Chapter One
Jasper
Darius had agreed to act as temporary leader of the Volturi until Eleazer decided of he was willing to take the job on. Our conversation on the subject had been an interesting one to say the least.
"I'm not at all sure about this Jasper. Taking the girls to live in Italy. You know what they are like."
"But in Volterra they would have plenty of male vampires to amuse themselves with and the countryside is full of wildlife. It would be good to have someone in charge who could present the vegetarian lifestyle as a viable alternative and you have a ready-made guard willing to take on the responsibilities of keeping the vampire world in order. I sense there's more behind your reluctance than just the girls. Is it Carmen?"
"No, she is happy to go along with whatever I decide. The problem is that if I took on the task I would like Carlisle Cullen to join me and I'm not sure you and the others of your party would be happy about that. Without Esme and the family he is lost but he has the makings of a really good leader."
"I understand that but it concerns me that with Carlisle in Volterra Edward would come slinking back. Do you think it's a good idea for him to do that? Carlisle has always indulged him and perhaps he might want a place on the ruling council. You know there are a lot of us who would strenuously object to that Eleazer."
"If I could guarantee that would not happen?"
"You'd have to run it by the others and could you make such an assurance?"
"Let me approach Carlisle at least, see what he has to say."
"Very well but no promises".
"I know."
Since then I had spoken to Darius and he seemed to think that with his presence he could keep Carlisle honest and Edward away from too much power so I was waiting to hear from Eleazer again.
Garrett was coming back here for a break while Emmett joined Peter who refused to give up the chase even when Charlotte begged him. I was finding out exactly how stubborn and single-minded he could really be. Lisa was here when he arrived and I could see the way she looked at him, he was easy on the eye admittedly but I thought there was a little more than lust going on here. He seemed to feel it too but instead of making himself scarce he actually found excuses to be in her company. I was intrigued so I asked Jasper,
"Do you think Garrett is sweet on Lisa?"
Jasper grinned,
"So you've noticed?"
"Yes, so he is?"
"I'm not sure Cade is going to approve."
"You're wrong you know. He wants her to be happy and if Garrett makes her happy he'll go along with it."
"I hope you're right because the emotions coming off the two of them could set a room alight."
It was a couple of days later that Lisa sat beside me drinking coffee and casually brought up the subject of Garrett,
"Is he staying long?"
"No idea, if he finds something interesting to keep him here I guess."
"Does he have a girlfriend or wife?"
She was trying hard to sound casual but I couldn't help a grin as I replied.
"No he's a lone wolf, why? Do I detect an interest?"
She looked round making sure no one else was close enough to hear her reply, little did she know!
"Well he is cute and he's funny without being a dork. Do you know much about him?"
"Not a lot, he's a close friend of Jazz and Peter, he comes from up North I think."
"Do you think he's even noticed me?"
"Why wouldn't he? You're bright and bubbly and pretty."
She laughed scornfully,
"Pretty? You need your eyes checking Marie or should I call you Bella now?"
"Bella. Talking about romance as we were how are Andy and Crystal getting along?"
She groaned,
"Its one of the reasons I come here so often, she almost lives at the house and they're talking about getting married. The thought of Crystal as a sister in law brings me out in a cold sweat. Oh yes, and talking about weddings when are you and Jazz going to tie the knot?"
"And have my father and his new wife here? Never."
"But you're engaged, haven't you told them yet?"
"No, I guess I'll have to eventually but I've been putting off the evil moment."
Garrett strolled in at this point and sat down picking up a book but watching us,
"Are you driving back this evening Lisa?"
"No, I've been invited to stay over why?"
"I thought you might like to go for a moonlight walk, it's a warm evening. You and Bella I meant."
I thought Lisa's face dropped a little as he added the last but I shrugged,
"I think I'll stay here if you don't mind I'm a bit tired but don't let me stop you two."
Garrett seemed unsure but Lisa jumped up,
"I'd love to Garrett, I'll just get my jacket."
Once she'd gone he turned to me,
"Would it bother you if I started a relationship with your friend?"
"As long as you don't hurt her then no. She's sweet on you."
"Did she tell you that? I like her, she's fun and she's not intimidated by my presence."
She came running back in and stopped me replying.
"Ready. You sure you don't mind Bella?"
I shook my head as Jasper wandered in coming to sit at my feet and laying his head on my knee so I could stroke his hair.
"Go."
Jasper
It was nice to be alone for a while, the girls had just left to hunt and now Garrett had taken Lisa off for a while we had the place to ourselves.
"Any news from Peter?"
"No, nothing new. He thinks she might be in Eastern Europe though."
"Does Peter think she's trying to reach the Romanians? Would they try for power?"
"They might. They have started to recruit again and there are a lot of nomads who hated the Volturi and think the Romanians would be easier on them than Eleazer or Darius."
"Would having Alice persuade them to make a bid?"
"It could but I'm more concerned about Alec's continued disappearance. I'd like to say he died in Volterra but I'm afraid that might be wishful thinking. Anyway lets talk about us, are you still happy for me to change you next week?"
"If nothing stops it then yes. I'm just sorry I couldn't give you a child after all, I feel a bit of a failure."
Bella
He shot to his feet and pulled me into his arms,
"Bella don't you ever even think that. I have you and that's far more than I deserve. I love you Bella and we have eternity together."
"Except for the first couple of years when I'm more likely to attack you than make love to you."
"It doesn't always last that long Bella. You are an unusual human so why should you be any different as a vampire? Besides we can do both!"
"Then I can cope I guess. Lisa was asking me about us getting married and I told her about Sue, we'll some of it and I decided I should tell them we're engaged. He is my dad after all and he doesn't need to know anything else."
"You think he won't want to visit. See you?"
"I hadn't thought of that but with Sue wearing the pants I doubt it, she dislikes me and she hates you. Do you think she'll tell the wolves? It's not as if they can do anything about it, its my life and they've left me alone so far."
"True but I wouldn't assume they'll keep their wet noses out forever. Still I guess you should tell your dad, your mum too."
"Now that scares me more, she's going to hit the roof, she hates young people marrying, says they are incapable of making such life changing decisions."
I was going to ring my dad that evening but Jazz had other ideas and we were soon otherwise occupied in bed, I could never get enough of my Jasper.