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Chapter 7
"So, you really think that will work? I mean, you're gone for months and you show up with a shit load of vampires and tell them that you were kidnapped and we saved you?" Jasper was skeptical. Hell, so was I, but it was all I could come up with. I mean, seriously, they were vampires with hundreds of years of combined experience and I didn't hear any of them coming up with anything better.
"Well, Major, do you have any better ideas?" Cranky seemed to be my new mood of choice.
"Don't look at me for any help. I'm blind when it comes to the wolves, not that I can see past the next few days anyway." Alice's mood seemed to match mine so I patted the empty seat next to me on the couch.
Jasper growled at her when she sat down but I silenced him with a glare.
"I think Bella's plan could work. It just needs to be refined a bit." Edward smiled to show his support causing Jasper to mumble under his breath. I would have scolded him if I had the energy.
"Thanks, Edward. Nice to know that someone has some faith in me." Jasper raised the pitch of his voice to imitate me but it just came out sounding like "me me mememe".
"Dude, you totally just sounded like mini-me!" Emmett guffawed and Rosalie slapped the back of his head.
"Ouch, babe!"
"So, back to the problem at hand. Bella, you said that you know these dogs well, right?" Peter asked and I nodded. "Do you think that they would believe you? I mean how did we find you? Who took you? Why didn't you go to the police once you were found?"
"Well, we could say that vampires took me and that I couldn't go to the police because who the hell would believe me? I could say that Jasper found me and saved me. Maybe we could say he had a prior acquaintance with the Cullens and once he found out I knew them, called them for help?" Okay, so it wasn't the best plan, but what else could we do? The question was whether or not Jake would go for it. He was like an overprotective brother on steroids.
"Maybe you should call them first. Tell them that we just found you and that Carlisle is checking you out. You know, lay the groundwork." I loved Alice!
"Yeah, and I could pretend to be mad at Jake for not telling me that vampires existed in the first place. I'm not a great liar, but I am actually sort of pissed that Jake and the guys didn't tell me about the existence of vampires. My anger at him could help." I was starting to feel a little better about the situation.
"Someone give me a phone!" I was actually pretty excited if I was being honest. I couldn't wait to see the pack and my Dad.
"Uh, don't you think we should wait a bit?" Jasper looked worried, and judging by how badly he was projecting, it was pretty bad.
"Jay, how about you take me for a walk?" His newly golden eyes bored into mine and he nodded, lifting me into his arms.
Once we were far enough from the house I touched my favorite scar and he smiled down at me.
"Why are you so worried, Jay?"
"What if you get back home and don't want me anymore? I can't let you leave me, but I won't hurt you either. What if the wolves take you from me? You would be angry if I killed them."
"Of course I would be angry if you killed them! They are like family to me. But it won't come to that. They know me well enough to realize that they can't make any decisions for me. You have to trust in me and how I feel about you, Jasper." I wanted to reassure him. The only way I would ever leave him was if he chose someone else.
"And how do you feel about me?" He asked, seeming unsure. I wondered if I could open myself up that way. Could I tell him that I loved him? Was I ready for that?
"Little girl, you're emotions are all over the place. Just tell me." I love you. See, I could say it in my head. My mouth was just refusing to work. I decided to let him feel it instead.
"I suppose that will work. For now." The ass smirked at me before giving me a lingering, passionate kiss.
"Hmm… I love when you do that," I murmured and nuzzled into his neck.
"I love it too, which is why I do it," he chuckled. Ass.
We walked (well he walked and carried me) and talked for a while longer. I filled him in on the guys and he seemed to be feeling a little better about the situation. I did make sure to warn him about Paul. We hadn't gotten along at first, but in the end we became very close; in our own, living-to-annoy-one-another way. He loved to get a rise out of people and his temper was legendary. Paul and Jasper together would not be a good combination. We finally made it back to the house and Peter greeted me on the porch with his phone.
"Thanks, Pete," I grinned at him.
"No problem, princess." He winked and Jasper rolled his eyes.
Once I was seated on the couch, everyone gathered around me, waiting to see how the phone call would turn out. Alice couldn't see and I knew that it made her incredibly nervous.
"Hello?" Jake sounded tired.
"Jake?" I heard rustling then everything was silent. "Jake, are you still there?"
"Bells? Oh God! We all thought you were dead! Where are you? I'll call the pack and we'll be on our way!"
"Jake! Calm down! I need to tell you something but you have to calm down first." I heard Vanessa mumbling in the background then there was more rustling.
"Jacob Black! You give me that phone this minute!" Vanessa screamed at him and I laughed when I heard her voice.
"Isabella Swan! You better have a damn good reason why you disappeared off the face of the earth! I am over here, seven months pregnant, and my baby's godmother is off doing who knows what! Wait! Did you elope? Is this about a man?" The excitement in her voice told me that I was forgiven. She never was very good at holding grudges.
"She better not have put us all through this over a man!" Jake bellowed.
"Can you put me on speaker? I only want to have to say this once?" I rolled my eyes, knowing that Jake would want every detail recounted to him if not.
"Okay, we're here, and Jake has promised to be calm," Vanessa assured me.
"Well… shit. How do I start this? Oh, I know, Jacob Black, how could you NOT tell me that VAMPIRES existed?" I was met with momentary silence before all hell broke loose.
"VAMPIRES? Have you been with vampires? Bella, I need to know where you are right this minute!" Jake was freaking out.
"Yes, but these vampires saved me from the ones that kidnapped me." I hoped that Jake was too distracted to notice how my voice shook with the partial lie. I mean, Peter, Char, and Jasper did kidnap me.
"You were kidnapped by leeches? Are you… I mean, did they bite you?" Jake whispered the last question.
"No, I am still as human as the day I was born. But it would have been nice to have been prepared. I mean, who would have thought that being hit on by some guy at a club would have led to all this?" I decided that sticking as closely to the truth as possible was best.
"So, what happened? I mean… shit… I just need to know if you are safe right now. The vampires who saved you. Are you safe with them?"
"Yes, Jake. Apparently you know them. The Cullens?" I swear I could hear crickets chirping in the background.
"The Cullens saved you?" His voice was barely above a whisper.
"Well, sort of. The vampires that saved me are acquaintances of the Cullens and called Carlisle to come check me out." Carlisle nodded and Jasper sent me a wave of calm and confidence.
"Why didn't you call me, Bells? We've been worried sick! Just tell me where you are." Poor Jake. I hadn't thought of how bad things must have been for him.
"No need. We're coming to Forks. Apparently there is some treaty between the pack and the Cullens?" Jake sighed and confirmed it. "Well, I want the treaty extended to three more vampires."
"Are you out of your mind? No way! I don't even like having the Cullens here!" I could hear Vanessa trying to calm him down.
"Well, then I'm not coming home! They are like family to me, just like you and the pack." Jake knew that I was as stubborn as they came and I wouldn't let it go.
"Fine, but they better not eat anyone! And I want you to come here first. Alone. Ness and I will take you to Charlie." Jasper was growling loudly and I tried to shush him, but it didn't work.
"My mate is not going off with some pack of dogs alone!" Jasper was standing now, with me in his arms. The Major was not pleased.
"MATE? What the fuck, Bells?" Jake screamed.
"Is that like a boyfriend? Do you finally have a man, Bella?" I could practically see Vanessa jumping up and down.
"Ness! He's a leech! No!"
"Shut it, Jacob Black! Now, spill, girl! Is he hot! Did you get rid of your V card yet? Details! I need details!" I couldn't help but giggle and Jasper seemed to calm slightly.
"He is definitely hot! Like, Jensen Ackles hot!" Vanessa squealed at the mention of her favorite actor, and object of her lust. Jake hated him, obviously.
"Are you both insane? He's a damn bloodsucking, stinkin' ass vampire!" I could practically picture Jake tugging at his hair.
"If I have to tell you one more time to shut it, Jake…" Vanessa warned. "So, hun, when will you and your man be here?"
I looked to Jasper who answered for me. "We'll be headin' that way in two days. So, you'll see us Friday."
"Lord, girl! That accent! You bring that cowboy to meet me!" We were both giggling and completely ignoring Jake who was mid-rant about vampires and stupidity.
"I want to talk to the vampire who thinks you're his mate." I could practically hear Jake's jaw clenching.
I handed Jasper the phone. "Yes?" Jasper was so damn calm.
I couldn't hear what Jake was saying, but it obviously amused Jasper.
"She is very safe with me, pup… Yes, well, I've fought two wars, human and vampire. How about you?... Not a hair on her head will be out of place… I will consider it… That will not be necessary. We will call you when we reach Forks. You can meet us at the Cullen's home…. I look forward to it."
He calmly handed me the phone. "Jake?"
"Bells, I don't like this, but I trust your judgment. Plus, my wife has threatened to castrate me if I give you and your… whatever he is, any problems. Just, be safe."
"I will, Jake. Rub the belly for me and hug Billy and Ness."
"Sure, sure. Love you, Bells."
"Love you too, Jake." I hung up the phone and was immediately hit with a wave of anger and jealousy. Jasper was shaking and Emmett, Edward, and Carlisle shot into action. They grabbed Jasper while Peter ripped me from his arms.
"What the hell is going on?" I screeched as Jasper thrashed against the three vampires. Alice stood in front of me even though I could practically feel her fear rolling off her.
"Take him outside! Get as far away as you can!" Peter was barking orders and Emmett nodded as they dragged Jasper away.
"The fuck?" I asked, looking to the remaining vampires in the room.
"Um, how do I put this delicately?" Peter looked thoughtful. "Have you told the Major that you love him?"
"No?"
"Yet you can say the words so easily to your K-9 friend." I still didn't get it. Jasper never said he loved me either and I knew that he loved Char.
"What's the big deal? Jake has been my best friend since we were in diapers. Of course I love him. Just like Jasper loves you and Char."
"All he heard was his mate tellin' another man she loves him. He doesn't have that reassurance from you. He's pissed and hurt and now he needs to hurt somethin'. We had to get him away from you before he marked you out of anger." After Peter explained I felt like I had been kicked in the gut. I had hurt my Major.
Bile made its way into my throat and I ran for the front door since it was closer to the bathroom. I emptied the contents of my stomach as images of Jasper's face floated through my mind. I did the only thing I could, which was to run further into the yard and scream his name at the top of my lungs.
"Bella! No!" Peter shouted, but it was too late. There was a loud noise; like thunder and ripping metal. Peter and Char immediately crouched in front of me as Jasper came into view. He was throwing off the Cullen men like they were nothing.
"Major, you know you can't touch her right now," Char tried to reason with him.
"Little girl," Jasper growled and held out his hand. I couldn't deny that I was terrified but I didn't know what else to do.
Edward made an attempt to grab Jasper, which ended with Edward's right arm being torn from his body.
"Jasper! Stop!" I cried as tears streamed down my face.
"Captain, I suggest you and yer mate move outta' the way now." Jasper's tone left no room for argument.
"It's okay, Pete." I patted his shoulder and he looked down at me; worry clouding over his face.
No sooner than I was in front of Peter and Charlotte I was in Jasper's arms.
"I want you to tell me why you said that to the dog," Jasper ordered while dragging his nose along my neck. His grip on me was tight, but not quite to the point of being painful.
"He's my friend," I managed to squeak. "I love him like you love Peter and Char. No different."
"Are you afraid, little girl? Of course you are. I can feel it." I lifted my head so that I could see him and was met with pitch black eyes.
"Do you want me to be afraid? 'Cause you're doing a good job," I whispered.
"I don't want you to fear me, little girl. But I do want you to know who you belong to."
Everyone stood perfectly still as Jasper kissed my pulse point, then trailed his tongue down my neck.
"Please…" I whimpered, "don't do this."
He wanted to mark me, and by doing so he could drain me or turn me. I knew that he would hate himself if he killed me and I wasn't even sure if I wanted to be a vampire yet.
"You are mine, Isabella. Say it." Growls were coming from every direction and I prayed that they would all just stay back. Jasper was too close to losing it as it was.
"Yours. I'm yours." Tears streamed down my face as he purred into my neck. Never since meeting him had I feared Jasper, but all I wanted to do was get free and run far away. I was his. Why did he need to act that way and force me to tell him? His voice was cold and cruel. There was no trace of the Jasper I was in love with.
Normally I would send him soothing emotions, but I couldn't conjure anything but hurt and fear. I closed my eyes and just waited for the nightmare to be over.
"Major," Peter pleaded.
"Stand down, Captain. This is between me and Isabella." A sob broke free from my chest.
"Stop it!" I heard Alice scream and I looked up to see her fearful eyes giving her away. Bless her heart, she was trying to look fierce.
"You're going to ruin everything!" She yelled and Carlisle grabbed her, keeping her in place.
"Enough!" Jasper bellowed.
"Do you love me, Isabella?" I almost choked. Was he really asking me that?
"What?" I blanched.
"Tell me you love me! I know you feel it, now say it!" I cried even harder as he yelled in my face.
"I love you! I love you!" I sobbed and fell to my knees as he finally released me.
Peter carefully lifted me into his arms and glared at Jasper, who seemed to have finally come to his senses.
"Little girl," he whispered as I buried my face into Peter's neck.
"Bella, you're hyperventilating," Carlisle spoke. Is that what I was doing? Is that what the tightness in my chest was? I thought it was my heart breaking.
"You need to slow down your breathing, love." Edward was in front of me, touching my face. Jasper was allowing it? Edward was missing an arm…
Black. Everything went black.
I woke up in my bed. No… not my bed. The bed I had been using in his house. I wanted out. I wanted Jake and the pack. I wanted my dad.
"Little girl…" Jasper's voice sounded hoarse and I turned my head. I couldn't look at him. All I could see was his cold, black eyes as he ruined everything.
"Please…" I still wouldn't look but I felt him grab my hand. He sounded like he was crying, but I knew that vampires couldn't cry.
"I want to go home." My voice was flat.
"What? You are home. Your home is with me." He sounded like I felt. Heartbroken. But I couldn't live that way. Always afraid. You should never fear those that you love. He forced me to say that I was his. Forced me to tell him that I loved him. Wrong. It was all wrong.
"No. I want to go back to where I belong. I want to go home to my dad and the pack." He laid his cold forehead on my arm and let out a deep breath.
"We're going, little girl. Just a couple more days." Why did he sound relieved?
"Not we. I'm going. You are staying here. I need to be away from you." I looked at him to show just how serious I was.
"What?" He whispered. "No." His voice became calm and commanding.
"Yes. I accepted that you are a vampire. I accepted that you kill. Hell, I even accepted you after you ripped poor Alice apart. But you don't hurt people that you l… that you care about. You just want to control me. If I was really your mate you couldn't have treated me that way."
"Bella," he whimpered.
"I have never seen Peter treat Charlotte that way. Or Carlisle with Esme, or Emmett with Rose. No, this is all wrong!" I tried to blink back tears but they fell anyway.
"I love you! Little girl, please!" Jasper was on his knees, begging.
"You don't love me. You can't." He lifted my hand and desperately placed my fingers on his scar.
"Please! I do! I'll show you!" He took on a look of deep concentration but I felt nothing.
"Why isn't it working? Why can't I feel you! Stop it!" He was getting hysterical and I called for Peter.
Peter and Emmett dragged him out of the room. Edward sat on the edge of the bed.
"What was that?" I asked.
"He couldn't feel your emotions, and when he tried to send you his they bounced off like they were hitting a wall. He panicked." I nodded, and probably would have been more worried, but I just couldn't bring myself to care.
"Can I go home now?" I asked through my tears. Great. I was crying… again.
"You know that he will follow you." He sighed.
"No. He won't. I will tell him I don't want him there. He has to respect that, right? He has to know that this is over now." My breathing picked up again. I was afraid for the pack and my father. Jasper had proved how volatile he was and I couldn't put them in danger.
"You don't want me?" Jasper stood in the doorway, looking like a lost little boy.
Of course I wanted him, but I couldn't keep him. Maybe Alice was right all along. I could never hurt him the way he had hurt me. He used my love for him to break me. Like some sort of wild animal.
"You can't come with me, Jasper. You could hurt someone that I care about. I couldn't let you hurt my dad. Or Jake and Ness. Or the rest of the pack."
"I won't! I swear! If you leave me I'll die!" Now he was being overdramatic. He had already explained just how hard it is for a vampire to die. Even still, the thought terrified me.
"I'm afraid he really believes that, Bella." Edward spoke, bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Jasper. I don't think I can trust you. You used my feelings for you against me. You were cold and cruel… with ME, Jasper! ME!" In a flash he was in the bed curled into my side.
"I just lost it. You couldn't tell me how you felt, but you told him. I thought you loved him more and it drove me crazy. I just knew that you would leave me for him."
"He has a wife! And a child on the way! How can I trust you not to hurt any of them? You just admitted that you couldn't control yourself." I tried to speak softly but both of us knew how this would end. Edward slipped quietly from the room as Jasper and I held one another until I finally drifted off. All cried out.
Yeah…. So… The Major had a bit of a fit. Is it wrong that I still feel bad for him even though he sort of brought this on himself. Now, before you freak out, there is a lot more story to go, and I believe in HEA. Plus, who could stay mad at an apologetic Jasper? As always, this is and will always be a Jasper/Bella fic. And did you guys notice Alice sticking up for Bella? See, she's not so bad!
So, tell me what you think!
