Chapter 107

Bella

We left Ethan at his camp and went back to the others. Peter still wasn't happy, he liked things clear-cut and Ethan was still an unknown quantity to him but Jasper seemed happy with the decision. Emmett and Rose weren't looking forward to Aro's arrival. I think the idea of actually fighting the Volturi had finally sunk in. I was determined to protect them as well as I could. The outcome I wanted most was Aro dead and the Volturi sent packing, as long as our small party were still standing at the end of the day. We had arranged to hunt in pairs that day to be ready for Aro's arrival which was likely to be the next morning. Jasper expected him about dawn which he told me was Aro's favourite time for a battle. Not that it made any difference when he came but it was a tradition going back centuries.

Jasper

After we'd all hunted I called a meeting to explain what I expected of them.

"I don't think it will come to a fight but if it does I want Peter with Rose, and Emmett with Charlotte. That way two experienced fighters team up with those less experienced. Bella will stay back and use her shield as effectively as she can. If the Volturi have a hard time getting to you then assume she's protecting you and go ahead. Try for a killing blow straight away, broken necks and missing legs are the most effective. They take longest to heal and give us time to mop up the pieces. If you are in trouble call and I'll try to help but my main concern will be Aro himself. With Renate he will be a hard target but I'm hoping her shield and Bella's will counter each other and give me a chance. Don't turn your back on an enemy unless you are one hundred percent sure that they are immobilised. Don't lose focus and most of all, good luck."

They all stepped forward and we joined hands for a second in solidarity.

Bella

I think it really came home to us in that second that it was real. That there was a fight coming, one we had to win or die. I saw Emmett's smile disappear and Peter hug Charlotte. I stepped forward into Jaspers arms.

"This isn't it. We will win" I said firmly.

He smiled and nodded,

"Never lost a fight yet darlin' and I don't plan on doing so now."

He turned to Peter,

"You ready Captain?"

"Ready as I'll ever be Major. Lets get ready to kick ass."

They went outside to get a feel for the best positions knowing that Lance would know how they planned to fight but whether he'd tell us or hang back with Ethan we had no way of knowing.

Aro

I was fairly certain of the outcome of this little squabble, the Major and his friends had been a thorn in my side for too long and placing Chelsea in a position of power alongside me was the final straw. I had always expected Marcus to rebel eventually although I didn't think it would be at such a crucial juncture. When they saw Ethan standing beside me I knew they would be aware they couldn't win. He had been very cagey at first but the message I got two days ago that he was travelling to meet up with my enemy to check the lay of the land told me it was all over for the Whitlocks. Renata was at my side, I had considered using her to negate Bella's shield, enabling one of our talented comrades to fight but in the end I felt she was better serving me, I had no intention of dying in America or anywhere else for that matter. Today would be the first of many victories, Chelsea would see how powerful I still was and come to heel while Marcus would realize his usefulness was at an end. I still hadn't decided what to do with him yet. I knew he craved only death, to be reunited with his beloved wife but it might suit me better if Chelsea were to reaffirm his loyalty and let him go on suffering, after all his gift was still very useful.

As we made our way to the scene of the confrontation I heard word from the rear that Marcus and Chelsea were joining us. Splendid, now I had no worries at all. The Major and his interfering wife would see the combined might of the Volturi crush them and it would serve as a warning to any other rebels, don't mess with us...or else!

Peter

When my cell phone went I saw it was my contact in Volterra. For him to be contacting me now it couldn't be good news. I listened while he talked then went to The Major,

"You got a minute?"

He looked at my face and nodded, following me out of earshot of the others.

"I just got a call from Corey in Volterra. It seems Chelsea and Marcus are on their way here too. What do you think that means?"

"One hell of a fight I guess."

"Do you think they are here to back up Aro?"

"Could be, but not necessarily. They could be here to see how well he does against us before deciding which way to jump."

"We stand no fucking chance if they join Aro"

"Well we better just hope they don't then Captain."

"Yeah well I'm keeping every fucking thing crossed. It could be a massacre otherwise."

"A good way to go though Peter. Defending your family and friends"

"True, but I'd prefer to be wining and dining them if you don't object."

He looked at me with a smile,

"Peter, if it's the end then I just want to say its been a pleasure serving with you, you've been a good friend too"

I clutched his shoulder briefly

"Same here Major. Fuck it, let's go down fighting."

"I'll second that." Emmett had come up behind us.

"I take it your call wasn't good news"

I shook my head,

"I think there may be a few more of the fuckers than we were anticipating."

"Well, I'd rather go out fighting than any other way, so let's do it."