A/N: I'm going to be adding a few different POV's to this story now that it's well on its way to being where I want it. Here's the first!

Jasper POV

CHAPTER 7

The Pixie was up to something. She had been having visions more frequently and they were filled with some unnerving emotions from her. Deceit, anger, sadness. She had been very unlike her usual bubbly self since these particular visions started, but she hadn't been sharing the full extent of 'em like she normally would. Maybe she was looking too far in the future and her visions weren't as clear as they normally were? Maybe she was nervous about what was happening in Seattle? It's true that we were all a bit worried about the situation, but no one other than me wanted to go check it out for ourselves. Courtesy of the Pixie's interference, I wasn't even able to sneak away to get a better grasp on what we would soon be facing. Damn seer.

I wasn't really mad at her, I loved her with all of my heart even though she could be annoying and irritating at times. Her happiness is what came first to me, but I was still frustrated that I couldn't go check the threat myself. Every time I had made a conscious decision to do so, Ali had stopped me in my tracks saying something about 'not being able to see' what would happen. I mean, I understand that she's worried for my safety and as mates I can reciprocate, but if this is as bad as I think it is, then we need to be fully prepared for what's coming and from what I've seen we aren't anywhere near close to ready.

I've been getting more and more restless as the days dwindle on. The only form of information I've had in the past six months about this, and the only comfort I can seem to gain, is leaving the local news on in my study so I can keep an eye on what's happening. I now spend most of my time in here, sitting at my desk, just listening to the news. From the information I can gather, the "wildly active serial killer" that they assume is causing all of these disappearances plus the addition of "heavy gang violence" that also seems to be causing one hell of a ruckus can only mean one thing. Newborns and lots of 'em. It all makes perfect sense. At least in my mind.

All of the chaos that these newborns are causing reminds me a lot of what I went through in the Southern Wars. Back then, as Major Jasper Whitlock and second in command of Maria's army, I probably would have gotten similar press coverage, if they would have had it, from all the damage I helped inflict. Most of what these newborns are doing is causing panic in the general population. I can see the point, adrenaline makes the human's blood taste that much sweeter, but I can also gather that they aren't as controlled as I had once kept my brood, courtesy of my own gift. It's almost as if who controls 'em just wants the chaos. If that's the case, it's really not a good plan.

Most of these newborns won't live out their first year and I know that from personal experience, so they don't ever get the 'education' that they so desperately need to live this way. I didn't until after I left Maria. However, they also don't know that there are higher powers that can put a stop to their existence really fuckin' quick if they so choose. I'm surprised the Volturi haven't already made an appearance long before this. In the Wars, they would be dispatched fairly quickly to eliminate any threat of exposure that they saw. Truth be told, back in those days they would have been dispatched to take care of the threat long before it got as bad as it is now. That's what has me worried.

Ever since my idiot brother fell in love with a human our lives have been…different. When Alice left with Bella to go to Volterra and 'save' Eddie dearest, I nearly lost it. My mate all the way in Volterra without me to protect her. I know that she can handle herself, but I was still infuriated with her when she got back. Ever since then, she's been more distant with me and, even though it hurts a bit, I can understand her hesitation. I wasn't exactly filled with fuckin' rainbows and butterflies when I saw her at the airport and I'm not exactly the 'forgive and forget' type, but even though she did come back in one piece I still wasn't fully able to prevent the Major from coming out to verbally rip her a new asshole.

I will give the Pixie credit though, she took my verbal lashing like a champ. I still can't really remember what all I said to her considering I wasn't there for most of it, but whatever it was it must have worked because she hasn't been pushing my buttons quite as much as she usually would. It almost seems like I never get any alone time anymore, so the reprieve I have is kind of nice considering that I haven't had to shop with her recently, or go hunting with her, or be with her constantly, and she hasn't gotten pissed off if I call Peter and Charlotte just to see how they're holding up. It's been fairly nice. Lonely occasionally, but nice.

I snap out of my reverie when I hear a knock at my study door. Everyone knows not to come in here unless given permission. All of my books, my sturdy oak desk, my Civil War uniform, my Major's sword, and everything else that holds actual meaning in my life is in here and I don't want it fucked around with. I reply with a lazy drawl "Yeah?" before the scent of honey, oranges and lilies and the feeling of curiosity with an undercurrent of deception and hostility assaults me.

"Hi Jazz, what are you doing in here all by yourself?" asks Alice as she walks across the room.

"Jus' watchin' the news." I drawl out. My Texan accent is still fairly thick when I speak, but I honestly haven't wanted to try to get rid of it. I have to be a bit rebellious every now and then. It's too much fun to speak this way when I know it annoys everyone else in this family, who make it a point to speak so prim and proper all the time. Well, except Emmett who lets his slip a bit when he's angry, but tries to hold it in all the same.

"You aren't still thinking about going to Seattle, are you?" Alice asks. I can hear as well as feel the irritation in her voice. Almost like she would rather be anywhere else but here; discussing anything else other than this. I can completely agree. It's not like we haven't had this discussion, or something similar to it, every day for the past four months.

"Now why would I go and do a damn fool thin' like that?" I ask incredulously. "Especia'ly since we seem to be havin' this exact same conversation. Every. Single. Day. I get it, Alice. I ain't goin'."

She looks at me with one eyebrow raised and her arms crossed over her chest. I can feel her annoyance and disbelief with me, but I pay it no mind. "Well, I got a vision of you heading off that direction…again…and wanted to come remind you that you can't go because I can't see what will happen if you do!" She starts her tirade at a normal level, but by the end she's shouting at me.

I look at her eyes wide in utter disbelief that she raised her voice to me. I'll admit that the thought had crossed my mind, but I dismissed it just as quickly. I knew I wasn't going to actually be able to go without serious Pixie interference. I know she's only trying to help in her own way, but my eyes narrow in anger and I can't help the next thing that comes out of my mouth. "It ain't like you don't already know, but I don't need reminders, Alice. We're vamps, darlin'. We remember." I reply.

We stare each other down for a few minutes, both angry now. I won't break eye contact first and never have. No one challenges me and gets away with it. Not even Alice. As I knew she would, she breaks first, huffs at me and turns and stalks away, slamming the door behind her. I'll admit that I may have been a bit cold, but I absolutely hate being bossed around and I hate being told something more than once. Like I said, we remember the first time. Those two things could get someone on my 'shit list' real quick. I mean hell, I wasn't the youngest Major in the Texas Cavalry or Maria's 'Major' and 'God of War' by second-guessing my own decisions. There is no excuse for someone second guessing or challenging me. Ever.

I know I'm going to have to apologize about my snarky attitude eventually, but I really don't want to right yet. It's not like she won't see it coming beforehand anyway. All I really have to do is commit to apologizing and she'll see it happen. I sigh heavily and continue to watch the news reporter discuss what or who could be the cause of so much devastation in Seattle. Overturned cars, demolished buildings, gigantic holes in the pavement that seem to have come from out of nowhere, and it's only getting worse. Maybe I should call Peter and see if he can scout for me. It's not like he has anything better to do.

I reach over and grab my cell off the corner of the desk. It's almost like magic how my phone starts ringing in my hands and has my study filling up with notes from "The Devil Went Down to Georgia". I don't know why, but I've always thought that song appropriate for Peter.

"Captain," I answer delightedly, "what can I do for ya?"

"Major." Peter says in greeting before continuing, "I got a feeling ya might need me soon, so instead of waiting for your pansy ass to call, I figured I'd call first. Whaddya need?"

It's amazing to me how much I miss having Peter and Char with me. They always seem to know what I need before I need it. I would never tell 'em this, mainly for fear that I would never live it down, but I really am glad that they've always been there for me no matter the circumstances.

"I have a problem." I state.

"No shit, Major." Peter retorts with a chuckle. "I wouldn't be callin' if everythin' was fuckin' double-rainbows and unicorns."

I can hear Char in the background just laughing her ass off. Peter sure is something else. I have to give her credit, though. Char can hold her own.

"Alright." I reply. "I believe we have a newborn situation up here in Seattle. Do y'all think you can do some scoutin' for me and report back what you find?"

"Newborns, huh? What the fuck are they doin' in Seattle? That don't make no fuckin' sense." Peter replies.

"It actually does make fuckin' sense." I reply. "There's a hell of a lot of people in Seattle. That means more blood to farm out. That also means that whoever is doin' this wants territory, but what I can't see is the reason behind it. The warlords of the South never made any armies this far North. I just don't understand what would be the motivator for that to change now."

"Do ya think Maria is behind this, Major?" Peter asks. "She does want ya back somethin' fierce."

"Nah, it doesn't seem to be her style. I know the last time I spoke to her that she didn't wanna give up on me, but this just seems too loud and too obvious for her." I state.

"Well," Peter begins, "you'd know her better than anyone else, so I believe ya. Char and I'll head that way immediately. We'll report back in 48."

After Peter disconnects the call, I can't help but be a little relieved. In two days at least we'll have some idea of what awaits us and how we can beat it. Worst case scenario, I'll have to teach the rest of my family to fight, but it's not like we've never sparred before. I know they could pick up a few moves quickly if the need arises. I just worry about Carlisle and Esme. I know that they abhor violence at any cost, but they may not get much say in the matter. I wonder idly how I'll have to break it to 'em if it comes down to it. It won't be easy, that's for damn sure.

As I start to think of the best moves to teach my family and strategize around that, I hear a tentative knock at my study door. What is it with these people? Can I not get even a few hours to think before I get interrupted?

"Yeah?" I drawl once again.

Surprisingly it's not Alice who enters, but Esme, for which I'm glad. That means I don't have to deal with Alice just yet. Esme smiles at me before asking if she can sit by me. I nod my head to acknowledge her and she sits in companionable silence with me for a while. I can feel her contentment and her love flowing out of her in waves. She really is just here to sit with me and keep me company. It's a nice change from what I was used to. After about an hour she breaks the news.

"Alice told us that you called Peter. She's not too thrilled with your decisions right now." She states matter-of-factly.

Of course she wouldn't be. It's almost like she doesn't want anyone knowing what's happening until it's too late. "Well, truth be told, he called me." I reply. "I'm not sure why Alice doesn't want me goin' myself and since she's my mate I will honor her wishes, but I need to know what's really goin' on in Seattle. He offered his assistance as a scout and I saw no reason to deny him. He'll be in touch in two days. I just wanna be prepared for what's there, Esme."

"I understand, son." She states back. "To be honest, I'm not sure if waiting as long as we have has been the best option. You would know more than I would about such things, but I do not think it bad that we have at least a little knowledge of what we face if, or rather when, we decide to act."

She put a bit more emphasis on the 'when' than I expected. She knows that this is the right move even if Alice doesn't agree with it. Esme will do anything and everything in her power to protect her family and I can feel her protectiveness and determination heavy in the air around me. If I can train her to fight properly, Carlisle could very well have a little hellion on his hands. I may as well take the opportunity to ask her if she's interested. Wouldn't hurt.

"Esme," I begin, "how would ya feel about possibly taking some fightin' lessons from me, just in case it comes down to it? I know that you and Carlisle try to avoid violence at all costs, but we may not have much choice here." I look at her somberly, not really apologizing, but willing her to understand.

"Ha," she laughs, "it's not me you're going to have to convince, son. It's your father." She stands and ruffles my hair affectionately. "Although," she continues, "I could assist by breaking the idea to him myself. I trust your training and knowledge more than anyone else's. I'm sure he would love to hear your side of things, but he can never refuse me. Why not take advantage when I have the chance to protect those I love?"

She does raise a very good point. I can only hope that Carlisle feels the same. Sometimes compassion can get you killed and I think he may be our only real 'weak link'. He doesn't seem to have the desire to let out his 'inner demon' for any reason. I'm not even sure he has one. Although, if he does, then I need to find a way to let it come out and play. I can only hope he would be willing to try. He may actually find it fun.

Time passes. I'm not sure how much time. I don't really pay that much attention to it nowadays. I know I still haven't heard back from Peter and I'm growing impatient. I know he'll call me when he said he would, but I can't help but wonder what could be keeping him. To occupy my mind I have mentioned the possibility of fight training to Rose and Emmett. They are both on board, although Emmett may be a little too excited about it. Rose should be able to keep him distracted until I hear from Peter, but I don't have long before his attention is focused on trying to take me down…again. Pretense for training or not.

Esme and Carlisle are also on board. Shocking as that is, it would seem that Esme did get Carlisle to consider the alternatives and what he considered he obviously wasn't happy about. That just leaves the Pixie and Edwierd. I haven't seen either of 'em since Alice left my study, but I'm not concerned. Eddie usually stays with Bella all the time now, and I've been given the silent treatment from Alice before. It usually winds up with Alice shopping for a few days, where the phrase 'shop 'till you drop', has a more literal meaning, and then coming back to burn all the clothes in her closet just to replace 'em with what she bought. I've never really understood either one's actions, but neither of their behaviors are anything new.

I go off by myself to hunt. I tell Carlisle and Esme that I'll be gone until I hear from Peter. By then I should have the information I need and a plan to execute all of these infuriating newborns. Hopefully Peter will call soon. I really don't have much to do until he does.