Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or the characters: they are the property of Stephanie Meyer. I just daydream with them a bit.

Rated M for profanity, violence and potential adult situations.

Author's Note: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am so thrilled and excited that so many of you are enjoying the story! I tried to respond to all the reviews, but didn't get to those from last night or this morning since I figured you all would rather I just post the update. :-) There were a lot of questions about the Cullens' reactions to Jasper's revelation, what's going to happen to Edward, and how Alice hasn't seen any of these events. Those questions will begin to be addressed in this chapter, though some of them will take a while to fully develop and answer. So without further ado, here's the Major...

Chapter 6

Jasper POV

At my pronouncement, I was bombarded with emotions from all sides. Elation, joy, shock, bewilderment, certainty, anger, hatred: from one end of the spectrum to the other. All the Cullens were on their feet shouting, their yells overlapping each other so that if I had not been a vampire, I wouldn't be able to tell what was actually being said.

"It's too dangerous!"

"You drink humans, how could you be with her?"

"She's mine!"

"She's supposed to be a Cullen, you can't take her from us!"

I groaned under the weight of 10 people's emotions. Edward lunged for me, a determined look on his face. I moved Isabella out of his reach, but without need. Before he could reach us, the large one grabbed Edward's arms and shuffled him, struggling vainly, out of the room.

This is not what I need right now, not what Isabella needs right now. Nodding to Peter in silent communication, I led Isabella out the back door without a word. No one tried to stop us, though the shouts grew louder; their fear and hesitancy to do anything paralyzed them.

As the door shut behind us, I could hear Peter start to explain. "Sit down. The Major won't deal with you until you can manage to control your emotions. Remember, he feels what you do, so unless you want him to go all bad-ass on you, get it in check." Horror lapped behind me as the Cullens realized that I had been going easy on them.

Isabella said nothing and proceeded to follow my lead. At the tree line, I stopped. "We need to go some where we can talk privately," I told her. She only nodded. "If I carry you, we would be able to go further out." Again she nodded, refusing to break eye contact. Complete trust emanated from her, signaling her willingness. Reaching down, I swept my Belle off her feet. All was right in the world, with Isabella in my arms.

I didn't waste a moment. Holding her close to my chest, I sped off. We ran through the forest in no particular direction, my desire being simply to get away. Soon we came to steep, rugged, mountains and I looked around for a place to stop. On a ledge about 50 yards up the hill, was a small windblown meadow. With a few long jumps, we were perched high above the valley, finally alone.

Setting Isabella down in the long grass, I stretched out beside her, crossing one booted foot over the other. She laid her head on my still-bare chest, her fingers dancing over the scars on my stomach. "So you have loved me all this time?" She asked. It sounded like a rhetorical question, but I answered anyway.

"Yes. All this time. Ever since I first saw you." I bent my head down so that I could meet her eyes. "I know it's a lot to take in, and I want you to know that I will love you in any way you allow. You are my life." I brushed my lips against the top of her head, inhaling. She shivered at my action.

"I know it sounds absolutely crazy, but Jasper, I love you too. I don't know how, or really even why—since I don't know the first thing about you—but I can't deny that I do. I am pulled to you. All I know is that I need to be with you." Yes! I roared internally. She loves me! She will be mine. She is mine! I bombarded her with my love, my absolute devotion, my lust.

Her eyes widened and she chewed her bottom lip. All of a sudden, her mouth crashed against mine, insistent. She moaned when my tongue met her lips and opened her mouth in response. I twined my fist through her hair, pulling her closer to me.

She was ambrosia, she was heaven, she was home. I devoured her mouth, savoring her delicious taste. Love washed over me; the same unconditional, unending love that I had first experienced seven years ago. I sent her all the love I had in return, wanting to ensure her I felt just the same. Now that I have her, nothing will take her away from me. She is everything.

Isabella stopped, breathing heavily, looking up in wonder. "You're purring," she stated. Chuckling, I squeezed her close to me. "Yes. Vampires purr. I always thought it was pretty damn stupid, but now I get it." I would purr for Isabella any day.

We stayed on our ledge for hours. I told Isabella stories from my vampire life: about Maria and the newborns, how I let Peter and Charlotte go, how Peter came back for me, saving me from myself. She gasped and oohed in all the right places, and to my joy, never felt disgusted at my disclosures. My past was just that, and I had come to grips with the awful things I had done; but I didn't glorify in having to tell her.

"Jasper, that was who you were," she insisted, her hands on my cheeks, forcing me to meet her eyes. "Your decisions have made you who you are today. You saw that things weren't right and so you changed. All you can do is learn from the experiences and move on." She was so wise for her age. I was grateful that she loved me for who I was, not someone she wanted me to be.

I told her all that I could remember from before I was changed: helping my father on the farm, running away and enlisting in the army when the States went to war, everything I did in the army. When the sun began to set, I collected wood and built a fire so she wouldn't chilled.

Isabella told me about her life before I knew her, about moving to Forks, and how she learned what the Cullens were. As she described the events, I felt her recollected shock, desperation, acceptance. Her capacity to endure such a roller coaster of emotions was astounding. Many people would have shut down, or become raving lunatics after having so much thrown at them in such a short space of time.

I asked all about her tastes, her likes and dislikes, her favorite things. I stored them away in my heart each a little treasure. These were the details I had never been able to discover and finally learning them made her feel that much more real to me.

Stars began to shimmer, twinkling down benignly upon us. Isabella sat in between my legs, leaning back against my chest. I rested back on my elbows, savoring our closeness. She fit perfectly. I didn't think it could get any better: I was wrong. "You will change me, right? If I have to be a vampire, then I want you to be the one to do it." Isabella requested nervously. She turned her head to see my reaction, worrying her bottom lip.

My heart roared its complete concordance. She would be mine in love and in venom. Running my hand down her neck, I ran my thumb along her collarbone. "Nothing would give me more pleasure, my Belle. If you wish it, I will make you mine."

Rage. Hatred. Loathing. For a moment I looked at Isabella in confusion, before I realized that the feelings were not coming from her. We were not alone. Instantly I was on my feet, searching through the darkness for the source of the feelings. Isabella clambered up beside me, her hand gripping my forearm, peering around me. "Jasper? What is it?" She inquired, concerned by my abrupt actions.

"Shhh. Listen." I ordered, inordinately pleased when she immediately complied. She had her eyes closed, head slightly turned, straining to hear what I could. Soon small pebbles could be heard rattling down the side of the hill, signaling the approach of something—someone.

I had a good idea of who it was, but I said nothing. He could come to me as the challenger and state his peace, but I would not acknowledge him until then. People always squirmed in silence; it was a useful technique in gaining the upper hand.

The first thing to appear was his ridiculous hair. Does he make it messy on purpose? I thought, wondering if anyone found it attractive. A growl floated up on the breeze. A moment later, Edward crested the rise and was standing the glow of the fire. I crossed my arms on my chest and waited. I was good at waiting, and it seemed like Isabella was too. She didn't utter a word, just stood, hand on my arm, glaring at Edward. That's my girl.

He didn't last long under my gaze. Turning, he addressed Isabella. "Bella, love. You need to come with me. I'm sure you're scared and would like to be home." He simpered to her, hoping to convince her to go with him. Any shit-head would be able to tell that was not buying it, but Edward was in his own world.

"There are many things wrong with what you said Edward, and I won't waste my time by trying to explain them to you." She was a spitfire, and I loved it. It was an answer that I would have given and she delivered it cool as ice. Turning to me she requested, "Will you take me back, Jasper? I want to officially meet Peter and Charlotte and let everyone know I'm o.k."

With a small bow of assent, I picked her up. As we passed Edward, I stared him down, not speaking a word. She is mine, echoed in my mind. Edward growled, but Bella ignored him completely. At the foot of the hill I took off running back to the Cullens' house, hoping that Peter had managed to calm everyone down.

Everyone was waiting in the living room when we arrived. Bella and I walked in the back door, holding hands. Faces turned and seven pairs of eyes apprised our entrance. I did not apologize for running off; I made it a practice to never apologize for who I was. The silence persisted until Peter quipped, "Took you long enough, Major." There was a smattering of chuckles and the tension broke.

Isabella squeezed my hand and walked over to the barbie-doll blonde. I heard her assuring everyone she was well. They hovered over her, hugging and laughing, telling her how wonderful it was that she had found her mate. She received their congratulations, a bemused look on her face. I had not certainly not expected this reaction.

Turning to Carlisle, I mentioned my observations. "Ah, yes. After you and Bella left, Alice had a vision that confirmed your story." Vision? Sensing my unspoken question, Carlisle clarified. "Alice can see the future, the potential futures, really. Her visions are based on decisions that are made. She saw that you and Bella are truly mates and that if we forced her to choose, Bella would choose you." He sounded resigned and I could sense his desperation. "We never bet against Alice." Carlisle chuckled darkly at his own joke.

He smiled, his mood lifting, "I supposed 'welcome to the family' is appropriate. Instead of loosing my daughter, I have gained three more children." I winced at being referred to as a child, but decided that I wouldn't quibble. Things were going much smoother than I could have ever hoped for or expected, is was as though fate had intervened.

That was all it took for the Cullens—most of them at least—to accept this turn of events and welcome me, us, as part of the extended family. Introductions were made all around. I felt oddly domestic.

When the pleasantries were complete, I addressed the issue of Edward. "He followed us, spied on us. I won't have it." I punctuated my demand with a jab of my finger. Carlisle assured me that Edward meant no harm, and that he would be no trouble. I was not certain that was true. It felt like there was a puzzle piece missing. Some of Edward's actions did not add up. Something finally clicked into place. "Is he gifted too?" I enquired.

Carlisle looked a little sheepish and nodded. "Yes. Edward is able to hear people's thoughts. I would have made the formal introductions and explanations earlier, but felt your story should take precedence." I inclined my head, agreeing with his judgment, though a little irritated I hadn't had this pertinent information earlier.

It was late, and I saw Isabella stifle a yawn. When she noticed I was looking, she stood and stretched. "I'm going to hit the hay," she said, jaw cracking. "Good night everyone." She walked slowly to the stairs then stopped, turning. "You coming or what, Jasper?" The barest hint of roses color her cheeks and I felt her embarrassment as making the request.

How could I turn her down? "Yes, ma'am," I drawled, making my way to Isabella. "Good night y'all," I addressed the room at large. I would deal with any issues later. Right now, my Mate required me.

Isabella led the way upstairs and into a garishly decorated bedroom. All the furniture gilded and carved, with frills embellishing everything. Choosing to ignore the hideous decor, I sat on the bed and pulled off my boots. Isabella disappeared into the bathroom and I could hear her brushing her teeth and changing her clothes.

A few minutes later she emerged, wearing nothing but a tank top that was nearly see-through and tiny shorts. I gaped, drinking in the sight of her long, slender legs. I wanted to lick every inch of her. My pants grew uncomfortably tight and I fidgeted, trying to make more room. Smirking, she pranced across the room and hopped into bed. Pulling up the covers, she patted the area next to her.

I lay down beside her and she curled up against me, once again laying her head on my chest. "Goodnight Cowboy," Isabella mumbled a few moments later, already drifting off to sleep. "Rest easy, my Belle," I replied. I stayed with her all night, holding her in my arms, embracing her in my love.


Isabella roused around 8:30, stretching like a cat. "Mmmmm..." she moaned in relish, grinning at me with a sleepy smile. "I had the best night's sleep ever. Thank you for staying with me," she purred, her voice a husky from having just woken up. I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. It was all I could do to keep from ravishing her then and there, claiming her as my mate.

Thankfully, Isabella's human needs called. She headed to the bathroom with a change of clothes and I breathed out a shaky sigh of relief. As tempted as I was to peek in on her taking a shower, I reminded myself that I was a gentleman. Giving Isabella privacy, I headed downstairs.

Everyone was in the living room, hanging out like it was completely routine. Charlotte and Rose were trading notes on some fashion magazine, while Peter and Emmett were playing some video game. It's some twisted Brady Bunch, I thought. Greeting everyone civilly, I addressed the room at large. "Good morning."

A smattering of "good mornings" followed me as I walked to the back wall of the house that was covered with floor to ceiling windows. I stood, hands clasped behind my back, enjoying the view of the mountains and the watery sunshine that filtered through the clouds. A few minutes later, I heard the water shut off and Isabella padding around. Soon she made her way downstairs. Esme greeted her, offering to make breakfast. Isabella politely declined, opting for a granola bar instead.

Turning from the window, I cleared my throat and addressed Carlisle. "I would like to speak with you and Isabella about the plans for her future." I had thought of it all night and wanted to get the main points hammered out. Isabella wanted me to turn her, so I saw no reason to postpone the planning.

"Of course. Why don't you both join me in my office?" Carlisle answered politely, setting down a book on the coffee table and standing. Isabella walked over to me with a bright smile. I took her hand and we followed Carlisle up the stairs and to his office. He shut door behind us, motioning for us to sit. I pulled out the chair for Isabella and helped her get situated, but chose to stand.

Carlisle settled himself behind his desk, getting right down to business. "To put it simply: Alice has seen Bella as a vampire, which is how she came to know what we are. Bella has agreed to be turned and understands the consequences of her decision. Other than that, we have not made any concrete plans."

Good, I thought. We would be able to plan together. Tactically, I wanted to be in control of her change; she was my mate and everything needed to be perfect. She would be safe, all her needs and wants would be met, and I would try to make her a comfortable as possible. Turning to Bella I asked, "What would you like to see happen, Isabella?"

She considered for a moment before replying. "I would like to go to college first, I think. It would make Charlie and Renée proud, and graduation would be a natural time to cut ties. I know you think waiting will be risky, but I think I deserve this. Call it a last request." I felt her sadness and sent her a boost of confidence. "Jasper will be the one to change me," she added.

"That sounds reasonable," I commented, looking to Carlisle to gauge his response. He was shaking his head in agreement with my statement. I would have made him agree, if necessary.

"Yes, Bella. That can be very easily accomplished. The family will help out in any way you would like. Always remember that you are a Cullen, no matter what name you may take, or where might you live."

He addressed me adding, "As are you, Jasper. You are family, now, and always welcome. Speaking of which, since you will be staying around for a while, why don't you, Peter and Charlotte move into the guest rooms? I'm sure you'd like to have a place to lay your head."

"Thank you, that would be much appreciated. I don't believe there is anything else we need to discuss at this time, then, is there?" I asked.

"I think not," Carlisle agreed. "Why don't I show you to your rooms?" He led Bella and I back to the ground floor and down a corridor behind the stairs. I motioned for Peter to follow.

There were four doors: three bedrooms—one en-suite—and a shared bathroom. I claimed the en-suite for myself, knowing it would come in handy if Isabella stayed with me. "No way, Major! I want the room with the bathroom! I hate sharing..." Peter whined. "Come, on. It's not like you need it. And you know how much I like getting head in the shower. You just can't relax if someone may walk in on you."

He was pushing me and he knew it. My temper would not last forever. "At least let me spar you for it. First one to pin the other wins the bedroom," he offered, stupidly. I still had not forgotten the damage his interference in keeping me from Isabella might have done. I agreed.

"Outside."

The Cullens, Isabella and Charlotte followed us as we trooped into the yard, Peter cracking his neck in anticipation. We squared off, the spectators standing on the deck. Just as Isabella shouted, "Good luck," Peter lunged, catching me right in chest. As we somersaulted backwards, I disentangled myself from Peter's grip, hopping back to my feet.

"What'd I always tell you about holding back, Major?" Peter taunted me. Very well. He asked for it. Before the last word died on his lips, I had him on the ground, my teeth bared against his throat. "Best two out of three," he demanded.

Letting him up, I back off a few paces, waiting. He signaled his readiness and again, he was pinned: the force of my impact cracking his marble skin like a shattered porcelain teacup. "That's two," I whispered in his ear. It was all over in a matter of seconds.

When she realized the fight was over, Isabella ran towards me, fire blazing in her eyes. All of a sudden, a bronze blur intercepted, forcing her to stop. "Bella, no!" Edward yelled at her. "I won't let you go to him. Don't you see? He's a human drinker! All he wants is your blood. It's too dangerous. Come with me and I'll keep you safe."

I was ready to leap in and kill the bastard, but Isabella met my eyes and shook her head. She returned her attention to Edward. "Move, now." Isabella demanded lowly, arms straight to her sides, fists clenched. My dick turned rock hard at her commanding presence. She was my mate in every sense.

Edward acted like he hadn't heard her. It was the last straw and she exploded. "Edward, you have no say in my life. I have not granted you that right and I never will. If you don't like my choices, then you can go fuck yourself. Now get. out. of. my. way!" She shoved him, trying to move him out of her way.

He grabbed her by her shoulders and insisted, "Bella, love, this isn't a discussion." Oh, now he's got the tiger by the tail, I thought. It was not hard to tell that Isabella did not like being told what to do. She twisted out of his grasp with a jerk. Without missing a beat, she cocked back her hand, slugging him right in the face. A sharp crack echoed on impact. Isabella swore loudly, cradling her hand to her chest.

I had Edward restrained by the time Isabella was crying out. He struggled vainly in my grip, but I held fast. Carlisle inspected Isabella's hand and pronounced his diagnosis. "It looks like you may have broken it. I can reset it and put on a cast here. We shouldn't need to go to the Hospital."

Isabella nodded in understanding. Tears were flowing down her face and I lessened her pain, taking it into myself. She grimaced at me, proclaiming severely: "Do what I can't, Jasper."

With a resounding screech, I tore off Edward's left arm. He screamed out in terror and pain at the loss of his limb, knees buckling. I let him drop to the ground, chucking the disembodied arm at Carlisle. He caught it against his chest in surprise. "Hold on to that until Isabella's hand is taken care of," I advised. "The boy can wait a spell." It was time Edward learned his lesson.

A/N: So, what did you think? Did you like the Jasper/Bella loving? What about the Cullens' reason for deciding to accept Jasper? Will Edward ever learn? Next up is more of the Major. Let me know if you want a preview! :-)