Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the insanity included with it...sparkling vampires, really?
A/N: This is the last chapter that I am going to post for Immortal Battle for the time being. I'm going to concentrate on actually writing a bunch of chapters out so that way I can get more than one or two out to y'all..so be patient
On with the story
Chapter 3: Meeting Charlie Swan and Secrets Revealed
The flight home was actually pretty normal, apart from Edward's sulking. He was trying to prove me wrong. But I knew that Bella was not his mate for another reason. Bella was his singer, which automatically disqualified her as his mate. No matter how long he resisted, he would always want to drain her. Edward refused to listen.
As we drove towards Forks, Bella asked me how she was to explain her sudden disappearance. I just told her to let me do that talking. When we got to a certain point in Forks, I told Edward, "You go and hunt. Then return to your family's home and stay there. If you are not there when Alice and I get there, you will be dealing with the Major and believe me, you don't want to bring the Major out. Do you understand me boy?" He nodded and went into the forest. I drove on to Bella's house.
She had called her father when we had landed, but hadn't explained. All she told him was that she would explain when she got home. I kept her as calm as I could without turning her into a robot. Alice was bouncing in her seat like she knew something. I smirked at her crazy behavior and drove.
As I stopped in front of Bella's house, a man in his late thirties came out to greet us. Well, yell at us is more correct. As Bella's emotions became more erratic, my need to protect and help her rose. I took a deep breath, changed my appearance so that I would seem more 'human' and stepped out of the car. And that's when I felt it.
I had always felt jealous when I saw someone meet their mate. I longed to feel that pull that would tell me that I had found my mate. I knew that Bella would lead me to my mate, but I never expected my mate to be Chief Charlie Swan, Bella's father. Now I knew what Alice was giggling about in the car.
Then I felt the other pull that I never thought I would feel after I became a vampire. Charlie Swan was also my imprint. I had wondered what being a vampire would do to the shifter inside of me. Well, okay then. So Charlie Swan was not only my soul mate to the vampire inside me, but he was also my soul mate and imprint as far as the shifter inside me was concerned.
I collected my thoughts and said, " Chief Swan, I do apologize. Bella's sudden disappearance is my fault entirely." He was kind of startled at my appearance, but quickly collected himself and asked, "Who are you?" I blushed and said, "I'm sorry, my name is Peyton Whitlo0ck." "And how is Bella's disappearing act your fault?"
"Well Chief, Alice has been working for me in Italy for the past few months. She talked about Bella like a sister, how much she missed her and she wished she could see her. So, as Alice is my favorite and best employee, I sent her to grab Bella and bring her to Italy for a few days. It wasn't until Bella told me what happened here that I realized I had done wrong. I insisted that she come home and I came to make sure that she got home safely and to apologize for taking her out of the country without your permission."
Charlie seemed to believe what I told him because he came closer and said, "Well, Bella is eighteen, so she really didn't need my permission to go anywhere. It was just so sudden and I got worried. Thank you for bringing her home." I nodded and we shook hands. I turned to Alice and said, "Alice, Bella probably needs some sleep. Can you take her up to her room? I'll yell when I'm ready to go." She nodded and they went inside.
Charlie asked, "So you're related to Jasper?" "Yeah, he's my cousin. Actually he's the only person in my family beside my late father that likes me." When he asked what I meant, I said, "I'm half Quileute. Despite the times, my father's family doesn't like the fact that my mother was an Indian. Luckily Jasper and I are the only Whitlocks left besides his brother Peter, so we don't have to deal with their stupidity anymore." He then told me about the reservation near Forks. I would like to meet them, but I knew that Carlisle would probably have to make the introductions. I did wonder if the Alpha of the Pack was the same man I met a few years back.
I asked, "Would it bother you if a few of the Cullens stayed with Bella?" "As long as it's not that one boy, I don't mind. Why do you ask?" "Well I know that she's had a hard time sleeping, so I figured they could help. I know it's not proper, but Jasper could definitely help. He has a 'gift' you might say. If it's all right with you. He'll be a perfect gentleman, I promise you."
I sent him a nudge of trust. I had to get his permission for Jasper because they needed to talk and I knew that Charlie would be hesitant to let Bella out of his sight. He nodded and said, "Bella does need her sleep. As long as he behaves I don't have a problem." "Thank you, I'll let him know when we get to the house. This will also help Jasper too."
Charlie asked, "What do you mean?" "Well, the whole reason the Cullens left was because of Edward guilt-tripping Jasper. Well, that and Edward being a jerk. Then night of Bella's birthday, Bella cut her arm. Jasper has a rare form of hemophilia. It makes him crave blood. He had an episode that night because his idiot of a doctor cancelled his treatments because he thought that Jasper didn't need them."
I heard Alice giggle as she heard my story. I looked back at Charlie and continued, "So that night when Bella got cut, his disease kicked in due to lack of treatment. He felt so guilty afterwards and wanted to apologize, but Edward wouldn't let him. He twisted what happened into an excuse to break up with Bella. Jasper and Bella really need to talk to be honest."
He nodded and said, "I can understand that. Is his condition under control?" I smiled and said, "Yes, in fact he no longer has it. Carlisle was able to isolate a cure for his specific condition, so he's doing much better and ready to start living again." I looked at my watch and said, "It's getting late. I'd better get Alice home. Luckily the Cullens have invited me to stay. I really need a break from Italy."
He laughed and said, "Well it was nice to meet you Peyton. You are welcome to come over anytime you like." I nodded and yelled for Alice. As we walked to the car, I turned back to Charlie and said, "Jasper will be over in a bit. If you don't want to wait up for him, you can leave the door unlocked or a window open. Just a suggestion." He laughed and waved goodbye. Alice and I drove to the Cullen home.
As we drove, Alice asked me why I came up with the story I told Charlie. I said, "Well, the needed an excuse to come back, and Jasper needed a reason to be spending so much time with Bella." "True. As far as mine and Jasper's 'relationship' goes, Jasper can tell Charlie we ended things before I left for Italy. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I'm not going to dictate what people wear anymore. I'm sick of it myself and I think it's what Jasper needs anyway." We both started laughing and didn't stop until halfway up the drive.
I wanted to surprise Jasper, so I let Alice out about halfway from the house. She giggled and ran the rest of the way. Jasper and I had spoken a few times here and there, but we had not seen each other since our escape from Maria. Our reunion was going to be interesting.
As I drove, I changed my appearance to what I really looked like. All I really changed was that I had no scent so that I could sneak up on him. After I parked, I quickly got out and ran up to the house. I quietly snuck in and waited for my chance. Alice saw me and smirked. Jasper was in front of me and luckily I knew that he was changing clothes soon because he looked ridiculous.
I chuckled and said, "Damn cousin, don't you look pretty. Never would guess that a Major and a soldier was there in those clothes." Alice started laughing as Jasper turned to look. He asked, "Peyton, is that really you? What are you doing here?" I smirked and said, " Saving your mate and keeping your butt out of trouble, as usual."
Jasper laughed and we hugged. He then introduced me to the rest of the Cullens. Carlisle and Esme were welcoming, as were Emmett and Rosalie. Only Edward was hostile. As I walked around their home, I gave Esme several compliments on the decoration of the home. Not my particular style, but it suited them. Then I saw the bloodstained carpet.
Esme started to apologize, but I silenced her with a hiss. My eyes started to go black as my Sight kicked in. I was seeing Bella's birthday party. I was also able to feel everyone's emotions. Carlisle and Esme were feeling happiness and pride, Emmett was being very mischievous , which was normal. Rosalie was slightly bored, but also happy. Alice was being her usual bubbly self, but I also sensed resolve and a tiny bit of sadness. It was Jasper's emotions that made me realize what was going on. Determination, excitement, happiness, and love were consuming him. I realized that, had everything gone right that night, Jasper would have told Bella about them being mates that night.
As I watch, Jasper's anticipation was slowly rising. Then the paper cut happened. Jasper didn't even flinch as everyone's bloodlust hit him all at once. That's when I noticed Edward's emotions and behavior. Instead of going to Bella, he turned towards Jasper. Jasper's golden eyes met Edward's coal black ones. That's when I felt it. Suddenly the bloodlust in room became 100 times worse as Edward projected his bloodlust only towards Jasper.
Jasper still didn't flinch. His emotions reflected only what his instincts were telling him. Protect his mate at any cost. Edward felt it and projected bloodlust even more. That's when Jasper moved forward. And that's when Edward shoved Bella into the glass table. Everyone's bloodlust got worse and Jasper's instincts kicked in fully and he was seconds away from becoming the Major that I knew from the Wars.
He moved to protect Bella from all of them, but to everyone except Alice, it seemed to be that he was going to attack her. Emmett held him back enough for Carlisle to get to Bella to try and stop the bleeding. All I felt from Jasper was sorrow, concern, and love for his wounded mate.
I turned back to Edward. He was smirking a little and all I felt from him was satisfaction, disgust, and success. He had, in his mind, kept Jasper away from his Bella. He didn't love Bella. He just wanted to possess her. That's when the vision ended.
I heard growling and realized it was me. I could feel the venom pooling and knew my eyes were as black as night. I zeroed in on Edward and attacked. I pinned him to the wall shouting, "Betrayer!" I saw Jasper keeping them all back, knowing that I wasn't myself. The monster within me was out. Controlled, but out none the less. This was the Major I had warned Edward about. Guess she wanted to come out tonight after all.
I turned back to Edward, who was struggling in my grasp. Pussy. I said, "Traitor. You betrayed your own brother because he found his mate in the woman you supposedly loved. You wanted her that badly?" Alice said, 'Edward, I told you that she was Jasper's mate before we even met her. Please tell me that you didn't do this."
Carlisle jumped in by asking, "What did Edward do? And what do you mean Bella is Jasper's mate? I thought she was Edward's?"
I answered by saying, " Bella is Jasper's mate. She is Edward's singer, which means that she cannot be his mate. As for what Edward did, he used Jasper's gift against him by projecting his bloodlust towards him to try and make Jasper attack her. When Jasper moved towards her that night, he wasn't going to attack her. He was trying to get to her to protect her."
I turned back to Edward and said, " Also, Edward tried to control Bella. Your son tried and nearly succeeded in forcing her to be someone she's not. Do you realized that by law, I can execute you Edward? Keeping and controlling another vampire's mate is punishable by death in Volturi law."
I released Edward slightly and said, "Luckily for you, and your real mate, the Volturi have left your punishment in my hands. Right now, I don't want you going anywhere unless it's school or hunting. Also, you will need to make a VERY heartfelt and sincere apology to Bella, Jasper, and Bella's father for your behavior. Alice will give you the details of the story I told Charlie so you don't fuck up any of our lives anymore than you already have."
I released him completely and said, "Step out of line and your life is mine. Understand?" He nodded and stepped out of my sight as I calmed down. Once I felt normal, I turned back to the rest of the family. Jasper asked, "Are you okay?" I nodded and said, "I'm fine."
Carlisle came forward and said, " Thank you for my children. I know how difficult Aro can be." I nodded and asked," Will you make sure that he obeys my rules? I don't have time to babysit him. Also, just a suggestion, make him get a job. It would do him some good to interact more with the humans that he disregards so greatly." He and Esme assured me that he would obey and that they would consider my suggestion. I turned and saw that Rose was shaking and Emmett was trying to calm her.
I went up and asked, "Rose, what's wrong?" She took a deep breath and said, "What he was doing to her, it reminded me of Royce, the man who killed me." She then explained to me the circumstances that lead to her death. I understood what she meant, and her fear. If Edward and Bella had been together any longer, Bella would have become a shell of former self. A Stepford wife if an example is needed.
I gave her a quick hug and said, "Rose, if I could guess, you would never have let that happen. I think Bella should hear your story. It might help her understand you better." She smiled and then she and Emmett went upstairs. I knew that Rosalie and Bella would become friends and soon enough sisters.
Jasper asked, "So what now?" I smiled and said, "Well you have a date with a rather confused mate. She needs to know everything Jasper. Charlie is expecting you, so get a bag packed and take my car. Your motorcycle would probably not be welcome." He nodded and went upstairs.
I turned back to Carlisle and asked, "Do you mind showing me your hunting grounds? Something small should last me until tomorrow when I speak to the Alpha of the local Pack." "You know Sam?" I smiled as I realized that I was correct about the Alpha. I said," Sam and I met a few years ago when I passed through. The tribe on the reservation was very kind and welcoming."
Carlisle was silent for quite a while as he showed me where I could hunt and also while I fed. It wasn't until after I buried my kill that he asked, "How were you able to be on the reservation? Vampires aren't allowed." "Probably because I'm not fully a vampire. Shifters can tell."
At the look of confusion on his face, I laughed and said, " My mother was Quileute Indian. I inherited the shifter gene from her. I shifted when I was 16. Jasper and my father were the only ones that knew. Our sire found out when she bit me. It wasn't until I met the tribe and Pack that I learned my heritage and the ramifications of being both shifter and vampire."
Carlisle nodded and then asked," What is it you need to discuss with him?" "A lot actually. Bella's change for starters. If she isn't turned within the limit given to us by the Kings, they will come here and innocent blood will be spilled. Alice told me of your treaty by the way. I also need to discuss changing your diet rules with them." He was about to protest but I said, " It will be necessary Carlisle. Jasper nearly lost his mate because of the animal diet. It can dull a vampire's instinct so much that the basic instinct to protect will disappear. Your instinct to survive will also disappear Carlisle. I'm also doing this to save you and your family Carlisle. Aro is becoming less tolerable of your ways with each year that passes. I fear that he will destroy you if you don't change."
He still looked hesitant, so I said, "Carlisle, there is a way without losing your humanity. Hunt only those that have done wrong or those that are terminally ill and there is no hope left for them. I have a contact who gives me a list of people who have wrongly escaped the justice system and also those who don't have much longer to live. If you like, I will give him your name so you can get the same list."
He nodded slowly, still reeling from the fact that he would have to hunt humans or be destroyed just for wanting to retain his humanity. He changed the subject by asking if there was anything else I would have to talk to the Alpha about. I nodded and said, "Bella isn't the only one being turned. My mate will also be turned and the pack will have to be consulted."
"Why is that?" "My mate is Charlie Swan." The look of shock on his face told me that getting my mate turned was probably not going to be that easy. I figured it would be and I was ready for battle. I just hoped that the Pack and the Council would hear me out.
Carlisle and I went back to the house where Esme proceeded to show me to my room. Apparently Alice had seen a visitor coming, so she had prepared a room for me. I smiled, thanked her, and said good night. The water in the shower felt amazing and I almost didn't want to get out. A text from Jasper changed my mind for me. I quickly dried off and dressed for bed.
His text was joyful and happy. All he wrote was that she had accepted him and they would talk about her change with the entire family in the morning. I smiled and went to 'sleep'.
