Thanks so much for the reviews! This chapter is a long one. Enjoy! :o)

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Two stops and fifteen grueling hours later, we were finally in the last stretch of our flight to Seattle. Fortunately, it had been a relatively quiet ride. I guess Jasper knew better than to initiate any form of conversation, other than the absolutely necessary, as I wasn't ready to speak to him yet. Although I was very well aware that it was in his nature to act on instinct, like any hungry predator would at the sight of food, we were friends--more than that at times--but that obviously wasn't enough to keep him from wanting to kill me. By the time he'd finally come to his senses, the damage had already been done.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jasper's head turn in my direction. I'd heard him mumble something, but I ignored him, and raised the volume on my ipod, pivoting my entire body towards the window. I suddenly felt him beside me, now occupying the once empty middle seat-slash-barrier. I knew that he'd purposely made his presence known, since leeches always moved in stealth mode.

"Is there something you need?" I spat, tearing out one of my earpieces a little harder than I'd intended.

"To talk."

"There's nothing to talk about. Everything's been said. Now, let me enjoy the last twenty minutes of this godforsaken flight, so that we can finally go our separate ways on relatively good terms--I don't want to have to rip your throat out in front of all these innocent people." I had started to place the small earpiece back in its place when Jasper snatched the entire mp3 player before I could even blink. "Don't play games with me, leech," I growled through gritted teeth.

"Leah, please."

"Look, I get that you're sorry. Whatever. That doesn't change anything. In fact, thank you! Thank you for making me realize that--"

"Leah!" His surprisingly loud voice raised a couple of heads. "Listen, I just need to tell you something that might be of importance. Will you just hear me out? Please."

I sighed heavily, and looked away.

"You've got one minute."

I heard him expel a breath. "Before we boarded our flight, back in Texas, I received a call from Alice." His voice was now down to a whisper. "She said that she's been getting some odd visions."

My eyes narrowed, and my heart began to beat a little faster.

"What do you mean?" I asked, eyes still glued to the small window. Alice's visions were never a good thing.

"Well, she's been experiencing a lot of blackouts in her visions. Like, whenever you're involved, only different. More. Any thoughts on why that may be?"

I turned towards him slowly, a twisted sort of hope bubbling inside me.

"You think that--that maybe, I'm not the only one?"

"I'm not sure. I mean, your family history, the legends. It would only make sense."

I suddenly thought of Jacob, and how strangely he'd been acting over the last week and a half. He hadn't returned any of my calls regarding Bella being in the hospital, which was completely out of character for him, considering the two were inseparable and practically shared the same brain.

It wasn't until an hour before we boarded our second flight in Miami that he'd decided to call me back. After cussing his ass out, I'd given him strict orders to pick me up in Seattle, and he agreed without much of a struggle, which, again, was uncharacteristic of Jake, who made it his business to aggravate me on a daily basis. Not to mention that he didn't even ask why I'd be returning without Bella. Something was definitely up.

"What are you thinking, or… trying to figure out?"

Jasper was only inches from my face. I bit my lip, and his eyes instinctively traveled towards them. For a moment, I wanted to stretch out and kiss him… Then I wanted to slap myself.

"Is there anything I can get for you before we land?" a sultry voice offered.

We both turned simultaneously towards the unwelcome intruder. A twenty-something, blonde with shoulder length, stick straight hair was grinning from ear to ear, eyes plastered on Jasper. Fucking figures. She'd been relentless for the last four hours, trying to get Jasper everything from a feather pillow, champagne, and even a bloody back massage. No doubt she would have gladly wrapped herself up in a pretty pink bow had he simply asked. Apparently, I didn't travel first class often enough, as I was lucky to get a half-empty bag of peanuts anymore.

"No, thank you," he responded, with a slither of irritation.

I snickered quietly, shaking my head. I'd never seen so many desperate and shameless women in my life.

"Are you sure?" she insisted. "I haven't seen you eat or drink anything since you boarded."

Jasper swallowed hard, and the perfect skin on his forehead creased. He'd never lost his cool with an admirer of his before now, and I could tell he was struggling to remain as calm as possible and not be as rude as he probably wanted to be--or should be.

"I'm not hungry or thirsty, and I don't need a blanket or a pillow--I just need for you and your friend to stop and think twice before coming this way again. Please, don't." Jasper's voice was severe and authoritative. The flight attendant nodded blankly, as though in a trance, then turned on her heels and walked away.

"I thought you manipulated emotions, not thoughts."

He turned to me; the serious expression he'd worn had softened the moment his eyes found mine.

"Emotions play a big part in the way we think and act."

A deafening silence followed his knowing words. Several minutes later, Jasper placed the ipod in the palm of my hand and, without saying a word, took his original seat, leaning his head against the headrest and letting out a sigh.

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I walked hesitantly towards the three members of Jasper's family. They were strikingly beautiful, disgustingly so. His adoptive father, Carlisle, took the initiative to greet us before anyone else. The man looked far too young to be an established doctor, let alone the father of so many grown children.

"Very pleased to meet you, Leah," he said, with a warm and genuine smile.

I returned the gesture half-heartedly, but didn't speak.

"Looks like Alice was right!" a burly male with dark, curly hair blurted out, smacking Jasper on the back with enough force to have sent the average person flying across the room. He then glanced down the length of my body, turning to his brother as a cheeky grin quirked the corners of his mouth. Emmett. I'd heard enough about him to know who he was without a formal introduction.

"And what exactly would she be right about?" a musical voice inquired with blatant animosity.

The woman stepped out from behind Emmett, her long, strawberry blonde curls dancing around her waist. She looked at me for merely a fraction of a second--unimpressed and uninterested--then turned towards Jasper, amber eyes glowing.

"You're back!" she screeched, locking both arms around his neck and pecking him quickly on the lips.

I suddenly felt a burning in my cheeks, and the sheer act of breathing had unexpectedly become difficult. I was on the verge of fucking hyperventilating. Jasper's head whipped in my direction, as he sensed my distress, but my eyes were dead set on that bloodsucking whore, and the way she clung to him. She wasn't outstandingly more beautiful than the rest of them, so she couldn't be Rosalie. And the way she was staring at him was in no way motherly; Esme was definitely out. Who was this bitch?

I clenched my fists tightly, attempting to control the violent shaking of my extremities.

"Leah," Jasper called, unhooking the woman's arms and taking me by the shoulders.

I narrowed my eyes at him, drawing in a deep, shaky breath.

"My ride is waiting," I sneered through clenched teeth, shaking his intrusive hands off my person.

"Your ride? But I thought--"

I turned and walk away. He must have been stunned, since I got a good twenty feet before he whirled me back towards him.

"Leah, wait. Is this it? Just like that?"

I shook him off a second time, only more violently.

"Don't touch me. Don't follow me. And don't ever come looking for me! It ends here, leech. Now, walk back to your fucking freak family and that little whore of yours, and leave me the hell alone!"

His expression was serious, indignant, and he didn't utter a single word. I backed up a couple of steps, then turned and stomped down the crowded lobby, muttering expletives as I fumbled madly in my bag for my goddamn cell phone.

"Jake, you bastard, where the fuck are you?" I barked into the phone, gripping it so tightly that I was certain just one more ounce of pressure would have been enough to crush the damned thing.

"Relax, Lee. Look up; I'm right in front of you."

I raised my eyes just in time to see him stuff the small device into his pocket. I then came to an immediate stop upon the sight of my childhood friend, Jacob Black. It had only been two weeks since I'd last seen him, yet he was an entire foot taller, and sculpted like an athlete.

"Jake?"

A big, sheepish grin made its way across his chiseled features as he opened his arms to me. A sense of security immediately enveloped me, and I couldn't help the smile that spread quickly across my lips. I started to move in his direction, ready to embrace the little bit of home I'd unknowingly been missing--when I saw behind him the face that haunted my every waking moment, and tormented my dreams. I froze, glued to the dark blue Berber carpet beneath my feet. What kind of sick joke was this? How could Jacob do this to me?

"What the fuck is he doing here?" I growled, letting my bag slip off my shoulder and onto the floor.

I began to tremble again, the scorching heat building steadily in the pit of my stomach, ready to erupt at any given moment.

"Leah, I couldn't… I didn't--It's complicated."

Sam suddenly stepped in front of a stammering Jacob.

"We need to talk."

"FUCK. YOU!" I roared, then turned my scowl at Jake, "And you! I can't believe you'd bring him. What the fuck were you thinking?!" I snatched my bag off the floor, turned around and started through the lobby again, trying to figure out what the hell I was going to do, and how the fuck I'd make it home.

"Leah."

The bastard grabbed me by the elbow, turning me towards him. He'd always been strong, but something about the way he moved and, how fast he'd managed to spin me, was nothing short of extraordinary.

"Don't touch me! There is nothing, absolutely nothing we would ever have to talk about!" My voice was shaky, on the brink of cracking, and so was I.

I desperately tried to hold myself together, but the emotions were coming so fast, so strong, that I knew it was only a matter of time before I came undone.

"I believe we do."

I didn't recognize my own growl as it rumbled viciously through my tightly clenched teeth. However, when a cold hand slid across my back, coupled with an unmistakable scent, I knew that it had indeed originated from another source.

Jasper and Sam stood face to face, glaring and snarling at each other.

"Let her go," Jasper demanded, gripping Sam by the forearm.

Although I hated the bastard with every fiber of my being and, he probably deserved everything Jasper could do to him, I couldn't just let him be ripped apart.

I looked over to Jasper, and his eyes no longer resembled the ocean of mercury from minutes before; they were dark, menacing and deadly.

"This does not concern you. I advise you to walk away. Now," Sam threatened, eyes equally implacable.

Another guttural growl rumbled deep in Jasper's chest. He was going to kill him. I could feel his rage and see the murderous intentions on his face.

"Stop. Please, Jasper," I pleaded, placing my hand over his, the one still grasping Sam.

He looked me in the eye, features softening just an ounce.

"It's him, isn't it?"

I nodded and, he immediately snarled, black gaze fixed on Sam.

"You don't want to do that. This is not the place," Sam warned.

"Try me," Jasper countered.

Before I could process another thought, Emmett and that other bitch were on either side of Jasper, ready to rip Sam into small unrecognizable pieces.

"Wait!" I screeched.

Jacob was suddenly flanking Sam, a snarl pulling at his lip. For the second time in twenty-four hours, I felt absolutely helpless.

Carlisle hurriedly placed a hand on his son's shoulder, just as he was about to lunge. "Not here." He then turned towards Sam. "I came to you for answers, and to inform you about what has been going on with Leah. You know we do not wish to fight, and we are not the ones responsible for what is happening in Forks."

I tore myself away from the both of them, completely stunned and confused by Carlisle's words.

"Leah," Jake called. "We can help you figure this all out. Explain everything. But this isn't the place. Please, just come with us." He tried to grab for my arm, but I refused.

"Don't touch me. Just--just let me think."

Jasper moved towards me and, I didn't pull away when he took my chin into his hand, gently lifting my face towards his.

"Come with me, Leah," he pleaded.

I shook my head and closed my eyes. Not in response to his request, but more as a means to gather my thoughts. My eyes then moved across the vicious and fearless expressions on every face, and the pieces slowly fell into place. Moments later and, before I could utter a single word, Sam ripped me out from Jasper's grasp, and took my place.

Jasper quickly grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, a growl echoing from behind his gritted teeth. Jacob came to his defense, but I shoved him aside, placing myself between them.

"No! Stop this!"

"What kind of ridiculous ties do you have with them, Leah? Don't be stupid. They're nothing but bloodthirsty murderers," Sam grumbled.

"Shut-up!" I roared, then turned again to Jacob. "I need answers."

"And we'll give them to you, but this really isn't the place," he said, taking a quick scan of his surroundings, then focusing back on Sam and Jasper, then Emmett and the whore with the curls.

There were two things I was now entirely sure of: one, I was no longer the only shape shifter in existence, and two, the tension between the two sides was so thick that if something was not done--soon--the results would be cataclysmic.

"Fine." I put a hand on Jasper's arm. His eyes rolled in my direction, but his stance remained. "People are starting to take notice. You have to let him go. We'll talk about it all… later."

Jasper's brows raised. He immediately released his hold on Sam's shirt and turned to me. "Call me as soon as you can," he asked firmly, eyes then flitting over to his enemies.

I nodded, picked my bag up for the second time and, started my way down the lobby again, towards baggage claim. Jacob and Sam hastily followed. And just before I rounded the corner, I dared to look back. Jasper was still standing exactly as I had left him. That woman was at his side, wearing a bitter and resentment-filled expression.

This would be the longest, most torturous hundred-mile drive I'd ever have to endure; I was sure of it.

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"Okay, I'm done being patient. We've been driving for half an hour already and you have yet to explain anything. What the hell was all that about?" Tanya exclaimed.

I drew in a breath and, stared aimlessly out the car window, my head occupied with thoughts of Leah. Despite everything that's happened, I couldn't help but to solely focus on the fact that he was so close to her at this very moment, within arms reach, breathing the same air. I knew exactly how she felt about him, how much she loathed him, nevertheless, it was not enough to keep me from feeling--jealous? To make matters worse, the son of a bitch was also a shape shifter. The leader, no less.

"Jasper!" Tanya screeched.

"You know all the relevant details," I responded callously.

"Apparently, there is more to it than I've been informed. I deserve answers, Jasper. You owe me that much."

I heard a muffled sort of laughter and, looked up, meeting Emmett's amused eyes in the passenger-side mirror.

"Before you get into all that," Carlisle interjected, "there's something you must know. Yesterday, when I went to meet with an old friend, I was told of some recent murders in the area. The locals suspect a wild animal of some kind, but we all know that isn't quite the case. The Quileute are also aware of this. In fact, they have actually come close to catching whoever this person may be, as he seems to insistently taunt them by constantly crossing into their territory. Unfortunately, he has always managed to elude them--something about a sort of teleportation ability."

A wave of panic coursed through my body and, I unwillingly projected my growing tension, as the three of them fidgeted uneasily in their seats. Rage soon echoed the same path when the seriousness of the matter dawned on me. He, Bella's attacker, was knowingly provoking the Quileute. He knew, that, sooner or later, Leah would return. He'd even left his partner behind as insurance.

The bastard was waiting for her.

"We have to go to the reservation. Leah could be in danger."

"What is with you and this girl?!" Tanya demanded angrily.

"It's not that simple. We are not allowed on their land," Carlisle replied, flashing me a sympathetic look through the rearview mirror.

"I'm sure she'll be fine. Looks like she's well protected, anyway," Emmett tried to reassure me.

I held on to his words for comfort, but it wasn't nearly enough to put me at ease. I'd seen what that son of a bitch was capable of and that, once he became aware of Leah's return, he'd stop at nothing to get to her.

"Jasper, I know you're worried… but, we'll figure out a solution; I promise." Carlisle nodded, pushing on the gas pedal slightly.

I heard Tanya scoff bitterly. She folded her arms over chest and gazed idly out the window, angered beyond reckoning.

I guess I couldn't blame her for feeling resentful, we were, up until my departure from Vancouver, lovers. However, I'd always made it clear to her that our affair was nothing more than sex with no strings attached. While she had initially agreed to the terms, I knew that she wished for our relationship to be exclusive.

Tanya was indeed an attractive woman. She was beautiful in every aspect, inside and out, but the romantic chemistry beyond sex was simply non-existent.

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Esme, Rosalie and Kate were waiting on the steps of a secluded house Carlisle had rented, located on the outskirts of Forks. They quickly dashed towards the driveway as we pulled up. I reluctantly stepped out of the car, and greeted Esme first. She embraced me tightly, whispering to my ear how much she'd missed us.

I then turned to Rosalie, who grinned and arched an eyebrow. "From what Alice has been telling me, I wasn't too sure I'd see you again."

The car door suddenly slammed shut, then fell off its hinges, crashing loudly to the ground. Tanya then stormed inside the house, nearly tearing the front door from its frame as she brutally pulled it open.

"Did I say something?" Rosalie asked, as if she couldn't guess.

"Don't worry, Babe, you know how women can be. She'll get over it," Emmet assured, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, and kissing her on the temple. She and Kate flashed him a not-so-friendly sideways glance.

"I should go talk to her." I picked up one of my suitcases and started for the house, when Carlisle put his hand on my shoulder.

"Perhaps you should give her some time to cool off. It's a rather delicate subject, and you will both need to have a level head in order to properly and peacefully talk things through."

"I'll go talk to her," Kate declared, scowling in my direction. Clearly, she was well informed. More so than her sister.

"Time, Jasper," Carlisle repeated.

I knew he was right. There were still a lot of aspects I was still unsure about myself--sort of. While I was certain of what I wanted, Leah, however, was another story. Although she had assured me that she'd contact me soon, I wasn't entirely confident she'd follow through with her promise. Perhaps she was merely trying to defuse the tension at the airport. Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before my fear of her safety and, the eagerness to see her again would get the best of me. Forbidden territory or not.

I nodded sullenly, then walked towards the steps. This time, it was Rosalie who stopped me.

"What the hell kind of food do they have out there? What's up with your eyes?"

I cringed at her words and, pushed the memory of those events out of my head. I continued inside, without saying a word.

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I'd been laying on my bed for a little over an hour, eyes glued to the ceiling, meditating on everything I'd learned on the hour-long drive back into Forks. My brain was so overloaded with information, that I was starting to experience what felt like the beginnings of a dull, distant headache.

The car ride back had basically been a crash course on how to be a wolf and , all that went with my new and unwanted membership into Sam's, of all people, La Push pack. Shape shifting 101. It was entirely too much information to process in an hour. Especially when all I could think about was Jasper, unfortunately, and that mystery leech. She seemed pretty cozy, and far too comfortable with him. He'd never mentioned being involved with anyone…

Fuck! I clenched the sheets tightly and bit back a frustrated shriek. I shouldn't care about who the hell she was, or what she meant to Jasper--but, I did, and that angered me to no end.

A light tapping at the door was quickly followed by Jacob stepping inside. He ducked as he passed the white doorframe, then sat awkwardly on a small wooden chair, or at least it appeared that way to his almost seven-foot, massive figure.

I sat up, crossed my legs and waited for him to speak.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. I shrugged my shoulders. I've had better days. "Do you have any questions?"

Jacob had, apparently, transformed for the first time just two days after me. The rest of the pack members had done so once things became a little unstable around here. As much as a dozen townspeople have either gone missing, or simply turned up dead, their bodies ravaged.

That bastard has been busy.

"Leah?"

I stared at Jacob for a moment. His babyish features were still somewhat visible, but the vast differences his transformation had caused were much more prominent. I glanced over to the dresser directly in front of my bed and, stared at myself in the mirror, looking for some kind of change as well.

My hair was indeed a few inches longer and, although I didn't look older, somehow, I looked far more mature.

"Actually, I do. Is this why you've been avoiding Bella? Are you afraid of what she might think? Or have you found someone else… like Sam?"

Imprinting was, by far, the most intriguing and bizarre part of this whole underworld experience. And, as much as I understood about the power and effect on both pack member and imprint, in my mind, it would never justify Sam's betrayal.

"It's a little bit of everything," he responded. "There is nobody else, Leah. I'm just afraid… afraid of seeing Bella--"

"And not imprinting," I concluded.

He nodded grimly. I suddenly thought of Jasper--again--and felt a pang of something deep in my chest. From what Jacob had described about the moment in which someone imprints, I knew I had not done so with Jasper. Why I even cared about this small fact was very, very unnerving. Did I actually want to imprint on him?

I drew in a breath, trying to think of something, anything to help disperse thoughts of Jasper. However, before I could speak, Jacob's pocket began to vibrate. He pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open. I heard Sam's voice on the other line, but he was speaking so fast that I was only able to catch every other word. He mentioned something about a leech in the woods, on the reservation. Jake immediately asked if it was he, the same vampire as always. Sam responded with a firm "No", and the line then went silent for a few seconds.

"I'll be right there," Jacob replied, after Sam had finally spoken again, to give him their location.

Jacob hung up and stuffed the phone back in his pocket.

"What's going on?"

"Leah--Seth and Quil will be downstairs. I have to go." He came to his feet and quickly walked towards the door.

"Wait! Who is it? Who's out there?"

Jake's mouth tightened into a straight line.

"Leeches aren't allowed on our land, Leah. Regardless of who--"

"Jasper?!" I was standing in front of him before he could blink. "It's him, isn't it?" He didn't answer. "What would they do to him?" I growled, grabbing his shirt.

"It may not be him--Leah, are you in love with this bloodsucker or something?"

I hissed, ripping his t-shirt clean off his back before leaping out my bedroom window. My paws landed with a thud on the gravel. I then took off in a sprint, not knowing exactly where the hell I was headed, but trusting my nose would lead me in the right direction. I had to get to Jasper before any of the other pack members confronted him.

Dammit, Leah! Have you lost your fucking mind? Jacob yelled, trying to catch up.

Oh, great. I'd almost forgotten about this particular little perk.

I have to stop them, Jake. You wouldn't understand.

Jacob suddenly became silent as he scanned my memories. All my encounters with Jasper were laid out for him to see. He kept sifting and, the more I thought about what he was seeing, the more images and intimate moments surfaced.

Holy shit, Leah!

Get the fuck out of my head! I screeched, pushing harder, attempting to put some distance between us, as if that would help.

When Sam finds out he'll--

That's none of his fucking business!

My head suddenly became cluttered, filled with voices, thoughts and images that were not my own.

Leah, what are you doing? Sam's voice demanded angrily.

Fuck you! I growled, then fiercely began reciting a Spanish monologue I'd learned last year in class, while focusing on the scenery surrounding the rest of the pack members, letting them guide me.

Sam was in the lead, flanked by Paul and Jared. They were chasing someone who was just out of their reach, in the trees, bounding from canopy to canopy. Paul then inhaled deeply and, as soon as the scent filled his lungs, there was no doubt left in my mind that the intruder they were following was indeed Jasper. I'd recognize and separate his scent among as much as one hundred vampires. It was unmistakable. I instantly felt the disapproving and disgusted feelings of the rest of the pack.

Through Sam, Jared and Paul's eyes, I saw Jasper come to a stop, then drop a few feet in front of the three of them. He crouched and snarled, readying himself for the fight. The man must have a death wish.

Don't touch him! I demanded.

He's trespassing, Leah. We have no choice, Sam replied, his eyes fixed on the target.

I was almost there, just a few more yards.

What is with her? Does she actually have feelings for this parasite? Jared inquired.

He came here for me. You bastards know he's not like the rest of them!

Looks the same from where I'm standing, Paul grinned, positioning himself for the attack.

He unexpectedly lunged, as did Jasper. I followed, crashing into Jasper, and pushing him out of the way. We rolled across the dirt for a few feet, until our bodies finally came to a stop against the trunk of a tree.

"Leah?" he gasped.

You idiot! I yelled, completely forgetting that he couldn't hear me.

Jasper smiled, combing his fingers through my fur.

Leah, move aside, Sam commanded.

I felt a strong, unrelenting urge to obey, not because I wanted to, but because the voice of an Alpha was a force beyond my control.

Stop, I pleaded.

Sam, Jacob interjected, stepping into the clearing, there's something you should see.

Everything he'd seen in my thoughts flowed freely among the rest of them, who all instantly growled and gasped in utter shock and revulsion. Luckily, Jake was considerate enough to censor the more graphic images and, he'd also made it a point to concentrate on the fact that Jasper had saved both Bella and me from the rogue vampire.

I had to begin reciting that monologue again, in order to keep the one thing Jacob never got to witness at bay.

As much as we disagree, you can't force her into submission, not now, knowing how she feels about--him, Jacob argued, with a bitter taste in his mouth. After all, he did save their lives.

That's just fucking sick! Paul protested.

Agreed, Jared added. Sick, he continued, whipping his head forward as though he was gagging.

I can't believe this, Sam chided, shaking his head disapprovingly. Go. Next time there will be no second chances.

My lip pulled back into a snarl. I then turned and dashed into the forest. Jasper knew to follow. After a few feet and, when I'd had enough of the pack's condemning thoughts, I phased, and turned to face Jasper.

"Off," I demanded, gesturing towards his shirt.

He quickly removed it and handed it to me.

"Leah--"

"How stupid can you possibly be? I know that you know not to come here. You could have been killed!" I barked. Jasper simply grinned. "Is there something remotely amusing about getting shredded into a million pieces?"

"A few hours ago, I could have sworn you wanted to do that very thing yourself. And now you're here, defying your pack members… for me?"

I turned my back to him, and began walking.

"Don't get things twisted, leech. I just… um…" I was at a loss for words.

Jasper suddenly held me by the arm. I stopped, and he slowly turned me around so that I was now facing him.

"Why?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, trying desperately to keep my tears at bay.

"Look, it doesn't change things, regardless."

"Leah, I will continue to apologize, get down on my knees, if you want me to, but I need to know that you will one day forgive me."

"Why? Why is it so important to you? It's not like it matters, anyway."

"If it didn't matter, then neither one of us would be here," he countered.

"Dammit, Jasper! Why are you making this more difficult? Just go home, and don't come back around here."

I started to walk away, but he quickly and gently pulled me towards him.

"You still haven't answered my question. Why did you come here? Why did you stand up to them? Ask yourself that, Leah."

We stared at each other for several minutes. Jasper waited for my response and, when I said nothing, he released me, and started into the forest.

I stood motionless, closing my eyes to let the tears spill over. This was a defining moment. We both knew it. A part of me urged to just keep walking and put this all behind me--after all, Jasper and I belonged to different worlds and, judging by today's less than convivial encounters, I knew there would forever be hostility between the two sides. Who were we to try and change that?

Then there was that other nagging, unyielding part that wanted to run and embrace him (in more ways than one) and, tell him that I did indeed forgive him, although, unfortunately, I'd never forget. But that it didn't matter anymore. All I wanted--needed was for him to continue filling that void that had been hollowed out years ago. Most importantly, I wanted to tell the world (and Sam) to fuck off, and let me be happy. I'd paid my dues, and deserved a little bit of happiness, even if it came in the form of an undead, gorgeous vampire.

First thing's first.

"Who was she?"

I heard a twig snap as Jasper came to an abrupt stop. He was silent momentarily, and I felt him turn back in my direction.

"She's a good friend, Leah, who, two weeks ago, became a permanent part of my past."

For reasons unknown, or maybe because I truly wanted to, I believed him. Fuck. I knew I'd hate myself eventually for doing this, since following my heart has never taken me to places I cared to reminisce about, but tomorrow is another day, and I'd have plenty of time for regrets then.

"Jasper?" I called, turning around rapidly.

His expression became one of deep curiosity, as if he couldn't quite pinpoint what my emotions were at the moment. Hell, I was as clueless as he was when I ran and leapt into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist and raking my fingers through his hair. Jasper looked surprised for a second, then his smile grew as wide as the width of his face.

"Something tells me I should have let them kill you back there."

"That wouldn't have happened," he assured me, with a small chuckle.

Our lips then came together with sheer desperation, and it bordered on painful. My entire body was instantly set on fire from the inside out, and the blaze only intensified as he groaned my name repeatedly.

Jasper's hands were firmly planted on my ass, but because of his gift, it felt as though he was touching, caressing, palming every inch of my body. I was literally trembling with desire and, just as I was about to release the tension in the form of a scream, he unexpectedly, but hesitatingly, began to pull away. I proceeded to moan in protest, but to my dismay, he was stronger and managed to pry his lips away from mine.

"It's--not--safe--here," he murmured, stopping to kiss me between each word.

I grabbed a fistful of his hair, and pulled him close again. "Then take me somewhere that is," I demanded, my voice ragged.

He grinned, and pressed his lips against mine one last time before breaking into a sprint. We reached a large clearing within minutes, where there stood a small, white, cottage-like house. Either we weren't that far from where he was staying, or Jasper had run faster than he'd ever done when I'd known him.

"Is this it? Is everybody in there?" I asked, afraid of what his response may be.

Jasper laughed quietly and placed a kiss on my forehead.

"No. Carlisle rented a house a few miles over that hill, to your left."

I'd started to wriggle out of Jasper's arms, but he held onto me firmly, while he pulled an antique-looking key from his pocket, and opened the front door. We stepped directly into a small living room, which seemed to be purposely furnished with old-fashioned furniture. Although space was limited, the house was indeed charming, and smelled of fresh paint. Even the hardwood floor looked as though it had recently been polished. Jasper did tell me that his mother, Esme, was big on interior decoration. She must be, to go through such trouble with an outhouse they'd probably never even set foot in while visiting Forks.

The lock on the front door clicked into place, and I turned my gaze towards Jasper.

"I'm fully capable of walking, you know," I teased.

"For now," he threatened, with a malicious grin.

My heart accelerated to a dangerously thunderous pace in response to such a declaration, and it took me several seconds before I regained the ability to breathe.

I brushed my lips against his. "Is that a promise?" I asked, in my most seductive voice.

A low growl rolled off Jasper's tongue. Then he kissed me with the same primitive frenzy as before. I felt a swoosh of air as it whipped through my hair and, upon opening my eyes, realized we were now in another room: the bedroom. My heart suddenly began to beat out of my chest.

"Are you okay," he asked, setting me gently on the white, downy comforter.

I nodded, and let my hands relax over my stomach. He smiled, then leaned forward until he was positioned between my legs. His knee brushed briefly against my now throbbing center, causing my entire body to shudder.

I willed back the knot in my throat and expelled a breath, trying to release the last of my nerves, and mentally prepare myself for what was about to happen. Although we'd come dangerously close to this point in the past, we'd never been so willing and determined to actually finish until now. Deep down, I'd always felt fretful of what the experience would be like, and, at times, even slightly insecure. After all, vampires were supernatural beings, extraordinarily agile and gifted in every aspect. Would I live up to his expectations? Was I actually capable of making him forget her?

"You're so beautiful, Leah," he murmured near my ear.

A smile stretched across my lips. Though it wasn't the first time I'd heard those words, coming from Jasper... well, that did something to me. Partly because he was a stunning creature--to say the least--but mostly because of the whirlwind of emotions that stirred up inside me whenever he was near.

His name slithered from between my teeth, as his lips began to burn a trail along my neck. I heard a rip, and opened my eyes in time to see his shirt as it hit the ceiling. For the first time since we'd begun this game of seduction, we'd gone past the point of no return, but I didn't have time to fully process this thought before Jasper's hand cupped one of my breasts and I was instantly diverted. I stifled a scream when his cold lips covered the other.

The feeling was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was as though the pleasure was intensified tenfold. Not only was I feeling my own desire, but I could also feel his, and it was utterly breathtaking.

"Dear God," I gasped, as he suckled and nibbled, alternating from one breast to the other.

Jasper's lips then began an ascent, but never broke contact with my skin until they reached their destination. He gazed at me intently, before pressing his mouth over mine.

"You know," he murmured, taking my hand to his lips, and proceeding to kiss each one of my fingers, "up until moments ago, I thought you'd never speak to me again."

"Lucky you," I responded, hopefully sounding as though I wasn't about to melt with each brush of his lips against my skin.

He smiled, dedicating one last, affectionate kiss to my index finger. "Yes. Lucky me," he purred.

Jasper buried his head in my neck, slowly grazing his mouth up and down, stopping to nibble gently on my earlobe. My hands raked through his hair, gripping the strands tightly between my fists, as my lips parted to release a soft, breathy groan.

"You risked… being killed… just to see me?" I asked, closing my eyes and biting my bottom lip, trying to seem as composed as possible, while he worked his way back down, stopping to suckle on my breasts.

"Like I said, that wouldn't have happened… but, yes, I think you're very--very worthy of losing a couple of limbs over."

"So I've been told."

Jasper chuckled, continuing his trail of kisses along my abdomen, which felt like it was trembling, perhaps in nervousness or anticipation.

He reached my left inner thigh, his tongue moving in a tantalizing, circular motion over my skin, then dedicated the same affection to the other side. The way he rolled and teased around my arousal, yet never made contact was agonizing. I was about to protest, when an unexpected thought crept into my mind. Something about Jasper's teeth so close to an area now engorged with blood made me a little uneasy.

"Leah, is there something wrong?"

His features creased into a half-pained, half-worried expression. He'd sensed my sudden sliver of fear and, sat up, holding his hand out to me. When I placed my hand into his, Jasper immediately pulled me towards him, so that we were now sitting face to face, his body still positioned between my legs.

"Leah, I--"

I quickly put a finger to his lips. I was being foolish. I knew it. Besides, there was no going back now. I was too fucking wet and horny to go home after all this trouble without anything to show for it.

"Why am I always the only one that ends up naked?" I asked, flashing a cunning grin.

Jasper smiled, and slowly let himself fall back onto the mattress. I hastily rearranged myself, so that I was kneeling between his legs. I unclasped his belt, slid it with ease from the belt loops, and, tossing it to the side, promptly gripped his jeans at the waist. In one quick pull, he, too, was unclothed. My eyes instinctively gravitated towards his dick… I mean, how could they not? Though I was relieved to see that it was not the preternatural monster I'd always imagined (and feared), Jasper was indeed physically perfect. Of course.

"Are you convinced?" he asked, seating me, legs straddled, on his abdomen.

The brief friction between my thighs caused a low moan to escape my lips.

"Convinced?" I queried, my voice a little shaky. Before he could respond, I realized what he'd meant. "It works. Okay. Though not unique in the least. The real question here is," I leaned forward and, ghosted my mouth over his, "if you know how to work it?" I concluded, my hand reaching down and slowly stroking the shaft of his penis.

Jasper let out a low growl, then flashed me a fiendish smirk. He proceeded to place his hands firmly on my hips, holding me in place as he sat up. My arms latched behind his neck, and his smirked widened as he leaned in to kiss me. The palms of his hands opened against my back, pressing my body against his, and again creating a deliciously mild friction between my legs and his firm abdomen.

Moments later, as I attempted to pull away from his lips, needing a breath of air, Jasper gently caught my bottom lip between his teeth. Our eyes opened in unison. His now black, lust-filled orbs sent shivers down my spine, causing the skin on his stomach to become that much more moist.

I had a feeling I'd soon regret my words--or not. I trembled with anticipation.

"Leah Clearwater," he murmured, lips suckling against the base of my neck.

"What?" I breathed, tipping my head back and closing my eyes once again.

"Who would have thought?" he whispered.

Jasper's hands trailed down the length of my body, coming to a stop on my hips. His fingers slid down towards my ass and, he smoothly lifted me, so that I'd be able to let myself slide over his erection. However, his grip remained firm, preventing me from doing so.

"Jasper," I moaned, urging him to continue, as I attempted to push downward, yet only managed to brush against the tip of his penis. This brief, agonizing contact only made my desperation that much more intense.

Why was he stalling? This man truly did have a death wish.

One of Jasper's hands took me by the chin, and I instantly felt his silent demand to meet his gaze. I slowly opened my eyes. He expelled a breath and parted his lips, as though wishing to say something, but deciding against it at the last moment. There were numerous emotions emanating from him, and though lust was the strongest, there was also something else, something deeper and more passionate.

He finally eased his hold and guided me, our lips coming together, as I let myself fall. My breath caught as he slid inside me slowly, forcing my eyes back open. The initial sensation was an unusual one, as his penis, like the rest of his body, was as cold as ice. However, it was not unpleasant in the least. Quite the opposite. I moaned loudly, scraping my nails against his skin. He, in turn, growled as he pressed my body against his, deepening the contact.

Another resonant grumble erupted from Jasper's throat, as he began to deliberately move in and out, his rhythm slow, torturous at first, then fast and almost barbaric. The feeling of having him inside me was mind-blowing, surreal. I was on fire, burning hotter, fiercer with every thrust.

My body suddenly became pinned against the bedpost, the force of the impact causing the wood to crack. Under normal circumstances, I would have probably winced or maybe even cried out in pain from such a blow, but I was too fucking high at the moment, my body numb to anything aside from inconceivable pleasure.

I muffled a groan into his shoulder, and scraped my nails hard along his back. Jasper then began to move faster, harder. My legs curled around his waist and I pushed myself against him, needing him to go as deep as possible. At this point, he could've fucking split me in half if that's what it took. At least I'd die in the midst of an orgasmic explosion unlike any other.

"Jasper," I gasped, gripping him tightly by the shoulders, and feeling unexpectedly light-headed.

"Something… wrong?" he asked, between frantic kisses and groans.

I shook my head, unable to muster a single coherent syllable, as uncontrollable screams began to tear from my throat.

The sensation was comparable to sparks burning and traveling inward from my arms and legs like a lit fuse; the outcome promising to be lusciously and indescribably catastrophic.

The thick bedpost above our bodies cracked a second time from the force of another thrust. Jasper then let out a thunderous and guttural growl, and then I felt it. It was as if a nuclear bomb had exploded within the core of my body, catapulting me into a fucking, soul-shattering state of pure and blissful ecstasy. I shuddered from head to toe, unable to refrain from screaming. I wanted nothing more than to hold on to that feeling for as long as possible, forever, but something else was happening simultaneously. I couldn't catch my breath and, when I willed my eyes open, Jasper's face became a blur, then faded into a dark and thick fog.

Everything unexpectedly went black…