A/N: I'm so ashamed it's been so long since I updated this story. I thank all of you who have gently prodded me to update—thank you for being kind when I totally deserved to be yelled at.

This story is almost at its end. There will be one to two more chapters and an epilogue.

Edward licks to Keye and Sandy, my awesome friends and prereaders, for their feedback and encouragement. Huge thanks to my twin, Wendy (wmr1601), for wielding her Sparkly Red on this baby. Mwah!

Chapter Nineteen

~Full Circle~

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Previously:

Just a reminder of where we left off so long ago...

Bella was starting to have some emotional issues regarding the rape, and Edward (naturally) felt guilty over it. They returned home from Volterra after Edward nearly strangled Tanya.

Damon and Jacob said goodbye to their imprints, Leah and Lainey, to embark on Damon's journey.

Tanya was being mistreated by Demetri after Jane convinced her to seduce him. Aro was pretty steamed over Tanya's betrayal once he saw Demetri's memories and banished her to her rooms. She was no longer in the running to become Aro's 'Queen,' so he gave Demetri permission to continue his sexploits.

~*Tanya*~

There was no way I could handle remaining at the Castle Volturi indefinitely. Yes, I healed when injured, but the cruelty and disregard that Demetri handled me with was appalling. Maybe I'd done some things that could be considered cruel, but they paled in comparison to what I was being forced to endure. Oh, I'm sure there were a number of people who might disagree with me—my own sisters included—but they hadn't walked a mile in my shoes.

Demetri had just left after using me yet again. He didn't stay that long this time; I think he was disappointed with my growing apathy. At first I thought this was a good thing, but then I heard him mutter, 'I'll have to come up with something new to try on her.' That gave me pause. Really, what more could he do to me? He'd already abused every orifice multiple ways. I shuddered to think of what possible schemes his sick mind might dream up.

That little freak, Jane, took every opportunity to be in the hallway outside my room when Demetri was leaving. Today, I'd asked if her pussy had dried up and withered away yet, because surely it hadn't seen any action in decades. That earned me a double shot of juice from the Queen of Pain. Little fuck. It was almost worth the burn to see the insecure look in her eyes before her face twisted in anger.

Originally, I'd planned on staying here for a while, allowing Edward to become complacent in his belief that the threat to his beloved was over. Due to the increasing pain that Demetri had inflicted upon me, and his recent utterance that he needed to find a new way to torture me, I decided it would behoove me to get the fuck out of dodge. The only time these Neanderthals left me alone was at feeding time, so that's when I would plan my escape.

There was a muffled thump! as Felix delivered my dinner. He never bothered to knock anymore, just dumped whatever animal they'd scared up in the hall outside my suite. I was too good for this shit.

They scattered like cockroaches when I opened the door; none of them could stand to be around while I sucked and slurped, making a spectacle of each meal. Of course I didn't normally feed that way, but why should I make it easy for them to hold me captive without a moment of privacy? At least when I fed, I was granted an hour or two of undisturbed time.

The sound of fabric sliding over the stone ledge of my window caught my attention, and I turned quickly to see Edward filling the open space. His golden eyes were concerned, forgiving, and I was jubilant inside. He came back for me!

"What are you doing here?" I asked, cocking my head to one side.

Edward placed a finger over his ripe pink lips and pointed toward my door.

"There's nobody in this wing right now."

He held a hand out, shaking his head. Then he crooked a finger at me, beckoning me over. The thought crossed my mind that I might have died and gone to heaven. Even if Edward didn't come to make me his, he cared enough to be here in secret, to risk the wrath of the Volturi. For me.

Cautiously, I approached him. Edward pointed between the two of us and then indicated that we should leave the tower together. He didn't have to tell me twice. Not only was I getting out of my prison, but I wouldn't have to find my way alone.

Stepping in close to him, I whispered, "Are you sure? You were so angry with me."

His face softened, and he reached out, taking my hand in his, bringing it to rest against his cheek. I melted inside at the thought that we might be doing so much more soon.

I allowed Edward to draw me out the window, and we jumped together, both landing silently on the balls of our feet. With his fingers entwined with mine, he led me away from the castle and into the surrounding woods.

If we weren't within earshot of the Volturi, I would have squealed with joy. I couldn't wait to find out what sent him running to my rescue and what the situation was with Bella. I did notice he wasn't wearing his wedding band, and I rejoiced inside. Edward wasn't the kind of man who would ever willingly remove his ring, so I knew it must mean something serious had happened.

I relaxed then, allowing him to lead me away from my captors.

~*Damon*~

Jacob and I traveled for days, but finally, we arrived at our final destination. This was the end of the road—at least for me. My hope for Jacob was he'd return to his family, to Lainey, to live a long and fruitful existence.

I wrote several letters to Leah during quiet nights around the campfire, bestowing the responsibility of them reaching her upon Jacob. He told me to deliver them myself, but we both knew that was unlikely, and he begrudgingly took them from my hands and tucked them into his pack.

The irony of Jake and I working together wasn't lost on me. My cousin, and now my pack brother, who once wanted nothing more than to flay me open and rip out my traitorous heart walked beside me, shoulder to shoulder. Life had almost come full circle. There was one more difficult task I had to succeed with, and then I could let go.

"Damon, are you sure about this? There's got to be another way." Jacob's voice drew me out of my thoughts. "If we go together—"

"No. This is my journey. I didn't even want you to come along, but remember our agreement: the journey ends here for you."

We were sitting in the middle of the woods, the cool night air a heavenly caress against our heated skin. The sound of crickets and other creatures rustling in the vegetation and the pops and crackles of the fire lulled me into a relaxed state. By all rights, I should have been quaking in fear, knowing it was unlikely I'd be leaving here alive, but a sense of calm had overtaken me.

"I don't know why I agreed to that, but I suppose I have to stick by it. You're stubborn as a mule," he muttered.

"A mule. That's one incarnation I've never tried on for size." I grinned.

"Quit making jokes, huh? This isn't a happy occasion, and we're not at a camp out."

"Don't be bitter, Jake. We all have our path through this life, and this is mine. I'm perfectly okay with that."

"I respect you and your decisions, Damon, but I don't have to like them. I can't pretend to be happy."

"And I respect that."

We stared into the fire silently for a while, sharing some beef jerky and bad instant coffee. A wolf howled in the distance, and I smiled to myself.

"When?" Jacob asked softly.

"Tonight."

We'd been camping here for four nights, investigating and learning the lay of the land. We both knew the woods and surrounding area like the backs of our hands, and waiting any longer was just foolishness.

He swallowed hard. "Tonight, huh? Well, this is your show."

"Jacob, it's important that you keep the fire stoked so I can locate you easily, but once you receive what we came for, you need to snuff it out, cover the embers, and get the fuck out of here. Don't worry about me, and don't look back. Get your ass up to the ridge and wait for me there just like we practiced. If I don't show up by sunrise, head home without me."

"No. I can't leave without you—not unless I know for sure."

"Bullshit! If I haven't shown by sunrise, I'm not fucking coming. Our pack is probably losing one of us, but it doesn't need to be both. You deliver my letters to Leah and take care of Lainey for me. She didn't go through all this only to end up without you."

Jacob stared at me, warring emotions flitting through his eyes. Grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him up until we were chest to chest, I growled, "Don't waver, Jacob Black. I'll have your solemn promise now, your vow on all your pack brothers and your life, that you will keep your word."

We stared into each other's eyes fiercely, and I could tell he wanted to deny me but had no leg to stand on.

Dropping his head to his chest, Jacob huffed, "I swear."

"Thank you, brother."

We hugged each other tightly, and in that moment, we truly were brethren.

An hour later, I was making my way down the steep hillside alone. The sounds of the night continued to soothe me. The moonless sky and the fog clinging to the ground offered me cover. I breathed deeply, taking in the scents of the forest infusing the cool crisp air—the pungent soil, various species of wildlife, moss, loam, and seasons-old leaves moldering in obscure areas—perhaps for the last time.

An even deeper sense of calm blanketed me when I realized the circle would be completed tonight. While we were traveling these past days, I had much time to think about how I wanted to end this. The idea struck me with perfect clarity in my dreams last night.

Irony could sometimes be a beautiful weapon as the Scales of Justice tipped your way. How it began for me, was how it would end as well. Lay your hand upon me Lady Justice, for I have kicked you in the shins, and now I must be held accountable.

When I reached the edge of the woods, I glanced back. In the distance, I could see smoke curling into the air where Jacob tended the fire—a beacon to guide me.

Unbidden, Eliza entered my mind. It was as if she was right there with me, beside me. Her silvery-blue wolf eyes gazed at me frankly, and I could almost hear her speaking to me. Reminding me of the powder Vian placed in my hands that last day in Alaska.

Now is the time.

Mixing it in my tin cup with some water from a nearby stream, I drank it down quickly. The murky liquid left a bitter tingling on my tongue. And then there was nothing standing between me and the end of my journey.

Steeling myself, I phased—maybe for the last time. I was unprepared for the onslaught of memories that washed through me; the images were enough to bring me to the ground where I writhed in agony. Flashes of Bella begging and pleading for her life as I violated her. As I shoved my hand over her mouth and threatened her. Whether I was in control of my actions back then or not, the fact still remained that an innocent was harmed by my hands. It didn't matter if Edward and Bella forgave me, if the La Push pack forgave me, if Lainey and Leah forgave me... I couldn't forgive myself. This would be with me until I took my dying breath, and maybe even beyond that.

Pushing back those thoughts, I continued until I reached my goal.

An arch of warm light beckoned to me, belying the seriousness of my quest, and I stood silently for five minutes until I was sure it was safe.

It felt strange to be in this form as I scaled the stone wall, and I wondered if I survived this night, if I'd ever feel clean again. Even though I was far from Catholic, I crossed myself as I hovered outside the portal of evil.

Her beauty was just as staggering as it ever was. For a moment, as I took her in, I found it hard to believe she was capable of the atrocities she was accused of, but it slammed home once again all that had befallen me at her hands. The way she used me and tossed me away. The way she set me up to take the fall for her evil deeds. A flame of anger ignited inside me, but I reined it in quickly—it was necessary to walk a knife edge of awareness and restraint while convincing her of the lie.

When she turned and her amber eyes discovered my form hugging the window ledge of her tower—Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair—the moment of truth had arrived. I knew if I spoke, it was all over. I could look like Edward, I could smell like Edward, but I did not have his voice. In order to lure Tanya from her perch, I needed her to believe.

Fortunately, it wasn't as difficult as I'd expected. Tanya was delusional; she wanted so badly to believe Edward had returned to her that it was like taking candy from a baby. With a few hand signals and soft looks, I drew her out the window, and we leaped to the cobbles below. Swiftly we entered the woods, hand in hand. I saw her glance at my left hand, a look of evil glee flitting across her features when she found no wedding band. Once again, I was disgusted and fought to hide it. If I gave myself away too soon, she would sound the alarm, and I was dead for sure. To die before completing my journey would be a waste of my life, of my great suffering at her hands.

"Edward, where are we going?" she whispered.

Ignoring her, I drew her ever deeper into the woods, keeping the smoke from Jacob's fire in my sights. Time was of the essence because it wouldn't be long before the Volturi realized Tanya was gone, and then the search would begin. Jacob had to be well on his way before that happened.

When we entered a clearing, I stopped and turned to face her, still holding her hand.

"Edward?"

Caressing her cheek with my palm, I shook my head slowly. "Afraid not."

Tanya's eyes widened in surprise—so she hadn't even guessed it might have been me?—and her hand rested over where her blackened heart had shriveled and died centuries ago.

"Damon?"

"The one and only." I smirked at her with his smirk, and I could tell she was having a hard time reconciling my voice with his face.

"But... why? Why Edward? You could have come in any form."

She still didn't get it, but that worked to my advantage.

"I thought it would be easier to get you to come quietly if you saw Edward. If you made too much noise, the Volturi would have been on us before we could escape."

Tanya leveled an appraising gaze at me. This was the critical moment; she needed to believe I was still under her spell. Eliza gave me the tools, but I had to employ them if this was going to work.

She moved in closer, her liquid gold eyes boring into me. I looked back innocently, allowing her gaze to probe deeply, and I could feel the tendrils of her powers of seduction attempt to take hold of me. I panicked momentarily, afraid Tanya would gain control over me once again. My last visit with Eliza flitted through my mind, and I realized when she said I was 'protected,' she meant against Tanya. I was no longer susceptible to Tanya's 'gift,' and the knowledge was empowering, adrenaline inducing.

"Damon... you belong to me," she whispered, ghosting her nose along my jaw until her lips rested against my ear. "You're so good, always taking care of your Mistress. Whatever need I have, you fulfill. Tell me. Tell me you belong to me, my sweet."

"Yes, Mistress. I belong to you, and your desires are mine. I live to serve you."

"What a good boy. How far would you go for me?"

I could feel another strong probe underneath my skull, but her power couldn't penetrate Eliza's magic. Inside I smiled, but on the outside, I continued to play along.

"All the way, Mistress."

"Good..." she purred, cupping her hand over my crotch.

It wouldn't due for her to realize I was faking now. Thoughts of my night with Leah rendered me hard as a rock, and Tanya cooed at me approvingly.

"That's my big boy. Oh, yeah," she moaned, continuing to stroke me through my jeans, and I closed my eyes, pretending it was Leah's hand.

"What can I do to please you, Mistress? What is your greatest desire?"

Tanya laughed softly. "Are you sure you're willing?"

"Whatever you desire is yours."

Her hand abruptly ceased its stroking, and she pulled back to look into my eyes.

"Anything, Damon?"

"Name it."

"I want you to kill Bella Cullen."

With those words, she doomed herself. Until that moment, I wasn't sure if Tanya was unredeemable, but by declaring a death sentence against Bella, she proved it, sealing her own fate.

"Kill Bella. Is that all?"

"Make sure Edward knows it was compliments of Tanya Denali." Her eyes glittered spitefully.

"And then?"

"Then you come back to me, and we can be together the way I always promised you."

"What about Edward?"

"Fuck Edward. He deserves to be miserable after the way he treated me," she spat petulantly, her eyes sparking with a deep hatred.

I had my answer: Tanya Denali was a scourge that must be wiped from the earth. As long as she existed, as long as she was able to plot and scheme, as long as she had wills to twist, she was a danger. Especially for Bella, to whom I owed a huge debt of gratitude and penance.

One last time, I took her face between my hands and gazed into her treacherous eyes. And Tanya allowed it because she trusted in me, trusted that she owned me through the power of seduction. Thank fuck for Eliza.

I leaned in close, pressing my cheek to hers for a moment as I slid my hands into a more secure position.

"There's only one problem with that plan."

"What's that?"

"I'm not under your spell, and I have no intention of killing Bella or punishing Edward."

"Damon," she cooed. "You know you want to help me, so we can be together always."

"Actually, no. Edward and Bella are happily married. I've met my imprint. And you... well, you're finished. Your influence over me is as defunct as your morals."

Tanya's body went rigid with anger, her voice full of indignation. "You stupid fucking animal! The Volturi will kill you for this, and I'll find someone else who is willing to help me."

She still didn't understand the situation she was in. That was okay; it made dispatching with her infinitely easier.

"Tanya Denali, for your crimes against me and my family, for your transgressions against Edward and Bella Cullen and God knows who else, I sentence you to death."

"What?" she screeched. "You'll never make it out of Volterra alive!"

"That may be so, and I'm perfectly okay with that as long as you don't make it out alive, either. Goodbye, Tanya."

With a mighty wrenching motion, I twisted her head clean off her body. There was an ear piercing metallic shriek, and then her body fell to the ground, twitching. I held her head in my hands, her eyes gazing up at me in surprise, and it was downright eerie. I'd never purposely killed before, but before I contemplated my actions, I needed to finish this.

Running to the next knoll with Tanya's head firmly in my hands, I looked up the hill, catching sight of Jacob's fire. Running back a few feet, I launched Tanya's head, smiling with satisfaction when it seemed to go down in just the right spot. I'd know soon if my aim was true.

Putting more distance between me and Tanya's still-twitching, headless body, I moved stealthily through the woods, watching the skyline. After a few minutes, the filmy gray smoke transitioned to turbid purple, and I knew Jacob had received Tanya's head.

I was leaving Tanya's body for the Volturi to find, so there would be no question she was dead. There would be no search and rescue mission. They could look for her head—and I hoped their search would allow time for Jacob and me to get away—but seeing as Jacob had just burned it, there was no chance of that. Tanya Denali was no more.

The sound of several Volturi guard combing through the forest to investigate the sound of a vampire being dismembered reached my ears. Too close. I was too close to take off running. If they found me out there, I was dead, and it was a risk I'd taken on, knowing it was the likely outcome. That didn't mean I was about to lay down and make it easy for the fuckers.

Locating a tall tree with lush foliage, I used the vampiric abilities this body afforded me and leaped high into its branches. Settling deep inside the tree, I allowed it to envelope me in its protection from prying eyes. I suspected the brew Eliza had me drink would mask my scent from the Volturi—at least that's what I was counting on.

"Holy shit! Look, Demetri!" a voice called out nearby.

"Well, fuck me. My little marionette's had her strings cut." He snorted. "It was bound to happen, but I sure wish I had more time with her first. Who did this?"

"I don't know. The only vague scent on her is Edward Cullen's. Probably left over from when he grappled with her in the throne room. She's the type that would save something with his scent on it to moon over."

"Boys, what's going on?" a childlike female voice broke in. "Well, well. What do we have here? It appears that Tanya lost her head!" A soft tinkle of laughter erupted from her.

"Did you have something to do with this, Jane?" The one named Demetri growled low in his throat. "Nobody hated her as much as you."

"As if. I was having too much fun torturing the bitch." Jane sniffed derisively.

"All right, let's get a search party together and see if we can find her head. Maybe Humpty Dumpty can be put back together again."

"I'm going to start combing the woods. Maybe I can pick up on a scent to track," Demetri offered.

There was shared laughter as the two retreated, but I could already hear others gathering close by as Demetri headed my way.

It looked like this tree was destined to be my new home for the time being.

~*Edward*~

Ever since Bella had opened up to me and let me know just how much the rape was still affecting her, we'd grown even closer. It hurt me to know Bella was holding emotions inside because she didn't want me to feel guilty or worry over her. Sometimes Bella was selfless to a fault, and I was happy to see her slowly letting go.

Over the past weeks since we'd returned from Volterra, Bella had started taking daily walks with Rosalie. Those two are the last ones any of us expected would find solace in each other, but Rose had a soft spot for Bella since they now shared similar battle scars. The sessions seemed to be softening Rosalie's hardened edges, too. I wasn't all that surprised—Bella was a remarkable woman.

I was lounging on our bed, sitting against the headboard while I waited for Bella to get out of the shower. She'd taken to bathing in the evenings, claiming it relaxed her and helped her sleep. It did seem to reduce the incidence of nightmares for whatever reason.

"What are you thinking about, Mr. Cullen?" my beautiful wife asked as she knelt on the bed beside me, running her fingers through my hair.

"You." I smiled lazily, guiding her by the hips as she straddled me.

I ran my index finger over the lacy edge of the satiny blue peignoir she wore, trailing over Bella's nipples one at a time through the slippery material. She moaned softy, grinding herself on my lap, and I was immediately hard.

"Bella..." I warned with a low growl.

"It's okay. I want you, Edward. I love you so much," she whispered, leaning in to kiss me.

Holding her away gently, I studied her. "Are you sure, love? We don't have to do this right now."

Her soft brown eyes held nothing but desire as she gazed back at me. "Oh, I'm sure." Shifting herself, she settled right over my hardness as her lips met mine. She pressed me back against the headboard, hands running over my shoulders, and licked a line of fire across my bottom lip. Allowing her to take the lead, I accepted her invitation, my tongue sweeping out to meet hers.

She moaned again, her hands reaching between us to push my sleep pants down, releasing me from their confines. Warm hands stroked me a few times before Bella lifted up to guide me deep inside her.

Grabbing hold of the headboard, she closed her eyes, allowing her head to fall back as she rode me slowly, rotating her hips. Her still-damp hair swung freely, cascading in waves over her shoulders and down her back. A light sheen of sweat covered her fragrant skin, dewy from the shower.

My hands wrapped around her waist, coming to rest on her back to offer support. The feel of her heat gliding up and down my length drew me quickly toward the edge. Bella's hot breath expelled from her mouth in short bursts, and her expression gradually morphed into one of pure ecstasy. I swirled my tongue in the hollow of her throat, nibbling on her sweet flesh, making my way up slowly until I sucked her delicate earlobe between my lips.

"Mm-mm... Edward," she gasped. "So close."

Keeping one hand on her back, the other drifted beneath the silky material, caressing her bare hip, sliding up slowly until I could sweep my thumb lightly over a straining nipple.

"You're exquisite," I whispered against her neck. "My precious love."

"Oh, God... I'm going to..." Bella gasped, throwing her head all the way back as she came for me so beautifully.

The ebb and flow of her orgasm was all it took to set off my own. It wasn't hard and fast, but slow and passionate lovemaking, and nothing could have been more perfect in that moment.

Hours later, I cradled Bella as she slept, her legs entwined with mine. Her sleep was calm and quiet, and I rejoiced in her peace.

Edward, you need to come down here. Carlisle's mind was disturbed, an underlying tension lacing his thought.

Carefully untangling our limbs, I covered Bella with the blanket, placing a kiss on her forehead. She sighed softly in her sleep, a half-smile touching her lips.

Coming down the stairs, I found my family surrounding the dining room table—not such a good sign in this house.

"What is it?"

"I just received a call from Aro, Son." Carlisle's expression was grave.

"And?" I prompted impatiently.

"He asked after your whereabouts. I assured him you were here and have been since we returned from Italy. He'd like to speak with you directly. It seems he was unwilling to take my word for it."

"What's going on? Alice?" I turned my gaze Alice's way, and I wasn't comforted by the confused look on her face.

"I can't see, Edward. My visions keep fading out when I try to see Italy. I don't know what Aro wants with you."

"I'm sure that bitch has done something else to fuck with you," Rosalie spat, her eyes darkening with hatred.

"Edward, I think you should call him back right away. It didn't sound like a request, and if he needs reassurance that you are in fact here, then give it to him," Carlisle suggested, handing me the phone.

I swallowed hard, unable to imagine what Tanya might have done now that would cause Aro to call here and demand to know my whereabouts. When Aro himself answered the call, I was even more concerned.

"Hello?" His voice held a touch of strain laced with impatience.

"Good evening, Aro. Carlisle tells me you need to speak with me?"

"Ah, young Edward, so you are at home." Aro's voice was condescending, and I almost made a snide remark about not believing his old friend Carlisle but thought the better of it.

"Yes. I've been here since we returned from Volterra."

"It appears so. Even one of us couldn't travel that quickly."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"It appears you have been sighted here in Italy today."

"Not possible."

"Hm-mm, yes. That presents quite the conundrum then, doesn't it? Do you know of any way someone could look just like you and commit a crime beneath our very noses?"

I looked up at Carlisle, startled, but he shrugged his shoulders.

"A crime? What sort of crime?"

"You truly have no idea?"

"No. Should I?"

"I have some unfortunate news. It appears that our beloved Tanya was beheaded today. We found her body, but her head... well, it hasn't been located thus far." Aro sounded more amused than sorry, a touch of maniacal glee present in his voice.

"What? And you think I did this?"

"As I said, there are claims you were seen in the area by members of my guard. I've seen their memories, and they appear to be correct. Besides that, Tanya had only one faint scent on her body when we found it other than Demetri's—yours. Although, to be fair, it wasn't fresh, so we suspect she may have kept something of yours as a… trinket."

"Surely there must have been another scent if she was beheaded, Aro," I said tightly. Would he accuse me of teleporting next? Was it his intention to somehow pin Tanya's demise on me?

"No, there wasn't. That fact alone has me incredibly curious. No matter. I will unravel this mystery. Thank you for your time, and give my best to your bride."

Aro abruptly disconnected the call before I could say anything else. My entire family was silent and wide-eyed, but everyone's minds were whirring at high speed trying to figure it out.

Suddenly, Alice slapped her hand over her mouth. "I know the answer!"

Six sets of eyes were trained on her in less than a second.

"Well?" I huffed impatiently.

"It had to be a shifter. I know of one shifter that once looked and smelled like you, Edward," she said quietly.

"Damon." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "It's only a matter of time before Aro pieces this together. He already said he intended to investigate the Alaska tribe, but now..."

"And I can't see around them to know what will happen. I might be able to see when Aro makes a decision, but if the Volturi go to Alaska, we'll have no eyes."

"I have to call Eliza. They need to know there's a possibility the Volturi will be coming."

Getting in touch with Eliza and Aaron was easier said than done. Most of their homes didn't have phone service, and someone had to be dispatched to Eliza's mountain hut to fetch her. In the meantime, the realization that Tanya was dead sank in.

Tanya is dead. She can't hurt Bella anymore.

While I found it difficult to rejoice in the death of another—even one as evil as Tanya—I couldn't deny the relief I felt. I couldn't help but wonder what this news would do to Bella, though. This meant the loss of the only other person she could blame for her rape, which could be freeing or send her into a deeper sense of helplessness.

When the phone rang, I snatched it up.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Edward." Eliza's voice was calm and sure. There was something about her that left one feeling all was as it should be. How she conveyed this in two words over the phone, I had no idea, but I felt some of my tension melt away.

"Eliza. We have a situation."

"Hm-mm, yes. The red-eyed ones are coming." Her tone never wavered, and she didn't appear fazed that vampire royalty would be paying her tribe a visit.

"You know?"

"I've always known, Edward. This... confrontation... is inevitable. Everyone must understand their place in the world, and your Volturi are no exception." There was a hard edge to her words.

"Eliza, I don't think you understand. It's very likely they will decide to destroy your people. They don't like competition."

There was a soft laugh on the other end of the line. "Yes, they will indeed attempt to rein us in, but that doesn't mean they will be successful."

"With all due respect, the Volturi have many gifted vampires. When they want to wipe out other vampires or shape-shifters, they do. They consider themselves the final authority." I ran my hand through my hair roughly with frustration. Eliza seemed to be taking this too lightly, and the lives of her people were at stake.

"Edward, don't get your knickers in a twist. Your Volturi do have gifted vampires, but they rely too much on those powers, inflated by a false sense of self-confidence. I was born for this purpose. I gave up my imprint for this. Thank you for your concern, though."

"Tanya's dead."

"Ah, so Damon was successful then."

"You knew?" I asked incredulously.

"I suspected when I sent Damon off on his journey that Tanya was a part of it, yes."

"You sent him to Volterra? Knowing they would hunt him down? That this could lead them to your tribe?" My voice grew loud. This woman confounded me.

"I didn't send Damon to Volterra. If he went there, it was of his own free will. Damon came to me before beginning his journey, and I simply provided him with protection from the succubus."

"Tanya?"

"That's the one. I made sure she wouldn't be able to gain control over his mind and will again. I also provided him with a way to cloak himself, but I never told him what the potion I gave him would do. It's my belief if he was meant to use it, he'd instinctively know when the time was nigh."

"You trust an awful lot in your abilities, don't you?" I mused.

"Do you trust in your ability to read minds? In Alice's visions of the future? In Jasper's empathic gift?"

"Yes."

"And I trust in my gifts, in my destiny. Please don't fret, Edward. All will be as it was meant to be."

"And how was it meant to be, Eliza?"

She laughed softly. "Even I don't know that. I follow my calling without question and trust the universe to effect the destined outcome."

"And what if you're destroyed?"

"If that is what's meant to happen, then it will be."

"Eliza... there must be something we can do."

"No. The wheels are set in motion, and now we wait."

"Please let me know if you need anything. Should my family come there? Can we help?"

"Stay where you are. It might help if someone could give me a rundown of all the key players and their gifts."

"Absolutely. I'll put Carlisle on."

Handing the phone off to Carlisle, I realized Bella's heart rate had entered into its typical about-to-wake cadence. Returning to our room, I slid back into our bed and held her to me. The warmth of her body was akin to a talisman, calming me and pulling my thoughts away from the difficult times that were surely ahead.

~*O*~

A/N: A few surprises in this one. I hope you're all satisfied with the way Tanya was dispensed with. I thought it was only fitting that Damon be the one. Thoughts? The Volturi will be paying a visit to the Alaska tribe next chapter.

I want to take the time to thank all of my wonderful readers who have stuck by me and encouraged me so much. You are worth your weight in gold. I'm working on a novel to be published in 2012, but I want to assure all of you that I will continue to write my fanfics and complete all my stories.

I have a novella called Red Kryptonite coming out in January which was written for a fundraiser. Edward is a blood-drinking vampire bounty hunter, and guess who he's hired to bring in? The first chapter is up on my profile, and the rest will begin posting weekly in January until complete. This is a little different than my usual, and I hope to toss you a few surprises.

Follow me on Twitter: (at) SaritaDreaming for fanfic or (at) SarahAisling for original fic.