Felix looked to Jane attentively, waiting for her instructions. He said nothing, however, no doubt worried about stepping out of place again. No one blamed him for it, that was obvious from everyone's concerned expressions.

"I'll leave this up to you," Jane offered at last, smiling at his discomfort. "If, in your professional opinion young Bree is a secrecy threat, get rid of her. If not ... do what you want to."

"Yes!" Felix hissed under his breath, with a gleam in his blood red eyes.

"Don't watch," Edward said to Bella, who didn't have to be told twice.

Indeed, no one seemed to want to see what was about to take place, with the exception of Jasper. He was watching the scene intently, his fast darkening eyes taking in every detail. Bree and Esme looked at each for what they believed would be the last time, both their eyes bright with tears that couldn't ever be shed. Esme turned away and shut her eyes against Carlisle's shoulder. Bree just dropped to the ground and buried her face in her arms..

Felix reached for her at that moment, but he didn't rip her apart as they expected. Instead he gently lifted her to her feet and walked her over to Esme's side. "Good luck," he whispered touching Bree's shoulder and smiling, before retaking his place with the guards.

Alec and Demetri showed no emotion, other than a mild curiosity that they never expected to be satisfied. Jane just looked indifferent. Bree and the others, however were so shocked they couldn't react.

"Thank you all so much!" Esme gasped when she could speak again, over a full minute later.

"You're welcome," replied Jane dismissively. "But remember, any more trouble here and they'll be consequences. Well, until we meet again." The Volturi guards in their grey robes disappeared into the mist, but not before Felix winked at Bree over his shoulder without them noticing.

Their leaving brought a profound, but different reaction from everyone. Jasper's now black eyes began to close and he seemed about to collapse. The elegant blonde vampire darted to his side as a worried expression spread across her beautiful features. Her Felix-sized mate wrapped his arm supportively around Jasper's shoulder.

"All right, brother?" he asked quietly.

Jasper nodded. "Thanks, Emmett," he replied, his voice just above a whisper. Alice, clearly Jasper's mate hugged him tightly. Her eyes shone with love and pride. Then she and Edward glanced at each other briefly. A look of understanding was exchanged between the two gifted vampires and they both smiled.

"There's nothing to worry about," Alice announced to everyone. "They won't be back any time soon, and they certainly won't give Bree another thought."

Bree and Esme meanwhile, had been crying on each other's shoulder while Carlise held them both. "Th.. Thh,,,, thank you," Bree stuttered as her shock slowly began to wear off. "Thank you for saving my life!"

"Thank Jasper," Edward told her. "He was using his gift to make the Volturi feel compassion for you."

"One of the hardest things I ever did," Jasper admitted, letting his exhausted head fall back against Emmett's shoulder. "Even now, I can hardly believe it was possible."

They all turned to Jasper with their praises and appreciation, but were interrupted by an ear-splitting screech. Bree's thirst had begun to overwhelm her and she was about to spring at Bella but Edward, Carlisle and Esme were quicker managed to stop her by forning a protective semi-circle around the girl. Jasper, Alice and Emmet also got between them quickly.

"I"m sorry," Bree gasped restraining herself, but barely. "I want her so bad. My throat is burning. Aren't yours too?"

"You must exercise self control, Bree," Carlisle admonished. "I know it's difficult, but it is possible." Bree gritted her teeth and manage to nod in agreement. "Edward, take Bella home.'

"Of course," Edward replied, "that's what I should have done as soon as they left." Bella sighed with relief when she heard that and the two of them immediately took off. Bree too began to relax once Bella's scent was out range.

"Unfortunately, I can't stay either," Carlisle explained, "I have to go and see ... someone who was hurt badly fighting for us, but Bree, we'll all get to know each other back at the house." Bree nodded eagerly at this prospect, then Carlisle instantly left in another direction.

"You up for some huntin' Emmett?" Jasper asked, his strength seeming to return slowly.

"That's a great idea, Jasper. I think we can all use some nourishment after this. I know just the place too. I don't think we've been there yet. Coming, ladies?"

"No thanks, Emmett," replied Alice. "Rose and I are going to prepare a room for our new sister." They smiled at Bree when Alice said those words.

"Vampires don't, strictly speaking need rooms," Rose explained to Bree, "But it's just so you'll have some space of your own and a place for your things."

"Well, that won't be problem; I haven't got too much," Bree replied shyly, knowing that much was an overstatement. She really had nothing.

"Don't worry, you will soon," Jasper told her, winking at Alice when he spoke.

"Why don't you boys go ahead to the hunting spot?" Esme suggested. "Bree and I will meet you there shortly."

"Good idea, we'll see you soon," Jasper called over his shoulder as he and Emmett and Rose and Alice went off in their respective directions. Bree again found herself alone with Esme, just as she hoped to.

"Edward said you'd teach me the rules of our coven," Bree suggested, anxious to fit in now that she had a place she belonged.

"Family Bree," Esme gently corrected her. "We're a family not a coven." Bree smiled at that word and a warm feeling came over her.

"The vampire world only has one law," Esme continued, "but of course it breaks down into thousands of facets. That law is: keep the secret. Be inconspicuous. Humans are not to know, or even suspect that we exist.'

"Riley and Victoria broke that law by letting us run wild in Seattle," Bree pointed out.

"Exactly," replied Esme, "and as far as our family goes, we don't have very many strict rules but this one is very important." Bree leaned forward eagerly, determined to do the right thing for once,

"You must never harm Bella," Esme told her. Bree nodded in agreement. Never harm Bella. All right, that wouldn't be easy, but she'd comply. It was the least she could do after all. "Or any other human," Esme added. That last statement clearly shocked Bree.

"Any other human?" she asked in amazement. "What do we live on if not humans?"

"Animals," Esme replied. "There're not endangered species," she continued quickly, seeing Bree's slightly repulsed expression. "and we always bring them down quickly, making sure they feel very little pain. We'll teach you how to do that."

"What's it like feeding on animals," Bree asked, as her mind began to process this.

"Quite an adjusted for a vampire," Esme admitted. "especially a newborn who's tasted human blood. But we all understand because we were newborns ourselves. We'll always be here to support and help you."

"Even if I slip up?" Bree asked apprehensively.

"Yes Bree, even if you slip up," Esme assured her with a smile and a loving arm around her shoulder. That's what families do after all." Bree said nothing, but silently said a prayer of thanksgiving. Finally she the family she always wanted.