Was I That Gullible

Some Things Never Change, Some Do!

As the escort party started their journey home to Los, Alistair told them he knew the last of the Cullens were nearby. Marcus really wanted them present at Alice's trial, so no one could accuse him of being underhand, destroying a coven member without them knowing. It was decided the four would approach them, explain all and return with them to the island. Peter was returning with Marcus and Felix, as extra muscle and his knower would alert them to anything untoward.

Carlisle was still well regarded in many circles, even though some thought him far too lax on his younger coven members, thus allowing much to happen that never should have. But he was a well respected, well educated and fair man, who had exceptional control and could be an asset to the Fotisménoi. So having him present and in agreement with Alice's punishment would a good thing.

Garrett and Alistair were going in first, they were both old friends of Carlisle's and they would make the first approach. It was Carlisle and Emmett who met them firstly well out from their new home but were immediately invited back as the Cullen's were starved for news. To say they were shocked about not only the Romanians death but Aro and Caius too would be an understatement.

Garrett had been intentionally vague about who had killed them, just stating a band of mercenaries, were to blame. They then asked if two emissaries of Marcus' could talk to them, a frisson of apprehension could be felt, but Carlisle agreed. He was particularly surprised that Marcus had survived the executioner's block, it was rare he left his brothers' sides.

So as Alistair made the call, Garrett explained how Marcus, Pica and Dora had left the Volturi several weeks before their demise and had set up the new ruling body on Los island off the coast of Greece. All around about the time Garrett had phoned him, telling the Cullens to hide,

"But how? Weren't they all under Chelsea's control?" Carlisle asked,

"Yeah, until I removed her head, they sure were!" Garrett answered nonchalantly,

"Wow man!" Emmett blurted out,

"We had serious outside help, a shield actually! An at that time, a hybrid shield!" Garrett said as he heard the other approaching,

"A born hybrid?" Carlisle quizzed,

"No, a half changed one Carlisle!" Bella answered, stunning them all,

"So you finally got some idiot to bite you! God how pathetic of you! Being human just not good enough for Isabella Swan?" Rose spat at her,

Bella looked at Rose for a second, geez, was she that vapid she'd waited five years just to say that! Then totally and noticeably dismissing her, by turning her back to the blonde. Bella nodding to Esme and Emmett, she spoke directly to Carlisle,

"Still got no control over your coven, eh Carlisle? Something's never change!",

All the Cullens gasped, this was not the quiet, shy Bella they'd known before. Rose just couldn't stop herself and stormed around Bella and attempted to slap her. She found herself pinned, halfway up the far wall, once again looking at Bella's back,

"That's it, Baby, I'm out of here! They don't want to listen, they never have or ever cared, you deal with this for Marcus' sake. Call me when you're ready to go, okay?" she said,

Smiling at Jasper she patted him on the butt, then dropped Rose, none too gently on hers, before leaving with a disgruntled Alistair two steps behind her, but he was growling lowly. The others all started talking at once, demanding answers, also asking why Alistair was so upset? Jasper said firmly, in a cold voice they had never heard before,

"That was my mate you just insulted, Rosalie! My mate, who has just helped Marcus save our world! My mate, who wasn't hidin' out, waitin' till it was all over, like some I could mention!"