A/N: I loved everyone's reaction to the last chapter. Keep the reviews coming! They put a huge smile on my face. Every. Single. Time. Thank you!

*Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. SM owns all, I'm just playing in her toy box for a while. I promise to clean up before I leave.


Chapter 28

Thoroughly exhausted, and starving to the point I was certain my stomach was trying to eat itself, Jasper and I left Two Rivers and headed into Fairbanks for food. Though, even if I hadn't been so famished, I still would have asked him to take a detour. The less time I had to spend at the Denali's, the better.

"Trying to delay the inevitable, darlin'?"

"Can you blame me?"

"No, I can't say I can." He frowned. "I'm sorry you've had to deal with her bullshit since we arrived. If I would have known she'd be so bad I would have booked us into a hotel before we got here."

"And I wouldn't have let you. I don't want Carmen and Eleazar to think I don't appreciate their generosity. Besides, I should be able to handle one more day. I just hope she doesn't make a habit of visiting too often once we move."

He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as he glanced at me. "You know, I don't think we ever asked you how you feel about living with Carlisle and Esme. You said you don't want to live in the dorms, but…"

"I love them both, I really do, but I don't know if I'll be able to…relax. Not when I know they can hear everything I do. Everything we do."

"You still can't say it? Not even after what we did this morning?"

His salacious grin made my cheeks burn and my thighs want to rub together to find whatever friction they could conjure. He and Emmett had turned me into a perpetual sex fiend.

He squeezed my knee. "You're so cute when you get all shy. Not gonna lie though, I'd love to hear you talk dirty to me one day. That'd be hot."

Pulling onto the main strip, he chuckled when my stomach rumbled so loud it was audible over the country music playing on the radio. "So, is there anywhere specific you'd like to eat?"

We were approaching the retro diner where I'd applied for a part-time job. I really wanted to try one of their old-fashioned milkshakes, so I pointed the place out.

He scored a parking spot right out front and peered up at the sign above the door. "Is this the joint you mentioned last week?"

"Yep." I leapt out of the truck and practically ran inside. If I didn't eat something soon I feared I might pass out.

A mouthwatering aroma hit me when I crossed the threshold and my stomach gurgled louder than ever, like a disgruntled monster. I dived into the nearest empty booth and snatched the menu standing between the large salt and pepper shakers. I scanned the long list of Happy Days-inspired items, but everything sounded so good I couldn't decide what to choose.

Jasper ambled through the door with a confident swagger, an air of sinful sex and endless orgasms permeating from his low-slung jeans and black leather jacket. Every female in the diner swung their head in his direction, and I wished I could growl as viciously as him to warn them all to keep their beady eyes to themselves. He was mine.

He joined me as a twenty-something, overly-breast-enhanced waitress—with too much pink eyeshadow and not enough material to her uniform—eagerly raced to his side, completely ignoring me. An animalistic sound erupted from my mouth, shocking me more than the floozy who'd finally realized he wasn't sitting on his own. I didn't know how I'd made such a noise. It was guttural deep, almost feral, and if I hadn't felt the vibrations tickling my throat I wouldn't have believed it came from me.

His brow rose high before he covered his quiet chuckle with a fake cough. "I think you'd better hurry up and feed my girl before she starts gnawing on the menu."

"Or I could just nibble on your cock again," I whispered—too low for her to hear—behind the large laminated booklet. Not that she would have noticed if I'd said it louder, anyway. She was too busy batting her fake eyelashes at my beloved. I exaggerated the clearing of my throat to gain back her attention. "I'll have the Ralph Malph Burger with fries, a large serving of Mrs. C's Chicken Wings and a side of onion rings." At first, she looked at me as if I'd been speaking Klingon, but then hurriedly jotted down my order. "Oh, and the Double Chocolate Waffles and a vanilla shake, extra cherries," I added, making her eyes widen with disbelief.

"Al-l-lright, then," she turned to him, her smile sickly-sweet, "and what can I get for you, gorgeous?"

Blurgh.

His eyes strictly engaged with mine, he pulled my hand across the table and raised it to his lips, placing several kisses on the inside of my wrist. "Just a Cherry Coke for me, thanks."

I fell in love with him a little bit more for timing the public display of affection so perfectly. The frown, pouty huff, and annoyed flick of her hair over her shoulder as she stormed off, made me grin like a loon.

He slowly licked across my pulse point, his steady gaze flared with lust. "I knew there was a naughty woman lurking in there somewhere. Just a pity you decide to start talkin' dirty when I can't do anything about it. And since when did you learn to growl like that? If I didn't know better, I'd think you were one of us."

I'd become so much more brazen, more uninhibited since last night, and the sense of freedom it gave me to be who I really wanted was highly addictive. Now, if only I could stop my cheeks from flaming red whenever the conversation turned to sex, maybe I'd feel like a real badass.

Baby steps.

"I was provoked. I can't believe the way she was looking at you. I'm sitting right here! Some women have no shame."

"Oh? I hardly even noticed her. It's plain to see who I only have eyes for." He smacked one more kiss on my wrist before letting go.

"Yeah well, maybe to those of us with an IQ higher than our waist measurement."

"You're even cuter when you're jealous. But, I'm not the only one being checked out. The guy sitting at the counter, for one, hasn't taken his eyes off you since you walked in. And if he doesn't quit it soon, I might just have to take you right here on the table to show him who's boss."

My gaze flickered across the room and, sure enough, there was a guy staring at me. And he winked when our eyes briefly met. "At least he has the decency to keep his distance. If that waitress had stood any closer to you her airbags would have exploded in your face."

He smiled a toothy grin. "Yours are the only airbags I want in my face."

I peered down at my B-cup breasts. "I don't have airbags, they're more like, pin cushions."

"They're perfect, is what they are."

When Bimbo Barbie returned with my food, I didn't even wait for her to finish placing all the plates down before I tore into my meal. I'd never been so hungry in all my life.

"Hey, slow down, darlin'. You'll give yourself indigestion."

"I can't help it," I muffled around a giant mouthful, "I'm starving."

"It's good to see your appetite's improved, but don't you think you should at least try to chew first before you swallow," he snickered.

I'd made quick work of the burger, fries and rings, washing the last bite of greasy goodness down with a great big gulp of my shake before steadfastly moving onto the chicken. "Chewing is overrated." Only after devouring three of the wings did I make a conscious effort to slow down.

Jasper pretended to drink some of his soda. "So, back to our living arrangements. Would you rather we lived somewhere else? Esme may be a little upset at first, but I'm sure she'd understand."

I'd been thinking about it for a while, though I still hadn't mentioned my plans to anyone. And now that our bond was sealed I didn't know how well it would go down with Emmett and Jasper.

"Ah, yeah, about that."

"Why are you so nervous all of a sudden? Have you changed your mind about us? Should I be worried?"

"No. No, not at all. I won't ever change my mind. It's just that…"

He pushed the plates to the side and entwined our fingers. "What is it, Bella? You can tell me anything."

"Well…what would you say if I wanted to get a small apartment of my own?"

"And by on your own, you mean without me and Emmett?"

My gaze fell to the table in front of me as I slowly nodded. "Yeah, maybe something close to campus. Then I wouldn't have to buy a car right away. If I can help it, I don't want to touch what'll be left of my dad's life insurance. Just in case it takes a long time for the house to sell."

He gently squeezed my fingers. "Please look at me." When I met his eyes, they were full of understanding. "If some independence is what you need right now, then you should do it."

"Really? You're not mad?"

"No, of course not. All we want is for you to be happy."

"But, Emmett—"

"Yes, he's planning to build that house with you in mind, but it doesn't mean you have to move in straight away, or not at all, if you don't want to. Whatever you decide, we'll make it work."

I untangled one of my hands from his and slid the waffles closer, moaning around my first bite.

His smile lit up his entire face. "You're so tiny. Where are you putting all that food?"

"I have no idea, but it tastes so good. Might not have been such a good idea applying for a position here. I'd likely eat away my paychecks every week."

"Bella, you know you don't ever have to worry about money, right? We want to look after you. And if you find a place you like, we'll take care of rent and anything else you need."

"I know, and I appreciate the offer, but I don't want to be a kept woman. You've all done so much for me already. I just need to do something for myself."

"Okay, but promise me, if you ever need any help, no matter what it is, big or small, you'll let us know. I admire you for wanting to do this on your own, although, that doesn't mean I want to see you struggle or stretch yourself too thin. You need to concentrate on your studies, not how you're going to pay the bills each month. Besides, I'm sure we'll be spending a lot of time together, wherever you live, so we should contribute financially somehow. It's only fair."

I'd finally had my fill, pushing the last few morsels of food away from me. "We'll see."

"You ready to get out of here? That guy at the counter is burning a hole through my head, and if he doesn't stop undressing you with his eyes he's gonna find himself six feet under."

I scooted out of the booth and he tossed some bills onto the table before I could even think about digging the cash from the front pocket of my jeans. I gave him the stink eye.

"It's only lunch," he said defensively. "What kind of gentleman would my mama have raised if I let you pay on our first date?"

It wasn't our first date, was it? I sorted through all the time we'd spent together, surprised to discover he was right, in a roundabout way. "Fine," I grumbled, "but don't get used to it."

As we headed for the door I glanced toward the counter, surprised to find the same guy—who apparently had a death wish—still staring at me. Jasper wrapped a possessive arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side, and I whispered for him to ignore it and keep walking. I didn't want someone murdered on my account. I had enough blood on my hands to last a lifetime.

When we arrived back at the Denali's, Tanya and Kate were sitting on the porch. They both shot to their feet as soon as we got out of the truck.

"Hey, Jasper," Tanya said, swaying her hips as she strolled toward us. "Would you mind taking me into town? I've got to pick up a new dresser and side tables I ordered and they won't fit in my car."

"Here," he tossed his keys in her direction, "knock yourself out."

"But I thought we could maybe—"

"Well, you thought wrong," he snapped, leading me along the newly-shoveled path to the front door. "Bella and I have shit to do, and if you know what's good for you, you'll make yourself scarce for a while."

"Hey! What's with all the anger? I only want to—"

He swiftly turned, his eyes glaring daggers. "I don't give a fuck what you want, Tanya, so don't try to play your stupid games with me. You've done nothing but disrespect Bella, and the bond Emmett and I have with her, since the moment we got here."

She dropped the innocent façade, glowering at me. "Bond? You think you're actually mates?" she laughed. "You can't be serious. She's a scrawny little human, for Christ's sake."

"I'm as serious as a fucking heart attack. And if you don't mind your tongue, and your manners, from now on, you'll regret me losing mine." He tugged me inside, growling obscenities under his breath all the way.

I may have swooned. Just a little.

~oOOo~

"Wakey, wakey, my sexy little minx."

I opened my eyes to find the tip of my nose wet and the cutest dimples in the world right up in my face. "Is there a particular reason why you're licking me?"

"Well, I'd much rather be licking something else, but I know you don't want the whole house hearing you moan my name."

I giggled as I shoved him off me. "When did you get back? I missed you yesterday."

"You were dead to the world by the time I got in, and I didn't have the heart to wake you. I was busy laying the foundation for our house. I only have a very small window before the snow will start falling again. In this kind of weather, it'll take longer to dry than usual. I'm sorry I couldn't be here with you, baby. I missed you, too."

I sat up, rubbing my eyes. I knew he and Jasper talked a lot, especially while I slept, but I didn't know if Jasper had shared our conversation from yesterday. I was nervous to hear his thoughts on me wanting to live alone. "Yet you had no problem waking me now, at the butt-crack of dawn?"

"Speaking of butt-cracks…" he wiggled his eyebrows, wedging his fingers beneath me so he could squeeze my ass.

I hid my face in my hands. I wasn't so sure I wanted to know exactly what ran through his mind at that moment. But, considering the direction our relationship had taken, I had no doubt he'd elaborate, sooner or later.

He lifted me off the bed and placed my feet on the floor. "Get dressed and start packing, woman. We've got a big day ahead."

By the time I'd waltzed downstairs, the vehicles were already running, all stocked with our luggage, and the Denali family were making the rounds to bid us farewell. I wanted to laugh when Jasper dodged an embrace from Tanya, a prominent scowl on his face, and Emmett thrust his hand out, insisting they shake instead.

After hugging Carmen and Eleazar, I warily approached Kate. "We never really got the chance to talk much while I was here, but I hope we can become friends. And I'd like to offer my most sincere condolences. I'm so sorry for your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting Irina, but I know how hard it is to lose someone you love."

Long seconds ticked by and I thought she'd remain silent, but then she nodded and gently touched my shoulder. "Thank you. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon. And good luck with your studies. Don't let those boys distract you too much."

"I won't," I smiled. "Thank you, Kate."

She'd pleasantly surprised me with her kind words. Maybe she wasn't such an ice queen after all.

"Let's move out, people, time's-a-wastin'!" Emmett bellowed from the running board on his Jeep before jumping into the driver's seat. "Need a ride, good lookin'?"

"It just so happens, I do." I raced around to the passenger's side and hoisted myself up.

"Buckle up, baby. I'll give you a lift to the new house, and then we'll see what we can do about that ride."

"Do you ever take your mind out of the gutter?"

"Nope. And why would I even try? It feels perfectly at home there."

I couldn't help but smile. "Do you know what I love about you, Em." When he gave me a goofy grin, I covered his hand on the gearshift with mine. "Everything."

"Ditto, baby. Ditto."

~oOOo~

The drive to the Cullen's new home was a short one, fifteen minutes, tops. I sighed as we unloaded our bags. There was no way of avoiding Tanya here. It would probably take her less than a minute to run from her place.

Jasper enveloped me from behind, placing a tender kiss on my neck. "Are you okay, darlin'?"

"Yeah, just thinking about…stuff. I'll be fine."

"Well, I hope you're not worrying about Emmett. We had a chat and he feels the same way I do about what you and I discussed yesterday."

"That's great. I'm glad." I didn't want to mention Tanya and taint his good mood with negativity, so I forced myself to perk up and followed him inside.

My cell rang from my back pocket as I dumped my bags on the floor of my new room. I quickly fished it out, wondering who could be calling me so early in the morning. I should have known. My mother had never gotten the hang of differing time zones.

"Bella?"

"Hey, Mom, how are you?"

"I'm good, baby girl. Sorry I haven't called in a while. Between driving Phil around for his physical therapy and my new pottery classes, I'm afraid time's gotten away from me. I tried calling the house but there was no answer. Does that mean you're still staying at Carlisle and Esme's?"

Shit. I hadn't even thought of calling her to bring her up to speed with what had happened since I'd last seen her. "Ah, yes, but we're all living in Alaska now. We're just moving into their new house, right at this moment, actually."

"Oh! Well, I won't keep you long. I just wanted to know how you were doing. I take it Edward's back from Chicago, then?"

Crap. I hated lying to her, but I wasn't left with much choice. There was no way I could tell her the truth. "Um, yeah, he got back a few weeks ago. I should tell you, I've put Charlie's house on the market, too." The guilt welled in the pit of my stomach, but I knew that piece of information would divert her attention.

"Oh, honey. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you. Is there anything you need me to help you with? Because if there is, I can jump on a plane next week and—"

"No. No, Mom, everything's sorted. Esme was kind enough to help out. There's nothing left to do but wait and see if there's a buyer. The realtor in Forks is taking care of everything from here on out." I could hear her sniffles over the phone. "Mom, are you okay?"

"Yes, don't mind me, I'm fine. It's just…sad…I guess. I have so many fond memories of that house, but I can see why you'd want to sell it."

Fond memories? How I understood it, she couldn't wait to leave Forks when I was a baby, maybe even before then. Small town life suffocated Renee. She was a city girl at heart and thrived on bustling crowds and toxic air. Seemed we were opposites in every way imaginable.

"I'm sorry I didn't call to let you know sooner. So much has happened lately. And moving, plus getting organized for school, has been a bit hectic."

"No need to apologize. I can't believe how grown up you are now. Seems like only yesterday I was rocking you in my arms, singing you lullabies. Maybe I could come visit soon, once you've settled in."

I brushed a stray tear from my cheek. "That'd be great. I'll let you know when it's a good time, okay?"

"Okay, baby, I'll let you go. Give that handsome Jasper a hug for me. I'll speak to you soon."

"Yeah, I will. Bye, Mom. I love you."

"Love you, too, honey. Bye."

I sunk to the floor, staring at my phone. Sooner or later, I'd have to spin yet another story to explain Edward's absence. And I wasn't looking forward to it. I was the keeper of so many secrets and the tension of holding them was finally taking its toll.

Jasper appeared beside me and wrapped me in his arms. "I know it's not easy, but you're ensuring her safety by withholding the truth. It's bad enough the Volturi know about you. If they suspected your mother knew about us as well…"

"Yeah, I know." I turned my head to kiss his cheek. "How did you know that's what I was thinking about?"

"Because I know you, heart and soul. You love and feel so deeply. That's one of the qualities I love about you the most. And don't ever change, Bella. You're perfect, just the way you are."


A/N: It's good to have the old Emmett back. I've missed his cheeky mouth. Thanks for reading!