A/N: Congratulations to 1tinac for being the 300th reviewer for this story and thanks everyone, 'Follow Where The Music Takes You have now passed 80,000 hits and 'Fool Me Once' is the 4th to clear 100,000 hits, xx Alexis

Everyone was ready to go, well everyone but Romain. He was going to teleport in with Charlie on the day of the executions. Rome had its own trading post at the Baths of Caracalla; they are the ruins of a vast rectangular-shaped Roman thermal bath complex used from around 216 A.D. to 537 A.D. They had been brand new when the trading post first came into being there. The other four were going to see some sights and do a little shopping first.

Bella wasn't really into fashion that much, but for her sister Charlotte she would endure and Milan was said to be beautiful. They didn't stand out quite so much around all the other beautiful people once they'd arrived. She was amazed about seeing so much of the world as a Witch Vampire. They had come as almost regular tourists, but not by plane. Bella teleported them to Turin, but not the trading post as she was no longer technically a witch. That would have to be addressed later at world level meetings.

Italy had many wondrous things to see and she considered making a bucket list, she just wasn't planning on dying after she'd seen them all. There was so much history of all the worlds' peoples and Bella had a thirst for knowledge. She was, however, enjoying learning new languages as well and finding different ways to say 'I love you' to just was so happy she loved him as much as she did, still not seeing himself as totally deserving her.

They hired a car in Turin and would be able to return it to the Rome offices. But in the meantime, they were going to see as much of Italy as they could in the few days before the executions. First Milan for outfits to wear as they would no doubt be under scrutiny. Then off to Venice for a gondola ride and Char wanted some Murano glass, she had been collecting it for decades.

After that, it would be on to Florence for more shopping and sightseeing then a side trip to Volterra to see Felix Volturi. Then all would head to Rome where they would be entering into the catacombs to secret locations the humans weren't aware of. When the official business was over Naples would be their next destination and of course, Pompeii before teleporting home to Forks.

TCHBTE

While Peter and Jasper were getting fitted for some Armani three-piece suits, apparently Jasper had a thing about vests and Fedoras. Bella and Char were in Versace checking out the amazing styles and Bella felt in over her head at first, but as the initial opulence wore off she set to find the perfect outfit. Bella was just looking at an elegant ribbed fitted dress when Char nudged her repeatedly,

"Bella, Bella! Look its Alice" Charlotte groaned, on seeing the little female Witch Vampire holding court as it were,

"Remember she doesn't know me as far as she's aware. So just introduce me as the American Witch Vampire leader to start with" Bella said in a hushed tone,

"Charlotte Whitlock is that you? What on earth are you of all people doing in Milan, the fashion capital of the world?" Alice asked none too pleasantly, unable to keep the condescension out of her voice. She never had liked Jasper's sister of sorts,

"We, Bella and I that is, are attendin' the gatherin' in Rome for the executions and thought we might do some shoppin' beforehand. Bella this is Alice Cullen" Charlotte said laying her accent on thick, knowing it annoyed Alice and she was angry with her already,

"Ooh, how gruesome of you, why would anyone want to see that?" Alice said looking down her nose at Charlotte and now Bella too,

"Unfortunately Ms Cullen I have no choice, the European heads of the three councils asked for my presence along with the other two American leaders," Bella said formally still not liking Alice much,

"Oh, then you're somebody! I mean, are you someone important? How do you know Charlotte...," Alice said obsequiously,

Letting her sentence hang as if to say, how could anyone important know someone so common. Bella bristled and in her coldest tone replied,

"I am the American Witch Vampire leader actually, my name is Isabella Whitlock! I believe from your father, that you might be one of my many charges" Bella said putting emphasis on Alice's lowliness,

"Whitlock! Another one, I didn't realise how common the name was in America" Alice retorted actually getting the slap down she'd just received,

"No, there's only the four of us now" Charlotte replied biting her tongue and watching the wheels turn in Alice's head,

"But! No that can't be! He's gay!" Alice blustered, she could see nothing because of Bella's shield and she was beyond confused,

"Who's gay, you're not makin' any sense, Alice?" Charlotte asked in a squeaky voice as she tried not to laugh out loud,

"Jazzy! Over all the years I knew him, he never once showed any interest in me" She answered confident that if he wasn't attracted to her he must be gay,

"Could it have been the fact that you called him that fuckin' stupid name or that maybe he just didn't fancy your skinny ass? He likes his woman with a little meat and long hair you know. He always has and since I'm his sister, I would know!" Charlotte explained, having a ball at Alice's expense,

"I can assure you, Alice, it is Alice, yes? The Major is anything but gay" Bella said and then leaned in so Alice could see her mating mark and whispered,

"Not going by the way he fucked me six ways from Sunday, this morning!" then stroked her hands gently down her sides as if to point out the differences between the two of them.

"Well, if you'll excuse me I must get on and I think I'll be staying in Europe permanently!" Alice said snippily and turned away from the two friends and sisters,

"Well, Marcus is the man to see in Italy, okay? Nice to have met you, Alice!" Bella said her voice cracking at the end before she and Charlotte burst out laughing.

TCHBTE

The rest of the tour was over far too soon and Bella was a little freaked by the Citadel in Volterra, Felix assured them the death tours are a thing of the past and everyone hunted well away from home nowadays. They were taking a leaf out of the Americans book and targeting criminals and drug addicts. Dora was thrilled to meet the two women and whisked them away to talk about what she should wear. Not only was she the ex-wife of one of the prisoners, but also a member of the new council of vampires.

When Felix suggests they leave for Rome Bella laughs, telling to send off his guard. They wait several more hours and just as the ladies appear dressed to impress more than just their mates Bella says,

"Time to leave, step closer please" and she transports them all to the entrance to the catacombs,

Romain, Marcus and Danielle are waiting for their arrival and the six leaders sweep in with their six most trusted guards and friends. Peter, Charlotte, Demetri, Alistair, Charlie and a witch called Marcella. Dora joined Heidi and entered behind them all. As they enter the cavernous catacombs the three factions are standing uneasily in their own groups. The prisoners were brought forward just as a slight commotion started at the back,

The most beautiful woman any of them had ever seen came forward with a large man and a huge tiger by her side. Even those who had seen shifters before had never seen anything like the stunning beauty and ferocity of this giant white Bengal tiger. Romain and Marcus dropped to one knee on seeing the woman and the others quickly followed suit,

"Queen Ravshala, High Queen of the Fairies, you do us a great honour coming to this gathering," Marcus said and all around the catacomb murmurs were heard,

"Rise all of you, I am just one more leader come to see justice served and with me, under my protection are Chieftain Colton de Lupus and Supreme Alpha Vali of Bengal," she said clearly,

Many realised now that the man was no ordinary man by a werewolf, but one with no scent what so ever and the tiger was also a man, which he demonstrated by phasing before them into his human form before donning the robe the Queen carried.

"You are all most welcome, we are here with one common goal to end the corrupt rule of Aro Volturi and his insane brother Caius," Romain said now and the three newcomers crossed to stand at their sides,

The Queen removed her wrap and her wings spread out behind them all, huge and shimmering. They were easily four times larger than any other fairy and they constantly changed colour as everyone watched. Marcus introduced everyone and Felix stepped forward and said,

"In front of these illustrious leaders, I would like them to recognise that we are now known as the European Lamia! All vampires should call themselves this and use their own names at all other times, just as Major Whitlock does. I am Marcellus Antonius Flavius, but you can call me Felix"

There were several rumbles of humour and many more of assent. Vampires would now be called just that, Vampire. It made more sense and did away with any ruling house.

"So be it, our records will show from this day all vampires are Lamia and Felix Antonius is the European leader, just as Major Jasper Whitlock is the leader of the Americas," Marcus said now and Peter lifted an eyebrow,

"Shit, they just slipped Mexico onto our plate!" he murmured into Jasper's ear.

The sound of loud chain rattling drew everyone's attention to the prisoners and Caius specifically. He was not only bound but gagged, so no one could hear his ranting. How they all deserved to die and they were afraid of him. It was repeated over and over and each time more foul and degrading than his last insult until a guard waved a lit torch in his face and he quietened down. As if practised beforehand everyone turned to the European Witch leader Danielle.

"We all know the crime; we all know the perpetrator and his enabler. This has gone on for many years and yes we know Marcus with Aro's sporadic help hid many of us from Caius Volturi. But it wasn't enough until finally, he wiped out the witch delegation in their own stronghold.

It was a meeting that never should have happened, but Aro was too arrogant to come to meet us and Sebastian Le Sorcière allowed it. Unlike all his predecessors who refused point-blank to enter their domain. It was a blatant disregard for the safety of his council. Yet, in saying that how was he to know the beast was unleashed and would strike without remorse.

We have called for their final deaths by burning in front of witnesses. I thank you all for agreeing and for Romain for being our witch adjudicator, as are Major Whitlock and Isabella Whitlock for the Lamia and Witch Vampires respectively. And a special thanks to the three leaders of the Fairies, Werewolves and Shapeshifters for joining us" she said above the rattling of Caius' chains,

It was as if it was sinking in there would be no escape for him this time. Aro said nothing, he had been in a daze since Pica had been killed and wished for nothing but death now. For once he was aware just how Marcus felt and he had held him bound for centuries. Selfishly he was glad this would not be his fate at all because he knew he would never survive even with Chelsea's gift.

"Aro please step forward. I will not be the one to kill you but know this you don't deserve this quick death. You thought I never knew that you struck Didyme down, but I have known and been unable to do anything about it for centuries" Marcus said before plunging his hand into Aro's chest and pulling free his stone-like heart,

"I'll maybe burn this in a century or two he told his stricken brother, who would now know no peace until the last of him burned.

He was dragged to the centre and quickly dispatched as everyone looked on or in awe at Marcus for that feat of strength. Caius was kicking and growling and was about to die like the rabid dog he was, he had no intention of going easily or quietly. Nobody spoke to him, nobody cared for him, and they all only wanted him dead. As the purple smoke rose Dora stepped closer to Felix and whispered,

"Free at last my love"

TCHBTE

It had all felt anticlimactic to Bella, but once they were gone it was now a summit and a few grievances were sorted and Bella got her chance to ask about the trading posts around the world. It was agreed that Witch Vampires could still access them as the anti-violence spells would still work on them. The Supreme Alpha approach Romain and explained how he came to be and asked him to pass the information onto the Quileutes as they in the future would produce their own Supreme Alpha,

"I am the product of three separate types of shifters. My shaman informed me they will have one such as me in a few years" Vali explained and Bella realised who it would be, saying,

"Paul and Ankka, their child when they have one, it with have the blood of three tribes coursing through its veins. Wolf, Mustang and Polar bear, that child will be the Supreme Alpha of the Americas!"

Everyone agreed that she was right and looked forward to passing on the information to Old Quil and Cah'mel. They would have the honour of teaching the child about all its heritages and guiding it into the future.

"I would also like to extend the hand of friendship to the one called Cah'mel; she is now the Eternal Shaman and should meet all others, as her burden will be to keep the faith alive in the years to come!" Vali pronounced and Bella smiled and asked for a moment.

She teleported home, passed on the good news and whisked Cah'mel back to Rome with her. Jasper grabbed her up as she returned,

"That's the strangest feelin', darlin'. It's the pull, but almost like elastic. I felt it stretch out and knew it would snap back exactly when it did. It'll take some getting used to. The last time wasn't that intense so distance must play a part in it" he told her as he hugged her close,

"Will this be over soon Jasper? I have a yearning for lonely sandy beaches and my sparkling mate" she asked him,

"Well, I know a woman with an island! Off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, I could ask her nicely when we get back" he purred in her ear,

"Yes please" was all she replied.

TCHBTE

True to his word Jasper asked Esme and Carlisle for the use of Isle Esme for their belated honeymoon. They were more than happy to grant the couple their request and within the week they were on their way. She teleported them to Rio and they took a boat out to the island. She always preferred teleporting to somewhere that has a trading post, not some random location. Afraid she'd end up it the water or worse depending on where it was.

They spent three idyllic weeks, making love, swimming, exploring the area before they settled for just lazing around. That was when they heard a boat approaching and Peter and Charlotte arrived.

"Thought you might like some company" was all Peter said and they laughed,

Next came Rose and Emmett and a few days later Garrett and Kate. The eight of them had a great time, just being themselves leaving all the worries behind them until they had to return. The others departed first giving the couple one last week alone before both had to pick up their mantles once more. They discussed the future, what they'd like to do, where they wanted to go once both their councils were up and running.

"Okay darlin', today's our last day what do you want to do?" Jasper asked Bella as they lay in bed watching the sunrise,

"I'd like to see you hunt, my love. Would that be okay?" She asked in return,

This was something she'd never seen as she had been supplying him with blood at home. Jasper nodded and told her there had been talk on the mainland of a man-eating big cat loose in the area, so they would search for it. The locals usually took on these animals, when they happened. But with their superior skills in picking up a scent, it shouldn't be too hard to trace it.

So they quickly dressed and headed out to the dock, taking the boat into the city. They approached the position of the latest kill site and picked up the animals scent, it appeared to have slunk back into the dense forest. It didn't take long to be hot on its trail; the animal reeked of human blood.

"It will probably make my eyes red, is that alright darlin'?" he worried that she wouldn't like to see him that way,

But after having been around so many human drinkers lately she had wondered what he would look like with red eyes. The blood substitute had turned his eyes a tawny brown, instead of the original gold. Bella found the whole hunt invigorating, the constant stopping and checking the air for the slightest nuance of the animal. The looking for evidence it had passed that way and the finding of paw prints or claw marks along the way.

It was about noon when they finally closed in on its position, deep within the jungle. It was sleeping off its latest meal but sprang to life at their proximity. Jasper was pleased it would have bee to easy otherwise. He stood in a small clearing as if to taunt the animal and it worked. It stalked closer and Jasper could see the slightly crazed look in its eyes. Bella was up a tree watching the two circling each other.

Jasper was just playing with the cat, whereas it was looking for a weakness in him. Normally large cats didn't do this, unlike bears. So it was gratifying to him that it was putting up a fight, but no matter what it would die today, at his hand. It growled and roared at Jasper and he growled back, making it pause slightly, but it soon resumed its pursuit of him.

Finally, the cat lunged at him and the fight was on. Jasper toyed with it for a few minutes enjoying the thrill of it all, before he eventually broke its neck and sunk his teeth into its neck. Looking up his eyes locked on Bella and she felt drawn to him. He held out the still warn body as she approached and she to fed from it. She knew immediately that this was something she had denied Jasper, with the substitute blood and also knew they would be doing this again.

But what she didn't expect was the pure animal instinct to be together physically that followed their kill. It was overwhelming and insanely erotic; no wonder he insisted they bring spare clothes for the both of them. She had ripped his shirt clean off him and he had done the same to her. They now almost hunted each other before he pinned her to the ground and tore away the rest of her clothes. The sheer joy of feeling the blood coursing through her veins and the manic need for him was beyond intense.

The joining together of their bodies was neither gentle nor loving, it was wild and sensual and she couldn't contain the release of energy from her body. The skies above them darkened and the heavens opened with a deluge of rain. The locals would talk about the freak storm for many years, not knowing that it was a by-product of two lovers coming together both physically and emotionally.

Yes, Bella decided this was something they would do again and often. Keeping track of rogue animals worldwide might be their newest passion. As the sunset on their last day, the couple were laying naked on the jungle floor, sated and both wore new mating marks. They looked up at the rainbow arcing the sky above them and sighed knowing it was time to return to their more responsible lives.

TCHBTE

Of the three leaders, Romain had the easiest task, rogue witches were able to be bound and this made them powerless. The other two had to deal with more volatile creatures, Bella could trap them and if she couldn't reason with them, she could use her shield and power to destroy them. Jasper was happy to do it the old fashioned way, keeping him on his toes and reaffirming his dominance over those he led.

It would be five long hard and occasionally heartbreaking years before the World Council of the supernatural came into being. Each faction had their own councils and they voted for one to be on the World Council for only two years, this helped to stop corruption and discontent. The aim was to live in harmony with each other and keep their world a secret from the humans. It was a good and fair system.

The Supreme Alpha had been born as predicted and his parents were overjoyed. Paul was profoundly happy and hoped his son would pick the stallion as his chosen form later in his life. Sadly Old Quil had passed over to the great hunting grounds in the sky and Cah'mel was the sole shaman for the tribe now. She was training two of the young people, a bird shifter and a wolf to take over there in La Push. She was thankful she need not sleep, as her net was cast wide over the tribes of the world. But it would ease with time and patience.

All these things heralded a new age for the supernatural world. Where once there was division, now there was unity. Where once misplaced fear and hated reigned, tolerance and friendship grows. The humans too unknowingly benefitted from the cessation between factions, fewer crossfire deaths occurred worldwide. No one knew all those years ago vampire or should that be Lamia moving to Forks Washington would be the catalyst for change as their world had never seen.

Bella was happy and content with how her life had evolved, yes she was different, but yet still the same. Her downtime with Jasper and her friends was what kept her sane. She was right about her power though, it was rarely used day to day. Elementals are like the human's nuclear weapons, they were a deterrent, one nobody wanted to see in action.

Lamia (Latin) - Vampire

Many Roman men, particularly those of middling fame, would be known by their tria nomina, a set of three names (Marcellus Antonius Flavius): the praenomen, the first or personal name; nomen, the name of the family (gens or clan); and cognomen, a third name, originally an individual's nickname, used to designate the descendants of his branch of the gens. Some men may have additional names,agnomina (Felix)