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Jasper

I'm sitting in Bella's kitchen, reading a book on the civil war. The phone won't stop ringing and I'm starting to get pissed. Edward has left ten voice mails in the twenty minutes. I knew he would be pissed about me leaving with Bella, but this is a little extreme. Bella's been acting like a wounded puppy all day. She went to finish packing four hours ago and hasn't come out since. She's not making any noise and she's feeling a little sad, but I don't want to bother her. We have to be at the house in two hours and I really hope she gets her shit together by then. The only reason I want to have this party, is for her. She didn't get to properly celebrate her graduation and I thought it would put her in good spirits for our trip.

I never saw what Edward saw in Bella, until now. That girl is amazing. She was always so quiet around us and she never stood up for herself. It took me seeing her with the pack to know that's not who Bella Swan is. She puts them in their place and doesn't think twice about it. The way they respond to her is unreal. It's like she has them under a goddamn spell. Hell, I think I'm under her spell. She's fucking beautiful and crazy. She's smart and so trusting. She sings Iggy Pop and Sonic Youth in the shower and while it's no George Strait, I appreciate that shit. I've never laughed with anyone the way I laugh with her. The other day we were sitting in her back yard, both of us reading, when Bella made some silly remark about the Cullen's reminding her of The Breakfast Club. When I looked at her like I had no idea what she was talking about, she told me not to judge her and went on to explain how Renee watched it every day for three months when Bella was five. I admitted I had never seen it and Bella insisted we watch it that night. I'd never admit it to her, but it was actually pretty good. I couldn't agree with her comparison though, the Cullen's are more dysfunctional. We had a good laugh none the less.

The phone ringing brought me out of my thoughts and I knew immediately it would be Edward. I answered, but threw it against the wall. I'm not going to let him ruin my mood. I was wondering what was keeping Bella, so I slowly made my way to her room. I knocked on the door and she called for me to come in. "Are you okay, Darlin'?"

"Yes, I was just thinking about our trip."

"Would you like to talk about it?" I sat down next to her on the bed as I spoke. We haven't had much physical contact, aside from me laying with her at night and I didn't want to get to close. I never feel any fear coming from her, but I want to make her as comfortable as possible.

"No, I think I'm going to get ready. I would like to leave before Charlie gets home, if that's okay with you."

"Whatever you need; I'll be right here when you're done." Bella gathered her things and went to get ready for tonight.

Forty minutes later Bella came back in. She was wearing a pair of tight, low waist, dark wash jeans and a clingy white halter. I felt my jeans get a little tighter as she bent over to pick up her shoes. Fuck, she's got a nice ass.I could already tell that outfit was going cause problems tonight. Every goddamn teenage boy in Forks is going to be there, including Jacob. I know Bella and Jacob are just friends, but I can't help but feel a little protective of her. I'll be glad when she becomes one of us. Maybe then, Jacob will get over his crush. I like him okay, but there's no way I'd ever let him date Bella. He may think he loves her, but I'm a goddamn empath and his feelings are more lustful then loving. She's to good for that, she deserves to be worshiped.

"Jasper? You ready?" Bella was standing in her doorway, smiling her beautiful smile.

"Yup. Let's go show Forks how it's done, shall we?"

"We shall."

I asked Bella to call Jacob before we left to make sure Paul would be patrolling her house tonight. I know none of the pack wants to miss the party, but with Victoria still out there and Edward acting like a nut, we really don't have a choice. When we pulled up to the Cullen house a few minutes later, Jacob was already there and I was actually grateful. We didn't have long to set up before people would start to arrive.

"Bells!" Jacob picked Bella up off the ground and brought her into a tight hug.

"Hey, Jake! Thanks for coming early. People should be here in about thirty minutes. Would you mind helping me with a few things?"

"Whatever you need, lead the way." There really wasn't much to do. We weren't using any decorations just a few lights leading into the drive, so people didn't get lost. I went and bought a keg earlier, along with some fruity stuff I thought Bella might like. I don't know if she drinks, but I want her to have fun. She won't be human very much longer and it's important she has a few experiences.

People started filing in right on time and an hour later it looked like all of Forks High was in the living room. I was glad to see Bella smiling when I finally caught up with her. "Are you having a good time?"

"Yeah, it's good to see my friends. It's really cool of you to do this." Just to see you smile.

"You've had a rough week, you deserve it. Would you like a drink?"

"Ur...I don't...I mean, I've never..."

"I promise not to let anything happen to you. You're only human once, darlin'. If I could drink I would. Come on." I took her by the hand and led her into the kitchen. "I bought you something, the man at the liquor store said women like this." Bella looked at me and scoffed.

"What does that mean? Women like it? What do men like?" I had to chuckle at her. Bella crossed her arms across her chest, acting like she was frustrated. Silly girl.

"Jesus, Bella, are you channeling your inner Rosalie? It doesn't mean anything more than what I said. I don't drink and when I could, they didn't make alcohol like they do now. I asked his opinion, he gave it. Let's just pour you a drink and hope it takes that edge off." I gave her a wink and started to pour.

"I'm sure that's enough. I may be a virgin, but I have seen people drink before." I stared at her in shock. Bella's confession took me by surprise and I wasn't sure what to say. "You know, I've never had a drink before? I'm a drinking virgin. I mean, I've never done that either, but I'm sure you knew that already."

We stared at each other for a minute before I blurted out, "You've never been with a man before?!"

"No, didn't Edward tell you? He said he talked to you and Emmett about it."

"He did talk to us, but not about that. He wanted advice, but neither of us have ever been with a human. I guess, I just assumed...I'm sorry. What about other boyfriends? None of them tried?" Fuck. Why am I asking her so many questions?

"Nope. I never had any other boyfriends. Edward was my first." What? "I never really paid attention to guys before him." Bella picked up her drink and took a drink."Mmmm... That's really good. Thanks, Jasper." She reached up gave me a quick peck on the cheek, turned, and walked away. I couldn't help, but stare at her retreating form. I could still feel her lips on my skin and I couldn't stop thinking about Bella and her goddamn virginity. I can't believe she's never been with a man before. She said Edward was her first boyfriend. I knew she was telling the truth, but it was hard to believe. Bella is definitely different from other teenage girls.

"She looks good tonight, huh?" Jacob came up and elbowed me in the ribs. I knew one of the wolves was close, but I didn't realize it was him.

"That she does." I spared him a quick glance before turning my attention back to Bella.

Jacob slapped me on the shoulder. The heat of his skin stung a bit, but I didn't flinch. "You like her." It wasn't a question.

I turned to look him in the eye and said,"Of course, I do. She's a great girl. I just wish I got to know her sooner. Bella's been good to me. I haven't told her, but I would never have got through all of this without her. She's a good friend."

"Man, that's not what I meant and you know it. You really like her." I looked at him and raised my eyebrow in question. I didn't understand why he was being so nonchalant."It's cool. I'm not saying you should try anything. You know how I feel about her, but I can't make her love me. Besides who the hell ever heard of a vampire and a werewolf in a relationship. I know Bella, and I know she likes you, but she's not ready. Edward did a real number on her and it's going to take a lot of work to fix."

"Thanks, but I'm not trying to fix her. I got shit of my own to deal with. I'll be her friend and I'll be there for her, but you're going to have to find someone else to put her back together." It was a lie. I did want to fix her; I just didn't know how.

Jacob shrugged and said, "Just warning you. I don't want to see her get hurt. I've been down this road with her before and last time it got real ugly. She's acting like everything is okay, but I'm not sure that's not just a front."

"Like I said, I'll help her any way I can, but I'm not trying to fix her.." After that we stood around in silence. Jacob's acceptance of my feelings for Bella, shocked me. I didn't know if I should be happy or scared shitless.

Lauren Mallory walked up and I knew what she wanted before she asked. "Would you like to dance, Jasper?"

"No, I don't really dance. Thank you, though."

I thought a nice, straight forward answer would make it clear; apparently not. "But,-"

"No! I don't dance." Her eyes went wide at my harsh words. Lauren was pissed.

"What is it with you Cullen men? Fucking Swan's got all of you so far up her ass, you can't see what's in front of you?"

Now it was my turn to get pissed. "Let's get this straight, right now. I am not a Cullen. My last name is Hale! If I never looked at you before Bella arrived, what makes you think I would look at you now?" Lauren stomped off and Jacob followed. I guess he likes 'em bitchy.

It wasn't until Jacob and Lauren were out of sight that I turned my attention back to Bella and noticed she wasn't there. I scanned the room and found her sandwiched in between Jessica Stanley and Mike Newton. She was grinding her ass into Newton's cock and that mouth fucker had pitched a tent. Could she be more oblivious? I quickly made my way over to the three. I grabbed Mike by the arm and dragged him into the nearest bathroom.

"Don't go near Bella again, unless you can gain control of your problem" I said while pointing to his crotch. Mikes eyes got wide and I assumed he got the point.

I made my way back into the living room and found a place to sit. While I find people interesting to watch, I had enough interaction for one night. I was thinking about Bella when she came over and plopped herself down in my lap. She was giggling like a school girl and I realized I hadn't watched her as well as I had hoped to. "Bella, how much have you had to drink?"

Bella laughed and answered, "Only three Jaz, well, four if you include the one you made." I groaned. Bella was drunk.

"Why don't we get you home, Darlin'? You need to get some sleep; we have a long day tomorrow."

"Yes, let's go home. I'm not really tired, but I don't want to be here anymore." Thank God.

"Did you at least have fun?"

"Yes, so much fun. I danced! I never dance; I'm no good at it." Bella was radiating pride and I was glad she enjoyed herself.

I laughed at just how wrong she was."You're better then you think, sugar. Stay right here, I'm going to find Jacob and let him know we're leaving."

I never got a chance to talk to Jacob. When I found him, he was making out with Lauren and I didn't want to interrupt. Tomorrow we would be leaving and none of us were sure when we would be back. I figured he deserved his fun. I went to find Bella, luckily she stayed put.

"Lets go home." I put my arm around her waist and lead her out to my car.

The car ride back to Bella's was quit amusing. Bella sang to every song that came on the radio, even if she didn't know the words. Every time she caught me looking at her, she would laugh, and tell me to keep my eyes on the road. When we pulled up to the house, I noticed Paul wasn't there and wondered if everything was okay.

"Paul's not here."

"Huh, well maybe Charlie decided to stay at Billy's. He does that sometimes if he's had too much to drink. I didn't see Paul at the party though." Bella was slurring her words.

"Neither did I. Come on let's go in, I'm sure everything is fine." I opened Bella's door and helped her out of the car. When we walked in the front door and paused for a minute to take in our surroundings. Paul not being here made me uneasy, but I didn't want Bella to know I was worried. Bella was right, Charlie wasn't home and I hoped she was right about Paul too.

I put my arm around Bella's waist and she tucked her head into my chest. I walked her up to her room and she made her way over to her dresser. Before taking anything out she turned to me and had a mischievous grin playing on her lips. Before she spoke I was hit with a strong wave of mischief. "Jasper, did you have fun tonight?" Bella walked toward me, but stopped a few feet away.

"It was interesting, Bella. We will talk about it in the morning."

"I heard you shot down Lauren Mallory. Is she not your type?" She started to close the distance between us.

"Uh...no... She's not."

Bella was looking at me in my eyes as she spoke, "What is your type, Jasper?"

Then she fucking kissed me. It wasn't soft or slow. This kiss was urgent and full of need. She licked my bottom lip begging for entrance and I quickly agreed. We didn't have to fight for dominance because she gave it willingly. She tasted like candy apples and it made me want to devour her completely. I pulled her body close to mine, feeling every inch of her warmth. So warm, so good.Bella pulled away, breaking our kiss, and started a trail of feather light kisses down my jaw, onto my neck. "Bella" I moaned.

Before she could get any further I picked her up bridal style and laid her on the bed. I crawled my way to the other side and brought her mouth back to mine. I felt a growl erupt from my chest and Bella pulled away and looked at me."Sorry Darlin', you just taste so good."

"You taste good, too." Her voice was thick with desire and I knew that if this continued I wouldn't be able to stop myself from claiming her. I brought her petite wrist up to my lips and started trailing kisses up her arm, stopping only to suck on her most sensitive spots. "I want you to touch me. Please." Fuck. I'm supposed to be a gentleman. I can't. What if she regrets it?

I pulled away and looked into her eyes. I didn't want to hurt her and I wanted to make sure she knew she wasn't being rejected. Edward always left her so frustrated and I didn't want her to feel that way with me. "I can't Bella and it's not because I don't want to. I do, but darlin' this is not the way you want to remember your first intimate experience. We are just getting to know each other and while there are many things I would love to do to you, I don't want you to regret anything." I could feel her immediate understanding.

"You're right. When it does happen, I do want to remember it and the circumstances probably aren't the best." Bella gave me a smile and I was glad I didn't upset her.

"Why don't you get some sleep, Darlin'? I think Paul's outside and I need to speak with him." Bella's emotions went from content to sad. "I won't leave until you're asleep."

"'kay, good night, Jasper."

I kissed her softly on the lips and whispered, "Good night, Bella."

Bella was asleep a couple of minutes later. I made my way outside and found Paul and Embry. "Where did you go? You weren't around when Bella and I got back." They both froze and looked to one another.

Paul looked back at me wide eyed and said, "Your brothers in town." Ah, Fuck."He came here and I chased him off. He's fucking fast, man. I tried to catch him, but couldn't. I turned around and came back, but called Sam first. Jacob should be here in a few minutes. They got everyone out of the house, but I don't know… he didn't look right. The three of us will stay here tonight and the rest will be here in the morning. Sam wants to be close to the reservation."

"We should be good as long as we can make it through the night. There's no way he'll go to Italy, so he shouldn't be a problem tomorrow. I'm going back up to Bella. Let me know if you see anything."

"Alright, man. Have a good night" They both smirked.

Coming up: ITALY!