A/N: Happy Saturday! Hope you're all having a wonderful day!

I think it's finally time for some answers! Eleazar has a lot of explaining to do in this one!

Enjoy xoxo

– Peter's POV –

Fuck me. The Cullens couldn't fight for shit! The Major hadn't been kidding when he said Carlisle never let him teach them anything! Not one move. We were back to fuckin' basics.

Thank fuck reinforcements were on the way because if it were up to these fuckers and us, we'd be toast!

Char was helpin' Bella with her shield. Alice was doin' the same with Charlie. While The Major and I focused on the four Cullens, makin' sure they get through this with most of their limbs intact. As it is right now, I ain't sure any of 'em will survive the coming battle!

Esme decided that since most of this shit was Edward's fault, he would help us clean it up. That would've been great if the child knew how to fight! He had no usable skills on the battlefield. He can't fight. He can't protect himself. The only thing he can do is run away and piss Bella off! When he's not complainin' bout his missin' limbs he's tauntin' The Major! Tryin' to get a rise outta him. All it's doin' is pissin' off The Major's mate and she's pretty damn volatile at the best of times! Before the end of today, mark my words, Bella's gonna take Edward's fuckin' head off and none of us are gonna stop her!

Toss the little shit into the fire and be done with it! Is anyone gonna miss him? Maybe Carlisle!

There's something seriously wrong with these fuckers! First Carlisle, now Edward! Was the child not taught 'no means no'?

Probably not!

He's used to gettin' his way. He doesn't know how to handle a situation when someone refuses to submit to his demands.

My opinion of Eddie hadn't changed after hearin' Carlisle's confession. I've always suspected he's a submissive male who kowtows to Ed's every command. Fact is, as much as The Major wanted to do somethin', we couldn't intervene. It ain't our Coven, so it weren't our business. There are four other members in the Cullen Coven, all of whom are more than capable of puttin' a stop to this shit but, for whatever reason, they don't!

Are they all blind?

Have they not seen what's been goin' on? Or have they all ignored it?

My guess is, that's exactly it. They've seen what's goin' on but they don't have the knowledge or strength to do something! They're weak. And Carlisle has made them that way!

Watchin' these fuckers try to fight was like watchin' an episode of the Three Stooges. At this rate, we might as well use them as cannon fodder. They ain't much use fer anythin' else!

Now, Bella, there was a girl who'd been trained well. The Major wanted to know exactly what she was capable of and none of us were disappointed, least of all him.

When they entered the trainin' field together, I don't think he was expectin' her to be so . . . well good! Hell, I know he wasn't. In five minutes, she had him flat on his back!

"And people call you The God of War? Really?" She taunted, liftin' one eyebrow as she looked down at him. "If you're going to be our mate, and would like us to submit to you, you'll have to do better than that. We need to know you can protect us. I want to spar with my Major. Unless," she grinned wickedly, "you're too chicken to fight a girl . . ."

Yeah. That did it.

There were a few gasps as The Major flipped himself onto his feet, his eyes going black as he turned to face his mate.

"Yer playin' with fire, little girl," he growled.

"Oh, baby. I'm not scared of a little fire." She winked at him.

Another growl tore through his chest as he ripped his shirt off and tossed it aside.

"Baby, your scars don't scare me," Bella reminded him.

"No," he grinned, "but they do turn you on . . ."

"Ah, so that's how you want to play this . . . okay," She nodded. "I can fight dirty, too."

They began sizing each other up. Bella was confident, calm, givin' nothin' away. Garrett had taught her well.

For the next hour, they circled and attacked, seemingly at random, neither able to take the other down. As Bella attacked, The Major dodged. And vice versa. There was no aggression comin' from them, despite the growls and snarls. At one point, The Major grabbed her shirt and tore it off her body, leavin' her in just a lacy red bra.

"I liked that shirt, Major . . ." she growled.

He growled in return. "I prefer seein' ya like this, Kitten."

This was foreplay to them.

The idiot boy tried to interfere on several occasions. The first time, The Major took his hand when he tried to touch Bella. ed had already lost his fingers so it didn't make much difference. The second time it was his foot. The third time, Bella lashed out and took his head clean off.

"He's like a cockroach, Major. You gotta whack his head off or he'll keep coming back!"

As Edward's head rolled across the grass, coming to a stop at Esme's feet, Bella and The Major came together. They fought hard. Neither one prepared to give up until the very end.

We were on our way to hour two when I heard footsteps coming our way. Four vampires. By their scents, it was the Denali clan. For a moment, as the wind shifted course, Bella was distracted and The Major struck. He had her pinned beneath him, his body draped over hers, his teeth at her throat before anyone could blink!

"Fuck me, he's fast!" Emmett breathed.

"Emmett. Language," Esme chastised.

"Sorry, Mum," Emmett sighed.

I rolled my eyes. Really?

Thank fuck our women don't try to control what we say or how we speak. I couldn't live with such restrictions!

"Never take ya eye off yer enemy, Kitten," The Major whispered in Bella's ear.

"I didn't take my eyes off you," She huffed, wiggling beneath him but he had her trapped.

"But ya were distracted. Yer mind wandered and I saw my openin'. When ya fight, yer opponent will take yer head quicker than I pinned ya."

She thought about it for a minute and then sighed. "Okay. You're right. I was distracted. In a real fight that could get me killed. It won't happen again, Major."

"Good girl." He leaned forward and kissed her, which is where they were when the Denali clan appeared, looking shocked.

"What on earth is going on here?" Irina's nasal, annoyed voice filled the clearin'. "Why is Jasper making out with her?"

Ah, boy, this wasn't gonna end well! I just knew it.

– Bella's POV –

Can a girl not get five minutes alone with the sexy hunk between her legs?

Sparring with Jasper had been amazing. Getting a peek at what he's capable of made me feel stronger and far more confident about going into this battle. I know, no matter what comes at us, he can survive it.

We can survive it. You're not weak, Sunshine. You've proven that. It took him two hours and a distraction to take us down. Even if he was holding back, that's impressive considering his history!

What do you mean, he was holding back?

He is known as The God of War. That must come with some serious skill and power. Neither of which he'd want to use on his mate.

Okay. Fair enough.

Taking my hand in his, Jasper pulled me to my feet. "Nice to see you too, Irina," I greeted her.

Irina huffed.

And Jasper growled as he wrapped his arm around my waist. "Don't mind her, handsome. Irina still blames me for the death of Laurent. Even though I was the one he attacked. I was the one almost drained of all my blood because of his lack of control. I was the one he turned. And I was a little preoccupied transitioning into a vampire when a bunch of overgrown pups killed him."

Irina was shaking like a leaf. Not in fear, but anger. Fury. "It was your fault! He wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for you!"

It's been the same damn argument for the last fifty years! Usually, Irina and I avoid each other like the plague. But every once in a while, we're forced to interact and, well, it usually goes like this.

"Yes, I'm aware everything that goes wrong in your life is supposably my fault," I sighed. "Is that why you didn't tell me my father is still alive?" I wondered. "My punishment for your boyfriend's death?"

He wasn't even her mate! He was a crush. A fling. A piece of ass!

He admitted it before he bit me! Irina was new; he enjoyed her company and her body, but he had no interest in staying with the Denali Coven or conforming to their diet.

Not that we've told Irina this.

I was trying to spare her feelings. She seems to be under the impression he was as devoted to her as she him.

She huffed at me and tossed her long golden hair over her shoulder, sneering. "What are you talking about now? I don't even know who your father is!"

"Really?" Dad came forward and I pointed to him. "Meet Charlie Swan," I introduced him to the Coven. "My father. Mated and married to Alice Swan, formally Alice Cullen. I imagine you've known him a while."

"Eighty-five years," Alice hissed, moving to stand beside me. "Give or take. He went through the transition in Alaska and met the Coven about six weeks after his awakening. The whole Coven—except Kate and Garrett—attended our wedding!"

"You've all known me for the last fifty years!" I snarled. "You knew my father for thirty before that! And yet, none of you thought to tell me he's alive and living with the Cullens! You knew my story. You knew Charlie's! Did it just slip your minds?"

"Oh, Bella, I'm so sorry," Tanya spoke. She sounded remorseful. But that wasn't hard. Vampires are excellent manipulators. "I didn't know. I swear. If I'd known . . ." she frowned and shook her head. "I thought it odd that you both came from the same small town and had ties to the Cullen family. I questioned it, didn't I Eleazar? You were there! You . . ." she trailed off, her eyes widening.

It all comes back to Eleazar, doesn't it?

"He what?" I asked.

Eleazar cleared his throat. "Wh-Where is Carlisle?" He asked, looking around the field.

"Taking a timeout," Charlie growled. "Answer my daughter's question, Tanya. What did Eleazar tell you?"

"He told me I was being ridiculous," she answered. "That you two couldn't possibly be related. It was just my imagination. And I . . ." she shook her head, "I believed him!" With a growl, she spun on her heels and faced Eleazar. "Explain yourself, Eleazar! Why would you manipulate us and lie to Bella?"

He postured for a moment, sputtering utter nonsense, and then, like a balloon, he seemed to deflate before our eyes. His shoulders slumped, his head bowed in shame, and he seemed to get smaller. For a man like Eleazar who held himself tall and proud, it was a startling thing to see.

"It's time, Eli," Carmen said. "You've done more damage than I realized to this Coven and our friends in the name of Carlisle Cullen. Dear God man, grow the fuck up and take back your balls! You owe him nothing!"

"I owe him everything!" He yelled. "He's my mate!"

Holy shit! Did you see that coming?

No!

There was a round of gasps from all the remaining Cullens. Peter didn't look all that surprised, and neither did my mate, for that matter!

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Emmett growled. "Hold the fuckin' phone. You and Carlisle? I thought he was mated to Edward?"

Eleazar rolled his eyes and sighed. "Dear boy, you know nothing of this world!" He said, exasperated.

"No shit, Sherlock! You've met my Sire; he's taught us nothing!" Emmett bellowed.

"Enough!" Jasper hissed. "Explain yourself, Eleazar. Now!"

"Yes," he simpered, shifting away from The Major, "of course, I knew Charlie was Bella's father. While she was human, Carlisle told me Edward had become infatuated with his Singer. He suspected she had a gift, possibly a shield because Edward couldn't read her mind, but he thought she may be something else. A potential succubus or a sire luring Edward in that way. He asked me to come to Forks and read her."

"That's not how it works, Eleazar. You know that." Tanya frowned. "It's impossible for a human to display succubi or siren traits!"

"Of course, I know that," he huffed, "but Carlisle refused to listen. He was convinced Bella was luring Edward away. He begged for my help! I couldn't deny him!"

What. An. Idiot.

"When I arrived in Forks, he was beside himself, convinced that Bella was going to lead Edward away from the Coven. Away from him! I followed her for a few days, kept to the shadows, and read her. I saw her with Charlie and was able to read him, too. When I reported back to Carlisle that Bella was nothing more than a regular high school teenager with a potential shield, he was relieved! I hoped that would be the end of it, but I was only fooling myself. From there, things just got worse."

I have a feeling we aren't going to like the rest of this story.

Yeah. Me, too.

"Once my job was done, Carlisle dismissed me and I returned home. I didn't hear from him again until he called to tell me the family had left Forks and was moving to New York State. I figured," he shook his head, "I was sure, Bella was with you, that Carlisle wouldn't be stupid enough to leave behind a human with knowledge of our world. But I should've questioned him. I should've known better!"

I concur.

"A year later, you all moved back to Alaska and Alice was introducing us to her new mate. I was stunned to find that Bella Swan was not with you, but instead, her father had joined the Coven! And he was mated to Alice! I learned about Bella's death from Esme. Carlisle was too focused on Edward and his emotional turmoil over the loss of his so-called mate!"

Eleazar turned his sorrowful eyes on me, then. "At that time and for the next thirty years, I honestly believed you were dead, Bella. I had no idea you were alive. I swear. It wasn't until 2040, when you and I met, that I realized the truth."

"And you choose not to tell my mate about her father?" Jasper growled. "Why? Why would you do that, Eleazar?"

"And did Carlisle know?" Alice asked. "He's your mate, after all. Did you tell him about Bella being alive?"

Eleazar bowed his head in shame. "Of course, I did," he whispered.

Huh. So, Carlisle knew we were alive, too. Not only did Eleazar keep the truth from us, but Carlisle did, too.

"He knew! That son of a bitch!" Emmett snarled. "He knew she was alive all this time and he didn't tell us!"

"Shhh. Emmy. Let Eleazar finish his story," Rosalie tried to soothe her angry mate. "I want to know what else has been kept from us!"

"So do I," Charlie growled dangerously. "You better have a damn good reason for keeping me from my daughter, Eleazar!"

"We both had very different reasons for lying to you all," Eleazar began again. "Carlisle knew, if Edward realized Bella was alive, he would leave and go looking for her."

"Why?" I asked. "He didn't want me. He left. Why on earth would he care?"

"Because he loves you," Esme insisted.

"Oh, Esme." Eleazar sighed, shaking his head. "Edward doesn't love anyone but himself! At his core, he is a sanctimonious, manipulative, spoilt child," he hissed. "Bella was nothing more than a possession to him!"

"Did any of you honestly believe he left to keep her human?" Eleazar asked the remaining Cullens. "That may be what he told you, but I assure you, no vampire, no matter their strength or control, will ever leave their Singer alive. Most can't withstand the pull to their Singer's blood for more than a few minutes. Of course, the arrogant child would be the exception! He thinks he's better than everyone else and by not draining her, in his mind, he's proving himself to be better!"

"I assure you—whether he realized it or not—Edward would have returned to Forks and you, Bella," Eleazar continued. "There is no way, he would've been able to live without the scent of your blood for long. Months, yes. But not a lifetime! And upon his return, it would only be a matter of time before he killed you."

Thankfully, we were turned before that could happen!

"You must've seen the changes in him, or are you all that blind?" He asked. "The moment he found out Bella was dead he went into a deep depression. He was withdrawn. His behavior erratic!"

Rosalie nodded. "We've just been over this," she sighed. "After Bella's death, his behavior became worse. He was angry. Violent. Threatening everyone. For a long time, he didn't believe she was dead. He went looking for her, spending months at a time away from the family."

"Not that any of us missed him!" Emmett grumbled. "Gave us all a break from his constant brooding. But obviously, the boy can't track anyone to save his life, or he would've found Bella!"

Let's be thankful that never happened.

"He's not as bad as you're making out," Esme defended her precious son. "Carlisle is very good with him. He's the only one who can control him."

Eleazar shook his head. "Carlisle isn't controlling him, Esme. He kowtows to that child, giving him everything he demands, which keeps him from being so belligerent!"

Sounds to me like Edward needed the firm hand of an Alpha when he first joined this world. Someone who would lay down rules, and guidelines, and punish him when those rules were broken.

Instead, his Sire turned out to be submissive! As soon as Edward realized he could control Carlisle, he knew he'd hit the jackpot! Not only would Carlisle do everything he said, but he also had wealth and prestige.

That man's done more harm than good.

"So, Carlisle's reason for keeping me and Bella apart is Edward," Dad said. "He didn't want Edward running off to find Bella and hurting her."

I think Charlie's been spending too much time with the Cullens. He's become very naive.

Eleazar shook his head and sighed, running a hand through his black hair. "I doubt he would've cared if Edward hurt Bella, Charlie," he admitted. "In fact, he may have even encouraged Edward to drain his Singer. But I can't be sure of that, as I wasn't there and it's not like Carlisle would admit to it. The truth is, Carlisle didn't want Edward to find out Bella was alive because he didn't want Edward to leave . . . because . . ." another sigh left his lips, "because Carlisle is in love with Edward!"

Well, duh.

"Again, I repeat . . . No shit, Sherlock!" Emmett huffed. "We've always known he favours Edward over the rest of us, even his wife!"

"I'm confused," Irina frowned. "You and Carlisle are mated, Eleazar?"

Good grief. Keep up! We went over this like ten minutes ago!

"We are." Eleazar nodded.

"But Carlisle is in love with Edward?"

Huh. Bit contradictory, isn't it? Wasn't he just spouting off about homosexuality being the biggest sin of all time? And here he is, being exposed for loving Eddie boy.

Edward isn't a man . . .

Not anymore, anyway. We have his manly bits now!

"He is."

"So, are Carlisle and Edward mated, too? Like a triad?"

"No. Carlisle is Edward's Sire, nothing more," Eleazar explained. "Triads are impossible. Mating only happens between two souls."

"Have you and Carlisle finalized your mating bond?" Rosalie wondered.

"No," Eleazar shook his head, sadly and they sighed heavily. "Carlisle has rejected our bond."

You know, I hate to admit it, but I'm starting to feel sorry for Eleazar. What a fucking mess! Who the hell would want Edward over Eleazar? A boy over a man!

"Does Edward know you and Carlisle are mated?" I asked.

"I would assume he knows something," Eleazar nodded.

"What was yer reason for keepin' my mate and her father apart, Eleazar?" Jasper growled.

That is the clincher, isn't it? Everything rides on what he says next. I have a feeling it's going to change everything.

Mm. It is.

What I don't get is why he's never done anything before now. If he doesn't know how to handle a mate who's denying their bond and making a fool out of himself why hasn't he done something to help Carlisle? He has resources. Friends. He's ex-Volturi! He has connections all over the vampire world. I know he's told us about the Volturi and how evil they are, but he could've gone elsewhere! Hell, he could've asked one of the Cullens. Or The Major or Peter! Or even a member of his own Coven! Anything is better than doing nothing and allowing this disaster to continue!

"Let me guess," Jasper growled, "you were gonna use my mate as leverage to make a deal with the Volturi should Carlisle's blatant disregard of our most sacred laws ever come to light!"

There was a round of gasps as everyone took in the implication of Jasper's words.

"That's why you lied about my gifts," I realized. "You were going to use me to broker a deal if the Volturi ever found out Carlisle allowed his Coven to abandon a human with knowledge of your world."

Eleazar nodded his head. "Yes." He looked to Jasper. "This was before I knew she had a mating bond, Major. I had no idea she had such a bond, or that it would be with you! I never would've come between mates! I swear to you."

Jasper snarled. "And that makes it okay? She was fair game as long as she didn't have a matin' bond! Is that it?"

Eleazar shrugged, seeming indifferent. "Yes." He nodded. "She was a nomad. She had no ties to the world. No bonds. No companions. Nobody who would miss her or try to find her! Do you know what she'd be worth to the Volturi?" He asked. "She is an anomaly! She possesses two extraordinary gifts!"

"Form manipulation! I've never seen anything like it. With practice, she will be capable of changing any aspect of her physical appearance! In any form she takes. Her hair color. Eye color. Height. Weight. Body shape. The sound of her voice. The speed of her heartbeat!"

"Like Nymphadora Tonks from Harry Potter," Emmett whispered. "That's totally badass!"

"She could," Eleazar continued, "for instance, blend into the surrounding forest so that even our senses won't find her. In a crowd, she could shift her appearance to match a regular human and disappear before anyone can find her. She'll make a perfect spy, a chameleon, and a true boon to the Volturi ranks!"

"What about children," Carmen asked, eagerly, "will she be able to have a child?"

"Children?" Rosalie perked up. "She can have children?"

What the hell is it with these bloody women wanting to knock me up! How many times must I say it? I. Do. Not. Want. Children! Not now. Not ever!

"I don't know," Eleazar said, shrugging. "In her human form, I certainly wouldn't recommend it."

Uh-oh . . .

"But as a hybrid . . ." I pushed as Jasper shifted closer to me.

I've never had sex in my hybrid form. With anyone. Except Jasper. Could I get pregnant as a hybrid?

That's it! No more hybrid sex for you, missy! Vampire sex only from now on.

Eleazar shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not a doctor. If that's a path you wish to go down, I'd recommend speaking with Carlisle. He might have more insight into this than I do."

Ha! Never. No way. No how! It isn't happening. Not now. Not a hundred years from now. Not in the next millennium!

"What about her shield?" Peter asked.

"Ah, yes." Eleazar smiled and it was . . . almost sinister. "I've never seen a shield so powerful. Both mental and physical. There's no telling what she could be capable of with the right training! Do you have any idea how long Aro has searched for a shield as powerful as Bella?"

"I knew if it came to it," he went on, "I would be able to trade Bella for Carlisle's life. I was sure she'd be enough to encourage Aro to be lenient with him. But, if I had to, I was willing to trade Edward, Alice, Jasper, Peter, and Charlie as well. I hoped, I wouldn't have to involve all of you, I never wanted that. You have to believe me! We're a family and I love and care for you all! I truly believed Bella would be enough to satisfy Aro and ensure Carlisle's safety."

Well, gee. Don't I feel special! He was hoping he'd only have to sacrifice me! Because, hey, why not, right? It's not like my life means anything! I'm just the nomad who has no ties to the world. No one who would miss me! Sure, why not! Sacrifice Bella! Who gives a damn about her as long as Carlisle Cullen comes out of this scot-fucking-free!

I wonder if he'd thank Eleazar for saving his life and accept their mating or run back to Eddie and leave Eleazar behind?

Serve him right.

"Having two extraordinary gifts makes her twice as valuable to the Volturi," Eleazar continued. "Aro wouldn't have said no to her, I'm sure of it! None of you were in any danger. Not really."

"Just my mate," The Major growled darkly.

Eleazar shrugged. "She wasn't your mate then, Jasper. She was fair game. If I'd acted sooner, none of you would've known! You all thought she was dead. And it wouldn't have been a bad life for her, either! With her gifts, she would've risen the ranks faster than Jane and Alec!"

"Well, doesn't that make me feel oh, so special!" I hissed. "All those years of friendship were nothing more than a lie. You were just biding your time waiting for that perfect moment to sell me to the highest bidder!"

Makes what the Cullens did when you were human look like child's play!

"It wasn't like that . . ." He tried.

"It was exactly like that, Eleazar. No point backtracking now. You've just admitted your plan to everyone here. Lucky for you, your Coven seems to be the forgiving type."

From the corner of my eye, I saw Tanya, Carmen, and Irina inching toward Eleazar. They were ready and prepared to protect him. They'd chosen their side. Eleazar was a member of their Coven and they'd protect him before anyone else, including a long-time friend. After all, Eleazar said it best, I have no ties. I'm alone in this world.

WERE alone! HAD no ties! You forget, Sunshine, there's a Coven at your back now. And a mate stood beside you.

Very true. But I don't need them to fight my battles for me. I'm a big girl.

Even big girls need a support system. And the occasional backup. Besides, we both know we can't take out Tanya, Irina, Carmen, and Eleazar.

I don't plan to take anyone out.

Hold up, what now?

No killing. No maiming. No limb removal. No fighting of any kind. Not this time.

Well, why the hell not? We took Edward apart for less! Shouldn't Eleazar suffer the same fate?

Maybe. Probably. But I can't. I can't do it. This is just . . . I don't know. It's not like when the Cullens left me. That was horrendous. It about killed me. No, it did kill me!

This is worse.

These people were my closest friends for fifty years. Fifty years! I trusted them. I trusted Eleazar! I loved them. I spent time with them. I celebrated with them. Spent holidays and birthdays with them. I held Tanya when she cried. Argued with Irina. I was there when Kate and Garrett got married! We went on vacations together. Traveled together! I shared my life with them. And my body! After everything, they're still happy to toss me aside and lock me in Volterra to save Carlisle from a rightful, just punishment!

Why doesn't my life matter?

Why am I not important?

Why is it so easy for everyone to use and manipulate me to get what they want?

I don't have the answers you seek, Sunshine. But I do have a suggestion. It's kinda out there and new, but I think it might help.

I'm listening . . .

A/N: Poor Bella! I feel so bad for her. All that time she thought they were friends and Eleazar was plotting to hand her over to the Volturi! Carmen seemed to know, but I wonder if Tanya and Irina were telling the truth.