"What the hell have I just done?" I thought to myself as I ran through the thick forest. I had to hunt. My brain was swirling with the intoxicating scent of Bella's blood. A wave of guilt crashed over me as I took down a large elk. The animal's blood could not satisfy the intense craving of her fascinating scent. As I finished with the creature, I heard I sound about a mile away. "Jasper!" Edward called from behind me. I was too embarrassed to look at my brother so I just turned away. My brother slowed to a stop just behind me. He put a hand on my shoulder. "Jasper, it's ok, I know you are still new to this life and your reaction was only normal. Bella doesn't blame you for what happened." A pained look came over his face. " I don't blame you." I squeezed the bridge of my nose. " I can't be the weak one anymore, Edward." I sighed. "You aren't weak, Jasper." he said " You are just more accustomed to that lifestyle than some of us" I started to run, but he stopped me. " You aren't weak, Jasper." I turned to him. " Then what do you call that, huh?!" I yelled. "I just tried to attack your girlfriend, all because of a paper cut!! What would you call it? Strength??" He paused. Then he spoke. "Do you remember when I first saw Bella?" he asked. Of course I did. The feelings of pure wanting and hatred rolling off of Edward was almost too much to bear. I was almost glad when he fled to Denali. " Ah. You do. "Then you must remember how I had so much trouble not killing her, I just stayed away." he sighed. " But once I connected her enticing smell with an intriguing personality… I just couldn't hurt her" I scraped my hiking boot on the ground. "It would help you too Jasper, getting to know Bella a bit better." A softness glazed over Edward's eyes that I only saw when he spoke of her. I could feel the pure love pouring off of him. I took a step back. " I want to be able to connect with Bella, b-but…" I stuttered. I never stutter. " She just smells so good" I dropped my head in my hands. "Yes" He sighed " That seems to be her only fault"
"The second she cut her finger I had to hold my breath" He looked ashamed. " I would still be there with her if I could handle it." I rose my head and looked him in the eye, for the first time since he'd found me. " I'm ready to go back" I said. My voice steady. "As am I, Carlisle must be finished suturing Bella's arm by now." We bolted from the site.
I had always been very good at keeping my thoughts concealed around Edward, and today was no different. I overlapped my thoughts and senses as we ran. What my brother didn't know couldn't hurt him. Or could it?