The Black Swan: Jasper & Bella Pairing
Chapter 37 - First blood
M- Mature
Bella
Mike and I enjoyed our morning run. This time I was able to run one mile easily, without stopping. It went even better than our run on Saturday. I had deliberated over how I was going to break the news to him. But once we started running, I guess I fell under the hypnotic spell of two synchronized breaths and the sound of running footfalls around the track. For that ½ hour I didn't think about anything.
Now it was time to face the music as Mike stared at my hand in disbelief. He looked like he was either going to pass out or get violently ill. Or both.
"Bella, that isn't what I think it is?" Mike gasped, taking my hand.
I chewed on my lower lip at a loss for words. I shut my eyes and finally said: "Yes, Mike. Jasper and I are going to get married."
"What the hell!" Mike swore.
I didn't say anything more. Mike ran his hand through his hair nervously. He repeated this five times. I counted in a futile attempt to calm myself down.
"Jesus Christ, Bella. Are you pregnant?"
"No, Mike. I'm not." Not that it was any of his business, anyway, or that of the small crowd gathering to witness this confrontation.
"Mike," I said, calmly, "classes are going to start in a few minutes. We can talk about this later at lunch. Okay?"
Mike looked at me as if I had metamorphosed into a terrifying creature. He backed away from me, and he stormed out of the building. I could feel hot stinging tears coursing down my face. Angela walked up to me at that moment, and put her arms around me.
"Come on, Bella. Let's go to class. He'll be all right. Come on." The sound of Angela's voice was soothing. Just what I needed.
Thanks to Angela, I managed to get through my classes. Even when we didn't have a class together, she escorted me to my classes and sat me down before rushing off to hers. I never appreciated anyone's friendship more than at this time. Of course the real show down was at lunch. Angela and I went through the cafeteria line together. My grip on the tray was tight I could have snapped in half. We sat down in the usual spot with the gang. All eyes turned to me. The news was out.
"Okay, Bella. Spill." That was Jessica. She was never one to be shy about juicy gossip. She grabbed my hand and shrieked: "Oh my god! Oh my god!" If I didn't know better I would think she was having a heart attack. As it was, she was hyperventilating.
"Bella, like how many carats is this ring? It's real, isn't it? She positioned my hand so she could see the prisms of color and light reflecting off the rubies and diamonds.
Eric, Ben, and Connor sat in shock not knowing what to say. I looked around. Mike was nowhere to be found. I looked at Angela, and she shrugged her shoulders.
"Bella, when did this happen? When is the date? Oh my god!" Jessica gushed.
If Jessica says 'oh my god' one more time, I just might slap her.
"New Years Day," I answered. I looked at everyone's expression. "I'm not pregnant, for the record."
"Congratulations, Bella," Ben said graciously.
Eric followed suite and then Tyler and Connor.
"Thank you," I said, genuinely grateful for their calm reaction.
"Is Mike okay?" I asked.
"Bella, Mike took off this morning. He finally picked up his phone about an hour ago. He wouldn't tell me where he was, but he seemed okay. I think he'll be back in school tomorrow," Eric explained.
Jessica and Lauren were glaring at me at the mention of Mike.
"Thanks, Eric."
"So, did everyone finish their paper for English?" I said, wanting to change the subject.
"Bella," Angela said softly. She had that "Come to Jesus talk" expression she always teased her parents about. "We're your friends. I'm going to be honest. This is a shock and we don't really understand why you're doing this. But you have your reasons. You don't have to justify yourself to us. Just be yourself."
Angela squeezed my hand and I squeezed back.
Jessica and Lauren turned red. And the guys started talking about class, and whatever else they usually talked about that we tuned out habitually. A truce was struck.
The rest of the afternoon, passed normally. I turned in my paper and managed to be alert enough to answer a few questions in physics class correctly, thanks to Jasper's expert tutoring.
At the sound of the bell signaling the end of school, Angela met me at the lockers.
"Bella, I talked to my dad. He would love to talk to you. In fact, if you have some free time now, you could come home with me. He's home and would be delighted to spend a few minutes with you to get your ideas."
"Really?"
"Yes, isn't that what you wanted?"
"Yes," I said a little startled by the perceptiveness of her question. "Do you think he would mind if Jasper joined me? I mean it concerns both of us."
"I think that would be perfect. What time shall I tell him to expect you?"
"Let's say in an hour. I'm going to call Jasper right now. I'll see you, later." Then I hugged Angela tightly. Perhaps a little too tightly because she started to cough a little. We laughed.
"It's going to be okay, Bella. See you soon."
Jasper
I had finished laying an underground foundation for the panic room when I heard Bella's ringtone.
"Hey babe, what's up? You survived the day I see."
"Yeah, barely, thanks to Angela. And that's why I'm calling. Do you think you could come meet me at Angela's house? Her father has some time, and he'd like to meet us."
"What time?"
"I said we would be there around 3:30."
"Okay, I'll pick you up in 45 minutes, and we'll drive there together. What are you wearing?"
"What do you mean?" Bella was laughing in disbelief.
"Impressions."
"Jasper, he knows me. What difference does it make what I wear?"
"Ah, but this time he's being asked to act in his professional capacity. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. Anyway, I just want to make sure you don't look like a lost waif or a shlump."
Bella was laughing. "A shlump?"
"A beautiful, smart and sexy shlump."
Bella hit the end button as she continued to roar with laughter. I texted her: "C u soon. Luv - J"
I looked around, and surveyed my work, then went upstairs to the master bedroom to change.
"Hmmn, need to project earnestness and integrity," I said out loud deliberating over what I would wear. It's a performance. All dealings with human beings came down to theatrics. I decided on a pair of faded jeans I reserved for yard work, and put on a red corduroy long sleeved shirt, work boots instead of my now standard cowboy boots and a barn jacket. I surveyed myself, then changed my mind, and put on my cowboy boots.
I made it to Bella's house in 30 minutes.
The door was slightly ajar when I walked up to the house. I could hear Bella upstairs.
"Oh, I don't like this," I said, as I entered her bedroom. Bella was wearing the outfit she wore the first time Edward brought her to the Cullen house. The first time I saw her through Edward's eyes. Did she realize? I wondered. She was frowning at me.
"Actually, I was referring to your failure to greet me, properly, like a woman in dire love with her fiancé. But, if you're open to suggestions, why don't you wear those slacks you got from Charlotte?
"Oh, why didn't I see that before? You're right." Bella removed the khaki skirt and donned the trousers, apparently forgetting I was still in the room with her. Oh how I loved, loved her boyshorts briefs.
"Now can I get a hug and a kiss from my bride-to- be?" I was rooted to my spot next to the door.
"I don't know. You look like a shlump – even by vampire standards."
"Come here," I ordered. She didn't budge. "Pretty please."
Bella walked over to me, and put her arms around my neck as I put mine around her hips and started stroking the woolen fabric covering her high and rounded buttocks. I kissed her closed lips once, and then forced them open with my tongue. For a few seconds we were welded together and then she reacted to the feel of my arousal by breaking the kiss. She was aroused, but shocked and a little afraid at the same time.
"Okay, maybe we better go," Bella said breathlessly, as she started to walk out the door. She stumbled. I was right behind her, so I steadied her. She was still a little dazzled by our passionate kiss a few moments ago.
"Shall I carry you down the stairs, Bella?" I drawled seductively.
"Oh, no. I'm fine. I'm just clumsy," Bella said a little too quickly.
I chuckled, but let her proceed me down the stairs. Bella grabbed her purse and coat and walked out the front door. She handed me the keys so could I could the door before taking her hand and leading her to my truck.
.oOo.
Reverend Weber's office was an Ikea version of Carlisle Cullen's magnificent mahogany paneled office. In this office were neat piles of assorted paperwork cluttering an already cluttered desk. Instead of a vast library of antique tomes, there was a small wall bracketed shelf with assorted religious magazines and dog eared philosophy books. There was a giant wooden cross above the door jamb and a small area rug. The only furniture of quality was the desk seemingly out of place with the patchwork items in the office. Bella and I sat in folding chairs in front of Reverend Weber's desk. Mrs. Weber had just left 3 glasses of water.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Bella and Jasper," Reverend Weber began.
"Oh, no, thank you for responding so quickly," Bella said nervously. Jasper grabbed her hand and held it to steady her heart rate.
Reverend Weber surveyed the scene before him.
Jasper looked at Bella and then addressed the pastor directly.
"Reverend Weber, Bella and I are really happy you have decided to officiate our wedding. We realize it's terribly short notice."
"Yes, well. I'll be frank with you. I've grown very fond of Bella in these last few weeks when she has been spending a lot of time with Angela and the rest of my family. Every since that incident with the twins, we all have developed a high regard for Bella.
Jasper remembered the picture Bella sent him of the feces smeared in the room the twin boys shared. Apparently, Bella saved the day when Angela, overcome by the disastrous spectacle, called Bella who expertly cleaned up the mess and left the place even tidier than before they made the mess. Bella had become a candidate for sainthood in the Weber household.
Jasper and Bella laughed.
"Well, as I was saying, I, actually, the whole family feel a little protective of Bella. And so, as your pastor, I must ask you, both of you, why you want to get married, and why now?"
Jasper was prepared for the question, but judging by the blank look on her face, Reverend Weber saw clearly that Bella was not.
"Reverend Weber, Jasper began, "If you don't mind, I'd like Bella to answer first."
Bella looked at Jasper with panic, and then she addressed Reverend Weber.
"Well, um, I guess I found someone who is committed to helping me reach my goals and potential. Even though he's more experienced than I am, he makes me feel like I can be an equal partner with him. And then one night we were just hanging out, and it dawned on me that I could maybe meet another guy and fall in love, but I would never find someone who was as devoted to me and committed to me as Jasper. I mean I wasn't looking to get married. It was the furthest thing from my mind. But when he proposed marriage, it clicked. Our whole relationship suddenly made sense, and I knew I wanted to make my life with this man."
"And you're ready now to make a lifetime commitment to Jasper?" Reverend Weber prodded.
Bella was blushing.
"You're embarrassed, Bella. Why?"
"I don't know. Even now, sitting here and listening to your question, it all feels weird: as in surreal."
"Yes, Bella, I can completely understand your feelings. But are you ready? You're very young. How do you know this is the right time? Is there anything forcing your decision..."
"No, Reverend. I don't know how much Angela has told you, but, Jasper and I haven't, you know, had sex. It's not like we have been dating a long time like Angela and Ben. I don't know how to explain it. Just. . . once we were able to tell each other how we really felt about each other, it just didn't make any sense not to be together."
"But these days so many young people feel free to have sexual intimate relationships with people they love, and yet they don't rush into marriage. What's different in your case?"
Bella shrugged her shoulders. She looked to Jasper who was still waiting for her to express what was in her heart.
"You know reverend, I told my father this decision isn't about my being in desperate love with Jasper. What I feel for Jasper and what he feels for me, there are no words for it. Love is really an inadequate word. I'm committed to him. You know those vows that talk about 'forsaking all others?' Well, that's how I feel about Jasper. I can love many people, but Jasper comes first. He's my first priority. I love him so much. I can imagine a life without him. But it would not be something I would want. I would be living half a life. I want Jasper to depend on me, confide in me and make plans for the future for us. That's commitment. That's what I want. And I know it's going to be challenging sometimes. But I know I will never regret it."
Jasper squeezed Bella's hand, affectionately. He was flashing her a sexy smile. Her insides were doing the jelly roll.
"Oh, and I can't wait to have sex with Jasper," she gushed, not realizing she had this out loud.
"I see," Reverend Weber said. "Interesting. Jasper, what about you?"
Jasper turned to Bella and addressed Reverend Weber without looking at him.
"Reverend, I don't know how much you know about Bella's prior relationship, but Bella and I were friends first. In fact I was in another relationship, before. But when the opportunity presented itself to play a more significant role in her life, I didn't hesitate. I pursued her relentlessly, not sure she would ever return my feelings.
"This woman brings color into my world. She helps me push beyond my limitations. I hate that she has competing interests or responsibilities that minimize the time I have with her. If something bad happens to Bella, I want to be the one who takes care of her. I want to be the one to make soup for her when she's not feeling well or be her punching bag when she has PMS. I want to show her the world and be right there with her to enjoy it. The thought of her being with someone else is a fate worse than death. I want her as my wife to be at my side forever.
"You know from having worked with Carlisle Cullen that we are a family of great wealth. I can take care of Bella and provide for all of her physical needs. I just want to spend the rest of eternity discovering this wonderful woman."
"Well, all right then, Reverend Weber said thoughtfully.
"How old are you, Jasper?"
"22. I was an emancipated minor when I went to live with Carlisle and Esme. Since I had quit school at an early age, we decided it might be best to start over again, and go through the experience of high school and college. So we could all be together as a family."
"Thank you for sharing that very personal part of your life. It helps me put things in perspective. Both of you place a high value on family and friendship and by extension, community. These are the cornerstones for a solid marriage. And to be honest, I don't necessarily see these traits in people much older or more accomplished than you. I would be honored to officiate your wedding and ask for God's blessing to guide you and protect you. Now, you don't have much time. You've set the date for New Years."
"Yes." Both Jasper and Bella responded.
Reverend Weber pulled a folder from his desk, and handed it to Bella.
"It's a resource folder to help with your wedding plans and ceremony preparations. Have you thought about what kind of ceremony you would like to have?"
"Well, since the wedding will be at midnight, we figured it would make sense to have as brief a ceremony as possible."
"I see. And I'm curious. Any reason why you couldn't get married on New Year's Eve and celebrate the new year as a couple?
Bella was stumped. Jasper grinned mischievously.
"Well, it's a tax thing. I didn't want to deprive Charlie of his tax deduction for Bella."
"What?!" Bella shrieked staring at Jasper in exasperation. The pastor grinned.
"And of course, I don't know, I like the idea of ending the year with Bella as my betrothed, and starting the New Year with Bella as my wife."
"I see. That's quite an original take on a wedding. Well, in that packet, you'll find all sorts of ideas on wedding vows and various rituals that you might want to incorporate."
Jasper plucked the packet out of Bella's grasp and quickly scanned the information provided.
"I see here you have a handfasting ritual. And you include the entire ritual in the ceremony?"
"Well, the idea is that the couple will pick those aspects of the ritual that are meaningful to them. Most choose the fastening of the cords along with a rose ceremony or unity candle, and skip the blessing of the rings. Of course the handfasting ritual is a quintessentially pagan ritual, so we wouldn't do the purification rite."
Would you have any objection to our holding a separate pagan ritual before the traditional ceremony? I mean either a day or few days before or maybe even several hours before?"
"What I can do for you is officiate over a ceremony that is sanctioned by the state of Washington and consistent with my religious affiliation. If you want to have a separate ceremony that's entirely up to you. Although if you were members of my congregation, I might seriously wonder about your religious vocation. But I'm curious, why you might consider having both? In truth, the only time I have ever seen a separate handfasting ceremony where I have been called to perhaps offer up a blessing or a prayer is when the couple is unable to marry legally, for example some of our gay members in the church."
Jasper nodded in understanding.
"Bella and I want to be married legally and enjoy all of the privileges that marriage brings by law. But we had discussed perhaps having a second or additional ceremony that captures the emotional commitment we make to each other that has nothing to do with God or the state."
"Well, as I said, you can do whatever you want in the lead up to the traditional ceremony. I suppose what you're suggesting is no different from some of the rich ethnic traditions I have had the pleasure to witness, where there is a ceremony in the tradition of the particular group like a tea ceremony for the Japanese where the bride and groom wear fabulous costumes, followed by a Western or American style wedding with the wedding march, white dress and tux."
"Thank you, Reverend. You have been wonderfully, kind," Jasper said.
"Good then. Does this time work for both of you for next week? Typically, I require the couple to meet with me three times before the final ceremony as part of pre-marital counseling. It's what I lovingly refer to as my due diligence."
Jasper smiled. Then Jasper stood up slowly helping Bella to her feet, and reached across the desk to shake the Reverend's hand.
"It's been a pleasure, Bella. Jasper. And oh, by the way, Bella, you might want to ask Angela for help constructing your ceremony and in particular the handfasting ceremony. I have come to rely on my daughter's creativity whenever I get unusual requests."
"Um, thanks" Bella said, as she followed Jasper out the door.
"So how did it go?" Angela asked, when Jasper and Bella emerged from her father's office.
"Your dad was great. Really. He suggested you might help us with a handfasting ritual."
Angela looked embarrassed, but proud at the same time.
"He said that, huh? Well, maybe we can toss around some ideas at lunch time tomorrow. I'll bring my binder."
Bella hugged Angela energetically. "You're the best, Angela. Thank you."
Jasper winked at Angela and patted her shoulder. "Thank you, Angela." Jasper and Angela exchanged a look of understanding.
Angela opened the front door and Jasper and Bella walked out.
Once in the truck and on the road, Bella leaned over and kissed Jasper on the cheek. He smiled. And she kissed him on the neck.
"Whoa there, woman. Are you trying to get yourself killed? How am I supposed to drive you home safely, if I'm being distracted by your amorous advances? I mean, I can pull over to a nice quiet spot I know…" I grinned as I saw her flush.
"No, that's okay. Drive." Bella moved away slightly putting some distance between her and Jasper.
"Oh no, you don't," Jasper quipped and pulled Bella next to him, wrapping his shoulder around her. She was giggling.
"We're really going to do this," Bella gushed.
"Wasn't that the point of going to see Reverend Weber in the first place?"
"Yeah, but when he started with the questions, I didn't know how I was going to make it. And by the time we walked out with that packet in my hands, I knew for sure this was really going to happen."
"As far as preacher men go, he's all right. I mean, he's a little pompous, but I suppose they all are. So, I guess I need to run you home so you can get Charlie's supper started."
"Yes. You seem annoyed."
"Bella, darlin, any time you're not focused on me, I'm annoyed."
Bella laughed and shook her head. Jasper took his hand off the steering wheel for a few seconds and kissed her hand.
"Jasper, please keep your hand," she pulled his arm off her shoulder and placed it on the steering wheel, "hands on the steering wheel."
"Yes, ma'am."
Jasper parked the truck across the street and ghosted to Bella's side to open the door for her. They walked hand in hand in the house.
"What's for dinner?"
"Leftover meatloaf. I'll bake some potatoes and make a salad."
"How about I make the salad and set the table?"
"Really, that would be great! I never get any help in the kitchen. It's a treat for me to have you make the salad and set the table."
"Actually, it's precautionary. I've noticed some of the patterns of cuts on your fingers. If you don't mind, I would prefer to do all cutting."
"Yes, sir."
Jasper and Bella were quietly attending to their respective tasks. Jasper finally broke the silence.
"Bella,"
"Yes?"
"You'll have to… I mean, I would like you to quit your job at Newton's store."
Jasper looked at Bella's expression rather than rely on the feelings he sensed. She was pondering his request.
"Is that a direct order?" Bella's full and generous lips were pressed tightly.
"I'm not telling you what to do. I'm just pointing out that you don't need to work there anymore to generate an income. I've already set up an account for you. Jasper handed Bella the bank card with a VISA hologram in the corner. Bella gasped in shock.
"Jasper, I can't take this from you. I don't want your money."
"Well, that's kind of a moot point, sweetheart. As my wife, what's mine is yours. And what's yours is mine."
"But I don't have anything. That's my point, Jasper. Work is one of the few things where I get to feel like I'm contributing."
"Contributing to what exactly? Does having that particular job, folding shirts and selling camp equipment, really mean that much to you? Your father pays all of the bills. Your little paycheck isn't enough to buy you a decent car – and I don't mean a fancy luxury car. I'm not trying to be ugly about this, Bella. There are more valuable things in the world than money. Your time is precious. I have to compete with your father, your school, your friends, your work and your sleeptime."
Bella was forcing herself to take deep breaths. He pulled her to him with one arm about her waist.
"Seeing as we have so little time together as it is, I was hoping you wouldn't mind sacrificing your part-time job at Newton's store in exchange for more time with me. Is that really so much to ask?"
Bella sighed. "No, I guess not. But…"
"But?" Jasper challenged.
"But, I hate to quit my job just as we're entering the busy season with Christmas. And well, Mike flipped out today when I told him I was getting married. I'd like to patch things up with him."
Jasper kissed her pouting lips. She smiled.
"Bella, as long as you're in school and even when you're not, you can see and patch things up with Mike whenever you like. If he's your friend, you don't need that job to see him."
Bella studied Jasper carefully.
"So you want me to give up my job and accept your money. Will you let me still hang out with my friends, including Jake and the Quileutes?"
Jasper looked at Bella levelly. "Yes. I won't go so far as to say your friends are my friends, but I realize you are giving up a lot to live with me and share my life. I don't want to cut you off from the people who nourish you and enrich your life. It's kind of the strings attached to the incredible deal I get in having you share my life."
"Okay, then. I'll quit my job tomorrow. I had planned to take Wednesday and Saturday off anyway to prepare for my SAT's."
"So, it's settled then?"
"Yes. I guess the next argument or discussion will be about my name."
"What about it?" Jasper was feigning indifference.
"You want me to take your name, Whitlock."
"Well, yes. And not only because I'm old fashioned. It's practical, if you think about it."
"How so?" Bella challenged.
"When we travel together as a couple it will be a whole lot easier getting through customs and security if we share the same name. It will minimize a lot of extra scrutiny if you wear a wedding ring and you share the same name as your husband."
"Can I hyphenate?"
"That's even worse. It's an administrative nightmare. How about when we apply for a license you just add the name Whitlock as part of your name. That way you keep Swan and can continue to use Swan, but Whitlock is the official last name. Does that work?"
"I suppose. So I think we managed to get through the big issues. We have a date. We have a pastor and Angela is helping us with the ceremony. We've settled the finances and I have to quit my job and change my name. What else?"
"Well, we need to go for a blood test and apply for a license. I'll have Carlisle help me with the blood test and we can apply for the license next week, maybe next Tuesday? You won't have to work, and we can go to the Clallam County Sheriff's Department in Port Angeles to apply for the license in person."
"It seems you have everything covered."
"No, you still need to decide on a dress or dresses and music and flowers and decorations."
"Oh yay, I can't wait," Bella said snidely, not really impressed with the remaining items on her to do list. "Hey, what about a honeymoon?"
"Taken care of. It's a surprise for now. I'll tell you on our wedding day. Bella, I know you think you're left with the fluff, but really, it's the most important part. It's your mark on the whole thing. It's your touch that's going to give wedding the warm feel that you want. I'm just doing the set up. I'm the advance man."
Bella rolled her eyes, again.
"You have some time before Charlie comes home, why don't you try to talk to Mike and patch up things? I know you look forward to your morning runs with him. Go on. I'll look after your potatoes.
Jasper was pulling the potatoes out of the oven when his phone rang. He looked at the display in surprise and a hint of foreboding.
"Hi Charlie, I was just getting the potatoes out of the oven for you. But I take it you're not calling to check in on dinner. What's wrong?"
"Jasper, Mike Newton was pulled from the water at LaPush today."
A sick feeling washed over Jasper. "Is he alive?"
"Yes, but he's still unconscious. He's banged up pretty badly, but the doctors didn't find any internal bleeding. They're doing tests now to see if there's any brain injury. The doctors would feel a whole lot more confident about his prognosis if he would come to. But he's stable at least."
"What else, Charlie? There's something else you're holding back," Jasper said quietly.
"Well, yes, Jasper. It's Leah."
"Leah? What does she have to do with this?"
"We don't know. She was found at the beach next to Mike. Her bones are crushed. Sue called me when we found the boy, but she won't take Leah to the hospital because, well, I don't really know, Jasper. But Leah looked so bad. I carried her to the house. I've never seen anything like it."
"Okay. I'm going to feed Bella first and then tell her the news. Do you think she can visit Mike in the hospital?"
"Actually, that's the other reason I needed to talk to you first instead of Bella. Mike was calling her name before he slipped into a coma. I heard him. He kept saying something about Bella's mate. For the life of me, I don't know what he meant. But I talked to his mother, and she said he had left school early because he was upset about the news of you two getting married. But right before he slipped into the coma he said one other word:' protect.'
"He's a good kid, Jasper. I know I have said some uncharitable things about his mom, but they're good people. I just think maybe if Bella sits with him and talks with him, she can bring him around."
"And Leah?"
"Jasper, if there's anyone I think who could help her, it would be Carlisle. I know your family and the Quileutes have a feud going on, but the Carlisle Cullen I know, would never let a personal feud get in the way of helping someone. Do you think you could get him to fly out here? I know he's busy, but I'm scared for her. Those Quileutes they're like my family. But they're stubborn. Maybe too stubborn for their own good."
"Go take care of Sue. She's going to need a strong shoulder to cry on. I'll take care of Bella. I'll call you when we get to the hospital. Hopefully, I will be able to give you an update on Carlisle."
"Thanks, Jasper. I know I have been real …"
"Charlie, you don't have to apologize to me. We're family."
The men were silent. And then Charlie said, "Right. Later." He then ended the call.
Jasper looked up to see Bella standing in the kitchen a few feet from him. He glided to her side and held her.
"Sweetheart, it's Mike. They fished him out of the water at LaPush."
Bella collapsed in his arms. He walked out of the kitchen and into the small living room and set her on the sofa. He ghosted back to the kitchen to get a glass of water and set the glass on the side table as he tried to revive her.
"Bella, honey, it's okay. I shouldn't have said it that way. I'm sorry. He's alive, Bella. He's alive. I don't think he tried to commit suicide. Your father just said they found him and that he has a head injury and was banged up pretty badly. No one knows what happened."
Bella burst into uncontrollable sobs. Jasper tightened his hold on her.
"He's alive, Bella. I'm going to feed you, and then I'm taking you to the hospital so you can be with him, okay? He needs you."
"What?"
"Your father says he was calling for you before he slipped into the coma. He's worried about you. I'm sure if he can sense your presence, it might help him come out of the coma."
Bella nodded but clung to Jasper. He was stroking her hair and rocking her in his arms to console her.
"Bella, there's more I have to tell you." He reached over to the glass of water. "Here, drink this. No arguments." Bella's hands were trembling so he steadied the glass for her to drink from it.
"Bella, it's Leah."
Bella looked at Jasper with a puzzled expression.
"She was found near Mike at the beach. Your dad saw her. She's hurt pretty badly. He said her bones are crushed. The Quileutes refuse to admit her to the hospital. I'm going to try to see if Carlisle can come out here. Your father thinks he might be able to help her. I agree with him."
Bella blinked nervously. "What? I don't understand. Leah and Mike don't know each other."
"I don't know, Bella. We'll figure it you. But for right now, you need to eat something, and then I'll drive you over to the hospital."
"I'm not hungry. The thought of food right now makes me ill. You need to call Carlisle, now."
"No. I want you to eat. Let me see you take a few bites, and then I'll call Carlisle."
Bella struggled to stand up. Jasper took her hand and led her to the kitchen table and sat her down. Jasper served her a plate of baked potato, a slice of meatloaf and some salad. Bella put a few forkfuls in her mouth, and then looked at Jasper pleadingly.
"Okay. But you have to do better than that. I can smell that your blood sugar is low. You're not going to help anyone if you collapse," Jasper said sternly. Bella forced herself to eat a little more.
Jasper pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed Carlisle. Jasper used his rapid fire vampire speech to talk to Carlisle. The whole conversation took twenty seconds.
"Is he coming?"
"Yes. He happened to be in Alaska. He should be in Forks in a few hours. Esme will drive the car, and meet him later.
"Is Alice coming?"
"No, honey." Jasper could feel her relief. She wasn't ready to face Alice yet.
"Go wash up, Bella. When Mike comes to, he wants to see a dazzling and beautiful Bella, not a purple faced weepy Bella. Jasper was licking Bella's tears away. She laughed in spite of herself.
"All right. All right."
Bella got up and kissed Jasper tenderly. She pulled back looking at him as if discovering him for the first time or at least seeing in him something she hadn't seen before, and liking it.
"I love you, Jasper Whitlock, and I am so proud to be your woman."
Bella's words stirred Jasper's unbeating heart.
"Hurry up, Swan. Time's a wastin," Jasper said, slapping Bella's butt as she ran up the stairs. "I love you too, Bella," he said softly once she was out of his earshot.
Jasper quickly cleared the dishes. He found a water bottle and filled it, and grabbed an apple and banana from the bowl on the counter.
Bella came down the stairs. She had washed her face and applied lip gloss and brushed her hair and sprayed some light gardenia scent. Jasper smiled and grabbed her hand.
"Let's go. Bella stopped to grab her coat on the way. Jasper locked the door with the key Bella passed and then walked to the truck hand in hand with her. They took off moments later in the direction of the hospital.
Bella
I haven't been to the hospital in Forks since they brought me in after finding me in the forest where Edward left me. And now, I'm here to see my friend, my faithful running partner. Somehow I know it's my fault. I know I had nothing to do with his going to LaPush and getting hurt. At least not directly. What's that legalese term people like to throw around? Proximate cause. That's it. Somehow, breaking the news to Mike about my marrying Jasper is the proximate cause of his getting hurt and being in a coma.
And Leah? I don't know. I'm stumped. I mean, LaPush First Beach is her home. She has every right to be there. But what would she and Mike be doing there at the same time? More importantly, what could have possibly happened to cause her to have her bones crushed and for Mike to have a serious head/brain injury? Did Mike fall in and Leah jump in and get smashed against the rocks? Is that it?
Jasper's cool fingers massaging my scalp and combing through my hair are soothing. Every time I feel like I'm going to have a panic attack, he touches me, and I feel better. Truthfully, I much prefer this over his manipulating my emotions through his empathic abilities. I get the feeling that touching me helps him too.
I turn to look at Jasper's profile in the car and it occurs to me suddenly. He's keeping something from me. He knows something.
"What is it Bella? Jasper was stroking my cheek with his right hand while steering the car with his left.
"You know something. You're hiding something from me." I said this a little bit more accusatorily than I intended. But I had a hunch.
Jasper pulled his hand away from my face and placed it on the steering wheel. I could see he was tightening his grip.
"It's not what you think. I have a vague idea of what may have happened, but there are gaps in my knowledge. I don't want to say anything until I have more information. Can you understand that?"
I brought Jasper's hand to my lips and kissed it, and then I looked up at him.
"Jasper I understand. Just promise me you won't lie to protect me. Whatever it is, just give me the information and we'll figure it out. Whatever it is."
"Bella, I will always fight to protect you, maybe in ways you don't like. But I promise I won't lie to you. And I won't withhold information from you. But remember your promise to me at the airport, you'll listen to me."
I nodded and then turned my attention to the road. I could see the entrance lights of the hospital. Jasper parked the truck in the underground parking lot.
We rode to the elevator to the reception lobby where we found Mike's room number and received visitor's passes. Jasper held my hand while I tried to summon courage for my visit with Mike. We found his room easily. His parents were there. His father stood up when we arrived, and patted me on the shoulder and shook Jasper's hand.
"Why don't you go in, Bella. I'm going to step out and get some coffee," Mr. Newton said.
"Bella, I'm going to be right around the corner. I'm going to call your dad to let him know we're here and that Carlisle's on his way." I nodded not really registering what Jasper was telling me.
I walked up to Mrs. Newton and touched her shoulder softly. She clasped mine. I don't know what I expected. Actually, I expected her to blame me for all of this. But she seemed genuinely grateful that I was there. I could feel a burn in my throat, of tears fighting to burst through. But I needed to be brave for Mike and his mother.
I walked to the other side of the bed and sat down, taking Mike's hand in mine. I bent down and kissed his pale cool cheek. He had a few superficial scratches on his face, but otherwise his face was smooth and quite beautiful.
"Mike," I said softly, "Mike, it's Bella. Bella Swan. Your clumsy running partner. I'm here with your mom, Mike. We're so worried about you. I stroked his cheek and felt the tears running down mine. Mike, you have to wake up. I'm going to get really pissed off if you stand me up tomorrow morning. Remember, we were going to try some interval training. Come on, you can't let me down. Wake up, Mike. Wake up. We're so scared for you. Just open them up for a little while so we can make sure you're okay.
I lay my head down on his chest, letting my tears wet his hospital gown. I lay still like that for what seemed like several minutes. Mrs. Newton was rubbing Mike's hand and forehead.
Mike's breathing changed slowly, and I could feel his heartbeat becoming more steady. I sat up and looked at Mike. His eyelashes were fluttering.
"Mike, can you hear me? It's Bella. Wake up, Mike. Please, please."
Mike slowly opened his eyes and looked around taking in his mother's disheveled appearance and smeared eye makeup. He took in the monitors and the intravenous set up in the sterile hospital room. Then his eyes rested on me. He smiled.
"Wow, Bella, you look hot." Mike said in a raspy voice that nonetheless made me laugh. I kissed him on the lips chastely.
"Ahem" Jasper cleared his throat as he walked into the room and stood beside me.
"Mike you gave Bella the scare of her life. That's some kind of stunt you pulled to get her to kiss you, man. I had to wait months before she would even kiss me like that." Jasper deadpanned.
"Yeah well, I'm a natural. What can I say?" He held out his hand and Jasper shook it.
"I'm glad you're okay, man. I mean, how can Bella's running partner not come to the wedding? It wouldn't be right."
Mrs. Newton looked at the three of us and then finally zeroed in on my engagement ring. It was a testament to her distress that she was only now noticing the huge rock on my finger. She was speechless.
"Yeah, mom. Bella and Jasper are getting married, and I'm going to be her best man. How else do I have a shot at taking her away from him?" Mike was looking at Jasper as if he were in on a secret. "Mom, could you leave us alone for a moment. I promise it won't be long. I'm actually tired. I know I've been out for a few hours, but I'm beat. Go ahead."
As soon as Mrs. Newton left the room, Mike looked at me, taking my hand. "Arizona, this guy's got trouble written all over him. But you're not going to listen to me, are you? So I'm just going to be your sidekick. And hell yeah, I'm going to be at the wedding."
I laughed at his bravado.
"Mike," Jasper asked softly. "What happened? Do you remember anything?"
"I don't remember much. I decided to drive to LaPush. I wanted to watch the sunset, I think. Everything was cool. I even got your text message, Bella. And then I don't know. Maybe I passed out, because I started having this weird dream or hallucination. A woman with long curly red hair kept asking me about Bella's mate. And she threw me against the rocks when I said I didn't know. But I did know. You told me, Bella. And then I heard these horrible sounds and lost consciousness again. Weird, hunh?"
"Did you see or dream about anyone else besides the woman with the red hair?" Jasper asked smoothly.
"Now that you mention it, dogs. Gigantic dogs. Or maybe they were wolves. But I couldn't see them clearly. One dragged me to a huge rock. I thought for sure it was going to kill me. Then it dawned on me that it was trying to guard me. And then someone else grabbed hold of the wolf or whatever it was, and squeezed it, throwing it a few feet away from me. I remember trying to crawl towards it, but I couldn't. And then the next thing I remember is opening my eyes and seeing Bella."
"Get some sleep, Mike. I'm sure Bella will come and see you tomorrow. But I'm drawing the line right now. Don't even think about having her as your personal nurse and physical therapist. She's mine. Got that."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
"Later."
"Later, man.
I walked out of Mike's room with Jasper close behind. We rode in the elevator in silence. Jasper was in a black mood. We walked to the parking lot and found Jasper's truck and got in. We drove several miles before I finally broke the silence.
"It's Victoria, isn't it? But how would she know that Mike was connected to me? And what does Leah have to do with any of this other than she lives on LaPush?"
"I don't know Bella. But I'm going to run you over to LaPush. Call your dad or Jake or Emily to let them know you're on your way. I'm going to drop you off at the boundary line between the Cullen land and the Quileutes. It's probably safer for everyone if we do it that way."
I nodded. And so the adventure begins, I thought.
Jasper
Bella had been gone for an hour when I finally got a call from Carlisle.
"Jasper, I just looked in on Leah. She's healing remarkably fast. I had to reset a few of her bones so they could heal properly, but she should be okay in a few days. I've never seen anything like it."
"She's a werewolf," I said flatly. "Carlisle, is Bella safe?"
"Yes, Jasper, she's with her father now at the Clearwater house. I must say, I could have used your abilities 20 minutes ago, but Bella and Charlie did an admirable job of calming things down. You know it is not their way to have outsiders take care of them, let alone their sworn enemy. But when Sue saw how I was focused on helping Leah, she assumed her protective mother role and told everyone to back off."
"You weren't able to find out what happened out there, were you?"
I was in full military intelligence gathering role. I needed information. The woman I loved was in a house full of volatile werewolves who could erupt at any moment and the only protection the woman I loved had was a compassionate vampire doctor and her human cop father. Great!
"Bella is fine, Jasper. Really. But we will have to talk. Sam Uley, do you know him? He pretty much said as much."
"Can I come? I can't stand not having her at my side, safe with me."
"Personally, I would say back off. But you're probably better off taking your lead from Bella. By the way, Jasper, Bella has always been an attractive young woman, but now seeing her and spending time with her this evening in between caring for Leah and dealing with the Quileutes, she's positively incandescent. She's turning into an exquisite and poised young lady. I have to remind myself this is Edward's Bella."
"She's not Edward's Bella anymore," I growled back.
"You're right. She's not. And I apologize for offending you like that. Okay, I better go check in on my patient. And then I will take off for the house. Can I count on seeing you there in a few hours?"
"Yes," I hissed."
"Good." The call ended.
I waited for several minutes hoping to hear from Bella, and then finally I felt the phone vibrate. Bella texted that she would meet me at the boundary in a few minutes.
The fog was especially thick when I pulled alongside the road that marked the boundary of the Quileute territory. I got out of the car and inhaled deeply to steady my nerves. It was of course all psychosomatic. I didn't need the air to calm me, but the rhythmic motion was soothing. A 1999 Toyota sedan drove up, and parked alongside my truck. Bella got out of the truck and then ran to the driver's side. I could hear the conversation between Emily and Bella.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah, Emily. It's fine. Jasper will take me home. Thank you so much for doing this. I hope I haven't driven a huge wedge between you and Sam."
"Honey, I can take care of Sam. Just watch yourself, okay?"
Bella nodded and kissed her friend goodbye.
I cautiously approached the car and grabbed Bella's hand gently pulling her to my side. Emily looked at me hard. I could see one side of her face was stunning, and the other side had a disfiguring scar. She was one of those casualties of werewolves that I dreaded. She noticed my studied gaze and lifted her chin a little higher in defiance as if to say " I don't need your pity."
"Thank you for bringing Bella to me, Emily." I was sincere in my thanks.
"I'm not doing it for you. Bella is family. The minute you do something to betray the trust she has in you, well a whole army of vampires won't be enough to protect you. Got it?"
"Got it." I said, solemnly.
Emily drove off quickly waving to Bella.
I held onto Bella, fearful she would be taken away from me at a moment's notice.
"Um, Jasper, I need to breathe," Bella said trying to wriggle out of my grasp. "Let's go home. I'm exhausted."
We didn't talk on the drive to Charlie's house. I pulled up in the driveway, and escorted Bella inside taking a few moments to check for the presence of an intruder. Just for precaution.
Bella turned to me and stood on the tip of her toes putting her hands on either side of my face. She was smiling wanly. She was tired: physically and mentally.
"Jasper, I'm going to go upstairs, take a shower and get into my favorite pair of silk pajamas. If you need to go into the woods and tear down some trees or yell and scream at the top of your lungs or whatever, do it. Do whatever it takes to calm down. I'll wait for you right here on the sofa. We'll cuddle and I'll fall asleep in your arms. Now go."
She didn't need to tell me twice. I whisked through the back door of the kitchen. I burrowed deep into the woods behind the house and indeed knocked a few trees down and fed on a few random animals that crossed my path.
When I returned to the Swan residence, Bella was freshly showered and wearing Charlotte's embroidered silk pajamas. Her hair was brushed and gleaming as it draped her torso. She had applied a dab of the gardenia scent on the pajamas but not on her skin. Her well defined and full lips were glossy. She was fighting to stay awake but she waited up for me. I felt like I was home.
I joined her on the sofa, falling back against the armrest, and pulling her against me between my legs. I let the quilt cover us. She was shivering. I spoke softly in her ears.
"Baby, I know you're cold, but will you let me feel you?" I was looking deep into her sable brown eyes trying to find her soul. She touched my eyes.
"Jasper," she whispered in surprise. "Your eyes are so black, but you fed while you were out there, didn't you?"
I didn't answer her. I just slipped my hands under the hem of her pajama shirt and found her soft round breasts. Mercifully, she wasn't wearing her bra. Her nipples were erect. I unbuttoned her top and started nuzzling her lovely neck, while caressing her breasts. Bella arched her back and moaned softly, her heart rate, accelerating. I could smell her arousal. It was a thousand times more powerful than her blood. I wanted to be inside of her. I quickly inserted my fingers inside her pajama pants, entwining them through her coarse hair tugging gently and then dipping two fingers in her vagina savoring the feel of her arousal. Bella gasped. She hadn't experienced this kind of intimacy before.
"Relax, Bella," I said in a low voice just above a whisper. "I just want to feel you. I promise we won't go that far. I don't want the first time I claim you to be on your father's ratty sofa in his house."
We looked at each other and started to laugh. That felt good: the laughter. I still needed to release my passion. That wasn't too good. I knew Bella was not going to oblige – much. She just wanted to cuddle and be comforted. I wanted more. I kissed her hungrily. Her breath was getting ragged.
"That's right," I drawled, knowing she would respond to the cadence of voice. I unzipped my pants, so she could feel how hard I was for her. I was licking her inner ear, taking in the fragrance of her hair and her skin.
"You're my dirty girl, and you'll drop your panties for me, whenever I want, right? Even here, right now even if your daddy is standing out there fumbling with his keys to come in. Right? Tell me, baby," I commanded, unleashing my desire for her so she could really feel me.
"Oh god. . . yes, Jasper," Bella moaned, breathlessly. She felt the fever.
I slid her silk pajama pants down to her knees so I could caress her hips and legs more freely. My fingers parted her legs, easily, where I found her opening. She was soft and inviting. I dove in. My feather light touches made her melt.
"Isabella? Do you like it when I do this?" I whispered when I discovered the right stroking rhythm . . . I knew she was now beyond words or coherent thought.
Bella was straining against me, bucking and twitching. She was unraveling.
"Let go, Bella. Don't try to think. Just feel. We're just playing now. But, soon, darlin, it won't be just my fingers. It'll be me driving into you. Spread your legs for me."
I kissed her neck. The sofa shook with force of my hips rocking us back and forth. I purred in her ears. With my one hand I pulled at her nipples hard and with the other I continued to thrust rhythmically inside of her. Bella's heart was galloping. She couldn't lie still. I watched her eyes roll back in her head. I felt her sweet agony as she climbed and climbed, reaching for that happy place. She was sending me into a happy place of my own .
"Oh!" Bella gasped and started to cry as she climaxed. She was convulsing wildly. I had to restrain her arms so she wouldn't hurt herself by hitting my body.
"Thank you, baby. I needed to feel you. We went further than I intended, I swear. But I love you so much, Bella. I'd kill for you, do you understand?"
I turned her so that I could look at her full face.
"Do you understand what I'm saying Bella? I may have stopped feeding on humans. I may have these empathic abilities, but I'm still a ferocious son of a bitch. I will kill and destroy anything or anyone who tries to harm you. Okay? Always remember that. God, Emily's face…"
Her disheveled hair was cascading all around her like a rich nut brown halo. "Jasper," she said struggling to find words. She gave up and simply said "We'll be okay." And then she tried to stifle a yawn. I laughed.
"Okay, love making session has timed out. My human girl needs to sleep."
I got her pajamas on and positioned her in a fetal position against me and tucked the quilt around her to shield her from the coolness of my body. Actually, she was so hot she clung tight to me refresh herself. She smelled of us. I reached for a pillow and tucked it beneath her head.
"Sleep baby," I whispered, lightly stroking her warm cheeks and started humming. She was out instantly. I thought about bringing her up to bed so she could be more comfortable, but I was too selfish to move.
We lay like this well into the wee hours when Charlie finally came home. He stopped by to look at my sleeping Bella, then shook his head. "It's been a long night, Jasper."
"How's Leah?"
"Well, she's out of the woods. Sue gave Carlisle permission to break and reset her bones and give her meds. By the time I left some of the color was coming back and she was resting more comfortably. Thanks for calling Carlisle. I owe you."
I held up my hand to signal this thanks was unnecessary.
"You know Jasper, I know you're not going anywhere and Bella's fast asleep. You can bring her to her room and stay the night if you want. She'll be more comfortable. I know you don't care for yourself. Just saying."
"Okay." I said. I waited until Charlie closed his bedroom door and then jackknifed into a standing position and holding Bella bridal style ghosted up the stairs and lay her on her bed and then joined her. Now that we were betrothed, it really irritated me that Edward had shared her bed, however chaste their relations were. I stayed until the sun came up, and it was time to wake Bella for school. Charlie peeked in and saw that I was fully dressed. He smiled in relief.
Bella stirred awake. It was 6:30 and Charlie had just gone downstairs. I had left Bella's side moments earlier while Charlie was in the shower to make coffee and toast bread. Now I was back at Bella's side watching her eyes flutter open slowly.
"Wake up Bella. You need to get ready for school. You don't have much time. I'll drive you. Come on." I was stroking her cheek letting her eyelashes tickle my fingertips.
Bella sat up straight and had a flash of panic on her face. And then I smelled it. Menstrual blood. I knew I could control myself. But the idea of tasting her was irresistible.
"Jasper, you have to leave," she said sharply.
"Honey, I know. You've started your period. I'll go and give you some privacy. I'm all right. You don't have to worry. "
I quickly slipped my hand inside her pajama bottoms and inserted my finger and withdrew my hand before she had a chance to stop me. I inserted my reddened finger in my mouth to taste her. It was a much richer, tastier and satisfying version of her natural female secretion. There was a strong taste of iron in her blood. "Anemia" the thought came to me at once. Maybe that's why she' was always so easily tired and pale.
Bella looked at me in disgust and shock. Somehow she found the strength to shove me away, rather impressively. I laughed and tried to kiss her but she recoiled from me, her preternatural instincts kicking in.
"All right. I'll go. I'll be downstairs. Don't take too long, okay?"
Note: Thanks to my readers and to Galxychld. Thanks to the marvelous characters created by Stephenie Meyer. Without them I would have no Christmas!
On to the next chapter!
The Black Swan: Twilight FanFiction – July 2012