Disclaimer:My license still says Misty so I guess you all know what that means.
Also a big thanks to Twilightobsessed09 who made this pretty for me. Check out all of her stories if you haven't yet. They are awesome.
This story as well as my others won't be updating again until after the 1st of the year. It's crazy at my house right now and I don't want to promise chapters that I know won't make it out. I will write when I can and as soon as December is over things will get back to normal.
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An even bigger thanks to ceara1888 who has allowed me to adopt this story from her. I read it while she wrote it and hated to see her give it up. I only hope I don't disappoint with the way I go with it.
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WARNING: Tad bit of violence. Jasper isn't happy.
-O-
Carlisle
"Jasper, please calm down," I pleaded before cringing back when a roar was the only answer I received in return.
Telling Jasper about Bella was not an experience I ever wanted to repeat again with anyone. He'd lost complete control of his gift and the amount of pain and anger pouring out of him had the entire family on our knees. However, it wasn't a bad place to be, seeing that any form of movement would have found us in pieces.
Rose and Emmett had just walked in as I was finishing up with my explanation of Bella's injuries and they'd dropped to their knees instantly as well. Finding out that they'd lost Phil in Seattle had been a small part of the catalyst that set Jasper off completely. The other was telling him of the violation Bella had gone through. Rose's anger had also taken over and she'd tried to get up. Jasper's eyes had locked onto her immediately, misreading her as a threat. If Emmett hadn't gotten her to stay still, she would have been lost. While Jasper had backed off, I noticed his eyes still going to her often.
His need to destroy something was not being sated with the furniture or walls alone; the many gaping holes, broken objects, and shattered glass lay testament to that. If we didn't get him to calm down soon, then I knew that his focus would turn to us and with the state he was in, we would not escape him unscathed.
At first, I thought if his attention was turned in another direction, we may have stood a chance, but I quickly diminish that thought as I knew my son, and we would certainly not be coming away from this unhurt. If he decided to go to the hospital, we would have to do whatever was necessary to stop him. It would mean loss of limb for more than one of us, but there was no way he could be around that environment in his mind set.
Again, I tried getting through to him, but only ended up saying the wrong thing. "Jasper, son, if you can't calm down then I'm afraid I will have to keep you away from Bella."
As he slowly turned toward me, a low rumbling started in his chest that only grew louder with each step he took in my direction. My mind was fighting a battle between thinking of him as my son who would not hurt me and the animal whose black eyes were fixated on me now. I wanted to cower back when his feet stopped in front of me, but I stayed where I was, giving him no other reason to hurt me.
His voice was deep and condescending as he sneered, "You think you can stop me, Dad?" A dark laugh left him. "I'd like to see you try to keep me from my mate."
"I'm so-" I started, looking down at the floor.
"Silence!" He bellowed and I couldn't stop myself from flinching. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that everyone else had done so as well. "I didn't give you permission to speak," he said as he crouched down and brought his hand up, jerking my head back up.
I stared on in fear as he looked at me with his pitch black eyes and cruel smile. When he didn't say anything, I wondered if he was waiting on me to say something that would push him over the edge. Edward's nod behind Jasper was almost indiscernible-as he agreed with my train of thought-but I caught it and wisely kept my mouth shut. Once he realized that I was going to remain silent, he made a noise of disgust and shoved me away, causing my back to slam into the wall behind me.
As I slid back down to the floor, I watched in horror as Jasper grabbed Esme, forcing her to her feet with her back to his chest. His arm wrapped around her shoulders and held her in place as his hand reached up and pulled her head to the side, exposing her neck to his sharp teeth.
"How does it feel? Knowing your mate is in danger? Knowing there is nothing you can do?" He quickly turned her around to face him as he continued, "How does it feel to know that her fate lies in my hands? What if I just took her away from you?" He questioned as he caressed her cheek. "What if I were to hurt her like my mate was?" He then gripped her throat and hoisted her in the air. "What would you do? What can you do to stop me?" His menacing eyes glared into mine as he taunted me with my mate's life.
The fear in Esme's eyes was unbearable to witness. In that moment, I could feel the anger and need to protect her fighting to come out. However, before it could burst forth, I realized that giving Jasper the fight he wanted might be our only option to calm him down enough to see reason.
With my decision made, I growled and pushed myself to my feet, crouching low. Jasper grinned evilly and threw Esme off to the side, but thankfully Emmett caught her and held her to him as Jasper dropped into a defensive crouch.
Knowing the dreadful fight that lay ahead of me was paramount to getting Jasper calm, I quickly orchestrated a way to keep me from burning by silently speaking to Edward as Jasper's growls echoed off the walls.
"Edward, when you get an opening you and the others need to get him to the ground." When I saw his nod in understanding, I lunged colliding with Jasper midair.
The force of our contact sent us landing hard on the floor-with Jasper on bottom-cracking the wood. I wasn't stupid enough to think I could take Jasper. My vampiric life was nothing compared to his. With his training and keen sense for battles, a fight like this was a walk in the park for him. As I quickly took into consideration his war experience, I realized that I was screwed. Though that didn't mean that I wasn't going to do everything I could to hold off being ripped apart. I could only hope the others would get their opening in time before it came to that.
I tried to get my arm across Jasper's neck, only to land on my back seconds later when he flipped me over. Before I could move he picked me up and threw me through the already broken front window. I slid halfway across the yard before I could catch myself and get back to my feet.
Turning around, I found Jasper walking down the front porch steps at a slow human pace. The rest of the family were all standing in the doorway, ready for when they were needed. I crouched down, keeping my eyes on Jasper as he just as slowly walked toward me. His body was standing tall as strength and power exuded with each step he took.
I kept my eyes trained on him, not wanting to be taken by surprise as he began to circle me. However, he wasn't ready to come at me again yet and just continued his leisurely stroll around me with a low growl rattling his chest.
On his fourth pass behind me, I relaxed slightly causing him to let out a dark chuckle."I wouldn't grow complacent if I were you. You never know when I might attack you or that pretty female you call yours," I growled at his words, making him yet again, let out a laugh. "Oh, I seem to have hit a nerve. Would you come at me if I moved closer to her?" he asked, stopping in front of me only to take two steps backwards.
I growled again in warning, but only received a smirk and two more backward steps in return. "Don't." I hissed as I moved forward.
"Why?" he asked, backing up.
"You'll regret hurting her," I tried.
He shook his head. "No, I actually wouldn't. My only concern is my mate and she's not here. You want me to stay away from her, even though you know I need to be with her. I think since you are so hell bent on keeping me from Isabella you should feel just a little bit of the pain I feel."
I braced myself, ready for the moment he leapt because I knew it wasn't going to be me he would come after. Sure enough, he turned seconds later and sprang toward the others. Esme was behind everyone, but that wouldn't stop him.
I moved faster than I'd ever had to before, needing to redirect his attention. It was a stupid thing to do, but I couldn't allow him to hurt my mate. Not only would it result in one of us dying, but he would-no matter what he said-regret it. I managed to close the distance and grab his ankle just as he started up the steps.
I don't know how it happened, but one second I was about to fling him across the yard and the next I was face down with a knee firmly planted in my back and my arms stretched tight behind me.
"So stupid," Jasper growled, pulling on my arms. I could feel them start to give, the pain excruciating, but I would gladly take the pain if it meant Esme was safe.
Just when I thought he was going to give one final pull, I finally saw the family move as one and I couldn't stop the sigh of relief.
-O-
Charlie
"How had I not made the connection?" I whispered as I stared down at my daughter's sleeping form.
I had no doubt that she was, even without knowing the test results. I could see it clearly now. The brown hair that was the exact color of mine, her chin, her ears, and even though I couldn't see them at the moment, her eyes were all the same. Hell, I saw them every morning when I looked in the mirror.
How had I not seen it before now? Even as I asked myself that question I knew the answer.
I'd always seen Renee in her-the button nose, the set of her mouth, and the grouping of freckles across her cheeks.
Seventeen years. I thought as sadness and anger washed over me. Sadness for missing out on all those years of getting to know my own daughter. The anger was twofold-the most predominate side being absolute rage at that dead bastard. Yes, I knew he wasn't dead yet, but that wouldn't last long. When I found him, I didn't care that I'd pledged to uphold the law, he would not be breathing soon after. The simmering anger was for Renee. She had to know that Bella was mine. She had to have figured it out at some point and then she just up and left Bella with that sick piece of shit. After I dealt with him I would be finding Renee. There was no question about it.
I sighed and scrubbed my hands over my face. I just needed Bella to wake up, so I knew she was okay. So I could tell her she was safe now and that no one would ever hurt her again.
The door opened pulling me from my thoughts and I glanced up, finding one of the nurses walking in. As she silently checked Bella's vitals I stood and pulled my phone from my pocket. Moving over to the window, I looked out on the parking lot while I dialed the station.
It rang twice before Nancy answered, "Forks Police Department."
"Nancy, it's Charlie. Is Mark there?"
"Oh, Charlie, yes he's right here. I'll switch you over to him."
"Thank you, Nancy."
It was just a few seconds before Mark answered and I didn't wait for him to say anything before I asked, "Has the fucker been found yet?"
"No, but I've got the APB out. It covers Washington, Oregon, and the other surrounding states as well as the border going into Canada."
"Good."
"What happens when he is found?"
"I'm to be called immediately."
"And then?" he asked.
"And then you don't need to know anything else." I replied.
He paused, probably trying to think of a way to talk me out of what he knew my last sentence meant, but in the end he sighed and said, "Yes, Sir. I'll let you know if I hear anything."
"Thank you," I answered before moving on to the bracelet. "Did you see anything about the bracelet that was odd?"
"Actually, yeah. The clasp looked to be specifically made for the small lock. It was also heavier than you would think it should be which led me to look at it a little bit closer. On the back there is some kind of panel. It's almost the same size as the charm it's on."
"It could just be a part of the design," I said.
"True, but it's on the back and not on any of the others. However, I didn't try to pry it open, not wanting to mess anything up."
"We need to see if we can get it open then and find out what the deal with it is."
"I know. I'm going to take it into Port Angeles in the morning and see if a jeweler can get it open."
"All right," I said. "I think that's all I needed, but keep me posted on everything."
"I will, Chief."
"Thank you." I said.
"Welcome," he said back before we both said goodbye and I hung up.
Turning from the window and finding the nurse gone, I moved back over to the chair by the bed to sit down again. I would be more comfortable at home, but until Phil was dead I would be staying very close. I had no clue if he would come back to finish the job or not and I wasn't going to take any chances. I hadn't been able to protect her for 17 years, but from this day on, I was going to change that.
Starting now...
-O-
Jasper
PAIN...
my mate was hurt
my mate had been hurt repeatedly
my mate had been violated
my mate
my mate
my Isabella
my Bella
Hospital
need to see her
need to be near her
need to hear her heartbeats
need to see her chest moving
need to know she can heal
ANGER...
torture
violence
destruction
death
blood
lots of blood would spill
him
Phil
dead
"...I'll have to keep you away from Bella."
THE NEED TO DESTROY...
blond male
stupid fucking fool
pretty mate
she'll do nicely
my words
his words
his fear
more words
hi anger
bracing myself
taunting
attacking
he stands no chance
stalking
more taunting
more words that mean nothing
death for him
and anyone that stands in my way
NO...NO...NO
too many bodies
too many hands pulling
must fight
NO!
too much
too much
too much
FUCK!
words breaking through
don't want them
don't need them
but they won't stop
"Jasper, please..." Alice
NO!
"Jasper, dude, stop fighting us." Emmett
No...
"Jasper, sweetheart, please...come back to us." Esme
no...
"She's been hurt enough, Jasper." Rosalie
no more struggling...just listening
"Rose, keeping talking. You're getting through." Edward
"You don't want to cause her anymore pain, Jasper. You don't want to cause her anymore distress. You need to be with her and touch her and know she's safe, but you have to calm down and gain control to do that. Please Jasper, calm down and come back. For Bella." Rose continued.
for her
always for her
ANYTHING FOR HER
BELLA
My mind cleared and my eyes focused on Rose as she leaned over me with her hands on either side of my face. Edward and Emmett both had one of my arms pinned to the ground while Alice and Esme were wrapped around each of my legs.
Moving my eyes, I found Carlisle standing beside me, rolling his arms as if to test their mobility and dusting off the dirt coating the front of his clothes. He looked disheveled and haggard, however possible that was for a vampire, but it was apparent that he had been in a battle with...
"Did I do that?" I asked, horrified.
"It's okay, Son," Carlisle said. "You didn't hurt me."
"But I-"
"It's okay," he said, cutting me off. "It's what you needed."
I started to argue again, but Rose gripped my cheeks, stopping me from even getting words out.
My eyes found hers and she said, "You needed it. Bella needed it. She needed you to calm down so you could go be with her. That is what's important. Okay?"
I lay there silently for a few minutes before I finally nodded. Rose gave me one more look before she slowly moved away. The other four followed just as slowly. I lay there, even though I could move again, until Carlisle came over and held his hand out.
When I grasped it in mine I felt a rush of fatherly love flow through me. Choking back a sob I let him help me up and immediately pulled him into a hug.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"It's okay, Son," he whispered back squeezing me a little tighter before he pushed me back enough to see my face. "Let's get you some food and then I'll take you to see Bella."
I sent him my acceptance and relief at his words before we turned to the rest of the family.
Carlisle spoke first. "We'll be back soon. I want the rest of you to stay here. We'll discuss what to do next when I get back."
They all nodded their understanding.
"Emmett," I said, drawing their full attention to me. "I need you to get a hold of Jenks. Get him to find out all he can on Phil. I want him found quickly."
"I will," Emmett said.
I nodded and looked at Carlisle as he said, "Come on Jasper, let's go hunt."
Again I nodded and followed him as he took off into the trees. It didn't take long to find a herd of deer. I brought four down before I was sated and felt completely in control. Carlisle and I didn't speak the entire time, nor did we speak as we returned to the dismantled house for a quick shower. I again tried to apologize for the disaster I'd caused, but it was refused.
Before we left the house, Emmett said Jenks was working on finding the information we needed and would call when he had anything. I muttered my thanks and then walked out to the driveway, climbing into the passenger side of Carlisle's car.
He settled into the driver's seat and we headed for the hospital. We were only a few miles away when he finally spoke, "You need to prepare yourself for how Bella will look. You need to keep in your head that she's going to heal-that she is safe now-and use it to keep you in control."
"I will," I said, drawing in a lungful of unneeded breath and letting those two things run through my head over and over again.
We pulled into the parking lot of the hospital a few minutes later and walked inside quickly. Making it to the floor Bella was on, I moved around Carlisle and headed for the room that I could tell Bella was in.
I sucked in another lungful of air before I pushed her door open and stepped inside. Nothing I did would have prepared me for the state she was in.
Her face was swelled and covered with bruises, wires were everywhere-hooking her up to machines and IV bags-, a cast was on her arm, and she looked so small and fragile lying there. A growl tore from my throat and I reached out, gripping the first thing that my hand touched.
It wasn't until a, "What the fuck?" sounded out that I was able to focus again.
When I did, I found Chief Swan, who I hadn't even noticed, standing over Bella and half the bedside rolling tray in my hand as I'd broken it off, metal and all, without realizing it.
Shit.
"How did you...?" Chief Swan asked moving his eyes between me and the tray.
I didn't know what to say, but thankfully Carlisle seemed to. However, it wasn't what I expected it to be. I thought he'd explain it as adrenaline or something, but he went a completely different route. "Charlie, there is something you need to know about my family."
My eyes widened at his words and I turned my head quickly, speaking too low for Charlie to hear. "Carlisle, are you sure?"
"Yes, Jasper," he said back. "Bella is his daughter and he's going to be here for the duration of her stay. How else will we explain why you don't eat, sleep, or use the bathroom, it won't be something we can push off on anything else. He needs to understand why you will eventually take her away from him."
My eyes moved back over to Charlie before moving down to Bella and I knew Carlisle was right.
"Alright," I said as Carlisle moved around me.
"Charlie, you might want to sit down."
He looked at Carlisle, then me, and then the tray I still held before nodding slowly. He reached down and picked up the chair he must have been in and knocked over when I came in, settling down in it. Carlisle moved around and perched on the end of Bella's bed on the same side while I moved a chair over to the other. Sitting down I took her hand, without disturbing anything, as Carlisle started to talk.
When Carlisle finished speaking Charlie was in shock. He sat silently for a good thirty minutes before he started firing off questions, only pausing long enough for Carlisle to answer. By the time, they were both done talking Charlie knew everything, including what Bella meant to me.
While he was still shocked he was surprisingly without fear. I allowed myself not to worry too much about the shock as he should move past it soon. The most important thing was that he knew we wouldn't hurt him or Bella.
Now that everything was out in the open I really wanted a moment alone with Bella. Lowering my voice to a level only Carlisle could pick up, I asked, "Carlisle, can you get me a few minutes with her?"
"Of course," he answered lowly and then raised his voice. "Charlie, why don't you go home for a few hours. Take a shower, get something to eat, and sleep a little."
His eyes immediately cut to Bella. I knew he really didn't want to leave her and his next words confirmed it. "I'll be fine."
"Charlie," Carlisle said in a calm yet commanding tone. "You won't do her any good if you make yourself sick. I know it's only been a few hours since you've been here, but you just got back from a trip and haven't slept yet. Go home. Jasper will be here and he will not let anything happen to Bella."
He looked like he wanted to disagree, but instead he sighed in resignation and stood. He leaned over Bella, giving her a kiss on the forehead before he looked up at me.
"You'll stay?" He asked.
I wasn't going anywhere. "Yes, Sir."
He gave me a brief nod and then followed Carlisle out of Bella's room. Once I knew they were gone I slid closer and said what I needed to say, even though I wasn't sure if she could hear me.
Taking her hand in my own, I listened to the beats of her heart, allowing its calming effect to wash over me as I said, "I'm so sorry, Bella. I should have been there to protect you. I shouldn't have left when you told me to, and I should have made sure you were okay. I promise you though, that nothing like this will ever happen again. I promise you that you are safe. I promise that I will take care of you and will never let you be hurt again. I will be here for you, always." Pushing myself up to my feet I leaned over and pressed my cool lips to her head. Keeping them against her skin I whispered, "I love you, my mate."
I lingered just a moment longer before taking my seat and her hand again. I didn't move unless a nurse came in and when Charlie returned a few hours later he took his seat as well.
No words passed between us as he settled in and joined me in watching over Bella.
-O-
Well? Leave a review and let me know what you think.
Next up: A call from Jenks, Charlie gets confirmation on what he already knows, three of the Cullen's leave home, and Bella wakes up.