Chapter Nineteen, Intruder
As soon as the plane had landed on Sunday afternoon Jace and Valerie had been swept up in Jasper's and her Dad's arms. For the rest of the day they had spent curled up in the living room catching up over what happened during the weekend, each filling each other in on what had happened. Though they just mainly wanted to know how their time was in Florida with her Mum and Phil. Now though, it was time for school.
Charlie had an early shift so Jace would be spending the day with Harry and Sue while Jasper and Valerie were at school. And Valerie was most likely going to have dinner with them to make up for this weekend, while Jasper went shopping for his suit with Emmett and Peter, who had come down from Texas for the occasion.
He'd let Jasper know that he was wearing contacts to hide his eyes and had been staying on the edge of Seattle, on the opposite side to what was happening there, however, he had confirmed both Valerie's and Jasper's suspicions; it was newborns. An army of them.
Stepping out of the shower Valerie dried herself off, put on some deodorant and wrapped her hair up in a towel. Stepping into her bedroom a smile immediately stretched across her face at the sight of Jasper already showered and dressed playing with Jace on their bed who was already dressed too. Considering Valerie had dressed him while Jasper showered and got himself ready as he had got himself and Jasper's pyjamas quite messy this morning. Not that Jasper cared, he'd just laughed and shrugged it off.
Jasper was looking handsome in a blue button down shirt, a black jumper, black trousers and black cowboy boots and Valerie wanted him. As for Jace, he was looking cute dressed in blue jeans, a black T-shirt and black and white converses.
"Don't you two look handsome." Valerie smiled, kissing both their cheeks before getting dressed.
Changing into a lacy black bra and matching underwear, blue jeggings, white ducks, black combat boots, a white crop top and a black denim jacket. Sitting at her vanity table Valerie quickly dried her hair, brushing it and putting half up into a fishtail braid and left the rest diamonds in her natural curls. She replaced her ring and added some grey eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and red matte lipstick.
"Doesn't Mama look so beautiful Jace?" Jasper asked, as he gently bounced him on his knee but his eyes were locked on Valerie's. "Yes she does. And I can feel her emotions." Jasper continued agreeing with himself but growling towards the end as his eyes darkened.
"And Dada looks as handsome as always." Valerie said, kissing his lips lovingly. The kiss went on for several minutes, Jace distracted by his teething toy. When the doorbell rang separating them from their moment, a groan of displeasure falling from both their lips.
"That'll be Sue." Valerie sighed, checking over Jace's bag again before they headed downstairs letting her in. "Hi Sue. Thank you for having Jace at a short notice."
"It's no bother Val. You know that." Sue smiled pulling Valerie into a hug before she did the same to Jasper and kissed Jace's forehead, taking him once he was in his car seat.
"When you come over later. I want to hear all about your dress Val and Jace's suit."Sue said sternly, though it was ruined by the smile on her face. "Right, I should get going and let you two get to school. Have a good day." Sue said, bidding them goodbye and driving off once they had helped her put Jace's things in her car.
"Well my love," Jasper said, wrapping his arms around Valerie's waist and pulling her close. "Now, that we are alone for a few minutes, and before we have to head to school, there's something that I want to do." A smirk spreading across his face.
"And what's that Jazz?" Valerie asked, raising an eyebrow.
Instead of answering Jasper threw their bags on the floor, picked her up so her legs were around his waist and kissed Valerie hungrily walking them back until her back hit her car. Valerie kissed him back just as hungrily, as she tangled her fingers into his blonde curls tugging on them making him groan. His tongue swiped across Valerie's bottom lip, but she denied him, until he bit her lip gently making her gasp. Their tongues tangled together in a furious dance as their teeth clanged together. Oh how Valerie wished they didn't have to go to school and could continue in their bedroom. Jasper pulled back so Valerie could catch her breath but he didn't stop kissing her. He kissed along her jaw and down her neck leaving little love bites causing Valerie to let out breathless moans.
Pulling his head up by his hair Valerie kissed him passionately again but this wasn't as hungry as the one previously, it was slow and full of love. When they pulled back once more so Valerie could catch her breath, Jasper was smirking satisfied at her neck which Valerie rolled her eyes too a smile playing on her own lips. Her wolf was itching to do the same to him. Claim Jasper as her own but she knew she couldn't yet as her bite would harm him until they were having sex that is.
"I really missed you darlin'." Jasper said, pressing a sweet kiss to her lips. "I wanted to do that last night but I saw how tired you were so I didn't."
"I really missed you too Jazz. I love you." Valerie said happily, resting her forehead against his.
"I love you too. We better get to school." Jazz sighed, letting Valerie get down and get in her car turning the engine on, while he grabbed their bags.
As it turned out they arrived to school just as the warning bell sounded and had to run to their history class apologising for being late while they snuck to their seats at the back. Jasper wrapping his arm around Valerie's shoulders as they watched a war documentary.
"So, do I get a hint? About the dress." Jasper asked cheekily, earning a snack to the chest curtsey of Valerie.
"You know you don't." Valerie laughed quietly. Jasper just chuckled kissing her temple.
"After school before we go get our suits, I'm heading to Esme's as I want to continue my project I started over the weekend." Jasper whispered, after we got told off for laughing.
"What project?" Valerie asked curiously.
"I'm building an arbor for our wedding." Jasper whispered. And in that one sentence Valerie couldn't even begin to explain the amount of love she felt for the man besides her as tears filled her eyes. Brushing them away before they could fall Valerie kissed him passionately putting all the love, adoration she had into the kiss, even if he could feel it Valerie wanted it to show through the kiss too.
"Jasper... I have no words. But you are amazing and I love you so much I can't begin to explain how much." Valerie whispered, starring loving into his eyes, her hand on his cheek.
"Darlin, you don't need to thank me. I know how you feel my love, not just because of my gift but because I feel exactly the same way for you." Jasper said, kissing Valerie's lips softly before pulling her closer so her head rested on his chest. Everything felt perfect in that moment even if there were people out to get them, but they weren't thinking about that right now. All they cared about was each other and of course their son.
The day had gone by extremely fast and Valerie couldn't wait to see her son and everyone on the Rez. It felt like she hadn't seen them in ages.
"Valerie. I really love your dress and Jace's suit. We on the weekend we had a big shopping spree with Rose, Iris, Angela, Cara, Kim, Rachel and Leah." Alice said excitedly, once she met Jasper and Valerie by the cars. "Oh, and Jasper. Don't forget you need an burgundy tie and a dusty blue suit, dark brown almost burgundy shoes go with it." Alice ranted.
"Alice calm down." Jasper said, stopping her rant. "I know what suit and tie to get Alice."
Seemingly satisfied Alice hugged Valerie telling her to come round soon before climbing into her car. Even though Jasper was leaving with Alice he wasn't getting in the car instead he helped Valerie into hers like the gentleman he is and crouched down giving her a loving kiss.
"I'll see you tonight darlin'. Give Jace a hug and a kiss from me please?" Jasper asked, when we pulled back.
"Of course Jazz. Have fun suit shopping and building. I'll see you tonight I love you." Valerie assured, kissing him chastely.
"I love you too. Drive safe." Jasper asked, standing up and closing her door. After one last goodbye Valerie turned on the engine as it came purring to life the music came on playing 'Sucker' by the Jonas Brothers which Valerie started singing along too, Jasper getting into Alice's car. Both of them leaving the school car park heading in almost the same direction before they turned right and Valerie continued on. After a twenty minute drive Valerie finally arrived at the Rez but it was another ten minutes before she reached Harry's and Sue's parking behind Harry's truck and besides Sue's car. Switching off the engine Valerie grabbed her bag and got out sending quick texts to both Jasper and her Dad so they know she got there safe.
Before Valerie had a chance to knock on the door it was thrown open by Seth who as usual had a wide smile on his face as he pulled Valerie into a hug. It's not fair that he's taller than her now.
"Hi Seth. How're you?" Valerie laughed hugging him back.
"Hi Val. I'm good, but we missed you. Where were you?" Seth asked.
"You already know she was visiting her Mum in Arizona." Leah said, from behind him rolling her eyes at her brother. "Hi Val." Leah greeted, hugging her as soon as Valerie walked through the door.
"Hi Leah, where's Jace? How're you?" I asked.
"In the living room with Mum and Dad. And I'm much better now thanks to you Val." Leah said, leading the way.
"Hi Sue, Hi Harry. How're you both?" Valerie greeted happily.
"Hi Val. We're doing well thank you." They greeted warmly smiling happily at her.
"Mama!" Jace shouted, from Sue's lap holding his arms out for his mother.
"Hello baby boy." Valerie said, kissing him all over his face making him giggle. "Oh Mummy has missed you so much, and this from Dada." Valerie said, hugging and kissing him again.
"Have you been a good boy for auntie Sue and uncle Harry?"
"He's been as good as gold." Sue assured, smiling at the pair of them. "Come, tell us all about your trip to Arizona." Sue said, patting the seat next to her.
"It was so nice to spend some time with my Mum and Phil, she turned all our trip t-shirts into a quilt that we can add to as Jace gets older as a graduation present.
Saturday morning she had booked the two of us and Melinda into Dream Dentelle boutique while Jace had some time with his Grandpas Jean-Paul and Phil, didn't you baby?" Valerie explained, kissing Jace's cheek and handing him the musical toy he was after. "I found the most adorable Paige boy suit for Jace, my Mum and Melinda found their dresses."
"Did you find yours?" Leah asked, cutting Valerie off, and squealing and hugging her when she nodded while Seth looked at her as if she'd been body snatched.
"Oh, I bet you look so beautiful." Sue gushed, her eyes filling with tears.
"You're all coming to the wedding right? We haven't sent out invitations yet, but I was hoping..." Valerie trailed off suddenly unsure.
"Of course we're all coming. Leah is your maid of honour and we wouldn't miss it." Harry assured, smiling widely at Valerie. "Your family Valerie. Not just to us, but to everyone on the Rez, you're a True Alpha and part of the pack and I have no doubt that everyone will be coming."
"Thank you Harry. I love you guys so much." Valerie said hugging Sue than Harry. An hour later after talking and catching up with each other the oven timer went off signalling the lasagna that Sue had made was ready. Sitting round the small kitchen table was a bit of a squeeze with Leah and Seth's old high chair but they all managed perfectly fine.
Saying their goodbyes Valerie strapped Jace into her car while Seth and Leah helped put the buggy and the changing bag in the boot. Double checking the car seat to make sure it was secure she gave Jace his dummy and the wolf cuddly toy as he was drifting off to sleep.
"Thank you for today Harry, Sue. I really appreciate all you do for us." Valerie said gratefully.
"It's no trouble Val, really." Harry assured.
"We love having you over." Sue said hugging me. Once Valerie hugged Harry, Leah and Seth she got in the car, started the engine and headed home.
As soon as she was parking the car behind the truck, that her Dad sometimes used, Valerie saw Jasper parking his car as well.
"Dada's home too baby." Valerie said to Jace smiling at him through the mirror but he was still asleep. Valerie jumped when her door was suddenly opened but calmed down when she noticed it was only Jasper who frowned at her in concern.
"Val, darlin' are you alright?" Jasper asked.
"Yeah Jazz I'm fine, really. You just startled me babe." Valerie insisted, when he didn't look too convinced.
"Sorry my love." Jasper said, leaning down to kiss her sweetly. "Did you have fun at the Clearwater's?"
"I did, it was great catching up with them. How did the building and the shopping go?" Valerie asked, getting out of the car and getting Jace out of the car seat, holding him up on her shoulder while Jasper grabbed the changing bag. They decided to leave the buggy in the car for now.
"Now darlin' no fishing." Jasper laughed, kissing her temple. "But it went well and we all found our suits, and Peter said Char's going shopping tomorrow for the dress she's gonna wear." Jasper said, as Valerie opened the door only for both Valerie and Jasper to freeze where they stood. Growls coming from both of their lips.
"Something's wrong. Someone's been here!" Jasper and Valerie growled at the same time. It was an unknown vampire and her wolf was going crazy, her eyes widened as she knew her Dad had been home.
"Dad! Dad! Dad!" Valerie shouted, running into the living room while Jasper followed the stronger scent upstairs.
"Val!? What's wrong?" Charlie asked worried and confused as Valerie sounded terrified and her eyes were golden.
"Are you alright?" Valerie asked frantically.
"Yeah I'm fine. Not long woken up actually, fell asleep on the sofa. Why?" Charlie asked.
"Someone's been here. An unknown vampire. Jasper's following the scent upstairs but his scents in here too." Valerie growled, holding Jace closer to her.
"What? A unknown vampire was here while I was asleep?" Charlie asked worried. At that moment Jasper came into the living room worry and anger flashing across his face.
"Yes. I don't recognise the scent. They were in our room touched the dream catcher Emily made for you Val, but there's no scent of it in Jace's nursery or your room Charlie." Jasper explained, his voice tight as he wrapped his arms around Valerie's waist protectively, but Valerie couldn't help but sag in relief that the nomad didn't go in Jace's room.
"Charlie, would you be able to go to Billy's for a bit while I take Val and Jace to Esme's so Emmett and Iris can track the scent?" Jasper asked.
"Of course. I'll get Billy to send Sam or one of the others to come and catch the scent too after Emmett and Iris have left." Charlie said, putting on his coat. "Jasper, I know I don't really need to say this but; look after my wolves."
"I will." Jasper promised. With that they all left the house leaving it unlocked for Emmett, Iris and one of the Pack. Strapping Jace back into the car seat Valerie climbed into the passenger seat of her car while Jasper jumped in the drivers seat tearing off to Esme's while Charlie climbed in the truck and took off for the Rez.
"Jasper? Val? What's the matter?" Carlisle asked confused, when they entered the living room as Valerie's eyes were still gold.
"Someone was in the house while Charlie had been asleep on the sofa. The sent was in the living room and they went into our room, where the scent was the strongest and touched Val's dream catcher. Luckily they didn't go in Jace's or Charlie's rooms. Emmett, Iris can you go track the scent?" Jasper asked tensely, holding Valerie and Jace close to him as they sat on one of the loveseats.
Emmett and Iris took off without another word.
"Here, Val. I made you some tea." Esme said softly, placing it on the coffee table.
"Thank you Esme." Valerie said gratefully.
"Do you want me to hold him?" Rosalie asked.
"I'd rather keep him with me Rose. I'm sorry Major is fighting me." Jasper said tightly, only calming slightly when Valerie placed Jace in his arms and kissed his cheek, before picking up her tea. Relaxing slightly as she leaned into Jasper drinking her tea.
"Don't worry Jazz it's fine." Rosalie assured.
"Jasper I'm sorry." Alice apologised. "I never saw this."
"Who was it?" Carlisle asked. "Are you sure it wasn't someone we know?"
"No, Carlisle." Jasper growled. "I didn't recognise the scent."
"Could it have been a nomad passing through?" Esme asked.
"A nomad wouldn't have left Charlie alive, sorry Val." Rosalie apologised when she saw Valerie flinch.
It was a tense time while they waited on Emmett and Iris to return, but after twenty minutes they heard the door open and close.
"The scent disappeared about five miles south of Val's house." Iris said, as she entered the living room.
"Jacob and Embry got there as we were leaving." Emmett added.
"Someone's orchestrating this." Carlisle sighed a frown deep on his face.
"Victoria?" Rosalie asked Alice.
"No, I would have seen her decide." Alice denied.
"Could it be the Volturi? After what Edward did." Iris asked her wife.
"I don't think it's the Volturi, either." Alice denied once again. "I've been watching Aro's decisions, too. Especially now that Edward is dead and Bella disappeared."
"We need to keep looking." Emmett growled. "I'm not letting some stranger threaten my sister and nephew as well!"
"We need to take shifts guarding Val, Jace and Charlie. We'll alert the pack to be on full alert during the Full Moon as whoever this is could attack when Val is at her most vulnerable." Carlisle ordered, causing Jasper to tense even more besides Valerie.
"Carlisle that won't be necessary." Jasper refuted, soothing Jace when he stirred. "I live there. If someone broke in I'm in the house and will be able to act quicker."
"We know that Jasper." Esme soothed, knowing Major was on the edge of taking full control. "But when you're not there, when you're hunting, someone will need to be. And if one of us is outside when you're home as well, it will be added protection." Just then the doorbell rang and Esme left to answer it only to return with Sam.
"I heard what you're planning and we'll help." Sam said as he entered the living room. "We all love Val as much as you do. Plus, she's part of the pack, higher up than me and a pack defends each other when one member is threatened. Jasper, you may live there but when you're hunting two of us will be there guarding in our wolf forms. And we'll stand in a circle around her as she changes on a Full Moon, I promise."
"Thank you Sam that is most appreciated. We can do it in shifts, so it's fair on everyone." Carlisle suggested.
"You're already stretched thin as it is. Searching for Victoria, Bella and now the intruder as well as keeping yourselves fed." Sam argued. "We've all got the scent now so if he passes this way again we'll know. Could this of been Bella if she's been turned?"
"No." Jasper denied. "The scent was different. Even when you're changed your original scent stays the same only the vampire scent gets added."
"Okay. Val don't worry you know no one will let anything happen to either of you." Sam said, pulling Valerie up and into a hug. "Charlie is going to stay at Billy's tonight, I suggest you and Jace stay here. Paul and Jared are watching the house now in case they come back."
"Thank you Sam." Valerie said gratefully, hugging him tightly.
"I'll see you tomorrow as we've got this little one and it's a Full Moon." Sam said, running his hand through Jace's curls. Nodding to everyone he left as Esme saw him out.
"Right Val, you and Jace off to bed." Alice ordered. "You need your sleep and you both have clothes here. Jace's are in his room as you know and yours are in Jasper's old room."
Deciding not to argue with Alice as Valerie was tired anyway she said goodnight to everyone as Jasper and Valerie headed up to bed. As Jace was already asleep we decided to give him a bath in the morning instead of tonight. As Jasper was changing him into his pyjamas and putting him to bed, Valerie had a shower as there would be no time now in the morning. Coming out of the bathroom and into the bedroom freshly showered and in her pyjamas she saw Jasper already changed and in bed, the baby monitor on the bedside table besides him.
"Come here darlin." Jasper said, holding his arms out to Valerie.
Almost running to the bed Valerie climbed in next to him and curled up into his side as he ran his fingers through her hair calming her down from all the thoughts that had plagued her head during her shower.
"I'm never, ever letting anything happen to you or our son, darlin'. You know that right?" Jasper asked.
"I know." Valerie sighed, absentmindedly drawing patterns on his chest. "I'm just worried and wish this would all go away."
"I know my love, I do too. But I'm never letting anything happen and will kill anyone who tries just like I did Edward. Soon this will be over and we're getting married in a few months." Jasper said kissing my forehead.
"Go to sleep my love. I'll always be here to support you and protect you." Jasper said, pulling Valerie closer so one of her legs was over his waist, her arm over his shoulder and her head on his chest as one of his arms wrapped around her waist. While the other ran through her hair soothing her off to sleep feeling safe and relaxed for the first time tonight.