Chapter 42 – Love Will Take You

-In my arms, let's share the cold.

In my eyes, you're all I've known

Darlin' let's go home.


The smell of vampire was horrible, but the smell of roasting vampire ... absolutely putrid!

Dominic's snout wrinkled and he sneezed violently as his body tried to rid itself of the revolting smell.

His reaction amused Gianna. When her melodic laughter rang out like church bells on Sunday morning, it claimed all his attention. It was music to his heart. Distracted, he involuntarily phased back to human form.

Abruptly faced with him in the form she had fallen in love with a lifetime ago, her laughter caught in her burning throat. Their eyes locked in silence as their new reality took hold. The two fated lovers stared at each other with renewed eyes.

For Gianna, her new abilities registered characteristics about him she had not seen with her limited human senses – the stunning hue of his skin, the dark richness of his eyes, the small lines etched into his skin from his smile, the alluring rippling of his muscles as they tensed and released, and well, the strong scent of him, too. But what struck her the most was an overwhelming feeling of possessiveness. He belonged to her!

A smile lit up her face. She – they – had made it. Her slate was cleared. A new life, a second chance. Unlike her previous life - in this life, her course was clear.

For Dominic, taking in the exquisite, almost fluid shifting expressions on her face left him breathless. Not because she was utterly glorious or even because her skin reflected the sunlight like the most incredible glass prism he had ever witnessed, but because of her smile. Her complete expression of joy rendered his human knees weak.

With no hint of regret or doubt in her eyes, he knew she still wanted him. It was there for him to read on her perfect face. His concern over the intricacies of mating and imprinting flew away. She was his and that was all that mattered.

No words were needed. The bond that enveloped the two of them pulled them together like the sweetest gravity. Before he could blink an eye, she had him wrapped in an embrace that tested the strength of his bones.

When he sputtered to breathe, Gianna smirked into the hot, hard muscles of his bare chest. "I'm sorry. Don't know my own strength. Good thing you don't smell appetizing..."

Her arms loosened their grip so he could breathe, but he held her tighter. The coldness of her body, especially against his blazing internal furnace, caused him to flinch slightly. "Fire and ice. They say opposites attract."

"Could there possibly be an odder couple?" she whispered, registering the polar opposites of their bodies as well.

Wrapped securely in his arms, Gianna's body started to shake as his laughter took over his large frame. "No, I don't think there is. And I can only begin to imagine the fun we are going to have overcoming all our differences. Good thing I perfected my mouth breathing while in that wretched castle!"

They indulged in stress-relieving laughter before Gianna pulled away from Dominic to gaze over her shoulder at the fire.

"I so hope this is over, Domenico. I've been to hell and back – at least twice now. I want to actually start living this life. And that means getting as far away from here as we can. Promise me, we'll leave this all behind?"

Despite her incredible newborn strength and abilities, she still needed his reassurance and support.

"We are going to go back to the states with Bella and Edward. He has already offered his family's assistance in getting us on our supernatural feet. And I've learned I have family on my dad's side he will introduce me to."

The smoldering embers of her enemies took a backseat to Dominic's good news. "That's wonderful."

"Edward knows a lot about my ancestry. He's going to help me get the answers I've always wanted."

Again, a brilliant smile was given to him by his imprint. "I look forward to all our new discoveries."

( ~ * ~ )

Bella and Edward walked hand in hand toward the fading purple smoke fully aware their pace was slowing with each step. There was much to say...

Edward spoke first. His tone of voice conveyed his displeasure with her actions. "You do know that my ... vocalizations were meant to be a warning for you to run away from danger, not toward it, right?"

Bella squeezed Edward's hand tighter. Too tight for his comfort. It was an intentional action – she wanted to drive home the fact that she wasn't a weakling anymore, and besides that, when had she ever abandoned him? "I didn't run from Victoria or any other threat we've faced, what made you think I'd run now?"

"Do you ever do as you're told?" Edward shook his head and smiled crookedly.

"I don't remember 'obey' being part of our vows," Bella retorted.

Edward nodded in feigned contemplation. "Speaking of our marriage vows, hindsight being twenty-twenty, I think we will need to revisit those... Things have undoubtedly changed between us which may necessitate a revision in our vows."

Bella stopped in her tracks, yanking Edward to a stop as well. "Care to elaborate on that, Mr. Cullen?"

The tone of her voice was so hostile, he thought it wise to conceal his amusement at the plan that was quickly forming in his head.

"You know, I do have to admit, I was impressed with the impromptu battle strategy you pulled off with Dominic and Gianna. Jasper will certainly be impressed as well. Who orchestrated it?"

Bella eyed him with suspicion. The sudden change in subject did not escape her notice. But his lingering lopsided grin cajoled her into playing along.

"I guess fate finally saw it fit to smile upon us. Gianna had awoken abruptly not long after you left. When I heard you and I took off, they followed. For Gianna, it must have been one rude awakening." Bella reflected for a moment on how quickly Gianna had reacted despite her situation. "We all suspected the Volturi, but when Gianna started grumbling about tearing whoever it was apart, I realized she was the wild card no one would expect." Bella shrugged. "We used it to our advantage."

"Girl power. Sweet." Edward drew out the last word.

Bella laughed at his out-of-character response and tugged him into resuming their trek toward the fire where she expected to find Dominic and Gianna waiting.

"See," Edward added, "told you I can change. Old dog, new tricks..." He squeezed her hand.

They emerged from the trees to find Gianna and a very naked Dominic locked in a passionate kiss next to the vampire bonfire.

"Ugh! Get a room!" Bella said aloud, as obviously Dominic and Gianna were too engaged to otherwise notice their approach.

Gianna quickly broke their kiss to stand in front of Dominic, covering his exposed … humanness.

With a chuckle, Bella began to remove Marcus's cloak, but Dominic stopped her saying, "I certainly don't plan to hop on Gianna's back for the rest of this journey, so keep it. I'll travel wolf-style, thank you."

Edward took Bella's hand. "The faster we move the better. But maybe we earned a trip into the valley for a celebratory hunt?" He looked pointedly at Gianna who had been unconsciously stroking her throat with her right hand. "And then we'll make for Switzerland. And home."

( ~ * ~ )

Gianna turned out to be quite the natural hunter. Edward had instructed her in how to locate and take down prey, however that was all the assistance he needed to provide.

It wasn't long after that she caught the scent of a nearby herd. "I smell them!" Gianna exclaimed, proud she had identified their scent before anyone else in their party. Her throat flared up in response and her body began to quake with anticipation.

Edward, I think I've got this one handled. Do you mind...?

The meaning of Dominic's mental request was loud and clear. He wanted to keep this hunt an intimate affair between him and his imprint. Still, Edward worried about newborn tendencies – after all, Dominic had blood running through his vessels, and that could be a temptation Gianna might find irresistible once the thrill of the hunt set in... Quite frankly, Edward thought Dominic's plan bordered on reckless.

"Are you absolutely sure?" Edward pressed. His question and tone drew curious looks from Gianna and Bella.

Yes.

Edward's lips pressed into a hard line before they parted to address the bewilderment on Gianna and Bella's faces. "Gianna, Bella and I are going to scout ahead. Dominic will be your hunting companion this round."

Edward tried to block out the intimate thoughts that scrambled through Gianna and Dominic's minds in response to his statement. "Have at it." He grinned as he took Bella's hand and hastily led her in the opposite direction of the herd. There was no way he wanted to experience what was about to happen visually or mentally.

When they ventured out of sight and earshot of the hunting couple, Bella voiced her concern. "Are you sure it's safe for him to be alone on a hunt with her?"

He shrugged slightly. "Dominic and Gianna seem to think so. And besides, I thought you would approve of my less protective approach."

"You continue to amaze me, Edward Cullen," Bella gibed.

Abruptly he pulled her in tight against his body. "I plan to continue to amaze you, Isabella Cullen," he promised seductively, allowing a low, deep growl to punctuate his meaning.

His aggressive show of affection launched her insides into a frenzy. "You're toying with my newborn lack of control, aren't you?"

"Damn right," he hissed before taking her lips in a very forceful kiss. "I may be able to lighten up on my protectiveness, but never on my possessiveness. You're mine. And I don't have to worry about losing control with you anymore."

Suddenly, Bella had an irrepressible urge to breathe – heavily. There was no rush of blood pounding in her ears like there used to be when his closeness aroused her, but the coiling in her gut filled her with desire and need.

She reached up to lace her fingers around the back of his neck. Edward grunted once as she pulled him down so she could kiss his lips. But that wasn't enough to satisfy her. He had ignited a fire inside and she wanted more of him. She wanted all of him.

Their first love making after their reconciliation was beautiful, tender, and bonded them. It had served a purpose. This time, she wanted sex - reckless, passionate, and greedy sex.

Hungrily, she nipped at his lips enjoying how they now had give against hers. Her tongue ventured between his parted lips and this time he didn't pull away. That wasn't necessary anymore - they were made of the same indestructible stuff. She deepened their kiss and he responded in kind.

Bella pulled away panting, "You have no idea how badly I want to rip those clothes off of you right now!" Her words a hushed mix of a curse and an expression of intent.

Edward shook his head, his dark eyes blazing with want. "Oh, I think I know exactly how you feel."

"Will I ever get tired of this? Will we ever be able to stop once we are alone?" Bella asked breathlessly as she undid the small buttons on Edward's shirt, her mind working feverishly just to keep her hands from tearing his only shirt to shreds. "I'm glad your family is rich because I have a feeling I'm going to destroy a lot of your clothing…"

Her blatant desire fed his, and he covered her neck with wet kisses as she freed him of his shirt.

His mouth on her neck sparked a need within her. "Claim me, Edward," she begged. "Please… I want that so much."

"Bella…" He stilled at her suggestion, his breath warm against her skin compared to the cold mountain wind that whipped around them.

"If I'm your mate, prove it!" she commanded.

Edward closed his eyes. How many times had she begged him to let go of his restraint and he had refused her? How many times had he fought back against his nature, the caged monster deep inside him that chipped away at his will to keep Bella human?

Overcoming his well-honed control, he allowed his lips to part against the smooth, fragrant skin of her neck. She smelled so delicious, and there was no doubt he wanted to claim her in every way a vampire could claim a mate. Marcus may have had made her vampire, but he would claim her for now and for ever.

He scraped his teeth teasingly against her skin, relishing the moment he had only envisioned in his darkest, most forbidden fantasies, until she cried out, "Please!"

As his teeth sunk into her flesh and she called out his name, lost in an onslaught of the most pleasurable emotion imaginable and sharpest sensation of pain. Lines blurred. Logic vanished. She lived solely in the world of instinct. But even in that world, there was turmoil as her mighty drive for self-protection clashed with the equally strong innate desire to be claimed by her mate.

He swallowed her nectar, an incredible blend of them both infused with the blood they had consumed as predators. And with the sound of her voice calling his name in ecstasy, he embraced all of his nature, and for the first time in his long existence, he felt … whole.

When the fog of rapture lifted, Bella and Edward found themselves on their knees in an embrace, wondering how they ever got there…

Pulling back to look at Edward, Bella needlessly blinked several times. "That! That was..."

Edward's responding smile was magnificent. "That must be the reason Rose and Emmett destroyed so much property."

Bella waited for the burn of the blush that never happened. "I love you."

"Forever."

Her hand reached out to caress the defined muscles of his bare chest. She was pleased to see her skin glisten in the sunlight just as dazzlingly as his.

But something was wrong. Her spine chilled before her brain fully registered the input…

She was on her feet in a blink of a human eye, spreading her shield around Edward.

"Bella, what is it?"

"That smell … vampire."

As his sense of smell was not as acute as a newborn's, it took Edward another twenty seconds to recognize the scent that had put Bella on full alert. It was definitely vampire. And there was definitely more than one. Fortunately, he also heard their intentions clearly in his head.

"It's getting closer!" She spun around attempting to visualize the threat closing in on them. Her jaw dropped when she heard begin to laugh.

"They've found us, Bella. They've come to take us home!"

When she held an expression of confusion, Edward realized she wouldn't know their vampire scents - not yet. He rushed to clarify before Bella's defensive shield did something she would regret. "You do know, Alice won't be able to restrain herself from tackling you."

"Alice?"

Bella's eyes caught the glint of swirling snow in the distance behind Edward, even in the bright sunshine, it glittered more than nature would ever allow. Then it hit her. "Alice!"

Hesitantly at first, Bella began to run toward the tornado of snow skirting quickly along the mountain side and toward the valley. Edward snagged his shirt and followed closely behind her as he listened to the distinct collection of minds he knew as family…

Bro! Seen any Yetis around here? I'm starved!

Edward chuckled. He could always count on Emmett for two things – fierce loyalty and a slightly warped sense of humor.

"Alice!" Bella was now calling out in anticipation as her pace quickened leaving him trailing behind her.

Edward could hear Jasper's mind basking in the bliss blooming all around him, an emotion he wondered if he would feel again. To his surprise, Edward was struck most by Rose's deep sense of relief and gratitude. It would be a wonderful reunion.

As his group of siblings burst from the snowline onto the rocky terrain at the top of the valley, the happiness at seeing Bella and Edward alive and well was clear on their faces.

Bella sprinted ahead of Edward and collided with Alice. The two spun around giggling until Bella pulled Alice into a tight hug.

"Ouch, Bella!" Alice squealed as Edward received hugs from his other siblings.

Just as Edward finished greeting Emmett, Jasper, and Rose, he heard Alice's concerned thoughts.

Edward. She's sobbing.

Bella's happiness at seeing her best friend and, for all intent and purpose, her sister, had gone to relief and then spilled over into grief as the weight of all that had happened crashed down on her.

"Shhh," Alice comforted as she stroked Bella's hair. "It's okay now. You're safe. You're with family."

Bella nodded into Alice's shoulder.

As Alice tended to Bella, Edward moved closer to Jasper. "Can you help her?"

Jasper nodded. Bella's trembling eased, but she still had not released Alice.

"Thank you. The Volturi really messed with her mind and emotions. It will take a while to undo what they have done. How did you find us?"

"Believe me, Edward, we would have come sooner, but Carlisle didn't want to play into the Volturi's hands. He was convinced Aro's ultimate plan included destroying our whole coven. Taking you and Bella was just the tip of the iceberg." Edward could see the expression of guilt in Jasper's eyes. "But not acting to rescue the two of you … let's just say it has been very tense at home."

"I never believed anyone would give up on us, just as I would never give up if the situation was reversed," Edward said, hoping to alleviate any thoughts on Jasper's part that he had felt abandoned.

"As far as our timing and finding you – the Volturi should never have bet against Alice. She was able to catch glimpses of you and Bella. Just bits and pieces, mostly. It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, but she was very determined." From over Bella's shoulder, Alice gave her mate a wink. "Fortunately, a break came when Alice saw Bella's plan to involve Marcus in Aro's destruction. At that point we called in reinforcements to take out the trackers Aro had left in the area to keep us contained."

Edward clenched his fists in anger. His family had been kept like prisoners by Aro's henchmen. "Reinforcements?"

Jasper placed a hand on Edward's shoulder. "There's been a change in command among the wolves. Jacob has taken the role as Alpha. When we got word to him that Bella had been kidnapped not killed, he was more than willing to help us get to you."

"So I owe that dog another debt of gratitude?" He sighed and Jasper grinned apologetically. "Where's Carlisle? I … after what I said to him in the castle …" Edward vividly remembered how harshly he had spoken to Carlisle, and how he had renounced his coven. Carlisle's conspicuous absence had Edward very concerned his father and leader had taken his words to heart.

"We went straight to the castle, and when we met with no resistance … Edward, what the hell happened in there?" Jasper couldn't resist asking.

"It's a very long and convoluted story, brother."

With that, Jasper cracked a full smile. "I'm sure the details will be worth the wait. Carlisle stayed in Volterra with Eleazar, Carmen, Esme, Tanya, Kate, and Garrett. They are working to establish an interim vampire government before word leaks out there isn't one."

"Did you and Bella destroy them all?" Emmett asked with a bit too much enthusiasm.

Edward bowed his head thinking back to what he knew versus what he could only deduce. "For certain, Santiago, Corin, Alec, and Jane were destroyed. There is a good chance Afton and Chelsea escaped. I can't be sure on the rest." Edward stole a glance at Bella, who was now talking quietly with Alice.

Jasper was deep in thought, recalling with perfect clarity the scene from the castle. "There were more piles of ashes than you describe. Pity we have no way of telling who is who."

"Many were dismembered when the room was engulfed in flames so others could have succumbed, and Marcus did indicate he would remain to assure our safety…"

"Marcus?" Rose interjected with shock. "Why would he help you destroy his own regime?"

"Like I said, it's a long and convoluted story," Edward repeated his earlier sentiment.

"And now is not the time for story telling." Alice piped in, approaching her four siblings huddled closely in conversation. She was holding Bella by the hand. "Now is the time for rejoicing!"

"Agreed," Bella smiled as Rose embraced her.

"Edward…" Jasper cautioned as a wave of aggression and anxiety from outside their group intruded on the happy reunion.

Hearing their thoughts just as Jasper sensed emotions, Edward shouted out, "Dominic! Gianna! Stand down; we are all on the same side!"

From opposite directions, Dominic and Gianna approached cautiously. Although they had complete trust in Edward, their instincts were still on edge. These new arrivals were unknown to them. If they weren't Volturi, how did they manage to find them?

Jasper immediately took a defensive stance. To his trained eyes, she was clearly a newborn, and Dominic ... it was obvious what he was ... and neither of them could be trusted.

He moved closer to Alice, whose eyes shot to Edward as the remaining pieces slid into place. "It was him!" She angrily pointed her finger at Dominic. "He must have been the one blocking my sight! He's how the Volturi took Bella without me seeing. And she was there in the castle … the Volturi vampire wannabe!"

At hearing Alice's fury, Dominic froze in his tracks. Gianna darted to his side, crouching in warning.

Edward raised his hands and tried to place himself between his family and his new friends. "Everyone calm down. Let me explain."

Emmett shifted Rose to a protected position behind him, but he still couldn't resist marveling at Dominic's incredible size. "What in the damnation have you been feeding him?"

Peering from around Emmett's shoulder, Rose weighed who she distrusted more, the oversized, four-legged vampire destroyer or the bright-eyed Volturi at his side. "Why are they with you?"

"Because the Volturi used them to get to us," Bella spoke up. "They were victims as well."

"Bella, are you saying you trust them?" Rose questioned. "They kidnapped you. Took you from us. My God, we went to your funeral!"

"It's okay, Rose, really. I know you went through a lot, but please don't blame Gianna and Dominic. They stood no chance against Aro's scheming," Bella reasoned.

"They are with us. I've given my word," Edward added.

Rose's face soured. "What do you mean by 'they are with us'?" I've accepted the fact that Bella has a dog, but don't tell me … you too?

Edward had to admit, he actually missed Rose's biting sarcasm. "I mean, I have invited them to return with us. Gianna is not Volturi and is already on course to becoming a vegetarian. We can't give up on her."

"I know what I did was wrong. I'll do whatever you ask to make up for my mistakes," Gianna pleaded with the strange colored-eyed vampires.

Edward continued with his introductions. "And Dominic, as you probably guessed already, is part Quileute. I've promised to introduce him to the tribe he didn't know he belonged to." Hearing Dominic's thoughts, Edward turned and nodded. "No, I agree with you." Maintaining a straight face, he said to Rose, "Dominic said he'd be glad to introduce himself, but he thought his nakedness might make the wrong impression."

Rosalie looked appalled, but Emmett burst out laughing, shattering the tension. "Hey, I like him already! And I can't wait to see Jacob lose his shit when he sees the size of him."

"Well, I can't see either of their futures, which is to be expected with the wolf, but not for Gianna. So, reading between the lines … Gianna and Dominic don't go their separate ways." Alice's eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Dominic imprinted on Gianna," Bella confirmed for Alice.

Emmett roared, "Oh, no way! Now that's gonna go over like a lead balloon on the Rez."

Edward shot him a stern look. "It will be easier if Gianna shows up with golden eyes. Hence our role."

"One big happy family!" Alice chimed. "Now, what do you say we do less jawing and more running?"

"Running to where?" Bella asked tentatively.

"No," Edward responded flatly, plucking the answer from his siblings' minds. "You can't expect Bella to go back there."

"Don't worry, Edward. I already saw Bella not returning to the castle - ever. Plans are set to meet everyone outside the walls of Volterra. On the landing strip to be exact. I'll just need to contact Esme once we are in cell phone range. I'll also tell her to bring some extra clothes." Alice smiled at Dominic.

"Bella?" Edward approached her, taking her hands in his.

She knew Edward was asking if she was willing to go back. And honestly, if he could hear inside her head, he'd know she never wanted to even think of that city again, let alone see it. Still, she battled with their promise to make honesty a priority and her desire to sacrifice for him – it was clear from his overheard conversation with Jasper, something had jeopardized Edward's relationship with Carlisle. She could hear in his voice he was deeply troubled by it.

Deciding she would not be selfish and let her emotions keep them from resolving whatever that issue was, Bella forced a smile. "I think a full Cullen family reunion is in order. Let's go back."


A/N: One more chapter to go. Not sure how long said chapter will be, but it is already in the works. Since I aim to please, let me know what you want to read in the end, any last requests, and any loose ends you will lose sleep over if I don't tie them up (LOL). However, I'm leaving some things open for possible outtakes and future takes.

As I start to mourn the ending of this story, just want to remind the readers, many of you who I have had the fortune of corresponding with regularly through your kind reviews, you can keep in touch with me on FaceBook at TwilteAddict FanFic and on my YouTube Channel (TwiliteAddict). If you haven't had a chance, do check out my Reflections of Twilight video (a fond look back at my favorite scenes from the movies). The link is at the beginning of my profile page.

Thank you RowanMoon, Ashling92, and RosaBella75. I've got to say they have been very gracious in coming through when this pushy biotch decides she wants to post ASAP!