A/N: Don't Change For Me, Cause I'll Never Change For You, just cleared 40,00 hits. Sorry it's a day late but this heat is getting to me and my brain is mince lol xx Alexis


Bella

The BBQ was in full swing, Mom insisted that we were to sit with the Whitlock's, being both neighbourly and welcoming. Basically saying if they were friends with the Chief and his family they were good people. Small town politics were alive and kicking right here in Forks. The Doctor and his family hadn't arrived yet and I found that strange, Peter mumbled something about making a damned entrance and I thought that a little odd. If you were different wouldn't you want to blend in rather than draw attention to yourself? Jasper and the other two certainly hadn't.

"Damn, I've never seen Rose dress down before, normally she tries to blow the socks off folks," Char said quietly, but I heard even if nobody else did.

"She's a changed woman, Char. Sees more than just her own reflection nowadays" was Jasper's equally quiet reply.

"Is she really beautiful Jasper?" I ask trying not to let the twinge of jealousy I felt to the surface.

His head whipped around, realising I could actually hear them. But before he could answer my father said,

"Wow, she's like one of those model types from your magazines Ren. But her boyfriend looks like he could throw a mean curve ball!"

"That's Emmett, Charlie. That boy's into electronics and all that newfangled stuff" Peter said and I could still feel Jasper's eyes on me. Everyone rose as the four approached and I felt Jasper's hand on my elbow and heard him whisper,

"I prefer brunettes, not blondes"

"Hey what's wron' with blondes?" Char demanded,

"You, my dear sister-in-law are the exception to the rule" he answered, smacking a big sloppy kiss on her cheek and she laughed.

"Unhand my wife, you smooth talker!" Peter demanded laughing and I think they did it on purpose to distract everyone's attention from the Cullens.

Mom was the only one besides me and Chucky who hadn't met them all yet. Esme was charming and had a lovely way about her that put everyone at ease.

"Hello again Bella dear, are you enjoying the day?" she asked before introducing me to Emmett and Dr Cullen,

"Yes, thanks, Mrs Cullen it's been good so far" I replied smiling at her and held out my hand waiting for her to take it,

"It's Esme sweetie," she said patting it and giving it a small squeeze.

Emmett had thrown his arm across Rose's shoulders and sent their scent straight at me so I knew where they both were and turned to say,

"Hey Rose, how are you?"

She laughed and asked how I did that and my father sniggered. Telling them about how I recognised people by their smell and then regaled them with the story of Mike Newton and our first day at kindergarten. Also telling them I could pinpoint places of origin to by their voices. So the thought they try me out and I knew Dr Cullen thought he had me fooled by his Americanised speech.

"Okay, Emmett's from Tennessee, Rose is New York State, Esme from Ohio, all three Whitlock from Texas, but not all the same place, Jasper's from Houston definitely and of course Dr Cullen is from London, England!" I say, hearing the gasps from all of them.

"If you were to guess little britches, where do you think?" Peter asked and it was almost as if he himself wasn't sure and his endearment made it more obvious to me at least.

"Brownsville for you I'm sure, Somewhere around Big Bend for Char, maybe, but that's just a guess okay. I'll think on it a bit and give you a better answer later okay?" I say giving Char a hug and hear a little sob from her.

I know my family are unaware of how important this was and I feel good that I am able to help them after all these years. The rest of the day flew by and occasionally I felt the Doctors eyes on me, it made me slightly uncomfortable. It was as if I were a conundrum, he needed to work out. Jasper stayed close by me, not enough that my parents noticed, but I knew and was happy. It wasn't until we were all packing up to leave it hit me.

"Char? Presidio! I'm sure this time" I whispered without looking up and I knew they all heard me, the three Whitlock's were almost vibrating with happiness.

F

Jasper

That was such a good thin' Bella did for Pete and Char, I told him I thought it was Brownsville I took him from. But I wasn't actually positive, I had no idea about Char cause although I did the changin', I never took her so didn't know where she was from. Bella had given her the ability to search for her past an I loved her all the more for it. I was startin' to see a couple of thin's, one of which was Bella wasn't a child anymore. She was dealin' with my family and friends on their level. The second was she was a lot cleverer than I realised, that scent thin' was amazin' and her doin' it automatically was very ingenious.

No wonder she got annoyed with me, I was still treatin' her as I'd always done and that was wron'. Someday that girl would be my partner in life and death and I needed to accept and understand that it would be sooner rather than later. I also felt that twinge of jealousy she had concernin' Rose, she may not be ready for me yet, but she didn't want another woman to appeal to me either. Peter had been tellin' me about Sam, how he barely spoke to him, that it was all Bella and he was only there for back up and comic relief. I now see that she's right, I was laggin' behind them all and now I'm startin' to see her for the beautiful youn' woman she is.

Carlisle was intrigued too, purely professionally of course. He had been shocked when Charlie told him she rarely had any accidents and he is unlikely to see her in the hospital. The scent thin' also perked him up and I wondered about it, how do I smell to her. Other's said it was leather, hay and a spicy undertone, but nobody put a name to it. I would have to ask her, next time we were alone. Anyway, I hope he doesn't insult Pete or Char in her presence cause she loves those to like, well like family. She really is perfect for me, feisty and strong, calm under pressure and beyond determined. The fact she's blind has no real impact on her, it's her reality so she just deals with it and expects no concessions from others.

Peter and I were watchin' her as she said her goodbyes and twice she avoided obstacles in her way, that when I heard him murmur,

"She does that all the time, I'm sure that's a shield. she turns away when it hits somethin'. Major do you see that?"

I nodded slowly and watched more closely, he's right it's subtle but there. This too has been honed by her over the last almost seventeen years, god how didn't I see that before. We have got to test that when nobody else is around, especially Carlisle. I like the man but he'd turn her into a human test subject if we let him. He can't always separate his scientific enthusiasm, from him bein' a friend. He was like that with me in the beginnin', but I put a stop to it right away. I'm guessin' he already sees the connection the three of us have and will want to discuss it at length, not happenin'.

F

Carlisle

I was shocked to find just how integrated the Whitlock's were, so quickly in the town. We normally never got that friendly this quick and I was jealous, I admit it. After all, I've said about them over the years and they proved me to be beyond wrong about them once again. I'd said something to Esme about it as we arrived and she asked me.

"Is that the concern of a coven leader speaking or the irrational hatred of human drinkers, Carlisle?"

I was never going to be allowed to say anything about this to her again. I never realised how much I'd pushed my own thoughts and ideals onto her until Jasper burst her bubble and it had hurt her. That I'd allowed her to believe a lie, all those years. I'd stepped back then and looked at my behaviour and they were all right, it was so wrong, unkind and unjust. I wanted everyone to feed like me so much, I'd been more than rude to them.

I always thought of myself as compassionate, but I was rigid in my thoughts about feeding. The worst was, that it was obvious they had never told Jasper about my attitude to them, his coven members. His need for help from me had overridden their every action, thus letting me make rude asides and them accepting it for his benefit. That alone had made me feel so small, that was the real sign of a family. I would apologise to them all, not that that absolves me.

Meeting the Swans had also explained why we hadn't seen much of Jasper recently. Isabella Swan was special to him, no more than special, she was integral to his wellbeing. Everything about her set off my need to understand her and how she functioned. But one look at Jasper's protective stance had me trying to pretend I wasn't in the least interested. I thought maybe on one of her many trips to the hospital I'd get answers, only to find she never had accidents.

I would have to be very careful around her, one wrong word or deed and friend or not he would hurt me or Peter and Charlotte would. Maybe coming here had been a mistake, I tend to forget he's not my son, much as I wish he was. He really didn't need me in his life now and it was me who was hanging on to his friendship and not the other way around. Maybe I should be mending bridges within my own coven and proffer an olive branch to Edward. He had loved Forks when we were here before, so maybe he'd like to come for a visit.

F

Ah Carlisle, well at least he's trying. But where Bella is concerned he will have to leave well alone or ruin a sixty-year friendship with Jasper. He seems to have forgotten who Jasper is and what he's capable of, not so the Volturi and they will be only too pleased to have Edward visit and see how the two covens are doing. But Carlisle will be in for a massive shock when he see's Edward.

As he had gotten a handle on his gift, Edward had slowly revised his stance on feeding. He was the only one in Volterra drinking from animals and he had felt it prudent and easier to revert to his natural food source, but he refused to join them in the bloodbath at the citadel and over the last almost thirty years many of the guard has joined him on the hunt for criminals. Jane is particularly fond of child molesters.

Felix too had taken to this much more enjoyable way of feeding and had taken Caius several times. It appealed to their warrior side more than the shooting fish in a barrel, they did at the moment. Things would be changing in Volterra soon if Caius go his own way, why they hadn't done so already was down to Aro alone. Tradition be damned, they had to move with the times or be found out and that was Caius' ace, Aro's fear of being found out.

Jasper has at last opened his eyes to see Bella as a young woman and not a child, things seem to be working out well for them and will continue to do so unless someone put a spanner in the works, we will be keeping a closer eye on everybody from now on.

F

Edward

I was surprised to receive an invitation to visit from Carlisle, we have spoken over the years, but he never seemed inclined to have me come home. Aro, of course, was delighted and I was a little worried, I will not be his spy, not on my own former coven and no way am I stupid enough to spy on Major Whitlock. Since being here I have learned much, but the secretive attitude of Aro's breeds discontent. Everyone is always looking over their shoulder, it's no wonder they hated me at first.

But I've finally found a place where I'm needed, not tolerated and I don't blame Carlisle. He was way too lax with me I know, but I took it to the limit of even his patience. I was so paranoid that I never let them be my family, I assumed if I was watching them, then they must also be watching me. How wrong I was and I wasted years where we could have been friends. Ah well, we live and learn.

I'm ready to leave and Aro has said nothing to me, so that means only one thing, he's sending another spy. One he still believes I don't know is there, Afton. When he's invisible I at first could not sense his thoughts, but over the years it became easier and I am always aware he's about. I will have to warn the Major, I will not have him think I did this or was party to it. Aro is a fool to underestimate him, he will probably feel Afton anyway.

F

Emmett

So, the prodigal son returns! Well, he's going to be shocked with all the changes around here. I think I'll meet him at the one-mile marker and let him see just how much. I sensed him three miles out and flipped the switch on the blocker machine, just in case he was the same old Eddie. It's tiny compared to the old one and it also activates the personal ones too. I knew he paused as he caught my scent and was coming in slower, more cautiously. By the time he reaches the last marker, I was there waiting for him.

He gave me a genuine smile and put out his hand. As I clasped it I felt the piece of paper and snagged as I withdrew.

"How as you Emmett? How's the family?" he asked and I slung my arm across his shoulders as I surreptitiously read his note.

"We're all just Dandy Edward, good flight?" I said as we set off running,

So he had unwanted company, did he? I love a challenge and my new machine might just be our saviour, I've been working on one that blocks all gifts in the house and up to the one-mile marker, unlike the old one that just occasionally stopped other peoples gifts besides Edwards. But it's hard to know if it's working right and I don't have enough subjects to try it out on besides Peter and Jasper, this should be fun.

When we arrived at the house everyone was there, so I jokingly said I'd turn on the machine to block Edward's mind reading, but they were aware it was already on. Dropping the note in the centre of the table everyone quickly scanned it and nodded. Esme scooped it up and destroyed it before hugging Edward,

"Welcome home Edward, how are you dear?" she asked as I returned with the new machine and flipped the switch on the other one to off.

"Well Edward, can you hear us?" I asked,

"Nope, not a thing!" he lied and glancing up I saw him mouth to Jasper, 'He's in the trees', Jasper smiled as he found his emotions.

I tapped the box and they nodded, each indicating their ability was gone. Rose picked up her bag and pretended yo reapply her lipstick, using the mirror she indicated when she could see him out there. We sat about chatting and catching up, saying nothing of importance until he moved away.

Once it was switched off again they confirmed he was gone for now. Well at least it works, I was very pleased. It could block physical as well as mental gifts, the only person never affected was Peter. We thought it was because he didn't use his gift, it kinda used him.

F

Esme

I could see Carlisle wanted to ask Edward about his eye colour, but after all the bother he was in with the Whitlocks, he held back. Technically it was not his business and I at least could see many reasons why it would be better for him to do so. but I doubt Carlisle ever will. Edward had changed so much, he was calmer and when we asked questions in his head he indicated one at a time. This must mean he can control his gift much more now, just concentrating on one person at a time.

We assumed Afton would follow each of us individually, to see if we were up to something. Emmett was working at top speed to make more of his gift blocking machines, for Jasper's cottage, Peter and Char's house and Bella's home too. This way we could see him approaching and act oblivious. It quickly became apparent that Edward had no intention of ever rejoining our coven. He was happy in Volterra, working for the brothers and slowly climbing the ranks within the guard.

Jasper had taken out his phone and called Bella, he was now telling her everything and both Carlisle and Edward were confused. I shook my head, men can be so blind sometimes. Edward had no knowledge of her, but Carlisle had seen them together surely he guessed?

"I really fail to see why you needed to inform Miss Swan about our covens business, Jasper!" he said as Jasper hung up,

"Well, my coven will always keep her informed, it does not concern you, Carlisle!" was Jasper's terse reply.

"Carlisle, would you let me know when something was going on?" I asked, hoping the penny would drop,

"Of course, my dear you're my m...! Oh shit! Sorry, sorry" he spluttered finally getting the picture.

Edward's eyebrows rose and he let out a low whistle,

"Wow, that was unexpected, does she know about us?" he quizzed,

"We haven't told her, but she's not stupid and she knows about the wolves, well wolf singular!" Peter answered from his position near the door.

F

Bella

I was so happy when Jasper phoned, he's now treating me like an adult. It's as if he saw what was wrong between us and changed his whole way of thinking accordingly, in the space of a day! Keeping me in the loop about what was happening, as if it was what he'd always done. I wish everyone was like that, there would be fewer problems in the world that's for sure.

He says there's a spy in our midst, one who can make himself invisible. But probably not to me, I'm guessing here, but I think I'll be able to spot him if he comes around, so I tell Jasper that and he agrees, but tells me not to speak to any aura I see, without someone else confirming who it was. He also said Carlisle's son Edward had arrived too. Then he asked me to not visit Char's for a couple of days and to warn Sam to stay clear of my place as well.

So this was pretty serious, I asked him for the first time in weeks to come to my room that night, if he could. I admit I'm a little afraid and my lack of sight bothers me for once. No. I can see just as well as everyone else, maybe better, I tell myself. It's just nerves, something strange in my safe world that's all. Damn, I'm such a girl, knowing it's just my need for comfort from Jasper that's lacking.

This might not be the right time, but I need to talk to him and clear the air. Forget about everything else and focus on us. Find out what he needs from me, now and in the future? Where our future might be because I'm assuming it won't be here, as he's supposed to be in his late thirties and I'm not yet seventeen. I wonder how old he is really? I need to tell him I know he's a vampire and my mate, but mostly I need to tell him how much I love and care for him.

How every day I feel the need to be by his side, drawn to him by this cord around my heart. One that tugs incessantly when he's not here. How I adore the scent of him above all others. That strong manly smell of well-worn leather and warm aroma of newly cut hay, mixed with the subtle smell of cinnamon that twines around my soul and makes me feel like home is wherever he is.

F

Jasper

I probably shouldn't have come, but she asked me, she needs me and that I cannot deny. Standing outside her window, I breathe deeply soaking in her scent and emotions. An overpowering sense of longing fills the air and the waves of love and need swirl around me, then humour fills me and I look up,

"You staying there all night? Do I need to climb down to you for a hug?" she says and I ask her to step back so I can jump.

As soon as I enter the room she rushes to me, arms encircling me and she breathes in deeply and relaxes, just as I do the same to her. Our relationship has once more changed and a hint of what's to come is tantalising me. I realise she's mumbling into my chest and my cold heart almost beats as I hear her declare her love for me. This is not the love of a friend as she had for me in the past, but her love for me as a man, her man and I am elated.

"You smell so good Jasper, I want to, is it wrong to want to rub myself all over you? Is that normal?" she gasps and I can't stop the low growl as it escapes me.

I hold her tightly saying,

"Yes darlin' that's totally normal, I would love nothin' more but! We need to talk"

She leads me to her rockin' chair, pushes me to sit and climbs into my lap and I'm in heaven. I hold her close for a few minutes and just as I go to speak she softly says,

"This feeling, this overwhelming desire and love. Is this because I'm you mate? Or does that only make it more special?"

I'm not surprised she worked it out, Bella is beyond smart and if she doesn't stop touchin' and strokin' me I'm gonna do somethin' stupid like kiss her. Is she ready for that, she's so precious to me, I'm scared to move or do anythin'. But when I feel her lips on my throat, I groan and for the first time kiss the love of my long life. It's more than I hoped it would be, tender and passionate at the same time.

It's almost as if our souls entwine and I feel whole and complete, this angel loves me, she needs me and I will never be far from her side now.

"Mine!" we say in unison as our lips part.

18/01/2018 No 53 AAP