A/N: To all the readers, I can't express the excitement that I feel receiving all the different responses to this story. Thanks so much for your kind words and your encouragement. A very special thank you to the best Beta ever, Blue Baby! You worked so hard to get this edited in such a short amount of time. Your contribution to this story is priceless.

Good news readers….Jacob will be in the next chapter. Thanks so much for your patience and understanding. As always SM created these characters, this is just my attempt to have fun with them.

Chapter 7: Something Unexpected

Alice pulled up to the Cullen's home in a hurry when she saw a gray colored Jaguar parked in the garage. She hurried out of her car and ran to the front door and threw it open. "Jasper!" She yelled happily as she moved up the stairs toward the second floor. Swift white hands came out of nowhere and pulled her against a very taunt lean chest as lips came crashing passionately on top of hers. Alice responded immediately by opening her mouth to allow Jasper's searching tongue to mate in a battle of wills with hers.

God, I've missed you, she thought as he pulled her off her feet and pushed her back against the wall hard. Pictures on the wall came crashing down around them, however she didn't care. Jasper pulled his head away for a moment to look at her with hungry feral eyes. He ripped her sweater off her body quickly, baring her naked breast. Her hands tore at his blue and white striped shirt causing the buttons to fly off as she ogled his toned naked chest. "I need you. No preliminaries." She moaned. She just wanted him hot, hard and fast. God he looks good enough to eat!

That was all Jasper needed to hear. With speed only a vampire had, he tore at her leggings, pushing them down while her hands found the belt to his jeans. Since Jasper often went commando, she had his jeans open and her hand around his hard hot erection in a matter of seconds. Jasper's mouth found her breast and began suckling it hard; his teeth biting down, giving her just the right amount of pleasure and pain. "Jasper…" She groaned as her eyes closed tight. She heard the ripping sounds of her panties as he hoisted her up so her legs circled his waist. "Now…" She screamed as he thrust up inside her hard. The man is a god when it comes to sex. Sometimes I wonder if Edward is the only mind reader. Then again, Jasper is an empath. He can practically feel my desire. Definitely a plus for me.

Alice closed her eyes tight as he filled her. The heels of her shoe boots dug hard into his granite back as he moved deep inside of her. Jasper didn't care; all he cared about was being inside the hot wet depths of his wife. It was like searching the depths of the ocean for buried treasure, he loved exploring, especially when it came to her. Alice was his treasure. In an inhumane speed he pumped hard and fast, giving them both the release and satisfaction they craved. This was the one hunger they could give into without having to deal with consequences.

Sometime Later

Alice lay naked and sweaty on her stomach, while Jasper traced the lines on her back lightly with his fingers. "I missed you so much." Her head faced the glass that made up the wall in their bedroom. They had made love against the wall on the second story hallway, the kitchen and finally moved upstairs to their bedroom.

Jasper leaned down to kiss her sparkling back running his hands down to caress the globes of her naked bottom. "I missed you too. I don't like being separated from you even for a small amount of time." And he didn't. Alice was the light of his life, the sunshine of his world. He needed her in his life like air that humans needed to breath. Being away from Alice was pure torture for him. However, it wasn't just being away from her that killed him, it was having her out there unprotected. Although he knew that Alice was capable of taking care of herself, he knew that he more deadly than her. When he decided to fight, he was vicious, dirty and unstoppable. All the years of training and participating in the vampire wars had taught him to be ruthless.

"I'm glad that you're here." She turned over unabashed of her nakedness. The fading sunlight bathed her granite body in the sun, her full breast and taunt nipples displayed for his eyes. Alice, though pixie like in stature, was no pixie or innocent. His beloved was feisty and fiery in the bed and could take care of all of Jasper's needs and even some of his darker ones. He leaned down and trailed his tongue from the dip of her navel up between the valley of her breasts.

"It was only a matter of time before I came looking for you." He whispered against her chest.

Alice smiled as she fingered a blonde lock of his hair. "I know. But I will admit that I'm surprised I didn't see you coming." Normally she always saw what decisions people made, but this time she didn't.

Jasper gave his wife a wicked smile. "Well, to be honest. I was sent on a mission at the last minute." He continued to move up to her neck.

"A mission? What kind?" Alice sat up pulling away from him. She needed to focus. I wonder what kind of mission he was sent on and who sent him? Alice thought as she waited for his reply.

"I don't know." A serious look showed on his face. "Carlisle's not sharing information."

Alice frowned. "That's not like him." The family didn't believe in keeping secrets from each other.

"I know." He ran his fingers through his hair before pulling Alice down next to him.

She turned to look directly at him. "What was the mission Jazz?"

He was quiet for a moment before he answered her. He knew that what he was going to say would naturally upset his wife; however he rarely kept secrets from her. Not that he could even if he tried because of her gift. "He wanted me to watch Bella." He informed her.

Alice eyes widened with astonishment. "Bella? Why?" What possible reason could Carlisle have for sending Jasper to watch Bella? Something has to be going on.

"I don't know. All I know is that he received a mysterious phone call. Then he asked if I would be available to watch over Bella when she left the Quileute land unprotected." Jasper explained. "He asked me to ensure her safety but not to let my presence be known to her."

Alice was surprised that Carlisle asked Jasper out of all people when he knew how hard it was for Jasper to be around humans.

"I surmised that Emmett lacked the ability to move stealthy. Rose… naturally wouldn't be a good choice. And…" He caressed the side of Alice's face. "He knew how hard it was for me to be away from you even for such a short period of time." I missed you so much. I felt so lost. If my heart was still beating it would have ached at the loss of your presence, Jasper thought.

Alice touched his hand that caressed her face. "It was. However, it still doesn't explain why now out of all the years he'd ask you to protect Bella unless…" Alice's voice trailed off. She closed her eyes tightly and tried her best to "see" Edward, but to no avail, she saw nothing. "Those damn wolves! Ugh…" She was suddenly out of their Louis IV bed and standing in front of their fire place. "I hate not being able to see past them." Damn dogs are always blocking my visions.

Jasper was at her side immediately. "I don't think that Carlisle would have me protect Bella from Edward. He knows that if Edward would try to …." Jasper grimaced at the thought. "You'd be there. Of course, I would protect you. Knowing that, Carlisle would come himself before he'd pit brother against brother. No, he wanted me to be there to protect Bella against something else."

Alice thought for a moment. She whirled towards him. "Was there something that happened when you followed her?"

Jasper shook his head. "No. She drove to Port Angeles. There she met with her book editor and the president of the publishing company who is going to publish her book."

"Bella's writing?" There was complete joy on Alice's face. First photography and now writing, there are so many things that I've got to learn about you. Bella you really are coming into your own.

"Yes." He gave Alice a coy smile. Jasper was a very handsome man with his long lashes, pale skin and a toned body. "Apparently she's very good. According to the conversation that I overheard, she wrote a book called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. This book marries paranormal and the classics. The president of Spencer Publications thinks that it will be a hit, she was there to woo Bella into signing a three year contract, although that creature needs to work on how to woo Bella." That woman has a lot to learn. She spent more time insulting her than wooing her, Japer chuckled to himself. He had always liked Bella regardless of the distance he had given her because of the intense craving he had to kill her. "They wanted her to do a book on vampires."

"Vampires? Really?" Thiswould only happen to Bella, the one person who knows more about vampires than any other human.That was comical to Alice.

"Yes. She told them no, of course." Jasper wasn't surprised; Bella had proven to be a loyal individual in spite of Edward's abandonment, something that was a rare trait in humans as well as vampires.

Alice sighed. "I wish that I could have seen her." I miss her. Ugh…why does everyone but me get to see Bella?

"She still thinks highly of you. You are still her friend." He whispered kissing the top of her head.

"How do you know that?" Alice asked picking up an oriental print robe she had gotten on her travels. Jasper took her into his arms cuddling her and giving her the affection that she so desperately craved. You always know how to make me feel better, Alice smiled in his arms.

"Because of the pseudonym she chose write under." And uncharacteristically broad smile filled his handsome features. "She picked the name Alice E. Swan." It'sthe perfect homage to you.

She looked up at Jasper with wide eyes. She was touched by Bella choosing her name. "Really?

"Yes."

This surprised Alice. "She still considers me a friend, even after I abandoned her." She whispered in awe.

"You never abandoned her, Alice. You gave her up for Edward and …" He titled her chin up to allow her to look at his face. "Because of me."

"Jazz…"

"Hush. We both know what you did and why." Japer's heart sank. He had not meant to bring up those painful memories for her. He knew how much Bella meant to her, he also was painfully aware of how much leaving Bella behind hurt Alice. His own weakness had played a part in the events that occurred on that horrific night of Bella's birthday. It had eaten at him that he had hurt Alice. The nights he lay next to her seeing the sadness and misery in her eyes had killed him. Because of him, his wife's best friend had been taken from her.

"No, Jasper." Alice stated with concern as if she instinctively knew what he was thinking. "We've been through this. What happened wasn't your fault. Bella's blood is hard to resist." She touched him over his naked chest where his un-beating heart lay. "I've forgiven you. So has Edward." She looked up into Jasper's amber colored eyes. "We all made mistakes. But truthfully, this painful tragedy was only made worse when Edward didn't listen to us. You and I could have gone away for a couple of months, years even, if we had too. Edward didn't have to leave Bella. However he made that choice. He made choices for us all." Regret showed on her face. "That choice had terrible consequences for us all, but most of all for him." She turned away sadly.

Jasper was concerned by what he saw on his wife's face. "Something has happened?"

Edward is going to be devastated. She looked up at Jasper. "I found out some news that will destroy my brother."

"What did you find out?" Jasper asked seeing only pain in Alice's eyes.

"Bella is no longer his or least can't be anymore. She's married to Jacob Black."

"The wolf!" Jasper asked with revulsion. He had not allowed Alice to make the trip to Charlie's funeral alone; he stayed back however not far enough not to smell werewolves. This made matters worse. He knew how Edward felt about Bella. He also knew that that his love for her would not fade or diminish over time. Jasper also knew how volatile and dangerous werewolves could be. Neither Edward nor Jacob would be willing to back down. This could only end one way, badly. This is not going to be good. When Edward finds out she's married, he's going to lose it.

Bella's Cottage

Killing Jacob Black would be so easy for me to do. All I would have to do is wait until he left the safety of his land, tinker with the brakes or something on his car and then wait for the accident. He'd be at the least, unconscious and all I would have to do is snap his neck. It would be all over, simple, quick and painless. Jacob may be a werewolf, yet he is still mortal. Wait for maybe half a year or so not to raise anyone's suspicions and then reappear in her life. I'd support her and comfort he the way Jacob had done when I left. Surely that is the only way that he was able to get her in the first place. Bella never would have had eyes for him as anything but a friend until I abandoned her. It would be so…. Edward's head snapped to the side, listening intensely, as the thoughts of murdering Jacob ceased when the sound the door opening downstairs rang in his ears.

His body tensed, his face became hardened, and his eyes narrowed. If it were Black it would be all over. There would be no car accident, the monster cried out at Black's tainted blood. There would be a fight and he would be ready to take on his nemesis. Fight to the death if he needed to do so. A part of him lost reason. All he could do was think of that photo of Jacob with his filthy paws all over Bella. My Bella. He had no right to touch her, be with her. Marry her! He took advantage of her, her mental state, her loneliness. An aroma floated toward him, his body clenched again, but this time with a different need than before. Bella! It wasn't the scent of a wolf or the sounds of one either; instead it was the distinct sounds of heels striking the hardwood floor down below. He inhaled again, allowing her scent to fill him.

Edward stepped inside Bella's dressing area, watched and listened. His eyes widened when she came into his line of view. She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Eyes drank in her appearance like a man who hadn't seen water in years. Instant relief and sustenance filled his body. How could I have left her? How could I have walked away? From her laughter, her touch, or her love? I was such a fool. She captivated him. The cream colored dress she wore clung to her not in a suggestive manner, but fit her to perfection. Her face was even more beautiful than he remembered with the lovely sharp lines of her maturity, full lips and expressive eyes. Bella came to the bed, sitting on the side closest to him to remove her shoes. She groaned slightly closing her eyes with relief as her delicate fingers massaged her feet. She fell back against the bed, one of her legs on the floor the other on the bed. His eyes devoured her taunt thigh as the material of her dress rode up slightly. Silky, more muscular than he remember and covered in…Is that a garter? It peeked under the silk dress. His body hardened with fiery need. His erection moved under his jeans. He stifled a groan as he studied her. The skylight above her bathed her in sun showing her off to be the goddess that he knew that she was.

The ringing telephone interrupted her rest. Bella turned to pick up the phone.

"Hey Bella." He heard Angela's voice on the other side of the phone.

Bella smiled. "Angela. I'm glad that you called." She answered huskily. "Thanks so much for helping me get ready for today." He watched as she opened a bottle of cool water and took a sip. His insides ached as a drop of water fell from her mouth and snaked its way down her slender neck and down water her collar bone disappearing from sight under the dress. She moved off the bed with the intent to come into the area he was located. Using the quickness he had, Edward moved to her walk-in- closet knowing from her scent the other was reserved for his rival. Moving inside he realized that he could still see her through the slats on the door.

"How did it go today?"

How did what go?

"They offered me a three book contract." Bella quietly answered.

What? His Bella was a writer? When did this happen? It only made sense, she was into literature and had understood the complexity of writing that many of her teen peers hadn't. And now she was going to be published. Pride filled him.

Bella laughed. It filled his heart with its light sound. "I know. I feel so lucky." Luck? It wasn't luck. It was her talent. "I really can't believe this is happening to me."

"Why not?" Angela responded on the other side of the phone. "After all that you've gone through, you deserve some happiness."

He watched as Bella moved with a grace she hadn't had when younger to the vanity table and played with a gold and turquoise bracelet on her arm before she moved to place it in the jewelry box. He watched her hands; small, delicate with perfect oval nails, there was no diamond ring on her finger, only a simple gold band. That mutt couldn't even afford to give you a ring you deserve. You deserve so much more than this.

"Thanks for saying that."

"It's true. You've been though a lot. More than most people ever go through."

"And you've been a wonderful friend to me through it all. Thank you so much. For the support, not to mention the dress you designed for me. It's really stunning, but then again, so are all your designs."

He studied the dress; it surely enhanced Bella's beauty. He was more than glad that he was going to invest in Angela's company, the woman deserved it.

"I love designing for you. Besides I need to practice my couture skills on somebody and your proportions are perfect for me."

"Models are tall, leggy and thin. Not short and petite."

You are perfect Bella. You never could see that. He thought sadly. Edward hated the way that Bella was looking at herself in the mirror as if she had flaws. She had none.

"Hey, I want to design for real women. Most women aren't 6 feet tall and wearing a size zero. Besides, I just love dressing you up. You are stunning."

"God, you sounded like Alice."

Edward had to stifle his laugh. He knew Bella had always hated being Alice's living "doll" as she put it.

"I do?"

"Yes. You certainly have that in common; she used to love trying to dress me up all the time."

He knew that drove Bella crazy however she had done it to please Alice. He watched Bella as she stood. Her nimble finger found the back of the leather belt and untied it and dropped it on the floor. She unhooked the latch on her dress; it slid down her body like water running down a waterfall. Suddenly he found it difficult to swallow. Edward's body ached as his eyes slowly devoured her figure. He had never seen her unclothed before. He had always been respectful to turn his eyes but not this time. He couldn't be that chivalrous, not any more. His hard body grew taunt; his erection grew another impossible inch, his sack felt heavy with need. Bella's body was incredible. She looked more sensual than any model for Victoria's Secret, sexier than any movie star on the cover of magazines. Her full breasts were encased in black lace cupping her perfectly, her stomach flat with small muscles displayed she worked out, her legs though thin were toned and encased in nude garters while her butt had a slight curve were too encased in black lace, the lovely globes peeking out from underneath the lacy material.

"She would have loved to have seen me today wearing a dress and heels."

"So, have you told Jacob?"

Edward's thoughts on Bella's body stilled at the mention of Jacob the monster inside of him roared. He leaned forward trying to see Bella's expression in the mirror. He had to see the look in her eyes when she talked about that mutt, but he couldn't since she had turned her head.

"No. I want to wait until he gets back home."

"When is he due back?"

Back? Black was gone? For how long?

Bella turned her head; her hair flew slowly over her shoulders. It was if she knew that he was there. And was taunting him with her beauty and her body as she strode over to the garment bag hanging on the door next to where he was located. He gripped his hand hard making a fist. Her scent filled him as he watched her with fascination as she put the dress in the garment bag.

"In a couple of days."

Good. This would give him the time that he needed to watch her, be near her and decide his final plan of action.

"I tell you it's been torture being away from him."

No Bella. It was torture for us to be parted. My years of isolation have been the real torture.

"Well I'm sure he's missing you. This is the first time you guys have been separated since you've been married."

"Yeah and I miss him." Edward's body clenched at Bella's declaration. A small hissing sound too low for her ears, escaped him. "You should see the house. Everything is neat and in its place." That's because he's a filthy dog, not worthy of you or your devotion. "And all wrong." She laughed. "I can't believe that I'm actually missing him and his brothers' mess."

"I'm surprised that he left you this long."

"This was a great chance for him and the guys. I'm glad that he, Paul, Seth and Leah went to Miami, even if it means we have to be apart."

"I know….it's just Jacob is so protective of you. It's sweet."

"Yeah…he is." Bella answered with not a scintilla of annoyance.

Confusion filled Edward. You found my need to protect you to be overbearing, why not his? Edward's hatred for Jacob grew.

"I just wish he wouldn't worry. He calls here at least three times a day." Bella stated.

He left you unprotected. Anyone with a small amount of skills could break that lock and get to you in no time. What if I weren't who I was? What if I wanted to hurt you? You are still mortal and need to be protected at all cost. What the hell is a fucking phone call going to do?

"He's mellowed a bit. I remember right after Charlie died that he'd show up everywhere you were and just watch you. Poor Mike he was totally scared of him." Angela stated.

He no doubt was like a dog pissing on his territory trying to intimidate any other suitors. Edward was sure that Bella had many after all he had read the minds of teens at Forks. Mike Newton was nothing but a spineless jellyfish. Of course Jacob could scare him; a spider could scare that little boy.

"I remember that." Bella's face changed to one of sadness. Edward's eyes narrowed. "Jacob was really scared in those days." She muttered sadly. "But I guess I gave him reason to be."

"Oh...Bella…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring that up…"

Bring up what? Edward was becoming impatient. He wished that Angela was in the room so he could read her thoughts. Damn!

"Angela, you have nothing to be sorry about. In those days I was a mess." Edward watched as her fingers traced the crescent scar on her wrist, the scar that James had given her.

"I'm just glad that he found you and got you the help you needed." Angela mentioned hesitantly. "We were all worried about you."

"I just thank God that I'm not that person anymore. I was so confused then."A look of pure misery showed in a line between her brows. "I didn't deal with things the right way. I allowed my pain to fester inside of me until I thought that I had no way out."

I gave you no way out. All I did was leave you in sheer agony. Bella I'm so sorry.

"Charlie's death pushed me over the edge and I made a horrendous mistake." Bella winced. "I want to thank you for not giving up on me or our friendship. Most people would have bailed on crazy Bella Swan who tried to kill herself."

Kill yourself!!! Edward's world slipped off its axis. Pain that he had never experienced before hit him like a ton of bricks. The mere thought of her not being alive, not being on the earth was too much for him to bear. If she had died, if she had killed herself, then he too would have chosen to go to the Volturi. He wouldn't have been able to go on and roam this earth without her on it. Why? Why! How could you even think of hurting yourself? Don't you know what it would have done to me if you were gone?

"Your true friends understood that you were going through a difficult time."

"I'm just thankful that Jacob found me before it was too late." Edward eyes slowly opened. Jacob saved you? The truth of the matter slowly made its way inside his brain. If it hadn't been for him, you would no longer be here. Edward wasn't sure how he felt. A huge part of him still wanted Jacob's blood. After all, he had taken the only woman Edward would ever love, but now that he knew that he had saved her life, he wasn't sure if he could go through with his murderous intentions. If it hadn't been for Jacob Black, his beloved would have met her demise.

"Can I ask you a question?" Angela asked hesitantly. "If you don't want to answer it, you don't have to. And I'll never ask you again."

"Alright."

"You did what you did…..was it because of Edward Cullen?" Angela asked. Edward listened for Bella's answer but he knew the truth before she even opened her mouth. Yes, it had been because of him. You fucking idiot. You left her all alone and destroyed her soul, what did you THINK was going to happen?

The Cullen Home

Jasper stepped outside onto the walk around balcony from their bedroom on the third floor of the Cullen's home, listening for sounds of Alice in their marbled shower. He had plans to join her in a few minutes, but first he needed to make aphone call.

"Hello."

"Carlisle."

"Jasper, it's good to hear from you son. I can assume that you've arrived safely?" His calm reassuring tone answered on the other side of the phone.

"Yes. All is well."

"Wereyou able to see Bella?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes. I followed her to her luncheon today." He replied.

"And I can assume she was safe?"

"Yes. She was safe and sound; however there was something that happened that I thought you should know." Jasper stated. "A woman was in the bathroom with Bella and there was something peculiar about her."

"One of us?" Concern flooded in his voice.

"No. But there was something about her that was off. Her scent, it wasn't human." Jasper paused remembering the woman's scent vividly. "She smelled like earth, rain and some sort of spice. Her scent wasn't something that I've smelled before."

Carlisle was quiet for a moment as if thinking before he spoke. "Did it seem that this woman wanted to harm Bella?"

"No." Jasper answered. "It seemed the contrary. She offered to help Bella who was feeling ill. She gave her some candy and some water to help her feel better."

"Was that all she did?" Certainly that can't be all she did, Carlisle thought.

Jasper remembered the conversation he had overheard with his enhanced hearing. "She did spend time admiring a bracelet that Bella wore."

"What kind of bracelet?"

"It was very old. Turquoise set in gold with a symbol on it. The woman mentioned that the symbol was the sign of Hathor."

"Did the bracelet have a symbol of a horn?"

"Yes."Jasper heard something in Carlisle's voice. "What is it?"

"Nothing at the moment son, thank you. Continue to watch out for Bella when she isn't on the wolves' land."

Jasper thought for a moment. "What about Edward? He may not feel comfortable with me being the one to watch over her."

"Edward knows that you would never hurt Bella. You've had more than enoughtime to control your hunger. You can be trusted Jasper." Carlisle replied with much confidence. "Besides, Edward doesn't get to make all the decisions when it comes to Bella anymore. Unfortunately he gave up that right when he walked away from her." Carlisle stated sadly.

"Are you going to tell me why I am doing this? Why the need to suddenly look after Bella after all of these years? " This makes no sense. What are you keeping from us and why?Thought Jasper.

"I will in all due time. Just please trust me. Give Alice my love and tell Edward that we miss him and want him to come home."

"Yes, about that. I'm not sure that is going to happen." Edward was such a fool to let the woman he loves go,Jasper thought before replying."Alice found out that Bella is now married to Jacob Black."

Carlisle paused. "I see. That does make things difficult for him."

"You don't seem too surprised by this news." Did he already know about this? Jasper thought to himself.

"To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure but I knew that there was a possibility that one day she'd move on. And Jacob has been there for her during some difficult times. Sometimes tragedies bring people together. I'd only hoped that Edward would come to his senses before that happened." Carlisle admitted. "I can only hope that Edward will somehow be able to reconcile his feelings for Bella….though, I'm not sure how one deals with the loss of a mate. At this point I have no idea what Edward's plans may be, we may need to consider moving back to Forks. But I'm not sure if we can help him." Carlisle admitted regrettably. "Please keep in touch because we will have to work hard to be there for him during this difficult time. As for you, do your best to take care of Alice, Edward and Bella. They need you son."

He hoped that his father knew what he was doing. Regulating emotions was a daunting task. He'd do the best that he could to help his brother, but knew that Edward would never simply walk away from Bella just because she was married. If only this were a military matter, he'd be able to find a solution, but there was none he could think of. Jasper would have Edward's back and his brother would no doubt need it, because if Edward were to challenge Jacob, there would be an all out war between the Cullens and the wolves. "I'll do my best."

Carlisle hung up the phone having complete confidence in Jasper and his ability. He knew without a doubt that he had made the right decision by having him look after Bella. Jasper didn't need to prove anything to Bella, Edward or Alice, but to himself that he could be trusted. From the balcony in a Boston home, Carlisle turned and starred out at the dark skies. It hurt him to know that his son was in a lot of pain and wished that he could take it away, but he couldn't. He could only help Edward when he finally reached out to him. He would begin preparations for the move to Forks if need be. As for now he had other matters to contend with. Bella could be in real danger and if things get out of hand she would need the family to protect her. The wolves, no doubt, were formidable; however they would never be able to take on the on-slaughter that would be coming their way. Carlisle was a lover of all things, humans, vampires and even wolves. He would not stand by and watch them or Bella be slaughtered. Still, he had no joy in entering any type of war. Killing was never his forte and he avoided it at all cost, but he would do all that he could to protect his family and Bella regardless of her marriage to Jacob Black. No matter what, Bella would always be family.

Now Carlisle's mind was racing to what Jasper had relayed about the mysterious woman who smelled like a mixture of earth, rain and spice, a woman who was not human. There was only one being that he knew of that owned a bracelet such as that. It had been a gift; one Carlisle knew that she never took off. This matter would only become even more complicated because if she were involved then it would be almost impossible to keep the humans out of it. If war was coming she would embrace the fire of hells to get what she wanted, bringing with her an army of beings that could bring destruction and mayhem to Forks. War between supernatural beings tended to bring attention, attention that none of them needed. How the in hell had Bella gotten that bracelet?Carlisle turned and moved back into his study where artwork adorned the walls. Moving toward on antique bureau, he took out a key and opened it. Inside were his precious journals that marked his account of his many years. There he found what he was looking for. An ancient locket with a delicate hand painted watercolor of a woman with eyes of pure chocolate surrounded by gold inside. Carlisle's thoughts took him to the past when he was living with the Volturi.

Flashback

"Carlisle I want to show you my ultimate prize." Caius always prided himself as an avid hunter. He lived for the hunt, the act of aggression, of predator and prey, whether his prey was animal, human or other. On his personal floor in Volterra, he had a private collection room filled with exotic trophies of his prizes of his hunts in Asia, Africa and Europe, not to mention a collection of embalmed human remains from some of his victims. It was sick, twisted and something that gave Caius much pleasure. Although Caius did not have a power like Aro or Marcus, he was just if not more dangerous than the others with his cunning tactical mind. Carlisle wasn't sure what made today special, but for some strange reason Caius had been in a rare loquacious mood that evening and wanted to share something with him. Caius had taken him to his private chamber through a hidden wall down a long spiral staircase to a door with puzzle set in stone as its lock. He moved toward the huge stone like turnstile tumbler set andunlocked the complex puzzle. The door opened and Carlisle was surprised at this additional fortress hidden under the Volturi's domain.

"I had no idea." He looked with amazement. I wonder if the others know about this, Carlisle thought to himself.

Caius looked at him with satisfied grin. "I won't tell you the decades it took to get this created. Naturally, I had to kill the different architects that constructed this for me." Caius explained as they strode down the darkened stone labyrinth. Carlisle had no doubt that there would be some sort of painful trap for a misstep in the wrong direction. Therefore he stayed close to Caius. "None of the other Volturi members know about this. You see, I want my prizes for myself. The others wouldn't understand except for Aro and then he would try to steal it. You know that he's obsessed with all things different to the point of no reason. He's already allowed that twisted human Adam to convince him to turn him into one of us." He muttered with loathing.

Carlisle was wise enough to keep his opinions to himself on the subject of Adam. He too agreed it was an error on Aro's part. The human was capable of horrendous assaults against women and Carlisle had no real understanding of why Aro would agree to turn such a sadistic creature. However, he was surprised by the venom in Caius's tone. Caius had no love for humans and was just as calculating and sadistic as Adam, though much more secretive and cunning. Carlisle hid his sigh. In his travels he had found the Volturi and had spent the last 30 years with them.But over the years he began growing weary of their vicious ways. Yes, he had learned a great deal from them about vampire history and culture. He had studied in their immense library, but his heart was heavy in how they treated humans. Not to mention the calculating games they played with humans and others of their kind. This place was not for him. He had decided that soon, he would leave.

"You'll soon understand why he'd want my prize."Caius explained as they moved down the darkened depths of the maze. "You have always been interested in different things, animals and creatures. That is the one thing we have in common." He stated regally.

Yet you want to destroy and kill those things, I do not. Carlisle thought.

"I've noticed lately that you seemdistracted. Maybe bored with our life here. I am feeling generous and I thought that you would enjoy meeting her."

"Her?" Carlisle wondered what Caius was talking about.

"You'll see." He said with a delighted sick smile.

They walked down into the dark passage to another door with another complex set of tumblers, this time the door opened to a glowing room with light coming from the other side of the door. The room although made of hard stone, was clean and opulent with the finest of rugs, luxurious furniture and a massive granite tub set in the floor in the anti-chamber to the right. Most of the room was taken up with enormous bed that looked to have been made of pure gold sitting on a three step dais. However it was not the luxury of the room or the priceless artwork on the wall that made Carlisle catch his breath.

In the middle of the bed chained at the foot was a creature unlike any that Carlisle had ever seen in all his years. She was beautiful, if the word could even be used to describe the creature lounging on her side reading a book on the golden bed. She was glorious with her mahogany colored skin that sparkled as if was dusted in a mixture of gold and bronze. Her skin glittered like his did in the sunlight; except there was no sun here and the sparking of her skin was natural.

She was no vampire. Carlisle could hear the beating of her heart, the flow of her blood running through her veins. The woman's almond shaped eyes were chocolate with a ring around them that looked like pure gold. Her luxurious dark locks hung in smooth waves to the middle of her back; her lips were full and her cheekbones high. Although the frame of her magnificent body was small she was incredibly toned with strong muscular arms, legs and tight abs. The ethereal gossamer white gown she wore tied at the nape of her neck was translucent and molded to her body. It did little to hide her full breast, her dusk colored nipples, tiny waist and womanly shape to her full hips. Carlisle felt his body react lustfully to such beauty. He looked away ashamed by the way he was looking at a lady in such a manner.

There was a slight chuckle as Caius looked at him with amusement. Carlisle knew that Caius felt delight over his embarrassment. "Even the great Carlisle feels lust when he looks at you my dear. That is a high praise since he has taken neither woman nor man since I've known him."

"There is no need to feel ashamed." The woman spoke in a husky accented voice. "The body simply reacts in such ways. It is a natural affect that I have on many males, particularly the ones of your species." Her eyes turned to a dark chestnut color, the gold ring expanded looking almost catlike as she gazed at Caius with revulsion. For a moment she turned her attention back to Carlisle. "Unlike your comrade, your thoughts are much more pure than his as well as his intentions."

What are you? He thought.

"I am an anox….or what you would call a shape shifter." She answered.

"You read my mind?"

"Yes." She spoke. "It is very easy to do with some of your kind."

Caius smiled as if it had a perfect gift. "She's an amazing paradox, isn't she?"

"A shape shifter?" Carlisle had not heard that term before.

"Show him." Caius demanded.

A look of pure resentment crossed the woman's face as she looked at Caius. She didn't like being shown off as if she were a pet doing a trick; but she had no choice in the matter. Hatred filled her. One day Caius would be at her mercy and he'd pay the price with his blood. She slowly stood, moving with the grace and elegance of a cat. The book she was reading slid off her lap. The material of her gown slowly fell to her feet like silk when her nimble delicate looking fingers found the tie of her gown. She stood there for a moment with nothing on but a chain resting on her right ankle and a gold and turquoise bracelet on her wrist as if her nudity was natural to her. She was clearly a prisoner, but there was no meekness in her eyes. Instead, she stood there proud as if she were a goddess to be worshiped and feared. Slowly she turned moving her curtain of hair around as she showed him her back. Located on the back right above her full butt cheeks and below the base of her spine was a set of dark colored markings. Carlisle watched with fascination as those markings began to move up her entire back and then fade.

Her body began to change right before his eyes. Her height lengthened slightly, her color dimmed, the mahogany skin changed to a soft caramel color; her hair began to curl, her eyes became amber, her frame became thinner, her breast became smallerand her hips decreased. Suddenly standing in front of him was a very different woman than before. She too was beautiful, however she looked human where as the other woman did not. She turned to face him unabashed by her naked beauty.

Carlisle was stunned. Never in all his years had he known a creature with this ability. He wanted to know more about her.

"Interesting isn't she?" Caius stated with pure lust in his eyes.

Carlisle walked closer to her. He inhaled. She smelled good, like a mixture of earth, rain and spice. He reached out and touched her as if face studying it. Her bone structure had changed. "Amazing…" He breathed.

She looked at him noting that his eyes did not devour her body, but was being respectful not to glance below her collar bone. "Most men meet me and want to sleep with me." She said turning her head slightly to give him better access study her. "But you….you want to ask me questions instead." This confused her. She had known nothing but violence and pain from his kind; he was a paradox to her.

"Yes. I have so many questions." And he did. He wanted to know where she came from, who she transformed, what she ate, how old she was.

Caius smiled. "But not for today."

"But…" Carlisle had so many questions. He couldn't leave the Volturi now, not when he had finally found something to keep his attentionand certainly not when this creature was being held captive in a golden prison.

"Some other time Carlisle. I promise to bring you back. Who knows, I may even share her with you if you'd like."

Carlisle was disgusted at the thought; he'd never do the things that Caius suggested.

"After all…" Caius touched the side of the woman's face in a caress. "She is very creative. Maybe it's because of those Natives she lived with or…" He leaned forward the lick her neck and fondled her breast in a cruel manner. "The beast she gave herself to." He stated with cold fury.

Carlisle watched the woman's face turn into a hard mask. He could only image the terror that Caius inflicted on her.

Do not worry Carlisle; it's nothing that I'm not used too. She spoke in his mind.

Carlisle stilled not betraying the woman's secret; but he could hear her clear as day in his head. Please do not let him know. Even after all of these years he does not know the extent of my power. She pleaded.

How long have you been here?Carlisle asked.

Over Ten years. She replied.

Ten years? Carlisle looked at the chains. How could this woman have been here and none of them know? He looked at the woman's eyes. He saw power and fury there. He wanted to help her. No creature should be locked up in such a manner by a creature such as Caius.

You are kind. Kinder than others like you. She cooed.

Have you met many of us? He asked.

A few. But I mostly can fade into the background when vamps came around I hold love for them. Especially now. The voice in his head became hard.

What has he done to you? He thought back.

A wry smile covered her mouth. What hasn't he? He likes that I am strong. He likes that I can heal from his predilections. He uses me for sex and blood. She said with disgust.

Blood?

My blood fills him and keeps him full. It also keeps him stronger than the others. He now has powers that nobody knows about because of it. The power to control his bloodlust, the power of suggestion and the ability to block others powers. Even Aro can't read his thoughts about me. It's one of the reasons he won't let me go nor will he kill me, though that would be impossible unless he beheads me. I am much older than he and it would take a lot more than Caius to kill me. She informed.

Why not get escape then? He looked at her foot. Is it the chains?

No, they are only part of his sick charade. I am strong, not as strong as your kind but close to it.

Why not break the chains? Get away? He asked.

Because he holds something more important to me than my freedom. She whispered.

What? Carlisle wondered.

She looked at him, her eyes looked sad as Caius kissed her on the mouth showing off his possession for her. Not now, we will talk again. Come and visit me. I rarely get any visitors and if he brings them it's only to play in his sick games.

Carlisle slowly nodded. He looked to the far left wall that had chains, a rack and the huge table next to it with all types of knives. Hanging on the other side of the wall was a set of whips and cat o' nine tails on it. Fury filled him. He could only imagine what Caius did to her. His heart went out to the woman, she didn't deserve this.

Amazing. A vampire with a heart? You truly are a rare creature. Please do come again to visit me.

"Come Carlisle, it is time for us to leave." Caius turned back to the woman. "I'll see you very soon." He said with a sadistic leer to her.

Carlisle turned and headed to the door.

What's your name? He asked her.

The door slammed shut.

Nafre. She whispered in his head.