Peter POV
What the hell? I've never once fallen over in my eternal life and yet there I was, flat on my ass in a puddle.
"You, Swan, are fucking ridiculous." I teased.
Bella used my moment of revelation to kick a stream of water over me. I couldn't help but snap some back. Two could play that game.
"Some best fucking friend you are." She teases back.
I loved how feisty Bella was. Jasper needed someone to keep him in line; I chuckled to myself. He just didn't know how much yet. I lifted Bella onto my shoulder and turn her around as punishment for getting me wet. Her perky giggle filled the air, always the little flirt; she played right into Jasper's jealousy.
A deep, possessive growl emanated from the kitchen. Bingo.
The quicker that Jasper admitted his feelings for Bella the easier life would be for all of us; I could already hear him make his way to the front porch.
"Hey Johnny Walker, wanna put me down?" Bella laughed.
"Johnny Walker, eh?" I was quite fond of my nickname already. Then again, I was quite fond of our Bella.
I threw her into Jasper's now waiting arms. The two of them made all gooey eyes at each other before Bella cooed, "Missed you."
It was there for everyone to see; being an empath wasn't needed to examine the love that they projected.
"Is she?" Jasper looked at me in astonishment, and then turned his attention back to Bella. "Bella, are you drunk?"
"How much did you give her?" He shot the question at me accusingly. I shrugged my shoulders.
"Enough to miss you." My mood did nothing but add to Jasper's jealousy.
"Fucking hilarious brother." He grumbled.
I had never been less thankful for my sensitive vampire hearing that noticed his bitching and whining. The man was about to get laid, and he's complaining? The Ungrateful bastard.
"Come on, let's get you dried off." Jasper was now focused solely on Bella.
"You'll have to get me wet first." She looked up at him coyly; that's my girl.
Jasper instantly projected a gesture of love, lust and desire. I breathed a sigh of relief; he was finally getting it. I grinned as Rose forced Emmett into the house, no surprises where they are going. My eyes fell to Charlotte's lust filled orbs. God, I loved that woman. I emptied my pockets of Bella's contraband and surrendered it to her before giving her a cheeky wink. I wrapped my arms around Char's waist and flung her onto my shoulder.
I made my way to our bedroom at lightning speed; I had missed being away from her, even for a few hours. Plus, having a horny empath about, even if he is being a dick about things, always added to the fun. I tossed Charlotte onto the bed with a thump, and her breasts jiggled with the force. I licked my lips with anticipation.
A loud crash sounded down the hallway— apparently, Rose had been successful with Emmett.
"Can't wait till they go back to destroying their own walls." I grumbled to Char.
A delightful giggle fell from her plump lips. Everything else faded away, and my eyes and every thought were focused on her beauty. Her strawberry blond locks swirled around the pillow, and her breasts heaved enticingly.
God she's beautiful.
I peeled my shirt off before stalking over to the bed. "So, you think it's funny that I have to plaster the walls again, hmm?" I asked with mock annoyance.
Char erupted in giggles again before shaking her head. She looked so sweet and innocent, but I knew better. I grabbed her ankles and slid her down the bed, before removing her jeans forcefully. Another resounding crash reverberated through the house, and I cringed thinking of what Emmet and Rose could be doing— really, was there a need for them to be so intense?
My hands found their way to Charlotte's ticklish feet, and I began to knead and rub her stress away. She had been so patient with our guests, with Jasper and with me running around trying to play fucking cupid. She deserved to be pampered.
My divine lover released a quiet purr. "I love you, Peter."
"I love you, too, sweetheart."
Slowly, my hands worked their way up the inside of her legs. With my mouth and my fingers, I began teasing and tickling. Worshiping. I could feel her stress clear as I massaged her inner thighs and under to her peachy ass. Her citrus scent flooded the room as the wetness filled her middle. It was obvious that she was ready for me, but I wanted this to be about her, about my love for this perfect woman who accepted me, loved me. My tongue swirled around her soft skin as she bucked her hips forward.
"Patience, sweetheart."
I heard Bella call Jasper's name out in the distance. Fuck, I would need to demonstrate that boy some manners; he had probably just dived right in there, selfish fucker. I let out a growl, which thankfully Charlotte assumed was for her.
My tongue continued to seek out every inch of her thighs. It was a bit fucked, but I had decided to show Jasper what a real man could make a woman sound like, what real pleasure sounded like. Charlotte's soft hands fisted my hair as she desperately pleaded for my touch. Lazily, I made my way to her glistening folds. There was no need to rush; I could eat Charlotte for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Her sweet taste filled my mouth as my tongue slid between her. I let out a heartfelt growl as the beast within me, roared in satisfaction. Her hands tightened around my hair almost painfully as she pulled me in deeper.
My fingers delved into her warmth while I wrote the alphabet on her clit with my tongue. She loved the combination, and it wasn't long before I could feel her familiar moans. I increased my speed and brought her home. She let out an animalistic cry while screaming out my name.
Listen and learn, Jasper.
I thrust my tongue in and out of her dripping core, drinking in her juices as she came down from her high. I looked into her vibrant red orbs. She was an angel, a dazzling angel, and I couldn't help but grin at her like the love-struck fool that I was. She smiled back, and I was filled with love for her. I jumped up to the space beside her before pulling her closer to me. I could feel that her body was spent as she molded into my side and I kissed her gently on the top of the head.
"You're going to have to teach Jasper some fucking manners, Pete." I couldn't help it— I laughed.
"Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing. He's being a real bastard about our Bella. I swear if he thinks she's just a quick fuck, I'll kick his ass from here to Mexico." Char sighed in agreement.
"I really love her, Peter; she'll be good for Jasper, for our family. I just wish I knew when he would see sense. Love is love. Even Rose and Em can see that Jasper and Bella are crazy about each other. Hell, Bella even told me she's crazy about him, and I can see it in her eyes every time she looks at him."
"I know, I know, sweetheart. I'll sort it out. Jasper is just having a hard time dealing with Alice and Edward. Do you blame him? He's been screwed over nearly as much as Bella has. Why don't you go jump in the shower, then you can make Bella some food? I know she loves your cooking."
"Sure thing, sugar." I gave her a quick spank before she got up and made her way to the shower.
I lay back on the bed and licked my lips; I could still taste Charlotte on them, and it was heaven. I put my hands behind my head, lost in my thoughts. I could hear Jasper and Bella arguing in the distance, but I tried to tune them out. They needed to work their shit out, and the sooner the better but it couldn't be easy to do in a house full of vampires. Everyone could hear everything.
"I don't love Edward. In fact, I still very much hate the arrogant bastard, so don't pull that shit on me, Whitlock." Bella yelled.
"You tell him, Swan." I chuckled.
I heard three simultaneous laughs around the house. See what I mean? Everything.
I picked up a book from the side of the floor to distract me from their discussion; my thoughts drifted off, but it wasn't long before my musings were interrupted by Jasper's voice.
"What about Peter?"
What about me, Jasper? I dropped the book instantly and listened intently. Hell, if this was about me, I wanted to know.
"Fuck you, Jasper. What do you think? That I'm trying to fuck my way through your brothers? Why don't you just say what you really mean?"
Well, he should be careful. I sure wouldn't say no to the little firecracker. I chuckled to myself. If he didn't learn some respect for his woman, it wouldn't be long before she came begging for me anyway.
"What am I supposed to think? You come back here to my home, drunk? You're all over each other, and suddenly he's your best fucking friend? Correct me if I'm wrong Bella, but isn't that what you called me after we fucked?"
I heard Rose and Charlotte gasp in unison. Motherfucker had gone too far.
"It's okay girls. I'll go kick his ass." I teased.
I jumped off the floor and made my way down the stairs out to the garden. My intentions were sincere; I didn't want anyone hurt. As I neared them, Bella stalked toward Jasper, her face severe and angry, before she growled at him.
"Yeah well, I changed my mind, Jasper. You're not my best friend; I didn't know what you were then, but I do now. You're an asshole."
Easy, I reminded myself. They need to start talking and getting some of these feelings out there. I forced myself to stand back and not interrupt before Bella continued.
"Oh, and for the record, we didn't fuck. You wanted to make love."
I heard Emmett's booming laugh shake the foundations of the house. I couldn't blame him; that was some funny shit. I start making my way toward the two, slowly and quietly – I didn't want to disturb anyone into doing anything that they might regret. Jasper was projecting some serious waves of resentment and anger, and he was going to feel like such a jerk when he discovered the lengths that I had gone to in order to turn him back on track with Bella. His mate.
Sure, I might tease him about Bella, but my honest-to-god intentions were honorable. Bella was going to move in with us and become a Whitlock one way or another.
"Well, excuse me for giving a shit about your first time; you clearly didn't. What was it, any vampire will do? Fuck the first dead guy you could find?"
Motherfucker! How dare he use the same line as he used on fucking Alice.
My protective instincts kicked in, and before I knew what I was doing, I threw myself at Jasper. My vision was clouded with an angry, red haze; I couldn't believe that he dared believe, let alone speak, those words to Bella. My fist collided with his face, and I sent him flying across the garden with all my force. I turned to Bella. She seemed to be frozen in shock. Shit. I hadn't meant to scare her. She let out a strangled choke before whispering thanks to me.
"I would have broken my wrist. I was about to do the same. Fucker. He has no idea that I love him Peter."
Her anger dwindled, and she sighed warily, her voice and look resigned.
Tears streamed down Bella's face, and I forced my temper back in. Jasper was going to hurt her; I knew he was going to fuck this up. I hadn't mentioned anything to Bella about what had happened between Jasper and Alice. I had thought Jasper would have had the sense to talk to her about himself. I knew I needed to assess how to help them through this hurdle. Both had skeletons in their closets that needed to come out. Jasper had his past with Edward and Alice, and Bella had Jasper's old diary. At least Bella had enjoyed her bones. I chuckled mirthlessly.
"I know, sweetheart," I pulled her into a hug, "I know; he's just a little overwhelmed right now. He needs time to work out his feelings. For an empath, he's emotionally retarded sometimes." I whispered in her ear.
"Fucking figures. Well, I guess that answers my question." Jasper's voice carried across the distance —my hearing just barely picking up the sound of his grumbling.
You are so far off the mark here, dipshit. If I thought we needed to talk before, I knew we had to now. I wouldn't let him do this to Bella. His possessiveness and delusions were worse than I had thought.
"Bella, I'll talk to Jasper. You've done nothing wrong, sweetheart. We all love you. Jasper loves you. Someone just needs to teach him some fucking manners. Wipe away your tears, Swan and play along with me okay? Look after you." I pulled her in tighter and could feel her mumble her consent and understanding.
"Come on, Swan, you didn't deserve that. You deserve a real man." I called a little louder, and punctuated the suggestion with a spank.
"Think that's you, Johnny Walker?" She called back. That's my girl. Hold your head high.
I shot Jasper a look that the devil would be proud of. He and I would be having some heated words soon enough. I reigned in my anger and turned my attention back to Bella.
"If you want, sweetheart, but I'm a packaged deal. Charlotte will want in on some of that action." Bella giggled, playing along. "Let's get you back inside, Swan. Char started making you dinner. Hell, we could even make it candle- lit, if you like?"
Bella playfully punched my arm with a grin. "You're a cheeky bastard, you know that, JW?"
"Oh yeah, I know that." I picked her up and carried her back to the kitchen. My head darted back over my shoulder to catch a glimpse of Jasper as he sat still on his ass, exasperated. I would leave him be, for now.
Bella POV
Thankfully, Peter carried me back to the house. I wasn't quite sure if my legs were capable of carrying me. As I looked over Peter's shoulder, I could see Jasper sprawled across the grass. He lay motionless with an unmistakable look of surprise across his angelic face. I grimaced as three concerned vampires came into view. I had no doubt that they had heard Jasper and me in the garden. Embarrassment flooded through me as I wondered just what Charlotte and Peter must think of my behavior.
They had welcomed me into their home with open arms, and I had managed to degrade myself at every opportunity, running off to have all fresco sex with my ex-boyfriend's brother, twice, getting drunk, although that was Peter's fault, and now I had caused Peter to put the crackdown on Jasper.
Peter placed me back on my feet in the kitchen. I expected Emmett to be the first to comment, but as I waited for his smart-ass remark, he only fumbled with his hands awkwardly. Rose and Charlotte's demeanor were not much different, although both made an effort to smile warmly to me.
"Are you hungry, sweetheart?" Charlotte's voice cut through the tension in the room.
"I think so."
Charlotte nodded sympathetically and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. She led me to the breakfast bar, and I was only slightly surprised to see my lunch waiting there for me. As I sank my teeth into the pizza, I realized how hungry I actually was. I thanked Charlotte as the others settled into an uneasy conversation. It didn't escape me that Jasper had not come back in the house. He was still, no doubt, lying in the garden like a scolded puppy. As I finished dinner, Peter and Emmett stood to leave. I was immediately wrapped in a breathtaking hug from Emmett.
"Em. Can't. Breathe." I choked.
"Bells, I have brotherly duties to attend to." He stated proudly.
Before I had time to fight, I heard Peter's and Emmett's laughter trace through the house as they left at vampire speed.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Rose's voice rang with sincerity.
"Yeah, if that's okay. I think I could use a shoulder right about now."
"Well, that's what sisters are for." My heart warmed at Rose's attitude; it felt strangely wonderful that she referred to me as her sister.
"Okay girls, how about I grab some snacks, and we go to Bella's room?" Charlotte asked.
"Yeah, how about we have a slumber party?" Rose interrupted excitedly.
"It's the middle of the afternoon, Rose." I replied sarcastically.
She rolled eyes at me, "Yeah, and we don't sleep either, so just play along. Okay?"
Rose and I made our way to the guest room, which was actually now my bedroom. Charlotte had told me it was a gift from her and Peter and explained that even though Jasper was more than ready for me to share his room when I came to visit; they thought it was noted that I had somewhere to escape if I needed it. I hadn't expected to use it so quickly.
"I'm just gonna jump in the shower first." I called out.
I stepped out of the shower and dried off. After donning a luxurious dressing gown, I made my way out to the room.
"Here, try this one. It's super cute." Rose handed me a pink baby doll nightdress.
Charlotte had brought an unreasonable amount of junk food and had changed into silky shorts and vest. Rose, as always, looked immaculate. No doubt, Emmett would be in for a surprise when he came back.
We had a good old-fashioned girls' night; we listened to cheesy music, which we sang along with of course, pampered ourselves, tried out new hairstyles and make up. As we played with carefree girlishness, Rose and I shared our high school experiences from Forks. Charlotte had cried in laughter at Rose's descriptions of Mike Newton incessant need to pursue me.
In return, Char told us about the time that Peter had tried to make a bungee jump but accidentally snapped the line when he held on a little too tightly. Apparently, the body was never found and he had to swim the whole way back from Brazil as the authorities had canceled his visa.
I couldn't get over how easy it was to talk to them. Rose and Charlotte always knew how to cheer me up. I thought back to similar experiences with had always been tense and difficult. I always felt guilty, however, if I voiced my opinions about the proceedings and was obliged to make Alice happy.
Between Alice and Edward, I had never truly realized how much power I had relinquished. Certain points would still need to be addressed. It would be made abundantly clear to her that I was perfectly capable of dressing myself. I also needed her to know that our relationship should be based on trust and integrity and not shopping. There was also the small matter of my sleeping with her ex-husband.
I let out a deep sigh. I could most assuredly wait for that conversation with Alice. Jasper, however, well, I wouldn't be able to avoid Jasper always. We would need to talk about what happened eventually. I gazed out the window and could see the sky was now dark. I wondered when the boys would be back. I hoped that Emmett and Peter went easy on Jasper. I wasn't sure why Peter had snapped so suddenly. He was a grade A asshole, but he was faithful. It seemed so out of his character to attack Jasper like that.
I remembered when Edward had told me how he, Emmett and Jasper used to fight, which I was sure was a genuine brotherly vampire activity but the force in which Peter had hit Jasper didn't strike me as brotherly.
Charlotte had set to work curling my hair. "So, no more hiding, sweetheart. What do you want to happen between you and Jasper?"
Rose finished painting her nails and looked to me expectantly.
"Honestly, a few weeks ago, I would have said you were crazy to even consider a friendship between Jasper and me. Yesterday, I might have seen a future with him. Right now, I have no idea. Everything is moving so fast."
Rose nodded sympathetically before adding, "It might be fast, but if it feels right, don't question your feelings. I told Emmett I loved him after two days." Her topaz eyes glistened as she recalled the memory. "I thought it was too soon, but I knew how I felt. Poor guy, I turned him into a vampire and declared my undying love; I was worried he thought I was barking mad. Turns out, he felt the same way and was terrified we would kick him out if he said anything. He still didn't know Edward could read minds." She giggled. "Just be honest with each other."
"Bella, you know that Peter and I have known Jasper the longest. He's had a really hard life. I'm not saying you haven't, sweetheart, but everything Jasper has known for a century has been proved wrong. He has no idea who he is anymore. Rose is right; you need to talk to him. Be honest with each other. Jasper needs help in rediscovering himself and only you can help him with that."
"Remember what I told you Bella. The first day you arrived here, I told you that Jasper really needed a friend right now. Be that friend. I know things have moved fast," she winked at me, "but you'll figure it out. I trust you."
Somehow, everyone was convinced that I was Jasper's savior. I wasn't so sure. I had a feeling that his problems went deeper than just the last three years and the fact that he hadn't overcome them by now on his own or with the help of his family gave me little confidence that I could help him at all.
"Where's Alice? I asked.
"Alice?"
"Well, if she has seen anything about all of this, surely she can help? She's going to find out about Jasper and me at some point, and I guess it would be best if it came from me. I can't do this on my own; Jasper clearly has bigger problems than our argument in the garden. Any help we can get, we need to take, right?"
My mind was moving into strategic mode. Jasper would be pleased. If he needed help, then I would find it. I thought it was an easy case as my mind planned the next move, but as I studied the expressions on the girls' faces, I faltered.
"I want to call Alice, or Esme, or Carlisle. See if they have any advice on how to fix Jasper."
"Alice?" Rose repeated.
"Yes, Alice, your sister. Remember?" I was aiming for sarcasm. Instead, I was greeted by two looks of sheer horror and, anger?
"What do you mean, you want to call Alice?" Charlotte asked slowly.
"I mean, I'm going to get my phone, and you're going to let me call some people. She was married to Jasper; she knows him best, and she can see the future so I'm sure she has seen this. You guys really aren't getting this are you?" I asked in disbelief.
"Rose, stay here with Bella. I'll go find Peter." Charlotte said.
"What, why?" I questioned.
"I need his advice."
"On what?" I panicked.
"On whether calling Alice is a wise idea or not." She answered through her teeth.
Before I could understand what was going on, a voice broke the silence in the room.
"I heard everything." There, standing in the doorway, was Peter looking like a hell's angel.
"Sorry Swan, we were on our way back to the house. I wasn't listening in or anything." He smiled apologetically to me. He turned to the rest of the room, "I'm calling a house meeting. Living room. Now."
