Bella
"Are you sure you're okay?" Esme rubbed my cold arm reassuringly and smiled softly. Her golden eyes were piercing into mine, searching for any injury Edward might've created. I didn't answer her. I kept my eyes on the action of front of me. I had to squint to see any movements and it was starting to hurt since I couldn't see with all these tears.
The Cullen family had rushed over when they heard me sobbing to Jasper of what happened. I was answered with a furious roar and everyone yelling. They all hurried, Rosalie and Jasper the first to get to Edward. They were now all fighting, Emmett and Peter trying to stop everyone from hurting each other.
Charlotte was off to the side, staring at the group worriedly while Carlisle yelled at them to stop. Finally Jasper had pinned Edward to the ground by the knees and was turning his head to a weird angle. I heard the terrible crunch and saw some of the limbs of my ex boyfriend were scattered everywhere. He had somehow managed to bite Rosalie, who was screaming at him.
I wrenched myself out of Esme's hold and ran forward, down the small steps, but was stopped by Peter. The backyard was so dark I barely saw him jump in front of me. I almost ran into his hard chest. He grabbed my tops of my arms and hissed at me.
"Bella, if you get hurt, the Major would never forgive himself. Stand still, would ya?" He planted me on my feet and I took a step back, biding by his rules. Emmett pulled Jasper away from Edward before he could tear his head clean off and Edward scurried away on his bottom, fear on his face.
"Enough!"Carlisle's velvety voice echoed through the trees of my backyard. Jasper snarled against Emmett's hold, refusing to stop. I stared at him, silently begging him to look at me to show him everything was alright. I was freezing my ass off. I was so terrified that I didn't put on any different clothes; I was still wearing that panty set and Jasper's shirt.
I started to sprint forward, but Charlotte and Esme stopped me, blocking my path away from Jasper. I screamed at them to let me pass, but they refused. They said he was out of control. I couldn't take this anymore. I threw out my shield and knocked Emmett back so he let go of Jas. He hurried over to me, taking me into his arms and making sure I was safe behind him, growling at anyone who came too close.
"That piece of shit deserves to die!" He hissed at Carlisle.
The doctor would never let anything like that happen, "No one deserves to die, Jasper. He has apologized to Bella, all is well." Jasper seemed to roar and I clung to him, trying to calm his anger.
"I really am sorry. I would've never…" Edward trailed off as I shot my eyes to his, shaking my head.
"You screwed up, Edward …" I trailed off, my voice thick.
He was gone the next second, his limbs still flopping around. It hurt that Edward and I had gotten to this level. He had almost snapped today. If it wasn't over before then it definitely was now.
"If any of you come near my mate tonight, I'll rip your fuckin' arms off." His tone was dangerous and severe as he clutched me back to him. Everyone nodded and disappeared.
He scooped me up bridal style and hopped up to my dark room. I held him close when he tried to release me, but allowed him to place me on my feet, "Don't leave me tonight." I begged pitifully. I didn't want to be alone. It made me scared.
He held me tight, "I won't. But, we have to go to the clearing early to meet the wolves."
I peeked up at him, "Why?"
"Training. We need it and so does the pack." I buried my face in his hard chest as he tucked my head under his chin.
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
"Don't be. You didn't know what Edward was capable of."
"Jasper?" I asked delicately. He hummed in response, "Would…would you have k-killed Edward?"
He was quiet for awhile and I felt him tense, "Yes. Without a doubt if he had…" He trailed off thickly, "You're lucky and so is he."
I fell asleep in his arms, dreaming about Edward over me with red eyes.
…
I tucked my hands in the back pockets of my gray skinny jeans. They were tight against my ass and legs and Jasper claimed he loved them when I put them on this morning. I put on a baggy v-neck over that and Jake's wolf bracelet. I ran a hand through my straight hair and stared at Edward worriedly. He had healed a little, all his limbs put into place, but his eyes were dead and his skin was paler than usual.
"Jasper knows everything about newborns and he will tell you the basics." Carlisle backed away and Jasper let me go reluctantly. He stepped in front of the pack of wolves and spoke in a strong voice.
"Newborns are not like human armies, because no human army could stand against them. The two most important things to remember are first; never let them get their arms around you, they'll crush you instantly, and second; never go for the obvious kill, they'll be expecting that and you will loose." He said seriously, his hands behind his back. He turned away as the wolves growled lowly, murmuring to themselves, "Emmett!"
I admired Jasper and actually found this kind of hot. He took control and oozed raw dominance. I loved it. We all turned as Emmett and Jasper walked to the center. Jasper had a sly smirk on his face and winked at me audaciously.
"Don't hold back." He teased his burly brother.
Emmett flashed a grin, his dimples sticking out, "Not in my nature." He ran forward and Jasper opened his arms in obvious invitation. They crashed together and he pushed Jasper all the way back, his heels digging into the dirt. Jasper was then in the air and landed ungracefully on his ass, but was up in less than a second. They threw for awhile until Jasper was able to punch his chest and send him on his back.
"Never loose focus." He stated cockily. Edward and Carlisle was next and Jasper watched them penetratingly, checking every move. Edward was able to pin his father by the neck and turned to Jasper with a scowl. He smirked, "One more thing." Carlisle shot back up and tackled the adolescent to the ground, "Never turn your back on your enemy."
I actually snickered and everyone raised their brows at me. I slapped a hand over my mouth to stop the giggle and quickly composed myself. Jasper smiled at me as Peter and Charlotte both stepped forward to take each other on.
…
"Okay, Bella, I need you to focus." Eleazar told me quietly, "I need you to close your eyes and only think of what I'm telling you. Let your instinct and powers take control." I did as I was told and slid my eyes close, concentrating on my shield, "Good, you've already got the basics for protection. Now, Jasper is going to send you some emotions, but I need you to focus on ignoring them and keeping a lead on your shield. Don't let it get ahead of you."
I felt Jasper's powers trying to slip through and I fought it with a vengeance, but suddenly I felt all warm inside. I opened my eyes and giggled as he sent humor and Eleazar rolled his golden orbs. He raised a hand and Jasper stopped, smiling at me.
"How exactly does this work?" Peter asked, stepping next to Eleazar.
Carmen smiled sweetly at me as the three men all talked. Carmen and Eleazar were mates and arrived after the wolves had left. Jacob was the only one who stayed behind, hanging out with Charlotte. She seemed to like dogs so he stayed in his wolf form so she could pat his head and call him a cutie. She didn't appear to be upset about the smell.
"Well, as Eleazar was saying, Bella is unable to control her shield. She knows the basics, but she doesn't know how to get a hold of it when it's out of control. If the newborns are coming then we have to make sure she knows how to protect herself if she's alone." Carmen explained. Jasper grimaced.
"She won't be. I'll make sure of that." He said indisputably, raising his brows at me. I smiled pleasantly at him and turned my attention back to Eleazar. Peter's eyebrows furrowed and his mouth frowned. He stopped Eleazar and decided to talk.
"I think I have a theory." He stepped forward, "Okay, Bella, I need you to close your eyes again. Imagine the newborns are coming and the family is fighting," I could see that behind my eyes; Esme knocking off heads with Carlisle behind her, Edward keeping everything stable while peeking back at me, and Rosalie and Emmett working together. Char and Peter would defend me and kill any vampires trying to get to me, "Now, imagine that Jasper is fighting and suddenly hurt," I tensed, my eyebrows merging and my breath getting erratic. If anything happened to Jasper, I would… "Two newborns attack him and what do you do? Your useless, nothing, you can't fight and it's all your fault Jasper is gone!" He shouted at me now and my emotions bolted everywhere.
My eyes shot open and I screamed, "NO!" I was pushing my shield out so it slammed into Peter, causing him to fall to the ground in a spasm of pain.
Eleazar glanced down at Peter with wide eyes then back up at me with a wide grin, "Yeah, this is gonna work."
…
"You know that would never happen, right, Bella?" I had refused to look at him. I ran a hand through my hair and brushed my fingers against the plants in the forest. I was leaving my scent around so it would lead the newborns to the clearing. When I didn't reply to Jasper, he blurred in front of me and grabbed my arms, "I won't get hurt so you have no reason to worry."
"It would be better if you stayed with me." I whispered. I hated being apart. His eyes softened and he released me with a sigh.
"Hurry up and finish and we can talk." He said. I continued, spreading my scent everywhere until we reached the field. I turned to Jasper, nervously looking down and tucking my hands in the back of my jean pockets.
He lifted my chin and gently smiled at me, "You know that they need my help."
I immediately answered, "Then let me be in the clearing to help, please…" His eyes turned hard and he released my jaw, huffing roughly.
"No, if you got hurt…" He trailed off thickly, his honey orbs turning distant, "I can't risk your life."
"But, I won't and they would all be directed at me, so they'll be distracted and easier to take down." I explained, begging him. He stared at me for awhile, his mouth set in a firm line.
"I'll talk to the others about it, but for now, darlin', we need to worry about you." He said, pulling me back towards the trail. I fell into step with him.
"When are they gonna be here?" I asked softly, glancing up at him.
He shrugged, "Alice called Carlisle and said by next week, on Tuesday. I'll make sure Charlie is safe. He will be staying with Billy on that day. Leah and Seth will keep them safe. Everything is going to be fine."
I knew he was right, but I couldn't shake this horrible feeling in my gut. We would be prepared, but who would get hurt? Esme, Rosalie, or Charlotte? Emmett was big, but also a goof and could loose concentration. What about Edward? He could be worried about me and get hurt. And…Jasper…if I lost Jasper…
I wrapped my arms around his mid-section and he paused, startled. I snuggled into his chest, tears falling down my face. He held me close and buried his nose into my hair, "I love you."
"I love you, too." He pressed a kiss to my hair, holding me tight. It was quiet for awhile except the bird twirping and the trees blowing in the wind.
"Jasper, don't get hurt." I whispered into his clothes.
"I won't if you won't." He promised, but I didn't know it meant nothing.
…
On Saturday, I lazed around as the Cullen's went hunting. The wolves were patrolling outside while I lounged on the couch. Charlie was still asleep upstairs. I changed the channel and landed on Tom & Jerry. The doorbell rang and I yawned, stretching out.
I only had on a purple camisole with gray sweats hanging low on my hips. I padded to the door and cracked it open. I grimaced when I saw who it was.
"What, Edward?" I sighed, getting my hands ready to close the door. He looked much better than before. His clothes were clean and expensive, not a speck out of place. It made me sick. My stomach churned as I stared at him.
"May I come in?" He asked softly, his voice seemed timid. I followed him and he turned around to look me up and down, "You changed your hair."
I snorted, placing my hands on my bare hips, a grin slithering onto my face, "That's all you have to say to me?"
"No," He blinked slowly, locking eyes with mine, "I need to talk to you."
"Talk." I demanded, plopping onto the couch. I made sure my shield was wrapped tightly around me as he sat down next to me, "What is it, Edward?" He took one of my hands, but his finger slid right off, leaving a cool trail behind.
"I just want to make sure you are making the right choice, Bella. That's all. I want you to know your options." He stated calmly, his eyes penetrating me. I shifted uncomfortably and darted my eyes away.
"I do. But, you screwed up, Edward and it's going to take sometime to trust you. I'm…sorry." I shrugged, staring at the wall. I could see in my peripheral vision that his face twisted up in hurt. He reached for my hand again and I let my shield fall so he could touch me. He played with my fingers, turning my hand this way and that, tracing the lines in the skin.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. You don't know exactly how sorry I am. It hurts, Bella. And I miss you, so much." He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the back of my hand and I curled it into a fists, pulling it away.
"I know and I forgive you. I just can't trust you." He suddenly took my face between his hands and brought his closer to mine so his sweet breath could cascade over my mouth.
"There is no amount of time that I will give up, but…we'll start with forever." I felt his lips softly brush mine and then he was gone.
My heart thundered in my chest and my head was spinning. I was must've fainted or fallen asleep because my eyes fluttered back open when I felt a cool touch. I thought it was Jasper, waking me up, but I stared into cold, red eyes.
I refused to move or scream, I just lay there, frightened as he brushed his hand on my cheek. He was tall and almost reminded me of Jasper with his lanky body and blonde hair that was flipped in a boyish style. His jaw was tight with stress and he moved my hair away my face. He slowly bent down, his breathing erratic, matching mine, and pressed a chilly kiss to my cheek.
And then he was gone, and I shook, tears silently falling down my face.
What the hell was that?
…
I sat in the beautifully decorated house, fiddling with my fingers. Jasper was in front of everyone, a grimace on his full lips. Charlotte sat next to me, rubbing my arms tenderly. Jasper had snapped when he smelled a stranger in my house and demanded a meeting.
Emmett and Peter walked in with grim looks, "His scent stops thirty miles away from Bella's house." I glanced at them.
"Did you recognize the scent?" Esme asked as she paced around worriedly. Peter shook his head and peeked at Emmett with a raised brow.
"No, it was a different scent. No one I know." He shrugged his big shoulders.
"We'll have to take more shifts."Carlisle insisted quietly.
Rosalie's eyes flashed with annoyance, "Another shift?"
"No," I muttered, "No, I can't let you guys starve and take extra shifts, because a newborn." Jasper glared at me, his lips thin.
"I'm not leaving you alone." He stated harshly and I shook my head.
"I won't be alone. I have…" I trailed off, the wolves were not a bad idea. They were helping us with the war so they can help with the shifts.
"Don't tell me; the dogs?" Rosalie groaned almost, glancing at me with irritation. Carlisle turned to the TV and flipped it on. The news woman was speaking of the killings in the state and they were wrong about every theory.
"What I don't get is why the Volturi hasn't came in." Peter said, bringing all the attention to him. He was right. The Volturi, the rulers of the vampire world, had yet to cut in and didn't give any notion they were going to. We were on our own in this one.
"Alice said they're coming in fast and it might be earlier than we realize."Carlisle glanced at Jasper, who was daring me not to say it. I shot up anyway, breaking out of Charlotte's arms.
"I'll be in the field. It'll make everything easier." Everyone was quiet, staring at me then Jasper who was shaking with anger, "I'll be fine."
"I think it's a good idea." Rosalie grinned rather wickedly. I shivered and glanced back at Jasper; he had yet to say anything, "The human will be fine."
"Bella,"Carlisle called to me and I met his intense stare, "This is a war, with many lives lost. Are you sure?" I looked back at Jasper, his jaw tight and his eyes narrowed.
"I'm positive."