Paul

I laid on Sam's couch waiting for the pack and the imprints to get back. Jared had followed me and he sat on the floor playing a video game while we waited. I had called Bella as soon as I got here to tell her to bring everyone back. Sam was planning a bonfire for tomorrow night to celebrate our victory, but it didn't feel like a victory to me with all of the help we had. I may have appreciated what they did, but to me it felt like my mate had no faith in our ability to defend ourselves.

Embry came in and laid on the loveseat opposite of me. Kate had gone to Denali to collect some of her things and visit with her family and he was moping over her absence. I knew the pain of being separated from an imprint all too well.

How could Rosalie not have realized what her absence would do to me? How could she not know the pain she'd be putting me through? Did she just not care?

I dreaded telling Bella and Leah that she was alive. I feared they would be even more upset with her than I was. Bella had taken care of me when I was struggling and I knew she'd blame Rosalie for everything. Leah would be angry that her friend lied to her. I wouldn't blame either of them.

The pack all showed up and I heard about what Jacob said to Rosalie, something that normally would have pissed me off but instead I was glad that she was hearing about what I went through. Jared was adamant that I needed to forgive her now. He insisted that she would have been here if she could, but I knew their close friendship made him biased. I wanted to believe that it wasn't her choice to leave us and fake her death, but she seemed too friendly with the Volturi for that to be the case. Embry didn't offer much of an opinion, but the rest of the pack agreed with me.

Bella and the others arrived a few hours later. To my surprise, Esme had come here before going to see Carlisle. Esme came around to each of us to hug us and tell us how glad she was that we were safe. She invited us all to dinner at the Cullen's tonight. I didn't want to see Rosalie, but I could hardly say no to Esme. Sam agreed for us and we didn't argue.

Rosalie was a bit of an elephant in the room. Nobody had told the girls and none of them seemed inclined to. I wasn't looking forward to Leah being surprised, but it was up to Emmett to tell her if he wanted to. I noticed the absence of Bree after a few hours and Embry told me she had gone to Denali with Kate. I knew she couldn't come to the res, but I was confused that she decided to leave. I stepped out of the room and called her.

"Paul." She answered curtly.

"Why did you leave?" I questioned her. "We are having celebrations and you need to be a part of it."

She scoffed. "You mean you want me around now that Rosalie has magically reappeared?"

Why would she think we wouldn't want her? Nobody had ever implied that she wasn't welcome. "Of course I do. Seth does too. Get back here, we're having dinner with the Cullen's tonight." Bree had only just gained my trust but she was becoming a part of our pack. I wasn't going to let her go easily.

"I'm not too fond of the idea of celebrating Rosalie lying and putting you through pain. I'll come if you want me, but I don't plan to be cordial to your mate." She explained.

"None of us expect you to." I assured her. "Come back now, you can come to my house on the res if you don't want to go back home."

"Fine." She agreed. "I'll see you soon."

I walked back in and told Seth that Bree would be coming back to my house soon. Sam didn't argue her being on the reservation.

"Why did she leave anyway?" Leah asked. "She should know she's welcome here, we're her family now."

"An after battle complication." Sam told her. "We'll explain everything later."

Leah nodded, but she didn't seem satisfied with his answer. "How are things going between you two, Seth?" She asked her brother.

Seth blushed. I knew the two of them had grown close but I didn't know how close they really were. "We're taking things slow. She isn't my imprint, those relationships used to be banned if you remember."

Leah knew the rule well. Sam had enforced it because of how badly he regretted hurting her when he imprinted on Emily. We hadn't had any new wolves with outside relationships so it hadn't really come back up until now.

Leah's face flushed red with anger. "I think we can all agree now that life is too short to deny anyone happiness. Pursue her if you want to, Sethy."

"Apparently it isn't as short as we thought." Quil grumbled.

Jared growled at his comment. Quil gasped, instantly realizing what he'd said in front of everyone.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Leah demanded.

Bella glared at me. "Is there something you guys aren't telling us?"

Nobody responded to her, and our silence spoke volumes.

Leah sighed loudly and stood up. "Come on Rach, Em and Jas will tell us what's going on."

"Will you drive?" Bella asked. "I want to go too." She turned around and looked back at me and Jake. "I had just started to trust you two again."

Kim and Emily followed the rest of the girls to the car. Jake slapped the back of Quil's head as the girls walked out the door. Jared stood and took off his shirt as he strolled to the back door.

"Where do you think you're going?" Sam asked him.

He scoffed. "Someone has to beat the girls there."

Most of the pack phased and ran after him but I was in no hurry. Rosalie had to know she'd face them eventually, and I wasn't rushing to save her from a wrath I understood. I shouldn't want anyone to be angry with my mate, but I had to admit that I was appreciative of the girls for being on my side. It wasn't my place to defend her from her own family. I trusted that Jared would keep the situation mostly under control. I texted Bree to meet me at the house next door to mine and walked slowly to the Clearwater's home.

As angry as I was with Rosalie, I had to admit that I was relieved that she was alive. I knew we'd get past this and have the life we deserved together. Something else was still missing though; my mother. I knew that Sue and Harry would be able to help me find her. If they didn't know how to, they could ask Charlie Swan for me. I walked in the house and Sue came running toward me to hug me. Sam had called the council when we got back, but I know she must have felt relieved to see me.

"I'm so glad you're all safe." She whispered as she held me tightly.

Harry looked around me and peeked out the window by the front door. "Where are Leah and Seth?"

"They're with the pack at the Cullen's." I told him. "I wanted to talk to you about something if that's okay."

Harry put his hand on my back and led me to the table. He and Sue both sat down next to me, concern clear on their faces.

"What is it, dear?" Sue asked me, reaching for my hand.

She had always been so compassionate toward me. I hoped I wouldn't offend her with my request. "I've been thinking recently, and I'd like to find my mother."

Tears welled in her eyes and she gripped my hand tightly. "I would love to find my old friend. I've always loved your mother, Paul. I will do everything I can and if I can't find her I'm certain that Charlie can help."

She and my mom had been friends for years. That was why our house was right next door, so they would be close to each other. They had drifted apart when my father started abusing us, but the Clearwaters had always loved my mom.

I stood up and hugged her. "Thank you, Sue. I love you."

I heard the soft knock of Bree and the door and I introduced her to Sue and Harry. They knew Seth had been seeing someone, but they didn't know who. I was proud of Harry for being so supportive of all of his children being with vampires. The council had hated the Cullen's so much when they moved back to Forks, but we'd all come a long way. Sue welcomed her in and we all sat together talking for awhile. Bree told them about herself and how she'd met Embry while he was looking for Rosalie. She apologized to them for leaving after the battle and mentioned that she was just too angry to rejoin the Cullen's.

Harry shot me a questioning glare. The way she said it implied something had happened between them and the pack, which we'd have to tell the council about.

"What did the Cullen's do to upset you?" Harry questioned.

Bree's eyes went wide as she realized they didn't know what she was talking about. "I'm so sorry.. I just assumed Paul had told you.."

"What did Paul not tell me?" He asked again.

I threw my head back in defeat. "Rosalie is alive."

I quickly ran through what had happened. I told them that we thought we had lost the battle and Jared was the only one to escape alive, but the smoke we thought was killing us was coming from a friend of Rosalie's that she brought to save us. Bree supplied a few details I'd left out. She described the way she felt watching everyone fall in to the black smoke and she told them about Jane. Jane had helped Seth through the entire battle but hurt me when I demanded we kill Angela.

She had adored Rosalie, but the look on her face as Bree talked was one of pure hatred. "So while we were here mourning her and you were in immense physical pain, she was in Italy hanging out with vampire royalty?"

As angry as I was, I still felt the need to defend my mate. "I mean, yes, but she wasn't wrong. We would have all died without their help."

My answer didn't satisfy Sue. She stood from the table and grabbed her jacket. "I'm going to the Cullen's house." She announced.

Harry threw his head into his hands as we heard her car peel out of the driveway. "You better hope you beat her there." He told me. He stood up and hugged Bree. "Don't be a stranger- tell that boy of mine to bring you around more often."

She smiled and nodded at him and followed me out the back door. I wasn't angry with Bree, I knew that Sue would find out about Rosalie sooner or later. I just hoped it wouldn't be until after I'd heard her out and knew exactly what happened the night I thought she died.

I didn't phase, I ran alongside Bree as a human. I was afraid of what I'd see inside my brother's heads if I phased. I knew Leah and Rachel would be angry, and neither were known for showing the most restraint.

Everyone was outside when we got there, and I noticed Embry standing in front of Rose protectively as his wolf. Some things never changed, imprinting be damned. Jared was phased too, standing by her side. Leah and Rachel had both phased and Jasper stood between them and their brothers pleading with everyone to phase back.

"None of you have heard her out yet. Don't any of you want to know what actually happened?" Jasper asked the girls.

"I do." I answered him. "I don't give a shit if they phase back or not, nobody is going to touch her."

He nodded at me and moved to stand next to Rachel. I looked at Rosalie. "So, babe, tell us what happened."

Rosalie

I left Paul on the beach to go back to our house. I didn't want to leave him so soon after he proposed to me, but I had a gift for Leah. My supernatural speed felt too slow, and the moments until I'd see him again too long. Esme had given me a large sapphire pendant to wear for my first wedding to Emmett that had belonged to her mother, and I planned to give it to Leah. Esme was Emmett's mother too, so it was almost like I was giving her his grandmother's jewelry to wear.

I knew something was wrong as soon as I arrived at my house. All of the lights were on, including the garage, and we rarely ever used the lights. The four of us have above average vision and Leah suffered from migraines, so we wouldn't have left a single light on. I knew I should turn back; I knew I should go back to Paul. I didn't, though. I wanted to prove to him, and to myself, that I could handle this alone. I didn't recognize the intruders scent, but it was hard to distinguish it with the scent of the wolves so heavy in the air.

I approached my home cautiously. Jasper had taught me to use every advantage in a battle and I had a clear one here- I had designed this house with him and I knew the exact layout better than anyone. Every room had a way to escape, in case of a fire. Jasper had known a nomad that was killed by Maria when she burned his house and he was trapped inside, so he was determined never to let that happen to any of us. There was a tunnel under my garage that connected to every single room, and I quickly crawled under my car and slid into the dark space. The trapdoor in my bedroom was underneath my bed, and that was the one I checked first. I couldn't see the intruder, so I checked the bathroom next. This door connected led to the bathroom closet, so I was able to get in there without making much noise. I peered out of the bathroom and saw Angela sitting at my kitchen table.

This was the moment when I broke Jasper's first rule of combat- I underestimated, and turned my back on my enemy. I thought Angela was a friend, innocent in all of this. I approached her cautiously, but without fear.

"What the hell are you doing in my house?" I asked her as I strolled in to the kitchen, walking past her.

The next second her hand was wrapped around my throat and she had slammed me backwards in to the table, breaking it in half and landing on top of me on the floor.

"What did you do to Alice?" She asked through gritted teeth. Her crimson eyes glared in to mine. She wrapped her hand in my hair and pulled my head backwards. "Do you have any idea what you've done? We're all going to die because of you."

I tried to push her off of me, but each time I struggled her grip tightened on my head. She was still a newborn and she was clearly feeding from humans, I was no match for her physically and I'd given up every tactical advantage I'd had when I assumed she was a friend.

She slapped my face hard. "Are you not understanding?" She yelled. "EVERYONE is going to DIE. That includes your family and those mutts you love so much!"

She released my hair and sat back, sobbing. "You don't know what you've done. Alice wasn't ever going to hurt your family! We were going to derail his plan, but you've ruined everything!"

I sat up and scooted away from her as best as I could. "Alice was going to kill Embry. She threatened a human. It wasn't up to me. The wolves were never going to let her live, I'm sorry."

She smiled wickedly at me. "You're going to help me." She announced.

"I'm not going anywhere with you." I told her. "You're fucking crazy if you think I'm leaving my family, and my mate."

She grabbed me by my throat again and slammed me in to the wall. "Do you want your mate to die?" She whispered in my ear. "That's what you're damning him to if you don't help me."

I kicked her hard but she didn't let me go. "Alice was supposed to help me find my true mate. He is the key to us all living on the other side of this. She saw it."

"I don't know who your mate is. I'm not a psychic." I told her. She chuckled.

"Alec. She said your family knew him. You're going to go to Italy and get him for me. His sister, too." She explained.

I laughed at her. "You've really lost it now. I'm not going to Italy to be slaughtered by the twins."

"Paul will die if you don't. You want him to live, don't you?"

I thought for a moment. Would Alice have lied about this? Surely she wouldn't have planned a trip to Italy if she wasn't sure the twins would be receptive to what she was saying. I had no way to prove what I was saying, though. Alice was gifted but I am not. I knew that our chances were next to none if someone didn't help us though, and Alec was the best man for the job. It seemed that Angela would kill me if I didn't go with her anyway, so did it matter if my death was at her hands or the Volturi's? The latter seemed to give my mate a fighting chance at least.

"I have to tell someone I'm leaving. The pack will hunt you to the end of the earth if they think you've taken me."

She laughed at me. She seemed to be making the same mistake I had- underestimating her enemy.

"They won't be looking for you if they think you're dead."

I panicked and tried to get away from her, but it was no use. Another newborn emerged from Leah's bedroom and a simple touch from him rendered me unconscious. I woke up what seemed like hours later and saw the flames overtaking my house. I could feel the absence of my engagement ring and I screamed, praying one of the pack would hear me but before I knew it I was unconscious again and being carried away in the arms of a man that wasn't my fiancé.

I hadn't felt this helpless since Royce assaulted me all those years ago. I had always felt a false sense of security with my brothers, and then with the pack, but now I was in a situation I had no way of getting myself out of. The pack wouldn't come for me, nor would my family. I hoped that Paul would know something wasn't right, or that one of the pack would. I hoped that one of them had followed us. I hoped that Embry wouldn't give up until he found me, because I knew he was the most likely to fight for me after Paul. I hoped that Paul would still feel me, and that he'd know I was alive. Hope wasn't going to keep me alive, though, and I had to push those thoughts to the back of my mind.

I didn't know where Angela took me, but I knew we weren't in Washington anymore. If she wanted me to go to Italy we had to be near an airport, but I wasn't sure where. I prayed she planned for me to fly commercially so Jasper would be alerted. She didn't know everything about my family that she seemed to think she did. I woke up in a cold, dark room that was dimly lit by candles mounted on the wall. The man stood close to me, ready to incapacitate me on her command. She sat across from me, reading a book as if this was just another day to her.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked the man. "She's doing this to me to find her true mate, what are you getting out of it?"

She stood from her chair. "You don't have to answer her." She told him as she walked toward me.

He looked down. "She's promised my mate will survive in exchange for my cooperation. I know I'm going to die; if she doesn't kill me, Victoria will. I just need to know my mate will be safe."

She laughed again, and her laughter sounded like nails scraping a chalkboard to me. "See? The two of you have something in common. Both on noble life ending quests to save your mates."

She rolled her eyes and sat back down in her chair. "You have to imagine how I feel for a moment, Rosalie. I was forced in to this life just like you were, all because I wanted to save Bella. I never wanted to hurt anyone. You can ask Edward, I was kind to everyone and was such a optimist. I never wanted any of this, but it's the only way to protect your family and all of the Quileutes from being killed. You have to understand that."

I didn't understand. She could've come to my family for help, the extreme she'd gone to hadn't been necessary. But, it was better for my own survival if I tried to reason with her.

"I can understand where you're coming from, because I never would have chosen this life for myself. I'm going to help you find your mate, the rest of this is unnecessary. You already have my cooperation. I'd give my life to keep the pack safe, you know that." I told her. "When do I leave for Italy?"

She smiled softly at me. "Soon. Have you met Alec before?"

I cringed. My meeting with the twins had been very unpleasant. "Once." I responded. "It didn't go well."

The smile faded from her face. "Let's hope your reunion goes better then."

The rest of the night passed in a blur. She had been prepared- she provided a fake ID and passport for me to travel with. My alias was Aurora Waters, something Jasper would never be alarmed by. The longer I was gone, the less hope I had that the pack would come for me. They'd be convinced I was dead. I tried to run a few times, and each time the man had knocked me unconscious. His name was Fred, and he didn't enjoy hurting me but he did what he had to do to keep his mate safe. I could understand that. I'd die for Paul without a bit of remorse.

Before I knew it, I was on a flight to Italy. Fred had gone with me, but Angela stayed behind. She told us she had some business to take care of while we were gone, but she would meet us at the airport when we returned.

I got to know Fred well on our long flight to Italy. I had tried to escape at the every airport that we went to, and by the last one he begged me not to so he wouldn't have to hurt me again. I was desperate, I wanted to get back to Paul and my family. I had missed the wedding; I hoped Leah had went through with it without me.

Fred almost reminded me of Embry. He was very calm and comforting to be around, even in this type of situation. He had a very even demeanor and didn't show much emotion, but you could tell there was a lot of thought going on behind his crimson laced eyes. I hated knowing what his fate was. I wished there was a way that I could save him, but I wasn't even able to save myself.

We arrived in Italy and he trusted me to lead the way to the Volturi. I had my own plans though. I wasn't going to go in and ask for Jane or Alec, I couldn't without revealing the pack to Aro. I had to catch them when they were hunting. We sat high in some trees that overlooked the building and waited for one of them to come out.

I missed my mate terribly. Every time I was hurt by Fred I worried for Paul. Our bond had become so close I could feel his emotions back home, but since I was kidnapped all I felt was emptiness. I wondered if he felt the same.

It felt like more than a day had passed before any of the Volturi left the building. Carlisle had told me that they preferred to have their "meals" delivered, but the twins enjoyed hunting. Seeing Alec emerge gave me a renewed sense of hope. Sure, he could kill me. But there was a chance he'd spare my life and I'd get to see Paul again. I saw Jane following closely behind them, and I waited for them to be a safe distance away from the rest of the guard before approaching them. Watching them prey on innocent humans made me sick to my stomach, but unfortunately I was powerless to stop them. I had to save my mate, and they were the key.

After they'd each drained two humans and disposed of the bodies, I decided I'd approach them. Fred agreed to stay in the tree and watch me from afar. I jumped from the high branch and landed gracefully in front of them.

"Alec, Jane, it's nice to see you." I began. "I've come to ask for your help, and I have something of value to offer in return."

As soon as I stopped speaking, I felt the full force of Jane's gift. Every inch of my body ached and I tried hard to suppress my screams. All I could think of in that moment was Paul, and I prayed for a second that our bond had been broken and he wouldn't feel any of the pain I was feeling. It was a long few moments before Jane spoke again.

"Rosalie, you're Carlisle's daughter. Shall we hear her out, brother?" She asked Alec.

I looked up and saw him shaking his head. "We should take her back to Aro." He told her.

"Ple-.. please, do-don't.." I grunted through the pain.

"Sister, stop." Alec ordered. "Let her speak."

Jane released me from her assault and I was instantly relieved. I took a moment to compose myself before standing before them. "Alec, my family is under a near death sentence. My brother Edward has lost his sanity and is trying to pursue a human. He changed another human, claiming her to be his mate. But she isn't his mate- she's yours."

Jane gasped. "How would you know who his mate is?"

"Alice saw it." I explained. "The girl's name is Angela. I've never met someone with a more pure heart than her. If you don't help me, the army my brother has assembled is going to slaughter my entire family. Angela won't survive either. Alice has perished, but she saw you saving us and Angela joining you here."

They contemplated what I was saying. "How do we know we can trust you?" Jane questioned. "How do we know you aren't making these claims to save yourself?"

"Come with me and find out. If she isn't his mate, you can kill me." I offered. "I did bring a friend along, but I assure you he's harmless. We're both here to protect our own mates."

Alec looked over at his sister. "I believe her, sister. I'd like to meet Angela."

I fell to the ground again, collapsing from the onslaught of Jane's gift again. "We will help you, Cullen. But if you've lied to us- I won't just kill you. I will end your entire coven, do you understand?"

She released me and I nodded. "Thank you."

They went back to the Volturi for the night and agreed to meet me the next morning. There would be an overcast, but we agreed to meet inside the airport. Fred and I agreed to spend the night hunting and talking about what was to come. He agreed to hunt animals and I was grateful for that; I wouldn't be able to stop myself from taking him on again if he hurt a human, even if I knew I'd lose.

Fred told me he'd never been to Europe so we walked through the streets in Italy for awhile admiring the sights after he'd drained a few deer. We passed a mother with her teenage daughter and seeing the way she tended to her child made me think of Esme. I missed Paul badly, but being away from my parents was almost as difficult. I hadn't spent much time away from them throughout my existence, but never against my will. I hoped Esme was handling the loss of her last daughter well, but even more I hoped to see her again.

We walked until came to a pier on the water's edge and we sat down. The ocean here was so much different than what I was used to at La Push.

"So, tell me about her."

"Who?" Fred replied.

I chuckled. "Your mate. The one you're going to die for."

He looked out at the water. "You really think Angela will kill me?" I didn't respond. I was sure Jane and Alec would if she didn't. "She's amazing. So kind, and so compassionate. I hate that she was changed. I hate that this is her life now, and that I won't be around to protect her."

I put my hand over his. "If I make it back, I'll protect her for you. I promise."

He smiled. "I hope one of us lives through this. It's your turn." I looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Oh, come on. You can't expect to get off without telling me about the man in your life."

I shook my head and couldn't help but to smile just thinking of Paul. "He's a wolf, which used to be a little off putting but the pack is unlike any group of people I've ever met. They have such a strong bond between them. There isn't a single one of them that wouldn't lay down their life to save me if they knew I was alive. Paul is strong, and he's brave. He's a warrior and I'm grateful that he'll be protecting my family and the rest of the pack mates if I don't make it back to do it myself."

He squeezed my hand. "We'll see our mates again. Both of us will. I just know it."

I wasn't convinced, but I hoped like hell he was right.