Hi everyone!
Long time, no chapter! You have no idea how sorry I am for my sudden disappearance. I just couldn't get this chapter to co-operate-I'm still not so sure I like it-and then I got so busy with RL that I had no time to write anything.
This chapter HAS NOT been beta'd, so I'll be sending it to the usual suspects after posting and will replace the chapter with the beta'd version when they're done with it. Don't worry, you won't get an alert...
Since the last post, a few things have happened that I need to keep you all aware of:
1. I was asked to do an interview for In the Arms of An Angel, which you can find at this link: thenoncanonawards dot wordpress dot com/2014/07/06/twilight-author-interview-ncbexie25 Just remember to replace dots with .
2. I posted the would-be prologue for this story. It's called Fate Leads the Way, and you can read it if you click onto my profile and scroll down to click on the other story. :) When I finish this story, and I make it into a PDF, I'll include it before chapter 1. :) So if you are of the mind to tell anyone to read this, make sure they read Fate Leads the Way beforehand...
Welcome to all new readers! If you wish to get into my non canon FF group, the link is on my profile and trust me, there are benefits to being in that group-hot pics of Jasper on a motorbike and pic and excerpt teasers being just a few... To all my other readers, thanks so much for your continued support and interest! We have made it to 100 reviews, and I can't be more happy or more surprised/blown away. So thank you! :D
Oh, and two more thing before I leave you to this chapter... A shout out to Spudzmom, whose stories you should ALL be reading! And I'm really sorry about the length of this chapter, so you'll be getting another on Sunday for us to get back on track with my updating schedule.
Now, enjoy and I'll see you down below...
CHAPTER 7
I stared unblinkingly at the two Quileute men for a few moments longer, then I sighed and, glancing both left and right, I approached them. I couldn't help but wish that Jasper had not left me here alone with them, though I knew he'd explain why later—away from prying ears—and my nerves at this grew with every dragging step closer that I could. But I was determined not to fight my engrained instincts to look down or away and not meet their eyes.
Plastering a smile on my face as I took to the few steps leading up to the porch, I began to speak. I just needed to get them inside and then they could say whatever they wanted. It was obvious they knew something—and I wasn't really sure whether they should know it or not—but there was nothing I could do about that now. Jasper had left them alone with me and I knew my husband; he either meant to calm the situation without his presence, believing perhaps that his being there would only exacerbate the issue, or he trusted them.
The more I looked at the two of them—especially the younger one: muscled, russet-skinned, and menacing with a glare and the shakes—the more I determined that it was probably the former.
And the more I cursed him for it.
The pit in my stomach opened wider as my eyes locked with the young, vibrating man standing behind his father. I just knew something was going to happen, and I wished for my mate's presence more than anything. My mind spun rapidly as I thought of what to say. I was sure that these were Billy and Jacob, and if so, they'd delivered the truck Charlie had bought for me. I'd start there.
"Hello," I said, nodding to the two of them, my voice soft but clear. "Would you be Billy and Jacob by any chance?"
There was no response, and my heart lurched with fear, my heart beginning to pound.
How very awkward.
I cleared my throat and pretended to brush their non-responses off as I spoke again. "Well, I want to thank them for the truck, I love it and it was extremely kind of them to let my father buy it for me. It will certainly make getting around in this rainy town much easier!" I tried to joke and laugh, but it sounded odd even to my ears. I appraised them and then sighed. "Why is it that you are here?" I finally asked, resigned to the awkward and tense confrontation I had a feeling was about to arise.
That seemed to melt at least some of the ice. Billy sighed as well, and he looked down at his lap then back up at his son, Jacob, who was still shaking and glaring unrelentingly towards me. I could feel his steel-hard gaze on me and it was considerably uncomfortable, but I focused on his father. He definitely was the calmer of the two.
Billy redirected his gaze, following his son's eye line slowly before connecting with mine. His eyes were dark, and knowledgeable, and it only solidified the fact that he knew something—perhaps what Jasper was, even. I couldn't believe I had no present memories of dreams—or the extra knowledge I had picked up after meeting Jasper again in this life—that could help me here. I had never been failed or vulnerable in such a way—I had made a point to never be so in this life.
Billy Black sighed again, a frank, grim expression settling on his features. "We need to talk, Isabella."
I swallowed, my mouth running dry. I could only imagine what they wished to speak to me about, but what was it they were going to say? I glanced at Jacob again and shivered as a chill ran up my spine in fear. Taking a deep breath in to calm myself, I smiled again. "Well, then, I believe I should invite you inside."
I turned my back on them for only a few minutes, and could hear the urgent whispers behind me of a father urging his son to calm himself. My interest piqued, I listened closer as I fumbled with my key.
"Jacob, get ahold of yourself. What's wrong with you recently? You're not normally such a hothead. You have to calm yourself," Billy urged him, "you can't phase right here. This is Charlie's house; that's his daughter!"
I heard a muted growl behind me as I slid the key into the hole. "I can smell him all over her."
Billy sighed behind me. "I was afraid of that. It could cause us problems if she is under his control. Perhaps I should call Carlisle…"
"Yeah, and remind him of the treaty while you're at it," Jacob added brusquely. "It would be good for them all to know that the Major isn't exempt."
Billy started to reply just as I swung the door open and spun on my heel. "Come in then," I said pleasantly, rushing forward into the house and whipping around to tidy a few things as Billy and Jacob slowly, almost hesitantly, entered. My mind was running at a hundred miles an hour as I wondered at their talk. They definitely knew of Jasper and the Cullens, but what was this about a treaty? I could hear the turning of the wheels on Billy's wheelchair behind me, getting closer. "I'm sorry, we were not expecting you," I called to them as I picked up the plates and glasses from last night and took them into the kitchen. "I'm afraid the house is not quite suitable for guests… it's messy. And Charlie isn't home."
I was babbling now, just to fill the silence and prolong the inevitable conversation. I knew, somehow, that this would not be an agreeable conversation.
"That's all right, Bells," Billy said, and I bristled at the nickname before brushing that off as well. "We were actually hoping to talk to you if that's all right."
I took a deep breath, turned around and went to sit down in front of them. "Of course," I breathed smoothly, sitting down in the armchair. I clasped my hands and stared at the two of them, Jacob sitting down on the sofa with Billy next to him in his wheelchair. Both were frank and unerringly staring at me, almost gauging my actions. "Is there something wrong?"
Jacob snorted derisively and shook his head with disbelief, Billy shooting him a warning look. I could hear the boy muttering and my eyes narrowed slightly as they brushed over his form, taking in his blatant lack of respect. I was indeed surprised by him; my limited memories of previous encounters and interactions with him showed him in a far nicer and warmer light. I wondered what had changed. Drawing my attention, Billy cleared his throat, seeming to understand he needed to take over the conversation instead of leaving it to his son.
"Yes, there is, to be frank with you, Bells," he started. His voice was gruff, but somehow still warm and friendly. I could hear clear and apparent concern in his voice for me, and part of it made me warm to him, made me wish that I could calm him and assure him, but the other bristled much as I had at the nickname. This man was a virtual stranger; he did not know me, had not seen me, and I needed to know what it was that he was going to say because I was serious in what I told Rosalie at that family meeting.
Jasper would never be leaving my side again—not by his or my own work, or by that of any other's.
"And what is it?" I prompted coolly.
"I see that you have been spending time with the Cullens," he began gently.
I frowned. So this really was about Jasper. My defenses mounted and I froze for a moment before the anger began to boil inside of me. "I have, yes, but I struggle to understand how that is any of your business."
He sighed and Jacob let a muted sound of aggression out from his throat. Billy responded. "Bella, I really don't think that is wise. You have no idea what they are or what they are capable with. Especially the one you were with."
My eyes narrowed and I let out a huff, my arms folding over my chest. "I assure you, Mr. Black, I know far more about Major Jasper Whitlock than you do, or anyone else for that matter." I made a point of using my husband's full name and title just as they had referred to him previously. It was their turn to bristle this time, however, Billy also seemed quite shocked.
"And how is that?" he challenged, one bushy, greying eyebrow raised. "You've barely been in Forks for a few days."
I snorted and shook my head. "I do not have to explain myself to you. Just know that I am well aware of what the Cullens and Jasper are, and I do not intend on letting anyone talk me out of spending time with them. I am my own person, Mr. Black, and I will not have others manipulating me and treating me ill because of my own decisions; nor will I have any other determine what I am to do with my life, or what decisions it is best for me to make." I paused, lips pursed. "Besides, as I am sure you know of Jasper's reputation, I am sure you would not want to antagonize him."
I stood and cleared my throat. "Now, was there anything else I could help you with? A message for Charlie perhaps?"
Billy also cleared his throat, glancing at his son, who had remained out of the conversation the entire time despite making several noises of disbelief and scorn. To the best of my ability I paid him no mind but I found it increasingly difficult—something about him simply screamed danger to me, as if there were a blinking neon sign of warning on his head.
Billy quickly recovered and reached for the bag hanging on the back of his wheelchair. I noticed that his son made no move to help him and I myself found disbelief in my thoughts. The belligerence of some. I turned my attention back to Billy, and waited as he produced a white paper bag. "I brought some fish fry for Charlie. It's his favorite."
"Thank you," I replied coolly. "Anything else?"
He pursed his lips, staring at me for a few moments longer than I was comfortable with, but I remained as calm as I could. "Tell me, does Charlie know what you do?"
My eyes narrowed into slits and I clenched my jaw and my fists, which felt odd as I held the bag containing Charlie's fish. "No, he does not. And he is not going to." I was quite certain my threat was clear, as Billy's eyes widened. I glanced over at Jacob, surprised at the non-reaction he'd afforded me after I'd threatened his father. Belatedly, Jacob's top lip curled up over his teeth as an animalistic and most definitely inhuman growl escaped through his clenched teeth.
I remained composed and looked between the two of them, a smile on my face. "Now, if that was all, I'd best be getting on with dinner. Charlie will be home soon. Thank you for the fish fry, I know Charlie will certainly love it."
With that, I turned and made my way into the kitchen, listening carefully for the sounds of movement to alert me to their leaving. I placed the plastic bag of fish on the counter and was pleased when I did hear those sounds, but that did not last long.
A shadow settled over the sight before me as Jacob—I could only assume from his height, and the lack of the sound of squeaking wheels—stood behind me. It stepped slowly closer until I could feel the heat emanating from his body against mine. A hitched gasp left my lips as he pinned me against the counter until I could not breathe.
His hot breath filtered onto the skin of my exposed neck, and I dared not close my eyes as fright built within my very soul and threatened to overpower me. But when I blinked, I saw my Jasper behind my eyelids and it made me concentrate. The fear slowly left me and I calmed down enough to hear Jacob's mad mutterings.
"Not safe… have to get her away…"
I pushed harder against my fear and anxiety, determined not to move.
"Stay away from them, Bella. Tell me you'll stay away!"
I did not respond to his words as I would have only moments ago, but I must have flinched or moved in some way as I felt him inhale deeply—the expansion of his lungs pushing me further into the counter and I cried out in pain as the knob for the draw was jutted against my hip bone. I whimpered, and my calm left me, as I truly began to panic. Tears welled in my eyes and I tried not to remember, tried not to sink into those memories again and sink into that frame of mind, but I could not stop myself. I vaguely heard my quiet sobs of Jasper's name, and it further spurned on the memories as I remembered that night vividly from my old life. God, it was so familiar…
I could not breathe. My breaths were coming in quick bursts of air, but so fast that my lungs began to burn. I was shaking uncontrollably, my fingers white from the exertion of holding onto the counter so tight as I tried to gulp in air…. But all I could taste was Jacob's foul stench, hear his words as they got louder, more frenzied… I had no idea what was going on.
He was not touching me yet, but then he was. I felt his arms close in around me and I screamed, hearing him growl and laugh. I tried to fight, but as it seemed I always was, I was quickly overpowered. He was too strong.
My head was spinning, my lungs truly burning now from the lack of air. I wasn't sure if I'd stopped breathing of my own accord so that I could not smell him anymore, or if it was because of how he had me pinned against the bench top, but I was slowly losing consciousness and I needed Jasper here with me. His name was the only thing I could think or say when I had enough breath to push the sound out between my lips to vocalize it. I had to hope that he would find me before Jacob lost control and killed me, this Jacob that looked the same but was so unfamiliar.
I was surrounded, shrouded in darkness, and I wasn't sure if my eyes had closed or if I could no longer see because of the lack of oxygen. I could feel it overpowering me, weakening me, but I could feel something within me fighting… keeping the darkness from winning. I prayed it was Jasper, prayed that he was coming for me, but how could I be sure?
And then I felt him with me, and I cried his name with relief, feeling his presence loll me to a sense of calm and safety, finally feeling secure for the first time since he had driven away on that bike of his. The same calm made me lose the fight against the darkness, but instead of fearing it, I welcomed it. I hoped that it would take me away from what was currently happening as I heard Jasper's base predatory growl answering me, further calming me. I wanted to answer, but was powerless against the darkness but before I could form words, I slipped into unconsciousness.
I gasped in air as I sat up from on a bed, the same one I'd woken up on after the cafeteria incident. I could hear nothing but my breathing as I looked around, my eyes narrowed as I looked through the darkness of the room. I splayed my hand out to the right and reached for the light, turning on and hoping to find Jasper in the room with me but I was quickly disappointed.
"Jasper?" I barely whispered and down below I heard a roar and then something smashing. I jumped out of the bed, knowing he was down there and knowing he would need me. I grabbed the dressing gown that someone had left on the bed for me and I put it on, tying the sash around my waist. I padded to the door, opened it, and slowly walked out into the hall and toward the stairs. Hearing another growl, and more commotion and voices whispering in low, hushed tones, my eyes narrowed and I raced down the stairs to see what was going on.
I gasped when Jasper came into view, being held back by Emmett and Edward, who were growling for their mates to stay back. Carlisle was trying to hold them back as well, and Esme was behind him. I was so confused; they all seemed so afraid of him.
Suddenly, all eyes were on me, but I ignored all but the ones I wanted—Jasper's pitch black orbs stared into mine for but a moment before the commotion began again, louder and rougher this time, I could tell, as he tried to get to me. On instinct, I came forward, but Alice rushed to my side.
"Bella, stay back," her own black eyes were panicked, her hair in a disarray as she held her hands out in front of her to stop me. I edged to the side but she did also to step in front of me again.
"Let me pass, Alice," I grunted, barely able to recognize my voice. My heart pounded in my chest as I searched for Jasper's eyes again, and I heard him growl as he was blocked from me.
She shook her head, her spiky hair moving with her. "I can't do that. Please, Bella. Go back upstairs. Jasper's not himself right now, you don't understand."
"No," I growled angrily at her, and she gasped in shock at my response. "You don't understand. Carlisle told me of a mate's response when their mate is in danger, and that I was. He's running on instinct now because you all won't let him make sure I am all right." They were a bunch of idiots, and the more they fought to keep Jasper away from me—and I from him—the angrier I grew. Could they not see what was happening?
"Bella, it's more than that!"
"I know!" I shouted. "His beast is out because of the threat. I know of his beast, Alice. I have witnessed him at work in my dreams. And my instincts are screaming at me to go to him and calm him down."
"You won't be able to," she said fiercely. "When Jasper's beast is out, no one can calm him down. He needs to hunt and have some space, that is all."
"All those times before I wasn't there," I replied just as fiercely. "Now let me fucking pass!" I screamed at her.
"Bella, he's not stable! He'll kill you!"
"That is bullshit, Alice!" I shouted at her. "Answer me this, Alice, do your visions still work around Jasper when he is in this state?" I already knew the answer, but for this to work, she would need to discover it herself as well.
Her eyes were confused, but she answered with a sharp shake of her head. "No, he's working on instinct, not making decisions—it's hazy."
"As I thought," I muttered. I smiled in spite of my anger and continued. "So does that mean that you are assuming Jasper's reaction and volatility towards his own mate based on past experiences where his mate wasn't the reason his beast was out?"
I could see it clear as day as comprehension crossed her face. Her shoulders slumped and she sighed, crossing her arms across her chest. "Yes," was the muted answer that escaped her lips several moments later.
Proud of myself, I smiled at her. "So let me pass. He is acting on instinct, yes, because this beast of his is the vampire whom you all seem to constantly fight against. The only reason Jasper has a 'beast' and you do not is because of his past, and I would guess because he accepts the role that his instincts play in his life as a vampire. And since I am the reason that his beast has come out, I am the only reason that can bring my husband back to the forefront. And before you say it, he won't hurt me because I am his mate, and no vampire can hurt their mate."
"You are right," Alice whispered, and she stepped aside. The rest of the Cullens stopped, but Emmett and Edward keep a hold on my husband and I grow angrier again and the sight of them handling my husband as though he were a caged beast. From the crazed look in his eyes, I could tell that was how he felt; caged, restricted from doing what his basic instincts were driving him to do.
I walked quietly and quickly toward him, eyeing the rest of the coven as I did so. I could see their fear, acceptance and apprehension, and could tell they were still worried Jasper would do something to hurt me because of his strength. But the fact that a vampire could never hurt their mate told me that Jasper's instincts would immediately control his strength and anything else that could be of harm to me without even a thought.
Jasper settled the closer I got, but when I got too close to Carlisle, he froze, tensed, and roared. I hushed him and quickly came closer to him, smiling up at him as I finally was only a meter away from him.
"I know my husband better than anyone else does," I said to them all quietly. "He would never hurt me no matter what." I turned to face them and confidently, with their eyes on me to prove my point, I stepped back against my mate's body. He ripped his arms easily from Emmett and Edward's loosened hold, his hands immediately running over my body as I closed my eyes and leaned my head against his shoulder. He checked for injuries, purring in contentment at having me with him, before he tensed. Pulling me hard against him, burrowing me protectively against his chest, my head tucked under his chin, he roared for all his coven mates to leave and I felt the air around me signal their departure.
I stepped back only slightly and looked up at Jasper, smiling softly. "I am fine, my mate."
A frown on his face, he pulled me against him and moved up the stairs, pushing me against the closed door of his bedroom to check me over more thoroughly.
In his presence, I felt reassured and safe, secure, knowing that he would not ever let anyone harm me. The memories of Jacob against me were burned away with every touch and feel of his cold skin on mine. He was perfectly innocent and soft and gentle as he cared for me, tending to each bruise with kisses and licks, purring all the while. Every exhale and inhale was punctuated with a possessive "mine" and I could not help but answer "yours" to every single one.
I sighed and closed my eyes, losing myself to the feel of my mate's touch as I waited for his beast to recede with the knowledge that I was all right.
I did not have to wait long.
So that was my Major. What do we all think of him? I, for one, like him. And do not worry, this is not the last time you will see him. He'll be around...
Stay tuned for the next chapter this coming Sunday, and sneak peeks WILL be sent out to all who review around Thursday/Friday and posted in the group and all over Facebook.
Thanks again for your continued support. I hope you liked this chapter and will tell me what you thought-whatever it is-in a review.
ncbexie25
