A/N: Countdown has started and Bella will be going through her change soon. Thank you everyone that has read, reviewed, and followed/favored the story. I appreciate the support and couldn't do it without you. Here is the next chapter. I realized that I have talked about the Volturi and them showing up, but I haven't actually put them in the story… So here they are. Enjoy and please review if you can.
Chapter 39 – Promises
"Well it seems as if the date and time have been set for Isabella's metamorphosis into a butterfly," Aro said with a secret smirk. He had been wondering if the deed had been done or if they would put it off, but indeed they had proven him wrong. He would send the guard after the set date in order to verify the change, allowing the Cullen clan that small window of time to change Bella into the vampire she was destined to be.
"Yes, it is. I am happy for them," Marcus said fondly. He had always like Carlisle and there was something about Bella that he knew was special.
"It is about time! I can't believe they waited this long to change her when we told them to get it done," Caius sneered. He liked his power and when he instructed someone to do something, he expected it done immediately.
Aro responded to his brother saying, "Apparently they had to wrap up a few things so that when she ended her human life, it would not bring added publicity to them. Now that things are wrapped up in a neat bow, the change will happen in a matter of weeks."
"The less exposure the less likely the secret will get out," Marcus said. If exposed, it could mean death for everyone including their good friend. That was not something he wanted.
"Indeed, well at least it is happening, or at least they say it is," Caius said. He loved Carlisle as a brother, but never understood his alternative lifestyle. He would trust him, but there were too many factors in that coven that could mean a change in plans.
"Do you not trust Carlisle's word?" Marcus asked.
"I do brother, but we all know that Edward did not want her to be changed. How do we know he will not do something to change her mind?" Caius asked.
"Oh, did I not tell you? She is not with Edward any longer. It appears that after her brief stay in Italy, she decided that they did not suit. It was rather odd, but that is the way of it. She is with Jasper now," Aro explained.
"I thought Jasper was mated with Alice. The one you wanted for our guard," Caius asked slightly confused.
"Well she has left the coven and has moved on. Jasper and Bella bonded over break ups and are mated now. Carlisle said that he would not be surprised to see a wedding in the future," said Aro with his smile once again plastered firmly in place. He would love to know where Alice disappeared to, but knew with her gift, she could disappear and they would never find her. He would leave her alone… for now.
"Wasn't Jasper…?" Marcus asked. He knew all about Jasper's reputation.
Caius smirked, "Yes, he was. If Bella had to align herself with another vampire, she picked a fierce one."
Aro turned to Caius and then Marcus, "Indeed she did."
The three leaders of the Volturi were pulled out of their conversation with the opening of the heavy doors in their throne room. Looking up, they could see that Heidi was bringing their meal in. With the thought of food, they put thoughts of Bella, Jasper, the Cullen Coven, and the change to the back of their minds.
Back in Forks…
Bella and Jasper were sitting in the living room of the Cullen home when Carlisle walked in. He gave them a smile and said, "Oh good you are both here."
This made the couple give each other and then the patriarch a perplexed look. Jasper used his gift and felt relief and happiness coming from his father and couldn't figure out why that would be. Clearing his throat he said, "Did something happen?"
Grinning wider, Carlisle said, "Yes, I received word that the Volturi guard will not be coming for a visit until after Bella's change. They do have the date that everything is supposed to happen, so we cannot deter from that by more than a day or two, but they have decided to postpone their visit. Aro seemed very pleased by the course of events."
Jasper chucked, "I bet he was." The sarcasm was dripping through his southern accent like honey. It was thick and sticky.
Carlisle knew that Jasper was a little leery of the Volturi, but he also knew that his son respected their position of leadership so he could understand Jasper's attitude. Shaking his head he said, "You should also know that they know about you and Bella. They were very surprised to hear that she and Edward were no longer together."
"Is that going to cause problems?" Bella asked hesitantly.
"Not at all, in fact it might actually be better in the end," Carlisle said thinking to himself.
"What do you mean?" Jasper asked.
Looking at the couple sitting on the couch he said, "Well, it will be easier to hide Edward if they decide to try to take him by force. Knowing more about war and strategy, Bella would do better to be attached to you if need be."
Chuckling once again, Jasper smiled and said, "I didn't think of that, but you are right. Do you think they will come for Edward? What about Alice?"
Carlisle thought about it for a minute before saying, "I don't think so. As for Alice, she can see them coming and do what needs to be done. They won't be able to catch up to her. Edward would be in more danger than she is."
"I agree," Jasper said softly. They might not be together any longer, but she had been a big part of his life for years and he still cared.
Bella grabbed Jasper's hand and linked their fingers together to try to give him some support and reassurance. Once she felt him give her hand a small squeeze, she said, "Do we need to be worried about the visit?"
"I don't think so. We will be on our guard of course, but I believe that it will be more like a social call. I do not want Edward there just in case though for a couple of different reasons," Carlisle explained.
"Reasons?" Bella asked confused. If it was a social call, wouldn't the whole family need to be there?
"Marcus, Caius, and Aro are like brothers to me, but they can be cutthroat when they want something. If Aro does want Edward, it would not surprise me if he ordered Jane to bring him back with them. In addition, he was against your changing and still has doubts about it, so it would be best if he was not there to witness it. He will be in Alaska with the Denali coven for several months. That will allow time for your change and the Volturi to come and go without incident," stated Carlisle.
"Ok," the young lady said on a breath. She had not thought about all of that, but Carlisle was right. Edward did still have qualms about her changing, so it was probably best for many reasons if he was not present.
Jasper squeezed her hand, "Everything will work out and I will be there for you."
Bella looked at the man sitting next to her. She could see the love and happiness shining in his eyes, and she knew it was reflected back in hers. Leaning forward, she gave him a brief kiss before pulling back and saying, "I know you are and will be."
A clearing of the throat alerted the couple that Carlisle was still in the room. When he had their attention again, he said, "The change of date with Italy does not change our plans at all. I still want the others to stay here a few extra days to make sure everything is clear before they meet us. They just won't have to worry about foreign visitors while they get ready to leave. They will close everything up and make sure that there are no problems. Once everything is done, they will meet us."
"Good idea," Jasper said smiling.
"Well that is all I wanted to tell you," Carlisle said before he turned. He was about to leave the couple alone when he heard his name called. Turning around he saw Bella walking up to him.
"I just wanted to say thank you," Bella said before standing on her toes and giving him a small kiss on the cheek.
"You are quite welcome. You are part of this family and we take care of our family," the leader smiled before walking out of the room.
Bella returned to her place beside Jasper. This was where she belonged and where she intended to stay for the rest of her days. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she laid her head against his shoulder and sighed in content.
Jasper smiled down at the woman holding him so tightly and wrapped his arms around her also. He thought to himself, "Now is the perfect time." Removing one of his arms from Bella, he started fishing around in his pocket for something and when he located the small trinket he stood up and got down on one knee. He looked into her surprised eyes and said, "Bella, I know that I am not your first love, but I want to be your last. I love more and more with each passing day and I know you are the one meant to be by my side for the rest of my life. We may not have started out in the most conventional way, but I have never felt closer to anyone the way I am with you. I am not asking you to marry me today or tomorrow, or even next year, but I also didn't want you to go through the burn without knowing how much I love you and need you in my life. Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me?"
Bella looked from Jasper to the ring, back to Jasper. His voice had taken on a very deep Texas accent and she knew that she felt the same about him, but marriage had always been a step she was unsure of. She had told herself once that she never wanted to get married, but sitting here in the living room with Jasper and hearing his words of love, she knew at once what her answer had to be. With tears in her eyes, she gave him a dazzling smile and said, "Yes!" Once her answer was out, she threw herself into his arms and pulled him in for a kiss. This was their promise of tomorrow.