Disclaimer: Twilight is owned by the fabulous and talented Stephenie Meyer.

I own a bottle of DPH Expectorant which I'm currently guzzling to get rid of my flu.

Italian to English translations courtesy of Google Translate:

Tesoro - Treasure

Povera Ragazza - Poor girl

Grazie Signora Cullen - Thank you Mrs. Cullen

Si miele - Yes Honey

Mio Dio - My God

Si mia moglie - Yes my wife

Ti ho mai detto che ti amo oggi? - Have I told you that I love you today?

Ciao Bella Ragazza - Hello beautiful girl

Ciao Bellas - Hello beauties

Torna de me - Come back to me

Chapter 10 – Mrs. Esme Cullen

EPOV

"You think this is a stupid move?" I paced back and forth outside the Newark International Airport.

"No, I think this is a smart move, James won't expect us to bring 'em back. We'll hide 'em right under his skinny nose." Jasper leaned casually against the one of the Audi Q7s and stared at me.

I averted my eyes and scanned the area. It was 4 in the morning and my brother and I were waiting on the crew and the girls to get in. Around us, Quil, Embry and Tiny kept an eye on the empty parking lot; I wasn't taking any chances. We would head back to my father's house to stay the night and discuss our next move in response to Aro's war threat.

"Edward," Jasper said quietly, "The only way we gonna get through this is if you stop panicking. We need you focused on this war or we're all dead; Bella included."

As always, Jasper was right and his words put me in the frame of mind I needed to be in; My Capo mind. I stopped pacing and straightened my suit. I ran my hand my hand through my mess of copper hair and released a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I pocketed my hands as the airport doors whooshed open.

A woman ran out and frantically surveyed the area. Her eyes landed on me and she started sprinting in our direction. It was Bella; I walked out to meet her.

The airport doors whooshed open again and this time Seth ran out.

"Ms. Bella!" He screeched, "Wait up!"

I opened my arms as she jumped on me and wrapped her legs around my waist. I supported her weight easily and I finally felt complete as she buried her face in the crook of my neck.

"Edward," She whimpered.

"I'm here, Tesoro." I rubbed her back.

She grabbed my face and kissed me passionately. I matched her fervour as my tongue found its purchase entwined with hers. She moaned softly as we were reminded that we were not alone.

"Oi!" Emmett boomed "Let me order youse two a room,"

We ignored him as she pressed her forehead to mine. "I missed you."

"I missed you more." I put her down on the ground and examined her body.

She looked a little worse for the wear; muddy sneakers, fuzzy fucked up hair, little scratches on her face and arms. I still thought she was beautiful.

I'm going to strangle that fucker!

"How are you beautiful?" I asked her seriously.

"I'm tired, but happy to be with you." And it showed as she smiled broadly.

She tucked herself under my arm and we turned to face everybody.

Rose stood with Emmett's massive arm wrapped around her waist. Seth stood over Sam who was in a wheel chair and Alice and Jasper stood holding hands.

"I'm happy, everybody made it," I squinted, "Where's Eric?"

"He was the rat." Bella whispered as she looked up at me; her chocolate orbs laced with regret. "I trusted him, Edward."

I nodded to her then addressed everyone else. "We stay at my parents tonight; it's the safest place for everyone at the moment. Let's go."

We all piled into the Audi Q7s and took off. They each seated seven people so Emmett and Rosalie rode with Bella and me in one with my trusted driver, Tyler and Tiny. The windows were tinted but we could see through them from the inside. Emmett and I kept an eye out for tails, ambushes and cops as our caravan progressed towards its destination.

Bella fell asleep with her head on my lap. Rose said that Bella hadn't been sleeping well while they were on the ranch. I moved some of my angel's brown hair out of her face and studied her sleeping profile. She looked peaceful.

I couldn't sleep without you either baby girl. I thumbed her nose.

I recognized the familiar sights of my father's neighbourhood; the huge gated houses and extensive landscapes. We stopped in front of the iron-wrought gates with the Cullen crest. The security guards let us in as Pop's goons appeared out of thin air to make sure that we entered the premises safely and without any unwanted guests.

I didn't have to carry the crew and the girls to my parents' house. I had other properties that no one but Jasper knew about however, Ma had taken over the situation. It was also easier for us to regroup and plan for the war if we were all in one place.

We started up the two mile drive way. When we reached the front of the house the double doors swung open and Ma walked out followed by two massive men.

Bella was still asleep and I didn't have the heart to wake her up. So, I lifted her out of the car and started to carry her inside bridal style.

"How is she Edward?" Ma asked, concerned, as I passed her and her bodyguards.

"She's tired." I responded wearily and adjusted her in my arms.

"Povera ragazza," Ma sighed and stared at Bella.

"Just take care of everybody huh?" I nodded to the crew and girls "Please?"

ESME'SPOV

"Okay son," I patted his shoulder and he walked in the house.

I turned to the crowd standing outside the cars and smiled widely; I loved having a full house.

"Well," I said stepping down the two broad steps. "Get in here, all of you!"

Seth came up first pushing Sam in a wheelchair.

"Morning Mrs. C," Seth beamed brightly even though he looked tired.

"Get some sleep yea?" I pinched his cheek. "You did good kid."

He blushed and scratched his head. I looked down at Sam and took his hand in mine.

"I've got the doctor waiting to look at that leg." I gently squeezed his hand. Then I leaned down and whispered conspiratorially. "He's got the good stuff; morphine."

"Grazie Signora Cullen," He chuckled and I patted his hand.

"No, thank you." I said sincerely and he nodded.

Seth maneuvered the wheelchair up the steps and they disappeared into the house.

Jasper walked up next with a small pixie-like woman with short dark hair. I thought she was absolutely gorgeous.

"Ma, this is-"

"Alice," I squealed minutely and opened my arms for a hug.

"Mrs. Cullen!" She enthusiastically wrapped her small hands around me and I felt the love flow between us. She gasped. "I absolutely love what you've done with this house! I can't wait to see the rest of it."

"It's Esme to you. I'll give you a tour after you've rested and eaten." I released her but held on to her hands. "I'm sure you'd like to freshen up."

"Darn tootin'," She nodded quickly, "I feel like I've been rode hard and put away wet!"

"Uh…" I frowned slightly as I had no idea what she meant.

"I'm exhausted," She giggled mischievously and I joined her. "I'm just getting the last of it out of my system." She looked to Jasper, "I have a feeling I won't be going back to Hendersonville."

"Si miele," I grinned widely and winked at Jasper, "I have that exact same feeling." I patted her hands and let them go.

Jasper hugged me.

"I really like her." I whispered in his ear when he leaned in to kiss my cheeks.

"Me too Ma," He let me go.

"You two are staying in the same room right?" I asked them as they both turned red. "I'm a bit old but I'm well aware of what goes on between young people now-a-days." I giggled. "I'm down."

I didn't think they could get any redder. I was having a blast.

"Honey," My husband chided as he rested his hands on my shoulders, "Stop embarrassing our son."

"Yea Ma," Jasper smacked his face and sent a grateful look to his father.

"Hello," My husband reached around to shake Alice's hand. "I'm Carlisle,"

"Alice," She shook it firmly.

"That's quite a grip there, Ms. Moretti." Carlisle smiled as they released hands.

"If don't mind Esme," Alice said quietly, "I'd like my own room."

"That's okay Miele." I looked to Jasper, "Put her across from yours."

"Excuse me honey," Carlisle kissed the side of my head. "I'll take care of the rest of Edward's crew."

They headed inside and I grinned as Emmett and a blonde stunning woman walked up.

"Emmett!" I shouted.

As we hugged he lifted me up off the ground.

"Put me down, ya big lug ya!" I squealed and slapped his arm.

He groaned and gently returned me to the floor. I straightened my dress.

"I'm sorry Emmett," I said apologetically, "How's the arm?"

"It's okay." He covered it with his other hand and hissed.

"The Doc's inside." I grabbed his cheek; he was like one of my children and I hated the fact that he came so close to death. "He'll give you something for the pain." I leaned my head in the young lady's direction; he took the hint.

"Ahem!" He cleared his throat loudly and put his hand around her shoulders to bring her closer to us as she had been standing sort of to the side. "Esme, this is Rosalie Swan, my girlfriend and Bella's sister."

"Hello Rosalie," She seemed very standoffish so I just extended my hand as to not make her uncomfortable with my propensity to hug.

"Hello Mrs. Cullen," She said shyly. "Emmett says you're like a second mother to him."

"It's Esme to you and Emmett is one of my children," I chuckled wryly. "He's the one that eats everything. There's food in the kitchen by the way, Emmett."

"Naa, I'm not hungry." He shrugged and I knew he was lying.

"I know right; he's like the bottomless pit." She said as Emmett grinned down at us sheepishly. "You should go; I know you want to get something to eat."

"Naa, I'll get you settled first." Emmett mumbled."… Same room right?"

"Yea," They turned to leave, "Before you go Rosalie, may I have a hug?"

"Sure," She seemed unsure and stiff at first but as we got closer she relaxed into my hold. "Thank you, for letting us stay here," I heard her voice slightly crack and I knew she was struggling with a lot trying to keep it together for her sister.

I ran my hands through her hair. "You are welcome here anytime."

She sniffled and pulled away. I let her go and she and Emmett disappeared into the house.

I stared out past the driveway and into the front yard. I was happy to have all my boys home but we were at war and I knew that ahead of us was bloodshed and destruction. I had seen it many times before. The stakes were even higher now that the boys had women that they were in love with. The girls couldn't have come at a more inopportune time but, I believed that God had a plan and it was all working out the way it was supposed to. Much-less, I knew it was selfish but I had always wanted a daughter; now I had three.

I felt two familiar arms encircle me from behind and his breath tickled my ear.

"We should go inside; I can't have you out in the open for too long." Carlisle kissed the spot behind my ear. "I've been watching you for a while, what were you thinking about?"

I loved when he was like this. It was not often that I saw my husband without his Mafia armour.

"Grandchildren," I giggled.

He chuckled with me, "I should have known. Hopefully, they come after we win this war."

I sighed. "I wish we weren't involved in this,"

"I know. I was trying to avoid it." He placed his head atop mine. "But-"

"It was unavoidable." I nodded.

We were silent for a while as the sound of crickets could be heard somewhere in the distance.

"I never intended to sacrifice that girl." He said quietly as an owl flew overhead.

"I know." I smiled. "You just wanted Edward to be sure and to prove that he was serious about her."

"I married a very smart woman." He nuzzled my neck.

"I married a mobster with a huge heart." I rubbed the side of his face with my hand.

"Only for you." He spun small circles aimlessly on my arm and I knew what he was going to say. "You're not going to leave."

I shook my head no. "I won't leave you. Don't bother asking."

"I wasn't. It was a statement." He paused, "Church tomorrow?"

"Yes, we need the Lord's protection as we enter this unholy war." I crossed myself. "Mio Dio."

"They are tired," He whispered softly. "And I have a meeting scheduled for the morning."

"Everyone will go to the 10 o'clock mass." I pulled myself out of his hold and turned to face him. "That's final. You can have your meeting after."

"Si mia moglie." He tucked me under his arm and ushered me inside.

I feared for what would happen. Edward and Emmett had been shot three times each not counting the times when they were grazed by bullets. Jasper got shot only once and Carlisle had been shot so many times I lost count.

Maybe during this war God would call them home. No woman wishes to outlive her children or be a widow. I felt my eyes well up with tears at just the thought. Carlisle knew what I was thinking.

"We will survive this, just as we have always survived." He assured me.

"I know." I sighed, "I am just tired of living like this."

"After this war Edward will take over and we'll retire on a beach in Jamaica." He gently nudged me up the stairs with his hands. "We'll spoil those grandchildren of ours rotten."

"When will this end?" I groaned.

"I just told ya-"

"Giving it to Edward does not end it." I whispered, "You just pass it off on our kids."

He sighed, "I can't do any better-"

I stopped at the top of the stairs and turned to face him, "I know. I know you try your best. I don't hate you for our situation; it's not your fault." I stared into his clear blue eyes; they looked weary. The hair at his temple was turning grey and I ran my hand through it. I knew he was tired too.

"Ti ho mai detto che ti amo oggi?"

"No, come in here and show me." I smirked and pulled him into our room.

Esme'sPOV again

I fluttered around the kitchen in my sweat suit with Mrs. Cope as we prepared breakfast for everyone; it was an enormous feat.

We made two types of coffee; espresso and cappuccino. There were different types of sweet bread namely Cornettos, Brioches and Biscottis that Mrs. Cope baked from scratch that morning. I had donuts and bagels delivered from my favourite bakery. I also put out many jellies, jams and cheeses and some fresh fruit bowls. I didn't know what the girls liked so I added some cereals, milk and orange juice. I also fried some bacon, sausage and bologna. I hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs and scrambled eggs while Mrs. Cope made the porridge. We set the table.

It was a massive amount of food but it didn't matter because I knew Emmett would eat the leftovers, or if not I could donate whatever wasn't eaten.

It was 7:30 am when everything was ready and I called everyone down to breakfast.

"Good morning Mrs. Cope," My husband was first.

The tone of his voice indicated to me that he was ready to go into Mafia boss mode. He was also dressed in his grey suit and his face was serious. I sighed as I hoped he would be little less rigid for the girls. I didn't want him to scare them.

I grabbed the napkins and began to place them on the table. He walked up behind me and reached for a grape from the fruit bowl.

"And good morning to you," he kissed my cheek and bite into the grape. "Sweat suit?"

I slapped him with the napkins that I still had in my hand. "I'm tired."

Which was true; after Carlisle and I made love repeatedly I showered, dressed comfortably, pony-tailed my hair and came downstairs to help Mrs. Cope. I hadn't really gotten any sleep.

"I wonder why." He chuckled quietly.

"You know why." I mumbled and returned to placing the napkins as Isabella and Edward walked in.

Carlisle went to the head of the table and sent me a wink.

"Ma, Pop this is Isabella." Edward introduced us, "Bella, this is my mother Esme Cullen and my father Carlisle Cullen."

"Ms. Swan," Carlisle nodded as he took his seat.

Ugh, so formal. Internally I rolled my eyes.

"Hello," She said meekly as she studied the floor. She seemed very awkward and uncomfortable. She was dressed in the blue pyjamas I had left out for her.

I walked over to her and lifted her chin with my finger.

"Ciao Bella ragazza." Our eyes made four and hers widened in surprise.

"Wow," she mouthed. "You look exactly like Edward. I mean not that you're manly or anything. Or that Edward is feminine. It's just -"

I grinned widely. "It's okay."

"I'm sorry." She covered her mouth with her hand.

"I'll forgive you … But only if you give me a hug." I widened my arms.

She nodded and we hugged. I released her as the room filled with the other people.

There were ten of us. Carlisle was being all mysterious at the head of the table and I took my place at the foot. Edward sat to the right of his father and Jasper sat on Carlisle's left. Emmett sat on the other side of Edward across from Sam who sat on the other side of Jasper. Isabella sat on my right and Alice was on my left. Rosalie sat between her sister and Sam across from Seth who sat between Alice and Emmett.

When everyone was seated my husband stood up and called for silence as we were about to say grace. We all held hands and bowed our heads.

His powerful voice was heard clearly through out the room. "Bless us, O Lord and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen."

"Amen," We repeated and I squeezed the girls' hands before letting them go.

We ate in relative silence and towards the end of the meal Mrs. Cope came into the room and whispered to me that my stylist was here. It was at that time I remembered what I wanted to say to them.

"I know that all of youse are tired." I paused. "But, I would like for everyone to go to church today." I looked around. "We'll go to the 10 o'clock mass."

"Esme," Alice interjected. "I don't mind but, I don't have anything to wear."

"I've already taken care of that." I patted her hand. "My personal stylist is here. She brought some dresses and shoes for you to try on."

"Oh," Alice was excited. "Grazie."

"Send me Alice's and Rose's bill Mrs. C," Emmett mumbled around a mouth full of food. "I'll settle it."

"Send me Bella's," Edward dipped a Cornetto into his espresso.

"I'll pay for Alice's bill." Jasper said to Emmett.

"Don't worry about it boys." I held up my hands. "I'll take care of it. Think of it as a welcome gift." I looked to the girls.

"Well, they'll need other clothes and …" Edward cleared his throat. "-items."

"I don't think they should go out shopping at a time like this." Jasper spread cheese on his bagel.

"I could order it online." Alice spoke up sounding even more enthused. "I've done it before."

"And have strangers showing up at our door?" Carlisle spoke for the first time since the prayer. His tone was unforgiving. "No, only people we know."

Isabella flinched and Alice seemed discouraged. I sighed.

"I have someone who can shop for us and we'll look through catalogues and online." I held Alice's hand. "You can pick out what you like and my person will go, buy it and bring it. How's that? Hmmm? "

I looked to Isabella and Rosalie. They looked at each other.

"Oh, okay." Alice acquiesced dramatically. "I'll just pretend I'm at the store; in my head; touching the clothes, looking at them and trying them on."

I smiled at her and just like that she bounced back returning a smile. I admired her spirit. Isabella on the other hand stole frightened glances at my husband. I also noticed that she hadn't eaten much.

"Are youse finished? Girls?" I asked deciding that maybe if I got them away from Carlisle they'd feel a little more comfortable with me.

I wanted to bond with them but I knew it would take time.

"I'm finished." Isabella wiped her mouth with a napkin

"Me too," Rosalie pushed her coffee cup away from her. "It was delicious."

"Thank you Rosalie,"

Alice nodded furiously like a little child would. "Are we going to look at the dresses and shoes now?"

"Yea," I laughed as I stood to leave. "Let's getouttahea. Everybody should be ready and waiting on the front steps by 9:45."

The girls and I filed into the living room where my personal stylist was waiting. She had racks with lined with garment bags and her assistant Charles was bringing in shoe boxes from their van.

"Makenna," I grinned widely; I loved shopping.

"Mrs. C," She gushed, "I absolutely love those sweats."

"We both know I look like a mess," I giggled as I hugged her.

"You could rock a paper bag Mrs. C. It would be Italian Couture and all the wives would be snatching it up." She gasped, "Let's try it."

"What? No Makenna." I slapped her arm as she giggled and turned to my girls. "Makenna this is Alice, Isabella and Rosalie. Girls this is Makenna my personal stylist."

"Ciao Bellas," Makenna waved to the girls. "Let's see what I've got eh?"

Alice took over the entire appointment. She tried on most if not all of the shoes that Makenna brought and every single dress in her size. She modelled and twirled for us and I was really enjoying my time with her. Makenna absolutely adored Alice and vice versa. Rosalie took a healthy interest in it but Isabella was very reserved.

In the end, Alice chose the Christian Louboutin close-toed red pumps, a grey knee-length pencil dress, from an up and coming designer, and a red Prada clutch. Rosalie chose a purple fitted taffeta bateau, short sleeve, knee-length dress which flattered her figure with Christian Louboutin black pumps. Isabella chose a Victoria Secret knee length square-neck baby doll blue dress over which she buttoned up a blue cardigan and a wedge-heeled blue shoe.

The men were waiting on the steps at 9:45am, just like I told them, looking impeccable in their tailored Armani suits. The security was loitering about with their ear pieces and sunglasses looking like the secret service.

We headed out to the church I had been going to since I was a little girl.

Still Esme'sPOV

I shook the priest's hand at the end of 10 o'clock mass outside on the steps of the church. Carlisle and I were the last to leave of our group.

"Ah, Mr. Cullen," the priest greeted my husband. "Thank you for your donation to our poverty relief program."

"You're welcome Padre Pio." Carlisle seemed preoccupied with something down the road, "It's always a pleasure … to give back to the community."

"Great sermon," I complimented smiling.

"Thank you, Mrs. Cullen." Padre Pio returned a smile of his own.

"If you'll excuse us Padre," Carlisle nodded and placed his hand on the small of my back.

"Oh yes," Padre Pio smiled, "God be with you."

"And also with you-" I managed to say before Carlisle started moving me hurriedly down the steps.

Something was going on.

"What is it?" I whispered in Italian.

"We have to get out of here." Carlisle hissed harshly in ear as he slowed his speed to stop arousing suspicion. "Damn it Esme! You just couldn't let this church thing go."

"So this is my fault?" I kept the anger from showing on my face and smiled at some parishioners.

"No, it's mine." He gritted his teeth. "I let you have your way too much; that's why this is happening."

"What exactly is this?" I asked once more as he directed me around the corner to the back of the church. "And where are we going? And where is everybody?"

I hadn't seen them since they left the church.

He didn't answer me as we stopped at a car that parked parallel on the street to the left side of the church. It was different from the one we had come in. I looked inside and saw Isabella, Rosalie and Alice looking frightened. I knew I had to be strong for them even though I didn't know what exactly was going on.

I plastered a small smile on my face and got in the car. "Everything's fine girls."

Carlisle gave me a long searching look. I wanted to kiss the life out of him but I settled for saying what I always said to him at times like these.

"Torna de me." I whispered.

He nodded, closed the door and patted the top of the car.

The driver turned around and tipped his hat. I saw that it was Nino. I smiled. The car parked in front of us drove off and we headed out behind them. I knew, from experience, that there was a car behind us and that there were various cars travelling around us to protect us as we headed back to the house.

Just as we drove off there was a barrage of gunshots and screeching vehicles.

"Fine huh?" Rosalie growled under her breath and crossed her arms.

Fuck! I crossed myself. Sorry Lord.

A/N:

Please review ... lots :)

Thank you to all who put 'Protection' on Story Alert or Favourites and that person that put me in their Fav Authors. The reviews and the messages I got. ;)

Chapter 11 coming to you soon. You can thank the flu I caught for that. :)

Peace and Nuff love from Jamdom.