Hello all! Long time no see- It's been awhile since I looked at what I began creating and I wanted to get back to it. I can't guarantee speedy updates, but I hate to leave this unfinished. Thank you to those who have left reviews and continued to follow this story. I hope to not disappoint you guys.

I don't own Twilight or it's affiliated characters.

Chapter 14

We managed to get all first class tickets this time around, but the plane was full, so we still managed to be separated. I feel that worked out fine for the two reunited lovebirds, though I can't say I was especially thrilled that Bella so readily forgave Edward. Alice sat near them, while Jasper and I were stationed at the very front. I shuffled my cards and hummed along to my playlist while Jasper pretended to sleep. It gave me time to subtly admire his strong jawline and chiseled features. I am fairly certain he knew that I was studying him closely. His shirt sleeve had ridden up slightly and I could see faint traces of vampire bites. I wanted to reach out and touch them, but knew how touchy of a subject scars could be and Jasper hadn't given any indication to suggest that he would be open about them. How strange was it that this man and I were somehow fated to be?

"What's on your mind?" Jasper asked, his eyes staring intently into my own.

"Everything and nothing all at once. It's been a lot to process."

He nodded, and his hand found mine. I lazily stroked his hand with my thumb. The motion felt natural and right, purely instinctual. I'd known him for less than 48 hours and went from having my defenses up and wanting nothing to do with the ones who'd caused my cousin such pain, to feeling awful that I'd ever felt that way in the first place, and wanting nothing more than to be close to him. I knew once we landed things would change, and I wondered how I would handle the distance. Would we become one and have trouble staying apart or would we be able to take things slow? Too many things were uncertain, and I didn't want to dwell on them. I could tell he felt the same.

"I can imagine. Though I am glad to finally meet you." He pressed the back of my hand lightly with his lips, just a brush of them, and it felt warm. The air seemed to hum around us. He let our intertwined hands drop back down. He then added "Now, if only our families would react the same. I'm not sure who's will be more scary- Rosalie, or having both of your uncles worry that I'll be stealing your virtue or treating you with anything less than the utmost respect."

I laughed lightly. "Fear not good sir, you're the epitome of the perfect southern gent. From what I hear about Rosalie however, it seems they're equally terrifying prospects." The plane landed just then in Seattle. I wouldn't doubt if Bella and I had at least three angry and worried voicemails to sort through. She'd probably have one from each parent, then I'd have to let Uncle Brian know I wasn't murdered in Volterra. Sometimes it was a blessing and a curse that he knew of the world and its secrets- I am just thankful that the Volturi weren't aware of just how many humans had them on their radar. We shuffled out swiftly as no one really had any luggage and I wasn't surprised to learn that the rest of the Cullens had gone back to their home. Alice had left her car at the airport, and we all headed straight to it. Bella and I both began to take our phones off airplane mode.

She immediately began to call her mother back while I took care to call Uncle Brian. A wave of calm settled over us. I silently thanked Jasper as I heard heavy breathing on the other end of the line.

"Hello?"

"Hey Uncle Brian, was it marathon training or was this a bad time to let you know I'm alive?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? It just so happens my new partner is helping me train extra hard tonight. Glad to know you made it back relatively safe, how's the jetlag treating you?"

"I'll survive. But I should get props for not letting my cousin do something crazy alone. Better she at least have a partner in crime to give her a fighting chance. Oh, speaking of partners in crime…. I may have met new friends, just so you aren't alarmed if Uncle Charlie mentions anything." I kept my tone light, though my subtleties weren't unnoticed. I could hear his exasperated sigh on the other end of the phone.

"We'll talk more later when you're alone then, as I am sure that's why you're keeping things light and making terrible jokes. And no more giving your uncle a mini panic attack! He's worried sick about the two of you." The line clicked then and I sighed. That honestly could've gone much worse after what we just did. I reached around to put my hand on Jasper's arm, and he turned to give me a pained smile. I returned with what I hoped was a warmer and more comforting smile.

Bella spoke with Uncle Charlie and it was decided that once we were dropped off, Bella was to be grounded and I was to watch out for her. It was also made abundantly clear that Edward was not allowed to step foot through the front door. I sighed heavily. It would be a long night. We were dropped off and I gave Jasper an open invitation to come in. Alice had said that we would all have a family meeting beforehand and that Jasper and I would go ahead of Edward and Bella since they apparently wanted to meet me and because I wasn't as heavily watched as my cousin was.

I headed to my room for some much needed sleep and locked the door, not surprised to find Jasper already there waiting. He sat on the bed awkwardly and waited. "You're allowed to get comfortable. I know you don't sleep, but I personally run like a furnace and need to get ahead of the jetlag. Will it bother you if I change into something else?" Jasper shook his head and looked away. Shrugging, I took off my shirt and my leggings, then went to find a pair of shorts and a more comfortable top.

He cleared his throat and looked up as I settled onto the bed. "Well, you look lovely in everything it seems. I try hard to not stare and respect you, but you've got me enraptured. I'm awestruck and humbled by your beauty."

"And you've taken the time to observe my love for old time romance novels it would seem. Or perhaps you're a bit of a hopeless romantic under the tough exterior. Still, I appreciate the compliment." I pulled the covers up and settled into his embrace. "Now it's time for sleep, before I meet the rest of your family and inevitably hear how my cousin plans to become one of you. I don't even want to think of my own mortality, though I fear that will be brought up as well."

Jasper pulled me tighter before shushing me by kissing my forehead. "The Volturi aren't known for kindness for the sake of it. Carlisle will tell you as much. He was with them for a little while, centuries ago. He can tell you about his time there, if you ask him. For now, it's best that you not worry about any of this. Sleep for now, and I will be here when you wake up."