A/N: For those of you who are following this story, I did post chapter ten last week. I replaced the note with the chapter, expecting it to say that I updated it. It was a surprise to me when it didn't. So please go back and read chapter ten. I do apologize for taking so long. Right now I have some ideas coming into my head out of order. I'm writing them down as they come so I don't forget them but I'm having trouble putting them together. So my updates are probably going to be all over the place from here on out. I'd like to thank all of you for your kind reviews and for following me. I'm glad (and a little surprised) you find my work worth reading. Here's the next chapter, enjoy...
Chapter Eleven
Trinity wandered downstairs after eleven hungry for breakfast. She'd slept well enough that only two cups of coffee would be enough. At least that was the hope. She really needed to find a better way to get moving in the mornings. Immortal or not, this much coffee couldn't be good for her system.
Kreacher had left her breakfast in stasis on the counter. She also found fresh coffee in the pot. She happily dug in, knowing that the elf wouldn't bother with feeding her lunch. He was a stickler for feeding schedules. Her breakfast was late enough to fall into the scheduled time for lunch. She was on her own until dinner.
As she ate she thought about her day. There was no work for her to do today. She'd handled everything she needed to until after Harry saw the healer. Until her mother could decide how she wanted to handle this world Trinity didn't really have much more to do. Reviewing contracts and reaffirming contacts could only take so long.
Maybe she and Harry could go to Port Angles, see what the larger town had to offer. There were movies to be seen and shops to be explored. They could go shopping. They needed food and clothes, well Harry needed new clothes. Honestly, she didn't see how most of his clothes were still holding together.
Maybe she could go terrorize his aunt and uncle. They certainly deserved it and it would be fun. She wasn't bound by the laws of this world. Nor was she bound by the same moral compass as her brother. Her views on right and wrong weren't nearly as rigid as Harry's. Personally Trinity saw nothing wrong with a little vengeance. The only question was how upset Harry would be with her if she did go and play with the Dursleys.
Harry had the power to go after them. He'd had ample opportunity to punish them. He could even do it legally if she remembered the laws of this world correctly. He could break the laws to deal with them and no one would say anything against him if he was caught. He was their savior after all. The only thing that was keeping him from punishing the Dursleys was his intrinsic goodness.
Trinity was mostly a good person but she could be ruthless when it came down to it. She could and would do anything to protect her family. She would do anything to avenge her family when she couldn't protect them. Harry's goodness wouldn't allow him to fully understand that.
Fighting in a war was one thing. Morals would only get you so far on the battlefield. Harry didn't even have it in him to cause real pain to the woman who'd just killed his godfather in front of him. And from what she'd been able to learn about the final battle, he hadn't cast one of the so-called Unforgivables. He would never approve of her terrorizing the Dursleys. Damn it.
Practicing was always an option. But she really didn't want to. She'd mastered three elements faster than anyone that came before her, including her mother. There really was no hurry to master the last. She could more than afford to blow off practice for a day of two. Hell, she could afford to blow it off for a year. The only pressure to learn was the pressure she put on herself.
As she finished her breakfast, she finally woke up enough to notice how quiet the house was. She frowned. Where was her brother? "Kreacher!" she called, pushing her plate away.
The elf was there almost before the sound of her voice died. "Yes Mistress?"
"Where is Harry?" she asked.
"Master Harry is being with Paul," Kreacher told her, "He be leaving after his breakfast."
"Oh." Well, there went spending the day with Harry in Port Angles. Trinity forcefully shoved away her disappointment. It was good that Harry was spending time with his friends. It was what she wanted for him. "Thank you Kreacher. That will be all."
Trinity sighed as she contemplated finding more work to do. She really wanted to have the day off from anything pressing. Maybe she should give grocery shopping a shot. Kreacher could easily make up a list for her. It was either that or practicing. She didn't want to go to the reservation because she didn't want to intrude on Harry's new friendship and she didn't want him to think that she didn't trust him out on his own.
Trinity had started up the stairs to find something presentable to wear when she felt it. Someone or something was trying to breach the ward. She froze mid-step and sought out the intruder. Tapping into the ward she soon found what was causing the disturbance. It was one of the vampires. With a frustrated huff Trinity teleported, landing directly in front of the fighter.
"Hello Jasper."
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After Trinity and Harry left for the night the Cullens had discussed everything the pair had revealed. Even with them being vampires magic wasn't something that had ever occurred to them. An entire race of people who could call fire with a thought. Who could cut down an immortal being with just a few words. It was a frightening prospect.
As far as Jasper could tell they were lucky to have never run into wizards before. He wondered how many vampires had been killed by wizards over the years. It had to be quite a few. Any vampire that had come across one had to have been destroyed before they could tell anyone else about them.
Eventually the others had gone their separate ways. To be with their mates, to reassure each other that they had survived an encounter with beings that could easily destroy them. Seeing as he had no one, Jasper was left to sort through his feelings on his own.
After sitting for what seemed like hours Jasper decided to leave the house. Being bothered by everyone's emotions was making it difficult for him to process everything. He was almost certain that he wasn't nearly as nervous as the others. He needed to separate from them to be sure.
Jasper ran into the forest. Once he was deep enough that he could no longer feel anyone else he stopped. Taking an unnecessary breath, Jasper cleared his mind of everything. It was time to sort through it all.
Their new neighbors were wizards. Magic was very real and the people that used it didn't like vampires very much. Before Harry was injured his reflexes were apparently nearly as good as a vampire's. It stood to reason that there were others who were the same. Trinity didn't even need a wand to make fire. She couldn't possibly be the only ones. Truth be told all of that made him nervous.
But Harry and Trinity both seemed to be open minded. They weren't afraid of them. They didn't seem to hate what they were. Harry was intent on making friends and simply overlooked the whole blood sucking thing. Trinity, as intimidating as she'd been at the start, seemed to be merely curious. She wanted to know everything they were willing to tell her.
They intrigued him. They didn't smell like food. Harry really did smell unappetizing under the smell of his magic. Not as bad as the wolves, but still. And Jasper couldn't smell Trinity's blood at all. Maybe her magic was so strong it overpowered the scent of her blood entirely. And he couldn't feel them. Their emotions were completely cut off from him. Alice couldn't see them. Edward couldn't hear them. He wondered if Bella could keep them out of her mind or if Nessie's power would work on them.
Trinity was beautiful. Her odd coloring fascinated him. Her brilliant blue eyes framed by those long bi-colored lashes were the most interesting he'd seen in his long life. She was funny and ballsy. And she observed absolutely everything. Jasper had no doubt that she'd sized them up and figured them out within moments of meeting them. It was no wonder Bella hadn't been able to hide being a vampire from the woman.
He wanted to know more about her. He wanted to know about those tattoos of hers. He didn't know anyone with tattoos. High school kids weren't old enough for them and vampires couldn't get them. He wanted to know how someone so young became so observant. He wanted to understand how she felt about the power she wielded.
Jasper was a curious soul. He always had been, even as a human. As a vampire he had all the time in the world to learn anything his heart desired. Harry and Trinity were something new to learn about. But was that all it was where Trinity was concerned? He wanted to know more about her personally than the world she came from. Why was that, he wondered. Something else for him to be curious about.
Without really thinking about his actions Jasper turned toward the wizards' home. He took off through the trees hoping that they were home and willing to talk. Or maybe they would be willing to let him hang out for a while. Being around people he couldn't feel would be a nice and extremely welcome change.
It only took minutes to reach what he knew was their property. He smiled slightly when he felt the power that came from them. That smile abruptly fell from his face when he slammed into some sort of invisible wall. What the hell?
Jasper frowned as he felt the wall that he couldn't see. He pushed hard against it with no results. This made no sense. With his hand out he followed the wall and quickly decided that it probably went around the entire property. How was this possible? What had caused it? How was he supposed to get to Harry and Trinity with this in the way?
Jumping back about twenty feet, Jasper charged the wall at full speed. He hit it hard and bounced right off, landing on his ass. "Well, that was stupid," he muttered while getting to his feet and dusting off his pants. Jasper made a fist and hit the wall with everything he had and actually hurt him hand.
He cursed under his breath. He didn't want to have to go back home without seeing them. He was honestly considering hitting the wall again when he found himself face to face with a pajama clad, barefoot Trinity.
She smirked at him. "Hello Jasper."
Lowering his fist, he responded, "Hello Trinity."
"What brings you here?" Trinity asked with a smile, "I'm positively certain I just saw you last night."
If Jasper could blush he probably would be right now. Other than his curiosity he really had no good reason to be here. So he decided to go with the truth. "I was curious," he told her, "I was wondering if you would mind answering some more questions."
"We answered quite a few last night. What more if there for you to learn?"
"There is always more to learn." Jasper quipped, "Like why there is an invisible wall between us."
Trinity laughed softly. "A thirst for knowledge in a fighter is a rare thing indeed. Are you a warrior strategist then? You don't strike me as a common foot soldier," she looked him over with keen eyes, "As for the wall, it is a bit of magic called a ward. Pure humans can cross it easy enough for they pose no threat. Anyone that means harm can't pass through it. And no magical creature can pass through it without my permission. I haven't added you lot because having you around Harry in his condition makes me uneasy."
Jasper frowned, "We wouldn't hurt him."
"Not on purpose, no," Trinity stepped closer, "A vampire, no matter how tame, can always lose control of themselves. And, from what I have seen, Rosalie isn't exactly the most controlled vampire."
"She's always been a bit high strung and overly protective. The last few years haven't been easy on her nerves."
"Ah... the troubles brought on by an overeager human and power hungry vampires," Trinity nodded in understanding, "but that excuse will not gain her entry to my home until Harry can better protect himself. I will allow you through now but I will revoke the permission unless I am here."
It surprised him how much it stung that she didn't trust him. He really couldn't blame her. She'd only just met him. He was a vampire, one that had survived on human blood for over a century. And her brother was basically crippled with little hope of recovery. But despite all the logical arguments it still hurt. He just didn't understand why it hurt.
Still, she was inviting him in and he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to speak with her. "I understand," he said before taking a step forward.
Where the wall had been only moments before there now seemed to be nothing. He didn't even feel it as he came to a stop at Trinity's side. It was truly amazing what the woman could do with just a thought and a few words.
"Walk with me." Trinity started walking along the edge of the property.
Jasper easily fell into step beside her. "How is it that none of our gifts work on you?" he asked after a moment.
Trinity shrugged. "I honestly don't know. I can theorize that our magic is simply interfering with your particular gifts. Or our magic is simply too powerful for what are essentially enhanced human abilities. And our magic protects us from outside forces if it can."
"You talk like it has a mind of its own."
"Magic is a living thing in many ways. It chooses who can wield it. And it fiercely protects those wielders. Magic is everywhere in varying degrees. It needs to be channeled and challenged to flourish. When the wielders stop changing and pushing the boundaries magic can become stagnant and eventually fade away until new wielders are chosen."
Jasper found this fascinating. Magic was sentient and everywhere. It seemed to function much like the human brain. Once a person stopped learning their brain started to die. They had to exercise it regularly to retain their brain cells. Wielders appeared to be like brain cells. He wondered if magic was like the brain of the world.
"Are all wizards as powerful as you and Harry?"
Trinity shook her head. "Wizards have varying degrees of power, much the same as any other being. Even strength varies among vampires. Are you as strong as Emmett?"
That made sense. If every wizard had the kind of power that he could feel rolling off of Trinity they would probably destroy the world. "Why do you and Harry look so different?" he asked after a moment.
"We have different mothers," Trinity glanced at him, "and we were raised differently. Which is not something I'm willing to discuss further at this time."
Before Jasper could think of something else to ask she came back with a question of her own. "What is your history? You don't get to ask all the questions."
"I lied about my age and joined the Confederate army. I was good enough at my job to be promoted quickly. One night I offered help to the wrong women and they turned me. They wanted power like so many others so there were a lot a vampire wars. I was used to train newborn vampires and build an army. Eventually I was convinced to leave them and was a nomad for the longest time. I met Alice and together we joined the Cullens. She was my wife for the better part of a century."
Trinity eyed him curiously, "Was your wife?"
"Until a few months ago," Jasper looked over at her and quickly looked away, "When we met Nahuel she discovered that he was her mate. That brought an end to our marriage. I've been at loose ends ever since."
"Why do you stay with them? I imagine losing your wife of a century hurt a great deal."
"They're my family. I love them and they love me. They help me stick to the all animal diet. They support me when I need it. The pain will fade away after time but the love is eternal."
"Why do you stick to an all animal diet? From what I understand human blood tastes much better and is healthier for you."
"I'm an empath. After I adjusted to being a vampire I realized that I could feel everything from others. The panic and fear from my victims was pure torture every time I fed. I was relieved to discover that I could survive off of animals."
"Would you switch back to human blood if you didn't have to kill to get it?"
Jasper shrugged. "I know it's an option now but it makes it harder not to give in to the instincts to hunt humans. If I had a guaranteed supply I might consider it but Carlisle would be disappointed."
"He is a healer so I can understand his point of view," Trinity spoke carefully, "But you shouldn't base such a big decision on how someone else feels about it. Even if they are your family."
Jasper blinked as her words struck him. He couldn't remember his human family. So the only experience he had with how families worked was the Cullens. It hadn't taken him long to see Carlisle and Esme as surrogate parents. He was more attached to them than he had been to his own sire. He had slipped before and Carlisle had been supportive and understanding. But he didn't think the elder vampire would be as supportive if Jasper chose to go back to human blood after working so hard to stay away from it. Could Jasper handle disappointing the man who had done so much for him? Would Jasper be disappointed in himself if he chose to give up his "vegetarian" diet? Jasper frowned. Why was he even thinking about this? He had more questions he wanted answers to.
Trinity turned them away from the property line and started moving to the house. "Let's go shopping," she said, breaking into his thoughts.
Jasper shook his head, not sure if he heard her correctly. "What?" was his eloquent response.
"We need food. I'm bringing you to the store with me," she smiled mischievously, "I have to dress first so let's go."
Jasper was at a loss for words as she grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her. How had a quest for answers turned into a shopping trip?
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Paul brought Harry home around supper time. They'd had a great time today, even if all they'd done was play video games and argue over the game's accuracy concerning magic use and dragons. It had been a strange but entertaining argument. Paul had enjoyed it immensely.
"So," Paul hesitated minutely before continuing, "Do you want to come over again tomorrow?"
Harry grinned over at him, "Sure. I had fun, more fun than I've had in a long time. Maybe I can watch you work some."
Averting his eyes as a wave of shyness rushed over him Paul nodded, "If you want."
Harry nodded eagerly, "Of course I do. You're really good and I want to see an artist at work."
Paul resisted the urge to snort at Harry's assessment. They got out of the truck, Paul going to the back to unload the chest. Harry made his way to the house ahead of him to open the door for him. Paul caught up to him quickly but said nothing. He didn't want to make Harry feel any worse than he already did about his injuries.
The sound of laughter reached them when Harry pushed open the door. Paul looked into the kitchen and froze fractionally. Why was there a vampire in his imprint's house? Every instinct he had was urging him to grab Harry and run. It was Jasper, the one who had the most trouble not eating humans. Harry wasn't safe here but he couldn't tell the boy why he wasn't safe. And why was Jasper laughing? Paul didn't think he'd ever heard the leech laugh before.
"Just take that and sit it at the foot of my bed," Harry was saying, "and join us in the kitchen." Then his imprint looked at the leech and said, "Hi Jasper."
Paul nearly dropped the chest. Harry knew the vampire. How did Harry know the vampire? Why did Harry know the vampire? What was going on here? Why did it sound like his imprint liked the dangerous bloodsucker in his kitchen? Why didn't he have the natural instinct to avoid the predator?And why in the hell hadn't Paul smelled Jasper as soon as he pulled up? For that matter, why couldn't he smell him now?
Paul hurried to put the chest down where Harry had asked him to before quickly going back to the kitchen. He didn't want to leave Harry in a room with the leech without him for any longer than he had to. Harry and Trinity both smiled at him when he joined them. Jasper simply looked confused. Maybe the vampire was having the same trouble with his nose that he was.
"Hello Paul," Trinity grinned at him, "Do you know Jasper?"
"We've met," Paul bit out.
Harry arched an eyebrow at his tone, "I take it you're not friends."
Jasper cleared his throat, "Not especially."
Trinity laughed softly. "Well, there will be no fighting here. Do be so kind as to get along," she looked between the three of them before focusing on Harry, "Did you have a good time today?"
Harry nodded enthusiasticly. "I saw Paul's shop and we played video games. I also found out that Paul can only cook sandwiches."
"Hey, I'm sure there sure a lot of people who can't cook," Paul defended himself automatically with a laugh.
"I certainly can't," Trinity spoke.
"I can't either," Jasper said at practically the same moment.
Paul frowned. He wasn't sure he was happy to have something in common with a vampire. Maybe he should learn how to cook. Oh my god. He really wasn't considering making a life decision because of a vampire. He was losing his mind. He had to be.
Paul shook himself to clear his mind. "What brings you here Jasper?" What could Harry and his sister have done to attract the attention of the vampire?
Jasper gave him a tight smile, "Just welcoming the new neighbors."
"And they chose you to be the welcoming committee?" The vampire with the biggest control issues wouldn't have been his first choice.
"Actually, we met Bella first," Trinity told him, "and we went over for supper last night. Apparently I made such an impression that Jasper decided to spend the day with me."
"A decision I regretted almost as soon as she said she wanted to go shopping, I assure you," Jasper said with a smile to take the sting out of his words.
Trinity pouted, "It was just groceries."
Harry laughed. "Did you have fun?"
"It was more fun than shopping for clothes," Trinity grinned, "Are you two going to stay for dinner?"
Jasper shook his head, "I left this morning without a word. I'm sure they're worried. Thanks for the day Trinity. We should do it again. It was nice to see you again Harry."
"I'll walk you out," Trinity linked her arm with Jasper's and lead him out of the house.
Paul turned to Harry, trying to come up with something to say that wouldn't push Harry away. "I'm not sure about you hanging out with the Cullens. They're not the nicest people," he said cautiously.
Harry sighed heavily and leaned against the counter. "Are the Cullens the ones that caused the problems between you and Jacob?"
Paul nodded, looking down at his feet, "They are. And my reasons for not liking them are the same now as they were then. I still don't like them and I still don't trust them. I'd rather you hang out with people I can trust."
"I know we haven't got into a lot of heavy stuff," Harry tapped his cane against his leg, "but I have been told what I could and couldn't do my entire life. Everyone in my life has told me who I could and couldn't be friends with. I'm finally free to make my own choices and I'm not going to allow anyone to make my choices for me any more. I want to be your friend and I like you a lot. But I'm also going to see if I can be friends with the Cullens too. Do you think you can handle that?"
There had to be something major that Harry was keeping to himself that even a suggestion got his back up. He could tell from Harry's tone that he was serious. And as much as he didn't like it, Paul was not willing to risk losing his imprint. He was just going to have to bite his tongue and keep an eye on things. He would also ask Jacob to talk to the Cullens, see if the alpha could find out what their purpose was.
"Yeah I can handle that," Paul cleared his throat and looked up with a smile on his face, "So, What's for dinner?"
Harry grinned, "I have no idea but I have a feeling I'm going to be cooking it."