Bella

You'd think I'd be happy now. The Cullens were all back. Edward was back. Everyone was acting like they'd never left. There was one big problem. They did leave. They left me with two vampires after me and their coming back didn't change that. I wasn't as enthralled by Edward as I used to be. I noticed things that I didn't like about him and I wasn't sure if he was like that before or if he changed too.

He didn't take the things I said seriously. Like this whole marriage proposal. If he'd been listening to me he would know that I don't want to get married. It's not just that I don't want to marry him...though I don't. I don't want to get married ever. I think marriage is a useless piece of paper that gives you an excuse to throw a party. I don't want the paper and I definitely don't want to be the center of attention at a party.

The way he left me bothers me too. He didn't explain to me that he had to leave for my safety. He tore me down. He took away my self-confidence. He made me doubt my worth. That's not the way you leave someone you love, even for their own good. He made the decision for me and not with me and I don't want a relationship like that.

There's also Jake and Jasper. I am an adult now and I can choose my friends. I don't need Edward taking apart my engine or having Alice kidnap me. I know I need protection from the newborns that are coming but when Edward can't do that, Jake can. He's a wolf. He's capable of protecting me. I know he got all confused about what our relationship was...or wasn't, but that is over now. There is only the brace on my hand to remind me.

Then there is our physical relationship or lack thereof. Does he think I'm going to stay human and be satisfied with passionless kisses throughout my life? I want passion. I want what I read about in books. I want my heart to race. I want fireworks. I don't think he can give me that.

Does he see me or just what he wants to see? We've talked about all these things at one time or another. Since I've been back from Italy though nothing has changed except me. I feel empty and lonely and no amount of spending time with Jake or Edward or the Cullens seems to change it. I'm starting to wonder if something is wrong with me. Is it possible I've outgrown Edward or is something else wrong? I sit back and watch the family sometimes.

The family, my family, the Cullens go about things the way they always have. All except Jasper. Jasper looks at me knowingly. He's clued in that I'm unhappy. He knows the status quo isn't working for me anymore. I've gotten to know him a bit through the training of the wolves and the family to fight the newborns. I learned his story. I learned how he met Alice. I learned that he's one of the strongest people I've ever met. I wish we could talk more. I think of that day in the hotel in Phoenix. He said I was worth it and I'm finally starting to believe it. I bet he'd be an excellent sounding board with how I'm feeling but Edward tries to keep me away from him when he can.

I have to be a vampire. The Volturi Kings decreed it after Edward's stupid stunt in Italy. Besides, it's what I want. But do I have to be a Cullen? Would I be happy as a Cullen? What are my choices?

I debate the pros and cons of different choices making no firm decisions hoping Alice won't see me debating possibilities.

Tomorrow is the big day. Charlie thinks Alice and I are going shopping but really Edward and I are camping in the mountains with Seth while the rest of the family and the wolves take care of the newborn problem.

I hope everything goes according to Jasper's plan. I worry about their safety. So many people putting their lives on the line. It's awful but it's necessary for my safety, for the Cullen's safety, for my father's safety, and the safety of the town. Victoria isn't going to stop if no one stops her.

I reach over and turn out the light. Jake and Edward are outside of the tent but I asked for some privacy. I needed to think and that's what I do until I fall asleep. Luckily Edward remembered a battery-operated heater to take the edge off the cold so with that and my sleeping bag I'm warm enough to sleep.

As I drift off I hear the zipper of the tent. I'm not sure who comes in. I dream of running as a vampire through an unfamiliar forest. I'm not alone. Others run with me but I can't see who.

Demetri

I'm on my way to rescue her. I finally obtained permission of the Masters to bring her back with me...if she will come. Either way, I can eliminate this newborn problem. I hope I get there in time. It took so much arguing to get the Masters to agree. I almost came without permission but I need the help of the guard with so many newborns coming. Getting myself killed would benefit no one.

Felix and Jane were happy for me that I'd finally found my mate but there was no guarantee that she'd feel the mating pull. Master Marcus assured me we were mates, but it might take till after her change till she recognizes it.

I rubbed my chest and walked down off the plane. The newborns have already left Seattle. They are moving toward Forks. I focus more on the locations of vampires that I've met. Edward is in the mountains and Carlisle and Alice are separate from him. They must be trying to hide Bella in the mountains and Edward is with her. I hope they aren't alone. That would make the perfect trap for Victoria to spring.

We've had one of our precognitives paying attention to the situation in Forks. She said Bella survives the battle without our help but I insisted that we come. I can't let my mate find danger without me.

Jane and Felix come with me. Santiago goes with Alec to the main battle. They will assist the Cullens and make sure none escape. With Alec's gift combined with Santiago's strength and the Major's assistance, it should be an easy fight.

I rubbed my chest again. Damn, I hope she agreed to come with us. I didn't want to take her by force but I also didn't want to leave her in Forks.

"Get out of your head Dem. I hear fighting ahead and you're only minutes from your mate." Felix said.

I ran faster and Jane and Felix spread out just in case.

Felix ran for Edward's fight with Victoria. Jane used her gift on the newborn that was fighting the wolf to buy us time. Our precognitive warned us of the shapeshifters. They were not the enemy. I stood protectively in front of Bella, my head on a swivel making sure no threats came at her from any direction. The wolf stood and looked around, seemingly confused as to why we weren't attacking.

Bella said, "Seth, I'm safe. These are the Volturi. They seem like they are here to help, don't attack them. The wolf ripped into the screaming newborn and then piled the parts together and stepped back.

Felix tossed pieces of Victoria on the soon-to-be pyre and tossed a lit match. I focused on Bella but she was focused on watching Victoria burn. When all the pieces were lit Edward came to collect Bella from me. Bella put her hand on my back and said, "No, Edward. I've decided. I can't be a Cullen."

"Love," he replied, "You don't know what you are saying."

Suddenly the Major was there, identifiable by all of his scars.

"Hey Demetri, Felix, Jane." the Major said. "Alice told me I was needed here or Edward would try to fight you when Bella chose to come with you. Edward, Bella has been debating this since you got home from Italy. She also considered going to our cousins in Alaska. She doesn't want to be a Cullen. Her decision solidified when the Volturi came today but it's been pretty solid for a while now. Alice has seen it all. She'll be happy with them."

"I'm sorry Edward. I'm even more sorry that I have to say this in front of other people but I can't be with you anymore. I don't think you really see me. I don't want to marry you or anyone...ever. I want to be able to choose my friends. I want to make my own decisions. I want to be with someone who truly hears what I say and takes it into account. I want a passion that makes the world stand still. I want to be a vampire. It's not a hardship to me but a gift. We aren't a match. If they'll have me I'm going with the Volturi. I'm going to be one of them and have them change me."

Bella focused on me. "Will the Masters let me join you, Demetri? Surely my shield could be of some use to them?"

"I was here to both rescue you and ask you to come with me. You are welcomed into the Volturi Bella. I'm sure your shield will be of use and I will help you master it."

Bella hugged me and Edward lunged. Jasper caught him.

"Can I say goodbye to the Cullens and Jake?" Bella asked.

"Jake is one of the wolves?" I confirmed.

"Yes. Jake is one of my best friends. He's a protector."

"They're all waiting for you at the field," Jasper said.

"Yes, You can say your goodbyes. I know where Carlisle is and will take you there. May I carry you?" I asked.

"Yes, please. I don't want to walk all that way. I'd fall for sure. Jasper, thank you for believing in me. You gave me hope that I really was worth it." Bella said.

"We'll see each other again Bella. And I was right the whole time. You are worth it," Jasper said. "If I had my arms free I'd hug you, little sister."

"Jane, Felix, with me," I said and gently scooped Bella up into my arms.

I ran a little more slowly than I usually did. Bella's eyes were open and watching where we were going. She surprised me when she shouted, "Woohoo" and started laughing. I laughed with her and was echoed by Jane and Felix.

The mood was more somber in the clearing. The fires were low and almost finished with their work but on one side were a bunch of Native American boys. On the other side were the Vampires.

One of the boys crossed the divide and approached Bella. "Hey Jake," she said.

"This is your choice, right? They aren't forcing you?" He asked.

"This is all my choice. Jake, I don't feel empty anymore. This is the right thing for me." Bella explained.

He embraced her tightly. "Bye Bells," he said.

"Be happy Jake," Bella said.

Jake turned away and the largest boy, more a man, yelled "Home." They turned as one and disappeared into the forest.

Bella wiped a tear away and turned to face the Cullens. "I've thought about this a lot and I've made my decision. I'm joining the Volturi. I love you all and I hope that we'll still be friends. I'm not meant to be a Cullen."

Alice came over and hugged Bella first. "I saw it all. You'll be happy and Jasper was right. You are worth it."

"I love you, Alice. Thanks for everything. Stay in touch?" Bella asked.

"Of course," Alice said and stepped back.

"Oh Alice, will you..." Bella started.

"Car accident Bella. Will do," Alice said.

The big one hugged Bella next. "I love you, Emmett," she said as he spun her around.

He put her down and said, "You'll always be my little sis."

He stepped back and his mate stepped forward. "You're sure about this?" she asked.

"Completely positive, Rosalie," Bella said.

"Be happy," she said. She took Emmett's hand and they disappeared into the forest.

Carlisle and his mate approached together. "Esme, Carlisle, I love you both," Bella said.

"I can see that this is the right thing for you. You look genuinely happy. Don't worry we'll see each other again," Esme said and hugged Bella.

"I'm sorry for all we put you through," Carlisle said. "Be happy," and he turned and walked away. Esme waved and followed Carlisle.

"That was hard," Bella said.

I looked Bella over. She was beautiful. Someday she would be mine. I recalled what she said to the wolf. "I don't feel empty anymore." I felt hope.

"Except for Felix, I'll meet you all back at the plane. Felix, please give us some privacy but keep your head on straight just in case we missed one." I ordered.

"You got it, boss," Felix said. The rest just nodded and disappeared.

"Is something wrong?" Bella asked.

"No, something is very right but I wanted to have more privacy than the plane allowed for us to talk. Bella, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"I feel free, energized, whole for the first time that I can remember. I've been feeling this aching emptiness and it's gone now. Why do you ask?" Bella said.

"I'm not sure that you're ready to know this but the reason that you've been feeling like that until today is because you'd met and left your mate. The Masters wouldn't let me come to you until now and I could hardly force you to stay in Volterra when you came to rescue Edward. I'm your mate and I came today not just to save you from the newborns but to take you home with me." I explained.

Bella looked shocked for a moment but then I saw her come to a decision.

"Can I touch you? I've been craving your touch but I didn't understand." Bella said.

"Anytime," I approved.

She traced my cheekbones and my lips. There was electricity where she touched and I couldn't resist just a little more. I leaned down to kiss her forehead but she rose up on her toes and her lips met mine in our first kiss. It started innocent enough, then Bella deepened the kiss, her tongue tracing my lower lip asking for entrance. Our kiss turned passionate. I wanted to claim her, right then and there, but I had my suspicions that she was still innocent and I didn't want to rush her. I pulled away slightly but she pulled me tighter and ratcheted the passion up a couple more notches. When the kiss turned soft again she just whispered one word, "Wow."

We walked hand in hand to where Felix was standing. He was carefully giving us privacy but looking everywhere else in case one got by us. It was highly unlikely but I didn't want to take any chances where Bella was concerned.

When we got to him Felix turned around and stuck out his hand in Bella's direction.

"Hi, I'm Felix. So you're going to be my new little sis?" He asked.

"I hope I'll earn the title eventually, Felix. I'm Bella. I think we're going to have some fun."

Bella smiled widely. Then she looked momentarily uncomfortable.

"What's wrong?" Felix asked.

"Can we get food before we get to the plane? I haven't eaten since yesterday morning."

"I'll have food delivered to the plane so we don't take you out in public. The Cullens are likely staging your death and you don't want to be seen out perfectly alive after that." I explained. "May I carry you again?"

"Yes, please. That was fun!"