Chapter Thirty Five

Johnny H

I stared at the three members of the patrol who had just returned and sighed heavily. Things were just becoming more and more complicated. Firstly Jacob Black had aided The Major who spirited Bella away from the scene of the hunter's slaughter aided it appeared by Sam and the rest of the Quileute pack and now Paul, who was supposed to be under close supervision runs into her and almost gets himself killed.

"You said you pursued the leech who was with her? Where did he go? Or is he dead?"

I knew from their demeanour that he had outrun or outwitted them and had to admit that choosing these three had been a mistake. While they were competent enough they didn't have the authority to control a loose cannon like Paul.

Simon shot a glance at his companions before answering very softly, "I don't know. He had transport and we knew Paul was in trouble so we decided our duty was to him."

I rolled my eyes, it hadn't occurred to them that as Paul's minders they should never have allowed him to get into trouble.

Leaning forward I spoke very softly.

"Paul was in no real danger. He was alive and conscious and his wolf genes would have healed him in time. Unless there were other leeches in the area putting him in danger in his weakened state your duty was to pursue and kill the vampire. As it is unlikely that the vampire hung around I suggest you go back out and find Bella's trail. I want to know where she's headed and if she is now travelling alone."

Even as I spoke I thought I had a pretty good idea where she was headed.

Unless I was very much mistaken Bella Swan was on her way here. What I didn't know was why. She'd obviously had a change of heart if she was travelling with vampires. But why? What had happened since The Major rescued her from the hunters?

From the fleeting glance they had of Bella's travelling companion, it didn't sound like The Major. So, why had he rescued her? Why wasn't he still with her? And who was the mystery companion?

I needed to speak to Paul, he was becoming more of a liability by the day, but just maybe he had some answers for me.

The small medical clinic had six beds but for now, only one was occupied. It wouldn't take long for Paul to heal from his injuries. Already he was more alert and cursing the young woman who was attempting to give him medication.

She turned as I walked in, her eyes flashing with anger and frustration and I smiled at her encouragingly.

"It's OK, Anna. I'll deal with the patient. I'm sure you have more important things to do."

She nodded and scurried out, glad to be away from Paul's vitriolic tongue.

Pulling up a chair I sat at his bedside.

"You need to learn some manners. That girl was trying to help you."

He scowled at me and tried to get up, but decided better of it as a spasm of pain wracked his body.

"I don't need any help."

I ignored his childish petulance, "Tell me what happened."

For a second he hesitated and I wondered if he would refuse, but then he sighed heavily and lay back on the pillows.

"We were on patrol and crossed the trail of some leeches. So, we went to investigate. When I recognized Bella's scent I decided to try and talk to her…"

I cut in, "Who decided to investigate?"

He sneered, "I did. The others wanted to speak to you first. Left up to them we'd still be there with our thumbs up our asses!"

"I wasn't aware that you had been delegated the role of patrol leader, Paul."

He hesitated to decide how best to answer then chose to ignore my comment. I let it go and continued.

"I take it Bella wasn't pleased to see you? You should have stayed away. What did you expect?"

"Well, I didn't expect her to attack me like that."

"Is that all?"

This time his answer came quick and heated, "No. I wanted to tell her she was wrong about me. I was angry that she just assumed I was the one who killed Charlie. How come she sees us as killers and not those filthy leeches? She's crazy, and a leech lover which makes her dangerous to all of us. And…"

He paused for effect, looking smug.

"She's got some kind of gift now. She never even touched me and I found myself flying through the air."

He wanted to see how much I knew about Bella, but I had no intention of satisfying his curiosity and changed tack.

"So, what would you do about her, Paul? If you were me."

"Send out a hunting party and kill her, and those filthy leeches who were with her."

"I see."

He narrowed his eyes, "But you aren't going to, are you? You'll punish me for a moment of weakness, but you won't order her death."

"Her life isn't mine to take or yours for that matter. Why do you think your crime is the lesser one?"

"What? Of course, it is. I lost my temper because she accused me of being a murderer. She attacked me. Besides, I didn't kill her. Sam did the same to Emily and no one hauled him over the coals about it. I don't recall you coming down on him."

"There was no need. Sam punishes himself for his actions every day. Sam accepts that what he did was unacceptable and has worked hard to improve his self-control.

"So, I'm supposed to wear a hair shirt and go around like a penitent? Sorry, I think I had plenty of provocation from Bella. I'm a hunter and proud of it and I will always protect myself."

I shook my head wearily, Paul would never admit that his actions had been wrong. That he had a problem with his self-control. I didn't entirely blame him for his actions, but I did hold him responsible for his attitude to them. Unless he learned as Sam had done, he could never be allowed his freedom again. I wasn't willing to take the chance. If we became a danger to the humans around us then we were no better than the vampires.

"Who were the vampires with Bella? The others said they only saw one, the one who ran for it."

He shrugged, "I didn't recognize one scent, the scum hasn't crossed my path before but he's obviously a coward or why didn't he stay to fight? Why did he abandon her?"

"A cowardly vampire? I doubt that and it would seem Bella didn't need his protection. Who was the other one?"

"That's easy, one of the Cullens from Forks."

I frowned, so Bella was still in the company of The Major and she hadn't attempted to kill him. It was puzzling.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. Their stench permeated the whole damn town. It was Jasper Hale. Now, can I leave? It's obvious I'm not needed here anymore."

"You were never needed here, Paul. You are here only because you cannot be trusted. If I allow you to leave, what assurances do I have that you won't repeat your transgression?"

His sneer told me all I needed to know.

"Assurance? None. I'm a guardian and we both know it's a risk that goes with the territory."

"I see."

I got up, it was useless talking to Paul in his current state of mind. I was going to have to do something about him. While there was always a risk with a guardian it should never be so obvious and dangerous... For now, however, I had other more important things to think about.

"For the foreseeable future, you stay here. Don't forget Bella is out there somewhere and she'd love to finish what she started."

"I'm not afraid of her. Besides, I'm willing to risk it."

"But I'm not."

He struggled to get up, swaying on his feet, although we both knew that he would be fully mobile again in an hour or so.

"I'm leaving and you can't stop me."

"Oh, yes. I can."

As my tone changed and I gave him an Alpha command he cursed, but we both knew he was going nowhere.

As I left the room I could feel the burning hatred in his eyes on my back but dismissed it. Bella and her companions were of more immediate concern. Who was the mystery man travelling with Bella and The Major? Neither Paul nor his companions knew his identity, but there was someone who might. Where was Jacob Black? I needed to find him and quickly. Preferably before my 'guests' appeared knocking at my door.

Bella

I don't know why I chose to spend a week in such close company with Jasper. The sensible thing to do would have been to fly to Denali, but something prevented me. I felt so conflicted. Torn between shame that I wasn't rushing to kill the wolf that had scarred me and the man who had lied and used me for his own ends and a desire to feel more human. To spend just a short time as the girl I should have been.

If only things had been different. If Victoria had killed me then Charlie would still be alive. Darius wouldn't have gotten his revenge, but I was sure he'd have gotten there eventually. Jasper and Alice would still be together if I hadn't stupidly fallen for Edward and there had been no birthday party.

It was strange sitting here beside Jasper Hale watching as the miles flashed by. I thought he might drag the journey out and try to talk me out of my decision but I was wrong. Sure, we talked about what had happened. He told me about How Darius had approached him and their plan to capture me and when I asked him what he would have done if it hadn't been the one he had been quite honest.

"I would have handed her over to Darius. I don't particularly like the Volturi and once Darius told me about Sara I felt that someone should make them pay. I just happened to be in a position to bring that to pass. I never expected him to twist the knife into the collective Volturi back, that was an added bonus."

"Why are you still here, Jasper?"

The silence stretched out and I had almost given up on getting an answer when he finally spoke.

"Darius told me who was responsible for my becoming a vampire and why."

"And this person lives in Denali? Quite a coincidence."

"Not really."

"Wait a minute. Edward told me about Carlisle's friends in Denali. Carlisle is involved with the Volturi so maybe his friends are. It was the Volturi who got you turned."

He nodded but stared straight ahead.

"But why did his friend pick on you?"

"Later maybe."

I had hit a nerve and I felt bad. It appeared that the topic was a very sensitive one and I decided not to push him for answers now, but I intended to find out before this road trip was over.

"I feel better now I know I'm not the reason you are still here."

"Aren't you?"

I knew the answer to that one without having to think. Of course, he was here because of me. Embarrassment kept me talking.

"Why? Because you believe that once you save a life it's your responsibility to keep on doing so? That's crazy. Besides, I can take care of myself."

He opened his mouth then decided better of it and I wondered what he had been about to say.

"Go on."

He shook his head, "It doesn't matter why."

My mouth suddenly went dry and I turned to stare out the side window, suddenly very uncomfortable.

"Are you OK? There's a rest stop up ahead if you want a break."

I nodded relieved at the opportunity to get away from the uncomfortable atmosphere in the car for a while.

He went to fill the tank while I headed inside to order coffee and use the restroom.

Only once inside with the cubicle door bolted did I allow myself to examine my feelings.

My life had become complicated again. It had been so easy when I was driven by hatred, I didn't have to examine my motivation. I didn't have to feel ordinary emotions. Now, however…

I groaned and ran my fingers through my hair scratching at my scalp in frustration. What was I doing? Why was I here? What was I planning on doing when I caught up with Paul and Johnny H again? It would be so easy if Jasper wasn't here. No complicated emotions, just pure rage and the thirst for revenge.

The trouble was that I didn't feel that burning desire to kill any longer. Would I when I set eyes on those who had hurt me? Was it still there deep inside watching and waiting?

When I finally emerged from the diner I found Jasper waiting by the car. He looked up and smiled when he saw me and my heart did a flip. Had he heard? Of course, he had. What did he make of it though?

I waited but he just opened the door for me to get in and I found a takeaway waiting complete with steaming hot coffee.

"Thanks but I had coffee inside."

"I know but Alice told me you lived on coffee so I thought another wouldn't go amiss."

I smiled, what could I say to that?

Jasper was bad for me. I couldn't think straight in his company but I hated the thought of being separated from him. Groaning inwardly I cursed, this couldn't be happening. Not to me. Not again. I had to get some distance.

"Could we find somewhere to stop over? I'm tired and I'm sure you'd like an opportunity to hunt."

He stared at me closely then nodded, "Sure. I'll pull in at the next motel we see."

I closed my eyes thinking about my enigmatic companion. Although I had known him for a while I realized that I knew very little about him. Edward had told me so little and Alice never discussed him with me. He had been just another of Edward's siblings.

The description Johnny H had given me of the man Caius had employed to hunt me down sprang into my head. 'He's a consummate commander and fearless warrior. Nothing will stop him from reaching his goal. If he has to kill every guardian in the process he will do it.' That didn't really fit the little of Jasper that I knew. It would be interesting to hear his story.

"Jasper, tell me about yourself. You know so much about me but I know nothing about you."

I expected him to demur, but after a few minutes of silence, he shrugged, "Sure, why not. It's only fair that you hear my story. It will have to wait until we stop though, it's a long and involved tale. Not very pretty either."