Title: After the Storm

Chapter Five - Shadow of the Day

Pairings: Jasper/Edward, Jasper/OCs

Disclaimer: This story mine. Characters of Twilight and associated - not mine. OC characters Jimmy Oaks, Bonnie Simmons - all mine. Don't sue. Unless you really want the kids.

Author notes: Dark Edward, possibly dark Jasper, M-rated for violence and other graphic content and use of crude language.

Many thanks again to my all wonderful people, especially again my heartfelt thanks to my main woman rhenea5018 - honestly I still need you. And I love you all the more for being able to read through my stuff at the moment!

Thanks to KuroiBlackNightingale for being the grammar nazi, and to gypsysue, VanpireNZ for their pre-reading and support!

And since you know you cannot see yourself,
so well as by reflection, I, your glass,
will modestly discover to yourself,
that of yourself which you yet know not of.
~ William Shakespeare

The crepuscular charm of evening, surprisingly clear despite the humidity gradually dims to the dusky gloom of night and twilight sighs, almost sadly, as the sun languidly sinks beyond the horizon. The dampness of night moves laboriously through the dregs of the mugginess lingering from the day, as it tries to lay claim to the atmosphere. The trees take on eerie proportions as shadows rise from the ground, creating strange and twisted shapes on the dewy grass as they prepare to offer sanctuary in their dark shade for the oft-elusive creatures of night.

Flickering lights stream from inside the big house, holding the darkness at bay as flames leap and fall within the hearth and from the oil lamps casually placed around the single room in use. Carefully placing one of them closer to the window and away from him, the auburn haired Edward carefully regards the familiarity of the night sky before resuming the task of lighting the lamps. He wrinkles his nose at the smell from the lamps. 'Inventors have found other sources of light and my human still insists on oil lamps.' Once completed, Edward examines his handiwork first with a critical eye then with a sense of satisfaction. Blowing upon the surface of Jasper's large oak desk to clear it of remaining soot residue, Edward places his rump upon the edge of the desk, and waits. He sits listening to the faint footsteps of Jasper roaming the house.

A kind of concentrated placidity flows over Jasper and he roams the silent halls of his childhood home with a firmness of purpose. His eyes adjust to the lack of light as day gives way to night. Stoically determined to find his vampire - as he now refers to Edward - his ears are keenly alert for any sound that might indicate Edward's location. As he moves towards the stairs, he picks up a slight scraping noise and in an instant he feels knows where Edward is. "Hiding in plain sight Edward?" he mutters under his breath. Despite the excitement within, Jasper carefully maintains his composure as he bounds down the stairs and heads towards his study. Like a lighthouse shining its beacon across the waters, weak light pours from the open door showing him the way as it bids him closer. 'Just you wait Edward,' he declares silently. 'Just you wait.'

Hearing footsteps bounding down the stairs, the loud staccato beat indicative of Jasper's frustration, Edward smirks, his arms akimbo as he waits impatiently. 'Finally,' he thinks with a hint of asperity. There is a certain sense of satisfaction at his success of hiding in plain sight, but he is tired of waiting. From Edward's vantage point, leaning casually against the large oak desk, he can see his human approaching and the thoughts of vengeance merely amuses the waiting vampire.'Tsk, tsk Jasper,' he silently admonishes, 'that's not very nice.' He snorts inelegantly as he catches a thread of the man's thoughts. 'Good luck with that Jasper,' he thinks wryly. 'I'm faster than you.' He straightens when Jasper halts at the doorway.

"You took your time, Jasper," Edward mocks as he quirks his brow in greeting at the blond and his smirk grows in proportion to the narrowing of Jasper's eyes.

At the silence that grows, Edward inclines his head impudently.

"Is something the matter Jasper?" he asks, his words laced with pure innocence and his tone saccharine sweet. "Do we need to teach you how to play well with others?"

Too busy congratulating himself on his success, Edward is somewhat startled when Jasper stalks into the study, his step measured and slow.

Feeling a trifle off balance at this sudden change in his Jasper, Edward focuses on Jasper's thoughts, trying to assess the situation, but to his utmost surprise, he does not see nor hear a thing from Jasper until ... Edward gasps for breath, head thrown back, fingers clutching at the edge of the desk. His mind is assaulted with every lurid and evocative image that is in Jasper's arsenal. Edward instantly hardens, his pants feeling suddenly constrictive.

"Tsk tsk, Edward." Jasper's voice mocks him and he raises his head to glare at the human. As their eyes meet, Jasper throws a second wave at him, concentrating on every little action he would like to enact with Edward. Pure unadulterated lust rampages through Edward's body and for a moment they both pause, heated looks passing between them as they are caught in the maelstrom of seductive, erotic imagery flowing through their minds, rendering them mute with desire.

With a growl and smouldering look, Jasper breaks the silence and quickly closes the distance between them, catching hold of the previously elusive vampire. Fiercely, Jasper jerks Edward forward, ravishing his unresisting mouth with abandon. Jasper's fists clench with unrelenting force in Edward's hair causing the vampire's mouth to fall open in astonishment and effortlessly, Jasper slides his tongue into Edward's mouth; single-handedly devastating the vampire's carefully constructed walls whilst heatedly plundering the icy coldness of Edward's mouth. The fervid heat that flows from Jasper's mouth to his is a seductive call to Edward and he answers it, hurriedly pulling Jasper onto him with a fervently whispered, "Fuck, Jasper..." and Jasper's knees fall on either side of his lean hips landing upon the desk.

The sultry and provocative warmth of Jasper burns easily through the thin layers that separate them and Edward cannot help but push his incredibly hard erection against Jasper as he feels Jasper's breath flowing hotly over his cold skin, sending frissons of flaming want coursing through his veins. They press feverishly against one another and the pervading heat from the fire in the hearth only adds to the sweltering heat between the two men.

"Please... please Jasper," Edward pleads against the man's mouth as Jasper's lips stray from his mouth, blazing a trail of moist want and seductive pleasure along Edward's jaw and down the column of his neck.

Jasper pauses, staring intently at Edward. Pure eroticism and sensual imagery floods Edward's thoughts; limbs entangling, tongues entwining. Flashes of bare arms being held down, bare legs sliding and gliding as they move sinuously against one another, hips rocking and grinding as moist lips part and imagined moans flow out.

Edward's hips thrust upwards and he cannot suppress his own groan as he aches to feel his human between his legs; his fingers digging into the curve of Jasper's hips and watching his human writhe in delicious ecstasy beneath him.

His voice thick with desire, Jasper breathes hotly into Edward's ear causing even more carnal cravings to run shiveringly straight to his aching erection. "See something you want Edward?"

Thoughts murky with a lustful fog, Edward tries for a small measure of control. He had barely managed to stop earlier during the childish game, surprising himself with the intensity of his want for his human and it seems to Edward that with each temptation, it is exceedingly harder to stop.

"Obviously," he manages to gasp out as more lust-filled images filter from Jasper's mind, "we need to do more work on your playing well with others."

A glare is his only warning, followed by a muttered oath as Jasper's hands clench tighter in his hair. Swooping in with a speed that catches even Edward by surprise, Jasper claims his mouth in a bruising, passionate kiss, effectively silencing him. "Oh God, Jasper," he manages weakly before the hotness of Jasper's breath and tongue fill his mouth once more and his head falls back willingly as he releases himself to this plundering; savouring the delectable taste of his human flowing alluringly over his taste buds.

Released for a moment by that beautiful mouth, Edward gasps, sucking in mouthfuls of air, in a desperate bid for control, but when he feels Jasper pulling away, he opens his eyes in consternation and frustration.

Purposely brushing against Edward's arousal, Jasper moves agonisingly slowly as he levers himself away. Edward quirks his brow at this peculiarity and then frowns in confusion at the growing smirk on Jasper's face. The man leans in, his lips parting and in anticipation, Edward's mouth too falls open, but instead of lips meeting, Jasper stops inches away. Blue eyes probe red as Jasper intones mockingly, "That is for teasing me earlier. And for using your gifts against me in our games." His tongue snakes out to sweep enticingly along Edward's bottom lip and Edward shudders.

"Gifts?" stalls Edward as his befuddled mind struggles to catch up. Seeking clarification, his own thoughts searching wildly for excuses, his gaze snaps to Jasper's knowing look. Edward's heart plummets.

"Tut-tut, Edward. Using that speed, strength and ability to be silent? Unfair. Poor sportsmanship."

Instantly Edward is relieved when instead of talking about his 'gifts', Jasper refers instead to his basic vampiric qualities and he breathes a small sigh of relief.

"How quickly one can go from being the student to the teacher," he quips lightly as Jasper snickers and gives him a mocking glance before striding away.

"You are not superior just because you see the world in an odious light," Jasper calls back over his shoulder as he exits the room.

Relief floods Edward and he lies back briefly against the desk, rubbing his eyes with his hands. He is not prepared to explain his gift to Jasper just yet. The questions that would undoubtedly arise may jeopardise his careful plans and he cannot risk that.

He breathes deeply before sitting up, but notices that although his mind is now relieved, a different portion of his anatomy is not. A growl rumbles deep within Edward's chest and with nostrils flaring, he refrains from leaping up to seek and corner the lean man. 'All in good time,' his mind soothes him. 'When the time is right, you will have him... completely. For now, that behaviour is positively engaging and delicious. Let's not discourage that. We can draw more flies with honey than with vinegar. When he falls... we will have him.'

Edward acknowledges the truth of these words, frustration abated as he instead deliberates on which particular deed he intends on encouraging Jasper to perform in the future. Quietly exultant in how successfully a decade's worth of work was coming to fruition, he is still quietly cautious, not wanting to jeopardise his final goal - to turn Jasper. He is particularly ebullient at Jasper's embrace of this sexual side of his nature. "Yes, all in good time," nods Edward, somewhat appeased. "All in good time," he promises, lightly adjusting himself before following his human out of the room.

Jasper moves meticulously around the kitchen, his frenzied movements belying his haste to finish cooking his meal. He cannot help but feel a little elated at being able to get his own back on Edward. He whistles merrily, ignoring the smirking vampire in the corner as he happily prepares dinner for himself. He raises an eyebrow at a particularly lecherous leer from Edward, laughing internally at the vampire's obvious speculation of his person. Jasper thought it was fitting. After Edward left him in the dark hallway above, his legs had turned to something resembling a gelatinous mess and it had been all he could do to slide helplessly down the wall as he had tried to dispel the intense thirsting lust he had for the vampire and to quiet his hard and aching erection. After a spell, he had managed to pry himself from his seat on the floor and had spent some time looking for Edward, frustration mounting when he could not locate him. When he did, Jasper had not planned to attack Edward, but the moment he had stood in the same room, the feelings he thought he had quashed had flared with reckless abandon. Now with a sidelong glance at the silent, presumptuous, and audacious vampire in the corner he thinks it was well worth the uncomfortable pain in his trousers. Finishing his meal, he plates it up and carries it out the door, saying without turning, "I'm famished. Join me at the table if you so desire." With that, he walks out, knowing that his vampire is close on his heels and his heart leaps - just a little.

The pale man stares at the image cast within the window pane as the dark night lends its inky obscurity as a background for Edward's reflectiveness. Edward sees himself, forever frozen at twenty-two, pale and beautiful, no imperfections marring his face; and he detests this immensely. There is no subtle beauty to look for, no hidden depths - unless you count the soulless monster within.

Dismissively he ignores the hard chiselled jaw, the ruffled auburn hair and instead glares at the hateful crimson eyes. He leans forward, trying to see if there is any remnant of the green his irises had once been. He idly wonders if Jasper would have liked his eyes as they once were. He stops, annoyed at this small part of his vanity and slides a sidelong glance towards the man in question. To Edward's surprise, Jasper is reclining in his chair by the fire; the warmth lulling him to blissful relaxation and Edward is able to watch him unobserved.

Eyes narrowing in his contemplation, Edward feels almost loathe to changing this beautiful man; he curses the beast within as it continuously pushes for that result. 'Ten years,' whispers the beast. Yes, for ten years he has watched and waited, and his plans have finally come together. Edward wants Jasper to be with him, to become his mate, but he cannot afford to rush now that the end is in sight.

'It's almost a shame,' reflects Edward as he weighs up the cost. He admires the gentleness of Jasper's soul, the good and purity that he can sense within, as well as the strength and determination that he exudes. But to be Edward's mate, you have to match – at least that is what the soulless monster thinks, and for that to happen, Jasper needs to come down to his level – that infinite dark and soul-sucking level. It is not enough for Jasper to want Edward; he must release that sweet, yet impulsive temper Edward can sense in him and use it to commit the atrocities that will allow Edward to seize his soul.

Silently apologising to his human pet, Edward broods on the encouragement of Jasper's downfall. Technically speaking, Edward only has to encourage Jasper – it has to be Jasper's want to commit whatever action at the time.

He sincerely hopes that Jasper has it in him. Edward does not want to have to take care of it himself – not this time.

Watching Jasper with that man, Philip, had nearly driven him to insanity, even if Jasper had been unaware of Edward's presence, but watching Jasper flee after Edward killed Philip was damn near heartbreaking - even if it did have the desired effect of driving Jasper home.

Just when things were working out fine, now it seems that young Jimmy Oaks might have to be next. There was no help for it. He had to go.

But first Edward is going to ensure that Jasper follows his destiny - and Jimmy Oaks would be Jasper's first entry pass on the road to hell.

Blond hair flying in the tempestuousness of the storm, the creature turns his arms open wide as he immerses himself in its fury. The swirling maelstrom frees him and he falls to his knees, arms raised beseechingly to the ferocious sky, begging for his release.

He is an Angel of the night with crimson eyes; ignited with rage, tempered by passion; the fire charring his soul.

Heeding his call, the rain douses him. His once tender heart is adulterated now with every droplet of rain just as every guilt-ridden thought and every denial is hurled to ride with the wind. Rumbling thunder exacerbates his ire, allowing his anger to flourish, the flame of acerbity leaping higher until it blazes and scorches his insides, imbuing him with ruthless and heartless disregard. White lightning crackles overhead, the jarring light electrifying his nettled nerves and releases the inexorable truth – Nothing is left of the man he once was; he is an implacable, impassionate monster. He will not rest. He will show the world what hell is.

"Edward!" The name falls unbidden from Jasper's lips and his own loud cry wakes Jasper from his fitful sleep. Abruptly, he sits up, wanting to locate Edward immediately to allay his fears and he rubs his eyes as he frantically searches the room with his bloodshot gaze. Jasper feels the light cool touch brush against his forehead as Edward leans down from behind Jasper's chair.

"I'm here. It's all right. You were having a dream, Jasper."

It was just a dream. Relieved, Jasper leans back in his chair, calming his heart, but his mind whispers tauntingly, 'That creature looked just like you.' Perturbed, he runs his hand shakily through his hair. Dammit, it had felt so real. His gaze bores into Edward's and he cannot help but think this is a sign – a dangerous sign.

Dreams and memories continuously haunt Jasper as he attempts to sleep. Proper sleep has evaded him since Edward took Bella's life and the lack of sleep is taking its toll. He has never stopped thinking about the death of his parents, of Philip Wilkes and now about the events he witnessed the night of Bella's death. He thinks constantly about his part in every event, and eventually it starts to plague him, turning his waking thoughts into an endless circle of his guilt and his recriminations. His thoughts weigh heavily and it starts to seep into his feelings for Edward and although he is enjoying this interlude, Jasper is also worried that it will crash down around his ears - Edward realising that Jasper is not fit for him - leaving Jasper alone, defenceless and with nowhere to turn.

Sitting in the large comfy armchair in front of the fire, Jasper moodily stares at the flames licking at the heavy logs. Restless, he rearranges himself in his seat, hooking one leg over the armrest; he stares numbly into the fire. He watches the flames dancing and leaping in the grate, not noticing when his eyes start to droop and finally his eyes close, lashes brushing against his cheeks as sleep overtakes him once more.

'I can't lose him – not again.' He stares at his fascinating human as Jasper tosses and turns. Once, Edward had almost lost Jasper and he was not about to go through that turmoil and frustration again. Edward's thoughts darken recalling the events around Jasper's travels and the reasoning for his homecoming.

His eyes unfathomable, Edward broods on the memories: The act of killing Jasper's parents had not achieved the desired result - of getting Jasper to come home. The news had been too slow to reach Jasper; only in the act of killing Philip Wilkes had the aim been reached. Philip Wilkes' death had served a three fold purpose; a slaking of Edward's thirst, a removal of the rival for Jasper's affections, and a reason for Jasper to go home.

Edward used it, the animosity that he had felt watching Jasper with Philip in that smoky harbour city, to take his first human meal in ages and the rancour he'd felt dissipated with each drop of blood as he sucked the man dry before discarding him in the dank harbour.

It was a similar animosity to the feelings he has towards Jimmy, but Edward at least knows that there is an end in sight for that particular competitor, otherwise it would be the same nightmare all over again.

And tonight? Dinner had been a nightmare of a different sort for Edward, forced to watch Jasper's lips wrapping around his fork as he scooped morsels of food into his waiting mouth, that delicious tongue snaking out often to lick his lips - a move that Edward was sure that Jasper had been unaware of, and therefore was unconscious of how inviting it was to the singularly focused vampire. His mind had piped up, 'It's all that deliciousness wrapped up in that pretty package. Imagine what he will be like when he's one of us?' and Edward had to agree.

Even now as he watches the pretty blond reclining in the chair, his face calm as he lightly sleeps, Edward finds himself instantly erect. Edward's roving eyes fixate on the wisps of hair brushing against Jasper's throat just below his lobe and he is only a mite off from picking up Jasper and throwing him onto the desk just to press his lips to the pulse beating there.

Insinuatingly his mind purrs, 'Isn't it particularly entertaining to see how much this human affects us?' Looking at Jasper, Edward aches to run his fingers along the length of his jaw, or perhaps tease the column of his neck. Edward braces his hand against the window as he imagines his finger smoothing along Jasper's jaw, lightly, soothingly, before capturing that chin and claiming those precious lips in a bruising kiss. His imagination made all fluid run south, pooling hotly at his loins and making him ache to be in Jasper's depths. His heated gaze keeps roving over the young virile man his body is hungry for.

A shiver snakes down Edward's spine and inwardly he revels at the feeling. He'd caught a glimpse of the dream in Jasper's thoughts and he marvels in admiration at how uncannily close it is to his own perception of himself. Jasper as a vampire was deliciously dangerous and it makes him crave Jasper even more.

No, he cannot lose Jasper now, not when he covets his human so immensely.

'He wants you,' whispers his mind dangerously. 'Manipulate that and you can have him, all-to-yourself.'

"Yes," he hisses sibilantly. "Tomorrow, we will see what you are capable of."

The following morning heralds a spectacularly beautiful day. The muted darkness gives way to the dawn chorus as the sun rises unwaveringly over the distant horizon. As he changes his clothing for the day, Jasper confidently sends heated sidelong glances at Edward. Edward continues to lean, seeming unperturbed, against the door jamb as he waits patiently. Although he looks as if he is ogling and perusing his human, Edward's thoughts are busy contemplating the events of the day.

When the blond sends yet another promise of fulfilment in his gaze, Edward skilfully thrusts his shoulder off the door jamb and taking the few short steps to reach Jasper, halts his movements with the placement of his arms around the pale man's waist.

"You know, you're going to have to stop those teasing glances if you want any hope of leaving this room."

Edward chuckles internally at the glorious smile upon his favourite human's face. 'He needs sleep. It's almost a shame that it isn't on the agenda today.' He mulls over Jasper's slower response at his words - the protracted time for his pupils to dilate, the time lag between mind-thinking and limbs-acting. 'Definitely sleep-deprived,' concludes his mind.

Jasper's voice breaks through his musing, "What incentive do I have to want to leave this room?"

Edward shrugs lightly. "Maybe a chance to give your stableman a once-over? I've seen the way you look at him and from his reaction to your mussed up appearance yesterday, you've been the subject of many of his fantasies." His tone is mild and amicable, belying the jealousy that tracks through his body, and he runs his fingers deeply through the tousled hair, gently tugging at the ends. "Really Jasper, you should go out today. Exercise that beautiful Arab horse of yours. Sheik was it?"

Edward had taken advantage of the time this morning to build up more trust and rapport between himself and Jasper. And now, he is adroitly working on firming the attraction Jasper has for the stable-hand, Jimmy Oaks.

Amusement on his face, Jasper cocks his head and offers Edward a slightly challenging look. Edward smiles back, unconsciously smoothing his fingers through Jasper's hair again, before he leans his forehead on Jasper's, allowing his sweet breath to waft over, stirring his human's senses and he is rewarded with a light, singular moan from Jasper's lips. Edward eyes them hungrily, wanting to press his against their ripe fullness, but he is aware that he needs to feed today before any plans can come to fruition. For that to happen, he needs Jasper to go.

"Jasper?" Edward lets his hand trail over Jasper's face, noting Jasper's unconscious inclination to lean into his touch. "I apologise for taking you from your duties." Leaning down, Edward pulls Jasper into a soft embrace, pressing his cheek gently against the other's face. "I just adore spending time with you. I will miss being around you while you take Sheik out."

He breathes out softly letting it drift over Jasper, feeling Jasper relax even more in his arms. His scent flows over Edward, a tantalising aroma of hot blood, warm flesh and something inherently Jasper. Edward holds them both like that for a few minutes before he lets out a small sigh, "Mmm... As much as I adore holding you Jasper Whitlock, I must encourage you to do your duty and go out to those stables."

Jasper makes a moue, indicating his malcontent at the thought of being parted with Edward and Edward feels a leap of elation within at this small subconscious admission. He feels Jasper pulling back and gazing searchingly into his face.

"Edward, is there a..." the question is left unfinished, but Edward is aware of what Jasper is wondering.

"I do not think so Jasper, but as I do not have the right experience I cannot guarantee that there might not be a slight possibility that she will turn and become a vampire. As the days pass, I am aware that the possibility is dwindling and as I told you, Carlisle - my father - has said that beyond the third day, there will be little to no hope." Edward does not allude to the small fact that he cannot hear the beat of Bella's heart, knows that she is indeed dead, and can never be turned. There is no need for Jasper to know this - until it is Jasper's turn.

"So last night you mentioned a picnic?" Edward tries for an air of joviality, to remove the gloom that has pervaded the room. "Of course, unlike Thomas Cole's subjects we will not have the luxury of a guitarist serenading us," Edward adds whimsically.

"And I cannot guarantee blue and white china I'm afraid," laughs Jasper and Edward is again suitably surprised at the extent of Jasper's knowledge of fine arts.

"Did you hear that Manet has a new painting? It's titled, 'Le dejeuner sur l'herbe.' Apparently, it is causing the biggest scandal as it depicts a nude woman sitting amongst a group of men."

"I heard it was rejected from exhibition?"

"Yes, but he managed to exhibit it at another salon. It is such exquisite work."

"Speaking of exquisite… you are exquisite Edward. Why don't you come meet me? I know you do not eat, but..." Jasper raises his brow at Edward questioningly, a glint in his vivid blue eyes that Edward is fast coming to recognise as lustful, and Jasper's voice drops most becomingly, "Maybe we can find something that would whet your appetite. Something that is appetising to your palate?"

He curves his hand around the nape of the young man staring up in earnest at him. Edward replies jestingly, in like vein, "After such a request, how can I possibly refuse? I would be most honoured to join you in a picnic." He continues to tease Jasper, dragging his thumb lightly over Jasper's bottom lip, "Mmmm... Perhaps our own little dejeuner sur l'herbe should be re-enacted?" With a final sweep of his thumb over Jasper's tempting lips, Edward pulls the sweetly scented man closer and holds him firmly by his hips. Jasper shakes his head and chuckles.

"You like holding me like this, don't you?"

"A rhetorical question, yes?" Shrugging, Edward replies evenly, "It's convenient and good practice." A lilting note enters his tone, "Now I wonder where I could find a nude model to sit with us..." At Jasper's rambunctious laugh and accompanying thought, Edward shakes his head.

"You're incorrigible, you know that?"

Edward chuckles ruefully under his breath and his thoughts are tinged with amused pride at the young man. 'Oh Jasper, you have no idea how incorrigible I really am.'

Jasper prods again, "Spend some time away from Isa... this house again? Please?"

Edward moves his hands, grasping Jasper's face delicately between his palms and looks deep into his incredible eyes. "Just tell me where and I will endeavour to be there at the appointed time. You, however, will need to leave now, before I feel like succumbing to my want of you."

With a final lingering look at him, Jasper dashes out the door and Edward, tracks him absently with his eyes and ears, just waiting for the time he himself can leave.

A chilly dampness hangs in the air under the tangled limbs overhead as Jasper negotiates the tree-line path leading to the stable. Deeply breathing in the scent of the crisp morning air he saunters through the cool shadows toward his beloved horses. The sight of the large brown building lifts his already high spirits, sending them soaring like an eagle through the clouds, and he hastens his steps. As he slides open the main doors, murmuring soft, placating sounds to reassure his horses, a gentle smile crosses his face at the sound of their greeting.

A certain calm flows over him as he crosses the hay strewn floor to his favourite horse, Sheik. This is his favourite time of day. The chill of the morning hanging in the air as dew is still strewn along the ground awaiting the kiss of the sun and only the sound of the early morning chorus fills the soft grey of daybreak.

He slides the door open, hearing the horses snicker and he gently hushes them, reassuring them with his presence. A door opens to his left and he mutters a startled oath as Jimmy Oaks, his young stable-lad comes out.

"Jimmy! You scared the hell out of me!" He could feel a quick rush of adrenaline flowing through his veins, waking him far more effectively than from any other means. He looks at the young man, noting the faint hint of stubble, barely a foot into adulthood, who helps him out with his breeding stock. Jasper can feel himself admiring the man; his tall, lithe body topped with dark brown hair, the colour of melted chocolate.

'He's not Edward though is he?' challenges his mind.

"Sorry Major Whi... I mean Jasper. I thought I'd get started early today, seeing as I had only finished half yesterday. I still have half the mares to exercise, not to mention them stallions and what with that storm disrupting their training regime, it's gonna take some time."

A wry smile upon his face, Jasper claps the tall man on the shoulder. "Ah Jimmy, you're a godsend. You love these horses and they love you. You're a good man."

Jimmy shrugs, a helpless smile on his freshly shaven face, "Well sure! It's mighty easy to do when you have such beautiful creatures around you."

When he spoke of 'beautiful creatures', Jasper could not help but catch Jimmy's appreciative sidelong glance at himself, and Jasper quirks a brow at the brunet. "Is there something I can help you with there Jimmy?" He notes the stable hand's flush as he is caught red-handedly staring at his boss.

"Er, no sir. Just... nothing."

Jasper goes back to taking Sheik out of his stall, ready to saddle him up when Jimmy's voice blurts out, "Actually, there is something sir. I was wondering why a fine man like yourself hasn't found hisself any womanfolk to settle down with?"

Jasper turns, his curiosity piqued. Jasper grabs his arm as he goes to turn away. Jimmy's face is beet red but he bravely pushes on. "I been livin' here darn near my whole life and you sure are real handsome Jasper and surely any body round these parts would want to have a turn with you." He runs a longing glance down Jasper's body, causing a rise of goose bumps as Jasper notes his appreciative and hungry look as he heads south with his gaze. Jasper is surprised to feel a rise of a different sort at this obvious perusal of his body and still somewhat aroused from Edward, he can't help the erection that tents his pants. Gulping hard, his mouth suddenly dry, he watches avidly as Jimmy runs his tongue over his lips.

"Jimmy," he starts to say, but Jasper stops as he notes the man's sudden stillness. Jasper looks down at his hand on Jimmy's forearm and the tension apparent in the muscle and he slackens his hand, intending to let go, but Jimmy stops him with the placement of his hand on top.

Tension fills the air and before Jasper can grasp what is happening, he finds himself sandwiched between the magnificent horse and his equally appealing stablehand with his mouth ravished to oblivion. Jasper finds himself succumbing to the intense exploration of his mouth, Jimmy's tongue sliding against his and Jasper can feel his body responding heartily to this invasion.

The touches of Jimmy's fingers are warm as opposed to Edward's icy chill as coarse fingers slide over the material of his shirt, sliding up the forearms of the blond, as Jimmy inches his way slowly up Jasper's body. Finally, Jimmy lifts his head, breathing ragged and stares at Jasper. His eyes hold a lust-filled gleam as they bore into his, and Jasper can only watch helplessly as Jimmy's lips curve upward in the most captivating smug smile.

Amazed and more than a little befuddled, Jasper tries to focus as Jimmy speaks low and in earnest. Jasper notes that Jimmy's eyes are a fascinating shade of green-brown. 'Hazel,' his brain supplies helpfully.

"I - I - I like you Jasper," Jimmy says haltingly. "I have for a mighty long time, but I knows that you've got business with the Widow Simmons and I didn't feel right about stepping forward if that's where your heart lay. I saw you yesterday with that other man, in the lake and I watched him grind you up against Sheik's stall, and well, if your heart lies in that direction then I'd like to be in the race. I know that you've been keeping it quiet and all, but me, I notice these things. Like I said, I'm sorry for saying anything, but anyways..." his voice peeters out.

Jasper is floored.

Jimmy blushes redder as he realises what he just said and to whom. "Oh sweet Lord, I'm sorry Major Jasper, I've overstepped my boundaries. Look I'm sorry I said anything. Here, let me help you with Sheik and y'all can be on your way. Please don't fire me. I didn't mean anything by it. I'm jus' gonna saddle him up..." Flustered the boy quickly saddles up Jasper's horse, his movements jerky and his face flushed with embarrassment.

Jimmy moves away to the front of the Arab horse, holding still the horse and reins as Jasper mounts. In the saddle, Jasper looks intently at the miserable man before him. "Jimmy, I expect you to still be here when I return and these horses fed and exercised as is the plan. Don't run off. Can you do that for me?" Jimmy nods, his voice stilled in his dejection, but his heart in his eyes. "Good," finishes Jasper in a deceptively calm voice. "I will see you later then."

As he rides out, Jasper is amazed and stunned as he tries to comprehend what has just happened. "What the hell just happened back there?' he asks the air silently. He chuckles as he notes that Jimmy may have apologised for saying what he felt, but he sure didn't apologise for kissing the bejesus out of Jasper. Jasper starts to whistle as he rides to meet Edward.

Time blurs as he feasts, the blood running hotly down his throat and he swallows it, revelling in the feel of it. It had been too long. Edward finally lifts his head as the man's heart slows and he holds him, listening to the heart thumping weakly then finally, it stops. He discards the man to one side and moves to a small clump of boulders. Lifting one the large sized rocks easily, he places the man inside then covers the inert body. Time to move.

Using his vampiric speed, he moves silently through the trees to await Jasper's arrival.

Tune in next time when....

Leave some love and review... thanks, TJ