Esme felt numb. She wanted to move, but her body refused to respond. Her feet felt as though they were glued to the floor. Clearly she had misunderstood what he said.

"Now, Esme. Please." His voice was soft, but there was an edge to it that she rarely heard him use, and it was never directed towards her.

"Carlisle?"

The elder took an easy breath as he patiently waited for his mate to follow his instructions. When she did no more than stare at him for several seconds, he sighed inwardly.

"I already told you that you earned a proper trashing, young lady. Now, take your little fanny down the hall, and come back with a belt. Dragging this out isn't going to make it any easier for either of us."

She blinked as her mind stubbornly refused to deciphered his words.

"I'm standing in the corner," she replied in confusion.

"Yes, you are, and I'm proud of you for minding me in that aspect, but you're being disobedient now. Don't you want to clear the slate so we can start anew?"

"I ... You... Carlisle, I can't."

Without another word, the patriarch took his wife's hand and led her to their bedroom much as he would a small child. Opening the closet door, he motioned towards the rack on the back of it where several belts hung.

"Choose one."

Esme eyes widened before she vigorously shook her head.

"Alright. Have it your way," he said while selecting the heaviest leather offering from among the group.

His mate immediately shield her aching bottom with both hands and backed away.

"You can't. I've already been spanked. I'm so sore now, Carlisle. I can't take anymore." Tears glistened in her dark eyes as she continued to shake her head. "Please don't."

Her sad plea caused the patriarch to falter for a moment. The belt nearly slipped from his hand before he tightened his grip while reminding himself that this was for Esme's benefit. She was physically hurting now, but the soreness of a spanking would quickly subside leaving an opening for her guilt to reemerge. He could already see it in her eyes, lurking behind her tears.

"A ghrá mo chroí, I don't want to do this. This is something that you need."

"You're wrong, Carlisle. I don't need a strapping. I really don't. If you love me you won't do this to me."

"The only reason that I will see your punishment to the end is because I love you more than anything in this world or the next."

"Carlisle, please..."

"Esme, listen to me. Hush and just listen. I think you have more than paid for your crime, but I don't believe for a second that you feel the same way. I know you're scared. I know you're in pain, but I need you to be honest with me, and more importantly, with yourself. Can you in all honesty tell me that you're prepared to move forward? No more fretting over your mistake. No ruminating over having corrected Rosalie. Are you able to put that all behind you and go on without a backward glance? Without regret?"

The matriarch began to nod, then stopped herself.

"No, you're can't, can you?" Carlisle gently asked.

"No," she whispered. "But a belt..."

"I know it's a frightening prospect, but you have to trust me this one last time. You haven't let go. I can see it, and I can feel it. I know this isn't what you want. It's not even something you deserve. It's something you need. If you continue to place your faith in me, I can give you what you need, and I can keep you safe at the same time."

Esme caught her bottom lip between her teeth and chewed on it as she stared at her husband before finally lowering her gaze.

Cupping her cheek in his palm, Carlisle carefully raised her head.

"Is it Charles?"

His mate opened her mouth as if to speak then closed it and blew out a long breath.

"When he was angry, he would often beat me with his belt," she quietly admitted. "I don't recall much, but I do remember a nearly unbearable pain. I remember the bruises and blood from those nights when I displeased him the most."

"My dearest heart, I won't let this get anywhere near to that sort of abusiveness," he attempted to reassure her while wrapping her in his arms. "I love you, Esme. I would sooner harm myself instead of you."

The matriarch melted in his embrace and began to weep softly against his shoulder.

"I'm scared, Carlisle, but I wasn't scared when I used that beastly strap on our daughter. How could I do that while knowing what it's like and the damage it can do? What kind of demon have I become?"

A quick, light swat to her already aching backside made the tiny brunette jump.

"That, little miss, is a perfect example of what I was just saying. You haven't let this go so you will become very intimate with my belt in short order. That seems to be the only way I can get through that gorgeous but stubborn head that's resting on your shoulders."

There were tears in her eyes as Esme bowed her head. Her fear was not relieved in the least, but what could she do? She had agreed to leave the decision entirely up to Carlisle and there was no going back now, not when she had already come this far. Plus, she couldn't argue that he was wrong. Back in Denali she had been only too willing to have him apply the tawse to her as retribution for having whipped Rose. His belt could hardly be any worse.

"Let's sit down for a few minutes so you can gather your thoughts. I doubt that the corner helps your focus," the elder said as he tossed the belt onto the bed and guided his wife in the same direction. "And I need you focused if this event is to ever be resolved."

"So it's to be more torture before you finish me off?" she asked while shifting her attention to the terribly uninviting looking piece of furniture.

"It will do you some good. Helps keep your mind where it needs to be."

"Right on my burning behind."

"At least it's an adorable behind regardless of its current condition," he replied with a half smile that caused his wife to roll her eyes.

Esme cautiously eased herself down on the cushioned surface with a slight gasp just as Carlisle's phone began to vibrate. Retrieving the device from his pocket, the patriarch stared at the screen with a frown.

"What is it?" his mate inquired while shifting in a vain effort to find some relief.

"I don't know, but it's from home," he answered before connecting the call.

"Daddy, stop. You don't need to do that. You really don't," Alice urgently declared.

"And hello to you, too, princess."

"Hi, Daddy. Sorry. Seriously though. Momma has learned her lesson and everything is good here. You don't have to go any further. I know you don't want to, so you can stop now."

"Baby, I know you can't control your visions, but I've asked you time and again to keep situations that you know are private to yourself," the family leader softly rebuked.

"It weren't her fault, Papa," a heavily accented voiced called from a distance making Carlisle sigh. "I could feel how upset Alice was gittin' and Edward took the plunge. He didn't like what he saw any better than Alice did, and frankly we're all in agreement over here."

"I'm going to guess that all of my children are gathered together for this conversation?"

It was Edward's voice that broke through the phone call. "Dad, this wasn't Esme's fault. She shouldn't be shouldering the burden. Not like this, anyway. You know how Rosalie gets. She can try the patience of a saint."

"Hey, Momma Bear!" Emmett called loud enough to be heard across the room. "Don't sweat it. Rosie is good as new. Everything's great. Really We all want ya back home, and it would be nice if your butt came along with you."

Despite the seriousness of the previous moment, Esme covered her mouth with her hand in an unsuccessfully attempted to stifle a giggle.

"I think I can speak for your mother as well as myself when I say that your concern is appreciated, but..."

"Alice, just give..." The sounds of a brief struggle interrupted Carlisle's comment before a soft serious voice entered the conversation.

"Dad, would you mind giving the phone to Mom? I have something to say."

"Kitten, I really think..."

"Please? I can't let her go through with this without saying my peace. Please. For both of us."

The patriarch looked over at his wife who stared back at him with wide ebony eyes.

"I don't know that this is a good idea, Rosalie."

"Can I really make it any worse?"

"I would like to speak to her, Carlisle."

The doctor's eyes roved over his wife for several seconds before he finally handed her the phone with a soft sigh.

"No more than five minutes," he warned as he sternly shook a finger at his mate.

"Five minutes," she acknowledged before inhaling deeply. "Hello, Rose."

"Esme, I don't want you to submit yourself to this. If you're doing it because of me, I'm telling you to stop. I know you blame yourself, and I should have said something sooner, but I was hurt."

"I know I hurt you, baby."

"No. It wasn't like that." The teen paused for a moment. "Okay, it was like that. I certain felt your efforts, but it was my feelings that were hurt the most. I was shocked. I never expected you to...well, you know. I mean these sorts of things are usually left up to Carlisle. That's something that I've gotten used to. I've learned to accept it. This was...different."

"Carlisle has much better self control than I. I went too far."

"You didn't. Not really. I understand that want you did was meant to help me. I was having a hard time resolving my emotions, and after talking it out with some really good sounding boards I know that the majority of those ... "

The phone went silent.

"Rose? Are you still there?"

"I'm here, and I earned every bit of what I got."

"Sweetheart, you didn't. I was out of control. I can't say I'm sorry enough, and I don't know how I'll ever make this up to you, but I'll spend my life trying."

"You'll do no such thing. I don't want you to. That's why I don't want you to let Dad... I don't want him to whip you."

"Like a rented mule," Jasper's southern drawl interrupted.

Angry tones hissed in whispers too low for the matriarch to understand, but within seconds her eldest daughter returned.

"Sorry about that. Anyway, as I was saying, you've suffered enough. It's over. It's done. I forgive you, and I hope you'll forgive me for not saying something sooner. I shouldn't have let you go off without talking to you first. I should have made sure that you knew I wasn't physically hurt or unduly damaged emotionally. It's fairly normal to be put off when you've had your butt handed to you, but that doesn't last. Once it's over, it's done and you move on. I need you to move on with me."

There was another pause from the other end of the phone before Rose's voice came back with a noticeable waver.

"I love you, Momma. I love you, and I don't want you to suffer anymore over something that wasn't within your control."

Silent tears raced down Esme's cheeks as she clutched the phone like a lifeline and glanced up at her husband. While holding his steady gaze, she sniffled softly before finding her voice.

"I love you, baby. I love you so much, and I appreciate your concern. You don't understand how much this phone call means to me. I am blessed with a family that consist of the most wonderful individuals imaginable."

Maintaining eye contact with her mate, Esme's voiced seemed to grow in strength as she continued.

"The support you all have given me is more than I could hope for, but Rose, I'm not doing this for you, sweetheart. It's for me, and I don't want you to worry about anything that happens. I'm in the best hands possible. Your father has become a genius when it comes to knowing what each of his family members needs at any given moment. I need this. As much as it frightens me, I know I need your father to do this for me so I can forgive myself. Once it's over I'll have the absolution that I desire."

Carlisle nodded before extending his hand for the phone.

"I have to go, darling, but I'm going to be okay. In fact, I'm better than okay because I know my family will be waiting for me when I get home. I don't want any of you to worry. I'm safe, and I'm loved. I can't ask for more than that. I love you all, and I'll see you soon."

"Momma," Rosalie called, but it was her father that answered.

"You heard your mother, kitten. She'll survive. I promise. We'll be home tomorrow evening, and you're more than welcome to talk to her then. Now, please put Alice back on the phone."

After a moment a bright voice chirped, "Hi, Daddy."

"Princess. Privacy. Got it?"

"Yes, sir."

"And that goes for the rest of your siblings. Tell Edward that I said for him to stay out of your head. What happens between your mother and I is none of any of your concerns. This is hard enough as it is. I shouldn't have to remind any of you of that fact."

"Sorry, Dad," Edward's slightly muffled voice replied. "I just had to know why Ali was so upset."

"It's alright, son. Just don't let this turn into a habit. And that goes for the lot of you. Now, we'll see you tomorrow. Try to behave yourselves until then."

"We'll try to keep the house standing, Pops!" Emmett boomed.

"I know you will."

"Bye, Daddy," Alice relented. "Give Momma a hug and kiss from us. I know she'll be alright, but we can't help worrying. It's just something that happens when you love somebody."

"I know, little one. See you soon."

As he disconnected the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket Carlisle looked up and was surprised to see his wife in deep reflection holding the implement of her impending doom. He took a seat next to her while she turned the belt over in her hands carefully studying the damned thing.

"This is going to hurt like hell, isn't it?"

"Not as bad as all that, but yes, it will hurt."

"You're going to have to put me over your knee. I know it makes the belt a little less effective, but I don't think I could stay still on my own."

"It will be effective enough," he assured her. "I did considered bending you over a stack of pillows on the bed, but that's a little too impersonal for me anyway."

"My panties?"

"Come down."

Esme's breath caught for a second before he forced herself to breathe.

"Seriously?"

"Yes, ma'am. That's the only way I can make sure that I don't do any real harm to your perky little bottom."

"Hmph."

Carlisle caught her chin and turned her to lock onto his eyes.

"It will hurt, a stór mo chroí, but there will be no harm. I couldn't live with myself if that were to occur."

Esme softly exhaled before nodding her understanding.

"Did you have to pick such a heavy belt?"

"I have my reasons, and if you recall, that was your fault. If you had behaved yourself and simply done as you were told you could have picked a lighter one. Since you didn't, I went with one that won't sting quite as badly, but will leave an impression that you should still be feeling tomorrow."

"It's going to be a long flight home."

The patriarch nodded. "And a long boat right to the mainland first. You'll be uncomfortable, but you'll make it home without issue."

"I"m still scared," she admitted.

Turning towards her, Carlisle gently removed the belt from her hands and placed it on the bed behind him before claiming her hands with his. Staring deeply into her eyes he kissed her fingers.

"You're always safe with me."

"I know, but I can't help feeling frightened."

"Dragging it out isn't going to alleviate your fears. In fact the more time I give you to over think things, the more your fear will build. I think it's best if we get this over with."

Her breath ceased, but a gentle caress and word of encouragement soon had her breathing again. Transferring both of her wrists into one hand, Carlisle easily drew Esme over his lap and into a reasonably comfortable position.

"Try to relax."

"You have got to be kidding."

"Just remember to breathe," he said while pulling a pillow over for her to rest her head.

Balling the down filled pillow up, Esme wrapped her arms around it and settled in to accept her fate.

The patriarch wrapped his arm firmly around her waist and securely hitched her against his body before hooking a finger under the elastic band of her panties and sliding them down to her knees. Another reminder to breathe was issued as the little brunette tensed.

"A chéadsearc, I'm afraid I'm going to have to warm your bottom up a bit before I can bring the belt into play," he informed her as he rubbed his hand over her smarting cheeks. "If I don't you're going to bruise more than I would like."

"I'd really rather not be bruised at all."

"Realistically, I think that's unavoidable, but if I can bring the blush back to your fanny it will make a world of difference."

Esme closed her eyes and exhaled a slow anguished breath.

"No safe word, Carlisle. I'm at your mercy. Do what you must."

Crisp light smacks immediately began to rain down on her exposed backside. At first the pain was mild, but soon her husband's diligent administrations reignited the fire that threatened to consume her. Esme bucked and drummed her toes against the bed, but her mate just held on tighter while admonishing her in a near whisper.

"You have only yourself to blame. If you weren't so determined to suffer we would be lounging down on the beach in the moonlight making the most of our last night alone."

A particularly hard swat made Esme yelp, but she did her best to stop struggling.

A few more seconds passed before Carlisle paused in the spanking to run his hand lightly over her bottom. He could feel heat radiating off of her skin thanks to her afternoon meal and a pale blush met his eye.

"Alright, a chroí. We're going to start. I want you to consider what you could have done differently, and then you're going to let all this negativity go. None of us are perfect. You need to remember that. And just like you wanted to be fair to Rose, you're going to have to be patient and fair with yourself. We all love you, Esme. The children's call should have proved just how much they care. Now it's time to stop berating yourself and accept that unconditional love when it's offered."

Tears sprung to her eyes as the strap of leather connected with a loud crack against the extremely sensitive under curve of her bottom.

Esme's body instinctively went ridged in an attempt to deflect the next blow, but it was Carlisle's hand and not the belt that landed smartly against the back of her thigh.

"Oww!"

"Don't do that," he reprimanded as he treated the opposite thigh to the same treatment. "When you tense up you only increase the likelihood that you'll bruise. Now stop it this instant."

"I can't help it," his wife wailed.

"Yes you can. Do you feel that you deserve this or not?"

"Yes."

"Then stop fighting me."

The belt struck again driving the breath from Esme's body in a pain filled cry. Another lash bit hard leaving a pale stripe across the fleshiest part of her rump. Carlisle caught the scent of fresh tears as he laid stroke on top of punishing stroke. The pattern of stripes blended together until his mate's posterior was painted an angry shade of crimson thanks to the blood tinged venom rushing to the injured area to repair the damage, and still she fought him.

Tensing and twisting, Esme met each blow with resistance. She deserved to suffer. She needed to suffer.

"Esme Anne Cullen, you have to let go."

Esme shook her head and gripped the pillow tighter as her tears soaked the quilted fabric.

"Damn it, Esme," the doctor growled. "Enough."

Sliding her further forward on the bed and coming up on his toes to tip her slightly, Carlisle gain full access to the tender weight bearing edge of his mate's behind. The doubled up belt snapped at the sensitive flesh and Esme cried out loudly. A second then third stoke fell with equal vigor on top of the original cut and the matriarch collapsed into heart wrenching mournful cries.

The belt slithered from the patriarch's hand and curled against his ankle while he administered a few more swats with his palm before resting his hand on his grieving wife's lower back.

"That's it, a ghrá mo chroí. Let it out. It's done. You've been very brave," he whispered while gently soothing her with his touch. "It's all over, and I'm so very proud of you."

"I'm so sorry. Carlisle, I'm so sorry."

"There's no need for apologies."

"There is. I ma... Made you do ..."

"Shh. It's okay, beloved. You didn't make me do anything."

"Yes, I did," she whimpered as she buried her face in the pillow.

Carlisle let his gentle caresses speak for him as Esme cried herself out across his knees. Once the soul shuttering sobs quieted to sniffles, he very carefully replaced her panties then gathered her in his arms. Mindful of her tender bottom, he carefully sat her on his lap and hugged her close.

The brunette wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and rested her head against his shoulder as she closed her eyes and inhaled his calming woodsy scent. After giving her a few minutes to relax, he reached up and lowered her arms while holding onto her hand. With the pad of his thumb, he brushed a tear from her cheek then encouraged her to look at him. Once he had her attention and she could see the unshed tears that stung his eyes, he softly spoke.

"You didn't make me do anything," he repeated. "I did what needed to be done, the same as I do with the children."

"But, Carlisle, I hurt you," she stated while reaching out to cradle his face.

Nuzzling her palm, he whispered, "Shh. You keep forgetting who made the decision to tan your hide. Once my mind was made up, you, little miss, had no say in the matter. You may have provided the reason, but this is all my doing."

"I didn't make it easy."

Carlisle smiled as his breath escaped in a soft snort.

"That you didn't, but it's never easy to punish someone you love."

Esme's hand fell away and her head drooped, but her husband chucked her beneath the chin and raised it again.

"A chiste is a stór. I would do anything that you need of me, but now I have to ask a serious question. Was it enough? Have you made peace with yourself?"

The woman glanced away for a moment and when she looked back at her mate, she sighed.

"Mostly."

"Mostly?" he asked with a cocked brow.

"I feel a twinge of guilt, but I think that will disappear with time. It's hard accepting that you're not perfect, Carlisle."

"I wouldn't know since I've always been flawed," he replied as he lightly tapped his finger against the tip of her nose.

Esme giggled and brought a smile to her husband's face.

"You're perfect to me," she said. "Always have been."

"As you are to me, Esme." Brushing the hair out of her face, he claimed her lips before enveloping her in a loving embrace. "You aren't permitted to put yourself though anything like this ever again. Is that understood? I doubt my heart could stand a second round."

"I doubt my ass could," she answered while leaning against his shoulder. "That hurt, Carlisle. It hurt a lot. You didn't have to spank me that hard."

"Oh yes I did. You were fighting me every step of the way. You were as bad as Jasper."

"I feel so much worse for the children now," she said, easily changing the subject. "I don't know how Emmett even survives."

Carlisle smiled as he caught his wife's eye.

"Emmett isn't anywhere nearly as stubborn as you or his brother. He knows when he's done wrong, but he doesn't take many of his errors to heart. Guilt isn't much of a factor so a quick reminder that actions have consequences and our bear is back on his way."

"But he gets himself into trouble so much more than the rest."

The patriarch averted his eyes for a moment as he considered the truth of Esme's statement, then glanced back at her with a nod.

"You know, you're right. Maybe I've been too lenient with him. Perhaps a firmer hand or a good dose of the belt would be more effective in getting him to mend his ways and behave himself."

"Oh, no. Please, no, Carlisle. He doesn't get into real trouble. Just a bit of mischief now and then. His easy going and playful mannerism is what makes Emmett who he is. If you become harsh with him, you might squash his spirit. Don't take that chance. It's not needed and the risk would be too great."

The doctor raised a brow.

"Why do I get the feeling that I just set myself up for much more rigorous arguments whenever one of the children steps out of line and needs correction?"

"They're all good, responsible, caring people, darling."

"Who still succumb to the teenage lack of foresight and volatile emotions on occasion."

"But, Carlisle..."

Firmly grasping her chin, he made unwavering eye contact with his mate.

"Did you benefit your ordeal?"

"It's not the same."

"Yes or no, young lady. Even though it was unpleasant, did this benefit you?"

Esme lowered her eyes and sighed.

"It benefits them as well," he stated in a tone that booked no argument.

"I still don't like that they get hurt."

"Neither do I, a chuisle, but sometimes it's necessary. Sometimes that's the only way we learn."

Leaning back against his chest, Esme fully relaxed.

"I've learned my lesson," she muttered as her eyes drifted closed.

"And what lesson was that?"

"To forgive my unfortunate mistakes or at the very least keep them to myself until everything blows over."

"You're an impossible brat," the doctor growled low, but his wife noted the amusement in his tone.

"And you love me anyway."

"That I do, and always will. You're a brat, but you're my brat, and I wouldn't trade you for the world."

AN: Pretty sure that's going to about do it for this one. I'm should be able to deal with the scuzzy teacher as an epilogue unless the vamps have other ideas. Thank all of you for hanging in there with me even when my muse lost the will to live. Because of you guys, I kept him on life support and, against impossible odds, his condition is improving. Thanks for all the encouragement and support. Y'all are wonderful.

Since I haven't done this in a while: Carlisle's Gaelic terms of endearment.

A ghrá mo chroí - My heart's beloved

A stór mo chroí - My heart's treasure

A chéadsearc - My first love (true love)

A chroí - My heart

A chiste is a stór - My cherished love

a chuisle - My pulse

God forbid I stress him out any time soon and he reverts to speaking in complete Gaelic sentences again. ... Fun times...Not for Carlisle. ;-)

Now back to Volterra to see what we can do with Jane.