A/N: Well, here's the next chapter to Alternate. I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: ;)
Not one person or vampire could understand the attraction I had for Bella.
I, Jane, known to be the cruelest guard, had never felt so whole or content by someone's mere presence. Nothing can ever mean more to me any longer, besides torture.
Bella was my own personal torture. What with her distance and humanity. Her blood was so potent yet that wasn't what I craved, I craved her smile, her laugh, just her. Being without Bella was torturing me and I loved/hated every minute.
For two weeks I had been sitting in my room thinking about every moment I spent with the girl. She had consumed my every thought and feeling. I am unashamed to say I love my master, Aro, and my brother, Alec but I am a bit shameful to say I love a human, the weakest creature of the world. She has darkness to her and that I respect.
Before I could continue my thinking of my newfound love, Alec's scent wafted to my superior nose.
"Jane. May I enter?" I thought about what he would want but allowed him in.
"Come in, brother." He opened the door just enough for his body fit through and swiftly closed it behind him. I motioned for him to sit in the chair that caddy cornered my bed which I currently sat on.
"What is wrong with you, sister? Ever since the Cullens and the girl came, you've been neglecting your duties and been hiding away." I could see the concern in his eyes, though his voice and face was devoid of emotion. That's how we've both been since we were changed, stoic, until Bella came along.
"If you wish to laugh, I do not blame you." I said a little worried of his reaction. He nodded for me to go on.
"I have… found my mate." My head had been down in shame but as the words came out of my mouth I grew in confidence and looked him in the scarlet eye. What I saw was not mirth or disgust but joy and love.
"I would never laugh at such a thing. I thought we would be a, as the humans say, dynamic duo forever. Not that I disliked the idea but I cannot help but be jubilant, sister!" For the first time in centuries, a non-sadistic smile graced my boyish brother's face. My features began to mirror his and we stayed like that, staring at each other grinning, for a short time before the questions flowed from him.
"Tell me about this mate. Is it a he or she? Do they know of your feelings? May I meet them?" He questioned excitedly, excitedly for him that is, which isn't very prominent.
"Her name is Bella. I believe she is aware of my attraction towards her and you may meet her, as soon as I see her again." My voice became saddened towards my finish.
"One moment. She is that human girl that was with the Cullens?" All I did was nod my yes.
"Oh Jane, my apologies. She resides in that Podunk town of Spoons or something?" I chuckled at his mistake.
"She resides in Forks, brother, Forks. That is in a whole other country and I doubt master will let me visit her."
"Does he know of this mating?"
"Yes."
"I do believe he would understand, sister. Just go ask." I sighed, thinking of my next statement.
"I am not feared by asking Master, I am feared by Bella not liking my presence." Again, shame etched its way onto my face as I counted the threads on my sheet. My sharp ears caught an exasperated sigh emit from my beloved brother.
"Why would you convince yourself to conclude such a thing?" I caught his eyes and understood I was acting foolishly. If she was my true mate, she would love me to visit her.
"I will go ask Master now, then." I nodded determinedly and left my brother alone in my room. I travelled along the living quarters and heard unpleasant sounds of lovemaking coming from every other door. Though that was normal, it still did not make me any less disgusted. I finally arrived at my Master's office door. Without knocking I waited outside, knowing he would be aware of me.
"Enter, dear Jane." I did as I was told and pushed open the large wooden door.
His study was lined with bookshelves of endless heights. His round desk was placed in the middle of the large room, many books, papers and maps rested atop it. Master sat in a spinning chair behind his bureau, looking at me expectantly but still friendly.
"How may I help you, Jane?" I stepped in farther, closing the door behind me. With a nod I answered.
"Firstly, I apologize for not tending to my duties and know I deserve punishment."
"Oh darling, I know of your reasoning and I completely understand. I will not punish you for something this reasonable."
"Secondly, I would like to visit Forks. I cannot stay away from her this long without cracking, which you know not to be common for me." He seemed to contemplate this by stroking his chin and looking off.
"Fine. You have a month of freedom with your mate but I expect you to spy on the Cullens, as well. I do not trust them, especially after that silly Edward's spectacle." I offered him a genuine smile and my made my exit, ready to pack.
That same night I was on a jet heading straight to America. To say I was excited was an understatement. I had never been so ready to see anyone. I missed her dearly. The whole plane ride I thought about how I would make my presence known to her but not to her precious Cullens.
Once I arrived in Port Angeles at eight thirty at night, I sat in the passenger side of the black Mercedes that was waiting for me and directed them to take me to Seattle. I was to reside there for the month and figure my next move from there. The vehicle stopped in front of the hotel I was to be staying at and I went inside to check in.
How I hated to stay where the humans have, especially since I could see the residue of old stains, even in the presidential suite. Ignoring the stated, I decided to hunt before I went to Bella's home. I wandered the streets in black jeans and a button up, green shirt. It was crucial that I blended in with the humans or else I would be punished.
As I walked along a slum-like area of Seattle I saw a young man sitting an alley. I thought of him as easy prey so I made my move. I came to a stop in front of him. He was roughly twenty four and obviously living on the streets.
Oh how his misery would only become worse from this moment on.
I smiled devilishly at him and his blue eyes became mesmerized by my allure. He scratched his scruffy beard and attempted to primp his raggedy scraps of clothing.
"Why hello." I said maniacally. Before he could utter a word I used my power on him, at vampiric speed gagging him with his own sock, and watched him squirm in agony. I watched him for ten minutes before my hunger became too overbearing. I pierced the thin skin on his neck. Delicious blood flowed into my mouth, creating sweet ecstasy well within me, sating the beast.
I smiled as I released the drained life force and threw his body in a dumpster.
Purely on love's instinct, I ran towards my Bella. I was running faster and more purposefully than I ever had before. My instinct was right when I happened upon a small, quaint home, mostly secluded by the trees that reeked of Bella's scent. I walked through the backyard and smelled Edward's scent but I knew he was long gone.
A tree reached up and sat perfectly next to where I presumed Bella's room was located, her scent was most prominent in that area. I easily climbed the tree and sat on the branch that stretched towards her window.
I looked in to see her sitting on her bed, back to the window, meditating or something of the sort. Her breathing was even and calm, which led to my own sense of calm. Her chocolate colored hair reached her mid-back and came down in natural ringlets. My hands craved to touch such a beauteous treasure such as Bella.
Without warning her I unsealed her window, which was not locked. I lithely crawled through and sat in a rocking chair in the darkest corner of her room. Without looking back she spoke.
"If that's you Edward, I'm going to murder you viciously." With a smile I replied.
"And if it isn't?" She turned abruptly causing her to nearly fall off of her bed, weren't it for my fast reflexes. Bella's heart was beating rapidly and only increased its speed when she realized the proximity of our faces. A smirk crawled onto my face and I pecked her nose lightly before sitting her up right and sitting in a desk chair that was closer to her bed.
"Jane…. Jane!" Along with her realization, she threw herself into my arms in a needy embrace. I hugged gently but still fiercely for her.
"Hello, Bella." I pressed my face into her hair and inhaled, memorizing her. She remained in my arms until she curled onto my lap but resumed her original, rightful place of my arms.
"Oh, Jane. I have missed you so much. I can't believe you're here." I picked up footsteps coming up the stairs and towards Bella's room. I set her down on her bed and disappeared into her closet at top speed. I heard the door open to her room and realized it was her father.
"Bells? Who are you talking to? I thought I heard you say somebody's name." I could just imagine her disorientation and I nearly blew my cover by giggling.
"Oh no! I was just reading and I guess I got excited for my favorite character." She lied very smoothly.
"Oh alright. I'm heading over to Billy's for the night. We're going fishing in the morning and there's a game on tonight."
"Okay, goodnight." I paused until I knew he was out of earshot. I opened the door to see an expectant Bella on the other side. Without warning she wrapped her soft limbs around me and held me to her. My arms snaked around her waist and pulled her to me.
"Dearest Bella, do you know how much I have missed you?" She chuckled and replied lightheartedly.
"Probably about as much as I have missed you." She nuzzled my neck with her cute nose and caressed her cheek with my own.
"I didn't think I would see you again. I couldn't bear the thought." Bella's voice became saddened and I had to comfort my beloved. I moved us towards her twin bed and sat us down towards the center.
"I will not stand for such nonsense, Bella. I couldn't have stayed away even if I tried but I definitely do not want to. My heart pulls to you too much to deny." She removed her head from my shoulder and looked me in the eye.
Chocolate and crimson mingling together in an internal conversation, explaining what words cannot. Love was their message. I pressed my forehead against hers, never breaking the eye contact.
"Jane. I think I love you." My eyes shut and my heart grew to a size that was foreign to me. Her words were forever committed to my memory. I would replay this scene in my mind for many years to come.
"I know I am in love with you Bella. No matter the consequence, I love you. No matter the obstacle, no matter the distance." My lips hungrily pressed to the soft, plump, pink flesh of her lips. Our mouths danced for a minute or two before I pulled away, aware of her need for oxygen. She gulped in air and smiled satisfied at me, lids half-closed.
"Are you tired, my darling Bella?" Shaking her head in defiance, she yawned. I laughed at her adorable antics.
"I trust you are so I shall put you to bed, my lady." I stood with her in one arm, she squealed in surprise, and placed her under her thick blankets. My human's laughter filled the room. As I turned to turn off the light, her hand shot out to grab my wrist.
"Don't leave me, Jane. I just got you." Her words were thick with sleepiness and love. I swiftly turned off the light and lay beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist. My love snuggled her backside into me, effectively activating my sexual arousal. I leaned my face to her ear and kissed the shell of it.
"Sweet dreams, my dearest love. I shall be here in the morning." With that, her heart beat slowed and her breathing evened out. My keen eyes observed her through the night when a problem arose around five in the morning.
A Cullen was nearby.
I placed a gentle kiss on my Bella's sleeping lips and covered my scent, like I learned in my training for my guard position. I disappeared out of the house and towards my hotel room, completely disappointed for my lack of keeping to my word.
I knew I would see her the next night if not the next day but the wait would be almost too much to bear.
I knew as well that I had to try.
