Valeria was perched on Sam's lap, who hadn't let her go since shifting back from his wolf form. They, along with Jacob and the other vampires, were gathered in the living room, everyone on edge as Eleazar explained how things had changed — explained that the Volturi were gathering witnesses as well.

"When Aro wants someone from a coven it's never long before evidence turns up proving that coven committed some crime," Eleazar explained to everyone.

"So he's done this before?" Bella questioned.

"It happens so rarely, I never realized it was a pattern," Eleazar added.

"Apparently he always pardons one person whose thoughts he claims are repentant," Carlisle told them all.

"This person always has an ability. And they're always given a place with the guard."

"How can he just get away with that?" Valeria asked with a deep frown. They just destroyed covens and broke apart families.

Edward shook his head. "This is all about Alice and Valeria. He has no one like them, especially now that Irina has informed them of her true gift."

"Which is why Alice left," Bella claimed.

"But why didn't she take Val?" Rosalie asked, looking at the younger vampire that she was already worried about.

"I'm not sure," Edward murmured, sharing a look with Sam.

"They won't touch her," the Alpha said, tightening his hold around Valeria, who leaned against his chest, seeking out comfort. She didn't want to be taken from her family.

"Why does he need witnesses?" Emmett then asked. The guard was strong enough to take a coven out.

Surprisingly, Alastair was the one to speak, breaking his streak of silence. "To spread the word that justice has been served. After he slaughters an entire coven."

Amun shook his head and began to head to the door. "Benjamin, Tia, we're leaving."

"And where will you go?" Edward asked before he could leave. "What makes you think they'll be satisfied with Valeria? What's to stop them from going after Benjamin next? Or Zafrina or Kate or anyone else with a gift? Anyone they want. Their goal isn't punishment, it's power. It's acquisition. Carlisle might not ask you to fight, but I will. For the sake of my family. But also for yours. And for the way you want to live."

Jacob shared a look with Sam before standing. "The packs will fight," Jacob said, rolling his eyes. "We've never been afraid of vampires."

Every member of the Denali coven then stood. "We will fight."

"This won't be the first time I fought a king's rule," Garrett said.

"We'll join you," Benjamin offered.

"No," Amun denied, not wanting to lose his son.

"I will do the right thing, Amun. You may do as you please," was all he said in a calm tone. Then he moved to stand next to Valeria and Sam, who nodded in thanks.

It wasn't long before all the others were standing as well, even the nomads, pledging their allegiance to the coven. Vladimir was quite smug as he leaned over next to Stefan. "That didn't take much."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Edward said.

"We'll see," Alistair muttered to Carlisle before leaving the room.

"Valeria," Edward then said, looking to his sister. "I know what you think of it, but it might be best for you to have Bella's shield ability. Then at the very least, Alec and Jane can't get to you that way, not even with the amplifier."

"Amplifier?" Eleazar questioned, it being the first he was hearing of the new guard member. Carlisle just met his eye and shook his head, signaling they'd talk about it later — when Valeria wasn't in the room.

"I don't know, Eddie," Valeria mumbled, wringing her hands nervously.

"I don't mind," Bella told her in a gentle tone. "If anything, it gives me one less person to worry about."

"And it'd keep you safer," Sam said, kissing the side of her neck softly. "I need to keep you safe."

After a moment, Valeria sighed and nodded, sharing a look with Bella. Then she cautiously stepped toward her, holding out her hand. Bella smiled and intertwined their fingers, surprised that she didn't feel anything at all. But based on Edward's sigh of relief, it clearly worked.

"Thank you," he muttered, rubbing his forehead. "You're thoughts are like a hurricane."

"Well," Valeria grinned, "if you ever start to miss them, I can just say my thoughts out loud."

"God, please, no."

☽︎

Admittedly, Valeria didn't really want to be at the strategizing meeting, but Sam was there, so she was as well. She was more concerned with what she was going to make the ever-growing packs for dinner, as she'd promised to come over and spend some time with them. She was starting to miss the old days when she spent all her free time hanging around the treaty line and drawing landscapes of the beautiful land.

"Aro will want us incapacitated before he attacks. Jane and Alec will try and take me out first because I can anticipate their moves," Edward explained.

"Too bad we don't all have your shield," Garrett said to Bella.

Bella sighed. "Doesn't help me fight, though."

"No, but you could help the rest of us if you could project it," Tanya considered, which confused Bella, along with Sam and Jacob, who weren't familiar with vampire powers.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean shield someone other than yourself."

"Is that possible?" she asked eagerly.

"Gifts can be developed over time," Carlisle told her.

"At first, mine was just in my palms. Now I can radiate it all over my body," Kate explained to her. "Valeria has to use her hands to control the elements, but Benjamin is capable of doing small things without moving."

"How do you do it?" Bella asked while grabbing Kate's hand, forgetting her newborn strength. "Tell me."

Kate raised an eyebrow, letting out a calm, "Ow."

Ten minutes later, Kate, Garrett, Emmett, Edward, and Bella stood outside. While Jacob was off with Nessie, Valeria and Sam joined the vampires, wanting to help motivate Bella — besides, maybe one day she'd be capable of expanding the shield as well. Alistair was also perched on a tree, watching silently and unnoticed by all the others but Sam.

"You need to visualize it," Kate was telling Bella. "See how it moves. What color it is. Now picture it expanding. Will it to go beyond you."

"It's unlikely that you'll be able to do it at first, Valeria," Edward added. When she took someone's ability, it was always weaker. She couldn't feel emotions from as far away like Jasper and could even tune them out from how weak it was. And she certainly couldn't summon tidalwaves like Benjamin.

"I can still try," Valeria said while shutting her eyes.

Both she and Bella focused hard for a moment, only one of them actually managing to feel the shield ability inside of them. Soon, Bella let out an exhausted breath and gave in, looking at a clearly frustrated Valeria.

"I got nothing," she mumbled, crossing her arms. "You?"

"It was... there was something happening," Bella told her. "But I can't tell."

Kate eyed Edward with a smirk. "I think she needs something to motivate her."

Edward sighed, already dreading it as he stepped forward. In an instant, Bella shook her head. "No."

"It's all right, I can take it."

Garrett shared a look with Emmett, who was forward to this. "He says that now."

"Focus, Bella, or he's gonna be hurting," Emmett taunted.

Valeria stayed silent, glad that Sam wasn't going to be on the other end of Kate's voltage. Even though she wasn't the one being tested, she still closed her eyes and tried to find that feeling deep inside of her that controlled the shield. But again, there was nothing.

"Edward, I'm not ready to do this—"

The sound of Edward screaming broke her concentration as she opened her eyes, seeing him on the ground, writhing in pain from being shocked.

"I'm sorry," Bella stammered. "I said that I wasn't ready."

Emmett glared at his brother playfully. "Dude, you're not motivating her."

"You want to try?" Edward asked sharply. Emmett quickly put his hands up and backed off. And when Edward looked to Sam, the Alpha just shook his head and wrapped his arms around his girl.

Once Edward was back on his feet, Bella tried to focus her power again, but it wouldn't work as Kate touched Edward's neck, sending another shock through his body as he groaned and fell to his knees.

"Kate!" Bella snapped.

"I forgot how cool you are," Valeria said, proud of her cousin and her gift.

"Bella, you seem to lack incentive," Kate said, raising an eyebrow. "Shall I go see if Renesmee's awake?"

"Oh, not Nessa," Valeria said, switching up fast as she narrowed her eyes at Kate. Sam squeezed her hips tighter, knowing Kate wouldn't really endanger the child. But Bella didn't seem to get the memo.

"Are you crazy?" Bella asked protectively.

"All right," Kate said, raising her hand. "This one's on full power."

Edward cringed, remembering his vows to love Bella through everything as he got ready for the pain. Emmett and Valeria couldn't help but laugh at the nervous look on his face. Bella focused hard, and this time, when Kate made contact, Edward flinched, but he didn't cry out in pain.

It was working.

Edward sighed in relief when Kate removed her touch. "It's painful, but it's bearable," he said in awe of his wife.

Bella smiled excitedly, realizing she might actually be useful in this fight. "Okay, we should go again."

In an instant, Edward looked to Emmett, not wanting to go again. "Emmett?"

He instantly shook his head and stepped back, as did Garrett who didn't want to be volunteered. "I'm good."

Sam rolled his eyes and stepped forward. "I'll give it a go."

"Sam," Valeria said with a frown, shaking her head. "No way."

"I can take it," he assured her. "Besides, I kind of owe it to you, Bella, after how I behaved while you were pregnant."

Bella nodded to him in understanding. Even if she'd forgiven him, there'd always be a hesitance to trust him because of that. "Right, then let's do this thing."

☽︎

Sam was fucking sore and regretting his choices as Valeria drove him home. Though she felt bad for him, she still had a small smile on her face, thinking it was a little funny. The big bad Alpha was rendered useless by Kate.

"C'mon," Valeria said, pulling Sam's boots off his feet. He was lying on his bed, his eyes closed, groaning from every movement. "You'll sleep better after a shower."

With a dramatic groan, he rolled off the bed and pulled his shirt over his head. Valeria let out a pleased hum at the sight, letting him pass by to get to the bathroom. But he stopped on his way and hooked his arm around her waist, pecking her lips.

"Only if you join me," he requested, smiling down at her. She happily nodded and let him lead her by the hand to the bathroom.

After they helped get each other undressed, Sam lifted her over the edge of the tub, making her giggle, before turning on the hot water. He let out a groan as it hit his sore muscles, and Valeria squirmed at the sound.

She reached for the washcloth and covered it in soap before running it over his broad chest. He opened his eyes, watching her features as she carefully cleaned him like he was the most precious thing in the world to her — he was. Her hands explored his chest and muscular arms before moving lower and lower.

Sam slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close until their chests were touching, the movement interrupting her task at hand. She raised her eyebrow and looked up at him innocently as if he couldn't fucking smell how badly she wanted him.

"Your turn," he said, taking the rag from her.

"I wasn't finished." She peered up at him jokingly. "Sam Uley, please don't tell me you're one of those who doesn't wash their legs and feet because the water and soap run over them."

He just laughed and shook his head, both knowing this wasn't a real shower — though they'd probably clean up at the end. Then he dropped the rag and pulled her into a deep kiss, earning a content moan from her as she slid her hands up and around his neck to hold him closer, the warm water falling over them both.

As his tongue explored her mouth, his warm hands slid down her sides, fingertips tracing absentminded and teasing patterns on her hips. Before she knew it, her legs were wrapped around his waist as he hoisted her up and pressed her against the wall, the rough tiles digging into her back.

All the pain that Kate had brought him earlier was forgotten about as Valeria's delicate little hands explored his body, the two mates getting lost in each other.

☽︎

The night before the dreaded day finally came just two days after Christmas. All the vampires were gathered, and the wolves were camping a few miles out. But both Jacob and Sam were with the vampires, not wanting to leave Renesmee and Valeria for even a second.

Though none of them felt the cold, Valeria still helped Jacob build a bonfire to give them some light and keep things a little less gloomy. Then when all the logs were placed, she and Benjamin both conjured fire at their fingertips and shot it at the firepit. Though Valeria couldn't help but widen her hand, making the fire jump up several feet in the air, sending warmth around them — she had always loved her ability to manipulate the flames.

"That's what I'm talkin' about. A little pre-battle bonfire. Telling war stories," Jacob said, taking a seat next to Benjamin. Sam sat as well and pulled Valeria onto his lap, who leaned against him. The wolves then noticed all the vampires standing around quietly, not even talking. It was eerie as they were so used to Valeria and her human tendencies. Even while building the fire, she'd been humming under her breath. "Or just standing there like frickin' statues."

But then Garrett flashed over to them. "Name any American battle. I was there."

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "Little Bighorn?"

"I came this close to biting Custer," he said, pinching his fingers together. "But the Indians got him first."

"Try Oleg's assault on Constantinople," Kate said, appearing on Garrett's lap, a smirk on her face. "He didn't win that one on his own."

The next to speak was Liam from the Irish coven. "If you're talking battles, you're talking the Eleven Years' War. No one does rebellion like the Irish."

Garrett peered at him. "You lost the Eleven Years' War."

"Aye," he grinned. "But it was one hell of a rebellion."

Valeria groaned and hid her face in Sam's chest. "This is starting to feel like history class."

"Just wait until you've lived through it," Amun told her, smiling softly. "You'll be the one telling war stories to newborns one day."

As the hours passed, nearly all the vampires crowded around the fire, sharing stories from over the years. Sam held Valeria all throughout, listening intently, especially when she went into detail about fighting — and nearly dying in the process — against James when Bella nearly died the year before. Eventually, the Romanians were the ones telling the story of how they were dethroned by the Volturi. Valeria listened intently, having no idea there had been rulers before them.

"When we ruled, everything came to us," Vladimir told them. "Prey, diplomats, favor seekers. Such was our power. But we never put on white hats and called ourselves saints."

"We were honest about what we were," Stefan admitted with a shrug. Valeria thought there was something almost noble about that.

"We sat still for a very long time," Vladimir said, looking to his brother. "We didn't notice we were beginning to petrify."

"Perhaps the Volturi did us a favor when they burned our castles," Stefan said with a sad smile.

"We've been waiting fifteen hundred years to return that favor. We have been ready to do battle for ages."

"Fifteen hundred years?" Valeria asked, her eyes wide. Before all the vampires gathered, Carlisle was the oldest one she was ever acquainted with. But now, she was friends with every single one of the witnesses, who couldn't help but care for her given her remaining humanity. "You're so old."

"And you are young," Stefen said to her, smiling. "So young in our world. But you make for a promising Immortal, Valeria."

"And tomorrow, the Volturi will see just how powerful an enemy they've made out of you," Vladimir added, smirking in anticipation. "One touch to any vampire, and you could bring their reign to an end."

"I'm not looking to end any reigns, Vlad," Valeria replied, snuggling deeper into Sam's arms. "I just want my family to be safe."

"You say that now," the blonde said smoothly. "Let's see if you still feel that way should Aro decide he wants you for his guard."

☽︎

"I love you," Valeria whispered as she sat in Sam's tent. The sun was rising, and they'd have to leave soon.

The Alpha frowned and pulled her closer, seeing how visibly nervous she was as she picked at her fingers. "I love you too," he murmured, kissing the top of her head. "And I'll continue to love you for a long time after this because nothing bad is going to happen. I won't let them take you."

"What if you get hurt?" she asked, her eyes watering with tears that would never fall. "I can't lose you, Sunshine."

"And you won't," he promised, squeezing her hand tightly. "We're the ones with the upper hand here. You and Nessie will be okay."

"I hope you're right," she said, bringing their hands to her face so that she could kiss his knuckles. "But if not, I just need to say—"

"Hey, don't talk like that," he cut her off while cupping her face gently.

"No, I need to," she said with a frown. "Sam... you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. You're not just my mate — you're a best friend that I got to fall in love with. So, no matter what happens — whether I come off that field or not — just please don't forget how much I love you. Even if I'm forcibly recruited to join some evil vampire guard, or..."

She didn't have to say what she was thinking, both fearing that she could end up dead. And Sam still hadn't shared what Alice told him, not wanting her to worry even more.

"Valeria," Sam said, pressing his forehead to hers and looking into her golden eyes. "You are my entire world, and I'm not going to let those leeches take you away from me. You'll be the safest one on that battlefield because I won't leave your side for a second. And then when it's over, I'll spend the rest of my life with you."

"It'll be a long life," she warned him, which he was already aware of.

"I know," he smiled before reaching into his pocket. "So, I think it'd feel a little more secure in that long life if you had something like this on your hand."

Valeria frowned in confusion before looking down. A small gasp passed her lips when she saw a small engagement ring, a diamond fixed in the center of a golden band.

"Sam, what are you doing?" she asked, her eyes wide as she looked back up at him.

"I'm asking you to marry me, Valeria Alvarez," he said with a smile that took her breath away. "I want my forever with you to start as soon as we're done here today."

She was nodding before she spoke. "Of course," she whispered before kissing him, not caring at all about the ring as she pulled him closer. All she wanted was to be with Sam forever, and she just hoped that the upcoming altercation wouldn't get in the way of that.

As they parted so that Sam could breathe, he held her hand and slid the ring — his mother's ring — onto her finger. But Valeria could hardly admire it. She was too busy staring at Sam like he was the reason the sun came up in the morning, unable to believe he really wanted to marry her. It just gave her one more reason to make sure everyone left the battlefield unscathed.

☽︎

Valeria was next to Bella, Edward, and Renesmee as they all walked out onto the large, snow-covered clearing in the middle of the woods, far from civilization. The packs were waiting to come out when the time came, hiding behind the trees. Every now and then, Valeria would look back to try and spot Sam to comfort herself, but it was useless.

The Volturi all emerged at once, a mass of black cloaks that greatly outnumbered the vampire witnesses gathered for the Cullens. Right at the center were the three leaders, and Valeria was able to identify them from a painting in Carlisle's office.

"The Redcoats are coming! The Redcoats are coming!" Garrett muttered nervously, making a smile twitch on Kate's face as she grabbed his hand.

As the Volturi witnesses — army — got closer, Valeria scanned the numrous faces of the witnesses and guards, immediately recognizing Jane, Alec, Dimitri, and Felix. But there was someone else, someone glued to Caius' side, which had her sucking in a sharp breath.

Valeria stumbled forward, and Edward had to catch the back of her shirt to keep her standing as she stared into his red eyes, feeling like she was in a dream. There was a smirk on his familiar face — one that looked a year older than the last time she'd seen him.

"Raph?" Valeria whispered, all the supernatural creatures hearing her clearly. They heard how her voice trembled. They saw the tears welling in her eyes.

It was Bella who broke the silence, looking to her distraught best friend. "Who is this, Valeria?"

She could only shake her head, trying to take another step forward, but Edward kept her back.

Then his voice — her brother's voice — was ringing out for all to hear. "Look at that! Valeria Alvarez rendered silent for once in her goddamn life," he said with a smirk that made her stomach twist. "And here I thought you'd be happy to see me."

"Val?" Tanya asked, worried about the younger girl. "Who is he to you?"

"Raphael Alvarez," Edward replied, knowing Valeria wasn't ready to speak as she continued to stare at him in horror. "The Volturi's amplifier."