Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. Stephanie Meyer does. My version would have been more twisted.

A/N: Forgive the wait please. Major issues with finances at the moment so our internet is shut off. Currently having to use LadySkyelite's wifi to post. Also had my laptop break on me as well... When it rains it pours and hurricanes in my life. I hope the chapter will make up for it though.

Chapter 13

Bella POV

I didn't know what to do. We were running for the jeep when Key stopped; then she got hurt. I would have never made it alone, so I went into the woods. I know Key said it wasn't safe to do, but I was on my own now.

I ran as fast as I could for as long as I could; finally stopping against a tree as I panted. My chest hurt; my legs burned, and there were little black spots dancing in my eyes. I was amazed I had made it this far without tripping; or being caught.

Icy hands grabbed my arms and whisked me through the trees; and I was too shocked to try seeing who it was. I doubt it could have been James; he would have just killed me there.

I clung tightly to my saving captor and felt more relaxed when I caught a slight hint of his scent. He released me quickly, darting off as soon as I slumped to the ground. Jasper.

He saved me, I suppose. Though I'm not really sure I was still in any danger. When he returned, he looked enraged yet relieved. He bent slowly and raised me to my feet, his eyes darting over every inch of my body repeatedly.

"Isabella, do you have any idea just how stupid that was? Did you not bother to see what was happening before you decided to outrun a blood raged nomad?" He closed his eyes and sighed, running his fingers over every bare section of skin he could find.

"Are you hurt anywhere, Isa? They didn't get close enough to scratch you or anything, but you could've gotten hurt tryin to run. Are you okay? You didn't hit your head or trip over anything, right? You're alright? You didn't get hurt?" He was rambling on, barely noticing me nodding my head trying to speak.

He was still worried, circling me as he continued asking the same things over and over. I grabbed his face once he finally stopped in front of me, pulling myself to his lips quickly. His breath stopped and his eyes widened.

"Jasper, I'm okay. Other than my nerves being a little shook, I'm fine. Now calm down before you hurt yourself." I smiled at him and patted his cheek softly.

Jasper just looked at me with wide, black eyes; his fingers brushing against my arm in a slow rhythm. He didn't say anything, but he looked as though he was trying to figure out the right words to use.

Alice POV

It was done. The hitch in our plan was finally taken care of. Edward and I would be able to reset things back to the way they were now. I couldn't keep the smile from my face as I watched Keyria fade away in Emmett's arms. Her death was just the start of our wonderful new plan; and for once I was glad to have luck on my side.

I knew the nomads were coming; and that Keyria would die. The only thing I couldn't see was how it happened. The mate bond between her and Emmett must have been very strong for her to risk her life to save him.

It was perfect though. Couldn't have happened any better if I had actually planned it myself. Of course Carlisle tried to get Emmett to her in time; but I was happily able to watch that outcome fail.

I tossed the head and arm I took from Laurent into the fire Esme started and moved toward Edward. I could see the smallest trace of a smile on his lips and I knew he was pleased.

I stepped to his side and watched as Esme and Carlisle disposed of James' body parts on the fire; smoke rolling from it in thick, heavy clouds.

"Perfect, isn't it? And no fingers can be pointed at us; it was a true accident." My voice was soft with a slight hint of sarcasm.

Edward sighed a small laugh; eyes narrowing as he peered through the dense smoke.

"Where is Bella?" He sounded alarmed and his body became tense.

I shrugged my shoulders. I honestly didn't even care; it meant nothing to me if she was dead too. "I don't know, Edy. But I would bet money that Jasper's with her wherever she is." I knew I shouldn't have said it, but it was a little obvious now.

He tipped his head toward me and brought his brows together.

"What do you mean by that? Why would Jasper be with her?" I honestly could not believe he had to ask that.

I crossed my arms and looked at him.

"Really? Mr. Know's Everything doesn't know why Jasper would be with Bella right now? I know you can't read her mind, but have you not peeked at his since you broke up with her?" I couldn't believe that my Edward hadn't been reading Jaz's mind every second that he could.

"Why don't you enlighten me then, my little pixie." He gave me a soft smile, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

Somewhere in my heart I knew I shouldn't tell him. I mean, telling him could set him off and our whole time with the Cullen's planning for this will be ruined. At the same time, however, if he found out later and by someone else, that would be even worse.

Neither of us exactly knew where they were right now; and hopefully an outburst could be easily explained as aftermath from the fight.

I straightened myself a little and cleared my throat.

"Alright, but you have to stay calm. Our plan will still work, but you must remain calm and give no sign at all that you know anything. I don't even think they really know yet honestly; or anyone else either." I looked at him and chewed my lip.

He tipped his head to the side, his brow furrowed.

"I will do my best to contain myself my dear; but will you please tell me what is happening that is such a secret."

I squirmed a little from foot to foot, hoping he wouldn't go off when I told him.

"Well, I've noticed something between Bella and Jasper that could make our plan a little more complicated if it isn't handled properly. Now, I don't see any problems with our plan being completed with this new development; but you have to remember your place and mind your temper." I couldn't believe how hard this was becoming, but I found myself tripping over my words and beating around the bush now.

He furrowed his brows at me and crossed his arms, sighing heavily as his impatience grew. I nodded quickly and cleared my throat, getting ready for the outburst.

"Okay, sorry. Um, Bella and Jasper are mates." I just said it, but it came out as a quiet whisper.

His eyes widened, hands turned to fists and his mouth became a hard line as he looked down at me.

"What do you mean, 'mates'? Are you even sure about this? After all, you've been wrong before." His words were icy and angry; and they cut right through me.

"I may have had times where I was wrong about what I saw, but this is not one of them. My visions are based on decisions and change with the choices people make. Jasper has realized that he is Bella's mate and plans on taking his time to show her. He wants her to know for sure, and in the end, it works. That is, if we don't stop it first. So, if you can get over yourself for a minute, do you think you can take a second to see how this makes our plan a little different? How we are going to have to change things now for it to work?" I stood my ground with him this time.

It was one thing to do as he wanted and bow down for him on normal things; but I didn't like it when he second guessed me. There was enough of that from the Cullen's on a daily basis, I didn't need it from him too.

He softened a little and nodded, bringing a slender finger to his chin.

"Yes, sadly, I can see how this could make it difficult. What about the Keyria situation? Are you sure that's done or is there some glimmer of life?" He spoke a little more softly this time, relaxing his body as we spoke.

I smiled up at him.

"She's dead. I got the pleasure of watching her die while Emmett pathetically held her. I don't think he was as brutish as we thought. He couldn't even bring himself to bite her; even with Carlisle telling him it was the only way to save her. And with Keyria dead, Emmett will be far easier to sway." I almost laughed a little.

Edward smiled at me, his eyes twinkling. Yes, that was quite a sight. Keyria's limp body dangling as Emmett held her close, letting her die instead of saving her. The coward.

Emmett POV

My Ria. I ran as fast as I could, probably faster than I ever had before; with my sweet Ria tightly in my arms. I had to get her home. Had to get her safe. She had me worried though, as still as she was. Looking down at her as she remained limp, my heart hurt at the sight. I couldn't help but wonder if I might have been too late. I know I pumped as much venom as I could into her, but the way she just kinda faded had me thinkin it might not have been enough. Or that I just didn't get to her and bite her fast enough.

I knew that Carlisle would want to see her either way, so I had to get her to the house as fast as I could. If I could get her home, Carlisle might be able to help her. I hoped he would be able to help her.

I made it to the clearing at the house but I still didn't slow down. There were two strange vampires sitting on the steps, but I didn't even stop for them. They made no movement, so I didn't worry as I rushed past them and up the stairs to one of the dens.

I laid her on one of the tables; magazines rustling as everything was pushed to the floor. I sank to my knees beside her and held her fingers to my lips. I couldn't help but feel that I was too late. She wasnt' moving; wasn't screaming with pain as the venom took over. She just shouldn't be so still if she was changing; I had lost her.

A faint, slow rhythm broke the deathly silence. I couldn't place it at first, but looking closer at Ria I knew what it was.

Her heart was still beating!

There was a very small, very slow rise and fall in her chest as she breathed. Both actions were so slight it really wasn't surprizing I had missed them until now.

A fresh ray of hope broke through me as I listened to that beautiful sound. My love was not dead. I kissed her forehead gently and started getting some things gathered to clean her up.

I looked at her from the doorway, a pain in my chest at seeing her like this.

"I ain't leavin you, Ria. Ever again." For a moment, I thought I saw her smile.

Jasper POV

She kissed me. My sweet, innocent Bella just kissed me. In the midst of everything happening around us, I was able to have one brief encounter with her lovely lips. I didn't know if it happened because of the rush of activity or if she truly wanted to, but at the moment I didn't care. One touch of her lips simply fueled the fire for more; my arms tightening around her as I brought her closer.

My lips claimed hers once more, only lingering longer and with clear meaning this time. I couldn't keep my feelings from her any longer, and it was high time she was in her place at my side.

I could feel her body tense against mine; her emotions bouncing between uncertainty and pleasure. Her fingers clenched around the fabric of my shirt; unsure if she should pull me closer or push me away.

I broke the kiss myself; her body still fighting against her mind. She looked up at me slowly, her breath shallow and ragged.

"Jasper, I..." she bit her lip, her head shaking as her eyes fell to the ground.

"I know, Bella. I know how you feel about this, but it's going to happen anyway. You can feel that, too. I know you do." I had to justify my actions.

For the first time in a very long time, I had to explain myself for what I'd done. She shook her head and looked at me again, a small trace of a smile on her lips.

"Slow. We have to take this really, really slow. I can't really lie to you and act like there isn't something between us; but I don't want to rush into this before I know for sure what it is. I don't want to get hurt and I don't want to get used; again. Besides, I wouldn't feel right about it this soon after breaking up with Edward. I'm not exactly the bounce-from-boy-to-boy type." She relaxed a little and even laughed; the greatest sound in the world to my ears.

I took her hand and tucked it into the crook of my elbow, walking slowly back out of the trees.

"At least you're honest with me. Yeah, I would have know anyway, but you'd be surprised at who's lied to me; even ones that know what I can do. And you're right to take this slow, Bella. I don't want you moving faster than you want to." I looked over at her, happy to see the smile on her lips and feel the relief she felt.

Even though I wanted to stay in this moment with my mate forever, I knew we had more important matters to take care of.

"Bella, darlin', as much as I would love to walk with you all day, I'm gonna have to ask you to either get on my back of let me carry you. The others are no doubt cleaning up the debris and getting ready to head out to the house. Carlisle is most likely already there, and I think I should be there as well. I'm not sure exactly what happened, and Em isn't really easy to subdue." She looked at me with worry and stepped around behind me, reaching her arms around my neck as I hoisted her up.

I dashed through the woods, weaving in-between the sparse trees as I came closer to the house. I wasn't sure what was happening with Little Keyria; I wasn't even sure if she was still alive, but I knew I had to be there. I felt a little cramp of unease in my chest; that tell-tell sign in my gut that something wasn't right with this situation. Feeling Bella nuzzle into my neck helped ease that feeling a little, but it wasn't nearly enough to make it go away.

We broke through the tree line and I came to a sudden stop; sliding Bella to the ground quickly while keeping her behind me. I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing and was a little confused, honestly.

"Charlotte? Peter? What are y'all doin here? I didn't know y'all were in the area." I was baffled; they usually call and tell me they're gonna drop in a few days before they show up.

Peter chuckled and shook his head, pushing himself to his feet.

"Well, Major; I just know how much you like surprises so we just came on through. Didn't think you'd mind if we just showed up." He laughed and stuffed his hands in his pockets while Charlotte's eyes got wide and she smacked him on the arm.

"No, Jas, that's not why we're here. Since Peter won't stop bein an ass long enough to tell ya, I guess I will. We were up in the Canadian side of Michigan about a week ago when our little smart ass here said we should come here. I didn't think much of it til he said we wouldn't have time to call or even pack." She stopped and looked at Peter, nudging his shoulder when I crossed my arms and raised my brows.

Peter coughed a little, squaring his shoulders as his smile faded.

"I just knew you were gonna need us here and that we'd barely have time to make it leaving right then. One of those feelings I get, you know. So, was I right again this time? A part of me kinda doesn't wanna be." His eyes were dark; but from worry.

I furrowed my brow slightly, nodding my head slowly. An angry growling cry echoed around us from inside the house and my heart dropped again.

"Yes, Captain. Unfortunately you were right; I am going to need you both. Hopefully, it will not be for the reasons I think." I muttered out the words, falling short on them as Emmett appeared behind them on the porch covered in blood.

A/N: Well, there it is. I hope you guys enjoy it and give me some reviews! Hopefully it won't be too long til the next one. Thanks!