AN: This chapter is pretty damn epic. Lemon alert! Bwahaha

Blah, blah, blah, Meyer, blah, blah, blah. I don't own twilight

CHAPTER 7

BPOV

We approached Angelo's cell. I dropped my shield from Aro and J so the memories could be transferred. I stood with Pete, Charlotte, Marcus and Caius outside the cell door. Aro put one hand on Angelo's neck and took J's hand. Charlie stood by, ready to intervene.

J's hand gradually tightened around Aro's. Dad's voice rang out "stop now," Aro let go of both of them and I pushed my shield forward to protect them. J was frozen, his eyes fluttered behind his lids. Charlie guided him over to me "he needs you" he said, before returning to Aro and Angelo. I moved my hand and touched J's chest. The ridges of his scars stood out against my palm.

J's eyes opened, they were angry and red, but I could see he was still in control. He joined Charlie and Aro in front of Angelo and gripped his old enemy by the neck. Angelo's eyes widened, his pupils constricting and his body shaking as J sent him to emotional hell. I saw Pete smirk.

I focused on my breathing and calmed myself. I would be J's anchor. He started to slump from exhaustion and Charlie guided him back through the cell door. Aro called me into the cell and held out his hand. I took it and dropped my shield. An image floated into my mind; I saw a small flame dance across my skin, it would slowly scorch Angelo. It would be a long and painful death. 'Can you do that Bella?' Aro asked through his gift. I nodded, during the transformation the ancestors had shown me a glimpse of the flames around my shield changing to my will. I hadn't tried to manipulate it yet, but I was willing to try.

Aro moved back to the others. My power blocking shield flowed behind me like a cape, covering myself and the others. J had recovered and stood next to me "I want the last face he sees to be mine" he said, the others nodded. We were alone in the cell with him. Either side of the cell had stone walls that stopped the prisoners from seeing each other. I summoned the heat within and felt the fire race across my shield. I pulled some of my power back, the flames shrank and turned blue. I guided the flames to my hand, amazed at the control I had over it.

I pulled back some more of the heat as the fire concentrated around my fingertips. It felt alive, sentient. It seemed to understand me. I touched my finger to Angelo's hand, a few flames jumped to him. I did the same to his other hand and his feet. The flames sparked and crackled from the venom, but burned him slowly. J stayed by my side as his enemy slowly smoldered. Angelo's breaths rattled, his lungs were being destroyed. When the flames reached his neck J took off his mask.

Angelo stared disbelievingly, unable to talk as his voice box was incinerated. J smirked then roared, releasing the hate, anger and disgust he had felt while seeing Angelo's memories. Angelo's charcoaled form crumbled and dissipated. His ashes caught a breeze and floated up to the small window, they disappeared into the sky. J turned to dad and smiled. Dad's head bobbed underneath his cloak "well done, War."

We returned upstairs to discuss the other prisoners, dad joined us. "What do you think about the two young ones in the fourth cell?" He asked us. Aro thought deeply and put his own opinion forward "their names are Evan and Mark. They are relatively innocent, but they did bad things under the orders of Angelo and the others. From what I saw, they did it out of fear for the lives. They hadn't been taught about our laws and thought they were the only commune of vampires in existence until you arrived."

J nodded "I felt their fear as their memories crossed their minds, it was mixed with shame and regret. Charlie, did you read anything on them while we were close?" Dad nodded "the boys' spirits suggest innocence and fear. Darkness clings to them, but it mirrors a very small portion of what yours felt like, J. They would need to learn and adjust to the real world, rehabilitation I guess, rather than undergoing the pressure of trial and judgment."

Pete weighed into the discussion "they are boys, scared and brainwashed by a creature that tortured his charges in every way possible. I say we give them a chance. My gift is telling me the Telepath must be kept alive." Marcus nodded "I see a mating bond between Mark, the telepath, and one of our own." He said. Aro turned to him. "Who?" Marcus smiled "Alec, Mark is his true mate." We smiled, Alec was a good guy. Now he had a mate and the boys were safe. The mood in the room lightened.

"How old were Mark and Evan when they were turned?" I asked. "15." Aro answered "they had been turned just 18 months previous. They were scared of their masters, but more scared of dying. They did what they had to, to survive. When they got the chance to command the two small forces in the mountains around Monticello they jumped at the opportunity to get away from the other generals and the newer, more violent newborns. I read no malice or hatred, only fear and desperation." He said.

"They felt no deception." J observed. Aro turned to dad. "Charlie, I agree with your recommendation; Rehabilitation. We'll give them a chance to learn the laws, let them spend time with Em and Rose and teach them to appreciate life."
"I'm glad to hear it, Aro. The boys will need routine and purpose." Dad said. Marcus approved and shocked everyone by adding; "I'd like to volunteer to mentor the boys in our history and laws. Perhaps Charlie and I can put together a timetable?" Marcus looked to dad who nodded, smiling.

The meeting adjourned and the Masters went to release the boys from the dungeon and introduce them to Alec. The others scattered in different directions, all of them keen to do something to help Evan and Mark settle in. With the others preoccupied, Athenadora gave Pete, Char, J and I a tour of their wing. Pete and Char had been given a room at the end of the hall, close to a staircase leading to the underground car park that had been renamed the bat cave.

J and I were led upstairs, our room was half way down the hall. Athenadora let us in and whispered, "Marcus advised me to put you in this room, its sound proof. He mentioned you were newly mated and hadn't been able to consummate the bond because you were living in close quarters with your blood relatives." I smelt Char's altered scent and saw the duffle bag she'd helped me pack in secret.

I almost threw myself an Athenadora in gratitude, she laughed "I set an alarm for you, the trials start tomorrow at noon, the alarm is set for 11:30am. Have fun kids!" She flitted out of the room, J called out to her "you're my favorite, Aunty Dora" and closed the door.

I ran into the bathroom at full speed carrying the duffle bag with me. I sat it in the corner, away from the shower, and threw off my clothes. I hung my cloak and mask on hooks lining the inside of the door. My shower was rushed; I scrubbed, rinsed and dried at full speed and picked the skimpiest outfit I could find; a black lace nightgown. I spotted the cowboy boots I'd worn since we arrived and pulled them back on.

I unlocked the door, J had his back to me. He was shirtless and in the process of removing his pants. His cloak was neatly folded in the wardrobe. I leaned against the door jam and spoke "you're assuming a bit much, aren't you, J?"
"I'm getting ready for a shower since you went solo-" He turned around, his voice died as he took in my attire. I pounced on him before he could recover and dug the heels of the boots into his thighs "giddy up!" I yelled. He laughed stumbled to the bed, pinning me to the mattress.

He kissed me hard and ground himself against me, I met his hips eagerly. We were desperate and brimming with lust. I didn't care that it was my first time, I needed him now. I reached down and freed him from his pants, palming him. He buried his head in my shoulder. I flipped him on the bed and moved on top of him, lining him up and slowly sinking on to him, he stretched me in the most pleasurable way. I stilled.

J felt my surprise and sent me some confusion "I thought the first time was meant to hurt" I explained, he shrugged "given how clumsy you were as a human you probably broke it by accident."
"I didn't fall onto anything-" I started, he silenced me with a kiss "doesn't matter, I know you haven't been with anyone else and I'm glad it didn't hurt, so quit overthinking it and fuck me."

I felt a jolt of electricity go through me as he swore, my surprise wore off and I realize I had my mate lying beneath me; naked and willing. I rocked my hips and nearly fell over from the pleasure, losing your virginity as a vampire was better than any other loss of virginity story I'd heard from humans. I tried moving faster, but the pleasure distracted me from my movements.

J nudged me onto my back and slammed into me "FUCK YES!" I cried. I felt him move inside me, hitting parts I didn't know existed. He thrust harder, growling and swearing into my shoulder with each movement. "fuck, Fuck, FUCK! Pleasetellmeyou'reclose" he strained out. I noticed the coil of pressure that accompanied the tingling pleasure going through me.

He pounded into me harder and I felt him twitch, the pressure released within me. It felt like I had electricity arcing along my skin, but all I cared about was the feeling of Jasper over me, around me, in me. I felt like we were floating, he twitched again and I felt him fill me. My instincts took over and I bit into his neck. I felt his teeth pierce my skin followed by the sting of venom, I felt myself clench around him with a final strong jolt of pleasure.

The pleasure receded and I felt over sensitive and relaxed. J was licking the bite on my neck and purring, I figured 'when in Rome' and decided to lick the bite I'd made on his neck.

A rattle sounded through my chest, I was purring too. The human part of my brain was amused. The vampire part of me loved it all; the bite, his tongue, the rumbling in his chest, it soothed me. I felt loved. The human part decided to use words like a civilized creature. I licked up his neck to his earlobe and whispered in his ear "marry me, J" I froze.

I had meant to say I love you or we should do that again hell, even you rock my world. But, those words weren't enough, I realized my proposal was exactly the right thing to say...ask... to convey my feelings. I wanted to marry the fuck out of J. I would be Mrs. Jasper Fucking Whitlock. I cleared my throat and asked again, this time feeling love and conviction.

He looked into my eyes "are you sure, Bella?" He asked and I nodded "would it help if I got down on one knee?" I said and smirked. He smiled and whispered "yes to marrying you, no to you leaving the bed." He kissed my face and chuckled happily. I felt him slip out of me and he cuddled me to his side, euphoria bounced between us. He started giggling "I can't believe you proposed to me during our first time having sex. You're perfect." His tone softened towards the end. I nuzzled my face into his neck and purred. We were perfect.

We slowly made love, enjoying the feel of each other. For the first time I truly appreciated being a vampire. I'd known it would happen and wanted it, but my first few weeks had been wrought with frustration, anger and bewilderment. I enjoyed the peace that came with being mated and alone with J.

The sun rose and J left to get a ring. We had twelve hours to ourselves with no interruptions and he wanted to go shopping. His puppy eyed look broke me within seconds. I cleaned up, got dressed and headed down stairs to see Char. I was on a mission. I knocked on their door, thankfully Char was the one to answer, Pete was in the shower. "I need to go shopping, urgently."

I fastened my cloak around my neck and put on my mask. She grabbed her boots, mask and cloak and put them on as she closed the door. "What's going on?" She asked. "Not yet." I said, I would tell her when we found a jewelry store. We bumped into Athenadora and I asked if she'd like to join us. She pulled her hood over her head, her robe was red like Caius' and very long. She led us to the bat cave and a black sedan that sat in the corner. She turned and asked, "where to?"
"I need a jeweler ASAP." I said.

She took us to a small jewelry shop in Florence, I sniffed around for J's scent, he wasn't here. Good. "Why the rush?" Char begged for the umpteenth time. "IproposedtoWarduringsexandhe'sgonetobuyaring,Iwanttobeathimtoit." I garbled out. We walked into the store, Dora and Char were trying to make words out of my mumbled sentence, I saw Dora's face as she worked it out. "You proposed to him?" She asked. I nodded and Char squealed. "During sex?" Dora continued, I nodded. Char froze in shock. Dora kept going "he's out now buying a ring, but you want to get him one first." I nodded. Char bent over laughing and hugged me "I love you for this, Death." Dora hugged me in congratulations.

"I come here whenever I want something special" Dora said as she led me to the case of men's jewelry. "You're lucky I know his ring size" She added as we looked through the rings. I spotted one at the back, platinum with interesting markings and a ruby. I waved the shop assistant over and pointed it out, she unlocked the case and picked it up.

It was a solid platinum band with a large ruby. On each side of the stone was an intricately carved Celtic style sword. "This!" I announced excitedly. Dora and Char were speechless, it would suit J and that's all I cared about.

Char finally exhaled "it's perfect. Honestly, it's like this ring was made for him." Dora nodded "its design is unique, the detail resembles a roman ceremonial sword. Caius was born during Roman times into the upper class. His family originated from a part of France that was under Roman rule. This ring combines War's family history, his present and his future." I handed over the debit card to the account Uncle Pete and Char set up for me with Whitlock money. Charlie and I were loaded since losing human status.

I was shaking with excitement as Char drove us back, Dora was looking closely at the ring I'd gotten J. "What are you thinking about, Dora?" I asked. She spoke softly in reply. "I'm memorizing the detail. Each member of the Volturi have replicas made of their jewelry. Every replica is made of titanium and vampire ash. I'll order a replica for this one when we arrive back."
"Can I ask for one alteration?"
"Of course." Dora smiled. "Instead of a stone, could a protrusion be made, one that looks like a claw?" I asked. She thought for a moment "I hadn't thought of adding something like that before. It sounds like an useful idea. I'll speak to our metallurgist." She said, handing me the ring.

I ran out of the car as soon as Char parked in the bat cave. I got to our room within seconds. I heard J in the shower and got out of my mask and cloak. He shut off the shower a short while later and rushed out to see me. He kissed me, wearing nothing but a towel, and my lust shot through the roof.

"How long do we have now?" J asked. "Two hours" I said between kisses. He mumbled "good" and kissed me harder. I took advantage of his distraction; slipping the ring out of my pocket and grabbing his left hand. I broke the kiss and looked in his eyes as I slid the ring on his finger. He looked down in shock, "Holy Fuck!" He glanced between the ring and me "this is fucking awesome!" He said. He ran to the wardrobe and rustled through some bags swearing as he dropped something on the floor.

He raced out holding a small black, velvet box and opened it. I froze, stunned by the ring inside. It was so pretty; a smoky diamond stood out against a finely detailed gold lace vine that formed a band. Under the diamond I could make out the details of a tiny, painted skeleton. Two emeralds glistened beside the diamond, a thin gold band framed the top and bottom of the ring, strengthening the vines in the center of the band. On the inside of the ring, behind the diamond setting, was a tiny inscription; diligerismortem. "It's gorgeous, J." he slipped it on my finger and kissed me. "It's a memento mori ring. Caius had it made for Athenadora when the last of their direct descendants died in the 1700s. They wanted me to give it to you." he whispered, "what does the inscription mean?" I asked. "diligeris mortem; Loved beyond death."

The alarm clock startled us out of our daze. We reluctantly parted and got ready. I only had to put my mask and cloak on, so I sat back and watched J get dressed. It was like a reverse strip tease at high speed. I rubbed the bite on my neck, smiling at J. He was finally ready and, unfortunately, clothed.

We headed down the hall and dad waved us over "drink up you two" he handed us a glass of human blood to mask our scent. He saw the rings on our fingers and looked at us confused. J smiled at me as I mumbled "I proposed." Dad laughed and patted J on the shoulder "congrats, I'm glad she has you with her for eternity. We'll have to go out and celebrate sometime soon."
"Thanks Dad-"
"Thanks Charlie-" dad walked with us, he was genuinely happy. It was a relief. I just hoped he'd find someone.

We head out to the foyer, almost skipping with joy. Rose tackled us both in a crushing hug "you're the best niece!" She squealed, Char had told her of our engagement. Emmett came over, begging to see our rings. "You're so bad arse, Death."
"Thanks Em."

We were passed around the family and Volturi friends. Marcus even smiled. Caius held up his hands trying to settle everyone down "sorry everyone, I promise we'll celebrate soon. At the moment we have people awaiting trial, game faces everyone." Em and Rose headed down a small corridor with Charlie to observe the trial from a safe place. We headed into the throne room ahead of the Masters. The guard lined the walls, standing behind the audience. J and I stood next to Marcus' throne while Pete and Char stood next to Caius'. Sulpicia and Athenadora stood behind the thrones, their faces veiled by their hoods.

The Masters walked in, their faces contorted to fulfill their roles. Marcus did an excellent job looking bored, Aro was as manic as ever and Caius kept his head down and scowled at the floor, trying to hide the occasional twitch of his lip.

The trials of Michael, Donovan and Angelo's two generals took a while. They were interrogated at length and used many excuses to dig themselves out of trouble. Aro shot them down easily. When one of Angelo's generals claimed to be 'Major Jasper Whitlock' there were a few gasps from the audience, his accomplice claimed to be Peter. Aro waved to Alec and Felix, they would be executed fairly. Any who suspected Angelo's generals to be J and Pete were silenced by their execution. The evidence against them had been substantial and damning.

The audience was ushered out by the guard. We headed into a smaller room, Pete walked beside me and whispered "shield." I expanded my power shield to protect the guard, the Masters and my family. Maria was brought out once the guard had taken their positions around the room. Her black eyes were unfocussed. Her body hunched over. "Maria," Aro started "we have viewed the memories you hold and those of your victims. You broke the conditions of your freedom and started a newborn army. How do you plead?"
"Guilty" her voice was little more than a whisper. I saw a flash of relief in Pete and Char's eyes and felt a tiny prickle of relief from J. Good. "For your crimes you are sentenced to death. For your admission of guilt we'll make it painless." Aro gestured to Alec who took away her senses, Felix tore her apart and Aro set her alight.

The smoke cleared from the room, Caius and Marcus joined Aro in front of the guard. Aro announced; "Dear Ones, with the trials over we may now proceed to positive matters. The four figures in blue standing near us are the newest allies to our coven. They are the Four Horsemen; an elite task force to aide us in protecting our family and our allies. Their identities will remain a secret, we ask that you honor their wishes for privacy. Should you learn of their identities we ask that you keep them confidential." He gestured for us to line up in front of the thrones. Sulpicia and Athenadora handed a couple of boxes to Marcus and Caius.

Aro called our names, "Death." I walked up to Aro and bowed, he took my hand and placed a ring on my little finger. It was gold band with the Volturi V, a sapphire was set into the middle of the letter. I walked back into line with the others. "War" J followed suit, receiving an identical ring on his little finger. Pete and Char were called up and the process repeated.

Aro started to dismiss us all when the doors flung open. Pete's eyes twinkled, he turned and winked at me. Edward stood in the open door way and moaned; "kill me, please."

A look of irritation passed Aro's face and he waved my ex forward. J squeezed my hand sending me love and comfort. I kept a firm hold on my shield. Edward knelt before the Masters "please, make it quick."
"Get up, you simpleton." Caius snarled. Edwards head shot up, he looked scared and glanced around the room. His eyes passed us by, barely taking in our masked forms. "I can't read your minds!" He said sharply. He actually sounded offended. I looked at Aro who winked at me, I nodded to him while Edward was busy scanning the guard.

"What brings you here, Edward? Is Carlisle all right?" Aro said with faux anxiety. Edward seemed to shake out of his stupor "oh, yes. They're fine, but I'm lost. Adrift! My mate died and I can't bear it." J shook his head.

Edward approached Marcus, I wanted to slap him. I wanted rip his jaw off for thinking of coming to Marcus and spouting bullshit to a man who still grieved. J had told me about Didyme's murder. It had happened during a war between the old tyrannical Romanian rulers and the new Volturi government. I didn't know all the details, J wanted the Masters to tell me their history when they were ready.

"Marcus, please." Edward begged. Aro nodded to me to lift my shield off him and took Edward's hand. Aro kept his facial expression neutral with a hint of curiosity to sell the role he played, but his eyes blackened. He subtly nodded again and I put the shield over him again.

Aro tutted at Edward, "that is indeed tragic news. I'm sorry for your loss." Edward seemed happy he was getting sympathy. Aro returned to his throne and touched Marcus and Caius' hands sharing the information he'd learnt with the other Masters. Caius growled lowly "you let a human find out and you left her!" Edward backed up a step. Marcus broke out of character "excuse me brothers I'll call his parents." He left the room, trying to look apathetic, but his blackened eyes gave away his anger.

Aro and Caius turned back to Edward "I'm afraid we cannot kill you. While you have committed many violations of our laws, we require your coven leader to answer for your offenses. We will arrange accommodations for you in the meantime. We have a lovely villa close by, you won't be allowed to leave until your parents arrive and you will stand trial, but we'll make sure you're comfortable."
"I'm on a strict animal diet, I cannot change that" he demanded. Aro smiled, it was a sinister smile "of course, Edward. I would never insult Carlisle by throwing his values in this face." It was a thinly veiled insult, Edward scowled, looking indignant.

"Pestilence, Death, would you accompany Edward to the guest suite?" Aro asked in a high pitched voice. I nodded, Pete's eyes crinkled, he was smiling behind his mask. "You have agents of the devil working for you?" Edward seemed to have just notice us standing there. Aro sat straighter "the Four Horsemen are not agents of any evil deity. Their sole purpose is to ensure the paths of fate are protected."
"Aro! I am a man of god!" Edward pleaded. Aro's eyes turned black with anger, his smile widened "I see, you'd prefer Alec to assist you." Aro nodded to Alec who cut off Edward's senses. He was frozen, looking like he'd just smelt something terrible. "Death, Pestilence; I believe young Edward is ready for transport. Could you take him to the visitors' quarters?" I nodded and headed out with Pete, he held Edward's frozen form under and arm and skipped outside. I heard the others in the throne room chuckle.