**Peeks out from the corner** Hello my friends. I can't apologize enough for how late this update has taken to happen. I finally got release from physical therapy this week. I am not completely healed, but I am 80% better than what I was and I am armed with a ton of stretches and exercises to help me along. Real life with a four year old is fun, but crazy. Then my stinkin neighborhood association has been pulling some crap and we have had to deal with a lawyer because they have not followed the bilaws of our neighborhood. GAH! It has been crazy in my house hold. But, I am back. I am currently working on the final chapter, we have three left after this one.

I can't say enough about all of you who have followed, favored, reviewed, and stuck with me over the months. You all mean the world to me. I had no idea that I would get this kind of love when I posted the first chapter. So, thank you all so much.

Without any more babble from me, lets get on with this.

This is not beta'd

Stephanie Meyers owns all that is Twilight.

EPOV

I throw one final punch in to his gut, hearing a low grunt as he sags to the ground. Son-of-a-bitch! Why the fuck he is just standing here taking this? I think to myself, as I step back, catching my breath. I have given this fucker punch after punch for the last hour, and nothing. He hasn't even tried to throw a punch back.

I stalk back over to him, pulling him up by his shirt and scream, "Why the fuck aren't you fighting back?"

He looks at me, and I let go, needing to take a step back as his eyes meet mine. Lifeless, as if I have already killed him. "Why fight the inevitable? I am going to die, and you are going to be the one to do it." He said, looking me in the eyes as he speaks. "All I want is a chance to talk to Isabella, explain myself...my fucked up mind. But, that's not going to happen. There is no way in hell you will allow that, and I get it. I'm just...I'm done. I have nothing left." He finishes and hangs his head.

"You want my pity now?" I spit at him. "You kidnapped my pregnant fiance from her hospital room. You allowed that fucker Felix to put his hands on her. Then, when we busted in, you were going to try and take her again, not to mention, you tried to shoot me! Sorry, but you will get nothing but lead pumped into you from me."

"All I ever wanted was to have a family. A normal family. My...father..." His face scrunches up in disgust as he says the word father, "was not normal by any sense of the word. The only way that I could have Isabella in my life was to kidnap her, bring her back to the Volturi. He...drilled it into my brain. All I saw was the chance to get to know her, understand her. Maybe know our mother. It wasn't until after, when I realized she shot me that I understood how fucked up everything was, how fucked up I was. What I did, what my father did, fuck, what Felix did...I could kill myself for it. I just..."

It was in that moment, when his last sentence trailed off that the ice I put up around my heart when I was in Boss mode began to melt. For a moment, I felt sorry for him, only for a moment. People in our line of work tend to be more fucked up in the head that anyone else in the free world. It takes a strong mind to live the life we do. And the only way we survive is by having a strong family unit behind us. Alec never stood a chance. He got the crazy passed on to him from Aro and had to live with the crazy every day of his life.

It didn't mean that I wouldn't kill him. He took Bella and our baby, placed them in danger. For that, he had to pay with his life. I took my nine out of the back of my pants, the one that Bella gave to me for our wedding. I unclasped the safety and cocked it back.

Alec looked right into my eyes and let out a sigh, closing his eyes for just a moment, before opening them back up to look at me. "Forgive me sister." He whispered.

Just as I was about to pull the trigger "Edward! Stop!" Yelled Jasper, who came running over to me while holding out his phone to me.

Lowering my hand I grabbed the phone, throwing a pissed off look to Jasper. "Yeah?" I yelled into the phone, being met with my dad's voice.

"Edward, I realize that you are most likely pissed at me for interrupting you, but something just came to my attention about the business you are dealing with."

"And it is so important that I had to stop what I was doing?"

"Yes. Do not continue, that is an order. Have Emmett and Jasper clean him up. Load him up and bring him back to the house. Take him around the back and use the cellar entrance. This isn't a request, it is an order. I will explain when you get here." And then the line went dead.

"You have to be one lucky motherfucker!" I say to Alec, as I retract my gun, putting it away. "Get him cleaned up and loaded into the back of the SUV. We're heading to the house. Go in to the back and down the cellar. Keep him handcuffed and both of your guns on him at all times. I want nothing happening. You know who is all there tonight."

An hour and a half later we are pulling into the drive and heading towards the back. My senses are on over drive, knowing that Bella and mom are in the house. Emmett and Jasper pull him out and walk on either side him, guns drawn and jabbed into his side, guiding him to the entrance to the cellar. I follow with my gun drawn, pointing at his back.

When we get closer to the secret holding room I can hear dad talking to someone. My jaw drops open as we enter the room. I am greeted by the sight of Benjamin. Benjamin! Well fuck me sideways! "You have to be the dumbest motherfucker ever cousin! I told you to wait. Let me talk, make amends, but you don't fucking listen. Damn!" He says, as he walks over to Alec, smacking him on the back of the head when he is standing in front of him.

I am still in shock, gun drawn, now pointing at Benjamin. "What the fuck is going on? I stuck my neck out for you, did something I never do for anyone, and now your back with your family?"

Benjamin has his hands held up, backing up. "Edward, it isn't what you're thinking. Trust me, I will dance on that fucker of an uncle's grave for what he put me through. You have had my loyalty the day you spared my life, the day you helped to protect my wife and child. I come to you in peace." I look to my father, who gives me a nob, telling me to listen.

We all put our guns away and take a seat. "When I found out that Aro was dead, along with all of the other heads of the family, I don't think I have ever cried so much in my life. I felt like for the first time since I was fourteen I could breath. I could live without looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life." Benjamin explains. "I took a chance. I tripped up your guys keeping tabs on me and I came back home. I found him hiding out in one of the secret tunnels. He has nursing some pretty good bruises from the bullet he took to the chest. He had on a vest, so he wasn't shot. I found my cousin broken and alone. We had always been close as kids, I couldn't just leave him. I helped him, let him clear his mind. We talked and came to the conclusion that we are all that is left of the Volturi. We could start it over, make it right. Run it as a respectable family, how it always should have been, how I witnessed you and your family running things."

"What are you saying?" I ask, leaning forward onto the little table that we are sitting at. "And what does that have to do with me killing him?" I tip my head in Alec's direction.

"He's my family. The only family, besides my Tia and Benny, that I have left. I know that he has issues, problems. But, I am getting him help. Getting his head put back into place, after being fucked with his whole life by his father. I just need you to give me a chance, another chance like you did back in that warehouse not too long ago." He says, looking me dead in the eye. He leans forward towards me, "Give me another chance Edward, let me prove to you. Join forces with me, guide me and help me make the Volturi respectable again. Together...we can make a great team."

"My head tells me that I can trust you, my heart and my head tell me to be leery of this fucker." I say, nodding to Alec again.

"I will vouch for him. I got my button before I came to work for you. I didn't want it, but it happened."

"You said you didn't want this life. You didn't what you did to keep your family out of this. What changed?"

"The blackness that engulfed my family is dead. Everything that made it wrong is dead. I see a chance to right a lot of wrong, to make the Voltouri good. I can't to it alone. Help me make something respectable for my son, for my grandchildren, for their children."

"What about you?" I ask Alec, who has been silent this whole time. "You were so ready to die not two hours ago."

"I want everything that Benjamin has said. I...I...I never used to be like this. I'm not putting all of the blame on my father, because when it comes down to it, I am a grown ass man, and I should have listened to the small part of my brain that kept telling me what I was doing was wrong." He says, hanging his head again. "But, all I kept thinking about was my sister. How, maybe if I met her, got to know her, that...that...that maybe this blackness that seemed to take over everything would lift away." He takes in a shuddering breath. "I used to watch her from afar, watch how everyone around her was always happy, smiling, loving life and loving being around her. That is all that I wanted. I went a fucked up way to try and get that, I know that...now. I just...I just want to try and make it right. I don't expect anything, but maybe a chance. A chance to try and explain."

I keep my gaze steady on him. I only break away to look at my dad, giving him a questioning look. "You're awfully quiet over there." I say to him.

"You saw something in Benjamin. If you didn't, you wouldn't have spared him. I trust you." He says looking at me, then turning his gaze to Benjamin. "You, at this moment, I don't trust you as far as I can throw you, but over time, you keep your word, prove to me, to us that what you say is true, stay loyal to us, I think this can work." I nod my head, agreeing with my dad. "You," He says, looking at Alec, "you, you're a hard sell. I've seen the evil in you. That is hard to over look." Dad turns his gaze back to me, "I think this needs to be handled like the Charlie situation. As much as I hate it, and I know you will hate it, we need to talk to Bella. Let her sit and listen, because gentlemen," He says, looking between Benjamin and Alec, "When it comes down to it, you will be very involved with my family, and if Bella isn't comfortable with either of you, it isn't going to work." When he says that, I watch him stand and head towards the door. "Gentlemen, get comfortable, take his cuffs off Emmett. I need to go and speak with my daughter."

I stand to follow. "No Edward. I realize she is you wife, but I need to speak with her. If I need you, I will call you." And with that, he exits, not even giving me a chance to argue with him.

BPOV

I sit back, lounging in the window seat in my old bedroom at mom and dads house, waiting for Edward. To pass the time I fill out my pregnancy journal that Rose bought for me to log all of the details of my time carrying baby Cullen. Though, I find my mind keeps wondering all over the place. Worrying about Edward, hoping that we will find out baby Cullen's sex on our next appointment, sighing when I think that we still haven' moved into the new house. Praying that we will be in there before the baby comes. Wondering if we will make our flight on time, and will I be able to find a maternity formal dress when we get to Boston. Pregnancy has my mind all over the place, I keep finding it difficult to focus on one thing.

I am pulled my thoughts when I hear a soft knock on the door. "Come in." I say, expecting it to be mom with a cup of tea and a snack, surprised when I see dad standing there. "Well, this is a surprise." I say, rubbing my bump.

"How's my nipote [grandchild]?" He says, walking over to me, sitting down in front of me.

"Good, calm for a change." I say, still rubbing.

"Dolcezza, [Sweetheart] I need to speak with you about something. It's...I need you to keep calm OK?" Oh God, Edward has been hurt. He must see the panic in my eyes, "It's not Edward, I promise. He is safe, he is here actually. He is in the cellar with some guests. But, I need to speak with you about our guests."

"Is it Alec?"

"Yes."

"Edward hasn't...?" I trail off.

"No Dolcezza. [Sweetheart] Do you remember Benjamin, he used to work for us?"

"Yes."

"Well, a while ago we discovered that he is Volturi. Aro's nephew. Aro planted him into our organization to get information. When Edward found out, Benjamin came clean. Told him everything. He was forced into it because Aro threatened his pregnant girlfriend. So, we put him in hiding. Well, when he found out about the demise of the Volturi, he came back. He found Alec, got him some help, trying to unscrew his brain. He wants his cousin back that he had when they were children. He believes that there is good in Alec. He wants a chance to prove it, a chance to make the Volturi respectable, make them good again."

I sit, staring at dad. Taking it all in. "What do you think?"

"I am inclined to believe Benjamin. Alec...I have my worries, but, I needed to speak with you. He...he wants to speak with you. Apologize...explain." He says, while taking my hands in his, rubbing my knuckles with his thumbs, so much like Edward I can't help but think. "Can you do this? I won't make you, but...I don't...I won't go into this partnership with them if you don't feel comfortable. I won't put you and my grandchild through that."

"No pressure on me then!" I snap. I watch his face fall. "I'm sorry dad, that wasn't fair to you." I take a deep breath in, and exhale. "You and Edward won't leave me alone with him, right?"

"Of course not, like I could make Edward move from your side. Plus Emmett and Jasper are there too. I can also call in Eleazar, Jacob, Sam and Seth too, if it would make you feel more comfortable."

I blink, thinking about everything. I know in my heart that neither dad or Edward would never put me in any danger knowingly. I can't help the fear that builds up inside of me though. When I think of Alec, all I can think about is him standing over my hospital bed, him and Felix dragging me down the hospital stairwell, seeing him pointing a gun at Edward, him shooting Peter.

I wish Peter were here with me right now. I let him leave without talking to him. My stupid stubborn self was still upset that he choose his loyalty to Edward and the oath over our friendship. Deep in my heart, I know he had to, because it is what the oath entails, but it still hurt.

Sighing, I looked dad in his eyes, "OK, I'll do it." I tell him, standing and letting him wrap me in a hug. I cross over to my closet and pull out a pair of UGG boots and slip them on with my leggings and loose empire waist top.

We slowly made our way down the stairs. Once we reached the landing I heard the front door opening. Running in towards the kitchen was a blur that looked like Peter. The blur came running back out, almost bumping into us. "Oh thank God! I just got a text from Edward filling me in. Are you OK?" He asked, pulling me into a hug.

"Better, now that you're here." I say, melting into him. "I'm sorry, about earlier. I shouldn't have acted that way."

"You're...hormonal, and you were hurt. I get it. I don't like what I had to do either, but, no matter what, you're first when it counts. I'm here, I'm not letting you do this without me." He tells me, kissing the top of my head.

He and dad lead me to the cellar doors and we head down. With each step I feel my heart beating a bit faster. Trying to calm myself down I rub my bump, repeating over and over in my head that everything is alright, and that I am safe. Dad takes the lead after a few steps, while Peter wraps his arm around me and pulls me to his side. When we reach the door at the end of the hall dad knocks on it and says that it is him. Edward opens the door and sees me. He walks over to me, pulling me to a hug. "Are you sure about this baby?"

"If it is going to be good for the family, yes. I won't lie and say that I'm not scared, because I am. I'm petrified."

"You won't ever be alone with him. We will all be in there with you." He pulls me to his chest and I hold on for dear life. I inhale his scent, letting it wash over me and threw me. I feel myself relax a little bit. I feel him reach a hand out from my back, clasping hands with Peter. "Thanks for getting here so quickly." I hear him say.

"It's my Bells, I took a bullet for you, but I would die for her. There is no way I was letting her walk into this without me." I hear Peter say. "I took the oath with you, but I did it for her. To keep her safe."

After a few moments I feel myself being lead into the room. I look up and see Jasper and Emmett, they both make their way over to me, pulling me into a hug, letting me know that they both have my back. Then I see Benjamin. "Miss Bella. It is good to see you again. You are stunning as always. Pregnancy agrees with you." I simply nod to him.

I then look over to my left and I see Alec, who looks like Edward worked him over pretty good before being brought here. "Ciao sorella." [Hello sister.]

"Alec." I say back, just above a whisper. Edward pulls out a chair for me, which has me across from Alec. He and Peter stand on either side of me, while dad stand off to the side with Benjamin. Jasper and Emmett flank either side of Alec, their guns at the ready.

"Thank you, for...for hearing me out. I really didn't expect it, but I am truly happy to have the chance."

"I promise to listen, that is all that I can give you. I make no other promises, because to be honest with you, you scare the hell out of me. The last time I was in the same room with you, you kidnapped me, held a gun to my husband, and shot my best friend in the chest." I say to him, watching as he hangs his head.

"I know." I hear him whisper. "I wish...I wish...fuck! I always hated those shits who blamed their parents for all the shitty things that they did, but after taking a step back, fuck, living with my father was like living in hell. You either did what he said when he said it, or die. He didn't take no for an answer, and if you questioned him, you didn't live to see the next hour." He says, exhaling loudly. "I can't tell you how many people he killed in front of me. He killed my nanny because she put SPF 20 on me instead of SPF 50. He killed the cook because the rolls were too dense for his liking. He killed our mother because all she wanted was happiness and chance for a normal life." He say, trying to hold in a sob.

"It has taken me until recently to understand why she left, why she left me. I can't imagine being her as the guards took me from her. She knew that if she came back with me that he would kill her for trying to leave. I can't be mad at her anymore." He tilts his head to the side, looking at me with a look of longing, of sorrow. "She would never have had you. And from what I have observed over the years, you...your presence on this earth moves people. With your dance, with your heart, your love, your kindness. I'm so sorry that all those years you thought that she left you, that she didn't want you. I...I...thank God that you were taken in by the Cullens. That you never ended up being brought to Felix. It was so wrong of me to take you from the hospital, to hold you against your will. To even try to bring you into that family." He says, shaking his head. He brings his hand up to the table, leaning forward a bit. I watch Jasper and Emmett pull him back.

He looks up to Edward. "I'm sorry to you, for taking Isabella, for putting your through all of that. For trying to kill you." He looks over to Peter, "I'm sorry that I shot you. It...fuck...it even sounds stupid coming out of my mouth. I never should have done it, I don't expect forgiveness for either of you, but I hope that in time, should this deal between us work out, that I can earn it, and maybe even your trust. I would like to think that there is some good in me, somewhere. I mean, if Isabella is as good and kindhearted as she is, then there has to be some hope for me, right? We came from the same mother. I...I...I can't stop hoping for that."

"Isabella. I hope that one day we can...we can work our way to...I don't know. I guess the most I can hope for is that you're not scared of me anymore."

I just stay sitting there. Taking all that has said to me in, and trying to make sense of it. I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like living in that house, with Aro as a father. I take a shaky breath in, I look over to Peter and then to Edward. I stare back at Alec. "I'm sorry that you grew up like you did. My head is telling me that that still isn't an excuse. I grew up in a home where there was no love shown to me after my mom left...was killed. But, I turned out fine. Of course, I had the Cullens to help me out. So, I can't really listen to my head. Part of my heart is telling me that I should run for cover and just stay the hell away from you. But, there is still a small part that is telling me that I should give you a chance. A chance that the Cullens gave to me. A chance to know what love is really like."

"A chance is all that I hope for." Alec says to me, with tears in his eyes.

"If I give you a chance, then it has to be on my terms. Because, honestly, I don't trust you, and I am still scared of you. But, maybe with some time, and some help, we can start to build some kind of relationship. Until I feel comfortable with you, I will never be alone with you. Edward and Peter, Jasper and Emmett will always have to be there, and any other guard that I feel I need there. We will go from there. See what time brings us."

Alec lets his tears flow freely down his face as he nods his head in agreement. "Thank you Isabella." He whispers.

I look over to dad, "You do what you feel is right. If you think this merger or coming together with what is left of the Volturi, then do it." I tell him. I see him smile and nod to me. I look over to Edward, "I'm exhausted, and we have a flight to catch tomorrow."

"Of course. Let's get you to bed love." He says, helping me rise.

I look back over to Alec. "I'll get word to you about when we can meet, to sit down and...I don't know what it is we are going to do, but, I will send word to you when I get back from our trip."

"M...may I have a hug?" Alec asks.

I shake my head no, and he looks down, dejected. I take a few steps towards him, I reach out and touch my hand to his that is resting on the table. "You have to understand the depth of fear in my heart. A hug is something that we will have to work up to." I say, then turn to walk about with Edward. I feel Peter following us.

When we make our way up the steps and back into the living room I grab Peter. "Thank you. For...for always being there for me. Even when I am a bitch to you. You are beyond important to me Peter."

"Bells, a little argument could never stop me from loving you and wanting to protect you."

"Good, because I am pretty sure my hormones will flare up again!" I laugh as he pulls me in for another hug. "Do you think I did the right thing?"

"You did the Bella thing. A damn dog could bite your hand and while we all want to kill the fucker, you would want to try and safe it. That is just the kind of person you are. Me, I wanted to kill the fucker. He shot me, but shit...he didn't have a fighting chance growing up in that house with that sick fucker as a father. I got your back."

"I love you." I whisper into his chest.

"I love you too." He whispers back to me. We pull apart he looks at me, "I should get going. Erik is probably freaking out!"

I giggle, "I am sure he is. Tell him hello."

"The jet is leaving tomorrow at noon. I expect you there and ready for the trip to Boston."

"Got it Boss." Peter says, while heading for the door.

I turn to Edward, who is just staring at me. "You...you amaze me. I don't think I will ever be worthy of your love. You have such a good heart. I pray this piccolo gets your heart." He says, rubbing my bump.

I smile as he rubs my bump. "Andiamo a letto marito." [Let's go to bed husband.]

"Come vuole la moglie." [As you wish wife.] He says, scooping me up and carries me up the stairs.

Well...what did you think? Did I shock you all? Let me know. Leave me some love. I promise, promise, promise, you will have another update next week. We are going to be all nice and fluffy from here on out.