Jasper paced uncontrollably around the room, wearing a mark in the dark red carpet, as Seth watched on. A small whimper escaped Seth who, since they had been locked back into this room, had remained in his wolf form. Jasper sighed and nodded.
"I can't think clearly." Jasper whispered. Seth whined loudly. Jasper sighed and leaned against the wall.
"I can't think of a way out." Jasper murmured. He shook his head, Seth gave a short, inquisitive whine. Jasper turned and looked at him.
"There isn't a…a tactical way out of this, I can't figure out a way to sneak away undetected from every member of the Volturi." Jasper said, his brow furrowed as he thought. Seth jumped off the bed and began pacing as well. Seth growled softly at Jasper, Jasper realized what he was doing.
"Oops, I'm sorry, Seth." He quickly calmed himself and Seth jumped back onto the bed, curling up into a ball. Within minutes light snores had filled the room. Jasper chuckled and sat down on the edge of the bed. Jasper laid a hand on the sleeping Seth's head.
"It never ceases to amaze me how someone can fall asleep at a time like this." Jasper snickered. Jasper listened to a couple of the Volturi walk past the door and talking about, Jasper noted, a fight involving the whole of the Volturi to take care of some trouble-makers. Jasper sighed and stood up, walking toward the bathroom. He cupped water from the sink in his hands and splashed it over his face. He grabbed a towel and wet it before rubbing it over his aching bite wounds that still had venom on the edge of the wounds. Jasper winced slightly as the wounds stung. Jasper heard the door open and he quickly glided back to where Seth was sleeping. Alec was standing by the bed, staring at the sleeping Seth, Jasper stopped at the base of the bed.
"Alec." Jasper said simply. Alec turned towards Jasper. He gave a small nod before turning back to face Seth.
"Is he really sleeping, Jasper?" Alec asked lightly, Jasper nodded slightly. Alec looked at the wolf for a few more seconds.
"Aro wants to see you." Alec murmured. Jasper glanced at Seth, Alec smiled slightly.
"Seth is to stay here," Alec said. Jasper stared at him. "Aro's orders." Alec finished. Jasper nodded wearily. Alec turned on his heel and quickly left the room, Jasper walked after him. Alec held the door open as Jasper walked through. Alec closed the door and locked it, putting a key into his pocket. Jasper turned his head slightly as he watched Alec put the key in his pocket. Alec stalked ahead so Jasper followed, slightly behind Alec. Jasper followed Alec through the double wooden doors. The room was empty except for Aro, Marcus, Caius and Jane, and a couple of bodyguards. Aro was standing with Marcus and Caius, muttering to them. Alec gave a small cough before walking to Jane's side. Aro stopped talking and turned towards Jasper, smiling.
"So, young Jasper, have you figured out your choice yet?" Aro asked smoothly as he walked towards Jasper. Aro went to put his hand onto Jasper's shoulder but Jasper swiftly avoided it. Aro frowned slightly but quickly composed himself.
"It hasn't been a day yet, I still have time to think about it." Jasper said, staring at Aro. Aro smiled.
"Actually, as a matter of fact, it has been a day." Aro said, looking at someone over Jasper's shoulder. Jasper quickly spun around to see. Carlisle and Edward were standing by the door. Jasper looked at Edward. Carlisle walked into the room and stood by Jasper. Edward followed behind quickly. Edward stared at Jasper, confused. Jasper just stared at a space on the wall. Carlisle glanced briefly at his sons before turning to Aro.
"Aro, let them leave with us, please old friend." Carlisle pleaded. Marcus and Caius smirked. Aro smiled.
"But why, when young Jaspers' talents are so useful to me?" Aro asked. Carlisle frowned.
"You care deeply about Alice's wellbeing?" Carlisle asked. It was Aro's turn to be taken aback. Carlisle inclined his head.
"She is in hysterics and she cannot see anything anymore, she needs Jasper or I don't think she'll hold on for much longer." Carlisle said softly, his voice breaking at the end. Aro backed off slightly, he was deliberating his options.
"What?" Edward asked suddenly, he was staring at Aro.
"She won't do it?" Aro asked softly. Edward glared at Aro, his eyes blazing.
"No, I won't let her, ever." Edward answered coldly. Aro stared at Edward.
"Either of them and neither will I." Edward answered some unasked question. Carlisle turned to Edward.
"Edward, please." Carlisle murmured gently. Edward was shaking slightly. Carlisle glanced at Jasper. Edward calmed down instantly as did everyone else in the room. Aro sighed and Carlisle turned back to face him.
"I can't let him go; he'll be such a great asset." Aro said softly. Jasper stared at Edward, his eyes never breaking contact with Edward's. Edward finally sighed and nodded slightly.
"Carlisle?" Edward said gently. Carlisle turned to Edward, his golden eyes sparkling with concern. Edward shook his head.
"It's no use, he isn't going to budge." Edward muttered darkly.
"Wait!" Aro said suddenly. "What is Jaspers' decision?" Jasper winced and looked at Aro.
"I haven't made one." Jasper whispered hoarsely. Edward never had seen Jasper so vulnerable. Aro frowned and looked at Carlisle, extending a hand. Carlisle shook it. Aro offered his hand to Edward who refused to take it. Aro shrugged.
"I shall call for you when Jasper finally makes his decision." Aro said, glaring at Jasper. Carlisle thanked him before allowing himself a lingering stare at his son and then turning and leaving the room. Edward followed swiftly. Aro sighed and stared at the others in the room.
"Young Jasper, you really need to make a decision, do you understand?" Aro warned. Jasper lowered his head, staring at the floor.
"Jasper, you really need to answer when I ask you a question." Aro said coldly. Jasper fell to the floor yelling in pain as Jane used her talent, but this time with much more anger. After a few minutes of Jasper writhing around on the ground in pain, Aro told her to stop. Jasper stayed on the floor, shaking uncontrollably. The pain had been twenty times worse then usual. Aro stood up, sliding to Jaspers' side.
"I asked if you understood." Aro said. Jasper nodded. Aro smiled.
"And?" He asked, triumphant. Jasper, who was lying on his stomach, raised himself onto his elbows.
"I understand." Jasper murmured. Jasper slowly climbed to his feet, biting his bottom lip as pain shot up his arms. Jasper rubbed his upper left arm as Aro glided back to his seat. He sat down and smiled at Jasper.
"Now, now we are getting somewhere with you." He said. Jasper felt a snarl building in his chest, he quickly calmed himself. Aro stared at Jasper, thoughtfully, for a few more minutes. Jasper stared back at him, his hands bunched into fists. Marcus and Caius watched Jasper apprehensively. Aro stood up and smiled.
"I forgot about poor Maria," Aro laughed. Jasper growled and snarled. Aro's bodyguards tensed. Aro frowned.
"She hasn't been dealt with yet." Aro said slowly turning to Jane. Jane and Alec flitted from the room and within moments were back with Maria. Maria growled quietly at Jasper as she glided in. She stopped in front of Aro and stared at him, her eyes wide with fake fear. Jasper felt the confidence roll off her. Aro stood up and tutted as he walked around Maria's little form. He stopped in front of her and glared down at her.
"You went against my orders," Aro said. Maria gave a small nod. "And, actually, I have no need to keep you anymore." Aro declared walking over to Jasper who was completely still. Maria turned to him quickly, her confidence had faded and now fear was seeping through her.
"What?! But…but you need me to break Jasper in, like I have done before!" Maria stammered. Aro smiled at Jasper before walking back to Maria.
"No, I don't need you anymore," Aro said. "I will be taking care of young Jasper myself." He said fondly. Jasper winced slightly. Maria looked at Aro, fearfully.
"What? But, sir, you can't, I know my major better than anyone!" Maria pleaded. Jasper snarled.
"I'm not your major anymore! You don't know me better than anyone, Alice is the only one!" Jasper growled. Aro turned to Jasper, stared at him for a few seconds before turning back to the cowering Maria.
"Master?" Jane asked. Aro turned to Jane, smiling.
"Yes, dear one?" Aro said pleasantly.
"What are you planning to do?" She asked. Aro smiled.
"I know what you want, dear one, so go ahead." Aro said, backing away. Alec grabbed Jane's hand as Jane smiled at Maria. Maria fell to the ground screaming. After a while Aro motioned for Jane to stop. Maria stopped screaming, she turned to Jasper and glared at him hatefully.
"This is all your fault, you ungrateful fool…" Maria screamed at Jasper. "I hope your little wife dies!" Maria finished, her eyes glinting. Jasper snarled and launched himself at Maria, trying to rip her apart as much as he could.
"Jasper, stop!" Aro called out, alarmed. Jasper was pulled off Maria who was lying on the ground, giggling hysterically. Jasper turned his head around to see Caius and Marcus holding him tightly. Jasper let his head fall to his chest, ashamed that he was goaded so easily. Aro sighed and walked around to stand in front of Jasper. Jasper relaxed his muscles and Marcus and Caius let him go.
"Alec, I want you to take Jasper back to his room, he doesn't need to be here anymore." Aro said softly, watching Jasper's emotions with interest. Jasper followed Jane, stunned, as he went through the hallways. Aro watched after Jasper, somewhat concerned, before turning back to Maria and lowering himself into an attack crouch.
Jasper could already hear the ripping noises and the screams of Maria. Jane pulled a key out of a pocket in her robe and unlocked the door. She opened it and Jasper walked in slowly, Seth woke up and stared at Jasper as the door slammed shut behind him, muffling the screams. Jasper stared at Seth, unable to say anything. Jasper walked into the bathroom, shut the door and locked it. Jasper turned around and leant against the door. Jasper slid down the wooden door and sat, dazed, on the floor. He drew his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, he then rested his chin on his arms. Jasper stared at his reflection on the wall length mirror on the wall opposite. He felt so…disgusted with himself for letting Maria get to him.
"Alice," Jasper murmured, his throat tightening up with emotion. He realized how much he needed her to be with him. There was a soft knock on the door.
"Jasper, are you alright?" Seth's worried voice floated through the door. Jasper stood up and coughed, trying to get rid of the tightened feeling in his throat.
"Yes, Seth, I'm okay." Jasper said as he unlocked the door. He opened it to see Seth standing there, looking worried. Seth backed up a few steps as Jasper stepped past him and back into the room. Jasper quickly crossed to the other side of the room and walked to a bare corner, where he leant against the wall. Seth stared at him.
"What happened?" He asked gently. Jasper flinched and looked down at the floor.
"They wanted to know my decision, Carlisle and Edward were there." Jasper muttered. Seth stared him, wide eyed.
"I couldn't make a decision and Aro refuses to let us go, so Carlisle and Edward left." Jasper said with his eyes mysteriously blank.
"Aro decided again it was time to try and get me to…obey what he says," Jasper said darkly. "He got Jane onto me again but it was twenty times worse than usual, then Aro brought Maria in to get punished for going against his orders. Aro then told Maria that he had no use for her anymore…and that he could do the job of breaking me by himself." Jasper's empty stare flickered to Seth briefly.
"Jane was torturing Maria for a few moments then Maria turned to me and screamed that this was all my fault and that I was an ungrateful fool," Jasper sighed. "Then she told me that she hoped Alice would die," Seth growled quietly. Jasper continued as though Seth didn't do anything. "I cracked and lunged at her, trying to rip her apart when Marcus and Caius pulled me off her." Jasper trailed off, his eyes focusing slightly.
"What's happening to Maria now?" Seth asked.
"When Jane led me back here, Aro was ripping her apart." Jasper murmured, his voice distressed. Seth began feeling distressed also.
"Uh, Jasper?" Seth's voice shook. Jasper glanced at him.
"Sorry," He murmured, Seth calmed down instantly, he let out a sigh and sat down on the bed. Jasper glanced at Seth before he started to pace around the room. Seth watched him walk back and forth, back and forth. A couple of hours passed and there was a knock on the door before Jasper heard a key scrape in the lock and the door opened. Aro stood tall in the doorway with Marcus and Caius flanking either side of him. Seth moved back slightly, Jasper just turned and stared at him. Aro walked into the room and came to a stop in front of Jasper. Jasper looked up and glared at him.
"We are needed to deal with trouble makers, will you join us?" Aro asked Jasper, Jasper just glared at him. Aro sighed.
"I thought we talked about this before, Jasper." Aro said meaningfully. Jasper gave a small shudder.
"No, I'm not going to join you." Jasper answered grudgingly. Aro smiled.
"You may not join the Volturi, but come with us and help us deal with these trouble makers." Aro offered. Jasper's topaz eyes turned hard.
"No," He growled. Aro shrugged.
"Fine, we'll be back in a few days, one of the lower's will feed you soon." Aro said, before turning around, walking out and locking the door behind him. Soon the footsteps died away. Jasper turned to Seth, a smile playing at the edge of his lips. Seth was slightly taken aback.
"What?" Seth asked.
"I have a plan." Jasper grinned.
Edward and Carlisle got outside though not before hearing yells of pain. Carlisle grabbed Edward as he turned to go back.
"No, Edward, it isn't going to help him if we go back!" Carlisle said, his voice breaking. Edward turned to Carlisle, his eyes flashing. Edward took in Carlisle's broken face and relaxed.
"I'm sorry, Carlisle." Edward murmured softly. Carlisle said nothing as they climbed into the dark sedan with the dark tinted windows, and drove away.
"What was Jasper thinking about?" Carlisle asked a few minutes later.
"He has a plan to escape, but he doesn't know how long until he can put it into place." Edward said. Carlisle pulled up at the hotel that they were staying at. They got out of the car and met up with the rest of the family, except for Alice who was refusing to leave her room.
"What was Jasper's plan?" Carlisle asked as he and Edward walked towards everyone.
"Aro's most trusted, and maybe some less worthy, have a key to the Jasper's and Seth's room," Edward paused for a second as a group of chattering girls passed.
"The Volturi are planning a full scale attack on a group of trouble makers and when one of the Volturi goes into the room to feed Jazz and Seth, Jazz is going to get the key and he and Seth are getting out of there." Edward said, glancing at Carlisle.
"That is the outline of his plan anyway." Edward murmured at they approached the table that their family were sitting at. Carlisle nodded thoughtfully as he wrapped his wife in his arms. They sat down and watched as Jacob and Leah eat.
"I don't think it is necessary for all of us to be here." Carlisle said a few moments later, a low of hiss of outrage rose at his words. Carlisle held up a hand.
"Hear me out, Jasper has a plan and I think that a few of us should wait back in Forks just in case." A low murmur of agreement.
"Esme?" Carlisle sighed. Esme smiled and nodded.
"I'll take Rose and Leah back." Esme said with a meaningful look to Leah, Leah nodded in agreement. Carlisle turned to Edward.
"And Bella?" Carlisle asked softly. Edward nodded.
"She should be safer in Forks," Edward murmured. Esme stared at Carlisle, her golden eyes worried.
"What about Alice?" Esme asked quietly. Carlisle glanced at Edward.
"I'm not sure what she'll agree to." Carlisle murmured. Esme stood up.
"I'll go talk to her." Carlisle nodded.
"I'll start organizing the plane tickets." He said as he stood up and left, pulling his phone out. Emmet stared at Edward.
"What's up with Carlisle?" Emmet asked. Edward sighed, looking around the hotel foyer.
"As we were leaving," Edward sighed. "There were yells of pain coming from Aro's chamber," Edward turned away and watched a group of teenage girls walking past. Emmet stared at Edward.
"How'd you know it was Jazz?" He asked, his usually loud voice was quiet. Edward flinched.
"Aro's thoughts, he's now in charge of 'breaking' Jasper." Edward muttered darkly. Emmet snarled. Bella let a small moan and buried herself into Edward's arms.
"What about Maria?" Rose asked. Edward's golden eyes hardened and darkened.
"Aro was thinking about killing her, and knowing Aro, he probably has." Edward muttered darkly. Esme flitted back to the table.
"I talked Alice into coming back with us." She said, relieved. Edward gave a small smile. Carlisle walked back over.
"I have tickets booked for tomorrow for Esme, Alice, Bella, Rosalie and Leah." Carlisle said. Esme smiled, cuddling closer into his side.
"Edward, Emmet, Jacob and I will remain behind so we can help Jasper when he gets out." Carlisle said. Everyone went silent, each one silently worrying about Jasper and Seth.
Bella, Rose and Leah walked into the empty Cullen house with Esme following close behind with the non-talking Alice in her arms. Rose pressed a button on the phone and the built up number of voice messages played.
"Bella! It's your dad, will you please, please call me as soon as you get this?!" Charlie's irritated voice floated from the speaker. Bella stared at the phone in disbelief.
"Bella! I need to see you as soon as possible, please, Bells." Another five messages, each much more irritated than the last. Bella stared at Esme.
"I better go see what he is on about before he goes crazy." Bella said. Esme gave a small smile as she led Alice upstairs. Leah was raiding the kitchen.
Bella climbed into Edward's Volvo and quickly drove to Charlie's house. His cruiser was parked out front. Bella stopped the car and walked up the path. She opened the front door and went in slowly.
"Dad?" She called out nervously. Charlie appeared out of nowhere, looking worried.
"Bells, about time. How come you didn't respond to any of my phone calls?!" He asked, annoyed. Bella followed Charlie to the lounge room and sat down.
"What's wrong, Dad?" She asked gently. Charlie reached towards an envelope on the table. He pulled a piece of thin parchment out of it and handed to her, shuddering.
Bella read it, her eyes widening as she took in the words.
'My dearest Bella,
I know that if Edward had seen this letter, he would have kept it from you, so I write to your fathers' house instead. I ask you to join us, I know once Jasper finally agrees that he would benefit from company that he knows and, unfortunately, I know that the Cullen's would keep dear Alice away from me. The Volturi can use an asset like you, a perfect shield, or if you prefer you can trade yourself for young Seth, I know he wants to go home and that Jasper is having a hard time choosing between remaining with us and letting Seth go, or they both stay here for a very, very long time.
I look forward to hearing your response, my beautiful dearest Bella,
Aro…' Bella looked up from the letter towards her fathers' worried face.
"Bella, what is this?" He whispered. Bella sighed and stood up, pacing around the room. Charlie watched her.
"Bella, please tell me," Charlie begged. Bella rubbed her arms, worried. She turned to him, hesitant.
"Dad, I don't want to tell you, I don't want to involve you in this, to…endanger your life." Bella murmured. Charlie stared at her and jumped up.
"Bella, you tell me right now!" He demanded. Bella sighed and leaned against the back of the sofa.
"You know about Jacob right?" Bella asked slowly, Charlie shuddered, remembering how Jacob transformed in front of him.
"Well, this…sort of ties into it." Bella said softly. Bella paced around the room, unsure of what to tell him.
"I just want to call Carlisle for a second and ask him about something." Bella said, walking into the hallway and pulling out her phone, dialling Carlisles' number.
"Hello, Bella." Carlisle answered brightly. Bella smiled at his cheery tone.
"Hi, Carlisle," She sighed. Carlisle caught up on her tone straight away.
"Bella, what's wrong?" He asked, concerned.
"Don't tell Edward about this, but I got a letter from Aro, he sent it to my dad's house and my dad read it." Bella said quickly. A sharp intake of breath from Carlisle.
"It has stuff about Jasper and Seth written in it." Bella continued.
"And Charlie wants to know what it is all about, right?" Carlisle asked.
"Yeah, how much can I tell him?" Bella asked.
"I think it is time you filled him in, Bella, just try not to expose him about the Volturi too much…and tell him not to tell anyone else or he could be in danger from the Volturi." Carlisle answered wearily. Bella smiled.
"Thank you, Carlisle."
"I'm sorry that he had to find out about this." Carlisle murmured. Bella sighed.
"Yeah, I know, good luck with Jasper and be safe." Bella said. They both said goodbye and hung up. Bella walked back into the lounge where she found Charlie fidgeting nervously.
"Okay, Dad, this might freak you out a bit and I must ask you to keep what I'm about to tell you to yourself," Bella said. Charlie scowled.
"It's for your own safety, Dad." Bella murmured. Charlie stared at Bella. Bella took a deep breath.
"Okay, this might sound really weird, but I'm a vampire." Charlie burst out laughing. Bella sat down and sighed.
"Bells, come on, you're not serious?" Charlie asked. Bella glared at him.
"Dad, I am dead serious, you know werewolves exist, why won't you believe about vampires?" Bella asked, annoyed. Charlie stared at her.
"But, don't vampires suck people's blood and stuff like that?" He asked. Bella gave a small nod.
"Some of us do, but the Cullen's and I are what they classify as 'vegetarian vampires', it means we only feed off animals." Bella said. Charlie was speechless.
"B-but how? When?" Charlie asked.
"Do you remember when Edward and the Cullen's left?" Bella asked, by the look of Charlie's face, he did.
"Alice has visions and she saw me jumping off a cliff and mistakenly thought I was dead. There was a bit of confusion and Edward went to Italy, to find the Italian vampires, the most powerful vampires, called the Volturi. Aro is the head of the Volturi and he can read thoughts when he comes in contact with the person, anyway, Aro wants me to join them because I'm immune to all of their powers, like Edwards' and Aros' mind reading and Janes' and Alec' powers." Bella shuddered. "A few months ago, I was hunted by a vampire that wanted revenge against me for Edward killing her mate as a mean to protect me. I ended up being really badly hurt in the fight and to save me, Edward did the hardest thing possible, he turned me.
Aro also wanted Alice and Edward to join him and a couple of weeks ago, a few members of the Volturi came here and found Jasper, they wanted him to join them and he refused, Seth intervened and they were both captured and taken to the Volturi. Jasper doesn't want to join because if he does he won't be able to see Alice, his wife, for a couple of centuries probably." Charlie's face was blank as he processed this.
"And Seth?" He asked.
"Is stuck there until Jasper either agrees to join them or they both escape." Bella said. Charlie nodded.
"But you cannot tell anyone, because if you do, you probably will never see me again and the Volturi will come after you because you know." Bella said. Charlie put his head in his hands.
"What does being a vampire do to you, Bells?" Charlie asked. Bella smiled.
"I'm immortal, I have incredible speed, smell, hearing. It's quite cool actually." Bella laughed. Charlie stood up, hugging his daughter. Bella craned her neck away, holding her breath. Charlie let her go.
"Bella, what's wrong?" He asked, concerned. Bella gave an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry, I haven't hunted since before we went to Italy." Bella said. Charlie gave a small smile and backed away.
"I'm sorry," He apologized. "I never realised how cold your skin was before." Charlie said.
"That's because I'm a vampire, our skin is freezing because we have no blood flowing through our bodies." Charlie shuddered at the thought that his daughter did have a beating heart. Bella stayed for a couple more hours, filling Charlie in about the wolves, the Cullen's' histories and their powers.
"So let me get this straight, Alice can see the future," Bella gave a small cough.
"It's subjective; it can always change if that person changes that path." She said. Charlie nodded.
"Jasper can control emotional climates, Edward can read minds, you're a shield, Emmet is the strongest and Carlisle isn't affected when he smells human blood, did I get it all right?" Charlie asked. Bella smiled and nodded. She looked at the time and stood up.
"I should go and see how Alice is holding up." Bella said, hugging her dad.
"I'll see you soon, Bells." Charlie promised, hugging his daughter tightly. Bella was about to walk out the front door when Charlie stopped her.
"How much should I tell Renee?" He asked, Bella shook her head.
"Nothing, she doesn't need to know." She said, taking the letter from Charlie and pocketing it.
"I'll see you soon, Dad." Bella said softly, as she walked to the Volvo and climbed in. Waving to her dad, she quickly drove back to the Cullen's.
Okay, another chapter down…sorry if it took so long, but seeing as it was the last couple weeks of school for the term, I had a couple of last assignments to hand in and I went to a P!NK concert on Wednesday, so I got home late and couldn't update…Please read and review…I need more reviews!
Luv HGP