"Do you remember your first purge?"
Astrid's gaze broke from the setting sun to look at Jasper. He laid on his side, one hand lost in his curls and the other running up and down her stomach. They laid naked beside a river miles away from camp, enjoying their moment alone. It had barely been twenty hours since they had last tasted each other but God had she missed it. How had she lived so long without him?
"In detail, yes," She frowned of the thought. "Why?"
"I don't want to kill them. I never have," He said it softly, like a secret that was shameful to be heard. "I feel them dying."
She cringed at the idea of feeling death. How empty would he feel? Astrid curled into his side, pressing her nose against his throat and inhaling. He pulled her closer, his fingers spreading on her back.
"I think," She began slowly. "That it's a sign you still have humanity. There's still a chance for us to get away from this life. After this you'll never have to kill a comrade again."
Jasper's lips trailed from her hairline to her cheeks, feather light, "I have a plan."
"Oh?"
"Benito will move soon. Peter told me this morning, he said it'll be within the month. We'll tell Maria of his location and let them battle."
Astrid raised an eyebrow, "Let them? And where will we be?"
"We'll be in the battle. But, I may have been sending a few patrols further West and found Santiago."
She shot up, staring at him, "You plan to have a war?"
"I plan for Santiago and Benito to finish Maria then turn on each other. Perhaps we could finish all three clans at once," He grabbed her hair and pulled her back to him. "And in the middle of it all, your beautiful gift will cover us as we leave them to die."
It sounded possible. Maria's army was nothing; it was full of barely trained newborns who had never seen an enemy in their lives. Patrols were nothing more than a feeding frenzy and training was comical. They would be slaughtered by Benito's aged and trained vampires. And if Santiago came in the middle of it, there would be no hope of victory. Maria would either have to flee or be killed.
Maria's least worry would be where the Major was.
If Santiago and Benito finish off Maria they would have no way of knowing if the Major was killed in battle. Limbs would be torn to pieces and heads were shattered in battle. If either one of them survived they wouldn't think the Major would create his own army or take over Maria's reign.
"Are you scared?" She asked.
Jasper kissed her, "Not at all. But I am late. I need to deal with Bethany and Tanner."
Astrid sighed and pushed herself away from him, "I'll go get Charlotte."
He rubbed her wrist when she reached for her dress, "They must be joyous. They'll be free by the end of the night."
"Thanks to you," Astrid pulled her navy blue dress up, beginning to tighten the bodice. She looked at him over her shoulder, smiling softly. "Don't forget it was your idea to fake purge Peter."
Jasper strapped his pants, "Thanks to me they'll be fucking while we fight for our lives." He grumbled.
Astrid giggled and grabbed his shirt, holding it behind her back, "And we'll be fucking after."
"Promise?" Jasper pulled her into his chest, his nimble fingers taking the shirt.
"No matter where we are, you can rip my clothes off and have me," She licked his lip. "If I don't get to you first."
Jasper hummed and pulled his shirt on. They no longer could put off their duties and with a parting look, they took separate ways. Astrid jumped over the river and ran for Charlotte's hideaway while he headed back to camp. She was giddy off their moment, a sense of potential in her chest that had a stable hold. Before she let her hope get to her, she first had to get Charlotte and Peter out of Texas.
Charlotte was sitting at the base of a tree, legs crossed and stone faced. She didn't give Astrid her usual bubbly hello but instead a subdued nod.
"Are you nervous?" Astrid guessed, leading the way to camp.
"What if someone sees? What if we have to kill a newborn? So many things can go wrong." Charlotte prattled.
"Maria thinks I'm doing patrol and Maria already asked Major to purge Bethany and Tanner. She added Peter in after his stunt. This is all planned. We both know Maria will be in her room. Don't let your own thoughts ruin the plan."
Charlotte nodded and they continued in silence. Before long they were behind the barn. Vampires were heading out for patrol in pairs, darting towards their stationed areas. The barn doors clanked as someone lifted them to enter. Three pairs of footsteps could be heard as someone scuffled on the floor.
"What do we need to do in here, Major?" Bethany's light voice carried from the barn.
Charlotte quietly cringed, clasping her hands in front of her.
Silence was her answer. Astrid listened as Bethany shifted on her feet. Another pair stepped back quickly.
"No," Tanner snarled. "No, you're not going to kill us like the rest. We're different from the others."
"Please, Major. After all we've done for you."
There was a dark chuckle, raspy from lack in blood, "You stupid shits. You think he cares about us? Look at me, ten years this fucker's second hand man and I'm in here with you lot. He doesn't give a fuck about anybody."
Bethany was weeping, "Please, sir, please."
There was a crack. A sound like thunder striking. Silence. Charlotte shook her head and closed her eyes, feeling for the two. Astrid had never been close to them, even though they were left over from Major's camp in the woods. She'd seen hundreds of fellows die at the Major's hands, they were no different from the rest.
"Well go ahead, get it over with," Peter's dry voice said. "Let me just imagine Char's tits before you do it. The last thing I want to see is your ugly face."
Astrid motioned for Charlotte to stay. There was a broken window in the back of the barn, small and at the very top of the wall, but with vampire strength it was no feat to get through. With her gift covering her, her feet made no sound as she landed in the barn. Peter turned at the movement, his eyes widening in shock. Astrid would've laughed at the fact he thought he was really going to die and his gift had given no help to calm him. She squatted to his side and touched his arm, bringing into her silent bubble.
She looked up at Major, his eyes dark and stance tense, and gave a silent nod. He lifted his foot and stomped on Tanner's shocked face. The sound thundered in the barn and Astrid helped Peter stand. He was weak from starvation and was slow in his climb through the window. She looked behind her to see Jasper staring blankly at the bodies, a box of matches in hand. He met her eyes before she fell through the other side of the barn.
Peter stumbled into Charlotte's arms. The two clung together, his hand combing through her curls. Astrid felt bad to separate them but they had to get a move on. She touched their shoulders and without words they ran north for the Indian Territory. They didn't stop until they reached Arkansas just beyond the border. The three came to a slow, nervous that they were being followed, nervous to believe that they had actually done it. Once they all came to a stop, they took a moment to look at each other.
"Thank you, Astrid." Peter mumbled, giving her a weak hug. He needed to feed, especially after the run they just did.
Charlotte was dry heaving, "I can't believe we're free. Thank you."
"Just don't die and make it all for nothing, eh?" Astrid feebly joked, getting a little emotional herself. There would be no more Charlotte to give late night visits to. Peter wouldn't be around to make snarky jokes that somehow lightened the mood. She could honestly say they were her only friends out of this life.
"You especially," Peter grabbed her shoulder, black eyes meeting red. "You get out of there alive, do you understand? And watch that fucker for me. He pulls some stupid shit."
Astrid giggled, "I will, Peter. I have to go, I need to be back before dawn."
Charlotte grabbed Peter's hand, a smile on her face. He returned the look and pulled her close. Astrid soaked them in, free and their future in front of them, before turning on her heel and running back for Texas. She was glad to be by herself, to bathe in the jealousy that shrouded her. They were done with Maria. Astrid was just beginning. Why hadn't they all just ran together? Would Santiago and Benito really hunt the Major down if they knew he was alive?
She knew she had to trust Jasper. He knew what he was doing.
The woods were beginning to lighten meaning that day break was close. Astrid pushed herself, intent on getting back a bit before dawn. It would be ridiculous if they got Peter and Charlotte out only to be caught by Astrid returning late. The thought of being back around Jasper made her move faster.
"Oof!"
Astrid grunted as she tackled in the side. The added weight of another body tossed her to the ground, rolling down a hill that was conveniently on her left side. Her attacked and her rolled down the hill, grunting as they hit rocks and trees. She landed first and shot to her feet, eyes landing on the black cloak.
Shit.
Astrid had just realized it was a Volturi cloak before she was once more tackled from the side. She screeched in anger and shook free, spinning to give a roundhouse kick. The newcomer flew back from her kick and fumbled to catch a branch to stop their fall. Astrid growled and spread her feet, looking between the two Volturi.
The one who had fallen down the hill with her brushed the leaves off their cloak before taking their hood down, "Hello, Astrid."
Astrid snarled at Corin. The strawberry blonde smiled with sharp teeth. The other figure pulled their hood back revealing the tracker. He grinned at her, giving her a teasing wave.
"We've been looking for you, cherry. You're difficult to track with no smell." The tracker said loftily.
"Couldn't take the hint?" Astrid snarked.
"Now, now, that's no way to be treating the people who hold your life in their hands," The last member jumped from the top of the hill and landed between them. The dark haired goddess pursed her lips. "You should be grateful that Aro has taken interest in you. Master Aro is welcoming to any gifted vampire."
Astrid licked her lips, "Aro can shove it up his ass."
Corin hissed, "You speak so carelessly, wildling."
"Oh Corin, how is she to know of Aro? She probably doesn't know who we are. My name is Heidi and this is Dimitri. We are part of the Guard that protects Volterra, the home to the eldest vampires." Heidi explained casually, smiling at the end of her introduction.
Astrid thought of the best way to run past them.
"These vampire wars are getting a bit too mainstream for Master Aro so we've been sent to put an end to it. You would be a part of the vampire wars, no?" Heidi raised an eyebrow, already knowing the answer. "However, as I said before, he's interested in your future with the Volturi. Why not take the offer and have a better life?"
Corin snorted. Astrid's lip moved with a restrained growl.
"I'll have to pass." Astrid said clearly.
"That's sad. I think you're quite pretty, shame to rip your head off." Dimitri tutted.
Corin and Heidi moved as one. Astrid ran at them and at the last second slid to the dirt, swiping at their feet. Corin was quick to move, Astrid could tell she had more experience, while Heidi fell. Astrid moved quick, turning to slam her foot on Heidi's back and yank at her leg. The limb tore easily and Astrid tossed it blindly, eyes locked on Corin as she lunged at Astrid.
The two women fell back, tangled in each other as they struggled to be on top. She could hear Heidi moaning in pain and the sound of a branch swinging from movement. She heard the thump of Dimitri's boot on the woods floor before she felt his hand in her hair. He dragged her out from Corin's grasp and kicked her back. She clawed at his hands and spun, kicking at his knees so he fell to her height.
She elbowed him in the nose and twisted his arm back, relieved when his fingers slacked and she wouldn't have to lose anymore hair. She hurriedly got to her feet, kneeing him in the face. He snarled and swung a closed fist at her. She spun so she was behind him and kicked him between the shoulder blades with all the strength she could muster. He flew forward into Corin, the duo falling into each other.
Astrid ran past them towards the Indian Territory.
"Get her!" Heidi screeched. "Who knows when we'll see her again!"
Hell would freeze over if the Volturi got her before she could get back to Jasper. She ran like a bat out of hell, not looking behind her. She jumped from tree to tree to hide her footsteps. She even did a full circle before heading back towards Texas. The sun began to rise as she broke out of the thick woods that separated her from Houston. Had she really gotten rid of them? She slowed once she reached down, pulling her hair around her face to keep the sparkling of her skin hidden. The town was busy with humans, the most she had been around in years.
She spotted a clothing shop ahead and slid into the door. The bell rang as the door shut behind her. She inhaled, standing in the doorway, and could only smell one person in the back. A door swung open and middle aged woman paddled out, heavily pregnant.
"Hello, love," Her green eyes widened in shock. "My, you're covered in dirt! Are you all right?"
"I just had a fall in the woods," Astrid lifted her skirts. "I tore my dress. Could you help?"
"Of course! No lady should have a torn skirt." The woman tutted, coming around the counter.
She came close to grab Astrid's hand, a kind smile on her warm face. She froze when she caught sight of Astrid's red eyes, her mouth falling open. Her heart beat faster, the blood rushing in her veins. Astrid held her breath.
"Are you afraid?" She asked.
The woman took a minute before shaking her head, "No, just strange is all. Come now." She waved Astrid's question away.
Astrid spent an hour with the woman, Jezebel. It was the longest conversation she held with a human without thinking of ways to kill her. Her eyes kept trailing to the bump on the woman's stomach, taking a moment to listen to the fast but weak heartbeat. A baby. How wonderful.
At the end Astrid walked away with a new dress and the woman walked away with her life.
Astrid checked over her shoulder as she headed back to camp. She knew she should've stayed away longer but it was midday. She had been gone too long. Astrid went through the woods to get to the camp, relieved to see Maria's drapes closed and the newborns spare in the yard. It seemed life had gone on with her absence. She barely stepped a foot into the yard when she felt crippling anxiety.
"Where were you?" Jasper asked, appearing from thin air. He gripped her wrist, pulling her to his side.
She shook her head and looked at Maria's window, "I ate too much. There was a party."
"And I got no invite?" Worry.
She shrugged, "There wasn't enough to go around."
Jasper looked her up and down. His eyebrow rose at the new dress, "So you won't come eat with me?"
"Of course."
He didn't wait. He turned and headed in the direction Astrid came from. He led them to the closest town and to the backyards of houses. He walked past three of them before stopping at a one story with linen hanging in the yard. He pushed the backdoor open, the lock breaking loudly.
"Hello?" A female called out before she rounded the corner.
Astrid slammed her against the wall, bending her neck to the right so she could sink her teeth in. She screamed in pain and Astrid slapped her hand over her mouth. Feet pounded around the corner.
"Carey? Ca- Ah!" She could hear Jasper toss him to the ground and his fangs sink into the flesh.
She drank greedily, thirsty from her run and fight. She finished first, dropping the empty body and wiping her mouth. Blood smeared on her new dress sleeve but she didn't care. She was sure Carey had some outfits in her closet that she wouldn't mind Astrid using.
Astrid walked towards where Jasper was hunched over the man, gulping loudly. She fell to her knees beside him, running his bloodied hand over his spine, a want in her stomach. She let herself feel her lust and fantasized of the things Jasper would do to her, pleased when Jasper moaned in response. She kissed the back of his neck, grabbing one hand to place on her stomach. He continued to drink as his fingers moved up to untie her bodice.
"Jasper." She whispered.
He finished with his human and grabbed her neck, slamming her into the wooden floors. It splintered beneath her, the two of them ignoring it for each other. He held her by the neck as he finished with her bodice, tossing it away. He shoved her skirts up and spun her so she was on her hands and knees. She moaned in wanton need, pushing her ass into his pelvis. He snarled and wrapped her hair in his fist, pulling so her neck was bare to him.
"Where the fuck were you?" She heard his pants fall to the floor. He spread her legs. "You were supposed to be back before morning."
Astrid cried out when he roughly pushed into her, "I ran into some trouble."
"Who?" Jasper grunted, one hand on her hip as he brutally fucked her. Her head fell between her shoulders although he didn't let her stay there long; he yanked at her hair and her head fell back, "I asked you a question."
"The Volturi. They were in the woods," She closed her eyes in pleasure. "Jasper."
"Say my name again." He was so rough that her arms gave out. She fell face first into the floor, his hand pushing her down. She clawed at the wood, scratching it.
"Jasper, Jasper, Jasper." She prayed like he was her religion.
"Fucking mine, no one can take you from me." His chest pressed into hers.
Astrid shook her head. No, she would fight until she was in Jasper's arms.