TEN

(Author's Note: I hope you all are enjoying the story, I really appreciate the reviews and enjoy hearing what you think of the story! I'm sorry for the long time in between updates, lots going on and lots of other stories floating around that I'm either editing for other people, working on, or alternate projects I'm working on! Will try and get more updates out soon! ~breaiden0413)

When I woke the next time and I was fully awake and aware, the sun was slightly peeking through closed drapes. Sitting up slightly I realized that I was in Jasper's room. Judging from the height on the sun, it was mid-afternoon, I had slept most of the day away.

"Good afternoon, angel."

Sleepily looking over I noticed Jasper sitting on the bed beside me. He wore a loose long-sleeved shirt and some pajama bottoms. He looked entirely normal it threw me off for a moment. Blinking I clamored into his lap, and his cool body reassured me that I was awake, alive, and he was by my side. I took a few breaths, his scent calming my wildly beating heart, after remembering the last evening and early morning.

"What time is it?"

"Two in the afternoon, you slept most the day, after the events, you needed the sleep." He murmured in my ear.

I didn't respond, it was still all so surreal.

"Any…changes?" I asked after a moment.

Jasper paused before answering.

"Nothing major, investigators from Seattle came down to the house to take samples, Billy came out to help, he was sad but I've never seen him so fiercely agitated. They asked him several questions that were quite rude."

I grimaced at that, investigators weren't known for their people skills, and I doubt any had met a man quite like Billy Black. Billy was aged, for sure, but that didn't mean he'd lay down and take people's crap, nor would he appreciate them tarnishing anyone's name.

"I'll have to call and thank him," I responded.

Jasper rubbed my back, the motion soothing.

"Don't you worry about that now, he'll be by later, there's some paperwork he needs you to sign."

"He's coming here?" I asked curious.

"Carlisle offered, Jacob is coming with him of course, but they seem a little more at ease around us now. It's a good start."

I nodded. It WAS a good sign. The treaty was still in place, but it was nice to see that we could coordinate and work together in times of need. I just hoped when this was all over we didn't revert to how we were before. I'm not sure how long Jasper and I cuddled but I knew I had to get up and get moving, or I would remain in bed. I climbed off Jasper and I felt his gaze on me as I stood on the floor and stretched, the soft t-shirt I wore rose and exposed my belly. His eyes darkened slightly from his spot on the bed.

"Take a shower or bath it'll help," He offered.

"You'll be here when I get out right?"

His eyes softened.

"Of course. I'll see if Alice can get you some clothes that aren't complicated,"

I snorted, Alice had a gargantuan closet, and of course if she had the chance and opportunity, she'd change her clothes several times a day. However her taste in clothes and mine were different. I didn't mind dressing up at times, but I was in no way a high heel and skirt girl. I was jeans and t-shirt and a pair of comfortable shoes. I'm sure over time her persistence would pay off but for now I was sticking to my guns, so to speak. Nodding when I realized he was waiting for an answer, he got up and kissed my forehead, hands lingering on my waist, before pulling away and going into the main house. I watched him leave before going to the bathroom. I wasn't particularly feeling grimy so I settled on a shower.

Turning on the shower, waiting for it to get to the right temperature, my mind wandered. It drifted over many thoughts. Many of them made a roundabout way back to my mom. I pulled off my clothes and stepped in, letting the hot water pelt my body, both relaxing and distracting me. I'd miss her, terribly, but deep down I knew she was at peace. Maybe not with the way she passed, but the fact that she got the last laugh it eased my mind. That night also made me realize that Trevor was not biologically related to me as I first thought. If he had been, the venom would have been burnt up when he was turned as it did with my mother. I supposed he was a child from Lincoln's previous marriage, it was the only thing that made sense. Internally my wolf growled and the names. Lincoln was no more and wouldn't be a pressing issue, but Trevor was still out there.

Missing his arm, but still out there. Vaguely I wondered if he was part of the group that was coming in a few days. My wolf seemed quite eager and happy for that idea. After washing and scrubbing and finally deciding that I was clean I wrapped myself in a towel, turned off the water and stepped back out into Jasper's room. Clothes were laid out on a neat, freshly made bed. I had to smile softly, the way the bed was made was similar to that of a military man's bunk.

"Old habits die hard,"

I inspected the clothes that Alice had no doubt chosen under Jasper's direction. He was protective of me lately, and I was grateful for it. Every moment I was alone my thought strayed and went to dark places I wasn't proud of visiting, he kept me tethered and grounded. Alice had done well, the shirt was simple and soft, it was a baseball shirt in different shades of green. The pants were soft and jeans material. A pair of simple multi-colored socks were there too. I had to smile, I had once had an argument with Emmett about why my socks never matched, and they seemed to have picked up on my trend and embraced it. No matter how batty it drove Rosalie, she was a stickler for things having to match. I didn't even look at the underwear brand, but it was frilly and lacey like usual. I'd never admit it aloud but it was growing on me. I had just adjusted my bra when I noticed Jasper had walked into the room.

He looked like someone had struck him over the head with a two-by-four. My cheeks burned, he'd seen me in less of course. The shifts did little to hide that. But the way he looked at me at moments like this were different…more intimate. Doing my best to ignore my audience, I slipped on my socks and stuffed my legs in my jeans and were in the process of pulling them up when he suddenly was in front me. His hands gently held my waist and his forehead was pressed to my own. His eyes were dark like a tiger's eyes, and most definitely predatory.

"Were we not having guests over…"he said in a husky voice, the accent thick.

I swallowed hard and to my embarrassment my heartbeat thundered in my ears. Lips let mine and I was enveloped in chocolate and honey, they were soft yet he definitely had control, and I let him. My wolf had no problem's submitting to him, I was his and he was mine.

"Quit molesting her Jazz! Billy and Jacob will be here in like five minutes!" I heard Alice call from downstairs.

Jasper pulled away growling slightly.

"Irritating little monster," he grumbled.

I laughed slightly at his term of endearment for her. He did stop kissing me but helped me with my clothes. After I was fully dressed he gave me one last hard kiss before he helped me onto his back and carried me downstairs. We had hit the bottom stair as I heard the Rabbit's tires crunch on the gravel outside. I clamored off Jasper's back and went out to the front porch, Jacob was helping Billy into his wheelchair. I was pleasantly surprised that Jacob was clothed, wearing khaki shorts that fell just below his knees and a black t-shirt that fit his form nicely. He wore black vans and socks. Billy looked as regal as ever, wearing his signature black hat and on his lap he had a folder. He gave me a pleasant smile and a polite smile to Jasper.

"Welcome," Esme said from behind me.

"Thank you for inviting me to your home," Billy said.

"Not a problem. Would you like to come inside?" She asked.

Billy shook his head.

"And waste a beautiful day like today indoors?"

"The weather has been kind to us lately, come around we have a patio outback. I'll get some lemonade."

Jasper helped me onto his back and we headed around the house to the backyard. Esme had recently taken up gardening so beside the backdoor was a small garden seeming to bloom with plants and scent. Billy rolled himself to the patio table beneath the umbrella. Jake took up a seat beside him. Jasper helped me to the table and I sat beside Jacob. Jasper then went inside, but I knew he was not far away. Esme came with a tray with a lemonade pitcher and three glasses with ice filled to the brim.

"Let me know if you guys need anything else."

With that Esme went back into the house. Without hesitating I poured the lemonade into the three glasses. Jake eyed it as I handed it to him. I gave him a blank look.

"Mama Cullen's lemonade is amazing," I vowed.

Jake took a sip, his eyes betraying him as he nearly downed the entire glass. Billy chuckled as he drank his own. I eyed the folder that now sat on the table contemptuously.

"How bad is it?" I asked looking at Billy.

"Not too bad all considering. The investigators were irritating," Billy grumbled.

I nodded.

"Jasper mentioned that…I apologize having to put you through that,"

Billy shook his head.

"Not an issue, they quickly learned that we're not old pushovers and that we know our laws quite well." He said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Billy can play the frail old grandparent very well, but he was definitely not one to try to strong arm. There was a reason he was on the council. Taking a deep breathe he opened the file…and we began the process of going through the estate.

Mom's estate was pretty straight forward and relatively difficulty free. She left a will so things were pretty straight forward, and since her ex-husband was unable to be found things deferred to me. During this time we also confirmed that Trevor wasn't my brother by blood, only through marriage. Knowing I wasn't actually related to the pair made things a little easier for me. It was decided that most of the furniture that I was partial to would be kept in a storage unit and anything else would be sold and the house would be sold. It would undergo renovations to cleanse the house, but I couldn't stay there…too many memories. Meanwhile my guardianship would fall to Billy Black as stated as my godfather in my mother's will. Billy agreed while the Reservation was safe, I'd remain with the Cullen at their house while I was underage. Carlisle was listed a co-guardian, and he and Billy were cordial enough and seemed to be getting along better. Jasper being my Imprint also helped the pack grow a little better accustomed to the Cullens. They were still wary of Jasper despite his protection. When we were done I was emotionally exhausted and I felt like I was going to break and burst out in hysteria at any moment.

Jacob looked at me worried but seemed to relax when he noticed Jasper coming out of the house towards us.

"Makes she gets some food and rest," Billy said sternly.

Jasper nodded.

"She'll be well taken care of, Esme loves to cook."

Billy nodded.

"We'll get the boys to fix up the house at least what was broken,"

"I couldn't…." I began.

He shook his head.

"The boys insisted, don't worry about anything, we have it covered." Billy responded.

I felt my throat get tight.

"Now you worry about resting, we'll get the house settled later. Boys will fix it up and do patrols to be sure it remains empty. You can do an inventory on what you want to keep in a few days. Until then rest and relax,"

I nodded, Billy was taking a tone that left room to argue. With a quick hug to Billy and Jake held on to me tightly, probably feeling me tremble slightly. And then released me to Jasper, we walked them to Jake's Rabbit and watched them as the backed out and were out of site. Jasper wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to his chest. Although there was no heartbeat from him, his presence, his scent. It all relaxed me. But I still felt so fragile.

When was I going to feel normal again?