Gold Medal Mate

by Too-old-for-Twilight

Bella Swan is an Ice Dancer who gets a new partner Mike Newton. She moves to Forks to work with Mike. Her mate has been waiting for her. He knows nothing of her career and her partnership with Mike causes problems. Inspired by watching the winter Olympics. B/J

All characters belong to Stephanie Meyers

BPOV

Gripping the handle of my bag, I looked around the terminal for Charlie, making a mental note to call him "Dad" instead of his name. I smiled when I saw his arm waving high in the air and made my way quickly to where my Dad was waiting. Next to him was my new partner the sandy haired, blue eyed, Mike Newton. Mike raised his hand in an awkward half wave. I was sure he was feeling a nervous as I was. We had both had partners who had decided this wasn't the life they wanted to live anymore and retired. This was an unexpected bump in our careers and we were both hopeful that we could take each other places we had only dreamed of.

Charlie's arms gripped me tightly, "Hey there, Kiddo, good to see ya'."

I smiled, "Hey Dad." I stepped toward Mike and gave him an awkward hug, "Hey Mike, I'm surprised to see you here."

"Well, Bella Swan, I have a lot to go over with you before you start school tomorrow and the Chief and I thought this would be the best time to do it since we all want to keep our little partnership on the downlow for a while."

I nodded and could feel my face blush. It was always awkward working with someone new especially knowing that tomorrow morning I would have my arms and legs wrapped around a stranger. Charlie placed his hand on the small of my back and directed me to the luggage pickup and then out to his police cruiser.

I remembered last month when Mike flew out to Phoenix for a tryout with me and then finding out that he lived in the same town as my father it just made sense that I would move to Forks to work with him. When Mike found out he wouldn't have to make four trips to Seattle a week he was thrilled to have me as his partner even if he was more experienced then I was. The drive alone would save him so much time; I think he was actually looking forward to this partnership.

We got in the car making idle chit chat along the way. As soon as, Charlie pulled out of the airport he reached over and handed me a file folder. "Here Ya' go Kiddo. This is the schedule Mike worked out for you."

I opened the folder and removed several sheets of paper filled with schedules and instructions.

"I didn't make that packet Chief," Mike laughed, "that was all coach." "Bella that first sheet of paper tells us our daily training schedule, there is several sheets about nutrition we need to have, there is a sheet that tells the dates of our competitions. Plus, all kinds of other information."

I glanced through the packet of information but didn't find any times the ice rink would be open, "There isn't a list of freestyle ice times? Is there a website I can check the times so I can get extra practice if I need to?"

Mike chuckled, "Actually we might be the luckiest ice dance team in the country. See my parents built their store in front of the old Fork's hockey rink. Most people assume we use that building is used for storage and that we have taken out the ice. But," he paused, "I'm the only one who uses it." I gasped and looked at Mike. He grinned, "look in the packet."

I looked down at the folder and noticed taped to the back was a key. I pulled the tape off and held it up turning to look at Mike's huge grin. "It's a key to the rink so whenever you want to skate day or night just come open it up. It will only ever be us and our coaches in there. You can even leave your stuff in a closet so you don't have to drag everything with you all the time. I even keep some school clothes there in case I forget to bring stuff to change into."

I shrieked and started pumping my fists excitedly, "That is so cool. I just can't believe it. So do I just pay your parents or something?" I asked breathlessly.

"No, Bella. I can't compete without a partner. You are now my partner so the rink time is all free."

Charlie chuckled and grinned proudly at me, "Well I guess I won't see much of you, will I?"

"This is amazing! Thank you so much for picking me Mike I am just so grateful for the opportunity."

Mike shook his head, "Hey you worked hard to get where you were and I know you will work hard. This is a great opportunity for me as well. I have always wanted a partner who was willing to work out of Forks. We will only need to travel to Seattle on Saturdays to work with our coach Sergei. The rest of the time they are willing to come out this way."

I sat back in my seat cradling the key in my palm against my heart. This was just too exciting.

"So, Bella," Mike began awkwardly, "There is just one more thing I want to talk to you about…"

Mike explained that his friends at school knew nothing about his ice dancing career. They didn't know that he won Nationals last year, that he traveled internationally for competitions, or that he was ranked sixth in the world with his last partner. The people who went to school with him didn't know he spent around forty hours a week in practice, off ice lessons, strength training, yoga, and dance classes all for this sport. They were all told he spent his time working for his parents at Newton's Outfitters.

I readily agreed to keep his secret and was even excited to keep that part of myself private. It would be nice not having to answer questions. "Hey Mike?" I glanced at him from the front seat. "Would you mind if I said that I worked at the store with you. We could say that Charlie spoke to your dad for me before I got here. This way I can have a cover story for why I'm around your store as well."

Nodding emphatically Mike grinned, "That is a great idea, Bella!"

The rest of the drive was uneventful. Finally, we stopped in front of Newton's Outfitters in order to drop Mike off.

"Bella, would you like to come and see the rink? This way you can come whenever you feel like it?" Mike asked shyly.

I looked up at him excitedly, "Can I bring my skates? Dad can I test out the ice?"

Charlie smiled and shook his head, "I will only wait here for an hour," he groaned playfully knowing that I had pent up energy from the flight and drive. "I have a surprise for you at home."

I grabbed the small suitcase that I carried onto the plane. It had my skates and most of my equipment in it. I followed Mike around the back. He quickly unlocked the door and showed me the light switches. Then he showed me to a closet that had my name on the door.

"This is an old locker room." He flipped on the light and held the door open for me to see inside. "There are working showers, a couch, a clothes rack in case you want to keep anything here. You can put your stuff in here and then leave it. It saves a lot of trouble and your skate don't end up frozen if you leave them in the car." He chuckled.

I smiled and shook my head, "That isn't something I ever had to worry about in Phoenix."

I quickly moved into the room and laced up my skates. I stepped out of the locker room and saw Mike. He held out his hand for me to take and I placed my hand in his. "Ravensburger Waltz?" He asked as we stepped out onto the ice.

I nodded and Mike showed me how to work the sound system, that was set up in a hockey box in the center of the rink along the boards. We hurried out onto the ice and began counting our steps as soon as the music started.

JPOV

I was sitting in the window seat, in my study, looking at the sky as it was darkening. Twilight was supposed to be the best time of day for a vampire but for me every part of the day was the same. While I lived with my family, I was the only one unmated. I spent most of my free time reading or looking out my window waiting. I have been waiting for my mate for almost 150 years. Two years ago, Alice, my physic adopted sister, insisted the family move to Forks because this is where I will meet my mate but so far, she hasn't shown. I was wondering just how long we would need to stay in this tiny town when I heard a shriek from the room next door.

I jerked my head up and the next thing I know the door to my study flew open and my tiny pixie like sister bounded into the room. Her face shone in the biggest smile I had ever seen and she jumped into my arms.

"She'll be here tomorrow! You'll see her at lunch!" She shrieked again and began bouncing in my lap.

"Who? Who will be here tomorrow, Alice!"

She giggled and rolled her eyes, "Your mate silly! She will be at school tomorrow and you will see her for the first time in the cafeteria." She started clapping then looked to the door as Edward her husband and my adopted brother walked into the room.

"Jazz will meet his mate tomorrow! I can't wait! I have seen that she we will be best friends. She has some interesting taste in clothing and I think I better order some rhinestones!" With that she hopped out of my lap, grabbed Edward by the sleeve and flew out of my room. I could hear her furiously clicking in the next room over. Probably ordering a ridiculous number of rhinestones.

I continued sitting in the window seat thinking over everything Alice had just told me. I was going to see my mate for the first time. I wondered if she would feel the pull to me that I would feel to her. Being an empath, I knew what the pull for a mate felt like to other couples I had met. I had just never felt that feeling for myself.

As I sat there I, Major Jasper Whitlock, the god of war, the most feared vampire in the southern wars was terrified. What if my mate didn't like me? What if she was instinctively afraid of me? What if I didn't really like her? What on earth could she need Alice to order rhinestones for?

BPOV

My alarm had gone off at 4:30 AM just like it had every morning for the last five years. I hit the button and grabbed the clothes I had laid out the night before. I grabbed my toiletries bag and headed for the shower. I got ready as quickly as I could then grabbed the breakfast and snack, I had gotten ready the night before.

I grabbed my backpack and clothes for school then I flew out the door heading for the rink. I arrived at the rink just as Mike pulled into the lot. He beat me to the door and held it open for me locking it behind us.

"I always lock it up when I am here so I am not taken by surprise by anyone. You should do the same just in case."

I nodded then headed to my locker room with my other bags. I grabbed my yoga mat, jump rope, butt pads, and water bottle and stepped out of the locker room to begin warming up. Mike was already jogging around the outside-edge of rink and I went to do the same.

Once we were finished warming up and had our skates on, we went to the ice. I had my iPod in my ears and began warming up around the edge of the rink. Mike caught up and reached for my iPod, "we can listen to whatever you want it is just the two of us." I nodded and grinned. It would be nice to not share the speakers with anyone else. He plugged in my iPod then took my hand and we started stroking around the rink together matching our legs to each other and the music.

Mike looked at me and sighed, "I guess I should tell you my other little secret besides figure skate." He looked down at the ice unsure. Then he explained that I wasn't his type and therefore I shouldn't feel awkward about this partnership. He further went on to tell me that he hadn't come out to any of his school friends yet because the closed mindedness of small-town people.

I totally understood the way small towns operated. One of the reasons I stopped visiting Charlie in Forks was because I didn't like all the gossip that surrounded those visits and hearing them discuss my flighty mother as if they knew her.

We began practicing some holds together just to get a feel for how our bodies fit together. I was straddling Mike's waist with my legs wrapped around his back with my head upside down, my hair dragging on the ice, while he glided around the edge when we heard the door open. Mike pulled my arms and I lifted my head then kicked my feet behind me in order to flip over and land on one foot. We skated to door so I could meet my new coach.

The rest of the morning went fast with our coach just having us show him different things to see what we were capable of doing. At the end of the session, he declared us a good match and said he would send us some song ideas and asked us to do the same. I have a running list of songs I think would be fun to compete with so I was eager to thin that out and share them.

We both went to the locker rooms to dry our skates and change. I was wearing tight black workout pants so I threw a long purple flannel shirt over the top, added a belt, and a pair of long black boots over that. I shook out my hair from the pony tail it had been in and I grabbed my backpack, water bottle, and workout bag. Then I headed out the door with Mike.

"After school we have strength training and yoga. Do you want to follow me to Port Angeles in your truck or do you want to meet here and ride together?"

"Would you mind riding together? Just until I know more about the area."

Mike nodded and his face lit up, "No, that would be great. This way I don't lose my partner between there and here. Remember we don't know each other yet."

I nodded and smiled as I hopped in my truck, which was the surprise my dad gave me as a welcome home present, and headed for school.

JPOV

I was anxious to get to school this morning so instead of riding with Rosalie and Emmet or Alice and Edward I took my Ducati. I didn't want to miss seeing my mate as she pulled into school for the first time. I arrived while the student parking lot was still mostly empty and waited next to my bike. The lot filled up but I didn't see any new cars or students. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair which was a trait I hadn't lost when I became a vampire.

I waited impatiently until my siblings parked in the spaces on either side of me. Emmet got out of his Jeep laughing, "What? You're still waitin' on her?"

I scowled in his direction but didn't acknowledge his question.

Alice got out of Edwards Volvo and flitted over to me, "I told you, you wouldn't see her until lunch!" She shook her head. "She won't be here until after the bell. Come on go on to class." She pushed my shoulder forward.

I drug myself from the parking lot and made my way into the building.

My morning classes were always unbearable but today I they seemed to last an eternity. I smiled to myself thinking this was the last time I had to go through high school. The only reason I went over and over again was because Alice told me I would meet my mate in a high school someday so here I sit waiting for her.

Finally, I made my way to the lunch room. I didn't even bother to get keeping up appearance food in the line I just went at sat at my families table and waited. I thought maybe I could get in line near her and maybe introduce myself. Maybe I could buy her lunch. I was busy picturing how this conversation might go when I realized my family was all sitting down.

I looked around the lunch room but there wasn't a single new person in the cafeteria. I sighed.

Suddenly, I heard Jessica Stanley coming down the hallway rambling in her bubbly fake friendly voice. I knew that voice was reserved for people she was trying to impress so I sat up straighter and watched the door. Jessica stepped inside the cafeteria followed by the most stunningly beautiful girl I had ever laid eyes on. She had long mahogany hair with a hint of natural red highlights. She had a heart shaped face and a pouty pink mouth. Her eyes were pools of melted chocolate. She took my unneeded breath away.

I got up swiftly to try to make my way towards the lunch line. When I heard Jessica point out the line. My mate smiled and lifted up a paper sack, "I'm on a special diet so I always bring my lunch. Thanks anyway though."

Jessica laughed, "Oh you must have allergies like Mike. He always brings his lunch too."

My mate nodded and started to walk to the opposite side of the cafeteria from our table when she was stopped by Mike Newton. "Hey, I'm Mike! You must be the new girl?" He stuck out his hand and my mate reached hers out and shook his.

"I'm Bella," she smirked. My mate's name was Bella. I thought about how well her name fit her. I was annoyed that Mike Newton had touched my mate even in a friendly greeting. She was my soul mate, my other half, he shouldn't get to touch her. I knew I was being ridiculous but I couldn't help it.

Mike directed her to sit at his table which was at least near ours. I would be able to watch her closely. She sat down next to Mike and took out her food from her lunch. She had a hard-boiled egg, nuts, cheese squares, cut up veggies, and an orange. She reached into her backpack a pulled out a massive water bottle.

"At least she eats healthily," Edward whispered.

I nodded not taking my eyes off of her. "What is she thinking?" I glanced in his direction.

Edward frowned. Then his brow furrowed deeply, "I can't hear anything from her? Let me check Newton." He concentrated on Mike's thoughts for a moment while I observed that her table was filling up quickly with people anxious for people to meet Bella. I glanced back at Edward and he was scowling.

"What?"

He sighed, "Well..." he hesitated and a low growl began forming in my chest, "he is imagining her in a types of compromising positions. Right now, it seems like he is imaging her with her legs wrapped around his waist and dipping her low to the ground." My growl began to be louder as I stared daggers at Mike.

I began to test his emotions. "He is feeling determination and strategy," I told my family.

"At least he isn't feeling lust," Emmet chuckled. This caused another growl to form. "Relax, she hasn't even seen you yet." I nodded knowing that she wouldn't feel the mating pull until she saw me. I needed to get her to look in my direction. Unfortunately, she never even scanned the rest of the lunch room. The people at her table tried to make conversation but she would mostly answer their questions and then let the conversation end.

Finally, with one minute till the lunch bell Emmet couldn't take it anymore and he hurled a foil ball across the cafeteria and smacked her in the back of the head. It hit he head with a thunk and she reached back placing her hand on her head.

Mike Newton turned and stood up with his arms outstretched indignantly blocking her from our view. "Come on man! That's not cool!"

Emmet laughed and backhanded his shoulder hard enough for it to sting, "Knock it off, Emmet!" I glanced in the direction of my mate to see her being helped out of her seat by Newton.

Mike protectively put his hand on her lower back, "I gotta protect my partner," he whispered in her ear causing her to giggle. I heard a cracking noise and saw that I had broken the edge of the table.

Edward grabbed my shoulder and began dragging me to class. "Calm down!" He hissed in my ear. It won't do any good if we expose ourselves to the population of Forks."

"What was she thinking Edward!" I growled.

"Actually, I can't hear anything from her. There isn't even static. She is totally blocking me," He wrinkled his forehead a clear sign he was frustrated.

"What was he thinking?" I really didn't want to know what Mike Newton could have been thinking about my mate. I stopped and got out my American History book out of my locker.

"Well, that was confusing. Mike's thoughts don't normally make a lot of sense to me. He normally thinks in images instead of an internal monologue. He really seemed too only be protective of her. But I couldn't understand why."

I slammed my locker thinking about Mike's hands on my mate then I stormed off to class.

BPOV

Mike walked me all the way to my American History class. I couldn't stop chuckling. Someone had tried to get my attention by throwing a ball of aluminum foil at my head probably so they could get a glimpse of the new student. Mike was furious because he wanted everything to go well today. He didn't want me to be scared off and leave Forks. Then he would have to drive to Seattle for a partner.

"I'm not going to quit over a foil ball!" I rolled my eyes at him.

Mike nodded looking a little sheepish. Then noticing what classroom, I was headed to he asked, "hey why do you have American History, that is a Senior level class?"

"Oh, we do them in a different order in Phoenix. I was already in American History and we were using the same textbook so the school decided I would finish up with this one this year. Next year I will be stuck with a bunch of Juniors though."

"Oh, cool. See you afterschool, Bella. We'll meet at the store, right?" I smiled and nodded.

I headed into class and went to meet the teacher. Thankfully, she didn't feel the need to have me introduce myself to the class and instead directed me to the only available seat in the far back corner of the classroom.

I made my way down the aisle when the corner of my bag caught on the edge of a desk causing it to fall off shoulder with a jerk and me to stumble forward. I could feel my face begin to blush. I quickly recovered and sat down in my assigned chair. I looked down at the table allowing my hair to fall forward to create a barrier between me and the people on either side of me.

I heard a deep warm voice chuckle. "You better watch where your goin' darlin'," the voice drawled in a surprising southern accent.

I looked up slowly into the most handsome face I had ever seen. His face framed with honey blond curls. I could feel my heart skip a beat before it began to flutter rapidly. "My bag just got caught." I smiled outwardly while inwardly I thought I might die of embarrassment.

I looked down quickly and began to pull things out of my backpack to begin class. I could hear his soft chuckle as I felt his eyes on me. Suddenly, from the other side of me a cool female voice asked, "So new girl what's your name?"

I looked to my left to see a blond bombshell looking down at her fingernails, one eyebrow cocked. "Isabella Swan but I go by Bella." I put on my speaking to judges and reporters smile it was meant to say I'm confident and professional rather than what I was actually feeling which was I am terrified and think I might throw up.

"I'm Rosalie and next to you is my brother Jasper." She pointed at the man on my right.

I looked over at him again and my heart skipped another beat, "It is nice to meet you both." I glanced back down at my desk unsure of what to say to these beautiful people.

Jasper hummed looking over at me again, "Well Miss Bella, I saw you have already made a friend here. You were getting' chummy with Mike Newton at lunch."

I gasped; I didn't want Jasper to think I was too chummy with Mike Newton. I looked at Jasper who was eyeing me speculatively. "I... um...Mike was telling me about a job. Um…I need a job. He said his dad was hiring and he offered to talk to him. I'm…um…supposed to meet him after school. For work purposes. Nothing else. Just work!" I began to feel myself blush. I glanced over at Jasper who was still looking me up and down.

I felt so bad about lying to him. I wanted to spill all of my secrets but that would ruin everything. I crushed down that desire and determined that I was going to keep my promise to Mike. It would ruin everything if everyone knew.

Finally, the teacher began her lecture. I began writing notes off of her lecture. She seemed boring. She began droning about how the Civil War was fought mostly in the Eastern States. I scoffed and called out, "What about the Kansas and Missouri Boarder War and Texas involvement? That wasn't mostly in the East."

The teacher looked shocked and said dryly, "Well Mr. Hale it seems you have made a friend." Then she turned back to her notes and continued as if I hadn't said anything.

I glanced over at Rosalie who was smirking at me. I felt Jasper's breath on my cheek. "Well Miss Swan you sure are full of surprises. We will just have to get together sometime when you aren't workin' and discuss the abysmal history education in the country," he whispered in that glorious drawl that sent shivers down my spine.

I turned my head slowly looking deeply into his light honey brown eyes, "I would like that very much, Jasper."

He smirked and cocked his eyebrow at me, "how about one day after school one day this week we meet up and I can get you caught up in your classes?"

I nodded without breaking eye contact. "I would love to Jasper," I breathed. Then my heart started palpitating. What was I thinking? I have practice after school. I began to panic, "actually… um… I can't… I have a lot to do after school. I would really but I just can't. I'm really sorry." Thankfully the bell rang and I was able to scoop my belongings up and grab my bag before he was able to say anything. I jumped out of me seat and flew out of the classroom.

In the door I ran smack into a huge bear of a man. I bounced off and started to fall backwards when he caught me. "Sorry!" I stammered, "I should have been watching. I need to go." I continued sprinting down the hall away from Jasper.

JPOV

I watched as my mate sprinted away from me and smacked right into Emmet. I was surprised she didn't hurt herself.

"She's clumsy, isn't she?" Rose snorted.

I nodded and chuckled. "Well, she is confusing that's for sure." I got my books and headed out of class.

Emmet clapped me on my back, "What do you mean, Bro?"

I took a breath, "I mean I couldn't feel her emotions at all until we made eye contact. Then the feelings coming off of her were phenomenal."

Rose narrowed her eyes and said pointedly, "I think she is lying about that job."

I rolled my eyes at her, "of course she is lying about that job. But I don't think she likes Newton either. I can't figure it out."

"I thought she was going to melt when you were gazing into her eyes though. Did you hear her heartbeat?"

"MmmHmm. It skipped so much I thought she might have arrhythmia," I chuckled at my joke and headed in the direction of my next class.

BPOV

Finally, school ended and I headed over to Newton's Outfitters. I parked my truck at the store and headed over to the rink to wait for Mike.

"Hey Bella! You want me to drive today so I can show you where the gym is?"

I nodded then headed to Mike's car.

"Have a good first day?"

"I met the dreamiest cowboy I have seen. He is like model good looking his name is Jasper Hale."

Mike groaned, "girl I know he has that strong chin and those curls. I have had a crush on him forever. I'd come out if I could have a chance with him."

I laughed at Mike's exuberance while he continued his assessment of the rest of the Cullen/Hale men. I apparently needed to make a doctor's appointment ASAP because Jasper's adopted father was so good looking.

We arrived at the gym for strength training and lift practice. Working out was fun. The gym in Port Angeles wasn't nearly as big as the gyms in Phoenix but I could make due. We grunted and groaned through our separate workout routines. Mike was easily able to spot me but he fortunately had gym friends who would help him.

"Who's your new girl, Mikey?" Some greasy sweaty gym guy asked while he was standing behind me while I was doing squats.

"Hey leave her alone Paul," Mike sneered.

"Alright I was just looking anyway." The guy walked away with his hands up like he wasn't just leering at me.

After working on the machines Mike pulled me into an aerobics room that was surrounded by mirrors. We began working on lifts. I would hop up and Mike would lift me over his head in various positions. I would have to be strong enough to hold myself in that position while suspended in the air.

Mike showed me several new ways of getting up and then he would describe how he wanted me to crawl out of my lift.

We worked on lifts for about an hour and a half when the kickboxing class came in to use the room. The instructor asked Mike if I wanted to join this was apparently something he did just as an added exercise. I thought about what had happened with that Paul guy and decided knowing how to kick and punch harder might not be a bad idea. I ran and grabbed a bag of nuts and ate them quickly and a large drink of water before class. Then Mike and I spent the rest of the afternoon kickboxing. It was almost seven thirty by the time I got home.

"Hey Dad I'm home!"

"Hey Bella, I didn't know what to make because of your special diets and stuff so I just thought I would wait. I know you don't eat normal."

I laughed, "Actually thanks for that Dad! You are correct I really watch what fuel I put in this body. I will make something really quick."

I got to work in the kitchen. After dinner I rushed to get through my homework then I showered quickly and headed to bed. It was a pretty great afternoon.

JPOV

After school I watched Bella get in her car and pull out of the parking lot.

"I saw you got to have a class with Bella!" Alice chimed bouncing on her feet excitedly waiting to hear all about my first conversation with my mate.

I was confused, "You didn't see our conversation, Alice?"

She shook her head sadly, "It wasn't that I couldn't see it but it was a very fuzzy vision and it was hard to know what you were both saying. I haven't ever really had a vision like it."

"I wonder what that means?" I began telling my "siblings" all about my conversation with Bella.

When we got home, I went to my study and saw the pile of mail on my desk. I picked up the pile and went through the mail I had. On the bottom was Skating a figure skating magazine. I picked up the magazine and looked at the cover. "What in the world I thought?"

"Esme, I think I got your figure skate magazine by mistake," I said in a normal voice knowing that the entire house would be able to hear.

I heard chuckling throughout the house. Esme's voice was filled with amusement and I could hear her trying not to laugh, "Actually Jasper, look at who that magazine is addressed to."

I flipped the magazine over and sure enough it was addressed to Jasper Whitlock. I groaned, "Must be a gag from Pete. It says he bought me a subscription. What am I gonna do with this?" I was disgusted. Peter my venom brother, who saved me from the Southern Vampire Wars, was always a practical joker. He said he had a gift of "just knowing stuff" but I thought his gift was just being annoying.

"Esme, do you want this magazine or shall I just toss it?" I was disgusted but I knew that Esme enjoyed watching ice skating whenever it was on TV.

She appeared in my door instantly smiling happily. I handed her the magazine, "Anytime one comes you can just take it Esme. There is no way I'm gonna read about ice skatin'!"

Just then I got a text message from Peter, "You should use the gifts I send you! And it isn't ice skating it's figure skating."

I just rolled my eyes and put my phone away, "idiot!"

I spent the rest of the evening thinking about my mate. I wondered if she got the job at Newton's. I wasn't happy about her spending time after school with that idiot boy. Once we were together, I would be able to provide anything she wanted so she wouldn't need to work. I flitted out to the garage and made a mental list of any sports equipment that would need to be replaced so I could purchase replacements from her. That would give me a good reason to spend all of time at Newton's.

I heard Emmet's booming voice, "Hey Jasper if your done looking at all the pretty ice skaters you should come on a hunt with us."

I groaned internally cursing Peter, "Okay I'm coming."

BPOV

I got up the next morning, got myself ready, and headed to the rink. I had arrived before Mike so I put my stuff away and I began my morning warm up routine.

A few minutes later Mike came flying in the room. "Bella! Did you get your copy of Skating!?" I shook my head and Mike continued excitedly waving the magazine in my face, "They did an article on our new partnership! They got picture of you from us last year at Nationals with our other partners!"

"What!" I shrieked! I had never made any of the figure skate magazines online or in print. "Oh my gosh!" I took the magazine out of his hand and flipped through the pages. It wasn't the main topic of the magazine this month but it was the second main story. I quickly read through it surprised by all of the information they knew about me without having spoken to me. "How did they know all this stuff about me?"

"Oh, they probably spoke to your old coach. I also may have told them some things. I do have a quote in there about how I think our partnership will go."

I finished reading the article and threw my arms around Mike's neck, "I can't believe it! I'm in the magazine because of you!"

"Bella, you're in the magazine because you are an amazing skater. The magazine just knows my name. We are partners and equals. Now we need to focus so everyone will know your name, Miss Swan."

We finished warming up and headed to the ice. We worked on the lifts that we had been practicing at the gym the day before.

After we were finished and heading to our cars to go to school. Mike stopped me, "Hey, Bella, do you want to listen to any of the song ideas during lunch? We can share my headphones."

"That sounds good, Mike! I was wondering if you would mind meeting here and riding together to dance class?"

"Yeah, you know we could just plan on that and take turns driving. It would make things easier."

"I would like that. Then we would save some gas! I'll see you at lunch then!" We both hopped in our cars and headed to school.

JPOV

I didn't see Bella come to school this morning and I figured she must have a tendency to be late. This would be a problem for me as a military minded person you showed up to events on time or five minutes early but never late. I didn't see her until lunch.

I again got to the cafeteria a few minutes early in order to watch her entry. When she came in carrying her lunch, she didn't even look around but instead walked straight to Mike. She sat down next to him and scooted her chair closer to him. I could feel a growl building up at the sight of my mate sitting so close to another male. I felt Edward's hand clamp down on my should, "She doesn't feel the pull like you do yet. You will end up scaring her if you don't calm down," he hissed in my ear.

I frowned but I knew that he was correct, "Well at least listen to what they are thinking then?"

"Yeah, about that…," Edward pinched the bridge of his nose, "I can't hear Bella's thoughts at all and when someone is next to here, they partially go missing. I can't hear any words but I can still see any visual thoughts in their mind."

"When did you figure this out?"

"I have been trying to read her and anyone near here since yesterday at lunch."

This was not a good development. "Do you think she has a latent gift?"

"I spoke to Carlisle about it and that is the best theory we have come up with."

I did have to smile at the thought that my mate could already be showing her gift. She really was meant to be a vampire. This pleased me enormously. However, that was soon interrupted by the site of my mate sharing a set of headphones with Mike Newton! They each had one earphone in and they would whisper in the open ear.

Bella scrunched up her nose, "This is terrible, go to the next one."

Mike fiddled with his iPod before he too made a face, "Hard pass."

After a few minutes I could see both of them start to smile. They looked into each other's eyes, gently swaying to the music. Mike reached out and took Bella's hand in his own.

I could feel the low growl begin rumbling in my chest. I leaned toward Edward never taking my eyes off of my mate holding hands with another male. "What is he thinking, Edward?"

Edwards sighed and hesitated. My eyes shot to him. "He is picturing her in an embrace…. he leans in brushing his nose against hers…she looks at him with adoration."

I spring out of my chair flinging it behind me, ready to remove Mike Newton's spinal column along with his head. Edward and Emmet jump up just as quickly and tackle me to the ground.

"You're going to expose us!" Emmett hisses. This calms me down just enough that they are able to drag me from the cafeteria. Thankfully, Alice had seen the whole thing moments beforehand and jumped in front of us in order to block some of the view from the rest of the student body.

Rose began yelling about Emmett defending her honor which made it sound as if there was some type of chivalrous fight between brothers instead of a vampire male about to slaughter the male population of the school. As soon as the student body heard and processed the commotion they began chanting, "Fight, fight, fight!"

They drug me behind the school and into the forest where I began pulverizing trees.

Finally, Edward shouted, "Enough Jasper! You are going to scare her away if you don't stop. She is a human. She doesn't know who you are. She doesn't feel the pull. You have to calm down so you can go to class with her.

I stood gasping for unnecessary breaths. Edward was right. I was going to scare my mate. She would reject me if I couldn't get myself under control. I began to feel the tension ease from my shoulders when I got a text from Peter, "Calm down! She was too busy listening to notice. Go charm her pants off and read the magazine I sent ya!"

I rolled my eyes and headed back into the school to get my things for class with Bella.

BPOV

I jumped up and hugged Mike. I couldn't believe we both had the same song on our short list for a free dance. That made it easy to choose. Our coach had suggested a few ideas for the rhythm dance and it was easy to choose from those. The free dance was always harder and we had already selected ours. Mike sent a message to our coach and we gathered our things to throw away.

"I can't believe we got that done in a lunch period!" Mike was thrilled.

"I know that was super productive," I said reaching down and lacing my fingers into Mike's. We had already gotten fairly comfortable with each other due to how much touching we had to do on a normal basis. A girl in a couple of my classes Jessica Stanley stopped and stared at our entwined hands before asking in a falsely sweet voice, "OMG, are you guys like together? Like together together?"

I didn't really know what to say to her. We were not the least bit interested in each other but it was actually easier to say we were dating so people would understand the amount of time we were together. I looked to Mike; this was his home territory.

Mike's eyes shot to me while he quirked an eyebrow asking for my permission. I nodded. "Yeah, Jessica! I got Bella here a job with my dad and we found out we had a lot in common so we are dating now!" His eyes glanced back down to me.

I could feel the blush forming in my cheeks but I smiled brightly. "Yep, I'm his partner now!"

Mike's hand came up to the small of my back and he gently pushed me along the hallway and away from Jessica. "Hey, sorry about that. I didn't really know how to handle that and I didn't want her questioning things more fully."

I smiled, "That's okay Mike. It is better if I don't date anyone right now anyway. So now maybe people will leave me alone."

He smiled back showing me his white teeth, "that would really help me out with keeping my other secret as well. Hey, if we are going to fake this I better swing by and walk you to our next class?"

"Okay, but if Jasper wants to walk me to class you have to make yourself scarce. Not that I think that will happen but I am hoping."

Mike smiled, "Understood. I'll just walk behind the two of you!" He winked at me causing me to giggle and roll my eyes at him.

I waved to Mike as I walked into the classroom. I glanced in the direction of Jasper's seat but was disappointed to find he wasn't in the room yet. I sat down in my seat and watched the door

JPOV

Rosalie followed me scowling into the room. She was almost as upset by Bella's closeness with Mike as I was. We often pretended to be twins and that gave us a bond we didn't have with the others. I stomped into the room stiff furious over the incident at lunch when I was stopped in my tracks. As soon as Bella saw me come into the classroom her entire body lit up. She sat up straight and leaned in toward me. Her face was beaming in my direction. I began moving toward my seat never taking my eyes off of hers. She never dropped her eyes from mine.

"Hi," she breathed.

"Hello there, Darlin'." She blushed, "I thought about sittin' with ya at lunch but you looked busy."

She looked down and frowned, "I was actually working." She started to bite on her bottom lip as if she was thinking about something. "I'm sure it didn't look like I was but I was." Her eyes looked at me as if she was pleading me to believe her.

"Your right it didn't look like it but I believe ya."

She smiled but I heard Rosalie scoff. Speaking to fast for Bella to hear she hissed, "There isn't any reason for her to be sharing anything with Mike Newton."

I cocked an eyebrow at Rose and silently told her we would discuss all of this later. I turned my attention back to Bella, "Now what kind of work were you doin' with Mike."

"I got a job with him remember?" I nodded and she frowned judging by her heartrate she was trying to come up with a lie. She continued, "We had to choose music for the store."

Rose huffed, "Don't they just turn a radio on or use that canned stuff for stores!" The accusation was clear in Rosalie's tone.

Bella stiffened and turned to look at Rose, "Well I don't think I need to explain myself to either one of you. As far as I know we just met yesterday. I don't owe either of you anything. If I want to date Mike Newton I will."

I clamped my hands to my desk and willed my face to remain steady, "So Little Girl you're datin' Mike are ya?" I was stunned with what happened next because for the first time I could feel emotions coming from my mate. She was devastated with just a touch of deceit flowing underneath it all.

Bella stiffened, "Yes, he is my partner. We have been and will be spending most of our free time together. If you will excuse me, I am going to go over yesterdays notes before class starts." She opened her notebook and began to read the tension never leaving her shoulders.

I sat stunned at being able to feel something from her and just as quickly she shut off her emotions. I turned in my chair slightly so I could give the illusion that I was facing the teacher but I kept her in the corner of my sight the rest of class.

When class was over, she grabbed her things flying out of the classroom as quickly as she could knocking into the door and wrenching her shoulder on the way out.

Mike was waiting for her.

BPOV

I got to Newton's Outfitter's, grabbed my dance bag and my nuts and grapes. Then I waited by my door until Mike came. When he pulled up, I opened his door and jumped in.

"This was the worst day," I whined as I opened my bags of snacks for Mike to share.

"What happened?"

"Jasper saw us at lunch and assumed we were a couple. I told him we were and I could see that he was upset." I huffed, "which means he actually liked me and now I blew it."

Mike frowned, "I'm sorry about Jasper."

I smiled, "It's okay. It was what was bound to be assumed anyway. I shouldn't even get interested in anyone. We have goals and I'm not about to give up that opportunity. We don't have time for romance."

Mike sighed, "No kidding. Even if we wanted to date someone there is no way they would be happy with the small amount of time we have."

I nodded and sighed then pushed away any other feelings, "Well if we play our cards right, we could be the power couple of the school. That would be nice anyway. Plus, it will keep other would-be suitors away."

Mike laughed, "That would be something wouldn't it. Alright, I'll date you but no touching."

I laughed at that and rolled my eyes, "You touch me all the time."

"Not like that," he made a face to show his disgust.

We talked and laughed about all the mischief we could cause if we just let people think we were together.

By the time we arrived at the dance studio I was in a much better mood. "What are the classes today?"

Mike thought for a second, "We do a stretch class first, followed by ballet, and then coach wants us to do private salsa dancing because that is the selection for this year's rhythm dance.

"Hey, when were have learned to salsa dance, we should go to Seattle to a club and practice!"

Laughing Mike winked and snarked, "Yeah, it could be a date!"

JPOV

I had a pretty miserable day after Bella stormed out of the classroom straight to Mike Newton. On the drive home Rose told everyone what happened.

"I'm surprised you didn't rip his head off Jazz! I would have." Emmett laughed at the thought of ripping Mike's head off his body.

"What good would that have done? She would just be upset anyway. I'm just gonna have ta prove that I'm the better guy."

Alice perked up, "You know none of these high school romances last anyway, right Jazz?"

I nodded it was true that humans fell in and out of love all the time while when a vampire finds their mate it is for eternity and one was to die the other would soon follow. "Maybe I'm worryin' about this thing too much. Maybe she needs time to see I'm the guy for her."

Edward had been thoughtful the entire car ride now added, "Maybe you should apologize Jazz. Go see her at work and tell her you are sorry for being rude. Then tell her you are happy for her. At least she will know you care and are a friend. Then when things go bad with Mike you will be in a position to help her."

"That's a good idea. I think I saw some broken football equipment in the garage. Anyone want to go purchase some replacements with me."

Emmett jumped at the idea to go to the sports store. Sports and a video game stores were the only types of shopping he enjoyed while everyone else decided not to overwhelm Bella.

When we got to Newton's I saw Bella's truck parked to the side of the store near an outbuilding. We walked inside and Emmett began shopping the football section. Then I began looking around for Bella. They had one cashier in the front and I could see Mr. Newton in his office keeping an eye on things but there was no Bella anywhere. When Emmett was finished picking out equipment, we went to the front to pay.

I asked the cashier, "Excuse me miss but where would I find Bella Swan working at today?"

The cashier looked confused, "Well, I don't know I guess where ever she works."

I thought for a second, "I was under the impression that she works here. Her truck is by the outbuilding out back."

The cashier nodded, "Oh yeah, she probably works out there with Mike. He is the only one that ever goes back there and sometimes a guy goes in there. I don't know what they do or what is in there. That building is always locked even when they are in it."

I could tell my face displayed the rage I felt because the cashier back up. I handed her my credit card. "Thanks for the help," I said through a clenched jaw.

I was furious. I ran raging into the forest behind the store and smashed some trees. I couldn't believe that my Mate was locking herself in a building with a male that was interested in her. She could be hurt and no one would know to help her. I was

I left Emmett to load the Jeep and went to Bella's truck. I began scenting the area. She had been inside the building recently but not this afternoon. I walked around the building. She hadn't been anywhere but inside the building. I did find a trail that went from her parking spot to further away so she must have gotten in a car with someone, probably Mike as his car wasn't here, and gone someplace.

When Emmett found me, I had created a nice clearing. Emmett looked around and pointed, "Hey Jazz-man there's a few trees you left over that way."

I growled, "What do you want from me Emmett?" My instincts couldn't take this anymore. "My mate is hangin' 'round some idiot who won't keep his hands off 'er." I smashed one of the trees Emmett pointed out. "She's upset with me 'cause I called 'er out on it. Because she don't know she's mine!"

Emmett sighed, "Look, Jazz-man, I get it. I wouldn't like it either. Why don't we drive around Port Angeles and see if we can find Mike's car? We can just see what they're up too."

I nodded and took off for the Jeep. Emmet following close behind. I could tell I was projecting my anger and frustration by the way Emmett kept growling and squeezing the steering wheel.

"Sorry man I'll try to reign it in." Emmett looked pained but nodded at my words.

When we got to the main shopping district in Port Angeles that was full of boutiques and book shops, we began looking for Newton's car.

Emmett tapped my shoulder. I looked at him and he pointed with his chin. In front of a dance studio was Mike's car.

Emmett parked down the block a ways and we walked quickly to the studio. I took a deep breath and sure enough I caught her scent, cactus roses after the rain. I groaned, "she's dancin' with 'im."

"Come on let's see if we can figure out what she's doin' in there," Emmett groaned.

We walked around the building but there were no outside windows on the bottom level. There was an upstairs window and we could see movement coming from that room. We jumped up and grabbed on to the sides of the window so we could peer in.

There they were in some type of lesson. Mike had his hands on her hips and she was leaning her back into him. Their hips were gyrating together in time to the music. Mike spun her to forward when the instructor called something out. Their hips were still moving in time to the music.

Red was covering my vision. I could feel the monster inside of me snarling at his cage trying to break free to get my mate away from this male. I would rip his body to shreds. I would bathe in his blood.

I felt something tapping my shoulder. "Jazz-man calm down. Look at her face. She isn't having fun she is focusing on something.

I looked at her face and could see Emmett was right. She was totally focused on learning something. Her forehead was wrinkled and she was staring at her body in the mirror. Trying to figure out how to move. I could feel the red haze start to recede from my mind as the idea that she wasn't enjoying the feeling of dancing with Mike began to penetrate my understanding.

Suddenly, a loud cry came from the room. "Aaaaarggg! This is so frustrating my hips cannot keep that rhythm! How are you doing that Mike?"

Mike just laughed, "I'm a big Shakira fan and these hips don't lie." Bella's laugh from Mike's joke was beautiful and I hated him for it. I should be the one making her laugh.

I jumped down from the window and got in the Jeep. If I could cry, I would be.

On the way back home, I decided I would wait outside of Bella's and see if I could figure out what she was involved in with Newton. When she finally came home, I could see how hard she had been working at the dance studio. She was covered in a thin layer of sweat, her hair was wildly coming out of the bun it was in, and she looked physically tired. However, once she was inside, she started laughing and telling her father how bad she was at the salsa dancing. She quickly ate dinner, finished up her homework, showered, and at nine o'clock sharp she was in bed for the night. I peeked in at her and she was asleep almost instantly.

I decided she wasn't going to get into much more trouble so I decided on going on a short hunt. I took off into the woods and ran until I could start to smell carnivore. I tracked a mountain lion and took that down followed by a few deer. I started to head home to clean up but, on the way, I got distracted thinking about my beautiful mate. I thought about her trying to salsa dance and decided I would learn how so I could dance with her someday.

When I got home, I went up to change and ran into Rose. "Rose, could you teach me to salsa dance?"

Rose scowled, "Emmett told me about that. Are you sure she is worth the effort? Maybe she isn't your mate and you just think she is so you feel a false pull?"

I frowned, "She's, my mate. Can you teach me?"

"After you get cleaned up," she sighed and rolled her eyes.

I took a quick shower and then spent the next few hours with Rose, Emmett, and Alice learning to salsa dance. "You should probably learn more Latin dances if you want to have more variety to impress her," Alice said as we were finishing up.

"That's a good idea," I sighed, "I'm gonna see what her schedule is like so I'm gonna head over there and follow her today." I headed out and ran to Bella's.

I was shocked when I got there and her light was already on. It was 4:45! Why is she up at least three hours before school starts. I didn't have to wait long. A few minutes later she was at her truck and heading in the direction of Newton's Outfitters. She parked her truck by the same out building as yesterday and got out. She had a key to the building and opened it. I was gonna sneak in after her but I heard her lock the door as soon as she was inside. A few minutes after that Mike showed up at the same time as some other guy with a heavy coat pulled in. Both went straight to the outbuilding.

I strained to listen but couldn't hear anything. I got the faint smell of ice and the three humans but I still had no idea what they were doing in there.

When they finally came out, she had changed clothes and taken her hair out of the pony tail it was in. Her long hair cascaded down her back and I was itching to run my hands through those luscious curls.

This time Mike got in her truck and she drove them both to school. They were almost late so I didn't get to speak to my family until lunch time. When I told them about her early morning activities everyone was puzzled.

"Maybe she has to work? She could need the money," Edward suggested. The thought that my beautiful mate would have to get up so early to get a job made me furious. Her father should get up to do extra work. That wasn't her responsibility. I started projecting and Edward and Emmet were both snarling ready to pound some sense into Chief Swan when Alice nudged me.

I looked up and there was my Bella looking at me longingly from across the cafeteria. I caught her eye and winked at her. She blushed and looked down.

"Well at least there is some interest," Alice chirped.

BPOV

I looked across the cafeteria to where Jasper was sitting. He was gorgeous. His honey blond curls framed his face and strong chin made him look like a renaissance painting. A masterpiece. I could see the outline of his muscles under his shirt. I longed to have his strong arms wrapped around me. Suddenly, he looked in my direction and we made eye contact. I was too overcome by his gorgeous amber eyes to turn away. He winked and smirked at me causing me to blush.

"What are you embarrassed about?" Mike chuckled looking down at me then over to where I had been looking. He smirked at looked Jasper. "We don't have to do this?" He whispered.

I knew he was talking about pretending to be a couple, "No, it is better this way. Don't worry Mike I'll get over it. This is more important that a high school romance."

"Well, if you change your mind let me know," he leaned over and patted the back of my hair and kissed my forehead.

It was time to go to class and I wasn't looking forward to it. I didn't want to hurt Jasper but I couldn't see how dating anyone could work. I didn't have any time left and I wasn't giving up on my dreams just for a boyfriend. But something in the back of my mind kept nagging that what if this wasn't just a boyfriend but what if he was the love of my life. Whenever I felt those thoughts, I would push them away.

When I got into class Jasper was there. He wasn't happy but he didn't look angry either.

"Hey, Little Girl, I'm sorry about my attitude yesterday. I was hoping to beat Mike to askin' you for a date but I see he won out. I'm happy to just be your friend though."

I smiled, "I would really like to be friends with you." I didn't want to be Jasper's friend. The idea made my heartbreak. I wanted to be his everything but I knew that couldn't happen so I would settle for friend.

JPOV

I wasn't happy about our friend arrangement but I knew that if we were friends then maybe someday, we could grow into something more. Surely, she wouldn't fall in love with Mike and run off with him. I would just be patient and wait.

We were friends for over a month before Alice decided that she needed to take matters into her own hands. She decided that she would befriend Bella. Her gift was still not working on Bella so she couldn't decide when to approach her.

A buzz in my pocket indicated a text probably from Peter.

"Tell Pixie today is the day. Everyone will be happy. Get the second issue yet? Should be a good article in it. P"

I rolled my eyes and say to the house knowing they can hear me, "Alice Pete says to befriend her today. Esme when that ice skating magazine comes in the mail you have it."

"I got the magazine yesterday, Jasper. I am reading an article now. Did you know there is an ice dance pair out of Seattle?"

I rolled my eyes, "Esme I'm sorry but I don't care."

BPOV

"I saw the article, Mike! I'm glad we have to go through a Seattle skate club because Forks doesn't have one. If we did everyone here would blow our cover."

"Well, I have been with that club my whole life so I'm glad you were willing to join and not stick with your home one in Phoenix."

We walked into the cafeteria and chose a seat farther away from everyone else but was also closer to the Cullen table. I was excited to sit closer to Jasper but really, we just wanted to go over the new designs for our free skate outfit. We were going with a simpler design for our rhythm dance so we were going to order something and I would do the rhinestone work on them.

We pulled out the drawings and began going through them. Suddenly we hear a high pitch shriek right behind us. "OMG are those, Vera Wang!" I turned and saw the spiky head of one of Jasper's sisters.

"Um... yes." I could see the shock on Mike's face and I'm sure I looked the same.

"I'm Alice! I love her designs. OMG is this for prom?"

I glanced at Mike. "Um…yeah. It is. For prom."

"So, you are going together then?" Mike's wide eyes met mine pleading me to go along with it.

I smiled my fake judges smile, "Yes Mike asked me to prom and he is getting a shirt to match my dress. We are planning two options. One for before and one for after."

Alice raised her hands to her face and began vibrating and shrieking, "Two prom dresses? That is the best idea I have ever heard. Rosalie get over here."

The blond bombshell came to look at the drawings, "She's doing two prom dresses! AND THEY"RE VERA WANG!"

Rosalie just huffed and mumbled what sounded like, "That would be interesting if there was a better date." She turned and stalked back to her seat.

"So, who is doing your fitting? Is it someone out of Seattle?"

I sighed, "Actually we are flying out to meet Vera on Saturday." I groaned already knowing what was going to happen.

Alice screamed and started bouncing. "Can I come too? I can pay for my flight and my hotel and I know all about fashion. We will have so much fun. Please, please, please say I can come! Please Bella I need this. It is Vera Wang." She continued her bouncing while I just looked to Mike.

Mike's mouth was hanging open taking in the site of the shrieking pixie begging to be included on this Vera Wang trip. He hissed, "Yes you can come if you can stop shrieking and calm down. This is all a huge secret and everything you learn on this trip you have to keep to yourself. You can't even share it with your family!"

She threw her arms around Mike and then me in tight hugs. "I don't even need my family I just need to meet Vera Wang! I won't say anything! I knew we were going to be best friends, Bella! Sisters even!" With that she went back to her table still vibrating with excitement and began making phone calls ignoring the stares from her siblings.

Early Saturday morning Mike, Alice, and I boarded the plane. "I upgraded all of our tickets to first class!" Alice chimed. "It was the least I could do since you let me tag along."

Mike smiled at her warmly. Knowing that she didn't talk to most of the student body seemed to help keep his mind at ease. Once we were sitting in our plush first-class seats Mike turned to Alice, "Okay so we have some things to talk about." He nodded at me to continue.

"Alice we are going to meet Vera Wang for designs but it isn't for prom…" I started but her face fell and she groaned in despair.

"You're getting married?" Her voice stuttered and she looked like she might cry. I wondered if she had a crush on Mike to get that kind of reaction.

I snorted and Mike scoffed disgustedly. I shook my head, "Ew, of course we're not getting married!"

She breathed a sigh of relief, "Then what are we doing."

Glancing to me Mike took a deep breath, "We are figure skaters, ice dance specifically, and we are a team. Bella moved here to Forks for the sole purpose of partnering with me."

"What? You're figure skaters? So, are you even dating?" Alice looked to me hopefully.

"Sort of but not really," I said trying to figure out the best way to explain.

Mike chuckled and took over, "We are trying to keep the skating on the down low. We don't want people to know. People assumed we were dating and we went with it."

"There is a certain amount of comfort you develop when you work four to six hours a day side by side someone. We are very close…" I took a breath to develop my thoughts, "but there will never be that type of relationship between Mike and I."

Mike laughed, "Girl just tell her I'm gay. I'd just as soon as date that cute single brother of yours then Miss Swan here."

Alice's eyes bugged out and her mouth fell open. "I can't believe I didn't know that. Well, that is good news then I guess my brother will be really happy."

"OMG is that why he doesn't date. I'd come out right now if I had a shot at Jasper," Mike said excitedly.

"Well actually I meant that Jasper would be excited about Bella being single."

Mike frowned, "figured it was too good to be true. So will you keep our secret?"

"All but one." Alice held up one finger. "I am going to tell Jasper that Bella is single but that she is very busy and isn't interested in dating right now. I will tell him to leave you alone but he had been so grouchy since he thought you were with Mike that he is making the whole family miserable."

I sighed at that. "It is kind of making me miserable too!"

We spent the rest of the flight filling Alice in on what we do during the week.

The meeting with Vera Wang went well and Alice was very helpful. I would have the Vera do my free dance dress. The two of us decided that Alice could sew the rhythm dance dress I had designed with a few of her modifications and together we would add the rhinestones.

JPOV

I was glad that Alice was going on the trip with Bella and that foul Mike Newton on their trip to meet Vera Wang, whoever that was. I was heartbroken that she had already accepted Mike invitation to prom. I knew they were dating but prom was two months away and I was hoping they would break up before then. She was planning things with Mike for their future.

I spent the weekend hunting with Emmet and Edward and generally annihilating defenseless trees and shrubbery. By the time we got finished there were multiple new meadows in the surrounding woods. I jumped into my study and went to clean up. I stood in my bathroom looking over my scars in the mirror. This was why Bella shouldn't be with me. My horrific past was permanently written all over me and my beautiful mate deserved better.

I heard a knock on the door so I took a deep breath and slipped my shirt on over my head. I opened the door to find Alice bouncing in the hallway. "Alice, how did the trip go?"

Alice flung herself into my arms, "Oh Jazzy, it was so much fun! Bella and I are going to be sisters someday. I can't tell you much because it is their secret to share and I promised I wouldn't. But…things are not what they seem to be. You don't need to be destroying anymore forests over this. I promise."

I huffed, "How can they not be? She isn't even interested in me. We're friends." I cringed at the word.

Edward came up behind Alice and wrapped his arm around her waist, "Jazz, I really can't tell you but I promise their relationship is nothing like what you see at school."

Edward looked at Alice with his mouth hanging open and his eyes bugged out. "Are you serious, Alice?"

She nodded enthusiastically, "Yep! Isn't that wonderful!"

Edward grinned at me and shoved me playfully in the shoulder, "Don't worry at all about Mike, Jasper. There is nothing romantic about their relationship."

I looked at the both of them beaming and the pain in my chest lessoned just a bit.

We all started to head down the stairs when Edward turned back, "Besides Jasper, it would seem you have a secret admirer." Edward chuckled and Alice was giggling at that remark.

"I don't want a secret admirer. I want Bella." I grunted petulantly.

Alice spent the rest of that week sewing something in her room. Normally, she was able to finish an outfit in an evening with her vampire speed but this was taking her a long time. Sunday afternoon I learned what this mystery project was.

I was sitting in my study when I heard the familiar rattle of Bella's rusty truck. I was confused as to why I would hear Bella's truck all the way out here. I peeked out the window and Bella was pulling up our driveway. She parked, got out of the truck, and unloaded some overflowing tote bags and a card table.

I heard Alice shriek, "Bella's here, everyone!"

I made my way downstairs to greet Bella and find out what Alice is up to. I was thrilled Alice had invited her over but I wondered on what pretense. Alice showed her around and Bella came inside and greeted everyone who was home. Carlisle and Esme we out antique shopping for the afternoon.

"What are you two ladies doin' this fine afternoon?" I drawled making sure my accent was out in full force.

Bella blushed and gazed into my eyes. I stalked closer to her, looking her up and down, trying to get a read on her body language since I was unable to read her emotions. I started to reach down and take her hands. Alice giggled causing me to step back and breaking us out of our trance.

"Bella is here to try on the dress I am making for her," Alice giggled. Bella nodded.

I turned back to Bella and leaned in slowly, "What are you needin' a dress for, little lady."

Bella snapped her mouth closed and grimaced, "It's for prom." She said "prom" disgustedly like she was a nun forced to swear in church.

I took a long breath through my nose and forced myself to remain calm, "Well you need to look nice for Mike and Alice can ya there."

Bella blushed and Alice grabbed her arm pulling her away. As she was walking up the steps, I heard her mutter to herself unaware of our family's vampire hearing, "I wish she was making me a prom dress for you, Jasper." For the first time since I saw Bella sitting in the cafeteria with Mike Newton, I smiled a real smile. I didn't know what was going on with her but I at least knew a part of her wanted me.

I went up to my study and listen to the girls giggling. Alice had actually made multiple dresses each with various modifications so Bella would have a choice. When they were finished, they started arguing over the best place to do the rhinestone work. Alice wanted to use the craft table in her room and Bella was arguing that E6000 glue smelled too bad and that this project needed to be done outside.

Alice put up a good fight but Bella insisted they sit outside and glue rhinestones on out there. Bella won and I could not have been more thrilled about that. I could smell that glue in my study from all the way outside on the other side of the garage.

I moseyed my way out to where the girls were giggling. "What is that horrible smell?"

Bella wrinkled her nose, gosh she was so cute, "That is the glue. It is terrible isn't it. I have no better way to keeps these stones on with the amount of centrifugal force put on them."

I had no idea what she was talking about, "Well how fast is Mike gonna spin ya at that dance honey?"

Bella blushed and quickly mumbled, "never mind."

I hung around the girls for the rest of the afternoon despite the fumes from the glue.

BPOV

It was nice having Alice know about my partnership with Mike. It helped to ease some of the tension between me and Jasper. I had a great time stoning the rhythm dance dress with Alice. I couldn't believe the amount of stones in every color and cut she had at her house. The dress turned out beautifully. I couldn't wait to come over for a final fitting. I wanted to see the dress on but more then anything I hoped I would get another chance to see Jasper.

We still spoke during class but he wasn't as happy about it. Even when he did smile it didn't light up his face fully since he started thinking that Mike and I were dating. That is how I knew that Alice hadn't told him my secret.

I pulled up to the house and Jasper was out in front. It looked like he was waiting for me but I'm sure that he was just hanging out in his front yard. Jasper had explained before about how he and Rose were adopted by the Dr. Cullen and his wife and that the other siblings were adopted as well.

I got out of my car and Jasper walked over smiling. "Hey there darlin'! You come over to stink up my yard again with your glue?"

I rolled my eyes, "It isn't that bad. I came over to try on my dress and see what she made for Mike. I haven't decided if he will need rhinestones or not yet."

"Well, I imagine that as he is a guy he won't want 'em," Jasper chuckled.

I giggled thinking that if Jasper knew what I did he probably would think that Mike would be upset without rhinestones. "Well, you don't know Mike like I do."

Jasper frowned and took a step away from me. "Come on inside." He waved me over, "I'll take ya up to Alice's room."

I smiled, following him into the house. I waved to Emmet and Rosalie as I passed through where they were sitting on a couch. "Jasper are your parents here? I have been over several times and I haven't met them yet?"

"No, I don't know what they went off to do. I'm surprised Alice hasn't introduced ya yet. She hasn't stopped yammerin' 'bout ya since ya trip. I'd have thought Esme especially would've wanted to meet ya." Jasper stopped at a door and knocked, "Alice, Bella is here."

Alice threw the door open and grabbed me into a hug. "Bella, you're here!"

"Hey Alice, Edward." I nodded to Edward who was stepping around Alice to leave her bedroom.

Alice grabbed Edward's sleeve, "where do you think you are going?"

"I was just going downstairs to hang out with Jasper while you and Bella work on your project." Edward scrunched his face up in confusion to Alice's question.

She shook her head, "no both of you boys need to give us your opinion on this outfit we have been slaving over. Go sit on the bed."

I could feel myself blush. Figure skate dresses are always very form fitting and since I didn't have my skate tights with me, I would be showing a lot of leg. I looked at Alice and I could have sworn I saw her give Jasper a wink but what could that mean.

She pushed me into her enormous walk-in closet and told me to change in there. I nodded feeling suddenly insecure. I laid my clothes on the chaise lounge Alice had in her closet and put on the dress. I took a deep breath and stepped out hoping they wouldn't hurt Alice's feelings.

JPOV

I sat on the bed extremely curious over what Alice was doing. She must have wanted to get my reaction to Bella all dressed up. I glanced over to Edward knowing he would have heard my thoughts and he sent me some of his confusion so I knew he wasn't sure what was going on either. I didn't need to look at Alice to feel her excitement which I was basking in.

The knob to the closet turned and Bella peeked her head shyly out, "Alice, I'm not sure I want everyone to see me in this outfit. There are missing pieces so I'm not really fully dressed. "

Alice huffed, "it's just tights Bella. Show us already."

"There more like skin color yoga pants, Alice! They are thick!" Bella's face was turning the darkest shade of blush I had ever seen on a human.

She huffed and stepped out. I couldn't help my reaction. My mouth fell open she was a beautiful woman but, in this dress, she was gorgeous, magnificent, radiant. There weren't words to describe her looks. The dress was ombre green getting darker in the middle. There was a plunging neckline that went all the way to her waist that was thankfully covered in a nude mesh. The bust fit like a glove. The skirt was flowy and was made of a thin material that allowed even humans to see through it. I could see her long legs going on for miles. She turned around at Alice's prompt and the back was completely open except for the nude mesh. I was thankful that Alice decided to use the nude mesh because if my mate had been showing that much skin, I don't think I could help but destroy anyone who looked in her direction.

They had added rhinestones heavily outlining all of the neck and backline as well as all over bodice of the dress. Her torso actually sparkled as much as we do when we go outside. Bella turned back around the embarrassment still written on her face. I was actually glad I couldn't feel her at this moment because I don't think I could have handled her feeling that embarrassed.

"Well, what do you think?" Alice chirped brightly clapping her hands together.

Without taking my eyes off of Bella I just breathed, "Wow."

Bella's face fell, "I look that bad, huh?"

"No," I whispered as I started to stand up and walk toward her taking her hand in my own, "you look that good. There are no other words to describe how beautiful you look. Except, wow."

Bella looked up at me her eyes shining with my praise and whispered, "wow."

I slipped my arms around her waist, never breaking my eye contact and leaned into her. Her eyes began to close and she lifted her mouth up to mine. I lowed my mouth until I brushed her lips in a gentle kiss. We pulled away and I looked at her, "wow," I breathed.

In that instant I knew I couldn't allow her to keep being with Mike. She was mine. The other half of my soul. The person I had waited for my entire existence. I looked at her and could see the indecision waring on her face.

I waited for her to come to terms with whatever she was battling in her mind "Jasper, I need to tell you something but I can't tell you everything." I nodded and waited for her to continue. "I can't explain what is going on but I can tell you I'm not dating Mike. We aren't a couple. I can't tell you what I am doing but I'm not with him romantically."

I looked at her trying to see if she was joking with me, "what do you want Bella?"

She closed her eyes and looked away and breathed the words I was dying to hear, "I want to be with you, Jasper."

I gasped and before she could say anything to ruin this feeling, I pressed my lips against hers in a passionate claiming kiss. I wrapped my hands in her hair and rested my forehead on her head and just breathed in her scent. And then she did ruin it. "Jasper, I really can't be doing this. I'm sorry but I have too many plans that I can't let get messed up over a guy. Even if that guy is you."

I sighed and pulled away looking into her eyes, "Tell me about these plans of yours and maybe we can work somethin' out. I don't want ya givin' somethin' up for me."

"I can't."

"You can't or you won't?" I groaned knowing I wouldn't change her mind right now.

"Both," she said with a finality that tore at my unbeating heart.

I took a deep breath in thought for several moments while I gazed into her eyes. I sighed, "What if we don't do anythin' else but see each other Sunday afternoons like we are right now? We don't have ta talk more at school, or eat lunch together, or see each other after school." I started playing with a strand of her hair. "I won't make ya call me on the phone or hold my hand. I won't even meet ya daddy if ya not ready for it."

She looked up at me with questioning eyes, "You won't ask for any of my time other then Sunday afternoons?"

"I'll only take what time you want or can give me. I won't ask for anythin' more." I paused hoping she would give me this much of her time. "I won't even pressure you ta tell me your secrets. You can keep 'em if ya want to."

Her hands slid around my neck and wrapped in my hair tugging it lightly. She pushed her lips up to me again. "Okay," she breathed, "but that is literally all the time I can give you."

I was elated.

BPOV

When I told Mike what happened with Jasper he was thrilled, "Girl I told you. You should definitely invite him to eat lunch with us. As long as you don't mind me watching him eat."

I smacked Mike playfully but, in my mind, I was actually livid. Jasper was mine and no one, not even Mike, should be looking at him that way. I didn't understand this possessiveness I felt toward him but I decided I needed to squash those types of feelings before they got out of hand.

Jasper did what he said and never once pressured me for more time or to spill my guts. Sunday afternoons he would pick me up and we would hang out. Sometimes at my house, sometimes at his, sometime he would take me for a ride on his Ducati but not often as I felt it was too risky for my legs.

One day I was getting ready for him to pick me up when Charlie stopped by my room to tell me he was leaving for his late shift. "Hey Bells I'm off to work."

"You got anything interesting going on at the station Dad?"

"Actually, tonight we are going out in the woods. Someone has been illegally cutting down trees. There are all these bare patches all over the woods. It is strange because they seem to knock them over with something but they leave all the lumber. There are about fifteen of these patches all over. Never seen anything like it."

"That's strange. Well, be careful Dad."

"I always am."

Soon after I heard Jasper pull up. I ran down the stairs and flung the door open before I launched myself into his arms. He held me tightly and breathed in my sent. "Well, howdy ma'am."

"I missed you," I said to his shirt breathing his scent in deeply. He smelled like leather and cloves.

"I have a surprise for ya!"

"Oh! I don't really like surprises!" I blushed.

"Well, I'll just have ta tell ya then." He took my hands and looks down at me, "I thought we could go ice skatin' this afternoon!"

My mouth fell open in shock. I wondered if he knew what I was. "Did Alice put you up to this?"

I pulled away and furrowed his brow the shock evident on his face. "No, I just thought it might be fun." He searched my face, "We don't have to go ice skatin'. I thought it would be fun."

"I would really rather not. I'm not really comfortable with that." I couldn't go skating everyone would know me there. I might even get asked to give and autograph from someone. "I don't think I would be very good at it."

"Well, I can hold ya hand if ya're worried." He shrugged like it wouldn't be a big deal to keep someone on the ice.

Huffing, "Actually, that is a very dangerous idea. Even coaches won't hold onto a beginner skater's hand because more often than not if they go down you will go down. It is ice you slide when you fall it is safer for one person to take the fall then two."

He smiled, "Well it seems you know a thing or two about ice skatin'." He winked which caused me to realize I had given away too much information but he continued, "Sounds like you've had a bad experience on the ice. We can do somethin' else. I only came up with that idea because my other brother Peter sent me an ice skatin' magazine for a joke gift and I got another one in the mail yesterday."

I paled "Have you read it?" I asked fearing the three-page article they told us would be inside about how our partnership is going. This one even included me dressed in the outfit Alice had made for me. I needed to remember to show it to her because her name is in it as the designer.

Jasper scoffed, "Of course not. I normally give them to Esme but Alice stole this one as soon as it came in the house. I didn't even hold it she just told me she took it."

"Why don't we go walk along the beach? I've heard La Push is nice."

It was Jasper's turn to balk, "Too many dogs there."

I rolled my eyes, "Okay, are your parents home today?"

He shook his head, "No, they went out to meet with a client of Esme's. She does interior design."

"We can go to your house then." I smiled hoping he didn't catch on that I wanted to be there when his parents weren't. I didn't want to get into trouble I just didn't want to meet Esme since she normally read Skating!. She would have seen articles about my partnership. I didn't want Jasper to know until I was sure he would be trustworthy if this high school romance ended as they usually did.

After a short drive, we walked into Jasper's home and saw Emmet flipping through channels and Rosalie sitting on the arm of the chair draped over him. Jasper directed me into the living room in order to greet the pair just as Emmet flipped on a sports channel. Finding his normal sports weren't on and instead was The European Championship Figure Skating competition. As soon as, my eyes caught the screen I began mentally scrutinizing the skaters. I stepped forward and sat on the edge of the coach never taking my eyes off the skaters.

"Too bad Esme ain't home she loves this stuff," Jasper drawled lightly tugging on my hand trying to get me to follow him.

I could see this was the last group of the ladies free skate which meant the winner would be crowned in the next three skaters. I lightly tugged Jasper's hand back toward me and looked up pleading for him to sit down. He chuckled and came and sat back down.

The next skater was Russian and I folded my arms and huffed.

Chuckling Jasper asked in a low voice, "What has ya so agitated little lady?"

"Russian's!" I hissed and flung my arm harshly to the screen, "They always cheat. They drug little girls to make the jump higher then throw them away when they have used them up!" My voice continued getting angrier. "They get slapped on the wrist and then they cheat a different way."

Rosalie scoffed, "It isn't Russia it is some individuals that choose to cheat."

I rolled my eyes but decided not to answer although I was mentally tallying all of the instances I knew of Russian cheating. I crossed my arms and continued watching.

JPOV

Sitting around watching ice skating was not what I was interested in doing but if Bella was happy I was happy. The problem was she wasn't happy she was increasingly annoyed about what Rosalie had said. Her annoyance only caused me to start feeling annoyed as well. I was glad I could feel her feelings right now and I wondered why I could when normally I was unable to. I wished for a moment that Edward could hear her thoughts so I could know what was going through her mind.

I felt a wave of mischief coming from Emmett. I looked over at him and could see him watching Bella. A smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth and he took a deep breath in preparation for what he was going to say. "You know I never really thought that figure skating was a sport anyway it is more of an activity. Like dancing. It really shouldn't be in the Olympics."

I was hit with the most passionate anger I had ever felt. I turned to look at Bella as she was turning her head in Emmett's direction. Her face was full of fury. Her voice remained calm but had an iron edge to it. "It is a sport because unlike dance it is limited to six basic types of jumps that only vary in the number of revolutions they have and three basic types of spins. You are strategically supposed to figure out how many points you can collect with what you are allowed to do at each level. Then you are supposed to perform all of this perfectly in order to collect the points. Strategy plus the use of your body in a very defined rules is a sport and not an activity."

Emmett grinned realizing he just struck gold in how to tease Bella, "But it isn't like it is that hard." He scoffed the mischief rolling off of him.

Bella was off her feet in a second, "You have no idea how much time those people work to get to where they are. They get to the rink to work two hours before school. Go to strength training, off ice classes, ballet classes, other dance classes, they don't get to eat what they want, hang out with who they want, or have a life outside of their sport. It. Is. A. Sport!" Each of those last words were accent with a loud clap.

Emmett was laughing loudly now along with Rosalie. I noticed that Edward and Alice had slipped in at some point. Alice put her arms around Bella and took her upstairs whispering in her ear. As soon as Alice did Bella looked at me and her emotions were cut off again. I huffed my impatience.

"Why d'ya have ta tease her like that for?" I growled at Emmett.

He put his hands up in surrender still laughing, "I thought she would get annoyed I didn't think she would get so mad. I didn't think she had it in her."

I smiled thinking of how adorable she looked all riled up hissing and spitting at Emmett, "She looked like an angry kitten!"

BPOV

I could not believe I had gotten that upset. I knew that people didn't always understand the intricacies of figure skate but I certainly wasn't going to let someone say it wasn't a sport. I was still huffing when Alice asked if she could help design a make-up look to go with my dress.

"Sure, Alice! You can help me to not look like a vampire!"

Alice froze it place holding the make up sponge out towards me! I heard a crash downstairs and suddenly Alice's door flew open. Jasper stepped into the room cautiously. I began waving my hand in front of Alice's face.

"I don't know what I said? I think I broke her!" I looked at Jasper for help understanding his sister.

"I was outside the door and heard what ya said Kitten. What did ya mean ya didn't want ta look like a vampire."

I was so confused, "I meant that I'm pale and I am out at weird hours. The people in my club always joked about us being vampires because we were inside during the daylight hours. It was just a joke."

I could see Jasper and Alice both relax. Alice looked at me and then back at Jasper. "It is time," she nodded to him.

Jasper looked at her doubtfully, "Right now?" Alice just nodded then took my hand and elbow and directed me to stand up. She placed my hand in Jasper's and he walked me into his study.

JPOV

This was not what I had planned for today at all. I wasn't ready to tell Bella about being a vampire. I don't think Bella had guessed what we were but she must have an idea after Alice's moment of panic. I was downstairs when I heard her make her quip about looking like a vampire. Rosalie was so mad she threw the remote into the flatscreen.

I sat Bella down and took her hands. The one thing I didn't want to do was frighten my mate off but if Alice said it was time that meant it was time.

"Bella, I need ta tell ya somethin' and I want ya know that I won't ever hurt ya."

Bella coming out of her confused state about Alice smiled at me and her eyes softened, "I know you won't hurt me Jasper. I actually have something I need to tell you as well and I know you aren't going to like it."

I nodded glad that she was finally going to tell me what was going on. "You tell me your news first." I tried to reassure her by rubbing her hands.

"Mike and I are going to be gone for the summer r for our job. I won't be here all summer." She cringed back from me expecting me to lose my cool.

"Isabella, are you going to tell me what it is that you and Mike do together all of the time?"

Her face fell and her body crumpled in on itself. "No Jasper. It isn't just my secret to share and I can't betray Mike like that."

"But you can betray me by spending all of your time with Mike. Did you know that I knew that? I have seen how early you go to hang out with him alone. I have seen that you go dancing with him. I have watched you take weekend trips with him. You won't tell me anything."

Her face got red again, "I told you from the beginning that I had no time to give you. I told you I wouldn't share this secret." She tried to take a deep breath but choked on it, "Why did you keep pursuing me when I told you I wasn't going to stop what I have been doing?"

I jumped up off the couch and started pacing. What I wanted to do was run off into the wood and smash some trees but I didn't think Bella would appreciate that. I moved to stare out of my window. After a long while I glanced over at Bella. Her nose was pink and tears were rolling down her cheeks. She held her arms wrapped around her sides like she was trying to hold herself together. My heart once again broke for my beautiful mate.

I walked over to her and kneeled down in front of her. I took her face in my hands and wiped away her tears with my thumbs. "Don't cry Bella. I was just surprised. I'm not mad anymore. Yes, I want to know what you do all day and why you have to spend so much time with Mike but I won't demand that you tell me. I also am not willing to lose the small amount of time I have with you. I won't say anything else about this trip except that I want you to call me Sunday afternoons on Skype. If you can give me that I won't say another word about it."

She flung her arms around me and sobbed into my neck, "I want to tell you but I know that Mike doesn't really want me to and he has done so much for me."

I had to push my anger back down there is nothing that Mike should be able to give her that I couldn't. She shouldn't need to rely on him at all.

We sat there for a long time basking in the comfort we found from each other.

"What did you want to tell me," she sniffed.

I took a deep breath, "I don't think this is a good time to discuss it, Bella."

I got a text alert. I looked down knowing it was from Peter it said, "Your choice. If you don't tell her now, you won't get to tell her till she has already changed. P"

I shot a quick text back to Pete, "She has two months until summer. I should get to spend at least eight more Sundays with her. J"

"That plan will change just tell her. Your choice. P"

I put my arms back around her there was no way I was going to tell her this after everything that just happened.

Bella sniffed then pulled away and look at me with her giant chocolate brown orbs. "What did you want to tell me Jasper?"

I hung my head and sighed. I took a deep breath and decided if I wanted her trust, I would have to earn it. "Kitten you aren't the only one with a big secret. I have one too. I'm gonna tell ya mine because I want you to trust me. Bella, I am a vampire."

She giggled, causing me to gape at her before she answered, "Of course you're a vampire you're as pale as me!"

I smirked at her understanding that she thought I was teasing with her about what happened with Alice, "No Bella, I live on and drink blood. Animal blood currently. Everyone in my family is a vampire."

She rolled her eyes, "Okay make fun of Bella day I get it."

I shook my head and took her face in mine, "Do you feel how cold I am? That's because I am technically dead. I have super strength," at this I got out a baseball bat from the closet and I pulverized it into sawdust. "I…" Bella interrupted.

"Okay, I believe you." She took a breath and paused gathering her thoughts, "But that doesn't mean I understand everything."

"Ya don't have ta understand everythin' right now but the other thin' ya need to know is about mates?"

"Mates? Like your friends, your buddies?"

I took her hands again and placed a kiss on them, "No. Mates are soul mates. Everyone has a soulmate but because vampires live so long, we actually have the chance of meeting our soulmate. I moved to Forks because I knew I was gonna meet my mate."

"How did you know?"

I brushed a stray hair behind her ear, "Alice gets visions based on the decisions we make. She saw that if we moved to Forks, I would finally meet my mate."

Her eyes got wide and she gasped, "Who's your mate, Jasper?"

"You are my Bella. You are my mate. I already love you and I can never hurt you. Nothing will ever change that."

She rested her head on my chest. I nuzzled into her neck and breathed in her scent waiting for her to process what I had just told her.

"Does that mean you want to make me a vampire?" She mumbled from my chest.

"Yes, someday I will turn you into a vampire."

She pulled away quickly, "No you will not. I have worked to hard to get where I am at and you are not going to take that away from me." Her face was bright red and she was panting from her anger. I couldn't help smirking at her. She was just so cute when she was angry.

I pulled her back into my arms but she wouldn't even look in my direction. I grabbed her face to make her look at me, "Isabella listen. I won't turn you until you are ready. I promise. I will wait until your ready. I won't take something from you."

She glared at me a moment more and then her body started to relax. I wrapped her back in my arms and kissed the top of her head.

We sat on the coach in each other's arms quietly processing the afternoon. Too soon however, it was time for Bella to go home. I knew she would need to sleep early because of her early mornings so I didn't pressure her to stay up.

BPOV

I was exhausted after learning everything about Jasper so I went to bed early. Before I went to sleep, I laid thinking about Jasper. I was his mate. This thought made me unbelievably happy. I didn't understand much about being a vampire but what I did know I wanted to be with him forever. I just didn't want that forever to start until after I had finished my skating career. I hope he won't mind waiting.

The next morning, I went to the rink as usual and began working with Mike. It came time to practice our lift. Where Mike would hold me in a plank position straight above his head. We were doing this when his blade caught in a divot in the ice. He went flying forward trying to pull me down to safety. Instead, I went flying forward because of how I had a hold of Mike's arms I couldn't catch myself and I landed on my head.

Then next thing I knew I woke up in an ambulance with my head in a neck brace. I looked over and Mike was riding with me to the hospital. "What happened?"

I could see him crying, "I tripped Bella. You blacked out and wouldn't wake up. We're afraid you may have broken your neck."

We got to the hospital and the EMT's unloaded me and wheeled my gurney in to the emergency room. A young, very handsome blond doctor came up. "What happened."

Mike was still blubbering, "I dropped her. She fell and landed on her head. She was blacked out for at least seven minutes."

The doctor frowned and nodded, "What is your name?"

"Isabella Swan but I go by Bella." At this I could see the doctor's eyes grow wide and he began to look more concerned.

The doctor continued asking me questions I guess to test my cognitive abilities.

JPOV

I was getting ready for school when I felt a sharp pain in my chest. Instantly I knew Bella was in some type of trouble. The mating bond would alert me if she was in distress and right now, she was. I ran out of the house charging through the woods to the building she should have been at. I saw her car there but the bond told me she wasn't. I could hear an ambulance faintly in the distance and I knew she was headed to the hospital. I took off in that direction pulling my phone out I began texting Carlisle to tell him Bella was on her way.

Once I got there, I could smell her scent leading into the emergency room. I went in through the doors and the first thing I see is Mike Newton. He had clearly been crying. He saw me and came over.

"What happened?" I growled.

He started shaking his head, "I dropped her. She landed on her head. Blacked out."

I saw red. This male had his hands on my mate. Mine! Then he hurt her. He injured my mate. I was sending him fear and pain when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked to see Carlisle.

"She is going to be fine Jasper." He nodded then to quickly and lowly for Mike to hear he added, "I need to know more details to get a better idea of what exactly happened to her. You can't kill him, yet." He glanced back toward Mike.

I heard the buzz of my phone I looked, "Don't kill him your girl won't forgive you for it. She'll be fine. P"

I took a deep breath. I could feel the Major rattling his cage to kill this male that hurt our mate. I wouldn't kill him because it would upset Bella. Unless I find out he did this on purpose the Major cried behind his cage.

"Jasper!" Carlisle motioned for me to follow him. I followed in silence and he directed me to Bella's room.

I took a step inside the door and the sight of her still in a neck brace laying in a hospital bed was the worst I had ever felt in my undead life. My mate was hurt and I wasn't there to help her not only that but I wasn't even allowed to know what happened. I rushed to her side and called her name, "Bella."

She opened her eyes and smiled at me, "Jasper, I have a few more tests and then I should be out of here. It looks worse than it is they just want to double check."

"What happened, Kitten?" I placed her palm on my face so I could feel her.

"Mike and I were working and he dropped me. It was unavoidable. It happens," she said calmly.

My vision was blurring with rage again. I could hear the tremble of anger in my tone, "It happens? It happens?" I scoffed and I clenched my jaws trying to swallow a mouthful of venom. "My mate is in the hospital because some fool dropped her! That does not just happen." I looked down at her and her eyes got wide. "I don't care what type of job you have with Mike!" I spat his name out as if it was a foul taste in my mouth. "You are never workin' with him again!"

Bella tried to sit up at this declaration and I gently held her to the bed. "I have worked too hard for this. Jasper, I knew that this would happen someday. I'm okay."

I was disgusted. What could possibly be so important that she would risk herself in this manner. "You are okay this time. What happens next time? Huh, Bella? What happens the next time he drops you and you break your neck and die!" I growled at the thought. "Do you know what happens to me if you die? Do you Bella?" She shook her head. "I die! I can not live without you Bella! Now that I have met you my life is forever tied to yours, I can't let you do something that might hurt you!"

She folded her arms across her chest, "I'm not giving this up!" Defiance was in her eyes.

"You are my mate and you will not go back!"

"Then I don't want to be your mate! In fact, I don't want to have anything to do with you! Get out!"

"Isabella, I am not leaving."

"Get out!" She reached the call button and pushed it.

"Isabella!"

A nurse's voice crackled over the intercom. "I need someone removed from my room please and he isn't allowed back in here." As she finished saying those words Mike Newton and some other man, I was not familiar with came into the room. They walked to her other side and Mike took her hand.

Glancing at me and back to Bella, Mike asked, "Is there a problem Bella?"

"Yes, Mike there is I need you to have Jasper removed from my room!" At that moment Carlisle came into the room and put a hand on my shoulder. He tugged me lightly.

"Come along, Jasper. We can work this all out later."

I left the room and the man that came in with Mike shut the door behind me. It felt as if my heart had shattered. The beast inside me was actually quiet in defeat something I had never felt before. Our mate had rejected us. She didn't want me. She asked Mike Newton for help. She went to him to get rid of me.

Carlisle's hand was still on my shoulder. I shook it off and stormed out of the hospital straight into the woods behind. I took off running as fast as I could to my house. Punching trees along the way.

BPOV

I watched Jasper left my room radiating his anger. I looked to Mike and Sergei. "Well, that was pleasant," I snarked.

Sergei chuckled, "It is always hard for the boyfriends in this sport. There is much touching. You will probably be better off without someone who understands." He shook his head.

"That was why I didn't tell him anything about what we were doing. This is too difficult to bring in someone who doesn't understand all of the time spent with someone else and when you add in the injury factor it is too much," I sighed feeling the ache in my chest grow.

"Bella," Mike looked so sad, "I am so sorry. I really tried to catch your head so you wouldn't get this hurt."

I rolled my eyes, "Mike if you look at every pairs or ice dancing team, they all have stories of horrific falls and injuries. I made my peace with injuries when I was seven."

At this both of my visitors chuckled.

Sergei took a deep breath, "Bella, I have already spoken with Mike and he is in agreement. We want to move our training to Seattle until the summer and then we will continue with the regular plan."

I was shocked. I looked to Mike he nodded, "I agree with Sergei that would be best for a little while."

I shook my head, "But prom and graduation! Mike, we did this because this is what you wanted. Why would we give that up?"

He smiled, "They have harnesses in Seattle. This accident is going to set us back mentally. I need to make sure I don't drop you again or all of our plans will be for nothing. This is a safety thing and as my partner your safety is my responsibility."

I nodded knowing it would be hard to be trust being lifted like that again. I thought for a minute, "When do you want to leave?"

Mike picked up my hand and kissed it, "Sergei, actually has an apartment above his garage, with everything we need. It has its own entrance if you don't mind rooming with me, we can stay there. I can have my dad contact the school so we can graduate early. We can come back for graduation though."

I nodded and looked to Sergei, "Do we really have a chance Sergei? Is it worth it?"

He smiled and brushed the hair out of my face, "You two have more than a chance. I would put money on the two of you."

I nodded, "Okay let's do this. Let's move to Seattle."

JPOV

I waited two days for Bella to call me. She never did. Nor did she come back to school. I knew from Carlisle that he released her to go home with no limitations other than to rest and watching for signs of concussion. Wednesday after school I had enough. I drove over to her house but her truck wasn't there. I picked up my cell and dialed her number.

"Hey, Jasper. I wondered when I would hear from you," she sounded sad and my dead heart clenched.

"I wanted ta give ya space since you were upset with me. I drove over to ya house but ya not there."

She took a deep breath, "No, I'm not there. Jasper," she hesitated. "I've moved away. I have a place with Mike so we can keep working."

"I see."

"Look this mate thing would never have worked out anyway. You are too jealous and I'm not willing to give up fourteen years of work for anything. I'm sorry I can't be the person you want me to be."

"I don't want ya to be anything. I just need you," I sat down on her porch steps unable to hold myself together. "You didn't have ta move if ya didn't want to be with me."

"I didn't move because of that. They have harnesses and equipment here to keep me safer. It wasn't about you."

"Where did ya move to, Kitten?"

"I'm not going to tell you that, Jasper."

"I see."

"Look I have a lesson. I need to go," she hung up the phone. I had lost my mate. Sure, I could go to my fix it lawyer Jenks to find out but if she didn't want me enough to move without saying goodbye who am I to stop her.

I headed into the woods but I didn't even have the emotional stamina to run. I just walked dejectedly till I got home.

BPOV

Mike and I finished up the school year and decided not to come back for graduation. We were so busy getting ready for the competition season to start we did little but practice. We did finally get to go salsa dancing in Seattle. I was surprised at how well everyone thought we did. Mike has been seeing someone he met there. The training camp was totally worth it. It took a lot but we had so many amazing coaches I knew it was going to really help us this season.

The one problem I had was the pain in my chest since leaving Forks. At first, I thought it was because of the accident. Now I think it is because of the mate thing I have with Jasper. Whenever I think of him it becomes more painful. I also feel a pull. At first it pulled me toward Forks but lately I feel like it is pulling me to Alaska.

I haven't called him since I left. I think of him everyday and he haunts my dreams at night. But I squash all of those feelings down because I have a job to do. I do still talk to Alice and she told me they moved to Alaska for the time being. She said that Jasper misses me but he doesn't know she talks to me.

Finally, September rolled around and we were able to go to our first Grand Prix event in Las Vegas where we won first place. This meant I was officially on Team USA and was able to go to more events. We won both the Canadian and European Grand Prixes. Our next challenge was National Championships.

I called Alice the day before we were set to compete at nationals. I asked her if she could get Jasper to just watch one of our events. Maybe then he could understand. She said she would try but she wasn't too hopeful.

JPOV

It had been ten months since I had even heard from Bella. I hardly left my room. I stopped hunting. I was miserable. My mate didn't want me and I was broken.

Esme came into my room carrying an armload of the ice-skating magazines she had gotten from me. "Jasper, I know that figure skating isn't your idea of a good time but would you be interested in watching with me. You have given me all of these magazines and Nationals is on. I want to see if those kids from the Seattle club are going to win."

I shook my head, "No Esme I don't have any desire ta watch ice skatin'. That's what I gave ya the magazines for anyway," I said in mock disgust. I couldn't be upset with Esme she was always so kind. "I can't believe that Peter called the place and had them forward to this address," I mumbled to myself.

BPOV

I was warming up before the free dance. Mike and I had set a world record in the rhythm dance so all of those salsa lessons paid off. I heard a chime on my phone. It was Alice telling me that her and Esme were watching but Jasper wasn't. She hadn't told Esme who I was but apparently, she had been following us for a while. I looked to Mike, "Well Jasper isn't watching so I guess I have no reason to be nervous."

He smiled sadly. He knew that I missed him terribly but I also didn't want anything to get in the way of what we were trying to accomplish. We had both spent our entire lives preparing for this moment and nothing was going to stand in our way. I smiled knowing I had made the right choice.

We got our skates on and stepped out for our warm up. When we were finished, we just had to wait until it was time for us to be on the ice. We stepped back into the waiting area and began to go through our before competition ritual. We would stand and stare in each other's eyes then slowly Mike would move a body part and I would mirror him. He would sometimes do silly things or change the speed and it was my job to keep in sync. The game was to relax us but also to get us moving together.

Sergei came and got us. We stepped onto the ice and took our places. I wrapped my arms slowly around Mike and laid my head on his chest. The music started mentally I was focused on what I needed to do like a check list. Side by side twizzles check, lower lift check, here is our dance steps. I went through the entire program with these thoughts flowing through my head. When we finished our program, I sat on Mikes knee and he held my face close as if we were about to kiss. We froze in that position until we heard the crowd roar. We stood up and Mike spun me around once and we took a bow. People were throwing stuffed animals on the ice and I picked up a giant flamingo.

Mike led me to the kiss and cry and we sat down. He wrapped his arm around me and leaned over and kissed my forehead. He whispered, "I think we did it." We saw that the cameras were focused on us so we made hearts with our hands and waved at the screens. In case Alice got Jasper to watch I shouted, "I miss you Jasper!" I hoped that he would see that.

Sergei came over and put his hands on my knee. His mouth was pressed firmly in a straight line. I couldn't tell what he thought of our performance.

Suddenly, the announcement came on and our scores were flashed on the screens. With a combined score of 259.85 we had set another world record. I flung my arms around Mike. We both knew what this meant. We would be headed to the Olympics.

As happy as I was at that moment all I could feel was the pain in my chest. I knew this was related to the mating thing Jasper had told me about. I waved to the crowed and in that moment, I decided if I couldn't be happy in this moment because of Jasper I was going to at least have to call him.

JPOV

"Your girl misses you! P." I looked at the text message from Peter and rolled my eyes.

"How would you know? She hasn't spoken to me in ten months."

"She just said it on national TV. You should have been watching. P."

I was stunned. What could she have been on TV for? Normal people only got on the news and that would be for something bad. "What was she doing on TV?"

My phone rang and I rolled my eyes, "Peter why was Bella on TV?"

"I don't even get a hello or nothin'?"

"Peter!" I huffed.

"Okay look she knew she was gonna be on TV she is fine. Anyway, Char wants ta go to the Olympics next month and I bought tickets for a couple of events about six months ago for your whole family plus me and Char."

"Peter why would I want to go to the Olympics."

"I got a feelin' ya'll want ta be there."

"Fine send me the details and I will let everyone know," I rolled my eyes again.

"You won't have that attitude once you're here. Bye brother."

I hung up without saying anything. Peter might be my brother but that didn't mean he didn't get on my last nerve.

I better tell Alice and Esme. I went downstairs and they were bouncing in their seat. Alice clicked the TV off and turned to me. "I just saw Peter's call! Guess what the Olympics is in Milano!"

Esme and Alice shrieked at the same time, "Shopping!"

I sighed, rolled my eyes, and headed back upstairs. On the way I decided I needed to get away from Forks. I needed get rid of all the reminders of Bella. She wasn't my mate and if she was, she obviously rejected me. I wasn't going to wait around for her anymore. I would go visit Peter and Charlotte. I could meet up with the family in Milano.

I had just sat down at my desk and was resting my head in my hands when my phone rung again. "Now what do you what Peter," I growled at him.

A timid voice answered, "Jasper?"

"Bella?" I was floored this was the first contact I had with her in so long. My heart soared to hear her.

"It's me Jasper. H…How are you? I…I miss you Jasper."

"I miss you, Bella. I miss you so much."

"Jasper I think I understand this mate thing better now. I…I hurt in my chest and I know it is because you aren't here."

With those words I could feel joy explode from my heart, "Yeah that's the matin' pull, Kitten. It will feel like that until we are together. It hurts doesn't it."

"I thought so."

"Kitten, when do ya think you'll be comin' home or when do ya want me ta come out there?"

There was silence for a few moments and I could feel the bottom drop out of my stomach at the hesitation in her voice, "Jasper, I know you aren't going to like this but I'm not coming home for a while. I still have things to do." I paused frozen in shock. In the background I could hear two men's voices. They were loud and she sounded like she was at a party.

I almost crushed my phone in my hands but I forced myself to calm down to finish this phone call. "What can you possibly need to do?"

"You don't know?" she sounded defeated. "So, you didn't, see?" Her heart sounded broken.

"What was I supposed to have seen, Isabella? It wasn't like you called to tell me to watch for you."

"I'm sorry. I thought Alice…well never mind that is my fault. Look, I won't be home for at least three months."

She was interrupted by Mike coming close to her, "Bella, what can you possibly be sad about. This is best day of our lives. The committee called it is official baby! Whoooo Hoooo. Party in our room tonight!"

I could feel the Major rattling his cage in the back of my head roaring. My voice was strained when I asked, "What's goin' on there Isabella? Are you out of town somewhere with Mike? You sharin' a room with him?"

Flustered, Bella answered slowly and shakily, "I am out of town with Mike and Sergei. We accomplished a huge part of our goal and he is ready to celebrate. I am sharing a room with Mike because I have to have a roommate for the team to pay for it."

I picked a stapler up off my desk and threw it, "You know what, Isabella, I get it. You don't want me. You're a human and you don't need me. I'm just gonna let ya go hang out with Mike and Sergei. Whenever ya get back I won't be here. I'm gonna go visit my brother Peter and his wife Charlotte. I hope you accomplish whatever goals you have but I don't care because ya never even told me what they are."

"Please Jasper. Let me explain. I can tell you know. Everyone at school and in Forks should know by now anyway. Mike and I…"

"Let me just stop ya right there. I don't care anymore. Goodbye, Isabella." I hung up my phone and threw it so hard it shattered and fragments lodged into the drywall. I grabbed a duffle bag and packed my things.

I stormed down the stairs and told my family where I was going. Alice tried to stop me and told me to watch Bella on TV but I didn't care anymore. My mate didn't want me and I couldn't keep doing this to myself.

BPOV

I couldn't believe it. He didn't see me on TV and he didn't let me explain. He hung up. He didn't want me. I collapsed to the floor of the hotel lobby where we had gathered with the other skaters. I folded my head in my hands and began sobbing. Mike came over and sat down beside me. He wrapped his arms around me and I cried in him arms. Eventually he picked me up and carried me to our room. He tucked me in and moved the party into Sergei's room.

This should have been the best day of my life instead I had never felt more miserable. The pain in my chest was almost crippling. I was starting to believe that even my dreams weren't worth this. As much as I wanted to compete and as hard as I had worked, I knew I needed Jasper more.

I tried calling him several times over the next week but when I got a disconnected message, I knew he had changed his number. I knew then I would never see him again. Despite the pain in my chest, I decided that since I couldn't have Jasper, I was going to work even harder toward my goal.

JPOV

I sulked for the next two months. Alice tried to call me and kept sending me YouTube videos to watch. She said it would help me understand. I deleted all of them. I didn't want to understand. She didn't want me so I didn't want to have anything to do with her.

Peter kept telling me I was being an idiot but he insisted that everything would work out eventually. I really didn't believe that.

Finally, it was time for our big Olympic vacation. I tried to get out of it but Charlotte threatened to rip off my arms and beat me to death with them if I didn't come. Peter said a trip would take my mind off of Bella. Rose told me that I better show up if she was going to be in the same place as Peter if I didn't want him returned, "as a pile of ash." So, I went with them and we all flew to Italy.

Once we were in Milano, I found it did help keep my mind off of Bella. The pain in my chest was less as well. We arrived several days in advance of what we were supposed to watch so us men went to view the historical sites while the women went shopping.

"How much shoppin' can those ladies do?" Peter complained after seeing what the girls had sent back to the house.

I laughed at my brother, "What sport are we watchin' anyway Pete?"

He just chuckled, "Well we're goin' to that ice complex they built. Got front row tickets."

"Awesome!" Emmett bellowed, "I love hockey! I always wanted to start a vampire league because can you imagine the fights!"

I rolled my eyes and chuckled, "I can and I don't think it would be as fun to play as you think."

"Instead of checkin' they get time outs for rippin' limbs off," Pete quipped.

We got to the ice rink and found our seats when I hear Emmet yell, "Are you kidding me Peter!"

Pete just starts laughing, "I never told ya it was hockey!"

I wondered what we were here to see if it wasn't hockey. Maybe speed skating? Then it occurred to me, "Are we here to watch ice skating Pete?"

"Ice dance, specifically!" He smirked at me. I jumped out of my seat, "Is this why you sent me that dumb magazine subscription!"

Esme brightened up, "Oh Peter, it was so nice of you to do that for Jasper. I have enjoyed it very much and I'm very excited to see the two kids from Seattle." I thought I saw her wink at Peter but I couldn't understand why. "Jasper you just sit down next to me and we will enjoy this together," she picked up my hand effectively cutting off my escape.

I sulked in my chair. It wasn't like this wasn't pretty and I'm sure the skaters worked hard but I just wasn't interested. The only good thing about sitting here was my chest pain was almost non-existent. Then I heard the announcer call out, "Representing the United States of America Isabella Swan and Mike Newton."

I couldn't believe it. I sat up straight and leaned forward. My jaw was on the floor. Stepping onto the ice was my Bella. She was in the dress that Alice made for her. Mike was behind her leading her onto the ice. They got into their first position and the music began playing. She was swaying her hips like I had seen her trying to learn in her salsa classes. I was mesmerized by their movements on the ice.

Suddenly, everything made sense. She was doing all of that working out for this moment. She left because she literally had given years of her life up to be here. How could I have every wanted to take this away from her? Granted, I didn't know what she was doing but still this is what all of her time was spent doing.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Peter sit back in his seat with a smug look. He leaned over slightly and whispered, "that magazine I sent ya has had an article about this team in every issue." I felt myself sag. I had been so stubborn.

They finished up their program and began taking their bows. I could tell that Bella's smile was an act. It didn't go to her eyes at all. She looked paler. People started giving them a standing ovation and throwing stuffed animals out onto the ice. Bella skated up to the edge to pick up particularly large stuffed animal. She bent down to grab it and when she stood up, she was staring me right in the eyes.

She gasped, "Jasper!" She skated to the edge and flung herself into my arms over the boards. I set her back down.

"Ya need to go Kitten but I'll call ya later and we can talk." I could see the tears in her eyes. She met Mike in the kiss and cry and he waved at me. I couldn't believe it when the announcer said they had beaten the world record score for the rhythm dance.

"The world record score was previously held by them as well," Esme gushed. "I can't believe she will get to be my daughter someday!"

BPOV

I was waiting outside just outside of Olympic Village with Mike. We were giddy with our score from yesterday. We just had to get through the free dance and then we would know where we rank. I looked up to see Jasper and his family coming towards me. Jasper ran up and swooped me into his arms. He set me down.

"Was all the secrecy really necessary? I would have supported this ya know." He leaned down and nuzzled his nose against mine.

I took a deep breath, "Jasper, I…"

Mike interrupted, "That's actually my fault. I didn't want everyone back home to treat me any differently because it is tough to be a male figure skater. Since my family was paying for the majority of the costs Bella was always more than happy to keep my secrets."

"It is just really hard explaining to people who don't understand the time and effort. People think it is a joke. It's easier if they don't know." I looked in Jasper's eyes hoping he could forgive me. I missed him. I needed him.

He put his face in my hair and inhaled, "I'm sorry I wasn't more patient and I wasn't very trusting."

Mike actually laughed at this, "Hey if you would have seen all the places, I've put my hands you would have been upset." Jasper whipped his head toward Mike a low growl was building in his chest. Mike put his hands up in surrender and laughed, "Don't worry about it man I don't actually want to put my hands on her. Now you I would love to get my hands on." He winked at Jasper. I heard Emmet and who I assumed to be Peter guffawing behind him.

"What? Ya mean you're not even inta girls? Bella that would have solved a lotta my problems!"

I could feel myself blush, "that wasn't my secret to tell!"

Everyone laughed and Jasper introduced me to Peter and Charlotte and I finally got to meet Esme. We didn't get to visit long because Mike and I had an early practice so we needed to head to bed.

I did text Jasper several times throughout the day. I was thrilled because now that he was so close the pain in my chest was gone. I could breathe after working against it for so long it made it easier to skate.

JPOV

I was excited to watch ice dancing. I had learned already not to call it ice skating. Apparently, ice skating is recreational and figure skating is very different. Bella and Mike both got on to me for that. We got into the arena and sat down. Alice had bought Team USA gear for all of us to wear to support our team. Peter had a big poster board with Swan Newton on it. Everyone was very excited to watch Bella and Mike.

I felt Carlisle tap me on the back and point me in the direction of one of the larger suites. I looked up and was shocked to see the Volturi kings and the elite guard in the box. Aro looked over then and saw Carlisle and waved.

"What do you think they are doing here Carlisle?" I whispered keeping my eyes on the suite.

Carlisle laughed, "As some of the wealthier citizens of this country it would make sense that they would put in an appearance. I assume the artistry of the sport is why they are at this particular event. I will make my way over that way. I haven't seen Aro since I left the Volturi and it would be nice to catch up."

I nodded as Carlisle made his way to the kings. A few minutes later Carlisle was in the suite shaking hands with Aro. Based on the body language of the rulers and Carlisle, I assumed the meeting was cordial.

As the competition started Esme would whisper tidbits about the other teams. Bella and Mike were in the last group. "The group that skates before them is the team to beat. They are from Russia and won gold four years ago and have won consecutive world titles since," Esme frowned.

I looked back up to the box and Carlisle was pointing out Bella to Aro. Aro was looking very pleased. I didn't want the Volturi interested in any of us let alone Bella.

The other teams finished up quickly and I was glad I had spent the night reading all of the rules. I didn't know what some of the moves looked like but I did know how to score it. After reading through all of that I agreed with Bella the amount of strategy plus the way the rules work does make this a sport and not an activity.

Bella and Mike took to the ice. "It's the Vera Wang!" Alice squealed. They got in their starting position which involved her wrapping her leg around Mike and him leaning in for a kiss. The music started and she pushed him away. They went into their back-to-back twizzles. This program was very sensuous.

They did this move where Bella had both legs around Mike's waist and her head was almost touching the ice while Mike glided around. "Oh, that's what Mike was thinking about," Edward said with some relief in his voice. "I have been trying to understand the images he conjures up since that first day. I can see what he was trying to plan with Bella," he added when I looked over at him.

They finished and received another standing ovation. This time we had come prepared with stuffed animals to throw. Emmett through a giant stuffed bat. "How will she get all of that stuff home?" Rosalie asked Charlotte.

"They might take home one or two but normally they bag them up and donate them to a local children's hospital."

After taking their bows Bella grabbed Emmett's bat and held it up for us to see. She skated off the ice and sat in the kiss and cry. It seemed to take the judges an extra long time to tally up their scores. Finally, the announcement. Bella and Mike had just won a gold medal in the Olympics.

BPOV

I heard the announcement and Mike grabbed my hands and pulled me to standing. We started waving frantically. Sergei hugged me. Mike hugged me. People started shaking our hands and pulling us into hugs. They directed us to the ice and people started taking photos. Someone handed Mike a United States flag and we skated around with it. Everything happened so fast I couldn't process what I was thinking or feeling. It was surreal.

Then we headed over to the medal ceremony area. They gave us our medals and started playing the anthem. I couldn't even sing I just started crying. I looked to Mike and he was worse than I was. After everything was over, I was finally able to take off my skates and dress and change into my yoga pants and t-shirts. I stepped out of the back of the arena doors. There he stood, Jasper.

I ran to him and threw my arms around his neck. "I'm so proud of you, Kitten! I wish I would have been more supportive."

I put my finger on his lips, "We're not going to go over everything again. We have forgiven each other. Now we need to go home and figure out when to do my change."

"Bella you can't be a vampire and compete in the Olympics. You would have ta give this up." Jasper looked in my eyes trying to understand what I was thinking.

I knew what I was thinking. I was ready and I was certain. "Yes, but I've done this and it isn't forever. I want you forever." The next thing I knew Jasper had smashed his lips against mine. He lifted me off the ground and spun me around.

Behind us we heard a cough. Jasper set me down and we both looked to see Carlisle standing with the gentleman that had red eyes and were all dressed in black. I then noticed that we were surrounded by several other people who all wore various shades of black or grey. They seemed maybe like they were the three men's body guards.

Jasper pushed me behind him and put one hand on my hip to keep me in place. He crouched down and I could hear a growl.

One of the gentlemen that had long black hair and papery skin smiled widely at me. He looked toward Jasper, "Now now Major! I just wanted to congratulate Isabella on her victory and welcome her into our race."

Jasper stood up from his crouch and released his grip on my hip and I stepped out from behind him. He looked tentatively at me, "Bella this is Aro, Caius, and Marcus. They are the three rulers, kings, of our world. This is Bella. She is my mate and will be changing soon."

Aro stepped forward and reached his hand out to me. "Such a beautiful program. We are excited to see was vampirism will do for someone in such peek condition as you Isabella." I took his hand and smiled at him.

Aro's eyes lost focus and he started doing a high-pitched squeal-like laugh. "I can't read her! Oh, you are a lucky one Major!" He looked back at me, "I would love to have you on my guard would you like a place with us?"

I was shocked. I had no idea what he was talking about. Thankfully, Jasper rescued me, "We appreciate the offer but there is so much to think about right now. I'm afraid we need to decline for the time being."

Aro nodded sadly, "Of course, you also could have a place on our guard too you know."

Jasper chuckled, "I'm still afraid the answer is no. But if you needed something on a contract basis in the states, I'm sure I could help you."

"Yes, good idea," Aro murmured happily.

I felt like I should say something to be polite, "Do vampires have any sport equivalent to the Olympics we can participate in?"

The blond gentleman who looked angry and disgusted this whole time turned his head quickly toward me, "We host a sparing tournament every decade with several different divisions but while woman compete no woman has ever won!" He spit disgusted with the idea.

"Oh, are female vampires limited physically the was human females are?"

Aro laughed, "Oh no dear girl! They are actually evenly matched. It is just that women tend to not want to fight and spare well enough to win. The only one who has come close is Charlotte," Aro nodded with his head in their direction. "Of course, your mate has won the last three consecutive tournaments." Aro smirked.

Aro clapped his hands, "Well I'm afraid we must be going. Major do bring Isabella by once she has changed so we may see her. Congratulations on your win dear girl." Before I could blink the kings and their entourage vanished before my eyes.

I turned to Jasper, "So a sparing competition? And once every decade? When is the next one?"

JPOV

I looked down at Bella and shook my head, "It just happened last year." I chuckled thinking she was joking.

She cocked her eyebrow at me, "So nine years to train. We can start when we get home…"

"Isabella!"

"Hmmm, I guess I can work with you and Charlotte," she mumbled to herself and started walking away.

"Bella!"

"Good thing I've been learning kickboxing," she continued walking not even paying attention to me.

I darted forward to catch up with her. "Bella, No!"

"I wonder if they get a medal," she whispered her eyes were glazed over.

"Bella!"

I heard the family chuckling behind me. This might be a really long decade.