Chapter Two

Wooing Her

Jasper POV

After lunch I headed to my Trig class. Alice was already there when I arrived, it was the one class I had with her. I slid into the seat beside her, slowly turning to face her. She was grinning ear to ear, and even bounced a little in her seat.

"Okay Tinker Bell, how long have you known?"

She giggle then wrapping her arms around me in a vice grip. "Oh Jazz, I'm so happy for you," She squealed finally letting me go.

"So, she is the one. Right?" I knew she was, I didn't see how the feelings I had for her could mean any different, but I wanted confirmation from the all knowing Alice, just to be safe.

"She is! Now I know it's going to be a little tricky with her being human in all but don't worry, it will work out just fine."

Yes, that was an obstacle, and a rather large one at that. Eventually I would have to tell her the truth, the truth of what I was and what I was capable of. As much as I have come to see that there is a life for me outside of my own blood-lust, deep down I couldn't deny that I was still a monster.

"How long have you know?"

She had been telling me for years I would find my soul mate that she had seen it, but she never gave me more details than that. She didn't want to 'ruin the surprise', or alter fate, or so she claimed.

"Well, I always saw you with a woman, she was like us, but I never knew who she was exactly until about a month ago." She explained.

"A month ago?" That was weird, why just a month ago, why not before?

"That's when she decided to come to Forks, after that the visions started flying in. Suddenly I knew her name, her history and I could see how truly perfect she was for you."

I smiled at the thought. Yes, she was perfect, amazingly perfect. I had only known her a few hours and I had already discovered we had so much in common; but more than that it just felt right being with her. It was like there was a missing piece to the puzzle that is Jasper Whitlock and she was that final piece and now, I'm complete. I know it sounds corny, but it truly did feel that way.

"Now, so you know, some of the family is going to… well have reservation about this," She warmed me, somberly.

I groaned in annoyance, "Edward?" I asked. He had already made it clear during our little confrontation in the hall that he didn't approve.

She sighed but nodded, "And Rosalie, sorry."

I just shrugged, "Bella is my mate and I don't care what anyone else thinks about my relationship with her."

She gave me a sweet smile and patted my hand, "I know Jazz, and that's what makes this so perfect. That is what makes her your other half, she is your world and you would do anything to protect her, to see that she's happy, even defy your family if necessary."

I knew she was right, I cared for the Cullens, but I would put Bella before any of them.

After Trig I had P.E. and we were playing dodge ball. I loved that game. It gave me free range to hit Newton with the ball and not get in trouble for it. Although I could have easily won, I didn't allow myself to, but I did make sure to whack Newton upside his idiotic head before I let Ben get me out.

After school, I rushed to my bike as quickly as I could, or at least as quickly as any human could, then speeding home before any of my siblings had the chance to catch up to me. When I got home however, I wasn't greeted with usual hug and warm 'hello, how was your day' from Esme. She was standing on the front porch as I pulled into the driveway. Her hands firmly on her hips and she was giving me 'the eye'. It was the same look my mama used to give me when I had been up to no good. So the question was, was she looking at me like that because she somehow already knew about Bella or…

"Jasper Daniel Whitlock, do you want to explain to me why I got a phone call from your History teacher telling me you would be serving a three hour detention tomorrow morning."

Well, I guess it was option number two, Hangover called.

Getting off my bike I clipped my helmet over my handlebar and headed over to my clearly annoyed adoptive mother. "You know he doesn't like me, Esme. I'm smarter than he is and it pisses him off."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "So writing rude notes about him in class has nothing to do with it."

I groaned and ran my hand through my hair.

"Maybe a little. Look, Bella and I already knew the material so we may have gotten a little carried away with the notes but it's not that big of a deal."

"Bella?"

She didn't know. The old geezer hadn't mentioned Bella, figures.

"Yes, Bella Swan. She's the new girl in school, you know, the Chief's daughter."

"You were passing notes with a human?" She wasn't upset or even concerned, just surprised. While we weren't suppose to make any lasting relationships with humans, we still had to put up appearances, and would occasionally have quick casual conversations with people. I normally did not attend any of the charity events the Cullen's would donate to or work related functions Carlisle would sometimes take the 'family' to in order to help keep up appearances As I told Bella, I was a loaner, and I liked it.

Bella's… different then most humans. She…"

How exactly was I supposed to finish this sentence? She's the love of my life. The one I've been searching for, for over a century. She's…

"She's his MATE!" Alice's tinkling voice hollered from inside Edwards Volvo that had just pulled into the driveway.

Esme gasped, covering her mouth in shock, before pulling me into a suffocating hug.

XXX

(BPOV)

Charlie wasn't exactly thrilled when I informed him about my detention over dinner later that evening, or how I acquired it. Apparently he had heard rumors about Jasper too.

"Stay away from him, Bella. I know most of the Cullen kids are pretty up standing but that kid has problems."

I forced myself not to roll my eyes. I mean, I know I just met Jasper but he didn't seem like a trouble maker to me, in fact he seemed more like the quiet, artistic type, you know a misunderstood soul. Then again, maybe I'm romanticizing all this a bit. Could he really be the problem kid everyone says he is? No, that's ridiculous. I just can't see him being that way. He's, clever, artistic, funny… handsome, and his eyes. They're the most beautiful shade I'd ever seen, like golden honey.

"You shouldn't judge people on what other people say, dad. It's not fair." I defended him.

"Bella, you've known him a day."

"And you don't know him at all!" I huffed jumping up from my seat at the table, grabbing my plate and heading over to the sink.

He sighed and then let out a small groan, "Bella, I'm only looking out for you."

"I know dad." Charlie was a good dad, I may not have seen him a lot growing up, but he was always there for me when I really needed him. I knew he was just doing what he thought was best. "But you have to trust my judgment here."

"I do," he sighed bringing his half eaten plate of Spinach Rigatoni to the sink. "But Bella, because of that boy you have detention, and on your first day of school."

"No dad, he has detention because of me. I was the one that started passing notes, not Jasper."

He gave me a conflicted look, like he wanted to believe me, but at the same time he was having a hard time letting go of the prejudices of the town.

"Alright," he eventually gave in, "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt about him, but please Bella just be careful."

XXX

Later that evening I got a phone call from the boy who had been occupying my thoughts since the moment I met him. I had never reacted this way to a boy before, it was both strange and completely amazing at the same time. He invited me to have lunch after our detention.

"Sure," I replied. "I know you have food allergies, so did you have somewhere specific in mind?" I did want to force the poor guy to eat somewhere that would have him throwing up all night or make him break out in hives.

"Actually I was thinking a picnic. Esme offered to make it, if that would be okay."

If it was okay? It was more than okay!

"That sounds great, Jasper."

It sounded perfect, and romantic. Then again, did he intend for it to be romantic? I still wasn't sure of his intentions. I knew how I felt and despite only having just met him I was more than willing to have something more than friendship with him. I was incredibly attracted to him, and not just physically. There was this emotional connection I felt when I was with him, I didn't know how to explain it really, just that it was a powerful feeling, one I could very easily get used to.

"So, is this picnic like a date?" There I said it. I just went ahead and put myself out there God if he says no I think I'll die from embarrassment.

"I was hoping so, that is unless you don't feel comfortable with…

"No, no, I do. I mean I'd like it to be a date. I… I really like you Jasper." I could feel my face warm at my declaration.

"I really like you too, Bella. I've never felt this way about anyone before."

"I know what you mean," I admitted softly.

There was a pause of silence. I wanted to say something but I just didn't know what.

"I should let you go," Jasper spoke up eventually. "It's late and we both have to get up early."

"Yes, I guess you're right. So, I'll see you in the morning."

"Absolutely, 8 A.M. bright and early."

We said a final good bye, and as I clicked off the phone I found myself practically melting into my mattress. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

JPOV

I stood leaning against my motor cycle as Bella pulled into the parking lot in her old Rusty Chevy. I was honestly surprised that monstrosity was actually running, the engine sounded like it was on its last leg. It was a classic and he admired that, but it definitely needed some quality work done on it.

As she pulled into a parking space close to the front of the main building, I grabbed my bag, flinging it over my shoulder, and then quickly headed over to her. Opening her truck door she greeted me with a sweet smile.

"So, you ready for 3 hours of complete boredom?" I jokingly asked.

"I suppose it will stop me from procrastinating on my English homework."

Heading into the library where the detention was to take place, I was elated that it wasn't Hangover supervising it but the Music teacher Mrs. Davidson.

"Well, hello you two?" She greeted us, maybe a bit to cheerfully for the occasion.

"Hello Mrs. Davidson. So, you got stuck with supervising Saturday detention today?" Usually it was Hangover or the Principal Mr. Laffett.

She sighed and shook her head, "Poor Mr. Hanger, he had some sort of allergic reaction, was in the ER all night. I told him not to worry and I would cover. Now why don't you to go ahead an take a seat and I'll start the clock on your 3 hours."

We found a spot in the back, at a smaller table close to the emergency exit. Bella pulled out her AP Lit book while I took out my sketchbook.

"This isn't too bad," Bella said as she flipped a page, "A quiet place to study and good company too."

I was just about to completely agree, but my cheery mood instantly vanished as the door opened and in walked Mike Newton. Why, out of all the miscreants in this pathetic back-water school did I have to have my alone time with Bella ruined by that that depraved excuse for a human being? After quickly being greeted by Mrs. Davidson he turned and went to look for a seat; that was when he realized I was in the room. His eyes went wide as I gave him a death glare, then flooding him with such sudden panic and fear, I was honestly surprised he didn't piss himself. I grinned in victory as his heart rate speed up. Once his head caught up with his legs he slowly started to back away before finally getting the nerve to dash off to the other side of the room, and as far away from me as he possibly could.

"Is that Mike?" Bella asked her head peaking up from her book.

"Yep."

She sighed, a feeling of disappointment washed over her, "I was hoping it would be just you and I," She whispered.

"So had I," I admitted, reaching for her hand that was resting on the table I took it into mine, and then deciding to be incredibly bold, I brought my cool lips to her warm soft flesh of her hand.

Her reaction had been to giggle, and blush.

The remainder of our detention, after Bella finished her Lit homework was spent whispering, holding hands, and patiently waiting out our sentence. Every once in a while I would glance up at Mrs. Davidson who was still quite emerged in her book, not once did she look in our direction. About an hour into detention Mike got up to go to the bathroom, he didn't come back for close to forty-five minutes. He had made an excuse about having a stomach ache, but I could easily pick up the scent of cigarettes. I could tell Mrs. Davidson didn't buy it either but she choose not to comment, but instead made it very clear he was not to leave the room again.

When detention was finally over, and we were cleared to go Bella and I made our way out of the building hand in hand.

"So," I began, "Esme promised to have the food ready by the time got out of detention, so we just have to swing by my house to get it. Sound good?"

A sudden wave of anxiousness flooded her, biting her bottom lip, her eyes diverted to her feet, "So, you want me to meet your family? You parents?"

As her beautiful dark eyes slowly made their way back up to mine I didn't hesitate to bring my hand gently to her cheek, "Just Esme, Carlisle is working and everyone else took a trip to Seattle for the weekend."

She seemed to relax at my words, though I could tell she was still slightly nervous about meeting my 'mother', not that I could blame her, I'm sure I will feel the same when it's time to meet her parents. Bella followed me home in her truck, and when we arrived she pulled up into the gravel driveway and parked beside my bike.

As soon as she got out of her truck I was next to her, taking her small, warm hand in mine. Before we even reached the front door it was open by Esme, who was grinning ear to ear. Her eyes darted to Bella, "Oh, Jasper, she's beautiful," she whispered so only I could hear her.

As we reached the step where Esme, looking as eager as a little girl about to get a birthday present, was standing, I cleared my throat and made introductions.

"Bella, this is Esme, Esme, this is Bella Swan."

"It's so wonderful to meet you sweetheart," He extended her hand, which Bella took.

She didn't react to Esme's cold touch, though I sensed a feeling of surprise and curiosity. My own hands were equally as cold, I had explained I had a medical condition that caused poor circulation. She was probably wondering if Esme had it as well.

"It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Cullen."

"Oh, please, none of that Mrs. Cullen, call me Esme."

"Um, Okay… Esme."

"Jasper, I still have a few things to add to your picnic lunch so why don't you give Bella a tour of the house while I finish up." Esme suggested cheerfully.

While I liked the idea, I knew some of my 'siblings' wouldn't exactly be thrilled at having human scent lingering around the house, especially Edward. He had made it quite clear that Bella was the best smelling human he had ever come across, he also said that I was being foolish and self centered making him and everyone else suffer by having to be around her. Alice had quickly smacked him upside the head and called him the self centered jerk for trying to deny me my mate, and so for the meantime, while he was behaving for his wife's sake, he still made his feelings on the subject quite clear.

"Um, okay." I knew Esme wouldn't have offered I take her around if she thought it a bad idea, still I knew I would hear about it from the rest of my family later. For now, however I could care less and happily took Bella's hand and lead her into the house.

"Leave your bedroom door open, Jasper," Esme hollered after me.

"Okay," I replied, laughing under my breath. While she was just adding to the facade that I was a typical teenage boy bringing a girl to his room, having Bella alone in my room with most of the family gone, may just tempt me to act like the seventeen year old I'm portraying.

"Wow, your home is amazing," Bella gasped wide eyed as we entered the front room, her gaze drifting to the high vaulted ceilings and then out the windowed-walls, with a clear view into the surrounding lush, green, forest.

"Thanks, from what I understand the house had been here for decades, but Esme had it redesigned before we moved in."

"Really," her brow eyes widened in curiosity and interest, "That's amazing, is she an architect?" She asked continuing to admire the room.

"She is, she also has a degree in interior design."

"Its shows," she added with a laugh, "what I would give for such talent."

Oh Bella, you have talents you don't even realize. I couldn't help but think as I slipped my hand out of hers, then wrapping it around her waist, pulling her so close our bodies were only inches apart from touching, I leaned in and whispered in her ear "Would you like to go see my room, now?"

Her only response had been to nod, her heart rate started beating so fast in her chest I was sure I could have heard it even without my enhanced hearing. Once again taking her hand we made our way upstairs to the third floor, I was the only one with room on the third level, I suppose it gave me some measure of privacy away from the mated couples.

While living in a house full of vampires doesn't leave much room for privacy, I always saw my bedroom as a refuge, a place to be alone, to contemplate, and to not watched or judged. Aside from Edward and possibly Alice, while everyone could hear me in my room no one really knew what I was doing.

As we stepped into my sanctuary Bella's beautiful dark eyes seemed to scan every inch of my room. "You have a lot of books," she said quite in awe of my collection. "Can I take a look," she asked motioning to the large, ceiling high bookshelf adjacent to my bed.

"Sure."

Sitting down on the edge of my bed and simply watched her as she scanned through my collection of books with apt interest. Being a single vampire who never slept a bed wasn't really a necessary, but it was nice to have a place to simply lie down and relax.

"You have a lot of books on the Civil War," Bella noted pulling "The Confederate South" from the shelf.

"Yes," I replied with a metal snicker, "I have an avid interest in Military History, particularly the Civil War."

She nodded and she flipped through a few pages, but then closing it and placing it back on the shelf.

When she turned in my direction, I smiled and patted the spot beside me. I could feel she was eager to be close to me, but a little nervous as well. I wondered if she had ever had a boyfriend before.

"So," She began as she sat softly down beside me, "Do you think you may want to go into the Military when you graduate."

I couldn't stop the frown that her innocent question evoked. in."No," I sighed shaking my head," Unfortunately my… condition prevents it."

Her head tilted as gave me a confused look. "Condition?" She asked, she knew I had 'food allergies' and poor circulation but together those weren't really a condition, at least not a known one. I couldn't tell her what I was, at least not yet, our relationship was too new, but that didn't mean I couldn't give her hints.

"Yes, it's why I have such a restricted diet, why my skin is hard and cold, as well as… other things." Like I drink blood, never sleep, oh and I'm 161 years old. "It's very restricting," I finished.

The wrinkle in her brow deepened, her curiosity was peeked, and I could tell I wasn't going to get out of this conversation with a simple brush off. Then again, I didn't really want to. I wanted to be as honest with Bella as possible; I hated the idea of holding anything back from her, though for her safety, for the meantime, it was necessary.

"I've never heard of anything like that."

"It's not common, though everyone in my family has it, it's part of the reason Esme and Carlisle took us all in, they understand how we are as well as or limitations." It was basically the truth, I was just leaving out the finer details.

She nodded in understanding, then, to my surprised, slid her hand to cover mine that had been resting on my knee. "You know I don't think any less of you because you're different, right?"

Oh God, she was to wonderful. So kind, so accepting, then again, she doesn't know what I really am, what I am truly capable

Taking her hand I gently pulled her close. dropping my hand to her hip, she gasped as my thumb brushed up against her skin where her shirt had ridden up just a little. Taking my other hand I cupped her cheek and then slowly we leaned in and our lips met. They were so warm, so soft. I couldn't have imagined a better first kiss with my girl. Sweet, innocent, yet perfect.

Our moment didn't last very long however as a few moments later Esme called for us, letting us know lunch was ready. Taking her hand we somewhat reluctantly made our way back down stairs.

"Have fun you too," Esme said handing us the basket of mostly human food.

"Thanks, mom." She smiled and kissed me on the cheek. She love it when I called her mom.

Bella POV

Jasper took me to this beautiful meadow just a short walk form his house. It was small, almost perfectly round and covered with wildflowers of every color imaginable. It was like a place you would see in a romance movie where the guy gets down on one knee and proposes to his girlfriend.

"This is breathtakingly beautiful, Jasper."

"It is, I come here a lot when I just want to be alone. It a nice place to just think and reflect."

I could certainly see that.

Taking the red and blank checkered blanket that was draped over the picnic basket, Jasper laid down in the center of the meadow. We sat and he opened the basket. There was a ton of delicious food in there, more then I could ever eat by myself. I assumed some of it was for Jasper, it wasn't. He pulled out a large metal, insulated thermos and pronounced that as his lunch.

I couldn't help but feel bad for him, out of all this amazing food, all he could have was a thermos of...well I was guessing soup maybe.

"Whats in there?" I asked as he opened the lid. He took a long, deep smell of its contents. The look on his face it was like he was in a state of euphoria.

"Pureed venison." He breathed bringing it to his lips.

Charlie had that once, he said it tasted kind of like chicken.

I almost laughed when he gulped the entire thing down in just a few huge gulps. "You must have been pretty hungry?"

He gave a shaky laugh, probably a bit embarrassed. "I was, yeah. Sorry, I should have waited."

"It's okay, Jasper. I don't mind." I really didn't his company alone was honestly more then enough.

After lunch we spent the rest of the afternoon in that beautiful meadow just talking and of course kissing. We talked a little bit about our families, I told him about my eccentric mother Renee and he told me a little more about Esme, and to my surprise, his actual parents.

"I don't remember much of my real parents," he had admitted, "but I remember my mother the most. She was great, a top notch gal. She always made sure we were happy and healthy but at the same time knew how to put us in place when need be."

When he had said 'we' in his description, I grew curious. Did he have other siblings out there, or was he referring to cousins maybe or possibly just himself and his father.

"So, do you have biological siblings," I asked cautiously.

He looked surprised by the question, but nodded, "I did. Two brothers, but they passed away the same time my parents did."

My heart sunk at his words, I could only imagine how hard it would be to lose your parents and your siblings too and all at the same time. I knew it would kill me inside if I lost Renee or Charlie, it hurt badly enough when Gran and Pop died. I tried to comfort him, but he shook his head and changed the subject. Obviously it wasn't something he felt comfortable talking about so I didn't push him further.

It was close to five when we finally left and that was only because I didn't want Charlie getting home, not knowing where I was, freak out and send the entire Forks police force out looking for me. When we arrived back at his house so I could pick up my truck, I was introduced to Dr. Cullen. He was polite, and said he was happy to meet me, though there was something behind his eyes I couldn't quite read. It was almost as if, while he was happy Jasper was happy, he was still worried about something. Had he thought I would hurt his adopted son? I had only known Jasper a couple of days, but I already knew I would never do anything to hurt him. I cared about him more than… well more than I thought possible after only knowing someone for a couple of days. It was almost as if I was drawn to him by some outside force, like magnets.

After saying a brief good bye to Dr. and Mrs. Cullen, Jasper walked me to my truck, where we gave each other a long, satisfying kiss.

"I don't know what my family has planned for tomorrow", he said running his hands slowly up and down my arms, "but if I manage some free time, I'd like to see you again."

"I'd like that too."

I think I'd like to see him every day for the rest of my natural life. Oh God, had I really just thought that. I did, and yet as crazy as it sounds thinking about spending the rest of my life with a guy I just met, it felt right. It felt more than right.

With another quick kiss good bye, I hopped in my truck and reluctantly headed home to Charlie.