No copyright infringement intended! I own nothing except the plot. I bet you're more than ready to have this fucker enter the picture, yeah? I am too. I never thought I'd get here.
Mentions of M/M slash. You've been warned.
JPOV
"Hey, Major! It looks like you've got mail." Peter shouts from the mailbox. I wonder what it could possibly be. The last time I ever got anythin' that I couldn't order online was another weddin' invitation for Em and Rose and that was about fifty years ago. Five years after we left Forks and my entire life changed.
That stupid birthday party still haunts me. I can't believe I went after Bella that way. I wish that I could go back and apologize to her, but that's impossible. I had tried to go back about a year after we left, but she wasn't there anymore and I never bothered trackin' her down. I didn't see the point. She's probably in her seventies by now anyway and I'd be surprised if she even remembered me.
Alice and I fought soon after that disaster. I was depressed and remorseful and she just couldn't stand me anymore. She said that she 'couldn't babysit' me and that it was best that we ended things between us because she needed someone she could rely on. Needless to say I was offended at her assumption that I needed to be watched and that I wasn't reliable, I was Major Jasper Whitlock for Christ's sake. So I called Jenks to get the divorce papers ready, grabbed anythin' out of the house that I wanted to keep, and drove to Seattle to stay until the divorce was finalized.
After that, I just drove. I had no idea where I was going or what I was doing, but I knew I needed to get as far away from the Cullen's as I could. It wasn't until I pulled onto the dirt path to the Whitlock Ranch that I realized I was headed home.
Peter was extremely pleased to see me and even more so when I told him about the divorce. I had missed him terribly when I lived with the Cullen's and I didn't realize it fully until I saw that sly grin on his face. He had been my Captain, friend, confidant, brother, and occasional lover when we were with Maria. I had never known how much I had hurt him when I left, nor did I realize how much I had hurt him when I married Alice, but he had always been here for me. Patiently waitin' until I came back. It was obvious by the enthusiastic way he greeted me that he had been lonely since he moved out here to care for the place in my absence. I've never heard him talk so much in my life! Not havin' anyone else here and not havin' a mate will do that to you. So I decided that it was in both of our best interests for me to stay.
I forgot how relaxin' it could be out on the Ranch. No school, no pretendin', no one to watch your every move. It was nice. Pete even managed to get me back on a normal human blood diet statin' that the 'high concentration of animal blood' could be a reason for my moody state. This, for an empath who tends to project emotions, isn't good. We only hunt criminals and the dregs of society, so the innocent emotions don't overwhelm me. He also managed to prove to me time and again that I had better control over my instincts after drinkin' human blood. Animal blood kept me so thirsty all the time that I could barely think of anythin' else. The burn was constant. The opposite was true with human blood. I could think, I could control my gift better, and I wasn't in pain anymore. All in all, I was happier here than I had been in a long time.
When I got the weddin' invite from Em and Rose all those years ago, I was shocked that they knew where to send it and even more shocked when I showed up and they didn't care that I had gone back to human blood. I took Pete with me, of course. He and Em got along great and, character that he is, managed to pull pranks on pretty much everyone while we were there. Carlisle and Esme were disappointed at the change in my diet, Edward was smug about it and kept throwin' my 'mistake' in my face, and Alice ignored me which was fine by me. It was fun getting back together with those that I had missed, but by the end of the weddin', I was ready to head back to the Ranch.
Other than huntin', I haven't left the Ranch since. Although, huntin' with Pete has become quite the erotic experience which helps me ignore the emotions I feel from my victims. Watchin' him lure and dazzle his prey into followin' him down a dark alley, then while constantly keepin' eye contact with me watchin' him run his nose up and down the chosen vein in his victim's neck, next his tongue will flick out to taste the skin and make the vein rise to the surface, finally he will bite down and suck his victim dry. I'm usually so hard by this point that I'm surprised I haven't burst through any of my pants. I'm so focused on watchin' him that I don't care what my victim is feelin'.
I've also been known to have my way with a prostitute before I drain them. The sex is consensual, of course. I would never force myself upon anyone. I was raised better than that. Vampires have a very high sex drive and most aren't picky where they get their release. I'm no exception and I've accepted that about my nature. I'm not sure why the need for sex is so high, since we can't procreate the way humans do, but I won't complain about it since I seem to reap the benefits.
I hear Pete walking back into the house and it snaps me back to reality. I really don't need to get lost in my thoughts. Especially when there's nothin' I can do about most of them. "Here" Pete says as he hands me a thick envelope.
"It's from Italy." I state as I look at the seal on the back.
"What do the Volturi want with us?" Pete asks.
"No idea. Let's open it and find out." I say as I open the letter.
To Major Jasper Whitlock and Captain Peter Whitlock,
I am in need of your assistance in regards to matters that you have knowledge of. I require your presence in Volterra at once. There is a private jet waiting for you at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. I await your arrival.
Aro
"At least it's short, sweet, and to the point." Pete says.
"It says 'matters'. Sounds like it's more than one and makes me wonder what could we possibly have knowledge of that he wants?" I ask.
"No idea, Major, but I'm up for an adventure." Pete replies.
"Pack light. I want to be in and out as quickly as possible." I state.
"Right away, Major." Pete mock salutes before he runs to his room to begin packin'. I swear he's the only one who can get away with that.
I roll my eyes at his antics, then head to my own room to pack. I grab a duffel bag and place a few pairs of jeans, a few long sleeved t-shirts, and a few short-sleeved shirts in the bag before I put on something more suitable than sweats for travelling to Volterra. Dark jeans, a nice black leather belt with a silver "Everything's Bigger In Texas" buckle, my black cowboy boots, a black v-neck t-shirt, and my black Stetson complete my look.
I meet Pete at the front door and he's dressed very similarly. Brown cowboy boots, lighter jeans, brown belt with an understated buckle, white t-shirt, and white Stetson completes his look. I can't help but roll my eyes at how similar our Country-Boy tastes are. We hop in my truck and head toward the airport.
I'm shocked when we get to the jet and see Demetri and Alec waiting for us. It's not unexpected for members of the Volturi to join those requested on their flights. I guess to make sure they don't try anythin' stupid, like run away. What shocks me more is the fatigues they're wearing. I'm used to long black or gray cloaks with hoods, not black and gray army fatigues with black combat boots and either black or gray t-shirts. It looks professional, but it makes me feel like I'm being herded into a military zone. I don't like it. I left the Army life a long time ago and I have no desire to go back to it.
I can see Peter is questionin' this drastic change as much as I am as we walk up to the plane. Demetri steps forward, hand extended as he says "Hello, Major Whitlock." I shake his hand in greeting before he turns to Peter, shakes his hand, and says "Captain Whitlock. It's nice to finally meet you. Please, follow us."
We make our way into the plane and pick our seats. Alec and Demetri follow as soon as we're comfortable. I can feel Peter's curiosity and it doesn't take long before he's overwhelmed by it. "What is with the Army get-up?" he asks.
Demetri answers, "We had…an unwelcome wakeup call about twenty years ago in regards to the way we previously dressed. Our Captain has made sure that there are no more…incidents since then. The place is run like a Military Camp for those of us in the Guard. So we have to dress the part now."
"So why does Aro need us if he has everyone else?" I ask.
"I wasn't told much, Major, except that you and Captain Whitlock have information that we could use." Demetri replies.
"What kind of information?" Peter asks.
I feel a sense of forebodin' as Alec replies, "You've never been beaten in a fight and we could use that expertise now."
The rest of the flight passes in silence. I can feel that Pete is nervous, but excited; Alec is bored, but curious; and Demetri feels threatened, but resigned. As for me, I'm curious, nervous, and worried. It's a curious mixture and I can't wait for Aro to clear some of this mess up.
I haven't given myself over to the Major since Bella Swan's birthday. All he wanted at the time was her blood. I was a monster that day and I don't want to go back to bein' that mindless beast. I spent a hundred years as a killin' machine and the only one to break through that barrier was sittin' next to me. I'm sure that the only others that I know of who can say they've been at the killin' game longer are my sire, Maria; or the Volturi Elite. Why they would need me is mind-bogglin'. They have the best killers in the business. That's why they are Elite.
I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't realize we've landed until the plane actually stops movin'. Pete and I grab our luggage and head for the car that Aro has sent for us. Demetri and Alec hop in the front, which leaves Pete and I in the back. The way Demetri drives, it doesn't take us long before we're in front of that familiar clock tower and escorted into the guest quarters of the Volturi castle. At least Pete and I get to share a two bedroom suite, although it's a bit lavish for my tastes. The sittin' area has very nice, elaborate antique couches with a huge fireplace and a bookcase that could make me jealous in any other situation. The bedrooms are simple and elegant. I have black silk sheets and a silver comforter on my bed while Pete has red silk sheets and a brown comforter on his. I know why the beds are there, we don't sleep, but we can do other things requirin' a bed. The bathrooms are quite nice, too. Light and airy even with the tile. It reminds me of somethin' Esme might like. And just as a bonus, multi-head showers and a Jacuzzi tub in both bathrooms.
We only get about half an hour to ourselves before Jane shows up and leads us to meet the Kings in the Audience Chamber. Jane, who is also wearing the same Army fatigues and t-shirt that her brother was wearing on the plane, has her hair up in a tight bun. Nothing different from what I've seen her wear before, but there's a different vibe I'm gettin' off her. It's slightly unnervin' me. We make it down several hallways before we come to a pair of giant ornate wooden doors. Once Jane opens the doors and steps through, I get a good look inside. This room hasn't changed much since the last time I was here, visiting on Maria's orders. It's still round, made of stone, has a 3-step rise in the middle where the thrones sit, and has various tapestries hangin' off the walls. It screams 'medieval castle' which I think was the whole point.
Upon the thrones, Aro, Caius, and Marcus are visible, but their attire from last time is quite different. I expected for them to at least be wearing their traditional Volturi robes, but they're not. Aro is dressed sharply in a 3-piece completely black suit with a black tie and dress shirt. Marcus is wearing a black suit too, but with a white dress shirt and a red tie. Caius is wearing a black suit with a red dress shirt and red tie. They look unbelievably…modern and it's kind of odd. Maybe it was a move made in solidarity to the Guard, although I doubt any Captain would have the ability to change their Superior Officer's wardrobe. I guess everyone has to get with the times eventually.
"Major and Captain Whitlock! It's wonderful that you could make it on such short notice!" Aro cheerfully says from the dais as he walks over to us and takes my hand in his, closes his eyes, and stands perfectly still. I don't pull away from his grasp. I know he's reading every memory I've ever had, and since I've lived quite a long time, 216 years or so, there's quite a lot to get through.
"So much information in your mind, Major." Aro says as he looks at me. "Some of this we will discuss now, other information will be better given to the Captain of my Guard."
He then takes Peter's hand and closes his eyes to sift through all of Peter's thoughts. Again, there's quite a lot to get through since Peter's lived nearly as long as I have.
"Captain Whitlock, you have a very interesting way of seeing things." Aro says cryptically as he backs up to the dais.
"Major," he addresses me, "how long were you a part of the Cullen coven?"
Not that he doesn't already know from reading my thoughts, but I answer for Marcus and Caius' sakes. "About fifty years, why?" I reply calmly.
"There was a breach of law during your stay. Do you know of what I speak?" Aro asks.
I should have known this was comin'. To be honest, I'm not surprised he would ask. What I am surprised about is the time it's been between now and that breach. I left that coven decades ago, but I suppose they view time differently when you're over a millennia old. I take an unneeded breath before I begin. "The only thing that I can think of would be Bella Swan. She was human at the time we met, fifty-somethin' years ago, and even though I fought to end her, my coven leader overrode my decision. She was Edward's singer and his mate, but he left her to finish out her natural life without him. As far as I know, she is either dead or gettin' to be that age."
"At least you know of the breach. Although I don't think 68 years is all that old, do you?" He looks at me knowingly. "However, even though you fought to do what was right by law, as punishment for being a part of the coven that allowed a human to know of our existence – without having the intent to turn her – you are to stay and help us until this crisis against the Volturi has abated." Aro states.
I kind of expected to stay until I was released, but if it makes Aro feel better to enforce this 'punishment' on me, then so be it. It could be worse. I just nod at him to affirm that I will do as I'm asked.
"Also, I'm having the rest of your former coven brought up against these and other charges as well. It's about time the breach was dealt with. They should be here in approximately three months." Aro adds.
Again, all I can do is nod. I'm not thrilled that I'll be here when they get here. I know that the weddin' was a happy occasion, but it's been over forty years since I've seen any of 'em. At least I'll be kept busy enough with whatever this crisis is not to think of them too often.
"Captain Whitlock," Caius begins, "you are more than welcome to leave if you so choose, but after you meet with our Captain, you will no longer be given the choice. I will not allow anyone to leave with knowledge of our plans."
Peter doesn't hesitate before sayin', "Where the Major goes, I go."
"Fine. Bring in the Lieutenant and have her take them to the Captain." Caius says dismissively.
As we watch Jane leave I can't help but wonder what we've gotten ourselves into. We don't have to wait long before Jane returns with a pretty petite blonde woman who could be Jane's older sister. She has the same high bun, the same color fatigues, and the same military bearing, but that's where the similarities end. She's stunning! She has on a dark gray tank top to show off her toned arms, curves that most women would kill for, an ass that could leave me beggin', and a chest that was made for titty fuckin'. Apparently I'm not the only one who is completely taken by this beauty. Pete's eyes haven't left her form since she walked in and he has never desired anything more than her. Ever. I can feel it. She doesn't look at us, but instead turns her attention to the Kings.
"Aro, you called for me?" she asks.
"Yes Lieutenant. I understand that you're busy planning right now, but I have brought Major Whitlock and Captain Whitlock for assistance with the Guard." Aro says.
She turns to face us and her attention is immediately caught by Peter. Her face doesn't show any emotion at all, but I can tell she is attracted to him. Very attracted. She closes her eyes for a brief moment, seemin' to collect herself before statin', "Gentlemen, please follow me."
She turns her back on us and I can feel her self-chastisement and embarrassment, probably in regards to her reaction to Peter, as we follow her down yet another hallway.
"I will have your new fatigues delivered to your rooms in the morning." She begins still looking away, "for now, you can observe our training techniques and starting tomorrow, you will be asked to improve and upgrade the techniques you saw today."
"Not a problem, ma'am." I state in my thick southern drawl. Peter just growls and rolls his eyes at me.
"It's Lieutenant." She replies sharply. "I didn't work this hard just to be called 'ma'am' for all eternity. When I'm in fatigues it's either Lieutenant or Lieutenant Volturi, when I'm in civilian dress, you may call me ma'am or you may call me Charlotte."
"Volturi?" I ask.
"Yes. I don't remember my human name, so my sister and I took the name of our Maker and Father, Caius." She replies.
We make it to another set of double doors. These are slightly less ornate, but no less forebodin'. As Charlotte opens the door directly in front of us, she quickly ducks just as somethin' goes flyin' through the air at her head. I manage to spin out of the way of the airborne object, but Peter gets hit directly in the chest and goes flyin' into the stone wall behind him.
I walk over to Peter to try and help, but I can't help the chuckle that escapes me. He's sprawled out on the floor with a dazed look on his face and another man on top of him.
"Private Alexander!" Charlotte shouts at the man on top of Peter. He immediately gets up and stands at attention so Charlotte can finish with him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! I told you to attack! Flying backwards into our guests doesn't count!"
"I did attack, Lieutenant!" He explains as I help Peter up off the floor. "She threw me back into the door when I went in for the kill shot!"
"How did she throw you?" Charlotte asks intrigued and far less angry than she was a moment ago.
"I don't know, Lieutenant!" He replies. "One minute I had my hands around her neck, and the next I was airborne!"
"Attack her again, Private!" Charlotte commands excitedly. "This time I want to see everything!"
Charlotte takes us into what is obviously a training room. It's huge. At least the length of two football fields and there are at least twenty soldiers fightin' each other. Memories from my time with Maria are instantly at the forefront of my mind. I look over at Peter, and he has the exact same look on his face that I'm sure is present on mine. This is bad. This is really bad. I don't want to do this. I don't want to remember that hell.
Charlotte continues to walk across the left side of the room until we reach the center where topographical maps as well as a satellite image map are laying. I manage a quick look at the location they've been surveying before Charlotte says, "You guys can just wait here for the Captain. I need to see what Alexander was talking about."
She starts walkin' back towards the center of the room and shouts, "Private Collins!" Instantly I see a tall, dark haired woman standing at attention in front of Charlotte. She's wearing the same black fatigue pants and the same black combat boots, but instead of a dark shirt, hers is white. I note that it's the same as Private Alexander's and at least two-thirds of the soldiers in here, so the lighter color must be a symbol of their rank. Easy enough to remember.
We hear Charlotte continue, "I want Alexander to attack you again, and this time I want to see what you did to make him fly."
"Yes, Lieutenant!" She shouts. I can see Alexander from the other end of the room preparing himself and when Charlotte moves out of the way, he attacks. It's sloppy, but when he comes within reach of Collins, she pushes out her hand and Alexander's airborne again. Seems like Collins is gifted! That's a bonus.
"Alright," says Charlotte happily, "you'll be training that gift with the Captain starting tomorrow. For now though, you can go feed. Your eyes are too dark. After that, you may rest until training begins in the morning."
"Yes, Lieutenant!" Collins shouts and then she runs to the door and out of sight.
"We don't make it a habit to completely drain our troops, Major." Charlotte says to me. "I know you are worried about what you have seen, but don't worry. Our soldiers are very well taken care of. Nothing like what you were used to."
"Thank you for trying to ease my fears, Lieutenant, but I would prefer to see it with my own eyes." I reply.
"Understandably so." she states.
"Where is the Captain?" Peter asks. "I would very much like to meet this person."
"She is currently training with some of the gifted recruits. Back there" she points to an area on the other side of the room, "is where she likes to work. Away from prying eyes. She knew you both were coming, so I'm surprised she hasn't made an appearance."
"She?" Peter asks shocked. "Your Captain is a woman?"
"I told you my sister and I took the Volturi name." Charlotte states.
"I remember, but I thought you meant like a Lieutenant Commander or somethin'." says Peter.
"This isn't the Navy, Peter." I remind him.
"I know that." He replies a little sharply. "It's still shocking to hear that a woman is "Captain" of the Volturi Guard." he says the title mockingly now, "what did she have to do to gain that title?"
Charlotte squares up to him with an evil look in her eyes and her head held high and states, "Even though you outrank me, Captain," Charlotte returns the mocking tone with ease "I would watch what you say about mine. The fact that she is a woman has nothing to do with it. She earned her title while she was still human. She is the best I've ever seen and takes care of her own. How many of yours can you say that about?"
I honestly wished I had a camera right now. It was the first time I've ever seen Peter speechless. I try to hold in my laughter as Peter gets his ass handed to him by this beautiful woman. He can't say a damn thing right now and he knows it. Then I feel something from him I never thought I would. He's ashamed at himself. He's also very angry that Charlotte had the audacity to put him in his place and for some reason he's also extremely turned on by the effect she has on him.
I look over at him with a raised brow to tell him to cool it with the lust. He looks abashed, but I can feel it bein' reined in. Granted, I wouldn't mind havin' my way with her either. It could be fun to see which one of us is more dominant in the bedroom, but those thoughts will have to wait.
Now might be a good time to intervene before Peter gets himself into even more trouble with this little spitfire. His reckless attitude can get the better of him. "Can you take us to your Captain, please?" I ask politely. "I would really like the opportunity to meet her."
"Of course, Major. This way." Charlotte says and begins to walk to the other side of the room. We follow her to the back right quarter of the room and Charlotte just stops. I can see that there are four people just beyond where we are, but as I try to move forward I realize that I'm being stopped by an invisible wall. I look over at Peter and he has his hands out on it just like I do. Charlotte, however has a very Cheshire cat grin on her face and says, "You won't make it any further in than that, boys. Not unless she wants you to. The Captain is a mental and physical shield. That's her in the center there." She points to a woman with mahogany hair that is also up in a bun, just like every other woman we've met so far. She's also dressed in army fatigues, but she has a pure black tank top on instead of a gray or white one. She's turned away from us facing the other three soldiers as she gives them one last command before releasing them for the day.
It all hits me in a rush. I don't know why I didn't think of it before, but I should have. All the signs were there. Even Aro gave me a clue as to who this Captain was and I was too blind to see it. The hair color, the 'punishment' from Aro, the mental shield, the complete loyalty that the Lieutenant has given her sister and Commanding Officer, and finally the fact that the entire Cullen coven will be here in a couple months. There's only one person I can think of who could be the cause of all this.
I see the three soldiers leave through a back door in the training room as Charlotte moves forward and past the shield that's keeping Pete and I out. Charlotte starts speakin' and I can see a profile of the woman she's talking to. I can only hope that I'm wrong in my assumptions as to who this is. However, luck is not on my side when Volturi Guard Captain Isabella Swan turns her crimson eyes around to face me and says simply, "Hello Jasper."
A/N: Excited squeal. I know you were waiting for him to enter the picture.