Disclaimer – Sadly, I do not own Jasper or Eric Northman… If I did I certainly would not be spending my time writing about them ;-)
All rights go to their creators – Stephenie Meyer and Charlaine Harris. No copyright infringement intended.

Story is non-cannon and rated for mature audiences only. ************************************************************

Chapter 6

-Edward-

My mate was a deceitful little thing. I loved Alice, how could I not? She was my mate after all. The only problem was she and I both needed something more. Jasper did that for her. She knew from the beginning that I was not a fighter and with her past, I couldn't blame her for wanting someone to keep her safe. So I let her have her little pet as long as she'd let me have mine.

Throughout the years I'd had many pets. Bella was simply the first we brought home to the family. Usually I'd go 'hunting' and spend time with them. I couldn't count how many pets I'd had over the years. It always ended the same. We'd be ready to move and I'd break them. There was no need to allow them the fantasy any longer if I was leaving. I'd break them and return months later to drain them. Yes, I Edward Cullen still indulged in human blood occasionally.

Breaking my pets made draining them that much better. I'd return and they would be so happy to see me. They believed I was returning to be with them. My pets were so naïve, so easily manipulated. I lived for their shock and fear when I tore into their necks. Of course I'd need to stay away from the family long enough for my eyes to return to their normal gold color. It was a small price to pay.

Bella was different. For whatever reason, Alice believed it was best to bring her home to mummy and daddy. Personally I thought it was a mistake. Why on Earth would I want to bring home my play things? I'm not one for sharing usually, especially when it came to my pets. Regardless, I followed Alice's lead as usual. Breaking Bella was the most satisfying experience of them all. The rest of my pets were devastated, but Bella… she was truly broken. I saw it in her face. She knew she was never good enough for me, for our family. Confirming those fears seemed to shatter every bit of her. I loved it. I would have done it over and over again if it were possible. When I left her there I know I would eventually have to return to finish her off. Unfortunately I must have broken her more than I thought. She took her life and with that her divinely scented blood. Do I regret my actions? Maybe just a little, only because I'd never be able to feast upon her.

I pulled into my family's garage and just sat in my car for a moment preparing myself for the family reunion. Alice begged me to come 'home' and as per usual, I could not deny her. As much as I loved my mate, I did not look forward to her pouting over losing her pet. She clung to Jasper over the years. Now that he was gone I knew she'd likely cling more to me. This could interfere with my ability to play with my pets.

Carlisle was the first to greet me as I entered the house. "I'm glad you're home son." He pulled me into a would be bone crushing hug. "I missed you Carlisle." Esme wrapped me in her arms next. "I'm so sorry Edward. If we had seen it earlier… maybe we could have done something to stop her. It's just horrible." She sobbed into my shoulder. It was horrible, but I wasn't upset for the reason she thought. "Thanks Esme. I think I'm just going to go to my room for awhile." My mother just nodded in understanding.

Rosalie and Emmett were stationed at the bottom of the stairs. "This is all your fault". Emmett thought to me. "I know that Emmett. Must you torture me with your accusations? Don't you think I know I'm responsible? Let me mourn my mate in private." Rose was holding him back, I assumed from attacking me. "We all lost her Edward. This was your doing. Don't blame Emmett for being upset with you." I just glared back at her while I dug deeper into her thoughts. "Mate my ass. If she were his mate he'd never have left her. I could never leave Emmett." So our Rose was catching on to my game. Time to step it up a notch.

I growled at her and took a deliberate step in her direction. Through gritted teeth. "She was my mate Rose. You may have hated her but that does not mean the rest of us don't mourn her death. Your thoughts are that of a bitter, scorned woman. What did Bella ever do to you? Huh? She only wanted to be your friend, your sister. Instead all you could do was glare at her? So again, just let me pass and mourn my mate in private!" I could hear Esme gasp from behind us. Rose was still glaring at me. "You're just as bad as Alice. Just you wait. Alice's hold on this family has already started slipping brother… you'll fuck up soon too and your world will crumble. I may not be able to prove it now, but I know you are up to something."

"Rose, let your brother pass. He's been through enough." Carlisle commanded her. Of course he'd side with me. I was his first companion, even before his own mate. He loved me like a son and felt just a smidge guilty over changing me. "Thank you Carlisle. I'll be in my room if I'm needed."

"Well played my mate." Alice thought to me. Her mind was full of things she would like to do in celebration of our reunion. I made a decision to 'hunt' in a few hours. "Yes. I'll meet you there." Ahh, it was good to be home. Soon I would be free to search out a new distraction, a new pet.

-Rosalie-

Something just was not right about the whole situation. It had been bugging me since we left Forks. I knew that there was no way I could leave Emmett the way Edward left Bella. Our mating pull would destroy both of us. We'd fall into a deep depression that nothing but reuniting with our mate could solve. So why was it so easy for Edward to leave Bella? Sure he took off to sulk, but he never returned to her. If they were truly mated, there's not a force on the planet that would keep them apart.

While I knew something was amiss, I couldn't very well just go to Carlisle and tell him my fears. Regardless of the fact he considered himself my father, Edward was his first. Edward held some fucked up sort of power over Carlisle and Esme. They loved him as they did all of us, but when it came to following his lead, they did so without question. I knew they thought his gift gave him an edge in our world, but I had to disagree. We were all skilled in hiding our thoughts from Edward. If we could learn such a skill, who is to say others haven't? Putting our full faith in Alice proved to be a horrible idea, why isn't anyone thinking how detrimental relying on Edward could be to our family?

When the pixie bitch and spineless vamp left for their hunt, I pulled Emmett out of the house with me. "Babe… what the hell. Rose!" I just held my fingers to my lips shushing him. I took extra care in avoiding making a decision. Once we were far enough away from the family I stopped. "Listen Em, I've got some thoughts I need to run by you. I just didn't want everyone else to hear.

"What's on your mind babe?" His usually bright, happy face was full of concern and sorrow. We were all upset over Bella's death, Emmett more than most. He truly loved the girl as a little sister. I couldn't blame him for being torn apart over it. "We're mates right?" He looked at me with an annoyed expression that basically screamed 'duh!' "Ok, well as my mate, is there any way you could ever leave me for as long as Edward left Bella?"

He answered without hesitation. "No way in fucking hell Rosie. I have a hard enough time being away from you for a few hours." I nodded in understanding. Neither of us liked being away from the other. "So don't you find it a bit messed up that Edward was able to stay away from Bella for months? I mean, if she's his mate and all?" Emmett thought on it for a moment before muttering a whole string of profanities. "Why didn't we see this before? Why didn't Carlisle see it? Shit he's the oldest one of us… our Alpha. There's no way he didn't notice. Is he just protecting his precious Edward again? Oh God Rosie… we're all to blame for her death. We should have stayed. He's not her mate! He had no right to demand we leave! She wasn't his… EVER!"

My husband was in a full on rant. I could see the rage building and pointed toward the giant boulders. He made quick work of the giant rocks before calming himself enough to continue the conversation. "Rose, what are we going to do? I mean, it's good to know this now, but it won't help Bella." He was right. Nothing we did not could help Bella, but I'd be damned if Edward pulled another stunt like this again. "We do what we do best Em. Sit back, observe and when the time is right we will uncover his secrets. One thing is for sure, we cannot go to Carlisle without some proof. We need to show Carlisle the real Edward Cullen."

-Bella-

It was Sunday night which meant the three of us were plopped down in front of the TV watching True Blood. Well, two of us. Char and I put Peter in the corner of the entertainment room for bitching about Eric Northman. He was all pissed off because Char and I were enjoying the eye candy. "Ya know Char, you'd be all pissed off if I were gawking at Sookie…" I snorted. "Whatever Petey, we all know you do nothing but stare at her breasts!" Char just nodded in agreement. Peter on the other hand remained all huffy. "Yeah well Sookie's hot and one strong woman. How can I not like her? Eric on the other hand… the fucker can't even go out in the sunlight! What kind of vamp is he anyway?" Both Char and I turned to look at him, leveling him with a nice glare. She opened her mouth to speak but I beat her to it. "Well… Petey … at least he doesn't sparkle in the damned sun! Shit, are you sure you aren't a fairy instead of a vamp?"

Poor Peter blinked once… twice… three times… "I think you did it again sugar." Char said between giggles. "You know I think you may be right Char. What's that, five now?" We both rolled in a fit of laughter. It took Peter a whole three minutes to speak again. "What the hell, it's not national pick on Peter day!" He grumbled before plopping back down next to Char on the couch.

Of course by this time we had to rewind the damned show. It was worth it to see Peter gob smacked yet again. Over the past six months both Peter and Char had solidified their places in my heart. They were truly the family I had always wanted. I still talked to Charlie at least once a week. He remained under the impression that I was in Montana going to school. This wasn't entirely untrue. I was enrolled for online classes for the following term.

I was enjoying my time with my new family. The times I doubted their love for me were growing fewer each day. I no longer woke up stressed that they abandoned me. I could even stay home while they hunted for a few days at a time. All in all, I was healing. I would never again be the Bella that Edward Cullen destroyed. Or even the Bella that Jacob abandoned. I was a much stronger version of myself. I swore like a trucker and didn't take shit from anyone, even Peter… especially Peter.

Peter's phone rang, which was really odd. Peter and Char kept to themselves, associating with very few vampires and only one human. I glanced over at him and caught a glimpse of the screen. Flashing for the whole world to see was a picture of none other than Alice Cullen herself. Son of a bitch…

-Peter-

It was amazing watching Angel heal. She was no longer that fragile broken girl we rescued all those months ago. She had learned to live with the heartbreak and as each day passed she grew stronger. Our broken Angel was no longer broken, and as we discovered, not such an Angel either. That girl had a mischievous streak that gave me a good run for my money. I loved every minute of it. Watching Angel and Char interact was always a delight. The two were thick as thieves and I knew when push came to shove they'd defend each other till their dying breaths.

Being shoved in the corner for making fun of their precious Eric was not the first and wouldn't be the last time I received such a punishment. Hell it happened almost weekly. I was just thankful they were done feeling sorry for poor Jason Stackhouse. In all truth, I didn't much care that they were gawking. I knew my mate loved me and me alone. I just enjoyed getting them both riled up.

I wasn't expecting a call at all, so when my phone rang I was surprised. Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. Flashing on the screen of my phone was a picture of the devil incarnate – Alice Cullen. Angel was healing well and had no problem voicing her opinions on the Cullen clan. She was angry with all of them, but felt betrayed by Edward and Alice the most. Speaking to Alice while Angel was in the room could have some seriously adverse affects on our girl.

I glanced over at her and noticed first the paling of her skin and then the sudden rage in her eyes. Ok, so maybe she can handle this… I figured the sooner I get it over with the better. "What do you want Alice." I knew my voice was filled with venom and nothing but contempt for the demon spawn. "Don't you take that tone with me you poor excuse of a vampire. I want to speak with my husband."

Char was quietly relaying the conversation to Angel. My gift was telling me they were up to no good. "What husband? Last I heard you lied to my brother and he up and finally left your sorry non-existent ass." My voice remained cold and hard. Char's face lit up with mirth. Oh yeah, they're up to something. I knew to just let it play out. "Peter, who is that on the phone?" Angel spouted off with all the innocence in the world. For a moment I was worried Alice would recognize her voice. She didn't immediately start bitching at me so I figured we were in the clear. "No one important Angel. Just Alice." Char clamped her hands over her mouth stifling her laughter.

"Oh, the pixie bitch? The one who lied to our Major Whitlock?" Alice screeched into the phone. Damn, that shit hurt! "Yeah that one Angel." It was Char's turn. "Why the fuck is she calling you Peter?" I knew she wasn't angry with me but whenever she used that tone my boys retreated into hiding. "Fuck if I know babe. I think she's looking for her Jazzy." Char snorted. "Jazzy checked out months ago. If she's looking for him she'll need to look for Major Whitlock. Jazzy is no longer in control."

"What the hell Peter? Who is that woman? Why does she think Jazzy is hers? Is my husband there or not?" Oh yeah, they got her good and riled. "Listen Alice. Jazzy is no more and I couldn't be happier about that little nugget. When he caught you in your lies you lost control there sugar. The only one left is Major and I can guaranty he will not want to speak with you. Even if I did know where to find him I wouldn't tell your sorry ass. As to Angel, you don't worry your pretty little head. She's with us now and like the rest of us, she protects her own." More screeching and then Angel spoke again. "Yep. Major Whitlock is mine now. No way in hell she's getting her claws back into him."

"You listen here you two bit whore…" Alice started. Oh no, she does not insult our Angel. "You can stop right there Mary Alice. You will not speak to my sister in that manner. Angel is ours. If you so much as think about her, I'll rip you apart. Thank your lucky stars Major allowed you to live. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to attend to. Do us all a favor and lose my number. If I never hear from you again it'll be too soon." With that I disconnected our call.

I looked over at my girls. "So, he's yours now huh Angel?" Truly I was curious. It wasn't that I minded her claiming Major. In fact it almost felt… right? I don't know but it didn't freak me out like I should. She merely shrugged. "He is mine… he's my family. Regardless of what she thought I meant." This caused us all to burst out laughing.

"Now if you'll excuse me… Eric is waiting." She turned to the TV and resumed watching True Blood. It was amazing watching her joke around even when faced with the pixie bitch. There was hope she'd bounce back entirely. I just worried about how she would react when face to face with a Cullen. My gift told me it was coming, sooner that I liked.

-Bella-

The call with Alice was interesting to say the least. The bitch had the audacity to call for Jasper after everything she did to him. Even if he were here, there was no way I was letting her hurt him anymore. He'd been through enough with the Southern wars and then the Cullen family. She had no right trying to contact him. Just hearing her voice and then asking for her 'husband' caused my blood to boil. I wasn't sure why. Jasper and I had never been close when we were with the Cullen's. I wrote it off to the fact he was family and family protects their own.

After True Blood I retreated to my room for the evening. I had so many conflicting feelings and thoughts. I hated Alice. There was no doubt there. Her leaving me was one thing, but to lie to Jasper was another. You don't say you love someone, marry them, claim to be their mate only for them to find out the entire time it was nothing more than a lie. You just don't. Good people, human or supernatural, just did not do things like that.

On the other hand, I missed her to an extent. She was my best friend, my first sister. As annoying as she could be, I had loved her. Their leaving tore me apart and I missed Alice terribly those first few months, even after Peter and Char saved me. It took a long time for me to realize she was manipulating me just as much as she had Jasper. I was simply lucky enough to get out before it got worse. Being with Alice and the rest of them, I lost myself. I could see that now, but it didn't make the pain go away entirely. I may have been their pet, but my love for them was real.

I was thankful Jasper escaped their clutches when he did. Knowing that he was no longer with Alice made my heart soar. It was so confusing. I couldn't justify or pin point my feelings on the topic. All I knew is that he wasn't with her and that made me smile.

I couldn't focus on my book so I decided to find Char and see what she was doing. When I came down the stairs I found Peter on the back porch on his phone again. Char came and wrapped her arms around me. "He's talking with Jasper now." She whispered into my ear. Peter turned and gave me a half smile before returning to his conversation. Char and I moved to the porch swing to wait for him.

"No, we just told her you weren't here. She didn't need to know anymore than that." It was quiet while he listened to Jasper. "Are you sure? It's only been six months Major. You have it under control?" Another silence. "Of course I do brother. I just don't want her hurt." He was nodding. "Yeah, I'll ask her. Hold on."

Peter turned to me. "Angel, my brother would like to visit. Do you feel comfortable with that?" Did I? Part of me wanted to scream an emphatic 'yes' while the other part wanted to run and hide in my closet. "You don't have to say yes sugar." Char cooed in my ear. "This is your home. They hurt you. You decide when it's right." I knew she was being honest, but I also knew they missed their brother. I couldn't keep him away from them even if it hurt me to see him. I nodded to Peter. "It's fine Pete."

I couldn't sit outside any longer listening to the conversation. All of my emotions were swirling into a nice hurricane. I moved into the house and back toward my room. I wanted to curl up with my comforter and simply hide from the world. I wasn't ready to face Jasper. Not because he tried to eat me, hell I'd forgiven him for that ages ago. No, that wasn't it at all. He was the Alpha of this coven. Peter accepted me into their family without consulting Jasper. I had learned enough about vampire dynamics to know that if Jasper didn't want me around, there was nothing Peter could do about it. Jasper held my fate in his hands…

-Jacob-

Six months. Six fucking months she'd been gone. I loathed Sam. He let those bloodsuckers just take her. After everything the Cullen's put her through, he just allows them to walk out the door with her!

Jacob, you know it's what she wanted. You can see that in my mind. His alpha voice echoed in my head. Yeah well it's not what was best for her. She belongs here, not with a couple of human drinking leeches.

Shut the fuck up Jacob. It's been six months dude. Get over her. You can't find her and why would you want to? She chose to leave with them. Good riddance if you ask me. Paul's attitude toward Bella was bitter and hostile. He didn't understand why she'd choose to leave with them. I really didn't either except I knew she felt abandoned. They offered her companionship and she leapt at the chance. Whatever Paul. You wouldn't understand. I love her, with every fiber of my being and Sam just let them walk off with her.

I replayed the events of that day on repeat in my head. I relived every second of my last conversation with Bella. It was cruel and I broke her. It was my fault she left. Everyone else blamed the Cullen's, but I knew deep down had I been there for her… had I not broken my promise, she'd still be around. I did hear from Charlie that she was happy in Montana and he talked to her at least once a week. They even Skyped on occasion. I shouldn't have been, but I was jealous of Charlie. At least he got to talk to her.

He did ask if I'd like to come Skype with her sometime, but I declined. How do you tell your dad's best friend that you're the reason their daughter left? You don't. There are no words to explain that. I knew if I saw Bella, even over the internet, I'd break down and apologize for everything and beg her to come home.

You know, you can always write her a letter. I'm sure the Chief would give you her email address. Of course, leave it to Seth to be the reasonable one in the group. Yeah, maybe I'll do that. It couldn't hurt. At least then I'd get my thoughts out and if she wanted to ignore me I wouldn't be losing anything more.

After our patrol I found myself knocking on Charlie Swan's front door. "Hey Jake, come on in. I was just sitting down for some pizza, would you like some?" I looked around the house and noted Bella's absence. The shelves were slightly dusty and the floors needed swept. There were several take out boxes stacked next to the trash can. "Sure, sounds good. Thanks Charlie."

We settled ourselves on the couch. "So what brings you all the way over here Jake?" Charlie was never one for small talk. Maybe it was because he was a cop, I wasn't sure. I sighed. "Well, you see…" I continued looking at the floor. "Before Bella left, she and I had a fight. It wasn't pretty Charlie. I told her we couldn't be friends. I knew it would upset her. I could see it in her eyes." I couldn't even look at Charlie. "What do you mean? Why couldn't you be friends Jake? You two have been friends since you were both in diapers."

"I just couldn't. I can't explain it. So much happened and I just feel horrible. I was hoping you'd let me email her so I can apologize, maybe explain myself. I can't keep avoiding it. I need to make it right. I owe her that at least." I was begging. I wasn't sure if I was trying to make it right for her or for myself. Regardless, Charlie was the only one who could help absolve me of my guilt.

It was silent for what seemed like hours. "I'll tell you what Jacob. I'll give you her email address, but if I hear you've been a royal ass to her I'll personally find some reason to lock you up for a few nights. Got it?" I just nodded. "Thanks Charlie."

-Charlie-

The visit from Jake came as a surprise to begin with, but when he told me about their fight I was blown away. I couldn't imagine Jake intentionally hurting Bella. He stood by her when the Cullen's left her without so much as a see ya later. He was her best friend and for him to just end it seemed a bit fishy if you ask me.

Given their history, I had to give the kid a break. Even if he did upset Bella I knew she was happy in Montana. I talked to her once a week and emailed several times throughout the week. I could see color returning to her skin, she was gaining weight and most of all she smiled a smile that reached her eyes whenever we Skyped. Whatever she was doing in Montana helped piece my little girl back together. If that was caused by Jake breaking off their friendship, the boy deserves a medal of some sort.

I gave Jake her email address before he left. After doing a quick clean up around the house I sat in my favorite chair watching the sports highlights from the day. It was this time of night I began missing Bella. I was happy she enjoyed Montana so much but I missed her. I missed hearing her shuffle around her room. I had already missed so much of her growing up before she came to Forks. Missing this part of her life was really tough on me. I couldn't blame her for leaving. Forks didn't have much to offer a young woman like Bella. I only hoped she'd find happiness in herself and eventually someone who will love her like she deserves.

-Bella-

It had been three days since the call with Alice and then Jasper. I was on edge and was pretty sure Char and Peter knew. They were trying their best to keep me calm but nothing seemed to work. The last three nights my nightmares returned and I woke screaming for Char. It was horrible. I thought I was getting better, but the mere thought of Jasper rejecting me caused me to take a major nose dive.

Both Peter and Char were great. They seemed to understand how much distress this was causing. Peter would sit and read to me while I fell asleep. Char would hold me throughout the night. I hadn't slept alone since that first night. I was beyond grateful for my new family. I wasn't quite sure what I'd do without them.

It was Friday night, Peter and Char were out hunting while I sent my update to Charlie. He expected to hear from me at least ever couple days. I was about half way through my draft when my inbox dinged indicating a new email. I saved the draft and went into my inbox where I had an email from 'I AM SORRY'. Well if that isn't interesting…

Dear Bella,

I've thought and thought bout what I wanted to say and I just can't come up with anything that seems good enough. I'm sorry. If I could have kept you as a friend I would have tried. It's just not possible. I'm sorry for breaking you. I'm sorry for breaking my promise to you. I hope you can forgive me.

I know you've run off with some leeches. I'll forgive you if you just come home. I miss you. We all miss you. Charlie's kept us pretty informed of what he hears from you. Is it true you're in school? Or is that just another lie?

I can't believe you left with them. Must mean you knew about them too huh? I should have known. Damnit Bella. Why do you insist on putting yourself in danger?

I'm not here to yell at you. I miss you. I miss my best friend and just want to know that everything is alright.

Love,

Jacob.

I couldn't grasp the fact that Jacob emailed me. It had been six months and the last time I spoke with him, his words helped push me toward suicide. I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to forgive him. Edward left thinking that because I was human I wouldn't hurt when he left. Jacob abandoned me knowing full well it would destroy me. I decided to send a quick note before finishing my email to Charlie.

Jacob,

Thank you for your concern. I assure you I am quite well and extremely happy. These two 'leeches' have shown me a kindness like no one else. I love them as my own and wish to remain with them. Please don't contact me again.

Bella.

I finished my emails and found myself staring off into space. My mind was running in circles yet again. How did Jacob know about Peter and Char? What makes him think I could ever forgive him? What will happen when Jasper gets here? Will they send me back to Forks? Could I survive the rejection all over again?

The front door closing jarred me from my thoughts. Peter and Char rarely used the front door; instead they came in through the French doors in the back. Panic shot through me. Rationally I knew it was likely Peter and Char but that did little to fend off my fear. I knew Victoria was still searching for me and being home alone left me entirely unprotected. Get a grip Bella. You're not that weak little girl anymore. If it is Victoria you will fight. You will stand up for yourself. With a sense of determination and acceptance of my fate, I made my way to the staircase.