A/N: I'm posting this at the same time as Chapter 41 because this is a truly short interlude. Like less than a thousand words short. So make sure you don't skip last chapter:)

Volterra, Italy

Aro Volturi opened the envelope addressed to him with a small smile.

The Olympic Coven

Invites You to Attend

The Joining of Soulmates

Jasper Whitlock

and

Isabella Swan

Saturday, the 21st of August

Forks, Washington

He stood up from his desk and walked to find his brother. Knocking on the doorframe of the study Marcus used more often than his office, he walked in when Marcus nodded.

"Well?" Marcus asked, and Aro handed him the invitation to read. Marcus scanned it quickly and handed it back to his brother with a barely perceptible smile. "What a strange name for a town. You'll be attending, I presume?"

"Yes," Aro nodded. "I'm content to wait to read the human's father in a less… stressful environment. I was thinking perhaps you'd like to accompany me."

"To confirm their bond?" Marcus asked.

"That, and it gives us an excuse to get out of the castle for a few days. I imagine with the guests limited to Carlisle's coven that we'll be in no danger."

Marcus nodded. "And the nearby tribe? They have protectors, yes?"

"They do," Aro nodded. "It's my understanding that they're friends of the bride and groom."

"Does your curiosity of them have anything to do with your inclination to attend?"

"You know me too well," Aro laughed lightly. "I am curious about them. I've yet to meet a shapeshifter."

"And what of Edward Cullen?" Marcus asked. "Do you think he was telling the truth?"

Aro sighed and shook his head. "No. I believe Edward is an opportunist. He's full of spite that his former girlfriend has found her true mate and is attempting to use us as his means of revenge."

Marcus' mouth twisted into a sneer. "I don't like that boy. If we find he has lied to us, he will have to suffer the consequences."

"You're not alone in that, brother, and I agree. Reading Alice Cullen was an enlightening experience. She and Major Whitlock have gone to great lengths to keep Miss Swan alive. Some of what she's seen in regards to Edward… I doubt there is much love for him in the Cullen home now that the two have shared her visions with the rest of the coven. Carlisle sounded most disappointed with him."

"Good," Marcus nodded. "Major Whitlock deserves his happiness after all he has endured."

Aro nodded his agreement just as their final brother strode into the room.

"Did I hear mention of Major Whitlock?" Caius asked.

"You did. He's marrying his soulmate in a few weeks," Aro smiled.

"The human?" Caius asked. "Do you know when she plans to be changed? It's been over three months since she was here."

"According to Carlisle, it will be on or around her nineteenth birthday. September the 13th."

"Why then?" Caius asked curiously.

Aro chuckled as he shook his head. "She believes Edward Cullen was changed too young and prefers to not go through eternity as emotionally stunted as the telepath."

Marcus smiled as Caius laughed. "The boy was insufferable. An arrogant brat."

"Quite," Aro agreed. "Marcus and I will be attending the nuptials, Caius. Would you like to join us?"

"Really? Both of you?" he asked in surprise. When both nodded, he hummed thoughtfully. "Perhaps. Who else from our world will be attending?"

"From what Carlisle shared with me, it will just be his coven, along with Peter and Charlotte Whitlock."

"I'll consider it," Caius nodded sharply before turning on his heel and striding out of the room. Aro and Marcus both shook their heads at the brother's abruptness.

"Well, it will be nice to see Carlisle again and to be present at a wedding. Finding love in this life is a gift," Marcus said with a sad smile.

Aro nodded as he walked to the door. "We'll be arriving with a gift of our own, brother," he said enigmatically on his way out.

Marcus stared at the empty doorway in confusion for a few moments, then shook his head with a sigh and turned back to his reading.