Millie watched as her mate stalked around a whimpering Laurent, who was held up by Peter.
"Slow aren't you?" Jasper drawled, or at least who she assumed was Jasper. There was a nagging feeling at the back of her mind that the Major was probably slipping through at times. "Fine, I'll make it easy for you." He held up Laurent's cellphone. "Those phone calls you get every month, who's calling you?"
Laurent glared at Jasper but refused to say anything. "Fool," Millie muttered under her breath as she watched Jasper crouch down in front of the French-born vampire. There was a moment of heavy silence before Jasper tore one of Laurent's feet off causing agonizing howls to fill the basement.
Irina made to interfere when Charlotte took a step in front of her, her face a perfect picture of "you don't want this fight". "Stay where you are, Irina," she said to the scowling vampire.
"If you're so concerned," Jasper said, not breaking eye contact with Laurent. "Make the case to him, Irina. It'll be better for both of you."
Irina looked angry and hesitant, but Millie could see the concern and love for Laurent in her expression. "Laurent," Irina said through gritted teeth. "Please."
Laurent looked at her with accusing eyes. "I thought I had earned your trust, Irina," he seethed. "I deserve better than this."
Irina flinched before looking at Jasper who shook his head in mock amusement. "If you were a good man," her mate replied. "But you ain't one, are you?"
Laurent tried to lunge forward but Peter held him in place. "You're the God of War!" He spat out, what remained of his body trembling all over. "What would you know about being good?"
Jasper gave him a dangerous smile. "Everything," he said simply before he severed Laurent's lower leg.
More screams filled the room and Irina began to panic, wringing her hands in a clear case of despair. Kate however was furious and took a threatening step forward. "I've had enough of this shit," she growled. And in that second Millie did the sensible thing and turned her power off and gave Charlotte the greenlight with an imperceptible nod of her head.
The Texan blonde grabbed Kate by the neck and slammed her against the wall. The shock on Kate's face prevented her from struggling at first.
"The only one who decides what's enough is the Major," Charlotte growled as Kate began to struggle against her hold.
"What is going on?" Kate shrieked as her eyes darted around the room wildly. "Why isn't my power working?"
"Sounds like something might be wrong with you, Kate," Charlotte continued and Millie could have laughed. "But that isn't the focus right now. Now, are you gonna behave? Or do I have to tear you into pieces?"
"Enough!" Tanya shouted. She had watched the entire scene play out in intense silence. Millie supposed that was part of the reason the strawberry blonde was the coven leader. She apparently had more sense than her sisters.
"Just please, get this over with," Tanya said, through gritted teeth.
Jasper inclined his head before he removed the rest of Laurent's remaining leg. Once the screams quieted down, the answers finally came. "It was Victoria!" Laurent moaned.
Irina's hands flew to her mouth as her face twisted in anguish. "Why?" She whispered her eyes filling with unshed venom.
"Keep going," Jasper said coolly, flexing his hand in warning.
"I was feeding her information about the Cullen's," Laurent panted out. "About that girl, Bella!"
"Oh my god," Tanya said in a tone of disgust. "You son of a bitch!"
"Fuck you, Laurent!" Kate hissed, having stopped struggling against Charlotte, who in return, released her.
"How could you?" Irina cried out, her face a perfect picture of heartbreak. Sometimes men ain't shit.
"That's a good question," Jasper said, his mouth curving into a terrible smile. "Why'd you do it, Laurent? I told you before, you had a choice. And you said you'd didn't bear the Cullen's any ill feelings." This time he severed Laurent's upper torso from his lower torso. The screams that came from Laurent were truly horrific. "So, why help Victoria?"
"It was familiar," Laurent managed in between screams. "The old chain of command."
"Hmm," Jasper said as he stared down at Laurent. "And what information have you been feeding Victoria?"
Laurent swallowed heavily. "I told her about your gifts. How Alice could see the future, Edward could read minds, and how you controlled emotions." His words were quick. "I also kept Victoria up to date about Bella and her whereabouts."
"Who took clothing out of Bella's house?" The question that Millie wanted to know the answer to the most.
Laurent blinked up at him in confusion. "Clothing?" He repeated.
Jasper scowled. "I can rip you into more pieces than you think possible," he growled in warning.
"I wouldn't play the fool if I were you," Peter said grimly. "Keep telling the truth."
"The red blouse and socks," Jasper said icily. "Why?"
"I don't know!" Laurent yelled. "I don't know, I don't know!" He was frantic and as far as Millie could tell, he wasn't lying.
"Perhaps Victoria didn't keep him in the know in all of her plans," she suggested as she eyed Laurent. Not a good thing for them, since it meant someone else was involved that they didn't know anything about.
"Perhaps," Jasper said, glaring at Laurent. He studied him for next the next several moments before stepping back. "He's telling the truth."
Laurent slumped in slight relief, but it was very short-lived as within the next instant, Jasper decapitated him.
Irina let out a scream, but Tanya held her. "Do what you must," the Denali coven leader said. "I have to get Irina out of here, come on Kate."
Kate gave them one final if suspicious look before following her sisters out of the basement. Millie decided to restore her power. If need be, she could take it away again.
"What do we do with him now, Major?" Charlotte asked.
Jasper gave Laurent a dark look. "He's already in pieces, there ain't nothing left to do but burn him alive," he said coolly.
"He answered several questions, but there are still some that remain," Millie murmured. "Who the hell was it that went into Bella's house?"
"Are we even sure they are related to Victoria and Laurent?" Charlotte questioned.
"Why would a random vampire take clothes?" Peter retorted. "We may not know how, but I guarantee this stranger is connected even if some of the parties aren't aware of each other."
"Peter's right," Jasper agreed. "We'll find out what's going on some other way." He looked down at Laurent in disgust. "Put his head back on and take him outside Peter."
Pyre time. Peter and Charlotte gathered up Laurent's remains and walked out of the house. Millie made to follow when Jasper grabbed her hand and whirled her around.
"Something wrong?" She asked, but then her question was answered as he looked her over once more. "I'm alright," she said quietly. Truthfully, her fight with Laurent pissed her off. He got the upper hand and she would have been screwed if it weren't for Jasper.
"For the moment," Jasper said tightly before he let out a heavy sigh and pulled her against his chest. Millie blinked in surprise but allowed herself the moment before she pulled away.
"So what now?" She asked.
"We still have unanswered questions," Jasper said. "But now I have a better grasp of what's going on and where to look." He led her outside to where Peter and Charlotte had assembled the pyre.
Jasper picked up Laurent's remains and tossed them on the pile of assembled branches and sticks.
Jasper stepped back and suddenly, Laurent's eyes flew open and he let out a strangled scream and sob as he realized where he was and what he was laying on. He struggled to move, but it was entirely useless without his limbs.
Her mate opened his lighter and the flame flickered on before he began to light the edges of the pyre. They quickly took flame and he stepped back, watching as Laurent was consumed by the fire. Screams rang out until they were eventually silenced and there was nothing left but the smell of ashes and the purple smoke that rose into the sky.
"What a wasted life," Millie said with a disappointed shake of her head.
"We need to get back down south," Jasper said, his expression stoic as he stared at the rising smoke.
"What about the Denali?" Millie asked. They now knew the truth, but still, the whole incident had obviously made things weird between the two covens.
"I'll speak with Tanya and Irina before we go," Jasper said, before turning to Peter and Charlotte. "Go fill up the car."
Peter nodded and left with Charlotte, leaving Millie and Jasper staring at the remains of the fire. "We need to draw Victoria out in the open," Jasper said quietly before he turned away to face her.
"I figured. Washington is quite the convenient place for her and her gift," Millie said, crossing her arms. "Without all those caves, forests, nooks, and rivers, her chances of escape lessen greatly."
"We need bait," Jasper said, giving her a nod of approval. "Something she can't resist."
In that instant, they knew each other's thoughts. "Bella," Millie said softly. She was the sole object of Victoria's revenge. The best way to hurt Edward. "She's still down there thinking about the choice before her."
Jasper nodded, his face grim. "If she decides to become one of us, then we no longer have to worry about the law. If she decides to remain human, well then, bait is still bait even if is caught and killed."
Millie inhaled sharply. It was ruthless and cold-blooded, and yet as she was beginning to understand, a fundamental aspect of him. "She doesn't need to die like that," she remarked quietly, unsettled.
"It would either be us or Victoria," her mate pointed out simply. "And that is only if Bella decides to remain human." It was true and it did little to settle the uneasiness she felt at such an idea.
The sound of approaching footsteps ended the conversation and they turned to see the Denali approaching from the forest. None of them looked happy, but Irina looked the worst of them all. She took one look at the fading smoke and she collapsed to the ground, a loud wail erupting from her lips.
Kate and Carmen knelt beside her, giving her soothing words and gentle hugs, while Tanya and Eleazar approached them.
"This is..." Tanya let out a low hiss. "This is disgraceful." She gave the remains of the pyre a dark look.
"It is," Jasper agreed. "I'm sorry for Irina's pain, but it had to be done."
Tanya ran a hand through her strawberry blonde hair. "I know," she said. "I know. Give Carlisle our apologies and regard, and keep us updated?"
"Yes." Jasper looked at Irina was sprawled out on the ground, whimpering. "Would your sister appreciate some calm?"
"Go ahead," Tanya said quietly. "A little bit as she must deal with it, but I can't stand to see her like that."
Irina's whimpers lessened, and Kate and Carmen got her to stand up before leading her to the house.
And uncomfortable silence descended over them until Eleazar broke it when he turned to Millie and said: "A very impressive gift."
Tanya's eyebrows shot up and Jasper pushed a gaping Millie behind him with a warning growl. "If that was something she wanted to announce, she would have said it," Jasper hissed.
Eleazar held up his hands placatingly. "True," he agreed, keeping his focus on Millie. "But as you protect your coven, I do the same with mine."
Millie let out an irritated sigh and stepped around Jasper. "You never any said anything until now." It had been surprising, but she wasn't one to question it, especially when it benefitted her coven.
"I was thoroughly distracted by the situation." Eleazar grimaced. "I hadn't even thought to check until Kate had mentioned an issue with her ability."
"How unfortunate," Millie said with a casual shrug.
"That had nothing to do with fortune," Eleazar retorted, but his voice was light.
"I hope you figure it all out," Tanya said quietly. "I really hope you do."
Jasper nodded. "In the end, Victoria will be dealt with." Millie felt a shiver run down her spine at his words. She reminded herself that he was her mate and that she was not the object of his rage.
Once goodbyes were exchanged, they headed back to the car and back to the airport where they caught a flight back down south. There was much to inform the Cullens of.
...
Jasper pulled up in front of the garage, his mind racing with several thoughts on the current situation they were in. He parked the car, before getting out and heading towards the main house.
"Sounds like everyone is here," Charlotte murmured as they walked up to the door.
"Everyone except Edward," Millie corrected. "He should be here after all. A lot of this is the result of his actions."
"Coward," Peter mumbled under his breath. Jasper found the description pretty accurate for Edward. Just the thought of him, had his temper rising. When he saw him again, he was going to kick that mind-reading sack of shit's ass all over Forks.
As they entered the house, they were greeted by several vampires and one frazzled looking human. Carlisle led them into the living room, where everyone took their usual seats.
"Son, what happened?" The Cullen patriarch asked concern etched deeply into his face.
Jasper met his gaze, stoically. "A better question is what didn't happen," he retorted. "Laurent is dead."
"How?" Esme asked, eyes wide.
"I killed him," he answered simply. Shock filled the room and even a little bit of fear. He barely refrained from rolling his eyes. He wasn't in the mood to deal with his family's naivety. After James, they should have adjusted to the reality that sometimes other vampires were a threat and had to be killed.
"He was working with Victoria and feeding her information about us," he continued, crossing his arms against his chest.
"Why?" Emmett spat out. "He claimed that he didn't want to harm us!"
"Well apparently, Laurent liked the old ways with Victoria and James," his mate said mildly. "She would call him on the 14th of each month."
"Why did they send someone to my house?" Bella spoke up. "And why did they steal my clothes?" She tried to put on a brave front but her emotions were a wreck of fear and confusion.
"Laurent didn't know anything about that," Jasper informed the fragile human. "Victoria is involved, but she didn't tell Laurent about everything she was doing."
"So, they are still out there," Bella said, her voice shaking slightly. Alice reached over and wrapped an arm around her. "They could come back."
"It's a possibility," Jasper acknowledged. Inwardly, he thought it was an assured certainty, but it seemed that was all Bella could take at the moment, from the way her emotions were raging. "We need to prepare for them."
"How?" Rosalie asked, her eyes narrowed slightly. An undercurrent of anger ran through her emotions. He was sure his twin blamed Bella for everything that was happening.
"We'll continue taking turns watching Bella and her father," he said. "And we need to be more proactive towards Victoria instead of reactive."
"Chase her instead?" Peter mused. "I like it."
"And Edward's gift would be a great help," Jasper continued. "We need his ass back over here." He turned to Carlisle who let out a soft sigh.
"He hasn't been answering his phone lately, but I will try and contact him."
"Alice." He didn't need to say anything. He made the decision quite clearly, so she should have seen it.
His pixie ex-wife nodded. "I'll be on the lookout," she said quietly. "And perhaps I can find Edward too if he would make a decision."
Bella took a deep shuddering breath. "Speaking of decisions," she began, a fierce flare of determination bubbling within her.
Everyone turned their attention to her. "What is it, dear?" Esme asked, her eyes filled with worry.
"I want to become a vampire," Bella stated calmly, though her emotions revealed she was a nervous wreck inwardly. "I've thought about it plenty enough, and by becoming a vampire, you guys will no longer be in danger of the law."
There was a tense silence for several moments before Carlisle spoke up. "Are you certain?" He asked. "Edward..."
"He's not here," Bella cut him off. Another flare of determination in her emotions. "And it isn't his decision. It's mine." Jasper would have paid good money to see the look on Edward's face at that statement.
"You don't know what you're asking," Rosalie said coolly.
Bella pursed her lips in clear defiance. "I do," she said. "I understand what I am asking. It is what I want and it makes the most sense."
"Can't argue with her logic," Charlotte chimed in.
Bella addressed the entire room. "I'm ready to become a vampire," she looked at Carlisle. "So how would you like to do this?"
The shock that filled the room would have been laughable if it had been different circumstances. "Um, Bella?" Alice gave her best friend a pointed look.
"We aren't ready for that, Bella," Carlisle interrupted. "We'll need time to prepare, and I think it's best for all if you graduated high school first."
"Yes," Esme agreed. "I think that's reasonable and it would give you more time to prepare for what's coming Bella. There is no need to rush at the moment."
Bella frowned. "After graduation?"
"You have my word," the vampire doctor assured her.
The human slowly let out a breath. "Alright, then," she agreed. "After graduation." Her eyes narrowed. "Before I turn 19." Before 19? What was so important that Bella wanted to avoid turning 19?
"Turning 19 isn't the end of the world," Millie pointed out. "And it's always better to be older than younger."
"It's about Edward," Rosalie stated flatly. "Thinking about him, when he clearly doesn't care about you."
"Rose," Emmett scolded as Bella flinched.
"Whenever you want to after graduation, sweetie," Esme said while glaring at Rosalie.
"Speaking of graduation..."Alice began, drawing everyone's attention to her.
"Alice!" Bella groaned, resting her head in her hands. "Another party?"
"It'll be fun!" Alice said, ignoring the glares and pointed looks from everyone else.
"You said that the last time," Rosalie pointed out with a flip of her hair. "We all know how it turned out."
"It only went to hell because of Edward," Emmett retorted. "Count me in, pixie," he said with a big grin. "It's not often we have parties."
Rose rolled her eyes and stood up and exited the room. "Don't worry about it," Emmett said, his tone apologetic.
"Well, Carlisle? Esme?" Alice prompted.
Carlisle and Esme exchanged glances. "Alright, but please, don't overdo it, Alice," the blonde vampire warned.
Alice smiled and clapped her hands together. "I never do!" She sang before grabbing Bella. "I more outfits for you to try on!" She said, dragging the human out of the living room.
Later, they returned to the cottage, though Jasper's mind still lingered on Victoria.
"Hey," Millie touched his arm. "Don't overthink it."
He wouldn't. But when it came to planning his enemy's destruction, he preferred his planning to be perfect. And the question that bothered him the most: where to look for Victoria?
"I tell you what, I'm not going to another party," Millie grumbled. "We can do something else."
He gave her a curious look. "What did you have in mind?"
Millie gave him a shrug. "I'm not sure yet," she hesitated. "Perhaps something one on one?" He could feel the hope and the hint of desire in her emotions.
His lips curled into a smirk. "I would never say no to that." He would be a fool to turn down a romantic evening with his mate.
"Well, give me some time and I'll come up with something for us to do." Millie gave him a shy smile.
"Major!" Peter's voice rang the house and Jasper looked at the door in irritation. Trust Peter to interrupt when he was in the middle of something important with his mate!
"What?" He snapped as his brother came striding into his bedroom, a smug look on his face.
"You owe me another game of life," he said, and Jasper growled at him in agitation. The last time they had played that game, Jasper had beaten him more times than he cared to count.
"Did your gift tell you I didn't want to be disturbed?" He demanded, ready to spring at him on a moment's notice.
"Nope," Peter said cheerfully, and Jasper began analyzing the various ways he could launch Peter through the window. Millie burst into a fit of giggles and rose to her feet.
"I could do with a bit of cheer right now," she said in between giggles. "Of course, if you are up for another player?"
"Of course!" Peter beamed at her and Charlotte came in with the board game and a grin on her face. Jasper rolled his eyes and let out a groan.
"You wouldn't have dared to try this stunt with the Major," Jasper grumbled, wondering if he should summon the Major to deal with Peter. Millie let out another peal of laughter and Charlotte joined in with her as well.
"Your damn right I wouldn't," Peter quipped with a smug look. "You don't need a stupid captain," he said, and Jasper felt his lips tug up in a smile. He could never remain angry at his brother for long.
"Alright, alright." He gave in with a shake of his head. "Set the game up and let's commence with your ass getting beat again."
"Well you know I know shit, Major," Peter said smugly as Charlotte set the game board on the table in the room. "And well, my gift is telling me otherwise."
"How about a bet on that?" Millie asked as she walked over. "I think you're full of shit Peter."
Jasper let out a laugh at that. It pleased him to see Millie enjoying herself. "Don't bet too much darlin, that asshole could be right for once."
"Okay. Fine," Millie agreed with a grin. "A good five dollars will do, what do you say Peter?"
"Sorry, I have to bet on my man," Charlotte said, though there was a smile on her face as well.
"You're on," Peter said with a grin and the four sat down to play. Jasper wouldn't have traded that moment for anything else in the world.
AN: Hey everyone! Hope y'all had a good holiday and new year! I am very sorry for the months without an update, but I'm back and will be updating more regularly! I hope y'all enjoyed Chapter 10! And as always, thank you to everyone who left a review, favorited, or followed this story!