Warning: This FF contains harsh language, mature themes, sexually suggestive content and it is a slash. Please be advised that if you are not over eighteen then you should not read.
Disclaimer: Do not own twilight all the characters belong to SM.
Rage
November 6th, 2013 eight years later…
I tapped my finger impatiently against my very expensive mahogany table. Ostentatious as the damn thing was my secretary had insisted that it looked good in my office. It matched the leather over-sized chair that I sat in; along with the tall book shelf with nearly a dozen books I haven't cared to open. Yes, it did indeed compliment the dreary office that screamed professionalism and exerted luxuriousness. Absentmindedly I read over the current court case my secretary had handed me. Easy enough to deal with, a man named Mr. Smith had raped his granddaughter and was trying to plead not guilty, although there was enough physical evidence to prove that he was. With the amount of money he was throwing at me it wouldn't be too hard to convince a jury that he was innocent.
My tapping ceased as I threw the file on my desk. "Seth, take this back to Tanya and tell her that I want Mr. Smith in my office at nine am sharp."
"Yes, Mr. Cullen," Seth jumped, snatching the file away and nearly sprinting out of the room. Taking a deep breath I loosened my tie and took off my silk fitted Armani Jacket. If this were a normal day I would have yelled at Seth for not bringing me these files sooner. However, today was unlike any other day. My fingers twitched with anticipation as I willed myself not to think about where I'll be in a few hours. Moving out of my chair I stood in front of a large window looking out on the beautiful city of New York. Working as a corrupt defense lawyer certainly did have its perks. I had so much money I could afford to wipe my ass with hundred dollar bills. I can still recall certain mentally fucked up kid searching for his way out of the Asylum. Shuddering I push the image of a pale, skinny teenager nearly unrecognizable with bones protruding out of his flesh as he rambled insistently about the Archangel that haunted him.
I would never forget the sterile needles, intoxicating smell of disinfectants as they drugged me up and left me to rot in a cell for eighteen months. When I was no longer a threat, being dubbed cured I realized that pretending to be normal was essential to my survival. Soon I abandon the dark whispers of the night that beckoned me, ignored the hairs that stood at the back of my neck every time I felt Gabriel was near and instead religiously took my medication.
Many painful years of rejecting him and my love for Jasper went by. Carlisle had put me back in high school where I finished proudly. When I left for University I shared a dorm room with Garrett who taught me all about the wonders of sucking cock and anal sex.
After Yale Garrett and I had started this law firm with the money Carlisle had given me. In no time we moved to New York City and gain notoriety through crooked judges and police men ready to stick their cock into anything that moved.
Unethical? Perhaps, however it all paid off in the end.
Now, we were one of the most sought after defense lawyers in the whole damn city. E&G Criminal defense office racked in over a hundred million a year, with numerous Attorney's working for us, international board members and with every twisted judge in our back pockets we never lost a case. All the greatest criminals in the world wanted us to represent them. These men were no different than the Politicians and mass media organizations that ran our daily lives, the only differences was that they were honest about robbing people, raping and killing them. While the media advertised products we didn't need, the government officials legalized slave trades in third world countries. They all pulled the strings of society whereas we went along with it like puppets.
Not anymore though.
A homeless man shouldn't been thrown in jail just because he has a mental disorder and couldn't get access to his medication. Men who rape little girls shouldn't be put away or face capital punishment because watching fifteen year old girls dance around half naked in music videos is cool. If their desire is turned into a commodity with its own intrinsic value then why should he be punished for living it out? I chuckled to myself.
Very few people in the world thought like I did.
It wasn't normal to consider people conceptualized into power struggles through their everyday lives. So deep in thought I didn't hear the loud boisterous voice of my roommate and best friend Garrett. The door swung open, making me flinched when the devil himself waltzed into the room. With his tousled black hair and sharp brown eyes, he threw me a roguish smirk.
"What the fuck are you brooding about?" Garrett asked as he sat in my chair.
"Today's the day," I mumbled, bracing my hand against the glass window. Although we were over thirty stories high I kept my eyes firmly on the skyline.
It had been eight years, eight fucking years and finally he was coming out of prison.
Garrett snorted and I whipped my head around to glare at him.
"What?" I snapped.
"You don't honestly think he'll remember you." He said. "Come on Edward, he's been in prison for eight years."
"He would never forget-"
"Fine," He cut in. "Let's say he does remember you. After everything you've done, do think he'll want to be anywhere near you?"
"Stay the fuck out of it, when I want your fucking opinion I'll ask." I fumed.
He scoffed. "Whatever. Just remember who was there to pick up the pieces while he was gone."
"Are you done?"
"Yes,"
"Is there something you wanted?" I asked stilled annoyed. If this day was like every other day I would have thrown him out or screamed at him, but since today was abnormal I let me anger simmer as I waited for him to tell me what he required.
His lip twitch, like he was fighting a smile. "Nah, I just wanted to see your pretty face."
I try not to but in the end I laugh. "Fucker,"
He came up behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist, brushing his cheek against mine. Inhaling deeply I relax into the embrace. "What time will you be home tonight?"
"I don't know, late probably."
"My mother is making her famous Casserole's and is requesting your presence. So I guess we can have food poisoning together."
I chuckled. "Come on, it isn't that bad."
"Say's the guy who had explosive diarrhea the last time we ate her cooking."
"Is this your way of persuading me to come tonight? Because I can tell you now, it isn't working."
"Please," He mock pouted. "As my best friend and the love of my life I need you to endure the family dinner with me."
I shifted, uncomfortable in his arms. "Garrett…"
"Sorry," His arms fell from my waist and he took a step back. "I always seem to say and do the wrong thing around you…Ugh, I should probably get back to work. Don't forget dinner tonight!" He called as he walked out of my office.
Running a hand through my hair I shoved whatever growing feelings I had in my chest back down. It wasn't the time to think about it because today was a very important day. Gathering whatever left over work I had, which included Jasper's file and clothing, I put in my brief case. Pressing one on the phone I heard it ring before my driver picked up.
"Yes, Mr. Cullen,"
"Is my private jet ready, Aro?"
"Yes, Sir, I have arranged a car to be waiting for you."
"Good," I hung up.
Grabbing my jacket and brief case I walked out of my office, Seth and Tanya swarmed me, both of them speaking at the same time. The three of us stalked towards the elevator.
"Your flight is ready, remember go to Gate B. I will text you everything you need to know about Mr. Smith-" Tanya rambled.
"They said that the jet couldn't serve meatloaf for dinner so I had them imported smoked ham instead-" Seth injected.
"I had your suitcase packed. Aro has it in the trunk." Tanya said.
"Is there anything else I can do for you Mr. Cullen," Seth asked.
"Yeah, there is." I looked at them both sternly. "Fucking relax."
They laughed.
"Take the night off, both of you. But, I need you here at eight am sharp and ready for Mr. Smith. I'll see you guys bright and early tomorrow." I waved them off and got onto the elevator.
Yes, today was a very special day because in just a few hours I would set foot in a town I had sworn to forget and pick up the man who had haunted my dreams every night for the last eight years. Today I was heading back to Clallam County Corrections Facility in Washington.
Once the jet finally took off I started to relax in my seat.
The bundle of nerves made my stomach rolled as I reached into my pocket took out my prescription medication. Sucking in a deep breath I grabbed a bottle of water and choked the pills down eagerly. My chest tightened as I felt the familiar heat burn through my muscles and skin. Eight years and still the thought of going back into that hospital sent me into a panic. I can still remember being dragged away by those men and taken to the Asylum in Port Angeles. During my brief stay there I had quickly learned what behavior was acceptable and what wasn't. There I had truly learned what it would like to be in the depths of hell.
"Would you like your dinner now Mr. Cullen?" A cute flight attendant asked.
"No," I said brusquely, and she left.
My hand curled into a fist as I thought about the last couple of weeks. I couldn't keep anything down. I could barely eat after I got the news from Charlie that they were letting Jasper go free today. Six months after my release from the hospital I tried to visit Jasper every day in prison but he refused to fucking see me.
I would wait in the visiting room for hours until they forced me to go home. On top of that I always made sure he had money to buy cigarettes, snacks, tooth paste and whatever that needed to be bought. Clenching my fist tighter I tried to keep the emotions at bay because I didn't want to believe that Jasper hated me.
He couldn't.
Love was much stronger than hate.
After eight years I would make him fucking love me. Looking out the tiny window I watched as the sun began to set. For a long time I had let myself become normal. I had gone to university, graduated top of my class and finished with honors. In the end it didn't mean much if he wasn't there with me.
My phone vibrated, Garrett's number showing up on the screen. I saw that I had ten missed class from him. Turning my phone off, I shoved it back into my pocket. Although, he was my best friend Garrett never understood all of the shit I've been through.
He didn't know that I was a meandered fucker, who'd claw his way to the top or that I was a few pills away from being completely crazy.
No, he just couldn't comprehend what it was like to force smiles until my cheeks hurt or to act like I gave a shit, when really I wanted to kill someone.
"Mr. Cullen, our flight is landing in ten minutes are you sure there isn't anything you need." She asked.
"No," I barked at her.
Backing away she mumbled her apologies leaving me alone.
"Fuck," I hissed, running a hand through my hair.
I felt like I was sixteen again, finally seeing Jasper for the first time. All these thoughts kept bouncing around in my head. What if he wanted nothing to do with me? How could I make him love me again? Now that Peter was out of the picture I would defiantly have him all to myself. Would Jasper be okay with moving to New York with me? It's not like he had anywhere else to go.
Rubbing my temples I tried to ignore the tightening feeling in my pants. How joyous it would be to have him inside me again. I wondered if he still looked the same. Is his hair the dirty blonde mess I remember it to be or his eyes the deep pool of emotions, so captivating yet discomfiting? Through our distance my love for him had never died, just intensified.
I felt the plane jostle a little and that's when I realized that we were landing. My stomach lurched and I dry heaved as I tried to get my sentiments under control. Rubbing the sweat off my forehead, I took a long drink of the bottled water, my knee vaulted anxiously as I waited.
A few minutes later Aro walked over to me and opened the cockpit. Without hesitating I jumped out of my seat and together we went towards the Rolls Royce that was anticipating us. My hands shook as we drove from Washington Air Port to Clallam County Corrections Facility. Opening my brief case I took out Jasper's file, having already memorized it by heart, re-reading most of the information on there. He had four years probation period after he was released where he had to meet with a probation officer every month for an hour. Acting as his counsel he had to live with me and I was responsible for his well-being. Loosening my tie for the tenth time that evening, I mentally prepared myself for our reunion.
Jasper would be upset with me.
There was little doubt in my mind of that, how upset could only be determined by him.
"Would you like me to wait for you here, Mr. Cullen?" Aro asked.
Then I realized we were parked right outside the Correctional Facility. Straightening my tie again I put on my best poker face. "Yes, we will be out shortly."
Placing the file back in my brief case I slowly stepped out of the car, smoothed out my jacket and walked towards the entrance of the building. Looking around I saw the large gates menacingly standing over ten feet tall, large spikes of barbwire covering the top. There was nothing about this place that made me not want to come back. I nearly choked when I realized that this is seventh corner of hell and that I had sent Jasper here. Pushing those thoughts aside I went in, briefly talked to one of the officers, signing all of the release forms.
"You are aware that if Jasper breaks any of his probation dates that he will be charge with breach of contract and will be sent back to prison?" The Officer asked. He was a fat, balding stubby old man who probably hasn't seen his dick in years.
"I am his defense Attorney." I replied agitated. They didn't need to fucking debrief me.
"I know Mr. Cullen, but here it also says that you are responsible for him as his a surety." He stated gruffly.
"Listen, I grasp with great comprehension the way things work around here. Now, I am on a very tight schedule so if you could please require Mr. Whitlock that would be greatly appreciated."
He eyed me carefully. "Get prisoner 1244343 from the isolation cell."
My jaw clenched when I realized that they had put him down there. Swallowing my hatred for this place I waited patiently for them to arrive with Jasper. Fifteen minutes later the gates were finally opening.
Abruptly, I stood apprehensively, trying to get a glimpse of him as he came through the bars but the damn guards were in the way. My heart slammed violently against my chest when they moved aside to reveal what I had been aching to see for eight years. Immediately my eyes went to his beautiful halo of curls that surrounded his face, still the same color. His nose was still strong, cheeks arched and perfectly angled and his lips even now were a lovely, pouty and pink. Those exceptional orbs were sky blue and yet framed with thick blonde lashes. As he stepped closer they began taking off the cuffs around his wrist an ankles while telling him about when he was supposed to meet with the probation officer.
When he sauntered towards me I felt the rose tinted glasses I had been wearing fall off.
This monster standing before me was not my Jasper.
From far away he looked exactly like he did from my youth, but now bile rose in my throat when I finally saw what he really looked like.
His skin was pasty pale, while his hair still lustrous and rich in color was shaggy, overgrown. The stubble on his face made him look old and haggard. I gasped when I saw an ugly scare, starting from his hair line it sliced through his eyebrow, deep down in to his cheek before it faded away on his chin. Many tribal tattoos weaved up and down his right arm, towards his collar bone, but it disappeared under his shirt. He was a solid mass of rough muscle and flesh, leaned and built like a brick house.
Yes, this impostor was not Jasper.
With cold dead eyes he stared back at me.
They had taken his soul. The light and happiness that once made his eyes crinkle in bliss were long gone. Worse than his stoic nature was his inability to find enjoyment in seeing his long lost friend and lover for the first time in years. Foolishly I had wished that Jasper would forget the past and love me like he once did, unconditionally in a drunken rapture.
Sorrowful I watched as he signed his own release papers, without paying much attention to me. Once that was finished Jasper changed into the clothes I had brought with me. Saying farewell to the guards he followed me back to the car.
In silence we sat side by side.
God, how I wanted to grab his hand and delightfully express my elation of finally having him here, but this beast would sooner claw my head off than touch me. Swallowing my disappointment I turned to look at him only to find me staring right back at me.
"You look different," I mumbled, trying to break the ice.
"I am," he drawled, that same southern voice making me knees go weak.
"So am I," I said. "Uhmm, I run my own Law firm now. Yeah, I can't believe it either." I laughed with hysteria. "It's called E&G Criminal Defense, we racked in over a hundred million a year, with numerous Attorney's working for us, international board members, you name it we got it. We will be living in New York is that okay with you?"
Blue eyes just gazed blankly at me.
"Right, well, we will be staying in my condo with my roommate Garrett," Under his intense stare I became flustered, my skin felt hot as I rambled about how we lived in Buswick New York, and about my expanding business until finally the words died in my mouth. The silence in the car was defining and I wondered if Jasper had been listening at all. Briefly I chanced a peep at him only to find him observing me, his eyes dull and completely devote of emotion.
This was beyond frustrating.
How could I prove to him that I was sorry when he wouldn't even talk to me?
"I know this is shit okay? I fucked up eight years ago and I'll try my best. I belong to you and I'll prove it every day if I have too. I promise."
No more words were exchanged after that.
It was after seven when we finally reached my apartment building.
Jasper seemed impressed as he walked through the threshold, viewing the chic yet tasteful hard wood floors, numerous paintings hung on the wall from Garrett's trip to Europe and South Africa. The stonewall fireplace enhanced the warmth, homey feel into the condo. When I first saw it I fell in love instantly, while Garrett wanted something more practical and apathetic, I desired this because it was so energetic. The rich oranges, yellows and red walls mixed perfectly with the radiant browns and shimmering beige.
I turned on my phone while Jasper looked around and saw a text Garrett sent stating that he was spending the night at his mother's house. Switching on the fireplace I watched as it gleamed, brightening up the entire living room.
Standing rather awkwardly Jasper waited for me to show him where his room was. Reluctantly I lead him towards the bedroom opposite to mine. It was simple, nice brown dresser with matching comforter and bed head board.
"I brought some of your clothes from your apartment in Forks before the landlord donated them." I said opening his closet for him. I neglected to mention that I had them for years. "These I bought in case they didn't fit anymore," Grabbing one of the many suits I bought I placed it on the bed. It was D&G and I knew Jasper would probably enjoy the silky stitching and the delicate fabric. Cautiously he touched it, callous fingers move up and down the sleeve making it oddly sensual. Suddenly he snatched his hand away, his expression turned unfathomable. The scare at the side of his face became ominous in the low lightening.
"Get out."
Completely stunned I stared at him, eyes comically wide. Glowering at me I knew there would be consequences if I didn't. If this were any other day I probably would have let him throw me out, thankfully today wasn't. Gutting my chin forward I kept my feet firmly planted on the floor.
We were going to settle this now, consequences be damned.
"No."
"I'm warnin' ya Edward," He snarled, but I darted forward quickly catching him in an unexpected embrace. My arms locked around his waist and I held on tightly.
"I love you, I love you," I muttered in his ear. "I'm so fucking sorry."
"Stop."
"No," I sniffed, I didn't realize I was crying until I saw how damp Jasper's t-shirt was. "I've waited years to be with you. I'm sorry, I fucked up so badly. I regret it every day of my pathetic life but I need you! God, feel like a fucking kid again and guess what I still love you."
The air simmered around us and I knew he was getting angry. I could feel his heart jack-hammering into his chest as he struggled to remain in control.
"I don't love you," He hissed, moving swiftly he shoved me away and I fell back against the dresser. "Ya sent me back to depths hell after I had clawed my way out of it."
The blood pulsated in my veins, years of therapy couldn't keep the rage from imploding inside of me and I felt the familiar adrenalin race through my core. "You are not the only one!" I shouted. "They sent me away too! I don't know how the cops found out! We were a couple and we got caught, you dumb hick-"
A burst of pain exploded at the side of my face, I heard a sickening crunch sound as my nose shifted and broke, and blood flowed down my throat making me gag loudly. Searing pain shot through my head when I hit the floor roughly. Groaning I held my nose trying to stop the blood that was streaming down my neck.
"I won' say it again." He snarled, before walking past me towards the living room. "Get out."
Dizzily and with blurry eyes I watched him leave. The room was spinning and when I rolled onto my side the pain pierced my entire body. Slowly I picked myself off the floor and stumbled back into my room. Fighting my disorientation I staggered towards the bathroom and managed to clean myself up.
"Fuck," I breathed, when I saw the large dark purple bruise on my nose and left eye.
Jasper had hit me more than once.
Tears burned when I began to understand the meaning of his hatred. Before when we had gotten into fights he would always look after me attentively, now he didn't care. Fully clothed I crawled into bed, my eyes were wide open as I stared into the darkness, vaguely I could hear Jasper in the kitchen. Tonight had been a total fucking disaster and I knew if I pushed him it would only get worse.
He was a stubborn.
We both knew that, he'd forgive me on his terms or not at all.
I was late for work.
Rushing to get dressed I sprinted out of the apartment with minutes to spare. This meeting with Mr. Smith was very important to the company and I knew Garrett would be pissed if we didn't go over the case files together. Jumping into the car I barked at Aro to move it so that I we could get there faster. Once I got inside the office I breathed a deep sigh of relief when I saw that Garrett wasn't in yet.
With a few minutes to myself I thought about calling Jasper and telling him I was at work. Fiddling with the phone I contemplated it, but in the end decided that would be stupid because he already knew where I was.
"Alright," Garrett announced as he barged through my office doors. "Let's get this over with so we can have an early lunch-shit," He cursed. "What the fuck happened to your face?"
"It's nothing," I muttered, shying away from him. Fuck, I completely forgot about it.
"Here take some Advil," He said handing me some pills and some water. "Looks like a fucking train hit it,"
Choking it down, I dodged his attempts at examining me. "Can we get back to the case now?"
"Who did this?" He demanded.
"Nobody, let's drop it,"
"Don't lie to me was it Jasper? That son of a bitch. I'm calling the police." He walked over to my desk to pick up the phone.
"No!" I yelled frantically snatching the phone out of his hand. "It was an accident, he didn't mean it!"
"This isn't the first time he's hit you! We both know that." Garrett snarled. "Jesus, fuck,"
"You don't know shit about our relationship, so drop it!" I growled.
He scoffed. "Relationship…? Edward, you were sixteen when he stole your virginity. He never met your family because you guys had to hide in secrecy. He wouldn't even call you his boyfriend. That's not a relationship."
"Back off."
"For now I will. But if he fucking hurts you again, I swear to god he is dead."
I sighed in relief. "Fine, Mr. Smith will be here in ten minutes so let's go over the case."
Mumbling under his breath we went back to work. Ten to nine we got ready for our meeting in one of our board rooms. With our team we all sat at a very large table, Garrett and I at the head while the rest sat around us. Thirteen members were on our counsel, only three of them I trusted with my life.
Tanya, smooth talking lawyer who could settle any case with a click of her ruby slippers, her platinum blonde hair and good looks didn't hurt either. To her left was Kyle, a true New Yorker who grew up in the Bronx, a joker at heart but he could sniff out a liar anywhere. Leah was a Native American, top of her class in criminal justice and civil law she knew her shit. The one thing they all had in common was that they had never lost a case. These three had help build the foundation of this firm and they were the ones that brought in the most money.
"Jesus, what happen to your face?" Tanya asked as she sat down with the rest of the team.
"Nothing," I dismissed.
"So, why the fuck are we all here at this ungodly hour?" Leah demanded.
"Mr. Smith," I said, while Seth handed out copies of his case file. "If we win this he is willing to donate half a million dollars to E&G firm."
"Ohh, can you say pay day! I can just smell the money," Kyle grinned.
"Call in your twisted cops, bullshit forensic scientists and judges because we are going to need all the help we can get." I smirked.
Co-operate American ruled the world with a corrupt justice system and we were the fucking head of it.
A/N: Wow, feels good to be back! Happy New Years! lol The chapters will be a lot shorter so I can update faster but please read and review! Thanks to all who have followed Rampage!