Bella

Three weeks passed quickly. I stretched out the times between my feedings and I could stay in the throne room for almost the whole day now watching justice enacted. I had to leave early yesterday when a human was involved with a case but that was only because of the human. I wasn't ready for that yet. I could dress myself now, even I had to acknowledge it, and could handle the showers on my own without breaking anything.

Demetri surprised me one day when we got back to our apartment with a set of Harry Potter books.

"I noticed you haven't been reading my love, and when you do you have me read to you. I thought it might be because I purchased first editions and you were afraid to damage them. There are nothing special about these so if you damage them they are easily replaced." He explained. I was in his arms before he finished speaking.

"They are special because you got them for me to learn with. Thank you, Demetri. I've missed reading. How do you always know what I need?" I asked.

He just chuckled and sat them on the bookshelf for me. "I have an even better surprise for you, Bella. Open the door."

I opened the door and Emmett's booming laugh was echoing through the hallway. Demetri was there beside me and I looked at him. As if he could read my mind he said, "You can hug your brother, I understand."

I ran to Emmett and jumped into his arms. His laughter echoed even louder as he spun me around. Rose and Demetri both looked on indulgently.

"I don't squeeze you too hard now Bella. You're as strong as me." Emmett boomed.

"Maybe stronger, brother bear, now put me down so I can say hi to Rosalie."

"Family calls me Rose, Bella. It's nice to see you," she said.

Emmett sat me down and I said, "It's nice to see you too, Rose,"

"You're so happy in this new life. It's obvious on your face. You practically glow," Rose said.

"I am, it's all due to my Demetri. He's wonderful to me. I've made friends here too." I said taking Demetri's hand.

"I'm sorry I was such a bitch before. I was...unhappy in my life and I didn't think Edward was right for you." Rose said.

"It's okay Rose, You were right. He wasn't right for me. How about we start over? Clean slate," I offered.

"Perfect," she agreed.

"Okay now that we've negotiated world peace, I wanna see if Bella is stronger than me," Emmett laughed.

I looked at Demetri and he nodded. He accepted my family. I loved him even more for that.

"Let's go to the training room. I don't want to break anything in the guest rooms or our apartment," I said.

"Lead the way Bells. I'm going to school you." Emmett challenged.

Demetri and I led the way on a walk to the training room.

"Ok, Em, come get me," I said once we got there, and crouching, I prepared for whatever he might do.

Emmett charged, coming from the front. I easily anticipated his move, stepped to the side at just the right time, and foot-swept him.

"Are they always like this?" I heard Demetri ask.

Emmett was charging again. This time I flipped over his head and kicked him in the back of the knee.

"They'll play as long as we let them. Even when she was human they liked to tease each other," Rose answered.

"I've been trained by good trainers Emmett. You're going to need to surprise me to get the upper hand." I bragged.

This time when Emmett charged, he came from the side, and at the last second, he tried to grasp my waist. I wasn't there, I had moved to his other side and punched him in the shoulder. He tried to get behind me but I wouldn't allow it.

We played for an hour and forty-five minutes before Rose called it. "Okay children, it's time to stop playing."

Emmett pouted for a second then looked at Rose and smiled again. "But I haven't gotten her yet," he said.

"I don't think you're going to," Demetri said. "Santiago and Jasper have both had a hand in her training. They are quite skilled."

"I train every day Emmett. I have to be a skilled fighter to go on missions. I want to be able to join Demetri on missions so I'm learning everything I can."

"She's doing very well and some of the moves Jasper taught her were wicked. Shall we go to our apartment so we can chat now that you're finished playing?" Demetri asked.

I was at Demetri's side in an instant. He put his arm around me, not to restrain me this time, but to show affection. I leaned into him. We walked back to the apartment and sat down on the couches.

"So what have you been into lately?" Bella asked.

For once, Emmett was serious when he answered, "After everything that's happened we couldn't stay with Carlisle and Esme, at least not right now. We'd been unhappy with the way they treated us for a while, but it was just time."

"I'm sorry. I never intended to tear the family apart." I said.

"You didn't. Carlisle and Edward did," Rose said. "You were just as much a victim to it as us. Now on to happier topics. How are you adjusting?"

We talked until it was time for me to feed, then I kissed Demetri on the cheek and left them talking while I went down to the feeding chamber.

Demetri

When Bella was gone Rose asked, "How is she progressing, Demetri? She's obviously skilled at combat but the rest?"

"She is doing as good as she appears. She can dress herself, feed, and shower, we just got her books so she can learn to temper her strength further. Honestly, I could probably resume my duties from Felix but I can't bear to be away from her yet."

"Emmett and I took several years as a honeymoon after he was done with the newborn year. I understand. It's not likely you could be away from work for that long though," Rose said.

"No, I'll likely be needed sooner than a year to track someone but I'll try to give Bella at least a year if I can. The only real issue we've had was when Bella learned of her father's death. Her shield will be very useful on missions. She knocked me and Felix across the room in her rage. Luckily she can control it pretty well now." Demetri explained, "That was her only real tantrum so far."

When Bella arrived back in our apartment, freshly showered and fed, she said, "I did it Demetri, all by myself," and she gave me a quick peck on the lips, then sat down beside me.

"Did you decide to settle somewhere or are you nomads now?" Bella asked.

"We have a flat in Paris but we've been traveling around Europe," Emmett said. "Rose enjoyed decorating the flat. It's a nice place. You would both be welcome to visit anytime we're home."

"I did promise you a climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower," I said. "We would love to visit when time allows."

Bella nodded vigorously. "Can we take your Ducati for the trip?" she asked. "Maybe we could even go to a few museums and a few wine tastings."

"You have a Ducati?" Rose asked. "I'd love to see it. I'm a bit of a mechanic. We're thinking of starting an antique automobile restoration business."

"That will suit you perfectly, Rose. I'd like to be a writer eventually, romance books," Bella admitted. "But that comes after being ready to go on missions and understanding the details of vampire law enforcement."

"You'll do brilliantly my love," Demetri reassured me. "I'd be happy to show you my Ducati, Rose. I think you'll enjoy seeing the garage. The elite guard and even some of the lower guard love their toys. Would you like to go now?"

"No, we'll be here for a few days. There will be time later. I think I'd like to settle in and have some relaxing time with my mate tonight." Rose said.

Emmett stood, clearly ready to 'relax' with Rose.

"We'll see you tomorrow, Emmett, Rose," I said. "We'll only do a half day in court tomorrow so we'll be free by one. Would you like me to show you back to your room?"

"We know where it is. Thank you, Demetri. See you two tomorrow afternoon," Emmett said.

I was in Demetri's strong embrace by the time the door closed. He kissed me. "This is the best day of surprises. Thank you, Demetri," Bella said.

We made love through the starting time for court. Neither of us noticed the sun shining through our windows making our skin sparkle.

At ten o'clock in the morning, we were disturbed by a knock on our door. Demetri threw on jeans and I hid in the bedroom, getting dressed quickly. "This will not be good news." was my only thought while I put on my clothing slowly enough that I didn't rip anything.

"Sorry boss, the Masters have called for you. We have a mission. Someone is making newborns in Germany, near Belgium. I don't know how long it will take us to clear them out." Felix said.

Demetri cursed quite creatively then asked, "Who all is going?"

"Only Chelsea, Renata, and Bella will be left to guard the fort. We need you to track them. They are splitting up. Some are moving north others west. Who knows how many small groups there are."

"I need an hour or so to pack and arrange things for Bella. Can you buy me at least an hour and a half before we leave?"

"Sure Dem, make it two. I'll meet you in the garage," Felix said amiably closing the door behind himself.

I threw myself into Demetri's arms once the door closed. "I'm going to miss you," Bella said, sobbing into my shoulder.

"And I'm going to miss you. Let's get my flight bag packed. I need outfits for three days." I said.

It didn't take long to pack the necessities. In less than five minutes it was done. Then I took Bella's hand and led her to Chelsea's room. Chelsea opened the door a fraction of a second after I knocked. "Hi, Demetri, Bella, please come in. I know you're leaving on a mission Demetri. What can I help with to make being apart easier for both of you?" Chelsea asked.

Bella hugged her. "Thank you for being such a good friend," Bella said.

"Take over her combat training while I'm away?" Demetri asked.

"Done. Anything else?" Chelsea asked.

"No, just have fun together. I'm going to ask Rose and Emmett to stay with her to keep her entertained. I think she can do court and everything else by herself," I admitted.

"You're an independent lady to be so young," Chelsea complimented.

"I'm trying," Bella said.

"We have to go for now. I'm hoping Emmett and Rose don't have firm plans." I said.

"I'll see you first thing tomorrow, Bella, If not sooner. Have a safe trip, Demetri," Chelsea said.

It wasn't very far to walk over to Rose and Emmett's door. I knocked but they didn't answer. "Perhaps they are out hunting. I'll ask them myself, later, when they get back," Bella said.

"I hate to leave you now but I do have to go," I admitted.

"I'll read and learn and you'll be shocked by all the things I can do when you get home," Bella tried to reassure him but wasn't convincing.

I kissed her quickly then turned and walked away. If she cried I wouldn't have ever been able to leave.