Chapter Eighty Five

Bella

I couldn't take my eyes from the remains of Caius Volturi, what were these spirit warriors? If they were that powerful why hadn't the guardians set them loose on the vampires before now? Jasper seemed to understand the questions whizzing through my head because he took my hands in his and pulled me into a hug,

"The spirit warriors don't distinguish between humans and vampires very easily and they would kill thousands of humans for each vampire they find. The guardians don't want carnage any more than we do."

"Bella"

The cry was cut short and I turned to see the Volturi guard surrounding our little party, Aro at its centre smiling brightly,

"I think Major that there should be payment for losing a brother. You and your friends can join us in Volterra where you will make useful editions to the guard."

I could see a strange light in Jaspers eyes as, to my amazement, he nodded trying to join the others who all stood placidly waiting as if having lost their individual wills. I scoured my brain for something to explain their attitudes and something Darius had told me surfaced. I looked around the guard and finally locked on her, Chelsea, the gift of compliance, acceptance, well it didn't influence me and soon it wouldn't affect any of us. I concentrated pushing my shield out to cover first Jasper and as his face came back to life I extended it over the rest watching Aro's smile dim before fading all together as our friends joined us.

"No Aro. Your brother was the architect of his own destruction. Now I know why the guardians distrust you so much. My mate and my friends are free and I intend they stay that way. In exchange I won't shield your gifts from Chelsea, who knows which way they might decide if given free will. I'll give you a free demonstration just so you know I can keep my word."

I looked around and concentrated on two of the unknown guards and as their eyes cleared I addressed them myself.

"You are free to leave the guard and live as you wish in freedom or you can stay with the Volturi."

They looked at Aro and Marcus who stood watching interested to see what if anything would happen. One guard was too scared to leave but the other took to his heels."

"See? Oh yes, he is covered by me too for the future so no hunting him down or we will meet again."

Aro

I had thought we could absorb the gifts of the Major's party into the guard but my plan backfired and I lost a guard as well as a brother. Caius death didn't bother me too much, he had become somewhat of a liability over the past few years and I was concerned he might try to kill me and take over the reins of the Volturi but now I could breath easier. I could have tried using Chelsea's gift but Caius had his own shield, very weak but just enough to protect him from all but the most powerful mind control. Marcus didn't seem to care much either way but I valued his friendship even if it was given grudgingly, holding power in Volterra was a lonely job, I had only my wife Sulpicia to turn to and she did not show any interest in politics since I had set Corin over the wives to keep them happy. Athenadora, now she could be a problem but Corin could keep her content as Chelsea kept Marcus loyal and who knew, perhaps she might take another mate in her false world of contentment, we would see.

Bella was an unexpected weapon and one that was loyal to her friends and mate, one I couldn't acquire at least not for now but I was patient, I had centuries to find a way to draw her in. In the meantime I would monitor her activities although her mate and his friends had never posed a risk to us or our rule so perhaps to leave them to their own devices was a better decision. I nodded to the guard who formed up around Marcus and myself,

"I think it is time we left Major, Bella. I hope to see you again one day under better circumstances."

"If we don't meet again I will be more than happy Aro."

Even her mate and friends were taken aback by her bluntness but I rather liked it, it made a refreshing change.

"Goodbye Bella. You make a beautiful member of our world, the Major is a very lucky man."

"Thank you."

I turned and we walked away into the trees away from the guardians and Bella Whitlock.

"You knew he would do that didn't you Aro?"

I looked up distractedly at Marcus,

"Oh Caius you mean? Yes I knew he would insist on proof of the spirit warriors and I knew it would mean his death."

"He was becoming a nuisance to you wasn't he?"

"Yes Marcus, a man more ambitious than me? Not a good idea to have such a man standing at your shoulder."

Bella

I heaved a sigh of relief when the Volturi disappeared from view and wrapped my arms around my mate absorbing comfort from his closeness.

"So Bella kicked Aro's butt. I've waited a long time to see that. Well done Bella"

"Thank you Peter. So am I in favour now?"

"I guess so, I kinda got used to you now and much as it grieves me I have to admit you're a good influence on The Major."

Alice walked over with Darius holding her close to him.

"If the fun is over Alice and I thought we might leave, I'm going to show her my apartment in Boston and after that who knows?"

I smiled at my old friend, I was glad she'd finally found her man and I no longer saw her as a possible rival,

"I'm sure we'll meet up again soon. Thank you for everything Darius."

He smiled at me and winked,

"I haven't had so much fun since Peter set fire to his pants"

"I did not. It was an accident that nearly killed me you sick fucker."

"I'm gonna miss your colourful language too."

Peter laughed and even managed a peck on the cheek for Alice although from her expression he was warning her what would happen if she hurt Darius in any way. I remembered the chat, we'd had the same one some time ago.

Jasper

Peter and Charlotte left with Garrett soon after,

"I think it's about time we got some serious partying done, a little hunting, a little work on the house, and a lot of sex."

"Count me out on the last Peter. In fact count me out altogether. I want to talk to Carlisle and Eleazer."

"Fucking traitor"

Garrett gave Peter the finger as he walked away but it was taken in good part.

"Are they always so warm towards each other?"

Jasper smiled and I felt my dead heart struggle to beat once more,

"That's mild by their standards, well what about us?"

"I like Peters plan personally."

"Come on then, I happen to know of a small cabin that's deserted this time of year. I'm not sure about the work but I can offer you the other two choices."

"Now that's an offer I can't refuse."

I took Bella's hand and we ran off deep into the heart of the national park although I knew it wasn't over quite yet. She'd forgotten one thing but I knew Darius hadn't despite his words and I wondered how long it would be before we heard from him again.