Archive of Our Own

Carlisle looks over his family, worried.

His family is in pieces, falling apart at the seams, and he doesn’t know how to fix it. He wants to save Bella, wants to protect her and the baby she cares about, but he also understands that this is putting the entire family at risk. They don’t know, for certain, what the state of the baby is, or how it will turn out.

Carlisle is lost on what to do, who to support, and how to support them. He feels stuck, sitting there and watching everything fall apart.

He wants to go to the Volturi, even though his family disagrees. They are worried the kings won't see reason, and just kill Bella and the baby, and even them, for their transgressions. But Carlisle just needs to get to Joy, to explain it to her, and maybe they will stand a chance. With Joy's studies, she might know something he doesn’t, but he hasn’t reached out to his dear friend in years, since before his family moved to Forks. That isn’t long to a vampire, but to neglect a friend and then ask for their help... Carlisle knows Joy will help, but he can’t help but feel like he is just like the others in how he treats her.

But Carlisle can see how this could go. A baby being born as a vampire, an immortal child. If the Volturi found out they hid it from them, there is no other path forward than a fight, and possibly losing members of his family. Carlisle would rather risk the chance of going to the Volturi alone, seeking guidance. And if they decided to punish Carlisle, his family would know to run, to keep themselves safe.

As Carlisle comes to the decision, he looks across the room at Edward, calling out to him in his mind. Edward looks up from his spot next to a sleeping Bella, silently asking Carlisle to continue.

“I need you to watch the family. Don’t let any of them come after me. I am going to the Volturi to seek their counsel and hope for Joy’s guidance. Please, Edward, keep everyone safe while I am gone. I will keep you up to date, and if you don’t hear back from me, you will know to have the family go into hiding.” Carlisle thinks, letting Edward read his thoughts.

Edward goes to speak, but Carlisle shakes his head, only once, so as not to gather the others' attention. “No, Edward. You know this is the best choice. If we don’t go to them, this could end in a fight, and I will not lose any members of my family. Do you understand?”

Edward doesn’t respond at first, looking at Carlisle. Finally, he nods once, looking back towards Bella.

“I am going to leave now. The others think I have a shift at the hospital, but I will go to Seattle instead. With Joy being involved, Alice shouldn’t have any visions of what I am about to do, but if she does, please do not let her follow me.”

Edward doesn’t respond as Carlisle gets to his feet, heading towards the door. He turns, looking over his shoulder to look at his family. Taking them in, just in case it is the last time. He moves through the door, gets into his car, and starts heading towards Seattle. He prays that the Volturi kings will listen, and that Joy will forgive him.

– – – – –

Carlisle gets off the plane in Italy, renting a sedan with tinted windows to make his way towards Volterra. It was a sunny day, as it usually is in Italy. As Carlisle follows the curves of the valley, he thinks back to the last time he was here thirty years ago. He had brought Jasper, wanting to officially introduce the newest member of his coven, a tradition he started with Edward. Jasper had finally felt comfortable enough around humans to take the trip. The entire thing had gone well, letting him catch up with old friends and show Jasper how strong he had become.

Carlisle pulls into the city, driving towards the castle in the center. He knows the hidden entrance that leads to an underground parking bay, getting him out of the sun. When he steps out of the car, he is greeted by Felix.

“Carlisle, a wonderful surprise. I was not told we were expecting you?” Felix asks, his red eyes taking in the doctor.

“I had not informed anyone I was coming; it was an unexpected, urgent matter,” Carlisle answers, moving to stand in front of the towering vampire.

“Come, I will set you up with a room. The kings are about to start court. That is where I was heading. But they would be happy to discuss your matter once that is completed.” He starts walking towards the entrance, leading Carlisle inside.

“I fear I must speak with them at once.”

Felix stops in his tracks, turning to look back at Carlisle, “I must warn you, to interrupt court with a personal matter, I believe you know how the kings will react, Carlisle. Or have you forgotten your days here already?”

“I have not forgotten, Felix. This is an important matter that they will want to hear at once.”

Felix nods, assessing Carlisle once over before starting to move again, this time heading farther into the castle. “Then let us make haste, hmm?”

In the court, Joy is seated against the wall, legs straight in front of her as she waits for the kings to arrive.

“Joy,” Jane greets her as she enters the side door with Alec. Joy only nods, looking back down at her ring-covered fingers as she twists a band. Jane and Alec come to stand next to her, as they always have on court days for the last hundred years.

The main door opens; the three kings walk in, and Joy slowly gets to her feet. When Marcus and Caius are seated, Aro stands in the center facing the guards. He claps his hands together, a large grin on his face, “We have a busy day today, my dears. Please, best behavior, everyone.” Aro makes his way to the dais and sits on the central throne. “Demetri, bring in our first accused.”

When the door opens, Demetri is followed by Felix, who is trailed by Carlisle. Felix continues to walk forward, making his way to his spot amongst the guards, while Demetri stays standing beside Carlisle. Joy takes a small step forward, seeing the guest. It has been ten years since she last saw Carlisle in person, and a little over five since he last responded to her correspondence.

“Carlisle Cullen, a wonderful surprise. Stregoni Benefici, I was not expecting you today.” Aro stands, walking down from the dais. He stops right in front of the other vampire. “To what do we owe the pleasure? Interrupting court, it must be important.”

“Aro,” Carlisle greets, before turning his head, making eye contact with Joy, and looking back at the king. “I do have important matters to discuss. But I must request to speak in private, if you may.”

“Private,” Aro responds, confusion in his tone, “But Carlisle, whatever you would like to discuss can be done in front of the guard.”

“Aro,” Carlisle looks close to begging, a look Joy has never seen on him before, “I must insist. I would like to discuss this first with you three kings, and Joy as well. Then, if you find it imperative to include the rest of the guard, that can be your judgment.”

Aro turns to look at Joy; with a snap of his fingers, he points next to him, “Joy.”

She makes her way across the room, stopping next to Aro, whose hand is stretched out. She knows he is asking to read her thoughts, to know if she knew Carlisle was coming, and if she knows what he wants to discuss. Joy had no such knowledge, but must let Aro know. Letting down her protections, she gently lays her hand on his, letting him riffle through her thoughts and memories.

“Hmm,” Aro takes his hand back, turning back to Carlisle, “This is an unusual request, but I must grant it for an old friend. Marcus, Caius, come. Let’s go to my office and discuss with our dear friend.”

Both Marcus and Caius stand, offering no resistance, though Joy can feel the anger rolling off Caius. The trio, with Carlisle right behind, starts making their way to the side exit. Aro looks back, “Joy, follow. Everyone else, go on about your day; court will be postponed until tomorrow.”

They exit the room as the other guards start talking, the sound cutting off as Joy lets the door close behind her. They walk down the hall in silence, quickly making their way to Aro's office. Once inside, the three kings sit at the elongated table, Carlisle on the other side, like an interrogation, while Joy stands near the door.

“Carlisle, I must admit, I am concerned at your request.” Aro starts, leaning back in his chair.

“The fact that you let him disrupt court is absurd, Aro.” Caius spits, crossing his arms.

“Please, my kings. I have come not only as a friend, but to seek guidance. Something I did not know was possible has happened to my family.” His eyes look to the side, meeting Joy’s, before turning back. “I do not know what to do.”

“The great Carlisle Cullen, meeting his match. Unheard of,” Aro says, standing from his chair. He extends his hand, offering it to Carlisle, “Come then, Carlisle, show me what you seek guidance on.”

Carlisle reaches forward, hesitantly, before grasping Aro’s hand. Aro bows his head, focusing on the thoughts while the others wait. Then suddenly, his brow scrunches as he withdraws his hands. “That is impossible.”

“What, Aro? We cannot all read minds like you.” Caius asks impatiently, leaning forward in his seat.

“Dear Bella is pregnant, with Edward's child,” Aro says, not taking his eyes off the vampire in front of him.

“Impossible,” Caius spits.

“I agree, but Carlisle’s thoughts are clear. Bella returned from her honeymoon pregnant, and it is moving along quite quickly, from my understanding.”

Carlisle nods, hands clasping in front of him. “I did not know this was possible as well. That’s why I have come for guidance. I did not want to hide this from you,” He turns to look at Joy, “and that is why I request Joy be present as well. I was hopeful that with her studies, she might know something we do not.”
The others turn to look at the other vampire in the room, where Joy has not moved an inch.

Joy is one of the most highly protected guard members of the Volturi; her gift is invaluable to Aro and the other kings. She is able to channel other vampires' gifts, permanently retaining a copy of them for her to use. It was Eleazar who found her as a human, one of the last he found before leaving the Volturi. They had kept Joy human until she was twenty, Aro learning that at age twenty, vampires are less likely to act out in defiance, and it gave them more time to break her since Chelsea’s gift didn’t work on her.

One of the few things Aro lets Joy do is her studies. She studies everything about vampires, their history, why they are the way they are, and what makes them vampires. There is no one else who knows more about vampires. In her one hundred years of being one, Joy has dedicated her free time to her studies. Being allowed to leave for a month every year to do more research.

It makes sense that Carlisle would want Joy there; if anyone knew what was happening, it would be her.

“Joy,” Aro says, walking around the desk to stand in front of her. “Have you heard of something like this?”

She has; she found out about hybrids eighty years ago. A secret she has kept close to her chest, fearful of what others might do if they learn vampires can reproduce.

She nods, slowly. Joy doesn’t speak to others unless forced to; the only people she speaks to freely are Carlisle and some of his family. Even the other guards have learned that she will not respond vocally.

“Joy,” Aro leans down, forcing her to make eye contact, “I’m afraid now is a time to speak up, dear.”

“Yes, Aro,” she responds, voice low. “I have heard of this before, of hybrids.”

“Hybrids?” Carlisle questions, while Caius interrupts.

“Why would you keep this a secret, Joy?” he slams his palm against the table. “This is something that should have been told to us immediately.”

“I…” Joy stammers, but Aro puts a hand on her shoulder. He gently guides her to stand next to Carlisle before he rounds the table, taking his seat again.

“Now, Caius. Let us let Joy explain. She probably has good reason to keep this hidden, yes? We rarely get to hear of her studies,” he then gestures to Joy to continue.

“I apologize, master Caius. I was worried that when I learned about hybrids, if I shared my knowledge, others would go on to do unspeakable things. I thought it was best to keep my knowledge to myself to protect others.”

Aro nods, leaning forward. Marcus speaks up for the first time today, “Dear, please tell us about hybrids. I think that will help clear up why you felt you had to keep it hidden.”

Joy turns to look at Carlisle, who gives her a soft, reassuring smile, before she turns back to the kings.

“Hybrid vampires are half-human, half-vampire children that are produced from a vampire father and a human mother. The child grows up, able to survive on both human food and blood, and is able to completely abstain from either if they choose. They grow extraordinarily fast, reaching full physical and mental maturity in about seven years. After that, their aging slows, allowing them to live for around two hundred years. They are not completely immortal like vampires, but have extended life spans.”

“Can they create their own vampires?” Aro asks, a smile no longer on his face.

“Only the men hybrids can, Master. The women cannot. And neither can produce other hybrids.” Joy wrings her hands together in front of her. “I can grab my studies to show you, if you would like.”

Aro holds up his hand, silencing Joy immediately. “We need to know if this will be a danger to us, Joy.”

Joy looks over to Carlisle again, wanting to reach out and grab his hand. She shakes her head, looking back at Aro. “No, sir. I do not believe this will be a danger. From the hybrids I have studied, the only ones that became a danger were those whose mothers died in childbirth, and the father did not know they had impregnated the mother. That hybrid was found years later by another vampire, who told them the rules, thinking it was a newborn that was abandoned. Once he learned the rules, he was more careful with his feedings.”

“And you're not just saying this because it is Carlisle and his family we are talking about?” Caius asks, frowning at the pair. “I do not want you to sway your judgment because of him. You have already lied to us once; we do not need you doing it again.”

“No, Master Caius,” Joy shakes her head frantically, “this is my honest opinion. And I am sorry for not telling you, Masters, of my findings earlier. I was worried that if others learned, then other vampires would start to create hybrids on purpose.”

“Joy is correct,” Marcus interrupts, “if other male vampires learned they could create offspring, the outcomes could be disastrous.”

“Can all male vampires create hybrids?” Aro asks.

Joy shakes her head, “No, they cannot. From my initial research, I had believed that only male vampires in their first five years of being reborn are able to possibly create hybrids. From my understanding, once a male vampire is turned, he only has a limited number of… uh…” she stammers, uncertain how to explain this in a room full of men. “Attempts? To be able to conceive a hybrid. But most men, uh…” she looks down.

Aro lets out a bark of a laugh, causing Joy to look up, seeing him throw his head back. “Joy dear, are you trying to say that sperm stays alive in the vampire's body, but isn’t reproduced? So once it’s spent, it’s gone?”

Joy nods, causing Aro to laugh harder. Even Caius smirks, looking at Joy.

She squirms slightly, “From my understanding, most men do not have any supply left by the time they reach five years after transformation. I didn’t even know that it could survive in the body so long.” She turns towards Carlisle, “I am very sorry, Carlisle. If I had known, I would have warned you and Edward once I heard about the wedding.”

“Darling,” Carlisle reaches out, resting a hand on Joy’s shoulder. “You didn’t know. Don’t apologize.”

Aro claps his hands together, a smile back on his face. “Well, that settles it then, doesn’t it?”

“Does it?” Caius asks, “We don’t know for sure if the child will be a danger.”

“Caius,” Aro says, leaning back, “Joy told us that as long as the child is raised by Vampires who will watch over it, then it will be fine. We cannot blame the Cullens for creating something they did not know was possible. And Carlisle came to us; he did not try to hide what had happened.” Aro looks towards Carlisle, “I trust that our friends Carlisle and the other Cullens will raise this child to follow our rules. And if not, then we can cast judgment.”

“Of course, Aro.” Carlisle nods, “We will not allow the child to break any rules while they grow.”

“And anyway,” Aro waves his hand, “it’s only two hundred years, Caius. That will go by in the blink of an eye.”

Caius nods, reluctantly, agreeing with Aro. He leans back in his seat, no longer adding any disagreements.

“We must keep this between us,” Marcus says, “if others learn that hybrids can be created, it could lead to dangerous outcomes.”

“Agreed. This will stay our little secret. Carlisle, I’m sorry, but you will not be able to introduce the newest member of your family when they arrive. We will have to possibly meet them another way in the future.”

Aro stands, the other kings following behind, as they make their way to the door. “Now, with that settled, let’s go have dinner, yes? Carlisle, we can set up a room for you, or you can go to the library while we dine.”

“I fear I will not be staying.” Carlisle shakes his head. “I must share the news with my family.” As they walk towards the door, Carlisle puts his arm around Joy’s shoulder, tapping twice. A signal they came up with years ago, telling Joy to listen in on his thoughts.

Like a simple flip of a switch, Joy can hear what Carlisle is thinking.

“I would like to ask them to allow you to come with me. So you can bring your research and explain this to my family. I think they would appreciate you giving them this knowledge, especially Edward and Bella. Would you like that?”

“Yes, I would really like to come with you, Carlisle. It’s been so long.” Joy answers back, sharing her thoughts with him.

“I know, and I have that to apologize for as well, for being so distant recently. I hope you will forgive me,” he squeezed her shoulder.

“Oh, Carlisle, you are already forgiven, you know that.”

Carlisle drops his arm from her shoulder, signalling Joy to cut the connection between them.

“Aro,” Carlisle asks, “I would like Joy to accompany me home. “Edward and Bella would appreciate hearing more about hybrids, and they are preparing to welcome their child. And this will give Joy more valuable knowledge about hybrids to add to her studies.”

Aro turns, looking at the pair. He studies them for a moment before saying, “I suppose we could let that happen. It has been a while since Joy has been able to leave. She hasn’t gone on her study trips these last couple of years.”

That knowledge causes Carlisle to look at Joy in surprise. She has never been known to skip a trip for a year, in her one hundred years as a vampire. To learn that she did so these past few years was concerning to him. There was more that he missed than he thought with his absence.

“Do you agree, brothers?” Aro asks, getting a nod in agreement from both Marcus and Caius. “Then that is settled as well. Joy, go grab your belongings, and you may leave with Carlisle right away. I am sure he needs to go home quickly to share the good news. I will let Demetri know, and he will inform the other guards.” Without waiting for a response, Aro leaves the room, the other kings following behind him. The door shuts, leaving Joy and Carlisle alone.

Joy moves immediately, jumping into Carlisle’s waiting arms, circling her arms around his waist in a hug. With her face buried in his chest, her voice is muffled. “Oh, Carlisle. I have missed you so much.” She leans back to be able to look him in the eyes. “You haven’t responded to any of my correspondence in the last five years. I was starting to get worried.”

That was an understatement. After a couple of months, she had spiraled, looking up different aliases of Carlisle’s to see if he was still working as a doctor. When she saw he had moved to a new state, an article written in a tiny town newspaper about a new fancy doctor coming to town, she knew he was alright.

“I am so sorry, Joy. These last five years have been so crazy. I haven’t stopped thinking about you, though. Every time I went to write, I was always interrupted, but that doesn’t excuse my absence.” Carlisle is telling the truth, in part. These last five years, with moving to a new town and everything with Bella and Edward, it has taken up most of his thoughts and time. But he was also struggling to write to Joy, because he was keeping the truth from her, of having to hide his feelings.

“Well, it sounds like we have plenty to catch up on then, huh?” Joy smiles big up at Carlisle, him unable to hide his smile in return. “Come on, let me go pack my bag and grab my research, and then we can get going. I’m excited to see your family again and meet Bella. I was so sad I had to miss the wedding.”

Joy walks out the door, her dark gray, almost black cloak billowing behind her. Carlisle follows close behind, his hand grasped in hers. They make their way up to her room, situated in the guard’s quarters. Her room is large, with a small queen-size bed against the far wall, a tiny desk with a lamp next to it. The main attraction in her room is her bookshelves, stuffed to the brim with her research and studies. Most of Joy’s research is stored in the library, but her private collections, the ones she holds dear or wants to keep secret, stay in her room. She walks towards the shelves, looking over them quickly before plucking a bound book that has a clasp holding it shut.

“Here,” she says, turning around and handing the large book to Carlisle, “this is all of the research I have on hybrids. I will have to make some changes with what I just learned and might learn when I talk to Edward and Bella, but if you would like to read over it during the journey, you may.”

Carlisle gently takes the book, holding it in his hands like a prized collection. He is one of the few people who have been able to read some of her research in her private collection, and that was only on very rare occasions. For her to trust him with the copy of the research, he knew it was Joy putting her trust in him.

“I will, thank you, Joy.” He smiles at her, pulling her in for a quick hug.

Joy smiles back, returning the hug for a moment before stepping back. She moves around her room, stepping into her closet to retrieve some clothes to pack, stuffing them in her pink suitcase. Her wardrobe has been reduced to the black-only items required for the guards, but Joy tries to sprinkle in color when she can, like with her suitcase or pens. She grabs her phone and charger, as well as her computer, also sliding them into her suitcase before zipping it shut.

Turning to Carlisle, she says, “Okay, I think I have everything I need.”

Carlisle looks up from his phone, where he was texting Edward an update. Letting him know that things went well and that he will return soon. He smiles at Joy, extending his hand while pocketing his phone, grabbing her suitcase with her research under his arm.

They make their way out of the room, heading towards the below-ground car park. When they reach the exit, Felix is standing there guarding the door.

“Joy, Carlisle,” he nods, “I heard you get to leave the castle for a bit, Joy?” Felix asks, not moving from in front of the door.

Joy only nods, smiling softly from her spot slightly behind Carlisle.

Carlisle, knowing her silence, answers for her, “Yes, Aro was gracious to let Joy accompany me back home. There is some research that she wants to complete near my area.”

Felix only nods before stepping to the side, “Aro has requested the jet for you to use. It will be ready at the airport when you arrive.”

“Thank you, Felix.” Carlisle walks past him, through the door, with Joy following. When they reach the car, Carlisle puts the suitcase and research in the back, opening the passenger door for Joy, before getting behind the wheel.

As they start to drive away, Joy puts on her sunglasses, covering her dark red eyes. She looks over to Carlisle, taking him in. He hasn’t changed at all, physically, in the ten years since she saw him. But there was something in his eyes that was different, a worry he never used to carry.

“Thank you, Carlisle,” she says, reaching over to put her hand on his. “For asking me to come with you. I hope I can bring some relief to your family.”

Carlisle shakes his head, turning his palm over to hold hers, squeezing her hand. “No need to thank me, Joy. If anything, I need to thank you. Your reassurance saved my family, saved me. They will be happy to hear what you know.”

They drive in silence, arriving at the airport in record time. The private jet is waiting for them, as Felix said. There are no flight attendants, only a single pilot who does not speak to them. Once they are boarded, the flight takes off without any issues, letting them relax for the long flight ahead. Carlisle grabs the research, flipping slowly through the pages. He knows Joy will explain most of it when they talk with the family, going into more detail than she did with the kings. But he still reads her research; seeing the knowledge and attention to detail, the questions she asked herself, the care she took. All he can think about is how she is truly brilliant.

Joy sits next to Carlisle, taking off her sunglasses, knowing the pilot will not bug them. She puts on some headphones, deciding to leave Carlisle to reach her research in peace. With soft music playing, she closes her eyes, zoning out the rest of the world. She tries to keep down her excitement; this is the first time in five years she is getting to leave the castle. Aro hasn’t let her go on her research trips, not explaining why. She is so thankful that Carlisle invited her along, and she is excited to see his family as well. She hopes she can answer their questions and bring them some peace in their stressful times. And she hopes she gets to help them before Aro calls her back, locking her in the castle again.

– – – – –

Carlisle turns down the driveway, slowly approaching the house. Joy has never been to the house in Forks before. She has only visited a few of Carlisle’s properties; instead, he usually travels to wherever she is completing her research. The house is beautiful, she thinks, as they approach.

When they park, Carlisle gets out first, rounding the car and opening her door, helping her stand before he goes to grab her suitcase. She has changed out of her court attire, no longer wearing the cloak. Instead, she wears a simple black dress and heels, sunglasses firmly on her face.

She looks up at some noise, some of the Cullens coming outside to greet them. She smiles at Edward and Alice before she sees the other person she was looking for.

“Jasper!” she yells, running forward. She crashes into him, arms around his waist. Jasper was expecting the impact, bracing her against him, and he twirls her around.

“How are you, JoJo?” Jasper asks, placing her back on the ground.

Joy reaches up, placing her hands on his cheek, sending a strong pulse of joy and happiness to him. Jasper responds, sending the same pulse back to her.

Jasper and Joy hit it off instantly when Carlisle introduced him to the Volturi thirty years ago. Jasper saw something in Joy that reminded him a lot of himself. With her upbringing and transformation. Jasper is who Joy talks to the most outside of Carlisle, but he, too, has been keeping his distance the past couple of years.

“I’ve missed you so much, Jasper,” she says, stepping back.

“I’m sorry for not reaching out,” he responds, watching her closely. He can’t read her emotions unless she allows him, so he doesn’t know how hurt she was by his absence.

Joy smiles at him, turning to the others, “Alice, Edward, it’s great to see you both as well.”

Alice steps forward, also giving Joy a hug. When she lets her go, Carlisle has now joined them on the porch. “It’s good to see you, Joy. It’s been too long.”

“Come on, let’s get inside. There are a lot of things to discuss.” Carlisle says, ushering them into the house. In the living room, the others are waiting. Rosalie and Emmett are sitting together on a loveseat, and a human who must be Bella is struggling to sit up on a couch. Edward rushes forward, helping his wife sit comfortably before joining her.

Joy turns, grabbing her research from Carlisle with a smile, before walking over to the couple at a human pace, so as not to scare the girl.

“Hi, you must be Bella?” Joy asks, getting down onto her knees in front of the human. Putting Joy closer to the ground, hopefully to ease Edward's tension of having a vampire close and to settle any nerves Bella might have. “My name is Joy, I’m a friend of Carlisle’s.”

Joy extends her hand, offering Bella a handshake. Bella’s grip is weak, even for a human.

“Edward told me I would be meeting you. That you are a member of the Volturi? Some kind of researcher?” Bella asks, watching the vampire in front of her.

Joy nods, taking her sunglasses off. “I am, but I’m here as Carlisle’s friend, not a member of the Volturi guard. I came because I know what is going on with you and your child.”

Carlisle moves, sitting on the other side of Bella, while Jasper and Alice go to stand behind the couch. From Joy’s position, she can see every member of the Cullen family.

“Please, tell me my child will be okay?” Bella asks, reaching to the side to grab Edward's hand, squeezing it tight.

“Your child will be just fine, Bella. You are pregnant with a hybrid vampire, or a half vampire, half human baby. This is a very rare thing that has happened. One that I did not know was possible with Edward's age. If I had known, I would have warned you, Edward, when I learned of your wedding.”

Edward nods, “Can you tell us what you know?”

“A hybrid vampire is exactly what it sounds like. The child will be born with a beating heart, blood coursing through its veins. But the baby will also be part vampire. It can survive on human food and blood. Just like how your pregnancy is progressing quickly, so will the child's growth; a hybrid fully matures both physically and mentally in around seven years.”

“Are they immortal, like normal vampires?” Bella asks, a hand on her stomach.

Joy slowly shakes her head, “No, they are not. After seven years, aging is slowed, but they do still age. The oldest hybrid I’ve known was a little over two hundred when he passed.”

“Can they be bitten and turned into a full vampire?” Edward asks this time.

“No, if they are bitten by a vampire, nothing happens. It doesn’t hurt them, but does not cause a transformation.”

“How many hybrids have you met?” Jasper asks from behind the couch, leaning forward.

“I have met twenty-three. There are currently ten still alive today, soon to be eleven.” Joy looks at Bella, “But I heard accounts of many more, those who died before I could meet them, whose vampire fathers told their stories.”

“And the mothers?” Bella asks, the one question no one in the room wanted to ask.

“I have only met two mothers who survived childbirth. They were bitten during childbirth, becoming vampires to survive the birth.”

Edward hangs his head, Bella reaching up and putting a hand on his shoulder. “So, the likelihood of me surviving?”

“Is slim, but not impossible. You will have to have a C-section; someone will have to bite through the amniotic sac to open it. If it is planned correctly, it can happen, and then venom is injected into you, starting the transformation. The woman who died during childbirth is due to both parents not being prepared, not knowing what was happening. If the child is not delivered, it will eventually force its way out, and if that happens, the blood lose it too great for the mother to come back from.”

“But we will be prepared,” Carlisle says, leaning over to look at Bella. “Joy will tell us when it is time to perform the C-section.”

“Is it safe?” Jasper asks, “The hybrid, I mean, is it not dangerous? Like an immortal child?”

“Jasper,” Rosalie scolds, but Joy interrupts her.

“That’s a fair question, Rosalie.” She turns back to Jasper, “Yes, it is. The only time that a hybrid is dangerous is when there are no vampires around to raise it. If the father didn’t know he got a woman pregnant, and she was left alone and died during childbirth. If the child is raised to understand the rules we all must follow, and they are taught not to harm others, then they will grow up to be fine and perfectly safe. Hybrids are less strong than vampires and not as fast. They are stronger and faster than humans, but it is easier for them to blend in.”

She looks back at Edward and Bella, “If it is a boy, he will be venomous, meaning if he bites a human, they will go through the transformation. If it’s a girl, she will not be venomous. Hybrids are not able to have other hybrids, though. Your child will be able to grow up and grow old, happy and healthy.”

Bella lets a single tear fall to her cheek before wiping it away. “Thank you, Joy.” She reaches forward, grabbing Joy’s arm in a weak grasp, before turning and hugging Edward.

“Thank you, Joy,” Edward says, hugging Bella back. “Thank you for telling us this, for helping us understand what is happening.”

“Of course,” Joy smiles at them, “and the kings were very understanding. They know you didn’t do this on purpose, and will not punish you for doing something you did not know was possible. They ask that this information stay private, that you don’t tell other vampires about hybrids; you may want to keep your child a secret as well, away from other vampires.”

Bella and Edward nod, understanding the need to keep this a secret. If others knew, they could do this on purpose, creating hybrids for more devious and dangerous reasons.

“Okay, I’ll ask,” Emmett says from his seat, arm around Rosalie’s shoulder. “How does this even happen?”

“Emmett!” Rosalie scolds, hitting his arm.

“Well, you see, when a mommy and a daddy love each other very much…” Jasper’s joke is cut off by Emmett throwing a pillow at his head, which he catches and throws back.

“I get that, dumbass. But like, he’s a vampire.” Emmett gestures to Edward, “Isn’t that supposed to be impossible?”

“Well,” Joy starts, wringing her hands together, “Previously, the oldest father I knew was five years as a vampire when he conceived his child. I did not know that it was possible for a man at Edward's age.”

“Dude, she just called you old.” Emmett snickers, causing Edward to throw a pillow at Emmett as well.

“When a male vampire is created, they still have, uh…” Joy clenches her hands together, “semen left in their bodies. The fact that a vampire having relations with a human is very rare, and after enough time, most men expel whatever supply they have, so it is very rare…” She is cut off by Emmett and Jasper laughing.

“You mean to tell me that goody two-shoes over there, mister ‘wait until marriage’, never even jerked it?” Emmett asks, his laughter filling the room.

Jasper clasps Edward on the shoulder, also laughing, “Way to go, man. What a good Christian boy you were.”

“Okay, everyone. Let’s leave it alone,” Carlisle scolds, even as Joy has a slight smile on her face from the family bickering. It’s been so long since she heard people argue like a family.

“I did not know it was possible, given that Edward is almost ninety years after his transformation. If I had known or suspected, I would have let you know. I’m very sorry I didn’t think to.” Joy apologizes, looking to the couple and Carlisle.

“Please don’t apologize, Joy. I think I can speak for Edward and Bella; you didn’t know. You being here and answering our questions is more than enough.” Carlisle reaches forward, grabbing Joy’s hands and helping her to her feet. “We can’t thank you enough for coming here and helping us.”

“Please, I would come here for less, and you know it,” she smiles at Carlisle, happy to be so close to her friend again, even given the circumstances. “And I would be happy to stay until Bella gives birth. She will be close; how long has it been?”

“Around fourteen days,” Edward says, looking down at his wife.

“Then she’s around halfway through. It takes about thirty days for the entire pregnancy. If we want to deliver early, we should do it around twenty-six to twenty-eight days.”

“So, in two weeks, my baby will be born?” Bella asks.

“Around so, yes!” Alice claps her hands together. “I have to finish getting the room together and getting some more baby clothes, especially since the baby will grow so fast.”

Joy laughs at Alice’s enthusiasm. If there is one thing that will get Alice excited, it’s the possibility of dressing someone up.

“Joy, I do have one more question,” Edward asks, causing Joy to turn back towards him. “Is there anything we can do to make Bella more comfortable? No matter how much food or water we give her, she can’t hold it down, and the baby is taking more than we can replace.”

“Have you tried blood?” Joy asks, turning towards Carlisle.

“Yes, we have given her a couple of transfusions…”

Joy shakes her head, cutting him off, “No, has she tried drinking blood?”

“What!?” Bella asks, trying to sit up but slouching over at the pain in her stomach. Edward situates her before turning back to Joy.

“The baby will want both right now, and is trying to get as many nutrients through the umbilical cord as possible. A coven in South America found that when the mother drank blood, they used cougar blood, which significantly improved the mother's health.” Joy says, looking to Edward and then Carlisle. “I would recommend getting a bag of blood you use for transfusion and giving it to her in a cup.”

Carlisle nods, going immediately to his office to grab a bag.

“Am I going to even be able to stomach that? Because, being honest, that sounds so gross,” Bella says, hand on her stomach like she’s trying not to throw up.

“You will be surprised, and when you start feeling better, you won't have to do it so often,” Joy says as Carlisle comes back into the room holding the bag and a cup. Joy holds out her hand, and Carlisle hands her the supplies. Before she cuts into the bag, she looks at Jasper, tapping him mentally with a questioning emotion. He responds with the same one, a signal they created when Joy asks to read his thoughts and talk to him telepathically.

“Will you be okay with the blood?” Joy asks, “I can suppress the blood thirst for you if you would like?”

Jasper smiles at Joy; she is one of the only ones who never judged him for his control. “I should be fine, but if not, I can just leave.”

Joy nods, closing the connection between the two and going to open the bag and pour it into the cup.

“What just happened?” Bella asks, looking between Joy and Jasper. Their silent conversation catching her attention.

“Joy asked Jasper if he would be okay with the open bag of blood,” Edward responds, having been able to hear the conversation through Jasper’s thoughts. Even when Joy opens the connection to talk to Jasper, her shield keeps Edward out of her thoughts.

“She can read minds like you?” Bella asks Edward while watching Joy pour the blood into the cup.

“Yes, in a sense. Joy has a very powerful gift; she is able to copy any gift from any vampire she meets. She then has permanent access to that gift.”

“I collect them, like a dragon.” She smiles at Bella, wrapping her hand around the cup and sending a pulse of heat, warming it just enough that it is no longer cold. Once warm enough, she hands the cup over to Bella. “I say it’s like having a toolbox. I can add a gift to my collection and access it whenever I need it.”

“That does sound really powerful,” Bella says, eyeing the cup and giving it a tentative sniff, gagging at the smell.

“It’s a blessing and a curse,” Joy’s smile drops, but she doesn’t elaborate. “Go ahead, bottoms up. Plug your nose if you have to.”

Bella looks at Edward before looking back at the cup. She takes a deep breath, steadying herself, before taking a big gulp of the blood. When she doesn’t immediately throw up, she takes another sip, slowly drinking until the cup is empty.

“How do you feel?” Edward asks, taking the cup from his wife’s hands.

“Fine,” Bella shrugs, “I feel like I can actually keep that down, which is nice.”

“It isn’t a magic potion, so you won’t notice a big difference right away, but continue to drink a cup every day or so, and you will start to feel better. Maybe have two a day for the next couple of days.” Joy looks to Carlisle, who nods and files away the information.

“Let’s let Bella get some rest, and Joy,” He turns to her, “Let me show you upstairs. We don’t have any other guest rooms, as we have changed the two to a nursery and hospital room for Bella. But you can use mine while you're here.”

“That is very kind of you, Carlisle. Thank you,” Joy says, squeezing his arm. Carlisle grabs her suitcase and then makes his way to the stairs, Joy right behind him.

“And I will have to show you my study as well. You were so kind to let me read your research. It’s only fair to share some of mine as well.” He looks over his shoulder at her, smiling brighter than Bella has ever seen before.

“The great Carlisle Cullen, sharing his research. I would be so honored.” Joy jokes, giving a fake bow before following him up the stairs. “I hope it’s better than your research from the 1950s on DNA structure. Some humans beat you to it, which is just a disgrace,” She laughs, poking fun.

“I will have you know…” The rest of his sentence is cut off as they reach the second level.

“So,” Bella says, looking around at the others, “Carlisle is totally in love with her, right?”

– – – – –
It doesn’t take long to unpack, hanging her clothes in Carlisle’s closet. His room is modest, a king bed in the center, with a dresser and desk, with an attached closet and restroom. Carlisle shows her his office as well, the entire room warm with wood accents. His desk in the center is covered in papers, the only thing about Carlisle that is unorganized. The walls are lined with bookshelves, carrying novels across centuries, and some of his research. Joy is even able to see some of the research she has gifted him.

She is slowly walking along the bookshelf, her fingers softly grazing the spines. Carlisle takes a seat at his desk, turning in his chair to watch her.

“This is quite the collection you have,” Joy says, turning to look at Carlisle. The smile on his face is relaxed, a drastic contrast to earlier. “What has you so happy?”

“You,” he says, looking up at her, “You have answered all of my worries. I was so scared for my family and myself. There were so many possibilities that this could have gone horribly wrong. But you not only helped us with the Volturi, but also answered our questions, and gave us information that will save Bella’s life. You have done so much for me, and I have no way to thank you.”

“Oh, Carlisle,” Joys would cry, if she could, “You know I would do anything for you and your family. There is no need to thank me. And you got me out of that castle, even if it is for a limited time. That is a gift in itself. And I get to see you. I’ve missed you so much.” She leans back against the bookshelf.

“I’m truly sorry for not reaching out as of late. We had to move here to Forks very suddenly, and the relationship with the wolves has been very unstable. Then Edward met Bella, and it created so many situations,” Carlisle runs his hands through his hair, thinking back on the past couple of years.

“There was a group of nomads who stumbled on us playing baseball, and when they smelled Bella, their tracker went crazy. It turned into an entire thing with him chasing us across the country. And then his mate was angry that we killed him. She created an entire newborn army to try and fight us.”

“Carlisle, why did you tell me?” Joy asks, shocked. “I would have fought by your side to protect your family, you know this.”

“I do,” Carlisle nods, “but I couldn’t ask you to risk your life for my family or me. The wolves helped in the fight, and it ended up being okay. No one was injured.”

“You will tell me if this ever happens again, you understand. I don’t care if I have to sneak out of Vulterra.”

“Have you asked Aro about leaving?” Carlisle asks instead. This is a conversation they have had in the past. He knows how much she despises being there, with the Volturi, being part of the guard.

“You know I can’t do that, Carlisle?” Joy shakes her head, crossing her arms. “Aro will never let me leave, you know this. That’s why I’m the only guard member who isn’t allowed to leave whenever I want. Chelsea can’t force me to give Aro my loyalty, so he keeps me there in other ways. I would leave if I could, trust me.”

“I know,” Carlisle says, standing from his chair and walking over to Joy. He grabs her arms, uncrossing them before placing his hands on her shoulders. “I just wish you could be happy. You could stay with me if you wanted. Do all the research your heart desires, never asking anyone for permission to leave.”

Joy moves forward, wrapping her arms around Carlisle’s middle in a hug, his arms wrapping around her shoulders. She tucks her face into his chest. “There is nothing more in the world that I want, Carlisle. I wish I could, I really do.”

“Me too, darling, me too.” Carlisle holds her, cursing Aro in his mind. Aro’s want for power was what led to Joy being taken by the Volturi and eventually turned into a vampire. Because her gift was so powerful, Aro couldn’t let it slip from his fingers. And Carlisle knows, even though he won’t tell Joy this, that Aro holds Carlisle and his family over her head. Threatening them if she doesn’t comply and do what Aro asks of her. “I will get you out of there someday, I promise.”

Joy doesn’t believe him. It’s wishful thinking to believe that Aro will ever let her go forever. She will cherish every moment with Carlisle instead, with what little time she can get away.

“Come on, let’s go downstairs. The others are probably waiting on you.” Joy says, pulling away from his arms. “And you need to hunt. Don’t think I haven’t noticed your eyes are practically black.”

They make their way downstairs when a terrible scent hits Joy’s nose. “Good God, what is that?”

“That is a wolf,” Carlisle says, coming next to her as they reach the bottom of the staircase.

In the living room is a new person Joy has never seen before, a younger man with tan skin and short black hair, a tattoo peaking out from under the sleeve of his shirt. She can tell instantly that he isn’t exactly human, the heat radiating off of him noticeable from even a distance. He looks up at her as they enter the room, a sneer instantly forming on his face.

“You didn’t say the new leech was red-eyed,” he looks at her with hatred in his eyes.

Joy reaches out, giving three light taps on Carlisle’s arm, signaling she wants to communicate with him via telepathy. He taps back, saying yes, and she opens the connection.

“He does know that most vampires feed off humans, correct?” she asks, confused by his statement.

“Yes, but remember, the wolves believe they are protecting the locals and their tribes from vampires. To them, any vampire with red eyes is the enemy.” Carlisle answers back.

“I don’t want to…” she starts, but Carlisle is able to fill in the blank. Joy does not talk to others unless she trusts them or is forced to speak. Something she learned when she was kept in Volterra as a human, when they “trained” her. He nods, stepping forward to make introductions.

“Jacob, this is Joy. She is a very close friend of mine. Please be respectful,” he turns to Joy, “and Joy, this is Jacob. He is one of the wolves from the Quileute pack.”

Joy nods to Jacob, as if to say hello, arm still around Carlisle's.

“What, this one doesn’t speak?” Jacob says, noticing the lack of response from Joy.

“Jacob!” Bella scolds, while Edward stands between Joy and Jacob.

“She doesn’t talk to people she doesn’t trust, Jacob. Please be respectful. Joy is the one who told us everything about the baby, everything I just told you. We owe her a lot for coming here.” Edward says.

“Yeah, right, right.” Jacob waves his arm in dismissal. “She knows not to kill humans here, right. I’m already having a hard time keeping Sam at bay. If he learns your friend here killed someone, I won’t be able to stop him.”

“Joy does not take to killing humans as well. That is why her eyes are so dark. She would only kill animals if she was allowed to, but where she lives, she is not able to.” Carlisle tells him, moving to pull Joy behind him, as if shielding her.

Aro does not allow Joy to live by the same lifestyle as the Cullens. When she tried, she was not allowed to leave the castle to hunt in the woods. Instead, she has to rely on what is brought in by Heidi, which is always humans. Joy has learned to go a long time without feeding, using her gift to suppress her own hunger pains. It has been five months since she last killed a human.

“As long as she doesn’t kill a human, I don’t care what she does,” Jacob says, taking a step back. “I need to leave anyway. I need to keep Sam calm about all of this.” He turns to Bella, placing a kiss on the top of her head before he walks out the door.

“Well,” Joy looks to Carlisle, “that was a warm welcome.”

“Don’t mind him,” Bella says, “He’s just upset about everything. He doesn’t understand all of this and doesn’t like that he can’t help.”

Rosalie scoffs, “The mutt should keep his mouth shut.” She looks to Emmett, “Let’s go hunting. I’m starving.”

“Carlisle will join you,” Joy smiles, hand on Carlisle’s back as she pushes him forward. “So will Edward,”

“I need to…” Edward starts, but Joy shakes her head, interrupting him.

“You need to eat so you can be focused on your wife and baby. I can tell most of you have been neglecting your health.”

Jasper coughs slyly, saying something under his breath to Alice. She laughs, her hand coming up to cover her mouth.

“Another joke out of you, Whitlock, and I’ll send you out of the house too.” Joy points a finger at him, causing Jasper to raise his hands in surrender. “Go on, anyone who needs to hunt should do so. It sounds like trouble might be starting with the wolves, and I don’t want to deal with hangry vampires.” She shoos them with her hands.

“Someone needs to stay with Bella.” Edward doesn’t move from his spot next to her.

Joy smiles softly at him and walks over, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I can watch her, Edward. She’s already looking better from the blood. I can take her outside to get some fresh air. How does that sound, Bella?”

“That sounds really nice, actually,” Bella sighs and turns to Edward. “Please go hunt. It’s been too long already. I don’t want you starving yourself because of me.”

Edward looks at Bella before eventually sighing and bowing his head. He nods, standing and kissing Bella before turning. “Okay, I’ll go, but I won’t be gone long.”

“I’ll go as well,” Carlisle offers, looking at Joy’s happy smile before turning to his children. “We should all go while we have the chance. Joy is right, with the wolves becoming increasingly angry, we don’t know if they will try to cut us off.”

“I would like to see them try,” Emmett pretends to crack his knuckles.

“We will try to go without any violence. We do not need a war with the wolves right now.” Carlisle stops him. “Come on, everyone, let’s get moving.” Carlisle moves to Joy, giving her a small hug and kiss to the top of her head before heading out the door, the rest of the family following behind.

Jasper pauses before leaving the house, turning to Joy. “I won’t be far. Should be within your distance to connect with me. Please, if anything happens,”

“You will be the first to know, Jasper. I promise.” Joy smiles at him before waving her arms, telling him to leave. “I promise I can take care of a pregnant human. Go on…”

Jasper dips his head, a little habit he still has, before he makes his way out of the house.

Joy turns to Bella, offering her a soft smile, “So, how does a trip outside sound?”

Bella nods, trying to push herself up off the couch. Joy helps instantly, putting her arms around Bella’s shoulders to support her weight. As they move slowly to the back door, Joy also grabs a soft blanket from the couch. Making their way outside, Joy helps Bella sit on the porch steps, back supported by the railing, before gently laying the blanket on top of her.

Once Bella looks comfortable, Joy asks, “Is there anything I can get you?” Bella only shakes her head, tapping the step next to her, signalling for Joy to sit down.

The air is cold, but not freezing. Joy can’t feel it well, but knows Bella should be comfortable with the blanket. Tipping her head back, she looks up at the stars shining bright overhead. She can count them in a second, pointing out the different constellations. Bella speaks, breaking her from her thoughts.

“I wanted to thank you for everything.”

Joy looks down, over to Bella. She is looking at Joy, tears in her eyes. Bella swipes them away before putting her hands back under the blanket.

“You don’t have to thank me, dear. But it is my pleasure to be able to help. I have dedicated my life to research for a reason. To try to answer as many questions as possible and to help others. I’m happy I got to bring you and your family some peace.” Joy lays a gentle hand on Bella’s covered leg. “Everything will be fine, I’m sure of it.”

“Alice hasn’t been able to see anything. How can you be sure?”

“That probably has something to do with me, sadly. Alice can’t see visions of me in the future. It’s blocked from her completely. Since I am now involved, I have made it difficult for her to see the outcomes, probably to her frustration. And Bella, I can’t be one hundred percent certain that it will be okay, but I know everyone here is doing everything they can to protect you and your baby.”

Bella doesn’t respond at first. She looks at Joy, taking her in. Her deep red eyes, the dark circles under her eyes more pronounced like Carlisle’s. Bella thinks that Joy seems so nice, so caring. The complete opposite of what you would expect from Volturi’s most powerful vampire.

“Can I ask you a question?” Bella asks, her fingers knotting together under the blanket.

“You can ask me anything, Bella.”

“Why are you part of the Volturi? You seem so…” she pauses, “nice.”

Joy smiles, patting Bella’s leg. “That is very nice of you, Bella. To be honest,” Joy sighs, leaning back against the railing behind her, matching Bella, “I did not choose to be part of the Volturi. Most members of the guard do not. It is quite a long story, how this came to be.”

“I would like to hear it, if you’re willing?” Bella asks.

“You know Eleazar, from the Denali covern?” Joy asks. Bella nods yes; she had met him at the wedding.

“He used to be part of the Volturi, many years ago. His job was to find gifted vampires and bring them back to serve in the guard. He found me, here in the US, around a hundred years ago.”

“So you’re as old as Edward?”

“Similar, but Eleazar found me when I was only ten years old. My gift was dormant then, when I was a human. The rules are that children are not to be turned into vampires, as they will be immortal children, but my gift was so powerful, Eleazar decided to take me anyway.”

“He took you?” Bella asks.

“Yes, he did. I have no memories of my family as a human, but he took me and brought me to Volterra. When Aro met me, he congratulated Eleazar on an amazing find, another jewel to add to his collection.” Joy shakes her head, “I was one of the last gifted that Eleazar found before he left the Volturi to be with his wife. He then later joined the Denali coven.”

“You were just a child,” Bella looks at Joy, shocked.

“They could not turn me at that age. The youngest is thirteen; that is how old Jane and Alec are. But Aro had found that older vampires, those who are closer to twenty, behave better. Have fewer ‘defiant’ emotions.” She does air quotes around defiant. “He and the other kings decided to wait until I was twenty before turning me.”

“So you just lived there as a human?”

“Yes, in a way. While my gift has not developed while I was human, I did have an underlying ability very similar to yours. Aro could not read my mind, and Chelsea was not able to force my loyalty to the Volturi. Because of that, Aro had to find a different way to keep me there.” Joy looks down at her hand, twisting one of the many rings on her finger. The Volturi signa ring. He threatened my family while I was human. Saying he would kill them if I ever acted out or tried to run. As I got older and started to lose my memory of them, he then started to threaten any friends I made at the castle. I learned not to make any friends or connections, or they would be used against me.”

Bella removes her hand from the blanket, placing it on Joy’s leg as she had done earlier.

“I was turned when I was twenty. And my powers developed almost immediately. Any vampire I meet who has a gift, I can then access the gift myself. Aro would make me visit anyone who came to the castle while I was training. Then he placed me on the guard, at the highest level, like Renata and Chelsea. Those who are deemed invaluable to the coven. I was not allowed to leave for a very long time. I am the only member of the guard who cannot leave whenever I want, even to this day. Eventually, Aro loosened my lease, allowing me one month a year to travel, once he learned that I enjoyed research and studying.”

“Just one month?” Bella asks, leaning forward.

“Yes, and I stuck to it religiously; it was the only thing that brought me joy. Other than Carlisle.”

“When did you meet him?”

Joy looks up at Bella, a smile on her face for the first time while telling the story. “About three years after I was turned. He only visits Volterra when necessary. He had visited for some diplomatic meeting,” she flips her hand. “I was with the guard at that point, so I was in the courtroom when he came for the meeting. The moment I saw him, I knew I had to talk to him. I was able to meet him later that day, he had snuck away to the library and was reading some of my research I had just completed. I asked him his opinion, him not know I wrote it, and he completely tore it to pieces.”

“Really?” Bella laughs, “Did he not like it?”

Joy shakes her head, laughing, “he hated it. Disagreed with almost every point I made in the paper. We debated for hours, and when he learned I was the one who completed the research,” Joy laughs harder. “If that man could blush, he would have been red as a tomato. He was stammering over himself apologizing.”

“Did you guys talk often?” Bella asks, still chuckling at the image of a flustered Carlisle.

“Yes, he would visit more often after that. And we also communicated through letters, and eventually by phone.” Then Joy’s smile slips. “But Aro found out about my connection with him, and used that to keep me there.”

“How so?”

Joy shakes her head, “By then, I had lost all memory of my human family, so Aro couldn’t use it to keep me in line. For a while, it was only the threat of force that kept me there, but that wouldn’t last long as I gained more gifts. Once he learned of my connection with Carlisle,” Joy looks down again, “it became the perfect way to punish me. While I could protect myself, it would be easy for Aro to send out guard members to try to hurt Carlisle and his family, and I wouldn’t know until it’s too late. I knew that I should distance myself from Carlisle, to keep him and his family safe and not let Aro have something to use against me. But I…” Joy stops.

“You love him, don’t you?” Bella asks.

Joy nods, “Yes, I do. No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t stay away. So I decided I could keep Carlisle in my life, for however long he wanted to be there, and I would cherish any moments we could have together.”

“I think Carlisle loves you too,” Bella confesses, tears in her eyes. To hear that Joy and Carlisle can’t have the love they desire, to protect each other and Carlisle’s family.

“I know,” Joy’s smile is small and sad. “He knows that I can’t be taken from Aro, that there is very little that will convince the kings to let me leave. Maybe we are both a bit crazy, to stay connected when we know it will never be able turn into anything. That we truly can’t have each other.”

“I wish you could leave and be free,” Bella says, wiping the tears from her eyes. Joy has been so nice and caring, and it’s easy to see how much she means to Carlisle.

“Me too, dear, me too.” Joy leans over, wrapping an arm around Bella’s shoulder. She can tell Bella is getting colder, her skin chilled in the night air. “Do you want to go back inside? You seem cold.”

Bella shakes her head, “No, I want to stay out here. I don’t know the next time I will get to be outside.”

Joy nods, choosing a gift that produces heat, letting it spread over Bella. Just enough to take the edge off the cold, but still let her feel the chill. Bella smiles when she feels the warmth radiating off Joy, snuggling into her side in their hug. “You’re like a sun-heated stone.”

Joy laughs, wrapping her arm more firmly around Bella’s shoulder. They sit out under the stars for a while, with Bella eventually falling asleep on Joy’s shoulder. Edward is the first to return, with Jasper and Alice right behind him.

“Is she doing okay?” Edward asks, coming to stand in front of Joy and Bella. He reaches forward and puts a hand to her forehead, feeling Bella’s temperature.

“She’s doing just fine. She was excited to get to spend some time outside.” Joy slowly starts to recede the warmth of her gift, so as not to wake Bella up with the sudden change. “I think she also wanted to talk to someone else, too.”

“What did you talk about?” Edward asks, starting to pull off Bella’s blanket.

“She had a lot of questions about me.”

“Oh?” Edward pauses, looking to Joy.

Joy extends her hand, deciding that showing Edward is easier to explain. When he takes her hand, she opens the connection, showing him the conversation she had with Bella. She quickly pulls her hand away once she has shared everything.

“That was very kind of you, Joy. You didn’t have to tell her your entire story.” Edward says, moving back to Bella.

“Everyone in your family knows my story. It’s only fair that the newest member learns too.” Joy smiles at Bella as Edward gently moves her from where she lies against Joy’s shoulder. “I might have to tell her again after she turns, though.”

“You think she will forget?” Edward asks, Bella now carried in his arms, bridal style. He starts walking up the steps to the porch, Joy standing to follow him inside. Jasper holds the door open for them, and Joy gives his arm a light squeeze in thanks as she passes by.

“Maybe, maybe not. It’s different for everyone. You know that,” she says. “I know you would prefer if she kept all her human memories, but there is a possibility she won't.”

“I know,” Edward sighs, looking down at Bella in his arms. “I’m going to take her up to bed. Thank you, Joy. For keeping her company and answering her questions.”

Joy sends Edward a little pulse of happiness and comfort, letting him know it was not a problem. As Edward disappears up the stairs, Jasper and Alice join Joy in the living room.

“We need to be prepared, in case the wolves attack,” Jasper says, taking a seat on the couch and pulling Alice with him. “Jacob is trying his best to keep Sam, the leader, at bay. But I worry they will overrule him soon and plan an attack.”

“We will be ready, whenever that is the case,” Joy says, moving to the love seat across from the couple. “I can do a perimeter and learn the land. You or Carlisle can take me if you wish.”

“Would you be willing to fight?” Jasper asks, leaning forward. “I’m not questioning your ability, Joy, but I know you do not like hurting others.”

“Jasper,” Joy smiles, “I would do anything to protect this family, you know this.”

Jasper nods, leaning back, “I do, but I wanted to make sure. We would never ask you to fight if you didn’t want to.”

“Hopefully it won’t come to that,” Alice leans into Jasper’s side, his arm wrapping around her shoulder. “I wish I could see what is going to happen. With you around, Joy, and the wolves, I’m not seeing anything. It’s so frustrating.”

“I’m sorry about that, Alice. If I could stop blocking your visions, I would.” Joy is sympathetic for Alice. Alice’s visions are part of her, something she has always had access to. It was probably disorienting to have it taken away. “If you can think of any ways I can help bypass it.”

“No, I’ve tried everything. The only thing that works is if I try to look around you, in a sense. You become this empty space in the visions. Like a blur where a person should be. The only issue is if you are the one actively doing something or making the decision, it completely cuts off.” Alice sighs, “It will be okay, even if I can’t see it, I have a feeling everything will turn out okay.”

“I hope so, Alice.” Joy looks up as Carlisle, Emmett, and Rosalie enter. “How was the hunt?”

Carlisle comes over, sitting on the couch next to Joy, putting his arm around her shoulder, similar to Jasper. “It was well. I think you should hunt too. When was the last time you fed?”

Joy’s gaze dropped to her hands. Her eyes were too dark for comfort, and Carlisle knew she had been stretching her hunger far longer than she should have. “Five months ago,” she said quietly. “Technically, I can last three more.”

“Technically is not the same as safely,” Carlisle said.

“And I can’t feed off animals here.” Her mouth tightens. She did not finish the thought, but she didn’t need to. If she returned with orange eyes, the punishment would be waiting for her. Forced feeding on humans for weeks until the color in her eyes turned red again.

Emmett drops onto the couch with a sharp exhale. “That is bullshit. Why do they care so much?”

“Because I’m supposed to look like I belong to them.” Joy’s voice is flat, but her fingers begin turning one ring over and over. “If I serve in the guard, I have to hold the image of the guard.”

“Yeah,” Jasper mutters, his arm tightening around Alice. “Like you had much of a choice.”

“Jasper…” Joy starts, but he cuts her off.

“Then don’t go back.” Jasper cuts in, “Just stay here with us. We would all like for you to be here, Carlisle would finally be happy, you would finally be happy.”

“Jasper,”

Jasper keeps going, “And what will happen? Aro will threaten us? They can threaten all they want, but what are they going to do? Walk in here and drag you out? We outnumber them, Joy.”

Emmett’s grin flashes, dangerous and eager. “He’s right. We could wreck them.”

Joy only shakes her head, her hands fidgeting with her rings, “I could never ask you all to fight. To go against the guards and the kings would be dangerous. And Aro won’t stop.”

“We could kill him,” Jasper shrugs, “And then you will be free and everyone will be happy.”

“It isn’t that simple, Jasper.” Joy leans back. “I can’t have you risk your lives for me.”

“But what if we want to?” Rosalie interjects, speaking up for the first time. “We all like you, and God, we don’t want you to be a prisoner for the rest of eternity. You deserve to be happy, Joy. And I don’t like that they keep you hostage by threatening our family. We aren’t something to be dangled over your head to force you to comply. Let us protect you, Joy. We all want to.”

Joy looks down at her hands again, shoulders drawing inward. “If any of you got hurt because of me, I could never forgive myself.”

Carlisle’s thumb moves gently against her shoulder. “Then let us be the ones to decide what risks we are willing to take.”

A small, reluctant smile tugs at the edge of Joy’s mouth.

Jasper sees it and softens. “Good thing we have a couple of weeks to try and convince you to let us help.” Jasper smiles at her, arm wrapping around Alice again.

– – – – –

Everyone goes to their own space for the evening. Joy goes upstairs to Carlisle’s room, sitting at the desk, and working on her research. She adds the new information she learned from Edward and Bella, carefully annotating the pages spread before her.

Carlisle comes up behind her, placing both hands on the desk on either side of her arms. He lowers his face to her neck, pressing a soft kiss there.

“Carlisle…” Joy sighs, leaning back into his chest. Carlisle turns her chair, slowly spinning her around until she is facing him.

“Have I told you how thankful I am for you?” he asks softly, hands returning to the desk, caging her in without force.

Joy laughs quietly, a shy smile pulling at her lips. “Today? I think five or so times.” She leans back slightly to look at him. His eyes are warm and impossibly happy. She does not need her gift to know what he feels. “What has you so happy?”

“You should do it,” he says instead.

“Do what?”

“Run away. Join us.” He leans closer.

“Carlisle…”

“Just think about it, Joy. You can finally be happy.” One of his hands moves gently to her neck, thumb brushing along her jaw. “I don’t want you to go back. I want you to choose me. I’m done pretending there isn’t anything between us, Joy.” His voice is soft, full of love rather than frustration. After years of circling around the truth, he has finally found the courage to say it aloud.

“Carlisle, I can’t do that to you or your family.” Joy’s eyes burn with tears that cannot fall. “I can’t let you get hurt.”

“I will go to the kings and beg if I need to. They let Eleazar leave to join his wife, same with some of the other guards. If you promise to continue your work with them, they may listen.” He looks ready to plead with anyone willing to hear him.

“They won’t allow it, Carlisle. And you know that. It will end in a fight that I can’t ask you or your family to participate in.”

“So don’t ask.” Carlisle’s smile turns fragile, his golden eyes searching hers desperately. “Don’t ask us to do it, but allow us to. We will, me and my family. We will fight for you, no matter who we have to go up against.” Carlisle has spent centuries avoiding violence, but for her, he would walk willingly into war. “We love you, Joy. I love you.” He declares for the first time. Finally saying what he has always wanted to, what he has always felt.

“I love you too, Carlisle.” Her voice breaks slightly. “I have from the first moment I met you.”

Carlisle moves forward, pressing his lips to hers. It is not their first kiss. That happened years ago, buried beneath restraint and fear and all the things they refused to say aloud. But this time, their love pours through them.

Carlisle grips her waist and pulls her against him. Their kiss deepens instantly, years of restraint unraveling between them. Joy’s fingers slide into his hair, threading through the short strands at the nape of his neck as though she cannot bear any distance between them.

When Carlisle pulls back, it is only enough for their lips to part. “Let us choose you, Joy,” he whispers against her mouth. “Let us fight for you.”

Joy answers by kissing him again, harder this time.

Carlisle’s hands tighten at her waist as she begins undoing the buttons of his shirt one by one, slowly exposing the pale planes of his chest. Her fingertips brush beneath the fabric, tracing upward over cool skin as she pushes the shirt from his shoulders. Carlisle releases her just long enough to let the fabric fall away before lifting her effortlessly into his arms. Joy wraps her legs around his waist as he carries her toward the bed at the center of the room.

He lays her down carefully, as though she were something precious.

Tonight, he wants her to understand that she is loved beyond fear, beyond Volturi law, beyond consequence. Tonight, for the first time, neither of them will hold back.

– – – – –

The next couple of days are the same, with Bella drinking some blood to help stabilize her, and the others doing patrols of the area. They have decided to do the C-section at twenty-six days, instead of waiting until the full thirty. That way, they have time to prepare Bella, giving her a sedation so she wouldn’t feel the pain of labor before giving her the venom.

The delivery is scheduled for this evening.

Everyone is doing their own duties to prepare. Carlisle and Edward have prepared the surgical suite, which they set up in a guest room. Bringing in a bed and other equipment to monitor Bella while she is put under anesthesia for the surgery.

Alice and Rosalie have worked on the nursery, gathering clothes and toys. Joy warned them that with the exceptional growth, aging roughly 3.5 months per actual month, the child will move on quickly from everything they bought. But Rosalie is so caught up in the baby that she goes overboard. And Alice loves being able to shop.

Joy had a conversation with Carlisle about Rosalie a couple of nights ago. Away from the rest of the family, she shared her concerns that Rosale was using this baby to overcome her own trauma and grief. While it is good that she has something to focus on, it could easily turn unhealthy.

Joy and Rosalie had a conversation years ago, around the 1970’s, about being vampires and the grief of losing opportunities. Rosalie had told her how she felt like her potential and dreams were stolen, that she’d rather be dead than live a life without a family.

Joy knew how she felt, having long ago given up the possibility of having a family. Even the coven she was with didn’t feel like a family; instead, they were her captors. She had told Rosalie not to overlook the family that she is with now, that dreams can change and grow, but still hold the same purpose. She suggests Rosalie work for an orphanage or group home, to be able to work with kids and help them find their own families.

She had hoped Rosalie had grown and adapted, but the closer they get to the delivery of Bella’s child, the more she worries for Rosalie.

Jasper and Emmett have taken over most of the patrols around the property, Jasper creating strategic plans in his head in case the wolves attack. The wolves have cut them off, not allowing them to leave the property for supplies or hunting.

Jacob has been preventing himself from shifting to keep the plans away from Sam. If he were to shift, then the entire pack would know through the link they share. He hopes they will be lenient with a child, but the plan to change Bella after birth goes against their treaty. Joy offered to turn her, since she is not part of the treaty, but Jacob said it wouldn’t make any difference in the eyes of the pack.

Jacob just left the house, saying his goodbyes to Bella. With the surgery and her being changed, it was decided it would be for the best if he wasn’t around when it happened. Having a wolf around during a transformation, no matter how friendly the wolf is, will have everyone on edge. Their instincts screaming at them to protect the coven and its new member.

With Jacob gone, Jasper and Emmet on patrol, Alice and Rosalie in the nursery, and Carlisle and Edward making final preparations for the surgery, the house feels quiet. Joy is standing behind the couch, braiding Bella’s hair after the young woman asked her to.

“Are you excited?” Joy asks, delicately weaving Bella's brown strands together. “It is coming up so quickly, isn’t it?”

Bella sighs, “Yes, it is. I’m very excited for everything to finally happen. For my baby to be here, to finally become a vampire…” she pauses, her hand on her stomach, “but I’m also scared. There is so much that could go wrong. What if I don’t make it, that I die before the venom changes me, or the wolves attack while I’m out? It would divide everyone's attention, some staying with me while others fight. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. And what if…”

Joy cuts her off, “There is no point in worrying about the what-ifs. Jasper has done that plenty for all of us, trust me. So has Carlisle and Edward. There is a ten-step plan in place for every situation you mentioned, and a million others we haven’t thought of. All you need to do is stay calm and be excited.”

Bella nods her head, not moving too much to ruin the braid, “I know. I am excited, I just want everything to go well.”

“It will.” Joy finished off the braid, securing it with a band. She moves around the couch, sitting next to Bella. “In just a couple more hours, your baby will be here, and you will be beginning your new life. It’s a gift that we could plan this out and be as prepared as we are. Most of us did not get this much of a notice.”

“Do you judge me for choosing to be a vampire when you couldn’t?” Bella asks, rubbing her stomach. She has been ridiculed by others, primarily Rosalie, for choosing this life.

“No, dear, I do not judge your choice. It is your choice, not mine. So there is no place for me to judge either way.” Joy puts her hand on Bella's, which is still placed on the couch, “And I wouldn’t judge it anyway. You are picking to spend eternity with the love of your life. I think a lot of people would do the same if they could.”

“But you didn’t get a choice, none of you did.”

“No, we didn’t,” Joy shakes her head, “but they have made the best of it, choosing their family to spend eternity with as well. While some may still be struggling with their choice being taken away, that doesn’t mean you are making the wrong choice.”

“Will you stay after the baby is born?” Bella asks, looking up at Joy.

Joy pauses, “I… will. For a couple of weeks, to make sure everything is going well. And I haven’t been able to see a hybrid grow at the very early stages of their life, so it would be great to see for my research.”

“And afterwards?”

Joy sighs, removing her hand and standing. “I know you have heard the others discussing my staying. But I cannot.”

“You could,” Bella shrugs, “If we all want you here, I don’t see why not…”

“It is not that easy. Everyone keeps pretending it will be sunshine and roses and a happily ever after. Like, I can just choose to stay. Like my choice has been keeping me away.” Joy says, frustrated. “The kings are very powerful men. They will not stop at anything.”

Joy stops, taking a moment to collect herself before turning back to Bella. “It doesn’t matter right now. All that matters is that you relax and prepare for this evening.”

“Joy, I’m sorry for bringing it up. I didn’t mean…”

“Don’t apologize, you did nothing wrong.” Joy leans over, placing a blanket on Bella’s lap, adjusting it slightly. “It is just not something we need to worry about today, okay?”

Bella nods, leaning back to get more comfortable. As she does, Carlisle and Edward come down the stairs.

“Everything good to go?” Bella asks, her head tipped back to see the pair. Edward comes up behind her, giving her a kiss before he rounds the couch.

“Yes, everything is all set up,” Edward says as he sits down next to his wife. He pulls her into his side, letting Bella rest her head against his shoulder.

Joy moves across the room, turning her back to the group. She pretends to study a painting hanging on the wall, but really, she is trying to calm her emotions. She can’t let her frustrations get the best of her, not today. She needs to be strong for the couple, for the entire family. She just needs to help them, to help Carlisle, so his family stays safe.

“And been checked five times,” Carlisle jokes, coming over to where Joy is standing. He carefully taps her three times on the arm so the other don’t see, asking her to connect with his thoughts. Joy only shakes her head, turning and giving him a soft smile.

Softly, she says, “I’m going to check on the others outside,” before making her way through the kitchen to the back door. As she opens the door, she hears Bella from the other room.

“That was my fault. I brought up her staying. I shouldn’t have…”

The rest of Bella’s sentence is cut off as the door shuts behind Joy. She doesn’t immediately move from the porch. Instead, she moves to lean over the railing, resting her head on her arms. She doesn’t move as she hears the door open, or as she feels a hand rub along her back.

“She didn’t mean to,” Carlisle says from beside her.

“Bella didn’t say anything wrong. I just needed some air.” Joy stands straight, turning to look at Carlisle. He looks ready for the day ahead, a clean button shirt rolled to his elbows.

“Are you okay?” he asks instead. There is concern in his eyes, with something else hidden underneath it.

Joy gives him a smile, “Don’t worry about me, there are plenty of other things to worry about, especially today.” She moves to take a step back, but Carlisle grabs her instead, gently pulling her in for a hug.

“I will always worry about you.” He murmurs into the top of her head, placing a gentle kiss.

As they pull apart, before Joy can reassure him she is fine, Jasper and Emmett come back from their perimeter check.

“Everything looks good so far.” Jasper comes up to the deck with Emmett trailing him. “We are good to go.”

“That’s good to hear,” Carlisle says, even as he doesn’t take his eyes off Joy.

“The plan is me and Emmett will stay outside while the surgery starts. We will let you know if anything happens. Joy, should we be linked during?” Jasper continues, even as he notices the conflicting emotions rolling off his father figure.

Joy shakes her head, turning from Carlisle, “No, you can just push against my shield, and I will feel you. If you push hard, I’ll know it’s an emergency.”

Jasper and Emmett look at each other as Joy moves across the porch, going to sit at the table off to the side. Emmett raises his brow, while Jasper just shakes his head.

“When are we going forward with the surgery?” Jasper asks, looking at Carlisle. This causes the vampire to finally turn his attention.

“We can start at any time now. We were waiting for you to get back.” He looks at the two on the lawn. “I can let them know we are ready. It will be up to Bella and Edward.”

They nod, Jasper looking back to Joy, who is seated now at the table, back turned to the group.

“Why don’t you all go in and talk to the happy couple. I need to ask Joy some questions before everything starts.”

Carlisle doesn’t respond to Jasper at first. Instead, he looks to Joy as well. He nods slowly before heading to the back door. Emmett climbs the steps, clapping Jasper on the back before following the coven leader inside.

Once they are alone, Jasper walks over to the table, grabbing a seat next to Joy. “Sometimes I miss smoking.”

“What?” Joy lifts her head, turning to look at him.

“When I was a human, we smoked all the time, especially during the war. Cigarettes and cigars. It was a great way to relieve stress. I miss it sometimes.” Jasper looks to Joy, who is no longer looking at him. “What’s going on?”

Joy only shakes her head, leaning back in the chair and crossing her arms. “I’m fine.”

Jasper laughs, “Bullshit. I don’t need my gift to know something is messing with you. So spill.”

She doesn’t answer right away. How does she put this into words that don’t sound stupid and childish? “Bella mentioned me staying, and…” she sighs, “It’s no big deal really. It’s just that everyone keeps mentioning it like it’s my decision. That I actually get a choice.”

Jasper nods, leaning back and crossing his arms as well. “It is a choice, isn’t it? To decide if you want to stay or not?”

“No, that is something I have wanted. I would love nothing more than to be here, to be welcomed into the family, to be with Carlisle. Jasper, you have done so well and improved so much since I first met you. I would love to be here to support you. But that isn’t a decision I get to make. It isn’t a real choice.” Joy goes to stand, “And we shouldn’t be discussing it anyway. There are more important things today.”

“Sit down,” Jasper barks, pulling Joy's arm to put her back in her seat. “You are important, and we will have this conversation.” Joy just stares at him, not saying a word.

“You are right, this isn’t an easy decision. If you decide to stay, that means the possibility of a war with one of the strongest covens. A coven that has ruled for thousands of years. And they didn’t last this long by being weak or naive. Aro knows that you have a connection with Carlisle. He would know from simply touching his hand.” Jasper moves, leaning in to Joy, “But Joy, we are also strong. And we are more than willing to fight for you. You are not asking us to do anything we don’t want to do. We are not being forced into a situation we do not want to be part of. Stop worrying about it.”

“You make it sound easy,” Joy gasps, “it won’t be that easy.”

“It might not be, but there is no point in worrying about it, at least right now. We can take it one step at a time.” Jasper smiles at her, “Just trust us, okay. Don’t worry about us.”

Joy nods, looking down at her hands. She twists the Volturi signa ring on her ring finger, the red ruby glistening. The ring that she has been wearing for more than ninety years. “Thank you, Jasper.”

Jasper goes to stand, placing a hand on her shoulder, “Don’t thank me. We want you here, you just have to trust us.” He squeezes lightly before pulling away and heading inside. “Come on, we have a plan to make.”

Joy gets up to follow Jasper inside. In the living room, the entire family waits, Bella and Edward on the couch with Alice, Carlisle on the loveseat, and Emmett and Rosalie squeezed together in the chair. Jasper goes and joins Alice, sitting on the floor in front of her, while Joy joins Carlisle. When she sits, she places her hand on Carlisle's knee, giving it a light squeeze and sending a small pulse of gratitude towards him.

Carlisle gives Joy a soft smile before addressing the group. “With the perimeter check complete and the room set up, we are good to go with the surgery.”

“We don’t have to wait until this evening?” Bella asks, trying to sit up. Edward leans down, reaching around to grab and support her.

Carlisle shakes his head, “No, there is no need to wait if we do not wish to.”

Bella looks to Edward, who reaches down and grabs her hand. “Are you ready?” he asks.

Bella hesitates before nodding. “There’s no point in delaying. What’s the difference between now and in a few hours?”

Edward leans forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead and whispering a small “Okay,” before leaning back.

Alice jumps up, clapping her hands once and rushing forward. She leans in and gives Bella a quick hug, “I am so excited to see you after the change,” she leans back, giving her a once-over, “you will look amazing.”

“Thanks, Alice,” Bella lets out an awkward laugh.

“We will take care of your baby,” Rosalie adds from her spot, “Don’t worry. They will be waiting for you right when you wake up.”

“And then I get to arm wrestle!” Emmett flexes, and Rosalie hits his arm.

The couple stands, Rosalie heading upstairs while Emmett heads towards the back door. Jasper and Alice follow, preparing to watch the perimeter. And with the surgery and blood, they would rather be farther away.

“Let’s get started then,” Carlisle says, offering a hand to Joy. Edward helps Bella up, supporting her as the group heads up the stairs.

The guest room has been transformed into a surgical suite. All of the equipment to perform the C-section was laid out and ready to go. Edward and Bella join Carlisle and Joy, Bella dressed in a surgical gown. Carlisle doesn’t look like how a traditional surgeon would, wearing no protective gear. Instead, he is dressed in his typical button-down, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and slacks.

Everyone has their jobs. Carlisle is to perform the surgery, starting the C-section like normal, and then going through the amniotic sac. Once the baby is delivered, he will inject Bella with venom in two places, her thigh and chest. Then he will stitch her closed, the venom taking over the healing.

Edwards job is to step in if needed and be there for the baby once it is born.

Joy is to suppress Edward’s blood lust and step in only if needed. She is the last resort, and will bite Bella if they need more venom.

“Are you ready?” Edward asks as Bella gets situated on the surgical table. His hand rests on her head, thumb rubbing her temple.

“Yes, I’m ready,” Bella nods, “I love you.”

“I love you too. I will see you in a couple of days, okay?” he looks to Carlisle, who nods, ready to give the anesthesia. He looks back at Bella, “Go ahead and recite your favorite book passage.”

“Be with me always, take any form, drive me mad,” Bella starts, “only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you. Oh, God. It is unutterable. I can not live without my life. I can not live without…” she stops, the anesthesia taking over.

“Ready?” Carlisle asks. Edward nods, his place by Bella’s side.

Joy moves to the window, overlooking the forest, with her back facing the room. She does not want to see the surgery, no matter how good it might be for her research. She will have Carlisle fill in this section instead. She closes her eyes for a moment, reaching into her gift, and feels for Edward’s blood lust. It is easy to take, like stuffing it in a jar and sealing the lid. She nods once, letting Carlisle know to begin.

She can hear the rustle of fabric and the sound of flesh being cut. The scent hits her, Bella’s blood. Carlisle works with fast efficiency, silently making the cuts and making progress. In what feels like no time at all, he announces he is going to open the amniotic sac, the most dangerous part of the surgery.

Right as he starts, Joy feels a strong push against her shield. She snaps her eyes to the forest, opening the link to Jasper and connecting Edward.

“The wolves are coming, the entire pack,” Jasper thinks. “There are nine of them, I don’t think Jacob is with them. They are running fast from the treaty line.”

“Shit,” Edward curses, gathering Carlisle’s attention.

“What?” He asks, still trying to get the baby out of the womb.

“The wolves, they are coming here. Nine in total, and Jacob isn’t with them.” Edward says, moving forward to stand next to Joy at the window.

“I’m running back to the house, Alice and Emmett are with me,” Jasper adds, “They are angry and motivated. I think they are coming to kill Bella and the baby.”

Joy turns, facing Carlisle and trying not to look at the state Bella is in. “They are coming fast, I need to go help.”

“Wait, it’s almost,” Carlisle tries, but Joy cuts him off.

“No, you need to take care of Bella and the baby, and you,” she turns to Edward, “need to stay here and protect them. You will be the last line of defence, do you understand?”

Edward nods, moving to be next to the bed. He grips Bella’s hand, which lies limp in his.

As Joy starts to run from the room, Carlisle calls out, “Joy!”

She stops, turning to him. “Please come back to me,” he says, voice almost cracking, “stay safe.”

“I will keep everyone safe. No one will hurt your family, Carlisle. I promise,” Joy looks once more at him, before running out of the room.

“Rosalie, join Edward,” she yells as she runs down the stairs, pushing herself to go as fast as possible.

Right as she reaches the front door, she sees the others break from the tree line, wolves on their heels. There are nine in total, the pack leader, Sam, at the front. The black wolf snaps at Jasper’s leg, catching the fabric of his pants. Jasper twists, pulling from the wolf’s grasp. Joy runs forward, placing herself between the vampires and wolves.

The wolves stop, growling and barking, a snarl of teeth and fury. The three vampires stop behind Joy. Alice, Emmett, and Jasper turn and prepare to fight. They crouch low, their own growls erupting from their lips. Joy stands in the middle, even with her small stature, she stops them all.

“You will not hurt my family,” she commands, looking at the Alpha wolf. “I will not warn you again. One more move and I will kill you all.”

She uses her gift to tap into their minds, hearing their thought bounce around, the link between the wolves full of screams. There are screams for blood, to kill the leeches and the evil spawn. There are screams of mercy, those who beg Sam to listen. She can hear Jacob, who must be in wolf form, but not with the group, begging everyone to stop.

Using her powers, she tells them through their link, “I suggest you listen to your pack, Sam. No one needs to die today.”

“Another mind reader,” one yells internally.

Sam cut them off, “Silence!” he commands, all other voices falling quiet. “We heard through Jacob’s thoughts that Bella will be changed into a vampire, and the child is a vampire as well. We cannot allow the Cullens to break the treaty and allow a dangerous monster to be born. We will not allow our people or those of Forks to be put at risk.”

“There is no risk, dog. The baby will not hurt a soul. And my venom is what will turn Bella, not any of the Cullens. I am not tied to your treaty.” Joy says out loud, allowing everyone to hear. “You can end this peacefully. Do not force my hand.”

“We will not try to be reasoned with by a red-eyed leech!” Sam screams, “We will not allow this to happen, and that is final.”

Sam surges forward, the pack following him.

Joy is a lot of things. She is kind, she is smart, and she is often the most gentle in the room. But she is also the highest member of the Volturi guard, raised and shaped to be a powerful weapon. A machine to kill and protect, no matter the threat.

Within an instant, she throws out a shield, wrapping it around the pack except for Sam. They hit the edge, paws digging at the invisible wall, before the worst pain they ever felt washes over them. They fall to the ground, howls of pain and anguish pouring from their lips. They scratch at their skin, do anything they can to stop the pain. Joy also steals all their other senses, their sight and smell, so all they can feel and focus on is the pain.

Sam continues to run forward, and Joy meets him, hitting him straight on. In a blur, they tumble with a sickening crack echoing through the forest. They suddenly halt, Joy on top of Sam, pinning him to the ground as he screams out.

She presses her palms to his side, his broken leg bent at an awkward angle between them. She heats her hands, burning his fur and skin. “Is this what you want?” she yells, pressing into him harder, cracking his ribs, “for your entire pack to die because you wouldn’t stop and listen.”

Sam doesn’t answer; the mind link is filled with screams of the pack, begging for the pain to stop. She pushes the pain harder, their screams getting louder. Joy starts to tear at the edge of their loyalty, fraying the pieces of the connection. Finally, as she pushes them farther, Sam screams out.

“Stop,” he begs, “Please, stop.”

Joy lowers the pain of the pack, but leaves it simmering. She pulls back the heat searing into the Alpha’s side, while keeping him pinned to the ground.

“We will leave,” he says, no longer fighting against her hold. “Please, let them go.”

Joy leans in closer, lips against his ear, “You listen here, dog. I warned you twice to leave in peace. But you didn’t. Instead, you threaten my family, a mother, and her baby. What makes you think I will let you live?”

Sam begins to shake beneath her. She pushes the pain on the pack, their screams getting louder again. “Stop,” Sam begs, “kill me, not them. They were acting on my orders.”

“Joy?” Jacob's thoughts cut through the connection. “Please let them go. They won’t come back, I promise.”

Joy wants to believe him. She wants to be able to let them go and not have her hands stained with their blood. But she can’t let them hurt her family, Carlisle’s family.

One of the wolves passes out from the pain, and panic erupts from the pack as the thoughts of one of their members disappear. Their screams get louder, and they beg to be let go.

“Joy,” Jasper calls out from behind her. He notices that Sam is no longer fighting back, that the emotions from the pack are no longer angry and vengeful, but instead full of fear and panic. “Joy, are they wanting to surrender?”

Joy stares down at the black wolf beneath her. It would be easy to snap his neck, to burn the pack in the shield. She could send out a bolt of electricity, frying them in seconds. Or she could increase the pain, have them wither in agony until their hearts give out. She could do what she was trained to do. But Carlisle would show them mercy. He would want her to show them mercy, too.

She leans forward, both hands moving and grabbing Sam’s snout, forcing his jaw apart, like she could rip it apart from its hinges.

From behind her, Jasper yells, “Joy,” fearful that she will do something she will regret.

Joy reaches forward, grabbing a canine tooth, pulling sharply, and tearing it from the wolf's mouth. Sam screams, a gruesome howl forcing its way from his throat. Joy lets go of his jaw, leaning forward.

“Leave,” she spits, “before I change my mind. Be thankful that the Cullens want mercy on you. Without them, I would kill you all.”

She lets him go entirely, getting up and taking a step back. She drops the shield around the rest of the pack, completely removing the pain and returning their senses. The screams stop as they slowly stand. They see Sam struggle to get to his feet, blood pouring from his leg and mouth.

They see a vampire, holding a canine tooth of their leader, blood dripping from her hands. Covered in black with dull red eyes, she is the personification of death.

Quickly, they work together to roll the wolf who passes out, eventually getting him on the back of another wolf. Some others go to their leader, helping get his paws under him, letting him lean against them for support.

As they start to turn to leave, Joy calls out, “Sam.”

The wolves turn, looking at the vampire that defeated them so easily.

“If I see you or another member of your pack again, you will not get a warning next time,” she threatens.

Sam only lowers his head, turning with the rest of the pack. Slowly, they make their way back into the woods, retreating from the war they lost.

Once they are far enough that Joy can no longer hear them, she turns. Behind her, Jasper, Alice, and Emmett stand. No longer in position to fight. And behind them, Carlisle stands on the porch.

“Joy,” Carlisle calls out, walking down the steps.

She doesn’t answer. Instead, she stares down at her blood-stained hands. They shake slightly, the tooth still in her grip. She doesn’t notice Carlisle get closer until his hands grip her arms. She looks up at him, unshed tears in her eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his eyes raking over her body. He doesn’t see any wounds. There are no tears in her flesh from the fight, no bite marks to be seen.

Joy shakes her head, her knees going weak. “I almost killed them,” she whispers.

“You were protecting us,” Carlisle says, shaking his head.

“No, they surrendered. I almost didn’t let them leave. I was the monster I was raised to be. I wasn’t…” she sobs. Carlisle pulls her forward, hugging her tight.

“You didn’t. You stopped them and protected all of us. And then you let them go. You let them live.” He pulls away enough to look at her face, “Thank you for protecting my family.” He leans in, pressing a swift kiss to her lips. They linger there, enough for Joy to feel the love pour from Carlisle’s emotions.

She realizes she hasn’t shut down her gift, everyone's emotions washing over her. Quickly, she shuts it down, turning it off and stuffing it into the box where all her gifts are stored.

“That was badass,” Emmett speaks up from the group, a big smile on his face. “Did you see how quickly she stopped them? We didn’t even need to move a muscle.” He bounds forward. Carlisle takes a step back as Emmett swoops in, picking Joy up in a hug. “That was awesome.”

Joy laughs, patting Emmett on the back as he lets her back on her feet. Jasper and Alice move forward, joining the circle.

“That truly was something else,” Jasper says, wrapping his arm around Alice. “I’ve never seen an entire pack crumble so quickly.”

Joy looks at the group, at the smiling faces surrounding her. No one was scared of her, no one thought she was a monster. They saw her as someone willing to fight for them. Someone who will throw herself at a pack of wolves to protect them.

She turns to Carlisle, a gasp leaving her lips. “Bella, is Bella okay. And the baby?”

Carlisle nods, his smile growing wider. “Everything went perfectly. The baby is healthy and with Rosalie and Edward. Bella was given the two doses of venom and has started the transformation. I took her off all the medicine, and she is still doing just fine. All that is left to do is wait.”

Joy sighs with relief, her legs finally giving out from under her. Carlisle runs forward, catching her before she hits the ground. Picking her up, with her legs draped over one arm and her head tucked into his neck.

“Come on, let’s get you cleaned up and get everyone inside,” Carlisle says, heading towards the house. With slow steps, he climbs the porch. When they get inside, Joy can hear Bella’s frantic heartbeat. The rhythm is steady but fast in the early stages of the transformation. She can also hear a smaller, steadier beat of the baby's heart somewhere upstairs.

“A boy or a girl?” Joy questions, looking to Carlisle from his arms, “Is the baby a boy or a girl?”

“It's a girl,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Carlisle carries her upstairs and into his room, pushing the door open with one hand before carefully setting her down on the edge of the bed.

“Stay here,” he says softly. Joy watches him disappear into the bathroom for a moment before he returns with a damp cloth in one hand.

Then, without a second thought, Carlisle lowers himself onto his knees in front of her. He takes one of her hands carefully, like it’s something fragile despite the blood staining her skin. Gently, he starts wiping the red from her knuckles.

A century of violence sits in her hands, and Carlisle cleans them anyway.

Carefully, he uncurls her fingers, removing the wolf’s tooth still trapped in her grip. He sets it quietly on the bedside table before continuing to wipe away the blood.

“I’m proud of you,” he says softly, eyes still focused on her hands.

Joy shakes her head immediately. “You shouldn’t be.”

Carlisle looks up at her then.

“They surrendered,” she whispers. “And I still wanted to hurt them.” Her throat tightens painfully. “Part of me liked that they were afraid.”

He finishes cleaning one hand before bringing the other into his lap. “They threatened our family,” he says quietly. “Of course you wanted to protect them.”

“That wasn’t protection.”

Carlisle pauses for a moment. “Maybe not all of it,” he admits gently. “But you still stopped.” He wipes another streak of blood from her wrist. “You let them live when it would have been easier not to.”

Joy stares down at him, at the vampire kneeling in front of her with bloodstained hands in his own. “It shouldn’t have been difficult.”

Carlisle brings her clean hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles. “Mercy is rarely easy.”

For so long, she had believed mercy was weakness and a flaw. Something the Volturi punished out of people until there was nothing left except obedience and violence. But Carlisle treats mercy like strength.

He looks up at her, golden eyes soft. “You are not what they made you,” he says quietly.

Joy feels tears burn at the back of her eyes again. As she looks at him kneeling there in front of her, she realizes something with sudden clarity.

She can’t leave Carlisle. She can’t leave this family. She can’t imagine walking away from the people she would destroy entire armies to protect. The people who would do the same for her.

Carlisle smiles softly at her, like he can somehow see the realization happen. Then he rises to his feet and leans down, kissing her gently.

“I love you,” he whispers against her lips.

Joy closes her eyes for a brief moment before kissing him back.

“I love you too.”