Chapter 24

I am so so so sorry for the late update. I was waist deep in my books and studies. It became impossible for me to give time to this. Again, my apologies.

Please ignore my spelling and grammar mistakes. English is not my first language. SM owns everything. Let me know what you think of this story.

LPOV

Over. It was all over. It was hard to believe but it was over now but still far from over. And, left behind was my life, a curse and a broken heart. The moment enemy was out of sight, I broke down in tears in jacob's arms. I cried for the relief I felt at having my life out of danger. I cried for the punishment my family got because of me. I cried for edward who lost his mate because of me.

Jacob and my mom's soothing words were torturing me. I didn't deserve. They didn't deserve this. I dragged them in this hell. 'Stop right there lilly' edward's growl made me look up from jacob's lap where he situated me to keep me close. Jake growled back at edward then looked at me puzzled. 'Lilly. What is he talking about?' he asked.

'She thinks this all is her fault.' edward was quick to reply. I just scowled while trying to get away from jake's hard glare. 'Lilly, we have talked about this. This is not your fault.' jacob said softly when he saw me shying away from his anger. 'But, you all got punished because of me. And, bella' edward flinched at the name 'she is gone too.'

'Lilly. Listen to me. First thing this is not your fault, at all. When we took you in, we knew the consequences. This is our fault. We are the one at fault who dragged you in this. But it was fate. Everything. You coming in our life, you meeting jacob, this. Everything is fate. Bella, she knew what will happen if she left. It was her choice. You didn't made her choices for her or our choices for that matter. We will get this through. And if the roles were reversed, you would do the same without even thinking. So stop complaining.' alice said in one breath.

I was staring at her wide eyed when a cold hand on my cheek brought me back. 'Sweetie. We could be together now. No worrying about changing you or volturi or anything else.' Mom said. 'But what about the punishment.' I asked her. 'Its far in the future darling. And, nobody controls the time or future. Lots of things can change' she answered mischievously. What does that even mean? Dad gave me no chance to recover from alice's pep talk.

'Look honey, we want you to live your life. A long, happy and healthy life that we always wanted for you. And let us worry about future. I know you feel guilty but don't. We made our choices and we could have died for it, you know. We dragged an innocent in this but we got off easily. Hundred years are nothing in our life. All I dream about is seeing you enjoying your life. Who the hell is thinking about that far ahead in time?'

'Let's head back home. Then we can talk.' Grandpa said. With the supernaturals' speed, we were back at home in just few minutes. I sat on jake's lap who refused to let me go. 'Bella never looked back. Not even once.' grandma said once we were all seated.

'She is under chelsea's hold. And demitri IS her new mate' Edward said with grief lacing his voice. 'Oh edward' grandma gave him a hug trying to show her concern and care. 'Its really ironic' he laughed humorlessly. 'How I fought with almost everyone for her and for what. Everything is in vain now.' he said with an expression that broke my heart.

'Maybe. Maybe she is just under some illusion or something. You said that she was under chelsea's hold. Maybe bella is just confused. Or controlled.' I said trying to find some sense in this all. But edward's answer broke all my hopes.

'No. I saw it in marcus's head. She has chosen demitri as a mate. Chelsea is just making her bond with the volturi stronger. Bella holds no ties to us anymore.' his grave voice gave me chills. The wolf pack opted to stand on one side, just listening. They all were deep in thoughts, maybe remembering the sweet bella they all once knew, far away from the one they just saw.

'I am going to hunt. I will be back in few hours. Maybe' Edward said while walking out of the door. No body stopped him but he did stop at the last step for one moment, then continued to walk. 'We should not leave him alone in this state.' I panicked but esme shook her head at me. 'Let him go. He will come back. I know him.'

'Thank you' jake said quietly. I turned to look at him puzzled but his eyes were trained on my family. 'Thank you for saving my lilly. Standing with me when I needed your help. I know she is your family but still I cannot thank you enough.' he said grateful for my family's help. Every cullen smiled at him.

'And, thank you. To you and your pack for helping us in protecting lilly's life. We can agree that she is the one we would do anything for. She is our daughter and your mate. Precious to the both sides. We could not have done it alone, neither could you. Together we protected what we hold closest to our hearts' dad said.

'We protect our own. Just like you guys' sam answered. The rest of the pack nodded agreeing. 'So this is all finally over' quil, ever the ice breaker. Everyone laughed then. 'It will be soon. But not till edward's heart is healed.' I nodded along with many. I was determined. I will not let him break this time. No, we will help him get better. Get over bella's betrayal. He will always have us.