Chapter 9

Jasmine woke slowly, her eyes blurry. She felt Erik's solid presence behind her, his arms around her waist, holding her securely to him. Last nights lovemaking had been slow and erotic, filled with love, soft whispers, and softer touches. The sense of urgency was pushed aside in order to make the night memorable. After they had cooled down, they were laying in each others arms, Erik told her the date he would marry her. December 22. Just three short months away.

She had turned to him and kissed him passionately again, and the lovemaking started all over again. Jasmine held onto Erik as he took her again, their passion consuming them, until there was nothing but the two of them and their love for each other, breathless and shuddering with lust. Erik held her tight, kissing her hair, stroking her bare back, telling her that he loved her more than life, more than metal. Jasmine had broke down and cried at that. She had never felt more loved, more cherished than in that moment. It would have to carry her through the next week, maybe two.

Because today Jasmine would be leaving. Today, they implemented their plan to bring down the FoH. Jasmine would leave after breakfast for a shopping spree in New York, alone. She knew what she had to do, but the time line depended on Mark Howell. She knew he would take the bait. He might not be the one to capture her, but she would be taken to him. And he would take her. She had made sure that all the shady groups that disliked mutants knew that she would be in town.

What everyone else didn't know was how she had done that. No one knew that she paid dearly for inside informants. They not only brought word to her about their groups activity, but they planted information for her, case in point. She had made a call a few days ago after the testing was done. She was waiting on the return call, but she knew that they would come through. They always did.

She looked at the clock, then at Erik. He looked tired, and old. For the first time she saw him as others saw him. He was an old man to everyone else. But to her, he was just a man, the man she loved more than life itself. He dropped the act when he was around her. He wasn't Magneto, he was Erik Lensherr. A man of great passions and many opinions. And she was the recipient of them all.

As much as she wanted to turn over and engage his passions, she couldn't. Now was the time to prepare herself for her mission. She needed to think clearly, to process all her information. With that thought, she lifted Erik's arm, and scooted away from him, soothing him back to sleep when he started to protest. She hated to do that, but right now she had no choice. There were few things she needed to do before he woke up.

She went to the bathroom, took a quick shower, and brushed her teeth, wrapped herself in her robe before moving back into the bedroom. She picked up her cell and walked out onto the patio. The sun was just starting to lighten the sky when her phone rang softly.

"Hello?"

"It's Steve." 'Ro might not have kept up with her weekend amour, but Jasmine had. He had been a good friend and a useful plant after discovering that the three girls were mutants.

"It is all set?"

"Yeah, the word's out." There a pause. "Jas, are you sure you want to do this? It's going to be dangerous for you, especially if you think Howell had Curt killed." She could hear the worry in his voice.

"I'm sure, Steve. You know first hand what these groups are like. You know what they plan to do. I can't sit by and let it happen. I won't sit by and let it happen." She heard a sigh come over the line.

"I'm leaving. I can't sit back and not do something when you're risking your life like this. I'm coming to your school."

"'Ro's moved on, Steve. She's with another mutant and she's happy." She hated to tell him this. Whether Ororo knew it or not, Steve had fallen in love with her during that one weekend. He did what he did for Jasmine because he wanted to keep 'Ro safe.

"That's ok, Jas, I've moved on too. I'm ready for a new relationship. Ya'll got any hot young mutants that wouldn't mind dating an old human?" His laugh sounded over the cell. Hers matched it.

"There are a few young ladies here that would swoon at the sight of you. And they wouldn't care if you're a human or not." Jasmine smiled as a thought came to her. "In fact I have one in mind for you. Her name's Jubilation Lee. Jubilee is just the kind of girl you need, Steve, and she's legal." They both laughed at that.

"Just what I need." His voice turned serious. "Be careful, Jasmine. We need you around."

"Don't worry, Steve, I'll be coming back. I have too much to live for." Jasmine placed a hand on her stomach.

"Bye, Jas." The connection ended abruptly.

Jasmine closed her eyes, focusing on the things around her. She felt everything hum inside her. All the people in the house waking up, some already moving around. Charles was in his office, talking to Kitty. Jasmine found that interesting and she could never resist spying on someone telepathically. It was her greatest fault. She focused, listening to what they were saying. Both were dressed, though Kitty seemed a bit rumpled.

"What were you thinking, Kitty, coming into my rooms?" Charles looked at the girl like she had suddenly sprouted ears, whiskers, and a tail. Kitty just stood there, with her head down. "Why would you want to come into my private rooms, Kitty?" Jasmine watched in fascination as the girl raised her head, her body stiffening.

"I should think, sir, that the fact that I was wearing a skimpy night gown would have made the reason rather obvious." Kitty's tone was one of defiance, with a touch of sarcasm in it. Jasmine felt her mouth open in shock. No one had ever talked to Charles Xavier like that. Not even Magneto would call Xavier's wrath upon himself by using a tone like that.

"You'll have to do better than that, my dear Miss Pryde. Why were you in my room?" Charles stood up from behind his desk. Once again, Jasmine's mouth dropped as she saw an obvious bulge in his pants. She heard Kitty gasp, too, as she saw it. She felt the waves of lust flowing from them both.

"I wanted you. I wanted to make love to you. Charles Xavier, I've loved you since you convinced me to come here. When you died, it nearly killed me. You can't imagine the feeling of relief when I found out that Magneto and Jasmine had heard from you. You've been back a week. I figured it was time for me to make my move. I wore that gown, thinking that I could take it off quickly. But you were awake when I came." Kitty hung her head again, embarrassment engulfing her.

"What about Bobby? You are dating him, are you not?" Charles was slowly advancing.

"Bobby was just a phase. He used me to cheat on Rogue and then cheated on me. I never really liked him that way anyway." Kitty's chin came up defiantly. "You're the one I want, Charles Xavier."

"Are you aware that I'm 42 years your senior, Kitty?" His eyes burned with passion even as he tried to talk some sense into the young girl before him.

"I know, Charles, and I don't care. Age is nothing. Jasmine's taught me that much in her time here. If she and Magneto can have a chance, I think you and I can too. Magneto was talking to Logan the other day about a Super Soldier chamber that would reverse his aging. If you fall in love with me like I'm in love with you, then maybe you'd consider doing that too."

"Do you really love me, Kitty? It's not just some kind of weird fascination with the man that in a way saved you?" Charles was standing in front of her by now, within reaching distance, but he didn't touch her.

Kitty suddenly lurched forward, throwing herself at Charles, wrapping her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist. She pulled his head down to hers and placed her lips on his, kissing him with all she was worth.

"Does that answer your question, Charles Xavier? I love you. And I want you." She attached her mouth to his again, muffling any answer that was forthcoming.

Jasmine had long since abandoned the pretense of just cruising around the mansion making sure everyone was there. She was focused on these two wholly now. She knew that Charles knew she was listening in. But he didn't seem to care too much.

She would be good for you, Charles. She felt his mental smile.

I was wondering how much longer it would take for you to say something, Jasmine. And yes, she would be good for me. But she's so young.

She may be young, but she's ready. And she does love you. You should know that life's too short. Take what you can get right now, and don't worry about the future. Besides, we need another couple to make it even.

There's four couples right now. How are Kitty and I going to make it even?

You won't. But I'm working on another couple. Take her, Charles, you couldn't do any better. Just lock the door before you do. She laughed and heard him laugh with her.

She sensed him move his hand to the girl. She heard a gasp as Kitty was wrapped in Xavier's arms. Then she saw Charles returned Kitty's passionate kiss, his hands moving down her body, cupping her butt and pulling her tighter into him.

By the way, I have a friend coming in a few days. Steve Cohen. He's my contact underground. He needs to be introduced to Jubilee. Have fun with Kitty, Charles. She laughed as he mentor pushed her out of his mind just as he was carrying Kitty over to his chair behind his desk. Jasmine had a feeling that the desk was about to be christened. She felt her own lover behind her.

"What are you laughing about, love?" His strong arms wrapped around her.

"Charles is, as we speak, making love to Kitty." She felt Erik's arms move to her shoulders, and turn her around. His mouth was opening and closing like a fish.

"Xavier and Pryde?" His eyes wide, he looked into hers. "After that crap he gave me about having an affair with you? There was 30 years between us. There's what...42 years between them!!!" Jasmine laughed again, her arms going around Erik, pulling him close, bringing his mouth to hers.

Love knows no age, studmuffin. You and I are proof of that. And Charles has a new lease on life. He deserves to be happy, don't you think?

"Yes, but, Jasmine, 42 years. He couldn't even hope to marry her and have children with her. He'd die before they reached 20."

"And you think that you won't?" Jasmine's quiet question stopped him. She was right. He stuttered, trying to find an answer. He latched onto the only one that he could think of.

"I'm going to use the Super Soldier chamber. My body will be younger than I am. I can live for another 30 years or more. But Charles... he won't live that long." Erik was still trying to get his mind around his friend with an 18 year old.

"He can't go into the chamber too?" Jasmine knew the answer to that. Erik just took a bit longer to realize it.

"Yes, he can." His eyes met hers. "So maybe it's not so bad after all."

"Maybe it's not. He needs someone right now, and she loves him. They would make a good pair. She would lighten him up and he would calm her down."

"That's certainly true enough. It'll just take me a while to get used to it, that's all. Charles and Kitty." Erik gave a short laugh. "You know this means I get to give him hell about it now, don't you?" Jasmine smiled up at him, liking to see him smiling and laughing.

"Just don't be too hard on him. Be the bigger man. He'll realize he was wrong for what he did all those years ago. Maybe." She hugged Erik then pulled away, going into their room. Erik stopped when his eyes fell to her bags sitting by the door. They had packed them together last night before going to bed.

He watched silently as she dressed, and went about the room gathering the last minute items she would need. Even though this was a mission, it needed to look like a shopping trip. She had packed enough clothes for a weekend, with extra pairs just in case, along with a few evening dresses in a garment bag. Jasmine had planned everything to look like she was taking some much needed time to herself, going shopping, taking in a few shows, dinning in nice restaurants.

"I wish there was another way, Jasmine." He sat on the bed, his shoulders shagging.

"I do too, Erik. But there's not, and we both know it. The only hope of stopping the FoH is me. We have to get to Howell. He'll take me and then you can come and save me, like you did before. Only this time I'm not a helpless 6 year old." Erik pulled her to him, his arms wrapping around her waist, he buried his face in her breasts, holding her close.

"You've never been helpless, Jasmine. Even when I found you that night. You were the one to kill that man, not me. And I think you'd do it again if you had to. You'd kill them all if it would save any of us.

"I'd kill them all to save you. Saving everyone else in the mansion is an added bonus." She leaned down and kissed him slowly, stopping only when a knock sounded on the door. "It's open." The door opened to reveal Scott on the other side, looking ill at ease. He took in their position and adverted his eyes.

"It's time to go, Jas. You don't want to be late." He stood there waiting.

"Thanks, Scott. Take my bags as you go back downstairs, please." She turned back to Erik and ignored Scott, leaning down again and kissing her lover, long and slow, her lips on his saying what her words could not. She finally pulled back, and rested her forehead on his, her breathing shallow, her hands framing his face. Both had their eyes closed.

Jasmine opened hers, watching as Erik did the same. They stared into each other's eyes, memorizing each other. They had decided that it would be easier to have a private good bye in their room than in front of the mansion. Erik wasn't even going down stairs. They had said everything they wanted to say last night. All she had to do was carry her bags down stairs and get in the car.

"I love you, Erik, and no matter what, I don't regret what's happened between us. Not fifteen years ago and not now. I thank the stars everyday that I had the time I did with you, and I'm counting on my lucky stars that I'll have many more years with you." She smiled. She didn't want him seeing her about to cry when he closed his eyes at night. So she smiled at him. "After all, I have a wedding to plan, and a life to live with you. I will be back." She pecked his lips again, grabbed her shoulder bag and purse, and escaped out the room before either could say more.

There was no one in the halls this morning, which wasn't that strange. It was Friday, a school day, all the children were in classes, but it was deathly quite. It was as if the house knew what was happening. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she walked straight through the foray and out the large double doors. Only Scott and Logan were waiting on her. They had pulled her car to the steps and had her two large bags in the trunk. Logan took the small bag and her purse, and placed them in car, then turned and engulfed her in his large arms. Then he pulled back and walked away.

Scott looked at her for a moment, then did the same. Jasmine didn't wait to see him walk into the house, but hopped into her Viper and drove away, tears rolling down her cheeks as she steered the car onto the main road. The tears seeped out for about an hour, until finally Jasmine had to give herself a stern talking to.

"It's not like you're never going to see them again, Jas. It'll be no more than a week, maybe two at the most, and this will be over. You'll take down the FoH, go back to the mansion, marry Erik and start practicing making a baby again. Practice makes perfect." She smiled at that. Her fear was ebbing away. The further she drove the better she felt about the chances of actually succeeding.

You'll do it, Jasmine, I have faith in you. Charles' voice came out of no where.

I know I will, Charles, it's just this fear consumed me as I drove away. It's irrational, I know, but I guess I'm still human enough to have doubts.

Of course you have doubts. Everyone has them, even Erik, which you know. He was just here with Kitty and me, talking like I've never heard him. His fear is very real, Jasmine. Kitty was amazed to see him like that.

I bet she was! Everyone is so in awe of him. But they don't realize that for all his talk, he still struggles like we do. He's changed so much , Charles. He's ready to work with you to make the world better.

He mentioned something like that while he was here, wanting to talk to me after this was over. I'm very interested to see what he proposes. Kitty wants to say something to you, Jasmine. Jasmine felt a shift in her mind, felt another mind being added to Charles'.

Jas, you need to contact Erik as much as you can. He's very scared for you.

I know he is, Kitty. He understands why I need to do this, but he still worries. There's not much I can do about that. But I will talk to him later. Do me a favor, Kitty?

Sure, what is it?

Take care of Charles and try to help Marie make sure that Erik eats. The last thing I need is for him to be weak in the battle that's to come.

I'll help make sure he's OK, Jas. And don't worry about Charles. I'll take care of him all by myself.

You're good for him, Kitty.

He's good for me too.

Now girls, that enough talk about me. We'll let you go, Jasmine. Be careful driving.

The presence in her mind left and she felt alone, truly alone again. The feeling was unsettling to say the least. She didn't like it. She focused her mind on driving. It was a warm day outside, and Jasmine had never been a girl to pass up the opportunity to ride with the wind in her hair. She saw a gas station sign up ahead. It would the last one before she got on to the interstate. She pulled in. After filling the tank, she walked into the small store. There were five men sitting around the counter watching her.

"After noon, gentlemen. How are all of you doing this fine day?" She smiled her prettiest smile. They stared for a moment. Then they all clambered to their feet, talking over each other. Jasmine's smile widened. She turned to the man behind the counter, a man about her age.

"Afternoon, ma'am. What can I do for you today?" He seemed less taken in than the others. Jasmine scanned him quickly and knew why he was different. He was a mutant, controlling fire if she didn't miss her guess. She found it ironic that he worked in a gas station. He realized she was a mutant a few seconds after she scanned him. His face lightened and he smiled at her.

"I just need some snacks and to pay for the gas. Do you have any white chocolate cover pretzels?" The smile never left her face as she talked. She scanned all the other men, finding that they were normal humans, and they were all good men. None of them had bad feelings about mutants, they all knew that the young man was one. Interesting.

"Aisle three. We have a new coffee machine in the back, pretty good too. Not like that big chain store, but still alright."

"Thanks." Jasmine walked off, aware of all their eyes on her figure. She found the pretzels easily and then made her way toward the coffee she smelled. It might not be a national brand, but it was still coffee. She pushed the button and watched the cup fill up, grabbing a top and popping it into place. She grabbed her pretzels and a few other snacks that she saw, and walked back up to the counter.

"This and gas it all?"

"Yes." She paid the man, smiled again, then turned. "You have a fine day, gentlemen." She walked out of the store without looking back. In a few minutes, she had her hair pulled up, the windows down and was back on the road, heading for the interstate that would take her into the city.

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Jasmine finally pulled up in front of what used to be the Hilton, now called the Aidan Hotel. No one at home in Ireland, or at the mansion knew that she owned the now world renowned hotel. She had bought it after the last trip to the city with 'Ro and Cindy. It had taken most of the her inheritance from her grandparents, but she had done it. Her lawyer handled all the arrangements, and it had paid off. The hotel had provided her income for that last 14 years.

The name she had chosen was special to her. Aidan was Irish and meant "warmth of the home." The first thing Jasmine did was redecorate the inside. If she could have had her way she would have pulled the entire thing down and rebuilt it as an old world castle. But that had been impractical, as well as too expensive. So she worked on the inside, turning it into a castle.

The floors had been laid over with stones, covered by thick rugs in places. The stairs going up where covered with a thick red carpet, the banister solid rock. The chandelier in the main room was a replica of what would have been in a castle. It had to be lit by hand. It was the only one like that in the hotel. The rooms were lit with electricity, but had the options of candle light. The beds were huge four-posters with canopies and curtains. The bathrooms had running water, but the tubs were old fashion claw footed porcelain. The hotel was modern, but had touches of the old everywhere.

More importantly, it was known to be mutant friendly. Not only to guests but also to workers. Most of the workers Jasmine employed were mutants that society had deemed too dangerous. But she had taken them in and helped them. She had found that when you gave someone a hand when they are in dire need, you'd made a friend for life. Particularly if that person was a mutant. As Jasmine stepped from her car, she saw one of her oldest employees come around to help her.

"Hello, Gervase. How are you doing?" She held her hands out and watched as he took them in his own big ones. She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek as he responded.

"I'm doing good, Miss Jasmine. I have to tell you, it's been too long since you've been here. We've missed you these last three years." Jasmine loved listening to his southern accent. It soothed her frayed nerves. His face withered into a smile as he pulled her around the car to the curb.

"And I've missed you all as well. I was never taken better care of than while I was here." She stood as Gervase did his job, heaving her bags from the trunk of the Viper.

"That's a right pret little car you got there, Miss Jasmine. I never knew you were interested in speed." He smiled again as he sat her bags down and motioned for a young man to take the car away, and another to come take her bags. He offered his arm to her and escorted her into the hotel as she answered.

"Well, speed is good for some things. You never know when you'll need a fast get away car." The old man laughed, the sound echoing off the stone walls, causing people to look up. Another older man rushed to them, holding his hands out to Jasmine.

"Miss Jasmine, I'm so glad to see you again. It's been too long since you graced us with your presence." He smiled at her, his brown eyes twinkling.

"I agree, Stan, it has been too long. Though I won't be here as long as I'd like this time. I'm only here for a few days." The two men shared a glance. "As soon as I run into some old friends, I'll be going to stay with them." They gave her looks that said they understood.

"Well, let's get you settled in then. You're suite is ready, as always. Why don't you take her up, Gervase. I'll send your bags up and some refreshments, Miss Jasmine. You just sit back and relax tonight. We'll take care of you."

"I know you will, Stan." She and Gervase walked to the elevator. Gervase inserted his card and pushed the button for the 20th floor. The entire floor was hers, consisting of a living room, a kitchen, and six bedrooms; three to the left and down a hall of the large main room and three to the right, down a hall, each with their own bathrooms.

"Is there anything I can get you, Miss Jasmine?" Gervase asked as Jasmine wandered into the large living room.

"No, Gervase, just my bags and some snacks. As soon as they arrive, you can go back to your duties." Just then a knock sounded, and Gervase opened the door to reveal a bellhop with her bags and another with a cart.

"Bring them in gentlemen. Set the bags in the room all the way down the left hall. Bring the cart here to the bar." He waited until they boys had left the room, and Jasmine was checking the cart. "Anything else, Miss Jasmine?"

"No thank you, Gervase. I'm set for now. You and Stan can rest assured that if I need anything I'll call."

"Have a good day and night, then, Miss Jasmine." He walked to the door.

"You too, Gervase," Jasmine called before he shut the door behind him. She stood in the middle of the large living room, looking around, remembering the last time she had been here.

It had been a trip to the city with Mark Howell. He hadn't known that she owned the hotel, and had come in demanding the best room for himself and his fiancé. She hadn't understood then why he had wanted to stay in a hotel that was known to have mutants working in it at the time. She stood in front of her window, over looking the city sky line was she thought about that last night.

She and Mark were walking arm in arm away from a theater. They had just seen Cats, one of her all time favorite musicals. Mark hadn't liked it, but he had sat through it for her. They were both dressed in their finest, Jasmine wearing a long deep green dress that Mark said looked wonderful on her. She didn't like it, thought it made her look washed up, but she had worn for her fiancé.

They were walking down the street, back toward the hotel when Jasmine had saw something out of the corner of her eye. She turned in time to see an out of control car come careening around the corner. Several cars were hit, one careening toward a family of five standing there looking up at a billboard.

Jasmine didn't think about the consequences. She flew into the air, landing right in front of the family, raising her hands, stopping the car just inches from them. Next she looked to the car that was still moving, hitting more cars, until she moved her hand toward and brought it to a stop several hundred yards away.

People were standing there watching her. She looked into the car that she had stopped first, seeing that the man was passed out. She ran around to the side, and flicking her wrist, tore the door from it's hinges. When she looked in, she saw that the man was in worse shape than she would have guessed. Jasmine did a quick scan body scan. The man was a hemophiliac. She had to get him out.

The dash board was pressing down on his legs, the stirring wheel pressing into his stomach. Jasmine knew that she was going to have to get him out of that car if he was to have any chance at all. He was blooding heavily from a gash on his leg, there was probably internal bleeding as well. The more he bleed, the smaller the chances were he would live to see the ambulance. The one good thing was that he was awake and watching every move she made.

First she took care of the stirring wheel, simply dissolving it. The dash board was a bit more tricky. She ended up dissolving it as well. She then picked up the seat, floating it out of the car and onto the ground, motioning for some of the men to help her move him. Once he was laid out, she did another body scan, seeing what had to be done.

"You're bleeding internally, and from the cut on your leg. I need to help you. If I don't, you will die before the ambulance arrives." Jasmine was aware of all the eyes on her, listening to her every word.

"Why would you help me? Do you know who I am?" The man asked in a whisper.

"You're Brian Jefferies, world renowned reporter and mutant hater."

"Then why help me?" His eyes held a curious light.

"Because I'm a medical doctor and I took an oath to help everyone I could. Because I'm a good person. But mostly because you need it. And if I don't, you will die." She looked him in the eyes. Waiting for him to nod. When he did, she laid her hands on his abdomen, and concentrated. A slow glow settled over his body and then faded, his injuries completely healed.

"You'll be tired for a bit, but you won't have any problems from the hemophilia again." Jasmine stood, looking to where Mark had been standing. He wasn't there, only empty space. Someone called out, catching her attention. She moved off, not thinking of Mark again. There was a lady trapped under a car.

"She's hurt, and we can't get her out. You've got to help her!!" A younger lady screamed at Jasmine as she neared. Jasmine scanned the area, seeing what was holding the woman down.

"I will help her, but everyone needs to move back." The crowd did was she asked willingly. Jasmine focused on the car that pinned the woman, drowning everything else out. She never noticed that Brian Jefferies walked up behind her, standing closer than everyone else. Jasmine trained her eyes on the car, it lifted with ease, allowing a few men to get under it and drag the woman out. It was then that she noticed Brian Jefferies was there, helping the woman out of the way. When all were a safe distance away from the floating car, Jasmine sat it down gently, then turned to the where the woman was laying on the ground.

This time she didn't even ask, just knelt beside the woman, extended her hands and healed her, leaving a soft glow on her body for a few minutes, fading as her injuries healed. The woman looked up and smiled at her, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. Jasmine returned the smile and squeeze, nodding slightly, before rising and turning to face the wreckage as the police and ambulance arrived on the screen.

She walked over the where the family of four were standing, talking to a police officer. The little girl broke away, running to Jasmine, wrapping her arms around Jasmine's waist, hugging her tight. Jasmine returned the hug as everyone watched, smiling down at the little girl.

"I wanted to say thanks for saving us. You're a good person. I like mutants, no matter what that mean man says about them." Jasmine actually laughed at that, several around her joining in.

"Well, I happen to like them too. And it's good that you don't let other people tell you what to think and feel. You must always decide for yourself what you believe. And I'm glad I was here to save you." Jasmine scanned the girl, finding that she had the X-gene. She looked to her the parents and brothers. The parents were mutants, and the brothers both had the X-gene as well. Jasmine pulled the little girl over to her parents.

"Here's my card. And here's another. If you ever need help, call Xavier. He'll be able to help with anything you might need. Please don't hesitate to call me either. I'll do what ever I can." The adults shook her hand, the girl gave her one last hug, then the family went on their way.

"Ma'am?" Jasmine turned to find Brian Jefferies with two officers.

"Yes?" She addressed the one that had spoken, a captain if she had her ranks right.

"We've spoken with Mr Jefferies and several others. We know what you did. You were mighty brave here tonight. May I have your name?" The man was good looking, very good looking. And there was no wedding ring, no memory of a wife.

"Jasmine Riona Englham."

"Ms Englham, this could have easily been much worse than it is. I want to thank you for all you've done tonight." The man looked Jasmine in the eyes, something that not every man can do. He smiled at her. She saw admiration gleaming in his eyes, along with a faint attraction. "Mr Jefferies would like to talk to you away from everyone else, if you're agreeable with that. We'll stay with you of course."

"That would be fine, Officer." She turned without a another word and walked a bit away from the other people. When she faced a building, she turned, leaning against it, already feeling the weight of blocking so many minds. She faced Jefferies, ready to listen and answer questions that she could.

"I want to know why you really did it, Ms Englham. Not the pat answers of being a doctor, or a good person, or even of me needing it. Give me a real answer." He stood next to the policemen, his arms crossed, ready to disbelieve anything she said. So she told him the truth.

"Because, unlike you, I know that we're not all the same. Unlike you, I'm tolerant. I have compassion. On humans and mutants alike. I believe in doing the right thing, Mr Jefferies, whether you be a human or mutant. We all have a responsibility to each other. Trust me when I say that there was no higher reason. I didn't do it change your opinion of mutants. I would have done the same for a criminal, simply because I hold life precious. Life isn't made in the blink of an eyes, Mr Jefferies, but it can be taken. If I have the power to stop that, don't you think I should? Or would you rather be lying there on the ground dead?"

Jasmine looked Brian Jefferies in the eye, daring him to say that he would rather be dead. She couldn't help but wonder what he would think if he knew that she could kill him as easily as she had saved him. Would he be running as far as he could, as fast as he could from the world's most powerful mutant? Or would he stand there like he is now, defying her?

"In the end, Mr Jefferies, I don't care what you believe, what you think about me and my kind. I still saved your life, and I would do it again without thinking." She turned to the officers. "Do you need anything from me?"

"No ma'am we don't. We have what we need. We're just waiting for a clean up crew."

"If you'd let me help with that, it would go quicker." She waited only long enough for a nod, then walked out into the middle of the street, raising her hands and moving objects easily. She lined the damaged cars on one side of the street, cleaned the debris with a swipe of her hand, and dissolved the broken glass. After everything was settled, she finally turned toward the captain again. "If you need anything from me, here's where you can reach me." She handed him a card with her numbers on it.

"This should do it, ma'am. I'll get a car to take you back to your hotel." She smiled at that.

"There's no need for a car, sir. I'll just fly back." With a parting smile, she looked to the sky and jumped, taking off, flying through the Manhattan sky line.

It was less than two minutes and she was landing on her balcony at the Aidan. She hadn't given Mark another thought since she had looked for him on the street earlier. If she had been thinking, she wouldn't have entered her room with her guard down. Instead, she was thinking about Brian Jefferies, wondering if she had made any difference.

She opened the door and stepped into the living room, her eyes adjusting to the darkness, closing the door behind her. Then suddenly, a fist came out, catching her in the nose, the impact throwing her back against the wall. She gasped in pain as another fist slammed into her stomach, making her double over. A hand grasped her hair, pulling her head up.

"You bitch!! You whore!! How dare you lie to me!! I'll make you pay for this treachery!!" Mark's eyes were dark with rage, his thoughts out of control. Before Jasmine could even think to do anything, he had brought his fist down onto her face again, then into her stomach. She fell to the floor, he started to kick her. Finally the hitting and kicking stopped.

"You're a slut, Jasmine. And I'm gonna make you feel like one." She heard the sound of metal, then a zipper unzippering. Jasmine turned her head to watch as he dropped his pants. She turned away from him when he pushed her dress away from her lower body. She tuned her mind out as he entered her bruised and battered body roughly. She thought of better times, when Erik was over her, kissing her, making love to her. Until finally he slapped her and pulled her face toward him, making her look into his eyes.

"I want to see what I'm doing to you, whore." He looked into her eyes, pounding into her protesting body. Jasmine had the fleeting thought to send him a psychic wave. But she knew that if she did, she would kill him. So Jasmine kept quite, the only sounds coming from her mouth were gasps and soft moans of pain.

He beat into her until he released. She watched as he stood, pulled up his pants, and turned away. Jasmine laid perfectly still as he gathered his bags and went from the room without looking back. She kept her mind, though it was racked with pain, on him until he had left the hotel. Only then did she move. Only then did she pick herself up off the cold floor, now stained with her blood, and stumbled to the bathroom.

The sight in the full length mirror made her wince, which made her gasp in pain. Her eyes hurt just looking at her bruised face. She could only imagine what the rest of her body looked like. She started to peel what was left of her dress off, the dried blood making it pull and hurt her tender skin. She grabbed a bath clothe and sponged herself off. She hadn't started to heal herself yet, because she was so weak.

Jasmine knew that she didn't have enough strength to tackle the healing process that night, so after toweling dry very gently, she found a lose pair of PJ's and pulled them on just as a knock sounded on the door. She didn't bother with scanning to see who it was. She just went to the door and opened it. That was the first sign that she was very tired.

Brian Jefferies was standing outside her door, staring at her. His mouth opened and closed, his disbelieving eyes taking in her appearance. She could hear his thoughts going around in her head, but was too tired to try to shut them out. That was the second sign that she was very tired.

Who did this to her? Why did she let them do this to her? Why do I care? Her nose has got to be broken. If her face looks this bad, what is the rest of her body like?

"His name is Mark Howell. He's my now ex-fiancé. And I let him do this because it either that, or I kill him. And I don't know why you care. Yes my nose is broken, and my body looks much worse than my face. Any other questions?" Jasmine walked away from the opened door, yet another sign that she was very tired. She walked over the sofa and flopped down, watching Brian as he decided whether to accept her backhanded invitation or not.

He finally walked into the room, shutting the door behind him, coming over to sit beside her. Jasmine felt his eyes on her, traveling over her face, going over her body, his thoughts loud in her head. But she couldn't do anything about it. She was so tired.

After years of hating mutants, how is it that one woman makes me change my mind and excites me like this?

Jasmine laughed out loud.

"I'm a telepath, and right now I'm too tired to raise my shields, so if you could think a little less loudly, I would appreciate it." She gave him a small smile, her lips hurting where they were busted.

"Ok, I'll just ask all my questions out loud, then. Why did he do this?" Jasmine closed her eyes, not wanted to see him as she told him.

"Because I'm a mutant. He thought I had lied to him. That I had kept my 'condition' from him on purpose. He didn't use those words, but he was thinking it. He called me names, beat, and raped me. Then walked out. I think he thought he had killed me, else he might still be here." She opened her eyes, reading genuine concern, along with barely controlled anger, in the chocolate eyes that stared back at her. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Once I've rested, I'll heal myself and be right as rain in the morning."

"I came to apologize. I'm not usually that rude to people that save me life." Jasmine laughed at him when he said that.

"You had reason. You lost you're family to a violent mutant. Not everyone that hates mutants has a valid reason like yours." She watched as he paled when she mentioned his family.

"How did you know that?" His question came out as a whisper.

"You were thinking it while I was healing you." She watched him for minute. "I understand. More than you know probably. That's the curse of being a telepath. You hear people's thoughts, feel their feelings. There's not much that I haven't felt at some point over my life. Hate is just one of many emotions we have." She closed her eyes again. Her head hurt from the effort of holding off an entire city's thoughts.

"Well, I'm sorry. You made me realize that you're not all like that man. I had thought to just say my piece and then go, but I can't do that now. I can't leave you like this." Jasmine felt his over inflated sense of duty toward her. She had to smile at that.

"You could leave me, but I'm glad you won't. Tonight won't be easy on me, especially when I stop blocking the entire city. Normally it wouldn't be a big deal for me to keep the city at bay, but when I'm tired like this, it's too much. I'm surprised I haven't lost consciousness yet." The smile she gave him was filled with pain.

"Let's get you cleaned up some more, then I'll put you to bed." Jasmine dropped into unconsciousness as Brian got up. She felt two strong arms pick her up, and then there was nothing but darkness and blessed silence.

She stood at her window looking out over the city lost in her thoughts. That night seemed so long ago. It was hard to believe that only three years had passed. And here she was again, in the same room, waiting for someone to take her Mark. She never thought that it would come to this.

The loud ringing of her phone drew her away from her thoughts of the past. When she picked up the small contraption, she smiled at the name and number that showed up.

"Hello, Brian."

"I hate when you do that. I thought you weren't supposed to use your telepathy without permission or in emergencies."

"Well, Brian, there's a new little invention called Caller ID. It let's you see the names and numbers of who's calling you. It's a wonderful thing, you should think about getting it." She heard the dry chuckle over the phone, smiling herself. "How are you, Brian?"

"I'm good, Jas. How about you?" She heard the concern in his voice, and suddenly knew why he was calling.

"I'm really good Brian. I'm engaged." She heard his catch of breathe.

"Really? To whom?" The pain was evident in his voice.

"My first love, Erik."

"So he came back, did he? It only took him about 15 years." She could picture Brian sitting there now, the anger in his voice showing in his face.

"But he did come back."

"Well, I just wanted to check in with you when I heard why you were back in town. Why are you looking Mark Howell up now, Jasmine, when you're life is finally going right?"

"You know why, Brian. I can't stand by and let him do this. I won't stand by and let him do this." Jasmine kept his voice even, though she wanted to scream. She couldn't believe that he wouldn't understand.

"Jasmine, do you remember what that man did to you that last time you saw him? Because I do! You had bruises and cuts everywhere, a broken nose, broken ribs. He raped you!! I was the one that had to sit with you that night, watching as you healed yourself. I remember what he did, even if you don't." The last was yelled over the phone, making Jasmine pull it away from her ear.

"I remember, Brian, that's why I have to do this." She heard a sigh.

"I know, Jas. I was asked to call and see if I change your mind. I told Steve that I couldn't, but that I would try." The voice on the other end was resigned.

"Hey how about tomorrow, you come pick me up and we'll paint the town like we used to?" Jasmine forced gaiety into her voice, knowing that he would catch it any way.

"Are you sure you're fiancé won't mind?" The bitterness in his voice was hard to miss.

"I'm sure. Erik knows I love him. Pick me up around seven." She held her breath, waiting for him to turn her down.

"Alright, I'll be there at 7." The line went dead. Not a 'see ya later,' or a ' have a good night.' Just a dead line.

"Well I guess that could have went worse," Jasmine spoke to the city outside her window.

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The next morning, Jasmine was up and out of her room by 8am. She had a full day planned, starting with a trip to the wedding boutique. Since Erik had finally set the date, she didn't plan to let him go back on it. So she was going to pick out her wedding dress and have them get started on it. After this was over, she would bring the girls back to have them fitted as well. But she wanted to get a head start on her own dress.

She found the store she wanted and walked in, being greeted by name by the owner. Madame LeBlanc had been a friend of the family for years. Though she mainly dealt with wedding clothes, she had been gracious enough to make Jasmine's dresses for special occasions. Her coming out dress had been especially designed for her. The prom dress was another dress just for her. And now she needed another special dress.

"Jasmine?? Mais oui!!! It iz you!! Mon cher, how good it iz to zee you again. Comment allez vous?"

"I'm wonderful, Madame. And you?" Jasmine smiled as the woman shot off rapid fire English with a heavy french accent.

"Oh, mon cher, I am wonderful now that I zee you again. Buzinezz haz been so goodah. But now, why are you here? You need a dress, non?"

"Oui, yes I do. I need a wedding dress!!!" Jasmine held her hand out, showing off her ring. Madame took her hand, bringing the ring up close to her face, eyeing the rock in the setting.

"Oh la la!! Thiz man, he must be a rich man, non? Only zhe best and richest can afford zhiz kind of rock."

"He has money, oui." Madame smiled widely, her straight white teeth showing.

"Well, zhen, let'z get your dress started." Jasmine followed the woman back the her private office, and sat there for the next hour, describing what she wanted her wedding dress to look like. Madame took extensive notes, making few a drawings. By the time that Jasmine left, she was confident that she would have the dress of her dreams.

The next item on her list of things to do was go the caterer. She knew some of what she wanted to be served at the reception, but she needed to peruse the full menu. The short walk down the street to the Delicatessen took no more than five minutes, even with having to cross a busy street. She was in and talking to a manager before too long, discussing what she wanted. The man made a few helpful tips, but other than that, kept quiet. After giving him a few things that she wanted for sure, she left with a complete menu. After talking with Erik, they would decide together.

The next item on her list were flowers. She found the little shop that handled all the fresh arrangements for the Aidan, and walked in. The owner handled her personally. Jasmine spent some time going over pictures of various arrangements that others had used, before deciding that she wanted something unique for her wedding. Together she and the lady sat down and worked out an arrangement that Jasmine loved.

The next stop was a little boutique that dealt in wedding accessories. But she never made it there. She was walking down the street, taking in the crisp late September day, when suddenly two hands grabbed her from behind. She turned to see her captors and knew without being told that they had come for her. She just hadn't expected it to be so soon. Mark must be anxious to get her.

"Ms Englham, you're to come with us." The tone of the man that spoke left no room for arguing. Jasmine didn't even try. She just contacted Charles, while the two men took her arms and drug her through the streets.

They found me, Charles, quicker than I thought they would. I didn't even get to finish my list!!

I can tell you more upset about that, than being captured. Charles dry voice in her head made her want to laugh, but she held it in check.

Well I have a wedding to plan, and these thugs interrupted me. Erik only gave me three months, you know.

Yes, Jasmine, I know, he told us yesterday. If I have it my way, you'll be away from them in plenty of time to plan the wedding you want.

I know. You'll take care of everything there?

You know I will, little girl. The tone became slightly patronizing then. Again she wanted to laugh.

I know you're capable, Charles. I'll contact Brian again. He'll run the story as soon as he can. He'll be contacting you too.

Alright, I'll be waiting for him. Be careful Jasmine.

I will, Charles. You know I always am. Jasmine got the impression that Charles Xavier was raising an eyebrow at her.

Keep in touch.

His presence faded from her mind. She reached out and found Brian, calling him.

Jasmine? Is that you?

Yes, Brian, it's me. I've just been taken. Have the police check the traffic cameras on Lincoln and 64th streets. There may be footage on them.

Are you ok, Jas, they haven't hurt you?

Not yet, though I'm sure they will. Will you run a story on it if you find proof?

You know I will, Jasmine. You can count on me.

Good, I knew I could. Contact Xavier, if you find anything. I've got to go, we're getting in a car.

Jasmine let him go before he could ask anymore questions. She was shoved roughly into a limo, trust Mark to use a limo to kidnap someone. She sat facing one of her captors, the other sitting beside her, his hand tight around her arm. She opened her mouth to speak, but a gun was put to her temple. She had never tried to stop a bullet before, and she really didn't feel like seeing if she could.

"Don't say a word. The bossman is waiting for you. You can say what you want to him." Jasmine snapped her mouth shut, and the gun was pulled away from her head. She sat in silence, staring out the window, watching the city go by. She wondered that they hadn't thought to blindfold her, but wasn't going to think too hard on it. There were other things she had to do, while she could.

Erik?

Yes, my love?

I've been taken.

I know, Charles just informed us. We're all sitting in the war room taking to your friend, Steve.

I'm glad he's there. He'll be able to give you information that will help.

He already has. Are you alright? They haven't hurt you?

Not yet, though I'm certain they will.

I'll kill every last one of them.

You can kill them all except Mark. He's mine, Erik, mine alone. Make sure everyone else knows that as well.

I will. Jasmine...

What is it, Erik?

I love you.

I love you too.

Jasmine felt a kiss on her mind, then Erik faded away. When she looked up again, she saw a huge house on the horizon. A sense of dread filled her being. She knew that Mark would torture her. But she also knew that all she had to do was survive and she would win. He would not break her. She had so much to live for, so many people that loved her and wanted her back. A wedding to plan, and a child to raise.

Jasmine's hand went to her still flat stomach, caressing it as she watched the house become larger. She had all the reason she need to live within her own body. Mark Howell could do what he wanted to her, but he wouldn't break her. He wouldn't take her life from her. She wouldn't let him.