Disclaimer: I am not Stephanie Meyer. I do not own Twilight.

Chapter Ten

Bella's POV

"Oh, Bella! I am so excited!" Alice cried happily as Jasper and I walked across the parking lot Friday morning.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, coming to stand in front of her.

Jasper stood behind me, his arms draped across my shoulders, his hands resting above my heart. I leaned against his chest as Alice bounced in front of us.

"Don't tell me you forgot already. I mean, granted, you almost got killed by a freak van accident, but you have to remember our shopping trip tomorrow!" Alice pouted.

I groaned, dropping my head against Jasper's shoulder. He chucked lightly, shaking my body as he pressed a kiss to my temple.

"What exactly will we be shopping for?" I asked hesitantly.

"Prom dresses, for one. We only have two months to find the perfect dress! And then, you could definitely use some new outfits," Alice nodded, eying the outfit I had on.

"I'm not going to prom, Alice," I vowed.

"Yes, you are. Don't even both arguing about it. I've already seen it and I'm going to win," Alice insisted.

"I hate dancing," I grumbled, toeing the ground.

"Even if it was with Jasper?" Alice asked, smiling brightly.

I bit my lip and looked up at the man in question. He was giving Alice an exasperated look, shaking his head slightly. He looked down when he noticed my gaze.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to, darlin'," Jasper assured me.

"Yes, she does," Alice growled.

"Alice," Jasper warned, glaring at his sister.

She pouted prettily, crossing her arms in front of her chest and turning away from us.

"It might be easier to just give in to her than deal with her unpleasant side for who knows how long," Jasper murmured into my ear.

"You think?" I asked breathlessly.

"Mm-hmm. Plus, it gives me a good excuse to hold you in my arms for a few hours," Jasper continued, moving his lips lower.

"Like you really need one," I grinned softly.

"You're right. But, it'll allow me to do so without people staring at us," Jasper admitted.

I sighed, burying my face into the side of his neck. His lips trailed down the column of my throat, leaving a fire in their path. My breathing became irregular as his hand flattened against my stomach, pressing me more firmly against his body.

"I promise we'll have fun," Jasper encouraged.

"Oh. Okay," I stuttered.

Alice laughed happily, clapping her hands together as she spun around.

"This is going to be perfect! Of course, it changes my plans for tomorrow. The boys will have to spend time elsewhere while we shop for our dresses. We can't have them seeing us before the big night," Alice grinned.

"It's not a wedding, Alice," I reminded her.

She simply glared in response, not dignifying me with an answer.

"I don't want to spend a whole day around you, but not with you," I complained to Jasper.

"Don't worry, darlin'. I won't let her keep me away for long," Jasper promised.

"You'll stay away for as long as I tell you to and like it," Alice growled.

"Alice," Jasper warned.

"No. I'm not backing down on this. You three will go do what men normally do and we will go shopping. You will not follow us. You will not find us early. You will not call constantly," Alice insisted sharply.

"I think you better listen to her," I giggled.

Alice was almost too adorable to be intimidating, but she somehow managed to submit almost anyone to her will.

"That's right. Listen to your sister and your mate. We're always right," Alice nodded.

Jasper's arms tightened around me at the word "mate". I felt a wave of utter contentment sweep through me and wasn't sure if it was Jasper or myself causing it. Either way, the emotion was peaceful.

"We'd better head in if we want to make it to class on time. The bell is going to ring soon," Alice predicted.

"Come on, darlin'. I'll walk you to class," Jasper offered, following his family inside.

I was walking out to my truck after school, looking around for Jasper. He hadn't met me outside of gym and I was worried something had happened. Glancing around the parking lot, I noticed the other Cullen's cars were still there, but none of them were gathered around as was their usual habit.

"Bella! Hey, Bella! Wait up!"

I turned to see Mike running towards me, waving one arm frantically. I stopped and waited for him to catch up.

"Hey, Mike. How's it going?" I asked politely.

"Pretty good. Listen, I was wondering what you were doing Sunday. A bunch of us are heading down to First Beach to go surfing," Mike explained.

"I'd love to, but I can't. I've already made plans with my friend, Jacob. He lives in La Push, so we might run into each other," I mentioned.

"That'd be cool. I heard you're going to Port Angeles tomorrow for dress shopping with Alice and Rosalie," Mike smiled.

"Yeah. Prom dress shopping," I muttered, wrinkling my nose in distaste.

"It can't be that bad," Mike insisted, grinning.

"You obviously don't know Alice very well," I mumbled.

Mike laughed as though I'd said something incredibly funny. I gave him a small smile as I scanned the crowd for Jasper. There was still no sign of him or his family.

"Well, I've got to get going. My parents need my help around the shop now that it's starting to get warmer," Mike sighed.

"Er. Have fun with that," I sympathized.

"Oh, yeah. So much fun," Mike agreed sarcastically.

"See you Monday," I nodded, walking towards my truck again.

"See ya!" Mike called, heading for his own car.

I made it to my truck and opened the door to throw my book bag inside. As I turned around to scan the parking lot once again, Jasper appeared by my side causing me to scream in surprise.

"Jeeze, Jasper! Warn a girl, would you?" I scolded, breathing deeply.

"Sorry. Alice had a vision that really freaked her out. I had to help calm her down," Jasper explained quickly.

I noticed his stance was stiff as he cornered me against the truck. His eyes roamed the crowded parking lot, glaring at everyone. His body was curved around me protectively, as if he was trying to shield me from something.

"What did Alice see?" I asked softly.

Jasper looked down at me and his eyes blazed in onyx fury. I bit my lip, worried about him.

"I'll explain once we get to my place. Hop in," Jasper practically growled.

I did as he said, careful not to move too quickly. I wasn't sure what was going on with him, but I knew he was close to losing his cool. That was the last thing any of us needed.

He followed me into the truck, slamming the door a little harder than necessary. I didn't bother pointing that out to him as he started the engine and headed for his family's house.

The whole ride there, Jasper was rigid. His eyes flashed to the surrounding scenery, taking in more information than I could as he scanned the trees. I waited silently for him to say or do something. As we got closer to the house, I became more nervous about what it was Alice had seen.

The rest of the Cullens were already there when we arrived. Esme greeted me as warmly as ever, offering a plate of brownies as a snack. Carlisle was standing in front of the rest of his family, frowning at the far wall. Alice was twisting her hands as she watched me closely. Everyone else was just as tense, waiting for someone to speak.

Deciding someone needed to break the ice, I sat down beside Jasper on one of the love seats before turning to Alice.

"Alice? What did you see?" I asked softly.

Her normally golden eyes were black as they snapped towards my direction. I felt a quick flash of fear as I stared into her eyes. Her upper lip curled above her teeth in a silent snarl.

"Something is coming. I don't know what it is and I don't know why. All I know is that, whatever it is, there are three ways the future can go. One, the thing doesn't even come near us and we have nothing to worry about. Two, the thing finds us, but none of us are hurt. Three, the thing finds us and ends up killing you," Alice informed me roughly.

Jasper growled reflexively as he wrapped an arm around me. I was pulled into his lap and he curved around me protectively, keeping me safe from an unseen threat.

"Why would this thing be after me?" I asked, figuring this was why everyone was so tense.

"I don't know. I can't see it yet. The thing obviously hasn't be decided yet. Once it is, I'll be able to see more clearly," Alice sighed, frustrated.

"Do you see a time frame, Alice?" Carlisle asked.

"Best I can tell… it will arrive around late winter, early spring. Possibly March. As the time comes closer, I'll be able to see more," Alice answered.

"That gives us about two weeks to start planning. We'll have to be on the look out for anything suspicious," Carlisle instructed the rest of his family.

Everyone nodded, their faces solemn.

"Do you think we'll need help? The Denali's would, I'm sure, be more than willing to help us," Edward suggested.

"I don't want to endanger them unless we have no other choice," Carlisle denied.

"Yeah. Besides, I can take out whatever's coming," Emmett boasted, flexing his muscles.

Rosalie rolled her eyes at her mate, shaking her head slightly.

"Until Alice can see for certain what is coming, we will all just have to be on guard. There's no reason to get ahead of ourselves with this," Esme reasoned.

"I agree. Right now, the best thing we can do is simply wait until Alice's visions become clear," Carlisle agreed.

"It's not like it's completely certain anything will even happen. There's only one path that leads to Bella's death," Rosalie pointed out airily.

Jasper growled, tightening his arms around me. I rubbed his arm soothingly, trying to calm him down.

"That one path could be the one that ends up being chosen. We have to be prepared," Jasper insisted darkly.

"I'm just saying. We could spend all this time focusing on one possible outcome that might not even come true," Rosalie shrugged.

"Just the simple fact that it's a possibility is enough for me. I won't have Bella in unnecessary danger," Jasper growled.

I sighed, feeling completely left out of the conversation. It was my future they were discussing, yet none of them seemed concerned enough to include me.

Of course, I trusted all of them to make the right decision for me and their family. It just would be nice if one of them would ask me my opinion instead of acting as though I wasn't even in the room.

"Let's not worry about this anymore. Right now, we have other things to focus on. Like your shopping trip tomorrow," Carlisle smiled.

"Alice," Jasper sighed.

"Don't bother. Bella will be completely safe with Rose and me. You don't need to constantly keep watch over her. There are other people capable of seeing to her welfare," Alice sniffed.

"I don't want her too far from me. And I want to know where you are at all times. I won't change your plans. I'm just adding to them. I will be calling in to check on her. If you don't answer, I'm coming to find you," Jasper countered.

"Fine," Alice pouted, realizing it was the best she would get.

"That's silly, Jasper. Alice said so herself. The threat won't even be here until March. You don't have to start worrying yet," I stated.

"How many times must I tell you? You are the most important thing in the world to me; the reason for my existence. I won't survive if something happens to you. Please, just give me this small concession?" Jasper pleaded.

I sighed internally, knowing he was right. He wasn't really asking for too much.

"Alright. I'll give you that. With one change. If I don't answer right away, you call back. If I don't answer the second time, you can come find us. I mean, come on. Do you realize how many things could happen while I try to get to the phone before it finishes ringing? Especially if I'm in the middle of changing," I grinned.

Jasper laughed, as did the rest of the family. I felt the entire atmosphere of the room relax as they all shifted from their tense positions.

"Fair enough, Isabella," Jasper murmured.

A shivered worked up my spine as he breathed my name against my neck.

"I love you, too," I whispered, kissing his jaw.

The grin he flashed me lit up the entire room and I smiled back, knowing I had erased his worries. At least for the moment.

Jasper's POV

All Friday night, I stayed beside Bella, worried about losing her. She wrapped herself around me, her head resting above where my heart used to beat. Even in sleep, she comforted me. The soft murmurs that managed to escape from her dream world soothed my frantic emotions.

Two weeks.

I had two weeks to prepare for some unforeseen being that could possibly take my Isabella away from me. Only two weeks to figure out what the threat was and how to annihilate it.

My arms tightened around Bella reflexively as images of her lying, dead on the ground. Her lifeless eyes stared up at me, blaming me for her death. For not protecting her.

"Jasper?"

I was so caught up in the nightmare playing before my eyes that I hadn't noticed her waking up. There was some strange sound coming from somewhere in the room. I looked around, my eyes darting towards the darkest corners, searching for the source.

"Jasper, it's okay. Calm down," Bella murmured, rubbing my arm wrapped around her waist.

I realized the noise was coming from me. I was gasping for air, practically dry sobbing as I clutched my mate closer to me.

"Oh, God, Bella," I whimpered, burying my face in her hair.

"Shh. It's okay," Bella hushed.

My entire body shook the bed as I struggled to calm myself down. Bella continued whispering soft words while rubbing my arm. Slowly, my shaking stopped as I began to calm down.

"What happened, Jasper?" Bella asked quietly.

"I saw you. Dead. And you were… staring at me. I… I couldn't protect you," I choked out.

"Oh, Jazz. It'll be okay. Nothing is going to happen to me. Your family is going to keep me safe. You will keep me safe. I have complete trust in you," Bella vowed.

I shuddered slightly as I felt her emotions. The peace and serenity she was emitting soothed my own frantic worries. Her trust in me was unwavering as she twined our fingers together.

I tugged her hand gently until she turned to face me. Her chocolate eyes stared into my own, shimmering with unshed tears. She lifted a hand to brush her fingertips over my cheekbones. I sighed, my eyes closing as I became overcome by her passionate emotions.

"I can't lose you, Isabella," I breathed into her neck.

"You won't," Bella reassured me.

"You don't know that. Alice's vision could come true," I denied, shaking my head.

"She said it could come out three different ways. My death was only in one of them," Bella reminded me softly.

"She still saw it. If it wasn't even an issue, she wouldn't have," I argued.

"And I could die tomorrow in a freak accident. You can't do this, Jasper. Let Fate take its course. If it's meant to happen, it will. Until Alice sees more, please don't worry about something that might not even happen," Bella begged.

I sighed heavily, fighting against my instincts. I knew, logically, Bella was right. Everything inside me, though, was screaming for me to take my mate and run. Away from the danger and the threat. There was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't be able to survive if something happened to her.

"We have two weeks before we have to deal with this. We should be enjoying our time together. If I do end up dying, I don't want my last days with you to be filled with worry and pain. I want to spend them laughing and loving you," Bella insisted.

"Nothing will happen to you, darlin'. I won't let it," I promised her.

"Then stop worrying. We have plenty of time," Bella smiled gently.

"You're right. I love you," I agreed, returning her smile.

"I love you, too," Bella murmured, bringing her lips towards mine.

The memory came upon me suddenly, dragging me to the past.

"Good morrow, Sire. How fare the Lady Isabel this day?" I asked Lord Swayne.

"My daughter is well. She asks of thee often," Lord Swayne answered.

"In truth? I pray thou shall allow a betrothal to be forthcoming," I informed him.

"Aye? A betrothal? And what of the Lady Mary?" Lord Swayne asked, his eyes narrowed.

"The wench was betrothed to Lord McLeod less than a score of fortnights ago," I scoffed.

"Ah, poor lad. Trampled by his own steed," Lord Swayne sighed.

"Pray, my lord. Allow me the Lady Isabel. If she says me nay, I shall accept her answer and return to tournament," I swore.

"As thou will, lad. My daughter rides to yonder hills as the sun peaks the sky. Mayhap thou shall accompany her," Lord Swayne suggested.

"By thy leave, my lord. I shall saddle my horse and greet thy daughter at the gate," I bowed.

"Luck be with thee," Lord Swayne bid.

I hurried off to the stables, intent on arriving before my lady love. With her father's permission, there was nothing stopping us from joining together in matrimony. I smiled widely as I instructed my page to ready my mount.

As I pulled away from Bella's kiss, I noticed her breathing heavily. Her eyes were still closed and she was smiling softly. Bending down, I placed a kiss on each eyelid. She blinked up at me as I settled beside her.

"Did you see it?" Bella whispered.

"I was speaking to your father about asking for your hand in marriage," I informed her.

"I know. I was on my way to the stables when I overheard you. I'd never been happier than I was when I heard him give you permission," Bella admitted.

"Even without his permission, I would've found a way to make you mine," I swore.

"I have no doubt," Bella laughed lightly.

Smiling gently, I kissed her eyelids again, forcing them closed.

"Go to sleep, darlin'. Tomorrow morning will be here before you know it. You'll need all your energy to deal with Alice in shopper mode," I warned.

"Ugh. I can't wait," Bella grumbled sarcastically.

I chuckled as she snuggled into my chest. I began running my fingers through her hair, luxuriating at the soft strands.

"I love you, Jasper," Bella mumbled, half asleep.

"I love you, too, my Isabella," I replied just as softly.

As I watched her fall asleep with a smile on her face, I promised myself I wouldn't let this threat looming take my mate away from me. I had only just found her again and I'd be damned if I allowed anything to take her away.

I watched as the sun slowly rose, chasing away the night and lighting up my Bella's face. Her soft features were truly magnificent while she slept, though I preferred seeing the fire that often lit up her eyes when she was awake.

My fingers trailed across her cheek bone, barely a feather touch. Bella sighed softly, settling closer into my chest.

By the time the sun had risen above the trees, Bella was beginning to awaken. The muffled sounds of Charlie in the next room alerted me to the fact that soon, she and her father would begin their morning ritual of breakfast and showers.

"Jasper?" Bella mumbled, stirring.

"Good morning, darlin'," I answered, brushing hair out of her face.

"Morning," Bella yawned.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked with a smile.

"As if you didn't know," Bella grinned.

"True, your emotions were very peaceful. I am glad you enjoyed your night," I murmured, running my nose along the line of her jaw.

"And did you enjoy your night?" Bella asked breathlessly.

"Mmm. Watching you sleep, feeling you in my arms, is as close to heaven as my damaged soul can ever hope to get," I informed her.

"Your soul isn't damaged," Bella denied.

"My sweet Bella, you have no idea the damage I have wrought in my past. All my past sins can never be erased," I smirked humorlessly.

"I doubt it is as bad as you claim it to be," Bella sighed wearily.

I pulled away from her, looking down into her chocolate eyes, knowing from my past that I didn't deserve the woman before me.

"You have no idea," I repeated, softer than before.

Her eyes clouded over with obvious concern. I felt her worry surround me and wondered if she realized the effect her emotions had on me. Everything in me reacted to the slightest change in her emotions; the result of the bond that called her my mate.

"Some day, I'll tell you all about my sordid past. Today, however, we have a shopping trip to see to. Why don't you go see about getting dressed and have breakfast with your dad? I'll wait for you outside," I suggested, nuzzling her neck.

"That's twice now you've avoiding talking about your past. I hope you realize that, as your mate, I won't scare easily. It'll take a lot more than you think to get rid of me," Bella warned as she walked out of the room towards her shower.

"I have a feeling, darlin', that what I have to tell you just might be enough," I told her closed door.

Listening for the sound of the shower running, I walked towards her opened window. As the water turned on, I leapt out the window, landed on the grass below, and took off into the forest. Using the trees as a cover, I watched as my Bella and her father went about their breakfast.

I smiled when I saw Bella looking out the window while she ate. Her eyes scanned the forest briefly before landing on my own. My smile widened when I saw her smile slightly at me. The woman truly was remarkable.

I knew I would have to tell her about my past sooner rather than later. I only hoped that Alice would be able to give me a little insight on how to handle the telling without scaring her off. Nothing would be able to save me if my Isabella walked out on me. Nothing.

Okay. That's Chapter Ten. Sorry it took so long, but I had some more research to do for the memory and then, I've been super busy with Vacation Bible School at my church. It's all just been kinda crazy this week. BUT, it's up now and we're steadily picking up the pace in the plot line.

Little tid-bit of information. I had two reviewers point out mistakes/suggestions in previous chapters. The faults have been fixed and nothing has really been changed. All of Jasper's "darlings" have been changed to "darlin's", per a reviewer's request. Jake's BMW Rabbit (which apparently doesn't exist) has been changed to the VW Rabbit. I confused Rosalie's and Jake's cars by complete accident.

I went back and fixed some things that needed correcting in the story for the plot line to work. Chapter One has been extended slightly, but nothing too drastic. I don't think it will matter in the long run if you don't read it. The Lady Morgan from Chapter Nine has been/will be changed to Lady Mary to coincide with Lady Mary from this chapter. Other than that, everything is the same.

Wow, that's a long A/N! Alright, see you guys next chapter!