Chapter Thirty Eight

Jasper

It didn't take long to get to the ranch and while Bella cleaned up and rested Peter, Darius, and myself held a council of war.

"Right Major well you're gonna be a little tied up here for a while, if you're lucky that is, so I guess its down to Darius and myself to have a few words with the pups who attacked Charlie, show them the error of their ways."

Much as I wanted to disagree I couldn't leave Bella, not now, not when I'd finally found her and understood my feelings for her. If I left now then would I have the courage to return?

I nodded,

"Is that OK with you Darius? After all its not your fight."

"Its been a while since I saw any action and its about time Peter learned at the feet of the master so sure. Besides if the guardians start beating up on the humans there's something seriously wrong don't you think? Its my guess they weren't actually guardians but other tribe members. If the leader found out they'd probably be punished but I think our brand of justice would fit better don't you Peter?"

"Fuck yes. They wont forget any lesson we teach them"

"OK then and thank you. I owe you."

"Of course, I'll add it to the slate if I can find space and I know Peter will do it for the sheer fun."

"Too fucking right my friend. Lets go get us some Wolfie punch bags."

"We'll call in and see how Bella's dad is too Major so you just concentrate on the girl. She looks like a strong breeze might blow her away"

"You know something Darius, looks are deceptive where that little girl is concerned. I watched her in action and she's pretty tough. I like her and that's saying something"

Darius and I both looked at Peter in astonishment, praise from his lips was something indeed.

Bella

I felt so much better after a soak and clean clothes but I made sure to take my before I went back downstairs. Charlotte was in the kitchen cooking something that smelled delicious and Jasper sat alone on the couch with a book but he looked up and smiled as I reached the bottom step.

"Char's cooking you a lasagne or so she says. You look rested"

"I feel rested all thanks to you. Where are the others?"

He patted the seat next to him and I sat down but I was nervous. I had a feeling this wasn't going to be a social chit chat.

"Bella, Charlie was attacked outside his hotel after Peter dropped him off. He's in hospital but he's going to be fine"

"Who by?"

"Friends of Harry and Jake it would seem. Darius traced them so he and Peter have gone to have a quiet word in their ears. Then they'll check on your dad again and let him know you are OK."

"Why did they do it?"

"We think they wanted to get you away from us and it seems Harry wouldn't tell them where you were so they tried to get Charlie to. It seems he wasn't keen either"

" How did they know where he was staying?"

"I don't know yet Bella but I'm sure its one of the questions Peter and Darius will be putting to them"

"So he got hurt protecting me? Jasper I seem to bring trouble wherever I go. Are you sure you want a part of that?"

"Bella I bring problems enough of my own so don't worry about adding to them just remember I love you"

We kissed and I forgot about Charlie, my accident, everything for a while, then Charlotte shouted through that my dinner was ready. I was reluctant to leave Jasper but he winked,

"I'll be here when you finish I'm not going anywhere without you Bella"

The meal was delicious and I couldn't help asking Charlotte how long it had been since she cooked human food.

"Sorry that's a rude question"

"Its OK Bella its been a long time but I still like to watch cookery programmes sometimes and read cook books. Peter thinks I'm mad but then he's the one who keeps chickens."

"Chickens? Why?"

"He says it reminds him of his home when he was human."

"What do you do with the eggs?"

"I put some at the end of the track free to anyone who wants them. The others Peter uses for target practise"

"He shoots?"

"Not exactly, Peter likes playing horseshoes but he says its more fun when he's got a target that explodes. Don't ask Bella, he marches to his own tune does Peter. You'll get used to him, just remember he means well and if you can ignore the language he's a really good friend to have"

"I like him already"

"Well that's a first. Most people take time to acclimatize to his ways. He likes you too and that's even rarer, Peter doesn't like many people so you are joining a select band."

I was eager to get back to Jasper and when Charlotte said she had to go out for a few hours I wasn't sure whether to be relieved or grateful so I settled for both and snuggled next to Jasper by the fire watching the flames from the logs flare and die in the otherwise dark room. I could have stayed like this forever but as I yawned he stood up pulling me with him,

"Come on Bella, I think you should get some sleep"

"I was comfortable. I could sleep by the fire"

He ignored my protests and carried me up the stairs to the bedroom Charlotte had given me. I felt awkward as he headed for the door and I knew once he'd left the room I would never have the courage to call him back.

"Will you stay?"

He looked slightly scared by my words and that confused me but then he nodded and came back,

"Of course"

I slipped into the bathroom glad Id left my nightwear in there ready but slightly ashamed it wasn't at all sexy then shrugged, he knew what I was like by now. When I limped back in, I'd forgotten to bring my stick upstairs with me as I was carried, I found he'd drawn a chair up beside the bed and I think he felt my disappointment because he looked down,

"I didn't want to make any assumptions Bella"

"Well, I'd like it if you could join me, I need a cuddle"

He sat on then bed and waited for me to get in then lay down beside me but on the covers, this wasn't quite what I'd meant by join me but it was a start, of sorts. He pulled me into his arms and I heard him taking deep breaths savouring my scent as Edward had once done but this felt different, I wanted to do the same so I inhaled deeply, a spicy scent that was all Jasper. I put a hand on his cheek and stroked it, much as I had done to try bringing him out of his despair at my apartment but this time I allowed my hand to continue inside his collar feeling the scar that ran down to his collarbone. He tensed and I froze not quite understanding his reaction but then he relaxed again so I decided to keep going. He'd soon tell me if I was out of order I was sure. I undid the buttons on his shirt slowly, my fingers not working too well these days and pushed it open to lay my head on his bare stone chest waiting for his reaction.