or die in the attempt.

As if on cue my phone rang "Alice? Right we're on our way."

Bella cocked her head to the side looking for answers. "Aro and Caius are on the move they are coming with the entire guard. Suplicia and Anthenodora are dead, killed by Aro and Caius." As we raced home I knew Bella was thinking of the children. We hadn't found Heidi yet, so something must have changed, but what?

Emmett greeted us at the door he looked worried. "Hey Bro, Lil Sis, Carlisle wants to talk to you in the study." Emmett of all people was blocking me. No one else was home, they had all gone hunting.

Bella and I walked into the study and faced a very serious Carlisle. "Heidi is back with us..."

Bella jumped on it. "She got away?"

"No, Demitri found her. Apparently Anton deserted Felix, when he heard that the Volturi guard was on the move. So Demitri picked up on them right away, he took off before we knew what was going on. He's almost as fast as you, Edward. Jasper, Richard and Simon went after him and they found Heidi sitting by a fire, distraught and almost incoherent. She had been too weak from starvation to help Demitri fight. Felix ripped off her right arm and threw it into the fire to taunt Demitri. The fight was terrible. Felix ripped Demitri practically in half and threw him onto the fire his lower half was burning, when Felix leaned over to gloat. Demetri reached out with his arms and pulled him head first into the fire with him." Carlisle sat down at his desk and sighed. "Everyone has gone out hunting to prepare themselves. The triplets are trying to get Heidi to drink from a Sippy cup... they are the only ones she even reacts to."

Carlisle continued to bring us up to speed. The followers of the Shrewsbury brothers would start arriving tomorrow and training would begin once they were all here. We'd be meeting with the packs tonight. Sam would not let us stand alone. The packs have only pledged themselves to us, the Denali's and reluctantly the Italians, because of Demitri's sacrifice. The call had gone out to our other friends the only one that had been reluctant to come was Alastair. He was an old friend of Carlisle's and recluse from England. But he would come because he wanted to meet the Princes. Bella and I went down to the kitchen. Our children surrounded a mutilated Heidi. Beth was brushing out her hair. Anthony was singing some old Latin canticles to her. And Masen was now spoon feeding her blood from a cup.

Bella went to her and when she touched her shoulder Heidi jumped and looked up, but there was no recognition. An old question Jacob Black once asked me came to mind, 'can a vampire go insane?' I now knew the answer now, yes they can. The beautiful Heidi, who had looked forward to travelling the world for her own satisfaction and purpose, was no more. She was lost and I wondered if she would ever find her way back. Richard had returned and stood in the archway looking at Heidi, his expression was intense and fraught with emotion, but why?

He heard my thoughts and answered me out loud. "Her hair is the same colour as my mother's I used to love to watch her ladies in waiting comb her hair."

Beth held out the comb and whispered to him. "Be gentle, Prince Richard, and maybe you can awaken her with a kiss."

Richard's eyes never left Heidi as he accepted the comb from my daughter. "Yes, my lady, I shall be very careful never fear..." and as he sat down beside Heidi he whispered into her ear "...and perhaps someday a kiss will be my reward."

I believe Richard had finally found someone to love, but she was damaged. I hoped she was not beyond help. Against my inclination, I was starting to like this puffed up Brit. He had a good heart.

AroPOV

I was rethinking keeping Caius alive. And if he didn't shut the hell up and stop screeching at that phone he might not make it to Washington State! Felix had not reported in and he was not answering his phone. The oaf was probably dead he should never have been sent out on such a delicate mission. I was surrounded by incompetents! Jane and Alec were with Marcus. The Romanians had laughed and went into hiding, after I asked them to come with us. Well I'd deal with them after Marcus and the Cullens. I would teach them not to laugh at the greatest Vampire alive.

I had finally heard from Roma today, she was on her way to the asylum off the coast of Ireland. I hated loose ends and Tanya was a loose end. She had failed me and then withdrawn to this ridiculous place that was supposed to help wayward vampires. The very idea was ludicrous!

Caius was onto his favourite rant again. "I can't believe the time we have wasted by taking a ship to the America's."

"Caius, I told you before that we will draw less attention to ourselves this way! Landing en mass by private jet would be like calling ahead and telling them to expect us." I wonder if I could lure him to the boiler room. Alas there weren't any open flame boiler rooms on these modern ships. Maybe when we landed...a little bonfire once we were away from the cities? It was worth thinking about.

What the hell was that deviant cackling about now? "Aro we are free now, I just got word from home the old ball and chains are dust or rather ash and their supporters are fleeing the city."

"You idiot, they're dead already and their followers got away! What happened to coordinating their deaths with our attack you idiot? Where do you think their supporters are going to go Caius? They'll fly straight to Marcus!

"Now we'll have to face those traitors, the Cullen's and whoever the bastard Princes have collected. Brilliant Caius, just brilliant!

"I didn't know the Princes were illegitimate?"

"You fucking moron, they aren't but an act of Parliament in 1483 declared them so, to legitimize their Uncle Richard's claim to the throne. Do you ever pay attention to anything?" I was shrieking, he had pushed me to the boiling point yet again. I should have done away with him centuries ago.

APOV

Richard spent most of every day with Heidi and she had taken to following him. He would spoon feed her blood several times a day and comb her hair whenever she brought him the comb. And she allowed him to hold her on his lap when he did this. When he was done she would cuddle into his shoulder. He would whisper to her, snippets of poetry and stories from his human life. And during these quiet times their eyes were locked on each other like they were communicating silently. But Heidi's mind was so mixed up, trying to watch her future gave me a headache. So I watched Richard's instead which he made impossible at times. But I finally caught one small glimpse of him and Heidi, sitting in Bella and Edward's meadow laughing and smiling at each other.

During this time we rarely saw or heard from Aldrich, and Yuri. Reagan stayed close to her Edward and he stayed close to Richard. Their followers had started to arrive they would come to the house and be introduced, talk briefly with Edward and Richard and leave. They were staying in the woods and the surrounding area. Only one of them chose to stay with us, her name was Janice. She was a gifted healer in her human life and lived as an Ursuline nun in the 1930's. Apparently that healing talent came with her into this life as her gift. She used it sparingly on deserving humans but had never any reason to try it on vampires, until now. She was willing to try with Heidi.

Richard announced one day that they were all gathered. He had brought 72 vampires to our home. Add the Denalis, South Americans, Italians and our other friends, not counting the wolves, we totaled 100 even. It was mind boggling to think of that many vampires within and around Forks. Less than half were traditional and they seemed to have brought their own supplies of preserved blood from willing donors. I didn't ask about it because I didn't want to know. Jasper did ask, several of them run blood banks around the world and for every three units collected for human use, they kept one. They referred to it as fast food and while it deprived them of the thrill of the chase, they found it a good means for transitioning to the veggie diet.

I was sitting on the deck with Leah one afternoon, she was complaining about the smell and said it was like breathing in a cotton candy factory with all the vampires around. Paul was staying in Seattle, he just couldn't control his temper around them. He was also very upset about Demitri's death. He had been on patrol that day and saw Demitri leave to go after Heidi, and he had almost followed him, now he wished that he had.

The house phone rang and my vision flashed to Tanya or what was left of her, her body was lying on a cliff side, her head was being consumed in a fire nearby. The call was from Shawn, they had lost Tanya she had attacked the companion who had been assigned to walk with her on the grounds. The companion said that it wasn't Tanya, that he had been jumped from behind and tossed off the cliff on the South end of the island. Everyone had been accounted for at the time so they thought he must have been mistaken, it had to have been Tanya. I took the phone from Carlisle. "Shawn, look on the north side of the island along the chalk cliffs you'll find Tanya's body. The killer has left, she went into the water. She's tall with lanky short brown hair, a very long straight nose, high cheek bones and burgundy eyes."

Shawn didn't recognize the person, but Aldrich did. "That would be Roma, a real nasty piece of work. She's Caius part time lover and full time assassin. She takes great pleasure in murdering our kind."

Carlisle sadly gathered the Denali's, together and told them about Tanya and they went into deep mourning, despite the fact that she had been as mad as a hatter, they still loved her. They all kept to themselves with their mates close by. Edward and Bella were afraid that they held them to blame. Finally Irina went to Bella and Edward and told them that they weren't responsible for what happened to Tanya, that she had brought it on herself but perhaps now she would be at peace.

Jasper was my constant morose companion. He was upset that the Cullen's were to assume the role of observers in the coming confrontation. But it's what the Princes and their followers wanted. A few days later Marcus was contacted by those people, who had been loyal to the Volturi wives, they had now thrown their allegiance to him at the wives request. Our Edward didn't like this and asked that we screen every new comer. So the screening team consisted of Marcus, Edward, Jasper and I. One spy was found out, he was the one that had allowed the wives quarters to be overrun and he became the first casualty inflicted on the Volturi side.

Bella had contacted her father and at her insistence he was taking and extended honeymoon in Great Britain. Alastair had chickened out on joining us, but agreed to watch over Charlie and Carol and he even agreed to be their tour guide, something that he excelled at. They were at least thoroughly enjoying his company. Charlie was still on a need to know basis but he was smart enough to realize that what was brewing was more than he could handle and survive.

The wolves had come to terms with the fact they could not pick and choose allies once the battle began, and had agreed with the Princes that they would be a reserve force only called into action when the safety of the Cullens was compromised. Otherwise they were to stand pat with the Cullens. This was eating my brothers up, to standby as spectators. And the royal brothers had informed us that we would be the judge and jury, if our side won. The role of judge would fall to Carlisle and Edward and neither one was comfortable with the idea.

BPOV

Edward was so distracted these past few days that we snuck off to Charlie's as often as we could. I could still tell his mind was going in several different directions at the same time. The additional voices in the neighbourhood didn't help. And the additional attention the triplets received bugged both of us to no end. They were indulged and spoiled by our guests, behind our backs and even Masen was not his usual self. So we started to take them with us to Charlie's and arranged just family time with them and their Aunts and Uncles. On one of these picnics as we called them Richard, Heidi and Janice accompanied us. It was so obvious that Richard was in love. He had started to take Heidi on hunts and they shared all his kills. The instinct to defend your prey from another vampire is instinctual and to override that takes a very strong bond.

Edward told me that Heidi would never be able to hunt alone with only one arm, it put her at a disadvantage. She may eventually be able compensate a bit for it, but she would never be at full strength again. Carlisle, Eleazar and Janice were looking into the possibility of a prosthetic arm, similar to humans, to at least make her more independent in everyday activities.

Edward was particularly tense today. The excitement was ramping up all around us. The Princes spies were slowly converging on Forks as the Volturi got closer. Apparently the Volutri were experiencing some dissension amongst the ranks. Aro was running short of patience with Caius. And Caius, it was reported, was so insane that he talked to himself constantly and was always in the company of Roma. Other guard members had deserted or had been murdered for thoughts against Aro and Caius. Aro had taken to examining everyone's thoughts each day. The guard was getting restless, their masters were mad, but those remaining of the guard were mostly blood thirsty goons, wanting power and the rewards promised by Aro.

Richard had been adamant that we needed to practice our circuit. Edward refused I knew the power of the circuit unnerved him and he hated the thought of using his family as a conduit to plot someone's demise. We had ascertained that my defensive capabilities were augmented by Masen. Together we could protect the family from any attack by mental gifts, thereby protecting Edward and Alice they would see and hear everything we needed to assist our side at the time.

It was as if the dreams of the children had come to life, we would stand with family and close friends. Masen and I keeping them within a bubble of protection, we would watch either the destruction of the Volturi or ourselves.