Author's Note: Hello my lovelies! Thank you to all of you beautiful souls for reading, following, reviewing and favoriting this story! It truly means the world to me and so much more! This chapter was one of my favorites to write! So please sit back, maybe grab a hot chocolate and prepare yourself for some heart fuzzies!

I can't wait to see what ya'll think! I spent so much time on this chapter so please review!

I've also made a Pinterest Board for this story so please check that out and follow if you like! I've had to put some spaces in-between the w's and pinterest but or else if you type that link in it should take you to the board!

w w w. pinterest .nz/LisetteSage/~-solaces-lullaby-~/

~ It's oki if you are afraid to hope and dream and wish, because until you are ready...someone out there is looking after those things for you, protecting them until you find your courage to dream for a better tomorrow and live a life where hope and foolish wishes guide your footsteps ~

As the morning light flittered through the thin and wispy curtains, the backs on my eyelids shone a soft pink. My fingers twitched against the warm sheets as those threads connecting me to a world of innocent dreams withered and frayed. Yet as my conscious woke, as those lingering fragments of my dreams teased me sweetly before leaving my imagination barren…I was not afraid to be awake. For as I lay here, with my eyes closed and a gentle smile blossoming across my lips, I knew I was safe.

His scent still lingered on the pillow my nose nuzzled against – cinnamon and parchment, fallen leaves and rain soaked grass…the memories of last night's departure seemed to blur together in this misty fog of warm firelight and comfort. I was not sure how long we had driven for, how long he had allowed me to snuggle against his side, my tiny hand nestled inside his, as we drove through the night as runaway lovers. I remember the soft rain decorating the skies and earth, remember our talks and whisperings through the night and the kisses he placed on my temple and hair.

The house that he had driven up to was one that was hidden and abandoned- something that looked as if it had leaked through the pages of a fairytale and grew on the soil of a reality that was not of its own. It was a large cottage, smothered in untamed vines which had snared fallen leaves and flowers to become a part of its enchanting exterior. The sky was still claimed by the moon and stars and darkness when we arrived, and the rain – that everlasting pitter-patter did not cease as my bare feet walked along the path of untouched earth. I swayed slightly as I walked, as that sleepiness that seemed to tease me in the car strengthen. I felt Jasper at my side, felt his hand rest on the small of my back as he came to stand in front of me. Our hair was now dripping as droplets scurried down our faces and in-between our clothes and skin. Our clothes slowly melted against our bodies as Jasper pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead. His lips were rough yet gentle, meaningful as if he did not want to pull away. Yet when his eyes met mine, when he recognized that hazy sleepiness within me – he scooped me up into his arms and cradled my fragile body against his. I snuggled against him as he took me inside, my face nuzzling against his chest as I breathed in his scent. His white top clung to his skin, became translucent as the water spread across the fabric and glued it to his skin. I could see the scars covering his chest, see those moon-shaped bites as they grazed my cheek through the fabric and nipped at my heart.

He walked up a set of stars, holding me gently as we entered a bedroom with wide windows and a balcony. I shivered slightly against him, at the coolness of his body and the frost of the nighttime air. My eyes flicked up to his and his eyebrows knitted together with tender concern. I scrunched my eyelids closed before fluttering my eyes open at him, trying to give them strength to remain awake as he held me in his arms. Yet I was struggling in my attempt to remain tethered to the world of the awake and energized.

With a soft smile, he carefully placed me on the bed, pulling back the covers so my body could wriggle underneath them before he tucked me up in bed – the soft duvet and blankets brushing my lips and nostrils as I snuggled against them. He sat down on the bed beside me, the mattress sinking at his weight. He bent down, placing a gentle kiss against my forehead.

"Tell me a story?" I whispered softly, my words muffled against the warm duvet. He smiled down at me, shifting his body so although he was sitting, he was leaning over me slightly – his body leaning against his hand that was placed on the other side of me.

"Once Upon a Time," He began gently, but before I could hear the rest of the story…my eyes had misted over and I fell sweetly and softly into melodic sunshine dreams…

As allowed my eyes to flutter open, I turned onto my back – my hair fanning around me like lost waves in a silent river. The bed was large, made for two people as I stretched out and sighed as my muscles expanded and reawakened. The air was cool as it caressed my exposed skin, as my cheeks blushed a rosy pink at the nipping chill. Craning my neck towards the balcony, my lips parted in sweet observation as I saw Jasper standing there…his back to me as he looked out over the forest as if he were its maker. He had his hands knotted together behind him, his shirt removed as his hair swayed gently in the breeze. He appeared to stiff, so powerful that no creature, mortal or immortal, could challenge him.

I slowly sat up in the bed, clicking my neck to the right and then left before placing my legs over the edge of the bed – my feet not yet touching the plush carpet. Misting my eyelids over, I cracked my toes – allowing that small movement to spark some energetic wave through them, as if to say 'wake up my lovelies, it's time to walk and discover.' With my eyes now open once more, I noticed the sun bleeding into the sky – casting this majestic glow of orange, red, yellow and purple over and through the forest. This new light caressed both the skies and Jasper's frame as he watched it – unmoving and silent as if he wished to become a part of that melting color.

I nimbly got out of bed and tiptoed towards him, trying to hush any sound I could make as I was afraid to startle him. I was still dressed in the clothes I had changed into yesterday before we departed - a long-sleeve cream dress with a peter-pan collar. My fingers grazed the delicate fabric of the curtain, pulling it away gently as I passed under the threshold and stood behind him. His body was so mighty as it cast a shadow over mine, so strong as his muscles rippled underneath his skin and scars painted him whole. Gently, I wrapped my arms around his torso, resting my cheek against his back as I felt him sigh softly as take my hands in his.

"Thank you." I whispered softly.

Jasper turned around then, looking down at me with deep and delicate eyes as he caressed my cheek. "For what?" He asked softly, his hair swaying over his eyes as the breeze ran a gentle hand through it.

"For everything." He smiled softly, titling his head down to brush his lips against mine in the gentlest of manners. He was so cautious, so hesitant as if he was afraid the slightest touch of him against me could break me. I went up on my tiptoes, deepening the kiss before he pulled away and nuzzled his nose against mine. "How long have you been standing here?" I pondered aloud – walking towards the wooden railing and pressing my chest against it. I looked back at him, peeping through my tangled hair as he observed me with loving eyes.

"Since you fell asleep." He responded, approaching the railing so he stood next to me – his arm brushing against mine as we looked out over the waking forest.

"I never got to hear your story." I told him, watching as his lips pinched upwards in a crooked smile. He angled his body towards me, brushing the back of his bent finger up and down my hand.

"Would you like me to tell it to you now darlin'?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

I inclined my head. "I would like that." I told him softly. "After all, since you're such an avid reader it'll give me an opportunity to see how good your storytelling skills are." A hint of mischief twinkled in my eyes as I bit my lip from smiling.

"Well…given that you fell asleep before the story even began, I'm not sure I have too much faith in my ability to entertain through storytelling." His voice was tight as he mimicked a tone of sadness and regret.

"Well now is your chance for a redo! My ears are all ears and they are listening to you!" I pinched both of my earlobes and wiggled them about. He released a small puff of laughter.

"Is that so?" He questioned, his Texan accent strong as he smiled lovingly down at me.

"You bet ya! Although hang on a minute, let me just grab my notebook and pen so I can make notes on your presentation, plot, characters and –" I made a gesture to go back into the bedroom to retrieve those things. Jasper rolled his eyes, his lips pinching upwards as he shook his head.

"Storytelling waits for no-one so you may miss some of my story whilst your fetching those things my darlin." He remarked, parting his lips once more to begin the story. I laughed sweetly at his lightness for it was such a rare thing for me to see. I quickly went up on my tiptoes and placed my hand against his parted lips to hush him.

"No, no!" I quickly said, "I'll…I'll just keep those notes stored up inside my head." I fell back on the balls of my feet, removing my hand before entwining it with my other in front of me. I then swayed from side to side, my hair falling over my shoulders. "Oki!" I chirped, before with one smooth movement, I pressed my back against the railing and pulled myself up so I now sat on top of it – my hands nestled in my lap as my ankles folded against one another and swung gently.

I noticed his concern as his eyebrows furrowed together and his smile faded. Jasper's body stiffened, and his eyes hardened slightly with cemented worry at the position I had just placed myself in. "Please don't look at me like that." I told him softly, trying to ease him with a gentle smile of understanding but also a need for him to understand me in return.

"Like what?" He asked, not a single muscle twitching within him.

I sighed gently. "Like I'm some glass doll wh is s one motion away from shattering." I told him, watching him softly as he walked in front of me, his hands now placed on either side of me on the railing.

"Aren't you though?" He asked, his voice so soft and low as his eyes gazed into mine.

"What do you mean-" Jasper suddenly placed his hands on my waist and pushed me backwards. A small squeal escaped my lips as my heart leapt within me and he caught me just before I was about to fall backwards. His hands bunched in the fabric of my dress – a sweet smile of mischief tickling his lips as I tried to steady my breath – my fingers shaking as they rested on his shoulder. He laughed gently as his eyes crinkled with amusement and I let out a light breath of surprised air.

"Jasper!" I exclaimed, lightly hitting his chest as I smiled into his eyes. I hadn't seen this side of him before…I had captured glimpses, but after everything…to see him like this. It made my heart glow with an unfamiliar warmth and giddiness. "You slay me!" I laughed, placing a hand against my heart as I tried to steady my racing heartbeat. "Although," I began, biting my lip as I straightened up so I was no longer leaning back. "I'm not afraid of you or of falling."

"And why is that darlin?" He asked as I tried to repress my smile and look serious and tough.

"Because of this." And before he could part his lips to speak, I removed his hands from my waist and fell backwards with a cheeky smile of mischief, love and a challenge. I gasped at the rush of air, of my heart slipping from its place in my chest and nestling in my throat as I fell and tumbled in this freeing and exhilarating way.

It was not long before I suddenly felt a strong set of arms wrap around my body and pull me close to their chest. We then hit the ground, Jasper's back colliding against the grass before we rolled down a steep hill, smiling and giggling before I managed to pin him down as I sat on his chest and held both of his wrists against the grass. I knew he had let me win, but I did not care. His eyes were wild with amusement, exhilaration, love and completely bewildering awe and love. I panted breathlessly, leaning over him so my long hair framed his face and teased the grass and dirt.

"You crazy little fool." He sighed, shaking his head as he smiled up at me.

"You may be a vampire, a warrior and an immortal prince but when you're with me…" I tightened my grip on his wrists. I knew I could never hurt him, knew how fragile I was compared to him but… "when you're with me, you are my equal, just as I am yours." My voice became soft and feathery as I spoke those last words. "Now, tell me my story!"

"Equals darlin?" He raised an eyebrow in amusement at my demand.

"Oh, shush your mouth!" I said lightly, removing my hands from his wrists so our fingers could lace together as one. My voice became softer, more meaningful as our eyes embraced and kissed each other's hearts and minds. "Tell me my story my darling enigma, and I promise I will tell you one in return."


The rest of the day seemed to pass by in this dream-like state of pure bliss and solace. Yet each moment we spent together…each feeling that swam inside me and glowed this rare bright light, it seemed so slippery, so fragile as if the slightest exposure to an outside source that wasn't Jasper and I…could snuff it out. After we shared our stories to one another, stories of our past – of his past before he became immortal, we showed me around this house that was a secret kept only within his heart and now mine.

"I built it as a place where I could go to be alone, to confine myself and be isolated from constantly feeling everyone's emotions." He told me as we walked through each and every room – stopping eventually in a small library. The walls and floors were covered in books, stacked in messy piles or crammed in along the many bookshelves that were pressed against every inch of every wall within the room. There was one chair – a comfy brown one that was positioned opposite and old fire place. I suddenly felt my heart wither, felt this overwhelming sadness nip at my heart as I looked up at Jasper and saw his years upon years of loneliness and suffering. I wrapped my arms around me, gazing over my shoulder at Jasper who now sat on the ground – his knees casually up as he rested his arm against it in a relaxed gesture.

"I…I don't even know where to start." I said softy, swallowing that pain and further awareness of what his past was like. My eyes wandered around the room, at the plethora of books and how old they looked – how read and loved and historic they were. My bookworm's pulse thumped with pink electrical sparks as completely wonderment and awe fizzed within me. I had never seen a collection like this before and I…I softly walked towards a pile of books, kneeling down carefully next to them as my fingers brushed the spines. I gasped lightly at the titles, at seeing how they were first editions.

"Pick anyone you like." Jasper's voice made my eyes flick to his and my cheeks blush a light pink in embarrassment at how consumed with these novels I had become. I shyly brushed my hair behind my ears, yet his gaze did not flicker. He stared at me so intently in this moment, so deeply that I couldn't help but wonder if this was the first time someone had ever been in this room with him before. "I'll read it to you."

"Oh?" I asked lightly, trying to ease the thickness in the air…that thickness that was not only deep and precious, but unspoken with some strange sense of longing and desire. I spoke shyly, "with the accents too?"

He smiled, breaking that frame o an immortal warrior. "If that is what you so desire." He replied, his worlds laced with a strong Russian accent that was so accurate I couldn't help but look away and smile timidly.

"That is what I wish." I replied softly, flicking my gaze back to the stack of books and their withering spines. I allowed my fingers to brush them once more and I was surprised by the lack of dust that coated them. "My mama used to read to me," I told him distantly, smiling as memories caressed my mind and brushed my heart. "She would hold me in her arms, this little silly girl who had worn herself out with too much adventure, and read to me until I fell asleep." I looked towards him, nostalgia glimmering in my eyes as his facial features became stern and concentrated. "She would do all the voices, even sing and sometimes act out the motions of the story. I became so dependent on her reading to me to go to sleep that when she stopped…I would creep out of bed, retrieve a book and read until I fell asleep with the book still in my hands."

"And now?" He asked gently, "how do you sleep?"

I sucked in my lower lip, nibbling at it as I placed my hands neatly in my lap. "I do the same thing…read until the worlds take as it's prisoner into that world of dreams and nightmares and memories that are not mine. I love to sleep, adore losing myself in those dreams but…it's the waking up that frightens me." His gaze softened, yet before he could ask me why, I quickly continued on. "Do you miss it?" I asked gently. "Sleeping?"

He gave me a sad smile, his knuckles clicking just once as he adverted his gaze to where his hand rested. "All the time." I felt my heart become heavy, felt my healers blood become thick with need and – "But I keep myself entertained." A small puff of laughter escaped his lips as his eyes gestured around the room. "But yes, I miss it." My fingers went to a strand of long hair as I began to fiddle with it nervously, in sympathy. "I used to have such wild dreams…but the more I try and remember them, the more I forget them. Being awake all the time…it's exhausted. Because my fears, my memories and thoughts – they are never quiet." His voice faded out as he spoke those last words, as he looked away to the right of the room as he tried to hide his vulnerability.

Carefully, I stood up and made my way across the room towards him. Crouching down in front of him, I outstretched my arm to place my hand on his cheek. His eyes glided back to mine, my fingers lightly caressing his cheek and playing with his curls that fell over his ear. "I would love for you to read to me tonight." I told him, "as long as you hold me in your arms, knowing that you are not alone…never again." I sat down on my knees, leaning forward towards his softening features as his eyes drifted down to my approaching lips. "And I…I can help those thoughts become quiet." My voice was but a mere sweet whisper as my lips brushed his and placed a dainty kiss upon them. "Help you heart," I kissed him once more, "your mind," my lips pecked his nose, "and soul," I brushed my lips against the corner of his mouth, "become silent and lost in that dreamlike tranquility and bliss." I swallowed shyly, allowing my hair to fall over my eyes as I became timid and my body, leaning towards his – began to tremble gently. I had never been so forward, never given into my heart so easily and openly before.

Yet in those moments of silence, as I adverted my eyes and felt Jasper's gaze heavily on me…I did not regret it. So, when I met his eyes once more, when I saw that all-consuming love shine in his eyes, I leaned forward and kissed him deeply and tenderly. His lips were soft against mine, timid as I gently licked his lower lip and pulled back to nuzzle my nose against his. He then pressed his lips against mine, holding the back of my head as he deepened the kiss. I could feel my heart stutter, feel my skin blush as he rested his other hand on my waist and pulled me towards him. Each touch of my body against his was electrifying in this sweet teasing way…he was so gentle, so loving as he sat cross-legged with me on top of him – my knees pressing against his sides as his hands dared to grasp my lower back. I could feel his fingers bunch in the fabric, feel them then separate as if desperate to feel more of me against him. Our lips moved sweetly against one another, tenderly and slowly as his lips parted and my warm breath spilled down his throat.

My lips were so soft and young and full against his, so innocent as they moved against his rough, historic and experienced ones. My whole body began to tremble as I kissed him deeply with this mixture of tenderness and need that I had never felt before. I started to feel things that I had never felt before, started to suddenly become afraid of myself as I wanted more of him, as I needed to feel every inch of him against me.

I pressed my chest against his, my tiny hands quivering as they grazed his shoulders and then cupped his face. Jasper released a small groan, this low rumble in his throat that entered me like rolling thunder. I felt it pulse within me, felt it pull me closer towards him as our kiss turned into this delicate passion. We kissed as if in fever, as if we were the only creatures tethering us to this world.

"Jasper," I whispered against his lips, feeling an aching pull in my lower body that I had never felt before. My body shivered lightly, my hands trembling in his hair as my heart hiccupped and my eyes became timid and fearful. What was happening to me…what was…his lips melted against mine – a tiny gasp escaping my throat as my trembling form collapsed into his.

Jasper pulled back, taking my face into his hands as he searched my eyes and teased the tip of my nose with his. "You sweet angel," he murmured, "what are you doing to me?" He then kissed my lips, licked them lightly with his tongue before kissing my eyes, my cheeks, and my neck. I moaned softly, tilting my head back as his lips kissed a small trail of loving pecks down my neck and along my jaw. I could feel myself incinerating from within, feel my heart quiver and expand. His lips were so insistent, so hungry that I was suddenly unable to breathe or hold myself up. Jasper's hands tightened around me, his fingers knotting in my long hair as they gently moved up to where the zip of my dress lay against my back. Slowly, his fingers pinched the zip and pulled it down my spine until the base of my back. His lips returned to mine, capturing my sweet gasp of breath as I felt his fingers gently caress the exposed skin of my back. I shuddered at his touch, at how soft his fingertips were, how loving and teasing they were as they moved up and down my skin. My breath suddenly hitched in my throat as his hands pressed against my back, pulling me into him as his thumb caressed the small bumps of my spine.

He pulled back once more, an aching sort of desperation and hunger and love in his eyes…a blazing passion. "Willa," he whispered, "you are too much for me…too soft and fragile and beautiful. What's happening to me?" He pressed his lips against mine again, his hands flattening against my back, tracing my spine, feeling my sides, the underwire of my bra…feeling very shy, yet overwhelmed by my emotion – I shrugged my dress off my shoulders, allowing the delicate fabric to fall down my skin and bunch up around my waist. My heart was throbbing with this timid desire as Jasper's lips left my own and traveled down my jaw, my neck and shoulder blade. His lips were so feverish against my flushing skin, so teasing as I bit my lip and my hands quivered against his shoulders. He titled me back slowly, pulling away so he could look at my newly exposed skin.

"How can you be real?" He whispered, his eyes flicking up to mine with wonder and lust. "You are too much for me, too much," he said softly, kissing that spot in-between my breasts as his thumbs gently caressed the skin below them. I moaned softly, arching my back shyly as his lips moved to kiss the exposed skin of my breasts. His tongue traced the lace of my bra, a sudden shudder rushing through me as one of his hands moved to cup the fullness of my soft flesh. He groaned softly, his hand gently fondling it as his lips kissed the other over the thin fabric. I felt his nose suddenly brush my nipple, and I moaned with such abandon and surprise that Jasper moved away…He straightened me up against him so his eyes could look into mine. I hadn't realised I had been panting, that a thin sheen of sweat shimmered against my back as one of his arms wrapped around my waist and the other continued to caress the exposed skin of my breast. "How can you be so innocent in this day and age?" He asked he softly, "how can you been so angelic, so pure that your skin burns my own as if to say you are too good for me to touch?"

"I'm sorry," I whispered, not knowing what else to say as my hands moved to rest against his solid chest. I could feel his muscles underneath his shirt, feel their outline and the scars that decorated him. I had never been in a situation like this before, never been so intimate, never dreamed nor read about that as I sat now in his arms…I couldn't help but shiver with a mixture of fear and desire, with a shyness that smothered me whole. "I…I wish I knew more." I whispered, suddenly feeling embarrassed that whilst he had been kissing me, loving me and smothering me with his kisses and touches…I had been a mere limp doll in his arms who was delirious with a lust that I was too shy to voice or express.

"Knew more?" He asked softly, shifting his hand from my breast so it caressed my cheek.

I looked away with embarrassment, my cheeks flushing a soft pink as I nibbled at my lower lip. "Had more experience, more knowledge of how to…I just," His thumb grazed over my lips as that one movement hushed me. He kissed the skin next to my nose before shaking his head with absolute bewilderment.

"Willa," He breathed out, completely lost in his confusion as he searched my eyes and held my face in his hands. "It is your innocent that drives me crazy." His hands caressed my cheeks. "I have spent years in a world where I knew nothing but violence and hatred, suffering and blood-lust…and then there is you…. this perfect embodiment of everything that is the complete opposite of that." He shook his head, his eyes glazing over with heartache, amazement and desire. "You have such a young and pure heart…a soul of the purest and most innocent light and it makes me crazy. I don't know what to do with you, what am I going to do with you Willa? You make me feel so shy and unexperienced, so completely clumsy and drunk on lust and desire." He brought his face to mine, kissing my lips with feverish passion before pulling away once more. "You are so oblivious to yourself…the effect that you have on me…it is one of your most endearing and most infuriating qualities."

I didn't know how to answer him, but I didn't have to...not as he brought his lips down upon mine and pressed my body against his once more. My knees, on either side of him, pressed against his sides, squeezed his waist as his fingertips danced across my bareback and –

"What about you?" I murmured against his lips, pulling away slightly to look him in the eyes. "How do I…how do I please you, how do I…" I was so shy, for all I wanted in that moment was to remove his shirt and kiss every inch of him, yet I was afraid. Afraid if he would feel shame from his scars or if I did something wrong. "What can I do?" I nibbled my lower lip.

He smiled lightly, "what would you like to do?" He asked softly.

I shook my head, smiling softly. "I have no idea," I timidly ran my hands down his chest, sighing silently at the way he felt underneath my fingertips, at how I wanted to remove this layer of clothing and explore what made him the warrior, reader, musician and immortal prince that he truly was. "I'm afraid I'll do something wrong." I whispered.

He shook his head, "Willa," he spoke my name such exquisite tenderness. "You could never do anything wrong." I swallowed deeply, smiling at him as he moved his hands back down to my waist and applied the lightest of pressure as he stood with me in his arms – my legs wrapped around his torso. He then walked towards a bookshelf, settling me on one of the shelves so my back was pressed against rows and rows of books. I trailed my hands down his shirt and gently clasped the edge of the material to pull it over his head. Yet just when I was about to, the soft sound of gentle horse neighs made me stop.

"Was, is that what I think it is?" I asked him, my hands falling to my sides as a new excitement and wonderment glimmered in my eyes.

Jasper took a step back, helping me down from the bookshelf before straightening his back and standing in front of me like a solider.

"Miss Willa Fawn, would you do me the honor in accompanying me on a stroll through the forest on horseback?" His Texan accent was stronger than I had ever heard it before. He stretched his hand out like a gentleman and I couldn't resist blushing.

"Why, with a commander so handsome and chivalrous…how could I refuse." My eyes twinkled with mischief as I made my voice go all posh and ladylike. I then took his arm and tried to keep my excitement contained within me…yet as we walked outside, I could not prevent spontaneous squeals slip from my lips and skips bounce in my stride.


With the sun slowly setting in the ever-darkening skies, I hummed a sweet song as I searched the fridge for something to eat. My nails gently tapped against the fridge's door as I leaned in to retrieve the ingredients I needed to make ratatouille. The rest of the day had past like a dream dancing to music. Jasper had a single horse that he kept here, a horse that had become his constant companion during his time here. When he was away, he had one other human, a neighbor come and look after it. And so we rode through the forest, me in the front and Jasper behind me as he held me tightly against him. I loved riding with him, loved leaning back against his chest as he told me of his childhood and love for horse-riding. We eventually arrived at a lake, a sweet lost treasure which swam in until I became too tired to even walk. Jasper carried me back to the horse, and as we rode back – I sang to him.

When we arrived back from our forest adventure, Jasper and I played music together, danced read in the warmth of his personal library. With my stomach seeking the comfort of food, I had left him in his chair, lost in the book he read as his curls became lazy and hug over his eyes. I knew Jasper didn't eat, but this nurturing part of me wanted to make him something to eat, just so we could have dinner together. My whole life I had grown up with this image of what I wanted my future to be. Of having a husband and children, all gathered around the table as we ate together. I knew it would be possible for Jasper and I to have children, yet I didn't know if he did, and if he did have children…how that would affect our lives.

So, as I made my dinner, I set the table for two – placing a vase of flowers in the middle between the two bowls. With my ratatouille finished, I heated up Jasper's blood, mixing in some spices that I found in pantry and crumbled up some chips into it for texture. Taking in a nervous breath, I placed both mine and Jasper's bowls on the table before making my way to his library.

Opening the door carefully, my eyes softened at the sight of him reading. From this imagine, a stranger would never have known the violence that he had experienced, that wicked darkness that I knew still lingered in him. I leaned against the door frame, resting my cheek against the warm wood as I gazed at him. He was so lost in his novel, so oblivious to the world around him and suddenly I knew how rare this must be for him. To be at peace, for everything to be quiet and calm and safe. I smiled softly at how he rested his cheek on his palm, at how his legs were positioned so casually and boyish…at how his hair feel into his eyes and he had to keep swiping it away whilst balancing the book on the armrest. I felt my heart hiccup within me, felt myself become shy as if I was an intruder. Yet before I could creep away and place his blood meal in the fridge, he looked up.

"Hey darlin," a crooked smile tugged his lips up to the side.

"Hello my lovely," I replied softly, watching as he titled his head to the side and closed his book. He looked so at ease, just like a normal boy…" I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he tried to bite his smile from growing too wide.

I nodded shyly, feeling nervous for his reaction. Yet I pushed it aside, and walked towards him – my steps small and dainty. Crouching down in front of him, I picked his large hand up in mine from where it lay on the arm rest. "You have the most beautiful hands, Jasper." I whispered, my eyes lost in how his fingers bent, at each scar and wrinkle where his knuckles rested.

"They are capable of a lot of things Willa, they are the furthest thing from beautiful…they are violent and wicked, bringers of pain and death." I didn't flick my gaze up to his to read his expression, yet I could hear the tightness in his voice. I felt him pull his hand away as if he were embarrassed, no – ashamed. Yet before he could, I grasped it tighter, and brought it up to my lips.

"That may be, but they are also soft, and gentle, and loving." I told him slowly, kissing each of his finger-tips. "They are tender and delicate, and perfect." I placed a final kiss on his pinky finger, finally flicking my gaze up to his. His eyes were hard, lost in some faraway place that he found in my eyes.

"You sweet darlin," he finally whispered, his gaze still so deep and hard. "Sweet and foolish girl."

"Well," I swallowed timidly, sparking up my courage as I stood up before him and laced our fingers in the hand I held. "This sweet and foolish girl has made us dinner."

He looked at me bewildered. "Dinner?" He asked, following me as I pulled at his hand. "That's a beautiful gesture Willa, but I don't exactly eat human food."

I stopped just outside the kitchen and dining room where the food waited, pressing out joint hands to my lips as I hide my nervous smile. "I know, that's why you're not going to eat human food. You're going to have what makes you stronger and healthier and alive." And before he could part his lips and ask, I pulled him into the kitchen and walked towards the table where he could see what I had prepared. I leaned against his side as he stood before the table, taking in what I had made for him and how I had set the setting. For whilst he was reading, I threaded fairy lights above the windows and placed a few candles around the room.

"I…I wasn't sure how you liked your blood so I added in some spices and chips for texture!" I said quickly, "Shall we sit, let's sit," I let go of his hand and began fidgeting with the hem of dress as I sat down on my chair. I was becoming more and more nervous the longer he remained silent. "The foods getting cold, we should eat, shouldn't we? Or I should, and you could go back and read if you don't want to eat? Or I could fish out the broken chips from it? Goodness how silly of me to start and mess things –"

"Willa," His voice was loud and commanding. I was instantly quiet, my eyes wide and innocent and nervous as I looked up at him. He angled his body towards mine, resting a hand on my cheek as I looked up at him.

"You beautiful little thing." He exhaled, dropping to his knees and taking my face in his hands. Kissing me passionately and feverishly he then pulled away. "You dazzle me darlin." He told me with a smile, and I couldn't help but blush and feel my body deflate in relief.

"Would you, would you like to try it?" I asked him, my fingers still fidgeting with the hem of my dress. I watched him silently as he took a big spoonful and swallowed it. His eyes misted over at its taste, and when they opened…I saw this happiness within me that I had not seen before, as if he knew then that everything would work out.

"It's delicious." He said sweetly.

"I…I just thought that maybe it would be nice for us to have our meals together and…and when we have children, if you wanted to have children then we could eat around the table as a family. Do you…do you want children?" I asked him nervously, knowing that he had not talked about that topic.

He placed his bowl town, taking my hands in his as his thumbs caressed the backs of my hands. "Misha, Silka, Alexei and Aurelia." He listed of. "Those are some of the names I used to think of if I had children of my own to name." He confessed with a genuine glow. "I've always wanted to be a father."

Glee tickled my lips as I blushed with joy and squeezed his hands. "And you will be. I promise you."

He leaned towards my beaming face, placing a delicate kiss on my nose. "You unravel me Willa." He whispered, whispered before kissing me slowly and taking his place opposite me. With childlike glee, we clinked our bowls, smiling at one another deeply before we sat down at the table and ate and talked and laughed into the depths of the night turned into the early hours of the morning.


Moonlight spilled across the room as Jasper and I lay on our bed – all the windows, curtains and doors open as the night tumbled into the bedroom and a chorus of birds and insects broke the silence. My head was resting against his chest, his arm wrapped around me as he kissed my hair and read to me from the book he held. I had never experienced such a perfect day…such a day filled with unchallenged bliss and tranquility. Seeing my eyes mist over as sleepiness tickled me, he placed the book down and shifted so we could look into each other's eyes. Licking my lower lip, I put my palm out to him. He put his against mine.

"Look," I said softly. "My fingers barely come up to your second knuckle." My words but a mere whisper as he bent his fingers over mine.

"I'm looking." He whispered, then threading his fingers through mine and squeezing my hand. "Go to sleep, Willa." He brought out joint hands to rest of his chest.

I shook my head. "But then you'll be all alone."

A soft smile tugged at his lips and he shook his head with endearing amusement. "Not when you are in my arms, Willa…never."

I snuggled against him, trying to fight against the dreams that pulled me under. "One day you'll have those dreams again, that sweet sleep…I promise." And before he could respond, I felt myself fall, tumble and weave into this black abyss that then ignited into a world of impossible possibilities and memories that were not my own.


The sun dripped innocently into the lake, spilling its orange and yellow hues into it as the moon slowly blossomed in the sky. With my bare feet visible underneath, the shallow water, I wriggled my toes in the sand and peeped over my shoulder – my hair tumbling over my shoulder in ocean-live waves at the movement. I smiled softly at the sight of him, of how his muscles moved underneath the thin material of his shirt as he drove a tent stake into the ground. I couldn't resist placing a hand on my heart, silently hushing myself to calm down…for some unknown reason, I felt myself become paralyzed by fear and love. I shivered gently in my pastel yellow dress, the fabric humming against my skin as the breeze ruffled the material. The day we had spent together had been one that did not feel real. From the moment I woke up, before my eyes opened to that flooding sunrise…I felt him against me. His fingers were running through my hair idly as my head rested against his chest and my fingers twiddled the material of his top. Jasper's smell had been overwhelming.

Opening my eyes, I titled my head up to look at him. Before I could mutter a single word, he placed his book down and placed a delicate kiss against my lips which lingered for far too long. Our love for one another had been so innocent until yesterday, so lost in that soft, delicate pink mist that now…with this closeness and privacy, I felt myself longing for more…yet also being afraid of it. For when I kissed him, when I touched him…I was beginning to feel things in my body that I had never experienced before.

For the whole day, we spent not a moment apart. We went for walks in the forest, danced together, read together…it was as if we were afraid to be apart. Yet now that I was in the forest with him, camping by the lake as two lost lovers…I suddenly felt this overwhelming fear and shyness creep over me. I wasn't sure if it was the coming darkness or new environment, but something had suddenly changed since today's fun and games…something became more serious, more tender as if there was an unspoken promise that the moon had for us. Shaking my head at my silliness, I came out of the water and crouched down beside a bush to pick some berries.

"Willa," Jasper called quietly from behind me. I swivelled in my crouching position, smiling tenderly up at him as he approached me with long strides. There was new softness to his eyes, one that mimicked his eyes in the library the day before. Not thinking, I handed him some blueberries, my arm stretching up from where I sat. He shook his head with light amusement, yet his eyes narrowed as if he could sense something was wrong. He reached out to take the berries from my hand, his fingers curling against my palm as he rolled them up my hand, fingers, fingertips until they fell to the ground. Yet his fingertips still remained against mine. He then took my hand in his, pulling it gently as if in silent command for me to stand.

I got to my feet carefully, my hand and eyes not leaving his. Leaning down, he very softly kissed my lips. I felt my heart hiccup, felt myself fall towards him but he pulled away. Raising my hand to his lips, he kissed it, kissed my fingertips, my wrists, and the insides of my forearms. I could barely breathe. I had never allowed myself to become so close to someone before, so completely in love that my shyness suddenly crippled me and my heart ached in ways it had never done before. His lips traveled up and down the insides of my forearms before stopping at my wrist…at that area where my pulse thumped softly. "Willa," he whispered huskily, his voice barely a whisper as his eyes misted over and he pressed his nose against my pulse. "I can hear every one of your heartbeats." He said intensely. "Hear your healers blood, rushing through your veins and rising to the surface when you blush so sweetly and innocently." He opened his eyes, and I could barely take all of that emotion swimming inside them. I lowered my gaze, trying to steady my heartbeat…trying to calm myself. "Look at me, Willa. You need never hide from me." He whispered, releasing my wrist to cup my small face in his massive hands. "How are you so beautiful darlin?" I bit my lip at his words, unable to handle this side of him…this intense loving side that had been repressed and hidden for so long that now, when it spilled out of him, when it was just him and I…neither one of us knew how to control it. "Willa, you are my miracle. You're the one that that I think God scent to me…to give me hope, to redeem me, to comfort me, to love me, and to heal me – and that's just so far." He smiled and I couldn't help but release a small puff of laugher at his words. His hands fell to his sides, yet I did not allow our contact to break for long.

With shaky fingers, I reached out towards him, taking his hands in mine as our fingers laced together. "Jasper," I whispered his name, so softly and weakly. I swallowed a shaky breath. "I... despite how I seem, despite…wanting to heal others, there's one thing I've always been afraid of." I nibbled my lip, suddenly afraid as my heart leaked out of my now parted lips. "I always follow my heart, always listen to it but…I've always been so afraid of," I lowered my gaze, trying to find my strength as I felt like a small girl in that moment. My eyes flicked back to his. "I've always been afraid of love." Two pear-shaped tears welled in my eyes and dribbled down my cheeks. "When you move countries so much, when you're always having to say goodbye…the thing that I have never been more afraid of is being brave enough to love with my whole heart. When my mama died, when Fitz…when I left him…they were the two people in this whole world that I had given my heart to fully and completely. And when they went away, when they…when I…I love you Jasper. I know I have said it before but I…I truly, deeply and unconditionally love you. I don't care what you are, I don't care what you've done or that by loving you it means you can hurt me so much…. more than anyone in this whole world. Because when you look at me, when you touch me…it's like everything else falls away. Things like vampires, healers and other immortal creatures, memories, dreams, histories…you make it all go away." I felt his hands squeeze mine, felt a small sob escape me as the tip of my nose burned and I squeezed his hands back. "I was so scared of being in love with you…of what a healer and a vampire being in love means, of what love entails, of what…"

"Willa," his voice was so soft, so desperate and intense and fragile as millions of emotions swam into those honey eyes of his. "In all my years, no one has ever mattered…not like you have to me. In 100 plus years, I've only ever loved one person, and that's you. I love you Willa." He sighed against me, his hands trembling inside my own as if he was suddenly afraid too. "I love you Willa, so much and I've tried not to but I can't stop." He looked away, looked up to the stars. "You shouldn't love me, you should be with someone who has the same blood as you…who isn't…" He squeezed his eyes shut, his chest quivering as his face tensed in paid. "But selfishly, I…" He opened his eyes, looking back at me with such tender and soft, broken eyes. "When Edward told my family about you and I…I didn't know how to react. Keeping you a secret, it felt safe…like it wasn't real in some way because I knew it was wrong. And believe me Willa when I say I tried, I tried not to love you…but you…" He laughed, shaking his head before kissing me deeply on the lips, so deeply, so fully, so lovingly that I suddenly felt that aching put inside me open up and flare. "You had me from the moment we looked at each other and I…I don't care anymore. I don't care how hard this will be, I don't care about what may happen in the future because…you're too much for me to bare. I wished that I hated you, because then it would have been so much easier. Yet you…" He pressed his kips against mine, harder this time as he kissed my lips, my cheeks, my nose…" Yet you had to be this girl crafted from the dreams of my mortal self and the forbidden hopes of the monster I am."

"Jasper." I pressed my forehead against his. "You're not a monster, not to me…not to the stars above." I pulled away slightly. My eyes wide and my lips parted. "I'm afraid." I whispered to him, his hand resting on my jaw as this unspoken promise and need and wish shone in my wet eyes.

"Me too." He whispered softly, his hand trembling against my skin. I smiled softly at him, leaning forward as my heart became too much to bare.

"I love you Jasper Hale." I whispered against his lips.

"I love you Willa Fawn." And he captured my lips with his.

And he captured my lips with his. We kissed deeply, tenderly and in fever. I felt myself fall against him, felt my heart shatter my ribs and nestle inside him. We were both trembling, both shy as he slowly lay down on the grass with me on top of him. My legs, gentle cradling his waist tightened as my chest brushed his and my hands cupped his face. His hair felt so soft against my fingertips and his scent…it drowned me…he drowned me. His hands rested against my back, his palms flattening as he pressed me against him. I felt a low groan rubble through his throat and into mine. My lungs quivered, my heart, my blood…I couldn't get enough. I felt so weak against him, as if he had robbed me of all my strength as I melted against him utterly and completely. My body shuddered as I felt his fingers pinch the zip of my dress and tug it down. With the flaps loose, I gasped slightly as his fingertips brushed against my skin. The sensation was so surprising, so loving that I bit his lip gently before kissing it in case I hurt him. I pulled away slightly, my hair framing his face as it fell to the ground.

"Willa," He said my name softly. I leaned down to kiss him, pressing myself harder against him as his fingers scuttled and danced across my bare back. "Willa," he said again, yet his voice sounded different…harder, as if something had broken through this red mist that protected us.

I pulled back, my eyebrows furrowed in fear and confusion. "What's wrong?" I asked gently, but he quickly zipped up my dress and got to his feet. His face looked pained, his whole-body taunt and stiff as he ran his fingers through his hair and searched his surroundings. "What's happened?" I was instantly at his side, my hand pressing carefully against his arms in comfort.

"Someone," he shook his head, being to slowly walk towards the depths of the forest, sniff and close his eyes as if he was trying to find someone, locate them. "I can feel pain, fear…in multiple people, about ten. Ten humans and three vampires…" He looked down at me, his eyes pained.

"Then we have to do something." I told him, my voice strengthening as I turned on him to place my shoes on.

"Willa I..." I shook my head at him.

"No, Jasper…we have this opportunity to help these people. You sensed them and we can't go on ignoring them or pretending that you did not feel what they felt." I straightened up, rolling back my shoulders in an attempt to look tough as I challenged him. He stared at me, trying to weigh up all of his options before he spoke. He looked so mighty in that moment, all trace of vulnerability and softness gone as this warrior now filled and claimed his soul.

He inclined his head. "You're right. I'll go, wait for me at the house." He then strode past me, his shoulder brushing against mine as he started walking towards the source of what he felt.

"No." I shook my head, running up to him until I was firmly in front of him, my hand resting gently on his chest as I tried to reason with him. "Jasper we are a team." I told him softly. "You and I…healer and vampire, we both have these superpowers and so we'll do this together, as equals." I reached forward to take his hand I mine. "I respect you as a Vampire, so please respect me as a healer. We can…we can be like our own avenger team" I said lightly, trying to break this rock-hard shell that now ran over his features.

"What if something happens to you?" He asked, his voice factual. "Darlin." He then added on after a muted pause.

"Nothing will." I told him softly and honestly, squeezing his hand in mine.

"You don't know that."

"Yes I do." I said firmly.

"How?" He countered.

"Because you'll be there, and I know you'll never let anything happen to me." He adverted his gaze, taking in a deep breath to emphasize his internal struggle that he had within himself. I walked towards him, knowing I needed to break him out of this state. I wrapped my arms around him, my head gently resting against his chest as I caressed his back. "Remember when I said you never have to be alone again, I meant it. With my whole heart, through love, danger and all the above."

I felt his lips kiss my hair, felt his arms go around me for a brief hug. He pulled back. "What did I do to deserve you?" He said, shaking his head with awe and a light smile on his lips. I could see his pride glimmering in his eyes. "Alright, together." He held out his hand, his grip strong as it swallowed my hand. "Always."

"Always." I repeated, threading my fingers with his as together we walked towards those screams of pain and fear, to save the suffering…together as one.

Always and forever.


Author's Note: Hello my lovelies! Here is the next chapter! I truly hope you enjoyed it! There was a lot of fluffy moments I hope thats oki! I'm so sorry for the late update! Uni got so hectic as well as anxiety and all that ickiness! I hope you are all looking forward to the next chapter as although this chapter was all fluff...next chapter will be a lot darker, passionate and hunger driven...hehe cue Jasper's darker side! All my love, Lisette!


~ Review Responses ~

Littlecosma001: N'aww lovely of course! You're making my heart flutter and smile so wide! I read this right before going into a lecture as I was smiling like a little fool! You're so so sweet! I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you for all that you've said! Oh goodness it was no? I was crying when I wrote those scenes between Willa and Fitz! It just broke my heart apart but i'm looking forward to seeing their journey together progress! Hehe, I know exactly what you mean though! I wrote this random scene where Willa and Fitz end up together just for my own little fun! Maybe I'll post it at the end of a chapter as like a deleted scene kind of thing that would have happened in a different universe! I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! I know it was super fluffy but I hope that's oki! The next chapter will be a big contrast to this one! Oh no, it's not weird to ask that at all! And yes, they will be doing adult stuff...hehe especially in the next chapter! With the intimate stuff in this chapter I hope it was oki! I hope you're doing oki lovely and I'm sending you all my love! i can't wait to see what you think! Much Love, Lisette

SmallLittleCagedBird: Hiya! Thank you so much for your review! I absolutely adore reading them! This chapter was really lovely dovey but the next chapter will 100% be passion and hunger as Jasper's dark side comes out and Willa and Jasper go on their mission! So I'm super excited for you to read the coming one and I hope this chapter wasn't too cringie for you! I'm so so sorry if it is! Much Love, Lisette

neatfreak16: N'aww thank you so much for your beautiful review! You made my heart flutter! I hope you like this chapter! I know it was filled with fuzzies and cute moments but I hope thats oki! The next chapter will be a lot more intense and passionate! Much Love, Lisette!

BelguimBear: Oh my goodness! That you so much! You're honestly the sweetest! I really hope you like this chapter! hehe I hope you liked all of their interactions and are looking forward to the next chapter! You are honestly so sweet! I'm sending you a massive hug! Much Love, Lisette

Dunesque Thank you so much for your incredible and magic review! It just made me so so happy! I always get so nervous writing Jasper because eeek, he's just perfect in every way! I so hope you like him in this chapter and are looking forward to seeing the next chapter! It will be a lot more intense, dark, passionate and hungry! Much Love, Lisette