Aro, Marcus and Carlisle were not surprised to learn what had unfolded in their absence. Twenty minutes had passed while they discussed the few new developments in the vampire world. Carlisle advised Aro let Jane and her mate lead the battle as none can anticipate what they will do.

Marcus had supported the idea although he left the final decision to his brother.

He had quietly let Aro know the strength of the Cullen family bonds and Bella's obvious power while in council. Aro became jealous of what Carlisle had once more. He was anxious to return to his mate to comfort her. The aura of the Cullens shone in bright colours. None showed malice, and thus Aro could contain his disappointment at not being able to read Carlisle's memories. He was still loath to learn that his daughter enjoyed the Cullen family company.

Aro was pleased the wolves would be gone. He knew the attachment a queen could have towards them. It was part of the reason that drove Caius' rage against the specie. His brother could not bear to share his mate. He was unwilling to test his limits with them too.

Corin was very pleased. He remembered how his mother had adored the wolves while in her keep. Athenodora had hurt and despised them. Sulphicia would do better but they could never be happy in Volterra. He was happy that they were reunited with Edward and belonged to his Bella.

Carlisle led his family tout of the castle. Jane's guard accompanied them to the airport where they chartered a flight to Russia.

Edward watched as the wolves took in the new world. They were on guard, anxious and curious. They were pleased that they would see their native lands as the Cullens were on way to Russia.

Their alpha immediately smiled when his eyes met Edward's again.

"Edward, son! It is good to know you still call us friend." He had a heavy accent.

Jealousy spiked within Carlisle when the man called Edward 'son'.

"You will always be friend to me and my family Losif,"

Edward placed a hand on the man's shoulder before embracing him in a heartfelt hug. Jasper swallowed as his father's jealousy spiked against the strong emotions of affection from Edward and the four unknown men.

"This is my mate Isabella, friend." he repeated when he let the man go.

All the wolves had kept their eyes averted. She wondered why.

"They are overwhelmed by your presence love." Edward explained

"This is my father Carlisle and brothers, Emmett and Jasper." Edward introduced. T

he men exchanged a firm handshake with the Cullen men. Their faces were void of any emotion. Jasper registered their devotion to Bella and protectiveness towards Edward.

"This is my mother Esme, Emmett's mate Rosalie and Jasper's mate Alice."

The men did not approach the women as they were introduced neither did they break formation. They simply acknowledged them with a slight bow of the head.

Carlisle was very curious about them and their familiarity with Edward. He hadn't told the family much about them.

"Father, these men are wolves. The true children of the moon who were in my keep while in Volterra. They were held as prisoners there a long time. We developed a friendship over time and I learnt much about our worlds from them."

Edward gave a softer version of events to his family. At the same time he was bombarded with the wolves' memories and thoughts of his time in Volterra. Jasper was concerned for the family's safety against those who may come hunting for the wolves.

"Edward son, Peter tells us there is a place we may call home in your lands" Losif asked

"There may be a place for you there. The men there shift into the wolf form. They do not need the moon to turn. They are not as strong as you, nor are they aware of our world as you are."

Edward was concerned they would want to leave. He would never deny them their freedom but worried of the effect it might have on Bella. They would also strengthen the La Push pack and share their skills with them. The family still wanted to keep their claimed territory in the Pacific North-West.

"There is something you are not telling us son" Losif prompted.

He was the only other living being who could read Edward like an open book besides Bella. Carlisle swallowed his rage of jealousy.

Edward explained the dynamics of the La Push pack and their conflict caused by his claim to a mate in the area. The family was shocked at his openness and honesty with the strangers yet again, all except Bella. The wolves laughed in satisfaction when they heard of the family destroying the Volturi guard and their fight with the wolves.

"Oh how I wish to have seen it my son," Losif laughed. Carlisle clenched his jaw each time Losif called Edward 'son' with such affection and devotion.

"They are not of our blood. They are cowards," The second in command, Isak concluded in disgust that the wolves had attacked the Cullens after a vicious fight while they carried injuries.

Edward continued to tell them about the Volturi confrontation which led to Alec's demise.

"What happened to drive Caius from Volterra friend? Did your queen know?" Edward asked

"They had learnt of their heir's demise. The queen had spies everywhere." Losif informed. He hated Athenodora and her Caius.

"She wanted to rule." Isak added.

Edward saw all they knew from their minds. Athenodora had carefully plotted to overthrow Aro in the background. She had a secret guard with the ability of mental invincibility. It wasn't a strong gift but served her well.

"She was evil. We have performed abhorrent acts in the name of the vampire queen Athenodora. She was our hunter's true mate in every sense." Ivan spoke for the first time. His eyes were glued to the ground in shame. All the Cullens were curious besides Edward and Bella.

"Athenodora?" Carlisle asked for confirmation. He hadn't known the Volturi queens well. They seemed to always be in the background.

"Yes father to Edward," Losif answered. "My brothers and I have eh…"

"A predisposition" Edward assisted gaining a smile from Losif. Edward's ability never ceased to fascinate him.

"Yes we do. We must obey the most powerful of our sworn enemy's female. It is a must, as we obeyed Caius' mate." He explained.

"Athenodora was stronger than Aro's Sulphicia." Edward explained hearing the questions in his family's thoughts.

He neglected to explain this was because of the way she was turned. The family had their own experience with Bella to come to the same conclusion.

The four wolves had belonged to Dedyme when she was queen. She adored them. After her death Athenodora claimed them. This increased Caius' hatred for the specie. Their devotion to her rivaled his. Caius hated the competition. To please him; she ordered the wolves to do unspeakable things to their own. It was her suggestion to imprison them in the deepest pit of the castle. She did this in part to spare them her mate's wrath and herself the hurt. Because of her connection to them, she knew their pain at what she had them do to please Caius. She refused to give them up though, because they would then belong to Sulphicia.

Edward learnt that Vasilii had been Athenodora's contact with the Romanians. They had been allies for over a century. It was the reason she did not call on the wolves for protection against him. She had trusted him and he killed her. Losif had rushed to her when he sensed her distressed but it was too late. Vasilii bound him to Sulphicia and led his pack to their new queen.

Jasper was thinking of the myriad of emotions he had felt from Sulphicia. He knew she was jealous of their family and worried that she might retaliate.

"Our Edward's Bella is the strongest vampire female that lives. We are bound by duty to serve her. We belong to our Edward's queen." He exclaimed with pride.

The wolves adoring eyes were on Bella who watched them in the same. She had heard all their history as Edward listened to their thoughts. Her heart went out to them.

Bella shared a brief intimate look with Edward before turning back to the leader of the pack. "I accept you."

Edward knew Bella had accepted the wolves long before that moment. She could never let them fall into the hands of another female vampire who may not treat them well. If she granted them their freedom, Sulphicia could reclaim them.

The wolves pledged themselves to her. Rosalie was a little jealous of her new sister. Carlisle was disbelieving and speechless. It was a rare moment in his long life when he did not know how to proceed. Esme was happy to see her family at peace. She too had accepted the new additions without question. She trusted Bella and Edward intentions with them.

"We shall have lasting peace Edward son. She is your true mate. A strong and kind heart."

The wolves were happy to be tied to Edward's mate instead of any other female vampire.

"My knights, please understand that Edward and I will leave tomorrow for our honeymoon. We will leave you in the care of our family here. Serve them as you would me." Bella spoke with authority though she was apologetic.

"We accept my queen."

Bella was saddened to have to part with them so soon. She could sense the pack's general mood as their keep. They too were saddened.

Losif wondered why Jane Volturi seemed happy to see him and his Bella. He recalled images of Edward after he had been in fights while held in Volterra. It was no secret Jane and Alec interfered in the fights so he would lose.

"My Bella has earned Jane's respect friend." Edward calmed his concern. "She is the reason we came for you. The princess wanted to make amends."

"Indeed son" Losif agreed.

Edward left him to his thoughts. The pack alpha was finally at peace after many centuries. He was content to just live. He looked forward to a life with Edward, whom he considered a son and their queen Bella.

Edward watched a few visions of their honeymoon as they came to Alice. They would return to the family safe. Alice saw the family would attend Jane's wedding. They would all attend college with the wolves in the new year. Random snippets came to Alice while she focused her mind in the distant future. It looked bright and peaceful, though a few unwelcome faces made an appearance. It seemed those few were set on revenge against Edward from his time in Volterra. He didn't let them concern him.

The wolves devotion to Bella was unquestionable. It pleased Edward that his mate would have his most trusted friends in service. This had not been in his plans but was most welcome. All he wanted was for Bella to have the best chance to survive his world and be safe.