Gathering her courage, Bella popped another french fry in her mouth before doing what anyone would consider an asinine idea – she challenged a vampire who needed her dead. "Alright Jasper, start talking. Why didn't you snap my neck the moment you had me away from the family?"

Knowing the time had come to convince Bella to agree to his plan, Jasper opened his heart. "For one simple reason Bella. Human or not, you are my sister. When you first came to Forks, and Edward risked exposure to save you from Crowley's van, I protected you from myself for Alice's sake. When the nomads chose you as their target, I protected you for Edward's sake. When you cut your finger, I fought my instincts as hard as I could for my families' sake. The moment you took off to Italy with Alice, you became more than just my brother's human mate. I started to see you as every bit my sister as Rosalie is. For that alone, I would try to find a way to protect you, but Sweetheart, the moment you put Alice's life ahead of your own you ensured it. You are still alive Bella, because I will do everything in my power to find a way to protect you if I can. For my own sake." Smelling the salt tears that were streaming down Bella's face, Jasper continued. "Don't get me wrong darlin', if it comes down to a choice between your life or Alice's life, I will protect my mate. But I'm hopin you won't force my hand."

"Jasper…I've always seen you as my brother, but I had no idea you saw me as your sister." Speaking through her tears, Bella stared at Jasper in stunned disbelief.

"I know you didn't honey. I kept my distance to protect you. Once you had been changed there would have been plenty of sibling bonding time for us."

"But I still don't understand, haven't I already forced your hand by refusing the change?"

Looking at Bella shrewdly, Jasper knew it was time to enlighten her to his plan. "That depends on what you think about my idea Bella. What would you say if I could give you the one thing you asked for, without endangering Alice?"

"Time Jasper?"

"Yes darlin', Time."

It took Bella so long to respond, Jasper started to wonder if he had broken her. After what seemed an eternity (which was saying a lot, coming from a vampire!) she finally spoke. "I don't understand Jasper, how can you give me Time without endangering Alice?"

Not quite certain Bella would agree at first, Jasper chose to keep the details to himself for now, "Do you trust me Bella?"

"Of course, Jasper!"

"Then believe me when I tell you I can give you the time you need to sort out your relationship with Edward without endangering Alice. Knowing that, will you allow me to protect my little sister? Or will you force me to protect my mate?" Figuratively holding his breath, he waited for Bella to respond.