Edward agreed to meet me at the borderline at midnight. After my brother finished watching television with me, he left. A few hours later, the news broke that a woman was killed in Port Angeles. No one knows why or how…except me.
Edward had much remorse over Jackson. I told him profusely that it was okay. He didn't know who he was killing. I just said it so he'd quit going on about it. I know he says he doesn't want to be a monster, but he acts like one all the time. It's irritating as hell.
I saw his Volvo pull up and he got out. The passenger door opened and Jasper got out. I frowned. What is Jasper doing here?
Edward answered my thoughts. "Jasper was a soldier, he knows more about combat and strategy than any of us. He wants to help."
I nodded. More help against the sociopath Jackson was better than less help.
"Hi Jasper," I said. He acknowledged me, wrinkling his nose at my scent. Yep, still got it.
"I was filled in on the details. The best way to do this is to leave it to the three of us. We don't need a full army to take down one vampire. He may be a sociopath, but he can't fight all of us at once."
That made sense. The wolves were itching for a fight, Sam especially, but I didn't want to involve them. I didn't want them hurt or killed. I didn't give a shit what happened to the leeches though.
Edward spoke up. "Jasper suggested using Bella as bait." He was glaring at his brother. Jasper responded quickly. "You know I love her Edward. I don't want her hurt any more than you. We can use her to draw him out and then Jacob can take her away to safety quickly. That will give you and me the opportunity we need to kill Jackson."
"I don't know about that…" I said. Jasper looked at me with understanding. "It's the best way, Jacob. We don't involve a lot of people. Edward and I are strong; we can take care of Jackson. You should be with Bella."
I looked at Edward. He nodded at me grudgingly. "Just keep your tongue in your own mouth, dog, or you'll be dead too."
I laughed. "I'd like to see you try." Edward snarled. Jasper broke it up.
"Guys, chill out," he said. "I am sick of you two fighting over Bella. Jacob, Bella is with Edward. Please understand that. Edward, Jacob wants your girlfriend. You know that. But you know that she is in love with you. No worries." Edward sighed.
"Jasper's right."
"Sure," I said. Jasper shook his head.
"Please," he said, "shake on it."
We both looked at him. "What?" I said.
"Shake on your understanding of each other and the fact that you have to work together right now. I am sick of the fighting and you two need to learn some patience."
I looked at Edward. He held his hand out to me. I took it. It was ice cold, of course.
"God, I'm surprised you don't give Bella frost bite," I said.
He smiled. "And I'm surprised you don't give her fleas."
I yanked my hand away and glared at him. He was still smiling.
Jasper sighed. "Okay, that's settled. We will plan everything for tomorrow night. Jacob, to be on the safe side, have one of your pack brothers ready in case we need him. Preferably Seth as he and Edward get along."
I nodded. Edward's phone rang.
"Thank you for helping Jasper," I said. I didn't have any animosity towards him personally. He seemed nice…for a filthy bloodsucker.
Jasper and I both noticed Edward's conversation. We turned to him.
"How could you Rose?! You knew to stay with her!" His eyes were black, clouded with rage. He hung up and threw the phone to the ground. It smashed into a thousand pieces.
"Jackson has Bella."
