A/N: Sorry for the repost. Had to fix an error. I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can... It's not quite complete yet. :)
Song: "Fever" – A Fine Frenzy
Chapter 9 – Found
BPOV
Jasper's control was beginning to stretch thin; I could feel it in the way his fingers dug into my side. I could also feel it in the jagged breaths that fell against my lips. "Jasper," I whispered, earning a soft growl from him. "I don't want to hurt you." I moved my fingers through his hair, holding onto him as his lips moved against mine. I couldn't bring myself to push him away or attempt to roll out from under him, but I knew he was suffering at least a little.
Jasper pulled back enough to look at me and I saw that his eyes were dark red, just as I had been expecting. He put his hand on the side of my neck and ran his thumb over my lips. The look in his eyes made me blush and the fire inside me burned more intensely. "Are you testing me?" Jasper whispered and I realized he wasn't breathing again. I nodded slowly and hooked my leg around his waist, needing to hold onto him and never let go. "Maybe a little. Testing my luck, I guess." He ran his thumb over my lips again and I kissed his thumb gently, keeping my eyes on his. "Your tests are dangerous, darlin'." I nodded and he kissed me again, more fiercely this time. The passion in his kiss caused my heart to pound in both excitement and fear.
A knock sounded from the door a few feet away and we both looked up, staring at the door. "Room service for Mr. & Mrs. Whitlock." Jasper groaned and I gripped his hair, kissing him again before rolling out from under him. I picked myself up off the floor and looked down at him as he collapsed on the couch. His eyes were near black and I found myself thankful for the interruption, though I was convinced I'd still kick whoever was at the door at six o'clock in the morning.
"No tip for you." I mumbled as I pulled the blanket out from under Jasper's legs. He watched me as I wrapped it around myself and I bent down, unable to stop myself. I kissed him slowly, licking his lips as I pulled back. He wasn't breathing again and when he opened his eyes I saw a flicker of fire dancing inside them.
I sighed and made my way to the door, nearly tripping over the blanket as I walked. I unlocked the door and pulled it open, gasping at the man who stood in front of me. I stumbled back and stepped on the blanket, tripping myself up. I started to go down and then Jasper was there, his arm around my waist as he set me back up on my feet again. "Easy, Bella." His voice was still jagged, but not as pained.
"Jasper!" I said, pointing at the door. He looked up and stopped moving as he and the man in front of us locked eyes.
"What? I don't even get a 'hello' from either of you? You disappear for months, without so much as a postcard and then just stand there staring at me." I gasped as a beautiful blonde stepped into the doorway, the usual look of disgust painted across her face. "Don't get too offended, Emmett. We obviously interrupted something." Rosalie walked into the room without a word and I spun around, staring at her over Jasper's shoulder.
"Hello, Emmett. Rosalie." Jasper sounded as confused and irritated as I felt, but he stepped back, giving Emmett room to come in. I held onto Jasper's shirt and looked up at him, shock still coursing through me. "How?!" I said, feeling panic begin to rise inside me. Were they going to take me back? I couldn't… No, I wouldn't leave Jasper now. I refused.
He shook his head and pushed the door closed before looking down at me. He helped me get untangled from the blanket and then tossed it onto the couch. I immediately moved against his side, holding onto him as I watched Emmett and Rosalie look around the room. Jasper's arm slid around my waist and we stood there watching our uninvited guests.
"How did you find us, Emmett?" Jasper's voice didn't sound quite as irritated and curiosity now seemed to dominate his mind. Emmett turned around and stared at us for a few seconds before he finally blinked. He tapped Rosalie on the shoulder and pointed at us, causing her to turn and look at us too. Her eyes widened for a second and then her expression cleared again. I felt a blush creep across my face and I gripped Jasper's shirt tighter. Rosalie scoffed in disgust and turned away, continuing her walk through the room.
"Emmett?" Jasper brought Emmett's attention back to the question at hand and Emmett shook his head, running a hand through his short hair. "Yeah, uh… Right. Well it wasn't really that hard. We ran into Peter and Charlotte in Alabama and let them know you were missing. We knew it would only be a matter of time before they met up with you. We just stayed far enough behind them that they didn't know they were being followed and we laid low until we were sure you were here. We saw you guys in the city this morning. We followed you back to the hotel and then waited. We didn't want all three of you together when we came to see you. Figured our chances of actually talking rationally with you would pretty much tank if you had Peter and Charlotte with you."
Rosalie stepped forward, turning her icy stare on us. "But the second we stepped into the hotel lobby, we knew something wasn't right. We could smell her. We stopped by check in to try to find out what room you were in, but they wouldn't tell us. They only confirmed that yes, there was a Jasper Whitlock staying here. He and his wife, Bella." Rosalie hissed the word 'wife' and glared at me, making the blush intensify. "Obviously, we just followed the stench and here we are." She sang out the last few words, making my skin crawl slightly.
"Rose," Emmett said, putting his hand on her shoulder. "That's enough. You've made your point." He stepped forward past Rosalie and put his hand on Jasper's shoulder. "We've been worried, man. You're like a ghost when you decide to disappear like that. And you," Emmett said, looking down at me. "You were even harder to track down. We just got lucky finding you. We weren't expecting that. Carlisle and Esme are in New York looking for you. I guess I'll give them a call…" His voice trailed off and he looked up at Jasper again.
"Do you mind filling us in? Obviously we're a bit out of the loop." His voice was light and slightly amused, but I could hear his curiosity and concern. Jasper nodded and motioned toward the couches before steering us to the one we had been laying on before the knock on the door interrupted us. We sat down and I leaned into Jasper, desperate for his reassurance. I couldn't explain it, but I suddenly felt so terrified that everything would change and Jasper would pull away from me. I breathed a sigh of relief as he slid his arm around my waist, his icy fingers playing with the hem of my shirt.
Rosalie hissed and stared at Jasper, forcing his attention to turn to her. "Have you forgotten everything that has happened?!" Her voice was nearly a screech and Emmett put his hand on her shoulder, obviously trying to calm her. She wrenched away from him and stepped forward so she was standing in front of us. "They're both gone! How can you two just sit there like that? Your mates have been destroyed and you take that as a green light to take up with one another. You should be ashamed. Especially you."
Rosalie's eyes landed on me and she glared at me, rage filling her eyes. "So, what, Edward's gone and Alice is out of the way so you could finally put the moves on Jasper? Did you even take a day of mourning?" I felt tears fill my eyes and a suffocating weight of anger, guilt, and terror settled on my chest.
"Enough, Rosalie." Jasper's voice was cold and menacing, sending chills down my spine. "And you!" Rosalie hissed, turning on Jasper. "Alice gave you her life. She saved you and brought you to us and this is how you repay her? We mate for eternity, not until something better comes along!"
Jasper pushed me back on the couch and flew to his feet, a terrible growl building in his chest. "You will control your wife, Emmett, or I will control her myself." He and Rosalie stared each other down, their chests heaving from their emotions. I stood up, shaking slightly, and laced my fingers through Jasper's. "Please," I whispered. "No fighting."
Rosalie hissed again, though she didn't take her eyes from Jasper's. Emmett stepped forward between Rosalie and Jasper, facing Jasper. "This is just a lot to take in, Jasper…" Jasper nodded once, keeping his eyes on Rosalie as he looked over Emmett's shoulder. A knock sounded from the door and I heard Charlotte's voice float into the room.
"It's Charlotte. Please let me in." I looked up at Jasper and he nodded once, letting go of my hand. I opened the door and Peter and Charlotte filed into the room, closing the door behind them. I took my place at Jasper's side again, resting my chin on his arm as I placed my hand on his stomach.
"We thought we heard the pleasant sounds of chaos. Do you mind if I call you that, Rosalie?" Peter stood at Jasper's other side while Charlotte stood beside me. Rosalie didn't respond and still hadn't broken eye contact with Jasper. "Emmett, long time no see. What did you do, hide in the bushes?" Peter and Emmett shook hands briefly and then turned their attention back to Jasper and Rosalie as Rosalie began her attack again.
"We tried to save them, you know. The fire had only just begun to take them. Not that you tried to put it out or anything. Still, at least we tried. But you know how it is, fire moves quickly once it touches us and once the damage is done, there's no going back. It was worse for Edward… His head was ashes before his body even began burning. It was the other way around for Alice. Her body burned while her head lay untouched."
Sobs overwhelmed me and I collapsed at Jasper's side, rocking back and forth as the image of Edward and Alice's bodies burning flashed before my eyes. Charlotte knelt beside me, wrapping her arms around me and I leaned into her, feeling misery fill my soul.
"Charlotte, please remove Bella from the room. I think a girl's day is required. I trust you. Please look after her." I looked up to see Jasper still glaring at Rosalie, only his hands were curled into fists and he was shaking slightly. Peter had his hand on Jasper's shoulder and I wondered if he was holding him in place. Charlotte got up and grabbed my suitcase and smaller bag before picking me up and setting me on my feet. "Come along, honey. Let's get you out of here." Peter opened the door for us and I moved slowly, the room spinning slightly and my eyes blurred with tears. I stopped at the door and looked back at Jasper. Pulling out of Charlotte's grasp, I walked to where Jasper stood, still face to face with Rosalie. Sliding in between them, forcing Emmett to move aside, I took Jasper's face in my hands.
Finally his eyes found mine and I saw the rage in them. They softened slightly when he looked at me and his hand moved to my face, wiping away one of my tears. "Remember who you are, Jasper." I said quietly, using every bit of energy I had left in me to keep from crying. "Don't lose yourself. And please don't leave me." Jasper stared at me for a second, his eyes searching mine, and then he leaned down, brushing his lips across mine. "Go now." He whispered and pushed me toward the door with a gentle shove.
Charlotte put her hand on my back and guided me through the door. I looked back just in time to see Jasper lunge at Rosalie, his hands locking around her neck as Emmett charged at him from the side and Peter joined the fray. The door clicked closed and Charlotte patted my back gently. "Don't be afraid. They'll work it out. They can't really hurt each other unless they really mean to. And they don't. It's just a matter of going through the motions so they feel better and get the anger out."
I looked back at the door and then took my bag from Charlotte as a large sob shook my body.
JPOV
Peter shoved me down on the couch and Emmett held Rosalie around the waist, keeping her in place. We growled at each other, breathing heavily from the anger we felt with one another. "Have you lost your mind?!" Rosalie snarled at me, her eyes filled with anger. "She's your brother's mate! And she's a human! You're going to end up killing her and then the Volturi will come after all of us! You idiot! It was bad enough when Edward was parading around with her, ignoring the fact that he was putting all of us in danger, but now you're doing it too! And at least Edward knew self-control!"
"Well, she's not dead is she?!" I roared at Rosalie, feeling every ounce of my control begin to fade away. "I've been in her company for days without incident. I've held her in my arms, I've even kissed her, and still she breathes!" Emmett's jaw dropped and he looked from me to Rosalie and then back at me. "You've kissed her? But how?" I looked at him, trying to figure out if I should be patient or let my anger flow.
"Do you need lessons then, Emmett?" He rolled his eyes at me and shook his head. "You know what I mean. How the hell are you doing it? How is she still breathing if you've been that close to her?" I took a second to regain control over my voice and leaned back on the couch, preparing to explain it to him. "I'm not saying it isn't difficult. I feed every day and by the end of the day I have to have space between us. But in the hours just after I've fed, I can be close to her. The temptation is always there, but I'm finding ways to ignore it. Her life is more important than my thirst."
Emmett shook his head and sat down on the coffee table in front of me. "That sounds like rational thought to me. You've never been capable of rational thought before. Not when it came to your thirst. What changed? How is this possible?"
I shook my head, feeling a bit of the anger draining away now that I was having a conversation that didn't involve screaming and frequent insults. "I honestly don't know. I don't allow myself to breathe around her when the burning starts. And I have to remind myself of how delicate she is, but it's gotten easier to be around her as each day passes."
"Reckless! You're being reckless!" Rosalie's voice was cold and harsh. "I understand that you may be lonely now, Jasper, but she is a human whom the Volturi are already aware of. If they find out…" Rosalie trailed away, shaking her head back and forth, as she attempted to control her temper.
"Be that as it may, Rosalie, I could not leave her out there. She was alone and vulnerable. She needed me. And I was losing my grasp on life. I was so near giving up and then she gave me a reason to keep going. Protecting her and keeping her safe comes first now."
Rosalie sat down beside Emmett and shook her head slowly. "What is this, Jasper? Are you saying she's your mate now?" Emmett stared at me, his emotions confused and apprehensive. "I don't know, Emmett. That is not something I can say without having discussed it with Bella. I just know that neither of us wants to be away from the other. Neither of us wants to see the other in pain. I've never felt such… Admiration from a human before. And neither of us was looking for this; it just happened."
"That's what they all say." Rosalie muttered and then got up, moving away from us. She busied herself on the other side of the room, allowing Emmett and I to talk. "This is pretty serious, Jasper. You've already gone back to feeding on humans. She's not safe with you and that means you're not safe with her."
"Emmett, please. Have a little faith in me. I've kept myself in control so far. And it's starting to get easier now. Although… We're also getting more intimate now." Emmett raised an eyebrow and I shook my head, choosing not to give into his curiosity. "What am I supposed to do? Just leave her? Disappear without another word? I can't do that. I don't even want to."
"Come home with us, Jasper." Rosalie turned around, her expression soft and hopeful. "Please. You can even bring the human. Carlisle and Esme want her back anyway. Esme's a wreck and Carlisle isn't himself when she's like that. And then we could all help you. You could even go back to feeding on animals if you wanted to. And she'd be safe. Please. Come home."
The look in Rosalie's eyes pained me and I had to look away. We didn't always get along and when we fought, we hit each other where it hurt most, but she was still my sister for all intents and purposes. "I'm just looking out for you." She whispered. I nodded and closed my eyes, allowing myself to consider her suggestion. Perhaps Bella would be better off around family and she would probably be safer. But her father… I shook my head.
"No. Her father will have her committed again. I can't take her back there." Emmett leaned forward and shook his head a little. "You think he wants to see her in that place? If he sees her and finds out she's doing better he won't put her back, especially if she promises not to off herself. Though, maybe that's what she's getting at by hanging around you all the time now." He grinned and I knew he was kidding, though he didn't know just how many times Bella and I had discussed her dying at my hand.
"I'll discuss it with Bella. I won't force her to go back. And if she won't go back, I won't either." Rosalie's eyes darkened at my words but she held her tongue for once. Emmett slapped me on the arm and grinned. "It's damn good to see you, Jasper. Things have been pretty bad since you left." I nodded once and glanced at Peter who had allowed us to have our conversation without interrupting.
"What do you think, Peter?"
He looked at me and nodded slightly. "Go home, Jasper. It's time. Bella will agree when she finds out about Esme and you'll be better off there. Though… it might be best if you have someone else there as well. Bella won't feel comfortable going back there with all the memories of the place and it will be even worse now. She'll feel judged for her relationship with you. She needs to have a friend she can rely on. And I don't mean you. She needs someone else she can confide in and talk to and be alone with without the risk of waking up dead. She needs a human confidant. Someone she's safe with."
I nodded and pulled out my phone, opening it. Doing so reminded me that Bella hadn't had her phone with her when she left. I frowned, but pushed the thought away as I heard the line start ringing. A second later a familiar voice answered the phone and I felt confident in my decision.
"Geoff, I have a favor to ask of you."
Peter and I returned to the hotel room after feeding and I instantly felt a certain amount of disappointment when I walked in and wasn't greeted by Bella. Even her scent had begun to fade from the room. I glanced at the clock and then looked up at Peter. He nodded and pulled out his cell phone, dialing Charlotte's number.
"Char, where are you two? Yeah, go ahead and come back now. They're gone. They said they were going to cross state lines to find an area to hunt. It's just Jasper and I now. How is she? Yeah, him too. There have been some changes. We'll fill you in when you get back."
He hung up the phone and I looked up at him expectantly, waiting for him to fill me in. When he flopped down on the couch and began playing with his cell phone, I sighed loudly. "Well? How is she?"
"Moody. Like you. They're not far away. I expect they'll be back soon." I nodded and decided to take a shower before they got back. If Bella did agree to return to Forks, we'd want to leave as soon as possible. I got up and went into the bathroom without another word to Peter and turned on the water.
Fifteen minutes later I came out of the bathroom with a towel around my waist and found Bella sitting in the large loveseat in the corner of the room. Her legs were pulled up against her body and her arms wrapped around them. When she looked up and saw me I noticed her body relax instantly and she smiled, resting her chin on her knees. "Hi," she whispered.
Peter coughed loudly and I turned to find him grinning broadly. "What?" I asked, feeling like I was missing something. "Put some clothes on, man! Have you no common decency?" Bella giggled and I rolled my eyes at Peter. I picked up my suitcase and went into Bella's room to get dressed. "I see that, Bella." Peter's voice was coated in amusement and I listened to him as I got dressed. "You can't hide it. As long as you're a human, you will never be able to hide your embarrassment. Still, he's not a piece of meat, Bella." Bella groaned and I felt her embarrassment, despite my being in another room.
"Enough, husband. She's had a long day." Charlotte's voice was firm yet affectionate and I heard her climb into Peter's lap. "Just trying to break the tension, Char."
I opened the door and found the two of them sitting on the couch across from Bella, their arms wrapped around one another as they kissed deeply and passionately. Bella still had her chin resting on her knees, but she had her eyes closed and I felt her embarrassment. "Get a room, you two. In fact, don't you have one? Why don't you go there?" Peter grinned at me and Charlotte turned, smiling softly.
"We will. But perhaps we should chat first. Peter says there has been a change in plans?" I nodded and moved to the chair where Bella sat, taking a seat on the arm of the chair. "Yes, actually. Though, I'm not sure to what extent they involve you and Peter." Charlotte nodded and laid her head on Peter's chest, focusing her attention on me.
I felt Bella move and looked down at her, watching as she angled her body so she was leaning against the arm of the chair I was sitting on. She laid her head in my lap and I automatically moved my hand to her hair, running my fingers through it.
"We have a decision to make. And by we, I mean, you have a decision to make, Bella. Whatever you decide, we'll do it together, but I want you to know exactly what you want." Bella rolled and looked up at me, her curiosity filling the air around us. I took her by the hand and pulled gently, urging her up. She stood and I slid down into the chair, pulling her into my lap by her hand. She settled in, making herself comfortable and I found myself acutely aware of the way her body moved on mine. I looked up to see Peter grinning knowingly, though he kept his mouth shut, thankfully.
"So what's the decision?" Bella asked, finally comfortable in my lap. "Well, we have been asked to return to Forks." Bella stopped moving and her body grew rigid as apprehension replaced her curiosity. She looked up at me, waiting for me to continue and I ran my hand over her side causing her to shudder gently. "Carlisle and Esme are in New York looking for you. They've been trying to track you down while Emmett and Rosalie looked for me. They want us to come home." Bella laid her head on my chest and I looked up at Peter. He nodded gently and I continued, giving Bella time to process rather than making her decide right then.
"Peter suggested that if we do go home, we don't go alone. It will be bad enough returning there when you have so many memories and emotions wrapped up in the little town. But going back and being the focus of attention as well… Well, he was concerned that it may be too much for you to handle on your own."
"But I won't be alone. You said you'd be with me no matter what I decide." I nodded and continued, speaking gently as I did. "Yes, but that fact alone will cause you further stress, I think. We haven't discussed it, darlin', but you and I have started something here. We're going to be under a magnifying glass. It might be best if you had a human friend there who could help you through it as well. And I'd like it to be someone I can trust and know will take care of you when I can't be with you."
Bella looked from me to Peter, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Okay, I can see how that might be true. Alice was my best friend and she helped me in ways you can't imagine. But… A human, you said? That eliminates all of you." Peter inclined his head slightly and I rubbed Bella's side, bringing her attention back to me.
"Bella, I've already made the phone call. If you decide you want to go back to Forks, I'd like to bring Geoff with us."
Bella laughed out loud and sat up, looking at me with amusement in her eyes. "That's your idea of a human friend to help me through the bad times? He'll cause my bad times!" I felt a smirk cross my lips as Bella stared at me incredulously. "You're kidding, right?" I shook my head from side to side and Bella's eyes widened slightly. "You said a 'friend', not a babysitter. Or is that really what you mean?"
"Bella," Peter leaned forward, entering the conversation. "Geoff once loved a vampire. He lost her and has never recovered from it. He will understand what you are going through better than any other human possibly could. He has given up on love, so Jasper has nothing to worry about there, and he already knows Jasper's secret. He is the safest choice in this situation, and obviously the most trusted. Plus, I've met that guy. He's brilliant. Doesn't take shit from anyone. Not even me." Charlotte grinned and nodded, obviously remembering something.
"And he's already agreed to this?" Bella turned to look at me and I nodded slowly. "He's grown tired of New York and seems to have developed a fondness for you. I think you remind him of himself. Not many humans are brave enough or foolish enough to take up with a group of vampires, and yet you act like it's the most common thing there is. He envies you." Bella's eyes narrowed and I nodded. She glanced away and then sat up suddenly, her eyes wider than I'd ever seen them.
"Can we get the dog collar?!"
Peter and Charlotte agreed to drive my car to Forks so Bella and I could fly. There was no rush and this way they could take their time with the trip and enjoy it, whereas it would take Bella and I nearly five days to make the drive since we could only drive at night. We discussed the details of the trip and decided Bella and I would fly out the following day. I called Emmett and informed him that we would go home so they could go ahead and begin their trip home. His voice sounded relieved and he told me he had already been in touch with Carlisle and Esme who were now on their way home as well.
Once every detail had been discussed and settled, Peter and Charlotte returned to their room, leaving Bella and I alone. Bella was curled up on the couch with a blanket spread over her. I turned to face her as I closed the door behind Peter and Charlotte, causing her to sit up a little. "What time are we leaving?" Her voice was barely a whisper and she rubbed her eyes gently. "We'll get a flight out tomorrow evening. It's more than a six hour flight to Seattle and then we'll drive to Forks." Bella nodded and yawned, laying her head on the arm of couch.
"You need sleep, Bella. Come." I stretched out my hand and she took it, allowing me to pull her off the couch. She stood on her tiptoes and leaned against me, slipping her arms around my waist as she laid her head on my chest. I held her against me, feeling her heart beating against me. "I was so scared, Jasper." Her voice was muffled against my chest, but I knew what she was saying without needing it repeated. "Of?"
"Being taken away from you. I don't know why, but I was terrified that they'd tell mom and Charlie where I was and they'd take me back to the hospital." I rubbed Bella's back slowly, breathing in her scent as it floated up from her hair. "Never. I won't allow it. And you're better now. You don't need to be there anymore. When your father sees you, he'll know you're better. Don't worry, Bella."
She nodded against my chest and I began moving us to her room. I laid her down on the bed and went back to get the blanket from the couch. I spread it over her and she yawned again, deeper this time. "Sleep, Bella. I'll see you in the morning."
I turned to leave and felt Bella's hand take mine. I looked back and found her sitting up, leaning across the bed. She pulled my hand, and I gave in, allowing her to move me. She kept her eyes on mine as she laid back, pulling me onto the bed with her. "Just for a little while? Until I fall asleep?" I nodded and laid back, putting the blanket between us before pulling Bella onto my chest. "Does this mean we're… Something?" She asked and I knew she was hoping I'd fill in the blanks. "Something, yes." I nodded. She looked up at me with a smile, resting her chin on my chest. "What kind of something?"
I stared at her and she pulled her lip into her mouth, biting gently. "I don't know, darlin'. Whatever kind of something you want it to be." She nodded and leaned up, pressing her lips against mine. The itch in my throat turned into a burn, but it was a burn I could tolerate. I kissed her back gently, running my hand up the back of her shirt. Bella arched against me in a way I had come to expect and I laid my hand on the small of her back. Her lips found that spot on my neck she had already claimed once. I felt her suck gently before running her tongue over my skin. My throat burned wildly and the fire began to spread throughout my body, reminding me of all the ways in which I had once been human.
A/N: Sorry I've taken an extra few days to update. I managed to catch the flu and it's thrown off my entire writing schedule. Hope you enjoyed it. Christine, Stacey: Thanks for the well-wishes and all you do for me. :)
On a side, yet related, note... Christine filled me in on what's been going on with the suddenly missing stories on FF. I'm not sure if either of my stories would fall under the category, but I suppose if the folks who are out to kick certain stories off FF decided, they could get mine deleted as well. I have back up copies of all my stories and am planning to post on other sites soon. Still, if you guys wake up one morning to find my stories missing, please let me know and rest assured that you haven't seen the last of me or my twist on the Twilight Saga.