A/N: I'm sorry this chapter's late! RL has been hectic this week! Thank you for all your reviews, favs, and alerts. You guys rock! :) And a big thank you to the guest who was the 100th reviewer of this story!

Enjoy! xoxo

– Bella's POV –

To say Carlisle wasn't a happy bunny when we showed up on their doorstep was an understatement of epic proportion! Gone was the brilliant, controlled, deeply compassionate man I'd known in Forks. Stood before me was a whiny, spoilt child throwing a temper tantrum because he wasn't getting his way.

How the hell do they put up with this nonsense? Good grief. Spank his ass, give the baby his pacifier, and be done with it!

"Fer fuck sake, Carlisle! Victoria is comin' here to kill us all!" The Major growled. "Which part of that ain't ya gettin'?"

"I don't believe you," Carlisle said stubbornly. "Why would she come after all this time? It's been years!"

I wonder if she's been waiting for this?

Waiting for what?

For us to reunite with the Cullens. She hasn't attacked for eighty-five years. Then we reunite with these fuckers and she's suddenly planning an attack? Coincidence, I don't think so.

You think she's been biding her time? Waiting for us to reunite. Because my death isn't the only one she's interested in. She blames the whole Coven. So, essentially, if I'd stayed away, none of this would be happening.

. . . Yeah.

Great.

"I think this is what she's been waiting for," I told Jasper and ignored the Cullens. "She found me shortly after my newborn year and has followed me around ever since. She's never attacked me. Never even come close!"

"I think Bella's right," Alice said softly. "She's been waiting, biding her time for this moment!"

I nodded. "So, she can have her revenge."

"So, this is your fault, Isabella," Carlisle smirked. "If you'd stayed away, none of this would be happening to my family. If Victoria is coming, she's your problem. You can deal with her and leave us alone."

"I'd wipe that smirk off yer face, if I were you, Carlisle," Jasper hissed. "This fuck up lands squarely at your feet, not ours. After all, it was you who listened to Edward, who insisted Victoria wouldn't be a problem. I warned you the redhead was mated to the tracker. If you take one mate, you damn well better get the other or they'll come back fer revenge. I warned ya. I told ya the redhead knew Edward's gift and would likely evade him, but as always, you weren't listening to me. Oh no, what would I know? It's not like I have fifty years on Edward, a lifetime of battle experience, and a gift that allows me to see what his doesn't. Emotion. Their connection. Their bond as mates."

"No." Carlisle shook his head. "No. I don't believe you. Edward would have heard something in her mind. Alice would have seen something if we were in danger."

"If Victoria knows Edward's gift, it's likely she knows Ali's, too." Emmett glared at Carlisle. "Which means, she probably knows how to get around their gifts. It's not that hard to evade a mind reader and a psychic whose gift is decision-based!"

Alice nodded. "She's had eight decades to learn all she can about us; it makes sense that she'd know how to get around our gifts, mine especially."

"If she's bringin' an army, she's likely got someone else makin' her decisions," Jasper added. "Someone we don't know so Ali doesn't see somethin'."

"Luckily," Alice smiled brightly, "we have Peter!"

"No!" Carlisle hissed. "This is not happening. Do you hear me? I am the leader of this Coven and I say it's not happening! I'm sure this is just one of Peter's stupid practical jokes."

Now there's a man who's burying his head in the sand.

"Peter didn't even know—" Jasper growled, shaking his head. "Why do I even bother?"

"I suggest you all leave my territory," Carlisle smirked, believing he'd won. "If Victoria is coming, she's coming for Bella. And as far as I'm concerned, she can have her! Good riddance, I say. She's been nothing but trouble for this family since we met her."

There's something seriously wrong with that man.

Jasper snarled and went to lunge for Carlisle but Peter grabbed his shoulder, holding him back as he whispered something I didn't catch in his ear.

Alice and Charlotte had hold of Charlie, too. Both men looked feral as they snarled and growled at Carlisle.

Hell, even Rosalie and Esme were holding onto Emmett, who looked outraged!

Time to take control of this shitstorm, I think!

"My Coven and I are not going anywhere, Mr. Cullen," I stated. "I suggest you man the fuck up, extract your balls from Edward's grip, and open your eyes to what's right in front of you. An enemy is knocking on your door, what are you gonna do about that?" I asked. "What are you going to do when Victoria and her army descend upon Forks and start killing all the innocent town folk? I thought you were all about conserving human life at all costs. Are you going to run away and hide like a scared little boy?"

He was shaking, his black eyes locked on me. I don't think he was scared, more pissed off.

Is there a reason we're goading him?

Not scared, are you?

Of this pansy? Never.

"You broke the law!" He insisted.

"Well, now you're just being stupid." I rolled my eyes. "Here I thought you were a smart man, Carlisle! Tell me, then, how did I break the law? I haven't exposed myself to a human and then abandoned that human without a word, all on the say-so of a vampire who, as Emmett so brilliantly put it, has the mental capacity of a seventeen-year-old boy!"

Moving quickly, I was across the room and stood toe-to-toe with him.

He swallowed and tried to back away, but I followed his movements. "Leave my territory, Bella, and do not return."

Ah. No ball extraction today, it would seem. Damn pity, too. I was looking forward to ripping his whiny ass apart.

There's still time.

I pulled my sweetest smile into place. "Nope." I said, popping the 'p', enjoying the look of pure outrage on his face. "Unlike you, Mr. Cullen, I scent-marked this territory as mine when I moved in."

"What does that mean?" Emmett asked.

Do these vampires not know anything?

"It means," though I couldn't see him, I could hear the smirk on my mate's face, "this is Bella's territory and y'all are tresspassin'. Carlisle has no authority over the land or Bella remainin' here."

"That's what real vampires do," I grinned.

"This is my home." Carlisle shook his head, taking another step away from me. Again, I followed him, keeping right on his toes. "Your marking means nothing. This family is civilized. We do not recognize scent marking; it's a disgusting practice only nomads use! You, young lady, are not welcome in my home or my town. I suggest you leave, now. As for the rest of you, Alice, you will stay here where you belong. And continue making money for this Coven and my Edward. The rest of you can leave along with her!"

Behind me, Charlie snarled. "My mate is not going anywhere!"

"I second that," Jasper agreed.

"Us, too," Pete said, likely with Char at his side in agreement.

I smirked. "You see, that?" I asked. "That is Coven. Not family. Families are for humans. We are vampires. We aren't all joined by venom, we're bonded by something much stronger. Loyalty. Love. Compassion. Friendship. Alice is her own woman. She can come and go as she pleases. She is strong. Independent. Brave. And powerful. And our Coven loves her for more than her ability to make us all incredibly wealthy."

He smirked. "So, you aren't going to utilize her gift? Make yourselves wealthy? I'm sure you don't have anything substantial in your bank account. How could you?"

"Is that all that matters to you, Carlisle? The monetary value of a person?" I countered. I wasn't about to answer his questions. My wealth is my business, not his.

"It certainly helps separate the riffraff from those of much higher caliber," he sneered. "We are Cullens. That name alone elevates us to a much higher class. All others look upon us with envy and intrigue. We are a family first, not a Coven. We pride ourselves on being able to integrate back into the human world. We are wealthy beyond your understanding. Our homes, cars, and clothing show this to those who look upon us! We hunt animals so as not to kill our prey. We are civilized. Unlike you, Isabella. You are a murderer."

"No, Carlisle," I grinned, "I'm a vampire."

He let out a frustrated cry and backed up a little more. Again, I followed. "Leave, Isabella. I command you! Enough of this nonsense. I want you gone! This family wants nothing to do with any of you and furthermore, we will not be running off into battle for the likes of Isabella Swan!" He looked down at me with so much hate in his eyes.

Wow. If looks could kill we'd be ash right now.

"I hope Victoria tears you apart and you never sully our doorstep or go near my Edward again!" He ranted, his old British accent slipping.

Huh. There is it again. That's twice now. His Edward? Is that weird to you?

Not when you put all the pieces together. I'm surprised none of the others questioned it before now.

"Your Edward?" I questioned. "Are you and Edward mated, Carlisle?"

From behind me, I heard a hiss.

Carlisle snarled. "Why do you people keep asking me that? Of course, I am not mated to Edward. I am a man! How dare you suggest such a disgusting, vile act! I am a man. I have a wife. It is a sin to lay with another man."

It's 2090, dude! Do we need to go back to the dark ages when same-sex relationships were looked down upon, punished, outlawed, and hated? I mean, really? The world has come so far!

"Do you hear yourself?" I wondered. "Nobody gives a flying rat's ass if you're mated with another male! It's 2090, dude! Get with the times!"

"I will not!" He shook his head. "I want no part of it. Homosexuality is a sin!"

"We're vampires, Mr. Cullen! Sex. Debauchery. Blood. The hunt. The kill. Death. We get off on it. Live it. Breathe it. We are the monsters in the shadows that humans are afraid of! There are horror stories written about us. We are the ultimate sin! The embodiment of death."

"Not me." He shook his head.

So, does he see himself as the saint among the devils?

"No." I shook my head. "Not you. Not the great Carlisle Cullen. You're a compassionate man! Loving and gentle! You wouldn't hurt a fly . . . right?"

"Y-Ye-Yes . . ." He stuttered, moving away from me. Again, I followed.

At this rate, we'll be in the garden!

"You are a weak man, Carlisle. And a disgraceful, pathetic vampire. How you've lasted this long is a complete mystery to me. I'm not surprised a vampire like Edward has been able to control you! That's how you like it, isn't it?" I asked.

"I-I-I have no idea what you're talking about, Isabella. N-Now l-leave my territory and do n-not return."

"You don't know what I'm talking about? Okay," I nodded, "then let me enlighten you. You're a submissive male, Carlisle. That's why you're unable to argue with me right now. It's the reason you keep repeating the same lines over and over; you can't think on your feet, you get tongue-tied when faced with a more powerful adversary. You aren't confrontational like me. That's fine. It takes all sorts to make the world go round. My confronting you like this must be your worst nightmare. You're angry, scared, afraid of what I'll do next . . ."

He let out a low whimper when my hand shot out and wrapped around his smooth throat. Not to hurt him but to get his attention, to make him see which of us has the power here.

"But your body," I smirked, "your body is having an entirely different reaction than your mind, isn't it?"

He tried to shake his head. "N-no." He whispered.

"Yes," I growled, reaching down to grab hold of the bulge forming in his trousers. "You see?" I asked, squeezing. "Hard. Aroused. I am the Alpha. You are the submissive. And that turns you on, doesn't it, Carlisle?"

"N-No . . . Rel—rels—" He tried to speak but the words were stuck in his throat. I stared back at him, waiting patiently. For a moment, just the briefest moment, his eyes met mine and then quickly lowered as he moaned and bowed his head in submission.

Huh. Well, that didn't take a lot.

"You see? Submissive." I grinned. "I think you can put on a good show when you need to, but ultimately, when faced with a dominant your instinct is to submit, like a good little boy. That's how all this started, isn't it?" I asked. "You turned Edward and he took on the role of acting as your dominant. Your Alpha. Lord knows why you let that happen. Edward is no Alpha! My guess is, he made a few demands, saw how it affected you, read something in your mind, and began using you, manipulating you, maybe even blackmailing you; am I right, Carlisle?" He refused to answer, so I gave his dick a little squeeze. "Answer me!"

"Y-Yes." He whimpered. "He knew how much I liked it . . ."

"And he took advantage of your predilections."

"Yes, Mistress."

Behind me, I felt Jasper tense. Pete and Char were very still, holding their breaths as if waiting for something awful to happen. My mind immediately went back to Maria. For years they'd been forced to call her Mistress.

"Miss. Swan," I corrected. "From now on, you will address me as Miss. Swan."

As soon as I spoke, my three vampires relaxed. Though, I could feel my mate still on edge, though that was likely because I had my hand on Carlisle's dick. He had nothing to worry about, Carlisle Cullen is a rather small, unimpressive man. Certainly nothing like my Jasper.

"Yes, Miss. Swan."

Hmm. I could get used to that.

"So, if you did as he demanded and you were a good boy, you'd get a treat. But if you were a bad boy, went against his wishes, or acted out, what would he do?" I asked.

"P-Punish me," he whispered.

"How?"

Carlisle shrugged. Again, refusing to answer.

"How, Carlisle?" I growled, giving his dick another little squeeze.

"At first he'd s-spank me," he admitted. "But he saw how much I enjoy that so his punishments became more physically painful or . . ."

"Psychological," I answered for him, removing my hand from his crotch and loosening my grip on his neck. I didn't step away though. I was still the dominant here. I wasn't stupid enough to give up my position, in case this was all an act.

I wouldn't put it past him. Carlisle Cullen is as manipulative as Edward. He's obviously submissive, but there's got to be some strength within him to act as leader of his Coven for all these years! He's manipulated and fooled them all!

He nodded.

"What would he do, Carlisle?"

He sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Anything he could think of. He's destroyed my possessions from my human life. Threatened my friends; alienated most of them. Spread lies about our family. He's tracked down members of my human family. Stalked them. Terrorized them. I can't prove it, but I think he might have killed several of them over the years."

It's worse than I thought.

"During his rebellion, he was worse," Carlisle went on. "We were in constant contact. He'd tell me where he was and I'd meet him only to find a house filled with dead bodies. There was always someone he left alive. Maybe partially drained. I could've saved them . . ."

"But they'd seen too much and you had to kill them." I finished.

"Oh God," Esme whispered behind me.

"Yes," Carlisle whimpered. "He'd starve me. Order me not to feed until he permitted it, then tempt me with human blood. He insisted he was seeing how strong my resolve was; if I flinched or moved or made a sound he'd see it as weakness."

"He got better after his rebellion," Carlisle insisted. "When he was home with me and Esme, and back on the animal blood diet. But there were times, when he didn't get what he wanted, he'd become so violent, he'd lash out at me or whatever was within his grasp."

"Or whoever," Esme growled.

"He was violent towards the rest of you as well?" I asked, not taking my eyes off Carlisle.

"It got worse after we left you," Alice said softly. "That's when his mood really changed. He's been more depressed in the last eight decades. Withdrawn. Sullen."

"To be fair, Ed's always been that way," Emmett added. "At least as long as I've known him. I figured it was his natural disposition. Emo teen angst, you know?"

"But over the years he's got worse," Rosalie chimed in. "Especially after we left Bella. I think that's why we all assumed he'd give in and return to Forks but then you died, and, well, his behavior became even worse!"

"It was easier when Jasper was around," Esme admitted. "At least he could alter Edward's mood and relieve the rest of us from his constant brooding."

And what toll did that take on my mate? Did anyone think to ask him if he was okay? If Edward's emotional baggage affected him? Of course, not!

Why would they do that? This is a very selfish group of humanesque vampires who can't handle the only member giving them problems. It's not that hard! I did it in one afternoon.

I'm thinking you should've burnt him to a crisp instead of returning him!

No. I couldn't. That would've started a war. Carlisle never would've admitted the truth if I'd taken Edward out then.

Be prepared, Sunshine. This conversation might not change anything. This has been going on for a century and a half; it could be too late. Carlisle is, I think, obsessed with Edward. He's completely devoted to his progeny.

I'd even go a step further and suggested they aren't mated, as we presumed. One mate cannot hurt the other, and it's obvious Edward is causing Carlisle both physical and psychological pain.

I agreed. From what we've learned here today, Carlisle and Edward are likely not mated. One mate cannot harm the other. I could never hurt Jasper, just the thought . . . well, it's inconceivable. I couldn't. I wouldn't! I'd rather burn for eternity than ever allow him to feel a moment's pain!

Behind me, there was a soft growling coming from my mate as he read my emotions. I wonder what he felt.

I hope he doesn't think we're feeling it for anyone but him!

"Where is Edward now?" I asked the room.

"He's upstairs healing in a bathtub full of Carlisle's venom," Rosalie hissed.

"Carlisle insisted on putting him back together," Esme added. "But he needed venom and blood. Of course, Carlisle refused to give the boy blood bags so Emmett went hunting for him."

Carlisle growled. "He won't be himself until you give the rest of his parts back! How dare you hurt my Edward! After all he's done for you! You ungrateful little bit—"

Carlisle didn't get to finish that sentence. I was done. Moving fast, before any of them could react, I removed Carlisle's tongue and snapped his neck. His body fell to the ground, essentially dead. Though not permanently. He'd recover in a few hours.

Another trick I learned from Damon Salvatore.

Everyone stared at Carlisle's fallen body with wide, shocked eyes. I guess they didn't know you could snap a vamp's neck and render them unconscious for a while.

"As we've established, this is my territory!" I snarled, making the humanesque Cullens jump. "The three of you are welcome to remain here. As you're being led around by a complete moron, and we're low on time and patience, there will be no consequences for your complete ignorance and lack of knowledge regarding the world you belong to; that's the vampire world, not human. Your lessons on vampirism will begin when we've dealt with the fuckery that's on its way."

"Now. I suggest the three of you put on your big girl panties, grow the fuck up, and remember you're vampires! Not weak, sniveling, pathetic humans! You should be ashamed of yourselves! An enemy is approaching and we only have ten days to whip you into shape," I growled. "Unless you want me to use an actual whip, I'd suggest falling in line and listening to The Major, lest you WANT Victoria and her newborn army to eat you alive!"

"I'll put this with Edward's parts," I said, waving Carlisle's tongue around, "I'm sure he'll need it at some point. Though I don't know why. It only takes two puckered lips for him to kiss Eddie's ass."

With that, I turned on my heels and headed for the door. I was done being locked inside their pristine, overly white house. I needed to be outside where I could breathe and not worry about breaking something or making a mess!

"Training begins in half an hour! Do not make me come find you! You will not like the consequences!" I shouted over my shoulder.

Damn. Fuckin'. Vampires!

This bunch could seriously drive a girl to drink!

I'd only just reached the edge of the forest when I was suddenly scooped up in my mate's arms. Damn! I hadn't even heard him coming.

"What are you doing?" I laughed as he took off running deeper into the forest.

He stopped miles from the house, set me back on my feet, spun me around, and pinned me to a nearby tree. His lips were on my throat before I could utter a word, the bulge in his jeans rubbing against my butt.

Ah. I see. The Alpha male is mated to the Alpha female. Her show of power and dominance is a turn-on for him. He enjoyed seeing that side of you. A lot, it would seem.

His hands were everywhere. He licked, sucked, and nipped at my throat.

"Do not rip my jeans, Major," I growled. "I only brought two pairs with me and there's no time for shopping. If I have to, I will walk around in only my panties."

Another growl came from him, but he did heed my warning and slowly, slid my jeans down my thighs, leaving them around my ankles. My panties paid the price of his patience.

I heard the zip of his jeans and I wriggled my butt against him, eager to feel him inside of me.

Another growl left his lips and he slapped my ass. Not hard, but hard enough to make me moan.

Without any warning, he entered me, a roar bursting from his lips as we joined as one. His hands were strong, his grip bound to leave bruises against my skin. But I didn't care. My mate would never harm me. It's not possible. My head fell back against his shoulder, my back flat against his chest as his hips thrust like a wild, untamed beast, pushing us closer and closer to the edge of bliss.

It was fast and hard. He reached around and began stroking my clit. His free hand squeezed my hip, pulling me back against him as he pushed deeper inside of me. The orgasm that followed was intense. My whole body came alive as it rocked through me. A scream rent through the air as his teeth sank into my throat, marking me as his.

"Oh, fuck me," I breathed as I began to slowly come down from the high.

"I believe I did, Darlin'," He purred, nuzzling my throat.

I laughed softly. "That was," I tried to catch my breath, "intense."

"Mm." He eased out of me and I turned around so that we were facing each other. "It was." He leaned forward, resting his forehead against mine. "I'm sorry, Darlin'. I'm not sure what came over me."

A low growl rumbled through my chest as I gave his hair a sharp tug, making him wince. "Do not ever apologize for what you just did, Major. If that's what's in store for our eternity, I'm a very lucky girl."

He was trying not to smile.

"You did nothing wrong, Jasper. Took me by surprise, but that was okay, too." I smiled. "We're Alpha's, you and I, we're going to come together like that sometimes."

He nodded. "Mm. Seein' you take control like that . . . efficiently takin' out Carlisle and puttin' them in their place . . . it was hot as hell."

I smiled.

"What do you think we should do about Carlisle and Edward?" He wondered.

"Nothing."

"Nothin'?" He frowned.

I looked up at him. "Carlisle is a grown man," I said. "I'm sorry about what's happened to him, but the truth is, he wasn't forced to submit. It was his choice. He chose to give Edward control over him. To allow a younger vampire, with the mental capacity of a seventeen-year-old boy—who could be considered an immortal child—to rule over the Coven. He enabled Edward, encouraged him, supported him financially, willingly submitted to him, and cleaned up after him! Have either of them broken any vampire laws?"

"Goin' by what we've just learned, no," Jasper sighed. "But it ain't right, Darlin'."

"No, it isn't," I agreed. "But it's not for us to judge someone else's life choices. Carlisle made his choice. He willingly chose to give Edward this power. Yes, Edward manipulated him. He used his gift to ferret out Carlisle's deepest desires. And, yes, he probably blackmailed him, too. But none of that is against Volturi law. Unless we see or have proof that a law has been broken, we can't intervene with another Coven. And, don't forget, Cowboy, despite everything, Carlisle is still only concerned with Edward. He's still protecting him."

Jasper nodded. "And if we intervened, Carlisle would seek retribution."

"From what I've seen so far, Carlisle Cullen is not a stable man. He puts on a good show, but he's . . . broken," I sighed. "Edward is obviously abusing him. But that isn't against Volturi law. In the eyes of the law, Edward is innocent."

"Unless we find proof he's broken laws . . ."

I smiled, leaned up, and gently kissed him. "You're a very sweet, kind man, Jasper," I said, brushing my fingers through his hair. "I know it sucks. You want to protect them but, Major, Edward has not broken the law. You know that. Carlisle made his choice. He willingly chose this path. As did Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett. They all have minds of their own. They can choose to leave. Nobody is stopping them. Nobody is stopping them from asking for help or talking to another vampire, such as the Denali Coven. Or Peter and Char. Or one of the many nomads you guys know. They made their choices."

"Carlisle Sire Bond ordered them to leave you . . ."

"Yes," I nodded in agreement, "he ordered them to leave me. But, did he Sire Bond order them to stay in the Coven? Did he order them not to speak to another vampire? Not to seek council from an ally? Not to go to the Volturi and report what they've seen and ask for help?"

With a sigh, Jasper nodded his head. "No, he didn't."

"They had options. Friends they could've gone to. Help they could've received. And each one of them choose to keep their mouths shut and ignore what was happening in their Coven."

He sighed and nodded his head. "I know, Darlin'. It just . . ." he grinned, "sucks."

I smiled and leaned into him, enjoying the way my body molded to his. My hands moved across his chest. I would've liked to spend more time enjoying the feel of his body against me.

"Did you snap Carlisle's neck?" He asked, intrigued.

"Mm. Yeah. It won't kill us but it knocks us out for a few hours and hurts like a bitch."

He growled. "Who snapped your neck, mate." His hand went to my throat, cupping the side of my neck in his palm as his free hand went around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest.

"Garrett," I told him. "But we were training and I asked him to. He didn't want to at first, but I needed to know what it was like and how efficient it was. I did it to him, too, if it makes you feel better."

With a huff, he released my neck and wrapped both arms around my waist, holding me against him in a warm, gentle embrace.

I think they call it a hug.

Hmm. It's strange.

Hugging?

Yeah. The only physical contact I'm used to is training with Garrett or fucking. This is . . .

Good. Comforting. Warm. Loving. Caring. Tender. Need I go on?

"Relax, Darlin'," Jasper chuckled.

You're a little tense. Relax into him. You can do it. It's just a hug.

I'm not used to someone caring about me. It's an odd feeling. It's not like I'm against physical contact. We've had plenty in the last few days. It's just . . . unusual for me. I can go months without touching someone.

"Touch is important to mates," Jasper said softly, his lips at my ear. "It reaffirms our bond. Provides comfort and strength."

I smiled and looked up at him. "I know. Kate taught me all about mates. Scenting, purring, how possessive some males can be, the importance of physical contact, and what happens when we feed together."

His chest vibrated against mine, making the warm fuzzy feeling I was experiencing surge through me. I wasn't sure what to call the feeling, but I know I'd never felt it before now.

I leaned into him, resting my head against his chest, and closed my eyes. I was feeling very peaceful. As he held me in his arms the world around us just drifted away.

Unfortunately, we didn't have long together. I'd told the others thirty minutes and it wouldn't do for me to be late. Jasper understood. He pressed one last kiss to my lips before bending to pull my jeans back up.

I'm not sure which is sexier when he takes off our jeans or pulls them back up afterward.

He smirked, knowing exactly what he was doing to me. "This'll be over soon, my mate," he promised. "As soon as Victoria is ash at my feet, I plan to spend the rest of eternity at your side."

Redressed, I leaned into him, reaching up on my tippy toes to kiss him. "As soon as Victoria is ash at your feet, Maria is next," I warned him. "And let's not forget about Eleazar and the Denali Coven. They need to answer a few questions, too."

How the hell did life get so complicated?

I had the bright idea to come back to Forks!

Ah. Yes. But, if you hadn't, we wouldn't be mated to this studmuffin right now. And I'll take the stress, complication, and coming battles over being alone for another eight decades!

I guess it's all a matter of perspective.