Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Thanks and credit to Stephenie Meyer her creativity and storytelling!


A/N: The title of this story comes from The Cure song "A Letter to Elise." It's my favorite!

Thank you to all who review and interact with the story. It totally makes my day! Special thanks to Grendalina1, Newtowngirl, LePrincessKiara, Becjane, Amazonia22 and xteamalicecullenx.


My razor sharp teeth pierced Bella's neck and I flooded her blood with my venom. Somehow I found the control to not drink more of her than was absolutely necessary. When I was certain enough venom was in her system for a change to occur, I licked the wound on her neck, sealing it shut. Although I was sedating Bella with my gift, I knew I only had a few moments before she began screaming in agony.

"I'm sorry for the pain, Bella, but it's the only way we can be together forever," I whispered, kissing her forehead, as I gathered her in my arms and jumped out of her bedroom window.

There were going to be consequences. First, I had broken the treaty with the Queilites. We were forbidden from hunting or changing humans in their territory. The family would never be allowed to return to Forks. It was possible the Quelites would even track us down to revenge Bella's transformation, but there was nothing to link us to her disappearance. As far as they knew, we left town a week ago.

Second, Charlie had lost a daughter. There was no evidence of foul play, but he would search for her, undoubtedly. My impulsiveness didn't allow me time to plan her departure. I could have at least written a note for Charlie, allowing him to think Bella had run away. Now he would never know. I regretted having to hurt Charlie to keep Bella, but it was inevitable. Maybe Bella would call him in a few months, or even send a letter, so that he would have closure.

I raced to our family house on the outskirts of Forks. When we left town the week before, most of our belongings had moved along with us, but there were still a few things left behind. With Bella writhing in my arms, I went to the basement, entering the security code, and opening the vault. I grabbed a knapsack (it was prepared for emergencies – fake ids, cash, extra cell phone, etc), re-secured the alarm, and went directly to the garage. There were only two cars to choose from – Edward's Audi and a black Acrua NSX. The Audi would be more comfortable for Bella, she could stretch out in the backseat, but someone might spot the car and recognize it as Edward's. I couldn't risk the chance of Bella's disappearance being linked with the family.

As I placed Bella in the car, she whimpered as I buckled her seatbelt. I kissed her on the lips, trying to comfort her and absorb some of her pain. It would be excruciating, yet I gladly bear it for her if it would give her an ounce of relief. I paused for a moment, waiting for the intensity to hit me, but nothing happened. Maybe the burning had not begun? With no time to waste, I entered the car myself, turning the ignition and speeding out of the garage.

As if on cue, my cell phone rang. It was Rosalie.

"Hel..." before I could finish with a greeting, Rosalie began screaming.

"You changed her? How could you do that? Do you know how that puts the family at risk? You of all people should understand the consequences!"

Obviously, Alice told the family what I had done. The phone beeped and I saw Alice was calling on the other line. Rather than continue to be yelled at by Rosalie, I mumbled goodbye and quickly answered Alice's call.

"Oh Jasper! When you left for Forks, I didn't know you were going to change her!"

Alice's voice betrayed a mixture of confusion and delight.

"I didn't either, actually. It was an impulsive decision. Are you angry with me?" I asked. Alice had been my companion for sixty years. Completely platonic, but we shared a close relationship. I wondered if she had seen what happened between me and Bella before I changed her? I wasn't ashamed of it, but it was one of the most intimate moments of my existence and I didn't want to share it with my intrusive family members.

She sighed. "No, I'm not angry. It just complicates things. Charlie will be devastated. We'll never be allowed to return to Forks..."

"Did you tell the whole family?" I interrupted impatiently.

"Yes, everyone except for Edward. He left – we don't know where he went."

"Is Carlisle upset?"

"He's frustrated you didn't involve the family, but other than that, he's not upset at all. He's proud of you for having such control."

"Will Bella will survive the change?" I asked anxiously.

"Yes, she'll be spectacular."

I smiled in relief, but when I looked over at Bella, slumped in her seat, it faded. I needed to get her to a more comfortable and safe location.

"Listen, I can't really talk right now," I told Alice, squeezing Bella's hand as she trembled in pain. My gift wasn't working – I wasn't able to relieve the pain.

Alice began talking to several people at once. "Sorry, the family is crowded around me trying to listen," she explained. "I'll put you on speaker."

I groaned and rolled my eyes.

"We can talk about how this happened when you and Bella arrive, son," Carlisle declared with authority. "Meet us at the Seattle airport. We'll charter a private plane to bring Bella to Denali."

Carlisle was surprised when I didn't immediately agree. When Bella and I arrive? Bella was mine. I didn't want to share her with the others. I couldn't.

"Jasper?" Carlisle asked.

"I'm here," I replied.

"You will meet us in Seattle, won't you?"

"I...uh..."

"Let me speak with Jasper privately," I heard Alice announce. There was silence for a full minute, then Alice returned to the phone.

"Sorry, I had to run a few miles from the house to speak with you without listening ears."

Vampire hearing was remarkable. It was part of the reason our family had no secrets. At least, until now. They had no idea about my love for Bella or how I had claimed her as my own.

"It's okay, Alice. I understand. I'm the one who is sorry. My impulsive decision put the family at risk. It was stupid. But, I'm going to do my best to take care of Bella."

"You love me, don't you Jasper?"

"Yes, you know I do. I love the whole family."

"Then why do I see you and Bella's future disappearing? You're going to leave the family?"

Alice – she had a strategy of laying on guilt trips. She was good at it.

"Things have changed, Alice. I have to take care of Bella. I changed her, she's my responsibility. I don't think the family is the right place to do that."

"Bella needs to be surrounded by a loving family when she wakes up," Alice protested."She'll need constant attention during her newborn year."

Alice paused. "Jasper, what are you not telling me?"

I groaned at Alice's ability to get the truth out of people. I would give her at least part of the truth. I owed her that much.

"Do you promise to not tell the others?"

"Yes."

"I changed Bella without her consent. She was sleeping." I omitted the detail that it was right after we made love.

"So?" Alice replied.

"So? I damned her to immortality without her consent!"

"Jazz, Bella has always wanted to become a vampire since she met Edward. She asked him to change her many times...you know that."

"But, I didn't give her a choice." Would Bella hate me forever? I didn't think about that when I changed her. I was only thinking that I didn't want to be separated from her.

"It will be okay, Jazz," Alice assured me with confidence.

"Really?"

"Yes, I can see Bella will be very happy with her new life...if you bring her to be with the family."

I was annoyed. Was Alice playing games with me?

"Alice," I spoke firmly. "Are you being completely honest with me?"

She gasped. "I'm offended! Of course I'm being honest. I only want what is best for Bella...and for you. Trust me."

I sighed. I did trust Alice. Her gift of seeing the future protected the family more times than I could count. I had to do what was best for Bella. Being with the family made sense. They loved her and she loved them. I knew that when she woke up, she would need their support to transition into her new life as a vampire.

"Text me the location of the hanger you want me to meet the family at the airport. I'll see you in a few hours," I grumbled.

Alice was cheering as I hung up the phone.

Bella started to groan more loudly, and I stroked her face. My gift wasn't able to help ease the pain of her transformation. Soon she would be screaming. I wanted the process to be over as soon as possible. I wanted Bella to wake up to me.

Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with fear. When Bella woke up, she would want to be with Edward, not me. Despite the undeniable passionate connection we shared, it was Edward she loved, not me.

What had I done?