Jasper takes Alice to the cabin

I dropped the car about five miles from our property at a popular campsite. I left the keys in the ignition and rolled the windows down. I hoped that some drunk would take the car on a joyride. If James and Victoria tracked the car here they would easily pick up my scent and it would lead them straight to us. They would find us eventually; I just hoped to buy a little time. We needed to take the fight to them.

Alice was so quiet during the drive I worried that perhaps I had lost her. I was relieved when I pulled her into my arms that a faint moan escaped her. I held her gently and ran the five miles to the cabin.

I placed her tenderly on the sofa. I wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. But I knew there was nothing I could do to ease her pain.

I knelt down on the floor and bent my face just inches from hers. "Alice, can you hear me?" I asked softly.

"Jasper, how much longer? I don't know how much more I can take."

Hours, no days, I can't bear to tell her the truth. My own change came back to me; it's been nearly 150 years and I still remember like it was yesterday. "Hold on, it'll be a while. I'm going to call my father. He's a doctor. Perhaps he can tell me what to do. I'm going to step away for a few moments, call if you need me. Don't be afraid to yell out if the pain gets too unbearable." I have seen countless changes but Carlisle has studied ways to speed up or ease the process. I could only hope that he would offer me a new idea.

I gently squeezed her hand and then stepped away just far enough that she wouldn't hear my conversation with Carlisle. She turned her head and followed me with her eyes.

Carlisle answered the phone before it completed the first ring. "Jasper, what's happening? Is everyone okay? Esme and I are on pins and needles with worry."

"I haven't heard from Em. We had to split up because the girls were separated. Sorry, I should have called him before I called you. But I have a problem."

"What is it? You're okay, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm fine. But, I was unable to reach Alice before she was bitten. She's in the midst of transformation. I killed one, but we still have two more vampires that we'll eventually have to deal with."

"Where are you?"

"I brought her to the cabin, we'll stay here. Don't worry, I'll keep her away from the humans."

"I trust your judgment. However, I'm not thrilled with you being separated from Edward and Emmett, with the threat of danger so close."

"We'll be on the lookout, I promise. Carlisle, I was hoping you might have an suggestion to help me speed up the process or at least to ease her pain?"

He was silent for a moment. We both knew I was the cause of hundreds of transformations. While his experience was limited to Edward, Esme and Emmett. "Jasper, you know it will take 48 to 72 hours depending on her size and weight. You can try injecting her with more venom. That may help. I have toyed with the idea of morphine injections, but I think that would only be effective if done immediately or even prior to the bite."

"I don't know if I want to chance biting her. I'm afraid I could lose control."

"How long since she was bitten?"

"It's been less than an hour."

"Her blood will be so tainted I believe you could safely inject more venom without killing her." He paused briefly, "You seem to have a special interest in her."

I admitted unashamedly, "Yes, I do, I can't explain it. After Maria I didn't think I would ever experience this type of emotion again. There is something different and very special about her. I'll do anything to help her through this and protect her with my very life. How long until you get home?"

"The earliest will be the day after tomorrow. It's a holiday down here and flights are sold out. We have looked into a charter flight, but so far no luck. We are going to the airport now, we hope to clear some waitlists, but they can't guarantee anything. Please keep us updated. Contact Em right away. We need to know he's okay."

"I'll call him right now. I'll either have him call you or I'll call you back. It depends on how safe it is for him to freely talk."

"Thank you. Stay safe. We love you very much."

"I love you both, too. I can't wait until you get home."

I hung up with Carlisle and returned to Alice. She was quiet but the pain was evident by the grimace on her face and her clinched fists. I knelt back down by her, "Alice, honey?"

"Jasper?" She reached out and latched onto my arm. I was somewhat elated that she appeared to find comfort with my presence.

"Listen, I want to try something. It won't ease your pain but hopefully it will speed up the process. It may actually increase your pain. Do you want me to try?"

"Yes, please."

"Don't be scared, but this is the only way. And it may not even help."

"It's okay, I trust you."

I wished I had the same trust in myself. But I do trust Carlisle. I leaned over her and brushed her hair back. I placed a tender kiss on her throat before I sank my teeth into her. The scream that escaped her lips cut me to my very soul, if I have one. I had no problem pulling away from her; my only problem was biting her again and again.

When I was done I held her close as she screamed and writhed in pain. I whispered, "I'm so sorry, forgive me." I have no way of knowing if she even heard me. Her pain was so intense she could no longer speak to me. I felt like the monster I truly was. I could only cling to the hope that her petite size and the large amount of venom in her system would shorten the process.

The call to Emmett was all but forgotten.