Disclaimer - I don't own Twilight, but you wish I did, right?

There are rumors of pulling stories, mine probably crosses the line somewhere, if so I will post it on TWCS, where it will be anyways, once all of it is Beta'd. It will remain on as long it doesn't get pulled. My pen name is the same on both sites.

Thanks to everyone for all the support, it's blown my mind.

As always, props to the gorgeous, MalloryKnoxx for playing Beta.

Oh, and I'm in love with Joseph Morgan, if you're not watching him, you should be!

"If you hold back anything, I'll kill ya. If you bend the truth or I think you're bending the truth, I'll kill ya. If you forget anything, I'll kill ya. In fact, you're gonna have to work very hard to stay alive, Nick. Now do you understand everything I've said? Because if you don't, I'll kill ya."

~~ Rory Breaker, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels

Edward's POV

My breath drifted in front of me like a cloud in the black night. The anticipation of what was to come sent firey shocks along my skin despite the cold temperature outside. It was early in the morning and the night was winding down to an end for the man I was waiting for.

I stood motionless, my eyes on him as he walked around and opened the door for the brunette accompanying him. He closed the door and walked around climbing in the driver's side. He started the car and waited a couple of minutes for it to warm up. It surprised me that he didn't send someone out to have his Cadillac ready.

I didn't so much as blink for the five minutes it took for him to pull away from the curb, far enough away from the building so it wouldn't be affected. He slowed to a stop at the intersection and a small smile crept to my lips as I pushed the little red button on the detonator in my hand.

A sound almost like thunder followed by erupting flames filled the night as men ran out of the small club to see what was going on. They stood at a loss of what to do since their boss man was beyond saving.

Two birds with one stone. I thought as I turned to leave. I had to get home to Isabella before she realized I was gone.

If she woke up before I made it home, Aro was my alibi for the night. I didn't think she would hold her mother's death against me, but I didn't want to find out. She wouldn't know I was involved in either of her parents' demise. Everyone had enemies.

I walked the two miles to my car letting the frigid air clear my head. I drove to my parent's house where I left Isabella. We spent the night watching movies with Esme and Aro, pretending to be normal teenagers.

My week was long and busy, with trying to cover most of Emmett's work since my father didn't trust anyone else. He had Em in his version of rehab because he wasn't allowed to attend an outside facility. Detox wasn't kind to him, but what did he expect? We would clean up him the old fashioned, hard way. He would be as good as new, and our lives would continue.

The Cullen men are known for their perseverance.

And ruthlessness, intelligence, stamina, and good looks.

I chuckled to myself as I crept through the house finding my girl right where I left her - asleep in my bed, wearing one of my old football t-shirts. Her chestnut locks spread around her face made her look like an angel. It was a good thing I was selfish, because I didn't truly deserve someone like her.

I discarded my clothes in the bathroom and slipped on a pair of sweats to climb into bed with Isabella. I pulled her close to me, letting her unconsciously snuggle on my chest. There was no other place I'd rather be than with her.

There were a little over two months left until graduation, after that I would take her on a long vacation. She deserved it for the year she had been through. I would take her anywhere her heart desired before we tackled real life again.

I stroked the soft skin of her back as I laid awake thinking about our future. I had to tell her Charlie was dead. With Frank out of the picture, it would be easy to pass the blame on to him and Renee, and their blood could be on anyone's hands.

My lips made soft noises as I kissed her hair, wordlessly telling her how much she meant to me.

I didn't sleep, I only watched her.

Jacob's POV

"Jake, I need to talk to you." Rosalie asked stepping into the threshold of the guest room I was occupying at her parents' house.

"Sure." I nodded sitting up on the bed.

She took timid steps across the room and hesitated before sitting next to me on the bed. She was wearing blood red sweats the same color as her lips and her hair was in a sloppy up-do. I thought she looked the sexiest when she was like this though I'd never told her.

"First, I want to apologize profusely for any awkwardness and for the dangerous positions I've put you in."

I grabbed her hand without thinking about it.

"You don't have to apologize."

She raised her eyes to mine, and I saw emotions flicker through dark blue of her irises.

Pain. Hurt. Hesitance. Confusion.

She drew in a deep breath before speaking again, however she didn't let go of my hand.

"Second, the other thing I wanted to tell you..." She closed her eyes, "Once we graduate, I'll have a new bodyguard, and you will be free to do whatever. I'm sure you'll still work for the family, but you won't be tied down to me all the time. You'll have spare time to go out and enjoy life."

Her words struck me like a blow to the chest. Couldn't she see I didn't want to be anywhere else? If this was the only way I could have her, I would take it.

"I don't mind being with you all the time." I assured her in hope it would change her mind.

She shook her head still not looking at me.

"Rosalie," I put my fingers lightly under her chin to pull her face up, "If you really want someone else, I won't argue, but please think about this. I don't want to never see you. I couldn't stand it. If all I can have is this, then I'll take it. I'll take it for the rest of my life."

A tear slipped down her cheek, and I gently wiped it away.

She gave me a small smile and leaned forward brushing her lips softly against mine for only a second before pulling away. Her kiss tasted like honey and wine and before I broke out of my daze, she was up and leaving the room with me lost in my swirling mess of a mind.

If she wanted this, there was nothing I could do about it.

Maybe it was for the best, I never stood a chance with a girl like her. Not in this life, not with this family. I could go to all the parties and clubs and find a different girl every night to make me forget about Rosalie Leone.

That's just what I needed.

Esme's POV

I dug my nails in Aro's back as wave after wave of ecstasy washed over me. He kissed down my neck as I called out his name. His spasmodic thrusts ended with him pulsating inside of me.

"Ti voglio bene, signora Luciano." (I love you, Mrs. Luciano.) His breath ghosted against my skin.

"I love you." I whispered.

Our secret was being kept, even though I wanted to shout to everyone who would listen that I married the man I love. My parents would keel over with heart attacks. His parents would stroke out. My brothers would kill him.

But I didn't care about them.

I was on cloud nine and loving every second of it.

Aro rolled off me, and we wound our limbs together to be as close as possible. I laid my head on his chest and listened to the steady thrum of his heart reminding me no matter what else happened, he would always be there for me, as strong and steady as his heartbeat.

"Are you scared of going away?" I asked bringing up the elephant in the room.

"I'm only nervous about being away from you," he kissed my temple, "Nothing in this lifestyle can phase me, drag me down. Just as long as I know you're here waiting for me if I go away."

"Always." I promised.

Whatever happened, no matter how long he was gone, I would wait.

"When is your sentencing?"

"Almost three weeks after graduation."

"Then we should do it up really big in case..."

"Without a doubt, Ma." He grinned at me.

"Promise?"

"Swear."

I untangled my legs and crawled on his chest leaning down placing kisses across his salty skin as his hands found my hips. He ground me against him while kissing anywhere on my body his mouth could reach.

My nails raking against the bare skin of his chest brought forth deep groans. I could feel him hardening again under me, and I giggled at the sensation it sent through my body.

"I'm going to ruin you!" he teased catching my bottom lip with his teeth.

"Nu uh." I ran my tongue over his skin before his phone ringing interrupted us.

"Oh my God!" I shouted falling off him onto the bed.

"I'm sorry." He said leaning over the edge of the bed, digging through his pants.

"Yea?" He answered in a grouchy tone, "What? WHAT?...okay, okay...yes...we're on the way...yes, now...see you soon."

"What is going on?" I asked not wanting to be left out of whatever had him so jumpy.

"Mary Alice is in labor. We have to go now." He answered very animated.

"What? Isn't it kind of early?" I asked grabbing a pair of jeans and pulling them on along with a gold cashmere sweater.

"Yea, kinda. Her due date was moved to April, I think, so she is still a few weeks early. Let Carlisle explain it when we get there." he waved his hand for emphasis.

"Let's go." I grabbed my purse and didn't wait on him before heading out the door.

He drove faster than usual as I called Rosalie and Isabella and anyone else I could think of. I was worried about the baby coming early, but excited for her to finally be here.

Mary Alice's POV

"WHY THE FUCK DOES IT HURT SO BAD?" I shouted grabbing onto Carlisle's shirt. I knew I was being a bitch, but I didn't care. The contractions were making my stomach cramp in an excruciating way, and I wanted to murder Carlisle.

"It's part of it, it'll be fine love. We'll get you some medicine as soon as possible." He pushed my hair out of my face.

"I. want. them. now." I spat out.

"Soon." He looked at me with guilty eyes. He blamed himself for me going into labor because of the amount of sex we've been having lately. Not like I hadn't gone into labor when he wouldn't even think about it.

"Will she be alright?" I leaned back and took in a deep breath trying to calm myself and breathe the way he instructed me.

"You're thirty-five weeks, it's early, but not as bad as it could be. Depending on her weight and lung development means whether or not she'll have NICU time. I will do everything in my power to prevent anything bad."

I nodded and squeezed his hand as another contraction shook my body.

"Epidural?" I hoarsely asked.

"There isn't time. You're already a nine. The baby will be here soon." The nurse smiled at me before leaving to go get the doctor. I wanted to choke her.

"Carlisle, do something!"

"I can't love, I'm so sorry."

"Mary Alice, it's part of life. You will have to deal with it." My mother said walking in with a cup of ice.

"I don't want to." I pouted.

"Well, it's too late now." She scolded.

I mumbled things under my breath that if I hadn't been in labor, I'm sure she would have knocked my head off.

"Who's ready to meet baby?" Dr. Greene sang as she waltz into the room.

"I'm am, now get her out."

"I'm working on it, you're almost there. Now Mary Alice, I know it's early, but your body refuses to continue with this pregnancy; although, she should be just fine, and we're equipped to handle anything that may happen." She spoke softly with a hint of authority. I should have Carlisle kill her.

"Yea, yea." I wanted it to be over. Never in my life had I experienced that kind of pain.

"I'm right here, love. Everything will be okay, I promise." Carlisle cooed in my ear.

"Continua a parlare." (Keep talking.)

He kissed my cheek and continued to chant sweet nothings to me in Italian. His deep voice in my ear helped calm me down some. I could hear family and friends in the hallway, but they sounded so far away. My mother was in the room with us, but no one else.

Time seem to slow down as the doctor coached me on when to push. I took deep breaths and pushed every time she said. I felt like passing out from the exhaustion, but Carlisle pleaded for me to continue. Everyone was smiling and cheering me on. I wanted to slap every one of them until finally she was out.

Her tiny cries began to fill the air and I didn't even notice the tears running down my face. She was beautiful with a head full of hair a shade lighter than my own. The nurses quickly cleaned her up and did everything else they had while I finished labor before they laid her on my chest.

"She's beautiful." I whispered to no one in particular.

All the pain and wait was worth it. I couldn't believe she was here in my arms, that God gave us such an angel.

"Proprio come sua madre." (Just like her mother.)

I didn't take my eyes off of her to look at Carlisle, but I squeezed his hand softly as a thank you.

"What are you going to name her?" My mother's accent flooded my ears.

"Mallory Carmen Volturi, after our mothers." I answered.

"It's beautiful, like her." She smiled, "I'll give you some privacy."

Carlisle and I laid together on the bed holding each other and Mallory.

The rest of the night past in a blur. They checked on my daughter constantly, but it was understandable. She fit in my arms perfectly. She weighed in at a very good five pounds and ten ounces.

Those closest to us were in and out to visit and see her. We didn't want a ton of people around her yet. My parents stayed in the corner of the room as all the girls oohed and aahed over her. Emmett didn't come for obvious reasons, Aro and Edward just looked at her like she was too fragile to hold. We would break them in later.

"Okay, everyone out. My wife and bambino need rest." Carlisle stood shooing everyone from the room.

Aro stopped short of the door and turned around with wide eyes, "Wife?"

"We'll talk later." I winked at him.

He reluctantly left, but not without glowering at Carlisle.

"That's going to be an interesting conversation." Carlisle chuckled, lying back down beside me. He wrapped us in his arms, and I cuddled up as much as I could. They gave me pain medicine, and I was happy and relaxed.

Life was great.