Author's Note:

Hello, long time no see! There's a little note I wanted to leave here before the chapter starts if you don't mind. First, I want to thank all of you for the incredibly enthusiastic and supportive reviews, it means so much to me! Second, I want to explain that the "bond" Jasper and Eve share is growing as the story progresses so if you see that they're communicating through their thoughts-it's actually the emotions they're conveying that allows them to understand what the other is thinking/feeling. Hope that makes sense lol.

Lastly, I can't believe we're almost at 1k follows for this story and we have 140,000 hits!? Thanks so much for following and enjoying Eve's story x

Warning: Lemons

Song Recommendation for this chapter: Atomised by Laura Welsh.

Chapter 37

Jasper watched his mate with a grim expression on his face; his hands closed into fists at his sides. Eve was currently following Bella's lead in pricking her finger and marking the battlefield with their scent. The two were surprisingly tactful in making sure to mark every tree or boulder surrounding the field where they'd hoped to lure all of the newborns. Jasper wasn't at all happy with Eve's decision to become involved, but...

"She's a part of this. Whether we like it or not. Victoria and Riley made sure of that." Edward cut in as he approached his brother from behind, where Jasper leaned against Emmett's Jeep–arms crossed and posture tense.

His dark eyes couldn't look away from Eve as he acknowledged Edward, "Reading my thoughts again? You sure that's a good idea?"

Edward scrunched up his nose, thoroughly regretting that decision when he'd caught Jasper's thoughts during their hunt when the empath couldn't help but reminisce on the previous night he'd spent making love to Eve–dispelling the worry that ate away at his patience. At the same time, he tried his best to keep Eve calm. Not a mistake Edward will make again, Jasper was sure. Edward loved his sister and Jasper too, but that was not a sight he wanted to see again.

Jasper smirked, but it quickly fell with the shake of his head, "I hate this. I wish she didn't have to be involved at all but leaving her unprotected in the house isn't an option either."

"Something we both have in common," Edward mumbled as he frowned, watching as Bella pricked her finger again and swiped a thin line of blood across a tree trunk. "I'm sorry, Jasper."

He shook his head, "It's not your fault you managed to make a crazed red-headed she-devil your enemy. If it hadn't been for James's obsession with Bella, none of this would have happened."

"Still..." Edward sighs, tucking his hands in the pockets of his jeans, "Alice says so far with the help of the pack, we'll be alright. We should be."

"Good. Because I'll be damned if they get anywhere near Evelyn." Jasper pushed away from the Jeep, having enough of being away from Eve for so long. He'd returned from a last-minute hunt while Edward kept a watchful eye on the girls and hadn't gone to his mate yet, wanting to give her some space. While she would deny it if he asked, Eve was terrified of what was to come. Of what could happen, not to her, but everyone else as well. Jasper glanced over his shoulder to Edward as he read his thoughts, and Edward couldn't deny he was thinking the same thing of Bella: I'd sooner die by the hands of the Volturi than watch her leave this world without me by her side.

As Edward nodded, lament hitting Jasper like a wave.

The sound of the roaring waterfall crashing into the river behind her made Eve's heart pound erratically in her chest.

"The waterfall and rain will help mask your scent long enough until they arrive. By the time they realize they were led astray, it'll be too late." Jasper said as he finished setting up a small tent for her under the cover of a tree, a few miles away from where the battle will be taking place.

Eve nodded, licking her lips nervously as she turned away from the river to watch him as he secures the ties around the stakes buried in the soft earth.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll have to I'll ask Sam to spare one of the wolves to stay behind and protect you. If not I'll stay behind. I'm not taking any chances."

"Okay, whatever you think is best." She agreed, doing her best to try and reassure him. The curt nod he gave her, however, told her she did a poor job of doing so.

"I'm spending the night with you here and tomorrow morning I'll join the others on the field." Eve's hazel eyes soften as she looked at Jasper's movements closely. The tick in his jaw and narrowed gaze as he focused on the tent made her heart ache for Jasper.

He's more nervous than I am...

Walking over to her mate, she bends down to pick up her backpack that she'd left by the trunk of the tree. She placed it inside the tent before crawling in, eyeing the sleeping bag Alice had been kind enough to get for her. The strain between her and the pixie had lessened significantly over time but they were nowhere near becoming friends let alone sisters. A small part of her wasn't sure they'd ever get to that point but at least there wasn't so much animosity anymore.

The orange tent was surprisingly large on the inside and she couldn't help but lay on her back and stare up at the see-through ceiling. Her eyes blinked as she watched the faintest trickles of raindrops hitting the roof. The clouds were dark and almost ominous as they traveled across the sky. The sun had begun to set in the distance and night would come all too soon.

The sound of Jasper's shoes scuffing across the dirt told her he'd finished setting everything up. He came to a stop at the entrance of the tent before kneeling and peered down at her, "You should eat something." He motions for the backpack Esme had filled with snacks and water for Eve after the girl refused to eat in the morning.

"I'm too nervous to eat. Maybe later." Eve sighed, propping herself up on her elbows to find that Jasper wasn't looking at her but at her Adirondack boots that kept her feet from getting too cold. She watches as he slowly begins to untie the laces, slipping one of them off and then the other. The bond between them sparked to life the moment his long fingers grazed the exposed skin between her socks and jeans. Eve shivered, yearning for his touch. "It's going to be okay, Jazz."

"You know, I'm the one who's supposed to be comforting you. Not the other way around." Jasper's halfhearted grin didn't reach his golden eyes as his hands traveled up her calves, resting on her knees as his eyes slowly traveled up her body.

"You want to comfort me? Then come over here." She asked, shifting her legs slightly until her feet hooked around the back of Jasper's knees, tugging him forward until he obliged.

Eve's heart fluttered in her chest as Jasper slowly crawled into the tent, zipping it up the cover until the warm light of the sunset outside couldn't slip in. The sound of rain pitter-pattering away matched the rhythm of her heart as she heard Jasper's jeans sliding across the sleeping bag. The icy temperature of his body invaded her warm one but she didn't mind it at all. Not when he was this close to her and their bond was wide open for her to feel exactly what Jasper was feeling right now. If anything having him so near was more than comforting. It was a necessity. A balm to her soul and heart.

Right now she felt everything he was feeling, for her.

Worry.

Anger.

Concern.

Lust...

That last one might have been hers but still. It was something they shared.

Jasper settled on top of her, resting his arms above her head so as not to put all his weight on her small body but Eve wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him down until their foreheads were pressed against each other. She took in a deep breath, relishing in his scent. Jasper opened his eyes, looking at her face for a long moment until she noticed.

Eve ran her thumb over his cheek, "Stop looking at me like that. It's going to be okay."

Jasper sighed, lowering his head so it rested against her shoulder, "If anything happens to you...I don't know what I'll do. I'll lose my mind."

Eve sat up, pushing Jasper back so that she could sit on his lap–her legs on either side of him. Her hands held his shoulders tightly, "Jasper, look at me."

He frowned, averting his gaze for a second too long, "I am."

"No," she took his face in between both of her hands and got as close to him as she could. Her core pressed against him and elicited another wave of lust from both of them. "Look at me. I'm right here. I have no intention of going anywhere. So don't shut me out. You promised you wouldn't do that."

"I'm sorry." Jasper's eyes softened as he looked into her eyes for what felt like the first time since finding out the newborns had Eve's scent. He rested his hands on her hips, pulling her closer–making her roll into him slightly. Jasper sighed as she leaned forward and kissed him. Her lips were warm against his, soft and gently showing him that she was here, with him. The love she shared through the bond made his cold heart swell. Jasper kissed her back, holding the back of her head with one hand while the other rubbed small circles on her back. He only pulled away when he felt she needed to breathe.

"When this is over, we'll go back to the cabin. Just the two of us. And we'll stay there for as long as you want."

Eve's smile was breathtakingly beautiful as she brushed his hair away from his face with a gentle caress, "I'd like that."

"Good," Jasper breathed as he pressed a chaste kiss on her lips, "because after this, I'm not letting you out of my sight for a long, long time." He trailed kisses all over her face, making her chuckle.

Their kiss was innocent at first. Gentle and patient. But when he lightly bit her earlobe and made her whimper, they both knew what was about to happen. Not that they denied themselves of experiencing pleasure and love whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Eve felt him smile against her jaw as he lightly ran his tongue down to her neck. She held onto him, allowing him to drive her mad with desire as Jasper's hands slowly moved to unzip her jacket. Then her hoodie. Her flannel shirt was the last piece of clothing to go, leaving her in only a familiar black t-shirt that was too big to belong to her.

"Is this shirt mine by any chance?" He teased as his cold tongue traveled down her chest.

"I thought it'd be nice to have a piece of you with me while you're gone." She admits, her fingers playing with the curls of his honey-blonde hair as a blush invaded her cheeks. "Sorry, I should have asked."

Jasper hummed, brushing his lips against her. "No, I like that you have my scent all over you. It means you're mine at least in this way." He emphasized by rolling her hips against him once more.

"Yours." She breathed, her eyes fluttering closed had her hair draped over her face.

Suddenly Jasper's teeth grazed a spot on her neck, making her gasp. His long fingers gripped the hem of her shirt before his hands dipped under it, massaging her waist until they cupped her breasts.

He whispered sensually into her ear as his fingers lightly pinched her nipples through her lace bra, making her arch her back into his touch, "It's too cold to have you completely naked right now. Keep it on for me."

"Jasper..." Eve's lips parted as he slowly made his way down her body, pulling her jeans and panties down her legs. Heart pounding in her chest, she watched as he laid her down and began kissing her legs, Jasper's amber eyes were now a few shades darker as he looked into her eyes. His tongue swiped over her inner thighs. Eve bit her lip, squirming underneath his hungry gaze.

"Let me ravish you tonight, darlin'. Be mine." Jasper's voice was thick with lust, his gift emitting their shared emotions throughout the tent.

Eve moaned as his tongue slowly licked her slit, teasing and torturous.

"I'm yours, Jazz. Always."

"I love it when you say my name like that." A low growl vibrated through his chest as he finally found her sensitive ball of nerves–licking and sucking until she bucked her hips against his face. His name was a prayer on her lips as she came, holding onto his shoulders as he lapped at her wetness before thrusting two fingers into her. Eve stared up at the transparent tarp overhead, watching the sky grow darker as the full moon made an appearance. Lost in pure bliss as Jasper made her come again and again with his mouth.

His arms wrapped around her trembling thighs, holding her close to his mouth to make her come again. Her hands grasped for the blankets underneath her when he curled his fingers, rubbing them against the most sensitive area inside her, "Jasper...I'm coming..." Hearing the desperation in her voice, Jasper finally moved back over her. Their breaths intermingled as he kissed her with hungry passion, his tongue thrusting into her mouth as she moaned.

Her hands reached for the belt of his jeans, unbuckling them as quickly as she could while he watched through hooded lashes, impressed with his mate for sharing in the same desire for intimacy that he needed. When her small hand wrapped around his hard cock, Jasper bit his lip.

"Eve," he hissed but she ignored him, pumping him up and down while he hovered over her. When her thumb ran over the tip of his member, his hips buckled into her warm touch. Her lips sucked the skin on his throat before imitating what he'd done a few moments ago by grazing her teeth across his shoulder. In one swift move, Jasper pulled his shirt over his head before returning to her. Jasper panted as he felt himself coming to the crest of his orgasm, his voice hoarse, "I need to be inside you."

Wrapping his arms around her back, Jasper sat them up.

"Look at me, Evelyn." He knew she hadn't realized her eyes had been closed, too lost in the pleasure they'd been giving each other. Their chests were pressed together, close enough that he could feel her heart pounding through her chest and against his. Jasper pressed the tip of his member against her wet core, aligning himself and ensuring she was ready. "You're so wet. Fuck, are you ready?"

Eve never stopped looking into his eyes as she nodded, biting her bottom lip as another moan bubbled up inside her.

She gasped when he slowly thrust into her. They sighed almost in relief to finally be connected again, forgetting all about their worries about what's to come.

Eve hooked her legs around his waist, her hands holding onto his shoulders for support as they moved in unison. Jasper placed his hand against the small of her back, pressing her as close to his hips as he could. They moved slowly and deliberately, feeling one another with every breath, every thrust, and moan.

"I'm yours." Eve gasped as Jasper thrust his hips into her a little faster when his release started approaching. "I'll always be yours. God, I love you."

"I'll never stop loving you. Never." Jasper whispered, watching his mate with admiration as she moved faster, digging her nails into his back. "My control is starting to slip, baby. I need-"

His words faltered when Eve suddenly pushed him back down, pinning him with her hands as her hips sunk down against his cock.

"Lose control with me. Don't hold back this time, Jasper. I need to feel you." Eve whimpered, her legs squeezing around him urging him to keep going. Jasper stared up at the woman he loved in complete awe of her once again. His fingers started rubbing her clit as her back arched and she cried out his name.

"I love you." Hearing her say those words again, all self-control Jasper might have had snapped and obliterated. Jasper pushed his cock deep inside her, thrusting hard and fast until they both came hard. His hands pulled her down until Eve rested against his chest, her hands gently caressing his arms. They laid there in silence together, Jasper's hand rubbing her back until he felt Eve's blissful exhaustion and her love for him wash over him.

Jasper kissed her temple as he rolled her onto her side, pulling the blankets over her half-naked body to keep her warm.

"I love you too." He whispered.

Laying on his back with one arm draped over his love, Jasper's eyes narrowed as he looked up at the night sky. Silently, he hoped that his father's god truly did exist if only to help protect Eve from whatever may happen tomorrow because the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach told him nothing good could come of the battle tomorrow. Nothing but death.

Eve's eyes fluttered open, the pale sunlight shining through the thin walls of the tent. She sat up, her hand patting the empty spot beside her where Jasper had been laying last night, holding her close until she couldn't fight sleep any longer. She remembered holding onto him as if her life depended on it, never wanting to let him go. And now he was gone...

Getting dressed as quickly as she could, Eve unzipped the tent and stepped out into the morning light. She wiped her face with her hands to shake away the exhaustion before looking out towards the waterfall. Ripples ran through the river haphazardly as the small waves washed up against the rocks on the shore.

"Hey, you." The sound of Jasper's voice behind her made her release a sigh of relief knowing that he hadn't left her behind. Turning around Eve smiled as Jasper walked through the woods where she knew Emmett's Jeep had been parked not too far away. The Cullens were wasting no resources available to them to ensure she could be comfortable and safe. The Jeep was an extra precaution the burly vampire had suggested she have at her disposal should something happen and she needed to escape.

As if she could make it two steps before a vampire was before her, lunging for her...

Eve didn't fight any of them on all these things. She knew Carlisle and Edward were especially concerned with her life being in danger and also recognized it had been difficult for her adoptive father to leave her alone so that he could fight in a war he did not want in order to protect Bella. Eve wouldn't make them choose who to protect either. So she hugged each member of the family as tightly as she could and gave Carlisle the best reassuring smile that she could. He hadn't been convinced but eventually gave in and kissed the top of her head. "I'll come back for you as soon as it's over. Okay?"

Those had been his words and deep down she trusted that everything would be alright. That every member of her family would walk away from this fight unharmed. She had to believe in that.

"You didn't leave!" Eve breathed out as Jasper wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to his chest as she nuzzled her cheek against his hard chest.

Jasper's lips quirked as he rested his chin atop her head, "I wouldn't leave without saying anything to you first. I'm waiting for Emmett to come get me when Alice sees Victoria is getting closer to Forks."

"It'll all be alright." She murmured, leaning away to look into his golden eyes, "Won't it?"

"It will be," Jasper cupped her face between his hands and looked at her fervently, "But know that I will do everything in my power to protect you. Even if it means I have to become a monster to do it. I will protect you no matter the cost and I'll come for you. Don't have any doubts about that, Evelyn."

The look he gave her made her realize the unspoken truth of what he was trying to convey: Please don't hate me for becoming a monster. If only he knew how terrified she was of becoming one too...should she become a vampire someday.

Her eyes stung as she nodded, holding onto him for as long as she could until they heard the rustling of the trees behind them. Jasper felt her tense and was quick to reassure her, "It's just Emmett."

Eve let out a sigh of relief, feeling her heart pounding in her chest for some reason. She turned to greet her big brother and found a serious almost unreadable expression on his face, "You ready, Jasper?"

Jasper nodded, slowly unwrapping his arms around Eve before taking a step towards Emmett.

Eve forced a smile at Emmett but he didn't return it. Instead, he crossed the distance between them and wrapped his strong arms around Eve, picking her up as he did, "I thought I told you not to do that?" He lightly chastised her for trying to appear strong despite the fear that coiled inside her heart.

"I don't like seeing you so serious...It's not like you, makes you look your age." She chuckles when she feels his chest rumbling with a laugh of his own.

"You calling me old now?" He ruffled her hair, his amber eyes now warming significantly as Emmett looked at his little sister.

Eve pushed his hand away, relieved to see that despite his worries, Emmett was still the same young man he always has been. Always a light amidst the dark times around her.

"When you come back let's play that game with the colorful characters you like so much."

Emmett's lips broke out into a grin, "Are you sure you can handle it? Mario Kart is no joke!"

"Well you might have to teach me how to play but I think I can–"

Suddenly Emmett whirled around, pushing her behind his large body just as Jasper let out a menacing growl. The empath turned in time to catch the newborn that charged out of the treeline and barreled into him with a force that was shocking. The sound of snarls and growls filled the air as the two tumbled onto the ground for a moment before Jasper kicked the newborn off him, sending the vampire into the river with a crash.

Eve tensed, gripping the back of Emmett's jacket as she looked over his shoulder, trying to see where Jasper was as she felt his rage through the bond.

"Damn it, they're early. Eve, stay right behind me." Emmett growled, crouching low in case another newborn showed up and attempted to attack them.

Eve couldn't take her eyes off her mate and the newborn as the empath ran into the shore of the river, his legs kicking the water about as he gripped the newborn's arms and threw him down onto the ground. His foot connected with his head that was immersed in water before he reached down for both his arms and yanked them clean off. A startled gasp left her as she watched the violent scene unfold before Jasper reached down and ripped the newborn's head off in one quick move.

Jasper's victory was short-lived because another newborn, one neither he nor Emmett had noticed, was making his way towards Eve and Emmett now.

In the blink of an eye, he was standing right in front of the largest member of the Cullen's and he lunged towards him. Emmett shoved Eve out of harm's way before he blocked the newborn's attack with a grunt. His hands fisted the tattered shirt on the young man's chest to keep him from biting into his arms.

Eve grimaced as she lost her balance and fell onto her side with a hard thump. Jasper was beside her in an instant, helping her stand and angling his body in front of her while Emmett and the incredibly strong newborn fought.

Jasper looked Eve over, searching for injuries when he felt pain blooming through the bond but calmed when he realized it was gone just as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by another emotion.

He quickly realized why when he saw the petrified, shocked look on her pale face. Recognition washed over Jasper and he frowned, "Evelyn? Are you-"

"Alex?" Her voice was nothing more than a whisper as her hands closed into fists as she watched Emmett slam the newborn down onto the ground and pin him with his arm, restraining the newborn that writhed and growled savagely. His blood-red eyes were intent on killing. Killing her it seemed as he tried clawing his way across the gravel and out of Emmett's firm hold. Eve took a step forward only to be stopped by Jasper's gentle touch, pulling her back beside him. This time when she said the boy's name her voice was louder, hoping that she could reach him. "Alex..."

"Who the hell is Alex?" Emmett snapped, holding the vampire down as he tried to reach for Eve. Jasper placed his hand over her shoulder, steadying Eve as she swayed on her feet.

Tears filled Eve's eyes as she stared into the boy's blood-red eyes, "A-Alex..."

No, no, no! Please...

Jasper frowned, feeling the devastation within Eve before looking at the man with a grim expression on his face. When he finally figured it out, Jasper cursed under his breath. He recognized the raven-black hair, the light smattering of freckles on the newborn's cheeks, and the big wide eyes that resembled Eve's.

Jasper spoke with a strained tone in his voice as he wrapped his arms around the devastated, shocked girl, "He's her brother...Alex is her brother."

Emmett frowned, glancing down at the wild newborn with a look of shock of his own.

Tears welled in Eve's eyes as she stared at Alex with devastation and hurt. Bile rose in her throat.

Brother. My brother...he's a vampire.

In the distance, the snarls of the newborn were drowned by the wolves howling across the forest, their signal that the battle had begun and the army was here.

Thanks for reading x

Looks like we finally got to see what happened to Eve's brother...

What did you think about this chapter? Any predictions for the next one?