Authors Note: So thanks again for reads and reviews, I know I say this for each chapter but I really do appreciate it :)

krystal214: Thanks for the review, I'm sorry the last one fritzed out :P weird, and Adam will be smiling soon, I am glad you are liking the story, I have so much more to put in and so many things to resolve I am really excited. :D

KayJay112: I think that it would be too hard for the Cullens not to know about Jasper's past, afterall he was involved with Alice for so long and Edward is a mind reader. I think they should have some awareness, but definitely some Jasper/Edward conflict in the future :} As always thanks for your ideas, they are very helpful!

kelliewhitlocktownsend23: Thanks for reviewing! I am planning on continuing this story for awhile so I might have to amend my original statement of finishing this by the end of break lol, there is just too much to put in. :) And I am glad you like it, if you have any ideas don't hesitate to throw them in, I always appreciate them, happy holidays! :)

viola1701e: That is an interesting twist, I'll have to consider that one, I admit I am not always an Edward fan but I do like the rest of the Cullens... but hmm... that is a good idea. I'll be thinking about that, thanks for the review! :)

Angelvnzl: Adam's part is not over yet :) And he will not leave them completely alone either, I have good things in store for him. Thanks for reviewing!

Chapter 7: Convictions

Adam stood uncertainly at the cliffside. He was not sure what to do. He was losing Isabella to the Major… A part of him wanted to take her back, but it was a small part. The dominant part willed him to let her go and find happiness and love again. Isabella would always have a loyal friend in him but he did not need to stay any longer.

He brushed his dark hair out of his face and stared off into the distance. He wanted to leave, to make a clean break with her, he was sure she would hardly notice his absence now that she had the Major. But he wondered if he was being cowardly… what would happen if he stayed? Would he follow her around like a little puppy? Would he be hiding in the shadows protecting her?

He felt shame at the thought. He had always been the loyal companion, the sidekick, the right-hand man. Never had he been the one to call the shots, or get the girl. Always leaving when people didn't need him anymore, when they moved on or when he deemed it necessary to move on. He always stood on the dark, never stepping into the spotlight.

But he wanted to. He wanted to stand out, have someone notice and love him. He wanted someone to see him as the hero. He wanted someone that needed him, and wouldn't leave him.

His phone rang suddenly, jolting him out of his melancholy thoughts.

He brought it to his ear pressing the answer button.

"Hello?"

A bright enchanting bell-like voice answered him.

"Hi Adam, my name is Alice."

Isabella melted in Jasper's arms. She felt warm, secure, and loved.

His lips tugged at hers gently and she readily responded to his sweet attentions.

Jasper was leaned against the corner of the small sofa, she rested across his lap with one of his arms tightly wrapped around her waist, the other reached around her shoulder and his fingers buried themselves in her dark hair. Her hands rested softly against his chest, their lips met in a passionately sweet embrace.

This was love; the ethereal butterfly feeling lifting her from her worries and igniting her with affection and desire. She'd never felt this before, it raced through her body banishing all dark sorrows and pain, leaving contentedness and warmth in their place.

She felt Jasper smile against her lips and she pulled away, curious to see his smile.

She stared at him in wonder, he was beautiful. It looked as if he was glowing; perfect white teeth stood out against his pale skin, blonde hair hung in shining waves, golden eyes gleamed with affection and enchantment. His strong jaw line just begged to be kissed and she traced her lithe fingers along it and down his neck. He almost purred with content. She felt the rumble in his chest and smiled.

Then his face grew more serious and he placed both hands on her back, still holding her close but left space between them so they could talk and look at each other simultaneously.

"Do you know what the vampire mating bond is Isabella?"

She shook her head, she had a vague idea but she wanted clarification and an explanation for why she felt so complete with him.

Jasper sighed and began explaining.

"For us, it is kind of like true love… vampires mate for life, as you know, and the bond connects us body, mind, and soul, so that we may know each other for eternity. If one of the mated were to die, the other would soon follow because it joins our souls. We are tormented creatures, Isabella. But the bond prevents us from becoming cold-hearted and counters the pain, it gives us love that burns out the darkness that cripples us inside."

He thumb brushed her chin gently and he gave a quick smile before continuing.

"This bond allows mates to feel one another, much like my empathic powers, and most importantly, understand one another. Human relationships fade with time because people change all the time, they gain and lose understanding of one another and that is what destroys relationships. But vampires are with each other for eternity, so understanding is what the bond gifts us with, and it gives us someone to help us through our torment and pain no matter how crippling it is… That is the bond."

Isabella felt the bond stir inside her and she felt Jasper's appreciation for it. Where most believed that vampires were doomed forsaken creatures of darkness, they were given a gift to help them throughout their perpetuity. The bond was what helped them prevail against their inner demons, and for that Jasper was grateful because he knew that Isabella was haunted with iniquitous demons and would need their bond to survive.

"So the bond does not create artificial love?" she asked hesitantly.

He answered softly, "No darlin', the love is already in us whether it is recognized or not, the bond only enhances it and helps us understand one another and accept."

She exhaled in relief; she didn't want to have loved Jasper only because he was her bond-mate. He was so good and gentle, she couldn't imagine not loving him but it was a relief to know that it was still her own feelings that ruled her, not artificial ones. She was also glad that he loved her without coercion. She panicked at the thought, it would have been too much if it were that he only loved her because he was forced to, that would've broken her heart further.

Jasper's brow furrowed in concern, "Did you doubt that I loved you truly Isabella?"

She winced. When put like that it sounded ridiculous.

She nodded, ashamed, "The pain was going away too fast… my feelings for you came so strong and quickly… I-I just had difficulty in believing in their authenticity."

"Do you doubt me now?" he inquired, golden eyes peering at her worriedly.

She shook her head again gently, "Not anymore…"

His concerned brow disappeared into a smile once more and she felt her lips curve up in response.

Jasper was quickly falling in love with Isabella's smile, she glowed with effervescence and the sorrow dissipated from her eyes whenever she smiled.

If only he could make her smile all the time… but he had one more matter of importance to discuss before they rested for the night. The family would have to make amends with her, he was loathe to share her with them but he knew they suffered while she was still away and knowing that he could ease his family's sufferings obliged him to bring Isabella home again.

He knew she still missed them as well…

"Isabella, I have one more thing I need to ask you before we do anything else…" he began reluctantly.

"Would you like to see the family again?"

Dead silence filled the air as he waited for her answer. He felt her stiffen and stop breathing. Moments passed, feeling like hours before she whispered her response.

"…Yes…" she breathed out raggedly.

He felt pride rear up in his chest for her, even though she knew this would cause her more pain, she was willing to face it.

"I will be with you the entire time, and if you feel that you cannot handle it then we can leave and go spend some time away by ourselves," he assured her.

"It is alright if you feel you cannot do this for any reason, Isabella."

Jasper didn't want to pressure her, she was so fragile now, any mistakes made by him could be dire for her…and consequently himself.

"I… want to see them, Jasper," she declared, worry glazing her eyes.

"When would you like to go?"

"The sooner the better…" her quiet whisper ghosted to his ears.

He stroked her cheek and replied softly, "I will start making arrangements tomorrow… Thank you Isabella."

She looked up at him, venom once again lining her eyes, and buried her face in his shoulder. His arms wrapped around her automatically and stroked her back comfortingly.

She shuddered in his arms and he felt a rush of hatred towards Edward for leaving her… That was what had prompted all of these events. If only they had stayed, she would never have suffered or known such heartache. Eventually, he and Isabella would have gotten together, because mates would recognize each other despite other love interests. And she would have been whole instead of broken.

Adam flipped his phone repetitively in his hand, staring out at the ocean, recalling his conversation with Alice.

She had told him that she could see the future and he needed to stay with the Major and Isabella, for now. He supposed he believed that she could see the future, otherwise how would she know he had been thinking about leaving them?

So he would stay and follow them to their next destination… And hopefully meet Alice. Her voice had been enchanting, so genuine and kind, she was so full of life; it was quite unusual for a vampire. He was intrigued by her and was now eager to make her acquaintance.

She'd also said that she was a close friend of the Major's, and anyone who the Major liked had to be decent.

He resolved to go find Isabella and the Major and follow their lead.

He tracked their scent to an old mansion buried in the forest. As he approached the door he heard Isabella's sweet voice and he dearly hoped she would not send him away. The Major answered the door and allowed him entrance, calling to Isabella to greet him.

She flitted into the hall and her face alighted with a smile at the sight of him.

"Adam," she rushed into his arms and he embraced her tightly. He'd missed her taking comfort in his arms and he was amazed at the change in her demeanor since yesterday.

Already he could visibly see that she was more content, more peaceful. The sorrow in her eyes had dissipated, she actually smiled, a true genuine smile, not a heartbroken one. He stroked her back comfortingly before pulling away, noting the Major's tense stance. He decided to announce his intentions before anything else happened.

"I would like to accompany you both to your next destination if you will allow me to," he stated firmly.

The Major looked at him calculatingly and Isabella smiled gratefully, relief evident in her golden eyes.

"I would appreciate your company Adam," she looked beseechingly at the Major and he nodded at her before she continued, "we think we will be headed to Alaska to re-acquaint ourselves with the Cullens, probably leaving tomorow."

He nodded in understanding and the Major led them back into the living room where they sat down and Isabella curled up in the Major's arms. Before him, Adam used to hold her like that… he couldn't help the bitter feelings he was experiencing but he forced himself to be happy for Isabella, she was healing, and that's all that was important.

Adam looked longingly at the couple on the couch and his heart called out for his mate… wherever she was.

Alaska

Alice was out shopping for their future arrivals when she felt a tug on her heart. Adam was calling for her. She wanted him too, she had seen their future, she knew he was destined for her and she could hardly wait until they arrived. Three of the people she loved most in this world were finally coming home. True, she had not yet met Adam but she'd seen their future, and she loved him already.

And Isabella… she hadn't even recognized her as a vampire the first time she'd seen her in a vision. That almost brought her to tears, how could she not have recognized her own sister? But the important thing was earning Isabella's forgiveness… and Jasper's.

She was careful with her thoughts around Edward and only thought about Adam's arrival around him and the family, so they would understand her need to shop for him. But she needed to keep them in the dark about Isabella and Jasper; it wasn't her news to tell. She only hoped they would come soon.

As soon as that thought popped into her head, a vision slipped into her mind and her eyes glazed over as she watched it.

They were coming. Tomorrow. Only one more day and they would be home, and safe. There were still problems to be resolved but Alice knew everything would work out, it had too.

A moment later she felt her heart pull again and nearly burst into tears.

Don't worry Adam, you won't have to wait much longer love…