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beta'd by melanieintn

IPOV

I now stood in front of my family and cousins. I was feeling extremely ashamed of myself and very foolish. I watched them destroy Tanya and wondered if the same fate awaited me. In my eyes, I felt the sting of tears that would never come.

"Everyone, I-I am so sorry, especially to you, Edward and Bella. I let my grief and fears get the best of me. I almost cost you your lives. P-Please believe me that was not my intention. I had no idea Tanya was lying to me," I cried.

I looked everyone in the eyes, begging them to believe me.

"I feel nothing, but sincerity and remorse coming off of her," Jasper said.

"Her thoughts are completely sincere as well," Edward said, agreeing with him.

"Irina, you have known the Cullens for decades; you knew they wouldn't have committed this heinous crime. Why didn't you call to confirm these accusations?" Carmen asked me.

"I don't know! She didn't even say you had created an immortal child. I just jumped to that conclusion when she said you had created a child. I never imagined it was a biological child," I said looking at Edward and Bella.

"I can't begin to say how sorry I am that I believed her. I know you must be incredibly angry with me as well," I cried hanging my head in shame.

"No, Irina, we are not angry with you. You are as much a victim as we were. She was your sister; why would you think she was lying? Your life was in just as much danger as ours," Bella said smiling sweetly at me. I couldn't believe she was going to forgive me so easily. No wonder my family, minus Tanya of course, was so taken with her.

"That is the way my Bella is, Irina," Edward said, kissing Bella on the temple. The sweet show of affection hurt for me to watch. It made me remember why I stayed away from them, the wolves and my Laurent.

"She has a very forgiving heart. But she is right, we are not angry with you. I hope now you will begin to visit us again. I am sorry you were hurt all those months ago. But I am not going to say I am sorry the wolves killed Laurent. If it wasn't for them, Bella would be dead because Laurent was going to kill her for Victoria. He made his choice, Irina. He knew Bella was my mate, but he thought he could get away with it. I hope you don't hate us for it," Edward said to me.

"I don't hate you; I want to have those relationships back, before all of this happened," I stated, looking at all the Cullens.

He was right; Bella would be dead, if it weren't for them. I still hated them; and if I ever saw one of them out of this territory, I wouldn't hesitate to kill it. I thought to myself.

"Fair enough, I will say you did earn that right," Edward said, agreeing with me.

MPOV

"I must say, I am fascinated by this bond between all of you," I said. "The ease in which you forgive each other and the familial love you have is amazing. How do you do it? I know we were kept bonded and happy by Chelsea and Corin," I told them.

I wasn't a fool; I knew Aro was keeping me bonded to him and Caius by Chelsea's gift. I refused Corin's help though; I wanted to feel the loss of my beloved Didyme. I felt relieved to find out what happened to her after 3000 years, but I still couldn't believe her own flesh and blood murdered her. I could now feel some semblance of peace to know I had now avenged her death.

"I have told you before old friend that it is the animal blood; it makes us more peaceful," Carlisle explained with a wry smile.

"I am very interested in trying this animal blood; I think, but I know I will need guidance and encouragement," I told them with a smile.

Irina stepped forward then. She was lovely and sweet and very remorseful for what had occurred here today.

"I could help you, if you wanted," she said shyly.

She was intimidated by me; I believe. She was probably having trouble separating me from the vampire who helped destroy her mother almost 1000 years ago.

"You would do that for me child? Even after what happened with your mother all those years ago?" I asked her; I wanted her to be sure, not feel forced into anything.

"As discussed earlier, choices were made. It breaks my heart to still think about it, but my mother knew the consequences of creating that child. She did it anyway, and she got destroyed for it," she said sadly.

I looked at her for a moment; she had a sad and haunted look in her eyes. I believe we could be good for each other.

"I would love to accept your help, young Irina. I can see a bond forming between us already. We will be good for each other, my child," I told her.

"Okay, we will have to go to the wilderness for a few years though. What about you, Heidi, Demetri?" Irina asked them.

Heidi and Demetri were particularly loyal to me through the years, and I wasn't surprised when they asked to be spared. They were kept loyal to Aro, only by Chelsea. I knew young Edward would be able to tell where their loyalties truly lay. He saw the truth in their thoughts, and they were spared.

"I would be willing to give it a try. What do you say Heidi?" Demetri asked, looking to Heidi.

"I will try as well, but first something needs to be done about the wives. They were left further back in the woods. Demetri and I will go get them and bring them here," she said, and they were gone.

I had noticed that the Cullens and Denalis were all silent during our exchange. I looked over at them; they were all looking at us with amused and very pleased expressions, especially Carlisle.

"I know you are pleased I am finally going to give this vegetarian lifestyle a try old friend," I said when an amused grin.

He was about to reply when Eleazar spoke up.

"If you and most of your guard are going to the wilderness to learn to drink from animals, then who is going to lead the vampire world?" he asked.

"I am tired of leading; I never wanted this in the first place. I would be willing to hand the reins over, so to speak. Would you be interested in the job, Eleazar?" I asked him.

He looked shocked for a second. He was about to respond when Demetri, Heidi, Chelsea, and Corin showed up with the wives.

Sulpicia and Athenodora were looking around confused.

"What is going on Marcus? Where are Aro and Caius?" Sulpicia asked harshly.

"They have been destroyed. They were trying to tear apart my family, for their own selfish gain," Carlisle said.

They both hissed at him. Then, they turned on me.

"Why are you still alive? Did you betray your brothers, you coward?" Athenodora growled at me. I would take great pleasure in this; I figured these two were in on Didyme's death as well.

"I killed them," I explained calmly.

They both roared at me and lunged. Bella paralyzed them immediately.

"Oh no, you don't! I don't believe Marcus was finished explaining," she told them.

"It is funny you talk about betrayal, when it was your husband that betrayed me. Aro was the one who committed the atrocious crime against his flesh and blood. He killed my precious Didyme, and I have spent many years alone and in hell because of his selfishness. Now, I will give you a choice. You can remain alive; and Chelsea will bind you to me like Aro did with me, and Corin will make you complacent. Or I will be merciful and destroy you, so you won't live the half-life Aro cursed me to," I told her, pointing to the fire that was still smoldering close by.

The anger was still radiating off of them.

"Destroy us; I don't know what awaits us, but it would be better than being bound to you for eternity," she said; and with that final statement, I easily ripped them apart and threw them on the same fire that consumed their husbands.

I then turned to Eleazar.

"Well, what do you say old friend? Do you want to take over? I know you would be fair and not let the power rule you like it did my brothers. You have a good woman by your side to help you stay grounded," I told him. I truly believed he would make a fantastic leader.

"I would be honored; is that alright with everyone here? Carmen my love, would you be willing to move to Italy?" he asked.

"I will follow you anywhere, you know that," Carmen replied.

Everyone else in the clearing agreed that Eleazar was a great choice.

"Dears, Chelsea and Corin, what would you like to do? You can come into the wilderness with us or go with Eleazar, Carmen, and Kate," I told them. They were also two others who were loyal to me. Chelsea only did Aro's bidding out of fear of Jane and Alec.

"Afton is still in Volterra, so if it is okay with Eleazar and Carmen I will go with them," Chelsea replied. Corin also expressed her wishes to return to Italy.

"Well, there is no time like the present to learn your new lifestyle. Shall we all go hunting?" Carlisle asked.

We all agreed. We all headed off into the woods; and Edward and Bella headed back to their home, so she could get some rest.

EPOV

At long last, some our biggest fears and troubles were now behind us; and we could breathe easier. I was extremely happy to take my lovely bride back home for some much needed rest and relaxation. I had it all planned out in my head.

"Well, love, what do you say we go home and have a nice quiet evening alone for a change?" I asked putting my arm around her shoulders.

"I say; are we there yet?" she replied with a beaming smile and her eyes full of love.

I could lose myself in those eyes. Although instead of being their dark chocolate color, they had begun to lighten into a milk chocolate because of her changing. Still the most beautiful eyes I had ever looked into.

"Well, then let's be on our way," I said, scooping her up into my arms and taking off for home.

Once we arrived home, I set her on her feet; she was hungry and thirsty. I convinced her to go light because I had a surprise for her. She agreed and went to the kitchen while I went upstairs to set up the first part of my plan. I was going to spoil Bella completely rotten tonight. She had more than earned it.

While upstairs, I filled our tub with water and put lavender oil in it; it was some of that Aroma therapy stuff, and it helped her relax. After I had her bath ready, I went to our bedroom and set up candles of every shape and size and lit them so they could be scenting the room; I also put some in the bathroom. I had several Kenny G CDs, so I put one on. I turned down our bed and scattered rose petals all over it.

I had Alice order me a massage table when we came home from our honeymoon, and I set that up at the end of our bed. After I had everything set up upstairs, I went down to the kitchen to get my wife. I got downstairs and found her asleep and lying over on the kitchen table. She looked so adorable like that; I smiled, then went over and lifted her up and began moving up the stairs.

"Edward," she sighed my name and cuddled into my chest.

"I'm here my love. Just relax and let me take care of you," I told her and kissed her temple.

Once I had her in the bathroom, I undressed her and myself; she roused up a little bit. I got us both in the bathtub, and she woke up a bit more.

"Mmmmm, this is heaven, baby; thank you for being so good to me," she said.

"You're very welcome, my love; I live only to make you happy," I replied as I took a sponge and begin to wash her shoulders.

I moved down her back washing her creamy white skin, then back up and down her front. I took my time and lost the sponge when I got to her breasts; they were just too tempting not to touch with my bare hands.

"Mmmm, yesss baby, oh that feels so good," Bella moaned as I cupped her breasts in my hands and massaged her nipples with my thumbs.

Her nipples were really sensitive, and my touching them got her really worked up. Her head was leaned to one side, and her neck was exposed. I couldn't help myself; I kissed and licked a trail from her shoulder up to the spot behind her ear. She mewed quietly, and I let my hands slide slowly down her sides and then circle around to caress our child. A smile formed on Bella's and my face when our baby moved.

"She likes being held by her daddy," Bella said.

"I love holding both of you," I told her.

"What's she thinking right now, Edward," Bella asked.

"She's thinking about how safe and comfortable she feels and how much she loves hearing us talk to her," I told her, repeating what I heard in our little one's mind.

"She's going to be so beautiful, and she's already so completely loved; I can't wait to finally meet her and hold her," she said as she also caressed her belly.

"Mommy and daddy love you baby girl; and once you are born, you will be even more loved and adored. More than you can even begin to imagine," I said to our baby.

"Love you and mommy, like feeling touch," our little one thought.

"She says she loves us and likes us touching her through your tummy," I told Bella.

Bella giggled at that; ah, that sound was so much more beautiful than any music ever could be to my ears. The bath water was now cool, and it was time to get out. I didn't want Bella to get chilled.

I stood up with Bella in my arms and stepped out of the tub. I stood her on her feet, but kept a hold on her so she wouldn't fall while I grabbed a towel with my other hand. I wrapped one around her, then grabbed another one and wrapped it around my hips. I scooped her up again and took her to the massage table and laid her down on it.

"Edward, when did we get a massage table?" Bella asked.

"I had Alice order it when we came home from our honeymoon, when I saw how much you enjoyed getting one. I wanted to be able to give you a massage when you felt like you needed it at home," I explained as I pulled the towel off of her.

I picked up a bottle of orchid scented oil and dripped it down her spine. I had put it in a bowl of hot water so it was warmed for her. I began spreading it around, then started massaging her shoulders and moved down her back while she moaned. The sounds she was making were very distracting, and it was hard to stay focused on what I was doing. My hands wanted to wander to other places. I had to shake my head a couple of times to clear it of the thoughts I was having, especially after I moved to her legs. My fingers wanted to slide up between her thighs and play; and my mind kept trying to tell them to keep this non-sexual, so Bella would get the full benefit of it.

When I had done her back, I helped her flip over. Once she was lying on her back, I looked down at her; I wasn't sure how long I would last without my fingers wandering to the places they wanted to touch. I somehow managed, though, to get through it without attacking her. After the massage was done, I picked her up and laid her in our bed and stretched out beside her.

"That was wonderful Edward; thank you, baby, but do you know what I want now?" she asked as she pushed on my arms.

"What would that be, my love?" I replied smiling.

"I want to taste my husband, every inch of him," she whispered while staring into my eyes.

I could see the lustful hunger in them, and it made me harder than granite. I rolled onto my back and pulled her on top of me.

"Well, what kind of husband would I be to deny my wife anything she wants? Be my guest; what's mine is yours, love," I told her.

It seemed like she pleasured me for hours with her mouth and hands and body. I was lost in ecstasy when I felt the back of her throat caress the head of my cock. She swallowed around it and I couldn't last any longer; I came in torrents down her throat.

"Bella, my angel, you are a goddess; come here," I told her, and she crawled up my body.

"Yes, husband," she said seductively.

"Lie down on your back," I told her.

She rolled onto her back, and I lay beside her. Her belly stuck out enough now that it wasn't safe for me to be on top of her, but I could still pleasure her with my mouth without putting pressure of her belly.

I started at her ankles and kissed up her leg to her inner thigh; I licked, kissed, and sucked on the soft flesh right next to her pussy. Her fingers twined in my hair; I could feel the small tugs she gave me, trying to move me where she wanted me. I smiled against her skin and moved away back down to kiss my way up her other leg.

"Edwarrrd," she moaned my name, and it was all I could do to not attack her.

I loved the way my name sounded on her lips as I pleasured her body. When I had kissed my way back up her other leg, her fingers again wove into my hair and gave a hard tug. If I had been human, I would have screamed in agony; as it was, it just felt like a hard caress. I loved her new strength; every day we became more equal, and I loved it. I didn't have to worry about hurting her so much now. I finally let my mouth and tongue find her drenched folds and caress them.

"Ahhh, yesss, baby more," she cried.

I licked up and down her slick folds before moving to separate them with my tongue, so I could get inside her. I pleasured her until she screamed out during her orgasm and then pushed me away.

"Can't take no more," she panted between each word.

I smiled knowing I had pleased her well. My cock was as hard as granite again and was aching for the warmth of Bella's tight walls. I moved up behind her spooning her. I kissed her neck and shoulder while I pulled her leg up and over mine. I cupped her sex with my hand; and she hissed, but thrust her hips upward to meet it.

"I need you, love; I need to be inside you, and I need to feel you around me," I told her as I slid slowly into her tight wet passage.

A loud moan came from both of us as I filled her body with my hard length. Once I was all the way in, I turned so that I was on my back. I planted my feet flat on the bed and began to pump in and out of her slowly making her moan deeply.

"So gooood," she moaned as she reached for my hands and brought them to her breasts.

"You're so beautiful, Bella; I love you so much. I don't think I tell you enough how much I love you and how thrilled I am that you are my wife and the mother of my child," I said in her ear.

"Ahg, ugh, oh yeah, harder please," she cried out.

I gave her what she asked for; I could feel her contracting around me, and I knew both of our climaxes were only seconds away. I wrapped one arm around her rib cage and the other around her hips and held her to me as I pumped into her as fast and hard as I knew her body could take. A roar escaped me as I poured my seed into her. When I was empty I slumped to the mattress, but kept my hold on her body. We lay like that for what seemed like forever; then she slid off of me, and we lay beside each other. I still held her while she drifted off to sleep.

Once she was in deep slumber, I slid down and let the thoughts of my child keep me company as well as my wife's dreams. They were all beautiful, and I couldn't be more content.

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