Chapter Thirty Six
Bella
Once more the others had left us in peace, hunting together, but they promised to visit again soon,
"Sooner than that if you can guarantee a good fight" was Garrett's parting shot.
We weren't looking for a fight but Jasper was looking to speak to Alice. He felt sure she had seen most of the things that had happened to me but she hadn't warned either me or him. I didn't know if it was because she hated the thought of Jazz with me or because she just didn't care. Either way she was in for a rude awakening, especially as she'd given our whereabouts to Carlisle and Edward.
"Won't she be looking out for you to turn up?"
"Yes of course but that doesn't mean she'll run, Alice has great faith in her own persuasive talents."
"So where is she? Do you have any idea?"
"A little flower tells me that she's back with the family for a while"
"That little flower wouldn't have thorns would it?"
He grinned,
"She was always my favourite in the family."
"So were going to visit the Cullens? That should please Edward, he'll probably think I've had a change of heart and decided he is the love of my life after all."
"Or he could be wetting himself at the thought of a vengeful Bella turning up on the doorstep after a meeting with the Volturi."
"Even better."
We drove to Seattle where Carlisle was now working in one of the major hospitals, we'd also heard from the same little flower that Edward was attending a music college there and Esme had opened a new Interior Design business"
"What about Em and Rose?"
"They are doing what they do best"
"What's that?"
"Em crashes cars, Rose mends them, and they spend the rest of the time on an extended honeymoon"
"Now that sounds great, especially the last bit."
"Don't you need to be married first?"
"Who cares? Besides we are married in every way that matters."
He nodded thoughtfully but didn't say anything.
Rose
We met up with Jazz and Bella in the park close to the house. It was good to see them again and looking so happy.
"So, you going to whip Edward's ass Bells?"
"Actually Em, its Jasper's turn to whip ass. Talking of which, where's Alice?"
"She's due back today, all very mysterious, we are to be introduced to her mate. Some one called Jessie who hails from Texas. Have you heard of him Jazz?"
"Jessie? I don't think so. Do you know anything about him?
"Only that he is a human hunter who wants to stop, looks like Carlisle might have a new convert so he'll be happy"
"How long has she known this Jessie?"
"About six months I think. According to her he has a halo and wings."
"Yeah right" Emmett didn't sound convinced at all, he was always suspicious of new vampires.
Bella
Rose told us Alice had arranged a welcome to the family party for Jessie tomorrow night and Jasper thought it would be nice to gate crash the party, which was sure to get a response. Rose and I decided we should make the effort to look good for this party and went off together shopping while Emmett and Jazz hunted. Really I wanted the low down on Alice, Jessie, and Edward. We found a quiet corner in a coffee place in the mall and I started questioning her.
"I don't know any more about this Jessie, and Alice is playing it very close to her chest, I did wonder if there might be some kind of story related to this Jessie guy."
"What about Edward?"
"He's very nervous. Carlisle heard from Aro the other day that they had visited you and he's been waiting for the axe to fall ever since. He jumps at his own shadow and Em and I have steered clear of him since we heard you were coming to town. He's easy enough to block out when you've had as long as we have to practise but Em gets bored and starts winding him up which might just give the game away. So how are you going to play it?"
"Straight I think. The main reason we're here is for Jazz to mark Alice's card for splitting on us to Edward. I don't think he cares so much now we're safe but even so he likes to dot all the I's and cross all the T's. Also I'd like to underline the fact that I am not going to join Carlisle's little band so he can spy on me for Aro."
The house was lit by hundreds of Alice's famous twinkle lights when we pulled up outside. I could hear the music, in fact I think the whole of Seattle could hear it, the windows shook from the vibration and I looked at Jazz who was dressed in a suit and tie looking very dashing. Rose had told us it was a formal dress party although that didn't sound much like the Alice I remembered in her bright coloured mini dresses. He parked up close to the exit "just in case" he said, then turned to speak to two more figures who had appeared from the darkness
"Well, well, look at you all dressed up, momma would be so proud of her little boy. I hope you washed behind your ears. Hi Bella, you OK?"
I smiled to see Peter looking equally dashing in suit and tie and Char in a long evening gown.
"No "Costello"?"
"Oh he'll be here, he wouldn't miss this for the world Bella"
Something was in the air but no one was telling me and although I questioned Charlotte as we walked to the entrance which was festooned with lights and balloons she just shook her head and smiled. Rose and Emmett were already inside as were a few other faces, some I knew, some I didn't. Esme looked shocked to see us and horrified to see our companions, Carlisle smiled a little tightly and looked round for Edward. I think he would have warned him but Edward must have read Esme's thoughts because he turned from the blond beauty he was talking to and came stalking over to confront us. Before he could say anything Peter stepped forward his hand outstretched,
"So good to see you Edward old boy, and who is the beautiful lady you are with. Please introduce me"
Peter took him by the arm and propelled him back to his companion while Jazz shot a look up the stairs. I followed his gaze and saw Alice walking down looking very demure on the arm of a tall dark handsome stranger with muddy red eyes and a slightly creepy smile.