A/N: I am a bad, bad author. I know. I feel horrible about how long it took me to get out this measly little chapter. Unfortunately, life took over. But I'm back! For now, at least. I hope to finish this story by the end of the year, which in theory should happen because there are only two or three chapters left of this story. But that depends on what real-life has in store for me in the coming months.

I hope you won't be disappointed with the chapter, considering it took so long to get out. Please forgive any spelling or grammar errors.

Warnings... um, torture is briefly mentioned. That's all I'm going to say. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: The Twilight Series and all recognisable characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended. Only this rather lame plot is mine

Chapter Seven: Betrayal

Jasper quickly made his way back to the camp. He knew Edward didn't like the idea of him returning – if he were honest, Jasper wasn't a fan either. He didn't like having to go back and just to put himself back in Maria's hands. But it was necessary. Maria had to believe he was going on the mission and that he had died in her scheme.

It was his only chance of escape.

Jasper made sure that his entrance into the camp didn't draw attention to his unnecessary exit. The last thing he needed was for his unusual behaviour to be noticed. That would only invite questions he couldn't answer.

He went straight to his room without meeting any eyes. Once he was safe from prying eyes, Jasper retrieved his pack from beneath his bed. It wasn't unusual for him to bring supplies on a raid – though it was usually filled with reconnaissance tools. This time, though, it would carry Jasper's last items from his human life, some money he had accumulated over the years, and some clothes for the trip. If he packed well, everything would just fit in the bag without it appearing too bulky.

Next, he carefully picked out what he would wear on the raid. It had to be inconspicuous, but he wasn't able to wear what he normally would. He didn't think Edward would want to run out of town with someone dressed only in a pair of dirty trousers. He would certainly draw attention dressed like that, and Jasper didn't want to ruin his escape by having to stop and put on a shirt. If anything went awry, he would need every last nanosecond to put more space between Maria and Edward and him.

Jasper picked out a shirt that was still in relatively good condition, but was still old and dirty. He was just reaching for his pack so he could begin filling it up, when a figure emerged from the corner of his eye.

He whirled around, ready to attack if need be, but was stopped by a startled sound.

'Whoa, Jasper, it's just me!' Peter cried, raising his hands defensively.

Jasper relaxed and quickly looked behind Peter to ensure they were alone. 'You snuck up on me,' he said, though he was loath to admit it.

'On you? Who'd have thought it'd be possible?'

'Don't get used to it,' Jasper said. 'What are you doing here, Peter?'

"I wanted to speak to you about the raid tonight, but it can wait until you're ready." Peter glanced down and furrowed his brow at the items Jasper had lying on his cot and right next to his bed. "What are these for, Jasper?"

Jasper didn't answer as his brain ran through every scenario. He knew Peter – he knew Peter wouldn't buy any silly excuse or lie he would throw out. Peter had always been the only one that Jasper respected. He tried to stay above the blood and violence. He was philosophical about it all, and even though Jasper would growl and try to beat him down, Peter would always try to comfort and help Jasper. Though Jasper would never admit it out loud.

If anyone deserved to be free from the madness of war, it was Peter.

How he never let the war change him, Jasper didn't know. But while they had never been close confidantes, Jasper felt like he could trust him. And it would help to have someone else who could take the pressure off of him once the plan was pulled off.

But he didn't know if he should.

Edward was the first person he had trusted for years, and Jasper had struggled with why that was until it finally had made sense when Edward explained that they were mates. Jasper assumed his instincts made it feel natural to trust Edward for that very reason. But Edward had made him realise that trusting people didn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. And out of everyone in the camp, he trusted Peter the most.

So Jasper took an enormous leap of faith.

'If I tell you, will you promise to keep it to yourself?' Jasper asked.

'Of course,' Peter replied, furrowing his brow in confusion.

'I'm serious, Peter. You can't tell a soul, especially not Maria. My life depends on it.'

'I'm your friend, Jasper. I won't speak a word,' Peter promised.

Jasper nodded, threw all of his harsh military training out the window, and placed his trust in the relationship he'd built. Despite his strong doubts.

'I'm running away,' Jasper admitted in a hush tone.

'You're what?' Peter asked, immediately dropping the volume of his voice and walking close to Jasper. 'You can't run away.'

'I can, and I am.'

'Where are you going?'

'I don't know yet,' Jasper said. 'And I won't make you culpable by telling you. But after tonight I'll be gone.'

'This is about that other vampire I smelled, isn't it?' Peter asked.

Jasper hesitated for a moment before he looked away. 'He's my mate. He has family and we're going to meet with them. I'm finally getting out of this place. Maria is a monster,' he growled.

'Jasper,' Peter warned.

'No, she is, Peter. She's a monster. She's using us. Our lives here are hopeless and driven by her will. I knew that the whole time, but until I met Edward, I didn't care. But now, I just can't stay here anymore. I can't continue living this life, knowing there's something better out there. I won't be her murderer and I won't follow orders. I'm no fucking patsy.' Jasper couldn't read Peter's emotions, he could only watch as Peter nodded along with his words while keeping his face blank, but he hoped his trust wasn't for naught.

'You won't say anything, right Peter?' Jasper asked.

'Of course not,' Peter quickly said. He looked at Jasper's pack and Jasper felt Peter's longing sweep through him. 'You're lucky, Jasper. So very lucky. I'd kill to get away from here.' Peter paused, then looked into Jasper's eyes. 'How can I help?'

'I can't ask you to do that.'

'You aren't asking me, I'm offering. Let me help you, Jasper,' Peter insisted.

'It's already planned,' Jasper said. 'Maria's 'job' tonight, well I won't be making it back from it. It's a suicide mission, and I'm going to make her think it worked. But it'd be helpful as fuck if you'd keep up the charade once I'm gone. Maybe check up tomorrow and confirm with her that I'm dead. She can't think I've gotten away.'

'No, of course not,' Peter agreed. 'I'll do anything. But I should leave now. Don't want anyone getting suspicious, do we?' he asked with a wry smile.

'No, no, you should go,' Jasper said looking away. Peter turned to leave, but Jasper caught his arm. He couldn't quite meet his eyes – the soldier in him was still loath to show vulnerability of any kind – but he knew he had to say one last thing to the only vampire in the camp who ever seemed to care about his well-being. 'Peter, thanks… for everything. You're… you're the only true friend I've had here, and, well, I think I'd have lost it long ago if you weren't here trying to keep me grounded.'

Peter quirked an eyebrow and tugged his arm away. 'Damn, didn't know getting a mate made you such a fucking wuss.'

Jasper growled; he still wasn't ready to fully give up control or let anyone walk all over him. Friends included. Peter just smiled and walked from his corridor.

Jasper looked after him, still unsure if he had just made the best or worst mistake of his cursed life.

Edward had run as fast as he could and reached Montana just before closing-time. When he reached the post box, there was only one letter waiting for him. A pang of longing went through him when he saw Esme's elegant cursive spelling out his name.

He hadn't realised how much he missed them both. He didn't have Carlisle for guidance or Esme for advice. And he really wished he could speak to the both of them at that moment. He needed to know that he was making a smart move.

Not about Jasper. No, that would always be good.

He needed to know if the plan would work. Carlisle would know. Carlisle would have formed a foolproof plan that Edward would inherently trust, and without issue Jasper would be safe and sound in his arms.

Carlisle would have convinced Jasper to stay. To flee that night and not return.

Edward hated himself more each moment knowing that he had allowed Jasper to go back to Maria. Jasper had been insistent, but Edward kept wondering if there was something he could have said that would have convinced Jasper to change his mind. He knew there wasn't; Jasper was too stubborn for his own good. But the possibilities plagued Edward constantly and drove him nearly mad. He kept being reminded that he had let his mate go back into the clutches of a murderer. And he'd never forgive himself if anything happened.

Forcing the thoughts away, Edward tore open the letter, and for a moment he lost himself in Esme's reports of the months they had been separated.

Dear Edward,

Oh, my darling boy, I do hope you are well. I know you meant to strike out on your own, but I hope you read this sooner than I think you will. It has felt rather incomplete without you with us. Though I do understand why you left. However, I do hope you have finally found what you were looking for, and that you return to us soon.

We are in Maine now. In a small town called Jonesport right on the coast, just as I've always wanted. Our house looks out over the water, and when you come back, I've set up a room for you with a bay window and a view of the sea.

I miss you every day. I miss hearing your piano played. It is waiting for you. I hadn't the heart to leave it behind. So here it sits, forlorn in the living room. Even Carlisle seems lost without you. He has observations or discovers of new medical ailments, and I know he desires to know your thoughts. But I know that it is important that you have this time, now, to find yourself.

Come back to us, please. Whenever you arrive, you have a home here. Carlisle is even prepared to offer you a position at his practice.

You are loved, my dear boy. I hope you know how much. No matter where your wanderings have taken you these months, you are loved. And forgiven, no matter what you may have done.

Love always,

Esme and Carlisle

Edward knew that he'd be crying if he had the capacity to produce tears. Their address was written below, and on a whim, Edward decided to write back and let her know he was returning.

Dear Esme,

I have missed you more than you could know, though your letter reminded me why. I am writing to let you know that I am returning, and I will not be alone. Despite my wayward wanderings, I found a purpose. I found my mate. We are leaving tonight, and will travel as quickly as possible to meet you.

I cannot wait to introduce you.

Edward

He paid for the fastest delivery available, and then immediately began the journey back to Texas. Back to Jasper.

Jasper waited until the last minute to emerge from his chambers. For the longest time he sat, thinking over everything that had happened in his life. Edward was still a surprise, and Jasper still didn't know what a future with him would entail. He didn't fully understand what being mates meant. But he knew that he wanted to spend time with Edward. He knew he was pulled to him, and desperately wanted to make him happy. And, for reasons Jasper couldn't begin to understand, Edward seemed to feel the same way for him.

Edward thought he was worth saving.

And Jasper wanted to be worth saving.

So there he sat. Waiting for dusk for his life to change.

When he couldn't put it off any longer, Jasper swung his pack over his shoulder, took one last look at the only life he could remember, and left to meet his troops.

He knew something was wrong the moment he stepped out of the cave. Instead of the usual bustle of the camp, everything was silent. Jasper walked forward, but tensed as the members of the camp followed him, eventually surrounding him on all sides. Before he could act, his arms were grabbed by four other vampires, trapping him and preventing him from any movement.

'What is going on here?' Jasper demanded, trying in vain to tear himself from his captors.

'Don't you know?' A voice asked from the crowd. The people parted in front of him, and Maria walked out from between them.

'Maria, what are you doing?' Jasper asked.

'I thought that was obvious, Jasper,' she said.

'Stop teasing and just tell me,' he barked. 'What is going on?'

Maria pressed herself against him and grabbed his chin to force him to look directly in her eyes. She studied him for a moment before she slowly dragged her hands down over his neck and chest until she reached his stomach, where she let her hand rest.

'A little birdie told me something interesting today.'

'Oh, yeah? And what's that?' Jasper knew he should have kept his mouth shut; that his words would only infuriate her more and make the problem worse. But he'd never been one to step down, even when it was in his best interest.

'Oh no no no,' she cooed. 'I want you to tell me. Tell me, my general, my favourite, how you plan to betray me,' she growled. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she dug her nails into Jasper's stomach, piercing his hard flesh as deep as they could go. Jasper managed to bite back a scream of pain, but it was like being stabbed with razor sharp knives.

Maria twisted her hand, and pulled back with a handful of flesh. She held it in front of him, before throwing it to the ground and grabbing his throat.

'Tell me!' she commanded.

'I don't know what you're talking about,' Jasper managed to gasp out through the pain.

She slapped him, making sure to drag her nails fully across his face, and then she dug them into his cheeks, piercing through to his mouth. Without speaking, she motioned to the vampires holding him, and they instantly enacted to their well-known duties.

It wasn't uncommon to use torture as an interrogation technique. The bite of another vampire, while not lethal, was very painful. And too much of the pain had been known to drive some vampires mad. Jasper was familiar with the pain. He had experienced his fair share of bites – he even had the many scars to prove it.

But this time, it was unbearable.

The pain of the four vampires' bites – on his neck, chest, arms… wherever they could reach – combined with the pain from his stomach and mouth was becoming too much. They inflicted damage faster than his body could heal itself, and their venom only hindered the process.

After several long minutes – how long, Jasper couldn't tell – Maria called them off. She stared at Jasper, coldly watching him as he unnecessarily gasped due to the pain.

'You think you can betray me without consequences?'

'I'd…I…,' Jasper stopped to gather his wits before he forced out an answer, 'I'm not.'

'Oh, really? Why do you lie to me Jasper? Have I not been a kind master? I gave you this life. I saved you from certain death. And this is how you repay me?'

'You made me a murderer,' Jasper spat out. If this was his one and only opportunity to truly tell her how he felt, he was going to take full advantage. His situation couldn't possibly get worse, after all.

'I made you a soldier,' she snapped. 'Without me, you'd have died. You were pathetic when I turned you. A pathetic little human who'd have eventually died with all the other pathetic human soldiers – if not in the next battle than in one of the many others. I built you. I made you.'

'You destroyed me,' Jasper whispered. He immediately regretted it, when his arm was wrenched back. He felt a snap and knew that one more movement and he'd lose the arm.

'So like a coward, you thought you'd run away?'

'I never –.'

'Do not lie, I know all about it.'

'I haven't done anything.'

'Do you think I'm an idiot?' She hissed. Jasper kept silent, knowing that he'd already pushed his luck too far. 'Peter,' she called out.

Jasper's mind shut down for a moment and an emotion he'd never felt before swept through him as he watched the one person in the camp that he had trusted shuffle his way out of the crowd. Peter's head was down, and he refused to look Jasper in the eye. But Jasper knew… he'd been betrayed.

'Peter,' he said, unable to keep the hurt and frustration out of his voice.

'Tell me what you said, Peter,' Maria commanded. 'Tell me what Jasper told you.'

'He—he said, he's running away. He was going to desert the mission tonight and run away,' Peter mumbled, though from the deathly silence in the camp, it seemed to ring out.

'How could you? I trusted you,' Jasper muttered.

'I'm sorry,' Peter said. He finally looked up at Jasper, but only met his eyes briefly before turning away again. 'I had to, Jasper. Please, you must understand,' he pleaded.

'You traitor,' was all Jasper could say.

'I had to,' Peter repeated.

'Of course you did, Peter,' Maria interjected. 'You see, Jasper, Peter is loyal. Peter is a true soldier. He knows his place and he knows who is in charge. And for that, he will rise in the ranks. In fact, I have a feeling your position will be open after tonight. Do you deny any of what he has said?'

When Jasper didn't answer, Maria seemed to take that as confirmation. She picked up his pack, which had been thrown to the ground, and opened it. One by one, she removed the items and dropped them at her feet.

'Photos, clothes, money… nothing you would need for your assigned mission tonight,' she said. She threw the bag at Peter and crushed the photos into the ground with her foot. 'I think that about clears things up. Don't you?' She asked.

There was nothing for Jasper to say, nothing to change her mind. His fate had been set the moment he walked out of the cave. Maria smirked, bared her teeth, and attacked.

Jasper closed his eyes, too weak and in too much pain to try to fight back. He thought of the one thing that could take his mind off his suffering. Edward. He knew Edward would be waiting for him. He knew the pain Edward would feel when he realised that Jasper wasn't coming… would never come. He only hoped that Edward would not go looking for him.

Edward… he thought, I'm so sorry.

Edward waited eagerly on the edge of town, the excitement flowing through his body. He wanted to set out and be well out of the way before anyone noticed Jasper was missing, so he had arrived early just in case something went wrong and they needed to leave sooner.

But at three-thirty, Jasper still hadn't shown. Edward could only contain himself for another ten minutes before he set off to find him. He knew Jasper wouldn't be late – not for this. So he knew something was wrong.

Edward had only been to the camp once, and that was in a covert, roundabout fashion. So it took Edward almost half-an-hour to track down the camp. He hid out behind a rock and looked down at the camp, trying to find any clue on what had happened.

If he hadn't already been dead, the sight before him would have stopped his heart.

Jasper was being held by four vampires, and he was barely hanging on. He hung limp in their arms, clothes torn, and chunks of his body missing. And Maria was standing over him, fiercely clawing at him and eliciting silent screams from Jasper's open mouth.

Edward didn't even think. There was no thinking where his mate was involved. Jasper was in pain, Jasper was suffering… Jasper was dying. And Edward couldn't let that happen.

He thought of Esme and Carlisle and their house on the shore that he may never get to see. The life he might have had with his mate had they met in different circumstances. They'd barely spent time together, and it might be ripped away.

Sometimes life was cruel.

But despite these thoughts, a life without Jasper wasn't a life at all. Not now that Edward would know what he was missing. So he dropped his bag behind the rock, stood so he could easily be seen, and rushed down towards the crowd.

He was willing to fight to the death for Jasper, and Edward couldn't help feeling that it would come to that. But Jasper was worth the sacrifice. And if he was going to die, Edward couldn't think of a better way than protecting his mate.

He pushed through the crowd, ignoring the hisses and growls aimed at him each time he tossed someone to the side. They weren't important. They didn't matter. When he reached the front, he found himself standing directly behind Maria.

Edward took only a moment to appraise Jasper. He was much worse than he looked from the ridge, but Edward wouldn't let that distract him. He tensed his body, running through every hunting technique. Would Maria be a mountain lion or a bear? Elegant and cunning or brute force? It didn't matter in the end. What worried Edward the most was whether her troops would fight on her behalf.

Jasper's eyes fluttered open and Edward caught a glimpse of the pain and resignation on his face. His thoughts were a mixture of apologies to Edward, disjointed thoughts, and curses. Edward tried to make Jasper feel his love and support, if only to give him hope and let him know that he was there. He knew it worked the moment Jasper's eyes widened and shot up to search him out. When they locked eyes, Jasper silently begged Edward to leave, to save himself and run.

But Edward couldn't do that.

'I love you,' he mouthed to Jasper.

Then he closed his eyes, sent a prayer out to anything listening, and lunged.

A/N: Dont hate me, I had to! I'm sorry about the ending, but it just had to end there. Please review and tell me what you thought! ~A.J. Kelly