A/N Well holy shit it has been awhile! I am truly sorry. In my mind I updated this in May but apparently my mind is a dark scary place that information goes to die! I totally get if you want to send me tons of hate mail but I will try to be more aware of the time between posts!
Jasper's POV
This was possibly the best summer of my entire life. Bella and I left for Siberia the day that her classes ended and haven't been in contact with the civilized world since we left. It has been incredible! I have seen her slowly collect herself. She isn't completely healed, and I know a part of her never will be, but she is happier and lighter than she has been in years.
Despite my assurances she was still nervous when we left. I had a plane chartered for us in Dublin and I flew us over myself and parked it in Moscow and I took a few days to show her Russia then we were in the wilderness. I could tell she was nervous hunting, always looking over her shoulder like I was going to punish her for trying to eat when she was hungry. It nearly killed me to see the look in her eyes when she thought I was going to hit her for lunging at a deer and eating when she was hungry. I worry if I ever see Edward again even her asking me not to kill him won't be enough, he is a dead man.
For months we just roamed the wilderness. We stopped when we wanted, ate when we wanted, basked in the sun when we wanted, swam, ran, everything a vampire can't do in front of mortals. She wore turtle necks and jeans the whole time but at least she is smiling. It's almost taken over her eyes now too. That smile just brushed her lips is now moving towards her eyes. She's becoming happy again. Every morning she can even usually think of something she likes about herself. Even if they are usually things she used to like or things she wants to do she is still saying them. That is all I can ask from her.
We just got back home and it's a double edged sword. I love our home and I know she does too just like we love the people of this island but I liked how free she was in Siberia. She was able to let loose and be what she never got to be, a vampire. It's funny she's been one for over 50 years but not once was she able to actually life like one. She loved having the wind blowing by her, the leafs in her hair, the mud on her shoes. Hell about a month in she kicked off her shoes and just enjoyed her feet on the earth. I hope coming back doesn't send her back. I want her to keep moving forward.
These last few months I've been able to keep Mars and the Mate in check. They haven't been breaking out. She has been safe and happy. That is all either of those two want and they have been content to sit back and watch her flourish. I can tell that Mate is getting frustrated though. He wants her and it is killing him to sit back and not have her. God I want her so bad. I get lost in my thoughts at all hours of the day just dreaming about her.
"Jasper I am going to the school tomorrow do you want to go? I want to see what supplies I need for when classes start." Bella asks from the couch off handily and so sure of herself. Just a few months ago she would have skirting around it not able to say she was doing something now she just says it like it's a fact while flipping through the mail sprawled out on our sofa.
"That would be great darlin. I bet the kids will be thrilled to see you back." Bella just smiles and keeps going through our mail. Most of it is just bills but there are a few letters from the family as well. Now that they know the truth they have been in contact with Bella frequently. They were frustrated most of the summer that I told them we would be unreachable. Every few weeks I turned on the satellite phone and we called home but she needed this.
Esme hasn't forgiven Bella or Alice yet, I can tell it in her voice, but I made it very clear that Bella is not to be bothered with such things right now. She is just getting herself back together and if she has to add more to her plate she might crumble. I won't risk it. Alice did tell me though about the verbal lashing she got from Esme when she found out.
Jacob and Reneesme had a small Quileute wedding ceremony that only the pack, Rosalie, Emmett, Carlisle, and Esme were invited too. They said they were waiting for the big service for when Bella could be there. I know that the Cullen's were all touched to be invited to a pack ceremony. I'm happy for Jacob. I know it had been killing him not to have Reneesme in mind, body, soul, and name and now they have it all. Reneesme is still on him about trying to have a child but he still refusing. I don't blame him though. I couldn't risk Bella like that.
I am so lost in my own thoughts that I almost miss it. That hum on the edge of my senses. It took decades but I trained myself to sense other vampires so I would know about them before they knew about me. "Bella..." I say quietly but seriously. She must notice my tone and puts the mail down and comes to stand next to me. She fits into my side looking for my protection, even if she doesn't understand why.
"Jasper?" She asks nervously. I connect with the hum in me and once I realize there are three of them I jump into action. I run to the fridge and rip it open throwing a blood bag at Bella. "Bella we don't have time. I need you trust me. Drink this. I need your eyes to be red or they will think we are weak and try to take us out."
She doesn't question me and sinks her fangs into the bag and drinks. The mate in her knows to just trust me. I rip into my own bag and watch as her eyes turn from a beautiful golden amber to a dangerous and deadly blood red.
I rip off my shirt and look down at my scars. This will show them not to fuck with me, I will survive. I go over to Bella and try to send her calm. "Bella do you trust me?" She shakes her head yes without thinking. "I need to rip off the sleeves to your shirt and the legs to your pants." Her eyes fill with dread and she shakes her head quickly.
I reach out and touch her cheek softly. "I know you hate them and you don't want me to see them but darlin it will make them think you are a fighter and they will be afraid of you. Please trust me. I won't take off your turtle neck but I need them to fear you."
Her emotions go form terrified and all over the place to calm. "I trust you Jasper, do what you need." She shakes her head in resolve and I quickly rip off the sleeves to her shirt and the legs of her pants till she's in a tank and a pair of shorts. I can't take the time to look at them now, I can't risk getting distracted.
"One more thing, I need us to exchange venom. I can't risk them thinking our bond is weak." I can sense her confusion but I also feel the blind trust she has for me. I lift my wrist up to her. "Just break the skin and get some of the venom I need you to smell like me and me you." She delicately breaks through my skin and starts to bring my venom into her body. Once she smells enough like me I grab her wrist and she lets go. I make sure to line up with one of Edwards scar and drink from her as well. Once I know my smell is different I let go. They are in hearing distance now.
Bella pick up the magazine and lounge out on the sofa, act uninterested and bored. She jumps into action and picks up one of the spam mail we got and lays out of the sofa. For a moment I take her in, her long legs sprawled out over the sofa with a calm demeanor. I send her a lot of confidence and she smirks at me and a bit of the bad ass I know that lives in her come out.
There's a knock at the door and I know they found us. I go to the door and open it casually like I was expecting a human and not three vampires. I am surprised to see three males traveling together. Usually there is at least one female. "Well this is a surprise what brings you to our home?" I ask them with a hint of aggression in my voice.
All three vampires take a step back when they see my scar covered torso. They know what it means, I've killed all my opponents. "We didn't know you hunted here. We come through here from time to time and were surprised to sense unknown vampires here." The tallest and biggest vampires offers up.
I hear a laugh on the sofa and I whip around to see Bella laughing like a bored socialite on the sofa. She swings her legs off the sofa and saunters up to me, her hips moving with her step she takes. She moulds into my side and puts her arm around me. "Why don't you boys stop this pissing contest and come in and we can talk." There are too many humans on the island Jasper we need them to come in.
"We have been living here a few months. We got tired of running and needed a place to relax for awhile. " I offer up to them has I let them into the house. I see the vampires taking in Bella and I can't help but to growl. They all put their hands up in surrender. I know they were just taking her scars. They know she is a fighter too.
"Where have you been hunting?" The smallest asks. I chuckle trying to sound not bothered. "We go to the mainland every few days but maintain a residences here. They just think that the murder rate has gone up and would never suspect a couple that hasn't left the island in months. Only way to the mainland is a ferry and we don't need that."
Bella hasn't left my side and I am glad for that. I need her tucked into me so I know she is safe. "Where are our manners dear, what are your names boys." She asks harmlessly. They exchange looks and seem to relax.
The tall one stands a bit taller. He has dark brown hair and looks as menacing as Emmett. "My name is Derek." He hits the guy next to him. He's a bit smaller and has red hair that looks mismatched with his red eyes. "This is Chris." Then he points to the smallest one. He's about Bella's height and has mosey brown hair. "That's Jeff. Like we said we come through here every once and awhile and do a little population control then get out before anyone suspects anything."
Bella tenses next to me. "I'm sorry gentlemen but I must ask that you refrain from hunting here. With us having a long term residence here we just can't risk it."
Jeff looks at us. "What are your names. You never said." I have never heard of these vampires which is probably a good thing, means they aren't that much of a threat. Bella flashes them a smile. "I'm Mary Ann and this is David." She tells them putting her free hand over my chest.
"We've been coming by here for years. We aren't just going to stop because two new vamps decided to shack up here." Chris snaps at us. Derek puts his hand on Chris' shoulders. I take this moment to send them all a bit of fear and hesitancy. I didn't want to risk them knowing of me and my powers but this would feel natural to them.
"Mrs. Jennings! Mr. David!" I hear Abby screaming from down or path. Bella turns into me and flashes a horrified look. In our standoff we didn't feel Abby coming towards us.
"Oh look Jeff they are providing snacks." Chris laughs. I throw Bella behind me and crouch into a battle stance and growl at them. "You will not touch her." I snarl at them.
I quickly send lethargy to Abby and I can hear her crash to a halt about 15 feet from our house. Bella shield her and yourself! I will take care of this. I know she is capable of shielding them both because we spent a lot of time practicing her gift. It had atrophied to almost nonexistent under Edward but we have it getting stronger.
By the time Derek charges me and I hear Bella let out a shriek and fall into a ball. I feel her shield come up and I know her and Abby are safe. Now I can focus on what I need to do. I sense Jeff try and attack her and hit against her shield. "What the fuck! I can't get to her!" He screams to his coven.
I let Mars take over. This is what he was breed for. I can hardly recognize the maniacal laugh that comes out of my throat. "Didn't you see us when you came in?! Why would you think we can't defend ourselves and kill you easily."
My first priority is taking out the threat to Bella and I rip off Jeff's arm easily and throw them to the side. I then swing out and take out his legs. Before I can take on the others Derek bites into me and pulls me towards him. I let out a scream and that is when Bella snaps out of the cocoon she put herself in.
"JASPER!" She screams out. I feel her shield drop, her emotions going haywire. "Your shield!" I scream back has I tear into Derek's jaw, but I'm not fast enough and Chris is on her quickly. He rips off her left arm and digs his fangs into her collar bone, rendering her immobile. Oh that is it! The Mate is now pushing Mars to kill.
It only takes a moment and Derek is ripped to shreds at my feet. I storm over to Chris and rip him from my Mate. "Wrong fucking move ass hole!" I scream at him. I grab his arms and rip them off pushing him to the floor. I lunge at him and grab him the same way he was touching my Bella. He writhes in pain beneath me. He has no clue how to do this move right. The only other venom that won't hurt us is our mates, anyone else's burns like an unending fire. I pour my venom into him until he starts to black out from the pain. I rip off his legs and pull back from my handy work . My body is on autopilot and I quickly like the fire in our fire place and put each one of their parts in the fire leaving their heads for last. "Never touch what is mine I hiss at them." Now that the threat is removed I can work on my mate.
I run over to her and she is laying on the floor in shock, her arm crawling to her so it can reattach. I lean down and she shakes her head quickly. "No Jasper Abby first. I never dropped her shield she is safe." She whispers to me through the pain.
The Mate doesn't want to move but I know I have to do this or she won't let me touch her. I run outside and find Abby lying in the grass without a scratch on her. I send her alert and she slowly comes to and smiles at me. "Mr. David you are home!" She screams out running over to me and hugging me legs.
"We are Abby but Mary Ann is really sick and contagious. I know she would feel terrible if you got sick because of her. Can you run home for me and I'll make sure to tell Mary Ann you stopped by." I send her love and determination so she knows we aren't ignoring her but she will turn and run. I need to tend to my mate. "Of course Mr. David. Please come see me when she is well." She lets go of my legs and runs home.
Now back to the task at hand. I need a safe comfortable spot to heal my mate. I tear through the house bringing all the blanket into the bathroom and making a nest in the tub. There is only one entrance here and I can protect her easily from here. I pick Bella and her arm up carefully and carry her into the bathroom like she was made of a rare crystal and lay her in the mound of blankets and pillows I've amassed for her. "Just a moment." I tell her softly.
I run back to the bedroom and bring the mattress back with me. I slam and lock the bathroom door and shove the mattress in front of it. It won't stop a vampire for long but long enough for me to get ready to kill them. Once the room is secure I run to her and mould myself around her. I feel her relax into me and start to purr. She's still in shock and doesn't realize totally what just happened. Her instincts want me to take care of her. I let Mars out tonight and now I have to let the Mate out.
Her arm is detached but should be easy to reattach. I grab it and let my venom pool on the break point. It will help her heal faster. I put her arm back to her body and in a few moments it is seemed back together. Chris did a great job of ripping her shirt to shreds and I move the rest of it aside and focus on the wound on her collar bone. It is still oozing and obviously painful. I being to lick his venom out and nearly gag at his taste on his tongue but I push through until I can't taste him any longer then I push in my venom to seal the wound.
Now that is mending I can truly take her in. Almost every inch of her is marred by some scar. I feel the Mate roaring and she flinches. I try to stuff him down but I can't, our mate was marked. My hands start to trace all over her body. I start with her arms and trace the rip and teeth marks until I have touched them all. Bella just lets out a sigh has I go over the ones on her chest and torso. I trail a few long ones that go up the center of her chest. "He would get rough and would literally break me in a half." Bella whispers. I growl and am able to stop when her hand intertwines with me. My free hand continues down her legs and traces the breaks that form bands up and down her legs.
It's like my body has a mind of its own has my hand travels back up to her neck. I turn her head to left and take in the right side of her neck. I can't suppress the angry roar that tears through my body nor the growl that follows as I lean forward and lick the mangled mess that her neck. Edward has ripped through her and made mince meat of her neck and I want to heal it, even if I can't. I feel Bella shudder beneath my tongue but not from fear. When the mate is satisfied I move her head to see the left side of her neck, the part I put back in when we fled. She gave me a moment with it. I have no clue what the actually damage is. I need to see it.
The rest of her body is a menagerie of bite marks and tears but not this one spot. It is smooth like porcelain. She never let him mark her. She was saving herself of her mate. I lean down and kiss this one smooth part of her body softly and my teeth graze over her but don't sink in. Her body jumps awake and she pushes me back. I know I have pushed her and despite how happy the Mate is I stuff him down. "What are you doing Jasper?" She stutters' out. Looking down at herself realizing all she has on is her bra and cut off shorts.
"I'm sorry Bella. " I respond quietly. Her hand goes to her to injured shoulder and I see the gears turning in her mind. Then her hand flutters to her collar bone. I see the dots connecting. "How come your venom didn't hurt me. It should have hurt me. I should be screaming in pain right now."
"Bella... I'm..." I stop and look at her. Her emotions are going everywhere and I see her mind realizing her thoughts turning and it clicks. "We're mates." She's finishes for me.
"Yes Bella we are mates." I agree with her. The first emotion is relief followed by elation. She jumps at me and kisses me deeply. For a moment our minds stop working and our bodies loose themselves to the feeling. The mates in us fully take over and it's glorious. She is all around me and I want more. I pull her to me as our tongues meet for the first time. God she tastes amazing. I can smell her arousal and I let out a very different growl then before. She growls right back at me and pushes me down beneath her and dives in to kiss once again.
We could have been kissing for minutes or years for all I know but then I feel another emotion from her. Confusion , betrayal, anger. She pushes herself off me and looks down at me with confusion in her beautiful eyes. "Wait, how long have you known?" She asks me hurt.
Oh god how do I answer that? I can't lie to her, not anymore. "Since before you were born." Bella pushes off me and jumps to her feet besides the tub. "You have known about me since before I was born?"
"Yes Alice showed you to me when you were conceived. I have loved you for a long time Bella." Anger pours out of her like a waterfall.
"You love me. You fucking love me! And you let me be with that monster! You don't fucking love me Jasper Whitlock and I never want to see you again!" She shouts at me tearing through the mattress to get out of the bathroom.
