Where I Belong
Chapter 7
Song I listened to for this chapter: Guns and Horses by Ellie Goulding
Jasper Whitlock POV
The next week is spent packing everything up at the house and organizing for the move. Jenks sent the files in the mail and in return for his quick and well done work, I sent him a good amount of money in thanks. Peter and Charlotte have taken my truck and left to go get everything settled at the house while I stay in Texas with Bella.
I thought that taking care of my four-year old mate would have been difficult, but we seem to be in sync together. I know if she needs something before she even has to ask. Cooking is another issue, and I'm happy that she knows at least how to cook some things. She finds it amusing when I don't know what something is, reveling in the fact that she's four and understands something a century old vampire does not. Cooking is not so bad, once you've gotten past the repulsive stench of the milk and eggs. The meat isn't too bad to work with, neither is the pasta. Reading those cookbooks while Bella is sleeping is helping me, though.
I made sure to hunt close to the house and while Bella is sleeping. I don't like to stray to far because the first time I did that, she woke up from the pain in her chest. Almost had a panic attack from me not being there. I felt her panicky emotions and rushed home, holding her as she cried until she fell asleep. Broke my fucking heart seeing her like that.
Peter and Charlotte called yesterday, telling me the house is stocked with food, heated, furnished, and ready for Bella to live in. They already painted and decorated her room, hoping to surprise her. I am excited for Bella to see the house, and I hope it's too her liking. Thankfully we're moving to an are which won't be too cold for her to live in, and we're close enough to the town to buy anything she needs.
I just want to get as far from Mexico as possible, as far away from her as possible. I know she's out there, wanting me to join her again. She never could handle the newborns correctly without my help. I know she would do just about anything to get me to come back to her and stealing a little girl is not above her, especially if it's my mate. I would do anything to get Bella back if she was taken from me. I would kill anyone without hesitation if Bella was threatened.
Just the thought causes a snarl to escape my mouth, causing the little angel in my arms to stir from her nap. She always asks me to hold her as she falls asleep, explaining that I keep the nightmares away. I'm more than happy to comply, because I cherish these moments. I'm looking forward to when she's older and our feelings will grow, but for now, I'm enjoying taking care of her as a child.
Bella takes a deep breath and opens her brown eyes, giving me a sleepy smile as she brings her tiny fists up and rubs her eyes. "Did you sleep well, Angel?"
She nods her head and yawns, "Yes. Are you okay, Jasper?"
She reaches her hand up and touches my cheek, the warmth of it so soothing. I smile and place mine over top of hers, moving my head and kissing her palm. "I'm fine, Bella. Do you want me to make you something to eat?"
"Yes, please." I pick her up, placing her on my hip as we walk into the kitchen.
"What do you want to eat?" I ask and she bites her lip while looking upward thoughtfully while I have to chuckle.
"What?" she asks, wondering why I'm laughing.
"Your face was cute." I explain and she rolls her eyes, thinking again.
"PB&J." she tells me and I walk over to the pantry, grabbing the bread and handing it to Bella who is still on my hip. I then grab the peanut butter and close the pantry door. I set Bella down on the counter as I walk over to the fridge, grabbing the jar of jelly out to make her sandwich.
"Jasper?" Bella says as I'm spreading the peanut butter on the bread.
I look up to her, opening the jar of jelly. "Yes, Sweetheart?"
"Can I ask you a question?" she asks, tilting her head and I look over to her.
"You can ask me anything, Bella."
She bites her lip, feeling unsure, but I wait patiently for her. "What does blood taste like?"
I was not expecting that question at all from Bella. I look over to her, head tilted while waiting for my answer, curiosity pooling off her. "Salty."
"...salty?" She asks and I nod my head, not wanting to go into further details about that sweet, red ambrosia. I don't even want to be tempted to go out and hunt if we keep talking about it. She is a curious child, though.
"It's not half as good as this sandwich I just made for you." I tell her and she giggles, bright smile spreading across her face. "Don't worry about what blood tastes like, Bella." There is some gentle rebuking there, because she doesn't need to worry about. At least, not right now.
"Okay, Jasper." she says with a small smile and I hand her the plate, picking her up and carrying her into the living room. I turn on the tv as she sits in my lap, eating her lunch, while I twirl a piece of her hair with my fingers.
Tomorrow was the day that they would make their way up to the Canadian house. Peter and Charlotte are already waiting up there for us while Bella and I are taking a flight tomorrow morning. I figured a twenty-four hour car ride wouldn't be comfortable for my mate, but a five-hour plane ride would be okay. I would probably influence her to sleep the whole way anyway, just because I don't know if she's scared of planes.
"Bella, are you excited to go to our new home tomorrow?" I ask and she turns to me with a smile, nodding her head.
"Yeah. I'm happy you're staying." Bella says while my lips curve into a grin.
"Me too, Sweetheart." I tell her and then she bites her lip, slight fear rolling off her. The fear comes so suddenly, I almost growl and back Bella into a corner to protect her.
"You're...you're not gonna leave again...right?" she asks, brow furrowed in worry while I lean forward and kiss her forehead.
"I'm never leaving you again, Angel." I assure her and her brown eyes brighten as she grins.
"Promise?" she asks, holding out her tiny pinky. I chuckle and hook mine with hers, her smile widening.
"I promise, Bella."
After Bella's bath, I carry her over to the bed and lay her down, holding her in my lap as I open the story book to read her a bedtime story.
"...and then the prince and Briar Rose were married, and the wedding feast was given; and they lived happily together all their lives long. The End."
Bella yawns as I close the book, giving me a sleep smile as she lays her head on my chest. "Goodnight, Jasper. I love you."
I look down at her in surprise, my heart leaping as I hear those three words pass through her lips. I feel a warmth spreading through my body, hugging me like a thick blanket as I see Bella smile at me. Those three little words hold so much conviction as I feel the love radiating off her.
"I love you too, Sweetheart. More than anything." I place a kiss on her head as she gives me another smile, closing her eyes and falling asleep in minutes. I listen to her rhythmic breathing as she sleeps in my arms, not even bothering to keep the wide smile from my face.
At six in the morning, I lay Bella down on the bed and walk out of her room, throwing away all of the food that will go bad. I then get dressed and grab the carry on bag Charlotte readied with some things for Bella to occupy her time during the flight, and put it by the door. I will be driving Bella and I in Peter's truck to the airport where he'll go get it in a couple of days. Walking back into Bella's room, I gently shake her, murmuring that it's time to wake up.
She opens her big, brown eyes and rubs them with her tiny fists, yawning while I smile at the sight. "Come on, Sweetheart."
I walk over to her dresser and pull out some warm clothes for her, grabbing the winter jacket that Charlotte bought for her. She called and said she bought Bella some new, warmer clothes since she only had warm weather clothes from living down south. I help Bella get dressed and give her a banana to eat the car as I carry her outside, my angel clutching her teddy bear to her. I quickly lock up the house and place her into her car seat before walking around to my side. Sliding in the front seat, I glance in the rearview mirror, seeing Bella grin at me as she chews a piece of the fruit.
"Are you ready, Angel?" I ask and she nods her head. I smile and pull away from the house, heading to Abilene Regional airport. It takes about two hours to get there and I notice Bella has fallen asleep in her car seat. I park the car and get out, gently lifting up my mate so I don't disturb her from her sleep.
I carry her through security, and all the way to our gate, waiting to board. I look down at my adorable sleeping mate, smiling as I brush some curls away from her face as she cuddles more into my chest, hugging the bear like a lifeline.
"Oh my gosh, she's adorable!" I hear someone gush and look up, seeing a woman standing there who looks to be my physical age. She's what a human would consider pretty with her long red hair and green eyes, wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a tank top. She's looking at Bella before lifting her eyes to me, some lust shooting off her as I inwardly roll my eyes. Ever since I found Bella, I have no desire for sex anymore, which is good because I'm going to have to wait about fourteen years for my Bella. "Is she your daughter?"
I resist the urge to grimace at this. We don't even look alike! "Uh...no, she's my...best friend's daughter."
At this, her relief and lust spikes as I sigh, adjusting Bella on my lap. "She's beautiful. What's her name?"
"Bella." I reply, keeping my eyes on the sleeping girl.
"I'm Felicity. What's your name?" she asks, sending off a shit ton of lust my way as she attempts to flirt with me.
"Jasper." I reply in a monotone, trying to find a way out of this conversation.
"Interesting name. So-" she starts, but is cut off by the flight attendant announcing we can board the plane. "Maybe we could exchan-"
"I'm sorry, ma'am. But, I'm...committed to someone already." I tell her, walking right by her and handing the attendant our tickets before boarding the plane. My top priority is this girl in my arms, no one else.
Bella wakes up halfway through the flight while I place her on my lap, holding her as she looks through a book Charlotte packed for her. Being in a tube surrounded by humans was not as stressful as I thought, especially with the comfort of my mate's scent surrounding me. The flight actually goes by rather quick and I place Bella back in her seat when we are about to land, strapping her in and sending her some comfort and calm in case she gets scared. She reaches out and takes my hands while my large one swallows her small one. We finally land in Regina without any problems, the weather is overcast with snow on the ground.
I pick Bella up and place her on my hip, carrying her out of the plane and through the airport to find Peter and Charlotte. I finally spot Peter and Charlotte waiting for us, wide smiles on their faces. "Bella."
She lifts up her head and follows my gaze, seeing her adoptive parents. She wiggles, signaling for me to put her down and I comply as she immediately takes off towards them. Charlotte meets her halfway, crouching down and opening her arms as Bella runs into them, hugging Charlotte. Peter watches the exchange with a smile, walking over to us and clapping me on the back. "Everything's all set."
After a little bit, Bella turns towards Peter who scoops her up, "There's my girl!" Bella giggles as he throws her in the air before kissing her cheek. I can feel the familial love radiating off them and it makes me smile, knowing how much my brother and sister care for my mate, their adopted daughter.
I scoop Bella back up as soon as Peter puts her down, following my brother and sister to the parking lot. I place the hood over Bella's head and tighten the jacket around her, knowing how cold it's going to be for her here in Canada. It's not as cold as the places more up north, but it's still cold. Peter and Charlotte have kept the heat on in the house so it's nice and warm for my mate. I want her to be completely comfortable at all times. I feel wonder, joy, and curiosity, but it's not my own. Looking down, I see Bella looking around with wide brown eyes, taking in her surroundings.
"Jasper...snow." she utters, a smile curving at her lips as she reaches out and catches a snowflake in her hand. I realize since she grew up in Phoenix, she's never seen snow before. It's so adorable to see her taking such innocent joy in something as simple as a snow.
"I know, Darlin'." I reply, kissing her forehead.
"You're going to be seeing a lot of snow living up here, Little Bit." Peter tells her and her eyes widen as I chuckle.
"Really?" she asks, shocked while looking between the three of us. We all nod our heads and her joy grows as she lays her head on my shoulder, smiling.
We walk over to my truck, Peter and Charlotte sliding in the front as I put Bella in her car seat, sliding in the backseat behind her. It's about a three-hour drive from the airport to the house, so I hand Bella a coloring book and some crayons to pass the time.
"How was she, Major?" Peter asks, using vampire speed so Bella doesn't hear.
"Perfect, as always." I reply, Char turning around and grinning at her.
"We've stocked the fridge and pantry with her favorites, Char already started her dinner that's in the crock pot for her when we get home. The heat is on so the house is warm for her, plumbing is set up. Everything is ready, Major." Peter tells me and I nod my head.
"Well done, you two." I comment and they send their gratitude, Peter turning up the radio and singing along off-key to songs as Bella looks over to me with a grimace. Charlotte eventually smacks him on the head which sends them into a bickering match, amusing Bella and I for the entire ride to the house.
Peter pulls down the long winding driveway and the large house finally comes into view. It's a mansion-sized log home surrounded by 7,000 square feet of land and forest with a clear view of the mountains. It's just as perfect as it was when I first purchased it.
"This is our home?" Bella asks, her eyes wide. She turns to me, shocked and I smile at her, nodding my head.
"Do you like it, Sweet Thing?" Charlotte asks and Bella frantically nods her head. Peter finally pulls up to the garage, shutting the car off. I get out and walk over to Bella's side, unhooking the straps to the car seat and setting her on my hip as she looks around, seeing all of the snow surrounding us. Bella's nose and cheeks are turning rosy from the cold
"I'll take you out to play in it after I show you the house. Okay, Darlin'?" I tell her ands he nods her head, I use my vampire speed to enter the house, looking around. Peter and Charlotte did a good job furnishing the place and I'm impressed. I unzip Bella's thick, purple jacket and slide it off her shoulders, setting it on the couch.
"Do you want to go see your bedroom?" I ask and she nods her head, infectious grin spreading across her face. I then flit up the stairs, walking over to the specific room I wanted as hers. I open the door and set her down, letting her walk in to look at her room. Her eyes widen as she sees it and she walks around, seeing everything.
Jasper stands back, letting Bella take a look at her new room. She takes her time looking at everything, eyes wide in awe. "Do you like it, Angel?"
"Yeah!" Bella says, running over to me as I crouch down opening my arms and letting her run into them. She hugs me tightly, turning her head and kissing my cheek. "Thank you, Jasper."
"You're welcome, Bella."
April 13, 1993
Duluth, Minnesota
11:34 am
Alice Cullen POV
I'm sitting in the living room, looking through a Vogue as Edward softly plays the piano. Rosalie and Emmett are in their bedroom doing their normal activities while Carlisle is at work. Esme is sitting across from me, looking over some designs for the living room. We moved to Duluth a couple of months ago, moving away from Greenville. There's some bitter memories in that town especially because he left.
Nothing has been the same since he left. Jasper was the one who used his emotions to hold us together. To keep everything right. With my visions and his ability, we were powerful. So what if we're not mates, it's for the greater good.
Emmett came across a human last year while we were hunting. Without Jasper to absorb the blood lust, Emmett slipped. Granted, it was a flithy drug dealer, but he was still human. Emmett was devastated and depressed for so long after that. Even Esme, compassionate, sweet, couldn't hurt a fly Esme, slipped and killed someone. It was her singer, a young girl around seventeen. That nearly destroyed her. Jasper leaving this family was the worst thing he could have done.
Of course I knew that he absorbed everyone's blood lust. It's why he's so useful, because he's strong enough to handle it. What once was a strong coven, is failing. It's all Peter and Charlotte's fault.
I haven't looked into his future lately, not wanting to see if he's moved on with some other woman. Not wanting to see if he turned into a savage. All of my years of hard work, gone! All because of those...monsters he calls "family." You know what, why not take a peek into his future. Seeing if he has gone back to being the monster he was when I found him might grant me some satisfaction.
The vision is unfocused and blurry, but I can get the gist of it.
Jasper, with red eyes, is chasing after a little girl with long brown hair through the woods. I can only see Jasper's eyes, but I can't see the little girl's face. I can't really hear anything either. What the hell? I try to focus more, digging deeper into the vision. I can see the mountains. A large, log house in the background. Is that the Canadian house Jasper bought? What is going on?
Realization strikes me as I gasp as I come out of the vision, Edward turning around with a frown on his face as he saw it in my head. Suddenly, everyone appears in the living room. Esme calls Carlisle and he rushes home from the hospital so I can tell him what I saw.
"What is it, Alice? What did you see?" Carlisle asks, walking over to me.
"It's Jasper! He's going to slip and kill a little girl! He's in Canada! We have to stop him!"
I'll save Jasper from doing this, he'll be so grateful, he won't have a choice but to come back to me.
...uh-oh. So, Bella's shield is blocking Alice's visions so she has to dig deep to even get a semi okay picture of Jasper. A lot of you are wondering about Lydia and she will be explained in future chapters when Bella is older.
Check out my Word Press, there's pictures of the house on there. Link is on my profile!
Let me just take a moment to say...
THANK YOU to this story's 277 followers and 148 favorite-ers...
that's not a word, but I'm too happy to care!
I was so nervous to put this story up and I'm so glad you're enjoying it.
All of your reviews make my day! Some of you are hilarious and so sweet, thank you, thank you, thank you!
-Jalen-
