Wow! This is my longest chapter yet! 4,124 words! Sorry for the long wait but I got carried away! RL is not easy right now but I'll try to update as soon as possible!
I hope this chapter will answer some of your questions, but at the same time I'm sure it will spark some more of them! Feel free to DM me or better yet leave a review!
JASPER/MAJOR POV
Bella falls asleep as I sing her my momma's lullaby, one of the few memories I have of her. I keep holdin' her and caressin' her hair.
When I asked her if she was sure about her decision of comin' with us, I never expected this reaction. Her fear and worthlessness were so strong they nearly brought me ta my knees. I never meant for her to be this hurt. She's truly my friend. Maybe my closest one. Peter and Charlotte are more like brother and sister ta me, but with Bella I have an entirely different relationship. She gets me like no other. I truly value her friendship, and I just asked if she was sure because I didn't want her ta feel forced ta do this or that she has no choice.
Instead look what that got me. A cryin', upset Bella.
We need ta trust her more, Jazz.
.
Yeah, but I just asked a simple question! I never expected her to react like that!
.
Well, ya dumbass, ya know what that cocksucka Eddie did ta her. Our little spitfire was devastated. Don't blame the lady.
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I never blamed her. I just said that I didn't expect her to react like that. Nothing more.
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Whatever. Now let's put her in bed. As much as I enjoy her warm tits on our chest, she might be uncomfortable.
.
Pervert.
I mentally sigh but begrudgingly agree. She needs to sleep good. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day.
She has no pajama on, idiot. We oughta change her.
.
What? She'd have our hide! She'll sleep just fine in these clothes.
.
Sticky clothes? Ya know, now that I think of it... It might be even better if we wash her. Don't wanna be stinky and sticky in the mornin' too.
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I repeat, she'd have our hide!
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I understood the first time, soldier. But what she doesn't know doesn't hurt her.
.
After what just happened? No thanks. I rather like my head where it is. Changing her clothes is borderline fine, but bathing her would be suicide.
.
Suit yourself. So, what should we put her in? Or should we just let her sleep in her underwear?
.
I don't know.
Just then, a ping from my phone alerts me to a message. I shift Bella to lay better in my arms and take my phone out of my back pocket. It's Alice.
Alice: Put her in a green loose T-shirt and a pair of grey yoga pants. No socks and remember to un-braid her hair. NO BATHING.
Jasper: Thx Alice, you're a lifesaver.
Alice: I know ;)
That pixie. Always lookin'.
I shake my head but proceed to do as told. I gently lay her on the bed and proceed to untangle her hair. I thread my fingers through it and enjoy their softness. So soft.
Move on, Jasper. We both know her hair ain't her most beautiful part.
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You are a pervert. I might just close my eyes as I change her shirt.
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Please, ya enjoy the view too.
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I am much more polite than you, then.
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Please, can it. I remember how we were with Maria, we were—and still are—a boob man for sure.
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Hm. We did enjoy a nice ass, too.
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Hell yeah. But now we have a beautiful friend in need of a change of clothes, soldier. Do what ya were ordered ta do.
.
Fuck off.
I grab the items for the closet and place them on the bed. I proceed to remove her shoes and socks, lightly massaging them to relax her further. Bella evidently appreciates it as she hums in delight in her sleep. I smirk while starting to remove her pants. She's wearing a pair of simple black cotton panties, and I quickly cover her with the yoga pants before the Major can make some comment about lace or somethin'.
Those yoga pants cling to her ass perfectly.
Apparently the Major still finds ways to be a pervert.
Then, carefully, I remove her upper clothing, leaving her in a matching black bra. Her creamy generous breasts nestled perfectly in the material, I can sense the Major trying to come to the surface.
Jasper, I heard women can develop breast cancer. Shouldn't we examine her better? That's what friends do, after all. They got each other's backs. She's our friend.
.
Shut. It.
.
Spoilsport.
I gently put the T-shirt on, minding my movements as to not wake her. I tuck her in when I am finished. She's sleeping peacefully and murmuring unintelligible things when my phone rings. I run to the table where I left the small device and quickly press the answering button. Thankfully Bella doesn't wake up.
Not even a 'hello', fucker?
I recognise the voice instantly. "Peter, brother. How are ya?"
Just finished fuckin' my wife brainless. Feelin' better than good, brother.
"Too many details, thanks. Why are ya callin'?"
Well, I wanna make sure ya know a thing or two about what ya will face in the South.
"So ya know."
Obviously, brother. My inner Yoda told me to tell ya this: Little Bean must remain human, as I told the Kings before—
Ya spoke with the Kings?
Yeah, yeah. Ask them, they'll tell ya more. Anyway, ya need to make sure she stays human and she must never be left behind. NEVER. N-E-V-E—
"Yeah, I got it! Fuck it, why the fuck didn't ya take care of Maria? Ya always braggin' 'bout how ya keep the southern borders clean and now this shit happens."
Well, it had to happen.
"I hate when ya all cryptic and shit."
What can I say, Major. I aim to please.
"Somethin' else to report, Capitain?"
Nope. Nothin' yet. I'll call ya if I know somethin' more. Say hi to the lady for me.
"Won't ya be joinin' us in the South?"
Nah. We bulidin' a new home for two newlyweds.
"Who are they and how is that more important than—"
It is, so stop it. And I ain't gonna tell ya who they are. Bye fucker.
"Fuck off."
Yeah, we usually end our calls like that.
So he called the Kings, huh? I'll have ta talk ta them 'bout this.
Seein' as Bella will be out for the entire night, I decide to meet with them now. I suppose they are still in the throne room, so I run at vampire speed there, reaching my destinations in seconds.
Two lower guards open the door for me as I walk in. Aro and Marcus are lookin' over a map while Caius is inspectin' what looks like a scoutin' report. They all look up what they see me approach. Marcus raises his eyebrows in question. "What brings you here, Major? Is something ailing you?" he asks me.
"I just spoke with my Captain and he told me somethin' very interestin'. He told ya somethin'" I say, crossin' my arms over my chest. I'm wearin' a blue t-shirt, so the scars on my arms are fully visible. I can sense some lower guards present stiffenin' at the sight.
Aro sighs, "Indeed, he did, Major. He was very adamant that we promised to enrol Miss Swan for this mission—as a human, specifically."
"Why."
"I have no idea. But we know of your Captain's gift, so we trusted him" Aro says, rubbing his temples with his fingers, "This was the object of many discussions between me and my brothers, but we eventually agreed that it is best not to tempt Fate."
I snort, "And ya didn't bother to mention it to me because…" I leave the sentence open.
"Because we didn't want to put more pressure on young Bella. I'm sure that, despite how bravely her front is, she must me at least a bit tense about this mission, so we thought best to let her think that she's here because it was our idea to request her, rather than telling her that she is a fundamental part of this plan. During my many centuries I discovered that all humans are more relaxed when chosen by a person rather than a God or Fate" Aro tries to explain.
I smirk. "Bella is not all humans, she ain't no fragile blossom. She can take it. And make sure ya tell all o' this ta her before we depart, or I will, and I can assure you: she ain't gonna be a happy woman. You thought best to leave us in the dark. Well, this lady hates bein' in the dark, so ya better tell her. Soon" I growl.
They all underestimate her. They all think she's just a sexy body and no brain. They wrong, and Bella will put them in their places. The Major growls in my head. I agree.
She'll prove them all how strong she is, and we're gonna be right by her side.
BELLA POV
I wake up feeling refreshed.
I vaguely remember how I screamed at Jasper yesterday evening, but I recall with perfect clarity the lullaby he sang me—up until the point when I fell asleep, of course.
I feel a little bit embarrassed at how I yelled at him, but he deserved it.
Then another tidbit of information registers in my brain.
We are going to leave for the South today.
I don't know if I should be scared or excited. Or both.
"Good mornin', sug."
I turn and find Jasper sprawled on the couch, holding a book in his hands. His eyes are their usual butterscotch colour, but I notice they are lighter than yesterday. He probably went hunting when I was sleeping.
"Hey, Jas. What time is it?"
"Summer time" he smirks, quoting High School Musical, and I giggle. "Well, it is summer. But more specifically, it's 9 am."
"Smartass. At what time do we leave?"
He shrugs his shoulders. "Shit if I know. The Kings are prolly gonna tell us soon."
I stretch, "Then let's go talk to them."
I get out of bed, and notice that my clothes are not the same I was wearing yesterday. I frown. I don't recall changing in these clothes.
Jasper clears his throat. I look at him and see him scratching the back of his head with a hand, "I changed your clothes before tuckin' ya in. I thought ya didn't want ta sleep in sweaty clothes, and Alice texted me the clothes that were best. I hope ya don't mind."
I blink once, "No. That's fine. That's totally fine. Thanks." I don't know if I'm feeling more embarrassed or grateful at the moment.
He seems to relax as well, "Good. Breakfast should be here in a few minutes."
I nod, "I'm going to take a quick shower, then after I eat we can go talk to the kings" I say. He nods in return.
I jump in the shower, quickly washing my hair and body—I love these tropical-scented products!—and in less than 15 minutes I'm out.
"Fuck…" I mutter, when I realize I haven't grabbed any fresh underwear. Damn it.
A knock on the door startles me. "Everythin' fine, darlin'?"
I blush even though he can't see my towel clad body. "Yeah" I squeak out.
That seems to raise his suspicions, "Ya sure? Yer emotions are pretty confused right now. Are ya okay?"
I debate with myself for a moment. There's no way I'm going commando with the clothes I'm going to—fuck. Shit. Goddamnit. I forgot to take some new clothes, too!
Good job Bella!
I have no choice. I blush even redder as I say "It's just I forgot to take some underwear and clothes with me. Could you—could you please get some for me?" I whisper.
A moment of silence, then—"Yes, of course" his voice sounds strained. Maybe I'm not the only one embarrassed about the situation. Thank God.
A few seconds later another knock sounds on the door, and—after making sure the important parts are covered by the towel—I open it a bit, just wide enough to grab the requested items from Jasper's hands. He's looking everywhere but in my direction and for that I'm glad. I am already as red as I can be, I don't know what colour I'd turn if he looked.
As soon as I have the clothes and underwear in my hands I squeak out a 'thanks' and slam the door in his face.
I look at the clothes: white silk underwear, a white shirt and a pair of ice blue vinyl pants. Wow.
I quickly put them on, brushing my hair and letting them fall—despite them being still wet—down my back. I don't have time to blow-dry them.
I walk outside and my eyes immediately fall on Jasper, who is opening the door to my suite. Did someone knock?
Apparently, someone did, as the three Kings, followed by Felix and Jane—who looks pretty pissed as she's holding the tray with my breakfast—walk into the room.
"Oh! Good morning!" I greet them, once again meeting them barefoot. I swear I don't do it intentionally.
"Good morning, dear one. You look beautiful in those clothes. We brought you breakfast!" Aro says, gesturing with a flourish to what Jane was holding. She doesn't smile, but instead glares at me as she roughly sets down the tray on the table and quickly vanishes from the room. Fickle bitch.
"Thank you, Aro. As flattering as always. Anyway, why are you here?" I say, sitting in front of the tray. They wait 'till I start eating the fruit salad they prepared me before speaking.
"We wanted to tell you some things, young one" Marcus says, taking a seat across from me on my right. Jasper comes to sit on my left, with Felix on his left. Caius sits on Marcus' right and Aro is at the other end of the table, between Felix and Caius.
"What is it?" I ask, scooping up some more fruit.
Jasper crosses his arms over his chest, staring expectantly at the kings. What the fuck is going on?
"So, we wanted to inform you we'll be leaving this afternoon at 5 pm, so that we arrive at Houston, Texas, at 3 am, in their time. We'll take a car and then proceed on foot as to avoid being tracked" Caius says, "Jane, Alec, Felix, Demetri and myself will come with you. The rest of the guards are already at the headquarters and are waiting for our arrival, keeping an eye out."
Both Jasper and I nod.
Then Aro takes the mic—metaphorically, of course. "There is also another thing we want to tell you, Bella."
A moment of silence—"Then tell me. I'm listening."
Aro sighs, "Your presence here is not our idea, Bella. It was requested by a friend—or rather, a brother—of the Major's, Captain Peter Whitlock. His gift is to know things, and he was adamant you are fundamental to the mission and that you must be human from the beginning to the end of said mission. We still don't know why, but Peter Whitlock is never wrong."
Well, this changes things. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"We didn't want to put more pressure on you" Aro explains, smiling in a fatherly fashion. Pity that I don't need another father since I already have one.
"Well, I don't like things about me being kept from me. I'm not some kind of porcelain doll that breaks at the slightest pressure. I can handle things" I say angrily.
"That's what we said" Felix and Jasper say at the same moment, and I spin to face them.
"Oh, Jasper do shut up. You basically said the same thing yesterday evening. Felix, it's nice to hear that at least one person has some faith in me" I say, snidely. Jasper looks ready to add something more, but I cut him off. "Save it. I don't care about words, I want facts. Now, can you all please leave, or at least get out of my way? I need to pack some things I want to bring to the South. By the way, Felix, what is exactly the South? Does it have borders?" I ask, as Jasper slumps back into his chair and the brothers look chastised. Kings or not I will put them in their place anytime.
Felix gets up and follows me in my closet, "Well, no it doesn't. The South, for us vampires, indicates the territories that host the newborn vampire wars. The borders change depending on the fights between the covens. There used to be three covens: Maria's, the biggest one, Benito's and Ferdinando's. Ferdinando was destroyed almost a decade ago, and his territories were split between the two other covens, but now Maria and Benito have fused their covens—their armies—and that is why we are taking action."
"So, if they just kept fighting against each other, killing humans but not alerting the authorities, you wouldn't have intervened?" I ask, and the accusation in my tone isn't lost on Felix.
He grimaces, "Probably, yes. Both Maria and Benito are experts at covering their tracks, so we wouldn't have had a reason to interfere with their business."
"Leaving countless humans to die for a petty war between two vampires that want more space in their backyards."
He doesn't say anything. I kind of understand where he comes from, I mean: the Volturi have their own laws and if a vampire respects them they can do nothing. But on the other hand I can't stand the thought of countless of innocents dying. If they were criminals it might be a tidbit easier, but alas, they are not.
"Hey, Felix. Can you pass me that box?" I ask, and the guard complies. His eyes are wary, but when I smile at him they clear and he smiles, too.
And so we keep packing.
7 hours later
"Everyone ready?" Felix calls, standing in front of several black cars, and receives several nods as an answer.
"Oh, dear. It's so sad to see you off! Please, be safe!" Aro says, hugging me. Marcus smiles beside him, "Take care of yourself and don't do anything too dangerous."
I smile at them, "I will, don't worry. Besides, Jasper will help me, as will Felix" I say.
"Don't forget about me, Bells!" Demetri says, patting me on the back before sitting in the driver's seat of one of the cars that will transport us to the airport. He and I have become friends in the last days. He's a funny guy.
Caius comes near us, "Is everybody ready? Bella, are you ready?" he asks.
I nod, and he says "Then it's time for us to depart." I nod again and wave to the two brothers that will remain here in Volterra, before sitting in one of the cars. We swiftly get a move on things and arrive at the airport in less than two hours. Crazy vampire driving. We board the plane and immediately take off, without wasting a minute. Under Caius' watchful eyes even the bitchy Jane is subdued.
14 hours later
I slept or ate most of the flight. Caius didn't bother to bring some entertainment for me, but then again I didn't expect him to. All the vampires were crowded in the belly of the jet—the very luxurious and cozy jet. Caius, Felix, Demetri, Santiago—who was flying the plane, Alec, Jane, and obviously Jasper were my travel companions, since all the other guards were already in the South.
When we start our descend I start feeling a bit nervous, but Jasper readily helps me. While we were flying he told me to start calling him Jasper, since he and the Major were slowly but surely merging, not being two different people anymore. I look at him and he winks as I mouth a 'thank you'.
I change into a green camisole and a pair of light wash jeans before we land. I have a feeling Caius won't wait for me—feeling that is proven right when, as soon as we are parked in the hangar, he starts barking orders at everyone.
"Felix, Demetri, prepare the cars. Alec, Santiago, take care of the luggage. Jane, run ahead and alert the guards of our impending arrival. Major, you, Isabella and I will look at the latest report the guards sent us. It arrived via email while we were flying. We need to adjust our strategy if it's necessary. I want everyone in the cars as soon as possible!"
I'm quite flattered that he counts me in the strategizing party, but now I'm too busy running around obeying his orders to care.
Dude needs a bit of Valium.
We are riding in our cars in a matter of minutes. Jane, Alec, Santiago and Demetri in one car; Caius, Jasper, Felix and I in the other. We drive for about three hours—my legs are all tingly and it's only thanks to Jasper's subtle massaging that they still work—and then we need to walk.
The cars stop suddenly. We are in the middle of absolute nowhere. I have no idea if we are still in the USA or if we passed the borders. I was too concentrated on the strategy. Not much has changed, luckily, only that we now know some of the gifts Maria has.
The sun is high in the sky, and I'm sweating bullets. Thankfully I managed to convince Caius to let me change clothes, or else I would literally be dying right now. It was a struggle changing in a car with three other male vampires in the cubicle, but I made it work. A sport's bra and some yoga pants are far better. I don't even care about how the other vampires are looking at me—it's too hot to care, besides, Jasper's growls tell me he'll keep them in check.
The ground is steep and arid, but pretty solid and fairly easy to navigate—no obstacles for the human, thank God. It's only thanks to a pair of sunglasses that I'm able to see something, because apparently we are far enough from humans that the vamps don't need to cover. Which means they all sparkle like disco balls. I don't know which one is more harmful—UV rays or their sparkle.
Anyway, after many hours of walking and running—fucking shit I'm tired!—we finally arrive to our headquarters. The sun is setting by the time we reach the house. It's a big two-story home, the walls painted the same colour as the dirt around us, with many windows and escape routes. Caius explained that there is an underground story that holds the prisons for any eventual captives, as well as a torture chamber.
Good news: the house has a working kitchen and a bedroom for me. Bad news: all of them are in Caius' personal suite because we can't afford to lose any precious space. Yikes.
I had hoped to be able to sleep, unwind and relax after all the running I did, but alas my fortune isn't with me. At all.
As soon as we near the house, a shout alerts us that something isn't right. "MASTER!" I hear a lower guard—judging by the colour of the cloak—shout. Immediately, Caius speeds ahead and we all scramble to stay close. I have managed to keep up with them due to the fact that they had to scent and check the area we were crossing for possible enemies, so they had to go to a slower pace, but now that Caius is running, Jasper has to grab me, toss me over his shoulder and run at top speed.
When he puts me down, the sight that awaits me is downright disgusting.
A window is broken and the glass pieces are being collected by a guard, but the focus of the scene is elsewhere: a beaten up, bruised and bloody human head is what broke the window.
Someone has thrown a female human's head in our headquarters, along with a message. The eye-less, ear-less and skinned head has a message embedded in its teeth. I carefully pick up the bloody parchment, trying not to throw up. Even Caius is disgusted, but Jasper is staring hatefully at the head—as if recognising the handiwork. The thought chills me to the bone.
I slowly open the message. Another shiver runs down my spine as I read aloud:
Welcome to Hell, idiotas. Esta will be your tumba. Mi Amor, mi Comandante, we'll soon be together again. Pronto. Maria.
Fuck.
Spanish translations (my native language is Italian, since I live in Milan, but I can handle a bit of Spanish):
idiotas: idiots
Esta: this
tumba: tomb
Mi Amor, mi Comandante: My Love, my Major
Pronto: soon
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Things are about to get real! How did you like the chapter? Let me know and leave a review!
