***Thanks to all of you for the response to the last chapter. I loved hearing from you and I tried to respond back to as many as possible. If I missed you, I'm sorry, but I did read your review!

***A special thanks to Jasper's Darlin Kathy and TwiCarol. You both know what you do for me!

BPOV

I spent the next few days at the Cullen's. Jasper drove me to school every day and picked me up. I was getting used to having his constant companionship, and I was finding that I really liked it. But, he had a life too, and he had important things to tend to; like hunting. He hadn't fed in days and I knew that worried him. He was extremely cautious around me, and he didn't like to go that many days in between feeding. I insisted that he go and that I would be fine at school without him. He didn't agree.

He wanted Carlisle or Esme to accompany me, but I just found that to be silly. In the end, I managed to persuade him to just let me borrow his car. I was learning that biting my lip and saying please worked wonders on him. I promised that I would go right to school and right back to the house. I just wished that Edward would show himself, so that we could get this out into the open and I could end it once and for all.

I still loved Edward, how could I not? A love like that doesn't just fade away over night, but this was not my Edward. No, this monster replaced that sweet, gentle boy that I fell in love with, and that broke my heart. I knew that I couldn't continue on in a relationship with him. Something worried the rest of the Cullen's; there was a reason they were going to such great lengths to protect me from him. It made me so sad to know that we had lost Edward.

I pulled up and quickly parked the car. In the time it took me to gather my books and get out of the car, Edward was standing at the driver's side door smiling at me. It looked like I was going to get my wish. I took a deep breath and slowly let it out before I got out of the car. I wasn't afraid of him. I knew what had to be done, and I would do it. It didn't matter to me that something was wrong with him; I couldn't tolerate him cheating on me. He opened the door for me and extended his hand. I took it because I saw no need to be confrontational.

"Edward," I said. "When did you get back?"

"I was never really far," he said, as he led me to the wooded area that bordered the school's property. I had a strange feeling that we should stay out in the open, so I stopped walking. He turned and smirked at me. Even when I was afraid of him, he was beautiful. Was there something wrong with me?

"If I want you to go into the woods with me, you will," he said.

Edward," I said. "I don't want to fight with you."

"I didn't come here to fight, love," he said. "I'm just curious."

"About what?" I asked, feeling like I was walking into a trap.

"Why you would think it would be acceptable to sleep in Jasper's bed," he said, as he started walking toward the forest again. I tried to stand in place, but he was too strong and my body had no choice but to follow. I looked around weighing my options.

"No one cares what we're doing," he said. "We're just a couple, headed into the woods for some alone time."

I knew he was right. I could have fought him, but if I started kicking and screaming and someone came to my defense, Edward could easily handle them. He wouldn't care who knew what he was, and I couldn't risk exposing the rest of his family. I gave in and let him lead me into the woods.

"Are you going to answer my question?" he asked. "Don't deny where you have been sleeping. I know you haven't been home, and you smell of Jasper. My guess is he has taken my place, and he holds you while you sleep."

"Who has taken my place?" I spat. "At least Jasper and I are just friends. He's comforted me and protected me against you. What is it that you're doing?" I yanked my hand from his hold.

His eyes got darker than I had ever seen them, as he pulled his lips back baring his teeth. I had upset him, and now I was going to pay the price for that. This is exactly why Carlisle didn't want me to know the truth. I backed away. He looked like James did, just before he attacked me; so much for me not being unnecessarily confrontational.

"Bella," he said. "You are testing my control. Jasper has given you entirely too much information. You forget what he told you, do you understand?"'

"How can I forget that you're cheating on me with a human drinking vampire?" I said, trying hard to hold back the tears that were threatening to betray me. "What makes you think that I would be okay with you being with her?"

"You don't have a choice," he said. "I'll continue my relationship with her until you are turned. You can't give me what I want while you're still human. You'll just have to deal with it."

"Are you out of your mind?" I yelled. "I don't want you; not like this."

"This is who I am," he said, as he grabbed my arm, pulling me close to his face. "Take a really good look. This is who you wanted, the man you came all the way to Italy to save, the one you begged to make love to. I'm him. This is who you will be spending eternity with."

"No," I said. "It's over."

"It will never be over," he said. "Do you think that I'll just hand you over to Jasper? I'll kill him first."

"No," I cried out. "He has nothing to do with us. He's trying to help me, and you."

"You stupid girl," he laughed. "He doesn't want to help me. He's hoping that I'll give in to my instincts and Carlisle will banish me. Why do you think he told you about what I've been doing? He wants you for himself."

"No," I said. "He would never manipulate this situation. He's not you."

"Stop defending him," he said, as he tightened his grip on my arm. The pain was excruciating. My knees started to buckle.

Suddenly Edward's head snapped in the direction of the school. "Wonderful," he said. "Are they all protecting you?" he asked, but before I could question it I heard footsteps and then a loud, familiar voice.

"Edward," Emmett said. "Let her go, before I rip your arm off."

Edward growled, but did as Emmett asked.

"Bella," Emmett said. "You come and stand behind me."

"Emmett?" I said, wondering when he got back.

"Bella," he said, as he hitched his thumb over his shoulder, indicating that was where he wanted me to stand. I did what he asked, realizing that distance was probably what I needed from Edward.

"Emmett," Edward said. "Please don't interfere in my relationship. This doesn't concern you."

"The hell it doesn't," he said. "When Jasper called and told me what was going on, I didn't want to believe it, but now seeing you for myself, I see that he wasn't exaggerating. You are completely fucked up, and I won't let you hurt Bella."

"Bella needs to learn her place," he said. "And, how can she do that if my brothers keep coming to her aid?"

"Listen to yourself," Emmett said. "What is wrong with you?"

Edward ran his fingers through his hair, and for a moment it looked as if he might answer Emmett's question, but I should have known better.

"I want you to leave us," Edward hissed. "I'm not through with her."

"I say you are," Emmett. "Bella, I think it's best you head to class now. I'd like to speak to Edward."

"Bella," Edward said. "Don't you dare leave."

Emmett stepped toward Edward. "You may be smarter than me," he growled. "But you're not stronger."

"Please don't fight," I said in a soft voice. "Emmett, this isn't Edward."

"Well, it's the only Edward we have at the moment," he said. "I won't hurt him. Please go to class, and let me deal with this."

I locked my gaze on Edward, searching for some sliver of hope, but there wasn't any.

"Bella," he said, as I turned to leave. "Now that I don't have to hide my indiscretions, maybe you'll see what I've been up to."

"I don't care," I said. "I just want you to leave me alone." I quickly walked backed to the school, trembling and silently sobbing.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. I couldn't concentrate. I walked from class to class, and I honestly couldn't remember if I had even eaten lunch. I had decided to skip last period and head back to the Cullen's. I had this overwhelming urge to see Jasper, and I was curious to see if Alice had come home with Emmett. If she had, what would that mean for my friendship with Jasper? Would he go back to her? If he did, then I could no longer expect to be spending my evenings in his arms, cuddled against his chest. I shouldn't have been doing that anyway. As deranged as Edward was, he was right; it was inappropriate. As much as I needed Jasper, I couldn't jeopardize our friendship.

I pulled up in the driveway, but didn't see any cars. They were probably in the garage. I knew Carlisle was at the hospital and Esme was meeting him for lunch, but I thought she'd be home by now. I used the key that was on Jasper's key ring. I expected him to be here, but then I realized that since I ditched my last class, I was here an hour earlier than he would have thought. I should probably text him.

I pulled my phone from my pocket as I walked into the living room. It was eerily cold in the house and as soon as I entered the room, I got an odd feeling. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I suddenly felt like I shouldn't be in the house alone.

It was too late. I swallowed hard and backed away from the repulsive red head that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

She came back for me.

"Victoria," I said. "Edward is going to be home any minute. I'm meeting him here." Maybe she would fear him. "Jasper and Emmett will be with him."

She started to laugh, as if she knew something I didn't.

Oh God, could she have caught him off guard?

"I don't think Edward's coming for you," she smiled.

"Did you hurt him?" I asked.

"I wouldn't say what we've been doing hurts," she smiled.

"What does that mean?" I asked, knowing she was intentionally provoking me.

"Bella," she said. "If you knew what to do with Edward, I wouldn't be here right now."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, but just as she was about to answer, I heard Edward.

"Victoria," he yelled. "Get away from her."

"Edward," I let out a sigh of relief as I moved to stand behind him. "Thank God you're okay."

"How sweet," Victoria laughed. "She thinks you'll protect her."

"Stop it," he growled.

"I thought you said she knew," she smiled at me, and the realization kicked in for me.

No! He wouldn't.

"Oh, wait," she said. "You didn't tell her it was me?"

"Edward?" I asked, hoping he would deny it. "Please tell me she's not here because you're with her."

He turned and looked at me, and then nodded.

"How could you?" I said, as I slapped my palms against his shoulders. It definitely hurt me way more than it hurt him, but I didn't care. I started pounding my fists against his marble chest.

"Bella," he yelled. "Stop it or I'll be forced to restrain you."

"She helped lead James to me," I said, as I continued to hit him. My hands were stinging, but I couldn't stop. "She was part of the reason he bit me, that I got hurt. Do you remember, or have you completely lost it?"

"This is all very amusing, Edward," she said. "But, I'm growing tired of your human's temper tantrum."

"As am I," Edward said. "You've been out of line for days. " He grabbed my wrists, spun me around and pulled my back into his chest. "Settle down, before you get hurt."

"Why don't you let me teach her a lesson she'll never forget?" Victoria asked.

"Thanks," Edward said, as he pressed his lips to my neck. "But, I think Bella is going to do exactly what I tell her to. Aren't you?"

"Please," I said. "Don't hurt me."

"So pathetic," Victoria laughed. "Now I see why you need me."

"She'll come around, won't you, love?" he said, as he continued to kiss my neck. Victoria walked toward me; standing in front of me, she reached out and ran her fingers through Edward's hair.

"This could have its benefits," she smiled.

"Edward," I begged. "Please."

"Do you want to beg, Bella?" Edward asked. "Cause I like when you beg."

I leaned against Edward's body, because I couldn't hold myself up anymore. I felt like I was going to be sick, and then I felt dizzy. A huge gust of wind caused me to close my eyes; I heard growling, and furniture moving. I was jostled a bit and when I opened my eyes again, I was in the foyer in Jasper's arms. It all happened so fast, but I was so glad to see him.

I continued to hear crashing and furniture being thrown around the living room. I gave Jasper a confused look.

"Emmett and Rosalie are putting Edward in his place," he said.

"Victoria," I panicked.

"She took off as soon as we approached," he said.

"Did you know it was her?" I asked. "That she was the vampire Edward was seeing?"

"No, darlin'," he said. "I didn't realize it until we got inside, and I saw her take off. I knew the scent Edward had been coming home with was familiar, but it wasn't distinctive enough. I'll never forget it now."

Carlisle and Esme came through the door and looked down at Jasper, who was cradling me in his arms.

"What is going on here?" Carlisle asked, as he looked to the other room.

"Edward's friend, Victoria, paid us a visit," Jasper said. "Emmett and Rose aren't very happy."

"Perfect," Carlisle said. "Bella, are you okay?"

I nodded, and then stared at Jasper. "I am now."

"Jasper," he said. "I need to deal with Edward. I think it's best if you take Bella home."

Esme walked into the living room and surveyed the damage. "Stop it now," she yelled. She rarely ever raised her voice, so when she did, the others knew to listen.

Carlisle walked into the living room, as Jasper was lifting me to my feet. "I'll take you home now," he said.

"What is Carlisle going to do to Edward?" I asked.

Before he could answer, Carlisle spoke. "Rose and Emmett," he said. "Will you excuse us, please?"

"No," Edward said. "If you have something to say to me, let them all hear it."

"If that's the way you want to be," Carlisle said. "You've upset the balance in this house, and you've put Bella in direct danger. Not only have you hurt and humiliated her, but you formed an alliance with our enemy."

"You're reading too much into this," he said. "Victoria is just a good fuck."

"Edward," Esme gasped.

"You're disgusting," Rosalie spat. "You pig."

"You're just jealous," Edward said. "First Bella got what you couldn't, and now Victoria. Still wondering what's wrong with you? Of course you are; I can read it in your shallow thoughts."

"Don't talk to her that way," Emmett growled.

"Edward," Carlisle said. "Are you willing to give up Victoria?"

"Don't tell me you're going to give him another chance," Jasper said, as he took my hand. "That's not fair to Bella."

"Jasper," Carlisle said. "I can't give up on him if there is still hope."

"He never gave up on you, Jasper," Edward said. "How many innocent lives have you taken? How many times have we had to cover for you?"

I squeezed Jasper's hand. He was trying to bait him, but Jasper was too smart to walk into that trap. "This isn't about me."

"Oh," Edward said. "Trying to take the attention from you? We wouldn't want Bella to know what you really are. I hear your thoughts. I know she's on your mind constantly. You want to be more than her friend, and it repulses you that she still loves me."

"No," I said. "I don't love you. It may be your face and body, but you are not the man I fell in love with. He left, and I don't think you'll ever let him come back."

"I don't want to be him. You unleashed this. I gave you exactly what you wanted and when it changed me, you wanted nothing to do with me."

"That's not true," I said. "I tried to understand."

"Jasper," Carlisle said. "Please take Bella home."

"You don't want her to see you do it," Edward said. "You don't want her to know that you would put me out on the street."

"I've given you several chances," Carlisle said. "Will you give up Victoria? Let me take you to Italy, where they may be able to help us?"

"No," Edward said, and his tone was more defiant than I had ever heard. "I'm living my life now, not yours."

"Then you no longer have a place here in the house; among this coven," Carlisle said. "Pack your things and get out."

"Carlisle?" Esme said. "Edward please, you can change his mind."

"No," Edward said. "I hear my father's thoughts, and he doesn't want me here. He has chosen a human over me."

"You brought Bella to us," Carlisle said. "It's our responsibility to protect her. You know you will always be welcome here, when you realize that what you are doing is wrong."

"Of course," Edward laughed. "When I turn back into the Edward you created."

"He's gone," Edward spat, as he walked to the foyer. "I don't need any of you."

I started to cry. As much as I hated this Edward, I still grieved for the one I lost. He stopped in front of me, but Jasper quickly stood between us.

"Oh Jasper," Edward said. "Do you think I'd be stupid enough to do anything to her now?" He looked over Jasper's shoulder and directly into my eyes. "It didn't have to be this way, Bella."

"Edward, I…"

He cut me off. "This is your fault," he said, as he pushed past Jasper and headed out the door.

I felt all of their eyes on me. I was sure Jasper could feel their pity for me.

"Jasper," I said. "I'd like to go home now."

"Bella," Rose said, as she walked toward me.

"Rose?" Jasper warned.

She rolled her eyes and spoke anyway. "Don't listen to Edward," she said. "You did nothing to deserve this."

I nodded, trying to push back the lump in my throat.

"Bella," Carlisle said. "You will always be part of this family."

"Thank you," I couldn't handle this anymore, and Jasper knew it.

"Come on, Bella," he said, as he took my hand.

I didn't say much in the car, and I knew that Jasper was monitoring my emotions. He held my hand, but allowed me this quiet time. It was as if I was mourning the loss of someone. I felt like I would if I had attended a funeral. I was slowly accepting that Edward was no more. I had known for weeks, but seeing him with Victoria confirmed it for me. He was never coming back.

We pulled up in front of the house, and Jasper got out and opened my door. He extended his hand for me and helped me out.

"Thanks," I said. "For being there for me."

"I'll continue to be here for you," he smiled, and I knew he would.

"Do you mind if I have some alone time now?" I asked.

"Sure," he said. "I won't be far, you text me and I'll come up."

"Okay," I said. "In a little while."

I turned to walk into the house, but Jasper didn't let go of my hand. He held it for a few seconds longer, before releasing me and heading back to his car.

JPOV

I hated letting go of her. I wanted to hold her, and tell her everything was going to be okay. That wasn't what she wanted from me. I knew I had to give her the space she needed to deal with all of this. I moved my car around the corner and headed back to her yard. I stood by an old oak tree and waited. Even if she never asked me to come up to her room tonight, I wanted to be close. I also didn't think Edward was done with her, and now we would have to be more diligent than ever, if we were going to keep her safe.

I stood in the yard for hours, waiting for her to text me. She was very sad, but I also felt acceptance. She knew that she had lost him, and she was being strong. I realized that her request to be alone was because she was on the verge of breaking down. I couldn't manipulate that for her, she wouldn't want me to. I'd give her as much time as she needed, but I would be there as soon as she needed me.

I turned and growled, when I sensed her approaching.

"What are you doing here?" I hissed.

"Checking on Bella," Victoria cooed. "She's such a pretty little human."

"You get out of here," I growled.

"No," she said. "You can't watch her twenty-four hours a day; eventually I'll get to her."

She wasn't lying about that. I felt her determination. I would have to rid this world of her, if Bella was ever going to be safe. I lunged for her, but she somehow anticipated that, and she took off into the forest. I ran after her, she was fast, but that was probably due to years of experience as a nomad.

She out ran me for miles, but eventually I found my stride. I sprung forward, hitting her back and forcing her to the ground. She pushed me off and managed to get away.

Are you kidding me?

She was faster and stronger than I would have imagined, but that was the effects of human blood; an advantage I clearly didn't have. I continued to chase her for what seemed like an eternity, when I suddenly realized that I had walked right into her trap.

The anger that surged through me caused an uncontrollable bolt of energy. As I jumped over her and landed in front of her, she turned to run in the opposite direction, but not before I caught a fistful of her flaming red hair. I pulled her back with more force than I knew possible, and threw her against a tree. She landed on her knees, and I was crouched in front of her within an instant.

She laughed, but she wouldn't be doing that for long. She wasn't the least bit afraid of me, and that troubled me.

"Edward said you were fast," she smiled. "But, I like a challenge."

"You lured me out here," I said, as I reached for her throat and slammed her head against the tree.

"And, you were stupid enough to follow."

I increased the pressure on her neck, as I bared my teeth.

"No, no Jasper," she said. "Decisions, decisions. Should you stay and kill me, or do you run back and hope your stupid mistake didn't cost Bella her life?"

I knew she was right. I didn't have time to kill her and properly dispose of her. I'd have to let her go.

I pulled her closer to my face and said, "If he has hurt her, I'm holding you personally responsible. You're going to wish that the venom that turned you had killed you, because that pain is nothing compared to what I'll do to you."

She spit venom in my face, causing me to flinch. I released her neck, quickly pulling her hair, forcing her throat close to my mouth.

She tried to break out of my hold and as she shifted, I clamped down on her shoulder with my teeth, biting hard enough to inject venom. She screamed out in pain. I let go of her and she dropped to the ground, gripping her fresh bite mark.

"That should incapacitate you for a bit," I said, as I turned and started running. "Have Edward run his tongue over my mark tonight." I yelled back to her.

I took off faster than I had in a long time. I had to get back to her. How could I have let Victoria taunt me? If he hurt her, I would never forgive myself. As I got closer to the house, I felt her fear and shock. At least she was still here, and she was alone. I had feared that he would take her and run.

I climbed into her window, but she wasn't in her room. I followed her sobs to the bathroom. The shower was running, so I tapped on the door.

"Bella," I said. "It's Jasper."

She didn't answer.

"Are you okay?"

She continued to cry, so I opened the door and realized she was in the shower. The venom filled my mouth as soon as I realized Edward's scent engulfed the tiny bathroom. He had been in here with her, and not that long ago.

"Bella," I said, feeling her despair. "Please answer me."

Nothing. She wasn't even crying anymore.

I wanted to respect her privacy, but something was wrong, so I quickly pulled back the curtain.

"Bella…"

***I know, I know, but I have to pick it up from another POV. Sorry! I do update fast.