DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything Twilight Saga-related; Stephenie Meyer owns them all. I do wish I own Jasper though so I can have him as my personal hunky bodyguard.
AN: Thank you to those who reviewed and for those who love my story! Thank you also for subscribing to my story and for adding me to your list of favorites.
Cheiffer is pronounced as Keifer. I just thought CH was cute. I swear Cheiffer is hot. I tried posting my Vampire Wars Avatar link, but it just won't work. My avatar is so hot I am in love with him. Anyway, Twisted-Twilighter and NatalieLynn noticed the strange spelling of his name.
And NatalieLynn! Thanks so much for being my beta!=) Love yah, Nat!
(It's because of her that my chapters improved a lot! She also noticed that this story is having a slow start. Yeah, it is. =) I'm still building it up because unlike WBTAF, this one's sort of unplanned as I have mentioned in the first chapter. Please have patience with me)
Don't forget TwistedforTwilight's stories! I love her stories and her too!=)
Anyway, on to Chapter 4!
So far, Jasper couldn't feel any malice from the vampire, but due to his uncanny ability to detect even the slightest danger because of his past and because of Alice's phone call, he knew this vampire couldn't be trusted. After all, he wants Bella too. He would just have to play it cool since he couldn't just lose it and expose what he really is to Bella.
You are lucky, carrot-top,. Jasper thought while sending a glare at Cheiffer as he followed him and Bella towards the living room.
Jasper watched as Cheiffer sat down on a couch in the living room. Bella seemed to be so taken with him that she almost slipped again. Thank God for vampire reflexes, Cheiffer was able to steady her. Bella was blushing as she sat on the couch beside the one on which Cheiffer was seated. Jasper sat beside Bella, careful to stay at the other end of their couch.
Jasper monitored Cheiffer's emotions. He was feeling thirst, but Jasper could see he's currently under control. Cheiffer had not once glanced at Jasper since entering the house. The long-haired vampire was solely focused on Bella. Aside from mild thirst, Jasper could feel curiosity, amusement, and adoration coming from Cheiffer. Still Jasper could see the strained look on his face. Cheiffer is having a hard time with Bella's blood.
He's probably holding his breath like I did when I first caught her scent. I can't blame him, her blood is exquisite, Jasper thought to himself. He was still having a hard time too, but he knew he could control himself better than Cheiffer could. So you're not getting out of my sight, fucker. He glanced at the doorway through his peripheral vision, and shook his head at the sight of Jacob still standing in the doorway. Jasper showed pity towards him and sent a huge amount of emotions to bring him back to the present.
Sure enough, Jacob awoke from his daze and was now looking at the doorway with a confused look on his face. Jasper might have laughed if he hadn't seen Cheiffer looking at Jacob with a similar confused look on his face too. Jasper felt smug. Of course Cheiffer does not know that he is an empath. It was obvious that Cheiffer was surprised that his hypnosis didn't last long on Jacob.
Jacob caught Jasper's eyes, grinned and closed the door behind him. Jasper knew though, that whatever was said to Jacob when he was under Cheiffer's hypnosis will remain in his head just like his own instruction remained with Emmett.
He'd better not be Jacob's cous---
Jasper barely finished the sentence in his thoughts when Jacob sat between him and Bella and smiled at Cheiffer. "So what brought you here, cous?"
Jasper groaned. I thought so. Bella's mouth was agape as she looked from Jacob to Cheiffer.
"You're cousins?" she asked, clearly skeptical. Jasper had to stop himself from snickering. He couldn't blame Bella. At least he and Emmett almost have the passable same features, but Jacob and Cheiffer were really very different. Not even one of their features was the same. Not even their skin or hair color. While Cheiffer was as pale as ivory, Jacob's dark russet skin brought to mind maple leaves in autumn. While Cheiffer had red hair; Jacob's was black. And the list of contrasting qualities went on.
Jacob's confused tone when he answered Bella only added to the humor Jasper was already feeling inside. Jacob's "Yes?" to Bella's question sent Jasper into fits of laughter, which earned him a glare from Cheiffer and matching skeptical looks from Jacob and Bella.
Jasper smiled at them all before focusing his gaze on Bella. He felt smug as he saw her catch her breath . At least I still have an effect on her, he thought as he watched Bella blush furiously and look away from him. He could feel a little amount of lust, adoration, anger, and panic coming from her.
"Nothing. I just remembered something," Jasper said, trying to stop himself from laughing at the look on Jacob's face. His gaze fell on Cheiffer, who glared at him in return. Jasper smiled another dimpled one and heard a quickening heartbeat. He didn't need to look to see that it was Bella's.
Ignoring Bella, Jasper paid attention to Cheiffer. "Well, your hypnosis does not seem to work so well," Jasper whispered, loud enough for only Cheiffer to hear. Cheiffer looked at him with daggers in his eyes, but Jasper could feel his sudden doubt and uncertainty. After all, hypnotism is one thing that any vampire should do well, and if one couldn't do it well, there was something wrong with that vampire.
Of course I wouldn't tell him about my powers. I don't even know what he can do. If Alice hadn't called me, I would… Fuck. Alice. She… called me. I forgot about that.
"What, Jacob? You said he is your cousin? From what side? I mean Renee's obviously not a red head and of course we would all know him if he was related on her side of the family, and Billy's side is a definite no too!" Bella's voice made Jasper break his eye contact with Cheiffer. Jasper studied Bella. She's so perceptive. At least I can say that I wasn't given a complete lunatic for a singer after all.
Jacob couldn't think of any answers. Jasper could still feel his confusion. Cheiffer, however, had the presence of mind to answer Bella. She is getting quite suspicious of him.
"I'm from Billy's side, Bella," he said. Jasper admired his caution. He waited for more information, which he could feed on, so he could answer Bella with something that will make her less suspicious. "I was the son of Billy's cousin. Apparently, my Mom was a redhead and I lived in Alaska all my life so that explains my skin tone." Cheiffer smiled and Bella was slightly dazed.
The fucker dazzled her! Jasper thought as a small growl escaped his lips. He felt Cheiffer's smugness, which did little for his restraint. Jasper stood up and instinctively almost attacked Cheiffer when the front door burst open, revealing a grinning Emmett.
"Halo everyone!" His loud voice was like a voice magnified through a microphone. Jasper's nose crinkled at the smell coming from the boxes Emmett was holding. He caught Emmett's gaze and stood up to help him with his load. He tried not to grimace as he greeted him like an old buddy.
"Hi, Em. I see that pizza is on the menu tonight," he said, trying hard not to show his disgust at the smell. Emmett grinned at him. "Yeah. Double cheese. I had a craving so I needed to go out for it. Eat up, Jasper. You look to thin. Not so McCarty-ish," he said, looking at Jasper from foot to head. Jasper just shrugged as he followed Emmett towards the living room.
Any fucking minute now… Jasper thought smugly.
"WHO THE FUCKING HELL ARE YOU, DUDE?"
Jasper grinned satisfactorily.
---000---
Jasper was secretly glaring at Emmett. He had thought that Emmett would be playing the protective big brother and would not easily trust a stranger, but he was clearly wrong. The moment Jacob introduced Cheiffer as his cousin, Emmett had been very generous, offering the room next to his, and Jasper didn't feel any suspicion coming from Emmett. He easily trusted Cheiffer just like Jacob easily trusted him when they were introduced.
Looks can really be deceiving. This guy might be a huge bear, but he is a fucking little teddy bear inside. Jasper sighed.
"I didn't know you have a positive gene in your fucking DNA, Jake!" Emmett boomed out loud as he patted Jacob on his back. He looked at Cheiffer, who smiled a dazzling smile, pretending to size him up again. "I mean, Jake my man, look at his features. Are you sure he is your cousin?"
Jacob guffawed. "Are you switching to the other side, Em? I swear if I didn't know you better, I would say you are way too appreciative of my cousin," Jacob drawled lazily. Emmett opened his mouth to protest while Bella laughed and Jasper chuckled, but Jacob stuffed Emmett's mouth with a slice of pizza so big that he couldn't even make a sound. Jacob nodded approvingly at his handiwork and returned his attention back to his own slice.
"You know, Em, I can say the same for Jasper," Jacob declared as he chomped on his pizza, eyeing Jasper with a lazy grin attached to his face. Emmett chewed furiously so he can counter whatever Jacob was about to say. Bella looked at Jacob curiously. Jasper's eyebrow rose, which made Jacob's grin widen.
"Yeah, Jasper man, if not for the muscles, the dimples, and the skin color, I wouldn't believe you are cousins either," Jacob announced casually. Jasper felt nervous for a moment until he reached out to feel Jacob's emotions. He relaxed a bit when all he felt was humor.
"You know what, Jake, you are right," Emmett said, his mouth now free to talk. "I mean look, my side of the family seems to have gotten all the handsome looks and everything," he finished as he got another slice of pizza from the box. He looked at Jasper and smiled, looking apologetic. "No offense, man. You're good looking and all, but I just seemed to have a few advantages." Jasper stopped himself from retorting. He is quite enjoying this conversation. I fucking miss Edward, Kate, and Rosalie. He thought sadly as he listened to the brothers' bickering.
Then he felt it. Bella. He could see she was looking at him again. He can feel her fascination and awe.
Jasper sighed. This woman's freaking me out. What is so fascinating about me? I mean I know, we vampires are beautiful creatures, but she's been staring at me like I'm some food she wants a taste of. He smirked at himself. Oh the irony of that one.
Jacob's laugh brought Jasper back to the conversation. "Em, man, you got me all wrong! I was talking about Jasper's good genes! I mean he obviously has the better version of your features." Emmett opened his mouth to say something, but Jacob stopped him. Bella looked amused. Cheiffer remained quiet.
"Look man, while your hair is curly and looks like the fucking brown toilet brush Bella just bought last week, Jasper's is more tamed, wavy and blonde," Jacob said casually, which earned him a giggle from Bella. "While your dimples are like that of a school boy's that can only catch the attention of married teachers and lonely, old school librarians and principals, Jasper's are more manly and can attract hot and lonely ladies at expensive bars and from sorority dorms."
"What the heck---" Emmett started, but Jacob cut his words as he looked at Bella, who was surprised at Jacob's sudden, malicious stares.
"… hell, he even caught Belle Dandy's eyes, and it's hard to catch her eyes," Jacob finished, winking at Bella. Bella blushed scarlet, and Jasper saw Cheiffer stiffen. He became alert, ready to spring into action if Cheiffer could not control his bloodlust. He monitored Cheiffer's emotions, but he also made himself listen to Bella's defensiveness.
"Hell, I don't! What are you talking about," Bella was saying. She was so red in the face that Jasper was surprised he was still in control. And so was Cheiffer. He thought, astonished. Jasper glanced back at him, and Cheiffer looked relaxed.
This is so confusing. Awhile ago, he seemed unstable, and now when Bella's subconsciously offering herself by sporting that delicious color, he is suddenly in control? There really is something---
"Whatever, Jacob! Emmett!" Jasper's words were cut by Bella's voice. He can feel her embarrassment. Bella stuck a tongue out at her brothers and turned to walk away.
Very mature, Isabella. Very mature indeed. Jasper thought, smiling to himself.
Jasper saw Bella give Cheiffer an embarrassed smile. Cheiffer just nodded and smiled an award-winning smile. Bella blushed furiously. Her embarrassment spiked.
Then she shyly glanced at Jasper. Jasper gave her one of his own dazzling smiles, making sure he was shoving his blonde waves out of his face. Women had always loved that gesture.
To Jasper's satisfaction, Bella seemed more than dazzled. Jacob has to clear his throat so Bella can wake up from her dreamlike state. She blushed when she realized she had been gaping at Jasper, excused herself, and hurriedly went upstairs, tripping only twice along the way.
Jacob and Emmett were still laughing at Bella as they finished the pizza. Jasper caught Cheiffer's eyes. He tried to read his emotions again, but all he felt from him was boredom.
Then Cheiffer stood up. Jasper's senses were all instantly more alert. But Cheiffer just smiled. "I'll go out for a bit. I'm a night creature, you know. I'll come back in a bit." He looked at Jacob and Emmett, who nodded, and met Jasper's gaze. They looked at each other for quite a long time.
Jacob and Emmett, who were both still laughing, were oblivious to the tension between the two vampires. Cheiffer broke the contact first and went out of the house. Jasper can feel his smugness.
Why wouldn't he? He can come in and come out every time he wants too, now. Jasper thought as he listened for Cheiffer's presence. He was nowhere near now.
Jasper stood up, pretending to yawn. He said good night to Bella's brothers and made sure they saw him climb up the stairs. Once he reached the second floor, he first checked to make certain that Bella was safe inside her room. He could feel a lot of emotions coming from her, but nothing too extreme. Satisfied, he then checked the floor for other unwanted vampire smells. Finding nothing, he went to his room and climbed out of his window to follow Cheiffer's scent.
---000---
It had been different since Jasper left. The mansion had been awfully quiet without him. He was never the joker of the family, but Jasper had always given them a sense of comfort, security, and peace. Edward stopped playing the piano as he gazed at the faces of his family. They were all in the living room (except for Carlisle, the father figure of this coven and Rosalie, one of his sisters), minding their own business and not talking to each other. It was the usual picture since Jasper left. Since Edward could read all their minds, he was the one most affected. They may not be talking aloud, but their thoughts were too much for him to bear right now.
This is one of the moments I wish Jasper was here, Edward sighed. He and Jasper often tag teamed since Jasper could feel every emotion while he could read every thought. They usually helped each other when it got to be more than one of them could bear. When Jasper felt very strong emotions that he couldn't bear, Edward would step in to ease whatever was bothering that person since he could read their mind. On the other hand, when Edward had too many thoughts floating around him and couldn't even tell what his own thoughts were, Jasper would send whatever appropriate emotion would slow down the thoughts so Edward could settle down too.
And now, I have to do it all alone, Edward thought as he took an unnecessary deep breath. He tried to concentrate on his family's thoughts one by one.
He frowned as he read Esme's thoughts. Esme was the mother figure of the family. She has always seen the good in everyone and she has the maternal instinct that never failed to show them how much she cared. It was hard for Edward to hear how much Esme was suffering from what was happening. He knew she couldn't stand even just the thought of someone leaving the family; Jasper's leaving has caused her enough sadness to make Edward thankful he wasn't an empath.
Esme was worried about the safety of the whole family, but she was more worried about Jasper. He might have had much better control now over human blood than before, but the one he sought after was his singer, and Esme was worried what that might do to him. Though Esme was more worried about them. The vampires that were sent by other clans to stalk the other covens to see if they have found their savior for the vampire wars: the singer of the fighter of the coven.
Edward shook his head as he focused on Alice's thoughts. His brows furrowed. The little pixie he called a sister was thinking about random things again. She was thinking like that too much lately. She only does that whenever she doesn't want him to catch something in her head. I know she is hiding something, Edward thought as he looked at Alice, who was gazing out of the window. Edward had caught snippets of things on her mind and picked up something than finally revealed that Alice was up to something: she had called Jasper regarding a warning. But before Edward could pick up anything more, Alice's thoughts returned to random things again. Also, she was always out of the house. She doesn't want me to see her visions even. Edward thought, frustrated. But I trust her. She will not put the family in danger. If she sees something bad, I'm sure she'll say it.
Edward felt a light squeeze on his hand. He turned and caught Kate's loving gaze. He hadn't heard her sit beside him on the piano bench. He felt a little guilty for unintentionally ignoring her these past few days, but Carlisle needed his help since Jasper was gone. He needed to be the protector of this family since Carlisle was either at the hospital where he worked as a doctor or in a meeting. He needed to focus on the whole family, and it was a big responsibility.
Edward smiled back at Kate, tucking a lock of brown hair behind her ear. "I was just reading everyone's minds," he said loud enough for Kate to hear. "I'm sorry about this, Kate. After all this, we're off on our second honeymoon," he promised. Kate squeezed his hand she still held.
"I understand. I love this family as much as you love it," she said, smiling. Then as fast as the smile appeared, it was gone and replaced by a frown. Edward cupped her chin.
"What's the matter, Kate?" he asked worriedly.
"It's Rosalie. We all miss Jasper, but she's been the most affected of us all. She won't even talk to me for long. She misses her brother badly," Kate said with sadness in her voice. "If only she could call him she'd be okay. But even phone calls were prohibited by Carlisle. He said it was Jasper's idea."
Edward pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head. "She has to understand." Kate nodded.
"She does, but it doesn't stop her from worrying over him." Kate answered. "I hope helping Carlisle at the hospital today will help divert her attention," Kate muttered.
Edward stiffened. "What do you mean hospital?" he looked at Kate. Kate frowned.
"Rosalie went to the hospital to---" Kate stopped in mid-sentence as she looked at Edward. Her eyes were wide. Edward nodded when he read what she was thinking.
"Rosalie doesn't go to the hospital. She hates seeing people suffering." Edward said seriously as he stood up and dialed a number. Alice and Esme had heard the tone of his voice, and they both looked at him in inquiry.
"Esme, Alice, Kate," he addressed the women in front of him kindly with his phone pressed to his ear. "Please go check the house and Rosalie's room. I'm calling Carlisle at the hospital. Rosalie might indeed be there. After all, she hasn't been herself for the past few days."
The three women nodded and disappeared before him. Carlisle answered after a few seconds.
"Hello, Edward? Is everything all right?" His father's voice was worried.
Edward sighed. "We're not sure at the moment, Carlisle. But I'd like to ask something, is Rosalie with you?"
Carlisle's tone was completely shocked. "Rosalie? Why would she be here? No, she's not here. Is everything okay, son? Son? Edward?"
"Uh, I'll call you in a while, Carlisle," Edward said and ended the call as he saw the three women approaching him. The looks on their faces said it all without any of them saying a word.
"Her scent is faint in the house; even in her room." Esme said, already sobbing dry tears. Alice was holding her. Kate handed Edward a small piece of paper.
"Found it tucked on her window sill."
Edward opened the note.
I am finding my brother. Do not look for me. I'll call you when I found him. And I will find him. Take care.
Rosalie
---000---
Cheiffer finished his call immediately when he heard Jasper coming. He knew that Jasper could not be easily fooled by his cool demeanor. He had been warned.
'Don't relax and don't think even for one second that you have fooled him. You can't fool someone like him so easily. Be careful. You don't want to destroy everything if he easily figures out your intentions. You are good at this, Cheiffer, especially in masking emotions. That's why I chose you. But even then, do not get over confident. Even just by looking at you, he can easily tell whether he can trust you or not. '
The warning was true. The moment Jasper saw him, Cheiffer saw how suspicious he was. But he knew how to deal with him. He knows about his empathic ability.
'You need to confuse him, Cheiffer. Show him different emotions.'
That's what he did. Yes, Bella's blood is so sweet it would have sent any vampire into an immediate frenzy, but he was not a human drinker. He loved the smell of human blood, but it had long since grown on him. It was more like a favorite perfume to him, than it was like food. But, he had to let Jasper feel his bloodlust. To show him he can be a danger. Then he reigned in that emotion and showed what he really felt: that he was in control. The look on Jasper's face was one of unresolved puzzlement.
And who hasn't heard of The Major? He asked himself. All vampires, new and old, had heard about the key players during the first vampire wars. The Major was one of the most prominent figures. He was even more popular than his sire. He admitted he was scared when he first met him awhile ago. He had to immediately mask that feeling so he couldn't read them.
"Never mess with him, Cheiffer. Give him a few reasons to trust you, but not too much that you will be too friendly. You see, Cheiffer, the Major can be your worst enemy, but he can also be your best friend. You wouldn't want to get too attached, though. It will behoove you to leave after your mission is complete unless you want to get involved in what's coming. The Major will be a big player once again in the coming wars."
And Cheiffer agreed. Every vampire knew what the next vampire wars would entail. Every vampire, nomads or covens, would be involved. He could not be an exemption, but he could also not be a major participant.
"You should just know which side to choose, Cheiffer and you will live."
Cheiffer sighed. The vampire who sent him had been mysterious, but he never dared to ask for that vampire to elaborate. All he knew is that he could trust that vampire. In exchange of his ensured safety, he agreed to help that vampire just for this mission. He wanted to live. He may hate this damned life, but since he had no other life, he learned to love it. He, as a nomad, has the least chance of survival in the coming wars. But the vampire who sent him ensured his safety and had offered him a place in their coven until after the war.
That vampire has a reason for me to believe every word. Cheiffer thought.
Here he comes… five—four--- three--- two---
"Cheiffer."
Cheiffer turned around to face him.
"Hello, Major Whitlock."
AN: I just wanted to visit the Cullen family for a while.
I know some of you are thinking where the romance is between Jasper and Bella, and all I can say is, it would not be seen yet. After all, Jasper is still head over heels for Alice. Yes, Bella is attracted to him, who wouldn't be right? But for now that is all there is. But I assure you it will come to that. =) I also know there is too little of Bella here. You'll see most of her on the next chapter. I just want to set a foundation for something in this chapter.
So, where do you think Rosalie had gone? And who do you think sent Cheiffer?
By the way, I'll be updating my stories every weekend after this one, but alternately. So you'll get two updates for each story every month. I am applying for a permanent job now (I've been a freelance writer for almost a year now) so I'm having job interviews thus the late posts.
Thanks for the support! Please review.=)
