Where I Belong

Chapter 4


Song I listened to for this chapter: It Ends Tonight by The All-American Rejects

Bella Whitlock POV

I knew I was different.

I never liked to talk to people much back home, we never seemed to get along. They all just seemed to feel bad for me because of daddy. I remember the day of his funeral, and how mommy just stared at the box they put him in. When we got home, she went into her room and wouldn't come out.

And she stayed.

And stayed.

I don't know how long she stayed in her bedroom, but I know that I had to start taking over my mommy's job around the house. One of our neighbors, Carol, brought over some groceries and ready-made meals for us, which I was thankful for. I would put them in the microwave and place them outside mommy's door when she wouldn't answer.

I didn't like hearing her cry, so I would leave the house.

That's when I remembered the playground daddy used to take me when he got home from work. I walked all the way there and sat on a swing until it got dark. I got off the swing and tripped, skinning my knee. It was bleeding and it hurt really bad, so I started crying.

Then I saw her.

My best friend, Lydia. She picked me up and carried me over to one of the benches. I thought it was a little weird when she licked my wound clean, but it felt a lot better after that. Then I saw her face, and her eyes were red. I should have been scared, I should have ran, I should have screamed.

I don't like the word "should."

She told me that she wasn't going to hurt me, and I believed her. When I asked why she had red eyes, she said it's because she's different. Then she told me that I should get home and walked me home, and actually tucked me in.

I came back to the park every day after that, and Lydia was always there. Always after dark. I could just talk and talk, and she would just listen.

And listen.

Then she told me about herself. She was born in 1550 in France. She said that she's 441 years old! When I asked her how she looked so pretty if she was so old, she said that she doesn't age. I kept asking her questions about herself, and she told me that she's a vampire.

I heard scary stories about vampires and I know that they drink blood. I should have been scared. I should have ran away. I should have screamed.

I really don't like the word "should."

I knew that she wouldn't hurt me, because we're friends. Friends don't hurt each other. Then I pinky swore that I wouldn't tell anyone, because if I did, we would be in trouble. I don't want Lydia to be in trouble.

Then she had to go back home, but she promised she would come back.

She'll come back for me one day.

Mommy and I were coming home from her friend's house. Her friend forced her daughter to play dolls with me, but I just sat there while she played with her Barbies. I don't like playing with Barbies. I really wished that Lydia was still here, then I wouldn't bored. Seemed like the hours dragged on until it was time to go home, and mommy said goodbye to her friend, Sarah.

I fell asleep in my car-seat and I was woken up by mommy trying to unfasten my seatbelt. She looked really scared and I turned my head to see a man with red eyes standing there, looking at my mommy as she tried to pull my out of my seat. He grabbed my mommy as I watched him bite into her neck and drink, red blood falling onto the street. He continued to drink.

And drink.

Lydia warned me about vampires like him. The bad vampires. I wished that she was still here. I kept crying until I hear him speak, sending a chill down my spine. I then heard another voice growl at him and I chanced a peek up, seeing a pretty blonde woman and a tall man standing there.

Red eyes.

The woman looked over to me, and I don't know how, but I knew that she's going to help me. Her red eyes are like Lydia's, they're nice and warm, not cold. She takes a step towards me and I want to get out of the car and run over to her, but I'm scared. What if I'm wrong and she's a mean vampire? The man with her growls at the bad vampire and then all of a sudden, there's a blur. The lady walked over to me and I couldn't help but shrink back from her, but I know that she will help me.

Her voice was soft when she's not growling, and she has an accent. It's nice.

I already knew that he killed my mommy, but I just had to ask the lady. I guess I felt better because now she's in heaven with my daddy. She won't cry anymore, she won't be sad anymore...but now, I'm alone.

The lady said her was Charlotte and she asked me if I had any family. My grandmom Higgenbotham died last year, a couple of months before daddy. I then saw the man, and moved closer to Charlotte, just in case. She told me that he was her husband, Peter. I got really sleepy after she said that and I closed my eyes.

When I opened them, I see that I'm in Charlotte's arms. She was running so fast, everything that passes is a blur. Lydia told me that vampires can run really fast, but I didn't know she meant this fast. I couldn't even see anything, it was all a blur. The movement gently lulled me and my eyes started to get heavy and I fell asleep again.

My nightmare scared me because the bad man killed mommy and then me. I woke up to the man, Peter, shaking me. I leapt into his arms, knowing that if I could trust Charlotte, I could trust him, too. He then showed me that he had Teddy! Daddy gave me him last Christmas and I don't know how Peter got him because I left him on my bed. Did he go back to my house? I'm just thankful that he did get him. I decided that Peter is a good guy.

I realized that Charlotte wasn't here, and Peter asked me if I'm thirsty. When he got up to leave and I panicked, not wanting him to leave me alone. He brought me down to the kitchen and got me some water, before we went into the living room. He turned on the tv and I found it funny that Peter likes cartoons and he's older than. He laughed really hard at some parts which made me laugh. I fell asleep again in his arms, feeling really comfortable.

When I woke up again, I saw Peter smiling at me, saying 'hello.' Charlotte then walks in the room and my heart skips, happy that she's back from wherever she went. My tummy then growled and I realized how hungry I actually was. She took me into the kitchen and puts me on one of the chairs while she made me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. When she opened the fridge to get milk, I saw bags full of blood.

I didn't know how to say this, so I just told them that they're vampires. They both seemed shocked that I knew and I worry that they're going to be mad at me. I know that Lydia made me promise that I couldn't tell anybody, but I don't think it matters for other vampires. I hope she's not mad at me. They asked a lot of questions about Lydia and I tell them what she told me.

I felt really happy when Peter and Charlotte said I could stay with them. I really like them and I like it here. I like not having to take care of myself.

They even let me choose what I want in my room. I always liked purple, but mommy did my room pink. I really don't like the color pink. Peter and Charlotte also bought me all these books, toys, and clothes. Charlotte reads me a story every night before bed. I love it here and I want to stay. I like having Charlotte and Peter as a mommy and daddy. Well...that's what they feel like. I feel like it would hurt my real mommy and daddy's feelings if I started to call them that, though.

I know when they go out hunting, but it doesn't bother me because they explained that they only hunt bad guys that like to hurt people. I like that they help people by getting rid of the bad guys. sometimes, I think that there are more mean humans than vampires in the whole world. Charlotte will go out to hunt and Peter will stay home with me, and then Peter will go out while Charlotte stays with me.

I really like it here.


Charlotte and I are sitting in the living room while I'm coloring in the coloring book Peter got me. Char is reading a cookbook. For a vampire, she's such a good cook! I always make sure to say 'thank you,' because her food is amazing!

Peter is moving around the house at vampire speed, muttering something while I just go back to coloring. He then says that he lost a phone number and has to call 'the Major.' I don't know who that is, but I want to.

Peter said that he's his brother and he goes into the kitchen to call him. I don't know why, but I'm excited to meet this Jasper.

When the day comes for Peter's brother to arrive, I'm really excited, helping Char clean the house. I just hope that he's a nice person. They told me that unlike them, he's with a family that eats animals, so his eyes are gold.

"Bella, when you meet Jasper, make sure you say 'howdy.' He'll love that." Char tells me with a wink and I giggle, nodding my head.

When Peter says that he's here, I go to the window to get a peek, but I can't see him. Charlotte then picks me up and carries me outside and I finally see him. I feel like I just got shocked when I see his gold eyes. I want to walk over to him, so I wiggle and Char puts me down. I walk over to him as he stares at me with wide eyes, and takes a couple of steps towards me. As soon as I'm close enough, I raise my hands, showing I want to be picked up and he immediately does. I get a good look at his face and I smile.

He's tall and has curly blonde hair that's kind of like Peter's. He seems like he could be Peter's real brother, though I know that they aren't. I like being in his arms, because I feel really safe. I feel really comfortable, too. It seems like the best place in the world.

Jasper smiles right back at me and then speaks. His voice is deep with an accent. I like it a lot and I want him to keep talking.

I know that he belongs to me and that I belong to him. I don't want to go anywhere without Jasper being there, because I wouldn't feel whole.

Jasper is mine.


Jasper Hale POV

I'm very aware that I am now holding the reason for my existence, the other half of my soul in my arms. My true mate. I'd always known Alice and I weren't mates because I never felt the mating pull Esme, Carlisle, Rose, and Emmett described. Alice swore that she feels it, but I know I don't. I guess we're more like companions and I had always had held out hope I would meet my true mate one day. Well, I've finally found her, but we have a tiny problem - she's a child.

I've never heard of a vampire mating with a human, let alone a child. There's no denying it, though. I feel the mating pull, and it's strong. I feel complete holding Bella. Each second that is passing by since Bella came into my life a couple of minutes ago, I'm cherishing. This precious little thing in my arms is mine, just like I'm hers.

I have dark thought and I quickly search my emotions, feeling relief when I don't find any sexual inclination towards her. There's no lust in the emotions that I'm feeling, there's happiness, joy, protectiveness, and...love. They are all there, the same emotions bouncing back from Bella. How does this little child recognize me as hers, and how the hell can this tiny body hold so much love that she's radiating?! I can't help but stare at her in wonder, her brown eyes alight with happiness.

"Hello, Bella." I say, smiling at her which she returns.

"Howdy, Major." she replies, her voice sounding like wind chimes. What a lovely, lovely sound. I have to chuckle along with Peter and Charlotte, my happiness rising as I hear her laugh as well. "Char told me to say that."

"Well, howdy there, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bella. Call me Jasper." I reply, tilting my invisible hat which invokes a giggle out of her. I make a silent pledge to do whatever I can to hear that sound, the sweetest sound in the world. We continue to stare at each other in fascination, myself studying my mate's adorable face. Her eyes are big and brown, almost doe-like. She's very pale for a human, but it works on her. Her hair is long, falling in ringlets. She has very long eyelashes for a child, framing her eyes. What a lovely little girl.

"Bella, why don't you go wash up for dinner." Charlotte says, snapping both of us out of our haze.

"Okay, Char." she says before looking over to me, a pink blush gracing her cheeks. "Will you sit with me while I eat?"

"Of course." I tell her and she smiles, wiggling so I can put her down. She then runs over to Char and they walk hand in hand towards the house, Char looking at me suspiciously, before disappearing inside with Bella.

I look over to Peter whose eyebrows are raised. "Well...uh...looks like you found your mate...in my daughter." He grumbles the last part.

"Daughter?" I ask, raising an eyebrow and he nods his head, smile on his face.

"I'll explain when Little Bit goes to sleep. Come on." Peter says, motioning his head towards the house. I grab my bag off the ground and follow him in. The house is nice, decorated by Char with warm, rustic colors. My brother and sister did good for themselves, and I send a little pride his way. "Thanks, man."

I then see Bella walking out of the bathroom with Char. She walks over to me, beaming that wide smile before taking my large hand in her small one. "Come on, I'll show you the kitchen." She then pulls me towards the kitchen and I smile, following her. Charlotte sets the plate of spaghetti on the table and I pick her up and place her on the chair.

"Thank you." she tells me before picking up the fork and digging in.

"How's life been, Major?" Char asks, leaning against Peter as he wraps his arms around her waist.

"Monotonous." I reply, while I keep glancing over to Bella. I still can't believe that I've found her, I don't even think that it matters she's a child. She's my mate. The other half to my whole, the one who was specially made for me. My angel. Mine.

"And Alice?" Charlotte asks, too quiet for Bella to hear, while I glance over at her, seeing eating her food while a smile comes to my face.

"Who?" I absent-mindedly ask. Who's Alice? The only thing I can think about is my little angel sitting next to me.

Alice? Alice...Cullen. Small, pixie vampire. Oh, right...my wife.

Oh, shit.

"I'm in deep shit." I mutter quietly, so Bella doesn't hear.

Peter and Charlotte chuckle and I turn to look at them with wide eyes. "Later, Major." I nod my head turning back to Bella who finishes her dinner. Char comes forward and takes the empty plate.

"Was that good, Sweet Thing?" she asks Bella, who nods her head.

"Yes, thank you, Char." Bella says, Jasper smiling at Bella who looks over at him, pink blush gracing her cheeks once again.

"Come on. I'll give you your bath and then it's time for bed. You can play with Jasper tomorrow, okay?" Charlotte promises and Bella brightens up, turning to me, brown eyes wide and hopeful.

"Really?" she asks and I smile, nodding my head.

"Of course." I reply and she smiles, hopping down from the bar stool and walking over to Char. They both walk out of the room and Peter smiles, watching them out. He then turns to me, nodding his head towards the front door. "Let's go hunt."

I lose my smile at this, feeling some uncertainty in his emotions. "Why, you think I'm gonna take a snap at her?" I ask, bitter venom coating my tone. I thought my brother would have at least trusted me, especially with my mate.

"What?!" he shouts, feeling and looking appalled. "Fuck no! Major, you got the best control I've ever seen. Shit, I just wanted to talk about what the fuck just happened, cause I'm a little freaked out."

This makes me feel a little relieved, but then I feel bad because I snapped at him for no reason. I guess that's the bad thing about being an empath - you can feel emotions, but not the reason behind them. I guess a mind reading empath would be perfect, huh?

I shake my head and sigh, following him out of the house. "Sorry, brother. I've been...irritable lately."

"Does it have anything to do with Miss Malice in Wonderland?" he asks me, raised eyebrow and smug grin on his face. I roll my eyes and follow him into the woods near their house.

"She treats me like a dog. The whole family thinks I'm some fucking problem child when I slip. They don't understand that they're the catalysts in my problem." I do a quick hunt, taking down a couple of deer from a herd and draining them. I know I have great control, but it won't hurt to be extra cautious, especially around my mate. I know it's almost impossible for a male to hurt their mate, but I'm not taking chances with that angel. My angel.

"They don't know how to take responsibility." Peter starts as I bury the deer I just drained. "They're too far up their moral high horse of eating rabbits and singing kumbaya around the fire while trying to retain their pseudo-humanity. Acting like Char and I are the scum of the Earth because we drink human blood. We're fucking vampires, we do what vampires do." Peter snaps, breaking part of a branch off a tree. I know that the Cullens don't really like Peter and Charlotte because of their "natural" lifestyle.

"Why don't you just come back here, brother? You found your mate, she obviously loves you already. What's holding you back there? Call Jenks, get the divorce papers drawn up, and move back to Texas so you can watch Little Bit grow up and when she's of age...an age that I approve of...woo her. Easy as 1-2-3." Peter says and I know that everything he just said makes sense, but it's not that easy.

"That sounds great and all...but I can't do that to them. I have to at least tell Alice in person and let them know that I'm leaving. After everything they've done, I owe them that much."

"Whatever you say. In all seriousness, though...Char and I miss you. You dropped us, your real family, all because your wife said to. That shit hurt, Major." he tells me, radiating his hurt and pain towards me which almost brings me to my knees. Shit, I've been fucking up these past ten years, haven't I?

"I'm sorry. You are my brother. Char is my sister...shit, what the hell was I thinking?" I mutter, shaking my head in disgust. "I've been a real asshole, huh?"

"One of the biggest...but I can't blame you that much. Obligations are a motherfucker, ain't they?" he asks me and I snort.

"You have no fucking idea." I tell him and he smiles, nodding his head back towards the house.

"Come on, I gotta wish Little Bit goodnight, or else she can't sleep." We start walking back towards the house, when Peter gets really serious, turning to me with the dirtiest, meanest glare in the world as his voice is coated with acid. I've never seen Peter like this, not even during the wars. It's enough to make the God of War almost feel a flash of fear through his body. Almost.

"I will tell you this, brother...if that little angel ever sheds a tear because of something you said or did, Char and I will light your ass on fire and dance around your pyre."


Note to self: Don't make Bella cry. You will have a very angry mama and poppa bear on your hands.

I hope I captured the mind of a four-year old correctly, but remember that she is very mature for her age since she had to grow up and learn to take care of herself in such a short time. That's why she's so mature, but Charlotte and Peter are going to encourage her to be a child and have fun.

What do you think Jasper is going to do - stay with Bella or or go back to the Cullens? Hm...

-Jalen-