Chapter Ten

Emmett

I wasn't sure about Rosalie's plan but Carlisle was happy so I guess I would go along with it. Peter had explained that The Major, as he insisted on calling Jasper, could read emotions so I guess I wasn't surprised that he watched me carefully, my own nerves must be making him uncomfortable too. We left almost immediately, Rose wasn't in the mood for friendly visits any longer, in fact I didn't think she was as fond of Charlotte as she had been. Rose was one for the underdog, that's how she saw me so I shouldn't have been surprised and he was good company on the trip back home. Rose got him talking about his family and human past then told him her own story which did amaze me. Rose was usually reticent about her human life and the way it had ended but she was very open with him.

Of course my accident with a bear leading to Rose finding me went down a bomb as always and I knew I'd be teased by yet another person now. He was very interested in our way of life, animal hunting, and explained he had tried it once when he was on the run.

"Well it works for us. I have tasted human blood. I came across two humans who were singers and couldn't help myself but I feel better not killing any more."

"What about you Rose?"

"I've never tasted human blood Jasper and I really don't want to. Carlisle brought me up on animal blood so it's all I've ever known."

"You don't sound happy about what Carlisle did, changing you"

"I'm not, at least sometimes I wish he'd let me die. I don't like what I am, a monster."

"But you aren't, you don't prey on humans."

"I'm not human though am I? I don't age, I can't have a child of my own, a family, everything always stays the same. I guess I wish we could change and become something more. Still I guess that's mostly when I get depressed and you don't need to listen to my whines. You've had a far harder path to tread than we have."

"Yes, I truly am a monster."

Rose leaned across and took his hand which shocked him, it didn't seem like he was used to physical contact, other than fighting that is.

"You were, when you knew no different. Now you start a new life as Jasper...what's your surname?"

"Whitlock."

"Then today you start a new life as Jasper Whitlock. The Major is gone, forget him."

"If only it were that easy Rosalie."

"No one ever said life would be easy but you've done the hardest thing already so cut yourself some slack."

If I hadn't heard it myself I would never have believed my Rosie could be so gentle and thoughtful to anyone other than myself.

Carlisle

I decided to tell Edward and Esme about our new guest before he arrived to save any embarrassment so when Edward came in from hunting I started but of course he'd already read my thoughts.

"A new member of the family Carlisle? Who?"

"A man named Jasper Whitlock who is looking to try our lifestyle."

"Jasper Whitlock? I don't remember hearing that name before."

"No, Rose and Emmett met him at their friend's house."

Edwards jaw tensed,

"Why don't you tell Esme the whole story Carlisle. They're bringing a killer home with them".

Esme put a hand to her mouth,

"A killer? Carlisle what does he mean?"

"Jasper escaped from a southern army in Mexico. He was a human hunter but he wants to learn our way of life."

"Oh yes he escaped all right but you might tell her that he's wanted by his sire and the Volturi".

She looked shocked now,

"Carlisle is this true?"

"Yes I guess it is but Rose wants to help him and I wont turn my back on anyone who wants help."

"You know we could end up in trouble with the Volturi as well? You're putting the family in danger."

"I'll be speaking to Aro about it Edward but if it worries you so much perhaps you'd like to leave."

He hadn't expected that and it shocked him rigid,

"Edward, you know I wont turn my back on a member of our race who needs help. You don't, not any longer, you could manage quite well on your own. If you choose to stay then you will treat Jasper with the same respect as everyone else. Do you understand?"

He glared at me then looked beseechingly at Esme but she just smiled, he wasn't going to win with her either.

I went into my study and called Volterra, something I hadn't done in a very long while but I was put through to Aro easily enough.

"Carlisle what a pleasant surprise. Its been too long old friend. Is this a purely social call or do you have a problem?"

"I have a new member of my family Aro and I thought it would be only polite to let you know personally."

"Oh? I haven't heard anything."

"No, it's a very recent thing. My daughter Rosalie is bringing him back with her."

"I thought Rosalie already had a mate Carlisle, Emmett wasn't it?"

"Yes, this is something different. A brother you could say."

"I see, this brother is he a newborn?"

"No quite the contrary. I think you know him or at least of him. I'm referring to Jasper Whitlock."

"Jasper Whitlock? I'm not sure I recognise that n...Oh I see. You mean Major Whitlock. I'm not sure that's a good thing Carlisle. Do you really want such a man in your family? He will become a lure for any nomad who "fancies his chances" as they say. I'm not sure Caius would approve either. You of all people know there is bad blood between them."

"Aro wouldn't you like me to take on such a challenge? You know there is no one who could beat him in a fair fight and he has left that life behind."

"His sire tells me he is responsible for a botched killing in Mexico."

"And do you believe her?"

"That is something else entirely. Caius is howling for his blood and I have to take that into consideration."

"Then it appears we have a problem because he is already on his way here and I have no intentions of turning him away."

"I see. Would you be willing to stand guarantor for his future behaviour? That might help somewhat to appease my brother."

"Yes I will. I don't expect any problems Aro as long as Maria doesn't try to force him back. Can you stand guarantor for that?"

He laughed and I knew we were getting somewhere.

"Touché, Do you know that we have an investigation group already in Mexico to look into the killings? Maria is blaming this on her Major and that is backed up by her new second in command Nathan. Are you saying they are liars?"

"Let me ask you something Aro. You have watched Maria since she first appeared, monitoring everything she does and therefore have a vast amount of knowledge on The Major too. If I were to ask you if you believed her story what would your response be?"

There was a lengthy silence then Aro sighed,

"Very well Carlisle but there had better not be any problems or it will go hard for all of you. Remember Caius will be waiting for him to put a foot wrong."

"Thank you Aro. I appreciate that."

"Perhaps one day you could show your appreciation by visiting me, I miss our discussions and your rather outlandish ideas regarding the humans."

"Perhaps I will Aro but for now I have a more pressing engagement. Thank you again.