AN: Sorry it took so long. I did my best to get it up as quickly as possible. It was hard because it is over 9,000 words!!! So my awesome beta ACEMCKEAN has been super busy with school and kids so I am putting this up unbetaed. A million thank yous to her for all her help and support. And apologies to those of you I promised to give a preview to... every chance I got I was writing and allowing myself to be uplifted by all your awesome reviews!
Chapter 56
*****Bella's POV*****
I stood still as Alice fashioned this long stretchy fabric she had ordered into a pouch for the twins. The Moby Wrap, is what is was called. I looked at the instructions carefully and we figured out how to fit both of the twins in safely and securely, leaving my hands free if necessary.
Edward was not happy with the fact that the twins and I would even be in attendance, but he agreed when Arriel shared a vision of Victoria getting her hands on the three of us, no matter where else he hid us. The only way her vision did not show our certain destruction is if we were on the field.
Alice's vision picked up a few extra vampires. Charles and McKenna, a pair of mated nomads who were probably swayed by Victoria's sob story about her lost mate, and Maria, Jasper's creator. Maria had long hoped that Jasper would rejoin her, and had previously threatened to destroy him, if she couldn't have him. There were also some cloaked figures but not enough to assume that the Volturi were involved.
"In fact," Carlisle had said after seeing the cloaks. "If the Volturi are indeed involved in this, I would assume Victoria and her army of newborns would be in more trouble. They are probably the cause of the murder spree rocking Washington State right now."
Everyone quickly agreed with his assumption.
Esme and Rosalie had changed the twins into some heavier duty sleepers, and given them fresh diapers. I quickly tucked them into the Moby wrap, surprised how secure it felt. From the smiles on their little faces, it seemed they approved. As soon as they were secure in my hold, Edward wrapped his arms around us and pulled us in tight, effectively cocooning the twins between us.
The wolves had all phased, except for Leah, who was going to be my personal guard, my extra set of eyes. The wolves were not overly thrilled with this fact, but Leah's passionate plea to at least be allowed to watch the destruction of those that had killed her mate finally won them over.
Jasper stood up, front and center and directed us, like a general. It was only fitting for him to lead this battle as he had the most experience when it came to group warfare, although he quickly put Garrett as second in command. With both Arriel and Alice's visions, we knew that Victoria was only anticipating the eight Cullen vampires, plus the twins. She was concerned about the possibility of another wolf or two but seemed fairly sure that would work in her favor.
"In order to work her miscalculation to our favor, I propose we arrive in three separate groups. First, the Cullens will arrive. Carlisle, at this point maybe you could talk or reason with the group. I am certain if we are given any time to explain that some will listen. As soon as it is clear that there will be no peaceful resolution, Garrett, you lead your family to stand next to us. Bring Leah in with you to stand with Bella. Jacob and Sam, as soon as the battle starts, bring your wolves in. Stay in groups of two or three to avoid any traps. Esme, when the attack comes, I want you to stay near Bella. We all know you intense dislike of killing and so we only ask that you do so if necessary, to protect Bella and the twins," Jasper commanded.
"Thank you, Jasper," said Esme, looking quite relieved.
Jasper continued, "Bella, once the battle starts, you, Esme and Leah will need to light some fires. The only unknown I wish I had, was the identity of the two black cloaked figures. Alice, are you sure that Aro is in Volterra?"
"Positive, Jazz," she replied, looking into her vision. "I can also see Marcus and most of the main guard. Jane, Alec, and all of Aro's special guard are in Volterra. Heidi is out fishing again, but I can't see Caius and Athenodora. They aren't there."
"Could Caius be here?" Carlisle asked Eleazar.
"He wouldn't bring Athenodora to a battle. Maybe it's a coincidence," Eleazar said, sounding unsure.
"When is the last time that Athenodora or Caius have even left Volterra?" asked Rosalie. "I've never heard of such a thing."
"The wives never leave. Before now, I guess," Eleazar said.
"So if we assume that the two black cloaks are Caius and his mate, Athenodora, then who would the grey cloaks be?" Carlisle asked.
"Mathilda is his shield, much like Renata is for Aro. She is a physical shield. Caius was particularly close to Felix and Santiago, so possibly those two. The only other vampires that needed Chelsea's help to form an attachment to Aro were Corin, Lorenzo, Jasmine and Leilani. The rest of the guard is too loyal to Aro, even without Chelsea. They would never leave," Eleazar filled in.
"So, we assume the eleven cloaks are Volturi members or close friends. And we can assume that many will have powers. How do we fight that?" Rosalie asked in a huff.
"Jace," Eleazar said.
"What do you mean Jace? He can't even hold up his own head for more than a few seconds, for crying out loud?" Rosalie fumed.
"I think it is natural to him," Eleazar said. "From what Bella described, he did it in the van. Turning the Bobby and Riley's powers against them."
"But we can't base all our plans on my son," Edward said, bringing his hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose.
"He's so little. Are you telling me that the outcome of this battle will depend solely on our newborn son?" I asked.
"Bella, we will fight without his help. There is nothing that we can or will do to influence him one way or another. Without his help.... I think our losses will be extreme," Eleazar said softly, causing each vampire to stand closer to their mate.
Edward pulled us tighter as we stared down at our tiny son between us. Could our infant son really be the difference between life and death for our family and friends?
"Jace," I said, addressing our son. "Just try your best. We'll do all we can to protect you guys."
He smiled in response.
"Our plans are not solely based on Jace. The newborns will be easy to beat but distracting because of their numbers. They will all be strong and fast, but no real skill. Maria is not a strong fighter, she has always stood in the background and guided the mayhem. Charles and McKenna are an unknown, although I don't see them being that strong. The Volturi are where my concern lies, we need to focus there," Jasper said and Garrett nodded in agreement.
"So, are we ready to go?" I asked, not wanting to let go of Edward.
"As ready as we can be," Carlisle answered.
"Wait," Edward called out. "Jacob has something he wants to add."
Jacob, in wolf form, stood next to Edward and looked around the group, then nodded for Edward to speak.
"We have a Quileute tradition. Before a fight, competition or any test that comes our way, we have a tradition. Our warriors are blessed by the elders in their ceremonial garb. Each is presented with a wolf tooth to wear, either on a necklace or tied to a paw. Our elders are here and they want to bless us all, vampire and wolf alike. Even the little half humans over there. Please join us. It will be an honor to fight among friends," Edward said, for Jacob.
Eleazar and Carlisle looked at each other and nodded in Jacob's direction.
"Thank you, Jacob. It would be our honor," Carlisle spoke for us.
We stepped out of the front door to see the elders. I recognized Billy Black and Harry and Sue Clearwater. The fourth woman was unknown to me.
Edward spoke again, "This is Jacob's father Billy Black, hereditary chief. A title which now belongs to Jacob as well. Next is Harry and Sue Clearwater, parents of Leah and Seth. Next to them is Sarah Uley, mother of Sam. They are the tribal elders and will bestow their blessing on us all."
Carlisle was first and knelt at Billy's feet as Billy placed a necklace around his neck, containing a single wolf's tooth. Leah, held my hand and held Edward and I back until all the others had gone. Then she guided me and Edward towards Billy, while she went towards her parents. They instantly grabbed her into a huge hug, while putting two necklaces on her neck. Billy, in the meantime had placed a necklace on Edward's neck as he knelt in front of his wheelchair. When it was finally my turn, Billy spoke softly.
"Bella. You are one special lady," he said, placing a necklace over my head. "You brought our tribe a peace that none thought was possible."
I opened my mouth to refute his claim but he silenced me with his finger on my lips and took out two smaller necklaces. I helped maneuver the twins so he could place one on each of my children's necks. Then he handed me another necklace.
"This is for my dear friend Charlie. When you find him, you put this on him. Do whatever it takes to bring him back. WHATEVER it takes," he told me. I knew what he meant when he said 'whatever'. He wanted us to change him if that was our only option.
But would Charlie want that?
"Thank you, Billy. I promise to do all I can to rescue him," I said as I stood up.
Leah finally pulled away from her parents and came over to hug me.
"You and those little ones better stay safe," she said. "I'll be there as soon as I'm allowed."
"We will," I promised her.
With that I turned and took Edward's hand in mine and we started to run towards the baseball clearing. The other Cullens all ran beside us. We were going to fight. Victoria would die!!
*****Edward's POV*****
As we approached the clearing, I could hear all the other vampires that stood ready at the far side of the clearing. So many minds filled with hate. We were right about a number of the participants. The unknowns were also clear.
"The Russian coven, Caius, Athenodora, Felix, Santiago, Corin and Lorenzo" I whispered, for Carlisle's ears. "More than twenty newborns, plus Maria, Charles and McKenna. Although Charles and McKenna may be able to be swayed as they are not certain about Caius' involvement."
The Russian coven were five very strong vampires. All built like Emmett and equally as strong. They were anti social to say the best. The only close ties they had, were to Volterra, and I guess, Caius. I knew three of them had other powers, as well, on top of their brute strength. I feared for Bella and our children more than ever.
"Does this change anything?" Bella asked quietly.
"Yes and no," I answered truthfully.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Bella," Carlisle said as he stepped in and answered the question for me. "Caius is extremely powerful. The vampires he has with him are lethal. Our odds do not look good."
Bella gasped in horror and looked around at our family. She glanced down at the babies, then finally up at me.
"What do we do, Edward?" she asked me.
"Bella, no matter what, I want you to survive. You need to do whatever you need to do, in order to protect them," I told her.
"No, Edward!" she gasped in horror, "None of us can survive without you. I need you. They need you. Please!"
I looked into her eyes and I knew. No matter what we'd be together. I couldn't live without her anymore than she could live without me.
"We do this together then," I promised her.
"Forever," she promised. "No matter what."
We stood together and made our way forward to the clearing. Each of us had a hand on our mate as we walked towards the battle of all of our lives.
*****Leah's POV*****
Waiting to go to the clearing was agonizing. I hated to be away from Bella and the babies. It felt like a part of me was torn away. Before we knew it, it was time to go. It had been determined, that since I would not be in my wolf form I would need to be carried.
How freaking embarrassing can it get?
There was no discussion of how this was going to happen. The tactical leader of this group, Garrett, swung me up onto his back without a word and they started running towards the clearing. My brothers took to groups of twos and ran to take flanking positions. As we approached the clearing, the area was completely silent. No birds, no animals of any sort. Then we heard the voices.
"Caius!" Eleazar sneered, quietly.
"This battle will be difficult, my friends," Garrett called. "It is obvious that Caius feels threatened by the way of life that our family is adopting. What his connection is to Victoria and the newborns is uncertain, but I fear that there will be high costs to this battle."
I listened to the murmured confessions of love from the vampire couples around me and I closed my eyes, thinking of my love, my Paul. In my mind I swore to him that I would do all I could to avenge him, while protecting our child.
Garrett gathered all our attention and nodded his head. It was time to enter the clearing.
*****Jake's POV*****
The pack gathered in small groups as the blond leech had suggested. It took all my will power not to run to Bella and stand guard over her and my imprint. Honestly, there were no romantic feelings for the child, simply the knowledge that my life would cease to mean anything without her. I would gladly give my life to protect her and her family.
"We will, too," Sam said to me.
I am sure he heard the confusion in my mind. These leeches had been our enemies just days ago, yet we are here fighting side by side.
"The loss of our brother has proved one thing to me. As much as I hurt from his loss, my pain cannot even scratch the surface of Leah's. Nobody should lose their imprint. We will protect her and her family as our own," Sam promised. His promise was reiterated by all my brothers. There was not one word of dissent.
We quickly took our positions around the area. We listened intently to the sounds coming from the field. I prayed for the safety of all of my family, human and wolf alike.
It was time.
*****Carlisle's POV*****
I didn't understand what I saw as I first entered the clearing.
Standing on the far side of the clearing, dead center, was Caius. Victoria was on his left and Mathilda was on his right. They both stood in very close proximity to him. Mathilda, I understood, he needed her proximity for protection. But the closeness with Victoria seemed like more.
I turned to Edward, asking in my mind if there was a relationship between the two.
"He is her creator," Edward said, quietly. "She thinks of him as a father. He thinks far less of her. He is using the fact that she lost her mate as an excuse. His real goal is to obliterate us. We are a threat to him, to his way of life."
I asked mentally if now was my time to speak and Edward nodded softly. I had the distinct feeling that this would be my only chance.
"Caius, what a surprise," I spoke.
"Really?" he questioned. "I'm surprised your mind reader didn't foresee it."
"Why have you come?" I asked.
"To punish you and your family for what you have done," he said in a loud accusatory voice.
"What have we done?" I asked. "Other than to protect our family."
"You destroyed James, over a human, a snack," he roared.
"James deserved everything he got," Rosalie snarled.
"We do not protect humans over our kind. Surely you know that was wrong," he said.
"My son had laid claim to her as his mate. James knew this but still chose to pursue her," I said.
"Irrelevant!" Caius roared.
"How is that irrelevant? This mission is obviously not supported by your brothers. If it was then Aro himself would be here. Or he would have at least send Jane and Alec. The fact that the witch twins are absent tells me this is not a generally supported attack. This is a personal vendetta against me and my family," I stated calmly, although I was feeling far from calm.
"Irrelevant," he screamed again. "It is best I take care of you now. Now that I see your little immortal children. Naughty, naughty, Carlisle."
"They are not what they seem. They are halflings. Half human, half vampire. Ask Charles and McKenna. They have a gift of knowing the truth from spoken word. I am willing to bet they know who here is telling the truth," I challenged.
"I don't need to hold a trial. I need no proof. I need no witnesses. I see your guilt with my own eyes and since my side overpowers yours almost four to one. You don't stand a chance. I will give you a peaceful death if you all surrender willingly, if not I will force you to watch your mates and those halfling freaks burn before we rip you limb from limb slowly," he continued.
"We do not stand alone," I said loudly, giving the others the signal to join in.
Garrett, Connor, Eleazar, Laurent, Irina, Kate, Tanya and Carmen entered the clearing. Leah held back, just behind the trees, although the sound of her heart told me she wasn't so happy about it.
"Well, well," Caius smiled. "The rest of the freak patrol has arrived. We still outnumber you two to one. Not to mention the awesome offensive weapons I bring." He raised his hands, obviously commanding the cloaked and hooded vampires to reveal themselves. In unison, they all de-cloaked and dropped into their crouches, ready to attack.
Nobody on our side showed a hint of fear. I looked to Bella and noticed that the tiny twins had their eyes wide open and their hands linked.
"We do not wish to fight. We came to reclaim our daughter and sister from Victoria, and stayed to protect the community that we loved. When Bella's human father was taken, we came to collect him too," I warned.
"Why do you care about a weak human?" Victoria spat out.
"The taking of human lives has desensitized us. It had and has turned us into non-feeling monsters. We mate but we do not truly love. Living without human blood has given me a gift. It gives us all a gift. And that gift is love. I thought my heart was dead when you bit me, Maria. I spent years thinking I was a heartless, soulless monster. I didn't think I deserved to love or to be loved. I learned another way, and that's what threatens you Caius. You are threatened by our love for each other and our family ties," Jasper said, speaking up on our behalf.
"Lies!" he cried out.
"No," roared Charles, as McKenna stood close beside him. "I cannot and will not stand here and listen to your lies any longer Caius. Every word spoken by the Cullens is absolutely true. And every word that has left your mouth is a lie. My mate and myself may die today. We understand that in coming here to support you we were wrong. If we die here today, we will die on the right side."
With that he and McKenna strode across the battlefield, leaving a shocked Caius staring at their backs.
"We humbly come to apologize," Charles said, looking me right in the eyes. "We were deceived into believing that you were in the wrong. We see the truth and offer ourselves to fight for you."
I smiled at Charles and McKenna and nodded my assent to their offer.
As they joined us, Maria cleared her voice to speak.
"Aren't you the righteous one now, Jasper Whitlock," she hissed. "You were not so righteous when you led my army. In fact you were a killing machine."
"I did as I was taught. I survived the only way I could. But I realized the wrong and I searched for a new way. One that did not include hate and death. I found that here with Alice and my family. I found a way to live, not merely survive," Jasper fired back.
"And your family accepted you? Does your little bride know about your past? Does she know whose body she replaced? Does she know where your lips were before they met her?" she taunted.
I always knew that woman was a evil.
"I know everything," Alice spoke up, standing next to Jasper, grabbing his hand firmly. "I know all of your manipulative schemes. I know how you used him and his gift for your own personal gains. I know all about you, Maria. And all I feel for you is pity. You are ugly inside and out."
Jasper smiled at his wife. Proud to have her on his side.
Maria hissed in anger. Her taunting games were useless. Her desire to have Jasper was evident, I didn't need Edward's gift to see it.
"As I said, Maria," Jasper said, smiling. "Love."
I felt the love flowing out of Jasper and engulfing our family.
"Pretty speeches," Victoria grinned. "Doesn't change a thing. You will all die, and I will enjoy watching it."
She turned her back and walked to a rock outcropping, where I saw Athenodora sitting.
Caius stepped back, with Mathilda, allowing the others to step in front of him. Coward!
Maria raised her hands, signaling to the newborns to crouch. The well trained Russian and Volturi fighters crouched deeper. I could see their muscles tensed, ready to pounce. Reluctantly, I signaled our side to crouch. I watched as Esme moved to stand near Bella and the twins. Edward also kept near his mate and children.
Leah slowly made her way out of the dense brush to stand at Bella's side as well. It was time.
*****Jake's POV*****
As I watched Leah step onto the field, I told my brothers to step up. If any of the vamps on the field were paying attention they would have heard the galloping of our hearts, the pounding of our blood as it raced through our veins But none took notice of us. Then it happened. Maria and the newborns raced across the field towards our vampire family. The war had begun!
I gave the signal and my brothers and I dashed from the trees at the side and grabbed at the newborns, ripping and tearing with our teeth. The element of surprise was great and the newborns that had not been taken down with our primary assault were disoriented and afraid. I watched as our vampire friends launched into the attack as well.
I heard Leah, Bella and Esme start to create a pyre.
The newborn were easily distracted by the confusion and were easy to destroy. The I heard the head leech order his trained fighters into the mix.
I prayed that my family would make it through alive.
Bella's POV
I watched as my family crouched into defensive positions. I looked down at my tiny children, praying with all that I had, that we would all make it out alive. Jace had Edward's look of concentration on his face and Arriel showed me a vision, telling me to light the fire.
I nodded to Esme and Leah and we went to work. The dry timber had already been prepared nearby and it took only seconds before we had it piled into a pyre. As the first wave of vampires charged, we lit it up, and I stood near Edward and watched as our wolf brothers launched themselves from the woods.
My dead heart lurched in my chest as I watched the wolves tearing at the newborns, listening to the familiar metallic screech as the newborns were shredded. Those that arrived at our front line were greeted quickly and I was shocked to see Alice launch herself over the front row and head like a bullet toward Maria.
My eyes focused on Alice, all 4'11 of her tiny frame, as she grabbed Maria by her throat and tackled her to the ground.
Jasper gasped and charged through the newborns to assist his wife. He ripped off arms as he went, not caring whose arms they were, in a desperate attempt to get to Alice. I couldn't see them on the ground, nor could I hear them with all the screams and battle noises.
My eyes momentarily left the area where Alice was as I saw the more experienced fighters move into fight.
I tried to keep an eye on all our family, but I couldn't focus on them all. Suddenly Emmett appeared in front of us. The small female from Arriel's vision in his hand.
He shouted to Leah, "This one smells like your mate."
She jumped towards them, phasing mid air, her clothes shredding around her. As she did, Emmett tossed the female towards her and they crashed together mid-air, coming down with Leah on top of the newborn. She wasted no time in sinking her teeth into her neck. Her head was detached quickly, and became the first piece of vampire to roast on our pyre. She set to work once more ripping the body limb from limb.
Edward, was nearby still, tangling with a newborn, almost toying with him as he ripped him limb from limb. Suddenly a tall blonde vampire, even bigger than Emmett, was behind him and reached his arm around Edward's neck, grabbing him firmly before turning him around. I froze in place momentarily as the massive man spoke.
"I am going to enjoy this," he said with a heavy Russian accent. "You will destroy your mate and children."
What the hell was he talking about?
There is no way that Edward would hurt us.
The large man shoved Edward in my general direction, and he turned to face me, quickly sinking into a crouch. He looked like a tiger about to pounce, but I still couldn't find it in me to be scared of him.
"My gift, Young One," the Russian vampire spoke. "Is one of persuasion. Your mate has no choice. He will destroy you all and hate himself for doing it. I will enjoy this."
"Edward?" I spoke, looking at him.
His eyes were fixed on me and the glare he gave did not set me at ease. I quickly scanned the area, looking to see if any of our family could tell what was going on only to find those that I could see, all otherwise occupied.
I looked in his eyes, knowing that no matter what happened, I loved him and I spoke. "I love you, Edward. I will not die afraid of you. I love you."
I watched as he inched closer, he growled and hissed in anger. His body seemed to be fighting him. I stood straight, refusing to take a defensive posture and I held our children tight to me.
"I love you," I whispered to him.
*****Caius' POV*****
How convenient, the Denali coven has joined in the fight here. I guess we won't have to hunt them down later. I was extremely confident in the abilities of the group we had amassed. The newborns were completely expendable, but the sheer volume of them was overwhelming.
I hadn't counted on the wolves though, although, I can't complain. Ten large wolves set free in this melee, no problem. They'd take down the Cullens and Denalis as well as our own fighters.
I sat back with the important people in my life. My wife Athenodora, beautiful and obedient. My first gift to her had been a child, Victoria. Athenodora raised her from an infant and when the time came I turned her. I knew she would be a special vampire. I have kept her shielded from Aro and given her everything she ever wanted. She was rebellious of course, never thankful of her position. Some years she was more trouble than she was worth. Today though, I was proud. She had given me a reason to take down the Cullens. Stupid Carlisle and his self righteous attitude. The last person was Mathilda. She was my shield. My personal safety net. As long as she was close, nothing could harm me.
Trying to keep my eyes on the action was difficult. There were seventy or so bodies fighting on the field and I was far to entertained by the mass confusion to wonder about each little confrontation. I decided to look for Felix and Santiago. I could always count on those two for entertainment.
I saw Santiago first. He was tangled with a tall blonde vampire. The famous Jasper Cullen. They turned and twisted moving around other skirmishes. Jasper was quick but I knew Santiago. One small opening and the pesky scarred Cullen would be done for. I'll give it to him. He was skilled. Watching for Santiago to let his guard down, and diving in for a chunk of him. I hope he didn't leave the man too scarred. He was a loyal defense against my bumbling brother.
Aro, the stupid power hungry man. His greed and lust over powered everything. He had no sense of right and wrong anymore. In fact he didn't find the Cullens to be a threat to us. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Damn, while I was lost in my thoughts of my idiot brother, Jasper managed to take Santiago down. He dismembered him quickly and tossed him on the quickly growing fire, before turning around to search the area. I assume he is looking for his mate.
The last time I saw that pixie girl she was tangled with my good friend, Maria. Maria was not a lot bigger than her but I have never seen a woman who enjoys a battle quite as much. I didn't even need to call in any favors to get her to fight with us. She was happy to do it. I think she had hopes of getting Jasper back, her favorite creation. I knew it would never happen. Jasper was far too brainwashed in the Cullen cult.
I searched the area looking for Felix. I knew he would take someone down. I saw him across the field, fighting with Laurent. Stupid man! He had been my daughter's friend for centuries, and yet, here he stood, opposing us. I watched as Felix circled him. I saw the gleam in Felix's eye. In a flash he swooped in and decapitated the miserable traitor. I saw Victoria clap her hands in glee. She was obviously watching the same skirmish. As soon as he was done, Felix turned, looking for a new playmate. He didn't see the small blonde vampire attack him from behind. Her teeth sank into his neck quickly, before he even registered the attack, and before I could blink, his head was soaring towards the fire. His body stood there momentarily as the blond dropped to her knees, I assume to search for the parts of her mate. After a feral scream left her lips, she quickly dismantled the rest of his body. Every piece went into the fire.
Damn, two of my strongest men down.
I looked closer into the other battles. I saw two vampires standing back to back. Carlisle Cullen and Eleazar Denali. Two of the most traitorous vampires ever to disgrace Volterra with their presence. Around them Corin and Lorenzo were circling. I was going to enjoy this.
I waited for Corin and Lorenzo to unleash some of their powers on these two rats. I loved to watch Lorenzo work. The shrieks of the people he shocked were ear piercing, and I loved every one. He usually worked with Corin. After he had had his fun, Corin would cut their senses and then finish them off. I watched intently as Lorenzo, raised his hand, ready to strike at Carlisle Cullen. There was nothing. I was stunned, why was he holding back? Had he grown a conscience? He seemed stunned too, and I watched as he tried again. Still nothing, he nodded to Corin, who had a flare for the dramatic and he used his hands to guide his gift towards Carlisle and Eleazar. Nothing happened again. What the hell?
I watched as a smile appeared on both faces and Eleazar and Carlisle began to fight back. What the hell was the matter with Corin and Lorenzo? The next thing I knew Eleazar and Carlisle had them on the ground. Stupid Aro! He hadn't trained them properly how to fight. The piercing sounds of their bodies being shredded made their way across the field and I shook my head, unhappy with the fact that I had just watched my four favorite members of the guard destroyed.
"Daughter, now!" I commanded.
"Yes, Father," she responded before taking to the tree above us.
"Charlie," I heard her whiny voice call. "Time to wake up to play, Charlie."
I heard a mumble from Charlie.... good he was waking up.
Then I heard the snapping of bone, sounded like a leg and Charlie's scream pierced the air of the battlefield. It brought a moment's silence and I took the time to survey the vampires that were still standing. There were only two newborns still standing, although they were cornered by four large wolves. How the hell were so many wolves together?
I heard Charlie scream again and looked towards his daughter. That's when I noticed her mate. He looked crazed. Alexi stood nearby, his gift obviously working in full force.
The smell of fresh human blood started to fill the clearing. Ahhh!
Victoria appeared at my side in an instant and I called to all three of my ladies. "Watch this!"
I pointed in the direction of Edward Cullen and his newborn mate. "You will enjoy this the most, Daughter," I told Victoria. "Watch as that Cullen destroys his own mate and children. She is powerless to stop him and he is under Alexi's control. This will certainly destroy the Cullens."
I sat back and watched as he slowly moved in. Watching was almost an aphrodisiac. I was very glad that I decided to bring Athenodora with me.
*****Alice's POV*****
As the battle started, the heat in my chest began to burn. Maria was here to try to lay claim to my man. A man she had mistreated and tortured. Just seeing her made Jasper nervous. Just her presence made his hair bristle. She still could play her sick mind games on him.
As I watched her make her way across the battlefield, I knew what I wanted to do. What I needed to do.
As soon as she was within range, I launched myself at her.
She didn't see me coming and I crashed into her with enough force to knock us both to the ground. I grabbed her hair and sank my teeth into her shoulder, reveling in the scream that escaped her lips as my venom sank in and began to burn. She tried to pull away, pushing one of her arms against my torso, but I wouldn't let her. I grabbed that hand and brought it to my mouth. I sank my teeth into her palm, knowing that a bite there would hurt like hell. I didn't count on my own strength and as I bit completely through her hand, I was able to remove a chunk of her palm and two of her fingers.
Her shrieks of agony brought me more bloodlust then ever. I wanted to bite her for every mark on my husband's body. I wanted to destroy her slowly as she tried to do to Jasper. I was in control. I yanked her by her hair and brought my free hand to her face. I clawed at her face, leaving angry red lines across her cheek and nose. She tried to return the favor with her free hand, but I saw it coming and moved out of the way, just enough for her to miss.
"Maria," I called to her. "You should never have come back. Jasper will never be yours again. He is mine, only mine forever. Not just because I want him to be, but because he wants to be... and you will die, at my hand, knowing that you lost."
I flipped her over so her face was to the ground and I sat on her back, my hand never leaving her hair.
She growled in frustration, while writhing under me, trying to get free. She swung her left arm back, trying to make contact with me. She missed and I grabbed the arm and ripped it free from the socket, launching it in the general direction of the fire.
She screamed again and again I decide to rub it in.
"You will never touch Jasper again. Not his heart, not his mind and not his body."
I leaned in and sunk my teeth into the back of her neck. She screamed with the burn. I turned slightly to see Jasper fighting and decided I needed to finish Maria off quickly now. I couldn't be selfish and take my time. My family was going to need help too. With that in mind, I decided to finish the witch that had scarred Jasper's life.
"Goodbye, Maria," I said with venom lacing my words. "Rot in Hell!!"
I ripped her head from her body in one movement and stood, my hand still clutching the hair on her now decapitated head. I smiled as I brought it to the fire and tossed it in. The rest of her body could wait until the battle was done.
The wolves seemed to have the newborns in hand and as I looked to where Jasper was last seen, fighting with Santiago. He stood there, tall and proud, meeting my eyes for a second, before launching himself towards me.
"Maria?" he asked, running his hands over my skin, looking for any wounds.
"Gone!" I responded.
He smiled and I asked, "Santiago?"
He nodded his head, softly, confirming Santiago's demise. I ran my hands quickly over his body, ensuring he was unhurt. We looked around the battlefield, to see if there was anywhere we were needed and both of our eyes fixed on Alexi. He stood alone, not attacking anyone, and glared towards Edward and Bella. As my eyes focused on my sister, I noticed her arms wrapped protectively around her children. There was no fear on her face but the look on Edward's face made me concerned.
"Jazz, I think Edward is being controlled by Alexi. We need to help him. Bella won't fight him and if he isn't in control..." I said.
We made our way quickly toward them and were nearly there when Rasputen and Igor suddenly blocked our path. Instead of helping our brother and sister, we were suddenly faced with two strong vampires of our own to beat. I only prayed that Bella and Edward would be okay.
*****Rosalie's POV*****
After taking out a couple of newborns I found myself looking for my family. I saw Bella on the far side of the clearing, and noticed that Edward was nearby. Good she and the babies were completely safe. He would never allow anything to happen to them.
Esme stood to the side of the pyre, and Leah, now in wolf form was between Sam and Jacob, as they tore up a few more of the newborns.
Emmett was nearby fighting in circles with Yvegeni. He was the vampire who could sense attacks and block them before they landed. I worried about my teddy bear husband, but was slag he had experience fighting Edward.
My pixie sister and Jasper were locked in a battle with two more Russians and as I tried to make my way through the throng of bodies towards them, I finally smelled the scent of fresh blood. I looked across the clearing towards where Caius sat with his family. Victoria's hands were covered in blood and she was slowly licking off the sweet substance from herself, taking extra time.
That bitch was going down. Before I took a single step in her direction, I was joined by my four female cousins, Tanya, Kate, Irina and Carmen. They saw the same thing I did and we started to make our way across the field. We were going to make Victoria pay.
*****Bella's POV*****
I heard Charlie's screams pierce the air and smelled his blood.
Sorry, Daddy. I thought to myself.
Edward was still making a slow stalking progress towards us and the gleam in Alexi's eyes told me, it wasn't going to be much longer. I took a step back, hesitantly, before planting my feet. I would not be afraid of Edward.
"I love you,"I mouthed to him.
"I love you, too," he mouthed back, still stalking towards me.
He was under a foot away now, and he stood up straight, towering over me.
Alexi moved in closer, standing under two feet behind Edward. He wanted a close up of Edward destroying us. Edward's strike was like lightening, so fast, I couldn't breathe. I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me and tears sprang to my eyes. Edward, my Edward. I cradled our children to me tightly as I watched him tear Alexi apart.
I knew I shouldn't be afraid of him. I knew he would never hurt us.
Alexi's death and dismemberment was over quickly, and before I knew it, Edward had his arms wrapped around me.
"Bella, I love you. I'm sorry if I scared you," he said, while peppering my face with kisses.
"I wasn't scared. I knew, Edward. I knew that you could never hurt us, no matter what, I knew," I said kissing him back.
"It's time Bella. We are going to take down Victoria and Caius. We don't have a lot of time. Come on, Love. I want you close to me," he said grabbing my hand.
I looked around at the other battles, checking to see that my family was alright. Emmett was finishing off Yvegeni with the help of Garrett and Charles. McKenna was grabbing the bits they tore off and flinging them into the fire. Alice and Jasper were tearing the remains of Rasputen and Igor with the help of Carlisle, Esme and Eleazar. A couple of the young wolves were scouring the area for any newborns that might have escaped while Sam, Jacob, Leah and a couple of the others were advancing across the clearing with us. Rosalie, Tanya, Irina, Carmen and Kate were slightly in front of us but Edward cleared his throat and they fell back in line with us. The seven vampires, two halflings and five wolves, must have made an impressive sight to see. I could see Victoria nervously twitching as we approached but Carlisle grabbed her hand. He held Athenodora in his other hand while Mathilda cowered at his feet. He knew that his shield would encompass them all and had no fear of us.
I could smell my father's blood and heart the frantic beating of his heart and I wanted nothing more than to go with him.
Edward squeezed my hand and whispered, "Soon, Love."
We approached until we were five feet away and Caius sneered at us.
"You can't touch us. Mathilda's shield will prevent you from getting any closer. You might as well turn back from where you came and wait. As soon as Aro learns about this day, you and your family will pay," he sneered.
Edward smiled softly, "There will be a payment made today, but not by us."
I watched as the rest of the members of my family came forward. The young wolves had now moved from reconnaissance to garbage detail. They were picking up pieces of vampire and disposing of it. Connor stayed to help.
"Caius, I have Aro on the phone. He was rather shocked that you were here," Carlisle said, holding a small silver cell phone up.
"I do not answer to my brother!" Caius spat.
"That much is obvious, Caius. You answer to nobody but yourself, and now you will face the consequences," Carlisle said, before returning to his near silent conversation with Aro.
"It changes nothing," Caius said. "You can't touch us."
A quick flash of a vision glowed in my eyes momentarily and I smiled.
"Irina," I called. "Would you be so kind as to do the honors and remove Mathilda from her position at Caius' feet."
"It would be my pleasure," Irina called back.
"Don't worry, Love," Caius called to Mathilda. "You know she can't touch you."
Irina walked over, looking at me the whole time. I gently patted Arriel's head, letting her know that Arriel had shared a vision with me. She smiled and walked over, glaring at Caius. When she was within arm's reach of them,she leaned down with one quick movement and yanked Mathilda away from Caius' feet, sending her flying into Emmett and Garrett, who each grabbed one arm, holding her in place.
The fear in Caius' eyes was great and he dropped his wife's and daughter's hands, turning to try to run. Unfortunately for him, he didn't notice that the wolves had left our side and had moved behind to block his escape.
"You coward!" Athenodora cried. "You were trying to run, leaving us behind."
"No," Caius argued, but even he knew his actions were obvious.
Athenodora moved from his side and stood on her own, still within our circle.
"You deserve everything you get Caius," she seethed. "My only request is that I get to watch your destruction before I face my own."
"Athenodora, Aro has requested that you return to Volterra with Mathilda. He does not wish any harm on either of you," Carlisle called.
Athenodora bowed her head, but remained motionless.
"Caius," Carlisle said, acknowledging him, "Aro would like to be placed on speaker phone, to address you himself."
"Caius, Brother," Aro spoke through the phone. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I had no choice, Brother," Caius spoke proudly. "They have broken many laws."
"What laws have they broken?" Aro demanded.
"Immortal children!" Caius roared.
"From my understanding, Brother, the children both have beating hearts. That would seem to suggest they are not the demon creatures that you accuse them of being," Aro stated coldly through the phone.
"They protected a human and killed James, a vampire, to do so," Caius screamed.
"We talked about that, Dear Brother," Aro explained again. "The Cullens' laid claim to young Bella as the mate of Edward. They were protecting what was theirs. Again, no crime."
"They destroyed many vampires today. Good Volturi guard, the entire Russian coven, Maria from the southern states, and a host of newborns," Caius screamed, sounding more and more desperate.
"And who brought them together in a pointless battle?" Aro asked, pointedly.
"She's my daughter, Aro. I had to protect her," Caius said, now almost pleadingly.
"No, Caius," Aro answered. "What you did, you did selfishly. The same way you always kept young Victoria from my presence. You didn't want me to sense her power. What you do has always been for one person and one person only and that is you."
"So what now, Brother?" Caius asked. "You cannot order my death. Doing so would be breaking your own laws."
"The laws that you shattered today?" Aro asked, sounding amused. "You want to use those same laws to protect you now?"
"You cannot punish me for breaking laws, which you yourself will break in doing so," Caius said, in outrage.
"But I have no intention of breaking any laws," Aro said.
Caius smiled, thinking he has won.
"You are on speaker phone here in Volterra too, Dear Brother. Marcus has heard this whole conversation as well as the evidence presented against you from the Cullens. We need a 2/3 majority for any death sentence. Since there are two of you, you and your evil excuse for a daughter, I will give my vote first. I vote DEATH, for both of you," Aro said vehemently.
Another voice came on quickly. It was quieter than Aro's loud voice and Caius' evil tone, but there was a certain quiet authority behind it. "It seems the choice is mine, Brother. Fortunately, it is not a hard one. Your conscious disregard for the rules has always been unsettling to me. Your desire for punishment over fact, vengeance over truth, and blood shed over all have been your undoing, Brother. Power has truly gone to your head. Unfortunately you have taken your daughter down with you. My sentence is death for you both," the voice said.
Caius screamed in outrage and Victoria tried to make a dash for it. Unfortunately for her, she ran straight into Leah, Sam and Jacob. As Leah launched her body at Victoria, her teeth came in instant contact with Victoria's skinny white neck. She didn't make a sound.
Caius watched in disbelief and fear as the wolves ripped his daughter apart. He turned and stood tall as the men in our family approached. He did not make the slightest movement as Eleazar grabbed his head. There was a sick screeching noise and some loud cracks as his head was removed from his body.
As soon as it was done, I looked at Edward, begging for his help with one word, "Charlie."
He jumped into the trees without a sound, following the sound of Charlie's erratic heartbeat to find my father. Esme came quickly to my side with Alice and Rosalie as the others moved to clear the remnants of the battle. Carlisle dashed across the field to retrieve his medical bag. I clutched the necklace that Billy had given me for
I heard Edward trying to soothe Charlie, "It's okay, Charlie. We're going to get you out of here. You'll be fine."
I heard as Charlie's heart beat as it stuttered, then nothing.
"DAD! No!!!!" I screamed, launching myself and the twins into the trees.
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