Disclaimer. All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun. –B

Chapter 18
(The Major's POV)

Ah…freedom! Between the other day and now, this is the second time I have been freed in over 60 years. Now that my mate is in our life, I have a feeling that I will be out more often.

Now, I need to remind my mate who she belongs to; me. Not that Trent or any other man.

I narrowed my eyes at her with my hands clasped behind my back, as always, and my posture straight and professional to show my dominance.

"So we meet again, my mate." I smirked.

"Major," She nodded her acknowledgement at me. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" She asked raising an eyebrow in question.

"I believe that I need to remind you whom you belong to." I growled at her, remembering that phone call.

"And what makes you think that I have trouble with that knowledge." She asked with a growl building in her chest. I could tell she was getting upset with me, but that was too damn bad!

"Why don't we call Trent and ask him. I'm sure he knows the answer to that question." I snapped sarcastically.

"Excuse me?" She asked incredulously, standing up from her seat on the couch and approached me, stopping directly in front of me. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you belong to me and that what you have going on with your little boyfriend, Trent, is over! I will not share my mate with another male!" I snarled, backing her up against the wall. "I don't want to have to punish you, so you better listen carefully and do exactly what I say!"

Suddenly, her whole demeanor changed. Her emotions showed rage, hurt, anger…

The house started shaking and objects and furniture around the room began to levitate. She was growling a continuous growl that kept building. I watched as her eyes turned black and slight changes were being made to her appearance. I held my ground with her though, showing my dominance and my refusal to back down.

Out of nowhere, everything immediately stopped and dropped to the ground. I could hear loud thuds with the occasional piece of glass shattering, but I didn't take my eyes off of her. Bright red streaks hd appeared in her long brown hair and her once hazel eyes that were now black turned crimson with black flakes in them. They were hypnotizing. She had a dark look to her and she stood tall and arrogant, just like I did.

I smirked, knowing exactly who this was.

Lilith.

I was taken aback as she abruptly disappeared right in front of my eyes. I could sense her still on the property, in Jasper and Lillian's bedroom to be exact. I grinned to myself as I realized that Lilith had a handle on her gift far better than Lillian did. Her vampire side was exactly like mine and I loved it already. She was my mate, as Lillian was more Jaspers, but since we are both the same people only with alter egos, we technically are all each other's mates.

Moments later, I was broken out of my musing when she appeared before me wearing a tight black dress with black high heal boots that came up just above her knees. She wore red jewelry to match her eyes and highlights to accent the look. Overall, she was absolutely tantalizing.

She shot me a dark grin quite seductively as she noticed me checking her out and began to circle me. I did nothing but stand there, following her with my eyes. She stopped in front of the couch and took a seat, crossing her legs in a way that showed off her creamy white thighs. My mouth pooled with venom just thinking about sinking my teeth into her.

"Hello, Major." She smirked. "It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." She said in a seductive voice.

"Lilith." I nodded. "The pleasure is mine." I grinned. "Not that I am complaining, but is there a reason that you are out?"

"I felt it was necessary." She vaguely answered nonchallantly. "Same as you did."

"Could Lillian not take her punishment as she should and instead send you to take it for her?" I growled as I balled my hands into fists still behind my back.

She let out a loud laugh, throwing her head back and then shook her head.

"Lillian did not force me to come out; quite the opposite, actually." She stood and approached me, then ran a finger down from my ear to my collar bone. "As for the punishment you speak of, it will not be necessary, I assure you." She whispered seductively as she nibbled on my ear.

I suppressed a shiver and bit the inside of my cheek to keep from groaning out loud. I kept my head facing forward, but looked at her from the corner of my eyes.

"And what makes you say that, my dear?" I asked, raising a brow in question.

She sighed as she walked away and leaned on the end table, running her hand through her hair. "Trent and Lillian were never together, nor have they ever hooked up."

I narrowed my eyes at her with suspicion and shifted through her emotions, looking for the truth. Her emotions held nothing but honesty, along with an undercurrent of arrogance and lust, so I decided that she was indeed telling the truth. But that didn't answer as to why they were shamelessly flirting with each other over the phone.

"Go on." I grumbled and nodded.

"Trent was her only true friend from back in Vancouver. As you know, with her gift and the fact that she is a Dhampir, we tend to draw people to us. It makes it near impossible to have any real friends." She explained. "He has always had a thing for her, but she has explained to him that she just doesn't have feelings towards him that way." She said this in an exasperated voice. "Though, if it were me, I would have just told the kid that it's not going to happen and to get a life and get over it, but hey, that's just me." She winked.

"That still doesn't explain the flirting." I challenged with a growl, not letting myself get distracted.

"And what did you consider flirting? Telling her best friend back in Vancouver that she missed him too? Laughing at something he said? I didn't see her say or do anything wrong." Lilith bit back.

"I don't like hearing that another male wants to kidnap her!"

"He was teasing!" Lilith rolled her eyes, radiating irritation as she continued to walk around the room while I stayed in place.

"I wasn't even mentioned! When he asked what that noise was, she made an excuse." I retorted calmly, but on the inside, my venom was boiling.

"Oh, so when you roared in the back ground, you wanted her to say 'Yeah, that was just my vampire boyfriend's alter ego throwing a temper tantrum because I am on the phone with you.' Is that right?" Sarcasm was dripping from every word she spoke.

I gritted my teeth together, because she was right. But I didn't care; I didn't want another male around her. Not during our first mating season. Just wait until she goes in to heat. That's going to be a fun ride. I'll have to lock her in the bedroom for the entire week! Her pheromones will be flowing from her and I will have to dismember any male within a 10 mile radius.

"Have you had your first heat yet?" I asked.

"No. You know that only starts after the first month of mating." She smirked, radiating nothing but pure lust at the thought of it.

"That's right." I mused.

After a female vampire finds her mate, the following month she begins her first heat cycle for one week. Since our vampire sides are like animals, they have the same kind of heat cycles as they do. Unfortunately, for regular female vampires, they are barren, so instead, they just have a regular cycle where they produce pheromones and crave sex. The problem with that is that it drives them crazy until they get a release. That will knock off the cravings for around 6 hours or so until it happens again. They will go after any male with a dick at that point, so the male has to guard his female with his life. The pheromones attract other males who can smell it and for those who can't smell it, they tend to gravitate towards the female even though they don't know why. It is a very arousing smell.

Now, since Lillian is a fertile vampire, this would be the time where she would be the most likely to get pregnant. Since we don't want any children at the present time, we will have to take precautions using protection to prevent a pregnancy. Females go in to heat every three months.

I remember my Captain and his mate used to include me during Charlotte's heat cycle. They have a very open relationship. But my mate is mine, and as I pointed out before, I will not share. I am a possessive bastard and I don't mind it one bit. Sometimes, I think Lillian likes it, but others, like now, she can't stand it.

"Are you done reprimanding me now, Major, or are we going to continue to fight and argue about nothing all day?" She asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. She was in front of me, her body right up against mine as she wrapped her arms around my neck and ran her fingers through my hair, massaging my scalp as I began to purr.

"One condition," I answered walking towards her and pinning her to the wall in the living room. I ran my nose up her neck and stopped at her ear. "Lillian will tell that male on the phone that she is currently taken and if he continues to try to peruse her, the friendship will end. Do you understand, Lilith?" I whispered harshly.

She nodded.

"Say it!" I snapped.

"I understand, Major." She bit back glaring at me.

"Good, then I will allow her to keep her friendship with the boy to continue since I know he is important to her, but there will be a fine line between what is appropriate and what is not." I snarled and felt as my fangs began to extend inside of my mouth and I sunk my teeth into our mating mark, reminding her who she belongs to and who is the dominant one in this relationship.

I continued to pump my mating venom into her veins and she suddenly began to moan and wither against the wall. I began to grind my erection into her heat and shortly after, that threw her over the edge. She growled and bit down on her own mating mark, making me cum in return. That's what I loved about having a mating mark; it was so damn sensitive and arousing. Even the slightest of touches on that mark from our mate will send us into a fit of pleasure.

I could feel Jasper pushing for control again. We both removed our teeth from each other's necks and looked into her lust filled eyes. She was panting just as hard as I was with her cheeks flushed from her orgasm. I smashed my lips to hers in one final kiss before I retreated back in to the depths of Jasper's mind.

(Lilly's POV)

I felt myself regaining control of my body from Lilith as I continued to pant after the heated kiss between the Major and Lilith. As I looked into my mate's eyes, I could tell Jasper was returning as well.

Moments passed in utter silence and we did not move from our place against the wall as we continued to gain control of our breathing. I watched as he close his beautiful eyes and lean his forehead against my own and placed a quick chaste kiss on my swollen lips.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, his forehead still pressed against mine.

"I'm sorry, too." I whispered back.

He pulled back and looked at me as confusion seeped through his gift to me as his silent way of asking why.

"I should have told Trent that I was seeing someone during our conversation. I don't know why I didn't, but it was stupid and I promise next time, I will."

"I'm sorry for doubting your commitment to me and I'm sorry for getting so jealous. I am not trying to make excuses for myself, but this mating thing really takes a toll on my emotions. I'm possessive as it is without the mating and it just makes it worse." I explained and ran a hand through my hair with a long, dragged out sigh.

"No, it's okay, I understand." I said shaking my head. "I would have acted the same way if our positions were reversed. But I want you to know that you are the only one that I've ever loved the way I do and that won't ever change. I could never see myself hurting you, because I know that it would hurt me just as badly."

He gave me a small understanding smile and kissed me on my lips again.

"Je t'aime." (I love you) He murmured against my lips.

"Comme Je t'aime, mon compagnon. Vous êtes le seul qui me fait me sentir comme si je ne peux pas respirer sans toi près et je ne l'aurais pas une autre manière. Je veux passer le reste de l'éternité dans tes bras, mon amour." (As I love you, my mate. You are the only one who makes me feel as though I can't breathe without you near and I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to spend the rest of eternity in our arms, my love.) I whispered.

He smiled in return and pressed his lips against mine once more as he opened the flood gates to his emotions, wrapping me in love, adoration, lust, and completion.

The next day at school flew by quickly with Edward and Bella gossip still flying around the school. Bella felt self-conscious about it all, but I told her not to worry about it that they are all just too bored with their own lives. Not to mention that she is now dating a Cullen so chances are their eyes are going to be on her quite often and that she will have to learn to ignore it.

She was excited for her date with Edward in a few days, but she refused to tell Charlie that she wasn't going to Seattle anymore. I warned her that it was probably not a good idea to go somewhere with Edward right now without her Dad knowing- per Edward's request- but she still wouldn't budge. She agreed that if he asked her again, she would tell him the truth, but unless that happened, she will just let her dad think whatever. When I asked her why, she said that if something were to happen to her, she wouldn't want the Cullen's to be suspects in her disappearance. I thought that was very sweet of her, and she was proving to be a wonderful best friend. She was actually the first girl best friend I had ever had.

That day after school, I found myself sitting alone on the porch swing, enjoying the first warm spring day that we've had since I've arrived. I was thrilled that the winter was over for the most part and looking forward to more of the warmth.

I watched as Edward pulled up and parked his car in front of the garage, as always. He stepped out and shut his door, and then walked up the porch steps, taking a seat next to me on the swing with a sigh.

"What's wrong?" I asked, immediately knowing that he was feeling troubled.

"Nothing." I grumbled.

I bumped him with my shoulder so that he would look at me and asked him again.

"I know you, Edward, and something is troubling you. Talk to me." I pressed.

He ducked his head and sighed again, and then lifted up his head to look out over the backyard.

"The Swan's had some visitors when I dropped Bella off after school." He murmured.

"And...?" I pressed again.

"It was Jacob and Billy Black." He clarified.

"Oh," I answered, rolling the names around in my head before I spoke again. "What happened?"

"Billy knew who I was."

"He saw you? With Bella?" I asked, pushing off the ground a bit with my feet to get the swing to start moving.

"He saw me drop her off, talk to her for a few extra minutes, and drive away. He looked upset and anxious. He pictured me killing her in his mind." I could tell he was pained by the image and I knew that he worried about that every time he was in Bella's presence. "I think it's time for a family meeting." He said before he stood up and held out his hand to help me up. I gave him a small reassuring smile before taking his offered hand and heading into the house.

When we got inside, the whole family was already in the living room. Alice must have warned everyone that Edward wanted to call a family meeting and made sure that everyone was here when we entered the house. She gave Edward a small smile and a nod, letting him know that she was on his side. He didn't smile back, but he nodded his acknowledgement in return.

"What did you do?" Rosalie growled, standing in the middle of the room. Her eyes were dark and angry and glued to Edward, most likely telling him off in her mind.

I made my way over to the fireplace where Jasper was standing with one arm resting on the shelf above it. He enveloped me with his free arm and placed a kiss on his mating mark. I shivered at the pleasure that flowed through me at his touch, but shook it off in order to pay attention to what was happening with the family. I could feel Jasper smirking against me, no doubt feeling the lust and euphoria that traveled through me, along with my determination to ignore it and pay attention.

"As I dropped Bella off at her house after school,-"

"Of course, it's about the human." Rose interrupted and rolled her eyes.

Edward glared at her but said nothing, only continued with his story. "I noticed that she had some visitors outside waiting for her and Charlie to get home. It was Billy and Jacob Black and Billy was not happy to see me. He was acting very cold towards Bella and kept eyeing her oddly.

"It was obvious that the boy didn't believe in the legends about us that the tribe would tell and only believes that his dad is being superstitious. At the same time though, Bella was worried that Billy would say something about us and what we are to Charlie.

"They watched the game together, but the entire time, Billy's thoughts would linger on questions and fears about us. He is going to call the other Elders and wolves and have a meeting about seeing Bella with me. He was debating on telling Bella about us and believes that, and I quote, 'the younger generation needs to know that they are not just stories.' He is very determined."

"But the treaty says that they cannot expose us! They already broke it once by telling Bella, are we going to let them get away with it?" Rosalie ranted.

"Calm down, Rose." Carlisle said in a very calm demeanor. "They haven't done anything, yet and we don't know if the rest of the Elders will agree with Billy."

"So we're just going to wait until they do start telling people and after they expose us, then take action?" She asked incredulously.

"No, that's not what I was suggesting." He shook his head. "If we must, I will call a meeting with the Wolves and the Elders and talk to them about this."

She didn't respond, only crossed her arms and fell on to the couch next to Emmett, who pulled her into his arms as soon as she was seated.

"Was there anything else, Edward?" Esme asked.

"Jacob asked Bella if her and her friends are going to come back to the beach and when he did, Billy's thoughts immediately started screaming 'Did he mean THAT ONE? Did she bring a Leech to La Push?' Again, something he was planning on discussing at the pack meeting.

"You didn't cross the line and go over to their territory, did you?" Jasper asked skeptically.

"No, of course not. I was on the family hunting trip last weekend when Bella went to La Push." He clarified and Jasper nodded.

"So it was just a misunderstanding." Carlisle said and nodded absentmindedly. "The child didn't know he was breaking the treaty when he told Bella, so we won't hold it against them. We just need to meet with them to sort all of this out. No blood or venom needs to be shed."

"Damn." Emmett complained.

I laughed to myself. Emmett was always looking for a fight.

"Alice, can you see how this will turn out?" Carlisle asked her.

(Edward's POV)

The rest of the week flew by relatively fast and before I knew it, it was Friday. I was currently sitting in the canteen with Bella at our table when I just remembered that I would be leaving after lunch was over with Alice and Lilly to hunt.

"I should have let you drive yourself today." I announced while she was chewing a bite of her bagel.

"Why?" She asked alarmed.

"I'm leaving with Lilly and Alice after lunch."

"Oh." She blinked, bewildered and disappointed. I could hear it in her voice and see it in the way her face dropped. "That's okay, it's not that far of a walk."

I frowned at her impatiently; like I was going to let her walk.

"I'm not going to make you walk home. We'll go get your truck and leave it here for you." I concluded.

"I don't have my keys with me." She sighed. "I really don't mind walking."

I shook my head. "Your truck will be here, and the key will be in the ignition - unless you're afraid that someone might steal it." I laughed at the thought. Whoever would steal that truck was in a category all of their own.

"Alright," She agreed, pursing her lips.

I smirked overconfidently, knowing that I would find those keys. She didn't think that I could and I wish I could see the look on her face when she finds her truck in the parking lot. This will be a fun challenge.

"So, where are you going?" She asked casually, even though I could sense her eagerness.

"Hunting," I answered grimly. "If I'm going to be alone with you tomorrow, I'm going to take whatever precautions I can." My expression grew morose. "You can always cancel, you know." I mentioned almost pleadingly.

As much as I would love to spend the time with her, it was like a double edged sword. I could be fine or I could kill her.

She looked down and was silent for a few moments. I held my breath, waiting for her answer.

"No," She whispered, glancing back at me. "I can't."

I sighed, letting out the breath I had been holding. "Perhaps you're right," I murmured bleakly.

"What time will I see you tomorrow?" She asked changing the subject, but somewhat depressed. I only wish I knew why?

"That depends...it's a Saturday, don't you want to sleep in?" I offered.

"No!" She answered too fast and I restrained the smile that was threatening to appear on my face. It made me happy that she was anxious to spend time with me.

"The same time as usual, then." I decided. "Will Charlie be there?" I asked praying that he would be.

"No, he's fishing tomorrow." She smiled.

I held in a growl at the thought of no one knowing that she was going to be with me. This was not safe for her and if I was a smarter, less selfish being, I would cancel with her and keep her safely away from me. But I apparently am not all that smart and extremely selfish for not wanting to give her up.

"And if you don't come home, what will he think?" I asked sharply, remembering Billy Blacks thoughts and Alice's vision of me killing her.

"I have no idea," She answered coolly "He knows I've been meaning to do the laundry. Maybe he'll think I fell in the washer."

I scowled at her attempted humor and she scowled right back at me. Her anger was nothing compared to mine, though.

"What are you hunting tonight?" She asked, realizing that he lost our scowling contest.

"Whatever we find in the park. We aren't going far." I answered bemused by her casual reference to my secret realities.

"Why are you only going with those two?" she asked genuinely curious.

"They are the most...supportive." I frowned.

"And the others?" She asked timidly. "What are they?"

I puckered my brow for a brief moment. "Incredulous, for the most part."

She peaked quickly over her shoulder at my family. They sat staring off in different directions, exactly as they always do. But now, there were only five of them. Alice sat playing with her food as she was flipping through her visions. Jasper had Lilly in his arms as she sat holding her jug of iced tea or lemonade, whispering in her ear and she would smile and laugh at whatever he said, making him grin in return. It was clear to anybody who looked at them that they were undeniably in love with each other. I envied their relationship at times, but then I think of Bella and it all goes away. Lastly, Emmett would be looking at Rose as he cracked the occasional joke, while she would flip her hair and look around at all of the humans, sometimes trying to catch them starring at her. She could be really vain sometimes.

"They don't like me." Bella observed, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"That's not it," I disagreed. "You know Lilly loves you. You're her best girl friend and she wants us to be happy no matter what we do. Alice is enthralled with the idea of you and I being together. And the others..." I sighed. "They just don't understand why I can't leave you alone."

She grimaced. "Neither do I, for that matter."

I slowly shook my head and rolled my eyes towards the ceiling before I met her gaze again. "I told you - you don't see yourself clearly, at all. You're not like anyone I've ever known. You fascinate me."

She glared at me, but I could tell that she knew I was teasing and I smiled as I deciphered her expression.

"Having the advantages I do," I murmured, touching my forehead discretely. "I have a better than average grasp of human nature. People are predictable. But you...you never do what I expect. You always take me by surprise."

She looked away, her gaze wandering back to my family, obviously embarrassed and dissatisfied. I nearly kicked myself for making her feel like a science experiment or something. I needed to fix this.

"That part is easy enough to explain." I continued. I kept my eyes on her face but she still hadn't looked at me again. "But there's more...and it's not so easy to put into words-"

I stopped talking when I followed her gaze and saw Rosalie glaring at Bella. I hissed angrily at her, making her turn her attention away from Bella, breaking the hold she had on her. Bella looked relieved to be free from her cold, dark glaze. She looked back at me and I could see the confusion and fear that widened in her eyes.

My face was tight as I tried to explain.

"I'm sorry about that. She's just worried. You see...it's dangerous for more than just me if, after spending so much time with you so publicly..." I looked down.

"If?" She pressed.

"If this ends...badly." I dropped my head into my hands, as I had that night in Port Angeles. I heard her hand drop on to the table as if she reached to try and comfort the pain and anguish I was feeling as I pictured her drained and broken body in my mind, but changed her mind at the last second.

I couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't frightened by all of this. She should be running in the opposite direction by now, but here she sat, trying to comfort me when it was her life that was in danger.

"And you have to leave now?" She asked, clearly struggling to speak in a normal voice.

"Yes." I answered as I raised my face. I was serious for a moment, but just looking at her, so full of life and amazingly selfless, that I had to smile. "It's probably for the best. We still have fifteen minutes of the wretched movie eft to endure in Biology - I don't think I could take any more." I joked.

It was then that Alice and Lilly both appeared behind me. I could hear Alice in my head begging to be properly introduced and to be able to say 'hello' to Bella.

"Alice, Lilly." I greeted them without looking at them.

"Edward," Alice answered in her high soprano voice.

"Hey Edward! Hey Bella!" Lilly greeted in her own musical voice as she kissed my cheek and then leaned over the table to kiss Bella's. I shook my head to myself with a smile; being raised in Canada where the population is mainly French, it was common for her to kiss our cheeks in greetings or partings.

'Please? Edward!' Alice trilled in my head.

I sighed. "Alice, Bella - Bella, Alice." I introduced them, gesturing casually with my hand and a wry smile on my face.

"Hello, Bella." Alice said in a friendly tone. "It's nice to finally meet you, properly. We didn't get to talk much at lunch that one day, but I'm so happy to finally be able to talk to you!"

I flashed a dark look at her.

"Hi, Alice." Bella murmured shyly.

"Are you ready?" Lilly asked me.

"Nearly." I nodded, my voice aloof. "I'll meet you in the car."

They left without another word, only a wave and a smile from Lilly in Bella's direction. She returned it before bringing her attention back to me with a sigh.

"Should I say 'have fun,' or is that the wrong sentiment?" She asked.

"No, 'have fun' works as well as anything." I grinned.

"Have fun, then." She said trying and failing to sound wholehearted. She knew that she wasn't fooling anyone, but it still made me happy to know that she was as reluctant as I was to part company.

"I'll try." I still grinned. "And you try to be safe, please."

"Safe in Forks - what a challenge." She snorted sarcastically.

"For you it is a challenge." I retorted, my jaw hardened. "Promise."

"I promise to try to be safe," she recited. "I'll do the laundry tonight - that ought to be fraught with peril."

"Don't fall in." I mocked.

"I'll do my best." She smiled and nodded.

I stood then and she rose, too.

"I'll see you tomorrow." she sighed.

"It seems like a long time to you, doesn't it?" I mused. I would get to see her sooner, considering the fact that I sneak out to her house while she is sleeping.

She nodded glumly.

"I'll be there in the morning," I promised, trying to lift her spirits and smiled a crooked smile. I reached across the table to touch her face, lightly brushing along her cheekbone, like I have always been doing lately. Then, I turned and walked away.

A/N: So, what did you guys think of Lilith? I hope she lived up to your expectations. Don't worry, she will make more appearances throughout the series. :-) But I'm not sure if she will make another appearance in this story. What do you guys think?

Post your questions or comments in my reviews and I will answer them in my next Author's Note.

If you enjoyed this story so far, check out some of my other stories on my FanFiction page! Also, I am still accepting Twilight stories that involve Jasper/any female leads or Bella/selected male leads if anyone is looking for a Beta Reader. I will make exceptions on the characters depending on the plot. PM me for details.

- Bella'Xo

Xo BellaItalia oX