AN: Life, people, life. Apologies this is taking ages. The story lives in my head constantly, it takes time to get it out. I am grateful for all of you still reading/following and supporting me and for those of you who may be new too. I hope you enjoy this one xx

MPOV

As Jasper and Felix reentered the room, their expressions grave and solemn, I could sense the tension in the air thickening. Bella's eyes searched mine, her expression filled with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

Jasper took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping across the room before he spoke. "We've learned more from questioning Tracey," he began, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "She didn't know Bella's name or anything about her. Victoria had fed her coven a story, painting Bella as a target."

Bella's shoulders minutely relaxed at Jasper's words, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. I tightened my grip on her hand, offering silent reassurance as Jasper continued to speak.

"Tracey harbors resentment towards Bella," Jasper continued, his voice tinged with regret. "She blames her for the hurt Victoria experienced, and delivering the package was a message from Victoria that she's coming for Bella."

Bella's gaze flickered towards Tracey, her expression softening with understanding. Despite the danger she posed, there was a sense of empathy in Bella's eyes as she regarded the terrified vampire before us. I could not help but wonder at her innate kindness in the face of our world's horrors.

Jasper's next words drew everyone's attention back to him. "Tracey doesn't know anything about Renee," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "She hasn't seen her, and Victoria hasn't shared any information about her whereabouts."

A heavy silence descended upon the room at Jasper's revelation, the absence of any leads on Bella's mother casting a shadow over our hopes of finding her. I exchanged a worried glance with Carlisle, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon us.

Felix stepped forward, his expression grim as he spoke. "When questioned about their hunting habits, Tracey admitted she didn't know who the Volturi were," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "She had no idea how her actions, hunting and leaving a trail of bodies, had violated any laws."

Bella's brows furrowed in concern at Felix's words, a sense of unease settling over her as she realized the implications of Tracey's ignorance.

Tracey's terrified expression mirrored our apprehension, her eyes wide with fear as she realized the gravity of her situation. Despite her misguided loyalty to Victoria, there was a sense of vulnerability in her gaze, a reminder of the fragile balance between predator and prey in our world.

I knew well of Bella's dilemma in feeling pity for the girl in front of us. Admittedly, Tracey was a victim of Victoria's manipulation, thrust into a world she didn't understand and ill-equipped to navigate the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

I turned my attention to Tracey, her frightened gaze darting between us as she awaited my verdict. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, my voice firm and unwavering.

"Tracey," I began. "There is one rule in our world that supersedes all others: secrecy. Avoiding exposure is paramount."

Her eyes widened in comprehension as my words sank in, the gravity of the situation dawning on her. I could see the fear flickering in her gaze, the realization of the danger she now found herself in.

"Victoria is the one who failed in her duty to ensure secrecy," I continued, my voice tinged with regret. "And the penalty for that is death. She has been condemned to die for centuries, and only chance has ensured her continued survival."

Tracey's breath caught in her throat at my words, the weight of her mentor's crimes settling heavily upon her. I could sense her struggling to come to terms with the harsh reality of her situation, the truth of her allegiance to Victoria becoming painfully clear.

"And now," I said, my voice lowering to a solemn tone, "the human Victoria is hunting is no longer human. She is a vampire, like us, and she is also my mate."

Tracey's eyes widened in shock at my revelation, her expression one of disbelief and horror. I could see the pieces of the puzzle falling into place in her mind, the true extent of Victoria's betrayal laid bare before her.

"I am one of the three Volturi kings," I explained, my voice steady with the weight of my words. "And that makes Bella my queen in the eyes of the vampire world. Even thinking to harm one of us is treason, and for that, Victoria is condemned to die, her coven with her."

As the gravity of my words sank in, a heavy silence descended upon the room, and as I looked into Tracey's frightened eyes, I felt no mercy. She was a threat to my mate and she would be dealt with accordingly.

Rosalie's request took me by surprise, her voice ringing out with a sincerity that belied her typically aloof demeanor. I glanced at her, meeting her gaze with a mixture of curiosity and admiration as she stepped forward.

"I would like to request permission to take Tracey under my protection," she said, her tone firm yet compassionate. "I can teach her our ways, guide her towards a life of peace and harmony, provided she is willing to follow the vegetarian diet."

Emmett stood beside her, his expression solemn as he offered his support for his wife's offer. "We will ensure that she poses no threat, Marcus," he vowed, his voice unwavering. "And if she does, we will bow to your decision."

I nodded in acknowledgement of their pledge, appreciative for their willingness to take on such a responsibility. Carlisle and Esme voiced their support for their children's decision, reaffirming their main priority as Bella's safety.

"We trust Rosalie and Emmett to handle this," Carlisle said, his voice gentle yet resolute. "But our focus remains on Bella and ensuring her well-being above all else."

Jasper stepped forward, offering to keep an eye on Tracey's emotional state and to alert us if she appeared to pose a threat to any of us. Alice chimed in, stating that she would let us of any visions regarding Tracey, but that for now, she could see Tracey with Rosalie and Emmett, bearing amber eyes.

I considered their words carefully, weighing the risks and benefits of allowing Tracey to remain under the care of Rosalie and Emmett. While part of me hesitated to trust someone with such a troubled past, another part recognized the potential for redemption and growth under their guidance.

Finally, I nodded in agreement, acknowledging Rosalie and Emmett's request. "Very well," I said, my voice firm yet tempered with a hint of optimism. "Tracey will remain under your protection, but I will hold you both accountable for her actions. Should she show any signs of posing a threat, she will be dealt with accordingly."

With that, I turned to Bella, taking her hand in mine and offering her a reassuring smile. As we made our way out of the room, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for Tracey's future, tempered by the knowledge that the challenges ahead would not be easy. But with the support of her newfound family, perhaps she would find the redemption she sought.

BPOV

As we left the room, Marcus's firm agreement to let Rosalie and Emmett take charge of Tracey echoed in my mind. While part of me couldn't help but feel sympathy for the troubled vampire girl, another part remained wary, hesitant to trust someone who had harbored ill intentions towards me.

I glanced back at Tracey, watching as Rosalie and Emmett led her away, their expressions a mix of determination and compassion. Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the sense of relief that washed over me at the knowledge that she would be under their watchful eye.

But even as I tried to focus on the task at hand, my thoughts kept drifting back to my mother. The uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts gnawed at the edges of my mind, a constant reminder of the danger she faced at the hands of Victoria.

I couldn't help but feel torn, caught between the desire to protect a vulnerable girl who had suffered so much and the fear that Victoria's influence ran too deep to be shifted. The knowledge that Tracey had wanted me dead only added to my apprehension.

But for now, I had to trust in the judgment of my family. Rosalie and the others had stepped in to handle Tracey, allowing me to focus on finding my mother and ensuring her safety.

As we made our way outside, the cool night air enveloped me, offering a brief respite from the chaos of the past few hours. I took a deep breath, letting the tranquillity of the rose garden wash over me, if only for a moment.

But even as I tried to push aside my worries, the image of my mother's face haunted me, her absence a throbbing ache in my still heart. And as I looked up at the starry sky above, I couldn't help but send up a silent prayer, hoping against hope that she was safe, and still human, wherever she was.

As the hours passed, a semblance of order began to emerge from the chaos. Carlisle had been in contact with the wolves, briefing them on our plan and ensuring they were ready to move at a moment's notice. I felt a surge of gratitude towards him for his unwavering calm and leadership in the face of uncertainty.

Charlie had also been updated, his frantic worry tugging at my heartstrings even from a distance. I was grateful that Carlisle had shouldered the burden of informing him, knowing that I was barely holding my own hysteria in check.

Tracey had provided us with the last known location of Victoria's coven, their way of life saw them moving frequently, often taking up residence in abandoned buildings on the outskirts of Seattle's suburbs. It was a lead, however tenuous, and one that we were prepared to follow.

As we gathered in the living room, the tension in the air was palpable. Louis had left ahead of us to meet with Seleucia and Tyron, while the wolves had been informed and were on their way to join us, according to Carlisle.

Tracey stood among us, a reluctant participant in our mission. Emmett had refused to leave her behind, unwilling to risk leaving his mate alone with an unpredictable newborn vampire who harbored ill intentions towards his sister. Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the sense of solidarity that flowed between us, united in our determination to confront the threat that was Victoria once again. She had taken my mother, and I was determined to do whatever it took to bring her back safely.