All characters from the Twilight Saga belong to Stephanie Meyer.
I am only having a bit of fun and do not own or profit from any of
the characters/story.
Delivered
Chapter 2
We had finally explained how I had come to live with Peter and Charlotte and Jasper looked stunned.
"Wow" was all he said at first, and he looked overwhelmed. I would imagine that being an empath would be tough during a conversation like the one we just had. I hate reliving that night, or even those few months of my life. I can't honestly say that I 'liked' having Jasper manipulate my emotions, but it certainly helped me get through 'The Story' without collapsing. His was a very useful talent!
'The Story' was rarely discussed as it was extremely emotional for all of us. And it was those emotions - sadness, fear and loss that I could feel bubbling just under the surface. I was not looking forward to having the calming influence that Jasper was sending me cut off.
'Stop it!' I told myself. This is getting ridiculous! It has been two years and I am perfectly safe now. Still, it's hard not to let myself get pulled back into the atmosphere of those few months on the street.
I was really starting to get frustrated with myself when Jasper's smooth voice broke the silence.
"Bella, can I ask you a few questions? I don't want to offend any one but I am curious about a few things." I noticed that he had wiped the overwhelmed look from his face, almost like a mask.
I could feel myself being pulled in by his deep voice. I loved the hint of a southern accent that rolled off his tongue.
"Sure, Jasper!" I told him. "Please, feel free to ask me anything at all. I'm stronger than I look!"
And I couldn't help it, I winked at him. WINKED at him! It felt so natural to tease him this way. I looked up at him and saw a flash of surprise cross his face before he once again wiped the emotion from his face. 'I must finally be going crazy', I thought.
"Well…" Jasper started, "I am curious about how you are all able to live here together. How Peter and Charlotte are so damn comfortable with you, Bella. And also, how is it that you seem to be so comfortable with them, even knowing, like you do, that they live off the blood of fucking humans? Does it not affect you at all?"
I instantly heard a soft growl and darted my head in Peter's direction. He was glaring daggers at Jasper.
"You need to watch what and how you ask her questions, you Shit! Being an empath I am sure you can feel how hard this conversation has been on Bella. She hides it well, but you of all people…"
"I am sorry Peter. You are right." Jasper turned towards me, sliding off the couch onto one knee and carefully took one of my hands in his. His face softened as he looked up at me.
"Bella, please forgive me for being so forward and so horribly rude. I should have known better after feeling the emotions that have been coming from you since I got here. I am sincerely sorry that I allowed my curiosity and surprise to overrule my normally better behavior. I hope you can understand that this has all been a little bit of a shock."
Peter must have approved of Jasper's apology as I finally heard the low rumble in his chest come to a stop. However, he still looked like he was ready to jump off the couch and throttle Jasper if he didn't watch what he said. I still wasn't used to being cared for like this, but it made me feel so protected.
Charlotte moved a bit closer to her mate, and narrowed her eyes at Jasper with a warning look. "We understand you have a lot of questions Jasper and that you have had a bit of a shock, but we are both very protective of Bella. This is her home as much as it is ours. We love you both, but go easy or you'll answer to me!"
Jasper nodded his head towards Charlotte in understanding, and then finally let his eyes come back to meet mine.
"Bella, are you feeling up to continuing this conversation tonight, or would you like to wait until morning?"
"Really you guys, I'm fine." I assured them. "Jasper, I will let Peter and Charlotte answer the question you asked about how they can be so comfortable with me. I will answer the question that was directed at me but, I am sure you will have a lot more once I'm done. How about we get these out of the way, as they are fairly important, and then we can talk more in the morning after I've slept? I am only human after all!" I smiled at him, hoping to lighten the mood and assure everyone that I was not offended.
Jasper nodded in agreement and I watched as some of his blond hair fell over one of his golden eyes. As he swept the hair out of the way, and took his place back on the opposite couch, I answered the question that might be hard for some people to understand. Hell, it was hard for me to understand sometimes!
"Of course I am affected in some way by Peter's and Charlotte's diet." I started. "But Jasper, how can I judge them for something that is so natural for them? Something they were created to do? It would be like them getting pissed at me for taking a piss! How much sense does that make?"
Jasper snorted out a laugh. "See, this is exactly what I mean, Bella! Of course I don't judge them for doing what is only natural for a Vampire to do. But the big difference here is that I AM a Vampire. How is it that you, a human could be 'OK' with it? What happens if you get cut and bleed? Most humans naturally keep far away from us, but here you sit as comfortable as can be. Most humans would be horrified by what we are. Horrified with the amount of death I have caused."
I don't even think that Jasper realized he had referred to himself during that last rant, and as I could feel he was getting stressed again I decided to intervene before Peter or Charlotte beat me to it.
"Jasper, stop! Let me ask you something. Has anyone ever saved your life? Sacrificed everything, put everything on the line all for you?"
He glanced quickly between Peter and Charlotte, looked back at the floor and softly answered my question.
"Yes."
And there was so much emotion in that one word that I had to stop myself from pulling him to my chest and comforting him. But I had to make him see my side of this.
"Then you understand." I continued, "Jasper, Peter and Charlotte risked everything to take me in. I was homeless, underage, HUMAN and completely messed up in so many ways. They trusted me with their most sacred secrets. Things they could be killed for. Trusting them, being comfortable with them, well it just happens when so much is given so selflessly. This is the first time in a very long time that I have felt accepted unconditionally. How can I not return the favor?
Do you know how they hunt, Jasper? I mean, really know?"
I could tell he had started to answer with a smart ass reply, but thought better of it and just shook his head.
"They are compassionate, Jasper."
"…I know they are" he interrupted.
"Please, let me finish Jasper. There are Vampires out there who use their strength to terrorize people and enjoy the sadistic side of the hunt. Laugh off the kill. Peter and Charlotte are very selective with whom they feed off of, and they don't have to be. They choose to do this, even though it means that it takes longer and isn't always as satisfying.
They take the time to scout out people that are already close to dying, almost mercy killing. Or they stop criminals from committing violent crimes. Like with me." I added so quietly I was sure they would only hear me because of what they were.
"Jasper, I can't hate them for doing the exact thing that saved my life. They don't like it any better than I do, but it is who they are. I know that you have chosen to stay away from human blood, but that isn't for everyone." I was starting to get a bit heated, and felt a fresh wave of calm cover me.
I still wasn't sure I liked the emotional manipulation, but I think that in the current situation it was best to allow it. I took a few deep breaths, feeling the full strength of Jasper's power wash over me. I started to relax and finally looked over to Peter and Charlotte.
They looked like they would cry if that were possible. "Thank you, Bella" Charlotte said with her burgundy eyes glistening brightly. "We love you, too."
Peter didn't say anything, but the same emotion showed in his face and he leaned over to give me a comforting hug. "She's something else, isn't she Jasper?"
My brown eyes met his gold ones and we were both quiet for a few long seconds. "Yes, Peter she is definitely something else."
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I am so stoked that so many people read my first chapter. I hope I can live up to your expectations though! Please, if you feel I need work on something or have any suggestions I would love to hear about it.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and THANK YOU for my first reviews! Woo Hoo!
-Jules